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A soft tap hits the door, three quiet knocks that ring through the silence of the student dorms.
"Universe? May I come in?"
The door slowly opens. Victoire Pisa, no longer donning the large silhouette of a dress or skirt, stands in only a t-shirt, shorts and slippers. Tear stains glisten on her face, and her eyes, which for most would dull in their own sadness, instead sparkle brighter in their nebula hues.
Neo Universe's own eyes stare back, a sharp blue with every intensity of a comet's blaze. Untainted by fatigue or exhaustion, she hasn't yet slept. Although in pajamas, she wears the big jacket of her racewear also.
Universe scans, and tries to find the words. Although the words settle in her mind, they never travel beyond.
Their eye contact says all the words they need. An unspoken conversation of desperation and fear.
"... "Discontinuity"... Would you 『wish』to join my "solar system"?" Neo Universe says as the tears from Pisa's eyes fall once more.
Pisa takes a step forward, pausing in her tracks.
"Still in Love, is she here?" Pisa whispers.
Universe shakes her head, slowly and deliberately.
"... Still... The other "planet" 『observes』 from her "starship" tonight..."
"... Ah." Sure enough, Still's bed remains empty, perfectly made with no sign of any recent disturbance.
Pisa takes this as enough reason to make her way forward in the dark, illuminated by only starlight, and sits next to Universe.
"..."Protostar"."
"... I had a nightmare again. About when I went to Dubai. Except this time, I had stayed home last minute. The earthquake... It didn't happen. Nobody got hurt and Tran won the race without ever knowing what would have occurred if I had chosen to race too. Was it my fault? Was it chasing my own dreams and abandoning the hopes of others to follow my own that caused the disaster? Did I-"
A cold yet supportive hand lays itself onto Pisa's back, and pulls her into Universe's jacket. The other arm wraps around her into a hug. Pisa's entire body folds, crumbling into the jacket as sobs take over the words that were spilling out of her. She simply cries and cries into the darkness, hands clutching onto any fabric she can find.
And the crying eventually subsides. It simply makes way into slow breathing, almost drowning herself in the jacket, returning the hug for what could have easily been minutes or hours. Time itself becomes lost around Universe. A warm sun that radiates love and support and becomes such an easy presence to calm herself around.
"I miss my mama and dad..." Pisa eventually says, to nobody in particular. "I wish I could've been by their side to give them hope too."
Universe feels the horrible feeling shoot down her spine when she says this. But it's not the time to feel sorrow for the child she lost to space and time.
"The "universe" 『felt』 your "light". You showed us a 『heavenly』 "body". Do not blame yourself."
"I'll try not to... It's just hard when I have these dreams."
"”Neo Universe” understands, 『my』 "Protostar"."
Universe runs her fingers through Pisa's hair, untangling the knots formed during sleep. Such beautiful white hair for someone who used to be a dark bay colour. And in such pristine condition too. Some things never change.
They hear the hand on the door quietly sliding it open.
"I heard some noise on the stairs earlier, is everything okay?"
"... Affirmative."
Fuji Kiseki smiles at Neo Universe, who both know this is a dorm of those who rarely sleep. It was, after all, why both Universe and Still were put on the top floor, with easy access to the roof. They were both often found breaking curfew to look at the stars, but it wasn't exactly a violation of anything because some students simply need that freedom to wander.
"No Still tonight as well, I see?"
"... Affirmative."
Fuji was also well aware of Still's disorder. Therefore, it was not Still's punishment if another part of her brain has chosen she wants to disappear for the night. For how volatile she could be, something about it was easier than facing her directly regardless. It just became a part of Fuji's routine to give Still extra care and attention the next morning, making sure she got back safe.
Universe opens her mouth, then closes it again.
"Fuji-kin," Universe whispers.
"Hm?" Fuji stops in her tracks while attempting to leave. She isn't sure what "kin" means, just that over time it had evolved from -san to -kun, to now -kin. And that it was a thing that she referred to for only certain people, regardless of status or closeness.
"... "Project" to 『observe』 the "universe"."
Fuji isn't the greatest at reading Universe's speech at the best of times, but so late into the night after just waking up mid-dream made it a thousand times harder. Her face scrunches as she tries to think without looking especially ignorant, putting a finger over her mouth.
"We'd like to go see the stars."
A head pops out from above the big sleeve.
