Vital Spark

Days passed…

Akihiro remained in critical condition. Rei and the others stayed nearby, tension etched across their faces, unwilling to leave his side for even a moment. The weight of what had happened—and what could have happened—hung heavily in the air, a silent reminder of the danger that still loomed over them all.

Aihana slowly blinked awake in her room, her body covered in bruises and scratches—the aftermath of the battle, though thankfully nothing life-threatening. Her vision was still slightly blurred. Around her, the girls gathered, relief washing over their faces as they saw her open her eyes.

“Are you all… okay?” she asked weakly, her voice trembling.

They nodded, faint smiles reassuring. Mizuki stepped closer. “Rest, Aihana. Don’t worry about anything right now. You need to recover.”

Aihana’s gaze shifted, searching their faces. “How… how is Akihiro?”

A shadow crossed each of their expressions. Aihana felt a sinking feeling in her chest. “Tell me,” she demanded softly, yet firmly.

Sora took a deep breath, her voice heavy. “He’s… in critical condition.”

Aihana’s heart skipped. “I… I want to go to him,” she said, her voice shaking.

Kaori gently tried to calm her. “You need to rest, Aihana. You’re still weak.”

But Aihana’s voice rose, fierce and desperate. “I want to see him!”

Tears welled in her eyes, and she whispered, almost choking on the words, “Please…”

Aihana’s body trembled with every step as Hikari and Kaori supported her from each side, guiding her toward the room where Akihiro lay. Pain shot through her with every movement, but the need to see him outweighed all else.

Mizuki gently pushed open the door. The King and Queen stood near the bed where Akihiro lay, Rei by their side. Rei’s eyes softened as he looked at Aihana, relief washing over him—at least she was getting better. The King and Queen’s gaze shifted to Aihana, gratitude evident in their eyes.

“Without you, Akihiro would have been lost,” the King said quietly. “You’ve given him a chance.”

Aihana nodded, swallowing hard. Her voice trembled as she asked, “May I… be with him for a moment?”

The King and Queen exchanged a glance before nodding. The girls gently guided Aihana to the edge of Akihiro’s bed. One by one, they quietly left the room, leaving her alone with him.

She sat beside him, tears slipping from her eyes. Her hand found his, icy and fragile in hers. The wound was massive, and her heart clenched at the sight.

“Akihiro… we cannot lose you,” she whispered, voice breaking. “We all need you. Your parents… the Academy… I… I don’t care anymore whether you return my feelings. Your life is what matters. Just your presence.”

As she closed her eyes, a warm, radiant energy began to flow from her, unintentional yet powerful. She didn’t realize it was merging with Akihiro’s body, seeping into him, igniting a spark of life where there had been so little.

Outside the room, Rei hesitated, slowly opening the door. Angel Seraphina had arrived to check on Akihiro’s condition. Rei’s mind spun with worry when he saw it—light emanating from the room, bright and pure, surrounding both Aihana and Akihiro.

And then, in a heartbeat, the light vanished as Aihana opened her eyes, leaving the room bathed in silence.

Aihana’s steps were unsteady as the girls guided her back to her room. Pain radiated through her body; every muscle ached, and a dizzy haze clouded her mind.

Seraphina checked on Akihiro, her eyes scanning him with practiced precision. The King, Queen, and Rei stood close by, their worry palpable, silently praying he would recover.

Meanwhile, Aihana sat in her room, trying to gather herself. Her limbs trembled, her chest felt heavy, yet a part of her refused to rest.

She slowly moved to the balcony, summoning her wings. They shimmered into existence despite her exhaustion, a delicate glow against the morning light. Clinging to the last remnants of strength, she launched herself into the air, gliding over the avenue of trees toward the lake. Her eyes blurred with tears as she fought to stay steady.

I am the Guardian of Love, she thought, and yet I cannot protect the one I hold closest to my heart.

Back at the room, Seraphina’s gaze flickered toward Akihiro. She noticed subtle changes in his energy. “I don’t understand how,” she murmured, “but his condition… it’s improving. Almost too fast, as if—”

In that moment, Akihiro suddenly bolted upright. His eyes flew open, chest heaving as he took quick, sharp breaths. “Aihana…” he gasped, voice trembling but alive.

The King and Queen exchanged relieved glances. Akihiro was going to be alright.

Rei’s eyes stayed fixed on him. Akihiro’s gaze shifted toward Rei, sharp and searching. “Was… was Aihana here?” he asked, voice tight. “I heard her… her words… her voice.”

Rei nodded slowly, then said, his voice calm but firm, “It was… a transfer of energy. I didn’t think it was possible, but Aihana—she has that ability. She saved you.”

Akihiro’s eyes widened in alarm. “Aihana…” His voice trembled, fear creeping in.

