Aoi opened her eyes to a world that seemed to shimmer with light and beauty. The sky above was an endless expanse of radiant blue, dotted with soft clouds glowing with golden hues. She found herself surrounded by a serene meadow where flowers of every color danced in the gentle breeze. The air was filled with a soothing melody, a natural harmony created by the wind rustling through the leaves, the chirping of birds, and the distant murmur of flowing water.

  She looked down at herself and gasped. She had wings—delicate, luminous, and ethereal. They were soft and white, glimmering with an iridescent glow. She reached back to touch them, feeling their gentle flutter as they responded to her thoughts.

  Before she could process where she was or what had happened, she heard a soft voice calling her name. She turned to see a woman with the same radiant wings, standing under a tree. The woman had a warm, gentle smile, her presence exuding an air of kindness and love.

  “Mother...” Aoi whispered, her heart swelling with recognition.

  The woman opened her arms, and Aoi instinctively ran toward her. She felt herself shrink as she moved, her adult memories fading into the background. By the time she reached her mother, she was a small child again, her tiny hands reaching up to be held.

  Her mother lifted her effortlessly, cradling her close. Aoi felt the warmth of her embrace, a comforting presence she hadn’t felt in so long. “You’re so precious, my little one,” her mother said, her voice like a melody.

  As her mother held her, Aoi glanced around and noticed others in the meadow. They all had wings like hers, though each was unique in color and glow. Some of them stood near a crystal-clear river, purifying the water with a mere touch of their hands. Others danced in the fields, summoning gusts of wind that carried flower petals into the air. There were those who knelt by the earth, coaxing plants to grow with gentle caresses, and others who played with small flames, shaping them into beautiful patterns.

  “This is the world of the blessed spirits,” her mother explained, noticing Aoi’s curious gaze. “Each of us is gifted with a unique blessing from nature. We exist to protect, nurture, and bring balance to this world.”

  Aoi looked up at her mother, her wide eyes filled with wonder. “What about me, Mama? What’s my blessing?”

  Her mother smiled and stroked her hair. “You are special, Aoi. Your blessing is yet to bloom, but I know it will be something extraordinary. You will touch the hearts of many.”

  Aoi tilted her head, trying to understand, but her young mind couldn’t quite grasp the weight of her mother’s words. Instead, she giggled as her mother began to sway gently, humming a soothing tune.

  Her mother spread her wings, and they began to rise into the air. Aoi’s small wings fluttered instinctively, and she laughed in delight as they soared together, the wind rushing past them.

  As they glided over the meadow, Aoi saw the spirits below waving up at her, their smiles warm and welcoming. She waved back, feeling an overwhelming sense of belonging. This was her home, her family, her world.

  Her mother landed softly near a sparkling pond and set Aoi down in the grass. “Do you want to see something magical?” she asked.

  Aoi nodded eagerly. Her mother knelt beside the pond and placed her hand on the water’s surface. A ripple spread across the pond, and suddenly, the water began to glow. Images appeared on its surface—scenes of the spirits working together to heal forests, restore rivers, and protect creatures.

  “This is what we do, Aoi,” her mother said. “We bring harmony to the world.”

  Aoi watched in awe, her tiny hands clutching her mother’s arm. She felt a sense of pride and purpose, even though she didn’t fully understand it yet.

  Her mother turned to her with a loving smile. “One day, you will find your place among them. Until then, stay by my side, my little one.”

  Aoi leaned into her mother’s embrace, feeling safe and loved. For the first time in a long time, she felt whole.

  But as the warmth of the moment surrounded her, a faint whisper echoed in the distance. It was a voice she didn’t recognize, but it carried a sense of urgency. The meadow began to blur, and the light dimmed.

  Aoi clung to her mother, her small hands trembling. “Mama, what’s happening?”

  Her mother held her tightly, her expression calm yet sad. “Don’t be afraid, my little star. This is your journey. You must walk it, no matter how hard it may seem. Always remember, you are never alone.”

  The world around her faded into darkness, and Aoi felt herself being pulled away.

  Aoi felt herself falling endlessly through the black void. The sensation was cold and disorienting, and her heart raced as she tried to grasp where she was or what was happening. She closed her eyes tightly, but when she opened them again, the void was gone.

