Raistin accompanied Tereza on every mission, every outing, every venture, every undertaking. They took the litayu to the hidden base and listened in on secret conversations with Sciattle Cleayr, Parmar Belenkoff, and the men involved with Project Celestial. They found it ironic that they were searching for alien lifeforms, unaware of the Iredescent and the Phoenix just a few meters away.

They learned of the tragedy that occurred to Captain Russet and his crew, of the White Dove's failed mission to reach planet Iredescent. It was the same tragedy that occurred to every ship that tried to evade the mysterious spiral. Raistin was solemn, not saying a word, while Tereza felt some sympathy for the men and women that perished.

Unsurprised, as though he expected it to happen, Sciattle made plans to send out another ship, this time with modifications and upgrades. But the following ship met the same fate; it still got caught in the vortex and into the spiraling doom that befell all the ships' attempts. It was the galaxy's Bermuda Triangle, though the galaxy was unaware Raisitn had placed it there for Iredescent's security.

"Couldn't you just monitor it from space?" Tereza asked Raistin once they were in the safety of the litayu. "Why should we remain hidden from humans? When do you suppose we finally reveal ourselves?"

Raistin set the litayu on autopilot, waiting until they were distances away from the German base before responding, "Because it's not the right time, Tereza. I've shown myself to humans before and they thought I was a god. Imagine what their reaction would be if they saw sparkly winged human-like aliens and mermen."

He does have a point, Tereza thought, looking out the window at all the human houses and cities below as the litayu flew above them in invisible mode. It was a beautiful landscape, one that promised peaceful forests, majestic castles, village markets, flowery meadows, rushing streams, and of course, the wonderful German chocolate cake and desserts that provided much delight.

Every night, Tereza and Raistin hugged and wished each other a good night, secretly wanting more from their interaction. Raistin sensed Tereza was hesitant, still too shy to express her feelings, though he was more than ready to act on them.

Both expressed the full extent of their emotions and feelings via writing. Tereza described the day's events in great detail while Raistin wrote private journal entries, not ready to publish them yet, though he intended to eventually do so.

One blueberry green tea morning, Raistin asked Tereza if they could go to Japan to see the cherry blossoms. "They bloom this time of year," he said. "It is called Sakura season. I want to see them again."

Tereza agreed, wanting to see Raistin's favorite flowers. Vis, Niquead, Rêver, Isren, and Irina encouraged them to go to Japan, upon condition that they remembered to bring back Japanese food and souvenirs.

And so Raistin and Tereza went to Japan together. Tereza landed her litayu next to Raistin's favorite volcano he called Rai. As Tereza kept the litayu on invisible mode, Raistin stood next to the volcano, feeling strange that he was visiting his Earth home without the usual darkness looming around him like shadows. He recalled all the lonely nights and agonizing days he had spent hidden in the volcano, wanting to die and melt into the magma, only to be emerge in his Phoenix form, still alive, still lonely, still depressed.

For centuries, loneliness and depression enshrouded me. This volcano was my home, my refuge even in the midst of despair. It's so strange that I don't feel such things when I'm with Tereza.

Raistin turned to glance at Tereza, who carefully made her way over to him. He watched as she attempted to stay balanced on the uneven rocks that led to the volcano, her slim figure outfitted in a simple but comfortable light purple long sleeve shirt and pants that hugged her body, accentuating her shapely legs and hourglass figure. Raistin looked away before he started fantasizing about Tereza, feeling his cheeks redden from the sensual thought.

"So this is the volcano you lived in?" Tereza asked, coming up beside Raistin.

"Yes," Raistin confirmed. "I called it Rai, as part of my name. Rai means trust in Japanese. Indeed, it was a volcano I could count on whenever I wished to hide from the humans." A sardonic smile grazed his face. "Rai also means paradise in Russian. Therefore, my hell became my paradise."

