"Really?" Su's eyes widened in disbelief. They had already flipped through so many books together, but nowhere had there been any signs of the existence of elemental spirits, so she found it hard to believe.
Amu nodded excitedly, grabbed her hand, and ran downstairs until they stood before the others. She briefly glanced around, cleared her throat, and let her eyes wander back to the pages of the book before reading aloud.
"In the veiled depths of time, hidden from mortal eyes, lies Undine, the wise and noble spirit of water. She, whose loyalty is unwavering, watches over the streams of life, whose whispers carry the song of eternity. Her spirit is diligent, her wisdom as unfathomable as the still heart of the ocean.
But those who seek Undine's favor must walk a path that leads into the mist of the unknown. Beyond the paths of the ordinary, far in the west, lies the mysterious Will-o'-the-Wisp Forest, a realm that respects neither the laws of time nor those of nature. Strange lights dance there, deceiving the senses and confusing the heart. No one knows what trials lie within its heart, for the forest never reveals itself the same way twice. Those who enter must proceed without knowledge and without certainty, guided only by their courage and determination.
At the end of this unpredictable path, the seeker will find themselves before a thundering waterfall. Behind the roaring veil of water lies the cave, the place where Undine has waited for eons for the one ready to face the secrets of the water. Only those who pass through the Will-o'-the-Wisp Forest and conquer the echo of uncertainty will stand before Undine and receive her unfathomable wisdom."
"You can forget about that right now! No one's ever come back from that forest," the blonde crossed his arms and looked at the excited girl seriously.
"I have to do it! I have to find her and convince her to help me..." Amu insisted, meeting his gaze with determination.
"This is madness… If you get lost in that forest, you won't be able to help him either…" Tadase sighed heavily, shaking his head as he rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Nagi, say something…"
The purple-haired boy grimaced and sighed. "We can't stop her. Either we support her, or she'll go off on her own, you can see that…" The fire in her eyes was hard to miss, and he'd even bet that she would sneak away if necessary.
Tadase, however, continued to try to talk some sense into her, but it was in vain. After a few more debates, he finally gave up. None of the group was particularly thrilled about the whole thing, but they all knew that the looming catastrophe had to be prevented, and their current abilities simply weren't enough.
Once all the preparations were made, Amu, Tadase, Nagi, and Yoru set out to find the forest. The maids stayed behind at the castle to take care of Aruto. Yoru was only joining them because he knew this area a little better than the others. Besides, he could communicate better with Velkan, should they need his help.
The journey to the forest was already arduous and long, and they set up camp to rest frequently. During these moments, the small group was mostly carefree, which was largely due to Amu's many stories from her world. She even told them for the first time how she and Ikuto had died, and even that was cheesy—both skewered together at the same time, metaphorically united forever.
She noticed the others swallowing and the looks they exchanged and waved her hands. "It's in the past, now we're alive and kicking… Well… half-alive, anyway…" she sighed at the thought of Ikuto and gazed up at the clear night sky. The moon illuminated the entire sky with its beauty.
"That reminds me…" her gaze rested on Yoru. "You're kind of different here."
"Am I?" Yoru raised an eyebrow.
"You were actually pretty cheeky and lively. Here, you seem like the calmer head in your duo and quite relaxed." She placed her finger on her chin, making a thoughtful gesture.
"My life didn't leave much room for laughter. I had to be serious and a pillar of support." Ikuto had been cast out early on, and Yoru was only a little older in this world. Both had fought hard, but he wanted to be there for his master as much as possible and make his life easier.
Amu looked at him sadly before smiling again and gently poking his nose. "I'm sure the future holds brighter days for all of us, and who knows, maybe Miki will contribute to that."
The blue-haired boy blushed and looked away. "I don't know what you mean…" he mumbled quietly. "If we don't free Ikuto, I see no bright days ahead…" Not only would everything fall into chaos, but this life without his longest friend would be no brighter than the years before.
"We'll make it!" her voice was filled with pure conviction, but even though Amu believed it firmly, the rest of the group was less certain.
"Oh, by the way, while I was searching through books on elemental spirits, I also came across some that talked about vampires? Are there vampires in this world? Why has no one ever mentioned them?" The pink-haired girl furrowed her brow and looked around the small group.
"No one's seen one in ages. They're considered extinct and are slowly becoming a myth, but supposedly they existed long ago, though that was before our time," Tadase explained calmly. Whether they truly existed, he didn't know either. He had only heard this information from his private tutors. His parents wanted him to be well-educated and at least have heard of everything.
"Creepy… And werewolves?" In her world, there were hardly any stories without both.
"Never heard of them," Yoru replied with a shrug.
"There are still different races: elves, harpies, and fairies..." Nagi remarked, looking at her. "But at least you should know that much yourself…"
"My parents never really cared about my education. It was more important that Tadase liked me, and, well... I always had my mind on him," she sighed, feeling embarrassed about her past lack of interest in the world. "But weren't there only humans in the city?" She should have noticed something, but since nothing extraordinary existed there, she questioned nothing.
"The kingdoms remain strictly separated, especially the elves, who let no one in and only very rarely allow one of their own to interact with the outside world." Tadase chimed in, sighing. "They are so arrogant that it's hardly bearable. They think they're superior to everyone; to them, we are just worthless vermin. However, they are the only ones who master the rare light magic," he continued, glancing briefly at the sky. "They live in Kharzeria."
