Fragments Of A Lost World

Night blankets the world, and Aiko sleeps in Akihiko’s arms. Her breathing is steady, yet her subconscious carries her far back—to a time when she was a fragile infant. Her dreams are gentle, like a misty painting, yet so vivid that she feels each moment in her heart.

In her dream, she is cradled by her mother, Queen Akari, whose eyes are filled with tender concern and endless love. Little Aiko presses herself close, enveloped in warmth and safety, the sensation that anything can be endured. Beside them stands her father, King Kenshin, his gaze brimming with protective devotion. His hands hover near her, offering the unshakable promise of security.

A voice, soft and ethereal, drifts to her in the dream: “We will always love you, Soraya…” The words float over her like a gentle breeze, filling her with a love more powerful than anything else—a love that is her foundation, her strength. And then, darkness descends.

Her heart leaps, and she awakens in an instant. Her breath quickens. Seeing Akihiko before her, her heart flutters, memories from the dream intertwining with reality. Her fingers trace lightly over his chest, the touch of his strength and closeness both calming and stirring her.

Akihiko slowly opens his eyes, first catching the haze of the morning sun before resting his gaze on Aiko. He smiles, a little confused but overflowing with tenderness. His voice, husky with sleep, whispers:
"Good morning, princess…"

Aiko exhales softly, the mingling of safety and desire swelling within her. As he awakens fully, Akihiko gently clasps her hand and squeezes it—a silent message: I am here, only for you.

The air around them is a mixture of morning freshness, lingering memories, and immediate longing. Aiko wonders why these dreams have appeared now.

Akihiko, still slightly drowsy, observes her, sensing a subtle tension within her aura.
"What troubles you, Aiko?"

Aiko turns to him, breath uneven, eyes still misted with memory.
"Akihiko… I had a dream… so vivid, it felt like real memories… of my parents…"
Her hands instinctively seek his, clinging to him for support.

His expression softens, mingling tenderness with concern.
"I thought you might dream something like that," he whispers. His blue eyes shimmer with memories he has never forgotten. "I remember every moment of that night, when everything changed…"

A hushed silence follows, a moment where words feel unnecessary. They both feel the weight of the past and the power that has brought them together. Their bond is not merely of the present; it is stitched through with threads of the past.

Aiko hesitates, then speaks with a mix of longing and uncertainty:
"Akihiko… is there any way you could take me to the planet where I was born…?"

Akihiko’s gaze grows serious, shadowed with concern.
"I don’t know if that’s wise, Aiko… the planet is destroyed. Only desert and ruins remain…"

Her eyes glisten with sorrow, but her voice carries a desperate yearning:
"I know… but I must see it… I need to feel even a fragment of the world where I was born. Even if it’s ruined, even if it’s only desert and debris… I need to understand who I am, where I come from."

Akihiko holds her closer, his blue aura casting a faint, comforting glow.
"Even if it’s dangerous, Aiko… if this is what you truly wish, I will be with you. You will not go alone."

Aiko smiles through the twinge of fear and longing, squeezing his hand tightly.
"Thank you, Akihiko… only with you beside me I can face this."

She sits in the personal vessel, hands gripping the armrests lightly. The stars outside sparkle like diamonds scattered across a velvet sky, yet a flicker of panic races through her. Each small jolt or acceleration makes her heart jump.
"Akihiko… I think I might faint if it goes any faster," she whispers, eyes wide with apprehension.

He smiles and gently covers her hand with his:
"Stay calm, Aiko. I am here."
His presence soothes her slightly, yet the longing to be closer to him quickens her heartbeat.

Naoru sits at the controls, focused and steady, while Mika watches from beside him, offering encouragement:
"Aiko, just be brave. Look at the stars—they’re beautiful. You can do this."

Aiko inhales, trying to calm herself, yet each glance outside reminds her of the vast, unknown cosmos. Her hand instinctively reaches for Akihiko’s—a spark of safety and yearning, giving her courage to move forward.

In the distance, the silhouette of Akanehara emerges—a gray-brown desert dotted with ruins where a once magnificent civilization thrived. Sunlight glints off the dust and shattered stones, casting intricate patterns across the spacecraft cabin.

Aiko tightens her hold on Akihiko’s hand, heart racing, fear and longing interwoven.
"This is… my planet?" she whispers, eyes wide as the ship begins its slow descent.

