By
dusk. and arthea_ashling
The young woman let out a deep breath as she looked at the departing sun, her cold gaze warming up in the sun’s last rivers of light. It wasn’t the assigned time to get to the meeting point, but she wasn’t one to be late to meetings, much less to a date of all things.
She wandered across the twilight bathed streets of town, unbothered the empty pathways as it was the residents’ day of rest.
Her wandering helped her to mentally prepare herself for the event that was to come, and the future of it.
Back in her younger days, she’d see couples hanging around this time of day, handing roses and newly-forged swords to their significant other. She was confused about the unwarranted gifts humans would do to each other, calling it a waste of time.
It grew on her after several years of coexistence, understanding the true meaning and value of those gifts. Not like she was more than nineteen to begin with.
Her dryad descent always showed to value nature itself and nothing else.
Nothing was more important than being one with nature.
But just as the winds of Zephyr, times have changed.
She suddenly felt a presence appear out of nowhere, a somewhat familiar one at that.
She stepped to the side of a house, spotting a young man with blue light dissipating from him.
“Lady Glade” A tiny bat-like entity summoned from the shadows.
“What is it, Erebus?”
“May I have the right to state my feelings about this date, you’re going to?”
“Speak your mind”
The butler approached her, giving her a little rub on her cheek before chanting in its unknown language.
“I don’t need enchantments for this.”
“And it is not” It replied. “I simply prayed that you enjoy yourself to the fullest, and for that man to have a good heart and—”
“For goodness sake, Erebus, you're blowing this out of proportions.” She grunted, her face covered in blush and shame.
For a transcendent being whose emotions were nigh-non existent, it couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.
She came out of her spot, walking towards the man.
Her eyes darkened with interest -- easily misunderstood with bad intent when under pressure. "Greetings, Ozora. It is a pleasure to talk to you face to face. Shall we start the date?"
Something told her could’ve said things in a better way, too late to change that though.
Oozora nervously looked at the woman as he started fidgeting his own hair. Her dark eyes intensely pointed at him, making him a little bit intimidated. Something he rarely felt since ascending to godhood. But somehow, he feels some kind of attraction towards her. Something that is luring him to know this woman more inside her own cold exterior.
"Ok, then…" He then mentally took a deep breath and let them out.
Trying to gain back his own composure. "Yes of course. I have a lot of places that we can visit together, if you like to."
"With pleasure, I love visiting places after all" She glanced at the beautiful shades of blue that cascaded down the hair he was fidgeting with.
She rose her eyes towards his, finding herself admiring every single second she spent exploring the vast galaxy his eyes held within. Something felt different about this man, something ethereal, something...stellar.
If he were to be a god, she would just happen to find another one of them, without their blood on her hands, of course.
A tiny, yet sincere smile then formed on his cheeks. As his heart starts to pick up the pace. Slowly forming a rhythm he has never felt for a really long time.
It feels like that time again, when he is just a young god thousand and thousands years ago. Trying to figure out this compound emotion of attraction and endless curiosity. Which is now directed towards the woman who is standing in front of him.
" Ah, if I could contact Khandra right now, I would have asked for his advice. But there's no way I will disturb him on his own holiday. Not with this kind of matter, at least," He mentally said it to himself.
To be frank, asking for his friend's aid is a tempting option. But this space god knows that he needs to face this situation by himself.
"Alright Keika, get yourself together! If you have enough guts to face an inter-dimensional world eater on your own, then there's no way you can't get through this date."
With this newfound confidence, he slowly form a small sphere of energy in his palm. Its energy emits a soft blue light. Almost like a mini star, floating in the air.
As the sphere starts to take its form, they can feel a flow coursing through the air. Like a gentle wind on a summer night. Enveloping both of them in its chilling but welcoming embrace.
After a few moments have passed, he then gently fling it to the open air next to them.
In a split second, the orb collapses from its round shape. Forming a doorway into another place. Very, very far away from the space they are standing right now.
"Do you want to go first?" he asked as his hand gestured to the door.
She walked closer to the spatial doorway, a brush of wind making her hair flare up for a moment.
She was unfazed by it, mostly because of her interest in the doorway from which the wind came from.
It was puzzling, yet an interesting formula that she had never seen before. There weren’t any runes, or at least anything that appeared in a language she could comprehend.
And it was created so easily, with no less than the rise of his palm. She expected no less from a god, many of them are capable of incredible feats.
“It seems you’ve made me hit gold, Sunny.” She thought to herself. It was as if her little sister could now see and predict anything. “You know how much my heart has darkened to emotions, prove me wrong. At least with this man.”
