Chapter 10

Shizuku stands with the captains—Alto, Berwick, Asche, Eris, and Astera—at the grand exit of Azalea’s palace. Lily lingers nearby, quietly observing.

Shizuku (checking his star-map, voice steady):
Alright, captains. We’ve got what we came for. The Earth Fragment is secure, and the floral kingdom’s still breathing because of Regenora’s sigil. Let’s move before reality tries to unravel again.

Berwick (adjusting his cloak, smirking):
You say that like it’s not already unraveling.

Asche (grinning):
Hey, I’m just glad to get back before my arcana starts feeling homesick.

Alto (glancing at Shizuku, soft):
You did good, Shi.

Shizuku (rolling his eyes):
I’m surrounded by charm and grace, as always.

Astera stands a bit apart, gaze fixed on a figure stepping forward—Azalea Flores, the Floral Emperor himself.

Azalea (calm but warm):
Before you go... Astera.

Astera looks up, hesitant. month of distance and silence hang heavy.

Azalea (stepping closer):
5 months is long enough.

Without a word, Astera closes the gap and throws his arms around Azalea. The hug is fierce and desperate — a reunion charged with months of unsaid words.

Astera (murmuring against Azalea’s shoulder):
I’m sorry, Dad.

Azalea (softly, voice thick with emotion):
I’m here now. We’ll fix this. Together.

Shizuku watches quietly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Lily (whispering to Shizuku):
They needed that.

Shizuku (nodding):
So do we all.

The group begins their ascent back to the Universal Guard’s fleet, petals drifting behind them like stardust.

Shizuku (calling out):
Next stop: the Central District. The universe isn’t done testing us yet.

The Floral Kingdom fades behind them as they prepare for the next chapter of their journey.