For a brief moment, it looked like the siblings' dark power might overwhelm Jim's attack - their corrupted energy twisting and spiraling.
But then - cracks began to form in their dark aura.
The corruption on their bodies started to peel away as the Solar-Lunar energy purified their dark forms.
"WHAT IS THIS?!" Mega Sunburn howled, his mutated arm disintegrating into golden particles.
"NO... IMPOSSIBLE!" shrieked Mega Moonfreeze as frost melted off her twisted limbs, returning her to her original form.
The siblings' dark power was breaking apart - unable to withstand the overwhelming force of solar and lunar unity.
With a final push, Jim unleashed the last of his energy -
BOOM!
The Solar-Lunar sphere erupted in a massive burst of light - engulfing both Mega Sunburn and Mega Moonfreeze.
For a brief moment, Sunburn and Moonfreeze’s eyes met — no longer monsters, but weary, broken people beneath.
“...Brother...”
“...Sister...”
Then the Sphere engulfed them.
When the dust settled, the siblings lay in pieces - their monstrous forms gone - their bodies back to their original, albeit severely injured, states.
Jim collapsed to one knee, his energy completely drained - but his lips curled into a weak smile as he detransformed automatically.
"It is over...finally."
Edward, battered but standing, rushed to his side.
"You did it, Jim..." he said, his voice a mix of relief and pride.
The Celestic Justice cadets, despite their wounds, cheered faintly - their leader had won.
As the smoke cleared, Jim looked towards the spaceship where his parents - Heatsun and Moonsalt - were unconscious but he could still sense there aura.
He whispered softly:
"I kept my promise... Mother... Father..."
_ _ _
The spaceship hummed softly as it soared through the vastness of space, heading straight for Dark Void's lair.
The battle on the planet had left scars on the land - and on those who fought - but the mission wasn't over yet.
Jim stood near the window, his eyes fixed on the endless starry expanse ahead.
His thoughts were already with Tim - the first ally who had called him brother.
Edward approached him, his voice steady. "We should reach Dark Void's spaceship soon. Be ready."
Jim gave a small nod. "I just need to check on them first."
He turned back to where Heatsun and Moonsalt lay in the spaceship's medical bay.
They were still unconscious, their bodies showing the aftermath of their brutal stalling effort against Mega Sunburn and Mega Moonfreeze.
Jim's hand hovered above them, his fingers glowing with a soft Solar-Lunar energy. It wasn't much - he was still recovering from using Solar-Lunar Finale - but it was enough to slowly mend their wounds.
Golden warmth from the sun.
Cool blue from the satellites.
The same blend of energy that had saved his life before - now used to heal his parents.
After a few tense moments, Heatsun's eyes flickered open. "Jim...?"
Moonsalt followed soon after, blinking weakly. "Where... are we?"
Jim allowed himself a small smile. "You're safe. We're heading to check on Tim."
As the spaceship gently drifted through space, Moonsalt rubbed her temples, still recovering. "Tim... and Rei..." Her voice softened at the mention of her student- the girl raised and mentored by her after she was captured by Dark Void.
Her expression darkened, a mix of longing and sorrow. "I hope... Rei finds the right path."
Jim's face hardened slightly. His mother's words struck a nerve - not because he didn't want Rei to change, but because he knew how deeply rooted she was in darkness.
"Nothing could be said for sure," he replied, his voice calm but firm.
Moonsalt lowered her head. She couldn't argue.
Then-
Suddenly - without warning - Heatsun pulled Jim into a tight embrace.
"You did it, son." His voice wavered slightly - the usual tough demeanor cracking just enough for Jim to hear the emotion underneath. "You saved us... and you defeated them."
Jim's eyes widened, the sensation of his father's arms around him sending an unfamiliar warmth through his chest.
Before he could even process it -
Moonsalt joined in - her arms wrapping around both Heatsun and Jim.
"You're our son... and we're so proud." Her voice trembled with both relief and happiness.
Jim's face flushed instantly. The Celestic Justice cadets standing nearby tried to politely avert their eyes - some grinning faintly at their usually composed leader caught in a family moment.
Jim's voice came out a bit stiff. "Okay, okay - I get it... you can let go now..."
But his parents didn't move.
They just held him tighter.
It was a family hug - something Jim hadn't experienced in 15 years.
No battles.
No strategies.
Just warmth.
And despite the awkwardness, a small part of Jim didn't want the moment to end.
After a long minute, Heatsun finally pulled away - though Moonsalt lingered a bit longer before releasing him.
Jim quickly straightened his coat, his face still a little pink.
Edward chuckled softly but quickly composed himself. "We're almost there."
Jim nodded, his usual sharpness returning. "Let's focus. We need to see what's going on with Tim."
His parents, though still weak, exchanged a look.
Heatsun placed a hand on Jim's shoulder. "We'll be right behind you."
Moonsalt added softly, "Always."
As the spaceship sped toward the heart of enemy territory, Jim stood tall - his parents' warmth still lingering.
For the first time in a long while -
Jim didn't feel alone.