It was the end of the year at Decelis Academy. Everyone went up the podium and recited their speeches. But Athena frowned.
What if I don’t come back here, she thought, What if I’ll never see Heli again?
Athena then began to cry.
In the evening, Heli was to perform for the whole school. But Athena didn’t bother to show up. All she could think about was her worry of not being able to return to Decelis Academy.
She was outside the school’s gardens for a long time. And then…her eyes began to glow in a bright red. She then saw the silhouette of her father, smiling at her.
“My dear Athena!” he said sifting through the gardens, “I have missed you dearly. I had hoped you had a good time at Decelis Academy.”
“I did.” answered Athena, “It was a good school.”
Rothbart stood before Athena and said, “Are you ready?”
“For what?” asked Athena.
“To come home.”
Athena was confused.
“But this is my home.” she said, “I don’t understand.”
“Underland was your first home, when I died, You moved here until your sudden death when you were fifteen.”
“How did I die at such an age?”
Rothbart gave a chuckle, “You and Odile were playing together when suddenly you were wounded by the horrendous Krampus, which you have now defeated, as well as your sister.”
“Will she be alright?”
Rothbart smiled.
“I’m sure she is.”
As they were about to cast off, Heli came to Athena and held her tightly in his arms.
“It’s okay,” he whimpered, “You don’t have to stay. I truly understand…that you have to go.”
Athena then broke free from Heli’s arms.
“Don’t worry,” she said, “I’ll somehow find a way to come back.”
“Promise?”
Athena smiled.
“I promise you.”
“Don’t ever break it.”
“I won’t ever.”
They shared a kiss and soon enough, Athena disappeared into thin air.
Back at the graduation party, Shion, Odette and Vincent found Heli all teary-eyed. They also noticed that Athena was nowhere to be found.
“I guess she had to go,” said Odette, “After all, she has lived over three hundred years.”
“I agree,” said Vincent, “If we had stayed with her, supporting her, then she wouldn’t have left so soon.”
“But she had a home,” said Shion, “I don’t think we can guarantee that she will come back.”
“I’m sure she will.” said Odette, “But, to be honest, I’m certain it’s going to be a while before she returns to Earth.”
In the end, they circled around Heli, giving the comfort that he wanted ever since the death of his parents And these were his final words to Athena.
"My dearest Athena, I will miss you dearly. Though you have a lair to reign, I want to ask you to be strong for me. I know you won’t return for a long time…but I wish you were here for me. I miss having you in my arms. Whatever you do, no matter where you go, and no matter what happens…don’t forget about me…"