Reincarnation

He stood alone on a vast field, where the grass danced gently in the light, fresh evening breeze. The sun dipped the sky into a sea of gold and red, while the dense pine forest at the edge seemed to enclose the world. But deep inside, he knew: This was merely the harbinger of a storm that would change everything.

So this is my last sunset? At least it's such a beautiful and peaceful one.

With slow but determined steps, he approached the forest's edge. Inside, he found a small clearing, threaded by a babbling brook and dominated by a moss-covered stone boulder. He crouched down on it, assuming a meditative pose, and waited. Moments later, he glanced at his phone: 7:50 PM. The sun had fully set.

No signal... Sorry, Yuoko. You'll probably only find out once I've arrived.

He pocketed the phone and sank back into silence. Though the sun was gone, the sky grew darker still. Clouds gathered, the wind picked up, whipping through the branches as if they might snap at any moment. A deep, menacing thunder rolled in, and distant lightning flashed. Finally, the first raindrop landed on his crossed knees.

They should be here any moment...

From afar came footsteps and voices.

"I think he's back there!" one shouted.

"Quick, we have to stop him!"

I guess it's time.

About fifty meters away, a group of five figures emerged—shadows in the darkness, cloaked in black camouflage that covered their bodies almost entirely.

"Get out of here! You can't stop me. You'll only make it worse!" he called out firmly.

"You can't do this! You're going too far. You can't just undo everything like that."

"We'll see about that," he replied calmly, clenching his fist and grasping the necklace with the blue stone around his neck. A bright blue light flared—and he was gone.

"Quick, we have to catch him! He can't be far, and he can't keep this up much longer!"

They burst out of the forest onto the wide, open field.

"There he is! I see him!" one yelled.

"After him!" another cried, pointing in the direction.

But a third pulled the hand down and said gravely: "No, it's too late. He's made his choice, and we can't change his mind now. If he flees, we won't catch him. We have to end this for good. How many more have to die? Fire! No warning shots—kill him, or he won't stop!"

He ran across the open field, with no cover, no escape. Suddenly, something whizzed past his left ear.

A graze. They're serious.

He clenched his right fist and reached for the necklace again.

"No, you're not getting away this time!" a pursuer shouted, firing from approximately four hundred meters with a sniper rifle.

"Sorry, it's over, Aku."

...

"Damn, he teleported again!" another cursed.

"I'm sure I hit him. He won't make it."

Gathering his last strength, he had vanished. Before the blue light enveloped him, he heard a loud bang. A burning pain exploded in his back.

Damn, that bastard got me. The bleeding's bad—I have to hurry.

Before him appeared a staircase of dark stone, leading to a temple-like entrance. Inside, it was pitch black; only when lightning struck did it cast flickering shadows. He stumbled in, pushed through the darkness, and reached a room with tall pillars. In the center stood an altar.

I've made it. This is the room. Give me one more chance. I'll make it right.

On the altar was a round basin with a crystal illuminated by faint moonlight—a hole in the ceiling let the glow through. Slowly, he approached, placed something in the basin with trembling hands, turned, and leaned his back against the altar's base. He slid to the floor.

I think I've done it. The moment of truth.

Suddenly, a blinding white light filled the room, radiating from the basin. His pain-twisted face relaxed into one of deep relief.

It worked. I've... I've... done it...

His eyes closed. He sat still and motionless, as warmth left his body. Everything grew quiet.

A shrill beeping pierced his ears, like a piercing tinnitus. He snapped his eyes open and found himself in a rustic hut. He was lying in a narrow bed, and the place seemed empty. Slowly, he pushed himself up. The hut was shrouded in near-total darkness, save for a faint beam of light filtering through a window—not natural daylight, but an eerie, dark blue shimmer, like refractions underwater.

Where am I?

A soft creak echoed from the adjacent room.

Is someone else here?

Cautiously, he opened the door. In the corner stood a cradle. He approached slowly, and inside lay a sleeping baby.

What’s a baby doing here? Does someone live in this place?

He turned—and behind him loomed a dark silhouette, a figure that was there and yet not.

“Who are you? Where am I?”

No response...

