~~~May 1, 2169~~~
[9:40pm]
On a cold spring night in Kaba Island, beneath a sky veiled in silver mist, a tiny child with hair like the pink cherry blossoms slumbered soundly. Wrapped in the tender warmth of Kara's embrace, she drifted through dreams untouched by the storm of chaos raging beyond. In the hush of night, she placed her fragile trust in delicate hands—the frail girl with hair like the deep, endless sea.
Though their paths had only just entwined, mere moments etched into the fabric of time, the warmth Kara bestowed was vast—a quiet sanctuary in the storm, a shelter carved from fleeting kindness. In her arms, the little one found solace, a safety deeper than words, as if she had always belonged there, cradled by the soft rhythm of Kara's heartbeat.
The cold spring wind whispered through the night, threading its way through trees and grasses, carrying a voice both gentle and unrelenting.
It wove around Kirashi, chilling his skin but sharpening his senses. The shadows pressed close, a lurking threat just beyond the veil of darkness.
Yet Kirashi stood unwavering—a silent blade poised to strike, a lone sentinel against the unknown dangers stirring in the night.
"I gotta buy them time. I have to protect these three before the others arrive. These seeles—they create quite the presence."
His voice, low and steady, broke the silence like a fragile lifeline.
"Oi, Kara-chan. You got Jayu-chan, right?"
Kara nods with a spark of determination.
"Yes! I'll take care of her the best I can!"
"Okay. Thanks."
Kirashi's eyes never left the swaying bushes, watching shadows shift beyond the road—silent, waiting, like predators lurking in the dark.
Suddenly—
"WAHHH!!!"
It was Aldrin, his scream tore through the night air, shattering the fragile calm. Both Kirashi and Kara flinched, their hearts pounding as Aldrin awoke abruptly, panic evident in his voice.
"WAHH!!!"
Kirashi and Kara shouted in unison.
Kirashi jumped, startled, then spun toward Aldrin, scowl etched deep across his face. His voice carried a mix of anger and humor—a sharp scolding laced with absurdity.
"Aldrin, what the hell!!"
Aldrin chuckled, scratching the back of his head.
"Ah! Oh, sorry. I think I got knocked out!"
"Obviously you did! Idiot!"
Kirashi scolded.
"My bad, my bad..."
The silence shattered completely, replaced by Aldrin's uneasy breath and scattered footsteps as he tried to steady himself.
"Where are we...?"
Kirashi's voice softened, steady and calm despite the tension thickening around them.
"We're still on the island... just in another part of it."
Aldrin stared at Kirashi, wide-eyed, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him.
For a moment, the only sound was the restless wind, whispering secrets through the trees—reminding them all that the night was far from over.
[Ryujin, Itoshi and Ayro]
The demon's defeat lingered in the heavy night air, its lingering presence refusing to fade so easily. Tiny pools of rainwater on the cracked pavement shuddered softly, rippling like the last echoes of a violent storm.
The creature lay sprawled on its back, a fist-sized hole carved ruthlessly through its body—silent, still. Before it stood Ashura, unmoving, a solitary figure beneath the moon's cold, unforgiving gaze.
"I-I lost?..."
Ashura's lips curled into a smirk, shadows playing over his face as he delivered his final words, calm yet cutting.
"That was quite the warm-up you gave me."
Those words echoed through the demon's fading mind, a whispered sting tangled in the quiet.
Somewhere high above, the night sky stirred—a faint shift in the wind, the telltale presence of Ryujin beginning his return. Their arrival rippled through the stillness like a rising tide.
"Tell me."
The badly beaten, now gaunt demon lifted its weary gaze, breath shallow and ragged, voice brittle but defiant. It spoke at last, a whisper against the crushing weight of defeat.
"Tell you what?.."
Ryujin's voice was calm, probing, carrying a hint of cold expectation.
"You had a reason to stay here... right?"
The demon's cracked lips curled into a soft, almost charming smile—the kind that unsettled more than comforted. His eyes gleamed faintly with something more than pain.
"Ai-Jayu-Joo."
~~~Jayu's POV~~~
[4 weeks ago]
It was a bright morning on April 6th, 2169. Sunlight spilled gently through the windows, warm and golden, as young Ai-Jayu laughed, lost in a world of dolls.
Her tiny hands moved delicately, weaving stories among her cherished toys, while the quiet outskirts of Tokyo stood watch over her innocent joy.
