Aruna
I stared at the Ghash, unable to believe that I would finally be able to try one. Giving a thankful glance to Miko, I watched him give half of his to Kile.
Such a kind soul.
As they ate theirs, I took a final breath of preparation. Time to see what my mother's favorite food tasted like. Since her death, my father had outlawed Ghash in his kingdom, so I never got the opportunity to try it until now.
Thanks to Miko.
As I bit down on the food, an explosion of flavor burst into my mouth. My eyes grew wide with an explosion of ecstasy.
This dish, it's... it's incredible!
No wonder Mother loved it.
"Hey Aruna, y-you ok?"
As Miko's question brought me back to reality, I realized my face had grown wet. Tears.
As happiness overflowed me, I didn't care.
Flinging myself onto Miko I wrapped him up in the biggest hug ever, whispering "Thank you. Thank you so much."
At first, I felt him tense up a little and worried that I was making him uncomfortable.
However, those worries disappeared in a fluttering light as he returned the hug, his strong arms caressing me as his strong heart assured me. Everything will be all right.
"Uh, welcome. Aruna."
We hugged like that for seconds, all the while I was wishing for the moment to last an eternity. I didn't want to return to the real world, the world that couldn't afford Miko and I falling for each other. For the first time, I was feeling a love pure and true. A love I had no reason to doubt.
It was a feeling far different from what I've known from even Roan and my father.
No part of me wanted to leave his embrace. No part of me wanted to deny the feelings I had.
So I hope the world forgives me. I hope that what I feel doesn't lead to a path of darkness. I hope that my fears are unfounded.
"Miko, never leave me. Ok."
I looked up at his face, his perfect blue eyes. His now-chiseled jaw and toned body. He's grown so much in such a short time, and it's all for us. For me.
Even as tears of joy fell from my face, turning my vision blurry, I could clearly see him smile as he promised, "Ok. I'll never leave you. On one condition though. I don't want you running off either."
"I won't. Promise."
A big part of me wanted to pull his face down and kiss him. Feel his lips against mine, his heart against mine.
But an even bigger part was too scared.
Defeated, I settled for nestling my head against his chest, feeling his racing heartbeat as he held me closer. I relished in his aromatic scent with every heavy breath I took.
Not even the demon lord, not even Roan's disapproving glare, could part us at this moment.
Even if Vakash showed his face this instant, threatening everyone, I don't think we would part even then.
The rush those thoughts gave me sped up my heartbeat, as if in an attempt to catch Miko's.
As the tempo of my heartbeat matched his, I gave a slight internal chuckle.
Everything would be ok.
Miko was the perfect fit to be our savior.
Miko
I kept as firm an embrace as I could, fearing the moment Aruna would come to her senses and push me away. As I felt her beating heart, her tiny hands resting on my shoulder, her head against my chest, I prayed that moment would never come.
If we could just stay like this forever, that would be best.
But the demon lord is still out there. Vakash is still out there.
Eventually, the world would move on, forcing us to follow suit.
But for now, the world can wait.
I need to buy her food more often!
From the corner of my eye, I saw something shuffling. Kile was awkwardly eyeing his Ghash, clearly trying to avoid looking at us. I laughed, realizing that he was probably weirded out by our moment.
Kile was never good with girls, and neither was I.
Until Aruna.
With a smile, I took one last gaze into Aruna's eyes, as we stared into each other's souls in perfect harmony. A big part of me wanted to pick her up off her feet and kiss her, but a bigger part of me was too scared too.
We both settled with just looking at each other with a sparkle in our eyes.
The clink of Roan's armor fully took us back to reality. If he saw our affection, what would he do? Maybe he would show approval, but I feared he'd force us to start running laps even in our fancy getup.
Farv, Cigarette, Paige, and some guy holding her hand followed closely behind Roan. I guess the guy was Isaac.
With his typical emotionless and demanding voice, Roan said, "The Festival's going to really start now."
Then with a slight smile, "I know the perfect spot to watch the fireworks. Follow me."
