Azalea hadn't inquired about Galaxy's accommodation plans during his stay on Mars; she presumed he'd opt for upscale hotels. Meanwhile, constrained by her modest budget, she chose a quaint, clean family inn in the suburbs following her hospital discharge. In gratitude for Galaxy's chauffeuring, she extended a dinner invitation to him.

During her postdoctoral tenure on Mars, the area had been scarcely populated, a veritable wasteland for foodies. But now, with the surge in visitors, a lane bustling with modestly priced eateries beckoned just a hundred meters away.

She guided Galaxy through the lively streets, skillfully avoiding dumpsters teeming with cockroaches and rats. Galaxy observed the grimy surroundings in courteous silence, sparing her any embarrassment. After meticulous scrutiny, they settled on a family-run diner, notably cleaner and more orderly than its counterparts. Inside, an Omega was spoon-feeding a toddler gripping a mechanical Barbie, while the Alpha proprietor bustled about in the kitchen, loudly greeting the newcomers. The Omega hostess approached with a warm smile, offering menus for them to peruse.

Galaxy, intrigued, leafed through the menu, his expression a mix of amusement and curiosity. Azalea peeked over, her eyes widening at the exotic dishes listed: Barbecued Chicken Ovaries with a rich, creamy sauce; Crispy Pork Fallopian Tubes Sashimi with a tangy dip; Addictively savory Crispy Fried Fish Scales; and a Stewed Forest Frog, touted for its health and beauty benefits, complemented by natural herbs.

Concerned that Galaxy might misconstrue her culinary tastes, Azalea contemplated a change of venue. On Mars, however, abruptly leaving a diner was a significant faux pas, frowned upon in the local culture.

Just as she was about to close the menu and make an exit, the child's Barbie doll began speaking in a melodious tone, reminiscent of a fairy tale, "Once upon a time, a little mermaid shed tears of sorrow. What is the tear called? And what is the special fruit her friend Little Snow gave her to lift her spirits?"

Azalea froze, struck by the familiarity of the voice emanating from the doll; it was an uncanny echo of Mitori's. She strained to hear more but was interrupted by the proprietress, "Honey, we have guests. Please keep your Barbie quiet."

The child gazed at Azalea with curious, wide eyes. Azalea responded with a gentle smile, "Oh, don't worry. She's adorable. I remember playing with Barbies just like that when I was her age. They're quite rare these days, aren't they?"

"You're telling me," the proprietress agreed, nodding. "A kind guest this morning gifted it to my daughter. So, have you decided on your order?"

Caught between her curiosity about the doll and her lack of appetite for the unusual menu, Azalea dodged the proprietress's expectant look and replied with a polite smile, "Could I just have some plain rice, please? A bowl of white rice would be perfect."

"Of course, darling, but just rice won't do," the proprietress said with enthusiasm, pointing out the frog soup on the menu.

Feeling a bit uneasy, Azalea glanced at Galaxy for assistance, "I'm not really hungry. What about you, Galaxy? Anything catches your eye?"

She was skeptical about Galaxy's interest in such exotic fare. However, to her astonishment, he appeared genuinely captivated, weighing his options, "Hmm, the Stewed Forest Frog or the Crispy Fried Fish Scales? Both sound intriguing..."

A look of mild shock flickered across Azalea's face.

"I've made my choice," Galaxy announced, closing the menu and returning it with a smile, "I'll have both, please."

"Coming right up!" chirped the proprietress, quickly noting down the order before disappearing into the kitchen.

As the sounds of bustling kitchen work filled the air, Azalea breathed a sigh of relief. Her gaze returned to the Barbie doll. It was an antique, similar to the ones she and Mitori had played with in their childhood, used for make-believe house or phone calls. This toy had a basic storage function, where answering certain questions would reveal hidden messages.

"The tear of the mermaid, what is it called? And what about the special fruit given by Little Snow to cheer her up? Do you know its name?"

To most, these questions might seem peculiar, but for Azalea, they resonated deeply, unlocking memories of a past conversation with Mitori.

Although not the best with kids, Azalea managed a warm smile. "Hi there, can I see your Barbie doll?"

