Everything felt surreal as I drifted in and out of consciousness. The world around me was a blurry haze, and the last thing I remembered were Albert and Kitsune's comforting words. I remembered the warmth of his body against mine, and his tails wrapped around us protectively as we soared over the burning city below.

My senses returned slowly, as if I was surfacing from a deep dive. The sterile scent of antiseptics was the first thing that registered, followed by the clinical whirring of machines and the soft hum of the air conditioning. My eyelids felt heavy, as if weighed down by anchors. The effort to lift them felt monumental, but curiosity gnawed at me, pushing away the lingering tendrils of oblivion.

When my eyes finally opened, I was met by a harsh, whitewashed ceiling. Fluorescent lights hummed overhead, casting a cold, impersonal glow over everything.

The realization hit me with a jolt that sent a wave of panic through my system: I was in a hospital.

The panic ebbed away as slowly as it had come, replaced by a sense of disorientation. I blinked at the ceiling, my mind racing to catch up with my surroundings.

The last thing I remembered was...

My mind floundered, grappling with the fragments of memories that felt as if they belonged to a different lifetime.

A soft, mechanical beep from my side drew my attention, and I turned my head, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through my neck. A heart monitor stood beside the bed, its screen displaying a steady rhythm that echoed in my ears. An IV line snaked from a drip to my arm, taped securely to my skin.

I was certain I hadn’t dreamed it all up. Albert and I fleeing the orientation ceremony frantically. Contracting with Bastet. Rushing into Refuge Zeta. Meeting Black Star and Twilight Aster. The desperate rescue mission.

Battling those... monsters.

Nearly dying at Red Masque's hands and the sudden revelation about my mother.

The memory of the monstrous creature, the Bravehearts' grand entrance, Albert's reassuring words at the end... all of it felt too intense, too real to be a figment of my imagination. Yet, here I was, in a sterile, white hospital room, the chaos of the past few days nothing more than a distant echo.

I gingerly pushed myself up, my muscles protesting with each movement. My body felt heavy, as if I had run a marathon. A dull throb echoed in my temples, pulsating with each heartbeat. I rubbed my eyes, my fingers brushing against the bandages wrapped around my forehead.

My gaze fell on the television mounted on the opposite wall. It was switched on, the screen displaying a news channel. The broadcast was in progress, the normally composed news anchor sporting a grim expression as she relayed the latest developments.

"Following the unprecedented global emergency, the Federal Reserve has announced a radical move, slashing federal interest rates to 0%," the news anchor reported, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "The Federal Reserve's decision follows similar actions taken by central banks around the world. Stock markets have plummeted in response to the crisis, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 seeing record-breaking losses, triggering circuit breakers for four consecutive trading sessions. Roaming monsters continue to interrupt supply chains all across the world, causing significant disruptions to food and essential supplies. In addition, a rapid cascade in equities and commodities markets has led to widespread currency instability and bank runs. Several ongoing and emerging rapid sovereign and municipal debt crises are causing major concern. Governments, already under heavy strain due to the crisis, are grappling with liquidity crunches."

The barrage of news coming in horrified me — it was a stark reminder that what I had gone through had not been, in fact, a dream.

"In lighter news, most of the portals that had opened up in major population centers of the developed world have been closed," the news anchor continued, "and Magical Knights and militaries around the world are working hard at securing key chokepoints. This is a significant stride in the battle against the invaders, but the world is still a long way from victory."

The screen shifted to display images of Magical Knights in action, their auras bright against the backdrop of destruction.

"Experts believe the intensity of the invasion is directly linked to the amount of magical activity in a region," the anchor went on. "Kaleidoscope City, known for its high concentration of Magical Knights, has quickly been identified as the most critically impacted city in the world."

I felt a lump in my throat as images of Kaleidoscope City flashed on the screen. The once vibrant cityscape was now a scene of devastation, its streets littered with debris and its buildings scarred by battle. It was one thing to run through the streets myself thinking purely of survival, but another to see all these pictures in the daytime.

The anchor's voice broke through my thoughts, her next words sending a chill down my spine. "As of now, it is estimated that approximately a sixth of the world’s population has already perished in the ongoing catastrophe. And with roaming monsters continuing to disrupt supply chains, large swathes of the world are at continued risk due to shortages in energy, medicine, and food."

The world was not just fighting against an invasion of monstrous creatures, it was fighting for survival. The numbers were staggering, the implications horrifying. A sixth of the world's population was already gone, and the crisis was far from over.

