"Stars"

ARC POV

"Arc? We'll get to see the rest of the world together right?" Luneth said as we were lying down on the grass one evening. The cold wind gently swept across the hill.

"Oh... Of course .. I would really love that." I looked at him, with a smile forming on my lips. The thought, after all, was something that's always been comforting and captivating to me.

He looked up, with a peaceful, content look on his face. His eyes were wide and curious, as if he was searching for something in the stars. Then he said, "Hmmm, I like to think that ... by then you'll already be the brightest mage in the entire continent."

"You think so?"

"I would never doubt it."

"T-thank you," I replied, trying not to look flustered. I guess he could tell, anyway, couldn't he? "How about you, Luneth? What do you want to be?"

He thought for a while. I know Luneth; he could already do so much, even for our young age. I've seen him build weapons from scratch, hunt for creatures in caves, get lost in a mountain and find his way back. Over and over, I've seen him defend me ... not only from those bullies who constantly threatened me but also from everything else. Somehow he never got tired. I always got the feeling I was becoming a burden to him. He didn't deserve a burden like me. Even though he was, indeed, a hero ... Dare I say, my hero. But I know he's better off a hero of the world instead.

He finally replied, "I wanna be a lot of things ... A warrior, a knight... Maybe even an airship pilot...you name it. I just want to be out there and see the world. And defend it, too ..." He made sure to add the last one.

As I expected. Someone like him, carefree and adventurous, forever possessing his wonderful child-like curiosity, would do great as any of those, and I told him that. He could be whatever he wanted. Someday I'll be stronger so I could accompany him in his adventures. "You'll let me be right there with you, right? I'll be your trusty companion."

"Nah, I'd say I'll be your companion. Because, honestly, Arc," He turned to face me. "I know someday you'll become even greater than everything I'll ever be. And remember that!"

I paused. He smiled at me, and did I start losing my words at this point.

"You're already a great warrior, you just don't see it. But don't worry, I'll make sure to keep you safe and alive until you finally realize that... And even after you have. All my life, pretty much."

"L-Luneth, I ..."

"Hey, look at that one." He pointed to a star in the sky. "That shiny one over there. It may be all alone up there, just silently watching over the rest of the stars, but it sure is... bright... Beautiful ... Thing is, you won't actually see it unless you really look, but when you see it you don't want to look away."

I felt myself blush as I returned a smile to him. I know it was the star he was referring to, but it didn't stop the butterflies from fluttering in my stomach. I looked at the sky for a while, then back to him, for he was lovelier than all of the stars, anyway. Then I took the opportunity to laugh (albeit nervously) at his unusual attempt to be sentimental. "Since when did you become so ... Poetic?"

He laughed, too. Then he laughed louder, whether at him or at me I wasn't sure. Possibly both. "Well, look who's talking! You're the one who recites poetry while making lunch." He stretched his hand to reach for my hair and messed it up.

"Hey!" I whacked his hand, sat up, and tried to grab his hood, but ultimately failed. "Ugh! Luneth!" He grabbed my arm and next thing I knew we were jokingly flailing at each other on the grass. He tackled me, pinning my one arm to the ground. I was groaning and also laughing, catching my breath. He grinned the biggest grin I've seen all day.

"Ha!" With strong solid conviction, he looked me in the eye and said, "No one messes with the hood. Not even you."

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