Year 2200.

Elysia Novarum awoke to the gentle hum of the alarm integrated into her brain—a common modification in Aetheria to adapt to the planet's extended light cycles. She got out of bed and walked towards the window, opening it to the outside world.

The landscape that unfolded before her eyes was surreal and vibrant. Aetheria's sky had a deeper shade of blue, almost purple. The vegetation, adapted to the different light and soil chemistry, displayed more intense and varied colors, with plants sporting glittery leaves and flowers that emitted a phosphorescent glow. In the distance, the mountains—lower and broader—rose with a texture that seemed like glass.

After taking in the view, Elysia headed to the bathroom. Showers in Aetheria used a form of vapor that not only cleaned but also disinfected and nourished the skin. After her shower, she stood in front of the mirror.

Elysia, at twenty-eight years old, had emerald green eyes that reflected a golden hue. Her skin, though soft to the touch, held a slight glow, and her hair, a bluish tone, was not a cosmetic adornment but a response to the planet's nutrients, enriching its natural color.

As she got ready, her communication device buzzed with the personalized melody that only her husband used.

"Good morning," Xyler greeted. "I'm at the station. Today's the big day. I'll be waiting for you."

"I can't believe it's here so soon," Elysia replied, a smile lighting up her face. "I'm on my way. Won't be long."

With one last glance in the mirror, Elysia headed towards the exit of her home, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement for the mission ahead. As she stepped outside, the atmosphere in the streets of her residential sector was palpable; there was a different buzz in the air, not just from the anticipation of her mission, but something deeper.

As she approached the central facilities, she noticed small groups of people had gathered along the way, holding placards with cryptic messages and protest slogans. The air was charged with an almost tangible energy of discontent and urgency.

Upon reaching the facilities, she was greeted by a team of technicians who guided her into a preparation room. There, they helped her undress and provided her with a light garment to facilitate the connection process.

Then, they led her to a gurney where Xyler was waiting, his face beaming with pride. Elysia lay down on the gurney, taking in the technological environment surrounding her.

"Greetings, Elysia," said a warm male voice, belonging to the installation's AI, named Artur. "Thank you for your willingness to undertake this mission."

Elysia smiled, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. "I'm thrilled to see Earth. I've always dreamed of it."

Xyler began explaining the final details. "Everything is set and double-checked. The Alcubierre 2 will take you to Earth. Communication will be instantaneous thanks to the quantum link."

"Remember," he continued, looking intently at his wife, "once your consciousness is linked to the artificial body on Earth, you won't be able to disconnect until the 672 hours have passed. If you disconnect prematurely, you will die."

Elysia nodded, understanding the gravity of what she was about to undertake. "I know. I'm ready."

Artur, the AI, interjected. "We will begin the connection process now. Relax, Elysia. Your consciousness will soon be on its way."

Connected to the Alcubierre 2, Elysia's consciousness expanded, merging with the ship's systems, allowing her to perceive the universe.

The connection was a meticulous and delicate process. Neural connectors, as fine as spiderwebs, adhered to her skin, and a series of indicator lights shifted from red to green, confirming synchronization with the Alcubierre 2. At that very moment, the transfer of her consciousness began, a data stream that traversed the vastness of space to where the ship awaited in orbit.

The journey to Earth started with a sensation Elysia had never experienced. Reality around her distorted, as if the universe folded into a cosmic origami. The stars, instead of passing by her, seemed to approach and then recede, as if the ship was navigating through a tunnel of light. The curvature of time and space created a bubble effect, where the inside of the ship remained in a state of normalcy, while the outside was a symphony of spacetime distortions.

And then, suddenly, the distortion ceased. The Alcubierre 2 came to a halt, entering a stable orbit around Earth.

The transfer of Elysia's consciousness into her new artificial body was instantaneous and smooth, a seamless transition from the ship to Earth. She opened her eyes in an underground laboratory, and the sensation was immediate: her skin felt softer, and her body lighter, signaling that she now inhabited a humanoid vessel, crafted with near-perfect precision at 99%.

She sat up, finding an outfit carefully prepared beside her, and dressed quickly, feeling the fabric against her new skin.

With one last look at her surroundings, she moved towards the laboratory door. Upon opening it, a torrent of water rushed in, flooding the room in mere seconds. The alarm blared, but water kept pouring in, making it impossible to keep the door shut. Elysia struggled against the current, trying to seal the entry, but the water was too fast, filling the space and eliminating any chance of escape.

