Eclipsed

Chapter 75

As Miyako and Aiko returned to the kingdom, the bustling activity of the palace contrasted sharply with the quiet storm of thoughts racing through Miyako's mind. She spotted Aiko sitting on a bench near the palace, seemingly lost in thought. Approaching her, Miyako said softly, "Come with me, Aiko. There is something I'd like you to see."

Aiko looked up, her face filled with curiosity but also a hint of concern. "Sure," she replied, standing up to follow Miyako.

The two of them quickly made their way to a silver dragon waiting near the edge of the courtyard. Miyako climbed onto the dragon's back with ease, and Aiko hesitated for a moment before following her. The dragon's wings beat with power as it took to the sky, the kingdom of Kagestu shrinking below them.

"Where are we going?" Aiko asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"You'll see," Miyako replied cryptically.

As the flight stretched on, the landscape changed. Snowy peaks and vast, silent mountains soon appeared on the horizon. Aiko's eyes widened in surprise. "This is weird, Miyako... What are you trying to show me?"

Miyako didn't answer immediately. She guided the dragon toward a large mountain that loomed ahead, its jagged cliffs covered with layers of white snow. The cold, crisp air intensified as they approached the mountain's base.

Aiko shivered slightly, her breath turning to mist in the freezing air. "It's so cold..."

Miyako landed the dragon smoothly on a cliff near the mountain's entrance. The peak towered above them, the sheer size of it making everything feel small and distant. Aiko stared at the intimidating mountain, its vastness making her feel even more unsettled.

Miyako dismounted and began walking towards the entrance, a large cave opening in the side of the mountain. Aiko followed, still unsure of what was going on.

As they ventured deeper into the cave, Aiko blinked in surprise. The cave was not at all what she expected. Inside, it was alive with activity. The sound of children laughing and playing filled the air. Young Astrothesiai children were running through the village, their ethereal forms glowing in the soft light that emanated from within the cave. Men were chatting and laughing together, while women gathered, talking and tending to their tasks. The sight was peaceful, serene even.

Aiko's breath caught in her throat. "Astrothesiai... But I thought..." Her words trailed off as she struggled to process what she was seeing.

Miyako, her expression somber, turned to Aiko. "Aiko, it's complicated... I thought I had to show you this... I'm also shocked."

Aiko looked around in disbelief, trying to make sense of it all. "But why are they here? How are they alive?"

Miyako's voice softened as she explained. "The reason they're alive is because of Ren. He helped them escape from Yoruzen. The blood and the fake remains around their homes... that was all created by Ren. It was so Yoruzen wouldn't target these people for their sacred ornament, which Yoruzen wants. Ren anticipated this... and I guess he drove them out to save them."

Aiko's expression darkened, a mixture of shock and anger flickering in her eyes. Her hand gripped the hilt of her blade, and with a sudden, swift motion, she drew it and pressed it against Miyako's throat.

Miyako froze, raising her hands defensively, but she didn't move. "Aiko, please—"

Aiko's voice trembled with raw emotion. "This entire time... I wanted to kill him for what he did. But he didn't do anything... I didn't even hear him out." Aiko's eyes filled with frustration and regret as she slowly lowered her blade.