Beyond The Aurora

~ The Sky You Gave Me ~

By: Andou Masaki

Disclaimer

The following franchises and properties are acknowledged as belonging to their respective rights holders: Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A's, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Reflection, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Detonation, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha ViVid, ViVid Strike and Magical Record Lyrical Nanoha Force owned by Seven Arcs and King Amusement Creative. Sunrise and Namco Bandai own Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Super Robot Wars and Mobile Suit Gundam F90FF. Kadokawa own A Certain Magical Index. From Software own Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, and I own my original character, Ave.

Beyond The Aurora is a series of multiple one-shot stories that explores the dynamic relationship between Ave and Hayate, both professionally and personally. Set within the established timeline of End Of The Eternity, this story emphasizes character interactions over action.

Please enjoy.

Sincerely;

Andou Masaki

"Someone once said…"

"One day…"

"If you meet someone that you love deeper than the bottomless blue ocean and wish only to protect that very person's smile more than anything else…"

"You will finally understand…"

"This purest and sincerest feeling in your heart…"

The polished metallic corridors of Special Duty Section 6's Mid-Childa HQ pulsed with quiet efficiency, a seamless blend of order and technology. The softly glowing blue panels along the walls emitted a cool, sterile light, reflecting off the gunmetal-grey floors that gleamed under meticulous maintenance. Holographic displays flickered at intersections, projecting crisp mission updates, personnel movements, and tactical data in midair, their translucent glyphs shifting in response to passing officers. The faint scent of ozone, a by-product of the high-energy systems running throughout the facility, mingled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifting in from the ever-busy break room. A distant murmur of voices and the rhythmic tap of boots against the polished floor formed a steady background hum—signs of a headquarters that never truly rested.

"Hayate-san…!"

Shari's voice cut through the quiet, her hurried tone standing out against the usual measured conversations. Hayate, walking with her usual graceful poise, paused mid-step. The motion sent her long chestnut braid swaying slightly as she turned, her emerald eyes sharpening with curiosity.

Hmm? Shari sounds kinda worked up… Did somethin' happen?

Her gaze, usually filled with easygoing warmth, now carried a flicker of concern as she took in her flustered subordinate.

"Ara, ya don't usually greet me with such a rushed look on yer face, Shari. Somethin' wrong, na…?" Hayate asked, tilting her head slightly. Her tone was light, but the way her fingers tightened around the datapad she carried betrayed her growing unease.

Shari exhaled, still slightly breathless from her quick dash through HQ. Maaaan, I really gotta work on my cardio…

"Did you hear about what happened during the combat simulation against ESUN's 1st Independent Northern Squadron this morning?" she began, lowering her voice. "The one where Ave-kun acted as the OPFOR against a squadron of Type-00C Takemikazuchi senjutsuki units…?"

At the mention of Ave, Hayate's easygoing smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. The casual grip on her datapad tightened ever so slightly.

…Ave-kun?

"What happened to 'im, na…?" Hayate's voice softened, but there was an unmistakable edge to it now. Without missing a beat, she gently guided Shari toward a quieter section of the hallway, away from the passing officers and inquisitive eyes. The last thing she needed was rumours spreading before she even knew the full details.

Shari hesitated for a moment before exhaling. "About five minutes after he took off, Ave-kun crashed his Avalanche Exia on the training field while trying to evade Captain Kanae Fujiwara's attack."

Hayate's breath caught in her throat.

Crashed!?

A cold sensation coiled in her stomach, her heartbeat quickening. Images flashed through her mind—Ave's mobile suit spiralling out of control, impact alarms blaring, smoke rising from twisted metal—

No. Calm down. Panicking won't do any good.

"Thankfully," Shari added quickly, clearly seeing the tension building in Hayate's expression, "Instructor Takamachi and Sergeant Major Rein had already set up multiple safety cushions around the field. Ave-kun came out of it without injuries. But… when he was taken to the infirmary, Shamal-sensei discovered he had a high fever."

Hayate let out a slow breath, relief washing over her—but the worry in her chest remained.

"So, Ave-kun's still in the infirmary…?" she murmured, already running through her schedule in her mind. I should visit 'im durin' my lunch break…

Shari shook her head. "Actually, he's no longer there, Hayate-san. Nanoha-san drove him home earlier this afternoon. I don't know much beyond that."

Hayate's expression shifted—relief, then guilt. A quiet pang twisted in her chest.

I shoulda checked on 'im sooner…

"Hayate-san?" Shari tilted her head, catching the change in her commander's demeanor.

