The Crystal Palace. A rainbow-colored palace surrounded by castle walls, floating on an island that sailed across the clouds.

Guardians of astral wisp and shining armor diligently and vigilantly patrolled the grounds, ensuring the safety of those within. As it was, many magical creatures filled the throne room while the most noble magical girls were to meet with their queen.

Chistina Heartly, the dark magical girl. Magical Girls who make dark vows or fail to uphold the promise that made them magical girls in the first place. This bunch was rarely so fortunate.

Wilhelmina Lockhart. Possibly the reason Christina is still with us today. A true friend and seeker of hearts. Though, her own heart may be the greatest mystery to her.

Star Seeker Lumina Evergrace. Advisor to the queen and reader of the heavens. It is her privilege and duty to interpret the celestial noise into the wisdom that guides her kingdom.

Myrian Starlight. Magical Warrior and leader of her majesty’s forces. She calls Lancaster home and recruits those with the potential to become magical girls. Ever battling against the minions of Darkness as they are a want to creep up in every age.

Starlight Idol, Minty. She’s… new. All I know about her is that she smells of fresh rain, mints, and lilies. She sings songs that inspire and stir the soul… or so I’m told. Honestly, I don’t even know her name. I am told that Minty is just a stage name.

I watched as everyone gathered—the throne room filling one by one, the herald announcing each guest as they entered. I watched on from my mirror. Unsure if I should feel proud that so many came to attend or saddened by what they were celebrating.

“My queen, are you not yet ready?”

My hair was done in elegant braids—my tiny crown adorning my head. I was dressed in all the finery and regalia only suited for my station. A translucent flowing white gown, a pair of glass slippers, crystal fairy wings…

I was ready, ready to sit upon a throne where I would be admired, adored, and celebrated.

“I am.”

“Then, if you would, your majesty. Please follow me.”

I followed my steward through the empty halls and stairwells. His long black rabbit ears twitched every so often as we walked near one of the guardians.

Soon, I found myself behind a curtain.

My steward simply waited behind me. Once to route my escape. Now he does so out of respect. And so, I waited for my cue.

“Announcing! The 42nd Queen, her royal majesty, Queen Roselle Vreigard von Kyrie XIV!”

I slowly walked out from behind the curtain and toward my throne. The masses below applauded and were in awe of me—all for sitting down in a chair.

I raised forth my hand and brought the room to silence.

“We thank you! All of you for attending this momentous day! It was not more than seventy years ago that my mother stepped down as queen, returning to the star, and not more than seventy years have We reigned over the celestial realm!”

Seventy years ago since I had stopped aging. Since I could no longer leave this palace. Since I have been without peer or equal.

“Today, We renew my vows to continue serving each and every one of you, fairly, justly, and righteously until I, too, return to the stars! Yet, until that day comes, let us cherish today and continue to grasp for the unpromised tomorrow!”

***

As the other party-goers went about their celebrations, Myrian and Lumina both met with me behind closed doors.

Starlight and Evergrace would both kneel as I took my seat first. Followed by a fit of laughter as we played our roles, pretending that formalities matter. Sharing and banter over tea and cookies while those beyond the door believed there were serious discussions to be had.

“My queen?”

Myrian Starlight. The granddaughter of my close friend was the first to speak. I opened my eyes, forgetting that I had taken my seat at the head of the war table.

“Apologies. You two may be seated.”

I saw the faces of a generation passed in them. So much so that I briefly became lost in reverie. Yet, always to the point. Much like her grandmother.

Lumina started the meeting.

“My queen, thank you for taking time away from your celebration so that we could have this meet. But as you know, Darkness had escaped its imprisonment, even if only a portion of its soul.”

“I take it this means you’ve brought me something new look over.”

“No, something more important than that,” Myrian spoke up. “Earlier this morning, Chris and Elma encountered a person who carried the Crystal of Triumph with them.”

I raised a brow.

“The whole? Not the eight fragments?”

“That is what they claimed. He was able to transform into a magical girl using it before defeating them in combat.”

A he? No, more importantly. The Crystals of Triumph are too important that Darkness would just part with them, especially after all they did to steal them in the first place.

“If I may, your majesty.”

“Speak, Lumina.”

“I suspect Darkness may be moving into the next phase of their plan. It's hard to believe that he has managed to rejoin the crystals, but I fear that in the event he has, this person may have had the aptitude for becoming a magical girl, and now Darkness is using them to undo the seal.”

It is true. Darkness would not be able to use a crystal heart’s power. He is not a magical girl.

“Do we know where Darkness is? I would like to end this as soon as possible.”

“We don’t, your majesty, but—”

“Then find him. I’m sure whatever plan the two of you cook up will work. Once you have found Darkness, notify me so that I may end this conflict once and for all.”

“Ah! No, my queen, you cannot!”

Such an outburst of Myrian. I glared into her causing her to retreat.

“Is there a problem, Myrian?”

“I-I was, that is to say… It's too dangerous, my queen.”

“Dangerous? For whom. I am a being without peer or equal. My blood is descendent of the original stewards who guided life to these very heavens.”