Seraphina stepped forward, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. “You need to rest, Your Majesty. You can’t—”

“I’m fine,” Akihiro interrupted, tone sharp but controlled. “But Aihana is in danger. We don’t know how much energy she transferred to me.”

With that, he rose, moving quickly to dress and prepare himself. Without another word, he dashed toward the girls’ apartment.

Inside, the girls sat frozen in shock. Akihiro—you’re awake? How? Sora whispered in disbelief.

“Later,” Akihiro said sharply, cutting off their questions. “Where is Aihana?”

“In her room,” Mizuki replied quietly.

Akihiro swung open the door—but the room was empty. Aihana was gone.

Sora gasped. “She… she really likes to disappear from her room,” she whispered.

Akihiro’s eyes were sharp. “Search for her,” he commanded. “Split up and cover the area.”

Then he moved to the balcony. Wings spread wide, he scanned the gardens below before taking flight toward the lake. From a distance, he saw Aihana kneeling on the wooden dock, facing the water.

He landed softly on the dock and began walking slowly toward her.

Aihana heard footsteps and felt his presence. Impossible… she thought. Slowly, still on her knees, she turned. Her eyes met his.

Akihiro saw her then—tear-streaked, broken, utterly exhausted.

“Akihiro…” she whispered, as if unsure he was real.

She tried to rise quickly, desperate to reach him, but her legs betrayed her. Instantly, Akihiro was there, catching her before she could fall.

Her hands found him, sensing his warmth beneath her fingers. Overwhelmed, she wrapped her arms around him tightly, clinging as if to anchor herself in reality.

Akihiro hesitated briefly, then wrapped his arms tightly around her as well.

For a moment, neither spoke. The world shrank to just the two of them—the gentle lapping of water, the soft rustle of trees, and the warmth of each other’s presence. All the chaos, pain, and fear melted into a fragile, quiet stillness, held together by their embrace.

Akihiro gently pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his voice soft but steady.

“You shouldn’t have left your room, Aihana… you were drained of energy.”

Aihana blinked, confused. “I… I couldn’t be there. Seeing you so helpless… but… how are you suddenly okay?”

Akihiro smiled faintly, gaze warm. “You saved me, Aihana. You transferred your energy to me. That’s why… take care to conserve what you have left.”

Aihana tilted her head, uncertain. “How…?”

Akihiro said softly, a hint of wonder in his eyes. “I don’t know… but apparently you have that ability. And also… the ability to grow wings. Rei saw the light surrounding you… and me.”

He paused, letting the words sink in, his hand brushing gently against hers. The lake reflected the faint glow of morning, and for a moment, the world outside—the chaos, the danger—felt miles away.

Akihiro lifted her into his arms, gentle yet firm. “Come,” he said softly, “I’ll take you to your room.”

Aihana could barely muster a protest, her lips too weak, her body too exhausted. She rested her head against his shoulder, feeling the warmth and safety of being held again.

As Akihiro spread his wings, the air around them shimmered slightly. Their descent by the lake was replaced with a silent flight over the gardens, past trees glimmering in sunlight. Aihana’s eyes slowly closed. If this is a dream, I never want it to end, she whispered in her mind.

Meanwhile, Akihiro’s gaze stayed forward, eyes blazing with determination. Everything she did for me… He held her a little tighter, as if that alone could protect this fragile peace. I cannot turn my back on her. Duty be damned. From now on, I will follow my heart…

When they landed on the balcony of her room, a thought struck him—not fear, but resolve. And if I must, I will stand up to the king and queen.

Aihana was in her room, still weak but safe. Akihiro sat beside her, gently urging, “Rest now. I’ll stay until you close your eyes.” She hesitated, then slowly let herself relax, letting exhaustion pull her into shallow rest.

The other girls quietly entered, relieved to see her safely back. Akihiro rose and softly closed the door behind him. In the living room, the girls watched him, concern written across their faces.

“Take care of her,” he said firmly. “She mustn’t expend a single ounce of energy.”

Mizuki spoke up, eyes wide. “How… how are you suddenly okay?”

Akihiro exhaled deeply, gaze steady. “Aihana unknowingly transferred her energy to me. That’s why she has to rest.”

Kaori, unable to keep silent, stepped forward, voice sharp. “After everything Aihana has done for you—selflessly, with love—you keep hurting her heart over and over!”

Akihiro turned to her, calm but sincere. “I know, Kaori. I never intended it…” He paused, letting the weight of his words hang. “…I will make everything right.”

Sora raised an eyebrow, curious. “How?”

Akihiro allowed a small, confident smile. “You’ll see. And to keep you from thinking nonsense, go do something productive.”

He left the apartment, leaving the girls exchanging puzzled glances. Mizuki whispered aloud, almost to herself, “What did he mean by that?”