"Hikari... I hope I get to see you soon, it's unfair that you left before me..." I cried, the knife in my left hand tracing a painful path down my right wrist. An immeasurable agony followed, overwhelming the numbness I had felt since Hikari’s death six months ago.

You may be wondering, “Why would you do such a thing?” To understand even a fraction of my pain, let me share a glimpse of my past, as memories flood my mind.

Growing up, I always felt different from the other boys. I detested the things boys were expected to enjoy and do. Instead of rough play, I preferred dolls, playing house, and makeovers with the girls. I was mercilessly bullied for it. Until one day, when I was 10 years old, my savior came into my life: Hikari. She was the polar opposite of me in every way. While I was sensitive and shy, she was tough and energetic.

You might wonder how we got along. Well, they say “opposites attract,” and in our case, it couldn’t have been more true. Hikari witnessed me being bullied by the boys one day and rushed to my defense without hesitation. After the bullies fled, she turned to me with the brightest smile I had ever seen and offered her help.

“Don’t worry about those guys. If they mess with you again, let me know and I will beat them up,” she said, her tone resolute.

Grateful for her offer but disliking the thought of violence, I replied, “Thank you, but violence is never the answer, even with jerks like them.”

“You're funny, protecting others who bully you. What’s your name?” she asked, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

“Cha... Charles,” I hesitantly answered, always disliking my name.

“Charles, huh? That name doesn't seem to fit you very well. It's not cute,” she remarked, before seemingly pondering deeply.

“You have a girly face, and you act more like a girl than me. Is that why those boys were bullying you? Because you want to be a girl?” she asked, voicing the fear I had kept hidden.

Unable to speak, I nodded timidly, fearing she would reject me too.

“Alright, I've decided. How does the name Charlotte sound? I’ll call you that whenever you want. Plus, it's cute,” she declared.

My head shot up, tears sparkling in my eyes. It was as if she could understand me better than I understood myself. “Charlotte sounds amazing. Thank you, Hikari,” I whispered, overwhelmed with gratitude.

To others, it might have seemed trivial, but to me, it was a significant step towards becoming the person I truly was.

From that day on, we became best friends, and eventually, lovers. But six months ago, Hikari was taken from me, hit by a truck on her way to see me. I tried to be strong, to carry on without her, but the pain was unbearable.

“If there is a god or goddess out there, please listen to my wish, though I may not be deserving. If reincarnation is real, please let me be reborn in the same world as Hikari. Let me be the girl I always knew I was. I will do anything in exchange,” I prayed with my last breath as consciousness slipped away into darkness.

As I awoke to blinding light, confusion clouded my thoughts. “Where am I?” I asked aloud, noticing the pitch of my voice had changed to that of a woman’s.

“You are in a dimension between worlds,” a melodious voice answered, and before me stood a breathtaking woman who seemed like a true goddess. She had long blonde hair cascading down her back, golden shimmering eyes, and six cat tails swaying behind her, with two cats perched on top of her head. There was something familiar about her, like family, like a mother.

The way she looked at me felt maternal, like a mother’s gaze. “Why does it feel like I’ve met my mother?” I wondered aloud.

“That's because I am your mother, Charlotte,” she replied, reading my thoughts.

My heart raced as I tried to comprehend her words. This woman, with her ethereal presence and maternal aura, claimed to be my mother. It challenged everything I thought I knew about the world.

“I... I don't understand,” I stammered, disbelief evident in my trembling voice. “How can you be my mother? I thought you were a goddess.”

She smiled softly, warmth and understanding radiating from her golden eyes. “I am both,” she explained gently. “In this realm, I am known as the Goddess of Reincarnation. It is my duty to guide souls like yours to their next journey.”

My mind spun with confusion as the weight of my past collided with the surreal circumstances of my current existence. But amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope sparked within me.

“Does this mean... I can be with Hikari again?” I asked, fragile hope coloring my voice, my heart yearning for the possibility.

