CH 154

“Chapter 154: The Seven Meteorites”

– Long ago, without any warning signs, seven meteorites fell from the blue sky. According to the documents written outside of Shimazu, six of them were destroyed before crashing down, but one of them reached the land and devastated everything. Although, strictly speaking, two meteorites reached the land.

Akane turned towards the direction we came from.

The second meteorite… It’s Moonflower.

– At first, everyone started noticing the island becoming colder. No one thought much about it. They hadn’t found Moonflower yet either. But, with each day that passed, Shimazu slowly transformed into this frozen landscape. (Fuji)

– Takaya, do you think Moonflower is alive?

– What?

Even when I was standing in front of the shrine, something like that never occurred to me.

Frankly, there are times when I feel as if Silver responds to my wishes. But it’s just that, an illusion. Right?

– No, I don’t think it is. I couldn’t even see it with my own eyes. Quite the rare material.

– That’s what you think. Truth is, Moonflower was even speaking. (Fuji)

The snowstorm hitting the windows was growing stronger.

– Seems like today is especially bad. Akane, I will leave Takaya in your care.

– Yes, Grandmother.

Fuji exited the room.

Is she going to the shrine again?

– Is it…

– It’s calling for us. Only Grandmother and I, the Moon Maidens, are capable of hearing it.

– I don’t get it…

Why are they worshipping a sword that caused their island to be permanently freezing?

– I know how you feel. I don’t like this either. We have to let Moonflower absorb our magic, otherwise it will starve and destroy Shimazu. Quite literally. I don’t want to abandon my people. I treasure each and every one of the few of us. Tobi, Michihi, Souji, Kihachirou… I want them to live and be happy. So…

“I hope you understand. There’s nothing to do. This is it.”

Tears were forming in Akane’s eyes.

– Takaya, you are extremely talented. Much more than I would ever hope to be. Stop wasting your time here. There are other people that need you and your skills. Go help them.

– And you don’t need me?

– I don’t. Even if Grandmother was gone, I can handle everything by myself. Who do you think was my Grandmaster?

Wiping her tears with her sleeves, Akane smiled at me and at Mike, who was sleeping on my lap.

I don’t have any siblings.

– Thank you for everything, Takaya. Truly. We may not have spent much time together, but I enjoyed all of it.

And yet Akane feels like my lifelong sister.