Epilogue: Distant Skies
It had been two years since Mio and Mayu escaped the lost village. All the pictures Mio had taken turned out blank.
Mio and Mayu came to the conclusion that the ghosts were finally able to rest in peace.
When they returned home, they found out they had been gone for an entire day.
Now they sat on a bench overlooking a large body of water.
"We used to play here a lot you know." Mayu said.
"Yeah." Mio nodded in agreement.
"Now it's all gone." Mayu said.
It was true, a few days after they got back from the village. The construction of the dam was complete. The small creek they used to hang out was flooded along with the Lost Village and the rest of the forest.
"Perhaps it was for the best." Mio replied.
Mayu knew what she meant.
"Yeah…" Mayu replied. "I guess your right."
The twins never talked about their experience in the village. It was usually rare when they did.
Mio picked up the camera that was on her lap and placed it beside her.
"Still holding onto that I see." Mayu said.
"Yeah." Mio replied. "Ever since that day it's giving me a sense of security."
There was silence for a few minutes.
"How's your leg?" Mio asked. "Does it still hurt."
"It feels much better now." Mayu replied. "It aches a bit if I run too fast, but it feels better."
"Good." Mio smiled. "I'm sure it'll fully recover in time."
"Say Mio, have you considered taking an interest in photography?" Mayu asked.
"I've been thinking about it." Mio admitted. "It could be an interesting hobby. If I do go down that path would you like to become my assistant."
"Mio, you don't need to ask." Mayu smiled. "Of course I would."
There was silence for a few minutes.
"We'll it's time to get going." Mio said. "Uncle Kei will be expecting us soon. I heard he's inviting a friend over, I think his name is Yuu."
"Yeah, it's Yuu." Mayu confirmed. "Yuu Aso. Uncle Kei spoke greatly about him, I'm sure he's a good man."
"Me too." Mio nodded.
Both twins sat up and walked home.
From a nearby tree branch, a crimson red butterfly watched them. A few minutes later, it flew off into the distant skies.
The End