[Inari Standoff]: Goodbye, Aika Mihara

Wedding bells chimed through the air on that sun-soaked day as all of Aika's friends and colleagues flooded through the cathedral doors in their best dresses and most charming tuxedos. Sunlight splashed through the rows of stained glass on both sides of the sanctuary, washing the pews in a downpour of vibrant reds, blues, and purples. Aika's producers, bandmates, and friends from other bands were all in attendance on what was to be one of the happiest days of her life.

Tsukiakari, Amatsuki, and Rei helped keep things organized by directing people to their seats. The wedding was the perfect opportunity for the girls to get all dolled up in their satin lace wedding dresses, each of them wearing a white rose at the crown of their braided hair.

Even Shinju found it in herself to attend wearing a white dress rather than her usual poncho-panties-panda ears uniform. She giggled to herself as she stood next to Taeko by the cathedral entrance, watching as she fidgeted with her white lace sleeves and tugged at the hem of her tight, form-fitting dress.

Taeko noticed Shinju's stifled giggles and frowned. "I never thought I could ever be so self-conscious about my discoloration..."

"Don't be." Shinju said.

"Oh gee, I never thought of it like that."

"You know, your awkwardness makes it really easy for people to tell that you've traveled to the modern era from the Warring States era."

"I just...When did dresses get so tight?" Taeko groaned. "Everyone can see my curves and my butt feels weird..."

"That's kinda the point, Taeko. These days, dresses are made to accentuate a woman's figure. It looks great and fills you with confidence!"

Taeko sighed, the sunlight splashing against her rosy cheeks. "I still have a lot I need to get used to about the modern world..."

Izanami sat in the front row as people continued to make their way to their seats, the sanctuary abuzz with conversation and laughter. She clutched a framed portrait of Isabella close to her chest, a black ribbon tied around the frame.

"Aika's getting married today, Izzy. I hope you're watching up there!" Izanami sang to herself, her gaze turning to the black cylinder pendant dangling just below her collar bone. "And you too, Inari."

The crowd awaited the bride. Using the office space as a dressing room, Aika stood before a long mirror and stared at her own reflection with her mouth agape. Her white and gold trimmed wedding dress sparkled in the sunlight pouring through the window. Yoko backed away from her, having just finished braiding her long, brown hair for her.

"There you go! Aika, you're all set, my love." Yoko said.

"Thank you so much, Yoko!" Aika chirped. "I almost can't believe I'm doing this. It all feels like a dream. Do you have any advice for me?"

"Well...I suppose my first piece of advice would be...suck the balls too." Yoko tittered.

Aika leaned back as she laughed. "Yoko!"

"But really...just remember that marriage isn't always going to be a whimsical adventure for you. The magic wears off and the luster rusts away. That's okay. Don't waste what you have by fighting over petty problems. Most importantly, don't ever make decisions when you're upset. Life and love are both too precious for that. You know what the secret ingredient to love is?"

"Hmmm...trust?"

"Friendship."

"Really?"

Yoko nodded. "No love can last if there isn't a strong foundation of friendship. That's where all the trusts and care comes from. I know it might sound kind of weird, but always remember that the most important part of your marriage is your friendship with your husband. Everything else comes naturally once you've got that."

"That's really beautiful. Thank you, Yoko."

Yoko leaned forward and kiss the back of Aika's head, hugging her from behind. "No problem, sweetheart. Today's going to be one of the happiest days of your life. Let me know when you're ready, okay? I'll walk you down."

Aika blew a kiss to Yoko as left the room, leaving the door open for some reason. Aika almost stood up to close it until Osamu popped in, closing the door behind him.

"Yo, Aika." Osamu said.

Aika laughed. "You know, the groom is supposed to be the first man to see the bride."

"Huh? Really?"

"It's fine. We did save the world together. This'll be our little secret."

"I appreciate that, Aika. Well, I was just coming to say...I'm happy for you. We all are. And uh...well, Kyoto's definitely gonna be quieter with you gone."

Aika stood from her seat, nervously tenting her fingers. "I'll miss you guys. I truly mean that."

"At least you won't have to take anymore sudden trips to Antarctica to save the world, or bust my sorry butt out of the Underworld."