Despite the grim news, the anchor's voice remained steady. "Despite the dire circumstances, the world has not giving up. Magical Knights and servicemen around the world are working tirelessly to secure key strategic locations and close the portals. Their bravery and dedication are our best hope in these trying times."

I sat there, staring at the screen, my mind struggling to process everything. The world outside the hospital was in chaos, and I was trapped in the eye of the storm. I had to remind myself to breathe, to focus on the now.

As the news anchor continued to relay the chilling statistics, I forced myself to look away from the screen. Instead, I let my gaze wander around the room, taking in the sterile white walls, the simple, functional furniture, and the window on the far side, its curtains drawn shut.

My fingers clenched around the sheets, the coarse fabric grounding me in reality. The noise of the television felt like a distant echo as my mind began to race, trying to piece together the chaotic jigsaw of memories.

Suddenly, the door to my room swung open, and a figure stepped inside. A nurse.

"Ah, you're awake," she said, her voice a soft, weary sigh of relief. "How are you feeling?"

I managed to give her a weak nod, "I think I'm okay. What happened? And er, where am I"

The nurse went about her duties, checking the machines and making notes on a clipboard. There was a calm efficiency in her movements, a quiet confidence that was strangely reassuring.

She was a woman in her mid-thirties, with a kind face and gentle hands. Her dark hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and her uniform was crisp and clean. Her nametag said ‘Megan’ on it, and I instinctively flinched as she glared at me and put her hands on her hips.

"You were brought in to the hospital at the Kaleidoscope University Medical School from Refuge Zeta, and you’ve been unconscious for the last two days. I was told you'd used the Emergency Aura Restore multiple times in a single day. That's not something to be used lightly, you know?"

"I... I didn't have a choice," I stuttered, guilt and fear clenching my heart as I thought about all the death and destruction I’d experienced. "I had to... to save my friend."

And was it alright for her to be talking about... Magical Knight stuff so casually?

The nurse paused, her eyes softening. "I know," she said, "But you should understand in the future, that using the Emergency Aura Restore isn't like using a health potion in a video game. It takes a severe toll on your body, and borrows against your future self with interest. It will disrupt your aura and weaken your constitution and ability to recover mana until the debt is paid off. It’s why you probably feel like you were run over by a truck right now.”

"But I felt fine after..." I protested weakly, my voice trailing off as I saw the stern look on the nurse's face.

"That's because the System numbs the pain and gives you a temporary energy boost," she explained, "But once the effect wears off, you’re going to feel a hangover, to say the least. Like I said, it's like borrowing money with increasing, exponential interest. You have to pay it back eventually. Do it half a dozen times within a week, and you’ll probably end up comatose for a week."

A cold shiver ran down my spine. It all made sense now; the fatigue, the pain, the overwhelming exhaustion. I’d been too focused on surviving to consider the consequences of my actions.

"You need to rest," the nurse said, her tone brooking no argument. "No using Emergency Aura Restore for at least three months. And the doctor has signed a waiver for cadet training when classes open up again. And absolutely no magical activity till you've fully recovered. Guardian Bastet stopped by when you were brought in, and has informed the staff that she will speak with you soon to re-enable System access once we’re certain your core is stable. You can still use magic, of course, but I highly recommend against it."

"But I--"

"No buts," the nurse interrupted me, her voice firm. "Your body and spiritual core alike have been through a lot. You need to give them time to heal."

I was benched, unable to join the fight, unable to help. All I could do was lay in a hospital bed and watch as the world fell apart.

"But what about my friend, Albert?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. "Is he okay?"

The nurse hesitated for a moment before responding, "Your friend Albert is stable. His wounds were severe, but he's a fighter. He's been asking about you non-stop, too."

Relief washed over me. Albert was okay. He was alive. We'd made it out, against all odds.

"You two made quite a spectacle, you know?" the nurse suddenly berated me. "What were you thinking, running off the safety of the campus like that? I swear. The Academic District is one of the safest locations in the world! Sapphire Dream was in the auditorium with you, for crying out loud!”

A sigh escaped my lips, a mixture of relief and exhaustion. "I... we didn't plan on it," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. "It just... happened. One minute we were at orientation, and the next, there were monsters just rushing out of portals in the air. We didn’t expect the city to be overrun too."

She nodded, a hint of understanding in her eyes. "Well, it's over now. You're safe, and that's what matters."

Safe. The word felt foreign, almost unreal. After everything that had transpired, the concept of safety seemed like a distant dream, a forgotten memory. But as I lay there, in the sterile confines of the hospital room, I realized that I was indeed safe.

