one more time

chapter 2.5:old friend

The world shifted as Ame felt the familiar sensation of time unraveling, like threads being pulled through a needle. When she opened her eyes again, she stood in a vast green field. The air was fresh, the scent of grass and flowers washing over her. In the distance, a towering tree with a massive house nestled in its branches rose into the sky, the soft wind whispering through its leaves.

Ame's body felt even heavier now, her age pressing down on her. Still, with a determined breath, she began the slow climb toward the tree house, her hands gripping the rough bark. It took effort, each step requiring more energy than she remembered. But finally, she reached the platform at the top and was greeted by the sight of an old, familiar friend.

"Kiara..." Ame called softly, her voice strained.

Kiara stood in the middle of the tree house, her fiery orange hair now streaked with white. She turned to Ame with a warm smile, though her eyes held the weight of countless lifetimes.

"Ame... you've come." Kiara's voice was still as vibrant as ever, but it had a soft, nostalgic tone to it.

Ame chuckled weakly as she made her way over to Kiara, her legs trembling slightly. "Yeah... I figured I'd visit the old Phoenix one last time."

Kiara raised an eyebrow. "One last time, huh?" She motioned for Ame to sit beside her at a small table near the window. The view was stunning, the field below stretching endlessly, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.

As Ame sat down, Kiara poured tea from a steaming kettle, the warmth of the cup comforting in Ame's frail hands. They sat in silence for a moment, simply enjoying each other's company, the quiet ticking of time lingering between them.

"Do you remember the old days, Kiara?" Ame asked softly, her eyes clouding over with memories. "All the adventures, the chaos with the girls... and Ina..."

Kiara's expression softened, her smile fading slightly. "How could I forget? We were so full of energy, running across worlds, solving mysteries, battling gods..." She took a sip of her tea, pausing. "And Ina... we tried so hard to save her."

Ame nodded, her eyes distant. "I wish I could've done more."

Kiara reached out, placing a hand on Ame's. "You did what you could, Ame. We all did. Ina... she made her choice. But we saved so many others along the way. Even if we couldn't save her completely, we still gave her peace."

Ame nodded, though the burden in her heart remained. She felt the weight of years, the fatigue of a life lived in service to others. Her time was running out, and she knew it.

Kiara, though she could sense Ame's thoughts, smiled warmly. "You know, being a Phoenix has its perks. I've been around for more lifetimes than I can count, but I've never met anyone quite like you, Ame. You're a mortal, but your spirit is just as strong as anyone who's immortal."

Ame chuckled, though it was weak. "Yeah, well... I guess that's one way to look at it. But you're not the one who has to worry about when their time runs out."

Kiara's smile faltered. She looked at Ame with concern, her eyes reflecting a depth of sadness that only someone who had watched friends come and go over centuries could understand. "That's true. But just because you're mortal doesn't mean you haven't left a mark that lasts forever. All of us-you, me, Gura, Ina, Calli, all of us-our stories are intertwined. And they'll live on, long after we're gone."

Ame breathed deeply, the air starting to feel heavy in her lungs. She knew what was coming, and so did Kiara. "I'm tired, Kiara," she whispered, leaning back in her chair. "So tired."

Kiara stood up, kneeling beside Ame, her fiery eyes softening. "You've carried the weight of time on your shoulders for so long. You deserve to rest now."

Ame smiled faintly, her breath coming in shorter gasps. "Kiara... promise me... you'll keep going. Even after I'm gone."

Kiara's hand tightened around Ame's. "Of course, Ame. But... what about you? You deserve more time."

Ame shook her head slightly. "I've lived more lifetimes than most could ever dream of. I've seen enough... it's time."

A silence fell between them, broken only by the soft breeze that rustled the leaves outside. Ame's eyes began to close, her breathing slowing. Kiara, the immortal Phoenix, looked down at her old friend with tears welling in her eyes. She had seen countless people pass, but this was different. This was Ame.

As Ame exhaled one last time, a peaceful smile gracing her face, her body slumped slightly. Kiara caught her gently, cradling Ame in her arms, her tears falling freely onto Ame's face.

"It's okay, Ame..." Kiara whispered, her voice shaking. "You can rest now."

For the first time in centuries, Kiara felt a deep, aching sorrow as she held her friend, the weight of time settling over her immortal heart. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in shadow, Kiara wept for the mortal who had touched her eternal life in ways no one else ever could.