Azrael's voice wavered with a mix of frustration and helplessness, his memory gaps casting a shadow over his attempts to make sense of the situation.
"Why did I do that? I can't remember anything even if you told me about my past."
Mirai's anger still simmered beneath the surface, fueled by the pain of their shared history. Yet, as they spoke, a shift seemed to occur within her. The raw edges of her emotions softened, and her heart's pain found an outlet in her words.
"Because, Azrael, you were once our protector. You were a leader who inspired and guided us. You brought light to our lives, and even though your actions led us astray, I still remember the Azrael who cared for us, who fought for justice."
Her voice held a mix of longing and melancholy, a testament to the complex feelings she harbored for him. In the midst of their tumultuous encounter, a glimmer of connection emerged—a connection forged from a shared past, even if that past was tainted by regret and loss.
Mirai's words carried a weight of emotion, revealing a sentiment that had lingered beneath her anger and frustration.
"I'm so glad that I met you again..."
Azrael's response was immediate, his tone filled with a mixture of confusion and longing.
"What did you say?"
In that moment, amidst the chaos of their conversation and the revelations that had surfaced, a fragile thread of something deeper seemed to connect them. The weight of their shared history was palpable, and the realization that they had once held a meaningful bond began to weave its way into their present interaction.
Mirai's response held a sense of understanding and empathy, as if she had walked a similar path of rediscovery herself.
"Nothing. I was also like that when I first came here. But my memories returned when I accidentally pulled out my Heaven's weapon when I was in danger before."
Her words hinted at the process of recovering her own memories and identity, offering Azrael a glimmer of hope that he, too, might eventually piece together the fragments of his past. The revelation of her own trigger—her Heaven's weapon—served as a potential catalyst for his own journey of remembrance.
"The sacred dagger."
Azrael's voice echoed with a mixture of curiosity and contemplation as he repeated the words she had spoken. The concept of a "Heaven's weapon" intrigued him, sparking a faint sense of recognition.
"Maybe once you pulled out your weapon, you'll be able to remember everything."
Mirai's suggestion hung in the air, carrying a note of hope and possibility. The idea that a simple action could unlock the memories he had lost was both daunting and enticing. As they stood on the precipice of revelations, the weight of their shared history felt heavier than ever, the promise of answers within their grasp.
Azrael's uncertainty was evident as he voiced his question, seeking guidance on the process ahead.
"But how am I supposed to do that?"
Mirai's response held a touch of encouragement and practicality, drawing a parallel between Azrael's previous actions and the potential activation of his own weapon.
"Remember what you did earlier? When you concentrated your energy and formed a lot of daggers to attack me? Now, try to focus your energy and call forth your weapon."
With her guidance, Azrael seemed willing to embrace the challenge ahead, a sense of determination replacing his uncertainty.
"I'll try."
In that moment, their roles seemed to shift from adversaries to collaborators, united by a shared purpose to unlock Azrael's dormant memories and uncover the truth that lay within.
As Azrael embraced Mirai's guidance, the air around him crackled with an intense energy. His determination was palpable, and the atmosphere itself seemed to respond to his efforts. A sense of anticipation hung in the air, as if the universe itself held its breath.
But the power that surged within him began to spiral out of control, consuming everything around him in its maelstrom. The very earth beneath their feet quaked as if protesting the intensity of his emotions. Azrael's cry of effort was punctuated by the chaotic disarray that unfolded around him.
Mirai's concern grew as she witnessed the sheer force of his struggle. Urgency flickered in her eyes as she realized the situation was spiraling beyond what either of them had anticipated.
Mirai's voice sliced through the tumultuous chaos, carrying a note of urgency that resonated deep within Azrael's consciousness. Her words were a desperate plea, a beacon of reason amidst the storm of his unleashed power.
"Azrael, stop it! You can't control your power! Everything will be destroyed if you continue!"
As her words reached him, a moment of clarity seemed to pierce through his determined focus. The destructive path that his unbridled energy threatened to tread became starkly apparent. He struggled to regain control, wrestling with the torrent of power that surged through him.
Mirai's reassurance held a soothing quality, like a calming breeze after a tempest. Her understanding and patience provided a lifeline for Azrael as he grappled with the aftermath of his tumultuous endeavor. He took in deep, ragged breaths, his body trembling with exhaustion and the lingering echoes of his unleashed power.
Azrael: "You're right. I need to be patient. My memories will return to me when the time is right."
Mirai: "Exactly. We have time. And I'll be here to help you remember."
As the tension slowly began to ebb, the air around them regained a sense of calm. The remnants of their encounter lingered, a testament to the depth of Azrael's struggle. Yet, within the chaos and uncertainty, a glimmer of hope remained, kindled by their shared determination to uncover the truth that lay hidden within his forgotten past.
Mirai lowered her head in front of Azrael, her worry evident as she began to speak. She expressed her sincere apology for her anger causing him trouble, acknowledging that she didn't intend to harm him. She admitted to the shared suffering stemming from her actions, yet as she spoke with genuine tears in her eyes, his anger began to dissipate.
Mirai responded, appreciating his candidness and expressing her understanding of the complexities of the situation and the overwhelming emotions at play. Azrael's desire to regain his memories and comprehend his past choices resonated with her, though the extent of his forgotten history remained puzzling.
In the midst of uncertainty, a shared determination emerged between them. The night sky above seemed to mirror their quest for answers, with Azrael's forgotten past waiting to be carefully pieced together, much like the stars lighting up the darkness.
"I have a question," Mirai began, her gaze fixed on Azrael.
Curious, Azrael replied, "What is it?"
With a heartfelt request, Mirai knelt before Azrael and inquired, "Can I be with you and serve you again?" Her sincerity was palpable, as she humbly sought his permission to resume her role as his servant.
Azrael's voice carried a mix of regret and understanding as he responded, "I'm sorry."
Mirai, looking up with a blend of hope and remorse, countered, "Why? I know what I did earlier was unforgivable. But trust me, I will serve you again with all of my heart."
Azrael reached out, gently taking hold of Mirai's hand, and aided her in standing. With a soft yet determined tone, he conveyed, "I don't want you to serve me. I want you to be my friend."
Tears cascaded down Mirai's cheeks as Azrael's words penetrated her heart. In that moment, a resolute determination ignited within her, fueling her commitment to stand by Azrael's side, to support him, and shield him from any danger that might arise.