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Chapter 54: Meeting Their Predecessors

As the spaceship exited the portal of Fairy Tale Universe, the familiar starry void of their universe greeted them.

The chaotic yet comforting sensation of space travel filled the cockpit as Jim, Naomi, Mike, and Heidi took a deep breath.

They had escaped the fairy universe and were finally back home.

Jim immediately activated his communicator, a sleek, silver Solunar device embedded in his arm.

With a few taps, he connected to Tim and Rei.

Jim (grinning): "Mission complete. The Orb Warriors are right in front of me. May pass it to Jeromy."

There was a moment of silence before Tim’s voice crackled through.

Tim (excitedly): "No way! You actually found them?"

Rei (calm but intrigued): "Interesting. This I have to see."

Jim turned to Mike and Heidi.

Jim: "You two up for meeting your successors?"

Mike and Heidi glanced at each other, curious but trying to act nonchalant.

Mike (crossing his arms): "Eh, why not? Let’s see if they live up to the name."

Heidi (grinning): "Hope they’re not as lame as you, Jim."

Jim rolled his eyes and set the course for Soluna.

_ _ _

It was almost a week's journey.

Thanks to the cooking of Heidi, everyone's shape was back to normal.

And Mike's magic kept them entertained.

Jim told them. "You can keep the spaceship if you want."

Mike: "Are you sure, you won't need it again?"

Heidi(smirking): "Because you are not getting it back."

Jim smiled. "No, I promise. I won't have any use of it until and unless you again end up getting sucked into random universes."

Mike grumbled. "Not happening again."

Heidi muttered. "I don't want to replay everything."

That's when—

Naomi: "Honestly, I don't need my lab-ship anymore so you can feel free to use it too.

Mike and Heidi were surprised after hearing all that.

Mike: "But without you, it would be tough for us to use these technologies."

Heidi: "Yeah, I don't think I can take care of this entire spaceship on my own."

Jim and Naomi laughed.

Naomi (looking at Jim): "Don't worry we will teach you everything within a few days."

Like that, they gradually taught them how to navigate and use the robots, trackers, etc so that they don't face troubles regarding those in the future.

Even though they struggled to process the lessons, Jim and Naomi's resolve made them digest it even if by some little love-teasing blackmails.

A Week later...
As their spaceship descended onto Soluna, Mike and Heidi’s rebellious nature momentarily gave way to awe.

Before them stood the Solunar Castle, a colossal structure made of shimmering Solar white and Lunar black, rising into the sky like a divine monument. The celestial energy radiating from it was overwhelmingly majestic.

Mike (whistling): "Okay… gotta admit, that’s pretty cool."

Heidi (impressed): "Looks like a mix of a royal palace and a battlefield fortress."

Jim smirked.

Jim: "Yeah, Soluna doesn’t mess around."

Naomi, standing beside him, nodded knowingly.

They entered the castle, passing through grand corridors lined with banners of Solar and Lunar warriors from past generations.

Finally, they reached the throne room.

Seated before them were Tim and Rei—the legendary Celestic Warriors of the Sun and Moon.

Tim, with his Solar energy radiating warmth, gave a friendly smile.

Rei, cold yet composed, watched with calculating eyes, her Lunar energy faintly flickering in the air.

And on Rei’s lap, their one-year-old child—a small bundle of Solar and Lunar heritage, happily giggling at the sight of the newcomers.

Mike and Heidi took a moment to observe them.

Mike (smirking): "So, you’re the big-shot successors, huh?"

Heidi (arms crossed): "You don’t look too bad. Hope you fight as good as you look."

Tim chuckled.

Tim: "Oh, we can fight, trust me."

Rei (smirking slightly): "Though I doubt you’d last long against us."

Mike and Heidi felt a spark of competition, but before they could react, Jim clapped his hands.

Jim: "Alright, alright, let’s keep the rivalry for another day. We’re all warriors here."

They exchanged stories of their battles, discussing their different fighting styles, adventures, and enemies.

For the first time in a long while, Mike and Heidi found themselves genuinely enjoying a conversation—their usual rebellious energy taking a backseat.

But after an hour, their natural personalities resurfaced.

Heidi (leaning back): "Alright, enough serious talk. I need a break."

Mike (grinning): "And a good fight. Tim, you up for a spar?"

Jim facepalmed.

Jim: "Can you two stop being troublemakers for one second?"

Tim and Rei laughed, while their child clapped in amusement.

Mike and Heidi were relieved that there were still people whom they could rely on.

They felt pretty open with there predecessors.

