The evening breeze brushed against the stone walls of Azoth's castle, carrying with it the scent of damp stone and freshly baked bread from the kitchens. The banners, high as oaths, fluttered with a soft crackle. In one of the corridors where light streamed in golden sheets, Asori and Blair stood so close their breaths mingled. Their lips, only a whisper apart.
Blair lowered her gaze and stepped back slightly, her cheeks flushed.
—Asori… do you really want to kiss me?
The boy swallowed hard, his eyes locked on hers.
—Yes. I need energy for training. I don't want to waste time.
Blair blinked, confused, her heart pounding as if it wanted to burst out of her chest.
—Are you sure it's only for that? I don't mind helping you, but…
—Well… —Asori scratched his neck, fumbling for words—. I didn't say it before, but I've often thought about that kiss you gave me that day. I know it was out of desperation, to save my life… and that time in the cave, when you used me as… a human shield. —He gave a nervous smile—. But still, I wondered what it would be like… to kiss someone.
Blair fell silent, surprised by Asori's silly, transparent honesty.
—So… that was your first kiss too?
Asori stiffened.
—Well… I lived alone. I never met anyone so pretty— I mean, any girl—well, you know.
Blair burst out laughing, her face bright red.
—You're such an idiot! For someone who's seventeen, you're not very straightforward.
—You're the same age! —he shot back, just as red—. And doesn't it bother you that your first kiss was with a stranger?
Blair folded her arms, a playful smile revealing a dimple.
—I didn't think twice about it. I had to do it. And you should be grateful. Not everyone is lucky enough to be kissed by me.
—Then it doesn't count as a first kiss —muttered Asori, crossing his arms too, trying to look serious—. The first one has to be with someone who really likes you. At least, that's what my mother said.
Blair's teasing softened into tenderness.
—You're right… Then, if we kiss now… would that count as the first?
Asori's stomach flipped completely.
—I'll understand if I'm not your type and you're only doing this for training.
Blair frowned, stepping closer.
—I never said I didn't like you, Asori. Of course I…
He froze. His eyes dropped to her lips; she closed hers nervously as he leaned in slowly. The sunset bathed their profiles in light. The Sweet Kiss vibrated, a faint hum in both their chests, as if fate itself held its breath.
—Blair, then you…
—What a ridiculous conversation just to get to a kiss! —Mikan burst out laughing, leaning against a pillar a few steps away, arms behind her head.
Beside her, Tifa smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes.
—These two are hopeless. They circle around so much it sounds like a proposal. If you're going to do it, just do it already.
Asori and Blair sprang apart as if the floor had turned to fire, nearly tripping over their own boots. They fled toward the end of the corridor, faces burning, until they spilled out into the courtyard, where the cold air hit them like a bucket of water.
At the castle gate, they finally let out nervous laughter.
—I'll be gone for a week of training —said Asori, strapping on his worn backpack—. Will you save me some bread for when I get back?
Blair looked at him with a hint of melancholy she couldn't hide.
—If something happens to you, I'll come for you.
Asori gave his usual half-smile, playing the brave one.
—I don't need a gray-haired princess watching over me all the time.
Then he took her hand. The gesture was simple, yet firm. He looked her straight in the eyes, unblinking.
—I'll get stronger. I won't let anyone shed blood while I'm around. I'll keep my promise to you. And… I'll end this war—or at least try.
Blair's heart lurched. She had never seen him so serious. That determination sparked something deep inside her, a warmth born not of embarrassment, but of pride and… something more.
Asori turned to leave. But Blair, without thinking, grabbed his hand, pulled him back toward her… and kissed him.
The world vanished.
The Sweet Kiss glowed, first like a whisper, then like an enveloping flame. An indescribable warmth surged through their bodies. For an instant, they felt the same heartbeat, the same breath, the same fear and the same courage. Asori, stunned by the sudden rush of energy, felt exhaustion peel away, his sore muscles restored, as if he had slept an entire night in a single second.
They pulled apart just barely, breathless, their eyes shimmering.
—It's so you can train better —Blair whispered, still close—. And don't you dare die before you come back.
Asori nodded with a shy smile, his voice barely a thread.
—I'll… do my best.
Blair glanced aside, cheeks burning.
—If you come back tired… maybe I'll have another logistical "reward" for you.
The silence that followed weighed on their tongues; neither dared look directly at the other again. That's when a voice cut between them:
—Are you done flirting? —Eryndor appeared with his arms crossed and one eyebrow raised—. Time to go, boy. The tournament is less than a month away.
—You too?! —Blair nearly hid behind Asori's back.
Asori looked at him, incredulous.
—Master… you're coming with me?
—Of course —the sage replied, as casually as if discussing the weather—. I won't let the Megalos eat you alive. The princess would never forgive me.
Asori sighed with relief… until Eryndor added with surgical calm:
—And by the way, the ones you'll face aren't Class F Megalos. They're Class C… maybe even B.
—What?! —Asori yelped.
Eryndor grabbed his arm lightly, as if nudging a chick off the edge of its nest.
—Come. Walk. You learn the wind by moving through it.
As they said goodbye to Blair, high atop the wall, Mikan watched it all with a cat's satisfied grin.
—Well, well… So the princess does know how to take the initiative. —She raised her voice down at them—. Sure you're not a couple? Because you look like much more than that.
—You perverted ninja! —Blair shouted, tossing a pebble at her. Mikan dodged with elegant ease, not even stepping away from the ledge.
The echo of the ninja's laughter lingered a moment, then faded into the evening air.