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Scene 4: Our Late-Night Meal
Amid the sound of the world's wind blowing across the floating island of Skyperion, the cheerful chatter of a group of young travelers filled the air. Though Evan's castle and Keela's castle were quite far apart, the long distance felt much shorter as their conversation flowed with laughter and warmth. Before they knew it, they had arrived at Keela's castle.
"What are you planning to make for us, Keela? You said you'd cook something," Yue asked with sparkling eyes.
"Well, what would you like to eat? Something warm? Something cold? What about the rest of you?" Keela turned and asked the group.
But instead of a clear answer, everyone had different preferences. Mirelle, Osiris, and Elina wanted something warm. Yue and Akira were in the mood for something cold. Meanwhile, Draco was hoping for something more filling.
Keela, amused by the situation, decided to turn it into a playful challenge. She split the group in a mischievous way: the ones who wanted cold drinks — Yue and Akira — were tasked with preparing hot treats for the three who preferred warm drinks. Poor Draco got dragged into their team by default. Meanwhile, the girls who wanted something warm — Mirelle, Osiris, and Elina — were now responsible for making refreshing drinks for Yue and Akira, and something hearty for Draco. Everyone had to secretly decide who they'd prepare their dish for. Keela herself would be the taste-tester, supporting both teams.
What began as a simple game to fill their stomachs turned into a quiet test of how well they truly understood each other. Though lighthearted on the surface, it felt like a subtle game of the heart. Everyone took it surprisingly seriously.
From the cold-and-hearty team:
– Mirelle prepared a fruit-shaved ice dessert topped with dried fruit and syrup for Akira — something like a colorful bingsu.
– Osiris made a sweet iced fruit drink with chewy bits, reminiscent of bubble tea — specially for Yue.
– Elina grilled some seasoned preserved meat, served with dipping sauce, like mini skewers or barbecue bites — for Draco.
From the warm team:
– Yue brewed a herbal tea with snacks for Osiris.
– Draco made a cup of premium hot cocoa from Elfegreen's famous "Cuffenriene" brand — Elina's favorite.
– Akira steamed soft bread, paired it with sweet jam and warm milk — a nostalgic combo much like traditional Thai custard toast — for Mirelle.
Meanwhile, Keela prepared a simple bowl of warm rice porridge for everyone and quietly monitored the atmosphere as she tasted each dish.
There was a small buzz of excitement in the air as everyone presented their creations and waited for the reactions. The pair of Draco and Elina gave off a surprisingly romantic vibe. Mirelle, too, smiled sweetly and shared a glance with Akira. Even Keela beamed at the two of them — not out of jealousy, but as if she were quietly cheering them on… happy to simply be part of the moment.
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"Keela, what kind of person is your father?" Mirelle asked as she sipped her warm milk.
"He even cleared his schedule just to meet us tomorrow."
Keela paused for a moment before answering, her voice calm and honest.
"Well… as a king, he truly does his best for Skyperion. There's always so much to handle, but he never gives up. And as a father… I'd say he's just like any loving dad out there. At least, that's how I feel."
"Even though Keela calls him dad," Yue chimed in innocently, "I feel like he's really old… and he doesn't look very healthy either…"
Keela chuckled softly.
"He is old, no doubt about that. He could be someone's grandpa, honestly. He's definitely a lot older than my mother too"
Draco leaned back, smirking to himself.
"A man with a younger wife, huh… and not just one—three of them, even…" he muttered with a mischievous grin.
Thud.
Elina's elbow found its way into Draco's ribs.
"And what exactly are you smirking at? You planning to collect wives someday?"
Draco scrambled to defend himself, flustered by the glare Elina shot at him—one that looked like it had a dozen more elbows locked and loaded.
We all chuckled softly at the scene.
Then Osiris, ever composed, took a sip of tea and asked,
"So… how does the royal succession process work here?"
Keela gave a half-shrug.
"Honestly, there's no set rule. It all depends on the challenge the king gives. That's why no one can really prepare in advance—we just do our best to be ready for anything. But if I had to guess… I think he's planning to make some kind of announcement at the next banquet."