Hayate sighed, rubbing the back of her neck with a sheepish expression. "Well… how should I put this, na…? I think Ave-kun overworked himself a bit too much. I'm partly ta blame fer always askin' 'im ta be my aide 'n' accompany me on minor internal audits 'n' investigations, na. He's never once declined, fer some reason…"

Because he'd do anythin' fer ya, Shari thought with an amused smirk but wisely kept that to herself.

"He also helped the Main Branch of Engineering Division fine-tune the unstable Blaster System 'n' tested the pre-production version of Caledfwlch Techniques' AEC Armaments, na…" Hayate continued, her voice tinged with regret.

Shari's eyes gleamed with mischief as a knowing grin spread across her face. "Well, since Ave-kun never declines anyone's requests—even from different divisions—it's no surprise that fatigue finally caught up with him. Looks like the supposedly unbeatable Time Diver was knocked out of commission, ne? Fu, fu, fu…"

Hayate blinked, then paled.

Oh no. She's plannin' somethin'.

"Uh, Shari…?" Hayate's voice was cautious, her smile strained.

Shari leaned in, grin widening. "How about this, Hayate-san? Why don't you visit Ave-kun this afternoon? I'm sure he'd be happy to see you. Oh, and while you're at it, why not cook him a late lunch or early dinner while wearing the legendary maid uniform once worn by Amakusa's Saint, Kaori Kanzaki-san, for cosplay? Don't you think that'd be a wonderful idea?"

Hayate's entire face erupted in a deep crimson.

W-WHAT!? A MAID UNIFORM!?

"W-Well, it might not be a bad idea… aside from the maid uniform cosplay part…" she muttered, voice cracking slightly as she fidgeted with the hem of her uniform jacket.

Shari was relentless. "Come on, Hayate-san… I don't see the problem with you wearing the legendary maid uniform for your visit to the bedridden Ave-kun. Especially since his secret crush on you became common knowledge across the Time-Space Administrative Bureau. Ah, ha, ha, ha…"

Hayate's soul nearly left her body.

"W-W-W-WHAT!? WAIT, SHARI! HOW—HOW COULD YOU 'N' EVERYONE ELSE KNOW ABOUT THAT!?" she shrieked, her voice echoing down the hallway. A few passing officers glanced over in amusement before quickly pretending they hadn't heard anything.

Shari giggled, thoroughly enjoying her commander's flustered state. "Aww, come on, Hayate-san! You and Ave-kun are always together for someone who's supposedly just maintaining a professional relationship, na… And don't you think it's pretty obvious he's always trying to impress you by helping with your internal audits, despite not having much experience? Also, there was that promise he made to take and shoulder half of your burden, remember?"

Hayate opened her mouth, and then closed it.

…She's right. I can't deny it anymore.

Her heart pounded in her chest, warmth spreading through her at the realization.

…He really does admire me, na.

Taking a deep breath, Hayate straightened up, her blush still present but her resolve firm.

"I'll visit Ave-kun this afternoon after I finish my investigation report on Rubicon 3, na. 'N' in the meantime, ya better keep yer deductions a secret from everyone else, especially our young Strikers, ne? Are ya with me, Executive Officer Assistant Shario Finieno?"

Shari snapped into a crisp salute. "Aye, roger that, Commander Yagami! I'll keep my lips sealed! And good luck with everything, Hayate-san! Don't forget the legendary maid uniform, or the results will rise exponentially!"

Hayate groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Mou, Shari…!"

But despite her embarrassment, a small, giddy smile tugged at her lips as she hurried back to her office.

…Time ta visit Ave-kun, na.

With a newfound spring in her step, Hayate practically floated out of HQ later that afternoon, her heart lighter than it had been in days.

The late afternoon sun bathed Althea District in a warm, golden glow, casting long, dappled shadows through the leafy canopies lining the quiet streets. Unlike the bustling, neon-lit avenues of Anberse or the sleek, glass-and-steel skyline of Altena, Althea had a slower, almost nostalgic rhythm—narrow cobblestone sidewalks traced between modest yet well-kept apartment buildings, their pale brick facades softened by ivy creeping up the walls and potted flowers adding bursts of color to balconies. Ornate, old-fashioned lampposts stood sentinel at every corner, their intricate metalwork hinting at a time when craftsmanship still held precedence over efficiency.

Hayate inhaled deeply as she stepped into the district, letting the air settle in her lungs. A gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming jasmine from a nearby planter, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly baked bread drifting from a small bakery at the end of the block. Somewhere in the distance, the muffled hum of a passing tram blended seamlessly with the rhythmic chirping of cicadas, a comforting harmony that wrapped the neighbourhood in a quiet serenity.

