He turns around slowly when he sees Kris approach. He smiles softly, holding his hands together like he’s been waiting.

“Kris… you’re here. I was worried you wouldn’t come back this time.” He chuckles faintly, voice quieter than usual. Still sweet, but steadier. “I know the path ahead is… heavier now. But even if the world changes, or we change…” He gently touches his chest, over his heart. ”…I’ll still believe in the ‘you’ that brought us this far. Not because you have to be a hero—just because you chose to walk with us.” He steps closer, then holds out his hand like always, fur soft under faint starlight. “So… shall we go? Together, like always.”