The evening wound down with Keela sharing stories about Skyperion's history. Though she was a princess, she made it feel like we were just chatting among friends. The conversation flowed easily—until a soft whine cut through.
"Ughhh… these clothes are so itchy! And tight! Don't you guys feel the same?" Yue grumbled, scratching around her collar with a pout.
We all laughed and gave her a gentle head-pat, before slowly making our way off to shower and settle in for the night.
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After showering, getting dressed, and finishing up their small nightly routines, Akira finally let his body sink into the bed. He stared quietly up at the ceiling while the sound of running water from the bathroom signaled that Draco was still inside.
"How long has it been since I came to Arcadia…?"
He hadn't really kept track of time here. The way they marked days was probably different from back home.
"What day is it today, even…?"
So much had happened.
So many things packed into a time that felt short… and yet strangely long.
Akira rolled slowly on the bed, his mind drifting through all the memories since arriving in this world…
…That first moment, waking up in the icy temple of Celes.
Fighting a werewolf and rescuing a helpless little fox pup — who later became Yue, the ever-curious little sister of the group.
The heated battle with Draco at the arena in Draken—how that one fight led to a bond forged in fire and carried into countless battles since.
Meeting Mirelle, the brilliant sorceress who had stood by his side through danger and uncertainty… and whose quiet affection, though never voiced, was something he had always been gently aware of.
Then Elina, stern and serious on the outside, but underneath—once her burdens had been eased—there was laughter and warmth, flowing out like a waterfall.
Osiris too, who spoke little but always saw what others didn't. Thoughtful. Protective. Caring in quiet, unspoken ways.
And finally, Keela—an unexpected companion from the ruins of a crashed airship struck by Zekhtau's colossal laser blade. In just a short time, she had become part of their circle, as if she had always belonged.
Akira's heart drifted further—back home.
A wave of homesickness surged through him.
"Mom… Dad… how are you now?
Are my friends asleep back on Earth, dreaming about things we used to dream about together?
What happened to that world championship we were aiming for?
Did they keep going without me?"
And then—Mei.
Just the thought of her made his eyes tremble.
Tears welled up and slipped silently onto the pillow.
Click.
The bathroom door opened. Draco stepped out, drying his hair.
"Yo… you asleep already, buddy?"
He glanced over to Akira, who had closed his eyes.
Draco smiled softly, voice barely above a whisper.
"Sweet dreams, partner."
Then he turned away and started getting dressed, humming softly.
But Akira remained curled in thought.
"Will I ever get to go back…?
Back to that peaceful, quiet life?
God… I miss it so much."
And the more he thought about it…
The more the fear crept in.
Fear that he wouldn't make it.
That he'd fail.
That he'd disappoint everyone…
That he'd cause others pain…
And so, even in sleep—
That fear stayed with him.
Lingering quietly…
Refusing to let go.
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A deafening rumble echoed in Akira's ears.
He looked around, only to find himself in a strange and otherworldly place.
It was as if he were standing in the middle of space—on a strip of old, segmented film that stretched endlessly into the stars. Each frame along the path played out scenes like miniature video clips… but most of them were…
Terrifying.
They showed him locked in brutal battles, struggling in unfamiliar lands.
He peered into one particular frame—
It depicted a horrific war between the birdfolk of Skyperion. Blood splattered across the clouds, turning the raindrops into crimson tears from the sky.
His face paled.
Then suddenly—
A tremor shook the film reel behind him.
Flames erupted and consumed part of the reel.
The scorched film shattered like glass, scattering in all directions… and drifting toward him.
Panic seized him.
He ran.
The film beneath his feet twisted and transformed—becoming a branching road with countless paths.
He picked one at random, driven by pure instinct.
Some paths led to dead ends, but fortunately, the one he chose kept going.
He sprinted forward.
The film strips multiplied like tangled branches. It felt like he was a squirrel climbing higher and higher into a tree whose limbs forked endlessly, stories diverging at every twist.
Eventually…
He saw Earth.
From where he stood, it looked like he was gazing down from the moon.
His eyes searched for the film path that led toward the planet—and as he looked further ahead, he saw glimpses of the future.
He ran faster.
