Inazuma was always such a beautiful place. Sakura leaves blowing in the wind.. the faraway view of mountains. The way sweet flowers had a faint scent of sugar as I would drift through the village meadows; foxes and squirrels peeking out of the grass every once in a while.
Thoma and I were in the far east of Narukami,
a bit off from Chinju forest, working on a commission to fight some samurai. We had some free time and considered it would nice to help out; besides, it wasn't a burden.
Fighting together was always enjoyable. We'd laugh and have amusing conversations along the way, and soon prepare for battle as we drew near to our destination. I always followed his lead.
Usually up close with the enemies, Thoma uses a pole-arm to lay attacks; meanwhile, I use a catalyst book from a bit farther behind him.
He often wanted to protect me as we fought enemies, both of us knowing fully well I'm trained.
I found it endearing.
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We were in the middle of a group of Nobushi, hitting opponents whenever we had the chance. I was standing on a slightly elevated surface in the grass, fighting from a small distance, while Thoma was in front of me. He slashed one of them in the chest with his spear, purple armor now stained with red, as I used my magic to strike hits at another. Close to a cliff, every now and then the view would catch my eye. The electro vision held at my waist glimmered and sparkled in the pink-orange sunset, reflecting a beautiful amethyst. I could feel my soft, brown hair brush against my shoulders as I shifted and casted spells.
I'd like to think I looked focused, or glamorous in battle.
But Thoma.
I loved to watch him fight; it was so mesmerizing. He was just so.. distinguished in the way he moved. Each attack he initiated looked like he was fully in control, and every now and then, he would glance back at me to see if I was okay. And every time I caught him looking at me, I'd smile back.
It was a simple but sweet interaction.
Oh, and the way he worked the pole-arm.. how can one man be so impressive? I watch him as he clashes with another Nobushi, swerving around him and knocking him down. One by one the enemies fall, lifeless, fading to ash.
"Thoma.." I whisper to myself.
He's good with his hands.
I feel myself blush just by watching him fight.
Ugh. Get a grip!
I shake my head and pull my gaze away from him, getting a grasp on my surroundings. The number of enemies gradually starts decreasing, and I didn't even notice how useless I'd been; just staring at Thoma instead of helping him. And so I begin stepping towards him, dragging my gaze around the cliff, seeing no enemies in sight. "Thoma," I call out, "Are we done? Can we leave?" But as I see him start to turn my way, I feel a presence looming over me. Out of the corner of my eye, in a blur of purple, the last Nobushi lunges my way. I whirled around and raised my arms in front of my face, blocking, because I knew I wouldn't be fast enough to fight. Bracing myself, I shut my eyes.
But the pain never came. All I heard was the sharp clashing of metal and a loud thud. I fluttered my eyes open and lowered my arms, taking in that Thoma's back was to me, broad and tense; and most of all, guarding. Peeking out from behind his back, I can see him lower his spear to his waist, defending us from the now disappearing ash that was once a body.
Shifting my gaze back and forth from the dirt to him, my eyes widen as I process what just happened. It was all so fast- I don't know whether to be scared, or relieved that it's all over.
I watch as he scans the area.
He plants his spear in the stained, tarnished grass and turns back to me, worry painted on his face. I look away from the scene and lift my head, meeting his gaze. Without another thought, I wrap my arms around him and shut my eyes as hard as I can, feeling my heartbeat pound against his chest. I take in his scent, comforting and soothing.
After a moment, I feel his broad arms tighten around my body, pulling me closer to him.
"I'm sorry Thoma. I'm so sorry," I force out. I wish I could think of something more appropriate to say, but so many thoughts were going through my mind. What a typical story it is for me to be almost killed in battle before being saved by a strong man. I curse myself in my head; but only because that was the first thought I acknowledged.
