Chapter VIII. Home Sweet Home

Sorako and Aito strolled beneath an avenue of towering trees. The island around them was alive with spirits, ethereal beings that floated gracefully, mingling with the gentle spring breeze.

Cherry blossoms danced through the air, scattering like delicate confetti and carpeting the path beneath their feet. One particular blossom landed atop Aito's head, its soft pink hue contrasting against his dark hair. Oblivious to his new floral accessory, Aito walked on, while Sorako glanced over, her lips curving into giggles.

Confused by her laughter, Aito turned to look at her. Sorako, unable to contain her delight, shook her head and skipped ahead, twirling among the spirits as petals swirled around her like a whimsical halo.

Aito watched her with fascination, a small smile beginning to form on his lips.

From beneath Aito's hair, a small creature named Squiggles peeked out, causing the petal perched on Aito's head to flutter gently to the ground. Aito blinked at Squiggles and then back at Sorako, who was blissfully lost in her dance.

Moments later, they emerged from the tree-lined path into a vast expanse of fields. The air was filled with the sounds of labor and laughter, as tanned villagers tended to their crops with diligent hands.

The people, clad in colorful cotton kimonos, turned to acknowledge Sorako, bowing their heads in respect before returning to their tasks.

Sorako's gaze remained fixed ahead, her focus unwavering, and she walked on, seemingly disregarding the villagers.

Aito trailed behind, a frown forming on his brow. He quickened his pace to catch up to her, feeling the weight of their stares—curious, perhaps judgmental—upon him.

As he ducked his head, Aito sped after Sorako, his eyes darting around the lively scene. He felt acutely aware of their whispers swirling around him as he followed Sorako deeper into the heart of the village.

They continued their walk until they came upon a stone statue, its presence commanding Aito's attention. He stopped, entranced, and approached the statue with cautious reverence.

The plaque at its base read, 'MAIDEN AYA.' Looking up, Aito beheld the figure, a young girl depicted in the same attire Sorako wore, framed by the presence of three Greater Spirits carved into the stone.

Turning to Sorako, he found her standing still, her eyes averted from the statue. He studied her, taking in her slight frame, the delicate grace of her movements, and then glanced back at the statue. The likeness was uncanny; it chilled him.

As if sensing his gaze, Sorako began to walk away, her demeanor unreadable. Aito felt a swell of urgency and rushed to catch up with her, matching her pace as they pressed toward the distant village.

The village loomed before them, its open wooden gates welcoming yet confining. Tanned villagers congregated near the entrance, their presence a sea of vibrant silk kimonos that threaded through the air like ribbons.

Traditional timber houses lined the village's narrow pathways, their stoic forms embodying the architectural harmony of kura-zakuri style.

At the far end, a Shrine Temple stood resplendent and meticulously maintained, flanked by three torii gates that beckoned visitors toward its sanctum.

Aito inhaled deeply, his curiosity piqued by the sight. The fusion of colors and sights enveloped him. "I feel like I'm walking into the past." He mused aloud, momentarily lost in the rich history that surrounded them.

Sorako, standing at his side, muttered, "I feel as though I am about to walk into a lecture."

Aito turned to her, puzzled by her tone. He opened his mouth to respond when—

"MAIDEN!" A man's voice boomed from the crowd, cutting through the air like a blade.

Aito turned sharply to see a broad figure striding toward them. Clad in a striking red silk kimono and sandals, the man's demeanor was commanding. He approached with purpose, stopping directly in front of them.

"Father—" Sorako began, but her words were swallowed by her father's stern expression.

Now that you have finally decided to grace us with your presence," he said, his voice laced with authority, "the council wishes to speak with you. Follow me."

As her father turned, a wave of tension seemed to rise with him. Sorako's expression fell, her eyes downcast. She let out a soft sigh, the sound laced with resignation.

"Still the same as always..." She whispered more to herself than to Aito.

With a heavy heart, Sorako followed her father, and Aito, sensing the weight of the moment, hurried to stay by her side as they entered the village together.

The sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape as Sorako's Father stood resolutely in front of a large wooden door. Behind him, Sorako and Aito watched, their anticipation palpable.

Dimly lit stone lanterns flickered softly on either side of the path leading to the shrine, their light dancing against the wood and stone, adding an air of reverence to the moment.

Three torii gates towered behind them, standing as a silent guardian of the sacred space.

With a deliberate push, Sorako's Father opened the heavy wooden doors. The creaking echoed in the stillness as he stepped inside, with Sorako and Aito following closely behind.

Inside, the shrine lay cloaked in a serene ambiance. Three wooden steps led up to a red carpet that ran the length of the room, culminating in a shrine adorned with intricate wooden carvings of the Three Greater Spirits.

To the left and right, paper sliding doors boasted an array of trinkets, each whispering stories of devotion and tradition.

Seated cross-legged on the red carpet were three elderly figures, each clad in pure white silk kimonos. They faced away from the entrance, their presence commanding respect.

Sael, a man in his mid-80s with tanned skin and white hair, exuded a gruff and ill-tempered aura as he sat on the left.

To his right was Maya, a tanned-skinned striking woman in her mid-70s with grey hair braided intricately, her disposition authoritative yet unwavering.

In the center was Kofu, the leader of the council; well-respected and dignified, he bore a long white beard and the same sun-kissed skin as his companions.

Kofu turned his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as he addressed Sorako's father.

"The Maiden is here, I presume?"

Sorako's Father, reverently bowing, confirmed, "Yes, councilman Kofu."

