User:NeloAngelo/Redstuff/Side 5

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Side Chapter 5 - Lioves (2) Right on schedule. I was able to finsh the Grotesque extermination in Everia outskirts just in time to participate in the annual Sage's Tournament.

Of course, my real, is to see my reason to fight. My beloved Araya. In many interviews, I've always been asked how can I stand steadfastly in the face of Grotesque without fear. And my answer will always be "for the sake of humanity." -a bland, general answer that pleases everyone. Everyone -no one gets left behind, regardless of whether are you good or evil, pretty or ugly. After all, Chiara needs all the connection it can get.

People who says they aren't afraid of facing Grotesque are liars. Sure, they can put up all the bravado they want, but the tune always changes when you see an real, living Grotesque in the flesh. You can also be confident after killing one, then seeing your confidence rapidly diminish as it comes back, over and over again. I am no exception. Of course I feel fear facing against the legion of Grotesque. But I am the spearhead of humanity's hope against Grotesques. To show fear is to show weakness.

Yet, I can still go on because of Araya. She understood, even accepted my fears and asked nothing in return, silently supporting behind my back. Everytime I feel the slightest of fear. I think of Araya, then everything else seems to trivial.

Araya shared my dream of a world not feared by Grotesques, and fought in her own way. Leading the Shamans, she has done more than I can ever could. At times, I'd wish she could be more selfish and asked I to be by her side. Yet, I know this is not something she would do. For my dream is her dream, and we would gladly gave our all to achieve this. It maybe true that our dream is one inherited from Sage Arato. But our love is also one blessed by him. And I cannot find any better blessing than that. If I have any regret, it would be I cannot share the burden by standing beside her at all times.

We agreed to meet at Rosette Amphitheater. Ah...going there brings back memories- I can't recount the times I've stood there receiving awards for my fights against Grotesques. Of course, they are all trivial before meeting Araya.

"Hello, dear." The ever familiar voice greeted me in one of the amphitheater's private rooms. A sweet, comforting voice that could only belonged to Araya.

Araya greeted me with a serene, happy visage. Ah, just looking at her made all my fatigues drain away. I couldn't hold my happiness of meeting her- before I could even return her greeting, my foot guided me forward, and my arms wrapped around her. Araya wasn't startled, rather, she returned the favor as well. I can feel Araya's hearbeat bouncing against my body, her pleasant scent drove me in a state of bliss. Oh, how I wish this moment last forever.

We locked in an embrace for what felt like eternity in minutes, neither of us said anything, but we enjoyed every second of it. And then, Araya finally spoke, ""It must've been a long journey, Lio, I'm so sorry." My heart sank upon hearing those words. It's not her fault. I shook my head, whispering "no", she held onto me even tighter.


 * Araya: I am proud to see the reports of your victories, but you're not pushing yourself too hard, aren't you, Lio?
 * Lioves: No. As long as you're with me, regardless the distance, I will always-
 * Araya: Please don't say that! If something were to happen to you, I don't know -
 * Lioves: My dear, please don't worry. Parting with you is a pain more than any Grotesque is able to cause. But, how about you? It's almost winter, and your body usually doesn't bode well with the changing of seasons.
 * Araya: Mm- I'm be alright. You know, Clau's been worried about you as well.
 * Lioves: How is she?
 * Araya: Still her competitive self. It would be nice if her brother come to see her once in a while. -! ....I'm sorry.
 * Liove: What? No, no, no, don't be! We made a promise that we'd work to protect Chiara on behalf of grandpa, remember? I protect Chiara from the outside, Clau from the inside, and-
 * Araya: I lead Chiara. But, I've taken away so much from you! We could've settled down and start a family-
 * Lioves; Araya, you wouldn't want our child to grow up in a world of Grotesques, would you?
 * Araya: C-child-! Of- of course, I wouldn't want that either.
 * Lioves: Right? That's why I will fight. Not for the sake of humanity, not for the sake of Chiara, but you, Araya.
 * Araya: my foolish hero
 * Lioves: And yet, you fell in love with this foolish hero, didn't you?
 * Araya: The Tournament is starting in a few hours, will you be alright?
 * Lioves: As long as you're watching, I cannot lose.
 * Araya: I represent Chiara as a whole, I cannot be selfish. But as your wife, I wish for your victory from the bottom of my heart, my beloved champion.

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With words like that, Araya, I feel I can even take down the Red Eye Goddess herself.