She looked back at him as she questioned his origin. But everything went blur by the sight of his smile.
Her eyes darted back to the doorway, swiftly vanishing into its rift with no hesitation.
And in that very instance, Sunny had already won the bet.
As both of them traverse through the magical gate, the scenery quickly shifted into a forest of cherry blossoms.
It's blush colored petals gleaming in the night sky, falling like shooting stars on the dark heavens. As each of them leaves trails of faint but sweet scents along the way.
The sight brings waves of nostalgia into his mind. Back to the time when everything is much more simple.
Back, when they are still there. Together with him.
He still vividly remember every single moment he had in this place. From the unexpected yet blossoming start of a friendship...to the sorrowful farewell.
Thousands of years has now passed, and he is back again. This time not just by himself, but with someone new.
Someone who he hope will be able to share a life with.
"I hope Hana and Shieru won't mind if I show her our special picnic spot. Afterall, it has been a while since the last time I visit this place. Hmm...how long has it even been? Fifty thousand, or even more?"
He may have lost count on the time, but he knows this place by heart. No amount of years or even millennia will be able to erase it. Especially in a place that he calls as one of his home.
Oozora then decided to walk closer to Lin, who was just standing still. Admiring the mystical scene in front of her own eyes.
For the travelling knight, it felt like she just stepped into a brand new world. One that she has never seen before.
"So, what do you think? I know you probably expect something extraordinary, like floating spaceships or a magical castle. But when I think of a place, this one comes first to my mind," he asked, as his eyes shifted to the green haired girl.
She swiped her hand across the air, catching a petal in its flight.
It glowed with warmth and youthfulness. Its flesh was fresh and authentic as the winds that embraced her, its soul ever present.
She paused for a moment, a sigh of relief bursting out of her.
All the while, Oozora waited ever so silently for her answer, pondering whether it was the right decision to bring her here. Should he have taken her to a better place? Did she hate nature?
“I thought people like you wouldn’t cherish nature.” She turned around, a daring grin engraved on her face.
It had been a while since she’d found such a harmonious scene.
A harmonious scene reminiscent of those days where she’d get captivated by the leaves of the trees she’d once take for granted.
She remembered how much she’d grown past her times of rage and recklessness.
How much the words her friend Maxwell meant to her, especially after his tragic passing.
“Then I assume you’ve learnt something new today.” Oozora smiled in return, although with a tinge of happiness that she’d like it. He approached her as they both admired the cherry blossom trees, stars trailing the skies like the birds of a summer noon. “There are times where nature blesses you with gifts nothing else can.”
Her eyes widened to his words.
She wondered whether her mother had ever come across this realm for him to utter her very words.
“It pleases me to hear such words.”
They stared at each other for a moment before she caught herself smiling gleefully. “I mean—It is pleasing to know another person admires the same way I do.”
His heart ran amok as he swiftly returned the gesture.
A thousand years had transpired, a thousand years of an unshaken heart. A thousand years of a war hardened heart to fall apart at this very moment.
It must’ve been the drastic change of temperatures finally affecting him.
“Do you happen to have a relationship with it?” The retired emperor asked ever so politely. It could be a chance to talk more about it, to deepen their knowledge of each other, to close the gap between their hearts.
She quickly rolled her eyes. Sending the young man into a series of doubts.
“I thought you’ve noticed already, idiot” She walked towards him until face length, her hands caressing the contours of his face.
She laid the petal on his hair, an aster sprouting with an alluring scent.
“I just happen to be the daughter of nature—the dryad, at least. But that’s a secret between the two of us, understood?”
He nodded as she lowered her hands.
“Would you mind showing me more of this beautiful place?” The wind brushed up her hair.
“As you wish—”
“Oh before that…” She took a few steps away from him. A flash of light enveloping her. Instant confusion filled his mind, but he trusted her.
The light died down, a young woman dressed in a green, gold and black kimono.
Her hair had braided to the side, a bracelet of flowers wrapped around her left wrist.
She looked at the bandages wrapped around her entire arms before apologising to Oozora; she had her reasons as to why they couldn’t come off.
Reasons too complicated and uninteresting for a date.
“Now, shall we?”
For a split second, he suddenly ran out of words. The space deity doesn't expect her to transform right in front of him, especially in a kimono.
But surely, Oozora can't lie when his eyes are locked onto her.
The young knight looks ethereal in his nation's traditional clothing. It even somewhat transforms the girl into a figure resembling a deity. Especially with blossoms flourishing in her garment.
"It... it can't be...."
