**Paras City – Construction Site, Late Afternoon**
Dust hung in the air like golden mist, catching the slanting sun. Cranes groaned overhead. Workers shouted orders, hauling concrete and steel. The city was stitching itself back together—slowly, stubbornly, under Blu's relentless orders.
Astra burst up from a pile of sand—head shaking, black hair full of grit. He coughed once, spitting out dust, silver eyes blinking in confusion.
Yuki—standing nearby—softened instantly. The exhaustion from last night still lingered in her posture, but her face lit up with that big-sister warmth only he could pull from her.
She knelt, scooping him into her arms without a word. Astra fit perfectly against her chest—small, warm, safe.
"Okay…" she murmured, voice gentle. "No more annoying things. Let's go home."
Astra tilted his head slightly, silver eyes wide.
"I go to your house?"
Yuki smiled—soft, tired, real.
"Yes. From now on, you stay with me."
She stood—carrying him easily. Evening light painted her dark hair gold. Astra nestled closer, cheek against her shoulder.
Yuki started walking—slow, steady—through the half-rebuilt streets.
"Well…" she said, almost to herself, "today we caused a lot of chaos. First you came from a different planet out of nowhere. Second, we fought Uren. Third… Blu and you."
Astra smiled sleepily.
"Yeah… that's also."
Yuki laughed—quiet, fond.
She pulled out her phone—dialed Sai.
It rang twice.
"Hey, Sensei… good night."
A muffled reply—Sai's tired voice.
Yuki smiled.
"Yeah… we're okay. See you tomorrow."
She pocketed the phone.
Astra was already asleep—small arms hugging her neck, drooling slightly on her shoulder.
Yuki's expression softened further.
*He's so small… so trusting…*
Night fell.
Paras City lit up—brighter than Tokyo, neon veins pulsing through streets, subways humming below. Towering holograms advertised concerts, ramen shops, new apartments. Life refused to stop.
Yuki walked through the glow—carrying Astra like he was the only thing that mattered.
She descended into the subway—stairs echoing under her steps.
At the counter, she bought two tickets—one adult, one child.
A group of teen scholars nearby stared—whispering.
"She's so pretty…"
"Is she an idol?"
Yuki ignored them—stepping onto the crowded metro.
It was packed—people pressed shoulder to shoulder. She stood near the door, Astra cradled against her chest.
The train jerked forward.
Yuki swayed—balance slipping, about to fall with Astra still asleep in her arms.
Then—
From the shadow beneath her feet—a black claw emerged.
Long, clawed fingers—shadowy, gentle—wrapped around her waist.
Steadying her.
She didn't fall.
Yuki sighed—soft, relieved.
"nya…"
She leaned back into the support—eyes closing again, drifting back to sleep.
The claw vanished—unseen by anyone.
Passengers glanced curiously—how did the girl steady herself so perfectly?—but said nothing.
The metro reached her stop.
Doors hissed open.
The claw released slowly.
Yuki woke—blinking—stepping out onto the platform.
She walked the quiet streets—neon fading behind her.
Her house appeared—middle-class, neat, pink accents on the door and windows. Cute. Lived-in.
She unlocked the door—quietly.
Inside—warm lights, soft rugs, the smell of home.
She carried Astra to the bedroom—laid him gently on the bed.
He curled immediately—snoring softly.
Yuki changed quickly—shedding battle-worn clothes for soft pajamas.
She ate a quick bread slice—unwrapped her blindfold.
Golden eyes—barely open—struggled to focus.
Honokage unleashed.
The room darkened slightly.
Above the house—high in the night sky—an invisible figure hovered.
Gigantic. Dragon-like. Black scales. Massive claws. Long tail. Crimson eyes glowing faintly. Shadow-fire aura swirled around him like a disaster tornado—silent, unseen.
Then—snap.
He transformed.
Black hair—shoulder-length, slightly wild. Glowing crimson eyes. Sharp black horns. Leviathan tail swaying behind him. Muscles defined under a black kimono with red belt. Black nails gleamed.
Honokage twitched his eyes—adjusting to the light.
"Why do you call me?" His voice was deep, smooth—almost gentle.
Yuki—mouth full of bread—mumbled.
"umm… ummm… ummm. Nom."
