Lunar woke slowly.
At first, there was only coldness from the air—then an unfamiliar heaviness along her shoulder, a dull ache in her neck from having slept sitting up. Her head rested against the edge of the mattress, cheek pressed to the sheets.
She blinked. The world came back into focus inch by inch.
And then she saw her.
Saiya lay on the bed, silver eyes open—clear, bright, unmistakably awake. She was watching Lunar with quiet amusement, lips curved into a small, genuine smile, as if she'd been watching her for a while.
The sight snapped Lunar fully awake. Her breath caught. "Saichan—!"
She pushed herself upright so fast her chair scraped softly against the floor, heart hammering. Instinct screamed at her to pull Saiya close, to make sure she was real—
Yet she stopped herself halfway. Memory caught up just in time. The monitors. The doctor's warnings. Saiya's fragile state from only hours ago.
Lunar froze, hands hovering uselessly in the air and Saiya noticed immediately.
Her brows drew together, and her mouth pulled into a small pout. "Hey," she muttered, voice rough with sleep. "That's not fair."
Before Lunar could react, Saiya shifted—slow, careful, but determined—and wrapped her arms around her friend's shoulder. The movement wasn't strong or sudden, but it was rooted, like she'd decided and wouldn't be talked out of it.
Lunar stiffened, panic flaring for a split second. "Saichan—wait, you shouldn't—"
"I'm fine," Saiya murmured, already settled against her, cheek pressing lightly to Lunar's shoulder. "Doctor Allen said I can move a little."
Lunar hesitated at first, every instinct screaming caution. But after a couple seconds she exhaled and returned the embrace, arms encircling Saiya as gently as if she were holding something made of glass.
The acceptance has saiya let out a quiet, satisfied hum and relaxed into her best friend.
"Well," she said lightly, a hint of mischief creeping back into her voice, "haven't we been here before?"
Lunar blinked.
Saiya tilted her head just enough to look up at her. "Different roles this time," she added, smiling. "But still. Same arms."
The memory hit Lunar all at once—her own collapse, waking to Saiya holding her the same way.
Her chest tightened. "…Don't do that again," Lunar said quietly, forehead resting against Saiya's hair.
Saiya stayed quiet for a moment, arms still around Lunar, as if weighing something in her mind. Then she spoke, voice soft but certain.
"If I had the chance," she said, "I'd do it all over again."
Lunar stiffened slightly. "Saichan—"
"It was worth it," Saiya continued without hesitation. She pulled back just enough to look at Lunar properly. "And you can't convince me otherwise."
Lunar met her gaze, emotions tangling in her chest—gratitude, frustration, fear, relief. She looked away first, jaw tightening. "…You're impossible," she muttered.
But the tension drained from her shoulders as she exhaled. She looked back, expression softer. "Thank you," Lunar said quietly. "For helping me. Even when you didn't have to."
Saiya's face lit up instantly, grin sharp and unmistakably triumphant. "See? Totally worth it."
She leaned back against the pillows, still energized despite everything. "Next time," she added, eyes gleaming, "I want to see you run properly. With neither of us passing out this time. I mean it."
Lunar snorted softly. "We'll see."
Saiya tilted her head, curiosity creeping in. "Oh—before I passed out," she said. "There was this… red haze. Was that just me hallucinating, or—" She squinted slightly. "What was that?"
Lunar shrugged, far too casual for what she'd just said. "Apparently?" she replied. "That was my [Zone]."
There was a single, fragile beat of silence.
Then—
"WHAT?!?!!?!!"
Saiya's eyes flew wide, voice pitching up several volumes higher than it had any right to be. The heart monitor reacted instantly, its steady rhythm breaking into rapid beeps as a warning alarm began to rise.
"Oh—no, no, don't—" Lunar started, hands lifting in a reflexive attempt to undo reality.
Too late.
The door slid open sharply, and Black Caviar was suddenly there.
She filled the doorway, breath a little short, eyes already locked onto the scene. Faint arcs of blue lightning crackled along her tall frame, snapping softly in the air, lifting strands of her hair as if she were charged with static.
"What happened?" she demanded, gaze flicking from Saiya to the monitor to Lunar in less than a second.
Saiya went perfectly still.
Then, very slowly, she turned back toward Lunar, silver eyes darting once to the sparks still dancing around Black Caviar before returning to golden ones.
"…Uh," she said cautiously, tilting her head and jerking her chin toward the doorway. "That kind of [Zone]?"
Lunar nodded once.
"…Yeah."
—-
After that, everything blurred together.
From Saiya's point of view, the rest of her hospital stay could be summarized in one word:
Boring.