The Goddess of Reincarnation nodded, her expression filled with compassion. “Yes, Charlotte. Your wish has been heard, and I have granted it. You are now bound to the soul of your beloved Hikari, summoned into a new world where you may reunite once more.”

Tears welled in my eyes, joy and disbelief washing over me. The chance to be with Hikari again, to rewrite our destiny together, felt like a miracle beyond comprehension.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. “Thank you for giving me this chance.”

The Goddess of Reincarnation reached out, her hand extended in comfort. “You are brave, Charlotte. Your love transcends time and space, guiding you on this journey of reincarnation. Embrace your destiny, and may your reunion with Hikari bring you the happiness you seek.”

As her form began to fade, I reached out instinctively, longing for connection. “Wait,” I called out softly, my voice trembling with emotion.

She turned back, her golden eyes holding a gentle understanding. “Yes, my child?” she replied, her voice a soothing melody that echoed through the void.

“Before you go... can I know your name?” I asked, my heart pounding with anticipation.

A warm smile graced her lips, illuminating her features with radiant warmth. “My name is Amara,” she answered, her voice carrying the weight of centuries. “Amara, the Goddess of Reincarnation.”

Her words resonated within me, a sense of familiarity washing over me. It was as if a bond had formed between us, transcending the boundaries of time and space. “Amara,” I repeated softly, savoring the sound of the name on my lips.

She nodded, her expression filled with maternal affection. “Remember, Charlotte, I am always with you. Though our paths may diverge, know that my love will guide you on your journey.”

“You are not merely a soul seeking reincarnation,” Amara continued, her voice resonating with purpose. “You are my daughter, blessed with the power of the divine.”

My eyes widened in astonishment, my mind struggling to comprehend the magnitude of Amara's words. “Your... daughter?” I whispered, barely above a breath.

Amara nodded, a tender smile gracing her lips. “Yes, Charlotte. As my daughter, you shall be reborn into the world as a guardian spirit, bound to the soul of your beloved Hikari.”

A surge of warmth flooded through me, a sense of purpose igniting within me. “But... what does that mean?” I asked, excitement coursing through me.

“It means that you shall possess abilities beyond mortal comprehension,” Amara explained, her voice tinged with reverence. “As a daughter of the Goddess, you will be blessed with the power to gather allies, protect your loved ones, and heal those in need.”

My eyes widened in wonder, my mind racing with the possibilities ahead. “And... what form will I take?” I asked, curiosity piqued.

Amara's smile widened, a mischievous twinkle dancing in her eyes. “You shall be reborn as a cat spirit, much like myself,” she revealed, pride evident in her tone. “A creature of grace and strength, capable of traversing the realms with ease.”

Exhilaration surged through me, my spirit ablaze with purpose. “And when I am summoned by Hikari... will she recognize me?” I asked, hope flickering within me.

Amara nodded, certainty in her gaze. “Yes, Charlotte. Despite the differences in your outward appearance, Hikari will recognize the essence of your soul immediately,” she assured.

Peace settled over me, gratitude and determination filling my heart. “And... will I cost Hikari any mana to stay by her side?” I asked, concern coloring my voice.

Amara shook her head, reassurance in her smile. “No, my child. As Hikari's summon and my daughter, you shall remain by her side without draining her mana,” she explained.

Tears welled in my eyes, gratitude overwhelming me. “Thank you, Mother,” I whispered, emotion choking my voice. “For everything.”

As Amara's form began to fade, enveloped by the radiant light of the dimensional void, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. Though she was leaving, I carried with me the blessings of the divine.

As the last traces of Amara's presence vanished, I closed my eyes, my heart filled with a quiet resolve.

Hikari's POV:

As I stood amidst the verdant beauty of the new world, memories of Charlotte enveloped me like a comforting embrace, each one a testament to the love we shared before my untimely departure. Clutching the pendant that held her essence close to my heart, I closed my eyes, allowing the memories to wash over me in waves of bittersweet longing.

