Chapter XIII. The Greater Spirit Bird

Aito ascended the mountain, each step bringing him closer to the summit. Below him, he could hear the distant voices of Sorako and Aya as they paused their singing. He stopped for a moment, glancing back toward the island, a flicker of concern etched on his face.

"I hope everything's going well down there." He murmured to himself, before focusing back on the climb ahead. The sound of crumbling stones echoed as he continued to navigate the rocky terrain.

At the summit, he finally found himself gripping the edge with all his strength. With one last effort, he pulled himself over the ledge and collapsed onto the ground, breathless.

The night air was crisp and refreshing; it filled his lungs as he lay there trying to regain his breath.

Around him, delicate edelweiss flowers emerged from the limestone that littered the summit.

Back on the island Sorako and Aya resumed their sweet melody.

"Do you remember when we stood at the edge of the world,

When we looked to each other and promised forever,

Those are our loving memories."

Aito rolled onto his back. His gaze fell on a crystalline structure just a few meters away, its surface glimmering ethereally under the moon's gaze. Curiosity piqued, he rose to his feet and walked toward it.

Inside it was the frozen form of The Greater Spirit Bird, in a bowed position.

He stood before the crystalline, a mix of wonder and hesitation coursing through him.

"Do I just touch it?" He pondered aloud, taking a moment to absorb its beauty. Suddenly, Squiggles floated into view, drawing his attention. The vibrant spirit seemed to emanate a gentle light as it descended beside him, nudging Aito with a soft, encouraging touch.

With Squiggles leading the way, Aito reached out, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface of the crystalline.

In an instant, a blinding light erupted into the night sky, its radiance painting the heavens with an otherworldly glow.

Below, in the village, Sorako, Aya, and the villagers paused in their activities, their gazes drawn upward, mesmerized by the brilliant light that pierced through the darkness.

Sorako closed her eyes, clasping her hands in prayer, a silent wish for what was yet to come. Aya, sensing her friend's tension, placed a comforting hand on Sorako's shoulder, while Koi perched on the opposite shoulder, equally captivated by the phenomenon.

***

Aito blinked and opened his eyes, his surroundings shifting dramatically. He stood in an expansive white space, devoid of any features except for the soft glow emanating from Squiggles at his side.

Confusion momentarily washed over him as he looked around.

"Isn't the Greater Spirit Bird supposed to be here?" Aito asked, his voice echoing in the emptiness.

Suddenly, a majestic figure materialized before him. The Greater Spirit Bird, an enormous crane-shaped spirit, shimmered with an ethereal light, a being of profound wisdom and ancient knowledge.

Aito stared up in wonder.

"Indeed, that would be correct, pact bearer." A voice resonated from the spirit, both comforting and powerful.

Squiggles floated eagerly toward the Greater Spirit Bird, stopping to hover just in front of it. The Great Spirit Bird regarded Squiggles fondly before its attention shifted back to Aito.

"It is good to see you again, my friend." It spoke to Squiggles with tenderness in its voice.

The towering figure then focused its gaze upon Aito, its presence dwarfing him. "I believe I understand why you are here. You wish to know about your existence, am I correct?"

Aito swallowed hard, knowing that the answer lay within this being. "It has something to do with Kaito, right? The guy who was bonded to you before the disaster?"

The Greater Spirit Bird nodded, its wings fluttering softly as it turned. With a graceful motion, it conjured a swirling portal that revealed flickering images from the past.

"That is correct, though it is not as you believe it to be. Take a look at this memory." The spirit instructed.

Intrigued, Aito stepped closer to the portal. The images within shifted, revealing a scene from his childhood.

There he was—young and carefree—walking hand in hand with his mother down a lively street, a toothy grin plastered across his face.

Confusion clouded Aito's expression as he reached out towards the portal. "This is me? But I don't remember this," he stammered, turning back to the Greater Spirit Bird. "Are you sure this is my memory?"

The Greater Spirit Bird remained silent, observing the scene alongside Aito. The weight of the moment pressed down upon him as he wrestled with the unfamiliar flash of his past, uncertainty gnawing at his thoughts.

***

14 Years Ago

The wooden bridge stretched lazily across the landscape, its short wooden rails offering a tenuous connection between the bustling city and the serene outskirts. Below, the ocean shimmered, its surface reflecting the sunlight

Aito, a sprightly three-year-old, moved with an infectious giggle, his small hand securely held within his mother's gentle grip. The world around him buzzed with life and color, but his attention was momentarily captured by a butterfly that flitted past his face, its iridescent wings beckoning him to chase.

"Don't run too far ahead, dear." His mother called, her voice a mix of caution and fondness.

But Aito was lost in the thrill of the chase. He let go of her hand, a burst of laughter spilling from his lips as he bounded after the delicate creature. The butterfly danced just out of reach, leading him towards the edge of the bridge. Aito felt exhilarated, and with a determined jump, he reached for it.

