Thanks for the kiss, Danika

A long one way road splits down a colorful rooftop clean neighborhood. Little cherry trees grow near the wide sidewalk's path. Coffee vans set up their businesses, before the crack of dawn. Blue jays fly out the many bushes scatter throughout the neighborhood, heading to the morning light. A school of robot lawn mowers spread out beneath the colossal cherry blossom tree.

"Come on, everyone stay in your lanes."

"Stop taking this so serious, we do this every week."

"It's our only purpose! We must be affective."

"You make me want to mow over a giant rock."  

Chill winds carried morning rays, bringing everyone’s mission closer. The neighborhood birds bounced off each autumn color tree, and the fog decorated every window like a canvas.

"Good Morning!” Mr. Z wore a long coat with some casual wear, his coat sleeves rolled up a bit due to the warm air in the room.

"Good Morning," responded Sola and Taro.

After shopping the day before, every piece of clothing they bought had a five-pointed star on it. Taro wore a plain black shirt with a gray jacket and was drinking an energy drink. "Anyone seen Pai this morning?” asked Mr.Z.

"Where do you think? Sleeping like always,” stated Taro

"Well, you gotta sleep to get tall,” laughed Mr.Z

“What, you're calling me short?”

The front door opened, and Pai appeared, wearing a short-sleeved jacket with red trimmings and a casual tee with highlighted waves as the design. "Are you guys ready to go? I’m packed up ready to go. I've been inside the car waiting for you guys.”

"Did you sleep last night, Pai,” asked his father.

"Not at all. I'll pass out while in the car. It's like time travel, my perfect plan will work out,” yawned the boy, stretching to passing clouds.

"Not gonna lie, that's kinda smart," responded Sola.

"Please, don't encourage my brother with his dumb ideas.”

"Hey, Pai, guys!" a voice shouted out. It was Kel running down the street, waving her hands. A strong wind blew from her as she headed down the road.

"Hey, Kel," Pai called back down the street.

Kel blushed. "Um, I just wanna tell you guys I'm aiming to get stronger," she started timidly, staring at her shoes. "After that day, I've been thinking to myself, having a realization that power comes from myself, so I'll get it myself," she said.

Pai, Taro, and Mr. Z looked back at Kel with a smile. "Go after it, Kel,” Pai said, giving her a fist bump. Sola walked before her, giving Kel a big hug. "Hi, I'm Sola, and I already see a strong girl in front of me,” she said, not minding Kel's surprised face.

After a moment, Kel relaxed and answered. "Oh, why thank you, you're gorgeous. Lovely to meet you, Sola.”

"I think we are going to get along with each other, Kel.” Both girls smiled. "So what is up with you all?"

They exchanged a glance and Pai scratched his head, stepping forward. "How much time do you have?"

CHERRY VOL.1

"Alright, guys, I gotta get to school. Everything you said sounds very confusing but please stay safe on this trip of yours,” Kel sighed after they briefed her on everything.

"We need to go as well. Come on, while the sun is creeping up," said Mr. Z. They all loaded inside the car, with Taro sitting up front, and Pai and Sola hanging out in the back.

As they drove off, the familiar streets of Cherry City slowly faded away, leaving behind memories of their past lives and the comforts of home. The weight of the unknown future pressed upon them, both exciting and daunting. The car engine hummed like a soothing lullaby, but each of them felt a mix of emotions stirring inside.

Pai couldn't help but glance back one last time at the city he had grown up in. He knew that everything was about to change, and the thought made his heart race with anticipation. He felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins, mingled with a tinge of sadness as he thought about leaving his childhood behind.

Beside Pai, Sola stared out of the window, her gaze lost in the passing scenery. Her mind was filled with fragments of memories, flashes of battles fought in distant galaxies, and long-lost faces that she struggled to recall. Nova was a calling she couldn't ignore, but it also brought with it the burden of a destiny she was still trying to comprehend.

Leaving here today would impact the rest of our lives. Even knowing what we were searching for, none of us were prepared for the outcome. We couldn't imagine what even our own world holds.

