Present day
Dawn wore an uneasy expression. Joki's face was a blend of anger and curiosity.
"Dawn, these people… do you happen to remember where they were located?"
Dawn looked back up at Joki, catching the heat in his stare.
"…Hopewell. It's a place I'd never be able to forget. I always thought about going back, but every time I did, I got cold feet."
Joki walked over and knelt beside him. He placed a hand on Dawn's head and offered a warm look.
"Thanks for trusting me enough to tell me that. I can tell you've definitely matured and learned a lot. Since I need some time to myself—and you seem eager—why not head out for a while and use this new power for yourself?"
Dawn's eyes lit up with excitement. He immediately stood and ran for the front door.
"Hey!"
Dawn stopped in his tracks as Joki called out.
"Don't be out too long. Don't wander too far either. If you feel like you can't manage, come back immediately, Dawn."
"Yes sir!"
With that, Dawn opened the door and ran off into the distance.
Joki walked over and shut the door behind him. As it clicked closed, he took a deep breath and clenched his fist.
Hopewell, huh? I knew they sounded familiar. I guess it wouldn't be too bad to pay them a visit.
Outside — A Few Minutes Later
Dawn slowed his pace, boots crunching softly against the grass. He quickly caught his breath.
Then—a familiar presence stirred.
A breeze curled beside him, spiraling upward in a smooth twist. It didn't speak, but it didn't need to.
Aero had appeared behind him.
"Guess you couldn't sit still, huh? You must've formed when I wasn't looking."
Aero floated at his side, flickering like a tethered storm.
"Friend... mount me..."
Dawn blinked, confused. "Huh? What exactly do you mean, 'mount you'?"
"We... can travel... much quicker... if you use... me as a mount."
The only person who could currently physically touch Aero was Dawn—and only Dawn. Aero could choose who made contact, but it also reflected a decision from deep within Dawn. Aero was part of his soul.
Hesitantly, Dawn sat atop Aero—and screamed as they shot into the sky.
"Hey, could you give me a heads-up next ti—"
He cut himself off.
In the distance, the destroyed city of Petersburg came into view.
Memories rushed him. That same uneasy feeling he hadn't felt in a while returned. But he stayed calm. The lessons learned with Joki helped him drown out the pain.
Burnt signs. Hollowed buildings. That same billboard still stood—charred, but still smiling.
Oh yeah... this city never forgot how to suffer.
"I see… No matter how much time passes, this world still looks like hell came to Earth. I have to find out what I'm fighting for."
Aero began gliding forward slowly, surveying the ruins. Below them, Dawn spotted scared children running through the streets. Gunshots echoed. Explosions rumbled in the distance.
His stomach dropped.
"Aero… I was someone who caused those children to run. Those loud impacts in the distance were once caused by my hands. Am I wrong for feeling bad—or wanting to help them?"
"Friend... you can not... change the past... only you... can shape how your future... will end up."
Aero's words lifted some of the weight from Dawn's chest. The ache inside his heart began to fade.
Suddenly, a ripple passed through him.
He looked down and spotted a cave. Its presence made his body shiver—but rather than fear it, he smiled.
"Aero, I think we reached our destination."
Aero descended slowly toward the ground. As they neared the entrance of a large cave, a cold breeze escaped its depths and ran down Dawn's spine.
He stepped inside, eyes darting everywhere.
The smile on his face? A distraction from his growing discomfort. His time with Joki had softened him, and after so long holding back, he wasn't sure how to react anymore.
It's quiet… too quiet. But what's that ahead?
Far off, a faint glow flickered.
It was a fire.
A boy lay asleep beside it, a rusted sword resting near his side.
"Hey! Who are you?"
The boy jolted awake, panicking. He grabbed the sword and pointed it at Dawn.
"You've got some damn nerve. You thought this cave was just empty? You ready to fight for your life?"
Dawn didn't flinch. One look at the boy's eyes—and he saw right through the act. He wasn't a killer. He was just pretending.
"Hey, there's no need to feel threatened. Actually, that immense feeling I got from this cave made me curious. It was really cool."
The boy's eyes widened. Dawn's voice disarmed him more than the words. He slowly lowered the blade.
"You… look and sound about as old as I do. Who are you? State your name."
Dawn smiled. Aero dissolved beside him, fading into the air.
"My name is Dawn. What's yours?"
The boy hesitated. But something about Dawn's smile softened him.
"…Kazu. Kazu Michinozu."