Her appearance instantly reminded him of one particular figure he once read among the pages of his favourite book. A Tale of The Forest Lady, or famously referred to as Konohanasakuya-hime.
If his memory serves right, the passages inside describe a beautiful woman who was adorned by flowers of all kinds. It even once said that the lady was the keeper of a forest, far away behind the mighty mountains. Protecting mother earth from outside intervention.
Perhaps, this uncanny resemblance between the two isn't just a mere coincidence.
The thought itself surely filled him with excitement, but he tried to contain it. At least for now.
Oozora can't help but smile a little bit more.
"Of course, Lin." The god replied happily and gently offered his hand. Revealing long, slender fingers as it gracefully invites her.
But behind such a beautifully-looking hand, there's something that caught her attention. A small detail that she can't help but notice.
Inside the floating sleeves of his midnight haori, she spot glimpes of bandages. Warping around the wrist firmly as it tried so hard to hide something.
This momentarily sparked questions inside her mind. Wondering why his dating partner decided to do it.
"He is hiding his wrists, like me. But why though?" Lin questioned herself.
Strangely, she can't help but feel uneasy about it. Even though up to this point, everything was running miraculously smooth. Far better than what she had expected before.
The travelling warrior then mentally shook her own head. Trying to push away those worrisome thoughts.
"Focus, Lin! Stop making ridiculous assumptions. You only met him now."
"Just...enjoy the date. That's what you are here for after all," the young dryad assured herself.
There's no way she would let those negative beliefs taint this wonderful occasion. Not this day.
At that very moment, she pushed those dark thoughts away like clouds riding on a wind. Leaving nothing but a bright cerulean sky bathed in soft sunlight.
In this newly restored state of tranquillity, she then smiled at him. Happily accept his offer. As both of their hands clasped together.
He paid a glance at her hands as they walked through the sakura forest, muddled by the sensation of coarse tree bark wrapping around his hands.
He looked at her as petals fell harmoniously.
The wind howled across the depths of the solemn forest, its presence flying towards the dark heavens.
He told himself that it must have been the bandages that swathed her entire arm, yet he could still feel the hardened calluses that had grown from the countless days of could have possibly been her travels. It could also be a reason for the scar that went up her left cheek.
At least that’s what he wanted to imagine.
“What?” She caught his attention, one of her brows raising in suspicion.
“Oh, my sincere apologies” He continued walking. “I tend to get lost in my thoughts.”
“Now you’ve done it” He kissed his teeth.
It wasn’t the time to zone out, nor was it the time to let himself over think things.
Silence reigned as he faced the direction of the path once more. His gaze sharpened, the stars in his eyes faded, although at a slow pace.
Everything was going well, and it would continue to be as long as Oozora was a part of it.
“Oozora” She squeezed his hand.
“Hm?”
“At this point you could go ahead and ask me why I have a scar on my face.”
Oozora’s eyes widened, sighing in his disbelief.
He had definitely lost his touch with being discreet under this situation.
“Was it obvious?”
She shook her head as her fingers briefly left his.
Streaks of light appeared once more, albeit on her hands.
“I just happen to know things others don’t, and it seems that you form part of others.” She latched onto his hands once more.
He noticed the soft cushions of her gloves that softly pressed against his bare hands.
“If you want to know about me, if you want to know my past. You’ll have to tell me more about yourself.”
She stepped forwards, urging Oozora to do the same.
“So let’s reach that place you want to show me so much, which is a picnic I assume.”
Oozora’s eyes shined in awe, what can of wizardry was that? “You can read minds?”
“Not telling!” She playfully glared at him.
“You…fine, you win.” He shrugged and smiled back. Amazed at the amount of secrets this woman could have…and at how bossy she thought she were.
“I admit defeat.”
“As you should.”
The duo continue to stroll down further into the forest. Side by side, as they silently enjoy the natural landscape. Diving deep into a painting that has come alive in space and time, from the hand of its creator.
It is indeed a sight to behold. Especially for her.
"How can nature present itself in this kind of beauty but also be so violent at the same time?" she wondered to herself. Looking out for an answer that won't ever present itself. Which is funny, for the daughter of nature.
And while she's contemplating about it, there's another big question that has been waiting for its own resolution since the start of their encounter.
Particularly, about the true nature of his own partner.
Sure, she knew that he's a god, but what kind of deity?
Did he just like her, directly born from nature itself (perhaps the sky) or already pre-existing since the dawn of time?
Just, what kind of origin does Oozora have? Or did he even have one?
Instead of finding answers, these questions only keep multiplying. Spawning infinite queries as the time keeps ticking.