  Instead, she found herself standing in the middle of a vibrant, bustling village. The sun shone brightly, and the air was filled with laughter and joy. Children ran past her, their wings fluttering as they played games, and adults were busy setting up decorations around the village square.

  Aoi’s gaze fell on a familiar little girl—herself, no older than four, sitting on the grass with a look of wonder. She was surrounded by her family. Her father, a tall, gentle-looking man with shimmering golden wings, knelt beside her, ruffling her hair with a proud smile. Her mother, radiant and graceful, sat next to her, holding her younger brother in her arms—a baby with tiny, barely visible wings.

  The scene felt so vivid, so real, that Aoi almost forgot she was reliving a memory. She moved closer, watching as her younger self held out her small hands.

  It was the day she had been blessed.

  A gentle breeze swirled around the little Aoi, lifting her hair as if the wind itself were alive. The adults nearby stopped what they were doing, their eyes wide with anticipation. The village chief, a wise-looking elder with silver wings, stepped forward and smiled warmly.

  “Aoi,” he said, his voice deep and kind, “it’s time to receive your blessing from nature. Are you ready, little one?”

  Young Aoi nodded eagerly, her wings fluttering with excitement. “Yes, Chief!”

  The chief raised his hand, and a glowing orb of light appeared in front of her. The orb pulsed with energy, and as Aoi reached out to touch it, a rush of power surged through her. She gasped, her small frame trembling as the energy coursed through her body.

  Suddenly, the air around her shimmered with colors—red, blue, green, and white. Flames danced around her fingertips, a gentle breeze circled her, water droplets floated in the air, and small plants sprouted at her feet. The villagers gasped in amazement.

  “She’s been blessed by all the elements,” someone whispered.

  “It’s a miracle!” another exclaimed.

  Aoi’s father lifted her into his arms, spinning her around with joy. “My little Aoi, you’re so special!” he said, his eyes brimming with pride.

  Her mother stepped closer, tears glistening in her eyes as she kissed Aoi’s forehead. “You are a gift, my darling. Never forget how loved you are.”

  Even the village chief looked awed. “This is a blessing unlike any we have seen before. Aoi, you have the potential to bring harmony to all of nature. Cherish this gift and use it wisely.”

  The villagers erupted into cheers, clapping and celebrating. Decorations were hung, music filled the air, and a grand feast was prepared. The entire village came together to celebrate Aoi’s unique blessing.

  Little Aoi was beaming with happiness, her wings fluttering as she ran from one person to another. The children danced around her, giggling as she playfully used her newfound powers to create small bursts of wind or conjure droplets of water to splash at them.

  Her little brother, still too young to understand, clapped his tiny hands and giggled in their mother’s arms. Her father lifted her onto his shoulders, and she felt like she was on top of the world.

  The chief raised a toast, his voice ringing out above the crowd. “To Aoi, the spirit blessed by all elements! May her life bring light and harmony to our world!”

  Everyone raised their glasses, cheering her name. Aoi felt warmth in her chest, a deep sense of belonging and love.

  But as she watched the scene, the present-day Aoi felt a pang of sadness. She remembered how happy she had been that day, how safe and loved she had felt. She reached out as if to touch her younger self, but her hand passed through like a shadow.

  Suddenly, the colors of the memory began to fade. The villagers, her family, the celebration—all of it started to blur and dissolve into darkness.

  “No!” Aoi cried, reaching for her mother and father. “Please, don’t go!”

  But the memory vanished, leaving her once again in the cold, black void. She floated there, tears streaming down her face as the warmth of the past slipped away.

  Aoi felt herself pulled into another memory, her feet touching solid ground once more. The air around her was damp and cold, and the sound of dripping water echoed faintly. She looked up and found herself standing outside the entrance of a dark cave at the base of a familiar mountain.

  “This place…” Aoi whispered, her voice trembling.

  She couldn’t remember why she was here or what had brought her to this moment. All she knew was that she had to go inside. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward.

  The cave was silent except for the occasional sound of water dripping from stalactites. The further Aoi walked, the darker it became. Yet, she wasn’t afraid. Her footsteps echoed softly as she pressed on, the faint glow of her wings casting a gentle light around her.

