Making a dream come true

As I was the one who had planned all of it, I was the first to recover. Slowly letting go of her hand, I took several steps ahead. Once I reached the middle of the clearing, I turned to face Ayame, and began my spiel.
“I am sorry it had taken do long. But, finally, here we are.” I spread my arms, gesturing to our surroundings. A few ayakashi were present, now moving around the outskirts, coming into view. Messenger foxes, walking in from the sides. Their shrill voices cooed and cheered to our arrival.
Seeing them, Ayame finally overcame her petrification. Her gaping mouth closed, and she took a few steps forward, coming closer to me. Tears were starting to form in her eyes.
I continued. “It had been hard to convince the little ones to keep quiet about this. Please, do not be angry at them. It really took a lot of bartering.” Headpats and food, plus a promise to treat them and Ayame and her family well. And looking after things, helping them out when needed, etc. They were a tight-knit group, and cared for each-other.

Digesting the information, she began to formulate a question. “How?”
“Oh, it wasn’t that hard. As you had said, it seems I have a good connection-”
“No.” She shook her head. There was a sign of disbelief in her eyes, mixed with hints of fear. “How did you manage to find this place?!”
‘Of course that would confuse her. Looks like I have to show her that this isn’t a dream.’ It partly amused me. All the time, she was the one holding the cards. But this time, I was the one who held the information. And as much as I wanted to seize the chance and tease her with it... it felt wrong in the current circumstance. So I suppressed the urge, and started with my explanation.
“It wasn’t easy, that is clear. ...After you had kissed me, I became certain of my feelings. And I wanted to tell you. But, there was something bugging me. Something gnawing inside of me.
I slept about it, and it became clear to me. That repeating dream. Obviously, it had to mean something. Not only that, earlier, when I started school here, your presence reminded me of it. At first, I assumed it was due to you being my first contact to the magical world. But... with time, that proved to be wrong. There was something special about you.”
This sentence elicited a small startle from Ayame, who had been intently listening to my every word.
“I remember there being someone with me in this place. And it doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together. So, to confirm whatever it was, I had to find the place in my dreams.”

I let out a short snort on the memories, trials that it took to get here.
“I am not stupid. I heard that the last time I made it here, I had disappeared for days. So, I decided to talk to someone. And since I know who basically has authority over the area here, I went to Suzune. She listened, and decided to look out for me. Mind you, look out, not help. Only to drag me back I’m case I got really lost.”
“It took me a while. Which is the reason why am speaking to you about this only now. I will skip the details, but after learning more about spirits, interacting with youkai, and figuring out a few tricks with illusions, I had made it.” Naturally, it had been hard to balance these private explorations with daily live and normal obligations, while also trying not to show any sign of it.
“Actually, I had managed to find it a few weeks ago. But, as I entered the field here, something had happened.” I did my best to smile brightly. “I collapsed.”
At first, fear and shock spread on Ayame’s face. Until she connected it with my smile, and realized the hidden meaning. “She called you?”
“Yep, she did. Or, at least I think. She appeared to me in a dream. If you call this calling, I wished she’d use a phone. That would be less disorienting and painful.” I scratched the back of my head, and recalled the experience.

***

At first, I was confused by the sudden change in surrounding. But then, noticing the familiarity of the scene, and finally the guest who had called me in, I was aware of the situation.
“Congratulations. You have found this place anew.” Black’s voice remained devoid of emotion. It was obvious she didn’t like me making it here.
However, with newfound resolve, I started to not simply take her berating, and instead pushed back.
“You are congratulating me already? Wasn’t I supposed to find the pavilion?"
“Yes. At least that is the one you remember.” The fox snorted, gleeful to be able to bash me down and remain on the upper hand.
A feeling of mild frustration spread within me. I couldn’t do much to counter her, only move along the line she dangled out in front of me. “Then, from when is the time you told me about here? Am I getting that forgetful?”
I tried one last, not much to her amusement. Fed up with playing around, Black moved to the point. “It was when I sealed your memories. And while you may not remember it, at that time I told you you’d get a part of them back, if you were to ever manage to find your way back here. Kind of like a reward for persevering through my magic.”