It's...truly an enigma in itself. The one that the young lady can't help, but want to unveil.
But she won't force him to answer those questions now. Even though this feeling of curiosity has been driving her crazy.
"Oh my, this date is just getting even more interesting...." she smirked at herself. Totally not expecting to end up enjoying it.
Indeed, she felt so great just to be here. With him.
The Dryad then briefly casted her sight back to the god. Almost instinctively.
Through her eyes, she saw how serenely he looked. Far different from the first moment she met him.
It almost felt like he was in his own element now.
But strangely, she's able to sense some kind of a storm. Brewing inside of him with all sort of emotions.
What is it? A feeling of loneliness? Longing? Fear?
Or...regret?
Lin can't tell for sure. But she knows there's plenty of secrets that have been concealed under his heart for an indefinite amount of time. Locked by a single key she has yet to find.
"Oozora ... just what kind of life you've been through. What is it, truly?"
The thought itself made her unable to look the other way. As she thoughtlessly gaze upon his face. Not realising that it only took a while for the god to notice.
Oozora can't help but feel funny about it.
He is no stranger to prolonged stares. Especially by his people.
After all, living beings will always have a tendency to be fascinated by the things they unable to warp their heads with.
But still, it felt unusual for him. Considering for the past few years, his friends often see him more as human than a celestial being.
Perhaps, he's just so used to it by now.
The god then returned the stare with a smirk. Just like what she did before.
"I know, I know. You are curious about me too, right? Don't need to be shy about it."
In that very moment, the girl snapped back to reality. Finally realising that she had been gazing on him for far too long.
Just in an instant, her face turned more redder than a ripe tomato.
"Ah, I...I'm truly sorry, Oozora! I don't mean to look at you for that long. It must have made you uncomfortable!"
While this was all happening, Oozora just looked at her, fully surprised.
Just by looking at his face, she then frustratingly berated herself
"Damn it, why did I even end up staring blankly at him? Now he will think that I'm a weirdo or a lovesick puppy. Argh!"
Seeing her irritated expression, he can't help but laugh a little.
"Hey, hey. It's alright. Don't blame yourself," Oozora tried to reassure her.
"I'm totally used to it, you know. You don't need to worry about it. Not at all."
The girl then looked back at him.
"Really? Are you sure?"
"Yeah, totally! You will be surprised to know how many times I have experienced this. Just be chill about it," he said with a grin on his face.
She then let out a sigh.
"Perhaps, you are right then."
As he heard this, a warm smile quickly formed.
"Good. Because we have arrived now."
Right in front of their eyes, bustling streets greet them with all of its vigour. Filled with people from all walks of life. Both young and old.
It's surely a lively sight. One that she also enjoys.
In the middle of all this motion, his eyes suddenly shifted at her.
"So Lin, do you happen to have a sweet tooth? There's a special delicacy that I want to share with you."
“I’ve developed a bit of it. You see, I happen to have a strict protein based diet, but my little sister keeps smothering me with her stupid fruit cakes.” She remarked with a hint of annoyance. “I guess she thinks she’s spoiling me.”
“You truly believe so?” His face brightened at her comments.
“Without a doubt.”
There was just something about her complaints and her rants about her sister that grew a smile on his face.
“Then,” Oozora locked eyes with her, his hand stretched out “could I have my turn at spoiling you?”
Silence came in like a hit to the side of the head. Birds fluttered solemnly as they both within the deafening ringing of stillness.
A flood brewed in Oozora’s mind as he looked at the grass.
Of course, from the outside it was like he was just blankly staring at the greenery that surrounded his footwear. But something died inside of him.
He looked up to form a quick joke about it. But he found himself a funny sight.
Her eyes glistened with the shock of his words.
Words that managed to crack a spot in her charred heart.
A heart that would’ve never expected such a comment from another person, let alone a person that she might happen to like.
But she latched to her composure with brute force, laughing it off as held on to her belly.
She wasn’t going to let herself be defeated by words, not anytime soon.
“I’m open to that.” Her face warmed up as she jokingly smacked Oozora’s back. “Let’s see how much you can spoil me, silly.”
He smiled as he struggled to maintain face, especially after the heavy slap she had hit him with. But it was okay, it was fine. As long as she wasn’t discontented with his words, great peace settled in his heart.
They held hands as they walked into the crowd, like fish in the great mass of flowing waters that is the ocean.
They swayed along their path as they admired the different shops that welcomed them with food from a culture she had never seen before.
She would squeeze Oozora’s hand whenever a question quaked in her mind.
Whenever she saw words beyond her understanding.
