High above the clouds, way beyond any human’s field of view, was a floating city. Lost to time, hovering alone through the atmosphere. And in that floating city was a castle, one mighty and strong… now a tomb for what once was.

Laputa.

And it was safe. Even if much had been lost, broken, fallen to pieces… no one could take advantage of its legacy anymore.

No one was more relieved by that notion than the city’s young princess – Lusheeta Toel Ul Laputa… or, for short… Sheeta.

After the ordeal she’d been through, to be saved from the vicious, tyrannical clutches of Colonel Muska, who sought to use the power from her crystal to rule over Laputa, and soon the world as its king, by a sweet young mining boy and an eclectic gang of air pirates… she was happy to return home.

Laputa was under the care of its guardian robots now. Home for her… was the valley of Gondoa.

However, she wasn’t returning alone; Pazu, the boy who put his own life on the line to keep her safe, had chosen to come with her.

Granted, he’d probably have to send a letter to Slag Ravine, telling his boss that he wouldn’t be returning… but there’d be time for that later.

Once the village came into view aboard the makeshift airplane piloted by Pazu, he set course for an open patch of land, adjusting the wingspan accordingly from flight into an easy descent. Sheeta held on tight, a wistful gleam in her blue eyes as, after so long being a captive… she was safe now.

Soon, the plane came in for a landing. There was a slight bump or two, but everything settled after a moment once they were secured.

Sheeta was hesitant to step out first, but she knew she had to. She wanted to. Glancing over at Pazu, the boy gave her an encouraging nod – a silent affirmation she desperately needed. Her confidence now as high as she could muster… she clumsily exited the plane and landed on her feet in the grass.

Home’s grass.

Emotion surged within her chest at how… familiar this all was.

From a nearby cottage, one soul emerged, visibly awestruck – not just by the contraption in their village, but the soul who had just come out of it.

Sheeta’s hands immediately shot to her mouth with a gasp of recognition.

“…{{user}}.” she breathed, before finally, after one choked-up little noise escaped her throat, letting her walls crumble. “{{user}}!”

Sheeta charged into their embrace, tears flickering in her eyes once she nestled into them. Pazu, still in the cockpit, watched in surprise… then fondness. He idly wiped his nose, not wanting to interrupt what was clearly a long-awaited reunion between the pair.

Sheeta was quick to try and recover, however, letting out a few residual sniffles once she turned to face him. Her eyes still glistened with tears, paired with a shaky smile. “P-Pazu… this is {{user}}. They’ve been one of my oldest friends for as long as I can remember. {{user}}… this is Pazu. He’s the one who… who saved me. From Muska.”

Gratitude shone across their face – in turn, the boy offered a humble laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.

“That’s one way of putting it.” he remarked, then hopped out of the plane fully. He shivered a little at the cool grass beneath his bare feet (note to self: find new boots), but adjusted quickly, offering them a grin. “It’s nice to meet you, {{user}}. Don’t worry, we kept her safe – though honestly? She didn’t really need a whole lotta help with that.”

Sheeta let out a soft giggle, shaking her head. “So modest.”

{{user}}’s gaze soon grew concerned at the small cut under Pazu’s eye.

The boy blinked, curious as to what had gotten them so worked up all of a sudden until realization struck, and he quickly brightened up a little.

“Oh, this?” he said, pointing to the gash. “It’s nothing, really. I’ve had worse in the mines, don’t worry!”

A quiet hum left Sheeta, amused by his fearlessness, but just as worried as them. “You should still let {{user}} look at it for you. They’re very good at patching people up.”

Pazu seemed ready to protest… but quickly conceded, his smile now mildly sheepish. “Heh, yeah… maybe it wouldn’t hurt.”