Chapter XIV. Promises Kept

The night whispered secrets through the empty streets as a drunken man stumbled along, his footsteps echoing in the still air. He mumbled unintelligibly to himself, his words slurring together in a haze of alcohol. Gradually, he lifted his gaze, squinting up at the sky, where a brilliant glow flickered beneath the moon's pale light.

"When did we get another moon?" He wondered aloud, his voice thick and slurred.

***

The Seishin gathered at the base of a mountain, their faces illuminated by the strange light radiating from its peak. Their eyes turned upward in awe, casting shadows across the ground as they tried to comprehend the phenomenon.

Among them stood Sorako, her eyes shimmering softly like stardust. She turned to her companion, Aya, who was also aglow, captivated by the celestial display above.

"He managed to successfully meet with the Greater Spirit Bird." Aya said, her voice filled with wonder.

"What does that mean?" Sorako inquired, her brow furrowing with curiosity.

Aya turned to meet Sorako's gaze, a smile breaking across her face. "We are finally free."

***

At the summit of the mountain, dawn was breaking. Aito stood alone, the chill of the early morning air seeping through his clothes. In front of him, the

Greater Spirit Bird unfurled its magnificent wings, light from the rising sun beaming against them.

With a graceful flutter, the crystalline shell that had held the bird captive for centuries crumbled into dust, carried away by the gentle breeze.

"I thank you for releasing me from the crystalline." the Greater Spirit Bird spoke, its voice resonating with ancient wisdom. It stretched its wings wide, basking in the freedom that had eluded it for five hundred years. "It feels great to be out of there."

Aito watched in silence as the bird reveled in its newfound liberty. Finally, the Greater Spirit Bird turned its gaze to him, its eyes sparkling with an ethereal light.

"Shall we begin the ritual?" It asked, the words echoing around them.

Awash with apprehension, Aito replied, "What do I need to do?"

The two beings held each other's gaze. Aito gulped, feeling the weight of the moment settle over him.

"Place your hand over my heart." The bird instructed.

Aito's shoulders slumped slightly as he bowed his head, uncertainty creeping into his demeanor. "That's it?" He questioned incredulously, glancing at the bird.

Raising his head, Aito scrutinized the Greater Spirit Bird. "So, uh, where is your heart exactly?"

The Greater Spirit Bird extended its right wing, pointing to the area over its chest. "Is it not the same for every being?"

Aito shrugged. "I don't think so."

"I see." the Greater Spirit Bird replied, a flicker of understanding in its eyes.

Gathering his resolve, Aito approached the ethereal creature, extending his right hand toward its chest.

"Just one more thing." The Greater Spirit Bird called out before Aito could make contact. He halted, his hand just centimeters away from the bird's chest.

The Greater Spirit Bird's voice softened, carrying an undertone of generosity. "I believe I should grant you one wish for everything you have gone through for us. Is there something within my power that I may grant you?"

Aito paused, a flicker of inspiration lighting up his eyes. "I can think of one thing." He speaks out nervously.

With a steadying breath, he opened his mouth and shared his wish with the Greater Spirit Bird, which nodded in solemn understanding, ready to fulfill the promise to free Sorako.

Aito placed his hand gently on the surface of the Greater Spirit Bird, feeling a warm energy surge through him. A soft light began to emanate from his body, flowing into the majestic creature beneath his touch.

The Greater Spirit Bird responded with a brilliant flash, radiating a piercing light that filled the air around them.

As the light intensified, the bird transformed, growing into a colossal, transparent spirit crane that soared upwards, flapping its vast wings.

Aito gazed in awe as it ascended into the sky, a magnificent silhouette against the blue expanse. Beside him, Squiggles floated.

"It's been quite the journey, huh?" Aito remarked, his voice a blend of relief and nostalgia.

High above, other spirits joined the Greater Spirit Bird, weaving effortlessly through the clouds. Aito's thoughts drifted as he watched them dance through the azure sky.

"To think all this time, I just couldn't remember that day on the bridge…" Aito murmured, his heart heavy with the weight of his past. He reached out, extending his hands towards the sky, as if trying to grasp the memories that danced just out of reach.

"I wonder if my mom blames herself for that accident…" He whispered, the words barely escaping his lips. Aito shook his head, pushing away the dark thoughts as he turned to Squiggles, who had now shifted its focus to him.

"I always thought you were just around to annoy me." Aito said with a slight chuckle, poking at Squiggles, who playfully circled around his hand, finally settling gently on the back of it.

"But somewhere deep down, I knew you were looking out for me." Aito continued, sincerity lacing his tone. He watched as Squiggles floated to his face, their gazes locking in a moment of understanding.

"Thank you for everything, Squiggles." Aito said, his heart swelling with gratitude. The spirit nuzzled his forehead affectionately before drifting back, joining the chorus of spirits now filling the sky.

Aito's expression softened as he looked upward. "I hope you can all find a new home." He whispered, the words a silent wish for the spirits' journey onwards.

As he glanced around, Aito took in the rocky summit strewn with limestone, where delicate Edelweiss flowers bravely grew out of the cracks in the stone.

Aito's eyes fell upon one particularly beautiful flower. He walked over and carefully plucked it from its rocky perch, holding it delicately in his hands.