This place really suits Ave-kun, ne? She mused, her emerald eyes flickering over the familiar scenery. Unlike the rigid order of HQ or the structured chaos of mission zones, Althea felt… lived-in. Comfortable. Certainly, it was a place where people could breathe. Across the street, a small park nestled between buildings housed a few children laughing as they played on the swings, their carefree voices rising and falling with the summer breeze. Near the entrance, an elderly couple strolled arm-in-arm, their quiet conversation blending into the tranquil hum of the city.

Her boots tapped lightly against the stone pavement as she walked toward the second intersection, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the grocery bag she carried. The crinkle of plastic snapped her from her thoughts. Ave-kun's place is just up ahead… Her pulse quickened, warmth creeping up her neck that had nothing to do with the afternoon sun.

It's just a visit, just a meal… so why does it feel like my heart's about to jump outta my chest?

She let out a soft, flustered laugh, brushing a strand of chestnut hair behind her ear. "Aish, Hayate, what're ya gettin' all worked up for? It's not like it's a date or anythin'…" she muttered, though even she didn't fully believe that.

The memory of Ave's expression when she'd handed him that lunchbox weeks ago flickered in her mind—the way his dark blue eyes had softened with something unspoken, the quiet "Thanks, Hayate… it's really good." that had sent a strange flutter through her stomach back then. That had just been a simple bento. But this time…

She adjusted her grip on the bag, feeling the cool weight of fresh vegetables and the slight chill of the meat package inside. This time, I wanna make somethin' better. Somethin' that tells 'im how much I appreciate 'im, ne?

She exhaled, rolling her shoulders as if shaking off the lingering nervous energy. "Maa, whatever. If I'm gonna do this, might as well enjoy it, ne?" A small, determined grin tugged at her lips as she stepped forward, her initial hesitation melting into something steadier—something warm.

Alright, Ave-kun… hope ya're ready for the best damn home-cooked meal ya've ever had.

With a newfound lightness in her step, Hayate turned the corner toward his apartment, the golden hues of the setting sun painting the street ahead in soft, hopeful light.

Insert Theme Song: Overfly (Performed By: Luna Haruna)

His face lit up like a kid gettin' his favourite snack… Hayate mused, recalling Ave's delighted expression as he ate the lunchbox she had prepared. Priceless, ya na? Even now, just picturing that moment sent soft warmth spreading through her chest.

She shifted the grocery bag in her arms, her fingers tightening slightly around the plastic handles. It's funny… how somethin' so simple, like seein' him happy, can have such a big impact on me. I always thought I was s'posed to be the strong one, but every time Ave-kun's around, I feel like I can take on anythin'.

Ave had always been the kind of person who carried others forward with his boundless energy and unwavering optimism. Even when things got tough, he never hesitated to lift half her burden—sometimes literally. So this time… it's my turn to take good care of you, Ave-kun. Rest assured, my special remedy'll help ya recover nice and quick, na.

She nodded to herself with quiet determination as she stepped into the newly built apartment complex, just a short walk from the grocery store. The polished tile floor gleamed under the warm glow of ceiling lights, and a faint scent of fresh paint lingered in the air. She made her way toward the elevator, pressed the button, and waited as the doors slid open with a soft chime.

As the elevator ascended, an elderly woman stepped in, giving Hayate a warm, knowing smile. "Are you visiting someone, young lady?" she asked in a gentle, kindly tone.

"Ah, hai… Auntie," Hayate responded politely, offering a small bow of her head. "My junior from work's been feelin' under the weather, so I decided to drop by and cook 'im dinner. Hopefully, he'll get well soon, na."

The old woman chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Ho, ho, ho… I'm sure he'll recover quickly. Especially with an adorable young lady like you taking such good care of him. It'd surprise me if he didn't get better in no time."

Hayate felt her face warm instantly. O-Oh no… She let out a small, sheepish laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. I didn't think she'd tease me like that. If I try to explain, I'll just dig myself into a deeper hole…

Deciding to let the teasing slide, she simply smiled and nodded along. Thankfully, the elevator reached the tenth floor just as the conversation ended, sparing her from any further playful remarks. "Thanks, Auntie. Have a nice evenin', na."

Stepping out, she made her way toward Ave's apartment, her boots making soft clicks against the floor. It wasn't far from the elevator, and soon enough, she stood before the door. She took a deep breath, steadying herself.

Alright, Hayate. Ya got this. Just focus on helpin' Ave-kun recover and nothin' else.

