Chapter 392

The 127th: What He/She Can Do

“What kind of frivolous game, what kind of joyful goal… If this is the case, wouldn’t it be meaningless?!”

Grievances, self-reproach, struggles—expressions that should be unrelated to Ash, who follows a life philosophy of freedom and independence, were now all concentrated on his face.

Though he had encountered many perplexing situations before, Ash usually dealt with them head-on, straightforwardly dismissing any moral coercion and taking direct action, as long as he was unhappy. It didn’t matter—he believed in fighting until the end. However, now, Ash couldn’t and didn’t want to use violent actions fueled by anger to resolve issues.

Moreover, the other party seemed to not consider moral coercion at all. Knowing they would repay kindness with kindness, facing her unprompted smile alone prevented him from saying any hurtful words. Such pettiness was unbearable even for himself under such circumstances.

Currently, Ash was being tormented by his own pride and self-esteem, making him feel so exhausted that he was unable to muster up any energy at all.

“Even though I’m someone like a mayfly floating in the universe, meaningless dust…”

“That’s incorrect, Ash.”

Midway through his words, he was interrupted by the “Heart Tree,” which grabbed his hand affectionately with its soft palm, stopping him from giving up. “Although this is not a good way to understand your heart by perceiving it as such.” Holding Ash’s hand firmly, Heart Tree conveyed vibrant life through warmth. “I can see that you always try to hide your true feelings, but your deceptive method is too transparent, making it easy for me to understand you clearly.”

“In your heart, there’s a barren Heart Flower full of longing, but you haven’t let it lead to malice. So, I believe—and trust—that what you do isn’t wrong!”

Faced with Heart Tree’s encouraging gaze, Ash recalled and understood something.

In the past, he too experienced emptiness, seeking out some heart-stirring emotion. It was then that a woman called Cureheart appeared, filling his need and instilling in him a desire for miracles from the Pretty Cures.

Though his longing had been satisfied…what happens after?

Having a full meal today doesn’t mean you won’t eat tomorrow.

Thus, longing for the fleeting “miracle” he once experienced, Ash engaged actively with Lily and Lei as the shop manager, hoping to witness a miracle through their endeavors.

However, he found that as his interactions and relationships developed with them, he actually began to enjoy this emptiness with a sense of tranquility. This wasn’t acceptable to him, so he maintained another identity called Timons, to oppose them while reminding himself of his true purpose.

His hesitations and indecisiveness in this world—unlike in previous worlds with a clear goal—are due to the lack of a clear target and resultant emptiness.

Now…

After a fierce internal struggle, as Ash lifted his head, red-rimmed eyes unexpectedly revealed a clear determination and clarity he hadn’t felt since arriving here.

“Do you plan to change, like Lei?”

“The things they can do don’t work for me; I won’t change my plans… But, I am a man with ambition!”

Although his actions won’t change, his goals have increased. What is needed now is their tenacity and my determination!

“When the thoughts in your heart align with what you hear, what you need to do becomes clear!”

Ash, now clear-minded, scanned the blurred figure on the other side of the barrier with a changed look.

“I’ve made up my mind.”

“Blossom, including everyone, will surely decide as well.”

Blossom, who had bottled up troubling thoughts, poured them out now, despite the tears, feeling liberated as she wiped her watery eyes and awaited Kuron’s response.

“No, Blossom, that’s not it.” Kuron remained calm, seemingly unshaken, offering gentle comfort, like when she was still alive. “You know more than anyone about how vital it is to protect humanity and carry the responsibility of being a Pretty Cure.”

With foresight of the future, Kuron recognized how hard Lei worked to battle the Desert Apostles.

“Therefore, you intend to bear all this burden and fight alone, thinking that your strength alone is enough to avoid hurting others.”

“Could anyone else be my partner, both in the present and future, except for you, so kind?”

Even knowing her future might end up in death, Kuron’s expression showed no hint of doubt or sadness.

“Blossom, I blame neither your past nor your future. Rather, it’s wonderful to be able to partner with you.”

“Kuron…” Tears brimmed in the girl’s eyes.

“Recognize yourself, Blossom. You already have an invaluable friendship with Lei and the others… and with Ash?”

“Having these shows you’ve already grown decisively different from your past self.” Realizing her time was near, Kuron gently encouraged her without urgency. “If you acknowledge such differences and possess the will to fight for those important to you, you can regain your power to battle the Desert Apostles.”

Listening, Blossom opened her hand, finding her half of the Heart Seed lying calmly in her palm.

“As long as you hope to fight together and protect this world and those close to you…”

“You’ll definitely transform again!”

Fractured Heart Seeds symbolize her defeat by the Dark Pretty Cures and losing Kuron, thus withering her Heart Flower.

But thinking back, gathering friends through that unique coffee place, their smiles, the smiles of important people, even the one person alone facing the Demon God… these images flooded her mind.

Her hand clenched the glowing Heart Seed, as from behind Kuron, a shadow identical to his emerged and melded into the Heart Tree ahead.

With thoughts and hearing aligned, the clear vision of what she must do, this young woman expressed her deepest desires.

“Heart Tree!”

“I wish to fight once more!!!”

Unpredictable light emanated from Blossom’s whole Heart Seed, enveloping her graceful form.