Path of Knights

Chapter 27: Mourning

"What's wrong? You look down kid." Daisuke commented a bit worried because Rose hadn't really spoken much that day, besides training with Dante.. it seemed she had something on her mind and as their Mentor Daisuke wanted to make sure his apprentice was alright. "Penny for your thoughts.."

Rose was wearing the same attire she wore during the Entrance Exams, she was seated in the break room on their side of HQ just zoned out before finally the Dark elf's ears perked up hearing her mentor's voice "Ano... Forgive my ignorance. I just-... feeling homesick... I have been traveling for a couple years now. Away from the Elven realm... I just wonder.. if this was the right.. choice? Coming here and becoming a Knight? A Dark Elf has no business being here and yet.. you accepted me under your wing despite that." She stated her thoughts.. seemingly hoping to gain some sort of advice or words of encouragement from him..

Daisuke listened intently to Rose's words, understanding the feeling of homesickness all too well. He had to leave home back and forth to Titan City all the time to become a Knight and had faced similar doubts and fears. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and spoke softly, "Rose, you are here because you have the potential to be a great Knight. Your heritage does not define you, it is your actions and your heart that do. And as for being accepted under my wing, I saw your potential and I believe in you. I will always believe in you. You have already proven yourself in the Entrance Exams.. and in our training sessions. Your Mother. Well-... she'd be absolutely proud. Don't let doubt cloud your judgment. You are exactly where you are meant to be..."

Rose looked up at Daisuke, her eyes beginning to shine with gratitude. She knew he was right, but sometimes it was hard to see past her own doubts. "Thank you, Daisuke-sama. I needed to hear that," she said, a small smile forming on her lips. 'Ironic... reminds me of what mother would say..'

Daisuke smiled back at her, "Anytime, Rose. Remember, we are a team and we support each other. If you ever need to talk, I am here for you." His smile and words was some of the most sincere and positive words a human could have said, many would believe them to be... a bit much, but at the very moment it was exactly what she needed to hear. 'Maybe.. opening up to these two at least wouldn't hurt to much..' she thought gripping the fabric of her own shirt before swallowing her pride "Ano.. would you.. mind listening.. I don't have anyone to really talk about my.. mother with. So-.."

"Heh~ sure kid.. I don't mind at all. but first!" Daisuke rummaged into his lunchbox.. pulling out two sealed cups of a sweet cold dessert "let's have some ice cream first.. then I'll hear what you've gotta say. But please. Don't tell Dante.. That kiddo won't ever let us live it down if he found out we ate this without him.."

"Oh!.. Right.. I won't say a word.. I swear it.."

The Memory ended.. ended by the sudden complaints of a certain Lionheart playboy.. "Hey Rose! I won't forget about this anytime soon. I mean... seriously! You could have just offered to protect the village for a day, but no, you had to be the one. And now we have to do chores to show our gratitude for her help..." Yuma Lionheart grumbled and teased, imitating her words as he tirelessly pulled weeds from a lush and tranquil garden using only his hands. His brown hair shimmered under the sunlight, his eyes a warm honey brown to match. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead due to the spring heat. "Me, a noble of the Lionheart clan, pulling weeds in a garden! What on earth! This is the last time I allow myself to be dragged to a village by you... I never had to deal with this nonsense back home, at least." He continued to comically complain while carrying out his task, shooting annoyed glances at Rose Atarah, the red-haired dark Elf, who had gotten them into this 'chore' predicament for the sake of their savior, Tenshi Aya and her families hospitality.