Chapter 220

Chapter 119: Burning Resolve

Ai Aida’s mother took her out of school to rest due to her health issues.

Just after getting motivated by her friends and trying to reengage with the world, Ai withdrew back into herself.

She stayed locked in her room all day, barely reacting when other friends came to talk to her; sometimes she would just give them a forced smile before turning away.

With no change in her condition, Ai’s parents were growing increasingly desperate and concerned. They left meals outside her door but received little response besides some slight noise indicating that she was eating.

“We have no idea what’s going on.”

“The others like Rikka haven’t visited either. Do you think they’re having problems?”

“As much as we want to help, we shouldn’t interfere too directly, especially not without understanding the specifics.”

Regina, entering from an outing, saw Ai’s still-closed bedroom door and approached her worried guardians.

“Do you know, is Mana behaving normally?” Regina asked.

“She’s still not herself,” replied Ai’s father, Kentaro. “It breaks my heart knowing she’s suffering but can’t find the reason.”

“Regina, if only you could talk to Mana…”

On the bed, Ai sat, hugging her knees with her head buried as she moved her feet gently, the light pink socks she wore sliding against the sheets. She finally lifted her face, revealing a long-concealed expression.

Her once bright, vibrant face had lost its color, and her red lips were white where she’d pressed them. Dark shadows surrounded her eyes, making her natural beauty fade; the lively, cherry gemstone glow gone, replaced with dull eyes staring listlessly at the ceiling.

There was no sign of the once enthusiastic perfect president or the powerful CureHeart smile. All that remained was a fragile, exhausted girl who seemed ready to break at any moment.

“Mana…Mana!”

Through the door, Sharuru called, pushing a meal tray towards Ai.

“It’s nearly afternoon! How could you skip lunch again, Sharuru?”

“I’ll eat it soon.”

Opening the door for the tray, Sharuru was startled; the food had long turned cold, but Ai did not respond, just forcing the food down her throat. The vibrant food seemed to lose its taste, and she ate not because she wanted to, but because she was compelled to.

The silence was a stark contrast to her former lively self; watching her chew lifelessly made Sharuru both sad and angry. She loathed whoever had put Ai through such pain.

“If I could become a Pretty Cure and fight him instead…” Sharuru thought, but knew it was impossible, and she could only provide energy to others.

Wiping her mouth, Ai managed a lifeless smile.

“Sharuru… what if I surrendered to Mr. Ash right now… would he forgive me?”

“Mana?!”

Sharuru couldn’t believe her ears. She knew Ai wouldn’t say such things without reason.

“What are you saying? You’re not to blame; he’s the one who should apologize! And Mana, surrendering to him? That doesn’t make sense for a Pretty Cure.”

“I am serious.”

Ai nodded, her tone resolute.

“I would surrender myself to him. If that will bring freedom back to everyone, anything goes. Anyway, it’s fine if everyone’s safe, and if I stop overthinking this… maybe I’ll feel better?”

Thinking about surrendering like this was something she never imagined.

“Does Mana think that’s what she needs?”

Suddenly, the locked door burst open.

“Regina…”

Seeing her remaining friend, Ai’s resolve grew a bit stronger, revealing a faint smile.

“All my friends—everything I lost. Yet, here I am thinking about doing this again?” Ai questioned.

“But I don’t have the strength anymore. It’s impossible.”

Fighting was out of the question; all non-violent solutions had been tried, but none worked.

Even with legendary warrior abilities, Ai felt powerless. The more she gave up, the weaker she became.

“I’m useless…”

Regina watched Ai’s once defiant spirit fade; seeing her like this deeply affected her.

“You…?”

Ai prepared herself for a slap, flinching and shutting her eyes tightly.

But there was no blow.

Instead, warmth enveloped her.

“Regina?”

Golden hair swayed as the embrace provided security.

“It’s fine, Mana. And you don’t need to feel guilty. We all have limits. I couldn’t change my dad’s mind either. This is beyond anyone’s control.”

“You don’t need to feel bad about this.”

“Regina… Ai-chan?”

Ai-chan, a baby-like elf, fluttered next to her, brushing her forehead softly with a chubby hand.

“You’re strong.”

Tears filled Ai’s eyes, and she hugged Regina and Ai-chan tightly.

“Regina, I believe Mana can overcome this!”

“Last time, it was Mana who helped me. Now, I must help her. If Mana can’t—then I will take charge!”

“No! It’s not your responsibility!”

“Of course it is! Remember, Ash always calls me Priness. He won’t hurt me!”

“Don’t worry, Mana. I’ll take care of everything!”

Leaving, Regina resolved to help the person Ai cared about—their enemy.

“Everything is on me,” said Regina, clenching her hand.

These words resonated deeply, echoing the phrase Ai often used to comfort friends in need:

“Resulting in great disappointment, you didn’t give off that thrilling feeling!”

Understanding hit Ai hard, realizing Ash was searching for the very thing she embodied—himself in his past as CureHeart. But even if she offered herself, he wouldn’t be content. Because he yearned for more.

A new fervor ignited within Ai’s weary soul, burning away doubts until a passionate resolve blazed brightly.

“Mana…”

Sharuru watched, noticing something different yet familiar in Ai’s renewed spirit.

“Sharuru, I’m going to fight.”

Not blindly this time, but to become the fighter Ash truly desired.

“Goodbye, Ai-chan.”

A fierce, explosive determination surged through Ai, ignited by her newfound clarity.