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The images were still fresh in Eunie's mind - a valley in full bloom, peaceful people tending to their crops. A long forgotten Ferronis being brought back to life, pushing back against the foes threatening the inhabitants of the Lost Colony. The relief on Taion's face when it was all over...
The trip back from the Cadensia region had been--thankfully--uneventful. Once captivated by the sight of Saffronia blossoms, Eunie could only breathe a sigh of relief at their absence. And as much as she tried not to, she was also grateful to no longer be in the presence of someone who haunted Taion's life.
It wasn't that she was jealous of a soldier only in her third term... not exactly. Eunie could not deny the influence that soldier had had on Taion in a previous life. She had seen the memories while interlinking, witnessing the boy's anguish at failing and losing the one he considered his mentor. Her name was Nimue.
According to Isurd, the Commander of Colony Lambda, Nimue had been fond of Taion, a fact well supported by those memories. It was no wonder Taion had reacted strongly during the battle with Joran's mud puppets, and struggled at seeing Nimue's face again.
I bet that messed with his head, seeing her reborn like that, Eunie thought. It was like their roles got reversed.
Speaking to Taion near the crop fields of Nimue's home, Eunie hadn't intended for much of the conversation to be about herself, but she couldn't help it. She just had to know. What did Taion really think of her? How did he see her after all they had been through together? Not that she normally concerned herself with others' opinions of her, but did he think of her more favorably now? And if not, did he have faith that she could become a better version of herself?
After successfully protecting Nimue's home, the group sent a report back to Colony Lambda. However, Taion had requested to see Isurd in person, mostly to see how he was processing everything. Isurd had been the one to inform the group of the threat, after all.
Izzy, thought Eunie. That's another one close to Nimue... not to mention Taion...
They reached Lambda by the mid-afternoon, and Taion was quick to head to Clearwater Shelf. Noah went to do a bit of trading, while the rest of the group settled at the camp outside. Eunie helped set things up at first, but soon found that she wished to be alone with her thoughts.
She wandered past the waterfall and the Ferronis, noticing the sky was less bright now. It wouldn't be long before its hue changed to orange, eventually fading to black.
Change, Eunie thought. He said... we couldn't change. But how's that fair when you only have ten years to become anything?
Eunie recalled her friends' time in the hidden community known as the City. The visit had lasted about a week but the experience had been eye-opening. Early on, Eunie and her friends had met Guernica Vandham, one of the citizens who had directed them toward the Great Sword. Before his death, Vandham suggested all humans could potentially live as long as he had. Though Eunie had seen the proof of age in his face, she couldn't quite bring herself to believe it... not until she and her friends met the other inhabitants of the City.
While there were soldiers fighting to free humanity from the clutches of Z and the other Moebius, there were also those who had devoted their lives to non-combat. Not to mention, they had the time for leisurely activities, activities that any Kevesi or Agnian soldier would have considered a waste of time. Eunie recalled the elderly man who had spent his life writing music, a woman who ran a large canteen, and even a young man who performed juggling tricks for others' amusement. It left Eunie wondering what she might become, should she be freed from the curse of ten years.
I could change. I can't even imagine fifty years, but I bet I could make something of myself if I lived that long...
"Eunie! Manana find Eunie!"
Eunie turned as a pink Nopon hurried up to her. "Hey, Manana. Is it time to cook? You need help?"
"Meh..." Manana answered. "Manana is tired cookypon tonight. Taion finish visiting Commander Isurd. Come to see if Eunie join us at Lambda canteen!"
Eunie nodded. "Yeah, sure."
Conversation was pleasant among her companions at dinner, but Eunie found her mind occasionally drifting elsewhere. In fifty years, what would Taion think of me? Would he even consider me anywhere near her level? Sena's voice broke into her thoughts.
"Hello? Eunie? Anybody home?"
"Huh?" Eunie lowered her fork, turning the girl beside her. "What is it, Sena?"
"I said, weren't those Saffronia trees the best thing ever? Don't you wish more of them would spring up here?"
"Oh... right! They were so pretty, especially at night. Almost like they were glowing."
"Right?!" Sena said, then looked across the table. "Hey Taion, good job thinking up that plan with the Ferronis! Not just 'cause you saved a bunch of lives, but now Nimue and her friends get to hold on to an awesome place like that!"
Eunie's expression briefly soured, but she immediately countered it by forcing a smile. Nimue again...
Taion nodded. "Yes, I'm satisfied that no harm will come to Nimue or to any part of the colony. Commander Isurd feels the same."
"Speaking of Isurd," Lanz cut in, "how come he isn't joining us?"
"Oh. Well, he's a very busy man, you see."
"The bags under his eyes told me that much, mate. It's not an excuse to skip out on seeing your friends."
Taion shrugged. "Well, the door opens both ways, Lanz. If you wish to see him, you need only visit him in his quarters."
Though the suggestion had been given to someone else, it was Eunie who was seriously considering it.
There was still a trace of daylight when the meal ended. Eunie excused herself with some lie about going shopping. When she was certain no one was watching, she quietly made her way to Clearwater Shelf.
