Where There is Destiny

Stories

    Kuro stood before the statue of his mother, lost in thought. Eidu noticed his confusion and realized he had made a mistake bringing Kuro here. Nevertheless, he was determined to explain everything to him.

"Why is my mom's statue here?" Kuro asked.

Eidu took a deep breath. "It's a long story, about 2,987 years ago... Your mother, Pema, used to live here. She was one of five immortals, meaning she could choose when to die. No one could harm her unless she allowed it."

Kuro's eyes widened with hope. "So my mother is alive? Where is she?"

Eidu tried to calm him down. "That's what I'm trying to tell you. It's uncertain if she's still alive. After General Daiji decided to stay in the material world with her daughter and blamed us for Pema's misfortune, they cut off all contact with us. Daiji's last mission was to keep you safe, and he succeeded. He was the one who brought you here when you were unconscious."

"What do you mean, a mission to keep me safe?" Kuro asked, bewildered.

Eidu looked into Kuro's eyes and began, "Master Tenzin explained that you're the reincarnation of Douyu. It was Douyu's fate to defeat Jin-Okazaki, but unfortunately, Jin-Okazaki was too powerful back then. Douyu died in that battle, but only his soul. You have the power to defeat him. Your father cast a spell on your body after your death and entrusted Pema with the core of your soul for protection. We thought Jin-Okazaki would weaken over the years, but instead, he grew stronger. That's why it's crucial for you to remember your past because only you know his weaknesses."

Kuro listened carefully, trying to piece everything together. However, since he couldn't remember anything from his past life, he felt lost.

Meanwhile, Coco, realizing Kuro's confusion, approached Eidu and bit his leg. "Ouch!" Eidu exclaimed. "Why'd you do that, buddy?" he asked Coco.

Coco tugged at Eidu's pants and led him to the entrance of the fourth bridge. Each of the five bridges had a unique power, and the fourth one allowed thoughts to be spoken aloud without the need for language. Moreover, no one could lie there, as only their true thoughts were spoken.

Coco, Eidu, and Kuro stood on the bridge, and as they took their first step, Kuro felt something different, something spiritual yet strange. Suddenly, a memory from his past life flashed before his eyes.

In the memory, Douyu stood on the same bridge with a girl whose face was blurry. She spoke through her thoughts, "Trust me, I didn't betray."

Douyu's thoughts responded, "You weren't the one who betrayed. You were the source. Just tell me you didn't know their plan."

She replied, "I knew."

Eidu noticed the tension on Kuro's face and asked, "Are you okay?"

Kuro looked back at the bridge, but there was no one there. He looked at Eidu and said, "Nothing, I'm okay."

As soon as Coco stepped onto the bridge, his thoughts began to speak. "Every Ongaku warrior had a companion," Coco conveyed silently. "They knew everything about each other, their souls bonded just like ours, Eidu. If we find Kuro's companion, maybe he can help Kuro remember."

Eidu nodded in agreement. "That's a great idea, buddy. I also remember the day when Ray came and couldn't find Douyu. He ran into the forest to search for Douyu, and we never saw him again."

Kuro's thoughts mixed with Eidu's. Kuro wondered, "What if Ray has passed away by now?" Quickly, Kuro said, "I didn't mean to imply that. I'm sorry."

Coco intervened, "Think before you think. We're on the fourth bridge where thoughts have a voice. But your question is understandable. After being bonded, every 'Emover companion' shares the same fate as their partner. It's still a mystery why Ray hasn't died even after Douyu's death... Maybe he's still alive for you. But I can understand that every second away from you feels like hell for him."