wanderer's moon | kaedehara kazuha

12 | you'll see freedom lying way beyond

Luminous blossoms graced their day long after they set off from camp the following day, venturing to Yashiori Island next; a massive graveyard of an ancient god, notable warriors sacrificed in a past war and its omnipresent aura engulfing the lonesome land. Kazuha had led Nara to an abandoned mine, though it is not truly left behind when drifters occupy the caverns and marvel at its hidden beauty. If one were to walk deep enough into the caves, the abyss will radiate its sacred bloom of light—humming its unique song to perceptive ears.

Jakotsu Mine is not as dark as one were to imagine as even the sun and moon would cast their ray through the small opening in the rocky ceiling. However, much of the cavern's visibility came from the turquoise glow emitting from said flowers. These blossoms are found to be nameless, to Kazuha's dismay. The first time he stepped on the island and explored this area, he could not find a journal an adventurer would leave behind. Perhaps these flowers are meant to be part of the forsaken present rather than a bright past.

So when Nara stood in the middle of Jakotsu Mine, flowers never seen before; flowers never heard before—a dazzling, pleasant smile formed on her icy lips.

And when Kazuha observed from the sidelines, he thought, how can the moon appear at this time of the day?

Witnessing one of Nara's rare smiles is remarkable. If Kazuha were to translate this moment into a scenery in mind, then, it will be the clear surface of the ocean capturing the starry firmament in its reflection—a boundless world of stars and moon.

Nara continues to look around in mirth, expression repose yet her glimmering eyes could not hide away from Kazuha, and he instantly grinned when Nara eagerly rushed towards a specific area she spotted, leaving him behind. It was as if he were bringing a child out to watch the fireworks, and the feeling that came with it was rewarding upon seeing their happy faces.

Luminescent pools of water strewed across the hollow ground, each step grazing the surface as he walked towards Nara. She was squatting in front of a few fully grown luminous plants and flowers; their stems elongate and nourishing from the way they stood tall. When Kazuha stood by her side, her blue eyes were fixated on its grandeur, admiring in silence, awed speechless.

Kazuha smiles fondly.

"These are different than the ones in Chinju Forest," Nara pointed out, still gaping at the plants. "Could it be because they only grow in enclosed spaces? Also, would its light dim if I were to pluck it out?"

Spoken like a botanist, Kazuha could not help the laugh that leaves his mouth.

"I am no expert, but perhaps you could try plucking out one—if it is worth the curiosity." Kazuha beckons her to continue, opting her a suggestion. Nara briefly glanced at him before looking at the plant again.

Based on her decision, she chose to pluck one out from the stem, and when the cerulean luminous glow did not dim nor disappear—her smile returned—only this time; it was more optimistic.

"Looks like it's worth the curiosity," Nara grins, showing off the illumed mature flower as she lifts it to Kazuha.

However, he was not focused on the beauty of the flower, but on the beauty of the rare smile on her lips.

It truly is a wonder and delightful to witness the curls of her lips time and time again, after having observed her quietly on moonlit nights when Nara would have an imperceptibly morose look on her face—how her lips were thin as shore's ice, the vague crescents underneath her eyes and the bleak blue irises. If grief were to wear a face, then she would be one of them—and it hurts.

It is blatant in the way that the wind whispers her stories to his ears, though sometimes there are nights and days he could not read her for which her heart is sealed and her soul is throbbed. Kazuha understood that. He knew this more than anyone. Both of them are the same yet so different. Kazuha is kind and forgiving. Nara is kind and grieving. She carries them in the way that she sees the world and how she treats her worth—and it pained him to see that every time they are together—because Nara is worth so much more, and she lacked the knowledge to know that.