"Get back here!" He squealed, his pout deepening as the butterfly flitted further away. He stood on his tiptoes, stretching out his tiny fingers, grazing the wings of the butterfly before it took off again, teasing him with its freedom.

In the throes of his innocence and excitement, Aito leaned too far over the railing. The next moment was a blur; his body tipped forward, and in a heart-stopping instant, he fell over the edge of the bridge.

Panic seized Aito's Mother as she watched her child plummet. Her eyes widened in horror, and she rushed to the railing, clutching it tightly as she searched the churning waters below.

"AITO!!" she screamed, her heart pounding in her chest.

The cold water enveloped Aito as he sank, fear coursing through him. His mouth gasped open, choking on water as he flailed about, desperately trying to swim upward.

The world above grew dim, and his tiny body began to tire, his energy waning. As his eyes fluttered shut, he felt himself surrendering to the depths.

Then something remarkable happened. A glimmering white light flickered in the water, drawing closer—a luminous form took shape, revealing itself as Kaito. He gazed with sympathy at the drifting child.

"To think a child would end up in the same situation as myself." Kaito murmured, his voice echoing softly in the underwater silence.

Squiggles appeared beside him, swirling around Aito's motionless body. Kaito turned to the small being, a knowing smile stretching across his face as he pondered their next steps.

"What should we do?" Kaito asked, looking at Squiggles with a mixture of concern and resolve.

Squiggles circled Aito, offering a silent affirmation.

Kaito understood. "You have a point. This could be our chance to set things right." He said, determination lighting his features.

With purpose, Kaito swam towards Aito, placing his hands gently over the child's heart.

"Forgive me for this." He whispered, channeling his energy and intent.

A luminous glow enveloped Aito's body, illuminating the water around him. As Kaito's essence began to fade, he glanced back at Squiggles.

"Guide him to our world." He instructed, the last remnants of his being shimmering like stardust in the water.

In a magnificent surge of energy, Aito's body began to move again, instinctively breathing, as he was pulled from the water by a kind man who had rushed to help.

As Kaito faded away completely, he knew that his sacrifice had forged a vital connection, ensuring that the child would fulfil a promise.

***

In the vast expanse of this blinding realm, Aito stood with a steady hand placed over his heart. He felt the warmth of a fading memory, one that took him back to a time he had no recollection of until now.

The vision played vividly in his mind: his mother, kneeling before his unconscious body, her tears falling like rain as she cried out for him.

"I wasn't born with this power," Aito breathed, the words hanging in the air like a solemn promise. "Kaito gave it to me. He saved me."

As he spoke, a portal flickered and vanished, the otherworldly light giving way to the magnificent presence of the Greater Spirit Bird. Its wings stretched wide, casting an imposing shadow over the ground.

"Do you understand now?" the Greater Spirit Bird's voice resonated, deep and melodic, echoing within the depths of Aito's being.

Aito nodded slowly, a wave of realization washing over him. He withdrew his hand from his heart, staring intently at it as he opened and closed his fingers.

"Everything has led up to this day." He murmured, the weight of history settling around him.

Closing his eyes, he reflected on the myriad of events that had unfolded in his life, each thread woven meticulously by fate. "From the moment Kaito fused his soul with mine, I was destined to come here and meet with you."

Aito opened his eyes, meeting the gaze of Squiggles, the vibrant creature and his best friend that had guided him through this tumultuous journey.

"And you were my guide, my protector." He acknowledged, watching as Squiggles circled around him with boundless energy, its movements a dance of loyalty and affection.

As Squiggles floated gracefully to the side of the Greater Spirit Bird, Aito turned his gaze upward, the determination in his eyes unwavering.

"Then you know what it is that must be done." The Greater Spirit Bird intoned solemnly.

Aito nodded again, the resolve building within him. "You want your soul back, the part that's infused with Kaito."

The Greater Spirit Bird tilted its head, an ancient sadness flickering in its eyes. "When I first agreed to make a pact with humans, I never realized the fragility of a human heart. The burden it would place upon two single beings, something that would become a catalyst to both your kind and mine."

Aito felt a pang of empathy; the truth resonated deep within him. The Greater Spirit Bird turned its gaze back to him.

"I believe it is time for us to part ways with you humans and strive for a new future by ourselves. This way, we can both live freely without shackles placed upon us."

Aito's heart raced as he contemplated the implications. He glanced at Squiggles, who hovered expectantly.

"I just want Sorako to be free of the Maiden's name and responsibility," he declared, his voice steady. "If that means ending our relationship with the spirits, then I'm willing to help."

With those words, determination surged through Aito, igniting a fierce light in his eyes. "I'll do anything to repay her."

The Greater Spirit Bird opened its wings wide, a powerful presence that commanded respect. It flapped its magnificent wings, lifting its head in preparation for what was to come.

"Then let us proceed with the unbinding." It proclaimed, a sense of finality in its voice.

The air crackled with energy, and Aito stood firm, ready to embrace the fate that awaited him and the choices he was about to make.