Whenever she was caught by the alluring traditional paper lanterns that hung out in the streets.
Whenever she noticed the wide variety of traditional delicacies that tentatively called out to her, and her taste buds.
He was quick to realise she stayed behind, entranced by the sight of the yakitori that had just been added to the racks.
Oozora beckoned her to continue going on, with the promise that he knew a snack that had no equal.
In true Glade fashion, she gave him the benefit of the doubt.
But his heart was firm, and his statement along with it.
She smiled at the immense confidence in his words, catching his hands as she power walked forwards.
The god looked forwards, immediately spotting the mochi shop.
Oozora’s heart had never been more mesmerised by someone who had an admiration for the culture he surrounded himself with. But it wasn’t going to compare to the face she’ll make when she gets her first bite of what he knew was the best.
“There it is,” His voice deepened with enthusiasm. “I know you’ll enjoy it.”
“It’ll taste good as long as you promise me that we’ll go back to that meat stand.”
“I’ll make sure you get to eat your fill.” He asked the seller for a servingg.
Right after Oozora put in his order. The merchant swiftly cut the dough into smaller pieces and filled it with a creamy paste. Which has a pinkish hue, much lighter than the dough itself.
He then carefully folded it into a rounder shape and served it with a thin piece of paper.
"Ah, here it is. Give it a try, Lin," Oozora smiled with excitement as he gave the freshly-made snack to the girl who had been waiting for a while.
As she received it, her eyes instantly shined in curiosity.
The dough felt really soft but also quite sticky. It even jiggles for a little bit when she tries to shake it. Almost like a stretchy clay that she used to play with as a kid.
Its unusual properties only piqued her interest in the food even more.
"Just what in the world is this? How can it have this kind of texture?" She asked him as her hands delicately poked the dough.
Oozora then chuckled for a little bit.
"Well, our people called this mochi. It's made from glutinous rice flour and filled with various fillings. Usually a red bean paste. But this kind of mochi is pretty special."
"Ohh, really? Why is it?"
"Its pink colouring comes from the natural pigment of sakura flowers, which is highly uncommon in Sorashi. That's why this mochi became the village's speciality," he said, as his hand calmly picked out a fallen petal from the branches above their heads.
"You mean, they are using the same flower as the ones that grow on these trees?"
Oozora nodded at her.
"Yes, it's the same one. The flowers that grow in this place have a more sweet taste to it. That's why they use them in their mochis."
"Ah, I see. That totally makes sense," she said to him, as her hand picked up the dough.
"In that case, I shall indulge myself in this other-worldly desert."
Lin ate the entire mochi in a single bite. Letting the sweet, creamy and chewy sensation take over her mouth.
It felt a little bit strange at first, but she quickly grew fond of it.
At first, she thought that it would be extremely sweet. Especially because of a hefty amount of sakura filling that was put inside it.
But surprisingly, it's not that sweet at all.
It tastes just like she wants too, a little bit of sweet with a soft sensation that's slowly melting inside her mouth.
The food was like a small piece of nirvana for the girl. Constantly tempting her to enjoy it even more as she keeps chewing on
"Mmm...this is so good. How can you guys even have an idea to invent these kinds of delicious treats?" Lin asked him, while her mouth was still savouring the mochi with delight.
"Well, these sweets have existed since around 200.000 years ago. It was first created by a man who has too many rice grains from the recent harvest season. So, in order to not waste any leftover grains, he decided to turn it into glutinous rice and let them steam. The process itself turned the rice into a sticky dough and was later shaped into a ball filled with red bean paste. Almost similar to the ones we have now," he answered the girl after placing more orders to the vendor.
"And let me guess, everybody loves the idea and it ended up becoming a staple."
"Exactly. Even the emperor at that time enjoyed these sweets at any moment. From dawn to dusk, there will always be a time for a piece of mochi," he said, while softly smiling at the food.
"Gee, he must be a big fan of mochis then."
"Yes, a very big one," he added it up with a grin across his face.
She then smiled at him.
"Then perhaps, I should thank both of them for giving birth to this wonderful desert," the dryad chimed after swallowing the sweets.
"As you should," he replied with a nod.
Right after the god said that, the vendor gave him two large boxes filled with mochis. Oozora happily accepted them and carried them with his powers.
Lin only snicker when she sees the amount of food that his partner just bought.
"Huh, so you are that big fan," she thought to herself while grinning at him.
Luckily, Oozora was too busy enjoying his mochi to even notice it.
Only just after he finished it, the god looked back at her.
"Well now, let's go back to the meat stand and buy that yakitori."
Just by hearing that, Lin instantaneously explodes in excitement.
