Part 2
Kaito's group found themselves somewhat disoriented.
Despite asking for directions, they couldn't find the place. They even began to wonder if someone was playing a prank on them.
It was then that a timid demi-human boy approached Ayame. He had pointy ears, a fluffy tail, and a wooden sword strapped to his back.
"Excuse me, Miss Kitsune… are you waiting for someone?"
"Hello there, little one," she replied gently. "We're looking for an address, but we just can't seem to find it."
The boy furrowed his brow, thinking deeply.
"This city doesn't have any temples dedicated to the goddess of demi-humans..."
"Actually, we're looking for an address," Kaito added. "This is Block 116, but we're looking for 117."
The boy lit up with a smile.
"Oh! That's because Block 117 is in the forest. It's a secluded area where some hermits live."
"I know because I play there all the time with my friends."
He looked at the group with renewed excitement.
"Do you want me to take you there?"
Ayame knelt down and ruffled his hair affectionately, like an older sister would.
"That would be very helpful. What's your name?"
"Norbert! And someday I'm going to be a great adventurer!" he declared, proudly raising his wooden sword.
"Thank you, Norbert."
"I'm Ayame, priestess of the goddess Aurora. And these are my friends: Kaito, Eve, and Seri."
The boy's eyes widened in amazement.
"Whoa! A fire elf! You must be really strong!"
"Heh heh! Of course I am! I'm super strong!" Seri replied, striking a confident pose with her staff raised high.
"Alright, follow me!" said the little silver wolf, spinning on his heels with energy.
After walking for a while, the scenery began to change.
The city faded away, giving rise to a peaceful area bordered by trees and overlooking a serene lake.
There, nestled in the greenery, stood a modest yet welcoming house, with a mailbox by the stone path.
Kaito stepped forward and read aloud:
"House 3, Block 117… This is the place."
The boy ran toward the lake, and they followed him with their eyes.
By the water stood a simple structure with a table, where a figure in a large wizard's hat seemed to be enjoying tea peacefully.
From there, the boy waved enthusiastically, and the group approached.
She was a woman with long, silky jet-black hair, dressed like an archmage. Her bearing was graceful, and her gaze, profound.
"I brought your guests, Master!" Norbert said with a proud, radiant smile.
"Thank you, sweetie."
"Say hi to your parents for me, and don't forget to eat well," the woman said, gently patting his head.
The boy turned to Ayame.
"Sis Ayame, let's play again sometime!"
She gave him a warm, almost motherly smile.
"Of course."
"Bye!" Norbert shouted as he disappeared into the trees.
Kaito couldn't take his eyes off the woman.
It wasn't because of her beauty… but because of the aura surrounding her. It was different.
"You're Japanese, aren't you?" he asked, without thinking.
The woman gave a faint smile, then gestured to them.
"What an observant young man… Please, Kaito, Seri, Eve, Ayame. Have a seat."
Four chairs surrounded a small table, with tea still gently steaming.
"How do you know who we are?" Seri asked, curiosity in her voice.
"All in due time. It's tea hour," the woman replied, taking her cup with elegant poise.
Though still a little wary, the group followed her lead and sat down.
"I'm sure your minds are overflowing with questions," she continued, "And I promise I'll answer them… when the time is right."
She took a slow sip.
"To answer your first question: yes, I'm Japanese."
"More specifically, from the Tokyo metropolitan area."
Seri blinked, visibly surprised.
"Then you're from the same world as Kaito?"
"That's right, young Flames. And if you behave yourselves, maybe I'll even take you to see it someday," she added with a mischievous smile.
But Kaito barely heard her.
There was one question that had been burning in his heart for some time.
"Is it… possible to go back?"
The air grew tense instantly. Kaito had stood up without realizing it.
The woman watched him quietly. Then, with calm conviction, she nodded.
"Yes."
"It is possible."
"I could send you back right now, if that's what you wish."
"You'd just have to give up everything you have here… and you'd return to your life. With your mother."