  She kept walking, the tunnel seemingly endless. Her heart pounded in her chest, though she wasn’t sure why. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she emerged on the other side.

  The sunlight was blinding at first, but as her eyes adjusted, she saw a small clearing surrounded by towering trees. The air was fresh and filled with the sound of birds chirping. In the middle of the clearing sat a boy, no older than six or seven.

  He had his knees drawn up to his chest and was staring at the ground, lost in thought. His dark hair fell over his eyes, and he seemed utterly alone.

  Aoi felt an inexplicable pull toward him. She stepped closer, her wings fluttering softly. The boy looked up at the sound, his eyes meeting hers. There was a mix of curiosity and sadness in his gaze.

  “Hello!” Aoi said cheerfully, a wide smile on her face. “What are you doing here all alone?”

  The boy didn’t respond immediately, his expression guarded. Aoi crouched down in front of him, tilting her head. “I’m Aoi. What’s your name?”

  After a moment, the boy hesitated but finally answered, “I’m… Rio.”

  “Rio?” Aoi repeated, her smile growing wider. “That’s a nice name! It suits you.”

  Rio looked at her, unsure of how to respond. Aoi, ever the cheerful girl, didn’t let the silence bother her. She grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet.

  “Come on, Rio!” she said, her wings fluttering with excitement. “Let’s play!”

  Rio blinked, surprised by her sudden enthusiasm. “Play?” he asked, his voice quiet.

  “Yes!” Aoi said, already dragging him toward the open field. “It’s boring to sit here all alone, isn’t it? Let’s have some fun!”

  At first, Rio seemed hesitant, but as Aoi began to run and laugh, something in him softened. He followed her, and soon the two were playing together like old friends. They chased each other around the clearing, laughing and shouting. Aoi used her wings to create small gusts of wind, and Rio tried to catch the leaves that swirled around them.

  For a brief moment, everything felt perfect. Aoi couldn’t understand why she was here or what this memory meant, but she didn’t care. She was happy, and so was Rio.

  As the sun began to set, Aoi turned to Rio, her smile never fading. “I have to go now,” she said.

  Rio looked at her, his expression falling. “Will you come back?” he asked quietly.

  Aoi hesitated, a strange pang in her chest. “Of course,” she said, though she didn’t know if it was true. “We’ll play again, okay?”

  Rio nodded, and Aoi gave him one last smile before turning back toward the cave. She walked through the dark tunnel, her footsteps echoing once again. But as she reached the other side, the world began to blur and shift.

  She stumbled and fell, the ground beneath her disappearing. The black void swallowed her once more, cold and endless.

  Aoi hugged herself, her heart aching as the memory faded away. “Rio…” she whispered, the boy’s face lingering in her mind.

  Aoi found herself once again standing at the entrance of the cave. The memory felt so vivid, as if no time had passed since her last visit. She hesitated for a moment, her heart tugging her forward. Without a word, she entered the dark tunnel, her wings softly illuminating the path.

  When she emerged on the other side, the clearing looked just as she remembered. The boy was there again, sitting quietly in the same spot, his knees pulled up to his chest.

  “Rio!” Aoi called out cheerfully, running toward him.

  Rio looked up, surprised to see her. “You’re back…” he said softly, though there was a flicker of relief in his eyes.

  “Of course, I’m back! I promised, didn’t I?” Aoi grinned as she crouched down in front of him. “Were you waiting for me?”

  Rio glanced away, his cheeks faintly red. “Maybe…”

  Aoi laughed and grabbed his hand, pulling him to his feet. “Well, let’s not waste any time! Let’s play!”

  They spent the day running through the clearing, playing hide-and-seek and chasing butterflies. Aoi used her wings to create gentle breezes, sending leaves swirling into the air. Rio tried to catch them, laughing when they slipped through his fingers.

  As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Aoi turned to Rio. “I have to go now,” she said, her voice tinged with regret.

  Rio nodded but didn’t say anything. Aoi smiled and gave him a little wave before disappearing into the cave.

  The next day, Aoi returned. And the day after that.

  Each time, she found Rio waiting for her. At first, he was shy and quiet, but as the days went on, he began to open up. They talked about their favorite games, the shapes of clouds, and the funny animals they saw in the clearing.

