TBATE: A Hero's Return

Where This Is Going

ARTHUR LEYWIN

Throughout the day, Tessia took us across both continents to the locations where moments occurred that defined our relationship, from Aberforth's to the Wall. We even visited Teagrin Calum, where I failed to confess my feelings to Tess, and Tess pulled the confession out of me later that same day.

Our next spot was apparently Xyrus Academy, which surprised me. Sure, we both had a ton of memories from our time here, but not all of them were exactly pleasant.

It was still fairly early in the day, but the winter weather made the sun begin to set earlier than one might have expected. The pathways across the campus were well-lit by light from the street light littered across the pathway as well as by the light that flooded out of the windows from the nearby buildings, each still bustling with activity.

Several students, either strolling around the ground with their classmates or rushing to their next late afternoon class, had noticed who we were and attempted to get near us and strike up a conversation. However, Xyrus guards appeared out of nowhere to block their path towards us and divert them away from the area.

The speed and efficiency at which this was done led credence to the idea that this visit was not a spur-of-the-moment thing.

We strolled in the evening light, basking in the cool breeze and the warm company with us. I stole a furtive glance at Tessia as she hummed happily to herself, facing forwards as she guided us to our destination.

I stopped as soon as I realized.

In front of us was the cafeteria where we spent many lunches and dinners sitting across from one another, talking about anything and everything. The sounds of chattering students dining inside and the clanks of plates, bowls, and utensils were loud enough to be heard even outside its brick walls.

But it wasn't the cafeteria we both were drawn to, but rather a very specific bench just outside the exit.

We sat down on the bench, Tess on the right while I sat on the left. Without a moment of hesitation, Tess leaned her head on my shoulder and hummed happily as I placed my hand on her head. Just like I had done so many years ago. We spent some time quietly, simply enjoying each other's company.

"I thought you hated me." Tessia said suddenly, cutting through the silence.

I smiled. "Even if there are times when I get mad at you, I would never hate you, Tess," I said gently.

"I don't want that."

"Don't want what?"

"I don't want you to get mad at me either," she said before turning her head to face me, with a smile on her face.

"I can't believe you remembered that conversation from so many years ago," I said.

"How could I forget? It was the first real conversation we had after you left Zestier. I thought I would never see you again," she said before kissing my cheek.

The tears slipped free as I pulled away, and I sniffled.

Tess in concern held my chin and turned me to face her.

"What you've been doing today? In all my life, no one's ever done anything like this for me. And you should know, you were there for all the parts worth remembering." I laughed at my own dumb joke. I looked down at Tess, whose eyes were just as shiny, and gave me a watery smile from her place on my shoulder. "I just... thank you."

"You're worth all the good things ever, Art." She kissed me again. "And plus, it's our anniversary. You deserve this, especially today."

My smile turned wry. "You've never done this on any of our previous anniversaries."

"This one's special."

"Is that because —" Tess shut me up with another kiss, and I let her have it. Between last night, and everything going on today, I knew where this was all going. I let her continue her plan that she clearly worked so very hard to make as special as possible for the both of us.

Tess separated her lips from mine before taking my hands in her own, looking straight into my eyes as she spoke.

"I know Xyrus is filled with both happy and more troubling memories for the both of us." Tess gave me a gentle smile.

Memories of us walking through Xyrus getting into all kinds of mischief when no one was looking, memories of our first kiss, and memories of Elijah and Tess fighting to see who was the better "friend" filled my mind. But with it, darker memories rose to the surface as well. The attacks from the nobles, the looks of sheer fear my classmates and professors gave me after I came to stop the attack. And the worst of them all: seeing Tess lying helpless on the floor moments before Lucas had his way with her. My mind began to fill with dark thoughts as I considered what could have happened had I gotten there even later.

My spiral downwards was cut short by Tess's voice, acting like a beacon calling into the darkness and pulling me back here and now. "It's actually why I brought you here. I needed you to know that we didn't leave each other that night and go our separate ways. You saved my life, and went off to train in Epheotus, and if you weren't there that day, I wouldn't be here now. While that night was full of pain and suffering, it was also the night that made this future where we are together possible."

The look on her face was so open, so hopeful, I hugged her tightly to me. It was all I could do to stop me from kissing her completely senseless. "I love you, sweetheart," I said when I pulled back. "So much. And I'm so grateful for now. You got no idea."

Tess gave me that hopeful smile again. "You know, I think I do."

I sighed and looked around, taking in the surroundings for what they were this time. A beautiful courtyard, modernized since our time here, but nonetheless one that held another huge piece of the puzzle that was us.

"So, what's next?" I turned back to Tess, who just quirked a bright yet nervous grin at me.

"Now, we go back to the beginning."