First impressions

The counseling hall of Akarihoshi shimmered with solemn grandeur. White stone pillars rose like silent guardians, their surfaces reflecting the soft blue glow of the sky. Beyond the transparent walls stretched floating gardens and crystalline structures that captured and scattered sunlight like fragments of stars. But today, Akihiko had no eyes for beauty. His steps were firm, yet each one pressed down heavy on his chest with a weight he could not name.

At the end of the hall, before a vast holographic star map, stood Kaito Miyahara—king of Akarihoshi, and Akihiko’s father. His hands were clasped behind his back, his posture unyielding. When his son entered, the king turned slightly. His gaze was calm, sharp, as though he already knew the entire story.

“So, you’re finally here,” he said, his low voice carrying through the chamber. Not angry. Not gentle. Somewhere in between.

Akihiko stopped and bowed—not only as a son but as crown prince, now accountable before his king.

“Father,” he began, steadying his voice. “I know you must have countless questions. And you deserve answers. But please… let me give my report first.”

Kaito inclined his head. “Proceed.”

Akihiko drew in a long breath. “While I was working on report about the other world, Kohana sensed the girl was in danger. I couldn’t wait. She was seconds away from being struck by a vehicle. Death was certain. I acted. I initiated an emergency teleport, even though it meant breaking protocol.”

“The girl?”

“Yes. At least… I didn’t know until the teleportation was complete.”

The king was silent for a long moment. Then, his voice cut softly:

“Did you act because of duty? Or because of something else?”

Akihiko’s lips pressed together. When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet but unwavering.

“I acted because I couldn’t stand by and watch someone die.”

Kaito studied him, then asked: “Where is she now?”

“In a private chamber. Miraja is observing her. She’s resting.”

The king walked past him, gazing out toward the horizon. His words came heavy.

“You realize what this means, Akihiko? Unauthorized teleportation. The council will soon discover what happened and you will have to defend your actions before them.”

“I know.” Akihiko’s hands clenched at his sides. “But if I had to choose again… I would still save her.”

At last, the king turned, his gaze piercing straight through his son.

“…That is the way we raised you. To act. To protect life.” His expression softened by the faintest degree. “I am proud to be your father.”

Relief washed through the hall, but it lasted only a moment. Akihiko lifted his head, his eyes steady though his voice carried a tremor.

“Father… as soon as she is strong enough, I will return her to Earth. I shall command the system to erase every memory of Akarihoshi from her mind. When she wakes on Earth… it will be as if nothing ever happened.”

But Kaito said nothing. Instead, he moved toward the projection table, activating the holographic network of the teleportation grid. Several nodes pulsed red.

“That won’t be possible at the moment.”

Akihiko froze. “What do you mean?”

“The Earth-link module destabilized after your last transfer. The routing core is corrupted. The system cannot sustain another teleportation.” He expanded the hologram, showing streams of fractured light in the grid. “No one could have predicted it. But transferring a conscious being from Earth was too much. The system was never designed for this.”

Akihiko’s heart pounded. “But… we’ve made transfers to other distant worlds before—”

“Yes. Objects. Data. Even small life forms. But never a human being with full consciousness, unprepared for the transition. It’s fragile, Akihiko. You forced the system. And you did it without permission.”

The silence grew heavy. The prince lowered his gaze, whispering:

“Then… she must stay here?”

Kaito’s voice was calm, almost too calm.

“For now. Until the system is repaired. And you will take full responsibility for her.”

In the quiet of her chamber, Aiko slowly stirred awake, her eyes fluttering open as the soft unfamiliar light touched her face. For a moment she thought she was dreaming. The light in the room was soft, unreal, like the glow that lingers between dreams and waking.

“I just need more sleep; my head is so heavy…” she whispered. “Everything is too strange. Like a dream.”

But then a voice—gentle, melodic—answered her, and it was too real for dreams.

“Welcome, Aiko.”

Her heart skipped. “Who… who’s there?”

“I am Aura. Your assistant. Or, as you call it on Earth… artificial intelligence.”

Aiko saw a small hologram lit up. It was Aura.

Aiko’s breath caught. She shook her head. “No. This definitely has to be a dream.”

With effort, she pushed herself upright. Her legs trembled as she stood, but curiosity pulled her forward. Step by step, she approached the balcony, where cool air rushed against her skin.

Her breath left her in awe.

The view was unbelievable. Two moons, red and blue, hung in the violet-blue sky. Below stretched gardens alive with emerald and violet leaves, flowers swaying gently, releasing tiny glowing droplets that shimmered in the wind.

Her heart pounded faster—but alongside fear came wonder.

“Where am I…” she whispered. “How can a world like this exist?”

From outside the room, a voice reached her ears, gentle yet unsettling, as if the silence itself had begun to speak.

“Aura. Status?”

Aiko turned around and froze. Fear radiated from her eyes...

“The girl is awake.” Replied Aura.

Then doors slid open with a soft whisper.

He entered the room—a boy, close to her own age. Tousled medium brown hair. Steady blue eyes that seemed to notice everything without forcing it. His movements were composed, but not arrogant—confidence held in quiet restraint.

Aiko looked at his blue eyes. When her dreams of blue eyes surfaced, but only for a short while. She instinctively stepped back to the balcony railing, shoulders tense.

“Hey,” he said softly. “I won’t hurt you.”

His sincerity disarmed her, though unease still lingered.

“Who are you? Where am I? What’s happening to me?”

“My name is Akihiko,” he replied gently. “We’ve met before… don’t you remember?”

Her gaze darted back to the balcony. The impossible sky. The air filled with unfamiliar scents and drifting particles of light. She vaguely remembered seeing him when she first woke.

“This can’t be real. I must be dreaming. This… this isn’t Earth.”

Akihiko nodded. “You’re not mistaken. This isn’t Earth. This is Akarihoshi.”

Her lips trembled. “Ok, I’m losing my mind. Why am I here?”

“You are neither losing your mind nor dreaming.” His voice held steady. “I know you have a thousand questions. I’ll answer them. Just… for now, trust me.”

She clutched the railing, her memories flashing—music, people, street, the screech of tires—

“A truck… I was walking home… then…” Her voice broke. “Did I die? Is this heaven?”

Akihiko stepped closer, carefully, like approaching someone fragile. “No. You didn’t die. You are okay now.”

She stared at him, still lost, still trying to believe.

“How… how did I get here?”

“By teleportation—” He lowered his eyes briefly before meeting hers again. “This was the only way.”

Aiko exhaled, turning again to the vast alien sky.

“And now? Am I trapped here?”

“No.” Akihiko’s voice was calm, resolute. “You’re not a prisoner. And I’m not your captor.”

Her eyes lifted to his. Something in his gaze was different—sincere, unshakable. And against her fear, something inside her wanted to believe.

“When… when can I go home?” she asked softly.

A faint smile touched his lips, steady but without arrogance.

“Not yet. Your body needs time. It would be dangerous now. But when the time comes—I’ll return you safely. I promise.”

Her breath shivered. The world around her was still overwhelming, terrifying, and yet… strangely beautiful.

“So… I just wait? Here?”

“You’re free to move as you wish,” Akihiko replied gently. “Explore. Walk the gardens, palace. Just… tell me before you go anywhere. Please… so I’ll know you’re okay.”

He glanced briefly at his StarCom.

“Forgive me. I must leave for now. If you need anything, Aura will help.”

Aiko gave a small nod; her voice caught between questions and silence.

Akihiko turned and left the chamber.