A few weeks later, Corvalla had rebuilt the ruined part of the city. Those who had lost their lives were mourned, honored in quiet remembrance. Once Luna and the others had recovered from their injuries, the Sunshine Cadets came together to perform again, hoping to lift the city’s spirits in the wake of the attacks.

  That night, Corvalla’s stadium was packed. More than two million people tuned in to watch live. At first, only the soft glow of fans’ glow sticks lit the arena until Luna, Raine, and Morgan appeared. With a wave of their Teal abilities, they painted the sky in dazzling light, showering the crowd in radiant displays.

  The Sunshine Cadets performed their first song bathed in the light they had created, brighter than ever.

  After the first song the girls introduced themselves in their usual manner. “Thank you all so much for coming.” Raine bowed.

  “And watching online!” Morgan mentioned.

  Luna offered her condolences. “We’re all very sorry for those who lost loved ones.”

  “My father, President Meza, is here tonight and promises to help everyone affected by the Saurid attack.” Raine announced.

  Adian waved to the crowd from the viewing box with Lucia, Andres and the other heroes of the MAV program.

  “Please allow us to bring you some Sunshine with our performance tonight!” Morgan exclaimed.

  “Morgan, you want just the three of us to bring Sunshine to EVERYONE in Byzantia? Won’t that be kinda hard?” Luna asked exaggeratedly.

  “We have to try, Luna! It’s our job to remind everyone that hopes and dreams come true!”

  Raine raised her hand. “Oh! I know!”

  “What do you suggest?” Luna and Morgan asked in unison.

  “Let’s recruit some new Sunshine Cadets!” Raine mused. The crowd loved the idea.

  “Seems like everyone loves your idea Raine, but who could we get to join us?” Morgan asked.

  “I know who! She participated in the tournament here a few weeks ago, everyone please welcome Vivian Vega!” Raine introduced Vivian as she came onto the stage.

  Backstage, Vivian took a deep breath and psyched herself up. “You can do this, Vivian. Just be you!”

  She stepped out onto the stage, waving to the cheering crowd. “Thanks so much for recruiting me! And thank all of you for welcoming me!” she called out with a grin. “I’ve been working on my Teal ability—let me show you!”

  With a flick of her hands, she sent bursts of Teal waves into the air, creating small firework-like explosions that dazzled the audience.

  “Let’s have an explosive time together!” she shouted, her voice full of excitement.

  “Vivian, we're so happy to have you as a Sunshine Cadet!” Morgan greeted Vivian. “Do you know anyone else who can help us?”

  “I’m not sure.” Vivian pondered. “What about you Luna?”

  “Oh yes! I know the perfect person! She is the winner of the Neo Gladius tournament! Misaki Mackenson!” Luna turned to welcome Misaki.

  While Vivian finished her entrance, Misaki waited backstage in her Sunshine Cadet uniform. She stood quietly before a mirror, her fingers gently brushing the edge of her eye patch, lost in thought.

  “You ready?” Stefan wrapped an arm around her.

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  Misaki’s voice trembles. “What…what if they make fun of me… Or think I’m ugly…”

  Stefan turned her around. “Just treat them the way you treat me, threaten to beat them up.”

  She punched him in the stomach. “You’re so dumb!”

  “There’s the Misaki I know… and love.”He looked up from covering his gut and smiled at her.

  “Grr!” Misaki made her way to the stage entrance. Just before stepping out, she turned slightly, glancing back with her good eye to look at him. “I love you, too. Thank you…”

  He laughed. “Go get em princess.”

  Misaki stepped onto the stage to a wave of incredible applause that caught her off guard. She paused for a moment, eyes wide, as the cheers washed over her. “Y-you guys better not make fun of me! I-I’ll kick your asses!” The crowd roars with laughter, clearly entertained by her bold, in-your-face attitude. “Hey! Did you hear me?” She turned on her Teal flames.

  “T-They’re laughing with you Misaki!” Morgan said.

  “Yes! Everyone knows not to mess with you from the tournament!” Raine concurred.

  “We’re here to bring them sunshine and smiles Misaki! Not beat them up!” Luna joked, which got the crowd going. “Let’s show them your moves! Is everyone ready for the new and improved Sunshine Cadets!”

  A resounding “YES!” surged from the audience. The girls were moved by the crowd’s overwhelming enthusiasm and gave everything they had to bring joy to the audience. With each song and dance, they showcased their unique personalities through their Teal abilities, casting brilliant lights across the darkened stadium and filling it with warmth, color, and hope.

