"N-no, I'm fine. Thank you…"
Asia's voice was gentle, grateful as Tenra helped her to her feet.
Her nun's veil slipped from her hair, revealing a cascade of golden locks and eyes the color of summer sky. Tenra froze for a heartbeat, recognition flickering in his gaze. Of all people—her.
He glanced at Issei, already vanished down the street, and couldn't help but smile. Fate had a strange sense of humor.
"Lost, are you, Sister?" Tenra asked, his tone light and inviting.
Asia blinked, still a little dazed. She pressed her hands together, lips curling in a hopeful smile. "I… I'm a bit lost. Could you help me?"
There was something about her—an aura of quiet holiness, so pure it made you want to protect her, not tarnish her innocence.
Tenra nodded, then turned to Yubelluna and the others.
"Yubelluna, you all go on ahead to school."
"Yes, Lord Tenra."
Yubelluna lingered for a moment, giving Asia a thoughtful look, but she didn't ask questions. Soon, Tenra was left with Raynare and the golden-haired nun.
"Tenra. Tenra Kamiyo. And this is Raynare."
He introduced himself and his companion.
"And you, Sister?"
"I'm Asia Argento. Just Asia is fine."
Her voice was soft, her smile shy and open.
Tenra's lips twitched upward. As expected.
"Where are you headed, Asia?" Tenra asked as they walked.
"I'm supposed to take up a post at the church here in town. I'm really sorry for troubling you and Raynare…"
"No trouble at all. We've got time to spare."
Asia's smile brightened. "Meeting kind people like you must be the Lord's guidance."
Raynare snorted softly but said nothing. Tenra grinned. "If the Lord's guiding anyone, it's you. I just couldn't leave a lost sister wandering the streets."
Asia giggled, a little embarrassed.
The three of them walked together, conversation easy and warm. Raynare kept to herself, but her eyes lingered on Asia, unreadable.
Suddenly, a child's wail split the morning air. A young boy had tripped, scraping his knee, tears streaming down his cheeks.
Asia hurried over, kneeling beside him. "Don't cry, okay? Boys shouldn't let little scrapes get them down."
Her gentle touch and soothing words worked magic—the boy's sobs faded, replaced by a hesitant smile. Asia placed her hand on his injured knee, and a soft glow blossomed beneath her palm. The wound closed, skin knitting together as if it had never been hurt.
"There you go. All better. Be strong, and may the Lord bless you."
She stood, brushing dust from her skirt, and hurried back to Tenra and Raynare, cheeks flushed. "Sorry, I just—couldn't help myself…"
Tenra laughed. "No need to apologize."
They continued toward the church, the mood lighter.
"Asia, you're a Sacred Gear wielder, aren't you?"
Asia's eyes widened. "You know about Sacred Gears?"
"Of course. Watch."
Tenra opened his hand, summoning a sphere of shimmering energy—a barrier, flickering like a tiny star.
Asia's expression turned to understanding. "You have one too… Maybe it really is the Lord's guidance."
Tenra chuckled. "Maybe it's just fate. The Lord doesn't micromanage quite that much."
"Your Sacred Gear is amazing, Asia. Healing like that—it's a rare gift."
Asia's cheeks colored. "Yours is incredible too. The divine sure gives us strange blessings…"
Their shared secret brought them closer, laughter and conversation flowing easily as they reached the edge of town.
"That's the church, right there," Asia said, pointing ahead. "Please, at least come inside with me. I want to thank you properly."
Tenra shook his head. "We only showed you the way. No need for thanks. We've got class to get to."
He glanced at the old building—more a hideout than a place of worship. Kuoh's "church" was a haven for exiled priests and fallen exorcists, those cast out by the Church and now allied with the fallen angels. Asia's assignment here was no accident; she'd been banished, too.
If Tenra and Raynare walked in, it would mean trouble. He wasn't afraid, but he didn't need a fight this early in the day.
Asia's smile faltered for a moment, disappointment flickering in her eyes. "I understand. But please visit sometime, if you can."
Tenra's grin returned. "If you're inviting, Asia, that's a promise."
He paused, then held out his hand. "May I see your hand for a moment?"
Asia hesitated, then offered her slender fingers. Tenra conjured another barrier, pressing it gently into her palm.
"This is a little protection. It'll block even a high-class devil's attack once."
Asia stared, stunned. She knew how precious such a gift was. "I… I can't accept something so valuable—"
"Just take it. We're friends, aren't we, Asia?"
He tapped her forehead with a finger, smiling. Whether by accident or design, he'd switched to using her name.
"Friends…"
The word echoed in Asia's heart, stirring feelings she'd never known. She'd had no friends since childhood—"friend" meant everything.
Tenra turned, already heading away. "Do your best at the church. Until we meet again, Asia."
He and Raynare walked off, leaving two long shadows behind.
Asia watched them go, tears shimmering in her eyes. She bowed toward Tenra's retreating figure, then picked up her suitcase and headed for the church.
"Until we meet again, Tenra-san… my friend."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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