Painfully, spectacularly boring.
The days crawled by at an agonizing pace. The ceiling never changed. The machines never stopped beeping. And everyone—everyone—treated her like she might fall apart if she breathed too hard.
Doctors came and went at all hours, flipping through charts, shining lights in her eyes, asking the same questions in slightly different orders.
"Any dizziness?"
"No."
"Chest pain?"
"No."
"Shortness of breath?"
"…Only when you keep asking."
They never laughed, Saiya thought it was pretty funny. Nurses followed instead—adjusting blankets that didn't need adjusting, reminding her to drink water, reminding her again not to sit up too fast. One of them gently scolded her for swinging her legs over the side of the bed because she was bored.
And somehow.. after all that.. Black Caviar was still worse..
She didn't fuss. She didn't nag. She just watched—quiet, unmoving, blue eyes sharp enough that Saiya found herself behaving without even realizing it. Every time Saiya so much as shifted wrong, that gaze lifted, and Saiya would immediately lie back down like she'd been caught mid-crime.
Sister Invi visited often, usually leaning against the wall with her arms folded, pretending she wasn't worried while absolutely being worried (so lame). She'd ask how Saiya felt, nod at the answers, then stay anyway. Mama two came too, bringing updates from the mansion whether Saiya asked for them or not.
Namawa burst in whenever she was allowed, full of needed energy and unnecessary questions. Did it hurt more than that time we climbed that tree and fell? When is she getting out? Were the doctors actually serial killers?
Persian followed more quietly, standing at the foot of the bed and staring like Saiya was a puzzle she hadn't quite solved yet, eyes flicking between the monitors and Saiya's face as if memorizing data.
Anonym would sit nearby in silence, as she usually did. She didn't ask questions. She didn't hover. She just stayed—close enough to be felt, steady enough to make the room feel less sterile.
Speaking of less sterile, Aunt More would show up like a force of nature.
Yesterday she breezed in with a grin, declared the hospital food a crime, and promptly tried to smuggle in something "way better" (carrot donuts) before getting stopped by a nurse. She laughed it off, ruffled Saiya's hair, and promised to make it up to her once she was out.
"There's no way I'm letting you rot in here," More said, hands on her hips. "We'll fix you up properly."
And then—once, unexpectedly—
Big sister Oscietra came.
It was brief. She stood near the door, hands in her pockets, eyes flicking over Saiya with an intensity that made Saiya sit a little straighter. "…You look better than yesterday," Oscietra said, after a pause.
Saiya blinked. "Um, thanks..!"
Oscietra nodded once, like that was all she needed, then turned to leave. She didn't even say goodbye…
And Lunar—
Lunar visited when she could. Sometimes she talked. Sometimes she didn't. Sometimes she just sat beside the bed, close enough that Saiya could feel her warmth without either of them acknowledging it. Those were the moments Saiya liked best.
Still, rules were rules. No running. No sudden movements. No pushing herself. Every attempt earned her a look—usually from Black Caviar—that shut the idea down instantly.
So Saiya waited. When the day finally came and Saiya was cleared to leave, it felt unreal.
The papers were signed, the warnings repeated one last time—don't overexert, report dizziness, rest means rest—and then she was on her feet, moving slowly and carefully out of the ward. Aunt Autumn stayed close at her side, steady without hovering, while Anonym followed just behind them.
Autumn Sun—Anonym's mother—was exactly as Saiya had come to know her. Calm, reliable, and always quietly present. Her warm brown hair was pulled back neatly, always out of the way, and her black eyes missed very little. Compared to the other adults in Saiya's life, she had a softer, more petite build, but nothing about her felt delicate. She moved with the confidence of someone who knew precisely how much support to offer and when to step back and let someone stand on their own.
The hospital doors slid open, and fresh air rushed in. Saiya breathed it in deeply, like she'd been underwater for too long and had finally broken the surface.
The ride back to the mansion passed quietly. Autumn Sun drove with the same composed focus she brought to everything else, hands steady on the wheel, occasionally glancing at Saiya through the rearview mirror to check on her. Anonym sat beside Saiya, arms crossed, posture relaxed.
As she gazed outside, her thoughts wandered—idly, the way they often did—to the family she was going back to. Family was… complicated, but at least she understood it.
Exceed and Excel was more of an idea than a presence. Saiya had barely seen her in person. Though she knew she was Oscietra's mother—that much was obvious. Oscietra, the oldest. Kind in a sharp, restrained way. Someone Saiya respected instinctively, even if she never quite knew where she stood with her. She also knew one other thing very clearly. Oscietra hates mom.