"Yes! Finally, let's buy all of them!"
— 🎕—
The streets that were once full of life were now being filled with solemn silence.
Silence that accentuated the graceful descent of the sakura petals, the beautiful rays of orange lanterns and the dignified, reassuring redness of the tori gates that could be seen from afar.
Such were the thoughts of the honoured God, who despite living so long, had never lost the love for his home, for the place he called home.
He glanced at her for a second, seeing her munch on the last piece of yakitori that was on the stick. Her face was cold and expressionless as she chewed, possibly lost in her own thoughts as she stared at the stick.
Perhaps she was thinking about how she was going to carry the crate of yakitori she carried on her back.
Perhaps, she was thinking about the new information she’d learned from another realm, lost in the countless languages and mystic world that was Oozora's motherland.
But, to Oozora, that face couldn’t be related to anything more than dissatisfaction. And dissatisfaction was something he —or anyone— would hate to see on a date.
“Is there any problem Lin?” He asked in a caring voice. “You seem a bit gloomy.”
She looked at him, coming back to her senses as the little colours of warmth reappeared on her face.
“Oh sorry. I tend to look apathetic, at least that my friends tell me.” She softly smiled. “I was just thinking of doing this.”
She stopped and dropped the crate she carried, stretching for a little moment before facing them.
Not for a second did he question the strength of the magic knight, nor did he think a woman was incapable of doing things herself.
Back when they had bought their own share of yakitori, she was brave enough to ask for four whole boxes of yakitori for a takeaway. With great struggle they brought it to her, and without hesitation, she effortlessly carried the crate with one hand, slinging behind her back.
But now she seemed to struggle with it.
If there was any moment that he thought someone would appreciate a helping hand, he wouldn’t hesitate to express it.
“Need help with the box?” He raised his hand, cerulean blue glowing from the palm of his hand.
But as quickly as he raised his hand, she was just as quick to create a tear in space itself. Swallowing the entire box into its dark embrace before disappearing as if it had never appeared to begin with.
“That’ll do.” She turned around, smiling at the same man who was shaken by such a sight.
“How did she…” He paused and thought for a second before shaking his head, astonished by the amount of secrets she kept from him.
“I hope you answer my questions, if we have enough time.”
“If we have enough time” She laughed at his remark.
Thoughts about Khandra crossed his mind like the stars in the sky.
He could already see his friend wearing a fish head for an entire week. Perhaps a month from the embarrassment.
But he was thankful.
Thankful for having a friend like him.
“Alright then.” He looked up at the skies for a moment. “To our last destination for the night.”
After a small stroll outside the village, they both arrived in front of a torii.
Its vermillion paint shone bright under the soft glow of the shining orbs that floated around it. Like a group of fireflies dancing under the moonlight. Emitting warm hues inside the sombre forest.
Just as both of them were busy admiring the view, suddenly a rustle broke the silence.
Behind the pillars of the gate, pairs of glowing eyes suddenly appear from the dark. Gazing through them from the shadows.
Only by pure instinct, Lin swiftly snatched her sword from the back. Preparing to attack if necessary.
But before she pulled it off, the god halted her with his hand.
"No, it's okay. You don't need to," He calmly reassured her, "they are not dangerous at all."
Lin, who is still fully alerted, felt a little bit hesitant when he said that. The dryad doesn't know what kind of creature that lurks behind the shades. It could be literally anything from her own past experience.
But eventually, she trusts his judgement. Knowing that Oozora must have known this place much better than her. This is his home after all.
And with that trust alone, she let go of the handle. Fully letting the god take over the situation.
Oozora responded this with a smile of gratitude and nodded at her.
He then slowly approached the two creatures. Crouching down in front of them.
Lin, who is now curious, followed him from behind. Wondering what kind of beings that were hidden behind the shadows.
Suddenly, they leaped into his embrace, larking and kissing their friend for the first time in centuries.
Centuries of great change, centuries of moving on from the great farewell of a friend…
He hugged and patted them incessantly, a sporadic chuckle leaving his lips from time to time.
Returning the feelings the kitsune felt, grateful to feel their fur and their fierce livelihood.
He looked back at her, who stared blankly at the magical creatures before her.
“Feel free to give them a little pat.” He cleared the air a bit.
She nodded as she approached the celestial foxes. Her hand slowly rose over one of the foxes, her eyes darkening with curiosity.
It wasn’t that she was afraid of them, nor was it precaution.
She had already seen such creatures back at her realm.
Creatures with the power of altering their surroundings at will, equipped with wisdom of a hundred dragons and the dignity of pure maiden.
