The persued Idea towards Coexistence
"Wait!" Kuraihime exclaimed before swiftly returning to the Monster's location. Upon her return, she reclined gracefully and found herself face to face with it. Its jagged teeth protruded, and its face bore an eerie lack of eyes. They shared a brief, intense gaze before it abruptly parted its jaws wide open. Kuraihime reacted swiftly, leaping backward.
Chapter 10 - The Aspired Connection within all
Upon seeing the Monster's reaction to Kuraihime's surprise and her quick evasion, it began to giggle. It then started licking its fingers, where traces of Kuraihime's blood remained on its long claws. "Look at this. Your blood doesn't seem to want to leave me. It seems to suggest the love you can find in suffering with me, HAHAHA... How many times have you pitifully died here? Hundreds? Millions? Eons or for eternity, if that's what your earnest expression conveys, then I can grant your wish for the truth, Hehehe," it said to Kuraihime with a sinister grin.
Upon hearing the Monster's words, Kuraihime's expression turned serious, mixed with anger. She clenched her teeth firmly. "What do you want from me... I've just arrived in this world, and you're already making me an abomination in your eyes... Are you in league with the Primordial Reaper of Harmony... Hey, tell me!" Kuraihime whispered, her face raised in darkness, covering her eyes. "What do you want from me?!! I'm just a being sowing wisdom and healing in this world!! So why are you doing this??!!" Kuraihime shouted at the monster while glaring at it with anger.
"Suffer, for this is your choice," the monster whispered. After its whisper, it swiftly closed in on Kuraihime, who was unable to react. As it drew nearer, it quickly thrust its claws at her, aiming for the side of her arm near her neck, piercing through Kuraihime. She couldn't help but scream and shed tears, her expression filled with fear and renewed suffering. Meanwhile, as this was happening to Kuraihime, the monster only laughed. It suddenly smiled as it pushed the claws further in, tearing off Kuraihime's left arm, causing her to once again experience the agony of losing her entire arm. Thus ending her life once more
A solitary tear cascaded from the ethereal rosy sky, casting its reflection upon the liquid canvas beneath. It birthed delicate undulations, emanating from the descent of each petal adrift from the encircling Sakura trees. In the profound recesses of Kuraihime's contemplations, she tendered her musings upon the ongoing calamity. "Huh... the multitude of demises I've witnessed thus far may scarcely register within the exigency I now confront. The anguish I currently endure might well constitute my ultimate enactment as a Fate or Destiny," murmured Kuraihime within the sanctum of her thoughts.
"Are you giving up?" a voice inquired. Kuraihime, upon hearing the voice, slowly opened her eyes to find Reuin once again before her, in close proximity. As she awoke, Reuin offered a smile, then turned away, distancing herself from Kuraihime. Kuraihime, with her head slightly tilted, observed Reuin's departure. After a moment, her eyes widened, and her eyebrows raised slightly. She called out to Reuin, "Wait!" Responding to Kuraihime's call, Reuin turned back to face her. With a smile, they continued to gaze at each other, their gazes drawing nearer. When Reuin's gaze was very close to Kuraihime's face, she smiled with her eyes nearly closing.
While Kuraihime beheld Reuin's smile, she was taken aback when she suddenly realized that she was now gazing at nothing but a gust of wind. Kuraihime found herself underneath the Sakura tree, using it as a leaning post while she sat. As she looked around to observe her surroundings, she spotted Reuin sitting atop the tree with a smile, her eyes fixed on Kuraihime. Kuraihime noticed a petal falling, landing on Reuin's finger. She
closed her eyes and pondered, "In your perspective, how many trials and tribulations have you endured? Hundreds? Thousands? Hundreds of thousands? Is this merely a test or an obstacle on your path to attain your desire, Kuraihime Uramitsu? Can you express your wishes to me?" Reuin inquired, and upon hearing her question, Kuraihime fell into silence. She watched the petals fall and flow in the water. "I yearn... from the moment I first stepped foot in this land, my initial thought was a 'connection' with anyone who would accept me. My burning desire for a friend now resonates within me. However, that blaze can also be extinguished," Kuraihime replied.
"Oh, your humble desire for companionship from those who are conscious of your existence. I've encountered many like you, who share the same peril, much like yourself. However, their words and understanding don't always translate into a lasting relationship, especially if we predicate our lives on it," Reuin stated once more.
As Kuraihime heard Reuin's words, she suddenly lowered her head, staring expressionlessly at her reflection in the water below. "...I didn't seek this suffering... I only wanted to understand the beauty of this world, but the weariness from the torment I now endure is difficult to justify to myself," Kuraihime replied to Reuin's words. Upon hearing Kuraihime's response, Reuin's smile faded, replaced by a curious expression. After a moment, she smiled again, stood up from her perch on the tree branch, and clasped her hands behind her back. Her seated branch on the tree. "Hey. May I ask you another question?" Reuin inquired. Upon hearing her, Kuraihime side-eyed the branch where Reuin had been standing, even though she couldn't see her, and still heard Reuin's voice.
Unable to locate Reuin, her voice echoed in a tone, "Do you wish to reverse your desire?" Reuin asked. When Kuraihime heard this, she still maintained her expression, gazing at her reflection while her eyes squinted. She swiped her reflection in the water and whispered, "...No—hm. If it's possible," Kuraihime replied. After her response, small waves suddenly emerged from the water, directed towards the center of Kuraihime's reflection. After a moment, Reuin emerged from her reflection, and the water splashed around. As Reuin emerged, she placed both her palms on either side of Kuraihime's face, near her cheeks, and their faces were close to each other. Reuin smiled as their faces drew closer, and she approached Kuraihime's ear, licking it. "Challenge your desire through the perspective of suffering...!" Reuin whispered after she licked Kuraihime's ear, as and Reuin's fingers near Her face, covered her eyes as she whispered once more, "Suffering is but a humble step towards change," in Kuraihime's dark and quiet mind....