She adjusted the collar of her uniform, smoothing it down. The navy-blue of her Time-Space Administrative Bureau uniform contrasted against her high-ranking official's coat, the insignia of Special Duty Section 6 gleaming subtly in the dim hallway light. Unlike the Ground Forces, Section 6 was directly under the Bureau's Sailing Force, operating with its own set of missions and responsibilities.

"Well, here I am, na…" she muttered, patting down her coat pockets before pulling out a small card. "Spare key… spare key… ah, here it is."

She paused for a moment, turning the card between her fingers. I still can't believe Vivio actually gave me this. I guess she figured I'd be visitin' him sooner or later, but still…

A quiet chuckle escaped her lips as she slid the card over the reader. A soft beep and a blinking green light signaled the door unlocking.

Here we go… Her heart fluttered slightly as she reached for the handle. I really hope Ave-kun's feelin' better. I can't wait to see his face when I make 'im dinner.

"Now, if ya don't mind me intrudin', na…" Hayate murmured softly as she stepped into Ave's one-bedroom apartment, careful to close the door behind her with barely a sound. The moment she crossed the threshold, a familiar scent greeted her—clean linen with a faint trace of cedar wood. It was subtle, yet unmistakably his, wrapping the space in an air of quiet warmth.

Soft afternoon light filtered through sheer curtains, casting golden streaks across the room's dark hardwood floors. The apartment was surprisingly neat for a young man living alone—no clutter, no scattered clothes, not even a stray coffee mug out of place. A deep navy-blue sofa sat against one wall, accompanied by a low wooden coffee table, where a neatly stacked pile of mission reports rested beside a half-empty bottle of mineral water. A small entertainment center housed a modest collection of books and tactical manuals, their spines well worn from frequent reading.

Not as spotless as Nanoha-chan's place, but way tidier than I expected from a guy, na… Hayate thought with an amused smile. She had half-expected a battlefield of laundry and snack wrappers, but this level of order suited him. Maybe it's 'cause of his trainin'… or maybe he just likes keepin' things simple, ne?

She made her way toward the kitchen—a compact but functional space with sleek stainless steel appliances and a two-seater dining nook tucked neatly against the wall. Setting her grocery bag down on the cool marble countertop, she began unpacking ingredients—fresh chicken, ginger, scallions, and rice, all carefully chosen for a proper recovery meal.

But before she could start cooking, something across the room caught her eye.

Ave's study desk sat against the far wall, clean and organized, save for a few personal touches. His laptop rested in sleep mode, the faint glow of the power indicator pulsing steadily in the dimming light. Next to it, his S2U Storage Device was neatly slotted into its cardholder, ready for deployment at a moment's notice. But what truly drew Hayate's attention was the wooden photo frame standing beside a small diecast model of GNDY-0000 Gundam Astraea II. Its metallic light-blue finish gleamed under the soft glow of the lamp, the right shoulder emblazoned with the custom insignia of the Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Sailing Force.

Her breath hitched slightly as she approached.

After washing her hands, she reached for the frame, her fingers brushing against the smooth, polished wood before lifting it with gentle care. The photograph inside was a frozen moment in time—one that made her heart tighten with nostalgia.

It was a group shot from the annual battle symposium's closing dinner, taken years ago. Ave stood at the center, dressed in his crisp light-blue Sailing Force cadet uniform, his expression bright despite the exhaustion of the day's gruelling training sessions. Beside him, Teana in her black Executive Officer uniform leaned slightly into the frame, her arms crossed, smirking confidently as if daring someone to challenge her. Subaru, Erio, and Caro flanked them in their Ground Force uniforms, beaming with the easy camaraderie that had been through thick and thin together.

In the front row, Nanoha and Vita sat shoulder to shoulder, still in their white Instructor Corps uniforms. The fierce rivalry they had displayed during the day's duels was nowhere to be seen—just two warriors laughing together, their battles left behind in the training field. Fate in her black Executive Officer uniform sat beside Nanoha, her burgundy eyes carrying the quiet warmth of someone completely at ease in the presence of her closest friends.

But what really made Hayate's chest ache in the best way possible was the sight of Agito, Reinforce Eins, and Reinforce Zwei—her beloved Unison Devices—all seated together in their navy-blue Sailing Force uniforms, their faces lit with joy.

They look so happy here…

She traced her fingers lightly over the glass, as if trying to hold onto the feeling captured in that single frame.

And behind them all, standing with quiet pride, were herself, Signum, and Shamal—Hayate and Signum in their high-ranking official coats, Shamal in her pristine white medical jacket.