Despite their elegant appearance, there was something that was always off about them.
But these just happened to not give off the same.
She proceeded to furiously tickle them as she made a baby voice.
Stroking them and snuggling them into a burst of affection.
Oozora was surprised at the sight, his hands falling on his waist as the other kitsune ran towards her.
“Could I consider this as a dryad thing?” He asked as he looked at her kissing them.
“Probably.” She warped some treats into her hand before feeding it to them. “You do have to have some experience with them though, it isn’t a talent like most people tend to think.”
“Yeah yeah sure.” He patted his thighs, the canines rapidly running back to him…except one of them that stayed stuck to Lin.
They both looked at each other before laughing it off, walking towards the torii gate.
He stood right in front of the vermillion gate, offering a bow in silence.
She stood at his side, hesitating for a second before offering a bow herself.
“Why would you bow to a gate?” She asked as they raised their heads.
“A tradition the people of this land had established.” He carried one of the foxes. “A display of honour to the Gods.”
“You have to be a very prideful man to bow to yourself.”
He chuckled at her words. Not once had he heard such strings of words joined into a sentence.
“My people have always honoured us in one way or another, despite being in difficult circumstances.” A river of memories crossed by his mind.
Memories of the kind and loving, Memories of the depressed and grudgeful.
Those times were bittersweet, maybe too bitter to even call it that.
“I do not bow for myself, nor the gods.” He looked at her as the great torii gate towered behind him. “I bow for the people who cherish and look up to beings such as I, for being there.”
A brave yet sombre wind went through the gates they stood before.
Those were words worthy of an emperor. Words worthy of a humble man with the heart unbound by space itself.
She already knew how dignified a man of his status would be. But she had never imagined a god with a heart for the welfare of their people, at least in her realm.
“What a noble heart!” She joked just as a fox licked her entire face, a goop of saliva falling to the floor.
Oozora burst into laughter, sitting on the floor to catch his breath.
"You...you think so?" the god looked at her jokingly. Trying to hide his own disbelief in the words that the girl just said.
"Of course, it's quite obvious actually. You just quickly jump into action seconds after we arrive." She fondly looked at the creatures, with her hand softly caressing their fur.
"I never see any god like you. Not in my home at least."
She then shifted her gaze upon the stars, mesmerised by the cosmic display. It was almost like gems floating in the sky above. Shimmering in the darkness.
The sight suddenly reminded her of home, far beyond the reach of space and time. Back to the moments when everything was just peaceful and much simpler.
Just she and her friend, Max, gazing to the sky from the forests. Silently watching as the stars go by under the leaves.
The dryad never thought that she would experience this again, not after the war had brought oblivion to her once beloved home. Fallen to the grounds below.
But as funny as fate really is, it brought her here. Letting her enjoy it again with a man she just knew for a day. Someone from the race she used to loathe so much in the past.
It is, truly, an eye-opening experience for the dryad.
After years of anger and hatred kept piling up, she thought that true happiness wasn't for her. That she will forever be bound by the pain from her past.
That's what she used to believe in, until this day.
Somehow just by his presence alone, those feelings quickly ceased. Replacing itself with something new, something different. She can't fully understand them, but it made her feel fuzzy inside.
Those same things made the chains loosen itself. Revealing a tender heart behind. One that has been hurt for way too long.
From that single moment, she finally realised.
Oozora has won all of her trust, her own adoration and most importantly, her affection.
He had got it all from her, in just a single day. Opening her heart, little by little, with his simple but kind nature. Without even realising it.
In the past, Lin would have been terrified by this. Frantically try to lock her heart from any intruders who came near her. With a fear that she will get hurt again if they left her behind.
But years have passed and so has she. The dryad is no longer just a naive girl who spent all her life inside a forest, but a strong and capable knight who had come so far in life. Far beyond the trials she had faced from time to time.
With trust in herself, she finally was ready to take another step forward. Not alone, but with him.
At that exact moment, the chains finally broke free. Letting her open her heart wide open to him. Letting out the secrets that she had hidden for so long.
"Back in my world, gods only see us from high above. Never once settled in the mortal realm," she calmly said it to him.
"I always thought that they are arrogant, perhaps even ignorant in their own nature. Always held their head high, acting grand and majestic, but never have looked after their people.
Even worse, they only caused endless pain to us. Bringing war and discord to our peaceful home. Sacrificing the people they should have protected just for the sake of glory.
Some were misunderstood, others were blinded by anger, which ended up in the demise of someone’s hands."
Just by remembering it again, her heart quickly set ablaze by the fire of pure hatred. Burning like the fires that tore down her home.