Seri and Ayame lowered their gazes, unable to hide the sadness that pierced them.
"If Kaito leaves… will I be alone again?"
"But… it'd be selfish to ask him to stay just for me…"
Kaito shook his head, firmly.
"No."
"I just want to know if my mom is okay."
"I don't want her to think I abandoned her…"
"She already lost Dad. If she loses me too…"
The woman looked at him with a different expression now—almost compassionate.
"What an interesting boy. Now I see why Lunaris chose you."
She stood up gracefully and raised one hand.
A floating orb appeared above the table.
Inside it, an office came into view.
A middle-aged woman, with dark hair and a tired but strong face, worked in front of a computer monitor. Photos of Kaito and his father decorated the desk.
"She's doing well," the woman said softly. "And don't worry… time in that world is frozen."
"When you finish your mission, you'll return to the exact moment you left."
Kaito took a deep breath. For the first time, the weight in his chest began to lift.
The woman walked over and handed him a rectangular box, wrapped like a bento.
"Come with me."
"I'm going to give you a one-of-a-kind gift."
"Bring that box… and don't open it."
A magical portal opened behind her, casting a soft glow over the clearing.
"You," she said, turning to the group with a playful smile, "stay here."
"This part is just for Kaito. I didn't bring anything for you." She laughed lightly.
And without further explanation… they stepped through the portal together.
On the other side, Kaito found himself standing before a door.
She only smiled at him.
"This is your gift, Kaito. Push that door open… and deliver the bento."
Confused, he hadn't even noticed he was wearing his school uniform. His hands trembled slightly as he held the box.
He took a deep breath.
And opened the door.
There she was.
His mother.
Sitting alone in her private office, coding in front of a computer. Tired. Strong. Familiar.
"M–Mom…" he whispered.
She turned to him with a calm expression.
"Kaito, my dear… do you need something?"
He ran to her and hugged her tightly.
"Mom!"
"Are you alright, Kaito? What a lively boy," she replied, hugging him back as if she'd just seen him that very morning.
Kaito couldn't hold back his tears. His voice trembled as he spoke.
"It feels like… I haven't seen you in weeks…"
He wiped his face with his sleeve, trying to smile.
"I'm sorry… I was just thinking how lucky I am."
She gently wiped his cheeks with a handkerchief—soft hands, yet steady.
"Oh, sweetheart… you've grown so much."
"You're my greatest pride."
"If only your father could see you now…"
Kaito handed her the bento, wrapped in a cloth with little flowers.
"I brought you dinner. You forgot it."
She opened it. Inside, the curry was still warm, as if it had just been made.
"Thank you, son," she said, smiling.
"Thank you, Mom… for everything. I love you so much."
"And I love you too, my boy," she replied, ruffling his hair affectionately.
"But I need to get back to work now."
"Yeah… I won't bother you."
"See you at home," he said, stepping back with a peaceful smile.
He walked out through the same door he had entered. On the other side, Morgana was waiting.
"Are you ready to return? Are you sure you don't want to stay with your mother?"
Kaito shook his head.
"I love her with all my heart…"
"But that's not a reason to abandon Eve, or Ayame…"
"And most of all, I promised Seri I'd never leave her alone."
"They're my family too."
The witch nodded, her smile touched with melancholy.
"I didn't expect anything less from you. Very well… let's go back."
A portal opened before them, its surface rippling in silence.
"See you soon, Mom… I promise I'll become someone you can be proud of."
Together, they crossed the threshold.
Back in her office, Kaito's mother looked at the bento.
She gently pushed her keyboard aside and opened the box.
The aroma embraced her at once.
"Oh, Kaito… you're just like your father."
She took a bite. Tears rolled slowly down her cheeks.
"It's delicious… thank you."
For a moment, she allowed herself to pause.
She closed her eyes and ate in silence, her heart full.
In front of her, an old photo frame… The three of them, at the Osaka stadium. A happy family.
Now that he knew his mother was okay… He could finally start living without guilt. For the first time, the future didn't bind him.
It welcomed him.