The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over Kurosin, but for Ayu, it felt cold and distant.
He moved silently through his home, packing the few precious belongings that remained. Each item he placed in his bag carried the weight of memories—fragments of a life now shattered.
He paused as his fingers brushed against a small, framed photograph of his parents.
The edges were worn, and the glass slightly cracked, yet it was his most treasured possession. Holding it close, his eyes glistened with unshed tears, the weight of his departure pressing heavily on his heart.
Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps broke the silence.
Kaito, Ayu's childhood friend, burst into the room, his breath unsteady.
Kaito (worried): "Ayu, are you really leaving? You're not serious, are you?"
Ayu turned to face him, his shoulders heavy with the burden of his decision.
Ayu (sighing deeply): "I have to. It's not safe for me—or for the villagers—anymore. I need to find answers… about the sword, Yukato, and my destiny."
Kaito's eyes welled up with tears as he struggled to find words.
Kaito (voice trembling): "I know, but it's hard to let you go. I've already lost so much—my parents, my home… and now, you too?"
Ayu clenched his fists, trying to steady himself. He turned to Kaito and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Ayu (softly): "You've lost your parents too. You understand this pain better than anyone. That's why… I can't let you face it alone. But Kaito, I need to do this. I need to understand what's happening to me."
Kaito wiped his tears, but his expression shifted to determination.
Kaito (firmly): "Then I'm coming with you."
Ayu's eyes widened in surprise.
Ayu (shaking his head): "No, Kaito. It's too dangerous—"
Kaito (interrupting): "Danger? What's left for me here? Nothing. But out there... maybe we can find answers. A new purpose. A new beginning."
Ayu stared at him for a long moment before nodding.
Ayu (softly): "We're in this together, then."
Kaito smiled faintly, his tears still visible.
Kaito: "Together."
They shared a long, heartfelt hug, drawing strength from each other. It was a silent promise—a bond unbroken by fear or doubt.
Scene – Leaving the Village
With their minds made up, Ayu and Kaito gathered their supplies. Their footsteps echoed through the quiet streets of Kurosin as they approached the village gate.
Villagers who had once celebrated festivals alongside them now turned away, casting uncertain glances.
Standing at the entrance, Ayu took one last look at the place he had called home.
The wind carried the scent of blooming flowers and faint echoes of laughter—reminders of a time that now felt so distant.
Kaito placed a hand on Ayu's shoulder.
Kaito: "We'll be back someday, stronger than ever."
Ayu nodded, his grip tightening on the strap of his bag.
Ayu: "Yeah. Someday."
Without another word, they stepped out of the gates, leaving behind their village and everything they had ever known.
The sun climbed higher as they disappeared into the horizon, their journey only just beginning.