  Aoi learned that Rio loved watching the stars at night and that he could name constellations she’d never even heard of. In return, she told him about her family and her village, though she left out the part about her unique blessing.

  “Why don’t you have wings?” Aoi asked one day, tilting her head curiously.

  Rio hesitated, looking down at the ground. “I don’t know,” he said quietly. “Maybe I’m just different.”

  Aoi frowned. “Being different isn’t bad,” she said firmly. “It makes you special!”

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  Rio looked up at her, his eyes wide. For the first time, he smiled—a small, shy smile that made Aoi’s heart feel warm.

  They continued playing until the sun began to set. As always, Aoi said goodbye and promised to come back. And every day, she kept her promise.

  These moments, though fleeting, became precious to Aoi. She didn’t understand why these memories felt so important, but she couldn’t help but cherish them.

  On the fifth day, as Aoi prepared to leave the clearing, Rio suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand.

  “Aoi,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

  She turned to him, surprised. “What is it?”

  “Thank you,” Rio said, his cheeks red. “For coming to see me. It… it means a lot.”

  Aoi smiled, squeezing his hand. “I’ll always come back, Rio. You’re my friend.”

  As she walked back through the cave, her heart felt lighter than it had in a long time. But deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that these moments wouldn’t last forever.

  Another day, another step into the cave. Aoi could feel her excitement building with every step she took through the dark tunnel. Emerging into the clearing, her eyes immediately sought out Rio.

  As expected, he was there, sitting in the same spot with his back against the tree. His head tilted up toward the sky, his expression calm but distant.

  “Rio!” Aoi called out, waving her hand high in the air as she ran toward him.

  Rio turned his head, a faint smile appearing on his face. “You’re here again.”

  “Of course!” Aoi grinned. “Did you think I’d stop coming?”

  Rio shook his head and stood up, brushing dirt off his pants. “No… I knew you’d come.”

  “Good! Because today, I have a new game to show you!” Aoi said, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward an open patch of grass.

  They spent the day playing tag, running around until they were both out of breath. Aoi used her wings to get a little extra speed, laughing as Rio tried to catch her. When he finally managed to tag her, they both collapsed onto the grass, panting and laughing.

  “You’re fast,” Rio said between breaths, his eyes shining with genuine joy.

  “You’re not bad yourself!” Aoi replied, her cheeks flushed from running.

  The sun began to set, casting the clearing in hues of gold and orange. Aoi sat up and looked around, her smile softening.

  “This place is so beautiful,” she said.

  Rio nodded, following her gaze. “Yeah… it’s peaceful.”

  The days continued like this.

  Every morning, Aoi found herself waking up with excitement, eager to see Rio again. She’d race through the cave, her heart pounding with anticipation. And every time, Rio was there, waiting for her.

  They explored the clearing together, finding hidden nooks and climbing low-hanging branches. Aoi showed him how to skip stones across the small pond at the edge of the clearing, though Rio insisted she was just lucky.

  One day, they found a patch of wildflowers blooming near the cave entrance. Aoi picked a few and wove them into a crown, placing it gently on Rio’s head.

  “You look like a king!” she said, giggling.

  Rio frowned, his face turning red. “I’m not a king…”

  “Well, you’re my king!” Aoi declared with a grin.

  Rio looked away, mumbling something under his breath, but Aoi’s laughter made his embarrassment fade.

  As the days turned into weeks, their bond grew stronger.

  Rio, who had once been shy and quiet, began to open up more. He told Aoi stories about his dreams, his thoughts, and the things that made him happy.

  Aoi, in turn, shared her own dreams. She told him about the villagers in her home, the celebration when she received her blessing, and the way her family made her feel loved.

  “You’re lucky,” Rio said one day, as they sat under the tree. “You have so many people who care about you.”

  “You have me,” Aoi said without hesitation, looking at him with a determined expression. “And I care about you, Rio.”

  Rio’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he looked like he might cry. But instead, he smiled—a real, genuine smile that made Aoi’s heart feel full.

  The days they spent together became the highlight of Aoi’s memories. Though she didn’t understand why these moments felt so precious, she couldn’t deny the happiness they brought her.

