Never Let Go
When she met him, he was a diamond in the rough. Different from all the others she'd met. He was kind, sweet, and courageous. He took on all the odds put against him and won. He even saved me from fading away and gave me back my body.
We became close after the battle. Or rather, I got close to him. I said I had no sense of direction, but I just wanted to spend time with him. All the others. They had time to touch him, to hug him, to show their affection. I didn't. But with my body back, I had time.
We sat in the forest, right outside the Water Fortress. My favorite place other than the cave. It was so peaceful and warm. That day, I told him I couldn't find my old hideout. He took my hand and dragged me along. I almost pulled back. He stopped and looked at me with cheeks turning red. I did the same.
"No, it's fine. I just...Don't let go, okay? I don't want to get lost again." I said, blushing and adjusting my glasses. He smiled at me and led the rest of the way. Even as we got there, I wouldn't let go. We looked down into the hole to see Borgrim sleeping. I clasped my hand around his and we sat there. He talked about how stupid he was for hating his power before. He said that he was glad it was there because he gained so many friends from it.
"I'm most sorry that I hated my power with you by my side. You snapped me out of that delusion. If I hadn't gone on my adventure, I wouldn't have met you. You could have died if I gave up on my journey. Passeau would still have your body and you would have been gone." He seemed to have a small tear dripping from his eye. As if just the thought of losing me was hurting him. So I did what I know I had to do.
I cried.
"No, no, no! Don't say that! If you hadn't met me...If I hadn't been around, then GUNVALD would still be here... You wouldn't have had to see your friends and family betray you... It's all my fault!"
The tears flowed freely from my eyes as he stared deeply into them. He pulled me into a hug and said, "It doesn't matter now. We're both here. And we are still together. The what if's aren't important."
I stared back at him and we spent what seemed like forever looking at each other. He tightened his hold on me and I closed my eyes. Our lips touched and I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time. My will to become a great Summoner was coming back. This time, it wasn't for my family or to be as good as the other Summoners. It was to protect who I cared for most.
"Master, is this what a kiss is?" I opened my eyes to see Arco, smiling as wide as the half-beast could. I couldn't tell, but I'm sure my face was the deepest red yet. It certainly felt that way. Edgar didn't move. He only looked at Arco and gave a quick nod and a smile. Arco sat down next to us and joined in the hug.
"Arco, let's make a promise to Nina. A Craftknight's promise."
"Yes, Master! The Craftknight's promise is tougher than the strongest chain!"
"We are going to protect everyone. We won't let anyone go alone. We won't leave Nina alone. Right, Arco?"
"Right!" Arco said, casually agreeing to all of Master's requests.
I closed my eyes again and rested my head on Edgar's shoulder. They didn't know, but I made my own promise. A promise that came straight from my heart.
"I'll never let go."