(Translation: Hono-kun… please take care of my house and Astra. I'll be back quick. I have a concert today.)
Honokage's eyes widened slightly—surprised, then fond.
"So you're going to a concert now?" He tilted his head. "You never told your sensei you like to sing too… he could have helped with your idol career."
Yuki swallowed—smiling, jumping lightly.
"Yeah… but I don't want Sensei interfering in my hobby. I want to build this myself. Bye—take care."
She dashed out—door clicking shut behind her.
Honokage sighed—smiling softly.
"A mad girl."
He turned to the sleeping Astra—watching quietly.
"I don't lie… this child has a lot of potential."
---
**Paras City – Concert Arena, Evening**
The arena pulsed—lights strobing, bass thumping, crowd roaring.
Yuki arrived in a rush—makeup light, outfit sparkling. She ran straight to the stage.
A young announcer's voice boomed.
"And now—our cutest and loveliest idol—Yuki!!"
The crowd erupted—cheers, whistles, signs waving her name.
Yuki stepped out—blushing, nervous, but smiling.
Other idols backstage watched—some cheering, some smiling, one handing her a cold drink.
"Good luck for next week's concert."
Yuki nodded—grateful.
"Thank you."
The music hit.
She gripped the mic—voice trembling at first, then strong.
"Through the mountains and the hills…
The bird sings endlessly that you can feel.
Your heart is visible to me that I can feel…"
The song built—her voice soaring, crowd swaying, lights dancing.
"Even when the night is cold and dark…
I see your light inside my heart.
No matter where the road may lead…
You're the only home I need…"
She poured everything into it—every fear, every hope, every moment of loss and love.
The final note lingered—perfect, aching.
Silence.
Then—thunderous applause.
The crowd roared—clapping echoing off the walls.
Yuki bowed—tears in her eyes, smiling wide.
"Thank you… everyone."
---
**Yuki's House – Late Night**
She returned—quiet, tired, happy.
Bathroom light. Clothes changed—soft pajamas.
She entered her room.
Honokage sat on the couch—watching TV, bored eyes. Astra slept beside him—head on his lap, drooling slightly.
Honokage looked up—tail swaying gently.
"You're back."
Yuki smiled—soft, real.
"Thank you for today."
Honokage shrugged—small smile.
"Don't worry. I'll always help you."
Yuki tied her blindfold back on.
Honokage faded—teleporting inside her once more.
Yuki clenched her fist—muttering to herself.
"I wish I could see Hono every day… not inside me. But I can't keep my eyes open forever. It hurts… and he never wants that. But I want him."
Her voice cracked—almost a whisper.
"At least… I should have taken a hug before letting him go inside me."
A black claw emerged from shadow—gentle, warm—rested on her shoulder for one heartbeat.
Then vanished.
Yuki exhaled—shaky.
Astra stirred—rubbing his eyes, rolling over.
"Where am I…?"
Yuki's face lit up—mode refreshed.
"You're at my house, baka."
Astra looked around—eyes widening.
"Woahhh, Sistaaa! That's cute!"
Yuki laughed.
"Yes it is."
She sat beside him—opened her tablet.
"By the way… want to watch movies?"
Astra tilted his head—innocent.
"Movies? Can I eat that?"
Yuki pouted.
"Absolutely not."
She ruffled his hair.
"Movies are like adventures… comedy… romance… everything. But we watch them."
Astra started jumping—excited.
"Wowww!!! Then I must watch! I must watchhh!"
Yuki sweated.
"Okay—just wait a minute. Don't break my bed. I'm coming."
She hurried to the kitchen—grabbed potato chips, soda, chicken nuggets, popcorn. Microwaved the nuggets warm.
Returned with a full tray.
"So… who wants snacks?"
Astra's eyes sparkled.
"Yes I wanttt!! Please!!!"
Yuki set the tray down.
"Then behave."
Astra stood straight—like a soldier.
"Yes! I will!"
Yuki turned off the main light.
Only the tablet screen glowed.
They settled—under a warm bedsheet, snacks between them, adventure movie playing.
Astra grabbed popcorn—munching happily.
Yuki watched him—smiling softly.
The movie flickered.
Outside—the city lights twinkled.
Inside—the room was warm.
Safe.
Home.