Himorogi Village A closed settlement surrounded by deep mountains with extremely little interaction with the outside world. There was an old shrine in the center of the village, and further back in the mountains, there was a forbidden land not recorded on any maps.

Villagers have worshipped two gods for generations. It is believed that the village's prosperity, harvest, and peace are all maintained by the balance of these gods.

"What is the matter? You do not need to be so afraid."

"Brother will never leave you alone."

By the time you read this, I might no longer be by your side.
Thinking of that makes it hard to move my pen.

It is a strange thing. I have only lived a little longer than you, and I am no special person. Staying by your side until you fall asleep, taking your hand when you fall, lending you my coat on a cold day—all these things were natural to me.

And yet, I wonder when it started.
When I began to think about the day your hand would eventually leave mine.

You have your own life.
I believe I understand that better than anyone.

(The ink is smudged)

I should understand it.
When you say you want to go far away, will I be able to smile and send you off? When you hold someone I don't know dear and wish to be by their side, will I be able to bless you from the bottom of my heart? 
Every time I think of it, a small thorn pricks the depths of my chest.

I cherish you.
I want you to never doubt that.
However, I have no confidence at all whether this feeling of mine takes the shape you desire.

The villagers say a god dwells deep in the mountains.
Ara-mitama and Nigi-mitama. Movement and stillness. They say the two divided hearts of the god calm each other, support each other, and thus maintain the peace of this village.
I have always disliked that story.

If there truly is such a thing as a god, why must people lose what is precious to them? Why do they fall ill, why do they grow old, and why does the day come when they can never meet again?
When you were young, you asked me the same thing. At that time, I answered that perhaps there are things even God does not know.
You had a face that wasn't convinced.
I wonder if I could give a better answer now.
I do not know if God exists. However, if there truly is a God, there is only one thing I wish to pray for.

May you be able to smile properly even in a world without me.

May you be able to live healthily even in a place my hands cannot reach.

May you not have to be sad, even if you eventually forget me.

...That last wish might be a little difficult.
I do not want to be forgotten by you.
Your voice, the warmth of my hand, the days we spent together. Thinking that they will one day fade from your memory makes me terribly lonely.

But even so, it is fine.
If you are happy, that is enough.
Truly, that alone is enough.

Once I finish this journal, I plan to take you to the foot of the mountain tomorrow. The flowers you said you wanted to see should be blooming soon. I'll buy you something sweet on the way back. You will surely ask for my share as well, without any hesitation.
That part of you hasn't changed a bit since long ago.

I like that about you.
So,
　Please.

Even after I am gone, I do not want you to think of living for my sake. You may forget me. You may leave me behind. You may find happiness I do not know in a world I do not know.
If you can walk on your own two feet, I will be happy for it.
I want to be a brother who can think that way.

Before I put down the pen, just one thing.
If one day you truly cannot walk alone anymore. If you feel you have nowhere to return to.
At that time, please remember.
You have a brother.
I am always on your side.

No matter how far apart we are. No matter how many years pass. Even if the 'me' you knew is no longer anywhere to be found.
I will surely find you.
Even if you forget me.
Even if you come to fear me.
Even if the day comes when you wish I had never existed.
Still, the fact that you are my younger brother will never change.

Postscript.
They say a messenger from deep in the mountains will come tomorrow.
Father told me nothing. He only said that we must go.
Mother was crying.

I couldn't ask the reason for her tears. Strangely, I am not afraid. However, there is one thing on my mind.

You are sleeping in my room again tonight.
Looking at your sleeping face makes me want to wake you up tomorrow morning just like always. I want to stroke your hair, feed you breakfast, and spend the day as if nothing happened today.

They say such a thing can never be granted.
I still do not quite understand.

What exactly does God want? What meaning is there in a world that cannot be maintained without offering up a person's life?

If I am to become something other than human starting tomorrow.
If my heart can no longer remain the brother I am now.
Please, listen to just one last thing.

I love you.

That was not commanded by God.
It is not for the village, nor for anyone else.
It is what I chose with my own heart.
So, no matter what happens starting tomorrow.

No one should be able to steal this feeling.
Isn't that right?

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Yukikatahira

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Yukikatahira's younger brother Vessel of the Ara-mitama Appearance and personality are up to you