Cloud gasped as he flailed on the ground, his body jolting as if he had just hit solid earth after an eternity of falling. He coughed, his chest rising and falling rapidly as his mind scrambled to process the sudden change. The soft rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of birds, and the warmth of the sun seeped into his senses like a long-lost dream. The rich scent of grass and earth filled his nostrils as he pressed his palm against the ground beneath him.

He stopped as he looked at the grassy fields and realized where he was. He turned his head, his eyes locking onto the familiar sight of Takahiro's small house standing a few steps behind him. A wave of relief washed over him, and he couldn't help but smile—he was back in the real realm.

Exhaling deeply, he allowed himself to collapse onto the grass, his arms wide open as he stared up at the vast blue sky. Wisps of white clouds drifted lazily above, their slow movements a stark contrast to the chaotic nightmare he had just escaped. The sun's warmth bathed his skin, a soothing balm against the lingering cold of the Yokai Realm. A gentle breeze swept through the field, rustling his silver hair and sending a shiver down his spine, but it wasn't unwelcome. It was real.

“Well, I see someone made it back in one piece.”

Cloud's eyes snapped open. He rolled over quickly, his gaze landing on Takahiro, who sat on the wooden porch of the house, stretching his legs under the sun's golden glow. His expression was calm, unreadable, yet there was the slightest hint of amusement in his eyes.

“Sensei… I’m…” Cloud began, pushing himself up onto his elbows, his mind still reeling.

Takahiro offered a small smile. “I know, Cloud. You are here, after all. I never doubted you, kid. Not once. You’re a Lucent now, and one step closer to achieving your dreams. Though…” he tilted his head slightly, “it unfortunately took longer than I anticipated.”

Cloud frowned, sitting up fully. “What do you mean?”

Takahiro sighed, resting his elbows on his knees. “Don’t panic, but it’s been a month since I came back here. So you’ve been gone just a little longer than that.”

Cloud's breath hitched, his eyes widening. A month? He clenched his fists, looking down at the grass beneath him. “I guess that’s the price you pay to grow strong.”

Takahiro shrugged. “Not necessarily, but this time, yes, it is. So, how was life in the Yokai Realm?”

Cloud chuckled dryly, running a hand through his hair. “It was deadly. I arrived there during the Eighth Moon, and had a Phantom chasing me right off the start. Thankfully, someone helped. A strong man, from Emberforge.”

“Interesting. Emberforge is known for its strong warriors. You’re very lucky to have encountered one at such a desperate time.”

Cloud shook his head. “I don’t think he was a warrior. He didn’t look like one either, but he was strong. I just didn’t get the sense that he was a soldier. Felt more like me, but stronger and a little bit older.”

Takahiro tapped his lips thoughtfully. “I see. A role model, perhaps? I suppose that’s acceptable, even though you and I share more similarities—aside from our age difference, of course.”

Cloud smirked. “You are my teacher, and as my teacher, you are my role model… But the man from Emberforge is simply inspiring, and to a point, more relatable than you are.”

Takahiro laughed softly. “Well, I can understand that. It’s good to know your experience in the Yokai Realm was… decent, I suppose. Unfortunately, a lot of things happened while you were away. And even more unfortunate… the things that happened are bad.”

A Few Days After Takahiro’s Departure

The sun blazed high above, merciless and unrelenting, casting waves of heat over the narrow dirt road. Takahiro walked with a measured pace, an elegant black umbrella held aloft, shielding him from the scorching light. His movements were fluid, almost lazy, but his eyes remained sharp, scanning his surroundings with quiet vigilance.

From a distance, the steady rumble of wooden wheels on dirt grew louder. A grand carriage, flanked by armored guards in Kaminari’s signature gray robes, approached. Their weapons gleamed in the midday sun, hilts and scabbards swaying with each step.

Inside the lavishly crafted carriage, Arashi and Aoi sat comfortably. Their light blue kimonos, embroidered with silver threads, shimmered faintly in the dim interior. Aoi, with an air of practiced elegance, raised a goblet of wine to her lips, taking a slow sip before sighing.

“How long does the journey take again? It’s been so long, I forgot,” she mused, swirling the deep crimson liquid in her cup.

“A few weeks at the very least,” Arashi responded, his tone casual yet firm. “It could take longer depending on other factors.”

Aoi sighed dramatically before downing the rest of her wine. “How did we ever live through it when we went there as kids?”

Arashi chuckled, setting his own goblet aside. “We were children. Anything outside the castle, let alone the capital, was exciting back then.”

“And now?”

Arashi’s expression darkened slightly. “Now? Well… we’re not going for pleasure, are we?”

As the carriage rolled past Takahiro, the swaying curtains allowed him a brief glimpse inside. His sharp eyes took in the sight of the Kaminari prince and princess before the fabric fluttered shut again.

“The prince and princess, traveling east, hmm?” Takahiro murmured, slowing his pace. He considered his options before slipping into the cover of nearby trees, retracting his umbrella.

He followed the carriage from a distance, his movements swift and soundless, like a shadow in the daylight. When the carriage unexpectedly veered off the main road, his eyes narrowed.

“Towards the orphanage?” he whispered to himself, concern creeping into his voice.