INT. NOVA INFIRMARY – MORNING
A soft glow filled the room as Lyra's eyelids fluttered open. She winced slightly but then exhaled, realizing she could finally breathe without pain.
Her gaze swept across the quiet infirmary until she noticed her shard glowing faintly, steady for the first time in days.
LYRA(weak but smiling)I… I'm still here.
Moments later, the door burst open. Daiki, carrying tools smeared with grease from his late-night tinkering, froze at the sight. His eyes widened in disbelief.
DAIKI…Lyra?
She nodded gently.
LYRAYeah, it's me.
Before she could say another word, Daiki sprinted across the room and wrapped his arms around her, trembling as he buried his face in her shoulder.
DAIKI(voice breaking)I thought I lost you. For a whole week, you were— I thought—
LYRA(stroking his back)Shh… I'm here, little brother. I'm not going anywhere.
INT. NOVA BASE – COMMON ROOM
Later, the team gathered around Lyra, who sat propped up on a couch. Daiki refused to leave her side, clutching her hand like a lifeline.
KAELThere's something you should know. While you were unconscious, Daiki tried to go after the Dark Sentinel on his own.
Lyra's eyes widened. She turned sharply to Daiki.
LYRAYou what?
Daiki looked away, shame flickering across his face.
DAIKII just… couldn't sit here while you were like that. I thought maybe if I faced her, I could bring you back.
RYANA(soft but firm)We stopped him. If we hadn't, he'd probably be the one in that bed right now.
JETT(half-joking, half-serious)Yeah, had to put him to sleep with one punch. Don't worry, I pulled it just enough.
Daiki shot him a glare, cheeks burning, while the others chuckled lightly, easing the tension.
LYRA(gently but firmly)Daiki… you're my little brother. Don't you dare throw yourself into danger like that again. If you had gotten hurt because of me, I'd never forgive myself.
Daiki finally looked at her, his eyes brimming with tears again.
DAIKII just… don't want to lose you too, Lyra.
She squeezed his hand.
LYRAAnd you won't. Because we're going to fight together, side by side — but smart. Promise me you'll wait for me next time.
After a long pause, Daiki nodded.
DAIKIPromise.
The others smiled, relief washing over them. For the first time in days, the Nova Rangers felt whole again.