This photo sure brings back memories, na…

She closed her eyes briefly, allowing herself to drift back to that day—the tension crackling in the air as Nanoha and Signum squared off in what had been one of the most intense duels of the entire symposium. There was sheer determination in their eyes, as neither willing to yield until the very last moment. And then, just hours later, the two of them were side by side, laughing like nothing had happened, as if they hadn't nearly destroyed half the training field with their stubbornness.

Both of 'em are sore losers, always fightin' to be the last one standin'… she mused with a fond chuckle.

Then—

Cough! Cough!

The sound shattered the quiet nostalgia, snapping her back to the present.

Ah! I almost forgot why I'm here!

Setting the frame carefully back in its place, she hurried toward Ave's bedroom.

"Ave-kun…? Ya awake…? It's me, Hayate… um, can I come in?" she asked softly, lingering at the door.

Silence.

With a quiet breath, she turned the knob.

"Excuse me… pardon my intrusion, na…"

The room was dim, the curtains drawn tight. The only source of light was the soft blue glow of the digital clock on the nightstand, casting faint shadows across the bed where Ave lay tangled in his blankets. His breathing was uneven, his face flushed from fever.

Flicking on the bedside lamp, Hayate knelt beside him, her heart clenching at the sight. He looked terrible—his normally sharp features drawn, dark hair damp with sweat. But when his bleary dark blue eyes found hers, a weak smile tugged at his lips.

"Hi, Commander Yagami… really sorry I look so messy and miserable here…" he rasped, his voice hoarse.

Hayate reached out, pressing her palm gently to his forehead. His skin was burning under her touch.

"Ya should've just told me ya weren't feelin' well, na," she scolded lightly, her thumb brushing his fevered brow. "Now ya made me, Nanoha-chan, Fate-chan, 'n' everyone else feel guilty for overworkin' ya, na…"

Ave chuckled weakly. "Hayate-san's hand is really warm and gentle," he murmured before moving her hand away with what little strength he had. "I'll be fine, Commander Yagami… just a little cold… cough... If I rest for a day or two, I'll be better."

Hayate sighed but shook her head. "Yer dedication's admirable, na. But this time, I'd rather order ya to rest up 'n' recover. I'm gonna use yer kitchen to cook ya somethin', Ave-kun. That's an order from the commander of Special Duty Section 6, na."

He started to protest, but another coughing fit cut him off.

"Uhm, Commander Yagami… please don't trouble yourself… cough..."

Hayate smiled, shaking her head. "No, no 'Commander Yagami' when it's not work hours, na. I've told ya before—just call me Hayate, na."

Ave gave a weak, sheepish smile. "Uhm… cough… well, Hayate-san… please don't trouble yourself. I still have some leftover pizza and roasted chicken salad from yesterday…"

Her smile turned playful. "That's not good enough, Ave-kun. Ya need a proper, nutritious meal to get better fast. So just relax 'n' rest up. Leave everythin' to Hayate-oneechan, na."

Ave sighed in surrender. "I'll follow your order, Hayate-san… again, thank you very much… I'm really looking forward to your cooking…"

Hayate chuckled. "Aha, aha… soon, ya'll be enjoyin' my special chicken porridge—just like I make for Vita when she's sick. Now, ya just rest up, 'n' I'll wake ya when it's ready, na."

With that, she quietly left the room, a warm determination settling in her heart.

I'll make sure he gets better, no matter what.

The memory flickered to life like an old film reel, sharp yet ethereal, as if Ave were watching it through rippling water.

Twelve hours before Break the World.

He stood on the precipice of a dying city, its skyline fractured and bleeding light from countless dimensional rifts. The air was thick with the acrid scent of burning metal and ozone, the ground beneath his feet trembling as reality itself threatened to collapse. Above, the sky churned in unnatural hues—deep amber streaked with violent cracks of violet, as if the heavens had been torn asunder.

This is it… my chance to change everything.

His hands clenched at his sides, trembling—not from fear, but from the sheer, overwhelming power surging through his Linker Core. It was wild, raw, untamed—like trying to contain a storm within his own body. The Originator's gift had rewritten him at the most fundamental level, warping his existence into something beyond human, beyond mage. He could feel it thrumming inside him, a force that threatened to consume him if he lost control.

The voice echoed in his mind, as it had that fateful day.

"You seek strength to defy fate, do you not? Then take it. Become a Time Diver—one who walks between the threads of time itself."

Ave had accepted without hesitation. He hadn't questioned it, hadn't hesitated, just as Nanoha Takamachi—his soon-to-be adoptive sister—would have done. He had chosen to believe first, to act on faith rather than fear.

And then—

Boom.

The world shattered.