"Presumably, they are also the smartest people," Amu concluded. While they were only fictional in her world, some of what she knew about elves reflected reality. Tadase nodded silently in agreement.
"The harpies, on the other hand, are quite stupid and a bit backward. They are also rather brutal and bloodthirsty, making them best avoided." Yoru continued, shuddering at the thought of them. They often killed in brutal ways. "They are half human, half bird, so to speak, and can fly. They also inhabit the high mountains, which they know well, and can approach almost invisibly until just before their attack."
"Moreover, they look quite good despite their mixed form and lure many with their song," Nagi added, observing how Amu furrowed her brow. She understandably seemed less than impressed by the harpies.
"The fairies are probably the most dangerous yet, at the same time, the most peaceful people. They value peace and avoid violence, but they possess the ability to shape and alter time to their wishes. If they dislike you, they can effortlessly make you age in an instant. It is said that time on their floating islands either passes faster or slower than here, depending on the fairies' mood." The lilac-haired one sighed, relieved that he had yet to encounter one. He would hate to step into a minefield and end up as an old fool. "You can only visit them if you possess the light crystal and open a portal with it. But, of course, the elves have that," he shrugged and looked at Yoru. He could explain the last race best.
"The Feralis, in Feravon, are shy around strangers. You rarely catch a glimpse of them. They also love their independence and freedom. I am probably an exception, as I have always served Ikuto. However, I didn't have much of a choice. My siblings wanted to explore the outside world. When hunters appeared, we scattered, and I stayed behind. Ikuto found me and offered his help. My family never attempted to find me or bring me back." He sighed and paused briefly.
"In contrast to the fairies and elves, we aren't particularly special. We have the ability to transform into a specific animal. For example, I can turn into a cat, while others may become an eagle. Like normal animals, we also possess the ability to blend seamlessly into nature, making it difficult to spot us. Most of my kind are quite curious and playful, and once they trust you and see you as a friend, they are extremely loyal." He was perhaps the best proof of this, as he had never once considered abandoning Ikuto or betraying him.
The pink-haired girl sighed. "So, we probably need to travel to nearly every land for the elemental spirits."
"I strongly suspect that the Will-o'-the-Wisp Forest is connected to the fairies; however, we shouldn't need to enter their land. The elves lie between two directions, but we might encounter the harpies to the north and the Feralis to the south." The Will-o'-the-Wisp Forest was located in the west, leaving only the east, Horensia.
"I wish we had found information about the elemental spirit in the east first, considering that we come from there." Amu leaned back on her hands and gazed up at the starry sky. As she admired the twinkling celestial bodies, a gentle smile spread across her face. After discovering her first clear directive, she didn't want to wait any longer and simply packed a few books to read during the journey, hoping to find clues about the next elemental spirits.
"You wanted to set off immediately; we advised you that it would be more efficient to start in our homeland," the blonde remarked, crossing his arms over his chest and shaking his head slightly.
The group continued to converse around the campfire for a while until the first signs of fatigue set in, and they ultimately decided it was time for bed.
Amu was awake early and practiced her water magic. By now, she could create not just small fish from water, but larger waves and walls of the element. Currently, she was trying to make the water around her tile so it could function as a shield. Although this wasn't strictly necessary since she would also be able to create shields with wind magic, that ability had not yet been fully developed as there hadn't been a moment to practice with Tadase.
The young man stretched a bit and opened his eyes while yawning. Yoru and Nagi were still sleeping, but he immediately noticed Amu's empty spot, prompting him to quietly get up and look for her. When he finally spotted her near a river, he smiled gently at the sight of the water droplets on her skin glistening in the early morning sun, capturing the light for a moment.
"I hope you got enough sleep." When the pink-haired girl suddenly heard a voice, she jumped, and the water that had been hovering above her head splashed down onto her. She made a face and looked silently at Tadase. He couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh and let a gentle breeze swirl around her until she was dry again.
"Don't overdo it, okay?" He stood in front of her now, sighing softly, yet looked at her with a gentle smile.
"I'm not, don't worry." She stretched briefly and looked at the sunrise. She had to admit she was a bit tired, but it wasn't too bad. "You were supposed to teach me wind magic," her tone was a bit reproachful, but the gesture of sticking out her tongue neutralized it.
"Can I come closer for that?" He sounded hesitant and didn't want to ask the question, but he couldn't think of any other way to show her. Surely, there were other ways, but he wasn't exactly a teacher.
The pink-haired girl swallowed and hesitated briefly before nodding; after all, it was for a meaningful purpose. She really just wanted to get closer to Ikuto.
Tadase finally took a few steps toward her until he could position himself behind her, taking her hands in his while his head rested on her shoulder, near her ear. His gaze lingered for a moment on the ring that still adorned her right hand. He felt his heart inexplicably beat faster but composed himself and focused on guiding her.
"Wind magic can resemble a dance if you want it to. Many find it easier that way. But, of course, it doesn't have to be like that. Channel your magic, imagine a light, fresh breeze surrounding you, and let go; trust me." His voice was soft, almost a whisper, but since he was right by her ear, she could understand everything. She couldn't deny that the feelings that still existed for him made her heart race in this situation.
