Chapter 13: Reconciliation
I had stopped waking as the weight of the story too its toll, my brain trying to make sense of the story it was subjected to. "Woah..." I muttered softly to myself, not even noticing Elsword inch closer to me.
"A-Aisha? You alright?" I heard him say as I felt his hand rest on my shoulder.
"Yaah! I mean yeah, yes I'm alright" I yelped in surprise as I hopped up out of his grasp. I turned around to see him with his hand still in the same position, with a confused look on his face. We both stopped there staring at each other as a line cricket chipped in the background.
"Umm..." said Elsword, breaking the awkward silence. "Do you do this often?"
"N-no" I stammered as I tried not to look him in the face. I looked back to see a face that wasn't convinced.
"Right..." He responded with a dead panned face.
"A-anyways… it looks like we're here." I said as I opened the gymnasium floor. Looking around, you couldn't tell there was such a crazy battle going on just a few hours ago. Such is the wonders of nasod technology.
"Well here we are." I said as we approached the locker rooms. "I'm going to get changed so don't take too long."
"Don't worry, I don't plan on it." He responded as he walked to the boys' locker room. "See you in a bit."
'Wow...' I thought to myself as I opened my locker and pulled out my clothes and rested them on the bench. My mind wandered as my hands fumbled with my collar to my top. 'So... Elsword was the boy from back then huh?' I closed my eyes as I scoured my brain for the details of that day. Slowly but surely, the details of that day started to reappear. I remembered walking into the gymnasium that day and seeing Ronan and his cronies picking on the red head. I remembered how he was crying and trying to hold up a brave front. I remembered the conversation about him and his sister, cheering him up, and indeed becoming friends that day.
I put on my blouse and slid on my skirt as I continued to be lost in thought. 'But after that day... I never saw you again...' I thought to myself as I sat down and began to slide on my shoes and pack my void princess outfit away.
I came back every day around the same time...but I never saw him there again after that one time. I will admit, I was a little disheartened, but I quickly put it out of my mind as a few weeks later I began my training to become a dark mage... A choice I still ask myself why I made it. I closed my eyes as I recalled all the events of today and let out a sigh before getting back up.
"In light of everything that's happened today... I guess I was a little mean to him... He did save me after all..." I said to myself; an unexpected smile slowly crept across my face. "Guess I should go apologize."
I walked outside the girls' locker room to find Elsword leaning up against the wall, his eyes closed as he rested his head against the wall. He looked over into my direction with a sleepy expression on his face. "I thought you said to hurry up and get changed?" He asked as he cracked a sleepy grin.
"Yeah, I did didn't I..." I replied as a bead of sweat dropped down the side of my cheek. "Sorry about that... I guess I was lost in thought."
"Don't worry about it." He replied as he waves his hand dismissively. "That's to be expected with all that happened today... Anyways, shall we get going then?" I nodded yes as we walked out of the gymnasium and headed towards our lockers to grab our belongings. Glancing outside the window I didn't notice how late it was as the sun had already gone down, albeit the sun goes down early in the fall. We walked outside the front doors and down the street to where the dormitory bus stops.
"I hope the bus is still running to the dorms?" I asked out loud. "I don't feel like having to walk there tonight..."
"Me neither." Yawned the red head. "Today was a rather wild first day to say the least." I looked down the street to see if there was any sign of the bus coming only to see an empty street accompanied by a few leaves twirling in the breeze.
"Hmm..." I groaned as I hugged my arms to recover from the cool autumn breeze. "Hope I didn't just miss the shuttle." The thought of having to wait another 30 minutes filled me with dread.
"Well it probably won't be too long of a wait." Said Elsword as he also peered down the street. I stared at him in confusion as he made that comment. "What are you still doing here?" I asked him. "Didn't you say before that you don't live in the dorms?"
"That's right, I don't." he replied calmly.
"So then...what are you still doing here? Don't you have to get back home?"
"I'm going to accompany you to the dorms before I head on home." He replied nonchalantly
"W-what!?" I shrieked at him, flabbergasted by at the thought of what just came out of his mouth. "W-why would you do something like that?!"
"Isn't it obvious?" He asked me, seemingly untroubled by the whole situation.
"Noo!" I screamed as I shook my fists in front of me.
"Hey, take it easy will ya?" He exclaimed as he gestured his hands to calm me down. "I just want to make sure you get home safely that's all."
"Ba-dump...ba-dump..." The sound of my heart beating harder than normal was the only sound I could register at the moment; my mind rendered speechless by his reason. I didn't even realize my face turning bright red as my mind raced to try and rationalize the words I heard.
"Um Aisha, are you ok?" Asked Elsword as he tilted his head to the side and stared at me. Not that I was paying much attention as I was still recovering from my internal episode.
"No! I mean yes! I mean- ack!" I stammered as I closed my eyes and grabbed my hair in angst.
