A Future Together

The hall, once heavy with darkness and danger, now fills with soft laughter and warmth. Even the king and queen exchange a meaningful glance—relieved that at last, among their children and friends, it is light that reigns, not shadow. The air itself seems lighter, as if the weight of countless battles, fear, and despair has finally been lifted.

Naoru, of course, refuses to give up so easily. After Akihiko knocks him back, he turns to Mika with a self-satisfied smirk:

“You know, Mika, if you tried a little harder to hide it, I might actually believe you don’t care about me.”

Mika rolls her eyes and, without a word, drives her elbow straight into his ribs.

“Ow!” Naoru clutches his side, but a quiet laugh escapes his lips, audible to everyone nearby.

Then, without warning, Mika slides her arms gently around his waist, as if to say: You idiot—but you’re my idiot.

Akihiko and Aiko exchange a glance—both touched and amused at the same time. Everyone in the hall, even the king and queen, feels the weight lift: where once there had been conflict, blood, and pain, now there is laughter, warmth, and embraces.

As Naoru and Mika’s laughter fades, a new silence settles over the hall—this time warm and full of relief. King Kaito and Queen Hanae step forward. Though the memory of Noirelle still lingers in their eyes, now, standing free, only gratitude shines through.

They stop first before Aiko. Without a word, Hanae opens her arms and Aiko nearly breaks as she falls into the queen’s embrace.

“Thank you for giving us back our son… and our future,” the queen whispers, tears slipping down her cheeks. Her embrace is firm and full of protection, the kind that has watched over Aiko since she was a child, and now carries pride and awe for the woman she has become.

Kaito then steps to Akihiko. He looks at him for a long moment, as if trying to make up for all the lost time, the countless unspoken words, and the distance that the battles had imposed. Then he pulls him into a firm embrace, for the first time in years without a hint of restraint.

“I don’t usually say it out loud,” he murmurs, “but today… you’ve surpassed me, my son.”

Then both king and queen turn to Aiko and Akihiko, step forward together, and embrace them at once—as a family. In that moment there is no longer any doubt: Aiko is not just the one who saved the prince. She saved the planet. She saved people who would have remained enslaved. And she saved a future where love exists instead of darkness.

When the dust of battle finally settles, Kaito and Hanae step closer again. With tears still in her eyes, Hanae places a hand on Aiko’s shoulder and says:

“It was love that saved you. Time tried to separate you, darkness tried to shatter you, but you’re stronger than all of it. Aiko… now I know you’re truly part of our family.”

Kaito moves to Akihiko, meeting his eyes and then glancing toward Aiko. His voice is deep and steady:

“Son, I almost lost you a few times. And I almost forgot you’ve become a man—because you found someone who makes you stronger. This woman… she is your light. And I believe you must vow yourselves once more—not only to each other, but to your people.”

Naoru, of course, can’t resist adding his own line:

“Well, at least we’re going to have another celebration. And this time, I’m calling dibs on more cake than before.”

Mika elbows him again but laughs:

“If you eat all the cake, you’ll have to train with me every day for the rest of your life.”

Meanwhile, Aiko and Akihiko stand close, their hands naturally intertwining. Both of them know that their second wedding will be something that forever drives away the shadows of the past. The energy between them hums like a soft, constant heartbeat, a quiet testament to survival, resilience, and unwavering love.

Later, Aiko stands on the balcony of her chamber, stars glowing softly over Akarihoshi. The wind tousles her reddish hair as she wraps her arms around her chest, holding inside all the fear and longing. Her thoughts drift to everything that has happened—danger, Noirelle, the battles, lost moments—and finally to their son, who somewhere in the future is waiting for them. Her heart aches, but she feels warmth too—love, strong and unbreakable, the kind that seeps into every fiber of her being.

Suddenly, there’s a knock at her door, and Akihiko’s voice reaches her:

“Aura, is the princess awake? May I come in?”

Aiko turns her head toward the door, smiling faintly, though a trace of fear still lingers in her eyes.

“You may enter,” says Aura.

Akihiko steps in gently, each footfall echoing like a soft melody filled with resolve and care. His gaze meets hers—blue eyes in the blue shadows of night, as though they’re reading each other’s thoughts and feelings. Slowly, he takes a tentative step forward, almost as if measuring the space between them. His hands twitch slightly at his sides, betraying the tension in his heart, a subtle tremor Aiko cannot ignore. Her heart flutters slightly, startled, yet she feels the warmth radiating from his presence.

“It’s over,” he says quietly, relief running deep under his voice. “Aiko…”

But then he stops. For the first time in his life, words fail him. Not from weakness, but because the memory of how close he came to destroying Aiko while under Noirelle’s control floods him—how easily their future, their happiness, could have vanished. The guilt presses on him like a physical weight, his chest tight, heart hammering with relief, regret, and awe at her survival. The subtle tremor continues, and Aiko senses it, slightly frightened, yet filled with compassion and love.

Aiko notices the change immediately. “Akihiko… you’re… silent. And… are you… trembling?”

Her eyes widen, catching the depth of his emotion. “Akihiko… I’ve never seen you like this. Silent, speechless… first time in your life, I think.”

He swallows, a small, raw smile forming as he admits, “You’re right. And… it’s because I realize how much I could have lost. How close I came to letting everything we are… disappear. I will never let that happen again. Never. You, our son, our future—it’s priceless to me. And you… you are my heart.”

As he speaks, he takes another measured step closer. His gaze does not leave hers, his hands rise slowly to gently lift her chin. His breath catches slightly, body leaning forward just a fraction, the tremor in his chest barely perceptible. Aiko feels the warmth of his presence, senses a small fragility that paradoxically strengthens her trust.

Inspired by his closeness and the sense of safety, Aiko steps forward toward him, slowly closing the distance. “Why… why does someone always try to tear us apart? Why do we always find ourselves in danger again and again?”

Akihiko draws a slow breath, his eyes glimmering with pain, love, and determination. He steps a little closer until their hands are nearly touching. His palms tremble slightly, his voice quivering, yet his words are resolute: “Because we are strong together, Aiko. Our love… it’s stronger than any darkness. That is why they try to separate us. Because when we stand together, nothing can break us—not time, not fate, not anyone.”

Aiko presses her hands to his chest, feeling the truth in his words, in his heartbeat, in the warmth radiating from him. Smiling through her tears, she says, “Sometimes I can save you too, Akihiko.”

Akihiko’s gaze softens, awash with relief and love. He slowly lifts her chin, his hands shaking slightly as he holds her gently, his eyes full of love and admiration. “Aiko… for the first time, I understand what it means to be truly seen. To be loved without condition. And… you are that for me. You always have been, and you always will be.”

Aiko wraps her arms tightly around him, her head resting on his shoulder, trembling, tears streaming down her cheeks. He holds her gently, one arm across her shoulders, the other stroking her hair. His eyes shimmer with love, protection, and awe at the strength she has always carried within herself.

“I love you, Aiko… I always have, and I always will,” he whispers, his voice trembling with emotion yet full of certainty.

Finally, they kiss—long, quiet, full of everything they had survived, lost, and found. As their kiss ends, it feels as if the world around them pauses for a moment; all fears and darkness are overwhelmed by immeasurable love, the sense that they are finally safe, together, and indestructible. The stars above Akarihoshi shimmer softly, witnessing the promise of a future built on courage, hope, and the enduring power of two hearts united. All fear, all darkness melts away. Only love remains, unshakable, infinite, and finally shared.