Tadase began gently guiding her hands, his fingers lightly entwining with hers. His movements were calm and deliberate, almost like rocking in the rhythm of the wind. He carefully drew her into a flowing turn that entwined their bodies in a gentle dance. Amu could feel her feet almost weightless as he led her in a slow, elegant tempo.
"Just relax... let yourself drift," he murmured, his voice warm and soothing. His grip remained firm yet gentle as he guided her step by step. Amu closed her eyes and focused on the tingling in her fingertips. It was as if the wind flowed between their hands, like a delicate breeze swirling around them.
With every step that Tadase led her, she felt something inside her change. Another part of her magic stirred, gentle and shy, as if awakened by his touch and the rhythm he set. The air around them began to move, imperceptibly at first, but it was there – a light, cool wind wrapping around their bodies and dancing with them.
"That's it," Tadase whispered, pulling her a bit closer to him, his movements fluid and familiar. "Imagine the wind is a part of you. It's not something you have to force – you just let it come."
Amu took a deep breath, let his words sink in, and relaxed in his guidance. Slowly, a faint, shimmering shield began to form around them both, a soft whisper of wind that enveloped them protectively. It was still delicate, barely more than a movement in the air, but it was there – the result of her growing control.
Tadase smiled slightly against her neck. "See? You can do it. Trust in yourself." Eventually, he reluctantly let go of her, as the exercise was over for now. His heart, which had been steadily racing the entire time, was grateful for the pause.
"That won't really stop any attacks," she murmured as she gently and curiously poked the wind shield, which then shattered into fine glittering particles. She finally turned to him and smiled softly. "Thank you."
"It will work with a bit of practice," he assured her, nodding with a gentle smile. Finally, he sighed and took a deep breath before addressing the elephant in the room. "Amu... The ring... You're still wearing it..."
The pink-haired girl smiled sadly and held her hand out to look at the ring. "It's a bit hard for me, of course..." Her gaze drifted to Tadase and rested there for a moment. She loved him, had forgiven him, and acknowledged that he had truly made an effort to change and improve. She had been ready to let her feelings for him resurface and seriously becoming his wife. Of course, all of that didn't just disappear because she had regained her memories.
She didn't know if she would ever completely lose her feelings for Tadase and Nagi, especially since she was still in contact with both of them. A sigh escaped her lips.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything..." After watching her silently for a few moments without receiving further reaction, he felt that he had triggered something uncomfortable in her.
"No, it's fine." She took his right hand and laid her right hand on it for a moment. "They really complement each other well. They go well together." She was speaking about the rings.
Tadase swallowed and struggled against his desire to kiss her. "I thought it would be a nice idea. It would reflect the connection even more..." he murmured uncertainly as his gaze shifted to the river.
"That's true." She smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, friendly. "I can't quite bring myself to do it, but I must unfortunately tell you that the day I take it off will come."
Tadase sighed almost inaudibly and nodded. "I know, I know..." His voice was subdued and fragile, but he had been aware all along that he would never truly have Amu by his side in a situation where she could choose freely.
Amu sat by the river and once again faced the sunrise. "We were together for four years, and it would have been just a week until our wedding. I was so happy to finally be able to carry his name. If he hadn't been so eager for everything to be perfect, we would have probably married much earlier, but his proposal and the engagement ring were expensive. He must have saved for a long time. The wedding was also costly, as the honeymoon would have been in Europe, and of course, he didn't want to skimp on the dress either." She couldn't quite explain why, but she wanted to share her story about Ikuto with Tadase.
"Seeing me for the first time in a wedding dress while I was about to marry someone else must have hurt him deeply, yet he never spoke a word about it or let it show. His feelings for me existed long before the four years, and my love for him was already born, just hidden. But I've already mentioned that the situation in both worlds is somewhat similar." She sighed softly and kept her gaze toward the sky.
"Nonetheless, we were together longer, by quite a bit, and our wedding was practically sealed." He sat down beside her and understood that she wanted to justify her feelings.
"That's not true. I may have had feelings for you longer in this world, but in the end, we weren't really together at all, because that would have required mutual feelings..." Her gaze drifted to the young man beside her. Of course, she didn't want to rub salt in his wounds, but if he held that view, he was only making it harder for himself.
"If you've been together for four years, you know everything about each other. You have also gone through some ups and downs together, built a life together."
"Why didn't you have any children?" To him, it seemed like a valid question if one was convinced of sharing life together.
"In our world, it wasn't a must to have children. We decided against it because we didn't want to lose the freedom to travel whenever we wanted. Plus, we never really knew how to deal well with children." Her voice was calm, and their gazes met now.
"You don't come across that way," he shrugged and thought of her as a normal, loving mother when he watched her with Aruto.
"I'm glad, but it's honestly a bit hard. Well, it is what it is; we can't change it now." She smiled softly and felt guilty for thinking that way about her son. It felt as if she was two different people, and the one who had been incredibly excited about this child was the other Amu. It was actually weird how her opinion changed, because when she used to be younger she had the same dream as every girl. Marry their prince and have a loving family together.
Finally, she stood up and extended her hand to him. "If we keep moving, we should reach the Will-o'-Wisp Forest by today."
