Riku stirred, feeling a gentle warmth surrounding him, a tender sensation that filled him with a vague, comforting familiarity. His vision was hazy, but the feeling was so soothing that, without realizing it, he murmured, "Mother…" in a faint, drowsy voice.
Slowly, his sight focused, and he found himself gazing up at a face, one that wasn't his mother's but one equally caring, if not entirely familiar. He blinked in surprise. He was resting in Aina's embrace, her arm around him protectively, her expression filled with concern. Heat rushed to his face, and he scrambled out of her arms.
Aina looked taken aback by his sudden movement. "What the… What are you doing, jumping like that?" Her tone was flustered, her cheeks tinged pink, but she quickly composed herself and crossed her arms. "You know, for someone who's been helped twice now, you're awfully rude."
He took a deep breath, grounding himself, and managed a calm, soft "Thank you."
Aina huffed but softened as he spoke. Riku's gaze sharpened as he tilted his head, curious. "Isn't it strange… helping someone you don't even know?"
Aina's lips curved into a small smile. She straightened up, her voice laced with pride. "I'm Aina, an A-rank adventurer. I promised myself that I'd protect the weak and help those in need." She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief as she added, "That's why I helped you, Mr. Mysterious."
Riku felt a pang of annoyance at her teasing tone, yet he couldn't deny a feeling of gratitude blossoming within him. He'd been so disoriented and lost, and Aina's kindness felt like a lifeline. She settled beside him on the bench, her eyes filled with gentle curiosity.
"So… who are you?" she asked, studying him. "And what are you doing in Aethrion? You're not exactly… familiar."
The question sent a cold jolt through him. If my powers activate again, if I see too much... He clenched his hands, trying to keep calm despite the pounding in his chest. He didn't know how to explain anything without giving too much away, so he stalled, using her questions as an excuse to buy himself time and gather as much information as possible.
Riku looked at her for a moment, remembering the painful, haunting fragments of her memories he'd accidentally seen. He turned his gaze away briefly, steadying himself. "I… I'm Riku," he replied quietly. "I honestly don't remember much. My head hurts, and the last thing I remember is waking up on the ground where you found me." Inwardly, he told himself, I'll just stick to this for now.
Aina raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing him, then nodded as if he'd confirmed something she already suspected. "Huh. Well, that explains a lot. But if you don't remember, there's no problem. You're welcome to stay here until you figure things out."
Riku felt a rush of relief, her offer wrapping around him like a blanket of safety. He nodded, a small smile touching his lips. "Thank you… really." He felt his exhaustion creeping back, tugging at his thoughts. "I'll go back to my room for now. I… I need to rest."
"Of course," Aina replied, nodding. "Take it easy, and get some good rest."
Riku returned to his room and collapsed onto the bed, thoughts whirling. What could possibly happen next? he wondered, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing down on him. He knew he had to keep his powers in check, but a part of him, the part that had always thirsted for knowledge, felt an undeniable pull to uncover more about this world and the true extent of his power.
He stared at the ceiling, feeling that familiar excitement surge within him. I may be lost, confused, even scared, but I'm also… curious. This world, my abilities—there's so much to learn.
And even if it meant facing the unknown, he knew he would keep searching.