The silhouette moved toward the outer door and stepped outside.

Should I follow it?

Hesitantly, he did. But the moment his foot touched the sand outside, he sank into it. Panic surged; he gasped for air, as if an invisible force was yanking him down with brutal speed. A crushing weight pressed on his chest. He closed his eyes and blacked out.

An instant later, he jolted awake, springing up in panic.

He was sitting on a bed in a perfectly normal room, sunlight streaming through the window.

Was that just a dream?

He stood and stared into the mirror. He looked like he hadn’t slept in a week: jet-black hair, short and slightly disheveled, falling in blunt strands over his forehead. His eyes were sharp and piercing, gleaming with an intense golden-brown hue, as if he’d seen a ghost. His youthful face had sharp, angular features, blending vulnerability and strength, over pale, almost translucent skin.

I look wrecked. My stomach’s churning, breathing’s a struggle.

Sweat beaded on his forehead.

What kind of fever dream was that?

He bolted to the adjacent bathroom, knelt over the toilet, and vomited. After rinsing his face at the sink, he stumbled down the spiral staircase to the kitchen. His mother was gazing out the window and turned at the sound of his footsteps.

“Oh my God, Aku! You look awful. Are you okay?” she asked, alarmed.

“No, no, I’m fine. Just slept badly,” he muttered.

“Come sit down and eat something. Today’s the last day of school before Christmas break. Yuto’s already had breakfast.”

His brother Yuto entered the kitchen.

“Morning, Aku. You ready? Today’s the last school d— Holy crap, what happened to you? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!” he exclaimed.

“Nah, just bad sleep. I’ll be ready in a sec.”

“If you’re not feeling well, we can skip the Christmas market tonight. I’ll tell the others,” Yuto said, concerned.

“No, no, I’ll come. It’ll be fine. I’m good. The others are looking forward to it.”

“Alright, if you say so.”

Normally, Aku loved his morning cornflakes. They were simple and straightforward—perfect when you didn't have much time but still needed something in your stomach before school. But today, he just sat tensely on his chair, stirring slowly with his spoon, barely eating a bite.

"Come on, Aku, you need to eat a little. I know it's the last day of school and you're excited about the Christmas market, but you can't start the day on an empty stomach," his mother noticed.

Aku struggled to swallow. It felt like a lump in his throat. But for his mom's sake, he forced it down.

"Alright then, see you boys tonight. Take care and let me know when you're back from the market."

The fresh air did Aku good. On the way to school, he started feeling better. It was still dark, with only the street lamps lighting the path.

"It's a shame it hasn't snowed yet this year. Imagine how beautiful the snow would sparkle in the lamplight," he said dreamily.

"Well, it's supposed to start snowing this morning. With these temperatures, it might even stick. And there's a snowstorm forecast for tonight. Hopefully it won't be too bad, so we can get home safely," Yuto replied.

"Don't worry. We're a strong group—we just need to stick together."

The school day dragged on as boringly as ever. At the end, the homeroom teacher gave his typical year-end speech, laced with his dry humor. He could barely hold back laughter as he said, "We'll see each other again in a year"—which was nonsense, of course, since it was only two weeks and just the year changing. Some found it funny; who am I to spoil the fun?

"So, enjoy your free time. Think of your family and friends, do something nice. But you won't get away without thinking of me. As always: homework, so you don't turn into lazy zombies glued to the TV or goofing off at Christmas markets. Now, have a great break!"

Who came up with homework during vacations? They're just trying to annoy us students so we don't have more fun than they do. Whatever.

Before Aku, Yuto, and their friends headed out, they met in the cafeteria for a quick bite.

"Aku, how much do you want to do my homework for me?" Natsumi asked with a grin.

"Nothing, Natsumi. You think I do mine? I always give them to Yuto—he gets to borrow my video games in return. Ask him."

"Hey, I can hear you! Better do them yourself, Natsumi, maybe you'll finally get better grades," Yuto shot back.

"Hmph! What's that supposed to mean? Fine, I'll do them alone. And they'll be better than yours!" she declared confidently. But as she spoke, she realized how unrealistic it sounded, and her voice trailed off.