"You don't really look okay to me..." chuckled Elsword as he stared at me having my episode, still confused at whatever was going on in my head. I couldn't really blame him either, as not even I knew what was going on in there either.
"Well... Why?" I finally managed to ask him. "Why are you so concerned about my safety? I mean, we only just met again today..."
"Well..." He began as he crossed his arms and gave me a serious look. " Do you honestly expect not to worry about you after everything that happened today?" Silence was the response he got to his question. To be honest, his worry wasn't misplaced given everything he's seen today.
"Well..." He asked again as he tapped his foot while waiting for my answer. I responded slowly as I raised a pointed finger to contest his reasoning. I was going to respond but nothing came out as I stood there with a goofy open-mouthed grin as my thoughts on today flashed through my mind.
"See?" He said, breaking the silence. "I'm right aren't I? How can I let you go home by yourself then? What if someone jumps you on the bus or something?"
"No one's going to attack me on the bus to the dorms." I retorted.
"Like they did in the hallway this morning?" He reinstated.
"But... But..." I stammered.
"But what?" Asked Elsword. "Is it a problem to be seen with me? Do you have a boyfriend at the dorms or something?"
"N-no..." I replied in a flustered tone as I averted my eyes from his face. I knew that nothing he was insinuating was going to happen but at the same time, after everything that happened today I can understand where his worry came from.
"Hey look, is that the bus there?" Asked Elsword as he pointed behind me. I turned around to see the white campus bus pull up behind me and come to a stop.
"But...but..." I stammered as I turned around to plead with him. "It's so out of the way for you though. I can't make you-"
"You're not making me do anything" he interjected, cutting me off. "But you are making the bus driver mad." I looked up and saw that the bus driver was indeed frowning profusely as he tapped his steering wheel impatiently. "S-sorry..." I replied sheepishly as waved at him meekly. "Meep!" I let out a yelp as a I felt two hands rest and push on my shoulders and push me forward.
"Come on Aisha, let not keep the man any longer than we have too." I grumbled as I let the red head push me on to the bus as the door closed behind us.
"Now was that so hard Aisha?" Teased Elsword as he poked my arm. I pouted at him as I turned to look out the window. The ride to the dorms would be a 20 minute one and tonight, it just so happens to be empty; most likely due to the whole curfew being mandated today. I sighed as that curfew was brought on after my whole incident. I closed my eyes and steeled my resolve as I prepared myself mentally to make this already awkward situation even more awkward with this pending apology. I opened my eyes slowly as I continued to face the window. "Say Elsword..."
"Yes? What's up Aisha?" He asked as he looked up from his phone.
"Well..." I began as I rubbed my arm nervously. "I just wanted to say... sorry... for everything that happened today. Sorry and... thank you Elsword." I said as I turned to face him; my eyes staring into his as I wore a genuinely warm smile on my face as I apologized to him. I giggled internally as I saw his face start to turn red, yet I didn't notice my own face getting hot as well. "You really saved me...not only once, but twice today. You really were my hero today."
"Aww shucks..." Babbled Elsword as scratched the back of his head. "It was nothing Aisha. Anyone would have done the same."
"No, they wouldn't" I replied as I smiled and shook my head no. "Besides my friends, Rena and Eve, no one would have stepped in to help."
"Well now you can add me to that list!" he beamed as he pressed his thumb to his chest. I giggled at the sight as he sat there proudly like a knight. I let out a sigh small sigh a I eyed him over. 'I still can't believe it's he's not Crimson...'
"Thinking about something?" asked Elsword.
"Yeah..." I replied, coming out of my thoughts. "I was just thinking about the irony of you looking so similar to the Crimson Mask and yet you're not him." I furrowed my brow as I frowned upon this fact. "Honestly the only thing you're missing is a red mask to cover your eyes."
"W-wow... Really?" Asked Elsword as he rubbed his chin. "What's this Crimson Mask guy like anyways?"
"What's he like huh..." I closed my eyes and tried to remember everything I knew about the Crimson Mask. "Well to be honest... I don't know too much about him. We didn't get to talk much since I was, you know, bound and gagged at the time. What I do know is that he was really heroic..." I said as I looked down at my thighs, a slight blush tinging my cheeks. "He swooped in my moment of despair, just when I had given up hope in living. Those thugs never stood a chance... He danced around them like it was child's play... His magical power was through the roof...he threw rune carvings around with a flick of the wrist as if it were nothing...and yet during all of that, he was easy going, considerate, and kind." I said as I smiled and caressed my cheek; reminiscing on the events of my rescue before turning to face Elsword. "I know you've gotten strong since we've last seen each other but your power pales in comparison to his."
"Gee, thanks..." He replied in a sarcastic tone. "You sure know how to stay at a guy's pride."