"Ah! Victoire Pisa! What a surprise to see you here. Although that would explain the footsteps from the bottom floor, would it not? Earth is currently off-campus with her trainer, so I had ruled out your room."
"I quickly lose hope and determination when I’m alone. I'm sorry."
"Do not apologise, dear pony. I'm only glad you have found comfort elsewhere, since as you know, my room is always open for every one of my darling ponies. Now, unless I'm mistaken, Universe here should have a key to the roof if you want to take a respite under the stars?"
Fuji can't help but notice how small Pisa looks in Universe's arms. How small Universe would look too if she wasn't wearing her jacket. How easily a breeze looks as though it could take them elsewhere, lost to time if not so determined to stay anchored. Two tiny twinkles in the infinity of space. And some of the two umas that she believes have endured the most, with a willpower that represented Japan itself. With the kindest, brightest eyes in the universe.
"... The "open vast" of the "universe"."
"... Please, Fuji. I need to feel the turf beneath my feet."
"It seems I have been backed into a corner by two of my most darling ponies. Who would I be to deny such an earnest request? Although... It's 3am. I can't let you off campus I'm afraid."
Pisa's ears droop slightly.
"Which is to say, I can certainly turn a blind eye if you want to stay on campus. It would be a pity to find out in the morning that I accidentally didn't lock the gate properly behind me, and two ponies took advantage to train a little earlier than usual, would it not?"
Pisa perks back up.
"I promise I won't make a habit out of this, Fuji. My responsibility to carry hopes must also extend to bearing the academy's rules as gospel. That is to say, I will not get caught as though my life itself depends on it."
"I'll write you both a morning training pass for when the gates open for your return. Do try to enjoy yourself out there, okay? The sky is beautiful tonight and I can only imagine it will bloom brighter with the presence of two gorgeous ponies such as yourselves. I'll go unlock the door downstairs, and I'll meet you there."
"... Understood." Neo Universe responds.
Fuji Kiseki walks forward to the two, brushing her hand along Universe's shoulder and gently kissing Pisa's forehead. She turns and leaves, but not before speaking once more.
"You do know where the storage cupboard is, correct? It would be quite the concern to be found without the academy's uniform on at 6am when you return. I do suggest the spares we have."
"Of course, we'll get changed into something more appropriate."
Fuji slides the door closed as she leaves, where Pisa finally removes herself from the embrace. She walks to the wardrobe and takes out a jersey and sweatpants, opting to leave Universe in her own jacket and borrowing her jersey while handing over the pants. On the way down, Pisa finds the spare academy shorts and throws them on top of her pyjamas, walking quietly down the stairs and taking a minute to tie up their shoes before leaving the building.
Fuji meets them at the door with a smile and a wink, following them and unlocking the gate to the school grounds.
"Do take care, my dear ponies. And although it's not something I'd expect of you two, do try not to make too much noise okay? The sky is yours to wander, just for tonight~."
"『Affirmative』."
"Thank you Fuji, I hope your night is equally as pleasant as the stars above us."
---
Pisa practically drags Universe through the grounds, breathing in the crisp night air of early September. Universe floats by behind her, breathing shallow and noticing the faint scent of moisture in the turf. Before long, they've reached the grassy outlook, lying atop the outer edge of the track before the thick foliage beyond the academy.
Pisa takes off her jacket, making as much physical contact with the ground below her as she can. Universe does not stir from her position, gazing up at the sky with one hand reaching up towards them.
"... "Capricornus"... "Cygnus"... "Equuleus"..."
"Equuleus? Is that the name of that small one?"
"... Not here. In another "universe". 『METI』. 『Home』."
"... Ah."
Pisa feels the grass on her skin and finally her breathing calms for the first time since the nightmare. She rubs a blade between her fingers, the other hand resting upon her chest, counting the heartbeats as she observes every star in each of their individual brilliance, creating beautiful pieces of art in the deep blue canvas. Aquila, Indus, Pavo, singing their harmonies in the stillness of Tokyo. Without the lights of the waking world, they dance and play and twinkle and Pisa can't help but be enamoured by their performance.
"... "Protostar"."
"Yes?"
"Neo Universe 『seeks』 "connection"."
"Ah. I'll do my best to take in every word."
"Hm... The "discontinuity"... Be at 『peace』... For this "blazar"... It was 『written in the stars』."
Pisa tears herself away from the stars, glancing over at Universe. Both sleeves are raised, reaching out towards the great unknown. Her brilliant blue eyes are glossed over, seemingly observing beyond this realm, lost in an infinity of thought.