He took us past a few groups of houses and up this big hill filled with trees. Carefully minding the trunks, branches, and bushes across the ground, I helped Aruna maintain her balance and keep her dress clean. Although she kept chancing quick glances at Roan, probably in hopes he wasn't watching, she never fought my attempts to help. Rather, she invited them.
This was a nice change of pace from the normal punch-kick attitude.
After 10 minutes of hiking, accompanied by Paige's constant complaining, we finally arrived at the crest of the hill.
The walk was well worth the wait, as the view looked out over the entire town, while also providing a perfect view of the night sky. Although it was dusk, I could already see some of the stars painting the black canvas of night. Notably, the north star, which my Mom had taught me at a young age to spot.
I smiled at the memory.
For the first time in a while, I was happy to think of Mom.
I shot a thankful glance to Farv and Aruna, knowing they wouldn't see it. However, I knew they felt its appreciation all the same.
The bond I felt with them was one I had only felt with Kile and my mom before. I wouldn't even say I was ever this close to Dad.
However, I acknowledge that things could've turned out a lot better for him. I would never blame him for our hardships.
Aruna tugged at my arm, pointing out into the city.
"They're lighting up the first wave right now. I bet you've never seen anything like this on Earth, Sleepy Dolt."
I smiled at the nickname, paying close attention to her directions to see if what she said was true.
In a sudden burst of light, multiple fireworks shot into the sky, illuminating the black canvas with a stunning array of colors. I watched in wonder as multiple mythical beasts began forming from the light. Red dragons, green elves, a princess in blue. The princess blew a kiss as the elves rode the dragon down into the city, exploding into a dazzling yellow. I laughed at the absurdity of the show.
But Aruna was right. The show was completely majestic, clearly ahead of anything I've seen on Earth.
Even in the first Lord of the Rings movie.
Feeling something brush my hands, I momentarily jumped before realizing who it was. Clasping my hand around Aruna's, I felt a flutter in my chest as she laid her head on my arm.
Noting Kile's chuckle of approval, I looked over to Roan to see his reaction. Please don't go all discipline on us!
Surprisingly, I saw him staring out at the fireworks with a wide smile. The most genuine, warm smile I've seen from anyone besides Aruna.
It was really a great night for all of us then.
At some point during the show, we all sat down, tired of standing up. Worried that Aruna's dress would get ruined by the dirt, I offered my suit as a sort of towel or blanket. Thankfully though, Roan had an even better idea and just summoned blankets for all of us.
Spacial users are so handy.
More time had passed, and some of us got a bit sleepy.
Looking at the sleeping beauty laying her head on my lap, I chuckled.
Who's the sleepy dolt now?
Caressing her arm with mine, I took note of her slow rhythmic breathing. She looked so peaceful.
"How did you manage that?"
Kile's sudden question startled me, forcing me to use all of my will to not jump and disturb Aruna.
But he did pose a good question. How did I manage this? I thought all I was doing was buying her the food she really wanted. If I knew it meant this much to her, I would've found a way to get her a lot more.
"I don't know to be honest. I'm as confused as you. But hey, I'm not complaining." I said as I shot my best friend a smile.
He returned his own smile, even though it was tinged with sadness.
In a few hours, he'd be back to his home.
But I have to stay here.
"I can't tell you how happy this trip has made me Miko. Really. To- to see how well you're doing."
"I could say the same to you, Kile."
We both shared a last smile as he said, "Then let's promise right now. Both of us are going to get out of this just fine. I- I'll hold on strong back at Earth. And you promise me you'll be alright."
With all the conviction in existence, I said, "Ok. We'll be just fine, Kile."
He turned his attention back to the fireworks, saying "Good. Then let's just enjoy the show. Since we will meet again, there's no need to waste our last moments with goodbyes."
And so that's what we did. Sitting in the silence of a thousand words, I spent a blissful night with my dearest friends across all realities.
Aruna, Kile, Farv.
Roan.