Fate of Pandora - Book II

EPILOGUE

Author's Note: This came as a delightful surprise since this chapter was entirely written by my helpful editor and friend, Breanne, who, without her detication, this story wouldn't exist. This chapter came out of her love for the characters and the story, and I feel honored to post it here.  

Thank you so much, my friend, for all your support.

ONE YEAR LATER

It was the anniversary of the final battle, and the former Kamikas had agreed to meet in a fitting place: the shrine at Yakuo-in Temple. This was the place where they had said goodbye to Yuko; where they had gone to say a prayer for Jasmet and Kairi a few months after losing them; and where they would now give thanks for the lasting peace they had all found.

The parking area was not very busy this time of year after the festivals had ended. As Ayame got off the back of Coalt's motorbike (this one was not borrowed or stolen, he had saved for months to afford it), she wondered aloud if their friends would be waiting for them.

"There wasn't much traffic, so we made good time. Usually trains are faster, though."

She was busy taking her hair down out of her helmet, so she didn't notice the odd expression on his face. But she knew him well enough to catch the distant tone in his voice, one that he never used with her anymore. Ayame looked up at him and smiled.

"Hey, cheer up. This is supposed to be a happy occasion!"

"Yeah, I know."

They started up the long steps toward the courtyard where their friends would be waiting for them.

"I know that it's bittersweet – too many difficult things have happened for us not to be a little sad. But look at all the good that has come from it! We found each other. None of us would have met if not for the God's rings."

He didn't reply, and Ayame took his hand. "Oh, I know what will cheer you up! After we leave here, I'll buy you some Takoyaki!"

"Ugh! Forget it, you're not tricking me with octopus again!" Coalt still hadn't developed much taste for the local delicacies of Japanese cuisine.

Ayame giggled. "Taiyaki, then?"

"Is that the fish-shaped thing with chocolate inside?" He dropped her hand and put his arm around her. "Sure, I'll let you buy me one of those if you can find it."

"It's safe to say we're past the dating phase where you pay for all the meals then, uh?"

They laughed and he added, "Too bad the festival isn't here, maybe I could get that game man to pay for our food again."

They had reached the top of the steps, and besides a few small groups roving around the temple, there was no sign of their friends.

"Hm. Do you think they would have gone inside without us?"

Coalt shrugged. "Maybe their train was late?" He checked his watch while Ayame looked around some more, as if their huge group would simply leap out of the bushes.

"Hey, I have an idea," Coalt said suddenly, grabbing both of her hands in his. "Come with me."

"But what about-"

"There's no point waiting around here for them to show up. I'm sure Luna will text when they arrive."

Ayame looked unconvinced, but allowed herself to be led away. When they reached the northwest side of the grounds and started up the path that led off into the forest, she understood where they were headed.