Chapter 45: Still…
1001 AD - The Enchanted Forest - Fairy Tale Realm
After spending some time with his family, Nakano returns home
"Hello, I'm back" Nakano calls out as he enters his hut, but notices it's empty "Senko! Where did she go?"
Land of the Kitsunes
While Shiro is enjoying Senko's cooking, Senko finishes getting supplies to take back to Nakano
"Are you leaving?" Shiro asked
"I am" Senko said "but before I return, there's something important I must discuss with Lady Sora"
"Lady Sora?" Senko asked, turning to Sora
"I think I know what you're meaning to ask" Sora said "but I am curious, is it concerning that matter" and with a wave of her hand she shows Senko pampering Nakano, but the Darkness growing in him anyways "it seems you are struggling to control the young sir's Darkness and it occupies you, does it not?"
"Yes" Senko replied
"It has been quite a while since you've begun to care for him, an entire year to be precise. You do understand what all this means, yes?"
"What does it mean?" Shiro asked
"It means you cannot do it, right?" Sora said "Sen, you've been unable to control the Darkness…"
"Please don't say it…" Senko said
"As such, you need not return there" Sora said "if you cannot help him, then your presence has become arbitrary"
The Enchanted Forest - Fairy Tale Realm
Nakano realizes Senko's things are gone and reflects over their last conversation, realizing it may have been her way of saying goodbye. He leaves his hut and goes looking for her in the rain
Land of the Kitsunes
Lady Sora and Senko continue their discussion
"Sen" Sora said "it is no secret you have long wanted to return the kindness that man showed to you and Kitsune and now you think you finally have the opportunity to do that, so I understand your feelings. Still though, no matter the outcome may be, a sad parting is what awaits you. In all likelihood, Nakano will die, perhaps of old age, or maybe the Darkness will consume him and kill him. And even if the Sorcerer and his Apprentice finds a way to destroy the Darkness, there is a chance it will kill him. Or even if he survives, he will then die of old age. The only way you're going to get more than a few decades with him is if he truly becomes a Dark One, and that's something we cannot risk. And even in that worst case, sooner or later someone will get the Dagger and it will be the end of him. Tell me, are you really willing to suffer like that once again?"
"Oh, Sen" Shiro said sadly
"It's time, just let it go" Sora said
"Lady Sora" Senko said "I understand, most likely, events will happen just as you say. Still… I'll keep helping him, for as long as I possibly can"
"I might refuse you, so then what?" Sora asked "listen to me, Sen, everything ends eventually"
"I know" Senko said "I know that, but I still want to pamper him to his heart's content"
"That's brave" Shiro said as Sora looks on in awe
The Enchanted Forest - Fairy Tale Realm
Nakano comes to accept that Senko may be gone forever… and then sees Senko walking towards him
"Is that you?" Senko asked "you're back earlier than I expected"
"Senko…" Nakano said "you're…" and he falls to his knees
"Woah!" Senko exclaimed "goodness, you're drenched, have you been out in the rain all night?"
"I thought I'd never see you again" Nakano said as he rises to his feet
"Why would you think that?" Senko asked
"Because I got home and you and all your things were gone" Nakano said
"I wasn't expecting you home so soon" Senko said "I had to go back to the other world for a bit"
Land of the Kitsunes
Lady Sora and Shiro watch Nakano and Senko
"Her resolve is strong" Sora said "I suspect they'll be fine now"
"Wait, so you were only testing her before?" Shiro asked
"They're quite the pair, I look forward to seeing what happens next" Sora said
The Enchanted Forest - Fairy Tale Realm
Nakano and Senko start heading back home when Nakano turns to Senko
"Senko" Nakano said "no matter what, I want us to stick together"
"So do I" Senko replied