Chapter Text
"I'll watch over Thena. Let her keep her memories."
When Gilgamesh announced to protect her, Thena was relived that her memories won't be erased. But another part of her felt surprised. No doubt they had been the perfect pair in fighting the deviants, but staying together and looking after each other? That's a whole other situation.
Well, it's not like they hadn't been living together as friends and family since they arrived Earth. But this was different. The Eternals familyhood they have was slipting up and they would no longer live as a whole. And most importantly, she was on the edge of being insane.
Thena was the goddess of war, the loyal warrior and fierce fighter. Everything in her were strong, determined and unbreakable. She was the one to protect, not the one being protected. There's nothing that she was afraid of, as it should be. But as Ajak pointed out, this Mahd Wy’ry disease had no cure. Thena didn't know what had triggered it and, what to do with it. She felt like she was a time bomb, an extremely dangerous one. And for the first time, she was confused and fear pinned her body and soul.
Though she couldn't remember, but the image of her hurting her friends and family, and maybe one day, innocent people was terrifying. This time Gilgamesh was able to punch her into unconsciousness and thus ending the attack. But what about the next time? If she completely lost her mind and didn't hold back for even a slightly sceond, how many innocent lives would she take? And how many scars would she give her friends?
Maybe wiping out the memories and start over was the only decision.
But what made Thena strong also made her more human. And humans were selfish, so as her. Thena didn't want her precious memories to be washed away. She didn't want to forget what this family she was in had, the happiness, the support, the life they lived together. She didn't want to wake up one day, looking into the eyes of her friends, but not knowing who they were, not knowing who she was.
"Thena, you feeling fine?" It's when Gilgamesh calls her she realised that she's staring at him, losing in her own thoughts. Others were long gone to nowhere and there's only the two of them remaining in the palace. Silence filled between them once again and after what seemed like a century, she finally spoke.
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why choose to stay. Why sacrificing your life to protect me knowing one day I will completely lose myself? Why not kill me, or agree to send me back to the ship? You know that's the most appropriate choice."
"Well, we managed a great team in the past. Surely we'll be fine living together. Partners in everything, right?" " But I'll hurt you-" " No, You will never hurt me. I know you and what happened just now is not your doing, it's not you. And I don't wanna lose the warrior who stands by me in every single fight. I don't wanna lose the Thena I know."
"But what if you can't block my attack the next time?" She just couldn't shake off the heavy weight on her heart. "Well, since I was able to punch you in the head just now, I'm sure I can do it several times if that happens again." Gilgamesh teased and smirked at her, trying to lessen the tension.
Then, he spoke again with such a generous tone, stretching out his hand to Thena. " I made the promise to protect you and I will, protect you. I will take that chance, so should you. Now, the only question is...... Do you trust me to do so?" Their eyes met and Thena saw so much affection and care. She almost thought she's falling into them, if not realising that his hand was still here, waiting for her reply.
Thena trusted Gilgamesh. Of course she trusted him. Though there's still endless doubts and fear inside her, she's willing to try. For herself and for him.
Her expression softened and then she took Gilgamesh's hand, fingers instantly intertwined, not willing to let go. His hand was so giant and Thena felt it's warmth passed through her own and to her heart.
They held hands before, usually after fights when he offered his hands to her, picking her up or providing support when she felt tired. But this is different. Their hands lingered much longer than usual and she felt safe and protected. Almost being loved.
Maybe this is not a bad idea. Maybe there's still hope.
Holding their hands together, Gilgamesh already knew her answer. He flashed her a bright grin and she returned with her own smile. Thena had no idea what would happen in the future. But for one thing she's sure. They would be staying and find their way.
Together.