"Yeah, I think I've had my fair share of supernatural hijinks for one lifetime." Aika giggled. "Osamu..."

Aika bowed her head, closing her eyes. "Thank you for everything you did for me."

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"...Yoko told me what happened when you first came back to Kyoto. How we all lived together at her house. How I committed suicide and nearly died. How you and Izanami saved my life and brought me back."

Osamu was speechless, his eyes widened in shock. "I..."

Aika stood up straight, staring Osamu in his eyes. "Honestly, I don't remember any of what she said happened. She did mention that my memories of you guys were erased after I came back. It's a wild, unbelievable story. But I've seen some pretty wild, unbelievable things already and I trust you guys. Besides...I've always wondered why Yoko mothers me so much. If her story is true, it would start making a lot of sense as to why she does that."

"...The guilt hasn't really worn off yet. We brought you back, but it costed us our relationship with you. My relationship with you."

"So it's true, then."

"Yeah. It's all true."

"So...what now? Should I call this whole thing off?"

(Had you asked me that a few years back, I probably would've done something silly like take your hand and run off with you. I would've done anything to take back what we lost. But now...)

"No. You don't owe me a thing, Aika. What we had...it was great while we had it. I'll always treasure those days. But you're your own woman and I'm my own man now. You got a second chance at life and you did beautiful things with it. Now you're about to go off and marry the love of your life and live in a big house, the whole deal. That's enough for me. I have no regrets now. You're here right now because you kept marching forward. Keep doing that. Don't you ever look back."

Aika smiled, the sunlight sparkling in her tear-soaked eyes. She laughed and cried at the same time, perfectly satisfied with Osamu's answer. "You're right. We've both got to keep moving forward. But if I'm going to do it, you have to as well, mister!"

"What do you mean?"

"Everything that's eating you up inside. Let it out. Let it go. It's time to move on, Osamu."

Osamu smiled as he scratched the back of his head. "Okay. It's a promise. Just...send me a little rock from every place you go, okay?"

Osamu's cheerful tone broke apart as tears fell streamed down his cheeks. "And don't ever forget...our house will always be a second home for you."

With their promise in place and a lifetime of love in their hearts, Osamu and Aika tightly embraced each other in the dazzling sunlight. Finally, the pain of losing Aika's memories was laid to rest. There was no need to let the guilt eat away at him any longer.

"Thank you for saving me, Osamu. Thank you so, so much..."

(The rest of that day was a blur of tears and flowers. It was the happiest day of Aika's life, and of ours too. What happened with Aika used to haunt me, but now...I'm happy with it. Aika was given a second chance and she ran with it. Inari gave me my second chance...so it's time for me to do the same.)

Three days later, Aika and Rei joined Osamu's family in the front yard of their house, laughing and celebrating one last time before she was due to leave Japan. Aika's smile was brighter than it ever was before, almost too bright to bear.

"Oh gosh, Aika! I want to congratulate you, but I feel so sad too!" Tsukiakari said.

"If we have this conversation now, I'm going to cry." Yoko added.

Rei chuckled as she set down her beer on the stone steps of the patio. "I already cried in the shower before getting here. It was not pretty, let me tell you."

Aika waved her hand to calm them all down. Thank you guys, it really means the world to me! It's a happy event, but I really am going to miss you all.

Being the emotional hair-trigger she was, Izanami was already bawling. "Aika! We had so many good times! You can't go! Take me with you! Let's marry each other and live happily ever after!"

"Oh Izanami! Maybe in another life. Don't worry though, hon! I'll be okay, I promise." Aika said with a saddened sigh. "Well then, it's about time for me to go.

"So the time has come, huh?" Amatsuki said. "Well, I've only known you for a little while, but I wish you luck, Aika. Truly. I'm happy for you."

Aika tearfully bowed to everyone. "Guys...I really don't know what to say...Thank you for being my friends for all of these years. I love you all!"

"Damn it, now I'm crying..." Yoko sobbed, covering her eyes with her arms.

"Yeah, it's hitting me too..." Tsukiakari added.

Osamu raised his glass of sake. Well...one last hoorah."

