It was the 10th Anniversary of Ai's death... As a certain Chinese turned Nationalized Japanese Intelligentsia, placed the Lavender flowers, that represent their close friendship... With a Jasmine Flower, as a decoration on her Lab Coat...

That person... Was none other, than Hai Qiu Zheng... Best Friend of Ai since they were young, long before Ruby and Aqua were born... Now... She could only stare at the grave... Suppressing her urges to cry... And said...

"I'm here... Ai... I-It's been... a while..."

The cool breeze rustled through the branches of the nearby trees as Zheng stood before Ai's grave. The years still hadn't diminished the pain, but Zheng learned to carry it, a delicate balance of memories etched into her very being.

As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the cemetery, she took a deep breath. The lavender flowers on the grave whispered of friendship and remembrance, their fragrance mingling with the air... It's also what reminded her of something...

Her Beautiful eyes. That Purple Hair... Even her charms... It would've been just like a Beautiful Yuri Story... If only Ai were not murdered...

"... I've... been doing well in the Technological Sectors... With you knowing myself..." Zheng wiped a tear and then said... "If it wasn't for you when we were younger... I'd end up as a hermit..."

"I'll miss the day you tried to make me the Smart Idol within your group... Which does make things... Interesting..."

Zheng continues to reminisce about the good times she had with Ai, her Carefree spirit, her unexpected Plan to make Zheng an Idol and the childish Secrets they'd tell.

But all of that is gone now... But she knows... Ai would never want her to give up and join her in the afterlife... 

With it, Zheng gave her last words to Ai, her Native Tongue...

"Wǒ yě ài nǐ... Ai Hoshino... My Lavender Flowers... [I love you too...]"

Kissed on Ai's grave, showing that she also loves her, more than just best friends, and left...

But, she doesn't know, that a certain Ruby or Aqua Hoshino was watching from a distance... Ai Hoshino's Son and Daughter... They were hiding from a bench, not too far from them, and with Newspapers to hide themselves...

Ruby and Aqua watched as a touching moment unfolded before them. They had always sensed that there was something special about Zheng's relationship with their mother, but it was only now that the depth of their connection became truly apparent.

As Zheng bid her final farewell to Ai, kissed her grave, and whispered those words, Aqua could feel a strange mix of emotions—sadness, longing, and something else he couldn't quite put into words.

"Is... Is Miss Zheng more than just best friends with Mom?" Ruby asked hesitantly, searching for the right words.

Aqua remained silent at Ruby's question, turning his gaze back to the distant figure of Zheng. She walked away, leaving the cemetery and taking with her memories and emotions that had been buried for years.

One thing was clear: there was love between her and Ai Hoshino, a love that went beyond the usual boundaries of friendship. It was possibly the kind of love that stems from truly knowing another person, from sharing both the joys and the struggles of life.

Aqua muttered... "Maybe... But I don't know yet... We might have to talk to Miss Zheng or learn about her..."

After Zheng left the cemetery, Ezra was waiting for her in their rented Car. He was known to be quite fanatical and often disrespectful to his Islamic Enemies or even Cowards. To the point of desecrating them... Including Cowards...

But now, he's just as quiet as the atmosphere of the cemetery. Hence he asked...

"So er... You want me to call Murakami Takara?"

He asked Zheng if he could call Takara, Zheng's Second Best Friend and her Step-Sister...

Zheng nodded silently, her eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and grief. The memories of Ai were both tender and painful, but the connection they shared was something she would treasure forever. 

She slid into the passenger seat of the car and took a moment to compose herself before responding to Ezra. "Yes," she whispered, "Please call her. I... I think I need her right now." 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting streaks of gold and pink across the sky, Zheng gazed out the window, her heart filled with a bittersweet mix of love and loss.

"Alright, Zee. I'm calling her now," Ezra said, using Zheng's simplified name, which he liked to call her despite her disapproval. At least she always recognized it was him. 

Ezra initiated the call interface, aware that reaching Takara, a well-known Shrine Maiden, might take a little longer.

After the call was connected...

"Moshi Moshi. Is that you, Ezra-san? Is there something wrong with Zheng?" Takara is on the other line...

Ezra replied, "I think it's best if Zheng says it herself. You know her better, after all." He then switched the interface to Zheng.

"Thanks, Ezra," she said, addressing the interface. "Hey, Taki. I believe you know where I've been... Ai's Grave."

"Oh, Zheng-chan... I figured as much," Takara said, her voice a blend of understanding and sadness. "I know it's the anniversary of her passing, but remember that Ai wouldn't want you to dwell on the pain. She would want you to celebrate her life and cherish the memories you shared."

"It's just... everything feels so raw," Zheng admitted, her voice heavy with grief. "It's hard to believe she's gone, and I can't help but think about all the things we could have done together."

"I understand how you feel, Zheng-Chan," Takara comforted her. "There are days when the loss feels as fresh as if it happened yesterday. But remember, Zheng, we are not alone in this. We have each other, and we'll keep Ai's memory alive through our lives and the people we have become."

"You're right, Taki," Zheng agreed, a small smile appearing on her face. "She may be gone, but her spirit lives on, especially within us. Let's make the most of the life she would have wanted for us. We will face the future together, for Ai's sake."

Zheng knows that Takara is right. And thankfully, she's alive. After the Battle for the Azur Welkin HQ.

"That's my Zheng-Chan. I have to finish the rest now. Take care.~" Takara ended the call.

Already, they've returned to the Local Ryokan since Ezra was busy driving... As she's about to enter her room... Ezra...

"Z, I know it might sound ridiculous coming from me, but please don't do anything reckless, alright? I may be considered a war criminal back in Palestine, but you're still my friend. And of course, you're my Blood Bro's wife (Kevin). Promise me you'll take care of yourself, okay?"

Zheng nods, touched by Ezra's concern. "I promise," she assures him, her voice steady. "I won't lose sight of what Ai would want for me. Today is about remembering her, not drowning in despair. Thank you for being here, Ezra. You're a good friend."

As they say their goodbyes and Zheng steps into her room, the weight of the day's events still lingers. However, the support of her friends has given her the strength to move forward. Together, they will remember Ai, celebrate her life, and carry on her spirit in their actions and endeavors.

"Sure... You too, Z..." Ezra replied and walked back to his room...

As the night went on, Zheng couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. It seemed as though the universe was trying to convey a message to her, but it remained elusive and just out of reach. 

Little did she know that the following day would be anything but ordinary. A mysterious event would disrupt her daily routine, plunging her into a whirlwind of uncertainty and intrigue. Something was unfolding—a puzzle waiting to be solved. 

But for now, under the cover of night, the answers remained hidden, just beyond her grasp, as she drifted into a restless sleep, unaware that a storm was brewing.

...

"I'll honor your names... Mom and Dad..." Zheng, as she clutched her research notes tightly, before falling asleep...

She may be the last of Hai Qiu's Dynasty of Intellectuals... And her survival is paramount...

But... To march onwards... She must face her fears or never learn...

After all, She's a Hai Qiu Family. They'll never stop learning, and neither will she.