A garden of light and friendship

In the training hall inside Akarihoshi palace Akihiko and Naoru faced each other across the polished training floor, their swords glinting under the soft, ambient lights.

Naoru stretched, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.

“You seem distracted today, Akihiko. Is everything okay? Something on your mind?”

Akihiko’s gaze flickered away, momentarily unfocused.

Naoru leaned closer, voice soft, almost conspiratorial.

“Could it be… the new ‘relative’?”

Akihiko’s eyes sharpened for a moment, and then he swung his sword toward Naoru, shaking off the thought.

“My duties always come first,” he said evenly, voice calm but restrained.

Naoru smirked knowingly.

“Of course, but even the strongest can falter… when their heart strays.”

Akihiko clenched his fists, inhaling deeply to center himself.

“You won’t succeed in distracting me,” he murmured, controlled.

Naoru’s smile widened. He knew Akihiko’s composure had been shaken.

“Even the best fighters can be betrayed by their thoughts. Remember that.”

Akihiko resumed training, movements precise, yet Naoru noticed a subtle hesitation—an almost imperceptible falter in his fluidity.

Naoru chuckled softly.

“Better. At least you’re trying.”

Akihiko finished his set, turning to Naoru with a faint, controlled smile.

“Thanks for the ‘encouragement.’ Now, let’s continue—for real.”

With renewed focus, Akihiko entered the final round. Their swords met again and again, sparks flying. Neither would yield. Sweat ran down their foreheads as their gazes locked, hearts pounding with every streak. But Akihiko’s strikes become faster and more flawless, his stance unwavering. Naoru tried to counter, but Akihiko’s strategy and timing left no opening. One elegant swing, and Naoru yielded.

“Focus is everything,” Akihiko said, voice calm, almost serene.

Naoru raised a hand in mock surrender.

“You’ve found your moment again. Well done.”

Akihiko’s blue eyes reflected determination, devoid of pride or arrogance. Quietly, he reminded himself: emotions are a luxury he could not afford. Duty demanded clarity above all else.

Meanwhile, through the palace corridors…

Mika led Aiko along gleaming passageways lined with soft lights and intricate holographic displays.

“This is the main dining hall,” Mika explained. “All palace members gather here. On the right, there’s the library—filled with knowledge of both old and new worlds.”

Aiko’s eyes sparkled.

“Everything is so different from Earth… but beautiful.”

Mika smiled.

“Akarihoshi has its charm, though your Earth is also still fascinating in its own way.”

They stepped into the palace garden.

“Here’s our garden,” Mika said. “It’s one of the calmest places on the planet. The plants may seem unusual, but they each carry a subtle magic.”

Aiko walked slowly, awestruck.

“I’ve never seen anything like this… it’s like a dream, flowers, trees, grass, sky, animals. It is surreal.”

Aiko stands in the middle of a beautiful garden. Her long, wavy reddish hair sways lightly, and her dress almost shines under the sun.

As she touches almost translucent violet flower, it gently closes and then slowly reopens, as if breathing with her. Aiko feels the garden is much alive – every flower, leaf, and breeze radiates subtle energy.

“Many find peace here,” Mika said softly. “Even amidst our advanced world, nature still holds sway.”

The scent of luminous flowers filled the air, mingling with a refreshing breeze. Aiko inhaled deeply, a smile forming.

“Sometimes I wish Earth had something like this… a place to escape,” she whispered.

The garden glowed softly under the shimmer of crystal-lit blossoms. Aiko sat quietly on the curved bench, fingers tracing the smooth stone, her gaze lost in the luminous sky above.

“I never really felt at home on Earth,” she admitted at last, her voice barely louder than the trickle of the fountain. “Even when I was with people… it was like I was always somewhere else. Like I didn’t belong.”

Mika studied her profile, the shadow of loneliness lingering in Aiko’s eyes. For a moment, she said nothing, letting the silence carry Aiko’s words. Then, gently, she smiled.

“You know,” Mika began, “home isn’t always the place where you’re born. Sometimes it’s the place where your heart finally breathes.” She leaned closer, her tone warm, steady. “Feeling out of place doesn’t mean you’re broken—it just means you were waiting for somewhere that fits.”

Aiko’s lips parted slightly, as if the thought had never occurred to her. Her chest tightened, the ache she had carried for so long softening just a little.

“I’ve always looked at the stars,” Aiko whispered. “Like they were trying to tell me something. Maybe… maybe they were guiding me here.”

Mika reached out, clasping Aiko’s hand firmly but kindly.

“Then listen to them. Even if this isn’t forever, right now, you don’t have to be alone. Here, you’re welcome. And you matter.”

Aiko blinked rapidly, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. For the first time, the word home didn’t feel so far away.

Suddenly, light footsteps echoed across the garden. A lively voice broke the conversation.

“Mika! Mika! And you brought someone with you!”

Aiko turned to see a boy, slightly younger, with bright brown eyes, brown hair and an infectious grin. In his hands, he held a small wooden model—its wings translucent and delicate, its tail ending in a crystal tip.

Mika laughed softly.

“Ren, quiet down. Aiko hasn’t fully recovered from today.”

Ren approached, his gaze curious and open.

“So, you’re the one everyone’s been talking about. I’m Ren—Akihiko’s younger brother.”

Aiko bowed politely, cheeks flushed.

“I’m Aiko. It’s nice to meet you.”

Ren handed her the wooden creature with a proud smile.

“This is a lumifin. It always finds its way home, no matter where it goes. I made it myself—I think you need it more than I do.”

Aiko’s hands trembled slightly as she accepted it, tears welling in her eyes.

“This is… the most beautiful gift I’ve ever received. Thank you Ren.”

Ren’s laughter rang through the garden.

“Now let’s go, before Akihiko blames me for delaying dinner again.”

For the first time that day, Aiko felt at ease. Together, they walked toward the hall, the soft glow of the garden casting playful reflections over their path.