Tereza put a hand on Raistin's arm, her simple touch comforting Raistin. "You are no longer alone, Raistin. You have us, the Iredescents. You won't have to ever hide yourself from my kind. You won't ever be shunned or ignored on Iredescent."

Raistin turned his gaze to Tereza, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. He had been to Iredescent many times and was familiar with the planet, so he knew what the people were like and he knew Tereza was telling the truth. Iredescents had never rejected him, had never ignored him, nor had they ever made him feel alone and unwanted. He kept coming back, though he didn't know why. Now, he was sure exactly why.

Because of this Iredescent woman.

Tereza slowly moved her hand so she could gently hold Raistin's hand. She was standing so close that Raistin could feel her breathe. He moved closer, placing a hand on her cheek. He was about to kiss her when Tereza pulled away, losing the courage to do what they both wanted.

Raistin felt a brief pang of disappointment, but he kept his hand in Tereza's, keeping her from pulling away entirely. "The cherry blossoms are this way," he said, directing her attention towards the meadowy landscape in the distance. The sun rose ahead of the mountains, as if daring them to chase it.

Tereza lifted Raistin, picking him up in her arms as she extended her wings and took flight. Usually it's the other way around, Raistin thought as Tereza carried him. The guy usually picks up the girl and carries her. I totally would've done that, but I can only fly in my Phoenix form. Therefore Tereza has to carry me. Still, it feels amazing being this close to her.

He felt her heartrate increase from having him so close to her. It reassured Raistin to know that she felt the same way. He rested his head on her shoulder, his arms around her neck and shoulder, as he watched the sunrise paint the mountains in vivid colors of yellow, orange, and red.

Tereza landed in a beautiful garden, choosing a place further away from people. She carefully set Raistin down, feeling his hands linger on her for a moment longer before slowly pulling away. Trying to ignore the pounding of her heart, Tereza turned towards the trees and flower bushes, the floral scent filling the air with pleasant aroma.

Raistin tugged at Tereza's arm. "This way," he said, leading her deeper into the garden.

Japanese gardens are indeed some of the most beautiful gardens ever, Tereza thought as she walked through a scenic route with cherry blossom trees on both sides of the walkway, which was covered in light pink cherry blossom petals. They were soft and delicate, falling from both sides on Raistin and Tereza. The sky was cloudy with a wonderful spring feel. There were a few scattered rain puddles on the sides of the walkway, providing a mirror image of the pink cherry blossom branches hovering underneath the bright blue sky.

Raistin kept holding Tereza's hand as they walked, closing his eyes and breathing in the light pleasant floral scent of cherry blossoms in bloom. He missed it and was happy to enjoy it every year. He loved how beautiful the cherry blossom trees were and how their lovely pink color announced the beginning of spring and its amazing wonders of nature.

Tereza sidestepped a rain puddle, admiring how its reflection radiated colors of pink, purple, and blue from the sky and cherry blossom trees. Tereza turned to Raistin, smiling when she noticed some pink cherry blossom petals on his hair and shoulders. Tereza began to gently brush them off, but then Raistin swiftly bent down to gather a handful of fallen cherry blossom petals and threw them at her, his movements fluid and smooth. Tereza stood astonished, then she playfully ran after Raistin, who grinned as he kept picking up cherry blossom petals to throw at her before taking off in a short run, with Tereza chasing him and trying to throw petals back at him.

They ended up in a secluded part of the garden, where the grass was entirely covered in pink cherry blossom petals. Tereza friskily shoved Raistin, who seized her by the waist, taking her down with him as he fell backwards into the cherry blossom petaled grass. Tereza felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she realized she was on top of Raistin, their faces so close she could feel his warm breath on her. Her face became as pink as the cherry blossom petals as she looked deeply into Raistin's eyes, admiring them.

Raistin reached with one hand to hold her face, his other hand around her waist. Tereza closed her eyes when Raistin kissed her for the first time, his kiss as soft and gentle as the cherry blossom petals, before he pulled her into a deeper kiss. They continued kissing, enjoying the sensation of their first kiss.

