The morning sun filtered through swaying palms as Matsui walked the familiar route to school. It's hard to believe a year has passed since that harrowing day when unimaginable chaos descended upon Tokyo. Now, Oahu's tropical rhythms lulled her into a calm routine far from the disaster's epicenter.
Today was her seventeenth birthday, but Matsui was not eager to celebrate the milestone. With her parents constantly abroad for work, she missed the personalized traditions of childhood celebrations. At least classes ended early, so she could enjoy some peace back home.
The last bell chimed as Matsui finished exchanging farewells with classmates. She reminded herself to be grateful for their hospitality. Still, her relationships here remained distant, roots unable to delve too deeply into island soil when part of her psyche stayed entangled back home.
Stepping outside into the humid breeze, Matsui contemplated how to pass the afternoon alone. A familiar voice yelled out before she could ponder further. "Hey birthday girl, forget about us already?"
Grinning, Matsui turned to see Reira and Jayla waiting by the bike rack, just like after school so many times before. Some bonds endured separation. Laughing joyfully, she sprinted over to embrace her dearest friends.
Jayla swung her up in a dizzying hug. "There's the smile we've been waiting for! Seventeen looks good on you." Releasing Matsui gently, playful banter carried her along newfound streets so recently foreign, now transformed by laughter into somewhere kindred.
Her friends had prepared a thoughtful surprise, waiting until school ended to decorate Matsui's modest apartment with balloons and streamers. The handmade touches endeared the space to her even more. They had ordered her favorite Hawaiian pizza and baked a chocolate cake topped with colorful frosting.
Over the celebratory treats, conversation flowed along nostalgic channels - memories of school festivals, weekend trips to lakeside cabins, and dreams for the future were now tangible as they approached adulthood. Laughter filled the cozy room as they reminisced late into the afternoon.
As sunset's coral light washed the cozy room, Matsui expressed earnest gratitude. "Having you both here means the world to me."
Jayla waved off the sentiment. "We'll always be here, through whatever life brings next." Her breezy optimism sparked a flame against melancholy creeping at the gathering dark.
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Reluctantly, they prepared to depart as true night fell - but not before serenading Matsui with a lively rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Waving goodbye from her door as their youthful voices echoed down the stairs, Matsui smiled contentedly.
After tidying up the remnants of colorful streamers and piles of gifts, Matsui drifted into her bedroom, ready to collapse onto her crumpled bedspread. She froze upon flicking on the lights. There, glistening atop her rumpled covers, lay three ornate staffs - conjuring a tidal wave of impossible memories she had sealed away to move forward.
Heart racing, Matsui shut her door as if to contain the silent secret. She reached out a trembling hand, daring to touch the mystical apparitions. Complex runes and elaborate carvings marked each staff’s surface beneath her fingertips. They were undeniably real - exact replicas of the magical weapons she and her friends had wielded over a year ago.
A strange energy thrummed through Matsui at contact, resonating with a mystical power that had become intrinsic during those harrowing days she fought to forget. Gingerly lifting her own staff, she noticed a folded parchment tucked beside the others. Hands shaking, she retrieved the note and unfolded it to reveal handwritten calligraphy.
Dear Matsui,
I apologize for the abrupt arrival, but I wanted to wish you a happy 17th birthday. I have been watching over you and your friends for a while now to ensure the magical borders between worlds remain secure. While the other realms are at peace, I thought it prudent to leave you these staffs in case trouble stirs in your new home.
You and Reira and Jayla faced unimaginable horrors with courage beyond your years. Indeed, I was gravely mistaken in my initial assessment of your world - and it nearly cost innocent lives. Your perseverance proved me wrong. And for that, you have my eternal gratitude and admiration.
Consider the staves birthday gifts to remind you of the heroes I know you all to be. While I pray your days remain untroubled by the evils of other worlds, we can never predict when darkness will fall. If it should return, know that you three can stand against it. But for now, I wish you only joy and light as you celebrate this milestone surrounded by those you love most.
Yours faithfully,
Dorki
Matsui’s vision blurred with tears as she grasped the familiar smooth wood of her staff. She had tried her best to lock away reminders of that living nightmare that had consumed Tokyo mere months ago. She never expected to hear from the mystical being who had first dragged her and her best friends into a battle between worlds - one they helped win, but nearly died fighting.
Over a year later, the ornate staves glittered beneath her bedroom lights, unchanged from the days she and her friends wielded them against death itself. Matsui allowed herself a small smile. However briefly, Dorki’s missive overflowed with hard-won praise she once never imagined receiving from the aloof guardian of magical realms. It seemed even mystical entities could acknowledge past mistakes.
Clutching her staff tight as tears slipped down her cheeks, Matsui stood and crossed to her window overlooking the peaceful night cloaking Oahu. Somewhere out there, evil still lurked between worlds, and a rare few souls brave enough to stand guard. She whispered a prayer of thanks to the friend watching over her world... and perhaps all worlds.
Gazing at the unfamiliar constellations glittering overhead, Matsui allowed herself to acknowledge the quickening excitement beneath trepidation. The future’s horizon glowed mysteriously, full of uncertainty. But she would face it standing tall alongside her dearest friends, whatever may come.