Meanwhile, inside the royal control tower…
Arella's hands trembled slightly over the glowing interface.
She stared at the monitor, waiting—hoping—for the tiny blinking signal that would show her daughter's check-in.
Nothing.
She reentered the command sequence.
Again the system searched.
No response.
Marina's mother approached gently. "Still nothing?"
Arella shook her head. Her face remained composed—a royal woman's mask—but her ears twitched slightly, betraying her fear.
"She was supposed to contact me the moment she landed," Arella whispered. "Even if the terrain was unstable, even if the mission was demanding… Marina would have reached out."
She pressed her fingers to her lips, closing her eyes.
"Something's wrong."
The technician nearby swallowed nervously.
"Lady Arella… youth pods are sturdy. She surely landed safely. Communication issues can happen during atmospheric entry. Perhaps—"
Arella cut him off, her voice sharp with protective instinct.
"My daughter is strong. Strong-hearted. Brave. But she is still a child."
Her gaze turned toward the stars—toward the tiny, distant point where Earth lay.
"I should never have let her go alone."
Her voice cracked, ever so slightly.
"She must be worried… or scared… and unable to reach me."
The control room fell silent.
Arella clenched her fists.
"Prepare a long-range search pulse. I want her pod's signal found. No matter how faint."
The technician bowed. "At once."
As he hurried off, Queen Arella whispered to herself—barely a breath:
"Marina… please be safe…"
She touched the necklace Marina had given her years ago—a small charm shaped like a star.
"I'm coming for you… whatever it takes." Julie's house sat at the edge of the forest where the snow thinned into soft moss and gentle streams. The moment Marina stepped through the wooden gate, her eyes widened. It wasn't big like a Starlight Scout palace.
It wasn't towering like a Homeworld citadel.
But it was beautiful.
A smooth stone path guided them through a Japanese garden lined with sakura trees that rustled softly in the breeze. A koi pond glimmered beside the walkway, the water so clear that Marina could see her reflection. A small bamboo fountain tapped rhythmically as it filled and emptied.
Beyond the garden was a pool of pristine water surrounded by white stones and lanterns.
"What is this place…?" Marina whispered, voice full of awe.
Julie smiled softly, sliding open the shoji door.
"My home. Please—come in."
Marina stepped inside and nearly froze.
The interior was warm and luxurious—wooden floors polished to a shine, walls adorned with elegant calligraphy scrolls, soft-glowing lanterns illuminating a serene atmosphere. Plush cushions surrounded a low wooden table, and delicate decorations filled each shelf without crowding the space.
Marina hopped upwards in amazement.
"Miss Julie… you live here?! This is… it's… really fancy!"
She spun around in a full circle. "Are you loaded or something?!"
Julie let out a small laugh.
"I suppose you could say that. I come from a wealthy family—the Kazari Clan. Our lineage stretches back centuries. I wasn't exaggerating about being forest protectors."
Marina blinked.
"So you're… a noble too?" Julie shrugged modestly.
"Something like that."
Marina felt a strange comfort wash over her. Maybe… being around another noble wasn't so different from being with her mother.
She continued exploring, peeking curiously into each room until she slid open another door— And gasped.
A wide wooden hall stretched out before her, the air scented with clean wood and incense. Bamboo swords, staffs, gloves, and traditional training gear hung neatly on racks. The walls were lined with scrolls depicting martial stances.
The floor was polished and smooth—perfect for training barefoot.
Marina's eyes sparkled like stars. "This… this is a training room!" she exclaimed.
Julie stepped beside her, hands folded gently behind her back.
"It's a dojo. I train here every morning."
Marina turned to her with an astonished expression.
"You're a fighter?!" Julie nodded calmly.
"Yes. The Kazama Clan trains in martial arts and spiritual combat. We protect the forest, the balance of nature, and sometimes… we help with things beyond human understanding."
She placed a hand over her heart.
"I've trained since I was little. Combat, meditation, nature senses, spiritual awareness. It's a part of who I am."
Marina's ears shook with excitement.
"So you can fight?! For real?!" Julie smiled a little wider.
"Yes. For real."
Marina stepped forward, fists balled with excitement.
"Can you teach me your style?! Please?! I wanna learn Earth martial arts! Starlight Guardian training is tough, but this—this looks really cool!"
Julie blinked at her enthusiasm, then laughed softly.
"Well… if you're staying here for a while, training would help keep your body and spirit strong."
Marina stomped her feet excitedly. "Yes! Yes! I wanna train!"
