The restaurant was alive with the clatter of dishes and the soft hum of conversations. Clive sat across from Delom and Oragi, taking tiny, hesitant bites, each movement careful and deliberate. Oragi's eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she savored her meal.
"After all… it's good food… tasty…" she said, a bright smile lighting up her face.
Delom chewed thoughtfully and glanced at Clive. "Yep… Hey, why are you eating so slowly?"
Clive's cheeks flushed slightly as he shook his head. "No, no… I'm eating at my own pace."
Delom's gratitude softened his tone. "Thanks to Oragi… if she hadn't helped me, I'm sure I would've lost."
Oragi waved it off with a gentle smile. "It's not something special…"
Far across the galaxy, a different tension gripped another scene. The Astro Opera spaceship had crashed violently, leaving its crew scattered and weakened. Among the wreckage, only Untras, Seuph, and Terrance remained conscious, struggling to keep their strength. Nyx stood a short distance away, his calm demeanor contrasting the chaos, an unnerving cheerfulness in his posture.
"Madam… we should do something… or he'll kill us all," Untras shouted, anger and desperation blending in his voice.
Terrance's tone echoed across the battlefield. "Madam… what do we do now?"
Seuph's voice trembled slightly. "O-open our Skyels… I'll open mine too."
Untras nodded grimly. "Yes, madam… this is our last try…"
Green auras enveloped Seuph as she activated her Skyel. Tiny, rotating stars hovered around her head and shoulders, a quiet energy radiating from her form. Terrance's own Skyel took shape, his right hand darkening as a horn sprouted on his forehead, while Untras' body shimmered with the formation of small cubes, his hands cracking into sky blue and navy patterns.
Nyx's eyes gleamed with curiosity and challenge. "Oh… Skyel… let's see… maybe I should open mine too…"
But before he could react, Terrance struck, his fist connecting with Nyx, sending him sprawling across the ground. Nyx's anger flared. "It's not fair… I wasn't ready!"
Seuph's commanding voice cut through the chaos. "Terrance, hold back!"
Terrance darted aside, unleashing a barrage of spinners while Seuph coordinated the rest. Explosions rocked the battlefield, tossing Nyx into the distance. Nyx's attempts to retaliate were thwarted as stones near him transformed into small cubes at Untras' command.
"Let's send you to prison… want to fight more?" Untras taunted, destroying Nyx's headpiece with precision.
Nyx exploited a momentary distraction, summoning six crimson fists with devastating force. Untras was hurled across the terrain, struggling to breathe, but Seuph's determination brought him back. Kneeling beside him, she placed her lips near his, transferring a life-giving breath enveloped in soft green aura. Slowly, Untras inhaled deeply, the power restoring his strength.
A renewed confidence radiated from him. "Thanks, madam. Now I'll show him what a Skyph warrior is."
He placed his hand on a massive rock, commanding it to disassemble and reassemble into a formidable blade. Sprinting forward, he severed Nyx's right arm, only for it to regenerate instantly. Undeterred, he transformed his blade into a sniper, firing methodically while Terrance moved to assist Seuph.
Time passed in a blur of power, strategy, and devastation. Eventually, Untras subdued Nyx, securing him in a handcuff that nullified his Skyel powers.
"Now… you can't use your powers. Understand? Never try again," Terrance warned, voice steady.
Back in the restaurant, the atmosphere had softened. Oragi and Delom had finished their meals long ago, leaving Clive still nibbling at his plate, hesitant and shy.
"Hey… you're making us late… let me feed you," Oragi said playfully, reaching over to place food into his mouth.
Clive flinched slightly, embarrassed, but accepted the bite. Delom watched the scene unfold, a small smile tugging at his lips. Their bond is getting stronger… they look so cute together, he thought.
"Ah… Oragi… I am eati…" Clive stammered, cheeks burning red.
"Don't talk, just eat," Oragi said softly, her hands guiding the food.
Finally, they finished, and Delom and Oragi paid the bill. Walking together, Oragi's laughter and light-hearted chatter filled the air. Clive followed, feeling both shy and strangely at ease.
A sleek, private car pulled up, waiting for Oragi. She waved and stepped in, leaving Clive wide-eyed. "W-what! She has a private car?…"
Delom chuckled, pointing to his own car. "Hey… I have one too…"
As they continued walking, Clive hesitated. "Can you come to our garage… please?"
Delom smiled. "As you wish…"
A nervous pause hung between them. "Can I say something… something unusual?" Delom asked.
Clive's heart beat faster. "Yes… we're friends… say it."
"Do you think she likes you?" Delom asked.
Clive froze, cheeks burning crimson. "Who?"
"Oragi," Delom clarified, grinning knowingly.
"Why would I think… and why would she like this poor boy…" Clive muttered, barely able to form words.
Delom chuckled softly. "I think she does."
Clive's disbelief remained, but a faint awareness crept in. She's fiery with everyone… but soft with me…
They reached the garage, where Mr. Yaroya was waiting, a warm smile on his face. "There you are… get fresh and sit beside me," he said.
Sitting down, Delom reflected quietly, I always wanted to know who Clive's parents are… today is a good day…
"So… how was the day? Are you two qualified?" Yaroya asked.
Clive smiled, pride and relief mixing in his expression. "Yes, boss… we are."
Yaroya nodded approvingly. "Good news, I think."
"Yes… it's very good news," Clive confirmed.
Delom took a deep breath. "H-hey… Mr. Yaroya… can I ask something?"
"Yes… ask," Yaroya replied.
"Can you tell me who Clive's parents are?"
Yaroya exhaled slowly, a quiet sadness flickering across his face. "Yes… he is not my son… but I care for him as my own."