The morning sun crawls up, piercing through the layers of leaves of the towering Genesis Tree at the heart of the Sanctuary. Its shadows fall over the green field, now crowded with people. The air feels fresh, filled with the scent of wet grass and the gentle sound of water trickling from a small stream beside the garden— as if nature itself wants to witness this rare day. A soft breeze rustles the leaves, creating a silent melody that adds to the atmosphere of hope. As the gaze of the crowd focuses on a single point, they seem to breathe in unison, creating a collective vibration that fills the space.
The crowd has gathered since dawn. Village children sit on their fathers' shoulders, playing joyfully, while mothers guide their little ones dressed in their best, amidst laughter and chatter. Vendors arrange simple tables filled with spiral flowers, colorful ribbons, and warm food that wafts steam, tempting the appetite. In the distance, soldiers stand in neat rows, but today, none carry weapons; they blend in as ordinary citizens, merging with the wave of hope. Their voices are loud, whispering and joking, creating a symphony of warmth and familiarity, adding to the joy of this celebration.
Under the Genesis Tree, Fitran and Rinoa stand side by side. The tree is not just a tree; it is a silent witness—its roots penetrate the Sanctuary's soil, its branches stretch out to shade the field, and its thin leaves reflect the morning light like millions of crystal shards. There is no high stage, no grand curtains—just soft grass and mats laid out as seating for honored guests and family. The delicate ornaments of bricks adorning the surrounding temples hint at the long history of this place, enhancing the beauty of the atmosphere. Rinoa holds Fitran's hand, exchanging glances—not with the pride of a king and queen, but with the uncertainty and spirit of two people who know they are about to change the world, step by step. Their fingers tremble slightly, as if absorbing energy from the land inhabited by the power of hope and dreams.
Among the crowd, every heartbeat seems to follow the rhythm of their steps, and as Rinoa briefly looks away, a genuine smile spreads across her face, affirming her belief in the masses standing behind them. The sounds of laughter and whispers of hope fill the air, reflecting an inseparable togetherness.
A soft voice begins to ripple through the crowd: “Look… they are really there. Once, they said Fitran was just a shadow. And Rinoa… she used to live in a small house on the edge of this town…”
Gasps of admiration and emotion flow like waves. The whispers intertwine, creating a warm melody of hope in the air. The scent of wet earth and wildflowers fills the space, bringing back memories of simpler times.
Iris, with her large belly, sits on the front wooden bench, smiling widely with both hands cradling her belly, as if embracing the new life she is waiting for. She is accompanied by Joanna, whose eyes are still puffy, recalling the long journey they have been through. Oda Nobuzan leans back in her chair, holding hands tightly, throwing an encouraging smile towards Fitran, as if to say: If you’re nervous, just remember, we are all family here. That smile, though simple, seems to spread warmth of togetherness among them.
Joanna, just calming down from a storm of tears, gazes towards the grassy stage, where the soft sunlight bathes Fitran and Rinoa's faces with unmatched warmth. Her expression is a mix of pride and longing. In the quiet stillness, she imagines Jeanne standing beside her, smiling and holding her hand. Yet amidst the crowd, she feels that presence more deeply—as if Jeanne is still there, cheering her on. But today, for the first time, Joanna feels she truly belongs to this family, realizing that in the weave of fate, they are all interconnected.
Fitran steps forward slowly, as if each step ripples the calm surface of the hearts of everyone present. In his hand, a simple cloth with a spiral pattern—a heritage of the people, a symbol of the promise they have chosen together. He raises the cloth before everyone, with a serious yet hopeful expression. The cloth, waving the identity and hope, flutters gently as the wind blows, resting on Rinoa's shoulders, marking a bond greater than just a promise. The aroma of burning wood from the oil lamps around them adds to the solemn atmosphere.
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Fitran's voice trembles but is firm: “I, Fitran, accept the name and hope you have entrusted to us. We have no blue blood, no royal heritage other than the wounds and dreams we carry together. Today, we choose to be the names you believe in—not as rulers, but as guardians of this home. The home of Gaia.”
