Forget the Past

Forget the Past (昔話とかいいからさ) is the seventh episode of the Ayaka: A Story of Bonds and Wounds anime series.

Synopsis
A glimpse into the halcyon past when Aka, Haruaki, and Jingi were Makoto's young disciples, and how Makoto stepped up to save the Ayaka Islands one fateful night when disaster struck.

Plot Summary
Momoko describes to Yukito events from 10 years ago. Younger versions of the characters are seen starting with Aka and Haruaki. Aka's ankle was hurt while trying to pacify an Ara-mitama and Momoko helps tend to it. There is discussion about how Aka and Haruaki are not getting along, but Yanagi and Yukito both talk about how they are all a family.

Later, Jingi sees Haruaki and Aka in training. They discuss the need to strengthen the barrier at the crater on the fourth island to keep the fire dragon in check. Yanagi says that the two are not strong enough yet, but someday might be. Aka states his intention to work with Haruaki so that someday they may become stronger. Haruaki is identified as the Ley Master who will someday take over the care of the Kasen shrine. Momoko brings them shaved ice as a treat, and there are subsequent scenes that show the family making happy memories together.

Later, a storm occurs one night and Yanagi leaves the house to go to the first island to obtain a weapon that he thinks will soon be needed to quell the dragon. While he is gone, a series of earthquakes occur. Haruaki and Aka observes the mitama behaving strangely and believe that the fire dragon has awakened. They fear that the barrier that keeps the dragon restrained in the crater is weakening, and that the volcano will erupt as a result, putting all the inhabitants of the Ayaka islands at risk.

Haruaki and Aka prepare to travel to the fourth island, and Jingi asks to come with them to help fight. Haruaki tells Jingi that he needs to stay to protect others, and he gives him candy. Aka and Haruaki arrive to the crater to try to pacify the dragon without Yanagi's help, but their efforts are insufficient. An explosion occurs and the fire dragon emerges. They try to maintain the barrier, but it breaks. Aka is badly burned, and he blames Haruaki for failing to maintain the barrier in order to save him.

Yanagi arrives to kick the dragon and begin to chain it. He says that he may need to sacrifice himself in order for there to be a 50/50 chance that the islands will not be destroyed. Aka asks to stay to help, but Yanagi tells Haruaki to take the injured Aka and run. Haruaki transports himself and Aka to another island. When they arrive, Haruaki collapses revealing burns on his back.

Yanagi continues to battle the dragon while the inhabitants of the Ayaka islands are evacuated. A young Ibara as well as Yako and Chatarou are seen evacuating.

Momoko continues to narrate these past events to Yukito in the present. She explains that the following day after the volcano eruption, the volcano seemed to be unchanged. However, the islands were badly damaged. Haruaki and Aka return to the crater and find Yanagi dead though with a smile on his face.

Momoko explains that Aka took Yanagi's death very hard, and left the islands shortly after his funeral. Haruaki reported that they had an argument, though gave little details. Aka returned to the islands several years later having learned dangerous spells. Yukito reflects on his memories of the events. He recalls feeling scared but was calmed by Jingi, who held his hand to keep him safe.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Momoko Amamiya
 * Yukito Yanagi
 * Aka Ibuki
 * Haruaki Kurama
 * Makoto Yanagi
 * Jingi Sagawa
 * Sanji Inou
 * Ibara Ichijou
 * Chatarou Fukawake
 * Yako Amano