Volume 1: Prologue
"Amid recovery and contemplation, a silent dream weaves its thread. In our shared dreams, echoes of untold stories unfold."
Chapter 3: GrandDragon Confession
The city's glow cast a soft radiance as Kurumi ambled through the corridors of her home, Cyberoid quietly floating by her side. The sleek, automated surroundings welcomed her, but the echo of the dream lingered, a silent companion in her thoughts.
Kurumi eased into her room, the holographic messages from her parents flickering to life. With a soft sigh, she responded to their inquiries,
"I'm okay, just a bit tired."
The holographic embrace of her mother's voice, though comforting, couldn't dispel the cryptic unease that clung to her.
Cyberoid, his metallic eyes reflecting a mix of concern and artificial warmth, approached Kurumi.
"Ms. Kurumi, your well-being is my priority. How may I assist you further?"
Kurumi managed a small smile, appreciating the synthetic empathy in Cyberoid's voice.
"I'm fine, Cyberoid. Just need some time to process everything."
She paused, glancing out of the window at the neon-lit skyline. "You can keep me company, though."
The artificial companion floated beside her, a metallic presence in the dimly lit room. Kurumi, nestled in the cushions, let out a sigh as her thoughts meandered through the enigmatic dreamscape. Cyberoid, sensing her contemplative mood, softly inquired,
"Ms. Kurumi, would you like me to fetch your favorite virtual book or play a calming melody?"
Kurumi chuckled, "Not today, Cyberoid. I just need some silence."
She leaned back, her gaze drifting to the holographic projections of family moments – a curated tapestry of smiles and togetherness. The dream's residue whispered, and Kurumi decided to keep its secrets locked within her.
As the holographic images played, Kurumi's expression shifted from a forced smile to a more contemplative one. The gap left by her parents' absence, despite the digital reassurances, widened into a void she couldn't articulate.
"I miss them,"
Kurumi murmured, her voice barely audible. Cyberoid, ever watchful, responded,
"Your emotions are valid, Ms. Kurumi. If you need to talk, I'm here."
The room embraced a heavy silence, only interrupted by the soft hum of Technoteria outside. Kurumi, with a subtle nod, acknowledged Cyberoid's presence. "Thank you, Cyberoid. Sometimes, it's just a lot to process."
The artificial companion, without words, projected a holographic scene of serene landscapes. Kurumi's gaze softened as she watched the virtual tranquility unfold. For a brief moment, the line between reality and the digital world blurred, offering a temporary reprieve from the complexities of her thoughts.
As the night deepened, Kurumi found herself nestled beneath her cozy blanket. Cyberoid, with a final assurance, hovered nearby. The dream's enigma lingered, but Kurumi, with a resolute exhale, decided to let the night unfold its own mysteries.
The room, bathed in the soft glow of artificial stars, held Kurumi in its quiet embrace. As sleep beckoned, Cyberoid continued his watchful vigil, a metallic guardian in the realm where dreams and reality intertwined.
In the quiet cocoon of night, Kurumi, nestled in her bed, tried to surrender to sleep. Yet, the haunting whispers of her dream echoed in her mind. A never-ending white hall, an enigmatic growl, and a black block cascading like liquid, each element wrapped in an inexplicable tapestry. "What does it mean?" she wondered aloud, the words reverberating in the silent chamber.
As she lay there, a mere spectator to her racing thoughts, she decided to label it as just a dream—perhaps an echo of a mind entangled in its own musings. "Maybe I'm thinking too much," she murmured to herself, as if convincing her subconscious to release its grip on the enigma.
With a conscious effort to let go, Kurumi embraced the welcoming arms of sleep, expecting a respite from the perplexing dreamscape. However, the night unfolded another chapter of mystery as she stepped into a dream realm bathed in surreal shades of purple and green.
Confusion painted her expression as she navigated this otherworldly landscape. Amidst the ethereal hues, a sudden crack disrupted the dream's tranquility. Kurumi's gaze fixated on the rupture, a vivid testament to the surreal merging of dreams and reality.
