Kazumi
I sighed softly, my gaze drifting towards the forest as a moment of introspection washed over me. My smile lingered, reflective yet hopeful, as I shared the deeper motivations guiding my actions. “I… just want to make the world a better place. That’s why I fight. I believe that love and beauty are everywhere, if only we take the time to look.” Turning back to face Haruki, my golden eyes shone with a mixture of hope and conviction, conveying my earnest belief in the potential for unexpected discoveries. “And sometimes, we find things even when we’re not looking.” My words hung in the air, an invitation for him to ponder the possibilities that might arise from joining paths, even momentarily, on a journey filled with purpose and unforeseen rewards.
Haruki seemed to be stunned by my words, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. Suddenly, he moved toward me, but instead of stopping directly in front, he seemed to circle around me, observing me. It was a peculiar sensation, and I felt my cheeks fill with color as he did so. He seemed particularly interested in my wings. “So… this is actually on your body? I thought they were illusory. Interesting… I assume I didn’t damage them, right?”
My cheeks warmed with a blush, and a soft giggle bubbled up as I joyfully spread my wings wide. “Yep! 100% all mine. I can hide them whenever I want, except when… I step on desecrated ground, or I’m focusing on a spell. Or… I fall unconscious!” My excitement was palpable, the words tumbling out as if they could barely keep up with my enthusiasm. “Ooooorrr if I choose to reveal myself. Sometimes, if I get really angry, my divine form will show itself, or if I experience intense emotion and fail to restrain myself. No damage though, so far as I can tell!”
My voice was cheerful, my demeanor light and playful as I shared these quirks of my divine nature. There was a comfort in this interaction that felt surprisingly natural, almost as if our earlier conflict had opened a pathway to a deeper connection, bridging the gap between combat and camaraderie. But… I felt something more. Something deep within stirring in me that I couldn’t… leave alone.
Realizing that my sudden display had startled him, I quickly retracted my wings, tucking them neatly behind me. His reaction, a subtle flinch, had not escaped my notice, and I wanted to ease any discomfort my exuberance might have caused.
He then lowered his arms, releasing a resigned sigh, “That’s a lot of reason to have them out. Might as well not put them away, right? Who should stop or question you with that strength and prowess you just showed?” His words carried a mix of acknowledgment and perhaps a hint of awe at the capabilities I had just inadvertently revealed. I simply smiled in response to the question, shaking my head as I shared my perspective thoughtfully, “Because… strength isn’t the same as being loved. Strength helps me when necessary, and for everything else, I prefer love. I have no need to prove myself to anyone except my Goddess. The laws of man do not constrain me, and so… whatever someone else might consider strong, I only consider what my Goddess deems as strength.”
I playfully bumped my wing against him, a mischievous smile forming as I teased, “Though, I must admit, I think you’re pretty strong yourself!~” The light interaction was an attempt to keep the mood uplifting and engaging, despite the serious undertones of our earlier conversation.
I observed as he turned away to contemplate the remaining stained glass windows of the temple, his figure silhouetted against the fragmented light. His posture suggested deep thought, perhaps pondering the implications of our interaction. After a few moments of silent reflection, his voice, softer now, carried a note of genuine curiosity and revelation. “I haven’t considered your perspective, until now. Then again, I don’t really know of your kind, at all. You’re the first… well, you said a Seraphim? Isn’t that something really powerful in the celestial order? And to compliment someone like me, a mortal, that’s… odd.”
My voice held a contemplative tone as I considered the question, “Well, consider it like this. If I am as powerful as you suggest, why would I openly reveal that? There are many who might seek to exploit me for my power, and perhaps even attempt to corrupt it. Isn’t it wiser, then, to temper my power, to keep it reserved until truly needed? The element of surprise can be a formidable ally in such situations.”
I chuckled again, finding the idea of flaunting my power as Haruki had suggested to be completely alien to my nature. The notion of using divine abilities for mere show or intimidation was contrary to everything I believed in. “As for the compliment, Sune would be displeased if I weren’t honest with my thoughts. And besides, it’s genuinely how I feel, so why shouldn’t I compliment you?” My voice carried a mix of sincerity and a gentle reprimand of the idea that power should dictate behavior. I hoped to convey that authenticity and kindness were values that transcended celestial orders and mortal expectations alike.
His gaze locked with mine, confusion evident in his eyes. His scrutiny was intense, almost piercing, as he carefully observed my halo, wings, and particularly my eyes. The depth of his focus suggested he was trying to reconcile the celestial aspects he saw with the personality I presented. Despite the intensity of his examination, I couldn’t help but let out a soft giggle at his puzzled expression. Yet, I maintained my composure, patiently waiting for him to process his thoughts and respond, curious to see how our interaction would continue to unfold.
His expression softened slightly as he considered my words, a mix of respect and contemplation coloring his features. “If what you say aligns with your path, then so be it. It’s just… different, to me. Strength, speed, wit—that’s how I’ve survived. Especially with keeping a status for those around me to know not to contest me. And… regarding compliments, those shouldn’t come easily. So, I respect it, and I… think you’re pretty impressive, yourself.”
He paused, his gaze meeting mine with a newfound understanding. “I would probably test you further, but your plea for me to stop changed my mind.” His admission seemed to be tinged with a hint of admiration, and I began to see his value in different perspectives and approaches outside his own.
A sly smile crept across my lips as I gave Haruki a playful hip bump, casually draping my wing over his shoulders. “Well… I wouldn’t mind a rematch someday. It might be… fun~,” I teased, my voice carrying a playful undertone that suggested more than just a simple challenge. Of course, I held back from revealing all my thoughts, choosing instead to leave some things unsaid, adding an element of mystery to our interaction.
After allowing a brief moment for my words to sink in, my expression shifted to something more serious. “I have a proposition for you. What if… I help you with this warlord, and then you join me on my quest?” I laid out the offer with a mix of camaraderie and challenge, presenting it not just as a call to adventure but as an invitation to a deeper connection. The possibility of fighting alongside each other and then continuing on a shared journey was exciting, and I could feel a surge of anticipation at the thought of what such a partnership could bring.
He met my proposition with a guarded gaze, his eyes flickering away as if reluctant to meet mine directly. “I… wasn’t really looking to share this bounty, but… it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have someone like you watch my back…” There was a cautious tone in his voice, weighing the pros and cons of my offer in real-time. After a moment’s hesitation, he finally met my gaze fully, a smirk playing across his lips, signaling a shift towards acceptance. “A rematch would be great, though. Training with you might actually help me understand your kind… no offense, I’m not looking to take marks against them. Just.. in case.”
I shook my head with a knowing smirk in kind. I wasn’t interested in any reward for myself. Well… that wasn’t exactly true. I was interested, but I saw something much more valuable to me right in front of me. “You can keep the bounty. I just want to help! Besides, whoever you’re after more than likely caused this… damage. I aim to ensure he faces justice for what he’s done.” My usual smile briefly gave way to a more serious expression. I did not like this warlord—he had offended my Goddess, and desecrated one of her temples. I would not allow this to stand.