Feeling of distance

Through the Hall of Purification passed an uncomfortable silence, laden with tension due to the recent events involving Shizuhana, who was now leaving the place.

"…what Shizuhana proposes cannot be ignored or accepted without deep reflection. For now, this meeting is adjourned," declared Ceres. "We need time to evaluate these ideas and consider the path forward. No one will act against Shizuhana until we reach a unified decision."

His tone was resolute, leaving no room for dissent.

Rikumi scoffed, crossing her arms in disdain. "I hope you won't let this set a precedent, Ceres. Order cannot tolerate such radical dissent."

Ceres shot her a stern glance—a silent warning that her words had gone far enough.

As Shizuhana approached the exit, Amayori stepped closer to her. "You've placed yourself in a dangerous position," she whispered, placing a hand on Shizuhana's shoulder. "I hope you have the strength to endure it."

Shizuhana didn't respond, brushing Amayori's hand aside. Her gaze remained indifferent; she knew no God of the Dawn would support her in the daring and risky decision she was ready to make, one aimed at unraveling the mysteries of the force beyond the universe that seemed to pass judgment on their world.

Once outside the hall, Shizuhana let out a deep sigh and raised her Ame-no-nuboko, observing her reflection in the polished surface of the weapon. "If dissolution is the price of truth, I am willing to pay it."

The echo of Shizuhana's words left the Hall of Purification in deep silence. Each god had returned to their place, but the doubts sown by her vision weighed heavily on them all. Even Ceres, whose authority was unquestionable, seemed burdened by uncertainty.

Then, a familiar voice interrupted Shizuhana. "You cannot keep ignoring the will of others, Shizuhana."

It was Rikumi, who had followed her with a severe expression, intent on speaking to her alone. Her figure radiated an aggressive energy, though beneath her indignation there was a hint of concern.

"And you cannot keep closing your eyes to the inevitable, Rikumi," Shizuhana replied without opening hers. "We both know that what I have seen is real. Denying it only weakens us."

Rikumi clenched her fists, filled with frustration. "What you've seen is nothing but an illusion! A trap created by whatever it is you seek to understand. The order of the White Pole cannot be tainted by empty ideas."

Shizuhana opened her eyes slowly, her piercing gaze meeting Rikumi's. "If our order is so perfect, then why do you feel fear? I do not fear what I saw. I fear it less than the blindness of those who claim to protect this universe. And the only way to protect it is to escape from it."

Hearing her words, Rikumi stepped forward, veins visible on her forehead from the frustration caused by Shizuhana's audacious vision. But before she could retort, Amayori appeared behind her. "Enough, Rikumi. We're not here to fight each other. If there's anything we should fear, it's our own inability to adapt."

"Hmph. Of course." Rikumi begrudgingly accepted Amayori's words.

Shizuhana turned her back on Rikumi and Amayori, walking into the pale light gardens surrounding the Hall of Purification. As she moved forward, Rikumi's words echoed in her mind—not as a warning, but as confirmation that she was alone on this path.

Amayori, however, wasn't ready to let her go so easily. She followed at a cautious distance before finally speaking:

"Shizuhana, you know your actions go against everything we've stood for. If you continue down this path, not even Ceres will be able to protect you."

Shizuhana stopped and slightly turned her head, allowing the moonlight to reflect off her Ame-no-nuboko. "Protect me from what, Amayori? From the truth? From the possibility that this order you revere is nothing more than a fleeting illusion? I do not seek their protection, nor do I need it. What I seek lies beyond all of us."

Amayori frowned, her eyes filled with a mix of unease and curiosity. "I can't understand what you're trying to find, but… what if this truth you speak of destroys everything we are? Everything we've built?"

Shizuhana fully turned toward her, her gaze piercing Amayori's eyes. "If our existence depends on ignoring the truth, then we are built on nothing. And nothing is what we will deserve."

Amayori stepped back, shaken by the cold determination in Shizuhana's words. She knew there was no way to dissuade her, but something inside told her that this decision would mark a turning point in the destiny of the Gods of the Dawn.

"Shizuhana…"