"........ Yes, 『affirmative』... “Neo Universe” has walked this path before, for "infinity"..."
"I wish l could believe it, I really do. I fear these dreams speak of a reality in which I could have changed things."
"Some things 『can』 be changed...... Others 『cannot』........ Fate...... Neo Universe『wishes』she could "transform" your "light pollution"..."
"The gratitude I hold for the support and hope you continue to give me... It reaches far beyond the stars themselves."
"Then... The "oscillation" of your 『heart』... Why does it "pulse" so rapidly still?"
"Because... I still feel the weight of the burden of bearing hope, all this time later. I worry so deeply that I could prevent this awful thing that seems to cling to every achievement of mine."
"Is it so bad to be "magnified"? To remain in our 『souls』for how you "saved every universe"? What if 『Neo Universe』is "proud" too?"
"Then... Then maybe I could accept it. Just for tonight."
Neo Universe's arms fall to her side, her gaze breaking with a slow blink. Her head moves to catch the eyes of the girl sitting next to her, who continues to stare as the stars reflect in her eyes. With the gentlest smile, Neo Universe reaches out. Victoire Pisa's gaze connects. Both simply smiling as the stars continue to twinkle.
With another hesitant movement, Universe leans over, slowly removing Pisa's shoes and setting them to her side, next to her own that she then takes off too.
""Alpha-Earth"....... It 『carries』the "same soft turf"...... 『Remember』the feeling...... You 『belong』........ In every "universe"........."
Pisa knows it's true, the way the cold causes blood to rush to her feet and the damp blades of turf dances up to her ankles.
"The grass feels so much better than the synthetic turf they had in Dubai."
"The turf....... It is 『home』."
"It truly is home."
"Neo Universe.... Victoire Pisa.... We are 『home』."
Pisa glances back up at the stars, who gaze back without judgement. The same beautiful sight that could only be seen in Tokyo, with an intensity only laid bare when observing with someone who listens as you stargaze. The dancing blues and purples across the sky, broken up by a million lights telling their own story in their constellations. Yes... Everything she did after the earthquake, she could still care for that dream to spread hope to the world, for that disaster was never her fault. That thought is just a bad dream.
"Do you ever wish you could go to a life asides this one?" Pisa whispers, tracing the hidden lines between the constellations with her finger.
Universe pauses, the damp turf brushing up against the sole of her foot.
"Elsewhere... 『Neo Universe is an alien』... There is no Pisa to which I can be the "apastron"... Except maybe..."
Her voice trails off, ending in a bright smiles as a light shines through her eyes. Someone very special to her.
"There's someone out there who you wish you could thank, isn't there?"
Universe doesn't respond to who it could be, but the look in her eyes speaks of a prominent yes - that there is someone there.
"『AMRT』. My 『lost dream』is to "transmit" with『anata』. To "stargaze" to the idea of 『Neo Universe』"completing the connection". Someday 『Neo Universe』will "reciprocate"."
"I know you still reach out for them but... I'm glad you're here with me in this universe. Sometimes I get scared thinking about all the versions of me out there that don't have a you in her life."
"Victoire Pisa is beloved in every "universe". With or without her "parent molecular cloud”. Especially when she has 『anata』as a “guiding light”."
Neo Universe can feel the tinge of sadness in her throat trying to emerge as she says it. The reality that this is one of the rare places in which she can take care of Pisa hurts and it hurts in a way that she can't express to anyone without them completely misunderstanding. Except from her beloved Sounds of Earth and Pisa herself. They might not understand but they stay and listen just as much as the stars themselves.
"I'm glad I get to know you, Neo Universe. There's nobody I'd rather have by my side on these long nights."
""Affirmative"... Likewise..."
The turf itches a little and the damp leaves an uncomfortable feeling on the clothes. The wind messes up hair and scatters a cold front onto skin. But the stars are out, and their stage is never a conventional one. They tell of words that cannot be spoken, truths unknown to loved ones and secrets that will be taken to the grave. Of family, of rivals, sometimes both simultaneously. Of dreams lost across time and space, and people who can never truly speak to one another. And the stars empathise with every story, no matter how they end.
"... "Protostar"?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for being 『my family』."
"I wouldn't change it for the entire universe." Pisa says with a smile.
And the two sit in silence, side by side, as the curtain closes on the night, the stars bowing a final time, and in turn bringing the soft orange glow of morning rays.