Julie placed a steady hand on her head, gently calming her bouncing energy.
"We'll take it slowly. You're still recovering from your trip."
Marina nodded vigorously.
But then her expression softened as she looked around the dojo—quiet, warm, peaceful.
"This place… feels safe." Julie's smile warmed even further.
"That's the goal. This home is yours now, too, Marina. Until your pod is repaired, you're welcome here—my garden, my table… and my dojo."
Marina's eyes shined with a mix of gratitude and lingering sadness—but also hope.
"Thank you… Julie." Julie knelt to meet her eye level.
"You don't have to face this world alone. Not anymore." Soft sunlight streamed through the paper-paneled windows as Julie knelt in the center of the dojo, her posture straight and calm. The room was quiet—except for Marina's excited bouncing.
"Are you ready to begin?" Julie asked with a patient smile. Marina planted her feet and clenched her fists.
"Yes! I wanna learn Earth martial arts! And spirit sensing! And—"
Julie gently tapped her forehead.
"One step at a time."
Marina froze, then nodded sheepishly.
Julie moved to the center of the dojo, motioning for Marina to follow.
"Today, we'll start with something simple… but important. I want to understand your energy."
Marina blinked. "My ki?"
Julie nodded.
"Yes. And you'll try to understand *my* energy—my spirit flow."
Marina tilted her head.
"Spirit flow?"
Julie raised her hand, and a soft green light—gentle, natural, alive—gathered in her palm like a wisp of wind and petals.
"This is spiritual energy. It's connected to nature… to emotion… to the life force that binds the world."
She closed her hand, and the light floated around her like dust caught in the sun.
Marina smiled in amazement.
"It's like magic…"
"Similar," Julie said softly. "Where ki comes from inside, spirit flow comes from around."
Marina nodded, then raised her own hand. A bright yellow aura flared to life—sharp, wild, untamed.
Julie's eyes widened. "So young… yet so much raw ki."
Marina grinned proudly. "My mom says I'll be strong like her someday!"
Julie lowered her stance.
"Alright. Let's begin. Marina—try to sense this."
She pressed her palm gently against Marina's forehead.
Marina blinked.
A strange warmth washed over her… like touching a warm stream, gentle but powerful. The energy didn't feel like magic ki—it felt calmer, like sunlight filtered through leaves.
"I can… kinda feel it…" Marina whispered. "It's warm. Soft. Not like ki. Ki is—"
She punched the air.
A jolt of golden energy cracked outward.
"—loud!"
Julie laughed softly.
"That's one way to put it." Julie sat cross-legged, motioning for Marina to do the same.
"Sensing spirit requires calm. Let your thoughts settle."
Marina tried. Sat still. Closed her eyes.
Opened one eye. "Am I doing it?"
Julie stifled a laugh. "Not quite. Try breathing in… slowly."
Marina inhaled.
And exhaled.
Slowly. Again. And again.
Her breathing slowed. Her ki dimmed into soft embers.
Julie placed a gentle hand on Marina's back.
"Good. Now reach outward. Feel the room. Feel the garden. The wind. The presence of life."
Something shifted in Marina's senses.
The koi pond outside. The trees.
Julie herself—like a warm glowing lantern.
Marina gasped softly.
"I can… feel it. Everything feels… lighter."
Julie's eyes softened.
"You're talented, Marina. Very talented."
Marina's cheeks flushed with pride. They ended the session with light stretching—Julie showing Marina poses to relax her muscles and calm her ki.
The moment they stepped out of the dojo, a small voice called out:
"Miss Julie! Marina!" Marina turned— and saw Maria running toward them, bundled in winter clothes, full of joy.
Ifalia followed close behind with a basket of fruit and herbs.
Marina blinked. "Maria?" Maria stopped right in front of her and grinned ear-to- pointed ear. "I wanted to play with you today!" Marina puffed up in surprise. "M-me? Really?"
"If you want to," Maria said, tilting her head.
Marina nodded hard.
"Yes! I wanna play!"
Maria giggled and grabbed Marina's hand.
"Come on! I wanna show you the warm spring behind the inn! And the big flowers that bloom even in snow!"
Marina followed eagerly—tiny feet crunching on the frosty ground.
Ifalia smiled as she watched the girls.
"She's happier already," she said warmly to Julie.
Julie nodded.
"She needed a friend her age."
From the spring's edge, Maria held up a handful of snowflakes and blew them toward Marina.
