The city was caught between winter and spring, a soft chill lingering in the air as Miyako walked through the glass doors of Horizon Press. Her sketchbook was tucked tightly under her arm, filled with notes she had rewritten at least ten times. Today's meeting felt important — not just for her career, but for her own sense of direction.
The hallways buzzed with quiet energy. Editors shuffled papers, artists carried portfolios, and the sound of hushed conversations echoed gently off the walls. Miyako inhaled slowly, grounding herself. She still wasn't used to this world — the world she had stepped into only months ago — but she was learning how to stand inside it confidently.
Claire greeted her with a warm smile as she entered the conference room. "Miyako! I'm glad you could make it. You look like you've been thinking about something big."
Miyako laughed softly, sitting down. "I… have. I've been thinking a lot, actually."
Claire poured tea for both of them. "I'm listening."
Miyako placed her sketchbook on the table, tapping the cover once. "I've been considering the fanfic idea you suggested. And I think… I want to make two versions."
Claire stopped mid-pour. "Two?"
"Yes," Miyako said, nodding with more confidence than she expected. "I want to make the original version of The Eternal Queen of Althra and the fanfic version separately. I don't want them to mix. I don't want the fanfic to affect the main story."
Claire leaned back, intrigued. "Tell me more."
Miyako opened her sketchbook. There weren't drawings inside — only carefully written paragraphs, her thoughts organized neatly. "The original story is important to me. It came from my heart, and it's something I want to finish properly before I add anything new. I don't want to risk changing it or confusing readers."
Claire nodded slowly. "That makes perfect sense."
"And the fanfic version…" Miyako continued, "I want it to be something fun. Separate. A different universe where the Priestess summons someone from another world. You suggested bringing in a character like Nobara Kugisaki, and I really like that idea. I want to keep it as a standalone version so readers can enjoy both without mixing the two."
Claire folded her arms, smiling. "So you want to finish the original manga first?"
"Yes," Miyako replied firmly. "I want the original story to be complete. After that… I'll create another version — a fanfic version — where I can bring in a character I love. Like Nobara."
Claire tilted her head thoughtfully. "And why do you want to keep them separate? Just to be sure I understand your intention."
Miyako took a breath. "Because the original world deserves to keep its identity. It's something I built from nothing — all those nights studying, drawing, researching. And the characters in the original story… they deserve to grow the way I planned."
Her voice softened. "The fanfic version will be something else. Something playful. Something I can experiment with, without worrying about damaging the foundation. And I want readers to enjoy it without mistaking it for part of the main canon."
For a moment, the room was quiet.
Then Claire laughed softly — the kind of laugh that sounded proud. "Miyako, you're thinking like a real professional author."
Miyako's cheeks warmed. "Really?"
"Absolutely," Claire said. "A lot of creators get overwhelmed when something becomes popular. They try to merge everything at once and lose the heart of their story. But you already understand how important it is to protect your original vision. That's rare."
She leaned forward slightly. "So yes — I'm completely okay with this. Finish your original version first. Complete it the way you want. Then, when you feel ready, start the fanfic version. You can take your time. There's no rush."
Miyako exhaled in relief. "Thank you, Claire. That means a lot."
Claire smiled warmly. "And Nobara Kugisaki, huh?"
Miyako nodded with a small grin. "Yes. She's the one I want to use."
Claire laughed. "Then I trust you. If she's your favorite, then she'll fit your fanfic version perfectly. And knowing you, you'll make it something unforgettable."
Miyako felt a soft warmth in her chest. She'd been afraid Claire would reject the idea or tell her to choose only one version. But instead, Claire supported her — not just as an editor, but as someone who believed in her vision.
They wrapped up their meeting with light conversation, and as Miyako left the room, she felt lighter, brighter, more certain.
The hallway felt different today — less intimidating, more alive. She wasn't just wandering anymore. She had direction. A plan. A path she had chosen for herself.
As she stepped outside, the wind brushed warmly against her face. She tightened her grip on her sketchbook.
"First," she whispered to herself, "I'll finish the original."
Her smile widened.
"And then… I'll make something special with Nobara."
The future — once blurry and uncertain — now shimmered with possibility.
Miyako walked forward with confidence.
For the first time since arriving in New York, she felt like she was no longer adapting to the world.
She was shaping it.