"Nothing in this world is eternal. Even the eternally brilliant stars will one day fall silent and perish.
"Creation and destruction alternate in endless cycles. I am no exception."
It was as though the gentlest voice was speaking beside his ear.
"No, Saya. You are the incarnation of holy light, the only star in this world. You are the eternity in my heart." A somewhat childish voice rang out.
Oh, that seemed to be his own voice.
It was not that he did not believe stars could fall. It was simply that only the rarest of lucky souls—or the most unfortunate beings—would ever witness their descent.
Nor did he think he would live to see that day. So at least within the limits of his own life, she was eternal.
Though such thoughts might be selfish, he did not want to imagine a world without Saya. It would break his heart.
Saya smiled brilliantly, yet with a hint of relief. The girl born of light gazed at him with indulgent affection and a trace of reluctance. "Beings like me are not unique. Promise me that if one day the light fades, you will continue to become hope and lead the people in search of a new dawn."
"Okay." He was afraid to see disappointment in the girl's eyes, so he could only nod.
For some reason, a sharp pain suddenly twisted through his heart. It was as though a voice deep in his subconscious was screaming madly:
Don't agree! Don't agree! Don't agree!
"Swear it, in my name and in the name of justice." The girl was stubborn.
He was silent for a long time before saying, "That is my duty. In the name of holy light and myself."
After the oath was forged, his thoughts seemed to freeze as