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Amid flying fish and coral trees teeming with crustaceans, the two friends finally found a mont alone. It was just Nyx and Celes—no adults, no distractions—giving them space to talk about everything they'd been through.
"So, what do you think of my new 'family,' Nyx?" Celes asked. "I guess they're okay in the end…"
"Yeah!" Nyx nodded. "I was really angry at them before, but… they're good people. They didn't deserve to die. I'm glad Mom listened to ."
"Thanks…" Celes murmured, gazing down at the sea.
Although the day had been wonderful, Celes seed a little down. Nyx gently patted his shoulder, trying to lift his spirits.
"What's wrong?" she asked. "Did your tummy start hurting again because you ate too much?"
"No, not that. My tummy's fine," Celes replied. "I don't know why, but ever since I got the crown, I can eat a lot more."
"Aahh, that's nice though!" Nyx smiled. "Sooo… what's gotten into you all of a sudden?"
"It's just… weird. The way everything happened," Celes said. "The whole soul thing, you know? When they took my soul from my body—it was really strange. Like I was looking at myself, but not really."
"Really?" Nyx asked.
"I felt sothing, but I can't describe it. It makes feel uneasy," he sighed.
"What is it?" Nyx pressed. "Co on, you know you can trust ."
"It felt like I wasn't really that soul, but at the sa ti, I was," Celes explained. "And I heard a voice… I think it was Naiad."
"Eh?!" Nyx blinked in confusion. "Celes, you're you, no matter what, okay?"
"I know…" he nodded. "But Naiad… it feels like we're separate beings. And yet, she's not truly gone for to exist. It's like we… rged? I don't really know."
"I see…" Nyx nodded, pretending to understand as she rubbed her chin like her mother often did. "And if you heard her, what did she say? Is she still there?"
"No… she's probably gone now. I don't think I'll ever hear from her again," Celes sighed. "Back when they separated my soul from my body, I think she had a chance to return to how she was."
"Ehhhh?!" Nyx gasped. "Celes…"
"But she didn't," he said, looking at his small hand. "She didn't do it—for . She knew that if she left and my body, I'd never wake up. I'd… technically die."
Nyx stared at him, tears beginning to form in her eyes.
"But Naiad… rember when I told her parents that she loved them? That wasn't sothing she told before. It was what she said right before I woke up," Celes explained. "She hoped I could forgive them. Because despite everything, they're not bad people. That's why I chose to trust them."
"Celes…!" Nyx hugged him tightly, crying into his shoulder. "She was so kind… she even gave her soul for you."
"I think she wanted to," Celes said, smiling as he returned the hug. "She wanted to create new life. She could never have a child with Eustace, so… it's like I'm her son too, in a way."
"W-Woah, really?" Nyx asked. "So you have three moms?! Nia, Naiad, and Thalassa!"
"I don't really consider Thalassa my mom," Celes replied. "Maybe an aunt… or wait, a grandma? Wow…"
"Haha!" Nyx giggled as Celes wiped her tears. "Your family keeps growing! It's amazing! I hope I can be part of it soday too."
"Sure," Celes nodded. "Wait, aren't we kind of like stepsiblings?"
"Ah…" Nyx paused. "I an… I don't really want to be your sister."
"Huh?! Why not?" Celes looked surprised.
"I want to be sothing else…" Nyx said, fidgeting with her hair, blushing, and avoiding his gaze.
"Like friends? But we're already friends," Celes smiled.
"Not just friends… more than friends. Maybe in the future… like… Mommy and Daddy?" Nyx whispered, her cheeks turning crimson.
"Mommy… and Daddy? Uwaahh?!" Celes blurted, his face flushing with embarrassnt. "Y-You an like playing house… but for real?!"
"I-I didn't say anything!" Nyx crossed her arms and looked away, too embarrassed to continue. "But…"
She glanced back at him with an adorable smile, her red eyes glowing under the moonlight, her silvery-white hair dancing in the breeze.
Celes felt his heart race as he realized just how beautiful she was.
"Y-You… don't want to?" Nyx asked softly.
"A-Ah… I…" Celes stamred, clenching his fists. "I-I do!"
"Ah?!" Nyx gasped, her eyebrows lifting.
Celes quickly took her hand, looking into her eyes as he tried to find the right words.
They were young and innocent, yet the feelings they shared were real. It was the kind of love children often feel—simple, pure, and fleeting. But for them, it felt different.
"I like you too, Nyx," Celes said. "I think you're really pretty… and cute."
"Ahhh?!" Nyx covered her mouth. "R-Really?"
"Yeah!" Celes nodded. "It took a lot for to say that… sorry."
"Heheh, it's fine!" Nyx giggled. "I like you too, Celes."
"Really?!" Celes gasped.
"Wasn't it obvious?" Nyx pouted, mimicking her father's grumpy expression.
"I-I an… I'm not really experienced. We're just kids. We don't know the adult stuff yet," Celes muttered. "Though… I think Mommy told once that you liked . I couldn't believe it. You're so pretty and cute…"
"You're also very cute," Nyx smiled. "But you're cool too! You've beco so strong—you fight, heal, and protect everyone. You always do your best, especially for . We made a great team, right? A super duo!"
"Y-Yeah!" Celes nodded, holding her hand. "Nyx… when we grow up… C-Can… I-I…"
"Hm?" Nyx tilted her head.
"N-Nothing…" Celes said. "I just… want to stay by your side forever. Is that weird?"
"Nah! too!" Nyx giggled, then leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the lips.
"Uwaah?!" Celes turned as red as a tomato, covering his mouth in shock.
"Heheh! I stole your first kiss!" Nyx laughed mischievously, then jumped into the water and ran off.
Celes stood frozen for a mont, stunned by what had just happened.
"H-Hey! Co back!" he shouted, chasing after her. "What do you an, first kiss?!"
SPLASH!
Without hesitation, he dove in after her.
Maria and Nia spotted Celes chasing Nyx around and assud it was just one of their usual playful gas—completely unaware of what had just transpired.
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