Despite the chaos and fear that gripped the world outside, she was a beacon of calm and stability. Her presence was a stark contrast to the madness I had experienced over the past two days, a reminder that even in the midst of disaster, there was a semblance of normalcy, a thread of humanity that held fast.

"Er, is it normal for you to talk about this stuff so casually? I asked. "I thought... well, secret identities were supposed to be a thing for us."

"Don't worry. You're in a special wing of the hospital reserved for injured Knights," she replied. "But of course, word has gotten out about what you and your friend did. Two Freshmen from Kaleidoscope High leading the charge, retaking Refuge Zeta, weakening the monster leading the invasion, and saving eight thousand civilians... Well, all I can say is that it's been all over the news. You've become quite the heroes, you know?"

My eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Heroes? Us? The idea was preposterous. We were just kids, thrown into a situation we didn't understand. We'd done what we could, sure, but we were far from heroes.

The nurse must have noticed my disbelief, because she let out a soft chuckle. "It's hard to believe, isn't it? Don't worry — the Corps has been going out of the way to keep the identity of the cadet who came to Refuge Zeta's rescue with Twilight Aster under wraps. But the fact remains, you two did something incredible. You gave people hope when they needed it most. And in times like these, hope is more valuable than gold. But don't worry. "

“Hope," I echoed, the word feeling strange on my lips. All we had done was try to survive, to save ourselves and those around us. That our actions had given people hope was a humbling thought.

The nurse gave me a small nod, her eyes reflecting a depth of understanding I hadn't expected. "Yes, hope. It's what keeps us going in the face of adversity. And right now, the world needs all the hope it can get."

As I digested her words, the nurse moved to the door. "In any case, I believe you're healthy enough to be out and about. I'll bring you to your friend's room," she said softly.

As the nurse led me through the sterile hospital corridor, I found myself glancing at the various rooms we passed by. Each one was filled with patients, their faces reflecting a mix of pain and exhaustion. Despite the grim situation, there was an underlying sense of resolve, a quiet defiance against the chaos that had engulfed the world.

When we finally reached Albert's room, my heart skipped a beat as I took in his condition. I could see him through the open door, propped up on the hospital bed, a tablet in his hand. His face was pale, but his eyes were bright, focused on the screen of the tablet in wonder.

"Al," I breathed out.

At the sound of my voice, he looked up, his eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, he simply stared at me, his gaze filled with a mix of relief and disbelief. Then, with a pained grunt, he tried to sit up, a hand moving to his chest where a bandage was visible beneath his hospital gown.

"No, no, don't try to move," I rushed to his side, my hand instinctively reaching out to stop him. "You need to rest. That looks pretty bad."

Despite the pain, he managed to crack a smile. "I've been resting all day," he said, his voice weak but filled with humor. "I was worried sick about you and well, I couldn’t really fall asleep yesterday."

Albert had shot up just a tad over six feet tall over the summer, and last I checked, he was about two hundred and forty pounds. However, even with his sturdy build, he looked frail lying there in the hospital bed.

His dark hair was tousled, and there were bandages wrapped around his chest and arm. His eyes, though, were the same vibrant brown, filled with the warmth and humor I associated with my best friend.

"I'm sorry," I said, my voice cracking a little. "I didn't mean to worry you."

Albert tried to shrug, wincing slightly at the movement. "You're here and alive now. That's all that matters." He looked at the tablet in his hand, then back to me. "Did you know we're famous?"

I blinked at him, confused. "What?"

He held up the tablet, revealing a video playing on the screen. It was grainy footage of the rooftop of Refuge Zeta, a silhouette visible against the backdrop of a sky filled with kaleidoscopic colors. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the silhouette – me, unleashing my Prismatic Radiant Requiem.

Although my attack hadn’t destroyed the monstrous caricature of Red Masque, it had left a lasting imprint on the landscape of Refuge Zeta and the warehouse district beyond. The footage captured the moment perfectly, the cascading of colors illuminating the scene in an almost ethereal glow.

The video had gone viral, with millions of views and tens of thousands of shares and comments flooding in from all over the world.

As my eyes widened in disbelief, Albert chuckled. "See? I told you we're famous."

As Albert scrolled through the video, a slow-motion replay of my attack came into view. Even I had to admit, it looked impressive. You could see the moment I summoned all the energy I could muster, my hands moving in a series of intricate patterns as I channeled the power of the energy I’d stolen from the beast. The air around me seemed to pulse with each movement, the colors of my aura swirling and dancing like an aurora as white light covered the rooftop.