The flakes sparkled like little stars in the air.
Marina laughed—bright and pure.
Maria laughed with her. Two little girls—one from the stars, one from the planet's heart.
Bonding as naturally as sunlight and rain.
And in that moment… Earth didn't feel so foreign to Marina anymore. The morning sun painted the Glacier Inn valley in soft gold as Julie tied her white headband, Ifalia wrapped a warm shawl around her shoulders, and Lucilia pulled on her light coat with a rare, peaceful smile.
"Ready for our girls' day out?" Julie asked, giving the group a soft clap of excitement.
Maria jumped up and down. "Yes!! Yes!! Yes!! Let's go!" Marina, bundled in a warm fluffy coat Maria loaned her, blinked in surprise.
"We're… going out? Like… all of us? Together?"
Ifalia knelt down, cupping Marina's cheek gently.
"Of course. It'll be good for you to see the world you're staying in."
Lucilia smiled kindly.
"There's beauty on this planet you deserve to see, Marina."
Marina felt a flutter in her chest—something she wasn't used to.
Warmth. Belonging.
Julie opened the wooden gate to her garden.
"First stop," she announced, "a walk through the forest. The animals here know us—and they'll want to meet you too."
Marina gasped.
"Animals?! Real Earth animals?!" Maria giggled, taking Marina's hand.
"There are SO many! Squirrels! Foxes! Birds! And spirit wisps! And—and—"
Julie laughed.
"Let's save some surprises, shall we?" The group followed a mossy path into the tranquil woods. Tall pines and maple trees stretched toward the sky, sunlight flickering through their branches like twinkling jewels.
The forest air felt soft and alive. Marina sniffed the air like an excited cub.
"It smells… different from Homeworld. It feels… warm. Happy."
Ifalia nodded.
"The Lifestream flows strongly here. The land is alive in its own way."
As they walked deeper, the first animals appeared.
A small rabbit hopped up to Maria, sniffing her hand. Maria kneeled and gently pet its head.
Marina leaned forward, eyes wide.
"So tiny… Are you sure it's not some mini-monster?"
Julie laughed.
"Just a normal Earth rabbit."
Marina lightly poked its fur.
Soft. Warm. Real.
She gasped. "It's so poofy!" The rabbit twitched its nose and hopped into Marina's lap.
She froze.
"M-Maria… Maria it's ON ME—!" Maria clapped her hands, delighted.
"He likes you!"
Marina's ears wagged happily. Farther along the path, a fox approached Julie with familiarity, circling her legs. She knelt and scratched its ears. "This one's part of the forest's guardian pack," she explained. "They help us keep balance."
Marina crouched down, extending a hand.
To her surprise— The fox sniffed her hand once… then nuzzled against her palm.
Marina nearly burst with joy. "Look! Look!! It likes me!"
Lucilia folded her hands gently.
"Animals sense pure hearts. Even warriors can have soft spirits."
Marina puffed proudly.
Behind them, tiny spirit wisps floated through the trees—glowing blue-green orbs drifting like gentle lanterns. Ifalia watched Marina carefully.
"Do you feel their energy?"
Marina closed her eyes.
And gasped.
"It's like… whispers. Like warmth. Like… everything's alive."
Ifalia nodded with a gentle, motherly expression.
"You're very attuned, Marina. Your ki connects easily with the planet's flow."
Julie placed a hand on Marina's shoulder.
"That's an important skill—not just for fighting, but for understanding the world."
Marina's ears shook proudly. As they walked, Julie pointed out various plants. "These are medicinal leaves. We use them for teas and healing." Lucilia added,
"Those flowers glow at night. They absorb moonlight."
Maria tugged Marina toward a blooming grove. "Look look!! Earth flowers in winter!" Marina crouched down, touching a glowing blossom gently.
"They're… beautiful…" Julie smiled softly behind her.
"So is your wonder, Marina." Marina's cheeks warmed. After a long, peaceful walk filled with animals, flowers, and laughter, the forest path opened into a view of the valley below. Glacier Inn's town square lay ahead—small shops, lantern-lit walkways, snowy roofs glistening like diamonds.
Maria pointed eagerly.
"That's the town! There's candy! And snow paintings! And warm bread! And—"
Marina jumped with excitement. "Let's go!!!" Julie laughed.
"Easy, Marina. One step at a time."
Lucilia smiled warmly, watching the two energetic girls run ahead.
Ifalia clasped her hands. "This is good for her. For both of them."
Julie nodded.