"Oh hush, I didn't mean it like that." I responded as I playfully punched his arm. "You're plenty strong as is... Especially since you used to not have any magic before when we first met... And now look at you? I'm quite impressed with how much you've progressed. But his magical power... The little bit that I felt... Was fiery and tremendous, yet warm and inviting once the fighting was all over." I said as I hugged myself, trying to remember that night; a smile still plastered along my face.
"I see..." began Elsword. "Seems to me that really like this Crimson Mask guy huh. Does he have a kiss in store from you the next time you two meet? ~"
"Gyaah!" I yelped as my eyes blanked out to empty white circles and my face got as red as his hair. "No no no no no no no no no!" I exclaimed as I waved my hands no. "It's just that..." I averted my eyes from Elsword as I looked down at my side. "After he saved me… I had passed out shortly after I got his name...and when I came to, I was in the hospital. I had never gotten to thank him properly. All I have left from that night is this blanket the police found me in that night." I picked up my book bag and pulled out the red blanket from the hospital.
"Wow ... It's still warm..." I said as I pulled it out and handed it over to Elsword. As I handed it over to him the blanket started to overheat as a rune symbol flashed briefly before returning to normal.
'Awww shit...' I cursed in my head. 'Why'd she have to have that thing on her now!?' I let out a sigh under my breath. 'Ok relax Elsword... maybe she didn't notice it react to me.'
"Woah, what the heck was that about Elsword?" She asked as she looked up at me.
'Fuck!' I cursed again internally as I tried to formulate a plan to save my cover story. "What was what about?" She raised an eyebrow as she gave me a puzzled look.
"What do you mean what was that about?" She asked again. "How did you not see that rune flash?"
"Ah... Well I am pretty tired after all" I said as I scratched the back of my head. "Wasn't really paying attention." 'I hope buys that excuse…' I thought to myself. I opened my eyes to see her staring at me, then the blanket, then back at me, her eyebrows furrowed as she was meditating hard on the subject at hand.
"Why...would a blanket that belongs to Crimson...react when you touch it..." She asked as her eyes slowly narrowed down at me.
"Ah well I don't know..." I stammered. "Maybe it reacts to magical power?"
"If that's the case then shouldn't it be reacting to me now since I'm an actual magician?" She retorted. 'Damn... She makes a good point'
"Umm...maybe it's just a onetime thing?" I replied. 'I'll admit, that I probably wouldn't believe an excuse like that either.'
"Right..." She said in a sarcastic tone as she tosses the blanket back at me. My eyes blank out into two white circles as my hands flailed to catch it. Thankfully the blanket didn't react again to my signature most likely that I was still in the vicinity.
"S-see? Just a onetime thing" I replied. I looked back at her to be greeted with a face full of doubt. 'Aw great, this is derailing fast... She's not buying this at all. I've got to fix this, or sis will have my hide for sure!'
"If that's the case then how come it didn't react to me?" She asked as she glared at me.
"How do you know it didn't react to you already? "I retorted back to her. "Weren't you at the mercy of your kidnappers when you first received this blanket? I'm sure any minor details like a flashing blanket were the least of your concerns. You could've easily forgotten about the flash when you encountered it that night. I mean, you were kidnapped after all." I gazed at the handiwork of my logic bomb as the purple mage's face wrinkled in defeat as she pouted.
"But...it doesn't make sense..." She replied softly; her disappointed face was like daggers piercing my sides.
"Hey listen.." I began as I placed my hand on her shoulder. "I get how much you wish you found your Crimson Mask fellow in me, given the coincidences I can't blame you. But ultimately, I'm not him Aisha." I watched her as she let out a sigh and furrowed her eyebrows as she was coming to terms with what I had just said.
"Okay then... So, you're not the Crimson Mask..."
"That's right" I replied with a smile.
"And... you just got to town yesterday...right?"
"That's right"
"So... Enough about Crimson. What about you huh?" She said as she poked my chest.
"Pardon me?"
"Where have you been for the last three years huh?"
"Well umm..." I stammered as I tried to figure out a way to explain why I suddenly disappeared and left her hanging for all this time. 'I can't very well tell her that I left the day after to train to become a red knight... That wouldn't bode well at all…' "Well ironically that night after we met when I got home my sister we were talking about was there miraculously."
"Oh wow, really?" She replied, looking genuinely glad of the news. "How is she doing now?"
"She's doing well." I answered with a smile. " But yeah, when I got home that evening she was back from her deployment. She had just recently got promoted to the rank of captain and she was going to be gone for a long time, so she came to bring me along to live with her on her travels."
"Wow, so she just came out of the blue and whisked you away?" She queried. "No explanation as for where she had gone all that time?"
"There was..." I replied sparingly. "But all she told me was that it was classified information and that she wasn't at liberty to reveal that to me."