I... honestly had no recollection of doing that.

Then, with a final, dramatic flourish, I released the energy. It erupted from me in a breathtaking wave of radiant prismatic light, cascading beyond the rooftop of Refuge Zeta. The energy rippled through the air, its colors shifting and changing like a kaleidoscope, before exploding with a kaleidoscope of intense light that dwarfed the surrounding buildings.

As the wave of energy hit the warehouse district behind Refuge Zeta, it exploded into a dazzling display of expanding light and color, ricocheting around the city. Buildings were leveled, their debris swept up in the wave and carried away like dust in the wind. Thankfully, there had only been a couple of blocks filled with empty private warehouses behind the monster, and my attack dispersed harmlessly in the open sea behind it. The cascading beams seemed to evaporate and part the water as it passed.

"You know," Albert said, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "you might want to work on that collateral damage. Blowing up half the city on your first day is... not a great way to make a first impression. Really."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "I didn't mean to do that," I mumbled, my voice muffled. "I was just trying to stop that... thing."

Albert laughed, the sound light and teasing. "I know, I know," he said, patting my arm. "I'm just messing with you. Honestly, Sienna, what you did... It was incredible. You saved us."

Despite his reassurances, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. I hadn't intended to cause so much destruction. I had just wanted to protect Albert, to protect everyone. But in doing so, I had inadvertently caused harm as well.

The video ended, and Albert handed me the tablet. "There's more," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "There's even a video comparing your pose and attack to Arcadia Vox's ultimate move side by side."

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

"Arcadia Vox?" I echoed, blinking in surprise. "Like, the Arcadia Vox, as in the legendary Magical Knight?"

Albert nodded, his grin widening. "The very same. Apparently, your Prismatic Radiant Requiem is somewhat similar to her famous Heartfelt Echo Aria."

My mind went blank for a moment. Arcadia Vox was a legend among Magical Knights, her exploits the stuff of fairy tales. To be compared to her, even in passing, was both flattering and terrifying. I was nowhere near her level. I was just a rookie, thrown into a situation I barely understood.

I took the tablet from Albert, scrolling through the video until I found the comparison he had mentioned. The moment I saw it, my heart skipped a beat.

The video was a split-screen, with one side showing my Prismatic Radiant Requiem from the side and the other showing Arcadia Vox's Heartfelt Echo Aria from an up-close side profile. The similarities were striking. Both moves involved a similar build-up, a similar flurry of hand movements, and a similar initial release of energy.

Arcadia Vox was captured in the midst of her Heartfelt Echo Aria, her figure encased in an ethereal glow. The footage was old, and the quality wasn't great, but it was clear to see the power and control she wielded. Her every movement was filled with an elegant grace, the air around her pulsating with magical energy.

The colors of her aura were a stunning array of pastel pinks, gold sparks, and white light cascading around her like a brilliant aurora. Her final pose was strikingly similar to mine, both hands raised high above her head, her wand poised to strike. The energy that surrounded her was a brilliant pink, a stark contrast to my kaleidoscope of colors. But the patterns, the way the energy swirled and danced around her, they were almost identical to my own.

The energy erupted from her in a breathtaking wave of light, cascading across the battlefield in a stunning display of power. Our attacks were different, and my execution had clearly caused a ton of unintentional collateral damage, but the essence of the move, the core pattern, was eerily similar.

The video transitioned to a close shot of Arcadia Vox, her face serene as she guided the energy with her wand. Her eyes were closed, her expression one of utmost concentration. Then, with a swift motion, she brought her wand down, releasing the energy in a wave of pink light.

The screen switched to me, my silhouette was a mirror image of Arcadia Vox's. My face wasn’t visible, but like her, I brought my wand down, unleashing my Prismatic Radiant Requiem with a similar technique.

For Arcadia Vox, the wave of energy was a dazzling, concentrated beam of pastel pink, with golden streaks. The energy surged outward in a dazzling cone, its intensity rivaling the sun. The wave of energy rippled through the air, leaving shining sparkles in the air.

For me, the release of energy was a kaleidoscope of colors, the power of my aura exploding into a brilliant display of light and color as it fanned out. As the wave hit the warehouse district, it exploded all around, ricocheting in a dazzling display of light and color, leveling buildings and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

The comparison was uncanny, to say the least. Arcadia Vox's Heartfelt Echo Aria was a legendary move, known for overwhelming countless enemies and somehow leaving them alive. To think that my Prismatic Radiant Requiem bore such a resemblance to it was humbling and honestly a little terrifying.