He sighed as he took her hand. He still didn't like the idea; it was dangerous.
"Making such a big announcement that Ikuto is the only one for you, then spending time alone with Tadase—doesn't seem fair, does it?" Nagi yawned and stretched, giving her a playful wink.
"We were just practicing." She shrugged and gave a gentle smile, knowing he wasn't serious. She told him about her progress and demonstrated her wind shield, though she admitted it was still useless in its current form.
The lilac-haired one assured her that with more practice, she'd soon improve, then urged both of them to have breakfast so they could set off. Yoru was awake by now as well.
"Today, I'm definitely reaching that forest!" Her determination was clear in her voice and eyes. After finishing the last bite of her bread, she started packing up, ready to leave as soon as the others were.
It didn't take long for the group to set out again. The vibrant green surroundings faded as they approached the Will-o'-Wisp Forest. The path grew rockier and tangled with roots, demanding careful steps. A gloomy forest with a dark aura finally appeared before them. Amu nodded resolutely and turned to the others.
"I'm going in alone. This is my trial. I can handle it." She sighed a little, thinking of how, years ago, she would have been terrified of going in, even more so alone. But fortunately, she'd matured enough to handle it, even if the eerie atmosphere still unnerved her.
"If you're really that set on it…" Tadase rolled his eyes and sighed, clearly annoyed. He didn't want her to go alone, but he knew arguing would be pointless. The lilac-haired one, too, saved his breath, seeing no way to change her mind. "Take care of yourself, little one. Come back to us safe." He rested a hand on her shoulder, giving her a gentle smile. She could see the concern in his eyes.
With a confident smile, she nodded once more before turning and disappearing into the forest. The others debated whether to follow her secretly but decided against it, uncertain if they'd even end up in the same place—the forest could likely shift and change form.
It was dark and cool inside, with yellow lights glowing softly among the trees. Amu felt eyes on her from every direction and stayed alert and held a wind shield summoned around her even if it might not offer much protection. The forest provided no clues as to what it expected from her or where she should go—everything looked the same.
"You're worthless. No one cares about you," whispered a voice as it floated past her ear.
"No one would even notice if you disappeared," another voice murmured, almost as if it came from her own mind. Amu swallowed and shook her head.
"They'd all be better off without you."
Her hands clenched into fists, fighting back tears. "I… I already know that…" she replied, almost whimpering.
"Just accept it." The lights gathered around her, darting about chaotically.
"If they really cared, they'd have protested. But they let you go without a word. You're all alone in this world." The sorrowful voice echoed with a tone of empathy, reaching deep into her thoughts.
Amu walked forward reluctantly, trying to ignore the voices, though it was difficult, as these thoughts haunted her often enough already. "That's not true…" she murmured hesitantly, remembering Nagi's worried gaze. He hadn't wanted her to leave, and Tadase even less—they only accepted her wish.
"You're useless." "A burden." "A disappointment."
The voices continued to echo through her head.
"You dragged your loved one into ruin—see for yourself."
The lights vanished suddenly, and ahead of her, a spot began to glow softly. She saw a figure leaning against a tree, seated on the ground. Swallowing, she cautiously approached, and with each step closer, the image became clearer. She brought a hand to her mouth.
"Ikuto…" She quickened her pace and knelt beside him when she reached him, resting her right hand on his cheek as she studied his face. He looked pale and blood-streaked. "A-Amu…" His voice was barely audible, and he seemed to gather all his strength just to meet her gaze.
"What happened to you?" she sobbed, desperately looking him over for any wounds she could heal.
"That…won't work. It was Dia's magic that drained my life…" He coughed, revealing more blood as he pulled his hand away from his mouth. His gaze drifted to her hand, and he smiled bitterly. "I could never have offered you a ring like that…"
"T-that doesn't matter! I would have married you without a ring—you know that!" She sobbed harder, tears now streaming down her cheeks.
"And yet…you're still wearing it." He coughed again, briefly closing his eyes.
Amu swallowed, glancing down at her hand and then back at Ikuto. "That's not important right now…we can talk about that later. There has to be something I can do to help you." She cupped his face in both hands, her expression both resolute and desperate.
"A life for a life… That's the only way…" He tried to sit up a bit but sank back, weaker than ever, coughing up more blood. "Amu…your soul… If…if you gave it to me…"
She swallowed, giving him a bittersweet smile—relieved to see him, yet heartbroken by the situation. Despite the dark circumstances, she felt grateful just to see him again. "You're not Ikuto…" She let go of him, studying the figure before her. "But how do you know all this…?" A blinding light appeared before her, forcing her to shield her eyes. When she opened them again, the vision had vanished, and a light like at the end of a tunnel lay before her.
She sat there trembling for a moment, realizing that just because of that small mistake the vision made she was still sitting here. She would have given her life for him in an instant, but she knew he would never ask her to. On the contrary, he'd fight with everything he had to keep her safe.
After processing and digesting all the negative thoughts that had been instilled in her, she finally stood up and walked toward the light. It enveloped her and momentarily blinded her. Suddenly, the loud sound of rushing water filled the air, and she opened her eyes again to find herself in a small clearing surrounded by a lush, vibrant green forest. In front of her was a small lake, encircled by a towering mountain. A waterfall cascaded down from the cliff into the lake, and a small stream carried the excess water into the depths of the forest.
