Letters

Bonds Severed and Forged

Under the cloak of darkness, the Azura Tree stood tall and imposing, its branches swaying gently in the night breeze. Beneath its ancient canopy, Airi and Yorokobi waited in silence, their hearts heavy with anticipation as they watched the moon cast its silver light upon the earth.

As the clock struck three, a sense of unease settled over them, a feeling of foreboding that lingered in the stillness of the night. Their eyes scanned the shadows, searching for any sign of movement, any hint of the presence they had summoned.

Suddenly, a rustling sound broke the silence, causing Airi and Yorokobi to tense with apprehension. A shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, its form shrouded in mystery as it approached the girls with cautious steps.

As the figure drew nearer, Airi's heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat as she strained to discern its identity. With each step, the figure's features became clearer, until at last, it stood before them, bathed in the pale moonlight.

To their surprise and relief, the figure revealed itself to be Akio, his expression solemn yet determined as he gazed upon them with concern.

"Why have you summoned me here?" he inquired, his voice soft yet firm, his eyes probing theirs for answers.

Yorokobi's composure faltered as tears welled in her eyes, her emotions overwhelming her in the presence of her childhood friend. She struggled to find the words, her voice choked with emotion as she attempted to articulate the reason for their summons.

Unable to speak, Yorokobi looked to Airi for support, her gaze pleading for understanding. Airi, sensing her friend's distress, reached out and took her hand, offering her silent encouragement as they stood together beneath the Azura Tree.

Akio watched the scene unfold before him, his heart heavy with concern for his friends. He knew that whatever had prompted their late-night meeting must be of great importance, and he resolved to offer whatever support he could.

"Yoro," he said gently, his voice a soothing presence in the darkness. "Whatever it is, you can tell me. I'm here for you."

Yorokobi struggled to compose herself, her tears flowing freely now as she grappled with the weight of her emotions. Finally, summoning her courage, she spoke, her voice trembling yet determined.

As Yorokobi tearfully revealed the dire situation with Satorimu, Akio's expression darkened with concern and alarm. The news that his Primary Attendant had fallen under the sway of Bellisi sent a chill down his spine, filling him with a sense of urgency and dread.

Before Akio could process the full implications of Yorokobi's revelation, she collapsed to the ground, her tears mingling with the dew-kissed grass as she grappled with the weight of her emotions. Her mind raced with conflicting thoughts, torn between the desire to protect Akio from further harm and the need to reveal the truth about Ryuko's involvement.

Akio knelt beside Yorokobi, his heart heavy with worry as he gently reached out to comfort her. "Yoro, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with concern as he searched her eyes for answers.

Yorokobi hesitated, her thoughts in turmoil as she debated whether to confide in Akio about Ryuko's betrayal. Before she could reach a decision, Akio pressed her for more information, his voice urgent yet gentle.

"What vow did Satorimu make?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern as he sought to understand the gravity of the situation.

Airi, sensing Yorokobi's distress, stepped forward to offer her support, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her heart. "Satorimu vowed to become the Empress of the Blue Westerns, no matter the cost," she explained, her words weighted with sadness and regret. "She was willing to do anything, even if it meant... even if it meant harming others."