Return from the void

The craft lifted off, leaving the unstable remains of Kaelrith’s ship behind. Tiny explosions flickered across the enemy vessel, sparks scattering like deadly fireflies. Outside, the rest of the Akarihoshi fleet swept into action, moving to intercept any straggling forces.

The cockpit vibrated with the trembling energy of Akihiko’s vessel as it surged forward, the stars streaking past in silver trails. The poison crept into his mind, and slowly, his mind started to fail him. His hands were trembling; he fought to maintain control. Beside him, Aiko sank into the seat, her own hands clenching instinctively, heart pounding.

“Hold on, Aiko,” Akihiko murmured, his voice low but firm. “We’re not safe yet.”

“Akihiko, Kaelrith’s fleet has been neutralized. You can retreat and prepare for further measures,” Naoru’s voice crackled over the vessel communicator, calm yet authoritative.

A wave of relief washed over Akihiko. But he could feel his power slipping away, drained by the overwhelming poison. His breathing grew shallow, each heartbeat a battle against exhaustion. He turned to Aiko, eyes heavy but resolute.

“Aiko… I have to get you home,” he whispered, his voice faltering. His head tipped slightly, eyelids drooping.

Fear gripped Aiko. “Akihiko, hang on… don’t leave me,” she cried, clutching his hand tightly.

With a wan, strained smile, Akihiko reached out. “Do you remember how I taught you to pilot a vessel?”

“I… I remember a little,” Aiko replied, panic threading her voice. “But it’s not enough. We’re in space—I don’t know what to do.”

He squeezed her hand gently, a flicker of trust shining through his pain. “I know you can do this. You’ll get us to Akarihoshi safely—I’m one hundred percent sure of it.”

And then, his grip loosened. His body slumped. Akihiko lost consciousness, leaving Aiko alone with the controls.

“Akihiko… please, don’t leave me,” she whispered, tears blurring her vision.

Her gaze fell upon the control panel. The autopilot system blinked patiently. She pressed it, but the ship moved sluggishly, its response delayed. Her pulse raced. “Every second counts,” she muttered, gripping the controls with white-knuckled determination.

The fleet was far ahead now. Naoru’s voice cut through the tension over the communicator. “Akihiko, we can see you’re falling behind! What’s happening?”

“I… I need help!” Aiko cried, fumbling for Akihiko’s StarCom. “Naoru! He’s unconscious! I’ll pilot manually—the autopilot’s too slow!”

“Calm down,” Naoru replied steadily. “I remember how you trained in the simulation center. Focus. Follow my instructions, and I’ll guide you all the way.”

Aiko’s hands moved over the controls as if by instinct, her mind a storm of fear, determination, and hope. She moved Akihiko to the adjacent seat, then sat back herself, closing her eyes briefly to center herself.

“I have to succeed,” she whispered.

She wanted to break down, but restrained herself. She had to be strong, not only for herself but for Akihiko, who had trusted her and just saved her.

Glowing debris from Kaelrith’s shattered ship hurtled toward them, threatening to rip the vessel apart. “Aiko! You must get clear immediately! The debris is coming!” Naoru shouted.

Each command from Naoru was like a lifeline. Her fingers danced over the controls, weaving the craft through the swirling debris with growing precision. Slowly, steadily, the ship responded as if it knew her will.

Aiko glanced at Akihiko, pale and still, and swallowed hard. “If only he would open his eyes…” Every second stretched into an eternity, but she pressed forward, driven by fear and love alike.

“Hang on, Akihiko. We’ll be on Akarihoshi soon,” she whispered, pushing herself and the vessel beyond her limits.

“Almost home. You’re doing very well!” Naoru encouraged, his calm confidence bolstering her. Mika’s voice joined, warm and reassuring. “Excellent, Aiko. You’re piloting like a pro!”

For a brief moment, a flicker of pride and hope brightened Aiko’s tear-streaked face. She focused entirely on the future—on landing safely, and on Akihiko waking, safe, by her side.

Following Naoru’s calm instructions, Aiko engaged the autopilot for landing. The vessel adjusted perfectly, gliding toward the military landing pad where Miraja Takane and her medical team awaited.

Touchdown came with a gentle jolt. Aiko exhaled, leaning toward Akihiko. His face was pale, his breathing shallow. “We’re home, Akihiko. Miraja will take care of you. Don’t give up…”

The craft doors slid open. Naoru and Mika rushed in, eyes widening at Akihiko’s condition. “He doesn’t look well,” Mika muttered, urgency in her voice. “We need to take him to Miraja immediately.”

Miraja took him into the clinic, her team working swiftly and efficiently. Outside, Aiko sank to her knees, relief crashing over her in overwhelming waves. Naoru enveloped her in a protective embrace, and Mika joined, comforting her gently.

“You’re safe, Aiko. We made it back,” Mika whispered.

Tears fell freely as Aiko clung to them. “But Akihiko… he’s in danger… because of me,” she sobbed, guilt heavy in her chest.

Naoru placed a steady hand on her shoulder. “Don’t blame yourself. You acted with what you thought was right. Anyone would have done the same.”

Mika nodded, soft yet firm. “What matters is that he’s back, and you’re safe.”

Aiko inhaled deeply, letting the first glimmer of hope reach her heart. She looked toward the clinic doors as the king, queen, and his brother Ren stepped inside.

The fear she had carried—the fear of judgment, of disappointment—dissolved at their gentle, understanding gazes.

“Aiko,” king Kaito said softly, patting her shoulder, “it’s not your fault. Kaelrith is responsible. You brought my son back safely. That’s what matters.”

Tears streamed down Aiko’s cheeks as gratitude mingled with lingering worry. Just then, the clinic doors opened, and Miraja appeared, ready to report on Akihiko’s condition.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesties,” she said, her voice steady but solemn. “I don’t have the proper antidote for Akihiko. His condition… it’s severe.”

In the hallway of the clinic, a moment of silence arose, filled with pain and uncertainty.

Outside, the stars still shimmered, silent witnesses to the trials, courage, and bonds forged in the darkness of space.