She took a few deep breaths and approached the lake. Seeing no easier path, she sighed and waded directly through the water. Just before the waterfall, she wrapped herself again in a shield of wind. After a few moments to collect herself, she walked through the pounding waterfall. The shield took the initial impact but instantly shattered, leaving her drenched and struggling against the force of the water.
In the next moment, she found herself pushed down onto the ground, the weight of the water pressing her down. She fought to stay calm, knowing that panic would only waste her oxygen faster. Reaching around, she finally found a sturdy edge, and with all her strength, she pulled herself forward, out from under the water. Coughing and spitting out some water, she quickly regained her composure.
"In movies, this always looked so easy..." she muttered as she tried to wring out her clothes. She found herself in a breathtaking cave. From the ceiling hung countless crystals that captured the few rays of sunlight that managed to pierce the waterfall, seeming to store and refract them in countless colors, lighting a path through the darkness. She followed the narrow path, winding between the crystals deeper into the cave until she reached a small, luminous blue pool.
As she cautiously approached, the water began to ripple and bubble gently. With a soft, blue glow, a figure rose gracefully from the pool, water glittering around her as if guided by an unseen hand. Her movement was serene and fluid, as though she herself were part of the water—a being made of light and droplets. Her silvery-blue hair cascaded over her shoulders, glowing softly in the light of the crystals, adorned with small pearls and delicate sea plants, like gifts from the ocean itself.
The eyes of the water spirit, deep and unfathomable as the ocean, regarded the pink-haired girl with a calm that hinted at centuries of knowledge. Her presence was both soothing and majestic, as though she guarded a secret from the depths, one only revealed to those brave enough to seek it.
"Few have made it here over the centuries, passing the trials you endured," Undine spoke, her voice like a gentle whisper of water. Her dress, translucent and finely woven to catch the light in waves, clung to her figure as though crafted from the pure waters of the cave, adorned with clear pearls and tiny corals that shimmered in the glow of the crystals.
In her hand, she held a delicate trident, decorated with blue gemstones that seemed carved from the ocean's depths. The trident appeared to be an ancient relic, imbued with the currents of the water.
Amu silently admired the elemental spirit for a few moments, captivated and overwhelmed by her beauty. Finally, she cleared her throat and managed a small smile. "I barely made it through. The forest almost got me," she admitted with a sigh, meeting Undine's deep blue eyes.
"Your honesty speaks well of you, but now you must answer my questions. Consider carefully and answer wisely."
The pink-haired girl swallowed and nodded, uncertain of what lay ahead. She hadn't realized there would be further tests after the forest—there had been no mention of it in the book.
"Would you be willing to tear the one closest to your heart from this life, if that is what fate requires?" Undine's voice was calm, her gaze steady as it rested on the pink-haired girl.
Amu furrowed her brow uncertainly, for this did not seem like a very heavy question or one that required deep thought and a wise answer, but perhaps this was just the introduction. "If it were better for the common good of the world, I would do it. However, I would also soon fade from this world." Her voice was resolute. It would destroy her inside to have to kill Ikuto, but if there were no other way, she would take that path with him.
The water elemental spirit regarded Amu's determined expression and nodded slowly as she grasped the weight of the answer. Her voice remained calm, but a hint of compassion resonated.
"It takes great courage to make such decisions, and even more to accept them. But consider this, Amu, fate is often relentless, and the paths we choose are not always the ones we hope for." She paused briefly to find the right moment. "Love can be both a source of strength and a source of weakness. The question is, are you willing to pay that price when the balance of the world is at stake?"
Undine stepped a little closer and lowered her voice to emphasize the intimacy of the moment. "It is easy to say that you are ready to sacrifice everything. But when the moment comes, your heart will be the greatest challenge. Can you accept the darkness that accompanies such a sacrifice?"
With this question, Undine sought to encourage Amu to think deeper about the consequences of her decision and to explore her true feelings and fears.
"Of course, there are others around me whom I would hurt incredibly, but if I must kill Ikuto because fate demands it, then I will do it, but I will also end my life afterwards, even if it will be painful for those left behind…" She swallowed and glanced briefly at the ground. It would surely destroy Tadase and Nagi, but she did not want to remain in a world where Ikuto no longer existed. Above all, she did not want to send him alone into the arms of death.
Undine let Amu's answer to her last question sink in and then posed a new, profound question:
"Imagine you had to bear the burden of changing the fate of the world with a single decision. Are you ready to take responsibility for the consequences of your actions, even if they do not align with your own notions of justice or righteousness?"
The pink-haired girl furrowed her brow again and looked at the water spirit with confusion. The question was very similar to the previous one, yet completely different. She imagined many scenarios, and in most of them, her answer would be yes, but when it came to Ikuto and injustice, the answer eluded her. "What kind of decision would that be? What would it trigger? Would it be to save the world?"
Undine nodded silently. Amu sighed. The question was almost the same as the previous one, though it could involve anyone. Could she sacrifice Tadase or Nagi for the good of the world? Could she live normally afterwards? Though Ikuto would presumably still be by her side, could she live with that? The question of whether she could sacrifice Ikuto, upon closer thought, was even easy, because she would die with him. But if she had to sacrifice someone else, she would have to live with that decision forever. She nervously bit her thumbnail while glancing back and forth between Undine and the ground. Finally, she sighed deeply. "I would try by all means to find another way so that no one has to be sacrificed, but if in the end, there truly is no other way, I would do it, for the life of thousands or even millions unfortunately weighs more than that of one individual."