I looked up at Albert, my heart pounding in my chest. "This... this is kind of freaky," I said with a whisper.

Albert shrugged, his grin never fading. "It's all over the internet," he said, his voice filled with amusement. “Good luck ever escaping that.”

"But... how is that even possible?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, I've never even seen her do that move up close like that."

Albert shrugged, a puzzled expression on his face. "I don't know, Sienna. But it's incredible, isn't it? You, a first-year cadet, matching the legendary Arcadia Vox move for move. It's uncanny. Unbelievable."

Unbelievable. The word echoed in my head, a perfect description of the events of the past few days. Everything was unbelievable, from the sudden invasion to my transformation into a Magical Knight Cadet, to the Bravehearts' dramatic rescue, and now, this.

I let the tablet drop onto the bed, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts as I leaned back. Albert was right. It was unbelievable. But it was also real, as real as the sterile scent of the hospital room and the throbbing pain in my body.

Before I could voice my thoughts, the door to the room swung open, and a girl stepped inside.

"Ah, I see our sleeping beauty is finally awake," the girl said, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

It took me a moment to recognize her.

The girl was a medium height, college-aged Southeast Asian girl with an athletic build beneath her t-shirt and shorts that suggested a lot of physical activity. Her skin was a lovely golden-brown, glowing with vibrance now that she wasn’t on the verge of death.

Her straight jet-black hair was tied into a neat ponytail, a few loose strands framing her glasses. She had a heart-shaped face, with high cheekbones, a pert nose, and full lips. Her almond-shaped eyes were the color of dark chocolate, sparkling with mirth and intelligence.

This was Twilight Aster. But she wasn't in her magical knight outfit, her purple, constellation-themed attire replaced with a simple, white hospital gown. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant colors and elaborate designs of her magical knight uniform, but it suited her. It gave her a softer, more approachable look.

"Twilight Aster!" I started, but she held up a hand, cutting me off.

"Please, call me Lucina," she said, her voice soft. "And I'm not here as Twilight Aster. I'm here as your chaperone and official sponsor."

I blinked, taken aback. "My chaperone?"

She nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Yes. You see, it's customary for Magical Knights to take on cadets for practical exercises after their second year at the academy. Given the circumstances, I thought it would be best to start when you’re cleared to tap your abilities. Young Albert here will also be fast-tracked as a squire, given what Techtron has said in custody."

Albert's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean you're... Twilight Aster?" he stuttered, his face turning a shade more red.

"Correct," Lucina replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. "But Albert, was it? Please refer to me as Lucina in this setting. We can't have everyone knowing who I truly am, now can we?"

Albert nodded, clearly trying to process this new information. “Right. Lucina. Got it.” He managed to give her a sheepish smile, “You know, I’m a big fan of your team. You, Midnight Blossom, and Dawn Lily, the Starlight Guardians, are just…” He trailed off, his cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red.

Lucina’s laugh was a soft, melodic sound, “Thank you for your kind words, Albert. It’s always nice to meet a fan.” She turned her attention away from Albert, her gaze falling on me. "And you, Sienna. I assume you're feeling better?"

I nodded, managing a small smile. "A bit. Still tired, though."

Lucina's smile turned sympathetic, "I can imagine. You've had quite the ordeal. I am quite puzzled about what happened before I showed up, however."

Albert chuckled, his gaze flicking to the tablet in my hands. "Oh, you mean the part where she leveled half the warehouse district?"

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Don't remind me," I mumbled, my voice muffled.

Albert laughed, flashing a playful look. "I know, I know," he said, patting my arm. "I'm just messing with you. Honestly, Sienna, what you did... It was incredible. You saved us."

“I'm more interested in the… circumstances Dawn Lily informed me of leading up to the fateful clash, but we’ll save that for another time,” Lucina clarified.

“Yeah…” I muttered. “You know, I still don’t quite understand what my abilities really do, but it did help us survive the attack and I’m thankful for that, at least.”

Lucina’s eyebrows arched in curiosity. "It certainly seems to be an interesting one from what I’ve seen. I do wonder about that — have you learned any more about it since we had last spoken?"

I glanced at Albert, who gave me a supportive nod.