"Then let's give them a day they'll never forget."
And with that— The girls began their journey into town.
The trail through the snowy forest gradually opened into a sunlit clearing—an expansive meadow filled with wildflowers, tall grass, and soft rolling hills. The sky was a brilliant canvas of light blues, fluffy clouds drifting lazily overhead. Golden light poured across the sea of flowers, making the petals shimmer like tiny stars.
Marina's jaw dropped. "Woooooah…! This place is huge!"
Maria spun around with her arms out, laughing. "It's so pretty, isn't it?! I love it here!"
Julie smiled as the crisp air flowed gently around them.
"This meadow is one of Glacier Inn's hidden treasures," she said. "Very few people come here. It's peaceful… alive."
Ifalia stepped forward, her eyes glowing softly with warmth.
"The planet speaks loudest in places like these," she said. "Listen closely, and you'll feel its heartbeat."
Marina closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.
She felt it.
The grass rustling. The gentle hum of distant rivers. The warmth of sunlight brushing her skin.
Life flowing in quiet harmony.
"It feels… like Homeworld," she whispered. "But softer. Kinder." Ifalia knelt near a patch of moss and plucked a leaf from a nearby tree—its green surface shifting gently in the sunlight.
"Marina, look closely. This leaf holds a secret of Earth."
Marina stepped close. Ifalia placed her hands around the leaf, letting a soft green glow radiate from her palms. The leaf shimmered— then turned from green, to yellow, to bright red.
in a gentle cascade of colors.
Marina gasped.
"You changed its color with spirit energy…!"
Ifalia shook her head with a gentle laugh.
"No, child. I simply encouraged it. The leaf was already ready to change—seasonal energy shifts help leaves transition."
She held it out for Marina to examine.
"Earth has many small wonders. Even a leaf can carry beauty."
Marina stared in awe, pointed ears shaking.
"This planet… is amazing…" Marina and Maria wandered farther into the meadow, crouching beside clusters of flowers.
Maria pointed excitedly. "These purple ones bloom in spring! And those red ones stay bright even in the snow! Oh—and these white ones? They smell so good!"
She leaned forward to inhale a blossom.
Marina did the same—and stumbled backward from the strong fragrance.
"Woah! That's… flowery!"
Maria giggled. "You get used to it."
She paused, gently touching a yellow flower with soft petals.
"I always loved flowers… ever since Mama took me to a big garden when I was little. There were flowers everywhere… like the earth was painting just for us…"
Marina watched Maria's smile, feeling warmth bloom in her chest.
"I like flowers too," she said softly. "But I never saw ones like these."
Maria perked up. "Then I'll show you all of them!"
Marina felt a warmth in her heart—something peaceful and full of belonging.
For the first time since landing on Earth… She didn't feel lost. She felt welcomed. And the journey had only just begun.
Their first stop was a bustling city filled with bright signs and towering buildings. Street musicians played lively tunes, dancers spun in colorful motions, and crowds flowed like rivers of light.
Marina's pointed ears twitched in every direction. "It's so loud! So bright! So… amazing!!"
Maria grabbed her hands.
"Dance with me!"
Before Marina could protest, the two children danced in the street with laughter so pure people stopped to watch. Julie chuckled as she recorded the moment on her camera.
Even Lucilia smiled—soft, distant, but genuinely happy. From there, they sampled dishes from different countries all gathered in one vibrant marketplace:
⭐ Takoyaki sizzling on iron plates
⭐ Hot ramen steaming in the cold air
⭐ Sweet crepes filled with fruit and cream
⭐ Spicy curry that made Marina's tail puff like a blowfish
⭐ Warm churros covered in cinnamon
Marina tasted everything. Everything.
"Marina, slow down, sweetheart," Julie warned. Marina wiped her mouth with her arm.
"I can't! Earth food is amazing!"
Ifalia and Lucilia exchanged a look of maternal concern.
Maria just laughed. "At least she eats very elegant." Next came a wide, sparkling beach. Waves crashed rhythmically, children built sandcastles, and seagulls soared overhead.
Marina charged toward the water— and fell face-first into a wave.
She emerged sputtering, hair sticking up in every direction.
Julie couldn't stop laughing. Lucilia offered her a towel.
Marina took it, puffing. "I meant to do that." Maria handed her a seashell. "Here. This one sounds like the ocean."
Marina held it to her pointed ear—and her eyes widened.
