" THE LANTERN CALL "

[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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