Chapter XV. Our Own Paths

Aito stood on the ground, the rocky terrain beneath his feet solid yet alive with energy. Behind him, the mountain faded away in a brilliant light.

The ocean loomed closer, its waves glistening under the soft morning light.

Suddenly, a voice pierced through the tranquility. "Aito!"

He turned around just in time to feel the impact as Sorako leapt into his arms. The surprise of her sudden appearance made him stumble back a few paces, yet he managed to remain upright.

Sorako enveloped him in a warm embrace, her arms wrapping tightly around his shoulders. Aito stood still, his arms hanging by his sides, eyes wide with shock at the unexpected reunion.

As Sorako released her hold, she placed her feet firmly on the ground and looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. It was then that he noticed something differet— the shadow of the Koi fish that had once swam in her left iris was gone.

"Your eyes…" He whispered, concern etching his features.

Placing her fingers gently beneath her eye, Sorako smiled through her tears. "I am the Maiden no more."

Aito's surprise melted away, slowly transforming into a warm, wide smile. Sorako's eyes widened in return, reflecting disbelief and relief.

"You're free now. I'm glad." He replied, the sincerity of his words weighing between them.

In an intimate gesture, Sorako cupped Aito's cheek, her thumb brushing against the corner of his mouth as she gazed at him in awe. "Aito, you are smiling…"

He placed his hand over hers, feeling the warmth emanating from her touch. "Thanks to you, I was finally able to move on from my past. I feel… liberated."

A gentle smile spread across Sorako's face. "I am pleased for you. I also feel this weight that has been lifted off my shoulders—thanks to you."

They exchanged smiles, the connection between them deepening, when a new voice sliced through the moment.

"This reunion brings a tear to my eyes."

Both Aito and Sorako turned their heads to see Aya standing beside them, a theatrical hand pressed dramatically to her forehead as she pretended to wipe a fake tear from her eyes.

Aito and Sorako instinctively stepped back from one another, their cheeks flushing a vivid shade of red.

"I truly am happy for the both of you." Aya added, a sad smile tugging at her lips.

Turning to face her fully, Aito's gaze drifted past Aya, searching for something behind her. Taking a small step forward, excitement flickered in his eyes as he spoke.

"You know, I got to talk to the Greater Spirit Bird. It told me about how I was able to gain the ability to see the spirits."

He paused, shaking his head slightly as if to dispel lingering doubt. "My original thought was that maybe I was the reincarnation of Kaito, but…"

A sudden voice cut through his musing. "Turns out the kid had no recollection of me saving his life as a small child and fusing my soul with his in order to save his life."

Aya's head whipped around at the sound of the familiar voice. Kaito stood a few steps behind Aya, his hands resting on his hips, a playful grin plastered on his face as he regarded the two with a teasing glint in his eyes.

"Kids these days have no respect for their elders, huh, Aya?" he remarked with a hint of mock reproach.

With tears threatening to spill over, Aya took a tentative step forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "Kaito…"

Kaito remained where he was, a warm smile melting away the years of separation between them. "It seems I have been keeping you waiting for a long time. Forgive me, Aya."

Aya dashed towards Kaito, her heart racing with a mix of joy and urgency. As she leaped into his arms, the weight of their long separation melted away. She buried her face into his shoulder, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"You only kept me waiting five hundred years, you moron." She managed to choke out, her voice muffled.

Kaito wrapped his arms around her waist, sinking into the comfort of their embrace. He dipped his head into her shoulder, feeling the warmth of her presence.

"I will not ever let you go again, I promise." He whispered, the sincerity in his voice resonating between them.

As they reluctantly released each other, a soft glow began to envelop their bodies, casting a halo of light around them. They both glanced down in wonder.

"I suppose our time is nearing its end." Aya said, her voice tinged with bittersweet acceptance.

Kaito shook his head, determination flickering in his eyes. "Our time is only just beginning, up above."

The couple turned their heads to see Aito and Sorako watching them, smiles of contentment gracing their faces. Aya's heart swelled with gratitude as she looked at her new friends.

"I cannot thank you enough for everything you have both done for us." She said earnestly.

Kaito nodded, his voice filled with sincerity. "Truly, if not for you, we would be stuck in this world for all of eternity."

Hand in hand, Aya and Kaito began to ascend into the skies, their bodies starting to dissolve into sparkling particles of light.

As they rose higher, Aya called out to Sorako, her voice echoing with urgency. "Sorako, do not forget the words I told you in the library!"

Kaito chimed in with a chuckle, "Try not to go falling over any bridges anytime soon; I will not be there to save you again."