She paused briefly and realized that Undine had not specified a single person for the sacrifice and reconsidered. "I think the scenario of my answer is the most difficult. Of course, I would also be willing to make other sacrifices. My eyesight, my life, my status, or even ikuto's memories of me…"
Undine nodded thoughtfully as she processed Amu's words. "Your willingness to make sacrifices is admirable, Amu. It shows that you think not only of yourself but also of the well-being of others. But remember, self-sacrifice can also lead to a loss of one's own identity. Who are you if you give everything up?"
She paused before shifting the direction of the discussion. "Let's take a step back. If you had the chance to take fate into your own hands and shape the world according to your desires, what would you change first? And why?"
"I would turn back time with my current memories and immediately be at Ikuto's side again. This way, all the pain and suffering that has happened so far would not take place. Tadase and Nagi would not have to suffer from unrequited feelings because of my indecision. Ikuto would not fall into Dia's hands, and there would be no dark war of shadows descending upon the land." She sighed and realized only now that, in essence, she was to blame for everything that was happening. "I think, in the end, almost everyone would be happy. Of course, Ikuto and I would still have to overthrow the Hitoris, for they are not the rightful heirs to the throne and they are not good people."
Undine nodded in understanding and spoke in a calm voice: "Your wish to turn back time and prevent suffering is a noble endeavor, Amu. You carry the burden of responsibility for the well-being of your loved ones in your heart. But ask yourself, what it would mean if you could change the past. Would the people you cherish so dearly still be the same, or would their essence change?"
She let her words linger and then continued: "Is it not possible that the experiences they have gone through have shaped them as well? Could it be that what you perceive as happiness is also the result of their struggles and challenges? If you turn back time, what remains of the lessons they have learned?"
Amu swallowed and suppressed her sorrow. She would likely never get to know Nagi or under completely different circumstances. Their relationship would certainly be entirely different and no longer nearly as heartfelt. Would Tadase remain as cold and distant as he had at the beginning without her? Either way, they would likely not be friends anymore. She briefly clenched her fist and pressed her fingernails into her palm. It would hurt; she would miss the two of them. Nevertheless, it would ultimately probably be the better decision for everyone.
The water spirit observed the girl calmly, sensing the inner conflict within her. "You are very selfless, Amu."
After a brief pause, she continued with another question.
"In the vastness of the universe, where the boundaries between past and future are blurred, what do you truly think it means to be loyal to someone when the heart keeps wandering between different paths?"
Amu bit her lip, contemplating the depth of Undine's question. "Being loyal to someone means committing to them, even when other paths call out to me. It's about choosing to stand by their side and believing in our bond, despite the uncertainties and temptations around us."
She paused, her thoughts racing. "But I also think loyalty isn't just about never wavering. It's about understanding and growing together, even if it means facing tough decisions or changing my perspective along the way. Sometimes, loyalty might mean letting go if it's for the greater good, even if that choice hurts."
Undine nodded thoughtfully, impressed by Amu's insight. "And how do you reconcile that belief with the emotions you hold for Ikuto, Tadase and nagihiko? How do you ensure that your loyalty remains true, regardless of the choices you must make?"
Amu's lips trembled as she sank to her knees, gently brushing over Tadase's ring. This question was just too much for her. She hadn't even processed it herself and didn't know what to do. "I love all three of them so much... but I belong by Ikuto's side... Why is it so hard for me to let go of Tadase... when I've only just recently rediscovered my feelings for him... after everything he has done...?" Amu sobbed, convinced that she had ruined the test with her reaction and that she couldn't even return to the others with Undine by her side.
Undine knelt beside Amu and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Amu, it's completely okay to feel this way. The heart is not always easy to understand, and the bonds we have with others are complex. It's normal to have feelings for both Ikuto and Tadase, especially when their stories and your past are so deeply intertwined."
She watched as Amu played with the ring, as if seeking comfort in it. "It takes a lot of courage to confront these feelings, and it is a great responsibility that you carry. The love you have for Tadase is no less valuable just because your heart tends to Ikuto. These are two different kinds of love that have shaped you, and it's not easy to let go of one."
"If you choose to stand by Ikuto's side, it doesn't mean you have to give up on Tadase and nagi or the memories of your time with them. You need to give yourself time to figure out what it means for you to show loyalty while also preserving your own identity."
Amu nodded slowly, although the sorrow remained in her eyes. "It hurts to feel all of this, Undine. I don't want to hurt anyone, and yet I feel torn."
Undine smiled gently. "The decisions you make will never be easy, but they will deepen your strength and your ability to love. Allow yourself to feel and to learn. And above all, be honest with yourself as you find your way in this tangled world."
"Ikuto and I were destined for each other in another life... I don't feel that kind of connection with anyone else like I do with him... But I accepted my life in this world with Tadase, and he has changed so much and tried so hard... Taking off the ring and showing him once and for all that I choose Ikuto would break his heart, and mine too..." She sighed, hating herself for bothering Undine, a wise water spirit, with her troubles.