In the depths of my mind, a gentle voice resonated, like a whisper carried on the wind. It was the Goddess of Reincarnation, Amara, reaching out to me from across the realms.

"Hikari, my child," her voice echoed in the recesses of my consciousness. "Think of Charlotte with all your strength. Let the love that binds your souls together guide your summoning magic."

Her words stirred something deep within me, igniting a spark of determination amidst the sea of memories. With renewed resolve, I focused all my energy on the image of Charlotte, her laughter echoing in my mind, her smile lighting up the darkness that had consumed my world since my passing.

Drawing upon the depths of my soul, I reached out with all my strength, channeling the energy of our love into a beacon of light that pierced the veil between worlds. With each heartbeat, the magic swirled and danced, weaving a tapestry of hope and longing that stretched towards the heavens.

"Charlotte, please... come back to me," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "I need you more than ever."

And then, as if in response to my plea, she appeared before me, radiant and ethereal, her beauty transcending the boundaries of mortal existence.

Charlotte, my beloved, whose image had haunted my dreams since the moment we were torn apart. She stood before me now, a vision of adorableness and grace that took my breath away.

Charlotte's petite frame seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, her porcelain skin flawless and luminous in the soft light of the forest. Her long, curly hair cascaded around her like a waterfall of pink silk, each curl bouncing with every movement. Her eyes, the color of blush roses, sparkled with mischief and tenderness, reflecting the depths of her soul.

But it was her neko ears, perched atop her head, and the six tails swaying behind her that truly captured my heart. Each movement was graceful and fluid, a testament to her feline nature. And yet, despite her otherworldly appearance, there was an innocence and purity about her that was utterly captivating.

As our eyes met, a rush of emotions flooded my heart—love, longing, and a fierce determination to never let her slip away from me again. And in that moment, as we stood together under the canopy of the forest, I knew that our bond was unbreakable, transcending the barriers of time and space.

Tears of joy welled in my eyes as I rushed forward to embrace her, overcome with relief at the sight of her. "Charlotte," I breathed, my voice choked with emotion. "You came back to me."

She nodded, her eyes shimmering with tears of happiness as she returned my embrace. In that moment, as we stood together, reunited once more, I knew that our bond was unbreakable, transcending the barriers of life and death.

With a tender smile, I reached out to her, pulling her into my arms in a loving embrace. "Charlotte," I whispered, my voice filled with love and gratitude. "I promise, I'll never leave you alone again. We'll be together, always."

Charlottes POV

As Hikari's arms enveloped me in a tender embrace, I couldn't help but marvel at her beauty. She was like a goddess descended from the heavens, her presence filling the air with warmth and light.

"Hikari," I murmured, my voice filled with awe and admiration. "You are more beautiful than I ever imagined."

She smiled, her sapphire eyes sparkling with affection. "And you, Charlotte, are the most adorable thing I've ever laid eyes on," she replied, her voice soft and tender.

I blushed at her words, feeling a rush of warmth spread through me. "Thank you, Hikari," I whispered, unable to tear my gaze away from her radiant smile.

But as I looked into her eyes, I saw more than just beauty—I saw strength, resilience, and an unwavering determination to protect those she loved. In that moment, I knew that I was truly blessed to have her by my side.

With a gentle touch, she brushed a stray lock of hair from my face, her fingers lingering against my skin. "Charlotte," she said, her voice filled with sincerity, "I promise to never leave you alone again. We'll face whatever challenges come our way, together."

Her words filled my heart with hope and gratitude, and I knew that with her by my side, we could overcome anything. Leaning in, I pressed my lips to hers in a tender kiss, sealing our promise to each other for all eternity.

And as we stood there, lost in the sweetness of our embrace, I knew that our love would endure, transcending time and space, forever and always.