Akuru

Akuru's innocent, childlike appearance belies a powerful history. The small creature holds the key to the Windmill of Time, a powerful portal that allows those strong enough to pass through it to travel through time. Appearing as a silent child with a simple pinwheel, Akuru appears fleetingly, appearing and disappearing at will. When objects outside of time are brought into the past, they seem to draw Akuru's attention, as he becomes particularly intrigued by Towa's handcream from the modern era.

Ultimately, Towa, Setsuna and Moroha are dispatched back to the present to protect it from the plummeting Grim Comet. Their work done, they are unable to return to the past to face off against Kirinmaru. Akuru, with his powerful ability to control the Windmill of Time uses the last of his strength to bring the girls back to the past, dying in his effort to help bring an end to Kirinmaru.

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The Meaning Behind the Name - 阿久留

Akuru's name is not particularly telling. It is made up of the kanji for "flatter", "old story" and "halt".