Taking a deep breath, I began to explain what I'd learned. I told Lucina about how I could resonate with the auras of others, harmonizing and borrowing their abilities temporarily. I talked about how I’d summoned Midnight Blossom’s sickle, and even how I’d taken up her role in a combination attack with Dawn Lily and Midnight Blossom. I did, of course, leave out the mention of my mother’s power and how I used that to tip the scales just a bit to survive against Red Masque. I definitely needed to find a moment to call her once things weren’t as crazy.

While I spoke, Lucina listened attentively, her eyes focused on me. Occasionally, she would nod or hum in understanding. By the time I was done, I felt like I had emptied a huge burden off my chest.

"It sounds like a very powerful Talent," Lucina mused once I finished. "But it also seems like it would take a lot of control and understanding to use effectively. It would theorize that it is not just about copying the abilities of others, but also about understanding their essence, their core. It's like...like learning to speak another person's language, to sing their song."

I blinked in surprise. Her words clarified some thoughts that had been swirling in my mind.

"Yeah," I agreed softly. "That's exactly it. It's like...like I'm connecting with them on a deep level. It can be overwhelming at times. And for some reason, it caused me to resonate with Red Masque’s aura from a considerable distance away and see flashes of his past."

Lucina gave me a soft smile, her eyes warm. "I can imagine. But remember, Sienna, every Talent is unique. It's your own personal gift, and it's up to you to discover how to use it best. Don't be disheartened if you don't fully understand it yet. Just give it time."

I nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Thank you, Lucina. Um. Really, thank you for everything."

Her smile widened. "I'm glad I could help. And remember, you're not alone in this. We're here to support you. And… I hate to bring up the comparison again, but it does quite remind me of Arcadia Vox’s own vaunted ability. She had the ability to take in and amplify the hopes and dreams of those who believe in her to empower her attacks and buffs, along with accepting willing mana donations. The synergy of talents between their two aces is what made her original, less famous team nearly invincible, in fact."

For the first time since I woke up in this hospital bed, I felt a sense of relief washing over me. Maybe things were going to be okay after all. Still, the comparison did have me flustered again.

Albert cleared his throat, drawing our attention. "So, what happens now? I mean, are we supposed to go back to school? Or are we supposed to, y'know, fight monsters and save the world?"

Lucina chuckled softly. "Both, actually. The Academy is planning to resume classes in a week, once things have settled down a bit. And yes, you'll be expected to juggle both classes and extracurriculars given the state of the world."

Albert groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Great. You know, I did dream of this for years, but it’s a different story now that we’re actually here. School and extradimensional eldritch monsters? What’s next? A root canal?”

As the three of us laughed, the tension in the room dissipated. The world outside might be in chaos, but for now, we were safe.

Lucina stood up, smoothing down her hospital gown. "Well, I should probably go check on the others. Especially Blossom… Kathleen, rather. You two rest up, okay? And Sienna, remember what I said. Just give it time."

I nodded, a small smile on my face. "I will. Thanks again, Lucina."

I stared after her for a second.

There was something about the name Kathleen that jumped out to me for some reason, but I brushed it off. It was like I had forgotten something important.

Albert gawked at her for a second, turning to me. “Uh, Sienna. Do you… the trip. You know what. N-nevermind.”

“What?” I stared, blinking at him.

“Forget it… “ he sulked.

Then, he stretched, letting out a big yawn. I simply reached over and pinched his pudgy cheek that wasn't bruised, yanking on it affectionately.

"Ow! What was that for?" Albert protested, rubbing his cheek with a mock scowl on his face.

"For reminding me that you're still the same goofball," I retorted, a small smile tugging at my lips.

Despite everything we'd been through, Albert was still...well, Albert.

His sense of humor hadn't changed, and neither had his ability to lighten up the most dire of circumstances.

Albert rolled his eyes, but I could see the corners of his mouth twitching upwards. "You know, Sienna," he began, his voice taking a more serious tone, "I've been thinking..."

I raised an eyebrow, "Oh? That's a first. Glad it took a zombie apocalypse for that to finally happen."

He shot me a mock glower, "Very funny. But seriously, I've been thinking about your Magical Knight name. Lux, huh?"

I shrugged, a warmth spreading through my cheeks. "I... I thought it was fitting. Y'know, with my whole light theme and all. You did, er, technically drop it on me after all."

Albert nodded, but there was a thoughtful expression on his face. "It's a good name. It really is. But...I don't know. I feel like it could be...more."

"More?" I echoed, my curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, more...you," he elaborated. "You're not just light, Sienna. You resonate with others, you harmonize with them. Your power isn't just about light, it's about connection."