  As their final song ended, Luna attempted to hug Morgan, who hid behind Raine like always. The crowd enjoyed the girl’s antics. Misaki looked out into the festive audience, letting the energy and joy of the moment wash over her. As she turned, she saw Luna approaching with open arms for a hug. Her first instinct was to push her away, but she paused, took a breath, and instead wrapped her arms around Luna, returning the hug.

  “Thank you Luna.”

  “I should be thanking you. I would have lost myself if you hadn’t come. I think you should be the one to give the send off message tonight!”

  “Me?”

  “Yeah you should!” Morgan chimed in.

  “I agree, I think people want to hear what you have to say.” Raine encouraged.

  “Make it explosive!” Vivian gave her a thumbs up.

  “Tell them what’s on your heart!” Luna smiled.

  Misaki stepped forward as the crowd encouraged her. “I-I always wanted to be an idol. This was my Aunt Akari’s dream. I never pursued it because I believed I could either be an idol or a great fight. Before I realized I could be both I… I lost my eye and I thought all my dreams were gone.”

  Misaki started to tear up. “I’m so thankful to my friends and to all of you for reminding me that hopes and dreams do come true. And now I get to be living proof of that! So, thank you, thank you so much.” Misaki bowed deeply, tears streaming down her face as the emotion of the moment overwhelmed her. The girls quickly gathered around her, wrapping her in a warm embrace, offering their support as the crowd cheered even louder in solidarity.

  “You see Misaki? They love you!” Luna smiled.

  Misaki looked out into the crowd to see their love and support. She wiped her tears away and waved goodnight with all the girls and they exited the stage.

  After the show, the girls changed out of their uniforms and were greeted by their families, along with Rody, Stefan, and Cassius. Misaki turned bright red when Stefan handed her a bouquet of flowers and kissed her gently on the cheek. The teasing that followed made her huff and scold everyone, but despite her flustered protests, she eventually let Stefan take her hand and lead her out with a small, shy smile.

  Cassius offered flowers to Vivian. “I brought some for Raine and Morgan as well, I didn’t want them to feel left out,”

  Vivian blushed. “That’s really nice of you Cassius!”

  “You’re one of us now, you’re always welcome to join in.” Raine thanked him along with Morgan.

  Luna tapped Cassius on the shoulder. “H-hey… Sorry for stabbing you the other night…”

  Cassius turned to Luna and laughed. “Just don’t let it happen again, I won’t hold back next time!”

  “Haha, I’ll be more careful next time! You fought very bravely I know your dad would be proud of you,”

  Cassius placed his hand on his chest and bowed. “Thank you, as is yours I am sure. There’s someone waiting for you.” Cassius motioned his head towards Rody.

  “You’re right! See you at dinner!” Luna nearly knocked Rody off his feet as she rushed straight into his arms. He caught her with a laugh, holding her tightly as she clung to him,.

  Rody gave Luna her flowers. “You were really great tonight. Like always.”

  “Yeah?” Luna smiled and brushed her hair behind her ear.

  “Yeah. I have a surprise for you before we head out to dinner. Will you come with me?”

  “Of course! Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.” Rody glanced over at Cassius, who gave him a knowing nod in return.

  “C’mon, let’s go,” Rody said, gently taking Luna’s hand.

  Luna giggled as he asked her to put on a blindfold, excitement bubbling in her chest. He guided her carefully, driving her to the special spot he had prepared just for them.

  Once they arrived, Rody helped her sit down on a bench. With a smile, he reached behind her head and untied the blindfold.

  “You can look now,” he said softly.

  Luna gasped as the blindfold came off, her eyes widening at the sight before her. A sparkling natural ice rink stretched out beneath the moonlight, its surface shimmering with a gentle blue glow—Rody’s Frost of Teal still lingering at the edges. “What is this, Rody?”

  Rody helped Luna put on her skates. “I promised I’d take you dancing, this is my unique way of fulfilling that promise.”

  “When did you promise me that?” Luna blushed, standing up.

  Rody led Luna out onto the ice. “Even if you don’t remember the promises I make, I’ll always keep them.”

  “Promise we’ll always be together then?” Luna asked, being spun around by Rody.

  Rody pulls Luna back in close to him. “I promise, and I love you, Luna.”

  Luna beamed with joy. “I love you too, Rody!” They both adored each other under the light of the moon until it was time to rejoin their friends and families.