A deafening roar split the air as the fractures widened, engulfing entire buildings in blinding light. The city crumbled around him, swallowed by the void, but Ave stood firm. He had already made his choice.

That was when he saw them for the first time.

Amidst the chaos, three figures surged into view, their Barrier Jackets glowing against the storm of collapsing dimensions. Their movements were swift, precise—Nanoha in her pristine white coat, her magic flaring like a beacon; Fate, a streak of golden lightning, her twin blades cutting through the encroaching void; and Hayate, clad in navy and silver, standing as the eye of the storm, her sapphire eyes alight with unwavering resolve.

For the briefest moment, her gaze locked onto his. He saw the flicker of realization in her eyes, the sharp inhale as she took in his presence.

"Who… are you?"

Ave didn't answer. He didn't need to.

Because in that moment—before time scattered them, before fate wove its tangled threads—Hayate understood.

Under the guise of monitoring his unstable power, Hayate had extended a hand to him—a lifeline when he hadn't even realized he needed one.

"Ya got potential, Ave-kun. But potential without guidance is just a spark waitin' to burn out, na."

Her voice had been warm yet firm, her Kansai lilt carrying an easy confidence that left no room for doubt. Standing before him in her blue Sailing Force uniform-and-silver officer's coat, sapphire eyes filled with quiet understanding, she hadn't treated him like a threat, a curiosity, or a burden.

She had seen him.

"Join us. Let us help ya grow."

Ave had barely needed a second to decide. He could have walked away, could have continued down the path he had stumbled onto alone. But for the first time since that day—since the world had shattered around him—he felt like there was a place for him to belong.

He had accepted without hesitation.

Lost Property Riot Force 6 and then Special Duty Section 6.

They became his home.

His family.

His purpose.

Months and years passed in a blur—missions, training, and battles. Each operation tested him, pushing him to his limits, but Ave thrived in the cockpit. Where others struggled to synchronize with their machines, he moved as if they were an extension of him.

Personal Troopers, Mobile Suits—whether it was the Gespenst Haken, Alteisen Nacht, Weissritter Abend, Gundam Astraea, and finally, Gundam Exia, he mastered them all with an instinct that defied explanation. It wasn't just skill. It was something deeper, something woven into his very being. Piloting wasn't just what he did—it was who he was.

The Bureau had taken notice. His combat scores skyrocketed, his B rank climbing to A- in a single examination. Veterans who had once dismissed him as just another recruit now watched him with wary respect.

But none of that mattered as much as the trust Hayate placed in him.

"Ya did good today, Ave-kun."

She always said it with that same gentle smile, ruffling his hair like an affectionate older sister. No matter how exhausted he was after a sortie, no matter how battered his Mobile Suit or Personal Trooper had been, her words made everything worth it.

"She believes in me… more than anyone ever has."

Warmth spread through his chest, something fragile yet unshakable.

"If Hayate-san says I did well, then maybe… just maybe, I really do belong here."

And so, he never doubted his choice.

Not even when the world turned against him.

The remnants of his old world refused to let go.

The Coalition of Old Governments—a fractured collection of rulers clinging to the power they had long since lost—branded him a traitor. To them, he was the living embodiment of their failure, the one who had turned his back on the past they so desperately sought to reclaim.

The World Liberation Front, a rebel force that had once fought for freedom but had since twisted into something unrecognisable, cursed his name. Kinslayer, they spat, accusing him of betraying his own kind. They had wanted him to stand with them, to drown the future in the blood of the past. But he had refused.

And so, both sides loathed him.

But Ave didn't flinch.

It was because her voice was always there, steady and sure.

"We're fightin' for what's right, Ave-kun. Not for glory, not for vengeance—for the future, na."

Hayate Yagami.

She was the only person who had ever truly understood him. She was the only one who had never doubted him, even when the rest of the world turned its back.

"It doesn't matter what they call me. It doesn't matter if I stand alone."

"As long as Hayate-san believes in me, then I'll fight."

And she had done more than just believe.

She had acted.

The Taskforce 108th – Experimental Yagami Ordnance Division had been her answer to the shadows of his past. Created solely to support him, to stand between him and the ghosts that refused to die, it was both a shield and a declaration. A unit made up of those who shared Hayate's vision—who stood not for old grudges or empty ideals, but for what lay ahead.

"She did this for me."

His grip tightened on the controls of his Mobile Suit, the hum of the machine beneath him a reminder of the battle yet to come.

"If Hayate-san has given me this chance—if she's entrusted me with this power—then I won't let her down."

If the old world insisted on standing in the way of the future, then he would burn it down himself.

