Evrich knocked on a yellow-velvet door. The front porch around it was homey and kind. Big, lofty structures of outdoor swings and pillars created the edges around it. Slicking his bangs to the right side of his face, he chuckled. Looking back at Tanaka Williamson, his newly found friend, he shook his hands a little bit.
"I'm sorry. I guess I'm just so nervous. After all, I haven't seen Aiko so young in forever."
Tanaka shook his head, his lips twisting into a smile. "You're allowed to be, man."
"Thanks. You know, you kinda sound like my friend Damian. Ha. I'm really glad we're getting a second chance at this. At all the ways society went wrong to create the era you're from. Now none of that has to happen."
Tanaka nodded. "And I'll make sure of it, you know? I'll make sure to tell you and anyone else who matters everything I know and experienced."
"Yeah." Evrich began jogging in place over the concrete porch.
"Um. Wow. That nervous?" Tanaka blinked.
Opening the door was a young Asian girl. Tan skin. Black-as-night eyes... and a welcoming bust.
"E- Evrich! Hey. You're back." Aiko blushed.
Evrich Nielson smiled. As his smile grew, however, strong tears came pouring out. His face became a plate of powerful emotion.
"E- Evrich?" Aiko's eyes widened.
"Aiko!" Evrich ran into Aiko, his arms choking her torso.
"Babe!" Aiko laughed.
Tanaka watched as the couple held each other and laughed. The way they held hands. The way they kissed. They way they hugged.
It seemed like no time had passed.
And for all intents and purposes... it hadn't, really.
"Reminds me of... Marian." Tanaka sulked, then quickly turned around at the feeling of a poke. "Uh? Yes?"
Behind him stood a young woman with a hat over her face. She dressed in a yellow garment and white jeans. Her eyes shone blue and her hair was long and blonde, tied in a ribbon through the back.
"Sh. I don't want Evrich to know I'm here. I just wanted to check up on him and wished that you would give him this letter, stranger." The woman smiled, hiding her face beneath her hat after that bit of dialogue.
Tanaka nodded. "Uh. Okay. Who are you, though? Seriously. I've seen enough for one day."
The girl put a finger to her lips. "Lillian Aaroncroft. I'm an old friend who still wants to keep in touch."
"S- Sure." Tanaka looked down at the girl's feet, unsure.
"Well, goodbye now."
And just like that, the young lady left with the wind. Tanaka blinked and turned back around. Scratching the back of his head, he shivered.
"Um... some girl just came by and asked me to give this to you." Tanaka held a pink envelope out to Evrich. You know, maybe living with Evrich and his girlfriend and... leaving my time behind me... won't be so bad.
"Oh? Who's this?" Aiko took the letter.
"Hey! Haha." Evrich protested.
"It's from Princess Aaroncroft." Aiko widened her sunflower eyes.
Evrich's eyes widened and his shoulders slumped. "Oh. Her?"
Aiko looked over. "You know Princess Aaroncroft personally?"
Evrich nodded. "I did. Hey, I've actually got a lot to explain and I doubt you'd believe all of it. You know- you know... I wonder." the young Nielson walked over to a square fridge and pulled out a pitcher of lemonade. I wonder... what big decisions I make now affect everything bad from happening. What if I never chase after the Tabiga? The Tanaka Biker Gang? What if... I let Damian off to do his own thing? Because right about now is when Allen Nachtwell hacks things and causes Damian to get in trouble. So what if I just stay put and let it all happen? Damian was only killed by Tanaka Sarbanes because he chased after me. He had concern for me chasing after him. So what if I just... let it all go this time? Just this one time. I allow events to unfold without my agency.
Aiko blinked. "Evrich? Babe? I guess you were thirsty. Your friend is still just standing right here."
Yeah. I think this time around... I'll live a more modest life. One with Aiko... where we grow old together. Where I don't go around piloting mechs and saving the day. Haha. Turning around, Evrich chugged a glass of lemonade he had poured. "Right. Well... I was thinking Tanaka could... live with us? He doesn't... really have anywhere else to go. You think your dad would understand?"
Aiko blushed. "Live? And... wait! Us? Since when-"
"Oh crap. That doesn't happen just yet. Hahahaha. UUUUUUUM! Well, Aiko... I have a lot of nice things I'd like to say to you. Starting... now." Evrich winked.
"Nice things, huh? Well... that is exciting." Aiko winked back.
Grabbing his girlfriend by the hand, Evrich kissed her forehead.
"Oh?" Aiko Anohana blushed.
Yeah. Because it's with you... that I find true meaning in my life. Evrich held his love closer, wrapping his head over her soft raven-like hair. It's with you... that I find true happiness.
________
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Final Phenomenon: E-Lunar, Route A (4) (MANUSCRIPT)
Fantasía2071. The legendary God of Apples, Abellio, was kidnapped from Earth and taken to the Otherworld. Though this world is his home, he seeks to track down and destroy those who have wronged him as they reside in this world. No man nor deity...