The others burst out laughing, and even Natsumi couldn't hold it in. Aku finally smiled again. The dream had lingered for a while, but with his friends, he pushed it completely out of his mind.

"Look outside—it's snowing! And it looks like it'll stick this time," Mei said softly.

Mei didn't talk much usually. In class, she was quiet, only speaking when called on—but always correctly. She was shy and introverted, but fit perfectly in the group and opened up among friends. Natsumi was the opposite: extroverted, speaking before thinking, but a kind, honest soul who kept the group together and always lifted the mood. Kaito was similarly outgoing, always ready with a comment—though Natsumi usually beat him to it. He had a new crush every week, and Natsumi tried to set him up. He wasn't ugly or dumb; he just lacked charisma with girls. And then there was Benny: the prankster and party animal, without whom adventures were half as fun. Unfortunately, he was away with his family—a booking mix-up meant they left mid-week. They'd covered for him, telling the teacher he was sick.

On the way to the Christmas market, Aku was lost in thought. While the others chattered about their vacation plans and swapped ideas for what to do next together, he walked silently beside them. It wasn't sadness he felt—more like an indefinable emptiness. As if something crucial was missing.

“Hey Aku, what are you up to next week? Want to join us?” Natsumi asked curiously.

No response. Aku was trapped in his own world.

“Hey Aku, hello? Anyone home?”

Only when she stepped in front of him, nearly colliding, did he notice.

"Huh… N.. Natsumi, what's up?" he asked, confused.

"I called you twice—you didn't react."

"Oh, sorry. I just zoned out."

"I don't know you like this, Aku. You're usually never this quiet. Did something happen? Want to talk about it?" she offered.

The others moved a few steps ahead, while Aku and Natsumi lagged behind.

"We're right behind you! Go on, we'll catch up!" Natsumi called out.

She was usually the one cracking jokes and cheering everyone up, but she knew when to get serious and listen. Aku's odd behavior had been bugging her all day.

"You know you can tell me anything, Aku. We're always here for you. You've seemed off the whole day."

"I don't really know... Probably just slept badly. Had this really weird dream that won't leave my head."

"Want to tell me about it? Might not help much, but sometimes just saying it out loud does, you know?"

Aku recounted the dream: the hut in that strange void, the baby, and the silhouette luring him outside.

"It might've just been a dream, but I can't shake the feeling it was important. Like I've forgotten something crucial," he added.

Natsumi pondered for a moment. "Yeah, that does sound weird. I get why it's confusing you. But if it really means something, you'll figure it out. I'm sure of it. It'll be okay, Aku. And if you have another weird dream or feel off, tell me anytime."

"Thanks, Natsumi. I feel a bit better now that I've shared it. But hey... do you feel like we're being watched?" he asked, glancing around.

They were walking on a snow-covered path through an open pine forest. In the distance, the Christmas market lights twinkled, and the others were visible as silhouettes. Snow crunched under their shoes, and the cold air nipped at their cheeks.

"I don't know, not really. We're not the only ones heading to the market. Don't overthink it—enjoy the evening. I'll get you some cookies or hot cocoa."

He looked at her and smiled.

"Thanks, Natsumi. I really appreciate that."

She blushed a little. It bothered her when a friend was down—she was deeply empathetic. So she was glad she'd managed to calm him.

The Christmas market this year was especially crowded—no wonder, with the fresh snow finally sticking and blanketing everything in a magical white. At every corner, enticing aromas wafted through: roasted almonds, mulled wine, and fresh waffles filling the air with warmth. Aku and his friends could hardly decide—they wanted to try something at every stall. They hadn't had this much fun in ages. After his talk with Natsumi and the carefree time with the group, Aku had completely pushed the strange dream out of his mind.

The group strolled through the rows of stalls, where strings of lights twinkled like stars. Natsumi grabbed a bag of caramelized almonds and held it out to Aku.

"Here, try one! They're extra caramelized—they taste amazing."

Aku took one, the sweet scent rising to his nose. "Thanks, Natsumi."

She grinned. "Of course! Without me, you'd starve! You haven't eaten anything here yet. Mei, you too?"