Everyone followed suit, piping down the last of their alcohol in one go. Of course, Yoko and Izanami had to substitute alcohol for lemonade. Still, the slight burn in their throats was nothing like the burning sensation in their hearts. Aika burped after she finished her drink, bringing everyone together for a final laugh.

"What was that?!" Rei cackled.

"Aika, you burp like a man!" Osamu complimented.

Aika covered her rosy lips with her fingers "Sorry!"

"Aika, I'm not very good with the mushy stuff." Tsukiakari said. "I have a sharp tongue, never really used it for saying sweet things, but...well...stay safe, all right?"

Aika nodded and flashed an angelic smile. "Thanks you guys. It feels like I'm shedding the me that I am now, and getting ready to become a new Aika. I'm a little scared, but I'm confident that everything is in God's hands. Yoko, Izanami, Tsukiakari, Osamu...thank you for everything. Rei's going to walk me to the station."

"Your fiancee already sent over your things to Germany?" Yoko asked.

"Yeah." Aika nodded. "All that's left is me."

As burning tears swelled in Yoko's eyes, she hugged Aika with all that she had. The days of old when Aika was living in her home all those years ago rushed through her mind. Though they were memories Aika exchanged to have her life back, they would always remain with Yoko, Osamu, Izanami, and even the deceased Isabella.

"If you need anything, anything at all, you call me!" Yoko wept. "You call home the minute you need it, all right? Even if you can't remember any of it...this place is your home!"

"I will, I promise, Yoko." Aika cried.

"And send us some postcards!" Tsukiakari added.

"I certainly will! Count on it, Gekko!" Aika laughed. "Well...I'm off. Goodbye, everyone."

"Oh, I'll walk you there too so Rei doesn't have to be alone after you get on the train." Osamu said.

"Thanks, Osa. Let's go." Aika said.

(Goodbyes are a peculiar phenomenon.)

The whole way through, Rei never let got of Aika's hand. Osamu held onto Aika's other hand, linking everyone together into a three-piece. Even as they stood there on the platform waiting for the train to arrive, they did not dare to let go of each other.

"I talked to all of the producers and artists I know, so you and the other bandmates will still have plenty of work and opportunities when I'm gone. You'll still be making tons of money, we just won't be doing it as Morning Star" Aika explained.

"I don't care about any of that! Aika..." Rei said.

Aika smiled as she caressed Rei's cheek. "Come on, don't give me such a sad face."

Aika's eyes lost their cheery front, growing mournful as Rei expressed her utmost graititude. "You saved my life. Meeting you, getting into music with you...I learned how to express myself in ways I never could've dreamed were possible. If I hadn't met you, I'm sure I would've just given up on life. I would've never been able to travel the world, doing what I love with the people I love. It's all been magical, Aika. If you hadn't walked into my life..."

Rei could no longer speak, but she didn't have to say a word more. Aika held her tight, knowing everything she wanted to say. "Oh Rei...thank you. I didn't know it meant that much to you. I think, in a way, you saved my life too. Both of you!"

The train arrived, opening its door to the future for Aika.

"I have to go now. Come on, bring it in, guys!" Aika ordered.

Three of them embraced each other one final time, savoring every second of each other's warmth and affection. The warning bell rang from inside the train, forcing them to end their final hug. Aika hurriedly stepped onto the train, turning back to face her friends. Bright, golden sunlight splashed against her face, her smile becoming a slice of heaven itself.

And so, for one final time, Aika smiled and began to sing. "Dream lover, until then! I shall sleep and dream again!"

We never realize the glory of a woman until she's about to leave. Her hair, her smile, her giggle after singing and the tears in her eyes were all so perfectly placed, so perfectly present in this mortal, fleeting world, that it truly felt that only God could place so much beauty in one place. With one foot on the train, the other on the platform, and her waving hand in the air, Aika smiled one last time...

"Goodbye Aika!" Osamu sang.

"We love you!" shouted Rousoku.

Aika waved goodbye as the train doors closed, a melancholic smile on her beautiful face. "Goodbye, my friends..."

Osamu and Rei stepped back and watched as the train snaked down the tracks, taking Aika away into a future of her own making, a future she earned with her own two hands.