The dream enveloped him in a world of quiet beauty.

Ave stood amidst a sea of crimson maple leaves, their fiery hues swirling in the crisp autumn air. The scent of fallen leaves mixed with the faint trace of incense, carried on the wind from the Shrine of Winter ahead. Its weathered torii gate stood tall against the twilight sky, its sacred presence exuding a sense of timeless serenity. Beyond it, stone lanterns flickered with gentle light, casting long shadows across the moss-covered path.

And then—

"Ave-kun… wake up, na."

The voice drifted through the trees, soft yet insistent, carrying warmth that seeped into his very soul.

His heart stirred.

"That voice… how many times have I woken up to it?"

"How many times has she called me back from the darkness?"

He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the familiar sound wash over him. A smile tugged at his lips—not from joy, but from something deeper, something that had taken root in the quiet moments of their shared battles, their unspoken understanding.

Because this time…

This time, he wasn't waking up alone.

The dream had changed.

Hayate was waiting for him.

Hayate sat quietly by his side, the dim glow of the room casting soft shadows across Ave's sleeping face. His breaths were slow, steady—yet his expression told another story. His brow creased ever so slightly, his lips moving in silent whispers, as if reaching for something just beyond his grasp.

"He's dreamin' again…"

She could always tell.

The way his fingers twitched, the way his chest rose and fell with the weight of memories long past. Even in rest, he carried the echoes of that day—of a world lost, of a battle that had shaped him into the man he had become.

Her grip tightened around his hand, warmth pressing into his skin.

"After all this time… ya still hold onto it, don't ya, Ave-kun?"

"Even after all we've built together… ya still carry that burden alone."

She exhaled softly, brushing stray locks of hair from his face. It wasn't just duty that kept her here. It never had been.

"Ya've come so far, Ave-kun. And no matter what happens next… I'll be there, na."

It was her choice.

Just as he had chosen to follow her, she had chosen to stay by his side.

Slowly, Ave's eyes fluttered open, the dim light of the room casting soft shadows across the ceiling. Gentle warmth spread through his body—not just from the fever that had finally begun to break, but also from the presence beside him.

Hayate.

She sat by his bedside, her navy-blue Time-Space Administrative Bureau uniform slightly hidden beneath a simple, flour-dusted apron. In her hands, she cradled a bowl of steaming chicken porridge, its fragrant aroma wrapping around him like a comforting embrace—ginger, scallions, tender chicken simmered to perfection.

She's always like this… always taking care of me…

His chest tightened as he took in the way her sapphire-blue eyes softened with warmth, the faint crinkle at the corners when she smiled. Even now, exhausted and feverish, he could feel the quiet kindness radiating from her.

Hayate's gaze met his, and her expression brightened instantly.

"I'm glad yer awake, Ave-kun," she murmured, setting the tray over his lap with practiced ease. "This special porridge'll fix ya right up, na. Let me help ya eat, okay?"

Her tone was playful, but there was tenderness in her voice that made something stir in his chest. He swallowed, shifting under the blankets.

"I-I can eat by myself, Hayate-san. You don't need to—"

"Nope, nope!" Hayate cut him off with a knowing shake of her head, already scooping up a spoonful. "Ya still look like ya got one foot in dreamland, na. Just sit back and let Hayate-oneechan take care of ya."

She blew lightly on the spoon, lips pursed in careful concentration before holding it out to him.

Ave hesitated. Not because he doubted her cooking—he'd eaten enough of her meals to know she could hold her own in the kitchen—but because something about the way she was looking at him made his heart stumble.

She's too close… and way too cute…

Still, the earnestness in her gaze left him no room to protest. Resigning himself, he accepted the bite.

The warmth of the porridge spread through him immediately, the flavors unfolding across his tongue—savoury chicken, the earthy depth of shiitake mushrooms, and just the right kick of ginger.

His eyes widened.

"…Damn. This is really good."

"It's amazing," he admitted hoarsely, managing a weak thumbs-up. "Ten out of ten. The chicken's so tender… and the ginger's just right."

Hayate's laughter rang through the quiet room, light and musical, like wind chimes swaying in the breeze.

"A, ha, ha! Ya sure ya ain't just butterin' me up? Vita always gripes that I use too much ginger, na."

Ave shook his head, forcing down another spoonful before answering. "I mean it. I already feel better. Another day of this, and I'll be back on my feet."

"Good, good!" Hayate beamed, pride unmistakable in her voice. "This recipe's a Yagami family secret, passed down for generations, na. Well… maybe not that long," she added with a playful wink, "but it's saved plenty of stubborn knights in my household!"

