Shut the Door Behind You

**Shut the Door Behind You** is the first chapter of Part 13 in Series 2 of Stardust, first released on Patreon a week prior to the chapter's public release on Webtoon.

This chapter also marks the return of the series regularly scheduled releases since mid-season hiatus.

## Plot

The True Guardians, Bast and Mina are all exiting the Umberbug, now safely back in New Cross City from their adventure in World 4. Bast tries to sneak away from the group, but is halted by Damaen. Nearby, Apollo's is happily rejoiced with his mate and children. Inola, Inari and Kinca all lean in for an embrace together. Mina is subtly takes in the unfamiliar sight of his family, watching as Holly shares to Kinca about what happened to her during the journey. Kinca and Mina share an unfamiliar glance as Holly calls to Zidane.

Meanwhile, Bast is aggressively confronted by Damaen behind the Umberbug about resent events as Tommy watches. Damaen is still upset that Bast pulled his gun out on multiple Guardians during the previous chapter, demanding to know how many others from previous worlds they could've saved if Bast hadn't prevented it. Provoked, Bast spits out that allowing them to live would've caused them more suffering than to let them to rest peacefully. He continues, adding the notion that Damaen himself has suffered greatly since being brought to World 8, rebutting that he wouldn't have ever met Havana. He goes further, bringing up how much agony Havana has given Damaen, pushing his limit by calling Havana a monster. Slammed against the Umberbug's wall by Damaen's prosthetic claws by the throat, Damaen is offended greatly. Bast tries to counter that despite not knowing them both greatly, he can tell how unstable Havana is, and all of this should've never happened to begin with. His mouth slips, and Damaen realizes Bast shot Keira, too. Damaen releases his grip, his tone changing to anguish. Bast falls to the ground and leans against the wall. Bast still pleads for Damaen to listen, gaining more of his collected attention. Bast tries to explain that the Stardust Realm isn't lethal, and in mentioning that Keira was already pre-determined as dead already, he brings up Tommy's sister. Tommy quickly realizes Bast's underlying implication is, deeply crestfallen. All three now disheartened, Bast softly apologizes and tries to explain his reasoning, and his uncertainty comes out. He tries to get Damaen's attention one last time as he walks away, asking if he'd be willing to learn how to operate the Umberbug in Bast's place, due to the next world being his. Damaen agrees, him and Tommy leaving him with gravely disheartened faces.

In Island Control HQ, Zidane helps discuss Mina's options and to transfer her to Custos Medical for her injuries. Holly pleads Kinca to let Mina live at her house rather than her own, emphasizing how overpopulated her house has become. King joins in too, siding with Holly and using his charm. Kinca caves, and softens up upon seeing Mina's shy reaction. King lightens the mood with Kinca, assuring Mina.

Night has fallen, and Mina has settled, ready to rest on the couch at Kinca's house. Kinca approaches her to check in, and feels remorse as Mina apologies for invading their privacy. Kinca rejects the notion that Mina is bothering her, expressing her concern about the overpopulated houses situation. Mina adds how she understands, and no longer being with the captive women of Calyblanc has left her feeling dismayed. Kinca reassures Mina that she's safe here, and offers to share her bed with Mina. Mina accepts, feeling better about the situation.

## Characters

* Damaen Arcanes
* Mina Alexandra
* Bast
* Apollo Sasuke
* Inari Sasuke
* Inola Sasuke
* Holly Sarah France
* Kincaney France Sasuke
* Tommy Karter
* Havana De-Vo (background)
* Jasper Balt (background)
* Zann Tau Imari (background)
* Keira Miles (mentioned)
* Haru Karter (mentioned)