Sorako nodded, determination lighting her eyes, while Aito shook his head, a small smile creeping onto his lips as he watched the couple fade away into the horizon. Their silhouettes vanished, leaving a soft shimmer in the air.

Aito and Sorako remained rooted to the spot, smiles sweeping across their faces as they observed the remnants of their friends' presence. "I hope they can truly be at peace now." Sorako said, her voice a gentle whisper.

Aito turned to her, his hands digging into the pockets of his cargo pants. As he rummaged through his pockets, his fingers brushed against something delicate.

He pulled out an Edelweiss, its white petals pristine against his calloused hand. Observing the flower, he glanced at Sorako, who was gazing back at him with amazement.

"You know," he began, a hint of humor in his tone, "back in the library, I said that people who climb mountains for a flower were crazy idiots."

Sorako's eyes remained locked on him, curiosity dancing within them. Aito shifted his weight and lifted his right hand, revealing the Edelweiss with a shy grin. "And yet here I am, flower in hand."

His heart raced as he offered the flower to Sorako. Her eyes widened, first at the stunning bloom and then at him. She slowly reached out, her fingertips brushing the stem of the Edelweiss before gently grasping his hand.

With a playful tug, she pulled him down, causing him to turn his face to her in surprise.

Before he could react, Sorako leaned up, pressing her lips against his in a sudden rush. Aito's eyes widened, surprise flooding his senses as warmth spread across his cheeks.

The kiss was soft, electric, and fleeting. She pulled back slightly, both of them gazing into each other's eyes, a world of unspoken emotions passing between them.

"Uh..." Aito stammered, flabbergasted.

Their faces were both a deep shade of red, and the air buzzed with an undeniable tension. Sorako giggled, the sound light and infectious as she plucked the Edelweiss from Aito's hand, holding the flower modestly before her face as though it were a secret treasure.

"I shall forever cherish this." She declared, her voice sweet and sincere.

Aito rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassment still coursing through him, yet he couldn't help but smile. Turning his gaze to the city sprawling in the distance, he let his thoughts drift.

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the landscape. Sorako followed his gaze, her presence beside him a comforting blanket.

As dawn broke on the island, the villlagers gathered by the shore, their eyes fixed on the distant land across the water. A bridge's length away, a crowd had formed on the other island, their silhouettes stark against the soft morning light.

The air hummed with excitement; people on the opposite side were busy capturing the moment, snapping pictures and recording videos.

Kofu turned to Sorako's Father, his brow furrowed in contemplation.

"It seems we have new things we shall be learning soon." He remarked, his voice filled with a mix of hope and concern.

***

Nearby, Aito and Sorako stood at the base of a looming mountain, their attention drawn away from the villagers and back towards the vast ocean stretching before them. The waves lapped gently at the shore, reflecting the golden hues of the rising sun.

"From now on, we can decide our own paths to take." Aito said, his voice steady yet filled with anticipation.

Sorako, her heart fluttering with possibility, reached out and took Aito's hand in hers. He grasped her hand firmly, sharing an unspoken promise of companionship.

"Yes, this is where our story begins." Sorako replied, her eyes sparkling with determination.

They turned to each other, their gazes locking in a moment of shared understanding.

"From this day…" Aito began, their voices intertwining.

"From this moment..." Sorako continued, her smile brightening the morning.

In unison, they declared, "My world starts with you."

High above, the Greater Spirit Bird flapped its majestic wings, soaring gracefully toward the horizon. Following closely behind were Squiggles, Koi, and the other spirits, their ethereal forms gliding effortlessly through the morning air. One by one, they disappeared over the distant edge of the world, leaving only a whisper of their presence.

***

Sorako knelt before the aged plaque standing before the ruins of Toshi Shrine, her fingers tracing the faded words engraved in its surface. Aito stood behind her, silently supporting her.

"I think my mother is alive." Sorako said suddenly, her voice breaking through the stillness. Aito's eyes widened in surprise as he knelt beside her, striving to comprehend the weight of her words.

"Down here, somewhere." She added, her expression melancholy yet resolute. Sorako turned to face Aito, a fierce determination blooming within her as she locked eyes with him.

"I have to search for her." She asserted, her voice firm against the tide of uncertainty.

Aito nodded, understanding the depth of her quest. He crouched alongside her, placing his hand gently over hers on the plaque, uniting their resolve.

"Then I guess we're going off on another adventure." He said with a gentle smile, one that brought warmth to Sorako's heart.

Their fingers entwined, a silent vow echoing between them.

"Together." Aito whispered, the word a new promise.

"Together." Sorako echoed softly, the weight of their journey ahead resting lightly on her heart.

She would find her mother no matter what.