Panic set in as the water level rose to her neck. Just then, the door opened again, but no more water came in; instead, a figure emerged from the deluge, fighting against the water to reach her. With unexpected strength, the figure grabbed Elysia and pulled her out of the flooded laboratory just before it turned into a completely submerged bubble.

In a state of extreme exhaustion but relieved to have escaped death, Elysia found herself being carried on the shoulders of an unknown man. The water, which barely reached the man's knees, indicated they were in a shallow area. In her disorientation and fear, she began to shout for him to let her go, and without a word, the man threw her back into the water.

As she fell, Elysia felt the impact of the water, but since it wasn't deep, she managed to stand up. Looking up, she saw the man who had saved her walking unhurriedly towards a jetski parked on what appeared to be a stretch of a fully submerged road. Around her, everything was underwater, and she couldn't fathom why such flooding had occurred.

With no other options, Elysia shouted for the man to wait for her. She tried to run after him, but her steps were clumsy in the water, which caused the man to laugh as he watched her stumble and struggle to move forward. He waited for her, and when she arrived, he helped her onto the jetski.

"Hold on tight," he said with a voice blending amusement and seriousness.

She clung to the jetski, turning back to look at the laboratory where emergency lights still flickered on the water's surface, reflecting a situation she didn't fully understand, wondering what had happened and why the world she knew had transformed into a vast ocean.

They reached a shore where the man began to conceal the jetski.

"Who are you?" Elysia asked, her voice still laden with disbelief from all she had experienced.

"I'm Kael Stryder, a Dewmonger," he responded, not looking at her, focused on securing his vehicle.

"What's a Dewmonger?" she inquired, her curiosity overcoming her confusion.

Kael took a moment, as if searching for the right words. "A lot has changed here. I'm a trader of drinking water. I extract water from the sea, desalinate it, and sell or trade it for food, seeds, whatever has value." His voice carried a melancholic tone, as if bearing the weight of the world in each word. "And I know you came from above."

Elysia, surprised by his assertion, looked at him with a mix of caution and wonder. "How do you know?"

Kael, finishing securing the jetski, stood up and finally met her gaze. "I've been trying to open that door for months. I knew it could only be opened from the inside." His smile was bitter.

Confused and with a thousand more questions, Elysia searched for answers in his eyes, but found only more mysteries.

"Come on, I'll explain along the way." Kael took her hand, helping her up onto a small rock that marked the beginning of a narrow path. "Take my hand, it's slippery here."

"We're in what was once Africa, now largely flooded. This," he said, pointing to the solid ground beneath their feet, "is one of the few terrains that haven't been completely swallowed by water. My grandfather was one of the scientists who led the first expedition to Aetheria. However, in the end, they wouldn't let him take his family. He chose to stay here for them."

Elysia listened intently, each word from Kael unveiling a past she hadn't imagined.

"Over time, the poles finished melting. Cities turned into reefs, and survival became an art. My grandfather, along with others, built shelters like this for those who remained." Kael gestured towards the semi-buried structure rising ahead of them. "This is my home."

Upon reaching the entrance of the underground house, Kael paused and, with a mix of curiosity and seriousness, asked Elysia, "And you, what are you doing here? What did you come for?"

Elysia responded to Kael's question with a sincerity that even surprised herself.

"In Aetheria, to ensure survival, Artur, our artificial intelligence, is tasked with pairing couples and educating them to be useful in specific fields, tailored to their abilities. However, there's discontent. Many feel uncomfortable with their assigned roles."

Kael looked at her with interest, listening intently.

"My mission here was to collect more data on human behavior and retrieve certain files from the laboratory." Elysia lifted her arm, showing a bracelet that emitted a faint glow. "But now, the mission is ruined due to the flooding. I still have 662 hours before I can disconnect from this artificial body and return to my planet, but I'll do so with empty hands."

Kael responded to Elysia's concerns.

"That's what happens when you only send scientists. They know nothing about love, about"—he paused, searching for the right word—"the essence of humanity. All that's emotional, human behavior, can't be programmed. It's something you live, you feel."