He squeezes her hand gently, voice steady:
"Yes, Aiko. Here is all that was taken from you… but do not be afraid. I am with you. You will see everything, and we will face it together."

Naoru and Mika watch silently, a subtle tension lingering. The air seems charged with more than just a journey through ruins.

When the vessel lands, Aiko rises slowly. She steps out, dust underfoot, wind stirring sand around her. Her gaze sweeps across toppled buildings, shattered remnants of a once-flourishing world, finally resting on the ruins of the Homura royal palace.

She looks to Akihiko, breathing deeply:
"Akihiko… how am I supposed to feel? Everything is… empty, yet… it feels like home."

He steps close, embracing her.
"You decide—shall we explore, or return to Akarihoshi?"

Aiko moves toward the palace, whispering:
*"I was born here, lived for a short time here…" Tears threaten to spill, yet she holds herself together as the wind lifts dust around them, her red hair dancing lightly.

Akihiko takes her hand gently:
"Aiko… this is your past."

Naoru and Mika fall back slightly, observing with respect.

Each step toward the palace entrance stirs nearly-forgotten memories, their power palpable. She pauses at the doorway, glancing at Akihiko, whispering:
"Akihiko… thank you for bringing me here. I must feel this before we shape our future."

His blue eyes wrap her in calm reassurance:
"Whatever you wish, Aiko. You will confront the past, and together we will build the future."

Carefully, she steps forward, mindful of loose stones. A gentle breeze lifts her hair as small pebbles shift underfoot. Akihiko follows closely, vigilant, eyes scanning their surroundings.

"Careful, Aiko," he whispers, hand hovering near her shoulder, ready to support her.

She glances back, a small smile on her lips, respect and a touch of nervousness in her gaze:
"Akihiko… I feel… vulnerable, yet safe because you’re here."

His smile is brief, warm, reassuring:
"I will always be by your side. Protecting you is my mission, princess."

She touches the palace wall, cold stone and lingering energy resonating beneath her fingers, a subtle nostalgia washing over her. Akihiko moves cautiously behind, attentive and careful.

They reach the remains of the main hall. A crater lies at its center. Aiko shivers, knowing this is where her parents perished, and where she would have too, had she not been saved. Akihiko steps closer, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Princess, do not let fear take you," he whispers, firm but gentle.
"Here, you are safe. Your past is part of you, but I am here to ensure the future is written differently."

She breathes deeply, feeling his warmth fill her heart. Tears stream—part sorrow, part relief, part longing. Looking into his eyes, she knows their bond is not just love—it is protection, trust, an unbreakable link.

Aiko senses a faint but insistent energy pulling her toward part of the ruins. Her pulse races—this is not just memory; something is present, calling to her.

Akihiko notices her tension, taking her hand gently:
"Aiko, follow what calls you. Do not be afraid. I am here with you." His voice is soft, yet brimming with certainty and protection.

She steps forward. With each movement, the vibrations grow stronger, tugging gently at her heart, awakening memories yet fully understood.

She halts, heart pounding. Before her, a soft, warm light coalesces into two ethereal figures—her parents. Not as flesh, but as spirits radiating peace and love. Her eyes fill with tears.

"Mother? Father?" Her voice trembles. They smile gently, assuring her she is safe, loved, and never alone. The warmth they radiate is astonishing—not just memory, but something real, touching her very soul.

Akihiko squeezes her hand, respect and tenderness in his gaze:
"See, princess… your past, your power, all of it is part of you. And I will always be here."

"Perhaps we left you physically, Soraya," her mother whispers, "but we have always been, and will always be, with you—in your heart, in your strength. We see that you have Prince Akihiko by your side. Fate has brought you back together…"

Her father adds:
"Every decision, every moment with him, is a step in your destiny. You have chosen a wise, strong, loving heart that will always protect you."

Akihiko bows respectfully:
"I will bring safety, love, and happiness to her life—all that Princess Soraya deserves."

The King and Queen nod. Akihiko then takes Aiko’s hands; their touch holds unspoken power and passion, tempered with respect for the past and responsibility for the future.

"I will keep your life safe, princess," he whispers.
"And if necessary, we will protect not only your heart, but all that you hold dear."

Aiko smiles through tears, feeling her parents’ presence, yet allowing her heart to embrace the present and future.

The silhouettes fade. Aiko falls to her knees, crying freely. Mika and Naoru watch from a distance. Akihiko kneels beside her, holding her close. She sobs into his arms, clinging tightly, their hearts beating together as one.