The Song of the End of Time (IV)

When I woke up I realized how soft it felt where my head was resting, that was because I was resting between Maria's legs.

"Good morning"

"Oh Asriel, you woke up"

"Yes, I suddenly fell asleep"

"So it seems. I thought you might be uncomfortable so I put myself as a pillow... how does it feel?"

"Too comfortable really. Like I don't want to get up ever"

"I, it's no big deal... hehe~"

"Mmm"

"W, what's wrong? W, why are you staring at me so hard?"

"Is it my idea or are you more... bright?"

"B, bright!? What do you mean by that!?"

"Wait! Don't shake so suddenly, you'll throw me away!"

"B, but it's your fault! For saying such things all of a sudden..."

She blushed rather quickly turning her gaze to the side, her cheeks red with embarrassment. Maybe she thought I was telling her that she looked prettier?

Well, to be honest I'd have a hard time imagining a way for her to be any more adorable than she already is.

"That's not what I meant. Um, how do I explain it? Something about your hair is different"

"Yes? Is it that I have dirty hair?"

"No. Ahhh, it's hard to put into words. It's like your hair is moving with the wind in a strange way, as if a breeze is dancing around you constantly"

"Really? I haven't noticed. Could that be the wind's blessing?"

"Maybe... wait. What did you just say?"

"Oh, I don't think I mentioned it to you. Before he disappeared, that spirit gave me his blessing"

"So. And what does that consist of?"

"No idea"

"..."

Of course, it couldn't be that easy.

"I haven't felt any change since then. I guess it would be a way of wishing us good luck"

"It's a possibility"

I mean, if there's any way for Maria to shine brighter than she does now, even if it's physically impossible, welcome it.

"Is something wrong Asriel? You look sad"

"I just thought perhaps this whole journey has been in vain"

"Why do you say that?"

"Well, we haven't found Lavos, we almost lost our lives in that fight, and now that we finally found the one who was supposed to explain to us what happened in the world, we're left the same. What a waste of time"

"I don't think it was at all"

"You think?"

"Yes. The time we've spent together is proof of that. While we've had some tough times, we've still managed to get through it all. We've both gained new powers, you can tell we're making progress. Besides, if we hadn't defeated that mister, more innocent people would have lost their lives by his hands"

"If you think of it that way, that may be so"

"Yes! That's why I think we should keep searching for other spirits. They may possess more information than the wind one did"

"You're right, if we went home empty-handed I wouldn't be able to feel at ease. Haaa, I'm already feeling tired again thinking that this adventure is far from over"

"Would you like me to give you a massage?"

"I guess it would do me good. I'll order it for you"

"Ok~ leave it to me"

While I was relieved by her massage I kept thinking about the events that have happened recently.

If we keep looking for the elemental spirits, how many will we be missing? If we think about the elements, it should be the typical 4, right?

Fire, earth, water and air. Will they consider others like wood and electricity? How about light and darkness? There are a lot of unknowns to be deciphered.

Anyway, as she said we have to highlight the positive within what we have achieved.

Maria has improved so much in her abilities that she is now a capable partner to fight by my side. Not only in regards to her healing powers, since she managed to develop a weapon with which to defend herself and she also has the blessing of the wind spirit, whatever it is.

It's a pity we haven't run into Lavos yet. Where could he be? Perhaps we were wrong in thinking he would be around since we were following unsubstantiated rumors. I would like to have him to ask about that thing the spirit said to Maria. Will she be able to call him when we need him? That would be very helpful, however, I don't want to use the union power again unless it is absolutely necessary.

Come to think of it, if she had that ability, then it's a totally different power than that of a Spiritist or a Seeker. Maybe it's similar to the Channeler's, who knows. In any case she is quite exceptional.

It's amazing the number of dangers that have befallen me since the beginning of this whole journey, I can't even imagine how it will end.

It is true that I am constantly trying to protect her, although I always end up mortally wounded. Not to mention that in this last battle I wasn't able to do anything on my own.

If not for Maria who helped me keep Dimitri at bay. If it wasn't for Kurogane I wouldn't have had a chance to stand up to him. If it wasn't for the wind spirit we would have died in the end.

I'm still too weak to protect us both. At the moment, these experiences make me believe that it will be very difficult for this story to end in a happy ending...

No, I must keep thinking positive, for us. For that I must keep getting stronger.

"Thank you very much Maria, I feel better already"

"Are you sure you can stand up? I think you should rest a few more days"

I didn't finish the sentence when I tried to put strength in my legs to stand up, but I lost my balance and would have fallen if she hadn't come running to my side to support me.

"See? That's why I told you that you had to take it easy"

"You've already taken care of me for a long time. It's time for me to stop being a burden"

"What are you saying? You're not a burden Asriel. Taking care of you when you need it the most is the least I can do"

"But-"

"No buts! You lie down and rest until I tell you to be well! Don't make me angry!"

"... okay. Wow, sometimes it seems like we have the roles reversed"

"How's that?"

"I should be like a parent and take care of you, be an example of how you should be. Now it's like you're my mom treating my wounds and being in your care"

"Ehhh? It's not like I think of you as my dad..." said in a whisper and averting her gaze.

She don't think of me as a father figure? Do I give so little confidence? I must seem like a distant uncle who has to take care of her for a couple of days while the parents are away.

In an uncomfortable silence I lay down and rested.