May the Light Shine

After saying goodbye, escaping the unguarded dungeon, and finding the secret tunnel Itsuki normally used to leave the capital. The three of them were finally outside the capital walls. 

Itsuki brought her fingers to her lips and whistled. The horse that had brought them to the capital heard the call and came running.

Itsuki used her magic to raise the ground to get Sachi and Kasumi on the horse. "For the sake of time, I'll be in charge of the reigns, you make sure you hold onto me and that Kasumi doesn't fall."

Sachi nodded and Itsuki mounted the horse.

-

The ride back was much quicker than the ride to the capital, thanks to Itsuki's skill. They had left sometime in the afternoon and were able to arrive soon before the sun would set. Before long they had arrived back to the village, thankfully not followed.

Itsuki hopped off the horse and helped Sachi and Kasumi down.

Kasumi's eyes wandered the village in awe. This was the first time she had left the castle, let alone the capital. The new wonders scared and excited her.

Sachi grabbed Kasumi's hand and guided her inside the tavern. The tavern was unusually empty compared to its lively self.

Itsuki's mother, Emi, heard the door and came running downstairs. "You're finally home. I was getting worried." Her eyes fell onto Kasumi. "Who's this little one?"

Itsuki took a deep breath. "Mom... I have so much to tell you."

Itsuki's mother looked into her daughter's eyes and smiled. "Then let's sit down and have some dinner. You can tell me all about your trip and who our new friend is." She looked at Sachi and Kasumi. "Are you two hungry?"

Kasumi nodded.

Sachi smiled. "Would it be okay if I ate later? I would like to check on Himari."

Emi smiled. "Of course, dear. I'll set something aside for you when you're ready. She's upstairs in her room. Unfortunately, she's not much different than from when you left."

Sachi left Itsuki to be with her mother and made her way up to Himari's room.

Sachi stared at Himari's still figure, still looking out her window.

Sachi sat in the chair next to Himari's bed. "I'm sorry that it's been a little bit. I ran a long errand. I'm back now though and I don't intend to leave anytime soon. I want to stay here with you. I want to see you smile again. I'm sure that sounds very selfish though."

Sachi dug through her bag and took out the hair ornament she had gotten from the capital. Thankfully it had not been damaged from the fight she had with Itsuki or from all the running around.

"I know you're hurt right now and there's nothing I can say or do to make it go away. But I'll be by your side until it does."

Sachi gently opened Himari's clenched fist and placed the hair ornament in her hand on top of the black feather that was already there.

Himari slowly looked down at the item in her hand.

Sachi took a deep breath. "When I saw it, I couldn't help but be reminded of Nobu's eyes. How stern yet gentle they were at the same time... Even when his tongue was sharp, his eyes always betrayed his true feelings... Maybe me giving you this isn't the best idea... I just-"

The setting sun shone on the crimson gem, reflecting the tears that softly fell down Himari's cheeks. Memories of Nobu filled her mind and tugged at her heart. 

Sachi got up and sat next to Himari. She hesitantly put her hand on Himari's back, rubbing it softly to offer some sort of comfort.

"Nobu's gone..." Himari voice finally spoke, quiet and broken.

Sachi's heart weighed heavy after finally hearing the truth about Nobu. She didn't know him long, but she knew how hard he tried to protect them both, how he was against her at first but slowly warmed up, and how much Nobu and Himari cared for each other. Sachi's soul grieved for Nobu and ached for Himari. 

Himari laid her head against Sachi's shoulder as her tears continued to fall. Sachi quietly wrapped her arms around Himari in a hug. 

They sat like that until night had fully set and Himari's tear had tired her out. Sachi laid Himari down to sleep, but she didn't return to her room. She sat back in the chair next to Himari's bed. She didn't want to leave her friend to grieve alone. She wanted to be there for her in any way she could.

-

The warm breeze and sunlight from the window woke Sachi up. She didn't realize when she had fallen asleep. She lifted her head and saw that Himari was still fast asleep. She decided to take the opportunity to get some food for the both of them.

Sachi made her way downstairs to see Itsuki, her mother, and Kasumi at a table eating breakfast.

Itsuki waved with bread stuffed in her mouth. "Good morning Sachi."

Itsuki's mother got up from the table to get some food for Sachi. "We missed you for dinner last night."

Sachi yawned, not fully awake. "Sorry, I accidentally fell asleep... Would it be alright if I took food up for Himari too?"

Itsuki's mother chuckled. "After the day Itsuki told me you had yesterday I don't blame you for getting the sleep you need. Here." She handed Sachi a tray of food for two.

Sachi took the tray but winced in pain, her body still sore from the day prior.

Itsuki got up quickly and grabbed the tray. "Here. I'll take it for you. Are you okay?"

Sachi nodded. "I'm-"

"Sachi?" 

Sachi turned around to the sweet familiar voice she missed.

Himari had quietly come down the stairs without anyone's knowledge. Himari stood there, her eyes that were so empty and distant before were now shinning and filled with light - not completely to how they used to be, but much better than before.

Sachi's body moved without her realizing it. Before she knew it, her arms had fully embraced Himari. 

Himari hugged Sachi back. "Thank you Sachi."

Sachi shook her head. "I didn't do anything. I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me."

Himari smiled, that same gentle smile that filled Sachi with warmth. "You were there, and you did plenty. I just needed some time. Having you sit by my side was enough for me. Thank you."

"How are you feeling? I mean, I know you're still hurting but I meant other than that." Sachi nervously asked.

Himari's smile was melancholic. "I'll be okay... Nobu came to me in my dream last night. He yelled at me for letting his life go to waste by sitting around all day..." Himari huffed slightly. "Can you believe it? The first thing he says to me after he's gone is a scolding."

Sachi smiled and held Himari's hand. "It sounds just like him."

Himari looked over Sachi's shoulder to see unfamiliar faces. "Sachi? Can you tell me where I am and who everyone is?"

Sachi remembered it wasn't just her and Himari in the room. "Oh, of course. Uh... Let's talk over breakfast. There's a lot to catch up on."

Itsuki placed the tray on the table and set the food out for Sachi and Himari. "Are you sure you want us in here? We can leave you two alone to catch up if you want."

Himari shook her head. "I want to get to know the people that have been taking care of me and also being kind to my friend. I should also be thanking you for all that you've done."

Itsuki shook her head as she took a seat. "No thanks are necessary. We're just glad you're doing better. I'm Itsuki by the way." Itsuki offered her hand to Himari.

Himari shook Itsuki's hand. "Himari."

Sachi, Himari, and Itsuki talked all morning as they ate their food. Kasumi sat at the table eating but not really understanding the conversation. Itsuki's mother watched from afar in the kitchen as she prepared the tavern for the day.