Sael's impatience surged forth. "Finally! Where on Earth did she wander off to this time?" He grumbled.

"And during our people's time of need at that." Maya added, crossing her arms in evident disapproval.

Aito and Sorako remained at the bottom of the stairs, the tension in the air thickening around them. Squiggles was perched in Aito's tangled hair, while Koi sat comfortably on Sorako's left shoulder.

The council members rose slowly, turning to face Sorako's Father, Sorako, and Aito. They settled back down on the red carpet, legs folded in a practiced manner, hands resting calmly on their knees. Their collective gaze settled heavily on Sorako.

"Well, Maiden," Kofu began, his voice steady, "did you discover anything on your travels to the surface?"

Sael and Maya gasped in unison. "The surface?!"

Sorako's Father let out an exasperated huff, shaking his head resignedly as Sael and Maya leaned towards Kofu in whispered fervor.

"What on Earth has the Maiden been doing down on the surface? Surely she knows it is forbidden!" Sael hissed harshly.

"I knew this would only be a matter of time." Maya added with a disapproving tsk. "If only her mother were still here…"

Kofu raised his right hand, the gesture silencing their murmurs. "Now, now. Sael, Maya, shall we allow the Maiden to explain her reasoning for disobeying the laws?"

All eyes turned back to Sorako, their scrutiny unwavering. With a deep breath, she tilted her head upward to meet their gazes, the weight of their stares pressing upon her.

"If you would, Maiden." Kofu prompted, gesturing for her to speak.

Taking a tentative step forward, Sorako gathered her thoughts. "As you are all aware, the island is slowly losing its ability to float because the spirits are losing their energy — and thus becoming colorless."

She met the eyes of each council member in turn. "I asked my father and all of you about what was happening, but no one would say anything."

Maya's impatience flared again. "Yes, yes, we know that. What we want to know is WHY you decided to go to the surface."

With a dismissive wave of her hand, Maya urged Sorako to keep speaking.

"Well, since I deduced that none of you actually knew what was happening, I took it upon myself to go and investigate this matter." Sorako's voice grew steadier.

Sael let out a scoff, slamming his hands down onto his knees in frustration. "What an absurd thing to say! Of course, we know what is happening!" He twisted to face Kofu, his tone escalating. "It is clear the Maiden went to the surface to escape her responsibilities!"

Unmoved, Kofu maintained his focus on Sorako. "And did you discover the reason behind the spirits losing their energy on the surface?"

"Well, about that…" Sorako hesitated, her heart racing.

Maya let out a mocking laugh, the sound echoing disdainfully in the shrine. "Are you hearing this? The Maiden came back from the surface without even locating the root of the problem."

Sorako pressed her lips together for a moment before continuing. "As you say, I was unable to find out the cause of what is happening. But I did happen upon something even more interesting."

Turning her head slightly, she gestured towards Aito. "I found Aito."

The murmurs of the council fell into an uneasy silence as they absorbed her words, the tension thickening like a storm cloud ready to break.

As the air thickened with tension in the dim light of the Temple, Mayu, Sael, Kofu, and Sorako's Father glanced over, their expressions shifting from curiosity to incredulity as they regarded Aito.

Standing with his hands at his sides, Aito felt the eyes of the council upon him, a strange sensation intensified by the way Squiggles peeked out of his shaggy brown hair curiously.

Kofu, his brow furrowed, broke the silence. "You mean this boy?"

Sorako nodded, her body half-turned away, a gesture filled with intent. "He is a Wasureta."

"A forgotten one. Here?" Mayu's skepticism pierced the air, her tone incredulous.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Sael demanded, incredulity lacing his voice as he studied Aito.

Aito took a step closer to Sorako, her presence grounding him against the sudden surge of attention. Turning to face her companions, Sorako held her ground, her gaze steady.

Kofu's piercing stare narrowed onto Aito, eyeing the wild curls that concealed Squiggles, who shifted slightly in his hair.

"A Wasureta that can see the Maiden?" Kofu's voice was low, laced with disbelief.

"Actually, I can see the spirits and the island as well." Aito replied, an air of calmness surrounding him despite the gasps that erupted from the council members.

Sael's eyes widened in astonishment. "How is this possible?!"

Aito merely shrugged, feeling an odd mix of pride and apprehension. Kofu, however, remained fixated on the spirit peeking through Aito's hair, pondering the implications of this revelation.

"...Do you believe this boy has something to do with our dilemma?" Kofu's voice bore a weight of concern.

Sorako tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowed in thought. "I would like to know that myself. There must be some explanation in the texts as to why Aito can see us, given that he hails from the surface."

Kofu rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his eyes distant as if sifting through the sands of time to reach a conclusion. Sael and Mayu exchanged uneasy glances, while Sorako's Father gazed at the duo with a protective caution.

Kofu closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the silence to seep into his bones before reopening them, resolution replacing uncertainty. "It seems we should end the discussion here for now. There is much to ponder."

With a deferential bow, Sorako's Father acknowledged the council, his demeanor a testament to the weight of tradition. He turned to Sorako and Aito, summoning them with an unspoken command.

"Let us leave the council to discuss matters further." He said, his voice steady.

With that, Sorako's Father strode purposefully toward the Temple exit, the rustle of robes echoing in the stillness. Sorako followed suit, bowing slightly to the council, and after a brief moment of hesitation, Aito stepped in line behind her.

Together, they ventured out, the weight of the unknown pressing heavily upon their shoulders as they left the council to their deliberations.