Undine listened quietly to her words, her eyes filled with compassion. "I can't make that decision for you. Perhaps these feelings can coexist. They are both a part of you."
The pink-haired girl shook her head. "I certainly won't expose Ikuto to the pain of having to share me..." She sighed and slowly got to her feet. "How pathetic I am... I'm standing here in front of you to pass your test and falling into self-pity..."
The water spirit smiled gently and shook her head. "Your answers showed empathy and strength, and you have given me insight into your innermost self. I am ready to seal this pact with you. Reach out your hand to me."
Amu could hardly believe her ears, blinking a few times in disbelief as she wiped away her tears and finally reached out her hand toward Undine's. A magical blue circle appeared beneath them, adorned with ancient symbols. The same circle formed between their hands, and after Undine spoke a few words that Amu had never heard before, the entire room lit up for a moment, and the magical circles on the ground rose and fell.
"Call on me whenever you need help."
Amu smiled and nodded joyfully. "Thank you so much!" She still couldn't believe that she had actually succeeded. "Do you happen to know where Sylph is and what awaits me there?"
"We have imposed the rule on each other that none of the other elemental spirits speak about the location and trials of the others. This way, the challenge remains, and only then can it be shown who is truly worthy," Undine replied in a gentle voice.
"I understand, that makes sense," she smiled a little bitterly and nodded before making her way back to the others.
"She's been gone for so long... We should go in..." Tadase murmured nervously as he waited on a stone at the entrance of the forest. "And then we won't be there when she comes back... What if we fail the forest trial? We have to believe in her," Nagi replied, shaking his head. Tadase sighed and raked his hands through his hair in exhaustion. Of course, he was aware of that, but he was worried about her. It wasn't until he saw a familiar pink figure emerge from the forest that a weight lifted off his heart. He stood up and walked toward her, but immediately noticed her red eyes.
"Why were you crying?" He placed a hand on her cheek and studied her face closely.
"Just a few uncomfortable questions..." she smiled awkwardly and scratched her head.
The blonde frowned, but for the time being, he accepted this answer and embraced her. "You were gone for so long... I thought we wouldn't see you again..." She returned the hug and closed her eyes with a gentle smile.
"Well, I believed in you the whole time," Nagi raised his arms in the air and shrugged.
Yoru didn't want to disrupt the joy of reunion, but he couldn't help but ask. "And?" Tadase also let go of her and looked at her curiously.
Amu made a hand gesture that Undine had shown her before leaving, and shortly after, blue light appeared from which Undine finally emerged. "May I introduce? Undine," Amu smiled gently.
Tadase hugged her again. "You did it!" He could hardly put his relief and joy into words.
Nagi placed a hand on her head and gently stroked her hair. "I knew you would make it, my little one." His voice was soft and reassuring. Amu briefly squeezed Tadase before letting go of him and also hugging Nagi.
"I don't know if this forest is always the same... but those will-o'-the-wisps tried by all means to put negative thoughts in my head... They knew everything and exploited my own doubts." She sighed, glancing between the two of them. She still believed that their lives would probably be better without her.
"Whatever they said, I'm sure it was never the truth. They just wanted to see you fail," the lilac-haired boy tried to comfort her and gave her reassurance. "I... I don't know..." she sighed and pulled away from the embrace.
"What did they say?" Tadase stepped closer and looked deeply into her eyes.
"Not important..."
"You obviously believe it, so it is important!" His voice briefly rose, causing Amu to flinch, yet she shook her head.
"She is convinced that everyone would be better off without her presence and that she ultimately means nothing to anyone, only causing difficulties," Undine added in a calm voice. Through the pact, she was familiar with Amu's inner thoughts and feelings.
"Undine!" Amu exclaimed in horror. She immediately realized that she couldn't hide anything from the elemental spirits.
"That's nonsense... why do you think that?" Tadase looked like a beaten dog. It hurt him that Amu saw herself that way.
"If I wasn't here, you would have a normal life and wouldn't end up being left with your unrequited feelings..."
"Oh, so you would banish us completely from your life when we are no longer useful?" The blonde raised an eyebrow and looked at her in confusion.
"Of course not!"
Tadase took a deep breath and spoke calmly. "Without you, I would still just be a cold, emotionless doormat for my parents. Even if we can only be friends, I don't want to miss you in my life..." He paused briefly. "Will it hurt? Yes... Damn it, yes... A lot.. But that's okay..." He tried to suppress his emotions and the tears that came with them.
"Our ex-prince has hit the nail on the head. I feel the same way. Someday, I would wish to visit old Aaron because I left him without any warning, but otherwise, I have nothing I regret." Nagi smiled gently and ruffled Amu's hair.
"He's not old... if he heard you, he would have given you a good knock on the head..." she murmured quietly, then finally chuckled. Nagi laughed too and intertwined his arms behind his head. "To me, he remains the old man."
Tadase quietly watched the two. One could truly feel that they had spent a lot of time together, yet he couldn't help but notice that Amu was currently more torn between him and Ikuto than between Nagi and Ikuto. Why? Why did he have this place in her heart? She had hated him for so long, and he definitely didn't deserve to have that place.