  But deep in the back of her mind, a small voice whispered that these days wouldn’t last forever. Aoi ignored it, choosing instead to focus on the joy of the present.

  For now, she was content to play, to laugh, and to share her days with Rio.

  The black void engulfed Aoi once again. It felt endless, like an abyss that swallowed every thought and memory. She floated weightlessly, her mind heavy with confusion and unease.

  Then, suddenly, light pierced the darkness. A cold wind howled around her as she regained consciousness. Her vision cleared, and she found herself standing in the middle of her village. But it wasn’t the peaceful place she remembered.

  Chaos surrounded her. Massive tornadoes spun wildly in the sky, their force tearing through the land. The once-clear skies were now covered in a blanket of dark, swirling clouds. Houses were shattered, trees uprooted, and the air was thick with dust and debris.

  Aoi’s heart pounded as she saw spirits struggling to contain the destruction. They summoned their elemental blessings—wind to counter the tornadoes, water to quell fires, and earth to shield the injured. But their efforts barely made a difference. The tornadoes raged on, relentless and merciless.

  The screams of her people filled the air, mingling with the deafening roar of the storm. Aoi’s eyes darted around, searching for familiar faces.

  “Why am I seeing this?” she whispered to herself, her voice trembling.

  Aoi began to walk through the village, her steps hesitant. The wind pushed against her, nearly knocking her off balance. She saw families huddled together, their faces pale with fear. The disease that had begun to spread through the village made it even worse. Many spirits were too weak to fight back.

  Her heart clenched as she saw children crying, their parents desperately trying to protect them from the storm. She wanted to help, to do something, but her body wouldn’t move. It was as though she were a mere observer in this memory.

  “Aoi!”

  Her head snapped toward the voice. It was her mother, lying on the ground, her face pale and her body trembling. Aoi’s little brother knelt beside her, tears streaming down his face as he tried to wake her.

  “Mother…” Aoi whispered, taking a step forward. But her legs felt heavy, and her movements were slow, as if she were walking through water.

  She finally reached her mother, who was coughing violently, her breaths shallow and labored. The disease had taken its toll on her. Aoi knelt down, her hands hovering over her mother, unsure of what to do.

  “I… I don’t understand,” Aoi said, her voice breaking. “Why am I seeing this? Why now?”

  Her mother’s face turned toward her, but there was no recognition in her eyes. It was as if Aoi weren’t even there.

  The storm grew worse, the tornadoes growing larger and more ferocious. Aoi’s eyes darted to the village chief and other elders, who were gathered in a circle, trying to summon their collective power to stop the storm. Their faces were lined with exhaustion, their blessings flickering like dying flames.

  “This isn’t working!” one of them shouted, his voice barely audible over the howling wind. “The storm is too strong!”

  Aoi’s little brother cried out, clinging to their mother as the wind threatened to pull him away. Aoi reached out to him, but her hands passed through him like smoke.

  “I’m… I’m not really here,” she realized, tears streaming down her face. “This is just a memory.”

  But why? Why was she being forced to watch this? The pain, the despair—it felt all too real.

  As she looked around at the devastation, a terrible realization struck her. This storm, this disease… it was more than just a disaster. It was a curse, a punishment that had been unleashed upon her people.

  Aoi clenched her fists, her chest aching with helplessness. She wanted to scream, to cry out against the injustice of it all. But her voice was lost in the storm.

  The scene began to blur, the edges of her vision darkening once more. The last thing she saw was her mother’s frail body, her little brother’s desperate cries, and the tornadoes that refused to relent.

  Then, everything went black.

  A voice, cold and resonant, echoed in Aoi’s mind, “Can you face your worst memory?”

  The words reverberated within her, sending chills down her spine. The black void that had consumed her faded, replaced by the broken remains of her village. The storm had stopped, but its devastation was clear. Tornadoes had left nothing untouched—houses lay in ruins, fields were destroyed, and the air was thick with grief.

  Aoi’s breath hitched as she walked through the remnants of what once was her home. Spirit people huddled together, their faces pale and hollow. Despair clung to them like a suffocating fog. Many were injured, their blessings too weak to heal themselves or others.

