In an instance everything changed and the tense atmosphere seemed to melt away. Now all that's left is the feeling of soft light kissing his face. An as soon as Iramo opened his eyes, the memories started to slip away. Even then he desperately held on, trying to recall every minute detail in his head while staring at the cobalt ceiling that blocked the sky.
This isn't— no that wasn't real… at least not now but I have to remember who caused it. What was that thing in the sky? Everything was going perfect until whatever that was appeared but I don't know why! I don't know anything now! The memories just keep fading away no matter how hard I try. But I can't give up… I can't be— NO! I won't be the reason they die!
Noticing the green rings surrounding him grow darker, Iramo looks down at the blanket covering him, slowly lifting it to the sight of his bare chest, scar free.
Saranai must be here! That means she came through for me! But if she carried me all the way here… could she be? Could that eight bit woman really be stronger than me?! Well… she did heal me up even if she did strip me naked so win-win to me!
Seeing nothing but mocha brown out the corner of his eyes, Iramo quickly sat up and turned to his side. Feeling an indescribable level of comfort in his face.
"This has gotta be a cloud, it's so soft I could die right here!"
Snuggling his face in deeper, he reach out to grab it with his hands and it's at that moment when Iramo was met with a sudden realization as he felt a hand resting on his own, pushing it away.
"We'll if you try to touch me like that again I can make it happen today."
WHO THE HELL IS THIS?! DID SHE BREAK ME INTO SOME LADY'S HOME?! Nope can't do that one I gotta go!
But before he could attempt to run he felt a firm hand on the back of his head and that soft yet slick voice in his ears again.
"Relax starboy, I won't tell Saranai if you can keep a secret too. So if you agree nod your head or I'm telling on you."
Vigorously shaking his head up and down as he pulled back, opening his mouth only to be shushed before a word could fly, Iramo was locked in place.
"I'm talking right now, all I need is for you to reply. So first things first what do you want with my little sister Saranai? And please… think before you answer, okay?"
Frozen in place Iramo could do nothing but stare into her venomous gaze but even so he couldn't help but see the surprise in her eyes. Even in the face of uncertain demise his resolve stood firm and unwavering like the fire behind his eyes.
"I plan to help her, help me take to the skies and leave this wicked world behind."
Gasping in utter shock and disbelief, Maradi covers her mouth with her hand.
THEY PLAN TO RUN AWAY TOGETHER?! AND HE ADMITTED IT! WHAT A MAN! WHAT… A… MANNNN!
I refuse to let you canonically ship them, you stop that right now!
Twirling her hair as she crosses one leg over the other and leaning back in her chair, Maradi puts cross her other arm under her chest.
"And then what after that? What do you have planned for her when you both get away?"
Anxiously looking Iramo in his eyes, anticipating what he'll say next, Maradi can hardly sit still as she imagines them getting married off world in a big, beautiful, ball. While Iramo looks more confused than ever as he explains his plan.
"Well… we plan to travel the worlds and find my family while we explore and after I find them I plan to live a happy life."
Ohhh no, why would you say that she'll take it the wrong way!
"So you plan to be with her the rest of your life! And live happily together after your get you family back together?!"
Yeah… she definitely did there's no changing her mind.
Puzzled beyond belief, Iramo can only manage to get out one word.
"What????"
Brushing by his confusion Maradi grabbed onto his shoulders and pulled him to his feet with a cheeky grin.
"Get dressed! You've got a lot to learn before you two can go off on your own so we're gonna go train!"
Covering his lower parts with his hands, Iramo scrambled to put on the pair of black pants hanging from the edge of the bed. Turning to question her as he pulls the sleeveless maroon vest over his head.
"Train? For what? I just got out of bed!"
And I don't exactly know you! Seriously is she alright in the head?!
Shooting him a glare that could cut diamonds, Maradi grabbed him by the hand a threw his arm wrappings at his chest.
"I know and that's the problem! You've been stuck in your head! The next Scan's on the way and its your one way ticket to the stars because only Crusaders can use the Shattering Shafts alone. So if you don't join and impress them, who knows how long you'll have to wait before you can leave this place."
Leaning on the wall as she observes Iramo, she's surprised yet again by the overjoyed grimace spreading across his face as he quickly fixed the last wrapping around his hands.
"That's all I needed to hear- actually what's your name?"
Looking at him in disbelief, Maradi can't help but question him again.
"Maradi but is none of this strange to you?"
Stroking his chin with his fingers, Iramo takes a moment to ponder what was said.
I mean it doesn't exactly make sense but it sounds like I'm going the right way. If anything I should ask about that chase… but it can wait till later, I don't want to bring down our pace.
"No it is but I know enough for now and you can fill me in along the way. Now Maradi about this training, where are we going for that?"
Showing him to the door, Maradi opens it up and leads the way with a confident stride.
Judar… I'm telling you, I got a great feeling about this brazen boy from beyond the sky. If he can't do it— maybe we all weren't meant to fly. But even if we all can't sore I'll make sure they go beyond the skies.
Devotion is a double edged blade that forces your hand. One moments it beckons you and the next it tells you to die where you stand. But even the sharpest of blades need a guiding hand.