I blinked at him, surprised. I hadn't thought of it that way. But Albert was right, my power was as much about connection as it was about light.

"So," Albert continued, "I was thinking. How about spicing it up?"

“Spicing it up?” I tilted my head.

“If people are already comparing you to Arcadia Vox, why not just roll with it when you make your debut?”

I blinked at him, the gears in my head slowly turning. "Are you suggesting..."

Albert nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Yep, that's exactly what I'm suggesting. Kinda. Why not pay homage to Arcadia Vox, the legendary Magical Knight you've been compared to?"

I considered his words, my heart pounding in my chest. Arcadia Vox was a legend, a beacon of hope and strength. To even think about taking a name that paid homage to hers felt like a huge responsibility, one I wasn't sure I was ready for.

"But Albert, I'm not Arcadia Vox," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "I'm just...me. A rookie who barely knows what she's doing."

Albert's grin didn't falter. "And that's exactly why I think it’s a good call," he said, his voice firm. "You're not Arcadia Vox, Sienna. You're you. You have your own strengths, your own talents. You've already made a name for yourself. This would just add to your narrative when the time comes."

I bit my lip, considering his words.

"Are you suggesting I should pick a name that's similar to Arcadia Vox?" I asked, slightly taken aback by his suggestion. I respected and admired Arcadia Vox, but I didn't want to copy her. I wanted my own identity, my own legacy.

"No, no," Albert quickly clarified, shaking his head. "To be perfectly clear, I’m thinking of something that's uniquely you, yet also pays homage to her. You know, like a nod to the past while looking to the future."

I was silent for a moment, mulling over his words. It was an interesting idea, but could I really pull it off? And more importantly, what would my new name be?

Albert seemed to read my thoughts. "I've been brainstorming a bit," he confessed with a sheepish grin. "You know, in between bouts of unconsciousness and panic over my comatose best friend."

I couldn't help but laugh at his self-deprecating humor.

"Alright," I conceded. "Let's hear it."

Albert took a deep breath, his face serious. "Well, Arcadia Vox roughly translates to 'voice of the utopia', right? So, I thought, why not choose a name that also carries a powerful, hopeful message, in the same format and cadence?"

My curiosity was piqued. "And what's the name?"

Albert's eyes sparkled with excitement. "How about... Harmony of Light? Harmonia Lux?"

My mouth fell open in surprise.

"Harmonia Lux..." I repeated, the name rolling off my tongue. I looked at Albert, my eyes welling up with tears. "It's perfect, Albert."

Albert grinned, his eyes sparkling. "Harmonia Lux," he repeated. "Yep, definitely has a better ring to it. It’ll make PR a lot easier when you blow up half the city with a ricocheting giant rainbow death ray again."

We burst out laughing at the same time. For a moment, we were just Sienna and Albert, two best friends navigating the trials and tribulations of life.

The two of us spent the rest of the night catching up on the current events together. Things out there were bad, but the tension from the past few days slowly dissipated as we recovered. The world outside might still be in complete pandemonium and chaos, but for now, we were safe, and we were together at the Academy. Still, there were just enough optimistic things to come out of this that kept us away from despair.

Al, for one, had an absolute field day when we stumbled upon footage of President Escathos dropping from the sky in his famed combat suit draped in a giant American flag that served as a cape, firing eight autocannons and a salvo of missiles at a horde of monsters. I had an equally great time ribbing him about the speech he gave during our darkest hour.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Albert just… randomly fell asleep. His snores filled the room, a comforting reminder of the normalcy that still remained in our lives. I flashed him a smile, and gently pulled the covers over his body.

I returned to my room, only to be greeted by a bed and table covered with gifts inside. As I stepped inside, my eyes were drawn to the bed. The covers were neatly made, the pillows fluffed, and there, sitting upright with a sense of majesty, was a stuffed orange tabby.

"No way… Mr. Fluffles?" I whispered, my voice barely audible in the empty room.

I walked over to the bed, my hand reaching out to touch the plush toy.

It wasn't exactly Mr. Fluffles, but it was eerily similar to the one Abby had given me. The one I had dropped when I had transformed into a full-fledged Magical Knight by borrowing my mother's power.

It had been touched up significantly - it now resembled an orange tabby dressed up as a pink Magical Girl, complete with a frilly dress heart-tipped wand in one paw. Its eyes, once dull and lifeless, seemed to twinkle in the dim light, giving it an almost lifelike quality.

