Sū ěr never believed in fate or prophecy, but at this moment, he believed wholeheartedly in the word "destiny." Just thinking about what Nurarihyon said—that when he saw Sū ěr in his youth, there was a winged woman by his side—Sū ěr felt filled with drive.
Whether fate existed or not, at this moment, it better be real.
As for whether Think—who was crossing her arms like an anxiety patient, tapping her fingers against her arm—would have a "friendly" exchange with Jibril once she arrived... Sū ěr simply stopped himself from thinking about it for now.
That's a problem for tomorrow-me. Why should today-me suffer?
Wait, hold on. Would Jibril even want to come to this world??
The closer it got to midnight, the stronger Sū ěr ability to overthink became. Even though his logic told him the probability of Jibril refusing to see him again was low, he couldn't help but fantasize about the other possibility, repeatedly questioning himself.
It's generally known as self-torture—like an adolescent boy after sending out a love letter.
Not quite accurate; at least neither Think nor Sū ěr would accept the comparison.
This doubt and gloom lingered in his heart, making Think—who was in tune with his thoughts—even more irritable, adding fuel to the fire.
"It's time."
Yukari suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. The group was currently at the peak of the mountain range adjacent to the Yōkai city. Miraculous nature and tectonic movements had gifted this snow-capped peak with a clear lake.
Surprisingly, it was a hot spring. But at this critical moment, Sū ěr had waved away the white steam floating over the water. Yukari was focused on the center of the lake—specifically, the reflection of the moon.
"—The boundary between Reality and Illusion."
Just as she had done before Sū ěr and Think, the blonde Yōkai lightly pointed her fan at the reflection. She showed no signs of struggle; this time, she didn't even need Think to carve a formula to provide her with power. Yukari could open this passage independently.
This female demon was growing stronger at a terrifying rate, but her strength was a good thing for Sū ěr. The mirror-like lake became perfectly still, losing even the slight ripples from before. It had transformed from a simple body of water into a door.
"Thanks," Sū ěr nodded to Yukari before jumping in. After thinking for a moment, he left her with one last sentence: "Be careful during this time. Protect your people."
"Be careful? What's going to happ—"
Splash.
A stunned Yukari wanted to ask more, but Sū ěr had already jumped into the lake with Think, sending up a spray of water. The connection she had built between the real moon and the reflection was severed the moment Sū ěr jumped. Although Yukari could re-establish the link with a bit of effort, she simply stared blankly at the rippling water, pondering Sū ěr final words.
"Is a danger coming? Will it affect this place? Or... all of Ashihara no Nakatsukuni?"
"...What are you two really up to..."
With no way to know, Yukari murmured to herself in worry. She gave the calming lake one last look before gazing up at the full moon. Her eyes traced the Milky Way beside it. She suddenly remembered the anomaly from a few years ago—shortly after she had sent Sū ěr away at his request. The Milky Way had begun to flow again, if only for a fleeting moment.
Ultimately, she gave up on the idea of following them to investigate. She swiped a Gap beside her. Just as Sū ěr said, she had her own work to do.
She had no intention of ignoring Sū ěr warning. Yukari prepared to gather the demons—if used properly, her prestige among Yōkai might reach a new level because of this.
It was a gamble of its own.
————————————————
Sū ěr didn't expect to step into this Milky Way again so soon—at least, when he reached that future modern society, he had no intention of coming back, nor had he worked toward it.
But he was indeed standing here now, right next to that "pancake" moon. He only had to take one step out to reach the Milky Way.
Plans can never keep up with changes... human desire is truly a terrifying thing.
[You best stop your overthinking. I have no desire to be sent to some strange place because of your overflowing, misplaced hormones. Do you understand?]
Sū ěr sentimentality was cut short by Think sarcastic words. This made him sigh again. He felt like he was carrying a porcupine; every move resulted in a hand full of blood.
There were certain obscure and mysterious rules on this stagnant Milky Way. After being startled by that woman who suddenly appeared last time, Sū ěr and Think had confirmed that their actions on this river of stars held symbolic meaning and brought corresponding consequences.
Just as his instinctive step backward had sent him millions of years into the future.
"What? Is it still too difficult for you?" Think snorted contemptuously. "You should learn to evolve a bit, Mr. Monkey. If it's really that hard, why don't you find a remote corner and 'rub one out' before stepping on? Use that rock over there. But don't expect me to help."
Ah, I'm a monkey again.
Sū ěr rubbed his face numbly.
"...You know what those rocks over there used to be, right?" After a pause, Sū ěr couldn't help but remind her. "I mean, you haven't forgotten that those are Tsukuyomi's dead remains, have you?"
"Of course? Is that not enough to satisfy your perverted tastes?" Think replied with an expression even more surprised than his. "Do you need me to help hold it?"
What "it" was went unsaid.
Sū ěr was instantly defeated.
This wouldn't do. This Elf's aggression was far too high right now; Sū ěr felt he couldn't hold his own.
"Let's go, let's go," Sū ěr could only manage this pale and weak attempt to change the subject.
"Can't wait already?"
Think was still pressing her advantage from behind, but Sū ěr... chose to act like he hadn't heard.
Stepping onto the Milky Way once more. Target: Takamagahara!
This time, Sū ěr was prepared to cause a scene.
He wasn't going to take another step back.