The Arcana: Fragments

IX: Just A Little Longer

Asra x reader

Stirring him from his sleep in the rough shanty, Asra woke to find himself feeling entirely at unease, his body slick with sweat from a dream he could not remember. Y/n. Your voice clicked in his head within an instant. He needed to see you. Check on you. Make sure you are alright. But how? Nevivon was quite a ways away from Vesuvia. Surely he would not be able to physically accompany you this very moment...he thought a moment, perhaps, he could.

Faust.

He called out in his subconscious. A light ring began clouding his hearing as he sought after that sneaky creature. She could be anywhere, and away from y/n at that. Still, he had to try.

Faust.

It was silent for a while. His brows tensed together at the prospect that he might not be able to reach you.

Aasraa?

Her high squeaky voice instantly brought a smile to his face. Now excited, he ran his hands through his hair anxiously.

Faust, how are you? Are you alright?

Yess...sssleepyy

He frowned at the realization that it was late in the evening back home in Vesuvia, whereas here in Nevivon the sun was already turning the sky all shades of pink and purple.

I am sorry for waking you so late, precious, but I need to speak to y/n. Urgently. Have you seen her at all?

Before Faust could return a reply, Asra heard your voice whisper in the distant, sounding annoyed.

Faust please...I'm trying to sleep..not now.......Faust quit it! Whatever it is, it can wait till morning!

Asra then heard the echo of a slap. He laughed.

You just hit me with your tail! What on earth is the matter?

Assraa!

Asra? Faust, I don't understand.

Faust..take her to a pool of water, a large one if you can..I'll handle the rest there...

Come?

Where are you taking me? It's freezing out here!

See friend!

Asra began gathering his belongings, leaving the shanty he slept in for the night. Jogging, he began making his way to the sandy shores of Nevivon, away from the plethora of shipping docks that encompassed the very being of this port city. Bringing his palms to hover over the rippling waters he began chanting a portal spell. Slowly, the water began separating into a circlet, its center beginning to morph into a night sky that gazed up at the moon. "Woah..", your voice came through. Peering in, Asra caught sight of you, and you him. Finding himself speechless, it was all Asra could do but smile and gaze down at you. The atmosphere shifted though as your surprise instantly changed, your lips coming together in a tight line. Without thinking, you reached your hand into the water. Realizing that you now breached the other side, you latched onto Asras collar, yanking him up towards you.

No hurt friend!, Faust cried.

Relax, Faust...As pissed as I am...I only mean to do this

You crashed his lips onto yours, he was still choking on the water that now drenched his clothes and hair, but he kissed back all the same. After a few moments, you both pulled away. "No note, no goodbye, no sign as to where you were going. What the hell, Asra?", your lower lip trembled as you suppressed tears. Asra instantly grew ashamed; he wanted to tell you where he was going, the purpose of it. But he knew you were not yet ready for the truth, not yet ready to be hurled into the adventures he found himself pursuing. "I...I am sorry, y/n. I wish I-..there's so much I want to tell you. But if it's enough for you, I am safe. What I needed to do has already been done, I should be back before you know it".

"Of course it's not enough...", you mumbled, disappointed. You brought him into your arms roughly, "..but it's good to know you're safe. I miss you".

"And I You", he replied, "Always".

He stayed in your arms for a while, talking with you over insignificant things like where you were, what you have been doing, how Muriel was. It relieved him to know you were safe and doing well. The portal keeping him in your location began to warble, he winced as he fought to keep the portal open. "Our time is running out", you spoke sadly. "I'm afraid it is. My magic is running out of energy..keeping me...here, with you...miles away..hard work", his muscles began trembling as he seethed to remain with you.

"Asra, you should go. You'll be severed in half if this thing closes on you", you said.

He let out a strained chuckle, "That's not how this portal works...but you're right...just a little longer.." You nodded, cradling his head under your neck, "Alright..just a little longer".

[06.14.2019]