Chapter 178: Painted Wishes
The sun rose on Day 3 of the Festival of a Thousand Stars, bathing the Gaia courtyard in the warm glow of a gentle morning. Today was Arts & Talent Day — a celebration of creativity, soul, and self-expression. Booths of paintings, performances, calligraphy, and craft surrounded the main hall, buzzing with laughter and artistic ambition. But in the western pavilion, all attention turned toward one shy yet determined girl with a paintbrush in hand and a heart brimming with dreams.
Mia Synthesis 18, wrapped in a pale blue apron splashed with flecks of paint, stood quietly before a massive blank canvas nearly two meters tall. Her long brown hair was tied back, and her pale hands trembled slightly—not from fear, but anticipation. At her side lay her Divine Artifact, Lexigra, its grimoire pages fluttering with creative ether. Today was her solo performance — and instead of a song or speech, Mia would paint the future she dreamed of.
Across the courtyard, Cyg Synthesis 11 lingered by a vendor stand, his eyes subtly trailing Mia. He wore a neutral black jacket, arms crossed, gaze unreadable as ever. But within that cold exterior stirred a quiet curiosity—he had seen Mia at her lowest, at her highest. He knew this mattered to her more than any battle.
"Mia-chan's really doing it," Elaine whispered beside him, smiling. "She used to be so nervous about showing people her art."
"She still is," Cyg replied without looking away. "But she's pushing forward."
Nearby, several Integral Knights had gathered to see what Mia's solo performance would be. Thea Synthesis 0 stood with arms behind her back, flanked by Irene Synthesis 3, Ali Synthesis 13, and Lionel Synthesis 17. Even Zayne and Zaria Synthesis 29 & 30 leaned against a nearby post, curious expressions on their twin faces.
Mia turned to the crowd, her voice soft but audible.
"Today's painting… is called 'The World We Can Build'. It's a dream, really. A vision of Gaia, of us… and of the hope we carry."
With that, she placed her hand against the blank canvas. Lexigra glowed from the nearby table, casting blue-gold ether into the air. And then… she began.
Brush strokes danced.
One by one, the figures emerged: stylized depictions of the Integral Knights, bathed in different colors of light. A crimson silhouette with wings—Harriet. A quiet purple bloom—Eun-Ha. A floating silver melody—Sylvia. A figure with mechanical gears behind her—Charlotte. A windblown dancer—Elaine.
Each was painted in their signature aura, surrounded by abstract representations of the traits they held dear: freedom, justice, love, kindness, brilliance.
But at the center…
Mia hesitated for just a moment. Her heart beat faster.
Her brush dipped into a silvery-black hue, then into pale blue, then violet.
She painted Cyg, standing alone in the center of the dream—surrounded by the women who had come to cherish him in quiet ways. Yet the expression she painted on him wasn't stoic or cold.
It was… gentle.
"He always looks like he's carrying the world," she whispered without realizing. "But… sometimes, I just wish he knew he didn't have to do it alone."
The wind stirred as ether responded to her emotions. Lexigra's pages glowed softly, helping her shape the final pieces.
She painted herself last—standing beside Cyg, not behind, not in front. Her hand reached gently toward his, glowing with the golden energy of hope.
When it was done, the audience stood quietly in awe.
Thea was the first to speak.
"That… was beautiful, Mia."
Harriet nodded from the side, arms crossed, hiding a little grin. "Didn't know the little painter had it in her."
"I did," Elaine chirped. "She's been getting braver every day."
Sylvia, standing off to the side, quietly admired the emotional weight of the scene. "She painted him as her anchor," she said to herself. "Just like I sing to reach him."
Cyg said nothing.
Mia turned, noticing his silence. Her heart thudded.
"Did… did you hate it?"
Cyg blinked. For a moment, he looked almost… uncertain.
"...It was warm," he said at last. "Too warm. I didn't know that was how you saw me."
Her cheeks flushed. "It's how I feel."
A silence passed between them.
Then—he turned.
"Keep painting," he said simply. "Even if I don't deserve it."
Mia's smile was soft and trembled like morning dew. "I'll paint you a hundred more times if it helps you see what I see."
The crowd dispersed slowly, murmuring praise and warmth. The painting remained on display, and by evening, dozens of Gaia members had stopped to admire it.
Mia stayed behind, seated before it in silence, brush in hand.
Elaine returned later that night to sit beside her.
"You're falling for him, aren't you?" she asked gently.
Mia's hands paused, and then her smile answered.
"Maybe I already have."