🌸Lost in Memories🌸

Chapter 3: Feelings growing roots

"So that is how you got aquatinted. That's interesting. But judging by your behavior, I feel as though that isn't going to last." Susie said, interrupting Taranza's story. "You're not wrong...but we're not at that point yet. Everything was going great in fact. We became the best of friends. Hung out all the time, joked a lot... it's no wonder I fell for her." Susie was surprised so much so that she went silent for a few seconds. "Have I understood that correctly? You are referring to falling in love, yes?" "I guess it sounds a bit absurd given the minimal context I gave you. Maybe I should just tell the whole story."

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Taranza floated down the street, having decided to meet up with Sectonia. She asked for help and as usual Taranza was happy to assist whenever possible. Only a few minutes later, he got to her place. It was generally bigger than most buildings in the town. Taranza gently knocked on the door, Sectonia opening it not even ten seconds later. "I'm so glad you could make it. Really appreciate the help too." She had a joyous smile on her face that always managed to cheer Taranza up as well. "Sure thing, I'm happy to." He entered, looking around a bit. Despite not being overly fancy it was very obvious that her family wasn't exactly poor. "I can give you a Housetour later if you want." Sectonia said, noticing his observations. "Hm? Oh, no need. I'm here to help after all." Sectonia nodded and went to a room with a few shelves along the walls. It made the impression of a hall and seemed fairly large compared to the other rooms Taranza got a glance of. "The thing is..." Sectonia stated, stopping in the middle of the room. "It kind of bothers me just how incapable I was with defending myself the first time we met." She looked over to Taranza, noticing his somewhat troubled expression, about to say something. "I know, I can always depend on you. But I just want to be able to do something myself, you know?" Taranza responded "Of course, that's totally fine. I get that. No one wants to feel helpless. So what did you have in mind? I could help you with webs."  "Sort of, but not quite. Your webs are definitely going to be helpful though. That and I felt like I needed support in general." She floated over to one of the shelves, that had a sturdy web case displayed on it. After carefully opening it, Sectonia showed off two thin blades with ends that gave it similarities to a rapier with four hearts decorating each handle. "You can call it a family tradition at this point. Everyone got a bit of sword training, since we're generally not very good with webs. The swords are a bit too extra if you ask me, but tradition is tradition." she explained. Taranza nodded and  created a sturdy web for Sectonia to use as a target. "Let's see it." he grinned, encouraging her to give it her all.

After about fifteen minutes of training, Taranza lowered the target, signaling Sectonia to stop for a bit. "Something the matter?" "Yes actually." he responded. "Is it possible that you're holding back?" "I....ya, that's right." Sectonia mumbled, lowering her swords. Taranza asked "But why? Is anything bothering you?" She looked at the ground and then at Taranza. "It's just... you're holding the target. I'm afraid that I might hurt you if I give it my all." He just smiled after hearing that. "Hey, don't worry about it. I'll be fine, let's just focus on the training." ". . .alright, if you say so." Sectonia responded hesitantly.

To her surprise it was much easier to fight after she had let loose a bit, while also being even more tiring. Noticing how Sectonia's moves got less and less energetic, Taranza started to get concerned. "Would you maybe want to take a break? You might've overworked yourself a bit." he asked her. With a somewhat shaky voice she responded. "N-nonsense. I'm doing just fine, see-" Before Sectonia could finish her sentence she collapsed. Taranza dropped the target and immediately ran over. "Sectonia! Are you alright?!" She was heavily breathing, trying to get up. "Please, just take it easy, ok? You worked hard but pushing beyond what you can handle right now is just irresponsible..." He gently picked her up and set her down with her back facing the wall, before sitting down next to her himself. "I admire your determination, but you need to respect yourself enough to know when you have to take it easy. You hear me? Otherwise you're just going to burn yourself out." Still worried he looked down to her, just as she leaned her head against his shoulder, turned to him and uttered a weak "alright, I promise." She smiled as she fell asleep.

'Oh Sectonia... why do you have to be so harsh with yourself...? You've already made do much progress, yet you refuse to acknowledge it... I suppose only you know. What is it about you that... makes me want to stay right here? With you... For you... I...I want to make sure you're alright. That's all that matters right now. But why....' Taranza eventually too dozed off.

After an uncertain amount of time he woke up to Sectonia still sleeping peacefully next to him. Taranza gently woke her up. "W-what... Ah! I...I passed out during training, didn't I?" She looked down a bit uneasy. Taranza put one of his hands on her shoulder reassuringly. "Yes, but it's no big deal. You did an amazing job. Aside from perfecting the technique you only need to learn how to be less demanding of yourself. You can only do so much before you're at your current limit." "Hey Taranza?" Sectonia asked. "Yes?" She leaned over and hugged him tightly. ". . .thank you. For everything." Taranza, his face now cherry red, hugged her back. "No problem.... Anything for you, Sectonia."