“It is now something of the past albeit a close one, but their actions have scarred many lands…and lives.”
She looked at Oozora, who listened in the wind.
Silence was the only thing he could speak at the moment, silence strong enough to express his understanding of her past circumstances.
She held onto the sleeve of her kimono, lifting it up before loosening the knot that held the bandages around her arm.
A loud thud was heard before Oozora as he tried to comprehend what he just saw.
The bandages stuck tightly to the floor, the tiles fractured by its weight.
They were grey in colour, stripped in runes and symbols distant from this world.
He couldn’t fathom how much of a strain to have this wrapped on your body at all times, let alone having the very thought of having it in the first place.
Even the foxes were spooked by the bandages that were dropped on the floor.
“I think one arm will do, won’t it?” She asked as he continued staring at the bandage.
At a slow pace, he lifted his gaze towards her arm.
Shock enveloping his face.
Scars riddled all over her forearm and purple runes carved deep into her skin, fading into her pale skin as it reached towards her shoulder.
“What happened to you?” Oozora got closer with deep concern in his face.
He knew she had her own scars, her own burdens to deal with. But nothing could anticipate it would’ve been that bad.
“These are battle scars, memories of my past actions…and regrets.” She sighed as she looked at them. The wind blew a bit harshly to the sound of her voice.
There was nothing he could say to that, nothing he could’ve asked—at least not yet.
A bitter taste filled his mouth, his heart slowed down to her cold words.
She quickly noticed the change of tone that she had just set. And it wasn’t the one she intended.
“But these battle scars aren’t something that were meant to weaken me. They were meant to create the person I am as of today.
There are scars that are difficult to fade, but there are methods that lead you to accept them and grow beyond them.”
She went back to wrapping her arms in the weighted bandages, easing in a moment of silence before finishing her statement.
“I’m sure you have your own fair share of battle scars, and it’s up to your will to grow past them. But I know you’re capable of it, even if it hurts.”
Oozora looked down for a moment, thoughts of Shieru and Hana flowed into his mind.
Times where everything was alright, times where everything was just as it was supposed to be.
He silently nodded as he acknowledged her words. Maybe it could just be that, maybe that could help against his problems.
He found her arms wrapping around him, her chin resting on his right shoulder as the winds and petals flowed across the desolate temple.
He returned the kind gesture as the night enveloped them in a postlude of nocturnal harmony.
“Thank you, Lin.”
“You’re welcome.”
A gate appeared at her back, enveloped in shades of gold and white and decorated with unique ore.
Oozora immediately seemed puzzled by the sight. He had never seen such a gate in his lifetime before, but Lin —who was facing away from it— knew all too well who it was.
“Act like nothing happened.” She whispered.
“What?”
She quickly pushed him away before facing the gate with the coldest expression she could’ve ever made.
Oozora followed along, although at this point he was begging for answers.
The door opened to a little girl with fiery red hair that stood in a white space.
Her dark skin contrasted her amber coloured eyes, which shone childly as they locked onto the woman.
“Lin!”
She ran towards her, receiving a chop to her head.
Of course, she complained at the sudden abuse, but Lin wasn’t having any of it.
“Sunny, I told you I was going to come on my own!”
“I know!”
“Then why did you come here?”
“Because Myurem said you have to come back!”
Her face came back to normal, understanding the gravity of the situation.
“I’m sorry for this sudden end, Oozora.” She faced him for the last time. “I promise I have a very good reason.”
“That’s alright, I trust you.” He remarked. “Just take care of yourself okay?”
She nodded as she lifted her hand, a bracelet materialising on her palm.
“This is for you.” She put on his wrist. “I want to see it the next time we meet.”
“I’ll do as such.”
They exchanged a farewell hug, albeit awkward with the presence of her sister playing with the foxes.
Lin walked into the gate, turning around to wave a little goodbye as the door slowly closed.
He waved back, wishing her well.
The gates closed, its light vanishing from Oozora’s gaze as he found himself staring at the solemn streets.
Maybe it was time for the god to invest in something more.
To invest in a relationship he once longed for.
He pondered over the thought of introducing his son to her.
He wondered if she even shared the same feeling he did.
Nevertheless, he shook his head.
For those questions would be answered another day.
His gaze shifted to the moon, watching it sparkle along with the other celestial bodies that caked the dark heavens.
Recalling her words, he went on his way, looking at the bracelet that shined so brightly under the moonlight.
It was a night remembered by a god and a dryad. A night of petals and vast skies.
A night blessed by space and nature.
— Finis —