— Father… Mother… Emi…
— Ryota? Hey, stay with me, will you!
Kaïs tries to bring Ryota back to reality. He's sitting there, silent, lost in his thoughts. She can tell he seems slightly more cheerful than before… but his mind is elsewhere, still trapped by recent events.
In his head, Ryota hesitates.
Should he tell Kaïs about his dream?
Or would it be better to keep everything to himself?
If she found out, would she be in danger?
Would she understand?
Would she even accept it?
The questions pile up, heavy and suffocating.
But deep down, one answer becomes clear.
Kaïs has always taught him one thing: never keep everything to yourself.
Memories, emotions, regrets… all of it becomes too heavy for the heart when carried alone. You have to know how to talk about it, to the right people.
While Ryota reflects, Kaïs doubles her efforts to get his attention. She waves her hands in front of his face, calls out to him, circles around him… but nothing works.
Then, finally, Ryota makes his decision.
He lifts his head and turns toward her, ready to tell the truth.
Kaïs is standing in front of him, her arm raised.
— Am I dreaming, or were you about to hit me? Ryota asked, surprised.
Kaïs immediately lowers her arm at impressive speed.
— What? Me? Never… she replied with a smug smile.
— Your face says the exact opposite.
They look at each other for a moment, then burst into laughter.
A sincere laugh, almost necessary, to lighten the atmosphere before what was about to follow.
Ryota takes a deep breath.
— Listen… I need to tell you something.
— I'm listening.
He tells her everything.
His dream.
His meeting with Erydor.
The temple.
The offer.
The power.
Every detail.
Kaïs remains silent, very serious, even though she doesn't understand everything he's saying.
When he finishes, a heavy silence settles between them. Ryota fears her reaction.
— You must think I'm crazy…
— Hmm…
— …That's it, right?
— Sorry, I didn't understand everything, Kaïs admits. But one thing's for sure: you're still Ryota.
— Huh?
— Your dream, your power, all of that doesn't change the person standing in front of me. And if it was to save Emi… I would've done exactly the same thing.
Ryota smiles. A real, relieved smile.
He knows he made the right choice by confiding in her.
Another silence settles in, but this time, Kaïs is staring at him strangely.
— Why are you looking at me like that? he asks, uncomfortable.
— What can you do with your power?
— …Excuse me?
— Can you burst into flames?
— Huh?
— Summon the sun at night?
— Kaïs…
— And when you take a cold shower, do you go all soft?
Ryota bursts out laughing.
— Why are you laughing?! I'm serious!
— I haven't tried anything yet… but if I ever manage to move the sun, I'll let you know.
— Okay. Then let's test your power.
Over the following weeks, Ryota gradually discovers his abilities.
His half-dragon strength evolves, amplified by solar energy.
With Kaïs's help, he learns to control this new heat, this burning yet soothing light at the same time.
══ ✦ ══
One day, as she returns with drinks, Kaïs waves an envelope in the air.
— RYOTA! A LETTER FOR YOU!
— Why are you yelling? I'm right next to you…
Ryota takes the letter and opens it, Kaïs leaning over his shoulder, far too curious to keep her distance.
**"Nice to meet you, Ryota.
My name is Raythem.
If you are reading this, it means you have accepted becoming an Eygis.
I will not explain everything in a simple letter. Some things must be said face to face.
You are not the only Eygis, and all of them have gone through difficult trials.
I am sorry that this is happening to you.
Mastering a power of the Y'onn is never simple.
That is why I offer you two choices:
— join us and learn to control your power;
— or remain alone and renounce your role.
If you choose to join us, go to this address:
[…]
Place your trust in me.
— Raythem"**
— Don't tell me that's the rent? I'm broke, figure it out yourself!
Ryota looks up at her.
— Are you serious? First of all, it's not the rent. And second… you don't even live here.
— You're kicking me out? How mean. Anyway, do you know this Raythem?
— No.
He hands her the letter.
— Are you going to accept? Kaïs asks.
— I don't know… my place is with Emi.
— Maybe. But if this can help you save her? Don't you think there's a connection with your dream?
Ryota hesitates.
Can he leave?
Leave her behind?
Kaïs breaks the silence.
— Don't worry. I'll stay with Emi. You go find a way to save her.
══ ✦ ══
— Wait for me, Emi. I'll come back… and I'll save you.
Ryota kisses his sister on the cheek, packs his bag, and leaves the hospital room.
— Ryota! Take care of yourself!
Kaïs's last words follow him as he leaves Andora for the first time… leaving behind his best friend and his little sister.