"I can hear it…!" They warp-traveled north to Frostbite Summit, a snow-covered land where puffy, round Frosty-Pups waved at them warmly. Snowflakes sparkled like silver glitter. Ice sculptures decorated the village.
They drank hot berry cocoa as children slid across ice tracks. Marina's breath froze in tiny clouds.
"This place is so cold… but so cozy…"
Maria tugged on her sleeve.
"Come on! Let's race!" Marina won. By a lot.
She apologized to the Frosty-Pup kids. They cheered anyway. Their next destination was a lush tropical jungle. Vines wrapped around ancient ruins carved with mysterious symbols. Waterfalls roared in the distance. Bright parrots flew overhead.
Ifalia traced old stone glyphs with gentle fingers.
"This place is older than many civilizations…" she whispered. "Filled with history and memory."
Marina climbed the ruins with Starlight Scout agility, shouting:
"LOOK!! I CAN SEE EVERYTHING!!"
Julie called up, half amused, half nervous. "Please don't jump off anything too tall!"
Too late. Marina jumped.
And landed perfectly.
Lucilia sighed. "She's definitely not human."
As evening approached, lanterns lit the paths of a carnival nestled near a lake.
Bright lights spun in the sky. Music drifted through the air.
Carousel creatures shimmered with soft magical glow. Maria pulled Marina into every ride.
Julie won them prizes.
Ifalia bought them cotton candy. Lucilia watched over them like a quiet guardian.
The day had been long.
Beautiful.
Overwhelming.
But it wasn't over yet. The night sky stretched endlessly above them, stars twinkling like diamonds scattered across a velvet canvas. Maria had gathered several handfuls of flowers from the meadow—soft whites, gentle yellows, pale pinks that glowed faintly under the moonlight.
While the others gazed at the sky or softly chatted, Maria sat with intense focus, her tongue poking slightly from the corner of her mouth as she worked with tiny, careful fingers.
Marina noticed. "What are you doing?"
Maria perked up, lifting something woven and delicate. "A flower crown! For you!"
Marina's eyes widened, ears and tail springing upright with surprise.
"For… me?"
Maria nodded enthusiastically.
"You're special. And you're my friend. And all princesses and special people should have flower crowns!"
Marina blinked rapidly.
"A-am I special?" Maria giggled. "Uh-huh! Super special!"
Julie and Ifalia smiled warmly from where they rested nearby.
Lucilia's expression softened as she leaned back into the grass, watching the two girls with gentle nostalgia.
Maria scooted closer and placed the crown very carefully on Marina's head.
It fit perfectly.
Marina lifted her hands to touch it softly—the tiny petals, the woven stems, the cool touch of the flowers under the starlight.
"It's… beautiful…" she whispered.
"Just like you," Maria said with a bright little smile.
Marina flushed, cheeks tinged pink. "Thank you, Maria…"
The two kids lay side by side, holding hands, staring at the galaxy overhead.
But as minutes passed…
Marina's smile wavered slightly. Her eyes grew distant.
Maria noticed first. "Marina? Are you okay?"
Marina's lip trembled.
"…I wonder if my mom is okay…"
Julie shifted immediately, her attention turning fully to the girl.
Marina continued in a soft, trembling voice:
"She was supposed to hear from me… but the pod broke… and now she's probably worried. She always tells me to stay safe. She… she'd love Earth. I wanna show her everything. The flowers. The sky. The beach. All of it…"
Her hands clenched in the grass, growing small and tense. "I miss her…"
Her ears lowered—the little sign of a Starlight Scout child seeking comfort.
Julie moved without hesitation.
She wrapped her arms around Marina from behind, warm and protective, drawing the little girl against her chest. Marina stiffened for a moment—then melted into the embrace, hands trembling against Julie's kimono.
Julie rested her cheek against the top of Marina's head.
"It's okay, sweetheart," she whispered. "Your mother is strong. She's safe. And she's thinking of you every moment. She loves you more than anything."
Marina sniffed, voice cracking.
"I know… but I wanna show her how great this world is… I wanna tell her about you… and Maria… and everything…"
Julie tightened her embrace just a little—warm, steady, grounding.
"And you will," she promised softly. "One day, she'll see the Earth through your eyes. Until then… you're not alone here. I'm here for you. Always."
Marina's breath hitched—quiet, trembling.
She didn't break into sobs… She didn't cry hard… Instead, she leaned deeper into Julie's arms with quiet acceptance. Letting the warmth melt her worry.
Letting the love fill the space where fear had been.