Abruptly, the scene shifted, transcending the boundaries of Kurumi's subconscious. In a realm far from her dream, her father, Kaito, the esteemed World Leader, stood gazing at a crack in the sky. The distant fracture, an ominous anomaly, captivated his attention.
A man in an asthma suit approached, cautioning Kaito about an unidentified stone. "Sir Kaito, please don't get closer; we don't know what this stone is, it might be dangerous." The scientist's plea fell on deaf ears as Kaito, driven by curiosity, advanced toward the enigmatic artifact.
Inquiring about the stone's origin, Kaito learned it descended from the sky through the very cracks that marred the celestial canvas. The revelation hung in the air, a palpable link between Kurumi's dreams and the unfolding events beyond the confines of her mind.
The intertwining narratives painted a portrait of uncertainty, bridging the realms of dreams and reality. The dreamscape, now an elusive puzzle, seemed to echo the unfolding events in the world governed by Kaito. As Kurumi's perspectives faded into the tendrils of night, the enigma lingered, poised on the precipice of revelation.
Suzaku 's Perspective:
Suzaku stirred from his slumber, the remnants of the haunting dream clinging to his thoughts. As he glanced at the clock, a realization struck – the past night's dream had delayed his return to consciousness. The room, bathed in the soft glow of dawn, seemed to echo with the surreal landscapes of his nocturnal musings.
In the gentle morning light, Suzaku mumbled to himself, "The past is etched in dreams, but my future is the masterpiece I shall create." The weight of the words hung in the air, emphasizing his determination to forge ahead despite the shadows that lingered from the night.
As Suzaku faced the reality of his nocturnal musings, a soft knock echoed through his room. Selena, a delicate blend of impatience and excitement, stood at his doorstep. The air tingled with anticipation as she questioned, "Did you forget what day it is?"
A playful glint danced in her eyes as Suzaku , still tethered to the remnants of his dream, stammered, "Umm, what day is it?" Selena's irritation melted into an affectionate smile as she responded, "GrandDragons Day, silly. You promised we'd go out for the festival."
Suzaku 's eyes widened in realization, and a spark of excitement kindled within him. "Right! Let's go," he exclaimed, allowing the magical ambiance of the day to pull him into the vibrant celebration.
The festival unfolded like a tapestry of enchantment. Enchanted lanterns cast a warm glow, and fairy lights wove through the air. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of exotic food, and the sounds of cheerful laughter and lively music intertwined with the occasional roar of dragons in the distance.
As Suzaku and Selena strolled through the festivities, teasing voices reached their ears. "Are you two on a date?" The elder brother figure among the Cyclones Edric grinned mischievously. Hikari, the voice of reason, intervened, "Chill out, they're just having fun. Let's leave them be." Selena blushed, denying any romantic intentions, while Suzaku , oblivious to the nuances, simply grinned in agreement.
The lively atmosphere intensified as they approached the central square, where performers dazzled the crowd with magical displays. Colorful fireworks painted the sky, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for the GrandDragons Day festivities.
As the night deepened, the sky became a canvas for dragons breathing fire and fireworks exploding in a dazzling display. Amidst the spectacle, Selena found the courage to share her feelings. "Suzaku , can I tell you something?" she asked, her voice almost drowned by the resounding explosions.
Caught off guard, Suzaku blushed, and the vivid bursts of fireworks mirrored the sudden surge of emotions. Selena says "i- I li-like y-"Before she could reveal her feelings, a dark laser shattered a grand statue, signaling the abrupt shift from celebration to chaos.
Confusion rippled through the crowd as dark arrows spread, claiming lives. Selena, fear in her eyes, turned to Suzaku for answers. "What's happening?" she pleaded.
Suzaku , his mind racing, connected the dots to his childhood nightmare—the demons, the destruction, the overwhelming darkness. The demon lord they thought they had defeated was merely a pawn, and another raid, reminiscent of his past, had begun.
In the midst of the turmoil, Selena's voice trembled, "W-what do we do?" Suzaku , haunted by the echoes of his past, could only murmur, "It's happening again."
End of Chapter 3