Mei, walking shyly alongside, nodded and took an almond. "Thanks... These are really good." Her cheeks flushed from the cold—or maybe joy. Yuto laughed and nudged Kaito: "Try almonds with the girls next time, Kaito. Your lame jokes aren't working."

Kaito smirked: "Hey, my jokes are legendary! But okay, I might try, hmpf."

The group burst into laughter, and Aku felt a warmth in his chest that had nothing to do with the mulled wine. This is what I needed—a perfect distraction.

"Oh, look over there! There's a shooting gallery. Who dares to lose against me?" Kaito called challengingly.

At the shooting gallery, Kaito grabbed a toy gun. "Come on, guys! Loser buys the next round of cocoa!"

Yuto aimed first and missed. "Damn, too windy!"

Natsumi laughed and fired—a direct hit! "Ha! You could learn a thing or two!"

Mei hesitated, but Aku encouraged her: "Come on, Mei, you can do it. Don't overthink—just have fun."

She shot and hit—her eyes widening in surprise. "Wow... that was... luck!"

The others cheered, and Kaito gave her a playful hug: "Luck? I think you've been secretly training!"

Mei blushed but laughed along. Aku grinned: She really opens up around us. The friends shared the prizes. Kaito had to carry the big plush bunny that Mei had won.

They sat on a bench under a lit-up tree, steaming cocoa in hand. Snow fell gently, and Christmas music played in the distance.

Yuto turned to Aku: "Hey, back to your old self, huh?"

Aku nodded. "Yeah, thanks to you guys, I'm better. You're the best."

Natsumi scooted closer: "We look out for each other. Always. Everyone here matters!" Especially you…, she thought. Her hand brushed his lightly, and for a moment, Aku felt a tingle—was it just the cold?

Oops, I accidentally touched his hand. Hope he didn't notice.

Natsumi's face turned a bit red.

Kaito shared more of his corny jokes. When everyone was exhausted from all the laughing and walking, they fell silent and just soaked in the evening's magic. This is a perfect night, Aku thought.

"I think we should head home soon—the sun's starting to set," Yuto remarked.

The others agreed. Everyone was happy from the great time together, but also exhausted from all the eating, walking, and cold.

Kaito yawned hugely: "Man, if there was a bed here right now, I'd throw myself in and fall asleep instantly."

Natsumi and Yuto replied almost in unison: "Yeah, same here." Which made them both chuckle.

Mei shivered slightly. Aku noticed and asked: "Mei, are you cold?"

"Y-yeah, a bit."

Aku offered her his thick jacket.

"B-but you need one too. Aren't you cold at all?"

"Well, it's not super warm, but I've got a thinner one underneath. It'll be fine—I don't want you freezing out here."

Mei smiled: "Th-thanks, Aku."

The sun had set, and the path through the pine forest was unlit. It had started snowing harder again, the wind picking up fiercely.

"Right... Yuto, you mentioned a snowstorm tonight, didn't you?" Aku asked.

"Oh fuck, I totally forgot. We better hurry if it's starting now," he replied, a bit worried.

Natsumi encouraged them: "Stay close together. As long as we don't get separated, we'll be fine."

The snowstorm intensified; visibility dropped to almost nothing. All around were just branches and pines, the path buried under snow.

"Guys, are we even on the right path anymore?" Kaito doubted.

Mei panicked: "Oh no, what if we can't find our way home? Will we freeze out here?"

Her fear sent her into rapid breathing.

Aku calmed her: "Mei, it's okay. We're all here. We'll find the way. And if not, we can survive one night—we'll keep each other warm."

Natsumi added: "Aku's right. Don't worry. If you can't walk anymore, we'll take a break."

Kaito jumped in: "Yeah, or Aku can carry you a bit."

Aku didn't deny it but shot him an annoyed glance.

Mei steadied herself: "Thanks, I'm glad I have you guys. But I can't go much longer—I'm totally exhausted."

"Yeah, I could use a short break too," Natsumi said.

Yuto spotted something through the trees—barely visible in the snow.

"Hey guys, I think there's something there. Looks like a hut..."

"He's right, there's something... Come over here," Aku said.

Indeed: A hut in the middle of the forest. No light from outside.