"Wow, that sounds like a cop out if you ask me." She said as she crossed her arms. I just smiled weakly as a bead of sweat rolled down the side of my cheek. 'Yeah... I think that should be good enough. Can't very well tell her that yeah, my sister was gone for so long because she was a Red Knight handling secret missions and that she picked me up to train me to become a red knight like herself.'
"Yeah so I had to gather up my things and then we left elder a few days later. Then for the last three years, I was living in a Hamel military base... And now... here we are." I stared at the mage as she was digesting my story. 'hopefully that quells the subject of my past for now.'
"Well that explains why you never came back after that day..." She began. "But you could've at least told me instead of leaving me hanging like you did."
"Well... It's not like I had your number or anything." I retorted.
"Well...um...good point." She smiled as a bead of sweat rolled down her cheek.
"Maybe we should change that this time around." I said as I pulled out my phone. "What's your number?" I paused as I watched her face turn bright red.
"W-what!?" She shrieked as her whole face turned bright red. I chuckled to myself as the whole sight was rather cute. "W-w-why would you ask me something like that?!"
"Hey relax will ya? It's not like I'm asking you out." I replied nonchalantly. "Besides, how else am I going to get a hold of you anyways?"
"W-well... I-" she started before she was interrupted by a sudden stop. We both looked up to see what the cause was to see the bus driver tapping his finger on the steering wheel impatiently while shooting us a grumpy glare. I took it as we have been at the dorms for a minute or two longer than he'd like to be.
"As much as I'd like to watch this high School sitcom play out, I would very much like to get home at a decent time tonight."
"Hahaha...sorry about that" I said as we both laughed weakly. I turned back to Aisha as I gestured at my phone. "Let's not keep the bus driver waiting shall we."
"Fine..." She said as she let out a sigh and pulled out her phone. She gave me her number and I sent her a quick call to get mines. "Got it." I said as I got up to let her out from her seat. "Thank you" she replied with a smile. I nodded as I began to follow her out of the bus but was surprised to run into a hand, followed by a "What are you doing?"
"Just waking you to the dorms" I replied. I watched as she shook her head. "No, I can't let you inconvenience yourself more than you already have.
"But..."
"No buts." She quickly cut me off.
"Today lovebirds, I got to go!" Bellowed the bus driver.
"See? You're making him mad." She reiterated as she slipped her book bag onto her shoulders. "Look, I'll be fine ok? Now I'll see you tomorrow alright?"
"Alright Aisha. You win." I smiled as I gave into her demands and waved at her. "Have a good night."
"Thanks, you too Elsword." She said as she smiled and waved back. "Get home safe."
"Thanks." I said as I watched her walk off the bus and down the street towards the dorms.
"You're not going too?" Asked the bus driver.
"No." I replied. "I don't live on the dorms. I just wanted to make sure she got home safe. I actually live downtown elder."
"What?" Exclaimed the bus driver. "That's in the complete opposite direction kid."
"Yeah... I know." I replied as I scratched my head. The bus driver just let out a long sigh as he shifted the bus into drive again. "To be young and in love..." He muttered as he pulled off from the dorms and headed back down elder memorial bridge.
Meanwhile, a certain purple familiar was snoozing in a certain mage's dresser drawer.
"Hehe, I know I said I wouldn't peer into her mind without permission, but this is the first time in a long time that I've felt so many emotions from her." chirped Angkor as he nuzzled his face into a pillow made up of a pair of Aisha's stockings. "Whoever this Elsword guy is, I'm hoping he continues to stand by you. All of these delicious feelings he has you emitting feels so good~."
"Angkor..." A menacing voice grumbles.
"Meep!" Squeaked the little bat. "Ah A-Aisha-chi! Um...when did you get back?"
"How many times have I told you to stay out of my underwear!?" Shouted Aisha as her hand raised above her head; her arm creating a shadow of dread as the only thing that lit up her face was glowing red eyes of rage.
"Aisha noooo!"
"SMACK!" The sound of a thunder clap could be heard throughout the girl's dormitory.
"Stupid perverted bat!" She barked as she stomped off and sat down on her bed. "Trying to ruin my good mood..." She grumbled before starting at her phone and cracking a smile before laying on her back; still staring at the phone, still wearing the newly settled smile on her face. This was the last sight the purple bat saw before he passed out front the pain; the glowing red hand print still streaming from the recent impact.
End of chapter 13
Digi: Hey everyone. First, I'd like to apologize for the extra-long hiatus. Life just hit like a ton of bricks and I got super busy bouncing between 3 jobs, etc. I re-read what I wrote, and I got my spark back, so I've been working in between work to try and get this out before Christmas… only to have the holidays be too hectic to finish. So, to all my fans, I'm sorry for the long wait and I hope you enjoy this late Christmas gift.
*PS, Someone told me that my this chapter came out in moon speak... so hopefully this edit fixes it all. Take care everyone.