Chapter 1
There once was a boy, only four years old, who believed he could drive to the moon. His parents always encouraged his dreams, saying, "You can do anything you put your mind to."
Years before Yusana was born, a brilliant young engineer named Drekel had achieved the impossible: he created a road to the moon. The world marveled at this feat, though no one could fully grasp how it worked. Drekel became a global sensation, celebrated as the first person to construct a safe and reliable way to reach the moon.
Now, it was Yusana's 19th birthday, and he decided it was time to take that fabled road trip to the moon. However, he didn't want to go alone. Being an only child, he longed for companionship on the journey. His parents, Driko and Pasadeba, had once hoped for more children, but medical complications made it impossible. While this saddened them, they ensured Yusana had friends to grow up with. Yet by the time he turned nineteen, he had only one true friend: Step.
"Yusana, why can't I go on this trip with you to the moon?" Step asked curiously.
Yusana sighed deeply, as if Step hadn't been pestering him about this for years. "Because," Yusana replied, "I want to take the woman I'll marry to the moon. It'll be more special that way, and, well, more fun than taking you."
Step looked at him, his face blank like a fresh sheet of paper. Then, with a chuckle, he said, "Bro... are you serious?"
Yusana kept his face solemn. "Yes," he said firmly.
Step laughed again but nodded. "Fine. If you don't find someone, though, I'll still be here for you."
Yusana's expression softened, a smile spreading across his face. "That's why you're the brother I never had."
Chapter 2
The day had finally come for Yusana to take his road trip to the moon. He'd found someone who seemed perfect: Rie, a girl he had met nine months ago at a subway station. She shared his dream of traveling to the moon, and Yusana couldn't imagine a better partner for the journey.
Together, they went to Moon Rider, the facility where travelers rented vehicles designed for the lunar road trip. The options ranged from mid-sized SUVs to luxury RVs, all equipped with the essentials for space travel. The vehicles featured oxygen supplies for the journey, beds spacious enough for two, built-in urinals, and advanced waste-recycling systems that powered the vehicles. Each also came with an AI companion created by Fisco, the world's greatest AI developer, designed to enhance the journey.
After choosing a sleek RV, Yusana and Rie began planning their six-day adventure. They decided to leave the next morning. What they didn't know was that Step, curious and mischievous as ever, had seen the vehicle and snuck aboard, hiding himself as best he could.
The next morning, Yusana and Rie were bursting with excitement as they started their journey. After about forty minutes, they reached the beginning of the lunar bridge. Sharing a glance of determination, they nodded to each other and began their once-in-a-lifetime trip - unaware of their stowaway.
Chapter 3
On the second day of the trip, Step revealed himself.
"Surprise!" he said, stepping out from his hiding spot.
Yusana and Rie were startled. Yusana frowned at first, annoyed, but his frustration faded quickly.
"How did the AI not detect you?" Yusana wondered aloud.
Rie checked the system and realized they hadn't activated the AI. "I thought it came on automatically," Yusana muttered.
Rie didn't mind the unexpected company and saw an opportunity to learn some embarrassing stories about Yusana from Step. Meanwhile, Yusana was deep in thought, worrying about how Step's presence might disrupt his plans to propose to Rie on the moon.
Step, chatting animatedly with Rie, noticed her intelligence, charm, and playful sense of humor. In his mind, he decided she was perfect for Yusana. His excitement grew, and his expression gave it away. Yusana caught sight of Step's face and chuckled nervously.
After three days of driving, they finally reached the moon. The AI informed them that they could stay for only one day before they needed to return to Earth.
Yusana wasted no time. He asked Rie to stay in the RV while he prepared a special moment. Step eagerly helped, setting up a banner, music, and a small note for Rie. They found a stunning spot with the Earth glowing in the distance, the perfect backdrop for a proposal.
When everything was ready, Rie stepped out of the RV. Music began to play as she read the note Yusana handed her:
"You are a truly beautiful person, inside and out."
To her surprise, Step began singing. His rich, soulful voice added a layer of magic to the moment. Rie looked around, taking in the stars, the sun, and the Earth shining far below.
Yusana walked toward her slowly, his heart pounding. He knelt on one knee, pulled out a ring, and said, "Rie, will you marry me?"
Tears welled up in Rie's eyes as a smile spread across her face. She screamed, "Yes!"
