Savium [Arc 1 END]

Chapter 8 - Savium

The group’s discussions were obviously about water not flowing from the sink and the lack of electricity. Akiko and Amaya found out that the shower and toilet are still working for some reason, so they can still get water out of the shower if needed. 

They also ended up deciding that they will take things slow and stay at Amaya’s place for a week or two; however, they will need to look for solutions and specific plans moving forward.

One thing they found out was that the nearest convenience store still had electricity for some reason, and that the roofs of the houses in the neighborhood were starting to be really worn down, as if they were slowly but surely melting.

Akiko’s daily, or more like nightly routine consisted of waking up in the afternoon, going on a walk to the convenience store with Amaya after the sun went down, and sometimes joining Emiko and Chang-min in their exercises. In the evenings, she would watch Haruto and Chang-min play chess, even betting against Michi on who would win a couple of times, then she would work on her lyrics and guitar playing with Amaya all night, and finally, Akiko would go to sleep in the mornings.

On one such night, as they were charging Akiko’s laptop, instead of going straight back from the shop, Akiko thought of something else.

“Amaya-chan, do you know a pretty and peaceful place nearby? Preferably high up and not too far.”

“There is one that comes to mind. Wanna go there?”

“Yes. My song is done, so I want to perform it for you.”

“Ooh, great! I’ve been waiting for that. Let’s go then!”

Amaya led the way for fifteen minutes, going up a hill. Akiko and Amaya arrived at the top, where they were met with a beautiful spectacle. The dark city was spreading beneath them like an abyss, making the starry night sky ever more vibrant and illuminated. 

The moon gently shone on the little plains and flower fields Akiko and Amaya were standing on, outlining now abandoned structures below them and spotlighting two very old trees behind them. Their leaves were already long gone, their trunks and branches struggling for dear life, yet they still stood tall and proud. 

Akiko and Amaya walked up closer to those two trees, revealing that the two trees had intertwined branches that grew into the other, forming something akin to a gate in between them.

“Did you know that there is a legend in some countries that says if you walk under intertwined branches with someone, your fates will also be intertwined forever? Some people would call it the gate of love and usually walk through it with their partner before their wedding; some people would just hold their weddings right next to it, while others would share an important moment… like a first kiss or something,” Amaya said a bit bashfully.

“That sounds wonderful.” Akiko was enchanted by it as she looked at them with sparkling eyes.

“There’s also a myth on how inosculation came to be, but I don’t remember that one,” Amaya added.

“Let’s sit below the gate, then! I’ll play the song there,” Akiko exclaimed, with a slight blush appearing on her cheeks.

Amaya nodded with a smile at Akiko’s suggestion. The two of them placed down a cover to sit on comfortably and settled.

Akiko pulled out her acoustic guitar from its case and readied herself. Akiko didn’t sing often, but now she was fully set on doing so. Her playing started with an opening sequence as she was strumming chord after chord, and after a deep breath, Akiko’s voice beautifully echoed across the dark horizon, accompanying and complimenting her astonishing playing.

I didn't know this was possible

Another day, another obstacle

Going through life alone

Has always been my lore

Then I met you, and my world has changed; however the world itself is different now. It's been scary but exciting, stressful but relaxing by your side. You opened a new perspective, a new door to my heart. There are many words I wish to say, but if there's one thing I ought to convey:

I love you

Akiko looked to the side to see a perplexed Amaya, but before she could say anything, Amaya leaned in and kissed Akiko. Time seemed to stop for them as Akiko felt the soft and warm sensation spread from her lips to her heart and throughout her body.

“I love you too,” Amaya whispered.

They didn’t do much after that, besides shyly blushing and holding hands on their way back.

The moon set, and the scorching sun once again ascended, enveloping the city.