Scarlet Horizons: A New Life

Prologue | The Promise

In a quiet hospital room, the beeping of machines softly fills the space. Diana Gemshine-Crystaline, frail and pale but still holding a warm smile, is lying in bed. Her granddaughter Liko, with wide eyes and an innocent curiosity, sits at the edge of the bed, holding Diana's hand. Lucca, Diana's daughter, stands nearby, visibly worried but trying to maintain a brave face.

"Liko, my girl..." Diana spoke up while gazing at her grandchild with a gentle smile. "You've been a great grandchild to me. I know you'll be able to become a hero. And for that, I want to give you something special." "What is it, grandma?" Liko asked, her eyes sparkling. Diana reached slowly to her neck and unclasped her crystal pendant. "This is for you, sweetheart," she answered. "It's a crystal pendant. A pendant that I found many years ago." "It's so pretty," Liko cheerfully spoke as she put the pendant on as a necklace. "Thank you so much, grandma~ ♡"

"But it's more than just a pretty thing," Diana reminded the little girl. "Mom, what does that mean?" Lucca asked. "When she turns ten, she will be going to Naranja Academy..." "Exactly," Diana confirmed, "as she is meant to go on a treasure hunt. Liko, you must go on a journey to discover the truth about yourself." "Grandma, what do you mean by a journey?" Liko asked, tilting her head thoughtfully.

"A journey of the heart, Liko," Diana answered. "It's about finding out who you really are, what makes you happy, and what your greatest treasure is." "My greatest treasure..." Liko realized, looking at her pendant. "Mom, what do you mean?" Lucca wondered. "What truth?" Diana turned her gaze to her daughter, her expression serious yet gentle. "It's something only Liko can uncover. I can't explain it, but she'll know when the time comes."

Lucca took a deep breath. "I... I don't know what to make of that," she spoke, trying to understand. "Oh, come on Mommy," Liko reminded her. "It sounds so much fun, even if we're not travelling together!" Giving up, Lucca forced a smile. "Yes, a treasure hunt," she said. "Just remember, Liko, you don't have to do it alone. Your friends will be here for you, whatever you discover."

"My friends...?" Liko wondered to herself. For two and a half years, Nemona Rubin-Menzi was her only friend, as she struggled with making more friends after her. Perhaps maybe when the time comes, she'll be more social?

"Exactly," Diana spoke up, nodding slowly and her eyes shining with warmth. "The journey might be yours, but you'll always have the love of your parents, the bonds of your friends, and the memories we made together." "I promise I'll be brave, grandma," Liko then said, clutching the pendant she was now wearing close to her heart. "I want to make you proud!" "You already do, my sweet grandchild," Diana explained with tears in her eyes, feeling the weight of their shared moments. "Just—don't ever forget this moment, okay?" Lucca leans in, squeezing her daughter's shoulder. "We won't forget, Mom," she said. "We'll carry you with us, forever."

Diana closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them softly. "Good," she spoke, before looking at Liko. "And remember, as long as you have the crystal... you'll have my support, even from far away." "I'll keep it safe! I'll be the best Trainer ever!" Liko spoke vigorously, nodding. Lucca smiles while looking at Diana with gratitude. "Thank you for this, Mom," she spoke. "You're giving her something so precious." "Just promise to love her—every single day," Diana spoke with a smile, before closing her eyes and expiring.

As the conversation hangs in the air, the atmosphere shifts from somber to hopeful, as Liko holds the pendant tightly, a symbol of her impending adventure. Lucca wraps her arms around her daughter, feeling the weight of the promise she must uphold.