"Aishiteru," Raistin said as he pulled away, rolling over so he could stand. Cherry blossom petals danced down from his body as he extended a hand to Tereza, who looked up at him in wonder. Tereza took his hand, allowing Raistin to help her up. All the while, her face reddened as she realized the importance of what Raistin said.

Aishiteru means I love you in Japanese.

Raistin brushed cherry blossom petals from her hair, his touch sending electric sparks throughout Tereza's body, awakening a desire within her. Tereza pulled Raistin close and kissed him, trying to satisfy that desire, but kissing him only made her want him even more. Maybe we should rent a hotel room, she began to think, then she stopped herself, startled by her sensual thoughts.

Looks like she overcame her shyness, Raistin thought, surprised and delighted that he was finally able to kiss her. He felt light and full of happiness, pleased to be with the love of his life. He enjoyed every kiss, relishing every touch and sensation, feeling like life was finally perfect.

Tereza's comect suddenly rang, alerting of an incoming call. Brought out of her reverie, Tereza glanced at the comect to see who it was. "Oh it's just Niquead," she said, choosing not to answer his call.

Raistin smiled. "Probably reminding us to get food and souvenirs for them. Good idea, actually. Let's grab some food. You have got to try sushi! It is the greatest food ever."

Raistin excitedly led Tereza to his favorite Japanese city Tokyo. They enjoyed sushi, rice, green tea, salmon fish, and street food including skewered grilled chicken called yakitori, red bean dumplings, and a fish shaped cake called taiyaki.

Raistin and Tereza were holding hands while walking along a bridge with cherry blossom trees on both sides, their branches covering the sky above the water. It was nighttime, with lanterns and streetlamps lighting the road as the deep blue sky turned into a blueish black.

Tereza was enjoying her third taiyaki when she received a hologram call. Her heart raced when she saw it was the Ruler of Iredescent. Definitely an important call, Tereza thought. This is not a call I can miss.

Tereza quickly looked around to make sure there weren't any people around. Her Iredescent senses caught the sounds of an old couple walking down the walkway opposite of Raistin and Tereza, with several other people traipsing through the scenic view towards the bridge. They would be seen within minutes.

Tereza made herself and Raistin invisible before she chose the voice option rather than hologram option, thinking it would be safer as a voice call than a hologram call.

"Irina, there are people around us," Tereza said hurriedly before Irina could say anything. "I need to get to a secluded place before we can speak."

"This is a secluded place," Raistin objected, when Tereza said, "Yeah, until those people turn around the corner and see us. Imagine if humans walked in on a hologram call. Would be very stellar indeed. Hold the comect for me, please."

Tereza placed her comect in Raistin's hand before picking him up and extending her wings, flying out into the sky. Raistin changed the voice call to a hologram call, allowing Irina to see them as holograms.

"We're safe in the sky," Raistin said, the small hologram of Irina facing him directly as Tereza continued flying towards the litayu. "What's up?"

"Raistin and Tereza, I need you two to go to Prague," Irina said, a hint of urgency in her voice. "It is a city located in a country called Czechia, or Czech Republic. "Niquead found out the German officials are going there to a secret meeting located in an opera house. You will need to go there to find out what they're up to concerning Project Celestial. The meeting will occur tomorrow in late evening. Rêver is picking out clothes for you. You are to take the clothes and leave immediately."

"But we're halfway across the world," said Tereza.

"And we didn't get souvenirs yet," said Raistin.

Irina sighed softly. "I am so sorry, but souvenirs will have to wait. It is imperative that we learn what the German officials are up to, especially since they keep sending Earth ships to try to reach planet Iredescent. They are not sending them with peaceful intentions, either."

"Yeah, that Sciattle guy is not to be trusted," Raistin said firmly. "Iredescent needs to remain safe from those kinds of people."