CHERRY VOL.1

"Agh!” The car jolted, causing a wave of nausea to wash over Sola. She struggled to keep her composure as the car continued its bumpy ride. "I hate this," she whispered, trying to steady herself.

"Wait, how is this making you sick? You flew in spaceships before, right?" Taro questioned, puzzled by Sola's reaction.

"Ah, I hate this…” Sola groaned in discomfort, the motion of the car clearly getting to her.

"I'm sorry, Sola, but we aren't even halfway there yet," Mr. Z replied sympathetically.

"Oh, I think I can see Nova from here," mumbled Sola deliriously, her mind seemingly lost in a haze.

"Oh shit, don't go dying on us, Sola!” Pai exclaimed, concerned for his new companion. The car finally pulled over at a gas station surrounded by a thick forest.

"We made it to our first pit stop. Go stretch your legs while you can,” Mr. Z announced as he parked the car.

"I'm finally off that beast. Pai, come with me, we're going to start your training,” Sola said with a smirk, quickly changing her focus.

"Awk!" Pai let out a choked sound as Sola suddenly lifted him up by his throat with one hand. "What's the matter, feeling a little sick?” she taunted.

"Aggh, screw you," Pai managed to reply, gasping for air.

Unleashing her grip, Sola sent Pai flying about fifty feet away. He managed to recover quickly, but Sola was already behind him. He attempted to counter with a fast kick, but to his surprise, he hit nothing but air. Confused, he turned around, only to find no one there.

"Above you!” Sola's warning came moments before her foot connected with the back of Pai's head. He stumbled forward, trying to regain his balance.

"Pai, this is child's play. Start getting serious, because I'm not even using a fraction of my essence. Powerful enemies stronger than you and I will come after our heads. Stop playing around and get your shit together! You're not living a normal life anymore!” Sola's words echoed with authority, pushing Pai to focus.

Sola caught a glimmer of pink essence in Pai’s eyes, he knew she was right. He needed to take things seriously. He closed the distance between them in an instant, his fist inches away from her face. But Sola was even faster, effortlessly evading his attack.

He threw a powerful punch, and hot winds erupted, creating a path of destruction in its wake. "That was a crazy punch. There would’ve been damage. Only if you were fast enough," Sola remarked, standing behind him. The fiery spirit raised from Pai’s dirty chest

"You've always been strong, Pai, since birth. I knew our two powers would be perfect together. I'm the perfect fit for you, already having that red sun inside you," said his spirit, a sense of destiny in her words.

“So the Seeker finally shows itself,” mocked Sola.

"Oh, the sweet princess? Where’s your throne? Wait, that's gone just like your people," the mysterious girl taunted.

A burst of wind cleared off Sola, and golden essence formed around her. "What did you say? Please repeat that," Sola demanded.

"I don't wanna fight with you. We all have the same goal, to contain the power of Nova. We don't want the Enchanters and Warlocks to get it, right?"

''Bullshit, it's just a myth,” denied Sola.

"Myth, you fool, you know they exist. Why continue to deny even when you hold memories of them? I'll have to shake you up a little for you to remember.”

"Well, the Enchanters and Warlocks will be a myth after I kill them all.”

"Haha, that's more like it, Princess.”

Pai grunted, feeling out of the loop.

"What the hell are you guys talking about? Enchanters and what?"

"My King, rest up for now. You need to help him control his power because any foes out there could probably sense this red sun in him.”

"Why should I take orders from you when I don't even know who you are?" Sola questioned.

"Yeah, who are you? Oh, and thanks for the kiss earlier,” he mentioned

"Anything for you, My King. Well, I don't have a name anymore. Would you like to give me one, King?”

"Let me think…” Pai’s eyes faded to hazel brown again. “Danika, your name will be Danika. When I saw you for the first time. You were like the last star of every morning.”

Danika said nothing, just gazing at Pai. "I love the name Danika. Thank you, My King. Sola, do what you must. If you don't, it's gonna be hell for you all. Danika, Danika…I can get used to saying that."

"Glad you like the name." Pai smiled.

"You should trust me, Sola, because Pai sure does." Danika disappeared to nothing.

"Bitch," Sola whispered.