Year 526 A.B. (Three years later)
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The moonlight shines through the enclosure windows. Under the light, a battle reaches its conclusion as Rai is knocked into the wall. A familiar-looking anthropomorphic projection lowers its leg and fades away; behind it, Kahnyne stands illuminated by the light and looking younger than before, as if he has aged in reverse.
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“That was great, Rai; at this rate, you’ll have surpassed me in no time at all.”
Kahnyne says, approaching him.
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Rai looks up, smiling and rubbing his stomach.
“If no time is 100 years from now! It’s like you’re the one getting stronger...”
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Kahnyne laughs.
“That may be so; let us get you back to your room though. Can you walk?”
He says helping Rai to his feet.
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“I think I’ve got it now; thanks, Kahnyne.”
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The two of them exit the enclosure, and walk through the hallways of the manor as the phantoms of their memories walk with them. Tough times, painful times, lonely times. Better times, days of healing, time spent together. They arrive at Rai’s room and sit on his bed as they have always done, but now two large suitcases and melancholy accompany them.
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“So, have you packed everything?”
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Rai begins to count off on his fingers.
“Books, clothes, toiletries, etcetera. I think that’s all.”
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“Is it really?”
Kahnyne says smugly looking at the comb resting on Rai’s dresser.
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“...And an extra large comb.”
Rai replies both reluctantly and jokingly.
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“Now, I think you’re ready…” Kahnyne falls silent for a moment. “Time really flies; it’s hard to believe that starting tomorrow, my reading buddy won't be here for a while. Hopefully you won’t miss these lectures of mine too much.” He says, breaking the silence.
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Rai laughs.
“I think I definitely would…” he fumbles with hands. “...but I had an idea.”
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“And what would that be?”
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“I could write to you, and update you on each step of the way. Then you could write to me, and that way I won’t have to miss them.”
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Kahnyne begins to rest his hand on Rai’s head, but instead slings it over Rai's opposite shoulder.
“That sounds like a deal, Rai.”
Another brief moment of silence falls between them before Kahnyne breaks it again.
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“Listen. While I still have the chance, I want to ask, is this really what you want to do?”
He asks sincerely.
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Rai nods his head.
“I want to become an exorcist to help you and make sure no one ever goes through what you went through again, Kahnyne. I have no doubts.”
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“Well, if you’re looking to make a change, there is a certain man that you should meet. His name is Xing: a division leader and one of my former students. Excel in your exams and join his squad; he will take care of you.”
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“I will do my best, Kahnyne.”
Rai’s voice brims with certainty.
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“Of course you will; after all, you’ve grown like a weed before my very eyes.“
They both separate, pause and laugh, realizing that didn't come out as intended.
“Even though I've been hailed as the Scholar, I guess I never really was the best with words of the mouth, huh?”
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“I don't think so; you're great. I was scared of you when you first came here…”
Rai looks up at the ceiling, reminiscently. An image of his younger self being led out of a hiding spot amongst a row of furniture flashes through his mind.
“... No, I think I was a bit scared of everything at that point; I'd never even seen much of the world outside of this manor, and mother and father had just started treating me like they never even conceived me.” Out of Kahnyne’s sight, his fist tightens then relaxes at the thought of the better times: a pained, yet compassionate hand reaching out to him. “But ever since the moment you reached out to me, I've felt something other than hurt. I couldn't thank you enough, Kahnyne.”
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“Maybe we should start calling you the Poet. You’re the one who should be receiving thanks, Rai…” Kahnyne pulls Rai into an embrace. You still have much to learn about the world and yourself, but when I look at you now, I know that you will go on to accomplish great things. You…”
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The door to Rai's room begins to open; the shock causes them both to separate as Kahnyne assumes a natural position, standing up before the door opens completely.
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“Am I interrupting something?”
Airis asks enigmatically standing in the doorway.
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“Not at all; I was just making sure all of the boy's belongings were packed.”
Kahnyne begins walking past her.
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“Good, because there has been a change of plans. Instead of leaving at midday, we have arranged for a cab to pick him up first thing in the morning.”
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Kahnyne stops in his tracks for a brief moment, and Rai who had been avoiding eye contact looks up to debate, losing his composure.
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“Wait, is there time for…”
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“Understood, madam; goodnight.”
Kahnyne interjects and leaves the room.
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Airis turns around shortly after and begins to leave as well, but stops in the doorway as she closes it.
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“By the way, I love what you've done with the place. It looks a lot better without all the glass from that mirror on the floor.”
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Rai goes to sleep unsatisfied and unnerved.
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A somber morning without the hope of a farewell arrives. Rai grabs his suitcases, lazily puts on his clothes and makes his way to the entrance of the manor. His stomach growls but loneliness grants the illusion of it being full.
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Rai reaches for the entrance's door handle that feels further and further away the closer he gets to it. Once it finally opens, on opposite sides of the entrance, his parents stand. Down a long cobblestone walkway in front of him, the cab is parked with its trunk and passenger seat open. A triangle of misery. Kahnyne is nowhere to be found. Rai begins walking forward. Lifeless goodbyes that sound like distant mumbles echo in his head. He responds without stopping.
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“Yes, mother.”
“Yes, father.”
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One hundred paces…
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Twenty paces…
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Ten paces away from the cab…
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Suddenly, Rai's somber trance is interrupted by the sound of a man's familiar voice: more out of breath and riled up than usual. He turns around and to his and his parents’ surprise, Kahnyne is quickly making his way to him with a small bag in his hand.
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He stops in front of him, creating a small space that is only in their line of sight and slightly extends the hand that the bag is in.
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“You forgot this.”
Kahnyne says very deliberately.
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When Rai looks down and grabs the bag, he feels the soft material of some type of padding, his comb, and a book. But what he sees fills his eyes with hope again.
In the space in front of them, Kahnyne uses his energy to quickly and pristinely project the words: “Act natural. Read this when you get the chance.”
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Rai reciprocates the best that he can. Sloppy letters appear in the air of their space:
“Thank you, Kahnyne; for everything. I love you.”
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They naturally nod their heads, keeping composure, but the moment Rai enters the cab, he can't help but beam and look back at Kahnyne through its tinted windows. He opens the bag containing what he now knows is a carefully wrapped PB&B, his comb and Kahnyne’s notebook. Inside, it is full of notes, quotes, recipes, and finally, a message to Rai:
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“I'm sorry that I didn't get to tell you all this in person due to our interruption, but I hope that I make it to you in time regardless. You saved me, Rai; you, who had already been abandoned once by the people who once cradled you in their arms, forgave me and showed me that maybe there is a way for me to forgive myself. In your heart is something truly special. I have not completely healed yet, but while you embark on your journey, I shall do the same…”
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The text breaks and moves to a new line as if Kahnyne paused and thought before writing again.
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“... And lastly, Rai, while no one can replace Zuo, you have created an entirely different spot for yourself in my heart. I love you, and while this is not a goodbye, you will be dearly missed.”
An incredibly neat signature ends the message.
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“Who says that I've grown…”
Tears fall onto the paper as Rai smiles and closes the book in fear that its precious ink will be smudged.
“...I'm still a crybaby.”
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