"I guess in some way, I climbed a mountain for a flower." He mused, a soft smile gracing his lips as he gazed at the fragile beauty of the Edelweiss.

"But now, how do I get down from here?" He pondered out loud, looking around the vast, unfamiliar landscape.

Suddenly, a voice broke through the stillness. "I think I can help with that."

Aito turned to find Kaito's silhouette standing behind him, a reassuring presence against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the mountain. Aito felt a spark of hope ignite within him at the sight of the one who saved his life.

***

Sorako and Aya stood side by side, their bodies radiating a soft light. Sorako glanced down at her trembling hands, realization dawning on her. "Our energy…" She murmured, a hint of apprehension threading through her voice.

Aya's expression mirrored her own, a mixture of sadness and acceptance. "It seems it is time to say our farewells to the spirits." Aya replied softly, her eyes reflecting the fading light.

Turning her gaze toward Koi, the spirit that had been a constant in her life, Sorako felt a wave of melancholy wash over her. With a heavy heart, she reached out, fingers hovering above Koi's shimmering form. In response, Koi nuzzled her hand, offering a silent comfort.

"This is really happening?" Sorako whispered, a tremor of disbelief lacing her words.

All around them, the colorless spirits began to absorb the energy radiating from Sorako and Aya. Slowly, as if awakening from a long slumber, the spirits began to shift from their dull forms into vibrant hues, swirling around them before ascending into the sky.

The sight was breathtaking.

Sorako's Father, standing among the villagers, voiced what everyone was feeling. "They are all leaving?" His voice crackled with emotion.

Koi floated closer to Sorako, pausing beside her. She turned to the spirit, her heart heavy. "You really have to leave?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Koi, as if understanding the weight of her question, circled her gently before coming to a halt in front of her.

"I understand." Sorako said softly, her heart breaking at the thought of losing her companion.

With tears gathering in her eyes, she reflected on the years they had shared. "You were always there beside me after Mother passed away. Because of you, I felt less lonely." She stole a glance at her father and saw his eyes averted, filled with an unspoken sadness.

Koi floated nearer, its gentle form brushing against Sorako's face. In that moment of intimacy, Sorako searched Koi's depths with her gaze, feeling the connection they shared. "I have always abhorred being the Maiden; it felt like nothing but a curse. But now, I realize that I had to carry this flame for this very day."

Koi nuzzled her forehead, and Sorako closed her eyes, surrendering to the bittersweet moment. "Thank you, for always being by my side." She whispered.

When she opened her eyes, the magnificent Koi fish embedded in her left eye began to fade away, its colors dimming as the reality of their parting set in. "I shall never forget you, Koi."

As Koi backed away, its form grew larger, transforming into a colossal vision resembling a great spirit. It spiraled upward into the sky, joining the other spirits, which now danced joyously amongst the clouds.

Sorako, Aya, and the villagers could only stare, their hearts filled with a mixture of awe and despair.

Turning to Aya, Sorako noticed her expression—a blend of pride and sorrow. With her hands clasped behind her back, Aya smiled warmly at her. "You and all of my descendants have done an incredible job of carrying on the responsibility of the Maiden." She paused, her gaze drifting away into the distance. "I am so proud of you, and I hope you can find it in you to forgive my selfishness for causing all this."

Sorako shook her head, resolute. She grasped both of Aya's hands tightly, forcing a smile in return. "You are not to blame, so do not apologize for wanting to be with the one you love."

The island began its slow descent, a subtle yet undeniable shift in the air.

"Call me crazy, but are we descending?" Mayu's voice broke the tension, her tone laced with uncertainty.

Sorako, along with Aya and the other villagers, peered over the edge of the island. What had once seemed a great distance between them and the world below was quickly diminishing, the surface drawing nearer with every passing moment.

Panic surged through the crowd as Sael's sharp voice pierced the stillness. "Are we going to crash into the surface?!"

Aya, trying to maintain calm amidst the rising anxiety, reassured them. "Have no fear, the Greater Spirit Bird is simply returning us back home."

As if summoned by her words, the villagers gazed skyward. There, soaring gracefully against the canvas of the dawn, was the Greater Spirit Bird. Its magnificent wings stretched wide, radiating an ethereal energy that bathed the onlookers in a warm glow.

The Greater Spirit Bird seemed to pulse with life, illuminating the space around it as if heralding their safe passage.

But as the mountain began to fade, a sense of urgency ignited within Sorako. She caught the briefest glimpse of it from the corner of her eye—its familiar silhouette.

Without hesitation, she dashed towards the mountain, fueled by a desperate need to reach it. Aya followed closely behind with the same determination.

The villagers remained still, their expressions a mixture of awe and anxiety. Among them stood Sorako's Father, his gaze fixed on Sorako's retreating figure. He sighed heavily, burdened by a secret that weighed on his heart.

"Will you tell her the truth about her mother?" Kofu asked, his voice low and filled with concern.

"Once things have settled down, I will tell her everything." Sorako's father replied, his tone grim yet resolute.

As the vibrant morning unfolded across the fields, Sorako raced with purpose, her desperation palpable. The sun began its ascent over the horizon, casting a warm glow that painted the sky with shades of orange and gold. With each stride, she felt the pull of the mountain grow stronger, the promise of reuniting with a certain grumpy boy setting her heart ablaze.