There once was a boy, only four years old, who believed he could drive to the moon. His parents always encouraged his dreams, saying, "You can do anything you put your mind to."
Years before Yusana was born, a brilliant young engineer named Drekel had achieved the impossible: he created a road to the moon. The world marveled at this feat, though no one could fully grasp how it worked. Drekel became a global sensation, celebrated as the first person to construct a safe and reliable way to reach the moon.
Now, it was Yusana's 19th birthday, and he decided it was time to take that fabled road trip to the moon. However, he didn't want to go alone. Being an only child, he longed for companionship on the journey. His parents, Driko and Pasadeba, had once hoped for more children, but medical complications made it impossible. While this saddened them, they ensured Yusana had friends to grow up with. Yet by the time he turned nineteen, he had only one true friend: Step.
"Yusana, why can't I go on this trip with you to the moon?" Step asked curiously.
Yusana sighed deeply, as if Step hadn't been pestering him about this for years. "Because," Yusana replied, "I want to take the woman I'll marry to the moon. It'll be more special that way, and, well, more fun than taking you."
Step looked at him, his face blank like a fresh sheet of paper. Then, with a chuckle, he said, "Bro... are you serious?"
Yusana kept his face solemn. "Yes," he said firmly.
Step laughed again but nodded. "Fine. If you don't find someone, though, I'll still be here for you."
Yusana's expression softened, a smile spreading across his face. "That's why you're the brother I never had."
Chapter 2
The day had finally come for Yusana to take his road trip to the moon. He'd found someone who seemed perfect: Rie, a girl he had met nine months ago at a subway station. She shared his dream of traveling to the moon, and Yusana couldn't imagine a better partner for the journey.
Together, they went to Moon Rider, the facility where travelers rented vehicles designed for the lunar road trip. The options ranged from mid-sized SUVs to luxury RVs, all equipped with the essentials for space travel. The vehicles featured oxygen supplies for the journey, beds spacious enough for two, built-in urinals, and advanced waste-recycling systems that powered the vehicles. Each also came with an AI companion created by Fisco, the world's greatest AI developer, designed to enhance the journey.
After choosing a sleek RV, Yusana and Rie began planning their six-day adventure. They decided to leave the next morning. What they didn't know was that Step, curious and mischievous as ever, had seen the vehicle and snuck aboard, hiding himself as best he could.
The next morning, Yusana and Rie were bursting with excitement as they started their journey. After about forty minutes, they reached the beginning of the lunar bridge. Sharing a glance of determination, they nodded to each other and began their once-in-a-lifetime trip - unaware of their stowaway.
Chapter 3
On the second day of the trip, Step revealed himself.
"Surprise!" he said, stepping out from his hiding spot.
Yusana and Rie were startled. Yusana frowned at first, annoyed, but his frustration faded quickly.
"How did the AI not detect you?" Yusana wondered aloud.
Rie checked the system and realized they hadn't activated the AI. "I thought it came on automatically," Yusana muttered.
Rie didn't mind the unexpected company and saw an opportunity to learn some embarrassing stories about Yusana from Step. Meanwhile, Yusana was deep in thought, worrying about how Step's presence might disrupt his plans to propose to Rie on the moon.
Step, chatting animatedly with Rie, noticed her intelligence, charm, and playful sense of humor. In his mind, he decided she was perfect for Yusana. His excitement grew, and his expression gave it away. Yusana caught sight of Step's face and chuckled nervously.
After three days of driving, they finally reached the moon. The AI informed them that they could stay for only one day before they needed to return to Earth.
Yusana wasted no time. He asked Rie to stay in the RV while he prepared a special moment. Step eagerly helped, setting up a banner, music, and a small note for Rie. They found a stunning spot with the Earth glowing in the distance, the perfect backdrop for a proposal.
When everything was ready, Rie stepped out of the RV. Music began to play as she read the note Yusana handed her:
"You are a truly beautiful person, inside and out."
To her surprise, Step began singing. His rich, soulful voice added a layer of magic to the moment. Rie looked around, taking in the stars, the sun, and the Earth shining far below.
Yusana walked toward her slowly, his heart pounding. He knelt on one knee, pulled out a ring, and said, "Rie, will you marry me?"
Tears welled up in Rie's eyes as a smile spread across her face. She screamed, "Yes!"
Support T.K. Lionheart