The girl, clutching her Barbie, turned to Azalea, her large eyes curious but voiceless.

"I think I might know the answers to your doll's questions," Azalea said gently.

The girl stood, moving closer to Azalea, gently touching her face, and asked softly, "Your eyes are beautiful. Are you a mermaid princess?"

Caught off guard and pondering how to explain her heterochromia to the child, Azalea was interrupted by the proprietress returning with their meal. The dishes looked surprisingly appetizing, except for the frog, which seemed oddly content in its herbal bath.

Galaxy, picking up a sizeable fish scale, crunched into it with gusto, like a golden, crispy chip. Noticing Azalea's perplexed gaze, he commented, “It’s a pity you can't have fish. It tastes just like a perfectly salted potato chip. Quite the treat.”

The Omega owner, upon noticing Azalea's interaction with the child, apologized, "I hope she's not causing any disturbance. She's really taken with the Little Mermaid story lately."

"Not at all, she's delightful," Azalea assured her, just as the doll was eagerly handed to her.

"Here, play with it for a bit," the little girl offered. "Answer Barbie's questions right, and I can turn into a mermaid!"

Azalea, slightly taken aback, smiled but remained silent, carefully examining the robotic doll. She noticed an intricate, enigmatic pattern on its dress, reminiscent of ancient Earth talismans meant for protection but written in an indecipherable, strange script. She scrutinized the design, but it remained a mystery. Turning her attention to Barbie's challenge, she cautiously searched for the hidden switch within the doll's hair. Finding the latch, she paused, torn between knowing the answers and the uncertainty of interacting with this enigmatic toy. Her hesitation was cut short when the doll's mechanical voice alerted, "Warning: Potential data breach detected. Self-destruction sequence activated. Please dispose of me. Countdown 5, 4, 3..."

Before Azalea could even process the situation, Galaxy acted decisively, snatching the doll and tossing it out of the diner.

A resounding "bang!" followed as the doll exploded just shy of the exit, releasing a foul stench of rotten eggs that swiftly permeated the eatery, making everyone present grimace. Galaxy protectively enveloped Azalea and the child in his arms, yet his own clothes and back were smeared with a black, oily substance.

"What's going on?" exclaimed the owner couple, Alpha emerging with a cleaver, to a scene of utter disarray. The area around their table was splattered with a tar-like substance, emitting a ghastly smell.

The little girl, tears streaming down her face, ran to her parents, crying, "Wahhh, my Barbie's ruined!"

"I'm so sorry," Azalea apologised with an awkward smile.

Their dinner was irrevocably spoiled. When the Martian police arrived and couldn't trace the person who had gifted the doll, Azalea was promptly fined to cover the diner's losses, cleaning expenses, and the cost of the child's doll.

###

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“And then what happened?” Lemon’s voice crackled through the phone.

“Well, I ended up footing the bill. My wallet's definitely feeling it, but Galaxy Enlight generously offered to help out,” Azalea recounted, her tone laced with a mix of gratitude and frustration.

She stood by the window of the Martian Hotel's top-floor buffet, phone pressed to her ear. Her eyes wandered over the sea of clouds outside, mesmerizing in their endless expanse. Far below, the city’s bright lights shimmered through cloud gaps, resembling distant stars in a cosmic tapestry.

“I swear! I picked this hotel on a whim, and Galaxy just happens to be here too,” Azalea muttered, a note of exasperation in her voice.

“Hey, no explanations needed,” Lemon’s voice bubbled with laughter. “Did I ever mention that Jeffry Chromen and I were classmates in primary school? He once confessed he liked boys. And with Galaxy there… well, you get the picture.”

Azalea’s eyes widened in surprise. She stole a glance at Galaxy, seated under a lamp, his form casting a soft dance of light and shadows. His silhouette, from his hair down to his jawline, glowed with an ethereal luminescence. She caught his eye and quickly composed herself, “Really?”

“Just enjoy the moment, like a fairytale unfolding before you,” Lemon squealed with excitement.

Anticipating Lemon's next exuberant outburst, Azalea hastily moved the phone from her ear. Once the excitement died down, she asked, “Is that why you called? I thought you’d be neck-deep in your report for Professor Gravita.”

