The Thread Between Worlds

The first step onto the Celestial Path was unlike any Aki had taken before.

The ground beneath his feet wasn't made of earth or stone—it shimmered, woven from strands of pure starlight. Each step echoed like a bell, resonating deep in his chest, as if the universe itself was acknowledging his presence.

Hoshikiri walked beside him, her expression focused but serene. "This path connects all things—past, present, future. It only appears to those chosen to carry fate forward."

Aki glanced at her. "You mean like the gods?"

She shook her head. "Not even the gods walk this path freely. Only those bound by destiny… or defiance."

His heart beat faster. He didn't know which one he was.

As they continued, the starlit road began to shift. Images shimmered in the air around them—memories, moments, pieces of a life Aki hadn't lived. A boy who looked like him, standing beneath a burning sky. A girl with Hoshikiri's eyes reaching out to him across time.

"What are these?" Aki asked, voice hushed.

"Echoes," she said. "Lives tied to yours. You are not the first to be chosen… but you may be the last."

They reached a gate forged of cosmic flame. Beyond it, stars swirled into a spiral that seemed to descend forever.

A guardian stood before it—a being draped in celestial armor, faceless but immense.

Aki stepped forward, uncertain. "Do we have to fight?"

"No," Hoshikiri replied. "You must be recognized."

The guardian raised its arm, and a ribbon of starlight reached toward Aki, brushing against his chest.

Aki flinched—but instead of pain, warmth spread through him. The ribbon wrapped around him once, then vanished.

The guardian lowered its weapon.

"You carry the name," it said in a voice like thunder soaked in silence. "You may pass."

As the gate opened, the wind changed. Aki felt it—something pulling him forward, something ancient and unfinished.

He looked to Hoshikiri. She nodded.

And together, they stepped into the unknown.

To be continued....