[Scene: The Hikari Festival begins. Lanterns illuminate the streets, and the scent of sweet mochi and roasted chestnuts fills the air. Aoki and Mitsuya stand at the festival's entrance, surrounded by laughter and chatter.]

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Mitsuya: [grinning and tugging at Aoki’s sleeve]

"Come on, Aoki! Stop staring at the stars. The festival only happens once a year, you know!"

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Aoki: [softly, eyes fixed on the glowing lanterns that seem to merge with the constellations above]

"They look like they're floating to the heavens... Maybe the gods really are watching us tonight."

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Mitsuya: [spinning around dramatically]

"Of course they are! And if we’re lucky, they’ll grant our wishes! What are you wishing for, anyway?"

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Aoki: [pausing, then speaking hesitantly]

"I… haven’t decided yet. What about you? Another adventure?"

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Mitsuya: [beaming]

"Obviously! I’m going to explore the stars one day. Imagine finding a bridge to another world! Maybe it’s hidden somewhere in this festival."

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Aoki: [smiling faintly]

"Sounds like something out of a storybook."

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[As they wander deeper into the festival, they pass stalls with vibrant masks, games, and street performers. The air feels electric, yet strangely heavy, as though something unseen stirs beneath the surface.]

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Mitsuya: [pointing to a secluded path lined with glowing sakura trees]

"Hey, look! That path wasn’t there last year. Let’s check it out!"

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Aoki: [frowning slightly]

"It’s probably just part of the festival decorations. Besides, it looks… eerie."

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Mitsuya: [grinning mischievously]

"Exactly! That’s why we have to go. Don’t be such a scaredy-cat, Aoki."

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Aoki: [sighing but relenting]

"Alright, but if we get lost, it’s your fault."

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[The duo steps onto the path. The festival’s noise fades behind them, replaced by the gentle rustle of the cherry blossoms and the distant sound of a flute. The trees seem to glow brighter as they venture further.]

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Mitsuya: [whispering in awe]

"It’s like a dream… Do you feel that? The air feels different."

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Aoki: [nodding slowly, voice hushed]

"Yeah, like it’s alive. I’m not sure we should be here..."

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[Suddenly, a figure emerges—a woman draped in shimmering robes, her face obscured by a fox mask. She holds a lantern that emits an otherworldly blue light.]

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Mysterious Woman:

"Brave souls, you have entered the Path of Hikari. Do you seek to bridge worlds, or are you merely curious?"

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Mitsuya: [stepping forward boldly]

"We seek something greater than ourselves! If this is a bridge to the gods, we’re ready to cross it."

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Aoki: [gripping Mitsuya’s arm nervously]

"Wait, Mitsuya! We don’t even know what she means!"

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Mysterious Woman: [tilting her head slightly, her voice echoing like a melody]

"Only those with pure hearts and unyielding courage may proceed. But beware—what you seek will test you."

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Mitsuya: [nodding fiercely]

"We’re ready."

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Aoki: [hesitating, then sighing with resolve]

"If she’s going, I’m not leaving her alone."

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[The woman raises her lantern, and the path transforms—petals swirl into the air, creating a shimmering bridge that seems to stretch into the night sky. Mitsuya and Aoki exchange a glance before stepping forward together.]

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Mitsuya: [grinning at Aoki]

"This is it. Our adventure is just beginning!"

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Aoki: [smiling nervously]

"Let’s just hope we find our way back."

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[The bridge glows brighter as they take their first steps, and the world around them dissolves into a realm of stars and divine light.]

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[To be continued...]

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Aoki: Mitsuya? Mitsuya!

Aoki: Where are you? I can’t see you!

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Mitsuya: Aoki? I’m here!

Mitsuya: Wait... no. It’s so bright. Where is this?

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Aoki: Bright? It’s dark where I am. I can barely see anything.

Aoki: Mitsuya, I... I think we’re in different places.

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Mitsuya: What? That’s impossible. We were just—

Mitsuya: Did you feel that? The ground… it just vanished beneath us.

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Aoki: Yes! The god... that god...

Aoki: They did this to us!

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Mitsuya: What are we supposed to do now?

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Mitsuya: I can’t stay here—everything’s so hot. The sand’s burning my feet.

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Aoki: It’s freezing here. The wind is cutting right through me.

Aoki: We have to find a way back to each other.

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Mitsuya: How? We don’t even know where we are.

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Aoki: I don’t know... but I’ll figure it out. I promise.

Aoki: Stay safe, Mitsuya.

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Mitsuya: You too.

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Mitsuya: ...Aoki?

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Aoki: Yeah?

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Mitsuya: Don’t give up.

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Aoki: Never.

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[Moments later, in the realm of shadows]

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Aoki stumbles through the dense forest, faint whispers echoing around them.

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Voice: Lost, are we?

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Aoki: Who’s there? Show yourself!

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Voice: A wanderer in the dark... seeking what was torn apart.