  Her heart clenched as she saw the bodies of the fallen. Among them were familiar faces—friends, neighbors, and elders who had once smiled at her, who had celebrated her blessing just a few years ago. But now, they were gone.

  Her steps faltered when she reached the place where her home once stood. The roof had caved in, and the walls were charred and broken. Among the wreckage, she saw her mother lying still, her face pale and peaceful.

  “Mother…” Aoi whispered, her voice cracking.

  She fell to her knees beside her mother, her hands trembling as she reached out. But no matter how hard she willed her mother to wake up, to open her eyes, there was no response. The tears came unbidden, streaming down her cheeks as she sobbed.

  Aoi’s little brother knelt beside her, his small hands clutching their mother’s. His face was streaked with dirt and tears, his young mind unable to comprehend the weight of their loss.

  “We… we couldn’t save her,” Aoi whispered, her voice choked. “Why couldn’t I save her?”

  The guilt and helplessness crushed her. She was the blessed one, the one gifted with control over all elements. Yet, in the moment that mattered most, she had been powerless.

  Days turned into weeks, but the despair lingered. The village tried to recover, but the loss was too great. The spirits who survived lived in fear, their blessings weakened, their hope shattered.

  Aoi couldn’t stay. Every corner of the village reminded her of her mother, of the family she had lost. She couldn’t bear the whispers of pity, the looks of sadness from those who remained.

  One night, under the pale glow of the moon, she stood at the edge of the village. Her little brother clung to her sleeve.

  “Where are you going, Aoi?” he asked, his voice small and trembling.

  “I… I have to go,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She crouched down, placing her hands on his shoulders. “Stay strong, okay? I’ll come back… someday.”

  He didn’t understand, but he nodded, tears brimming in his eyes. Aoi hugged him tightly before turning away, her steps heavy as she left the only home she had ever known.

  Rumors of a mountain with a mystical cave reached her ears during her wandering. They said the cave could ease one’s pain, could offer solace to the brokenhearted.

  Aoi’s heart stirred at the thought. Perhaps this was what she needed—to escape the weight of her memories, to find peace.

  She journeyed to the mountain, her feet dragging as exhaustion and sorrow weighed her down. When she reached the base, she paused, her breath catching in her throat.

  The entrance of the cave was familiar. A wave of déjà vu washed over her as she stared at its dark opening.

  “Why… do I know this place?” she murmured.

  Something pulled her forward, an invisible force urging her to step inside. She hesitated, but the pain in her chest reminded her of why she had come. Taking a deep breath, she entered.

  The cave was eerily silent, the only sound being the faint echo of her footsteps. The deeper she walked, the darker it became. She felt as though the walls were closing in, the air growing colder with each step.

  Finally, she reached the other side—a place she couldn’t see but could feel. Her vision blurred, and the ground beneath her feet seemed to vanish.

  The black void returned, swallowing her whole.

  Aoi floated in the depths of the black void, an endless expanse of nothingness that pressed against her soul. The weight of her memories clung to her like shackles, pulling her deeper into despair. Her breaths came in shallow gasps as her mind raced, replaying the painful moments she had witnessed.

  Out of the silence, the voice of the masked man echoed, cold and probing.

  “Can you forget those memories?” he asked, his tone laced with indifference.

  Aoi’s heart clenched. “Forget?” she murmured, her voice trembling. Could she truly erase the faces of her family, the warmth of her mother’s embrace, and the joy of her childhood?

  “Can you face them without faltering?” the masked man continued, his voice slicing through the void. “Or will you let them consume you?”

  Aoi clenched her fists, her mind swirling with doubt and fear. She wanted to escape the pain, to rid herself of the burden that had weighed her down for so long. But she also knew that her memories, as painful as they were, were a part of her—a part she couldn’t abandon.

  The masked man’s voice grew louder, more forceful. “If you cannot let go, you will remain trapped here forever. This void will be your prison.”

  The thought of being lost in this emptiness forever terrified her. She closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. But as she delved deeper into her sorrow, an image surfaced in her mind.

  Kaito.

  His face appeared, his determined gaze and warm smile breaking through the darkness. She remembered the times they had spent together—the way he had looked out for her, the strength he had shown even in the face of his own pain.

  Kaito… he’s the reason I’m here, she realized.

