Arthur and Asuka walked for a long time. Neither of them had a destination in mind. They simply enjoyed each other's company.
Arthur's heart was pounding against his chest. His palms were doused in sweat. He hoped Asuka didn't notice. But one look at her and he couldn't tell if she even knew he was there. She wasn't how she usually was around him. They were even touching and she was still calm-almost too calm.
Worry began to settle in his heart.
"Asuka, are you alright?"
A small smile remained on the girls face. Was she even enjoying this moment between them?
"I... I don't know."
This answer caught him off guard. Though he was sure something was not right, a part from her attitude, she was completely fine. The aura surrounding her was smooth and still. It was this realization that made him even more concerned.
"I've... realized a part of myself," she continued, placing her hand over her heart, "There is a darkness that has grown inside me. One that only recently I've acknowledged. It's always been a part of me. Now that I know it's there, I have a choice. Reject it or embrace it."
There was silence for a moment.
"What did you choose?" Arthur asked with an edge of concern.
She chuckled at his question.
"That's the thing. It doesn't matter what I choose. Whether I reject or accept it, it will always be there. Festering. And I know, no matter what I do, it will show itself. It will change me. I don't know into what, but I will be different. You know the worst part?"
Her voice got shaky and she hesitantly let go of his hand. She looked into his eyes and his breath hitched.
"I am not scared. Not even a little. In fact, there is a part of me which is... excited. That wants the darkness to engulf me. To consume all of me. If it does, I'll either die or turn into a monster. And... I don't know what'll happen to the ones I care most for if they stay around me."
She took a deep breath, calming her rising emotions. She looked to the horizon at the setting sun. Comfort warmed her heart.
"So, just in case something happens me. Like... if I die, or am... something else when I get back. I wan... needed to tell you this while I'm still alive and still me."
Arthur wanted to interrupt, but he was too stunned at her words. Before he could do anything, she stepped back, straightening herself and gathering courage.
"Arthur, for a very long time, I've been deeply in lo-"
"WAIT!" Arthur shouted.
To say Asuka was confused would be an understatement. Arthur had his hands stretched out in front of his body, a dark red tint covered his face.
"Just wait a moment," he gasped. "Hear me out."
Asuka gave a look of annoyance but decided to listen to what he had to say.
"I read somewhere, that soldiers who go to war tell their loved ones things they've kept secret for a long time."
The girl tilted her head in confusion, seeing the connection between her and soldiers but failing to see where this was leading.
"I believe they do this because they believe they will not return and want to die with no regrets. But I've wondered, maybe if they didn't say anything. Maybe if they held on to their secret, they would've pushed harder to live. Taken cautious measures to make sure they make it back no matter what. I... know this isn't the best line of logic, but I believe in your case it works."
Asuka groaned at Arthurs unusual naivety.
"Arthur, you have no grasp of what I'm talking about. These feelings will do things to my mind. If I fight against them, the pressure will only build more and I'll break."
"Then don't fight it. Embrace those feelings. Let them be a part of you."
Asuka was ready to scream at the boy with her frustration boiling. She knew he wasn't stupid, yet he was saying such stupid things.
"But don't let those feelings control you," he continued, "They are yours. They belong to you. No matter how strong they are, or how hard they come, it is up to you to let them push you around."
The girl had no response. Arthur seeing this kept going.
"Instead, guide them. Use them as a weapon against your enemy. Use them to do good."
What he said made sense. But was it possible. The power the darkness made her feel was more than she had ever felt with any other emotion. It was intoxicating. Would she be strong enough to stop it from taking over her.
She pursed her lips and clenched her fists in frustration and worry. Suddenly, Arthur grabbed her fists helping her relax a little.
"You are strong Asuka. Stronger than you can even imagine. No one your age could experience what you have and keep going. Did the thought of quitting ever even cross your mind?"
She thought back and realized, she hadn't. The lowest she had ever gone was questioning if she was good enough. But no matter how low she felt, she was always looking for a way to keep going.
Acceptance. Perseverance.
Acceptance.
Hearing Thalia's words in her mind, she smiled brightly. She reached around Arthur and embraced the boy. This time, he did not hesitate in reciprocating. They remained there in the dimming sunlight for what seemed to be an eternity.
Pulling away from each, they looked into each others eyes. A different emotion came over them. An attraction neither of the two had ever felt. Their faces drew closer and closer, hearts thumping harder and harder, the heat from their breaths fueling the fire of attraction.
And then for only a moment, their lips met.
Quickly they parted from each other and looked away in embarrassment. Red heat overwhelmed both their faces. When they looked at each again, they smiled shyly.
"We should go back. They'll worry," Asuka suggested.
"No. Let's... continue for a little longer. I think the stars will be especially beautiful tonight."
Hand in hand they made their way through the forest. They found a cliff and sat on its edge looking out where the sun receded below the horizon. A magnificent orange hue gave way to darkness, and the stars slowly revealed themselves.
They made patterns of legends they'd heard in stories. Brave heroes, foul villains and those whose path who rule above them all. But they all seemed so small compared to the moment shared between two who were in love.