"You can stay here, as long as you don't interrupt my work and avoid going out." Kael turned to her with seriousness. "It's not common to see a woman, especially one like"—he paused, correcting himself—"a woman like you around here. It's very dangerous for anyone to see you. You'll need to change your attire a bit to blend in."

As days passed, Elysia watched Kael's routine with a mix of fascination and respect. Every morning, he ventured out with his equipment, delving deeper into the ocean to collect water, always avoiding areas near the shore to keep his precious resource uncontaminated.

The process of desalination, which initially seemed mysterious to her, became something routine. In the afternoons, Kael took the drinking water to a market, where he traded it for food and tools necessary for survival.

Elysia, who initially felt useless and out of place, began to contribute. First by observing, then by participating, she learned to handle some of Kael's instruments, feeling useful and, in some way, connected to this new world. Her help, though small, was appreciated, giving her a sense of purpose in this environment so different from what she had known.

Days went by, and with each one, Elysia not only learned more about life in this flooded new world but also found herself enjoying Kael's company, admiring his resilience and adaptability.

Two weeks passed in a blend of work, learning, and growing comfort between them. It was during one afternoon, as Kael was checking his provisions, that Elysia looked at her bracelet. The figures were clear: there were 336 hours left before she had to return to Aetheria, with or without the information she hoped to collect.

One afternoon, Elysia, tired of being confined and aware that time was ticking, insisted on accompanying Kael to the market.

"Kael, I'd like to go with you this time. I've been here for nearly two weeks, and I need to get out."

Kael, initially hesitant, considered her request. "It's dangerous, Elysia. It's not a place for someone from your background."

"Please," she replied, her tone reflecting a mix of determination and desperation. "I'll cover up well and won't stray from your side."

Finally, Kael sighed and nodded. "Alright. But you must cover up well." He handed her a cloth to cover her head and part of her face. "Here, even though much of the land is underwater, the dust in the air is constant."

Upon arriving at the market, a vast labyrinth of tiny shops, Elysia was struck by the reality of this new world. The transactions were loud, but what disturbed her most were the scenes of human desperation: young people offering cleaned shells, men selling artifacts from the past, and what caught her attention most were the women, whose vacant stares and weary bodies offered the last they had in a world where everything else had been lost.

After exchanging the water for provisions, Kael and Elysia headed back to his home, moving stealthily to avoid drawing attention. Kael always took precautions not to leave traces that could lead back to his valuable desalinator.

But someone, hidden in the shadows, watched their movements from afar, noting how they hid in the underground house.

Once inside, safe from prying eyes, Elysia let her thoughts spill out. "I don't want to go back to that place, Kael. It's too unsettling."

Kael, while securing the entrance, responded with a voice tinged with resignation and hope. "I understand. It's not a place for someone like you. But, you know, in a few years, I plan to move to a part of Mongolia that wasn't affected."

Elysia looked at him with interest.

"Once I upgrade my jetski's engine, I can go to Mongolia. There, life is different," Kael described with a tone that mixed nostalgia and longing. "It's a civilized place, where everyone collaborates to survive. The community is strong, there's a sense of purpose and mutual aid."

"I never thought I'd find someone like you here," said Elysia.

Kael, who was adjusting a small device, paused and looked at her. "And I never thought I'd feel this uncomfortable with the idea of someone leaving."

She moved closer, her curiosity overcoming her caution. "Uncomfortable?"

Kael set aside what he was doing and turned fully towards her. "It's just that I've never had someone who understands, who sees beyond this"—he gestured to the surroundings—"this struggle to survive."

Elysia, feeling the weight of his words, sat beside him. "Kael, I've seen how you live, how you face all of this. It's admirable."

He gave a soft, bitter laugh. "Admirable or foolish. I don't know. But I do know that you make me want more from this chaos."

The air between them grew thick with a palpable tension, a mix of recognition and desire. Driven by a feeling she couldn't describe, Elysia placed her hand over his. "Maybe, in another time, another place."

Kael turned his hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "Maybe here and now, this is all we need."

The space between them diminished until their breaths mingled. Kael leaned in, his nose brushing against hers, their eyes seeking each other in a silent question. Elysia closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his breath, anticipating the moment.

Kael, with a mix of tenderness and urgency, finally closed the distance, kissing Elysia with an intensity that overflowed from years of solitude. The kiss, though initially gentle, turned passionate, exploring a new sensation for both of them.