"We'll need to know everything," said Irina. "Please let me know when you are near the base so we can quickly place the suitcase in your litayu so you can continue your way. After the situation in Prague, hopefully you should be free to do as you wish."

"We're on it," said Tereza. "I'm almost at the litayu. Will be placing the litayu on autopilot while we – I mean, I get some sleep."

"No need to set the litayu on autopilot," said Raistin. "I don't sleep, so I can navigate the litayu while you get some sleep. There's not much space, but I'm sure the seat can be moved back so it's flat."

"Yes, it can," said Tereza.

"Wonderful," said Irina. "Please keep me updated on your location via comect message. Wishing you two a safe journey."

"It will definitely be safe with me," Raistin said confidently. "I'm the Phoenix; therefore I am the best protection for Tereza."

Irina smiled. "I'm so thankful for you, Raistin. You are certainly an awesome Phoenix."

Raistin smiled back and placed the comect in his pocket after Irina disconnected the hologram call. Tereza flew even faster, reaching the litayu in record speed.

Raistin immediately at in the pilot's seat and turned on Japanese dance-pop music as Tereza sat beside him. Raistin navigated the litayu, flying it towards the Iredescent base in England. Tereza moved her seat so that it became flat, so she could get some sleep. She reached for a blanket that she always kept in the back of her litayu, along with food and other necessities.

Tereza faced Raistin as she laid down, feeling warmth throughout her body at the thought of their kiss. She watched as he flew the litayu, her eyes drawn towards his arms, going back up towards his long jet black hair, sideways towards his face, then down his shoulders and chest....

Ok Tereza, stop daydreaming and get to sleep, she chided herself, her face reddening as she turned around, wondering how she was going to be able to do so when Raistin was so close. Wow girl, you really got the hots for him. One kiss, one touch, and you're on fire. Stars, why can't I get him off my mind? Why is he so gorgeous? That hair and those eyes....ok Tereza really, go to sleep. You have a mission ahead of you. You need to sleep while you can. And so Tereza sought to get some sleep.

Raistin turned to glance at Tereza, watching as she made herself comfortable. Her pillow was a bundled bag of extra clothes she kept with her. Her light purple leather jacket was stowed neatly in the back so it wouldn't fold, crease, or wrinkle.

His gaze was lost within Tereza's gilded reddish caramel tresses that looked red when the sunlight touched them. How beautiful, Raistin thought, smiling at Tereza before he turned back towards the sky, watching the night sky greet the sparkling stars as they danced their way into the night.

England was approximately eleven hours away from Japan. However, Tereza's litayu was more advanced than 90's airplanes, so the time was shortened to seven hours. Tereza was still asleep by the time Raistin landed the litayu in the Iredescent base. Rêver rushed out, carrying a periwinkle suitcase. He quickly placed it in the back before greeting Raistin with a hello and looking in surprise at the sleeping Tereza.

"She's still getting some sleep," Raistin informed Rêver. "Thanks for the suitcase."

"You're welcome," said Rêver. "There are clothes for both you and Tereza. I won't keep you any longer; you must get going. Be safe, Raistin! Please stay with Tereza at all times."

"You can be sure I'll be staying with Tereza at all times," Raistin assured, glancing towards her before turning back to Rêver. "I don't intend to leave her."

Rêver smiled. "Thousand Glitters!"

Raistin smiled back and waved. "Thousand Glitters!"

The litayu lifted up and continued its way to Prague, the city of where a secret meeting conducted by German officials in search of extraterrestrial life would soon be intercepted by an Iredescent spy and a Phoenix lifeform.

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Raistin's volcano Rai and the cherry blossom gardens that are very reminiscent of Iredescent. Japan is so super beautiful; it is my dream to go there someday to visit. For now, Raistin and Tereza are enjoying it for me :)

Oh, and I'm obsessed with this new Harney & Sons tea called Cherry Blossom. Raistin would love this tea. It is definitely one of my top favorites, along with the Blueberry Green tea. This tea is just so perfect for this chapter 🌸

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