The next morning, the town awakened under a gentle golden sky. Raito, Aqua, Kyota, and Ayame decided to spend the day together, making the most of the peaceful atmosphere before returning to their busy lives.
They wandered through the bustling marketplace, where colorful stalls stretched down every street.
Aqua dragged Raito from shop to shop, her eyes shining with excitement as she tried on sparkling jewelry and admired beautiful dresses. Ayame clung to Kyota's arm, demanding he win her a prize at the festival games—he succeeded, after many stubborn attempts, winning her a stuffed toy that made her beam with happiness.
Raito and Aqua shared roasted corn on sticks, while Kyota and Ayame munched on sweet rice cakes, laughing together at the sights and sounds around them. Street performers danced with ribbons of fire, musicians filled the air with lively tunes, and children chased each other between the crowds.
It was a morning filled with laughter, lighthearted teasing, and the simple joy of being together.
After hours of walking and shopping, their stomachs growled in unison. They decided to have lunch at a cozy restaurant nestled by the town square, its windows overflowing with the scent of warm, freshly baked bread.
As they sat down, eagerly chatting about their morning adventures, something unexpected unfolded.
One by one, the villagers gathered around their table. Murmurs turned into excited chatter, and soon a voice rose above the others:
"You are the father of the goddess of this town!" an elderly man cried out, bowing deeply.
The whole restaurant turned to look.
Raito blinked, startled. "W-What?! No! I think you're mistaken!" he stammered, frantically waving his hands in denial.
But the villagers only smiled wider. "It's you!" they insisted, pointing directly at him.
Aqua froze. Her fork slipped from her hand and clattered onto the plate. She turned to Raito, eyes wide, her voice trembling. "Raito… what are they talking about?"
"I don't know! I swear—it's not me!" Raito pleaded, a bead of sweat sliding down his temple.
But Aqua's face twisted in pain. Doubt flickered across her features.
"Don't lie to me!" she screamed, her voice slicing through the restaurant like a knife.
"I'm not lying!" Raito shouted back, his voice desperate, cracking with emotion.
Without another word, Aqua's hand shot out—
SLAP!
The sound echoed through the silent restaurant as her palm struck Raito's cheek hard enough to turn his head.
Tears spilled freely from her eyes now. She stumbled back, choking on sobs, and bolted out of the restaurant, her cries fading into the busy streets.
For a few moments, Raito sat frozen, clutching his cheek, his heart shattered into a thousand pieces.
Just then, Kyota and Ayame burst into the restaurant, stopping short at the scene before them. They stared at their father, who sat brokenly at the table, his hands trembling.
The villagers, however, had already moved on, their excitement renewed as they turned to Ayame.
"It's her! She is the true goddess!" someone cried.
Ayame blinked, startled.
The villagers explained, "Every time she returns from the forest, the beasts in that area are found slain. She is surely blessed with divine strength!"
Ayame, realizing the attention, laughed mischievously. "Well, of course! I am incredible," she said, tossing her hair dramatically.
In truth, however, it had been Kyota who had silently protected the village all along, slaying dangerous beasts in the shadows. He said nothing, knowing too much fame would bring trouble.
Ayame, still too young to realize the weight of responsibility, basked in the glory.
The villagers overjoyed, presented her with a beautiful enchanted sword, its silver blade glimmering with faint blue runes. Ayame accepted it proudly, her eyes shining with glee.
As the celebrations settled, the family decided to return home—but something was missing.
Aqua.
Their hearts pounded with fear as they searched every corner of the town, calling her name. But she was nowhere to be found.
Desperate, Raito ran deep into the forest—the same forest that had once brought them together.
Kyota, worried, silently followed him. Ayame hurried after Kyota, her steps light.
They found her.
In the middle of the clearing, sitting by a familiar oak tree, Aqua hugged her knees to her chest, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
Raito approached slowly. "Aqua..."
But before he could reach her, Aqua shoved him away violently, her face a storm of heartbreak and anger.
"Don't touch me!" she screamed, her voice raw with pain.
She lashed out at him, striking his chest with weak, desperate blows.
Raito did not defend himself. He stood there, letting her pour out her anguish, his own eyes glistening with tears.
Finally, exhausted, Aqua turned to run—but her foot caught on a hidden root, and she tumbled to the ground. From the underbrush, a snake darted out, sinking its fangs deep into her hand.
"Aqua!" Raito cried out in horror.
Without hesitation, he rushed forward. He bit into her hand near the wound, drawing the poison out with his mouth and spitting it aside. His hands trembled as he worked, his heart pounding harder than ever before.
When he finished, Aqua stared up at him, her body weak, her voice cracking.
"If you don't love me anymore… then why?" she whispered brokenly.
Raito's hands cupped her tear-stained face.
"Because," he said softly, his voice trembling, "you are the only one I've ever loved. And the only one I will ever love."
Aqua's eyes widened. Her breath caught in her throat—and then she burst into fresh tears, collapsing into his arms, clinging tightly to him as if afraid he might disappear.
Hidden among the trees, Kyota and Ayame watched, a wave of relief washing over them.
Realizing they had to beat their parents home, Kyota grabbed Ayame's hand, and the two raced back through the woods. But as they hurried, Kyota caught a glimpse of something deep in the forest—a boy, floating eerily above the ground, his face hidden beneath a black cloak.
Kyota's heart skipped a beat. That figure… it's the same one from back then… he thought, remembering the battle with Akiya.
But there was no time to linger.
He tightened his grip on Ayame's hand and ran faster.
They arrived home—only to find Aqua and Raito already there, standing with knowing smiles on their faces.
"You'll never outsmart us, kids," Aqua said, winking playfully.
Raito chuckled. "But good effort."
Kyota and Ayame laughed sheepishly, bowing their heads in apology.
Aqua clapped her hands. "Now then! Who's ready for dinner?"
The warm laughter that followed echoed through the evening air, mending all the broken pieces of their hearts.