Nagi looked down and intertwined his fingers with hers. "I love you..." His voice became softer and uncertain. He wanted to be strong for her and accept her choice, but every now and then, the desire to tell her, to touch her, was simply too strong.
Amu looked at the ground and smiled sadly as she intertwined her fingers with his. What should she do? Her decision was firm, yet her feelings were the old ones. Ikuto knew about this, so it wouldn't be too wrong to respond, would it? "I love you too..." she replied barely audibly before she looked at Tadase. "Both of you..."
Tadase sighed. "Why, Amu... why me...?" A few months ago, he would have been so happy about it, but now it just felt wrong. "I've done so much wrong... you two were basically together... Why me...?" His voice sounded tormented.
"What do you mean...? I have feelings for all three of you..."
Yoru and Undine had withdrawn a little while ago to give them the necessary privacy in this situation.
"It's hard for you to let me go for Ikuto, yet it should be difficult for you with him... You've gone through so much more together. He was always there for you... Why me..." His breathing was quick, his heart agitated.
Nagi just looked down. He couldn't deny that he constantly questioned her decision as well.
"Because I've loved you since I could think in this world. Even in my world, I admired and loved you for a long time. Yes, you weren't always good, but you've changed so much..." She swallowed, trying not to be overwhelmed by her emotions. "I had come to terms with never seeing Ikuto again long before the wedding. I was ready to accept my fate as your wife... I reflected on your behavior, and the old feelings and new ones surfaced. I was truly happy on the day we were supposed to become one." The pink-haired girl fought hard against her tears. She was already struggling enough with her own feelings. She didn't understand herself, and now she had to justify herself.
"I still love Nagi just as much." She squeezed his hands briefly tighter and looked at him before turning back to Tadase. "But overall, our past runs so much deeper. Can you really blame me for having stronger feelings for you? My life was almost entirely about one day becoming your wife, and for most of that time, I was incredibly happy about it, even though you never loved me back then. I loved you nonetheless. All of that doesn't just go away. Even at the beginning, when you used and treated me like that every day, I still defended you against the others..."
The lilac-haired boy sighed. She was right; even though he treated her better than Tadase, her feelings for him were not something that would just disappear, no matter how cruel he was to her. "It took us a while to even warm up to her. She kept saying for a long time that she loves you, that she will become your wife, that she wants to stay loyal to you..."
"And yet she hasn't remained so..."
Amu's gaze suddenly dropped to the ground, her heart heavy as stone from the guilt she felt, but she wasn't allowed to feel that way. She had promised Ikuto not to regret it.
"After how many months of rape? Stay fair, okay?" Nagi shook his head and gently pulled Amu to him, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "Don't blame yourself, okay?" He brushed a strand of hair from her face gently.
Tadase looked away and clenched his fists. He hated himself. Why couldn't he stand up to his parents? Why had he done this to Amu?
"It wasn't just the rape; if only you had been nice, but everything you did was to show up at night without warning, do your task, and leave again without any words or comfort." The lilac-haired boy continued. Did someone really have to spell it out for him so literally? Had he really repressed it so much?
"That just explains even more why I don't understand why she places me above you... I'll never forgive myself for all this."
"Nagi... that's enough... He has stood up to his parents often enough and taken the blame upon himself... It was steadily getting less..." The pink-haired girl detached herself from the lilac-haired boy and sighed. Why did they have to have this discussion now and reopen old wounds?
"I'm going to leave. That's for the best; I don't deserve to stay by your side anyway." With those words and one last look at Amu, Tadase turned and started to walk away.
Amu was completely taken aback by this reaction and looked after him for a moment, stunned, before running after him and taking his hand. "What nonsense are you talking? Stop with the drama." She shook her head in disbelief and kissed him. She didn't really want to do that; she didn't want to get so close to either of them anymore, but in this chaotic situation, she couldn't hold back her feelings. Tadase felt his cheeks grow wet and warm and returned the kiss.
"Amu... please... please stop loving me... I don't deserve it." A tremor was evident in his voice.
"First, you want me to give you another chance and develop feelings for you again, and now I should discard those feelings? Am I just a toy to you?" Her voice was barely more than a fragile whisper that could be blown away by the slightest breeze.
"No, of course not!" He grasped both sides of her shoulders with his hands and looked directly and sincerely into her eyes. "It would just be better for you..."
"It would be easier because then my heart wouldn't long for you or Nagi while I make the only right decision and stand by Ikuto's side, but feelings can't be chosen." She sighed and looked into his eyes as well. She kissed him again and lost herself in the moment. She longed for more, but knew it was wrong. Just as she was about to stop, Tadase broke the kiss. "For you, there is only Ikuto now, little mouse." He kissed her forehead. "Your words, let's respect that." His hand gently wandered over her head. He wished so much that she wouldn't make it even harder for him. With every touch, it became harder to ever gain emotional distance.
"You two with your little... I'm not that small..." She pouted briefly. It was the first time he gave her a pet name.
"But you are cute, which often goes along with being small." He grinned and finally led her back to the others.
"Unfair," Nagi complained, shrugging and mumbling, as the two now stood in front of him again; after all, he could see everything. "Let's go home first. We need to find more clues about the next spirits." He glanced briefly at Undine, prompting Amu to quell his thoughts and the question before it was even spoken by recounting the rule Undine had shared with her.