Back in the City, she and her friends had gained awareness of something else--humans' ability to create life. Supposedly, this happened because a man and a woman fell in love, though this was not always a requirement. Still, Eunie found herself curious about this concept of romance. She had always felt a fondness for her friends, but how was one sure when that fondness surpassed those feelings of friendship?
She had shared so much with Taion--at times, unintentionally, thanks to the Interlink. Despite their circumstances, she had come to see him as a friend, and a dependable one at that. But there were times she had an almost absurd desire to be elevated to something more in his eyes. Rather, it seemed absurd until their trip to the City. Now, it was making sense.
What's this I'm feeling?
Eunie stepped inside Isurd's quarters and took a peek around the corner, seeing him at his desk. His focus was directed at the document in his hand, his iris illuminated as it wandered the paper. She softly knocked on the wall, catching his attention.
"Oh, Eunie. Good evening. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
"Hey, Izzy!" She greeted him cheerfully, though some of this was driven by nervousness. "Uh... w-well... just wanted to see if, ah... I could have a minute of your time?"
"Well, I am a busy man... but... truth be told, I could use a break." He tapped at the side of his head, the glow in his eye fading. He then set the document down, relaxing in his chair... as best as he could. "Something on your mind? Please, come on in. Take a load off."
"Don't mind if I do." She crossed over to the other side of his desk, where some chairs were placed against the wall. “Thanks.”
"No problem," he said as she took a seat. "Taion was here earlier, but I'm sure you knew that."
"Yeah. He told you everything, right? About..." Nimue. "...about what happened."
Isurd nodded. "He did. It's a relief to hear that you all defended the colony, and managed to keep Nimue and the other inhabitants safe for the foreseeable future. So thank you for that."
"Of course... though honestly, that was mostly Taion's doing. He... he protected her."
Isurd's eyes were visibly tired, but he was now looking at Eunie with a curiosity. "Is everything all right? You seem subdued, somehow."
Somehow, that gave Eunie a jolt. Oh, spark! Did he figure out the real reason I'm here? "Wh-what makes you say that?!"
The man simply chuckled. "I don't mean any offense. I'm sure it was a long journey back, and you'd rather be resting up for the next one. Yet here you are.” After a pause, he added, “Forgive my presumptuousness, but I don't think you came here to discuss what Taion and I did two hours ago. And whatever is on your mind, I can only surmise it is something you feel you cannot discuss with your friends."
She was speechless at first, but confirmed his words with a look of resignation. "Y-yeah. You hit the mark there, love. I just... wanted to, uh... get the perspective of someone who... um..."
"Hm?"
"Look, you knew Taion back then, right? Back when he was posted here, I mean."
Isurd nodded. "He was under my tutelage then. A brilliant mind, despite his strategic failure. I'm happy to see how he turned out."
"Right..." Though Eunie had felt driven to see the commander, she was starting to regret her decision. Why... am I bothering Isurd with this? He's never even been to the City. Not like he'd know about this stuff. "I... I know he had a hard time with all that. Seen it in the memories when we interlink. And then... seeing him talk with the younger Nimue, I dunno. Guess I felt a little bad for him, at first."
"Hm..." Isurd gazed back at her with a thoughtful expression. "Forgive me for asking, Eunie, but why is that something you feel you can only discuss with me? If you are concerned for Taion, why not talk to him?"
"That's just it! I can't! I mean..." She broke eye contact, looking sadly at the floor. "I already know more than I ought to. Wouldn't feel right pressing him for more, not when it comes to her."
"Her? You mean Nimue?"
"Y-yeah... sorry. Probably not fair of me to dump this on you when she was important to you too. It's why you wanted us to save her birthplace and all..."
"It is," Isurd said, taking her words in stride. "And it's as you say, Nimue was important to me... and still is. She was older than I was, but I suppose I considered her something of an equal, in contrast to Taion, who thought of her as a mentor."
"Hard to compete with that, innit," Eunie mumbled softly.
Not softly enough for Isurd's ears, however. "Why would you need to compete with that? Unless..." He paused again, mulling over that thought. "Eunie. Is that what this is about? You feel the need to compete with Nimue?"
“Huh?” Eunie felt her face grow hot. "N-no! Snuff that! I don't want to be anyone's mentor. I-it's just... I can't ignore the influence she had on his life. And I'd never try to take that away from him. But she's this great person... and for as long as she's reborn, she's destined to be that great person. Meanwhile... I'm just there. Next to her, what have I done... y'know?"
"I'd argue that you and your friends are great people yourselves. Maybe it was by chance you became Ouroborus, but you used that power to help countless others, including Nimue, and me, and we owe a debt of gratitude. And you continue to help others even now."
"B-but..."
"But what? Everything I stated is the truth. There's no need to compare yourself to anyone else. If you worry that you don't have a place in Taion's life, then allow me to offer a different perspective. Taion has met Nimue twice-- once, when she became his mentor, and again when he protected her after she was reborn. But Eunie... it's different for you. You've interlinked with Taion. You support one another, and you've undoubtedly shared unique experiences with him. While you can never take on Nimue's role, the opposite is true. To Taion, Nimue is a mentor, but you are his true equal."