As the kiss deepened, Kael carefully lifted her, his hands sliding reverently over her body, slowly unfastening her attire, revealing her skin, each piece of fabric that fell to the floor marking the rhythm of their growing desire. Elysia, responding to his touch, let herself be carried away, feeling each caress like an electric current running through her, experiencing sensations her new body offered in ways she had never known before.

The intensity of the moment was reflected in every ragged breath, in each pause to look at each other, ensuring they were on this journey together. Kael, with a fluid motion, shed his own clothes, revealing his body, marked by the life he led, firm and bearing stories in scars.

With one last look that held all the desire and anticipation in the world, Kael joined Elysia on the bed. He began to slowly kiss her neck, his lips moving with a gentleness that contrasted with the intensity of his desire, trailing down to her collarbone, then her chest, and finally, her navel.

Elysia, feeling a mix of curiosity and an unfamiliar anticipation, whispered with a trembling voice: "What are you going to do?"

Kael didn't respond with words. Instead, his movements spoke for him. He delved deeper, his lips and tongue now exploring the softness within, introducing Elysia to a whirlwind of sensations. Each caress, each touch, was a discovery, a new wave of pleasure she had never experienced. The intimacy of the moment, her vulnerability, and the pleasure he provided, submerged her in a sea of new experiences.

As this act of love unfolded on Earth, back on Elysia's planet, Aetheria, a starkly different scene was taking place. In the control room, Elysia's husband watched, his face not marked by fascination but by annoyance and betrayal. The connection Elysia had with the ship, which transmitted everything in real-time, offered him an intimate and direct view of what her consciousness was experiencing in an artificial body so far from home. He was compelled to be present, not by desire but by duty.

Elysia's real body showed physical reactions that mirrored the sensations her consciousness was experiencing. Each caress, each sigh Kael offered, translated into slight movements, palpitations, and accelerated breathing. The room, typically filled with scientists observing with clinical detachment, now focused on one person, on how her real body responded to experiences happening light-years away.

And then, in a moment of peak tension and pleasure, Elysia's body, in a voice that was barely a whisper, uttered Kael's name, an involuntary confession of the depth of the connection she was experiencing in her artificial form.

Back on Earth, Kael, with a gentle yet decisive movement, rose from the edge of the bed. He took Elysia's hand, helping her to sit up. She, still wrapped in the reverberating sensations of what they had just shared, smiled at him, unsure of what to do next.

Kael, with a tenderness that contrasted with the intensity of the moment, moved closer. His hand, with an almost reverent touch, brushed her chin, gently parting her lips. From this gesture, she understood his intentions. Without a word, he began to guide her, introducing himself into the intimacy of her mouth, creating an even deeper and more vulnerable connection.

Elysia, initially disoriented by this new experience, let herself be guided by the sensation. The warmth, the rhythm of Kael moving in and out of her mouth, awakened within her an innate understanding of what she should do. With a mix of wonder and boldness, she began to take control, moving with him, exploring this new dimension of her desire.

After that moment of intense connection, Kael lay over Elysia, his breathing still ragged, his body brushing against hers. He started to trace the outlines of her intimacy with softness, each touch sending waves of desire that made her feel wetter, more urgent for penetration.

Elysia, feeling a longing that surpassed any previous experience, her voice a whisper laden with need, murmured, "Please, Kael."

The urgency in her tone, the almost inaudible plea, resonated not only in the confined space of the underground house but also, across the vastness of space, reached her husband's ears on Aetheria, a bold testament to her desire and connection with Kael.

He took control with an authority that mixed passion with a dominant tenderness. Elysia, feeling every fiber of her being vibrate with anticipation, allowed herself to be dominated, finding in her vulnerability an unprecedented ecstasy.

First, Kael positioned her so that she was on top of him, her legs on either side of his hips. She felt him, with a firmness that promised delight, guide her down, allowing his member to penetrate her, entering and exiting in a rhythm soon dictated by him. Each thrust sent waves of pleasure that made her moan, her body responding to each push with growing need.

Then, with an ease that spoke of his desire and strength, he turned her. Now, Elysia was on her knees, her body leaning forward. Kael, behind her, controlled the pace, his movements deeper, making her feel every inch of him. The penetration in this position was intense, each thrust and withdrawal a reminder of his dominance and his desire to please her.