"Jayu!!"
A soft voice—gentle as a spring breeze—drifted through the room. A young woman's call, filled with warmth and tenderness, wrapped the moment in affection.
Jayu's face lit up, eyes sparkling with delight as she ran toward her mother. Her smile stretched from ear to ear as her mother lifted her high into the air.
"Mama!"
It was her mom.
"Jayu! We're going to have a vacation with your papa!"
Jayu tilted her head, curiosity flickering bright in her eyes.
"Papa?... I'm finally gonna meet papa?"
Her mom jumped in excitement.
"Yes!! Isn't that exciting?"
Jayu's smile blossomed—radiant and pure—as her mother's voice wrapped around her like a melody. It was a promise of happiness, a new beginning glowing as warmly as the morning sun.
"Yes! Wow!"
Her mom pulled two tickets from her pocket, revealing their flight details for the following days.
"Your papa sent us our flight tickets for three days from now! You have to get ready!"
"Wooow!! Okay!!"
Jayu's hands trembled slightly with excitement as she eagerly began packing her belongings—each small item a piece of the dream she'd long awaited.
[3 days later..]
Her heart raced, light and free like the morning breeze, for today was the day—the day she had waited for all her life.
"Mama!! I'm done!!"
From the other room, her mom's voice replied.
"Okay! Good! We're leaving in a few moments, alright?"
"Okay!!"
Jayu sat on the couch, hands resting on her lap, feet swinging gently as quiet anticipation shimmered in her eyes.
Though excitement bubbled within her, she remained patient, waiting as her mother carefully packed the last of their things.
"Jayu! Are you ready?"
Jayu sprang up from the couch, her joy bursting like a firework. Laughter filled the room as her mother set down the luggage. The moment she had dreamed of was finally within reach.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!!!"
"Did you call a taxi?"
Her mom asked, stepping out of the room, luggage and trolley bags in hand.
Jayu froze. She forgot.
"Ah—"
Her mom smirked playfully.
"Ha! Okay, okay, let's call one now, shall we? But first, can you help me with these bags? Hehe."
"Surely, Mama!"
Eagerly, Jayu grabbed a suitcase, her small hands gripping tightly, heart pounding with anticipation. Beside her, her mother smiled warmly, pushing open the front door as the cool morning air embraced them.
With a quick call, the taxi was summoned—their journey about to begin.
They loaded their luggage into the taxi's trunk, which closed with a soft thud. The driver glanced back through the rearview mirror, voice calm but curious.
"Where to?"
"Haneda Airport, please,"
Her mom replied.
"Got it!"
The driver chuckled, noticing the radiant excitement swirling around the pink-haired girl. Her eyes sparkled like morning sunshine, her energy almost contagious.
"She seems really excited!"
Jayu's mom opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say a word, Jayu's voice burst forth—bright, eager, unstoppable.
"Yes! I'm finally gonna meet my papa!"
"Alright then! Let's get going!"
With a playful spark in his eyes, the driver joined her countdown.
"Three... two... let's go!"
Their voices rang out in unison as the vehicle hummed to life and the taxi rolled forward, carrying them toward their new adventure. Smiles shared, they left behind the comforts of home.
As they traveled, Jayu gazed out the window, eyes wide as the sprawling city unfolded before her. Towering buildings and bustling streets painted a vibrant picture, curiosity blooming inside her as she wondered about the lives of the countless strangers passing by.
Neon lights flickered and danced against the cityscape, railroads weaving beneath them, guiding their journey toward Haneda Airport.
"Pretty...!"
Her mom gasped, pointing out the window.
"Dear, look at that building!"
Jayu turned to where her mother pointed.
"Woah!! It's so tall!!!"
Her mom smiled softly.
"That's the Tokyo Skydancer. Someday, your dad will be on the highest floor of that building!"
"Wow!"
"We're almost there! Haneda Airport!"
The taxi driver reminded.
Jayu and her mom echoed in unison—
"Ohoh!"
They stepped out of the taxi, pulling their luggage from the trunk as the driver kindly lent a hand. With a bright smile, Jayu waved goodbye, her small hand fluttering as the taxi disappeared into the busy streets behind them.
"We're here, baby! Haneda Airport!"
Jayu's eyes sparkled.
"Wow!"
"Just wait for us... Papa. We're coming for you."
~~~To be Continued~~~