Lemon exhaled heavily, “Already met her. There’s some trouble brewing at the Academia. She’s sending me to the Solar Union, and guess what? Jeffry's coming too, on behalf of the IT department. Don’t rush back to Europa; we’re heading to Mars to join you and Galaxy. I’m packing as we speak.”

Azalea sensed a serious tone in Lemon's voice, “What’s the problem? And why is Galaxy getting involved? He’s not an Academia staff, is he?”

“It’s a long tale, not one for a phone call. I’ll fill you in when I arrive. Anything you need me to bring?”

Azalea paused, then ventured, “Some suppressants, maybe?”

There was a moment of silence before Lemon replied, “Anything but that, Azalea. You know it's against the law. If you’re desperate, your ex-boyfriend might have some tricks up his sleeve to get them.”

Azalea rolled her eyes, her voice firm, “I’m done with him.”

“Then, for now, trust in your necklace, OK? I’m bringing my kit; we can run some tests once I’m there. Brace yourself for a hefty luggage haul. Oh, and Jeffry’s bringing a spare arm for Galaxy.”

“Okay, got it.” Azalea responded, a hint of relief in her voice.

Once her call ended, Azalea relayed Lemon's update to Galaxy before venturing a question, "This necklace I'm wearing, what's it made of? It seems to have effects similar to suppressants."

Galaxy Enlight, enjoying a slice of cactus fruit pie, paused and placed his fork down. "It's no ordinary stone," he began, "It's an ancient talisman, imbued with immense power."

"Magic, you say?" Azalea's voice carried a blend of skepticism and curiosity.

"Indeed, a force mightier than my own, safeguarding you against my enchantments," Galaxy explained with earnestness.

Azalea narrowed her eyes in thought, "So, you’re implying that you're behind this whole ABO predicament?"

He smiled softly, "In some ways, yes and no. Do you remember what I mentioned at the airport?"

"Which part?" Azalea's mind raced, trying to sift through the whirlwind of emotions and memories.

"You're simply suffering from your own creation," he reflected, a hint of nostalgia in his gaze. “A decade ago, you stepped out of the cosmic gateway, envisioning this ABO reality for humanity. Facing Luminos’s skepticism, you argued it was just a scientific concept, its ethicality hinging on its application. You pledged to ensure its benevolent use. The conviction in your eyes was so profound, I couldn't help but bring it to fruition."

A soft but bitter chuckle escaped Azalea's lips, "Hmm… I was too young, too simple, sometimes naive. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t dare be so impulsive."

Galaxy's eyes met hers, a warm conviction in his gaze, "But that same spark still shines in your eyes." He extended his right hand, palm up, invitingly. "May I hold your hand?"

"For what purpose?" Azalea asked, a hint of wariness in her tone.

"To awaken those memories," he replied with a sincerity that resonated in his eyes.

Azalea studied him carefully, her eyes narrowing as she searched for any sign of deceit. But his expression was tranquil and genuine. Tentatively, she extended her left hand towards his. The moment their fingertips connected, a cascade of memories – some foreign, others strangely familiar – surged through her mind...

Galaxy's memories unfolded, revealing a serene, almost magical high-dimensional space. It was a realm where stars bloomed like flowers, their light mingling with a subtle, enchanting fragrance. The sound of flowing water echoed nearby, yet no visible stream was present. Galaxy, holding a cup of fragrant tea, took a leisurely sip. A gentle breeze, cool and refreshing, caressed his cheeks, playfully depositing a few petals into his tea.

"If only my fiancée were here, this would be the ideal retreat," murmured a voice nearby. It was Luminos Summerain, comfortably seated cross-legged on the other side of the tea table, cradling a tea cup. His astronaut suit, however, appeared conspicuously out of place in this tranquil setting.

"Your world intrigues me. I'll make sure to visit someday," Galaxy commented. Abruptly, the sky above them rumbled, drawing his gaze upwards. "Seems like we have another visitor from your end," he noted.

Luminos, exuding a relaxed and carefree vibe, remarked, "Granley Shaw is just getting here? Must be some kind of delay in the system."