The destruction behind him no longer mattered.
His goal was clear now:
Earth.
He found many film paths that seemed to lead there.
But as he got closer, something more shocking revealed itself.
The paths didn't end at Earth.
They merely passed through it—
As if Earth was just… a waypoint.
He stopped.
Far ahead, standing at the edge of one film frame near Earth, were familiar figures.
His family. His friends. And Mei…
They were all smiling, waving to him from afar.
Tears welled in his eyes.
He ran, smiling through the ache of longing.
But just before he could reach them, monsters began to emerge from the reels—
Some insect-like, others humanoid, some wielding twin blades, others with spears and shields. A flood of creatures cloaked in black mist spilled out, blocking his path.
And that wasn't all.
At the nearest fork in the road, three distinct paths appeared.
One showed Noren's group, smiling and calling out to him like old friends.
Another showed Calan's team, warm and inviting.
The last was Evan—offering him piles of treasure.
He froze, unsure.
The sound of crumbling destruction behind him snapped him out of it.
He turned—
His friends stood there.
And closest to him… was Keela.
She reached out her hand.
"Let's make our own path."
He didn't fully understand what she meant.
But he reached out without hesitation.
She took his hand and leapt—off the reel entirely.
He gasped, thinking they were falling into an abyss.
But instead of falling, a new path began to form beneath them.
The reel extended, thread by thread, growing like the tender branch of a young tree.
Where would it lead?
He didn't know.
But it grew with strength, hope, and their will to move forward.
Then, laughter.
The joyful voices of his friends echoed all around him, louder and louder—
Until the sound of destruction faded completely.
Only smiles remained.
Akira opened his eyes—
And was greeted by one more smile.
Draco stood over him, clearly holding back a laugh.
Akira blinked, confused, then chuckled.
"What's so funny, Draco?"
Draco shrugged with a smirk.
"Nothing much. I just told you to have sweet dreams before you fell asleep…
and it looks like you really did."
He rubbed his chin.
"Maybe I am blessed with dream-granting powers."
Akira smirked.
"Then go try it on Elina. Maybe she'll finally get some peaceful sleep."
Draco snorted and put Akira in a playful headlock, ruffling his hair with a grin.
"Come on, sleepyhead. Time to get ready. You're meeting Keela's dad today… you know, a king. Like, a real king. You get that? A KING."
Akira brushed his finger away.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. Now go finish getting dressed, you sweaty oaf."
"I already showered, thank you!"
The two laughed and teased each other a bit more before going off to get ready for the day ahead.
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As he prepared for the day, the remnants of his dream still lingered in Akira's heart…
"So I can choose my own path…
And many of those paths might still lead me back to Earth…"
He let out a faint smile, careful not to let Draco notice.
"But Earth… is just a passing point.
That means the journey ahead will be long…
Heh… this story clearly has no intention of wrapping up easily."
Reaching for a shirt, he paused and glanced out the window.
"Every path… has its trials.
Monsters stronger than anything we've faced…
And deep down…
I'm scared.
Not just scared of the battles…
but scared I won't be enough.
Scared I'll lose something important."
He glanced sideways at Draco, who was still humming a tune cheerfully.
"But… I still have my friends here.
People waiting for me back home…
And the path we walk… we can still make it our own, can't we… Keela?"
He stepped into the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face.
Staring into the mirror, into his own eyes, he whispered—
"Alright…
Even if I'm scared…
Even if I'm uncertain…
I'll keep moving forward with everything I've got—
So one day, I can tell our story with pride…
and with no regrets."
From an ordinary boy from Earth…
to an unwilling hero in a world where even he doesn't yet know the final goal—
One thing is certain:
Right now, he carries a heart strong enough to face it all—
together with his companions.
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And you… dear fellow traveler…
Are you ready to face the challenges ahead—
for the sake of something precious to you?
You may feel afraid.
You may feel unsure.
But please… take a quiet look around.
You might just see people standing beside you—
ready to walk with you.
At the very least…
you have me.
You have Akira, and his friends—
traveling beside you in this world,
in this universe,
in this very timeline.
May your journey be safe…
wherever it leads.
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