What are paths? Paths contain the history of all those who’ve walked them. Paths also connect the past to the future. Today, let us discuss a specific path―one which the sun shines brightly upon. This is the story of those who walked that path long ago, and who still walk it today. The story begins with a flutter of wind that sent fallen leaves spiraling up toward the sky and ushered our two companions onward.

There wasn’t a cloud in the sky as two girls walked along the path, bathed in sunlight. The girl with black wings smiled and began chatting away to the rather more elegant, caped girl alongside her. The caped girl smiled back, but couldn’t keep her cheeks from turning bright red. As they continued to walk on, smiling and chatting, they began to look more and more like old friends. Or perhaps their vibe was more similar to that of a master and servant who had become friends long ago. Who knows, maybe the black-winged girl really was the caped girl’s servant at some point. But that’s mere speculation. Alas, their true relationship remains a total mystery

By the way, have you heard of Taishi’s Paths? It’s the name given to paths and roads that Shoutoku Taishi (Prince Shotoku) is said to have once walked. It’s written that Shoutoku Taishi had a black horse that she cared for dearly. Perhaps they galloped around together on days as fine as this. There are countless tales of Shoutoku Taishi and her beloved horse, and each of them reminds the listener of the strong bonds of friendship that can form between humans and animals. Indeed, as they walked side by side, it seemed as though Miko and Saki shared one such bond. Perhaps their relationship dates back further than anyone knows.

Let’s discuss another old tale. Or rather, an old tale blowing on the wind that may or may not be true. Shoutoku Taishi and her horse happily walked many sunny paths together. Their friendship was undeniable. But one day, the horse was found alone on a path. Having been left by her master, the horse gave off a distinct air of loneliness. It was as if the sunlight had vanished from her life. That was the last time anyone saw the horse. It’s possible she joined her master—her dear friend—in death. It’s said that on that day, a cold rain fell softly as if to wash away someone’s tears. The horse had walked on warm days with Shoutoku Taishi, been left alone under a bed of clouds, and disappeared as cold puddles formed on the paths they trod. Perhaps the rain was nothing more than an expression of the pain in the horse’s heart. The pain of losing her friend.

Every path has its own history and tales to tell. What tales have unfolded on this path? What tales will it come to know in days not yet begun? Come to think of it, a cold rain once fell on this path, too. But it wasn’t this day. On this day, the sun shone on Miko and Saki, just as it did on Shoutoku Taishi and her beloved horse long ago. A cool breeze blew along the path, carrying cheerful voices with it. The sun had never shined so bright…