Although Avi tried to make the last few weeks before meeting Anaari nicer, Luna continued her hard work and training Eva, like she wasn't even considering defeat. However, her aura of confidence and courage was just an outward appearance, and Avi was well aware of that. That's why, at least on the final day before the confrontation, she wanted to show Luna her full support.

Precisely on the eve of arrival, the trio of girls decided they would spend it enjoying the day. Tabletop games, racing simulations, a movie, dances, and karaoke, all topped with unlimited, unhealthy snacks. When the evening came, Eva left her friends alone, so they could snuggle in private, reminiscing about their journey so far. Avi fell asleep first, and Luna just caressed her cheeks gently, thankful to the world for this otherworldly gift. Gazing at her companion, with whom she had so many adventures and shared joys and sadness, she didn't realize that the first rays of white sun entered the room through the opening blinds.

“I'll come home.” - Luna whispered, then gently kissed Avi's cheek, causing her to smile as she slept.

When Avi's eyes finally opened, she noticed Luna's radiating smile, as if the girl had for a moment forgotten about the mission that waited for them.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” - Luna uttered jokingly, then closed her eyes and turned her face to the sun, letting it warm her. - “Under this endless sky, shining with eternal light, I met hope.”

Avi got up and kissed Luna's cheek to greet her, then yawned, commenting. - “I'm not sure what you're trying to say, but I like how it sounds.”

Luna just stroked Avi's hair. - “No need to think too much about it. It's a blessing.”

“Mhm. If you say so.” - Avi added as she stretched her body. - “Can you clean the room? I'll go make breakfast.”

Luna nodded. - “Fly, little sparrow, it's almost noon.”

---

The morning passed on chit-chatting, and none of the girls even mentioned the trial that awaited Luna, at least, until they finished their meal. Right after the plates were cleaned up and the room was tidied up, Luna declared. - “It's time to head out.”

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Avi froze.

“I don't want to go alone. Can you accompany me until we need to separate?” - Luna asked.

“Luna... we don't have to do it yet.” - Avi muttered.

Luna shook her head. - “I'm ready and I want to fight on my own terms. It has to be today, because the longer I wait, the harder it'll become to leave.”

Avi threw herself at Luna, wrapping her arms around her neck and tearing up. - “I don't want it.”

“Avi, please...” - Luna uttered.

“At least promise that you'll get out of this alive.” - Avi begged.

“You know that...” - Luna began.

“Promise!!” - Avi interrupted.

“I promise.” - Luna said, and Avi let her go.

“We'll teach your parents a lesson.” - Avi threatened. - “As soon as I meet one of them, I'm going to punch their face.”

Luna giggled. - “Not too diplomatic approach.”

Avi crossed her arms. - “You don't waste words on scum like them.”

Luna gently smiled and telekinetically pulled Avi's and Eva's spacesuits to her. - “Come on, get dressed.”

“Wait!” - Avi stopped her.

“Avi... really...” - Luna wanted to complain, but held it in.

“That's not what it's about!” - Avi explained. - “Simply give me a short moment, I'll be back soon.”

Luna rolled her eyes. - “Sure.”

It didn't take long for Avi to return. She extended her hand to Luna and opened her palm. - “Here, it's for you.”

“What is it?” - Luna asked as she analyzed the silver, watch-like pendant.

“Open it.” - Avi requested.

There was a click, then the gears began moving. From behind the glass silhouettes of two figures holding hands against the background of fifty-two miniature stars, a familiar melody made by Avi began to play.

“A music box?” - Luna uttered, surprised.

“A memento.” - Avi declared. - “You have to remember us, always. You also have to remember everyone who you are precious to. My parents, our friends, every person we had helped – they're all with you, so don't come up with any stupid ideas and dare to live.”

Luna listened to the melody until its very end, then put the gift on her neck. - “I'll remember, but admit it, Eva put more work in it than you.”

“HUH!?” - Avi pouted. - “The idea was mine!”

“Thank you, Eva. Thank you, Avi. It's a really thoughtful gift.” - Luna said, and then there was silence.

“That's it.” - Avi eventually interrupted.

“Yes.” - Luna confirmed and glanced beyond the window. - “That's it.”

A black shape of the enigmatic cube slowly eclipsed the sun. The shelter of the most technologically advanced civilization in the universe, closed for countless cycles - today, it would change.