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Aoki: What do you know about Mitsuya? Tell me!

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Voice: Paths between worlds are not easily crossed. A price must be paid.

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Aoki: I’ll pay it. Whatever it is, I’ll do it.

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Voice: Brave words. But will you still say so when you learn the cost?

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[Meanwhile, in the realm of endless suns]

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Mitsuya shields their eyes from the blinding light, trudging across the scorching sands.

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Stranger: Traveler, you’re far from home.

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Mitsuya: Who—who’s there?

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Stranger: Someone who knows the desert well. But you... you do not belong here.

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Mitsuya: I don’t. I need to find someone. My friend.

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Stranger: If your bond is strong, the desert will test it.

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Mitsuya: Test it? What does that mean?

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Stranger: You’ll see. Survive the trials, and perhaps you’ll see them again.

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[The two worlds seem far apart, but the bond between Aoki and Mitsuya may be stronger than they realize...]

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Aoki’s Trials

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Aoki knelt by the glowing pond, watching Mitsuya stumble through the burning sands. His heart ached at the sight.

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Aoki: Mitsuya… I’m here. Can you hear me?

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A faint ripple spread across the pond as if in response, but there was no reply. The voice from earlier returned, its tone mocking.

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Voice: You care for her deeply, don’t you?

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Aoki: She’s my everything. Stop playing games—how do I reach her?

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Voice: The trials are not meant to be easy. Each step forward will demand more from you. Are you still willing?

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Aoki: Yes. I’ll face whatever you throw at me.

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Voice: Very well. Your next trial lies ahead. Face the shadow of what you fear most.

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Aoki turned to see a path winding into the trees. The air grew colder, the darkness thicker. Whispers clawed at his mind as he pressed forward.

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Mitsuya’s Trials

Mitsuya collapsed onto the sand, her throat dry and skin scorched. The Stranger handed her a flask of water but said nothing as she drank greedily.

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Mitsuya: (hoarse) What... are these trials you mentioned?

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Stranger: They reveal what lies within. To survive this desert, you must endure its truths.

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Mitsuya: And if I don’t?

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Stranger: Then you’ll perish, and so will your hope of reunion.

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Mitsuya clenched her fists, standing despite the burning pain in her legs. The Stranger gestured toward a distant storm, its swirling winds made of golden light.

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Stranger: That storm will show you what binds your soul to this world. But be warned—it may also break you.

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Mitsuya: I’m not afraid.

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Stranger: Fear is not the enemy. Giving up is.

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Aoki’s Trial of Fear

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Aoki stumbled into a clearing where a towering figure emerged from the shadows. It looked like him—but twisted, with glowing red eyes and a cruel sneer.

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Shadow Aoki: Pathetic. You think you can save her? You’ve always been weak, relying on her to keep you whole.

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Aoki: (gritting teeth) Shut up. You’re not me.

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Shadow Aoki: Aren’t I? All those times you doubted yourself, felt like you weren’t enough... I’m those thoughts. And I’ll always be here.

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Aoki tightened his fists, his body trembling. The whispers from the forest grew louder, feeding his insecurities.

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Aoki: (yelling) You’re wrong! I may be afraid, but I won’t let that stop me. Mitsuya needs me, and I won’t let her down!

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The shadow lunged at him, but Aoki stood his ground, letting his determination shield him. With a flash of light, the figure dissolved, leaving a path ahead illuminated by faint stars.

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Mitsuya’s Trial of Bonds

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Mitsuya reached the storm, the winds howling around her. As she stepped closer, she saw visions forming within the swirling golden light—her life with Aoki. Their laughter, their arguments, their shared dreams.

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A voice called out from the storm, soft yet powerful.

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Voice: What binds you to them? Is it love, or merely fear of being alone?

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Mitsuya: (shouting) It’s love! It’s knowing that we’re stronger together, that we bring out the best in each other.

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Voice: And if they were to leave you behind? Would you still be whole?

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Mitsuya faltered, the question cutting deep. The vision of Aoki began to fade, as if testing her answer.

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Mitsuya: (tears streaming) I’d survive, but I’d never stop searching for them. I’m not whole without them, but I’m strong enough to keep going until we’re reunited.

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The storm quieted, and the golden light enveloped her, guiding her forward.

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The Connection

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Back at the glowing pond, Aoki noticed something—a faint glow on his wrist. It was a bracelet Mitsuya had given him long ago. The light pulsed, and he felt her presence like a whisper in his heart.

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Aoki: Mitsuya... can you hear me?

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Far across the worlds, Mitsuya paused as her own bracelet began to glow, a warmth spreading through her chest.

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Mitsuya: (softly) Aoki?

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For the first time, their voices reached each other, carried by the bond that defied the worlds between them.

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Aoki & Mitsuya: (together) I’m coming for you. Hold on.

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The trials weren’t over, but for the first time, they felt hope burning brighter than ever.

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