  He had come this far for her, risking everything. She couldn’t let her despair hold her back. She owed it to him—to repay his kindness, to stand by his side, and to move forward.

  Aoi wiped her tears, a newfound determination burning within her. She looked up into the void and shouted, “I won’t forget! I won’t let these memories consume me! I will face them, and I will move on!”

  The void began to shift, the oppressive darkness cracking and splintering like glass. Light seeped through the fractures, illuminating Aoi’s figure.

  The masked man’s voice softened, his tone almost amused. “So, you’ve made your decision. Very well.”

  The chains that had bound her memories shattered, each link falling away into the abyss. Aoi felt a weight lift from her chest as the sorrow that had suffocated her began to dissipate.

  “I won’t run anymore,” she said firmly. “I’ll move on, for myself and for Kaito.”

  The masked man’s figure appeared before her, his fox-shaped mask glowing faintly. “You’ve chosen to embrace the light,” he said. “Then step forward and see where it leads you.”

  Aoi took a deep breath and stepped forward. The void around her dissolved, replaced by a blinding light that enveloped her completely. When the light faded, she found herself standing in a new world.

  She looked around, her eyes widening in shock. It was a ruined city—buildings crumbled and overgrown with vines, streets cracked and littered with debris.

  The air was heavy with a sense of desolation, yet it wasn’t entirely devoid of life.

  Aoi took a cautious step forward, the ground beneath her feet feeling solid and real. She had left the void behind, but this new place was just as mysterious.

  She didn’t know where she was or what lay ahead, but she was no longer afraid. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of hope.

  “I’ve made it this far,” she whispered to herself. “I’ll keep going.”

  With that, she began to walk, her steps steady and her resolve unshaken.

  As Aoi stood amidst the ruins, the masked man appeared before her, his fox-shaped mask gleaming faintly. Across the crumbled cityscape, Kaito saw the same figure materialize in front of him.

  “You’ve done well to pass the first trial,” the masked man said, his voice echoing as if carried on the wind. “For that, I offer my gratitude.”

  Aoi and Kaito exchanged glances, their eyes narrowing as they waited for him to continue.

  “But the path ahead is far from over,” the masked man continued, his tone laced with mystery. “Here is the second trial.”

  Kaito frowned. “What trial?”

  The masked man tilted his head, his enigmatic smile evident even through his mask. “Break your distance,” he said.

  Aoi blinked in confusion. “What does that mean?” she asked, her voice firm yet tinged with frustration.

  “Figure it out by yourselves,” the masked man replied cryptically. “When you do, you will understand.”

  Before either could protest further, Kaito suddenly felt a strange sensation wash over him. He turned to Aoi, but she was no longer there. “Aoi?” he called out, his voice filled with alarm.

  At the same moment, Aoi spun around, searching frantically. “Kaito? Where did you go?”

  The masked man’s voice lingered in the air like an echo. “Let the trial begin.”

  Both of them found themselves standing alone, surrounded by the same ruined city. The eerie silence pressed down on them as they realized they couldn’t see or hear each other anymore.

  “Aoi!” Kaito shouted, his voice reverberating through the empty streets.

  “Kaito!” Aoi called back, her heart pounding. She strained her ears, but no response came.

  They began to search, weaving through the crumbled remnants of the city, their desperation growing with each step. Kaito checked every alley and shadow, while Aoi moved cautiously through broken structures and overgrown pathways.

  “Kaito, where are you?” Aoi whispered, her voice trembling.

  As they searched, they found traces of the other’s presence—a footprint in the dust, a handprint on a wall—but never each other. The sensation of being so close yet so far gnawed at them, and the emptiness of their separation began to weigh on their minds.

  From the void above, the masked man observed them, his expression unreadable behind his mask. “Let’s see,” he murmured to himself. “Will you find the answer, or will the distance remain unbroken?”

  He waved his hand, and the city around them subtly shifted, creating more obstacles to obscure their paths.

  Kaito clenched his fists as frustration built up inside him. “What does ‘break your distance’ even mean?” he muttered to himself. He kicked a small rock, sending it skittering across the cracked pavement. “How am I supposed to find her when I can’t even feel her presence?”