Sebring was harder to forget. Saiya always found her a little scary, even when she wasn't doing anything at all. Sebring also seemed to hate Mom, which made conversations around her feel like stepping through a minefield. She is Prince of Caviar's mother—second oldest sibling. Prince is… intense. Weirdly obsessed with Mom, openly hostile toward the rest of them. Saiya did her best to stay out of Prince's way.
Then there was More Than Ready, or Aunt More. Easily Saiya's favorite to be around. Loud, funny, and completely unapologetic about it. Ready for Caviar, her daughter and the third oldest, wasn't around much. Saiya had heard she'd married her trainer and was living happily overseas. Somehow, that sounded exactly right for Aunt More's side of the family.
I Am Invincible came next. Or Mom Two as she would call her. I Am Invincible had always been warm, always present, and Namawa was the living proof of that warmth in motion. Saiya had never once questioned whether she belonged around them. With them, it was easy.
Written Tycoon was, in Saiya's opinion, the smartest person in the room no matter what room she was in. Calm, analytical, endlessly reliable. Persian took after her completely. If Saiya ever felt like the world might fall apart, she half-believed Written Tycoon could hold it together with sheer competence alone.
And then there was—
"We're here," Autumn Sun said gently.
Saiya blinked, the thought breaking apart as the car slowed to a stop. The gates of the mansion came into view, familiar structures welcoming in a way the hospital never could. Autumn Sun parked, stepped out first, and opened Saiya's door before she could even think about protesting.
Cool air brushed her face as she carefully stepped out, stretching a little as her feet met solid ground. Home. Really home, this time.
Autumn Sun waited until Saiya was steady before asking, casual and light, "Alright. Now that you're officially discharged—what do you want to do first?"
Saiya didn't even hesitate.
"Find Lunar!"
Anonym's head turned slowly.
"…Of course you do."
Saiya glanced at her. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Anonym turned her head toward Saiya, slow and deliberate, giving her a long side-eye that could have cut glass.
"You know," she said casually—too casually—"while you were busy sleeping and being sick, Lunar and I spent a lot of time together."
Saiya stopped walking.
Anonym continued, unbothered. "We ran together, talked." A beat. Then, with deliberate emphasis, "We even slept together."
Saiya turned to face her fully. Silver met deep blue. For a moment, neither of them blinked. The air felt tighter, sharper—like the start of a race before the signal dropped.
"…Well," Saiya said at last, voice even, unimpressed in a way that was very practiced, "now that I'm back, it seems like you can give my place back."
Anonym's brow twitched. "Your place?"
"Yes," Saiya replied, already turning toward the entrance, but not before casting one last sharp gaze over her shoulder. "Mine."
Anonym stared after her, jaw tightening, eyes lingering a fraction longer than necessary before she scoffed quietly and followed.
Behind them, Autumn Sun watched the exchange unfold, hands tucked into her coat pockets, a soft, knowing smile tugging at her lips.
The sharp words. The locked gazes.—it was familiar. Too familiar.
—
"You're always standing next to her."
Autumn Sun's voice was low but sharp as she leaned back against a classroom desk, arms crossed tight. Her eyes were fixed on Black Caviar with open irritation.
Black Caviar didn't even bother to look up from her notes. "I'm her friend," she replied flatly. "Where else would I stand?"
"I'm serious," Autumn Sun shot back. "You don't need to trail her like a shadow. She can walk on her own."
That finally earned a glance. Black Caviar looked over, unimpressed, expression cool and cutting. "And you don't need to insert yourself every time she breathes."
Autumn Sun bristled. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
Guiar groaned softly, already regretting sitting in the middle. "It's too early for this."
"It's always you," Autumn Sun continued, frustration spilling over. "Always beside her. Always somehow paired with her. Do you even realize how that looks?"
Black Caviar closed her notebook with a quiet snap. "I do not care how or what people think it looks like."
Autumn Sun pushed off the desk, leaning forward. "You act like you own the space next to her."
"And you act like you're entitled to it." Black caviar immediately blurts out.
Guiar straightened immediately. "Alright, that's enough." She glanced between them, equal parts exasperated and amused. "If you're going to fight over basically anything, at least wait until after class. I'd like one day without being the divider."
Autumn Sun clicked her tongue and looked away. Black Caviar returned her attention to her notes as if nothing had happened.
Guiar sighed, shaking her head with a smile. "Honestly… you two are exhausting."
—
Autumn Sun's smile deepened just slightly as she was pulled back to the present. Some things really never changed.
Ahead of her, Saiya and Anonym were still arguing—quietly now, but no less determined—as they headed inside, both clearly intent on finding Lunar first.
Autumn Sun followed at an easy pace, watching them with fond amusement.