Maria scooted close and hugged Marina from the other side.
"Yeah! We're all here for you!" Ifalia's eyes glistened with maternal warmth.
Lucilia watched with quiet, tender sorrow—as though she saw her own past reflected in Marina's fear.
And under the starlight, surrounded by gentle hearts… Marina realized something new. Julie wasn't just strong. Julie wasn't just kind. Julie wasn't just someone helping her.
Julie felt like… another mother.
Someone who looked out for her. Held her when she was scared. Made her feel safe in a world far from home.
Marina curled up in Julie's arms, eyes finally relaxing. "…Thank you… Mom—"
She froze, eyes widening at what accidentally slipped out.
Julie smiled softly and stroked her hair. "You can call me Julie. Or… if someday it feels right… you can call me whatever you want."
Marina's heart warmed.
The stars shimmered above them.
The night breeze carried laughter from the distant carnival.
And nestled between Julie and Maria…
Marina drifted into the calmest moment she'd had since arriving on Earth.
Deep bonds had formed that night.
Bonds like roots. Bonds like starlight. Bonds like family. Julie's house was quiet as the moon climbed high.
Lanterns glowed softly in the hallways, casting warm patterns across the wooden floor. The air held the scent of incense and fresh tatami mats. Marina stood at the sliding door of the guest room—her room now—holding the flower crown Maria made her.
It was small. It was simple.
But to her… it felt like a treasure from another world.
Julie knelt beside her, gently smoothing Marina's wavy elegant Starlight Scout hair.
"Are you comfortable?" she asked softly. "I… I'm okay. I like your home." She looked down. "It feels safe."
Julie's heart warmed.
"That's exactly what I want for you."
She tucked Marina under the soft futon blanket, adjusting it carefully around her shoulders. Marina watched her closely… studying each gentle movement like she wanted to memorize them.
Julie brushed a thumb across Marina's cheek.
"Goodnight, sweetheart." She leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Marina's forehead.
Marina froze.
No one except Queen Arella had ever done that.
Her eyes softened.
"…Julie?"
"Yes?" Marina swallowed, voice tiny. "C-can you stay until I fall asleep…?"
Julie smiled the kindest smile Marina had ever seen. "Of course." The moment Julie dimmed the lantern, Marina drifted into sleep. She opened her eyes into a soft, glowing dreamscape—a warm field on Homeworld, the sky painted in violet hues. Flowers danced in the wind. Birds soared overhead.
And standing in the distance… "Arella…?"
Her mother turned, smiling with gentle strength.
"Marine."
Marina rushed forward, hugging her mother's waist tightly.
"I miss you… I want to tell you everything… Earth is beautiful! The people are nice! Maria is cute! Julie is… she's…"
Arella brushed her daughter's cheek. "She's taking care of you, isn't she?"
Marina nodded hard.
"But… but I want to show you everything myself! I want you to come here… see the oceans… the forests… the sky…"
Arella knelt, holding Marina's hands. "You will, my star. One day. When the path is ready." The wind swirled, petals spinning through the dream.
"But until then," Arella whispered, "stay strong. And trust the people who care for you."
Marina hugged her mother tighter. "I will… I promise…"
Arella stroked her hair gently.
"My brave girl."
The dream faded like starlight drifting away. Marina's eyes opened slowly. Soft sunlight touched her face. A warm blanket wrapped around her.
The flower crown rested beside her pillow. For a moment… she thought she was still dreaming.
Then Julie slid the door open quietly, holding a tray of breakfast—warm rice, fruit, and tea.
"Good morning, Marina," she whispered. "Did you sleep well?"
Marina rubbed her eyes, tail swaying shyly. "…I dreamed of my mother, Arella. But—" She looked up at Julie with a small smile, still sleepy. "I still feel okay. Because I have you too."
Julie paused, emotion flickering across her calm expression.
She set the tray down and pulled Marina into a gentle hug. "You're never alone, sweetheart."
Marina hugged back tightly, burying her face in Julie's shoulder.
After a moment, she pulled away, cheeks lightly flushed.
"Julie… um… can we—"
She fidgeted, rubbing her fingers together.
"Can we train again today? I… I liked it. A lot."
Julie softly tapped her forehead.
"Of course. Whenever you're ready."
Marina grinned—a real, bright grin that sparkled like sunlight.
Because she had hope. Because she had family here. Because soon… she would become strong enough to return home.
But until then… She had Julie. She had Maria. She had Earth.
And she wasn't afraid.