Chapter Text
Aiko stepped through the familiar cavern walls, the walk has become longer in her age.
So many things have changed…unfortunately Trump Kingdom hasn’t.
Their refusal to see their faults will ensure that history repeats itself one way or another, that was a simple truth. King Mercenare will likely live again, and it will be their fault.
Perhaps it is because of the resentment that had built over time that she now refuses to die in that kingdom.
Aiko truly was no better.
Which discoveries she had decided to share with her kingdom would be passed down for its betterment, and which she decided to hide shall pass on with her.
One of which is the secret to immortality. Even after discovering it…, Aiko only used such knowledge to elongate her life to finish her research.
If such knowledge got out…who knows what would happen?
She had donated her journals to the archives, all her unfiltered thoughts and experiences. Aiko had no doubt that certain…parts of it would be hidden from historians view, but that didn’t matter.
The Eternal Golden Crown still held the truth. And it would be used eventually, if her theory was correct.
There was no more she could do for them.
No more she could do for herself.
Her family and friends had all passed on….
Her father died peacefully when Aiko had turned 40.
Mayumi passed on in her sleep at 92.
Shizuko died of illness at 95.
Michael was killed in battle at 50.
And here Aiko was, 200 years old, making her way to an ever familiar gravesite.
The large circular cavern has changed throughout the years.
Aiko had installed stone into the ground, planting plants around it to give a royal garden feel.
Sitting down in the stone bench, Aiko stared at the two tombstones.
Above them was a statue she created. Of her and her friends. Staring at the younger version of herself, hands extended out, knowing that if the seal were to ever break, the crown would find itself in those stone hands, at the middle of this hidden maze.
No one would find her body, and she would prefer it that way.
Here, she would be under the gaze and around those she cared for.
Resting her head against the wall, she closed her eyes.
Feeling the soft air blow against her, Aiko opened her eyes. The unending field that lay before her, so different from the cave she had just laid in.
A hand extended out, holding a purple flower.
”178 years…, you’ve kept me waiting for so long.” Aiko breathed out a laugh. It’s been so long since she’s heard that voice.
”Perhaps I am quite cruel. I’ve grown colder in the years…I may not be the same woman you adored.”
“As though that would deter me. It wasn’t your kindness that drew me in in the first place. Let you be cold and stoic, so long as you hold your ideals close.”
Aiko continues to laugh, taking his hand.
”Have you been practicing that one while you waited for me?”
”Mmm, perhaps. 178 years is a long time. I even came up with some songs if you’d like to hear it.” Ego kissed her hand, before bending down and kissing her lips. “How I’ve missed you.”
”And I as well….” Aiko closed her eyes. She couldn’t wait to see everyone again….