Chapter 04

Shattered World

Vivio blinked as her vision slowly cleared, her mismatched green and red eyes widening at the sight before her. She stood in a grand hall—no, a palace—where the very air felt thick with history. An ancient, almost sacred presence lingered in the atmosphere, as if the walls themselves whispered of past battles and hard-won victories. Towering pillars of polished stone stretched toward a ceiling adorned with intricate carvings—celestial figures entwined with mechanical wonders, their forms frozen in time. Stained glass windows filtered the light into dazzling patterns, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the floor.

A short distance away, a frail-looking girl stood in quiet reverence, her long, dark blue hair flowing like a midnight river. Her amber eyes—glowing faintly, as though carrying the weight of untold stories—were locked onto the towering figure before her.

A Gundam.

It knelt in solemn stillness, yet its presence was overwhelming. Its white and blue armor gleamed under the fractured light, the elegant yet imposing design exuding an almost divine aura. The green glow of its GN Drive pulsed faintly, its particles drifting like embers in the still air. Even at rest, Gundam Astraea radiated power—an untamed legend waiting to awaken.

Standing protectively beside the girl were two figures that sent a jolt through Vivio's chest. Claus Ingvalt… and Olivie Sägebrecht?!

She knew them. Recognized them instantly. And yet, she couldn't quite grasp how or why.

Claus, his mismatched purple and blue eyes carrying an air of quiet strength, stood with his arms crossed, his stance firm and unyielding. Olivie, her own mismatched green and red eyes mirroring Vivio's, held herself with the same regal confidence that Vivio had always associated with the legendary queen.

What is this place? Why are they here?

Vivio's heart pounded in her chest as the realization settled in—this was no ordinary dream.

Claus's voice was steady, but the concern in his tone was unmistakable as he turned to the frail girl before him. "Nina," he said, firm yet gentle, "what is this Gundam? Why is it here?"

Nina's amber eyes softened, a quiet warmth flickering within them. "This is Astraea," she answered, her voice carrying a calm, almost soothing certainty. "It was entrusted to me. It's both a gift… and a responsibility."

Olivie stepped forward, her mismatched green and red eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the kneeling Gundam. "Nina," she said, her tone firm but not unkind, "are you planning to pilot it? To fight alongside Hector and reclaim the lost capital?"

Without hesitation, Nina nodded. "Yes, Vivi. I want to help. Hector-san needs us… and I refuse to stand by and do nothing."

Claus frowned, arms crossing over his chest, his mismatched purple and blue eyes shadowed with concern. "Nina, you know how weak your body is. The strain of piloting something like Astraea… it could be too much for you. The risk isn't worth it."

Olivie nodded, her voice steady but tinged with worry. "Claus is right. You don't have the endurance for this. If something happens to you, we—" She paused, exhaling sharply. "There has to be another way."

But Nina's gentle smile didn't waver. Stepping forward, she lightly placed her hand on Claus's arm—a quiet reassurance. "I know you're both worried about me," she said softly, sincerity shining in her amber gaze. "And I appreciate that. But I won't be alone. I have both of you to protect me… and together, I know we can do this."

Claus and Olivie exchanged glances, their shared hesitation evident. Yet, beneath their concern, there was admiration too.

Claus sighed, his shoulders relaxing as he uncrossed his arms. "…Alright, Nina." His voice was softer now. "But promise us you won't push yourself too far. If anything happens to you—"

"I'll be fine." Nina's smile grew as she turned to Olivie, who let out a reluctant sigh before nodding.

"We'll be right by your side," Olivie said, her mismatched eyes reflecting a quiet resolve. "No matter what."

Nina stepped forward and wrapped them both in a warm embrace. "Thank you," she murmured, voice brimming with gratitude. "With you two by my side, I know we can get through this."

Nina's gaze returned to the kneeling Gundam, her amber eyes steady with quiet determination. Taking a deep breath, she felt a slight tremor in her small frame, but her resolve never wavered.

"Goddess Astraea," she murmured, her voice soft yet unwavering. "Lend us your strength. Help us protect what we hold dear."