“That’s not what I mean! If you or Darkness were to bring your full might to bear, there is no telling what kind of consequences that would hold, not only for Earth but every star in existence!”

***

“Hey, Dad, I’m home!”

“Bridget, you know you don’t need to come in through the store.”

Mr. Ericson was hard at work manning the front counter. I wonder if I should get a nap in before coming into work.

No, wait. There are two new episodes out… I wanna watch them.

“By the way, you haven’t introduced me to your friend.”

“Oh, right. Kyrie, this is my father. Dad, this is Kyrie. She’s in a martial arts club, and I was helping her practice. I was also going to let her use the shower.”

I bowed my head slightly.

“It’s nice to meet you. I hope I’m not intruding.”

“Ah, not a all. And just call me Ryce. It's not every day Bridget brings home a friend. Please continue looking after my daughter.”

It was a little awkward, introducing myself this way and introducing myself to the same person for the second time. At least I get to use a private bath this time.

Walking into the, I wasn’t sure what I was expecting. It is a nice bathroom. Well, the room before it, anyways. It looked like a laundry room with a sink and a few bath items.

But none of that was really important. What is important is that Lancaster’s biggest idol and renowned music artist was standing in the bathroom naked.

Starlight Idol Lily Mint! Otherwise called Minty by her audience, she got her start posting covers online and doing idol dances using her VTuber model. She started doing live gigs almost a year ago and amazingly looked just like her avatar!

Her green eyes, lily-shaped irises, and long green hair were always a stand-out. Her hair was gorgeous. It looked so silky and clean.

“Oh, Rainy. You’re home.”

“Yeah, the party wasn’t all that exciting. I kind of did my number and came home.”

“Wait, Rainy?”

Minty placed a hand on her chest to conjure her crystal heart. Her hair returned to a more or less normal blond color, and her eye a bright blue. The crystal vanished in a cascade of green light while a towel wrapped around her body.

“Hello, Kyrie… It's a little embarrassing to ask, but could I take my shower first? I don’t feel that comfortable, ya know?”

“Ah-haha! Right! I’m sorry!”

Bridget grabbed only my wrist, yet it felt like my whole body had been shackled.

“Come now, Rainy. I am the eldest and therefore have right to bathe first.”

“Are we really going to do this right now, sis?”

“You know the rules. As decided many summers ago, you must first overtake me if you wish to overturn my birthright!”

After three rounds of rock-paper-scissors and five coin tosses later, the three of us showered and ended up in the bath together…

“How did it end up like this?”

I wanted to sink into the water and hide myself, but Bridget had me firmly in her grasp as she rested her head against my shoulder. Rainy sat on the other side of her.

“It can’t be helped. The duel ended in a draw, and I wanted to get rid of the smell in my hair after one of the party’s guests spilled their drink in it.”

“I see, so even Lily Mint can be stubborn when she wants to be.”

“While my stage persona is my ideal self, I’m still a person, ya know.”

“Mmm, truly, these pillows are without peer or equal~.”

Bridget rolled herself from leaning against my shoulder to wrapping her arms around me and pressing her cheek against my chest.

“Please don’t say such embarrassing things...”

Much to Bridget’s dismay, our bath had ended. Rainy helped me with my hair while Bridget helped with hers. My hair didn’t take very long, and Bridget magicked herself dry. While Bridget continued working on Rainy’s hair, I let Rainy play with mine.

“Your hair is so nice, Kyrie.”

“You think so? It doesn’t seem as nice as yours when you’re in your magical girl form.”

“My hair is greener, like that. But I guess it's not often I get to work with another magical girl’s hair. And styling my hair isn’t as fun. As Lily Mint, I can just choose my hairstyle and transform. As Rainy, I have to battle against not being able to see the back of my own head.”

Bridget prepared a set of loungewear for me after Rainy decided she wanted to take pictures. Twin tails, half tail, braids, Chinese buns, and even ringlets. And just like that, I had a collection of pictures sent to my phone.

I hope no one goes through my phone. I don’t think I would be able to explain myself.

“Dang, it's already ten o’clock.” Bridget lamented.

“It’s a Friday night. I’m sure dad would be okay with Kyrie staying the night. We can watch anime and play video games together or something.”

“I don’t think that’s the problem your sister is referring to. I have work in a couple of hours, and I still need to play the part of going home before transforming back.”

***

Mr. Ericson decided he would walk me home. I didn’t live very far, but he was insistent, even suggesting that I stay the night and wait until morning when there were more people out.

“Thank you for walking me home, Mr… Ryce. But are you sure the store will be fine?”

“I’m sure it will. Bridget and Rainy can take care of things while I’m away. Besides, it would be bad if something happened to my daughters’ friend.”

It felt nice having someone worry for me. But at the same time, I didn’t want him to think that Lawence and Kyrie live in the same place. Not to mention how it made me feel.

I left behind a life of family and friends. They each cared for me in the same way. Will I start to form those same attachments again? Would it be different this time?

The person I am, the person I want to be, and the person I present myself as. Each of them is different… I only hope I can be more honest this time around. I don’t want to hold back this time!