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Akira stared at the ocean as they stood at the shore, letting the waves crash on their legs. It was a cool and quiet night, a rare moment for Akira’s chaotic life. They enjoyed the silence in peace. The only noise they heard was the waves moving and the wind blowing.
The breeze flew past Akira and ruffled their hair. The moonlight shone down on them, illuminating the lonely figure.
How nice…
Akira breathed in the cool salty air and enjoyed the peaceful silence.
However, their peace was soon interrupted by a figure approaching them, the sound of footsteps heard from the sand. Akira recognized the figure as it approached them.
Figaro.
The man gave Akira a smile and stood a few feet away from them.
“Oh? There you are Sage, everyone was looking for you. You’ve been out for a while,” Figaro said.
“The scenery here is too relaxing, it looks like I have lost track of time.”
“No worries, all that matters is that you are safe.” There was silence when Figaro looked out into the ocean. He gave a chuckle.
“It seems the pathway to the moon is out tonight.”
It is a full moon tonight, isn’t it? Akira thought as they stared at the illuminating moon.
“I wonder what will happen when I follow this ray of light again.”
“Figaro,” Akira said sternly.
“Just kidding! There’s no way I can leave everyone behind now. Don’t take everything I say too seriously, Sage. Just contemplating on the past,” he continued to wear a smile.
“It seems we don’t have the same humor.”
“Haha, sorry about that. But, who knows? I could disappear any moment now. I’m not someone who sticks around for long after all.”
Akira said nothing in return. The only noise that was heard was the waves.
Figaro decided to break the silence.
“But what am I saying? It’s difficult for you to understand this loneliness of mine. Our beloved Sage is loved by many, after all.”
Akira stared at Figaro and only gave a hollow smile before letting out a whisper.
“I wonder.”
“Oh? Are you perhaps doubting your precious wizards’ love for you dear Sage? If they heard what you just said I’m sure they would be heartbroken,” Figaro said in a teasing tone, trying to lighten the mood.
“No, I don’t doubt them at all. Are you also doubting how much the Southern wizards care for you, Figaro?” Akira said with a chuckle, returning the teasing to him.
“Of course not!” Figaro let out a laugh.
But still, he wonders about the meaning of Akira's words.
“Then, what does our dear Sage wonder then?”
There was a long pause as Akira’s smile lost its spark and humor. However, their smile returned only to the previous hollow and empty smile. Despite the sudden change in mood, the human only turned and smiled serenely at the moon.
Akira quietly whispered.
“I don’t belong here.”
Akira’s voice was serene and cool with a hint of sadness. They blended in with the quiet atmosphere. It was as if Akira could have been swept by the wind and disappeared at any second.
“My presence here is temporary. But Figaro, you…you will always be with your beloved wizards for ages. You’re lucky you know.”
“You can disappear any moment you say? The same goes for me."
Akira turned to Figaro with a stern look.
“Appreciate what you have Figaro. You have people who will stick by your side for eternity. But for me? Everyone won’t be with me for eternity. Once I return home, it’s all over for me. Our journeys, our bonds, everything will only be reduced to memory and nothing more. Even if I continue to stay here, my presence is only a speck in your eternal lives.”
Figaro stayed silent.
“I’ve always had this shadow looming over me about the inevitable. Sometimes being with everyone reminds me of my loneliness.”
“But..you all easily wash away my worries and I can continue to stand strong.”
“I live every day knowing I won’t be with you all, but in turn, I spend every day cherishing everyone’s company to the fullest.”
Akira’s cheery smile returned to their face. Their smile reflected the love they feel for everyone. Their smile reassured Figaro in a way.
He didn’t usually see this side of Akira.
Their reliable, strong, and kind Sage revealing a vulnerable side of themselves.
Someone surrounded by love standing alone at this moment.
Beloved and cherished by all, and yet still inescapable from loneliness.
Someone who was so close to the other wizards but yet still so far.
Figaro misunderstood them.
“I guess the only difference between you and me is that I don’t intend to disappear from you all,” Akira laughed.
“Haha, maybe I won’t disappear this time. After all, I’m surrounded by wonderful people. Including you, Sage. So you better not disappear on us as well.”
“I don’t know if I can guarantee that,” Akira chuckled.
“Hey, isn’t that a little unfair? You can disappear anytime but I can’t?”
“I’m the Sage so I think I can get a pass!”
Their laughter and joy filled the air combined with the waves crashing at their feet.
Two lonely souls finding company with one another as the moon illuminates their figures.
Alone, but also connected.