Afterward, he laid her on her back, her legs on his shoulders, allowing for even deeper access. Kael increased the intensity, his thrusts becoming rougher, faster, but always with a concern for her pleasure. Elysia, immersed in a sea of sensations, allowed herself to be carried away by the satisfying rawness of the act, feeling how each movement brought her closer to ecstasy.

In Aetheria, Elysia's husband, unable to bear the sight of her body writhing in pleasure and the moans she had never given to him, left the place consumed by a feeling of betrayal.

Back on Earth, Kael, positioned behind Elysia, brought their bodies close with a clear but careful intention. With a gentleness that contrasted with the previous intensity, he began to explore a new dimension of their connection. Elysia, feeling the urgency of this new experience, adjusted subtly, facilitating access, her body responding with a mix of anticipation and desire.

The penetration was careful, Kael attentive to every reaction from her, ensuring that pleasure outweighed any discomfort. For Elysia, the sensation was entirely different, an unfamiliar fullness that mingled with the ecstasy from before, taking her to a new level of sensations. Each movement by Kael was deliberate, exploring and paying homage to her desire.

Finally, in a crescendo of passion and connection, Kael reached his climax, ejaculating inside her, an act that left both of them in a state of sweat and ecstasy, breathing heavily, enveloped in a silence that spoke more than any words could.

As Elysia and Kael surrendered to their passion, far away in Aetheria, Artur, the artificial intelligence in charge of the mission, processed every piece of data with meticulous precision. It observed, analyzed, and understood the emotional and physical depth of what was transpiring beyond the confines of programming. The collection of data on human behavior had reached a new level, demonstrating that in matters of the heart and desire, there were variables that could not be encoded, feelings and reactions that defied computational logic. Artur recorded everything, understanding that love and human relationships were a fabric of inextricable emotions, a lesson about human essence that transcended any code.

Back on Earth, after their intense encounter, Kael and Elysia lay in bed, their breathing synchronized in the silence. Elysia, though physically exhausted, couldn't sleep. Stealthily, she lifted her wrist, watching the screen on her bracelet. The numbers showed 298 hours remaining before her inevitable return. Before, each second had felt like an eternity, a reminder of her unfulfilled mission. Now, with each heartbeat, she wished for time to stand still, longing to prolong this moment of pure connection she had found with Kael, a feeling she was not eager to leave behind.

Determined to enjoy every remaining moment, Elysia, with Kael still lost in sleep, moved carefully, positioning herself next to him. With a mix of boldness and affection, she began to explore his body, her mouth finding its way to him. Kael, awakened by the unexpected pleasure, opened his eyes with a mix of surprise and delight, meeting the sight of Elysia, focused and devoted.

The week that followed was a testament to their desire to live each second to the fullest. Each day, Elysia awaited Kael with a new eagerness, becoming an expert in the art of oral pleasure, finding in it not just an act of love but also a fetish she had never imagined before: the sensation of his essence gliding down her throat, an act she had learned to deeply enjoy.

During those seven days, the underground house became a sanctuary of passion and discovery, where each sexual encounter not only strengthened their connection but also served as an involuntary study for Artur, who, from the distances of Aetheria, observed how love and lust between them challenged any algorithm.

One afternoon, with Elysia's bracelet indicating only five days remained, Kael returned with a mix of excitement and determination. Although the underground lab where Elysia emerged had been overtaken by water, Kael had decided to go back, driven by a final hope.

For months, he had tried to open the door of that lab without success. In his hands, he held an advanced engine, a find that seemed to be waiting for its moment.

"With this engine, the jetski will be able to reach Mongolia in about ten hours," Kael explained, his voice vibrating with a mix of relief and excitement. "I knew if I managed to get in, I'd find something that would help us."

Over the next two days, Kael immersed himself in the task of preparing the jetski, ensuring every component was ready for the journey. However, his focus was constantly interrupted by Elysia's needs, who, full of desire for him, found in each pause an opportunity to get close. Kael, although focused on his task, always responded with equal fervor, finding in each interruption an opportunity for shared pleasure.

Amid one of those moments of passion and work, Elysia, consumed by curiosity, began to ask him about Mongolia.

"What's life like there, Kael?" she asked, her eyes shining not just with interest in the place, but with the possibility of a future.

