As they prepare to express their love, they ask their friend for his blessing...

Chapter 16
Hoping for the Best
Avery sighed after he hung up the phone, his head hanging down. He could tell Tyler was getting impatient with his answers as the conversation went on. He wanted to let everything out, bursting to tell Tyler everything… But he could not tell Tyler about where he was, nor about the Balancers. He had taken a very serious oath, and was not going to break it no matter what happened… Even if it ended up destroying his relationship with Tyler and the other trainers.
Dante walked up and placed a hand on Avery’s shoulder. “I can only imagine how difficult that was for you… All I can say is you will have to be strong. Now, and in the future. Nevertheless, you did well to keep your word. It shows a lot about your honor.”
Avery looked up at Dante. “…Thanks.” He finally said, showing a slight smile.
Kasi then walked up to Avery’s other side. “Avery, Dante? Can we talk?”
“Sure, by all means.” Avery said.
“Yeah.” Dante agreed. “Something on your mind?”
Kasi nodded, then grabbed both their hands, pulling them out of the room and up the staircase at a quick pace. They ended up back in the room with Takuya and the pod.
“What is it, kid?” Dante asked, confused.
“…I want to ask you a favor, Dante, so please stay here in the room. But first, I need to speak to Avery.” Kasi, plained.
“…Uh, Sure.” Avery said. “Let’s talk.”
Kasi looked nervous as her cheeks engulfed in a nervous blush. “…Avery, do you remember what you told me at Professor Oak’s Lab? In the study?”
Avery, after a few seconds walked forward. He took Kasi into an embrace in his arms, figuring out where this was going. “Yes. I confessed how I felt and told you I love you. I meant what I said, Kasi. I want to remain by your side for the rest of my days. I want you, and no one else…”
Kasi looked a little relieved, but her anxiety was still high. “…I’m happy to hear that. But with all that has been happening… Our transformation, learning how to use and control our abilities, the constant threat of Team Midnight, the Writ of Silence we made with The Balancers, and having to heal Takuya… At this rate, I’m not sure if we are going to be able to live long enough to express that love. I was hoping, before Takuya ended up in this condition that we could get his consent. After he ended up in that pod, I was unsure if we ever could…”
She turned to face Dante. “…That is why I need to ask you this favor, Dante. If you can reach into Takuya’s consciousness, you could relay my request to him.”
Dante’s cheeks had turned a rosy red while Kasi spoke. Then he smiled. “Ah, young love…Well, I can actually do you a one-up on that favor. I can use my psychic abilities and body to act as a conduit for Takuya to speak through. That way, you can get his consent directly.”
Kasi looked overjoyed, even Avery’s expression was showing gratitude. “You would do that for us?” Kasi asked.
“In this case, yeah.” Dante said. “I tend to use this ability very sparingly, and I don’t do it for everyone I come across. I will do it for this occasion, though. Just give me a little room.”
Dante then walked up to the pod and focused his psychic powers. There was a pause as a slight pressure went through the room temporarily. Then, Dante turned to face Kasi and Avery with glowing blue eyes.
“Kasi? Avery?” Dante spoke, only he sounded like Takuya!
“Takuya?” Avery asked, stunned.
“Yes.” Takuya spoke again. “What’s happening… I remember passing out when you were holding me in the colosseum… Oh.” Takuya said, realizing what was going on. “I’ve been injured badly, haven’t I?”
“Yes.” Avery answered with a little reluctant guilt. “…But we can still heal you. We are going to request some items from Professor Oak tomorrow that we need. We will have you on your own two feet again, don’t worry.”
“Takuya, I need to tell you about something that happened after Denzel abducted you.” Kasi started explaining. “Avery confessed his love to me, and I accepted him. But I wanted your consent before we expressed our love to each other.”
Takuya paused. “…I had a feeling this would happen, and I couldn’t be any happier for it.” He smiled. “You both have a strong connection, and I don’t think anything in this world or any other can break it. You both have my consent…” Takuya paused before he finished his sentence. “…With times being the way they are, make sure you love a lifetime’s worth tonight. Also, a tip for you Avery: Kasi has an admiration for wildflowers.”
The pressure in the room ended, as Takuya relinquished his connection to Dante. Dante, once regaining control of himself, shook his head rapidly for a few moments, his eyes back to normal.
“Brrr!” Dante shivered for a few moments. “That always leaves me with an annoying tingle after I’m done…” Dante then smiled as he looked at Kasi and Avery. “Well, I had better let you lovebirds get started…”
“Dante, hold on.” Avery spoke up. “…Do you know where I can go get some fresh wildflowers?”
Dante looked at Avery, surprised at the request. “Uh… Sure. We are on the far outskirts of Agate Village. The forest around the house is full of them.”
Kasi and Avery turned towards each other, joy in their faces. “I’ll be right back.” Avery said.
“And I will be ready by the time you return.” Kasi responded.
With that, Avery ran past Dante and down the stairs, looking for the front door. A few seconds later, he heard the door open and slam. Then Kasi ran past him as well, calling out for Mary. Dante was left scratching his head at these events.
“…Just what did I miss?” He asked, clueless.