Rinoa turns, feeling warmth in her heart as she gazes at Fitran's serene face. The soft light of the evening enters the Sanctuary, casting dancing shadows among the intricately patterned columns, as if giving life to their words. She steps forward, feeling the smooth texture of the spiral cloth on her shoulders, placing her hand on it as if trying to absorb the strength from the symbol it represents.
“I, Rinoa, accept this new name with all the fear and love I possess. The fresh scent of ornamental plants around them envelops, creating a calm atmosphere despite the trembling hearts. I will never be perfect, but I promise to learn to be a hope that does not easily fade. If we fail, let us learn together with you. If we succeed, may that victory belong to all of Gaia.” Rinoa's voice trembles, yet every word that escapes her lips is like a song full of hope, appreciated by the silence echoing in this sacred space.
Suddenly, a little girl from the front row runs into the center, her steps scattered among the sounds of laughter and cheers that break the silence of the Sanctuary. Her curly hair sways gently under the soft sunlight, creating a golden halo around her head. She carries a fresh spiral flower, its sweet aroma clearly filling the air, as if bringing life to every inch of the atmosphere already tense with hope. With trembling hands, she bows, offering the flower to Rinoa, her face beaming with sincerity.
“For Queen Rinoa. My mother said this flower only blooms once every generation. Just like today,” her voice sounds cheerful, though there is an unavoidable hint of doubt, as if she worries about being accepted or rejected. Rinoa, with a gentle smile that reassures, bends down, accepting the flower with tender hands, touching the much smaller fingers that hold it. In that moment, the soft embrace Rinoa gives to the little girl evokes laughter from the crowd, the aroma of emotion and happiness merging in a single emotional dance in the air.
Fitran, standing beside Rinoa with a proud expression, gently pats the girl's head, his gesture showing deep gratitude, as if stating, “We are family.” His quiet words of thanks slip out softly, like a whisper only the little girl can hear. The crowd can no longer contain themselves—the sounds of cheers resonate, loud applause erupts, and even warm hugs among strangers who previously did not know each other explode across the field. The majestic backdrop of the Sanctuary, with its shining marble walls and gleaming metal ornaments, stands as a silent witness to this historic moment. The air is filled with the shouts of their new names, echoes of hope flowing from one mouth to another, creating an unstoppable wave of energy, as if urging the walls adorned with twinkling lights to tremble:
“Long live King Fitran! Long live Queen Rinoa! Long live the new Gaia!”
Joanna smiles, tears streaming down her face again, but this time out of joy. The sound of leaves rustling gently in the wind carries the scent of wild roses from the garden around them. Iris claps her hands over her belly, while Oda whistles loudly, a cheerful tune wrapping the atmosphere in full hope. Her smile is wide, and she seems to bounce with excitement, her movements reflecting an uncontainable joy.
Rinoa and Fitran hold hands, feeling the weight and happiness flowing simultaneously. The gentle touch of their palms seems to channel energy to one another, warming their hearts amidst the rain of cheers. The Genesis Tree above them sways lightly, as if also giving thanks for the new life beginning, its branches dancing in the rhythm of wonder. The fresh scent of the newly watered earth adds to the vibrancy of the colorful flowers surrounding them, reflecting the new soul growing in Gaia.
Amidst the cheers, in a soft voice, Fitran leans down to Rinoa, gazing deeply into her bright eyes, whispering: “Are you ready, Rinoa?” That calm and confident voice makes Rinoa smile wider, their gazes conveying an unspoken promise.
Rinoa replies softly, “As long as you are by my side, I am always ready.” The shadow of her face shines under the soft light, as if all the charm of the Sanctuary embraces them in a warm hug. The elegance of the Sanctuary's architecture blends with this moment, the white walls adorned with beautiful carvings seem to bear witness to their love.
And that day, under the Genesis Tree that witnessed the birth of a new name, the people of Gaia truly believed for the first time: the world can change—as long as there are two people willing to bear its name together. The laughter of children playing in the background and the warm aroma of dishes being cooked far away add to the warmth of the atmosphere, as if all of nature roars together in this new celebration.
