The air in Amorus' domain was unlike anything Tobio had ever experienced. It was warm and sweet, heavy with the scent of flowers that didn't exist anywhere in the mortal realm. The sky shimmered with shifting colors, like an endless aurora that bathed everything in a soft, golden light. The land stretched infinitely in all directions, a patchwork of gardens, rivers, and open fields that seemed plucked from the dreams of countless beings.
As Tobio ventured deeper, he was immediately surrounded by figures. They emerged from the golden haze like specters, taking the form of beautiful women. He froze as his heart skipped a beat.
They looked exactly like his wife.
"Come now," one of them said, her voice soft and familiar. "Why do you fight so hard? Haven't you earned rest?"
Another reached out to him, her eyes brimming with tenderness. "Don't you miss us?"
He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. He knew better. These weren't his wife, no matter how perfect the illusion. They moved too fluidly, their steps synchronized like dancers. Their voices harmonized too perfectly, an eerie chorus that didn't belong to any human.
"I don't have time for this," Tobio muttered pushing forward.
The women frowned, their forms flickering before they dissolved into golden mist.
The domain shifted. Where there had been women, there were now animals—dogs, cats, and birds that he recognized from his childhood. A large wolfhound bounded up to him, barking joyfully as it circled his legs.
"Aka…" Tobio whispered. The dog had been his loyal companion for years, and seeing it now almost broke his resolve.
He knelt, reaching out to touch the creature, but the moment his fingers brushed its fur, the wolfhound vanished into smoke.
Tobio rose, shaking his head. "I won't fall for this."
But the domain wasn't done.
The scenery shifted again, and now Tobio stood in the middle of a sunny clearing. Before him, his wife and children played, their laughter filling the air. His youngest daughter waved at him, her smile radiant.
"Papa! Come play!"
Tobio's heart twisted. The scene was so vivid, so perfect, that he almost stepped forward. But he stopped himself, planting his feet firmly on the ground.
"This isn't real," he said aloud, as much to himself as to the illusion.
The laughter faded, and the figures of his family shimmered before disappearing entirely.
The illusions became less frequent as Tobio pressed on, his steps heavy but determined. He entered a vast garden filled with roses of every color imaginable, their petals glistening with dew. In the center of the garden stood a figure he recognized immediately.
Amorus.
The god stood taller than any mortal, their form both androgynous and impossibly beautiful. Their features shifted subtly as Tobio approached, as if they were adjusting to match the ideal of whoever gazed upon them. Their robes shimmered like liquid gold, and their eyes glowed with an intensity that made it hard to look directly at them.
Tobio paused a few steps away, lowering himself to one knee. "Amorus," he said respectfully, his voice steady despite the exhaustion in his body.
The god didn't respond immediately. Instead, they turned their gaze on him, their expression unreadable but clearly weighted with emotion.
"You've caused quite a stir," Amorus finally said, their voice smooth and melodic.
Tobio raised his head, meeting their gaze. "I'm only here because I have no choice. Heikō is missing, and the balance of everything is at risk. I need your help to find him."
Amorus' eyes narrowed. "Do you think I'm unaware of Heikō's absence? Do you think I do not feel the weight of his disappearance every moment of every day?"
Their voice, though calm, carried a sharp edge that made Tobio flinch. He had seen Amorus many times when they visited Heikō, but they had always seemed serene, almost detached. This was the first time he had seen them display anything close to anger.
"I didn't mean to suggest—"
"Silence."
Tobio fell silent, his jaw tightening.
Amorus stepped closer, their movements fluid and deliberate. "Do you even understand what you've done, Tobio Ukihara? You've barged through domains, defied gods, and disrupted the natural order. Your actions have consequences, whether you mean well or not."
"I know," Tobio said, his voice firm despite the god's imposing presence. "But I couldn't sit by and do nothing. Heikō isn't just my master—he's the cornerstone of our world. If finding him means angering the gods, then so be it."
Amorus studied him for a long moment, their expression softening slightly. "You truly are loyal to him, aren't you?"
Tobio nodded. "Heikō taught me everything I know. He gave me a purpose when I had none. I owe him everything."
The god's gaze grew distant, their golden eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions. "Heikō… always had a way of inspiring loyalty."
Amorus sighed, their shoulders relaxing as some of their anger faded. "Very well. You've proven your determination, if nothing else. Follow me, and we will discuss what must be done."
They turned, their robes billowing like smoke as they began walking deeper into the garden.
Tobio hesitated for a moment before following, his heart pounding. He didn't know what awaited him, but he knew this was a turning point.
As they disappeared into the golden light, the domain seemed to hum with anticipation, as if the entire realm was holding its breath.
To Be Continued...