A month and a half passed quickly. In that time, Asuka's training only increased in intensity. After her mastery over her anima had increased to a proficient level, Ichigo had her train in actual combat to put her control to actual use. Soon, she was able to return to her full fighting ability, and only a little while later, she surpassed it.
Her studying with Mei also progressed well. She knew enough to make many new to the faith look at her with awe and envy. Mei also started teaching Asuka how to cook. Unlike the other things she's training for, she is far from making significant progress. But now she can make boiled eggs that were edible.
Today was the first true rest day Asuka had for two months. It would also be the last for a while as tomorrow was when she sets off for Cael. She now sat outside Ichigo's house, lying on a tree branch. The rough bark pressed into her back as she lounged on the branch, sunlight flickering through the leaves. From this height, the world seemed quiet, far removed from the storm she was about to step into. She had taken a nap, a habit from her mentor, and was simply resting, looking down the hill. Her heartbeat was steady, breath calm, mind settled.
She surprisingly, wasn't nervous. She couldn't put her finger on why. The mission was of very high stakes. Not only were people's lives at risk, but also the entire continent. All out civil war could ignite if the right forces came into play. It should have terrified her. The weight should've crushed her. Instead, the thought of walking into danger lit a fire in her chest. Not fear. Not dread. Excitement.
She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling her heartbeat quicken—like a child watching the clock tick toward their birthday.
"What is wrong with me?"
Asuka then opened her palms in front of her. Staring at them, she let contra flow into her hand, igniting them with black flames. It had been a while since she had used the dreadful power to conjure the flames.
Her hands began to throb in pain from the contra, but she didn't show any sign of feeling it. She looked into the silently dancing flames. The air chilled, and she could see the little anima in the air be corrupted as it was absorbed. A small smile crossed her lips.
"Are you alright, Asuka?"
The sudden question from Annie startled the girl. She quickly closed her fists, dissipating the flames.
"I'm fine," Asuka said softly. "Just… lost in thought."
"Yeah, and those thoughts are exactly why I'm asking. You've been different since the capital. I can't sense it clearly, but something's changed."
Asuka didn't reply. Silence was her answer, and Annie wisely let it be.
Soon the door to the house opened, and Asuka turned her head to see Mei standing in the doorway.
"It's about time we left Asuka. Grab what you need, and we'll meet Ichigo at Ms. Thalia's house."
Asuka gave a small smile and nodded.
"No problem. I'll be done shortly."
~
They arrived at Thalia's home an hour later. To Asuka's shock, Mei could keep up, though she did have to slow down for the woman.
"Ichigo helped me a little with anima control to help me learn how to heal properly. It inadvertently made my body stronger as well."
When they knocked, Arthur was the one who answered. He was surprised to see the duo standing there.
"A-Asuka. Ma'am," he said with a nod, "What are you doing here?"
Hearing his voice made Asuka smile with comfort.
"I'm heading off on another mission tomorrow. Just wanted to stop by before I go."
With red tinging her cheeks, she stepped forward before she could think twice, wrapping her arms around him. For a heartbeat he froze in surprise, then melted into the embrace with a smile. The familiarity of it made her chest ache in the best way.
"I really missed you, Asuka," he stammered with a quick nod, "You look great. I like your new clothes. Really... wow."
"Thank you, Arthur. This lady here is Mei. She's the one living with Ichigo and has been healing his injuries. She's also been my teacher for the past few months."
Looking at the woman, Arthur gave a small bow.
"Welcome, Ms. Mei. And thank you for taking care of Asuka for us."
"Oh, there's no need for that. She's been a pleasure to be with since the first day she arrived," she said, waving her hand.
Arthur let them both inside.
"Martha and Grandma took some of the older kids with her to the market. The rest are taking naps. They should be back soon. In the meantime, why don't make you both some tea?"
They both liked the idea, so Arthur went into the kitchen and Asuka showed Mei into the dining room. They sat for a few minutes before Arthur came in with two cups of tea and a couple of cookies.
Arthur spoke to both of them about what had been happening since the last time Asuka was around. Mei couldn't help but notice the way they looked at each other. The love in both their eyes. It was like the two were in their own world and nothing could disturb their moment in time. She almost felt invisible, but the look they shared was too sweet for her to mind.
After some time, the rowdy laughter of children could be heard from outside the door. It then swung open with three kids running inside.
"Stop it, you three! No running inside the house," said a young feminine voice.
The owner of the voice then came into view. She looked into the dining room, the tired expression vanishing as soon as she saw the people there.
"Asuka? Mei? Didn't expect to see you both here."
Asuka explained that she was going on another mission the next day. Martha tried to hide it, but a look of worry crossed her face as Asuka kept talking.
"You don't have to worry, Martha," Asuka said, noticing the look, "I'm okay. Really."
Martha let the look of concern apparent before taking a deep sigh.
"Okay then. We ran into Ichigo at the market. Granny and Ichigo decided at the market awhile before returning. They'll be a few hours."
Martha then took the food they bought to the kitchen and asked Mei to help her cook for dinner, which she agreed. This left Arthur and Asuka alone in the dining room. The boy wanted to say something, but Asuka beat him to it.
"Let's go outside," she said, "Would be a shame to waste a beautiful day like this."
Before he could reply, she slipped her hand into his and tugged him toward the door. His fingers tightened around hers, warm and steady, and for a moment it felt like the rest of the world could wait.