"Do you think someone lives there? Or is it abandoned?" Kaito wondered.

Yuto knocked. No answer. The door opened easily.

"It's unlocked—come in," he said.

Inside, it looked like a hunter's cabin: Walls adorned with various animal furs, a fireplace with a large stag antler above it.

"Wow, cool. And really no one here?" Kaito marveled.

"Doesn't look like it. Let's look around. Maybe there's firewood for the fireplace," Aku suggested.

Yuto: "Good idea. I'll check upstairs—want to come, Mei?"

"Okay."

"Then I'll scope out the rooms down here," Kaito said.

"And us two?" Natsumi asked Aku.

He found a small staircase leading down to an old wooden door.

"There's a basement here. Want to check if there's anything useful?"

"Okay, I'll come with."

"But be careful—the steps are slippery," he warned.

As they entered the basement, they were surprised by its size. It looked almost like an archive—shelves full of books everywhere, the air thick with a musty dust scent.

"Wow, check this out, Natsumi," Aku marveled. He couldn't say much more, words failing him in excitement.

"What's down there, Aku?" Natsumi stepped in behind him.

"Whoa, whoever lives here could open a library," she said, awestruck.

"What hunter has time to read this much? These books look ancient and important. Look, this one's almost 3000 years old—but it's in pretty okay shape. With some effort, you could probably read it."

He pulled the book from the shelf and flipped it open.

The Origin of the Enshira Stone.

"Show me," Natsumi said.

"Here—this guy might be into geology or something," Aku replied, holding it up to her.

"Do you think it's okay to touch this stuff and stay the night? It's a bit creepy down here. And now I feel watched too," Natsumi noted.

Aku carefully put the book back: "It'll be fine. Let's not touch anything else. We're just staying overnight to avoid freezing outside."

Natsumi turned toward the door to leave the basement and tell the others they hadn't found firewood. Aku started to follow, but something caught his eye in the corner. A large wooden table with a thick book on it. He approached slowly—the book seemed to draw him in magnetically.

Natsumi turned back: "Aku, coming?"

"Wait a sec, I found something else," he called.

Curious, she joined him and peered over his shoulder.

"Hey, that... looks just like your necklace," she remarked.

"Yeah, it's identical," he replied, surprised.

On the book cover was an illustration of a necklace exactly like Aku's—the one he'd inherited from his biological parents before they died. He barely remembered them: His father had succumbed to a severe illness, and his mother had taken her own life shortly after. Not long after his birth. The necklace was a gift from his father just before death. To Aku, it had always felt special—sentimental value.

But I've never seen this necklace anywhere else. You can't just buy it, he thought.

"Is it worth a lot? Why else would there be a book about it?" Natsumi asked.

"No idea—I know nothing about it. It was just a gift from my real parents," he said thoughtfully.

Should I take the book? But that'd be theft. At least peek inside?

Suddenly, a scream yanked Aku from his thoughts.

"That was Mei! Quick, let’s check on her..." Aku said.

"Hey Mei, you okay?" Natsumi called as they rushed up the stairs.

Yuto and Mei stood at the bottom of the stairs. Kaito in front of them.

"All good—I just scared them, haha," Kaito reassured.

"You didn't scare me," Yuto added.

"This hut's creepy anyway," Mei said.

Aku changed the subject: "Anyone find firewood?"

Yuto and Mei shook their heads. Kaito proudly: "Yeah sure, tons. Couldn't carry it all, but this'll do for now."

He pointed to a small stack of wood under the stairs, which he'd placed before hiding to scare them.

"Awesome, where'd you get it?" Yuto asked.

"Well, there's a small shed outside—looked like a wood storage. And I was right. Plenty more in there," Kaito replied.

"Man, you're actually useful for once, Kaito," Yuto said sarcastically, grinning.

The others laughed.

"Yeah yeah, laugh it up. At least we'll be warm soon," Kaito countered.

Everyone was relieved to spend the night in the warmth.

"Oh, by the way, we found sleeping bags upstairs. I'll grab them," Yuto remembered.

Together, they got cozy by the fireplace. They lined up the sleeping bags side by side, the fire crackling invitingly.