For a brief moment, the Gundam's eyes flared with brilliance, as if responding to her plea. The hum of its GN Drive deepened, green particles swirling around its massive frame like a celestial veil. A flicker of warmth touched Nina's expression, and she gently placed her hand against the cold, armoured surface of the machine's leg—her touch light, but firm.

"We'll fight together," she whispered. "For Hector-san. For the future. And for each other."

Behind her, Claus and Olivie stood in silence, their expressions laced with both pride and concern. Claus's mismatched eyes reflected his inner turmoil—he wanted to shield Nina from harm, yet he knew better than to deny her the right to stand and fight.

Olivie, however, clenched her fists at her sides, her own mismatched eyes burning with fierce determination. No matter what happens, she thought, I won't let anything happen to her.

Vivio watched the scene unfold, her mismatched green and red eyes filled with wonder. Who is Nina? She wondered, her thoughts racing. Why does she feel so familiar?

Her gaze flickered to the kneeling Gundam, its sleek frame and glowing eyes exuding an undeniable presence. The design reminded her of Astraea II, but there was something… different. Older. Regal. Almost like it carries the weight of history itself.

Shifting her attention to Claus and Olivie, she felt warmth in her chest. They're so protective of her… A quiet admiration stirred inside her. It's not just duty. It's something deeper—like a family, bound by something beyond blood.

A faint pang of longing crept in as she watched them, a feeling she couldn't quite put into words. Why do I feel so connected to them…?

Vivio stirred, blinking her mismatched green and red eyes as the last traces of sleep slipped away. A dream? The images had already begun to fade, leaving only a lingering sense of familiarity.

She shifted slightly, realizing she was still curled up on the back of Astraea II's pilot seat. The steady hum of the Gundam's systems filled the cockpit, a soft, rhythmic pulse that grounded her in reality. A blanket had been draped over her at some point, its warmth still lingering against her Barrier Jacket.

Her gaze drifted forward. Einhard was asleep, nestled comfortably in Ave's lap, her head resting lightly against his chest. The silvery-green strands of her twin tails, tied with vivid red ribbon, spilled over her shoulders, a few loose strands framing her relaxed face. Her mismatched purple and blue eyes remained closed, her breathing slow and steady. I don't think I've ever seen her this peaceful before…

Ave, focused on the controls, must have noticed Vivio stirring, because he turned to her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Vivio," he greeted, his voice gentle. "Sleep well?"

Vivio stretched, a grin forming as she shook off the last traces of drowsiness. "Yeah, I think so. How long was I out?"

Ave glanced at the glowing holographic display in front of him. "About an hour, maybe less. We're almost there."

Vivio perked up at that, her mismatched eyes bright with excitement. "How much longer until we reach Katsumi's world?"

"Less than ten minutes," Ave answered smoothly. "We'll be exiting Quantum Leap soon."

Vivio's gaze flickered to Einhard again. She reached out, brushing a stray lock of silvery-green hair from her friend's face with a feather light touch. "She looks so calm…" she murmured, her voice soft.

Ave's expression gentled, his eyes reflecting quiet fondness. "She pushes herself so hard," he said, just as softly. "Training, tournaments, always chasing something… She never really slows down. I'm glad she can rest, even if it's just for a little while."

Vivio nodded, her heart squeezing a little. She really has changed since Ave-nii came into her life… There was something soothing about seeing Einhard like this, so unguarded. It made her happy. It also made her chest ache in a way she didn't quite understand.

She leaned back slightly, resting her hands on her knees before glancing at Ave. "Ave-nii… thanks for taking care of Einhard-san," she said, voice thoughtful. "And… thanks for always looking out for me, too."

Ave chuckled, his smile warm. "I should be the one thanking you, Vivio. You've always been there for Einhard, even before we got together. You're her friend, her sparring partner, and someone she trusts completely." His gaze softened. "And honestly, you've helped me feel at home in Midchilda more than you realize."

Vivio felt heat creep up her cheeks as she scratched the back of her head. "I just did what anyone would do… You and Einhard-san are important to me. Of course I'd be there."

Ave reached out, ruffling her golden-blonde hair with a quiet laugh. "You're way too modest. You've got a big heart, Vivio, and that's one of the things I admire most about you."