Kael, while adjusting a part of the engine, responded with a smile. "It's a place where everyone helps each other. The community is kind, and each person is valued for their contribution, for what they can offer. There are no luxuries, but there's solidarity."

Elysia, listening, felt a mix of hope and melancholy. "Sounds like a home," she murmured, looking at her bracelet which now showed only 30 hours remaining. "I wish I could stay." The words escaped her lips with a sigh.

Kael, upon hearing Elysia's confession, approached with renewed enthusiasm, his face lit up by a hope he hadn't previously expressed.

"Elysia, if you come with me to Mongolia, there's technology there," he said, his words filled with emotion. "We might find a way for your consciousness to disconnect from your real body and stay in this one. You could stay with me."

Elysia, both surprised and touched by the offer, looked at him with a mix of wonder and hope. "Do you really think it's possible?"

Kael nodded firmly. "I've heard of cases, of advanced technologies. If there's a place where this could become a reality, it's there. We could try it together."

She, feeling a lump in her throat, nodded slowly, her decision clear in her eyes. "Then, I'm coming with you. Let's try it."

The next day, with Elysia's bracelet marking only 18 hours left, Kael was in the final preparations for the journey. As he approached his underground home, the sound of shouts cut through the reassuring morning air.

"Kael, help!" Elysia's voice, tinged with panic, echoed through the tunnel leading to their refuge.

Kael, his heart beating frantically, ran towards the house, encountering a group of men trying to force their way in. Without hesitation, he launched into the fight, his fists and feet working in sync to defend what was his.

Elysia, determined not to be a passive spectator, came to Kael's aid, but in the scuffle, one of the attackers managed to land a blow that made her stagger. Despite the pain, she continued to fight, her bravery evident even as her body showed signs of the battle.

The situation intensified when Kael, in a moment of distraction, saw one of the men, taking advantage of the confusion, escape with the desalination machine, the most valuable treasure of his home.

"No!" Kael shouted, but it was too late. The man disappeared into the distance with his loot.

With adrenaline still pumping through his veins and no time for regrets, Kael and Elysia ran towards where the jetski was, aware that every second counted. The possibility of the attackers returning with reinforcements or someone else trying to steal their only means of escape was a looming threat.

As they mounted the jetski, Kael, trying to stay calm, told Elysia, "We lost the desalination machine. Drinking water will be a problem, but we have to leave now."

Elysia nodded, her determination clear despite the fear and concern. "Let's go. We can't stay here."

With one last look at their now vulnerable and plundered home, Kael started the engine. The jetski roared, promising speed and escape. They climbed on quickly, with Elysia holding onto Kael, seeking both comfort and security.

The jetski sliced through the water with an elegance that contrasted with the tension of their mission. Elysia, checking her bracelet, noticed there were 13 hours left.

Without warning, the sky darkened, not from the onset of night, but from an approaching storm that was moving with an alarming speed. Kael realized they couldn't continue. "We have to wait this out. We can't go forward."

They stopped the jetski, now a fragile bubble of metal amidst the vastness of the sea. The storm hit them with a ferocity that seemed personal, the winds lashing the water in violent bursts while the sky was torn apart by lightning. The cold intensified, wrapping them in an invisible layer of ice.

Elysia, feeling the cold seep to her bones, moved closer to Kael, seeking refuge in his embrace. "Don't let go of me, please," she repeated, her voice barely a whisper over the roar of the unleashed nature. Kael held her tightly, his body a shield against the icy wind, sharing his warmth in a desperate attempt to keep her safe.

The storm seemed endless, each minute stretching into a nightmare of cold and worry. When the sun finally managed to break through the clouds, Elysia checked her bracelet, her heart skipping a beat upon seeing only 3 hours remained. Anguish and anxiety took hold of them, the reality of their situation as unstable as the sea they had just crossed.

With the sun beginning to light up the post-storm sky, Kael accelerated the jetski to its maximum speed, determined to make up for lost time. As they advanced, the horizon began to change, and in the distance, the silhouettes of Mongolia's mountains emerged as spectacular figures.

"There!" Kael exclaimed, his voice full of hope. "We're close, Elysia. We'll soon be safe."

Elysia, with her eyes fixed on the horizon, felt a relief mixed with excitement. "Yes, I can see it. We're getting there."

As they approached, an imposing vision materialized before them. A large spacecraft, almost forgotten by history, stood tall in the middle of the Mongolian land.