Abby... she had given me this cat as a protective charm. The fact that it was here, in my room, meant that someone had understood the significance of what happened there and gotten me a gift. It was somewhat disturbing, but given all the other gifts on the bed, I wasn't surprised.

Beside the cat, I noticed another parcel, this one wrapped in simple brown paper. Carefully, I unwrapped it to reveal a swiss army knife and flashlight. A note was attached to the set, a simple message from Jacob and his family thanking me for my bravery and wishing me well.

The next gift was a soft, violet scarf. The fabric was lightweight and warm, with a celestial pattern reminiscent of Twilight Aster's outfit. A small, handwritten note from Dawn Lily was pinned to the scarf, her elegant handwriting expressing her admiration for my bravery and her hopes for my future.

I set the gifts on my bedside table, my fingers lingering on the soft fabric of the scarf. I could still feel the warmth of Dawn Lily's smile, her kind words ringing in my ears as she arrived to my aid.

The final parcel had the word “Henry” scribbled messily on top. I carefully unwrapped the simple brown paper, wondering what Black Star could have sent me. Inside was a bracelet in a box, the band made of black leather and adorned with small golden charms in the shape of stars. It was simple yet elegant.

I ran my fingers over the charms, smiling softly as I pictured Black Star's flippant face.

I clasped the bracelet around my wrist, admiring how it looked against my skin. The stars glittered in the low light, a tangible reminder that even in the darkest of nights, light can shine through.

I frowned as I took in the last item in the parcel, hidden beneath the packaging. It was a letter. Its content was simple, a few lines scrawled in a messy handwriting and what looked like a few drops of tears.

It read:

> "Sparkle Princess,

>

> Taking some lone time.

>

> You still owe me sushi.

>

> See you soon,

>

> Black Star."

The letter came with a polaroid photo of Red Masque’s cracked mask, nailed on an improvised gravestone on a hill overlooking the city. I felt a pang of empathy for Henry. As cheeky of a bastard he was, he still had a heart.

I couldn't help but chuckle. Even when grieving his brother's apparent death, Black Star was still cheeky, flippant. It was comforting, in a way. A reminder of the person he was beneath the mask.

There were other gifts from the people in Refuge Zeta who wanted to donate to the mysterious Magical Girl that had protected them. A piece of 'fan' artwork from a young girl, a bouquet of flowers, and even a box of expensive chocolates from a grateful mother. The outpouring of support and gratitude was overwhelming.But I couldn't bring myself to open them just yet. Instead, I lay back on my bed, staring up at the ceiling, lost in thought as I held onto the cat doll.

I knew the road ahead would be difficult. The war was far from over, and there were sure to be challenges and trials. But looking at the gifts from my newfound friends and the people I'd helped, I also knew I wouldn't be facing them alone.

"I guess I'm not exactly just Sienna anymore," I murmured to myself, my gaze falling on the stuffed cat.

I gently picked up the toy, cradling the stuffed cat in my arms as I made my way to the window. The city outside was cast in shadow, only the faintest glow visible on the horizon as dawn approached.

A new day was coming. And with it, new hope. Hope for the future. Hope for humanity. Hope for the world.

"Don't worry, Arcadia. And... Mom, I guess," I whispered, gazing up at the fading stars. "I'll.. I’ll live up to the name and make you proud. Wherever you are."

I looked down at the cat, and it almost seemed to smile in response. And as the first rays of light peeked over the horizon, I smiled back, a warmth filling my heart. The dawn of a new day. The dawn of new hope.

"Theming after Arcadia Vox?" I murmured to the toy as I set it on the windowsill. "I guess I've got some big shoes to fill. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Al."

The doll, for its part, continued to twinkle in the moonlight, something resembling a smile on its stitched face. I couldn't help but smile back. It was a daunting task, but I was ready to face it head-on.

With a final pat on the stuffed cat's head, I turned away, ready to get some more rest.

I yawned, sliding into the bed as I felt fatigue come over me once again. I stared back up at the stuffed cat I'd been gifted, letting my thoughts wander for a few more minutes.

As the last of the stars disappeared in the early morning sky, the faint pink glow of dawn reflected off the doll's eyes, giving it a soft, comforting glow. It gave off the illusion of a smile that seemed to twinkle in the darkness, like it was smiling down at me, silently offering its support and encouragement.

"Magical Girl Harmonia Lux, huh," I muttered to myself as my eyes grew heavy, the name rolling off my tongue in a soft whisper as I turned away, drifting to sleep. “It... does have a nice ring to it.”

End of Volume 0