Vivio's blush deepened, and she let out a small, sheepish laugh. "Thanks, Ave-nii… That really means a lot."

More than I can put into words…

Einhard stirred, her mismatched purple and blue eyes slowly fluttering open. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the cockpit's soft glow. Did I fall asleep…? Realization hit as she felt warmth beneath her—Ave's lap. A deep red blush spread across her cheeks, and she quickly sat up, fingers curling into the fabric of her Barrier Jacket as she fidgeted.

"Ave-kun," she mumbled, voice tinged with embarrassment, "sorry… I didn't mean to fall asleep like that."

Ave chuckled, his tone light and reassuring. "Don't worry, Haru. You needed it. You've been overworking yourself again."

Vivio leaned forward with a teasing grin. "You're not the only one! I just woke up too, Einhard-san."

Einhard's blush deepened, but she exhaled softly, her eyes meeting Vivio's. "I guess I was more tired than I thought…" Her gaze shifted to Ave. "How much longer until we get there?"

"Less than ten minutes," Ave answered, his voice calm yet focused. "You and Vivio should activate 'Contact Mode' with your Devices. It'll help strengthen your defenses and block out any outside interference—especially mind control."

Einhard nodded, her expression turning serious as she reached for Asteion, the small snow leopard plushie nestled at her side. She gently pressed her fingers against its soft fur. "Tio," she murmured, quiet yet firm, "let's do this."

Asteion responded with a soft meow, its golden eyes glowing as "Contact Mode" activated. A faint shimmer surrounded Einhard's Barrier Jacket, the green and black accents on her white coat pulsing with renewed energy.

Vivio grinned, already reaching for Sacred Heart. "Chris, let's go!"

The snow bunny plushie twitched its ears, glowing faintly as it activated its own "Contact Mode." A bright aura surrounded Vivio's Barrier Jacket, her dark blue combat suit and white-and-blue jacket pulsing with power.

Ave's iridescent eyes flicked back to the controls, his grip firm but steady. "Get ready, you two. We're about to exit Quantum Leap."

Einhard and Vivio exchanged glances—excitement, determination, and an unspoken understanding passing between them. Whatever's waiting for us in Katsumi's world… we'll face it together.

As the Astraea II emerged from Quantum Leap, a stark and desolate world stretched out before them—a place far removed from the one Einhard and Ave had last visited. The ruined city sprawled beneath them, its lifeless streets swallowed by silence. Once-proud buildings now leaned at precarious angles, their shattered windows reflecting the dull, suffocating grey of the sky above. The air was thick with an unnatural stillness, as if even time itself had abandoned this place. The ground was cracked and barren, devoid of any signs of life. No plants. No animals. Not even the faintest whisper of wind. It's like the world itself is dying…

Vivio's mismatched green and red eyes went wide in shock, as she took in the devastation. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, something caught her attention. "What… what is that?" she asked, her voice a mix of awe and unease.

High above them, coiled within the oppressive sky, was a massive, segmented creature—an eerie colossus that seemed to stretch endlessly across the heavens. Its armoured body glistened faintly, countless legs twitching in a restless slumber. The sheer size of it was overwhelming, casting an ominous shadow over the ruined world below.

Einhard's expression darkened as she studied the grotesque entity, her mismatched purple and blue eyes reflecting both concern and determination. "This wasn't here before," she murmured, her voice steady but laced with unease. "The sky… it feels like it's suffocating everything. It didn't feel like this last time."

Ave, his eyes scanning the Astraea II's monitors, spoke in a measured tone. "It looks like some kind of giant armoured centipede… but we never saw anything like this during our first visit." He paused, his voice quiet but firm. "Whatever it is, it's not natural."

Vivio frowned, her mind racing as she tried to piece things together. "Something must have happened after both of you left," she said, her tone thoughtful. "This world… it's worse than what I thought. It's like it's been… corrupted."

Einhard gave a slow nod, her fingers tightening slightly as worry crept into her voice. "Yuki-san and the others… I hope they're okay. They've been through so much already. If things have gotten this bad since we last saw them…" What else have they been forced to endure?