The sky, now heavy with thick clouds above the peach trees, crackled with energy. Suddenly, a lightning bolt struck, and in its wake, two figures in spacesuits materialized on the platform.

"Two shorties?" Luminos squinted, slightly bemused. " Did Granley mitosis himself or something?"

One figure remained motionless, while the other, brandishing a weapon, assumed a defensive posture and called out, "Luminos? What's this place? And why the no helmet?"

It was Azalea's voice. Luminos eased back, offering a relaxed shrug, "Relax, Azalea. Embrace the vibe." His gaze then drifted to the other astronaut, and his smile widened lazily. Setting down his tea, he introduced, "Meet my fiancée, Mitori Leafbud."

Approaching the still astronaut, Luminos gently lifted off her helmet, revealing a young girl with doe-like black eyes. Tears shimmered in her eyes as she embraced Luminos, sobbing, "I was so afraid I'd lost you. It's a relief to see you're safe."

Luminos, with a reassuring smile, softly patted her back, "It's alright. I've just been enjoying tea and conversation with a new buddy."

Interrupting the tender moment, the other astronaut insisted, "Put your helmets back on, both of you. We can't be sure of the radiation or microbe levels in this alien space."

Luminos, unfazed, led Mitori closer, "It's perfectly safe here, Azalea. Look at this enchanting place. The Creator here is quite congenial; we're discussing the intricacies of the multiverse."

"The Creator?" Azalea's gaze followed his nod towards Galaxy.

Though her visor obscured her expression, Galaxy could almost hear the skepticism in her voice. He offered a wave and a friendly introduction, "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Luminos and Mitori sat down by the tea table. He poured a cup of tea for Mitori. She hesitated at first, but under his easygoing encouragement, she took a tentative sip, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "This is quite refreshing, thank you for your kindness, Creator," she said gratefully. Then, turning to the distant figure, she called, "Little Snow, would you like to try?"

"I refuse," Azalea responded. But moments later, she set down her weapon, cautiously approached, and peered closely at the tea. Just when everyone thought she might relent, she actually bowed to Galaxy and asked, "May I take a sample of this?"

Galaxy momentarily startled, was about to agree when Luminos interjected, "If you want a sample, take off your helmet."

Azalea bristled, "Have you guys even read the Union's safety protocols? We can't be sure if we can digest this stuff. If you end up poisoned, I'm the one who'll have to find an antidote. And if that fails, guess who's visiting your graves annually."

Luminos sighed, while Mitori chuckled softly, "Thanks for being so thoughtful and thorough, Little Snow."

Galaxy watched Azalea as she held a test tube in one hand and a sample bag in the other, a faint smile playing on his lips. With a subtle gesture, he pointed a finger towards the tube, and from his fingertip, a golden light emanated, entwining the water in the cup. The liquid gracefully rose, forming a steady stream that flowed into the test tube, carrying with it fresh tea leaves and peach blossoms that gently bobbed up and down.

Azalea, her voice tinged with astonishment from within her helmet, exclaimed, "How can this be? The laws of physics..."

Galaxy asked with a friendly smile, "Is this good for you? Luminos had some snacks earlier; I can materialize those too, if you'd like." With a simple gesture, a bag filled with delightful pastries appeared on the table.

"You... what exactly are you?" Azalea stepped back; her disbelief palpable.

Luminos, with a resigned tone, explained, "As I've told you, he's the Creator, and such things are trivial for him," He then turned to Galaxy, "Sorry about her. People like her are quite rare even in our world."

Galaxy continued to observe Azalea thoughtfully and offered, "Miss, I have the power to fulfill a wish for you." Seeing her deep in thought, he added with a soft smile, "Not the wish of granting you countless wishes, of course."

After a pause, Azalea spoke in a steady tone, "If you truly are the Creator, you must know about the genetic damage humanity suffered after the nuclear catastrophe. The birth rate has drastically fallen. Not a single child has been born in the Union for a decade."

Galaxy's gaze, reflective of the tea's gentle ripples, showed his understanding. "There are various solutions, but choosing the right one for your world requires thoughtful consideration."

With a blend of caution and intrigue, Azalea asked, "Do you know about the ABO system?"

Luminos, caught off guard, suddenly choked on his tea in surprise.