Sunset of the Wandering Souls
Epilogue

Three years ago I ran away to Ukicho to weasel my way out of my Blue Moon Beautillion. I wasn’t particularly aiming for Ukicho when I flew off in that direction, I had just wanted to get away. Now, I traveled there without Innin or any other Reissu, having proven I could protect myself in the war. I helped the Aeces sail their boat as part of my gratitude for taking me back there. I flapped my wings for their sail when the wind died down as I did when Pili and I left. I helped them row when needed, helped them steer. I would do anything to get to Pili faster.

The closer we became to the island, the more I spotted tails splashing as they dove. I noticed the salty smell in the air more when I saw them, and the pearl Pili gave me burned against my wrist. I would’ve swam ashore the minute I glimpsed it in the distance if I knew how to swim. I didn’t want to risk flying and injuring myself. I helped bring the boat ashore, soaking my boots and socks through. When I saw Pili it was like nothing else existed around us. He ran to hug me, tackling me half into the wet sand, and half into the waves pulling to and fro. “I’m so glad you’re alright,” he hugged me even tighter. “What happened after you sent me home?”

I picked my head up as well as I could to keep from drowning. “I can tell you after you’ve gotten me some dry clothes.” He laughed into my ear and helped me up. I regaled Pili and any other Aeces who cared to listen of my war as I dried off around a fire pit. I drank whatever it was they gave me, most of it that same whitish brown liquid that made my lips and tongue tingle. When Pili asked me questions, egged on by the younger Aeces, I could barely look at him, feeling shy. His tattoos had grown, his chest on full display. I wanted to hold his hand, to kiss him, to touch him intimately. I blamed it on the drink making my head all fuzzy. “Can I speak to you privately?” I asked him after the sun had long set.

He took me to a hut, a different hut than the one I stayed in. It was bigger with decorated wood panels I couldn’t make heads or tails of. They reminded me of Pili’s tattoos, though. The breeze blew through the open window frames and doorways to cut through the humid night. We sat on the cool stone floor, me still nursing the milky drink before he took it from me. “What is it you wish to talk about?”

“Nothing, really,” I admitted a little embarrassed. “I’ve missed you, and…I can’t stay long. Legislation and helping nations get back on their feet.” I kept myself from sighing, putting a smile on my face instead. “I figured it was best to show my face instead of sending a letter. What have you been up to?” Pili spoke to me of his ascension into chiefhood, of his exploits in the Isles and Ukicho the past year while the drunk started to settle in me. I tried my hardest to stay awake, but his deep, smooth voice speaking to me softly made it hard to do so.

I left the following evening, promising him I would write and visit whenever I could. He made the same promises in return, regretting he couldn’t at least accompany me to Port. Most of my time was taken up by arguing with the court over rewriting old laws or sending aid to the Qriacin and Erberos. The only thing that kept me going most days was the thought of seeing Pili sooner.