Wind's Serenade (風のセレナーデ)

ACT IV: Heartstrings (心に響く)

Everything was still, as if time was frozen. The air began to feel lighter. The Ohm was now gone, but its sacred presence lingered in the gentle breeze that whispered through the grass.

Asbel stood there in silence, with only his heart pounding through his chest. He had observed it all, from the golden glow to Nausicaa's serene acceptance of her new role. She was still the Nausicaa he knew, except she was more radiant than ever. His feelings for her, long buried and unspoken, now surged with an intensity he could no longer contain.

His sight was locked onto her as she stood among the gracefully glowing grass, the skirt of her gown moving ever so slightly alongside her large sleeves. Everything about her seemed serene and harmonic with the world, and yet... Asbel had the strong urge to pour out his unspoken feelings.

Nausicaa slowly turned to him. She could sense his silent struggle, the awe, and the admiration. But, at the same time, she could sense something deeper that had been lingering beneath the surface.

"Nausicaa..." Asbel spoke, his hand placed over his beating heart. "I have already told you how divine you look, but I need to say something else..."

Nausicaa kinked her head slightly, sensing his hesitation. She stood before him, calm and content, her heart steady but open to whatever he had to tell her.

Asbel took a deep breath and finally spoke, his voice slightly trembling with hesitation: "I thought I had told you this before, but now... seeing you like this... understanding who you've become..." He paused briefly, gathering his courage. "I... I love you, Nausicaa. I've loved you for a long time, but now... I noticed it's not admirable... it's something deeper. I love you for who you are, for everything you are."

Nausicaa's heart skipped a beat. This was Asbel's second confession. But this time, it felt different. She wasn't caught off guard unlike earlier. Instead, she felt clarity, just like she felt clarity in her purpose as being the new protector of the Earth.

"You know... Asbel..." Nausicaa spoke, her voice filled with tenderness and warmth. She smiled, and placed the palm of her hand on his. "When you confessed to me earlier, I didn't know how to respond, but now... I feel the same way for you, too."

Asbel's eyes widened in surprise, yet they were filled with joy and relief. His heart picked up its pace as Nausicaa's words sunk in his mind. Their bond became crystal clear, in a way that felt natural like Earth's nature. His expression softened as he began to smile tenderly. "You have no idea how much it means to me... to hear you say that, Nausicaa," He replied emotionally. "I've waited for a while for this moment to happen... I wasn't sure if you felt the same way... But now... we are now connected like the sun and Earth."

They stood there, looking each other in the eyes. The golden grass swayed gently around them. Teto let out a soft chitter, sensing the peace had settled within the new couple.

"We'll face this together, Asbel," Nausicaa spoke. "While the Earth had chosen me to protect it, I probably can't do it alone."

Asbel squeezed her hand, his eyes expressing not only love, but determination. "You don't have to do this alone," He reassured. "No matter what happens, I'll always be by your side."

"Thank you," Nausicaa spoke as she gave a slow blink and a gentle smile.