  Aoi, on the other side of the city, sat down on a broken column, her heart heavy. “I can’t see him or hear him. It’s like we’re in two different worlds,” she whispered. “But… I know he’s here. I just have to keep searching.”

  As time dragged on, exhaustion began to take its toll on both of them. The sense of isolation grew stronger, and doubts started to creep into their minds.

  “Am I doing something wrong?” Kaito thought, looking up at the ruined sky. “Or is this trial meant to make us give up?”

  Aoi clenched her fists, determination flickering in her eyes. “No,” she whispered. “I won’t give up. Kaito didn’t give up on me, and I won’t give up on him.”

  Though separated, their thoughts aligned, their bond unwavering even in the face of the trial. Neither realized it yet, but with every step they took, the distance between them began to shrink, though imperceptibly.

  The masked man watched silently, his eyes narrowing behind his mask. “The question is not just about distance,” he murmured. “It’s about the strength of their hearts.”

  Aoi sat quietly for a moment, her heart pounding with frustration and fear. She looked up at the desolate sky of the ruined city, her hands trembling. “I’ve come this far with him,” she whispered to herself. “After everything we’ve been through… I can’t lose him now.”

  The thought of Kaito being out of reach, somewhere in this vast and empty place, fueled a fire within her. She stood up, determination burning in her eyes. “No matter how long it takes, I’ll find him.”

  At the same time, Kaito leaned against a cracked wall, catching his breath. He wiped the sweat from his brow and clenched his fists. “I’ve already lost so much… I can’t lose her too,” he thought, gritting his teeth. “Aoi, wherever you are, I’ll find you. I promise.”

  From the shadows above, the masked man watched them, his arms crossed as he floated in the void. His whisper reached the winds, echoing faintly.

  “Let’s see… Is their bond of love truly strong enough? Can it bridge the distance between them?”

  Both Aoi and Kaito resumed their search with renewed determination. Every step they took was heavy with exhaustion but driven by hope. The ruins around them seemed endless, each turn revealing more devastation and emptiness.

  “Kaito!” Aoi shouted, her voice breaking slightly as she ran through the crumbled streets.

  “Aoi!” Kaito called out, his voice echoing through the air.

  They continued, refusing to give in. Along the way, memories of their journey together flooded their minds—their laughter, their shared struggles, and the quiet moments when they found solace in each other’s company.

  “She’s always been there for me,” Kaito thought as he climbed over a collapsed wall. “No matter what happens, I can’t let her down.”

  “He’s always fought to protect me,” Aoi thought as she stepped carefully through the broken path. “Now, it’s my turn to fight to find him.”

  Hours seemed to pass, but neither stopped searching. The ruins, though vast and confusing, couldn’t break their will.

  Unbeknownst to them, their paths began to converge, their efforts pulling them closer with every step.

  The masked man’s gaze sharpened as he observed their unwavering resolve. “They may not realize it,” he murmured, “but they’re already proving themselves. The true test isn’t about physical distance—it’s about the strength of their hearts and their love for each other.”

  As Aoi rounded a corner, she suddenly froze. A faint sound reached her ears—a familiar voice calling her name.

  “Aoi!”

  Her heart leaped as she turned toward the sound. “Kaito?” she whispered, her voice trembling with hope.

  She broke into a run, calling out his name with all her strength. “Kaito! I’m here!”

  Kaito, hearing her voice for the first time, felt his chest tighten with relief. He sprinted in the direction of her voice, his heart pounding. “Aoi! Don’t move! I’m coming!”

  Finally, as they turned the last corner, their eyes met. For a moment, neither spoke, their breaths heavy from exhaustion.

  “Kaito…” Aoi whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.

  “Aoi…” Kaito said, his voice cracking as he smiled.

  Without hesitation, they ran toward each other, closing the distance that had felt infinite moments ago. When they finally reached each other, Aoi threw her arms around Kaito, and he held her tightly, as if afraid she might disappear again.

  From above, the masked man watched silently. A faint smile played on his lips beneath the mask as he whispered, “They’ve passed the second trial. The bond of their love has proven unbreakable.”

  The ruins around them began to fade, replaced by a new, mysterious setting. But for Kaito and Aoi, nothing else mattered—they had found each other again.