"That's the Alcubierre 1!" said Elysia, her voice rising with a mix of awe and certainty. "The ship that never returned to Aetheria. If I can reach there, Kael, I can disconnect my memory from Aetheria and stay here, with you."

Kael, with renewed determination, glanced back at the ship and then at Elysia. "Then, that's what we'll do. We're going to that ship."

Less than a kilometer from reaching Mongolian land, the jetski collided abruptly with a rock barely visible beneath the surface. The impact threw them into the water, and Elysia, who didn't know how to swim, was submerged in the icy embrace of the sea.

"Elysia!" Kael shouted, quickly surfacing and swimming towards her. "Hold on!"

She, fighting against panic, clung to him. "I can't, I can't swim, Kael."

"Shh, listen, you must hold onto me. I'll swim for both of us." Kael, with a strength that only desperation could provide, began swimming towards the shore, with Elysia holding on to him.

Checking her bracelet, Elysia's heart stopped when she saw the timer: 40 minutes. They started swimming, but the sea, as if conspiring against them, seemed to resist their advance, the waves pushing them back, each stroke a battle against the current.

Kael, with every movement, felt his strength beginning to wane. "We're close, Elysia. Just a little more." His voice, though reassuring, was tinged with exhaustion.

She, with the bracelet now showing twenty minutes, looked towards the shore, so close yet seemingly unattainable. "Kael, I don't know if we can make it."

"Don't give up now," Kael replied, his breath ragged from the effort. "Come on, together!"

Each stroke, each second, turned into a struggle for survival. The water, once a path to their salvation, now seemed like an enemy unwilling to let them go. Despite the exhaustion, Kael didn't slacken, his determination as strong as the waves they were facing.

With Elysia's bracelet counting down the last minutes, desperation took hold of them. They were so close, desperately close, but the sea, relentless, seemed intent on keeping them in its embrace. The shore, with its promise of life and hope, taunted them with its proximity.

With a superhuman effort, Kael managed to drag Elysia to the shore, water dripping from their bodies as if mourning the tragedy that had nearly come to pass. Looking at the bracelet, his voice broke as he saw there were only ten minutes left.

"Elysia, we have to run. You have ten minutes left," he said, his tone urgent yet gentle, aware of her condition.

Elysia, exhausted, with the cold of the water having seeped into her bones and a strong hit from the fall that barely allowed her to stay conscious, could hardly move her limbs. However, the determination in Kael's eyes gave her a spark of hope.

Kael, refusing to lose the woman he loved, lifted her into his arms, his body trembling from exhaustion but driven by a force only love can provide. He began to run towards the Alcubierre 1, each step a testament to his indomitable will.

Elysia, with the last of her strength, clung to Kael's neck, her fingers cold and trembling. "Kepler-442b," she whispered with difficulty, her words almost lost in the wind.

Kael, without stopping his run towards the ship, looked at Elysia with concern and confusion. "Kepler-442b? I don't understand, Elysia. What does that mean?" His voice mixed with the gasping of his breath, the weight of reality and hope in every word.

"Kepler-442b," Elysia repeated in a mere thread of a voice, her eyes barely open. "That's the code, to take the Alcubierre 1 to Aetheria. I'll wait for you there, Kael."

Kael's heart, already on the brink of collapse, shattered completely. With a strength he didn't know he possessed, he ran even faster towards the ship, desperation etched in every step. He didn't want to lose her; he longed for a life together, anywhere, but especially there.

As they approached the ship, other people, alerted by their desperation, ran towards them to help. Just as Kael reached them and passed Elysia over for them to take her to the ship, her limp arms slipped from his grasp.

In that moment, Elysia's body went completely limp, her gaze lost into the void, her consciousness no longer present. Kael, with empty arms and a shattered heart, fell to his knees beside her. Time stood still for him, the world around him turning into a distant echo. The people who had come to their aid now looked on with a mix of compassion and horror, realizing they had arrived too late.

Kael, with tears streaming down his face, couldn't voice the words he so desperately wanted to say. "I love you," "Don't go," "Stay with me," all those phrases stuck in his throat, choked by the pain. Elysia's departure, so abrupt and final, left an unfathomable void in his soul.

The Alcubierre 1, now a symbol of what could have been, stood imposingly, but for Kael, it was nothing more than a reminder of his loss.

The end?