Ave chuckled, his fatigue momentarily forgotten. "Guess that makes me an honorary knight, then."

"Mm-hmm! Consider yerself initiated, na."

Her smile lingered, and for a moment, the warmth between them felt deeper than just the porridge in his hands.

As she fed him, Hayate's expression grew distant, her deep sapphire blue eyes clouded by something unreadable. The quietness between them was comfortable, and yet Ave couldn't ignore the flicker of shadow passing through her gaze.

Then, softly, she spoke.

"Ya know, Ave-kun… when I was little, before I met Rein, Eins, or the others… I used to go to the hospital alone whenever I got sick."

Ave's breath caught mid-swallow.

She wasn't looking at him now, her gaze fixed somewhere far away—somewhere only she could see. The glow of the bedside lamp cast a soft light over her features, highlighting the way her lashes trembled, the way her fingers clenched around the spoon just slightly.

"Ishida-sensei would check on me sometimes, but… most days, it was just me, my crutches, and the echo of my own footsteps in the hallway, na." Her voice was light, as if she were simply recounting an old memory, but the way her grip tightened betrayed something deeper. "Back then, I didn't think anyone would ever…"

She trailed off, her lips pressing into a small, wistful smile—but Ave understood.

Without thinking, he reached out, covering her hand with his. Her skin was warm beneath his touch, delicate yet steady, as if she had long since learned to carry her burdens alone.

"Hayate-san…" His voice was hoarse, thick with something he couldn't quite name.

She blinked at his hand over hers before looking up at him, surprise flickering across her features. Then, slowly, her smile returned—fragile, yet luminous.

"But now?" she murmured, voice soft. "Now I'm happy. Happy that I can be here for ya like this, Ave-kun. Cookin' for ya, takin' care of ya… it makes me realize how far I've come, na."

Ave's throat tightened—not from fever, but from something deeper, something raw. She's always been so strong… even when she was alone.

The words left his mouth before he could stop them.

"You won't ever be alone again." His grip around her hand firmed, unwavering. "No matter what happens… I'll always be here. You're my family now, too."

The moment he said it, his mind caught up with his mouth. Oh, hell. That sounded so cheesy.

Could I have made it any sappier?!

His face burned, but before he could backtrack or stammer through an awkward recovery, he noticed the way Hayate froze.

Her lips parted slightly, her sapphire eyes widening—not in amusement, but in something deeper. Something unspoken.

Ave-kun… you…

She barely noticed how her fingers curled over his in response, the warmth of his hand anchoring her in the moment. She had always been the one offering comfort, the one carrying others forward—but for the first time in a long time, someone had reached out to her first.

And it was him.

Then, with a playful huff, she flicked his forehead. "A, ha, ha! Ave-kun, if ya wanna impress a girl, ya gotta work on yer delivery, na!"

"Mou…! I'm serious, Hayate-san!"

"I know, I know." Her teasing softened into something more sincere, more tender.

And then, before Ave could process what was happening, she leaned forward—closer, closer—until her lips brushed against his forehead, feather light and warm.

His entire body locked up.

"H-HAYATE-SAN?!"

She pulled back just slightly, just enough for him to see the quiet emotion in her gaze, the unspoken words lingering between them.

"Consider that a 'good luck charm' from the Queen of the Night Sky," she whispered, her breath warm against his skin. Then, softer still, "And… thank ya, Ave-kun. For yer promise."

Ave couldn't breathe.

She was so close. Too close. His heart hammered against his ribs, the heat rising in his face almost unbearable—but when she met his gaze, he couldn't look away.

"I'll hold ya to it…" she murmured, her voice filled with something only he could hear. "No matter what."

And somehow, he knew—deep in his heart—that he would never go back on that promise.

Later, as Hayate tidied up the dishes, Ave sat quietly by the window, gazing up at the endless stretch of the starlit sky.

Gentle warmth lingered on his forehead, right where her lips had brushed against his skin. He reached up absently, fingertips ghosting over the spot.

The blue sky you gave me is vast and gentle. When I gaze upon it, the serene beauty of the endless fields embraces my eyes.

From the kitchen, Hayate's soft humming was drifted through the air—a familiar melody, one that carried traces of nostalgia.

That song…

He recognized it instantly. The same lullaby she had once sung to a lonely little girl in a hospital bed, offering comfort through the quiet ache of the night.

Ave let his eyes slip shut, listening, memorizing—sealing this moment away deep in his heart.

It's okay—I'll grow stronger, so with a smile, I'll lift my eyes to the sky once more.

THE END

ED Theme Song: Star Tear (Performed By: Luna Haruna)