After the laughter died down, Tim and Rei enjoyed watching their child clap and giggle, the innocent joy breaking through the heavy conversations of the past. Jim, though amused, sighed.

Jim (deadpan): "Well, I guess I’ll be heading back home. Try not to destroy the castle while I’m gone."

Mike (grinning): "No promises."

Heidi (snickering): "We’ll behave. Maybe."

Jim shook his head, clearly unconvinced, but with Naomi standing beside him, he turned toward the castle exit.

Jim: "See you all later. And seriously, try to stay out of trouble."

Tim (smirking): "You too, Jim."

Rei: "And take care, Naomi."

Naomi nodded with a small smile, then followed Jim. As the two disappeared down the corridor, Mike and Heidi exchanged knowing looks.

Once they were sure Jim and Naomi were out of earshot, Heidi leaned toward Mike with a mischievous grin.

Heidi (whispering): "You noticed it again, right?"

Mike (grinning): "Oh, definitely. They act like they’re just friends, but come on."

Heidi: "They’re not fooling anyone. Jim’s been a bit different towards Naomi when we are not looking. And Naomi? There is something going on with her too."

Mike (chuckling): "They might not realize it yet, but they suit each other. The stoic warrior and the quiet genius? Classic."

Heidi crossed her arms, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Heidi: "I mean, we don’t know if they’re in love or whatever. But let’s be honest — they’re probably the only ones who could put up with each other."

Tim and Rei listened silently, intrigued. Rei, always sharp, arched an eyebrow.

Rei: "Jim? In a relationship? That's... unexpected."

Tim: "Yeah. He’s never been one for romance."

Mike shrugged.

Mike: "That’s what makes it funny. He has no clue. But Naomi? She knows how to handle him. They just… fit."

Rei exchanged a thoughtful glance with Tim.

Rei: "But Jim’s a Solunar hybrid. His Solar and Lunar energies conflict. That’s why he always avoided this kind of thing. He’s convinced he can’t be compatible with anyone from Soluna."

Tim nodded, his tone serious.

Tim: "He never said it out loud, but I could tell. He thinks romance is a lost cause for him. Especially with Solar or Lunar women. In our planet  Solar Male and Lunar Female can give rise to next generation and vice-versa. Solar and Lunar are cursed to produce generations only with each other not with other planet's people."

Rei: "That's why hybrids having both genes cannot form the next generation with Solar or Lunar Woman according to Solunar genetics. But he is having combination of Solar and Lunar energies which means he is neither Solar nor Lunar. So, that means he can have next generation with a woman from any other planet. I previously discussed it with Dr. Aron and he was the one giving this info. So, it should be true. And Naomi isn’t from Soluna. Maybe that’s why… it’s different."

Mike grinned.

Mike: "Exactly. Who knows? Maybe she’s the exception."

Heidi (mocking a dreamy voice): "A forbidden love story~ How romantic!"

They both snickered while Tim and Rei shook their heads, though there was a hint of amusement in their eyes.

Tim: "Well, whatever happens, it’s not our business. If Jim and Naomi figure it out, good for them."

Rei: "But it might not hurt to keep an eye on them."

After saying their goodbyes, Mike and Heidi made their way to the spaceship, still grinning. Tim and Rei watched as the rebellious duo activated the ship’s thrusters, preparing for launch.

Tim: "They’re a handful."

Rei (smiling softly): "But effective."

The spaceship roared to life, rising into the sky. Jim and Naomi stood at the castle entrance, watching it disappear into the horizon.

Jim: "They’re gonna drive the universe crazy, aren’t they?"

Naomi (smirking): "Most definitely."

Jim chuckled.

Jim: "Guess that’s just how they are."

Naomi smiled, her eyes lingering on the sky for a moment longer before turning to Jim.

Naomi: "And how about you? Ready to head home?"

Jim gave a small, genuine smile.

Jim: "Yeah. Let’s go home."

With that, they left the castle behind, walking side by side.

Jim led Naomi down the winding stone path that connected the Solunar Castle to his home. The air carried a gentle breeze, rustling the leaves of the silver and golden trees that lined the walkway.

Naomi walked beside him, hands tucked into her coat pockets, curiously observing the landscape. Though she had heard much about Soluna, being here in person was a surreal experience.

She observed two races of people Solar and Lunar walking hand in hand with each other as she walked.

Naomi (softly): "It's beautiful."

Jim: "It has its moments."

Despite his flat tone, Naomi noticed a subtle warmth in his voice. Whether he’d admit it or not, Soluna was still his home.