The memories

As Leo and Elaine continued their rigorous training and emotional management exercises in the academy gardens, Elaine's words inadvertently stirred deep and long-buried memories within Leo. The echoes of his past, specifically the memories of Aria, began to surface with a clarity that was both painful and poignant.

Leo's face remained composed as he listened to Elaine's gentle reminders about controlling emotions, but inside, his thoughts were in turmoil. Elaine's words mirrored those once spoken by Aria, a key figure from his past whose influence still lingered in his heart and mind. The resemblance in their guidance made Leo acutely aware of the cycles he seemed doomed to repeat.

While Elaine spoke of understanding and managing feelings, Leo's mind drifted to Aria—her wisdom, her tragic end, and the lessons she had tried to impart. The pain of those memories was sharp, as was the guilt of his past failures, which he kept closely guarded within himself.

After their session, as Elaine left to attend a lecture, Leo remained behind, lost in thought. He walked slowly around the quiet paths of the Collegium, each step heavy with the weight of his recollections. He pondered the strange fate that brought Elaine into his life, so similar yet so different from Aria, and how both had tried to steer him towards better control and understanding of his powers.

Despite the comfort Elaine's presence brought him, Leo felt a deep-seated reluctance to share these reflections with her. He feared that by revealing the full extent of his past—especially the darkest parts—he might lose the light that Elaine represented in his life. The fear of repeating history, of potentially seeing Elaine harmed because of his powers, kept him silent.

The Burden of Secrecy

Leo knew that keeping these thoughts to himself was a burden, but it was one he chose to bear alone, believing it to be safer for everyone involved. He struggled with the balance between the closeness he desired with Elaine and the protective distance he felt compelled to maintain. It was a balance he had not yet mastered, and it weighed heavily on him.

As he sat by the secluded pond in the academy's lower gardens, watching the gentle ripple of the water, Leo made a silent vow. He would do whatever it took to protect Elaine, to prevent the past from repeating itself, even if it meant keeping his most painful memories locked away.

Unbeknownst to Leo, Elaine had sensed a change in his demeanor. While she respected his privacy, her concern grew with each passing day. She quietly observed his solitary moments, his occasionally distant gaze, and resolved to be there for him, to offer support whenever he chose to reach out.

As the day drew to a close and the shadows lengthened around the academy, Leo returned from his solitary reflections. He found Elaine waiting for him with a small, understanding smile. They didn't speak of burdens or past ghosts as they walked back together; instead, they discussed the mundane details of their day, the normalcy a comfort to Leo.

Yet, as they parted ways that evening, Leo felt a twinge of longing—a wish that one day he might share his deepest fears and hopes with Elaine. But for now, he kept his silence, a silent guardian of both their peace.