Now, those were hopeful news. But, knowing her, it wouldn’t be that simple. With a reluctant smile, I gave her my take. “So I better prepare myself for a worse situation than last time you meddled with things.”
She frowned. “First, I didn’t meddle with anything, I helped you out, and you should be grateful for it.” Black paused a moment before continuing, wanting it to settle in. “Second, there will be no side effects this time.”
“Huh?” What a reveal.
Heaving a sigh, the fox spoke more. “That meddling I did was also a form of preparation for this.” She looked me directly into the eyes. “I have nothing against you personally. But, I am wary of the things you might cause. So, until you prove your character, I will be watching, and judging. Just as I will be with the information you are getting now. You better not screw this up...”
With her threat looming in the air, she walked away, and darkness manifested itself around me.

But, unlike I had assumed, I did not wake up. Instead, the scene had changed. Well, at least partly. The background was still the same, albeit more lit up. And I was unable to move my body. This confirmed it to me: I was in my dream again. However, this time, everything looked way clearer, showing me every detail.
And one immediately stood out to me. The angelic giggling of the person next to me. Having it witnessed so many times until that point in the past few months, I knew who was sitting next to me instantly: I was joined by Ayame.
“What is up?” The voice that came out of my mouth sounded younger than usual. It would make sense, as this was my body when I was a child.

Turning to my companion, I was greeted by the sight of a cute, lovely small kitsune. Her movements were less refined and graceful, but seemed more cuddly and fluffy.
“Nothing.” While there was a difference, I could tell it was Ayame’s voice, with a bit more innocence. “Just, I like being around you.”
Her radiant smile let a blush rise to my cheeks. And, as young boys were, I immediately turned away. I did not remember if it was due to genuine embarrassment or mock anger. Nevertheless, the action made Ayame react to it. "Say..." Her voice was quiet, slightly shaking, as if she was unsure of herself.
Not wanting to make her feel bad, I faced her. "What is it?"
"Ehm..." having me directly in her face seemed to give a bad effect, as she started fidgeting around with her hands.
In childish purity, I moved closer, taking hold of her hands. Then, pulling her to me slightly, our faces were nearly touching. “Come on, you can tell me. Don’t you trust me?”
The stammering kitsune let out one final shriek, before falling silent. Avoiding my gaze, she looked to the ground. I waited patiently for her to speak again.

“Promise me you won’t laugh.” Her voice had regained some strength.
“I won’t.” ‘Whatever it is that is so important to her, I will not laugh at her!’ Those were my thoughts at the time.
Gathering her resolve, Ayame spoke. “When... when we get older,” To show me her spirit, she lifted her head, looking me straight in the eyes. “let’s get married.”
“Alright.” I didn’t laugh, I didn’t hesitate in my response.

However, that self assuredness had an opposite effect, as Ayame became confused. “W-W-What?”
I could not understand her sudden outburst at the time. After all, she got a positive answer to her question. So, I simply tilted my head.
This did not set well with her. “A-Anyway, how come you answered so quickly?!”
“Well...” it seemed obvious to me. “I didn’t have to think much about it.” And before she could start shouting with the large breath she had just sucked into her lungs, I continued my statement. “After all, it feels just right.”
“...Huh?” All rage was gone from her visage, replaced with a blank stare.
As it was now my turn to explain, it was also my turn to turn red. “What I want to say is... I like being around you. It makes me feel all warm inside. And I think that means I like you.” At my words. Ayame flushed like a tomato. “So, I too want to be around you too.”
“Do... you promise?” She asked timidly, her ears twitching rapidly.
But there had been no doubt in my mind. "Yes, I promise!"
Ayame gingerly extended her pinkie finger. Guessing at her intent, I intertwined it with mine.
Then, smiling at me, crying from joy, the little kitsune in front of me said. “Then, it is a promise. I am going to hold you to it.”

***

With these memories back, it was clear as day to me why certain things played out the way they did.
“I also remember our promise,” A vague hope began to manifest in Ayame’s eyes, tears still forming in their corners. With confidence, I proclaimed the next words "and I intend to hold it up.” I stretched out my hand, intend on taking hers. “Ayame, will you marry me?”
This opened the floodgates. “Yes! Yes yes yes!”
With tears streaming down her face, she ignored my hand, jumping into my arms and tackling me to the ground. The grass was soft enough to feather the impact.
It might seem weird to some people, to make such a commitment so early in knowing someone. However, same as I felt as a child, being with her just felt right. I didn’t yet fully understand why that was the case, but was certain I would find out in our time together.

And so, we lay together in the grass, letting out our emotions for each other. Sealing our vow with a kiss in the gentle light of the spirits around us.