Guiar, she thought briefly, you'd probably laugh at this too.
They made it only a few steps into the living room before Saiya saw a figure. "I was wondering when you'd arrive."
I Am Invincible stood near the sofa, one hip resting lightly against the armrest, The older woman ruby eyes already assessing her condition the moment she walked in. But when Saiya met her gaze, that composure eased, just a little.
"Welcome home," Vinnie said.
Saiya smiled without thinking. "I'm home, Mama Two!"
Before anything else could follow, a voice burst out from the kitchen.
"Well, look who finally escaped the hospital!"
Aunt More appeared as if summoned by sheer enthusiasm, grin wide and unrestrained. A maid trailed behind her, carefully steering a rolling water dispenser stacked with iced tea and clinking glasses.
More Than Ready crossed the room in three long strides and scooped both Saiya and Anonym up at once, pulling them into a tight, unapologetic hug.
"There you are!" she laughed. "I was starting to think they'd keep you forever."
Saiya laughed too, arms wrapping easily around More's neck. Anonym, caught on the other side, stiffened.
"…Aunt More," she muttered, "you're squeezing."
"Oh hush," More replied cheerfully. "You're fine."
"More," Vinnie said, calm but firm. "Be gentle."
"I am being gentle, Vinnie!" More shot back, loosening her grip only a fraction. She glanced at Anonym. "See? No complaints. Well, almost no complaints."
Autumn Sun stepped in, amused. "G'day, More."
"G'day, Sunny!" More grinned. "Getting prettier every time I see you."
Autumn Sun shook her head lightly at the compliment. "Where's everyone else?"
"At the track," More said easily. "Behind the house. Running."
Saiya's head snapped up.
"Running?" Her eyes lit instantly. "Is Lunar running too?"
"That little grey cutie?" More said. "Yep."
Saiya practically buzzed. "Can we watch?"
Vinnie hesitated, concern surfacing at once. "Saiya," she said carefully, "the doctor said you shouldn't get too excited. Your heart—"
"Oh, come on," More interrupted, waving it away. "What kind of excitement hurts a kid? These little cuties live for this."
Before Vinnie could argue, More shifted her grip and lifted both girls higher, settling them easily onto her shoulders—one on each side.
"Hey—!" Anonym protested.
Saiya just laughed, gripping on instinctively.
"Alright," More said, already heading for the back doors, steps steady and confident. "Let's go watch some running."
Vinnie quickened her pace almost immediately. "More—slow down," she called, even as she moved after them, concern threading clearly through her voice.
More didn't break stride. "I am walking," she replied cheerfully—which, strictly speaking, was true. Just with very long and fast strides.
Behind them, Autumn Sun continued at her usual unhurried pace, completely unbothered. The maid rolled the iced tea dispenser alongside her with practiced ease and offered a glass. Autumn accepted it with a nod, taking a small sip as she walked. The contrast was almost comical.
From Saiya's place atop More's shoulders, the world felt different.
The doors opened and cool air swept over her face. Wind brushed her cheeks and tugged lightly at her hair, carrying the scent of grass, earth, and something more. More's steps were steady beneath her—solid, confident, each movement sure and firm. It felt refreshing. Like her lungs were finally filling properly after days of stillness and recycled air.
Outside, the track spread wide and open ahead of them. A loose group of figures stood near the edge, talking in clusters, attention turned inward—
"Hey!" More called out, lifting one hand high. "Look who's back!!"
The sound cut cleanly through the chatter by the track.
Conversations stalled. A few heads turned at once, then more, until the small cluster near the rail fully registered who More had dragged along with her.
For half a second, nothing happened.
Then—
"SAIYA!"
Namawa was the first to break, shouting her name as she took off at a sprint, arms pumping with more enthusiasm than coordination. She nearly tripped over her own feet and laughed while correcting herself.
Persian moved right after her. She didn't shout—just accelerated smoothly, steps quick and controlled.
And then there was a third as a flash of gray cut through the space between them.
She'd been standing farther back. Saiya was sure of it. And yet, within seconds, Lunar slipped past the others, stride light and effortless, hair catching the light as she ran. There was no tension in her shoulders, no hesitation in her movement—just clean, natural speed.
"Since when is she that fast?" Persian muttered under her breath, slowing as Lunar shot past.
Namawa gaped. "HEY—no fair!"
Lunar didn't look back. Her smile went forward.
"She's really happy," Autumn Sun observed quietly from behind, sipping her tea.
Vinnie didn't answer, but her gaze softened.
Saiya leaned forward a little, fingers tightening in More's sleeve as Lunar closed the remaining distance.