Ave reached out, giving Einhard's hand a gentle squeeze. "They're strong, Haru. Yuki, Katsumi, Kiddy, Nami, and Lebia… they've survived this long. I don't doubt they're still fighting." His tone was reassuring, steady, a quiet strength beneath his words. "First stop—Yuki's café. If anyone knows what's going on, it's them."

Einhard took a breath, her resolve hardening as she looked back toward the ruined city. "Yeah… you're right, Ave-kun." She turned to Vivio. "Vivio-san, are you okay with this?"

Vivio's momentary hesitation faded, replaced by a confident grin. "Of course! Let's go see what's going on. If Yuki-san and the others are still here, we'll find them."

The tension in the air remained thick, but together, they pressed forward—determined to uncover the truth of what had become of this world.

As the Astraea II soared toward the main settlement, Einhard's thoughts churned with uneasiness. What happened here…? A weight settled in her chest as she scanned the desolate landscape below. The last time we were here, this world was struggling, but it wasn't like this. The sky, that creature, the emptiness… it's like everything's been drained of life.

She cast a glance at Ave, her mismatched purple and blue eyes softening as she watched him pilot the Gundam with steady precision. Ave-kun is right. Yuki-san and the others are strong. They've been through so much already. But even as she reassured herself, doubt crept in at the edges of her mind. What if this is too much? What if… we're too late?

Einhard clenched her fists, shaking the thought away. No. I can't let myself think like that. She exhaled slowly, steadying herself. We're here now. Whatever happened, whatever's waiting for us—we'll face it together. And we'll find a way to help them. No matter what.

Vivio's mind was elsewhere as she gazed out at the ruined landscape, barely registering the desolate silence around them. That dream… Her mismatched green and red eyes narrowed slightly. Who is Nina? And why does she feel so connected to Ave-nii? There was something about her—something strangely familiar, yet just out of reach.

Her gaze flickered toward Ave, her expression contemplative. Ave-nii… he's always been a bit of a mystery. Even after all this time, there's still so much I don't know about him. She bit her lip, her thoughts swirling. But Nina… she feels like a missing piece. Like she's tied to him in a way I don't understand yet.

A memory of Nina's gentle gaze surfaced in her mind—calm, warm, and filled with quiet strength. Vivio's breath hitched slightly. That look… it's just like Ave-nii's. The way he would smile at her, the way his eyes softened when he looked at Einhard—it was the same.

Vivio shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside. No, now's not the time to get distracted. We have a world to save. But even as she steeled herself, the question lingered. Still… I'll keep an eye on Ave-nii. Maybe the answers are closer than I think.

As the Astraea II soared over the ruined city, an overwhelming sense of desolation pressed down on the trio. The streets below were choked with rubble, and the skeletal remains of buildings barely clung to their foundations. A thick, oppressive energy lingered in the air, making the silence feel even heavier. There were no signs of life—no people, no animals, not even the faintest rustle of wind. It was as if the world itself had been abandoned, left to wither under the looming presence of the massive creature in the sky.

Einhard's chest tightened as she took in the devastation. This place… it's nothing like before. It's like a hollow shell of what it once was. Her mismatched purple and blue eyes darkened with concern. What happened here? What could have caused this? And more importantly… how do we fix it?

Beside her, Vivio shivered slightly, her mismatched green and red eyes scanning the bleak landscape. This place… it doesn't just look empty. It feels empty. Like even hope was drained from it. She clenched her fists, determination flickering in her gaze. But we're here now. And if there's even the smallest chance we can change things, we have to try.

As the Astraea II neared the main settlement, Yuki's café came into view, standing resilient among the ruins. The building, though battered and worn, still seemed to defy the devastation around it. A wave of relief washed over Einhard as she spotted it. Yuki-san… please be okay.

Ave's calm voice broke the silence. "We're almost there. Let's land and see if we can find Yuki and the others."

Einhard nodded, her expression steady. "Right. Let's go." Her usual resolve was tempered by a quiet urgency.

Vivio's confident grin reappeared, a spark of excitement in her mismatched eyes. "Let's figure out what's going on. And if that giant centipede thing decides to make a move, we'll be more than ready for it."

As the Astraea II descended toward the ground, the trio braced themselves. The world around them had shifted, but one thing remained unchanged: their determination to save it.

To Be Continued…