“Erm...” She could imagine what shade of red her face was now. "Y-you suppose so?"
"As his Ouroborus partner, you'd have to be. More than that, I see that you two get along. It might sound strange coming from someone who just asked you and your friends to save the birthplace of someone I used to know, but... don't get too caught up in the past. And... have faith in your friends, especially Taion."
"Oh..." Letting the words settle, she felt a sense of calm. She looked up at Isurd with appreciation. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Isurd."
"Anytime, Eunie."
Well, that's a relief...
A common phrase, but Eunie found that it perfectly described her mood. The corners of her mouth even formed a smile once or twice as she headed back to the campsite.
"Hey!" Lanz had been trying out a new fighter class with Noah, but lowered his weapon as soon as he saw Eunie. Noah did the same in response. "You get what you need? You were gone for a while."
"Uh..." She tried to come up with an excuse for returning emptyhanded. "Right. Well, I saw an arm band, but it wasn't much better than the one I had, so... I didn't get it."
With an "oh," Lanz turned back to his sparring partner and resumed fighting.
Everyone else was busy with something. While Sena and Mio practiced their daily stretches, Manana was taking inventory of the food supply, and Riku was crafting a gem or two.
Only Taion appeared to be sitting by himself, idly toying with his mondo. He looked up as Eunie approached. "Oh. Welcome back, Eunie."
"Thanks. Um..." She took a look around. "Taion. Mind if we go somewhere and talk? Just you and me."
They walked until they reached a shallow cliff, though both the Ferronis and Lambda entrance were still in relative close distance.
Taion vocally expressed his discomfort as he trailed her. "Eunie, the sun has set. Are you certain you want to wander this far from the colony?"
"This is far enough," Eunie said, turning around to face him. "Um..." She gazed at him for a moment, but soon grew frustrated by her own silence. "Spark it all. I was ready to talk to you, but now I can't find the snuffin' words."
"Does it have something to do with your visit with Commander Isurd?"
She silently gasped. "You knew?"
Taion chuckled. "I noticed you were behaving strangely at the canteen. Then later, I saw you walking up to Clearwater Shelf."
"Heh..." Here I thought I was being sneaky. "That's our Taion... always noticing things. Guess I can't hide it, then. Yeah, we talked about stuff."
"Oh, I see. Is that why we're out here?"
"Sort of. I... um..." She groaned. Talk about embarrassing. But... I need to say this. “Thing is, I... started caring about someone, like, a lot. You know, like people from the City, or like Noah and Mio. It's all... scary and new. Especially if he doesn't feel the same way."
"Ah. So... you have these feelings for someone, but you don't know if he reciprocates."
"Right, exactly."
"Might I assume this is the same person you find dependable? If so, then why would you--" Taion paused, as something dawned on him. He seemed defeated, somehow. "I see. That's why you wished to speak to the Commander."
She nodded. "Yeah. He showed me I was going about things all wrong. That I shouldn't compare myself to others. That...that I'm enough. Problem is, I dunno what to do now..."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I haven't said anything about it, not yet. Don't know if the guy will even believe me, to be honest."
“Hmm.” Perhaps it was Eunie's imagination, but the air around Taion had considerably changed. He seemed almost detached now, as though he were approaching the situation as an impartial third party, as opposed to being a friend offering advice. "Well, if he's someone who genuinely cares about you, he'll be willing to listen to you, no matter what you tell him. But if that fails, you could always express yourself in other ways, show him that you care for him with a gesture."
As Eunie let the young man's words sink in, it conjured up memories of the City. She recalled the occasional couple holding hands as they walked through the marketplace, or sharing a kiss on the park bench. It had all been fascinating to watch... and she yearned to have a similar experience with someone she truly cared about.
"Well, if he's someone who genuinely cares about you, he'll be willing to listen to you, no matter what you tell him."
He was willing to come out here because I asked him to, Eunie thought as she studied him in the moonlight, and he's still here, listening. He's... he's always been there for me.
"Hm?" Taion looked back at her, noticing her expression. "Is something wrong? You're staring at me strangely all of a sudden."
"So... he'll be willing to listen... if I said I... I..." She knew she was blushing, but stayed focused. Looking Taion in the eye, she completed the phrase. "I really, really like you."
"Of course he will," Taion said, oblivious to the true nature of the conversation. "If he's half the man I know him to be."
"And if that fails..." Eunie took a few steps in his direction, stopping when she was directly in front of him. "I just... express myself..." Boldly, she reached out to touch his hand, lightly wrapping her fingers around his. She continued to gaze into his eyes, her heart pounding. No idea what I'm doing, and maybe it's a mistake, but...
"...with a gesture... right?" Before he could respond, she released him and brought her hand to the side of his face. Standing on her tiptoes, she planted a soft kiss upon his lips.
Before she had the chance to break away, Taion visibly reacted. "Ah...!" He took a step back, instinctively grabbing at the frames of his glasses. "Uh, um... that is..." He finally recovered from the affectionate act, but now he was looking elsewhere, flustered and confused. "R-right. You'll definitely get his attention if you... if you provide some sort of... gesture."
"I just did, you clod."
Taion turned back to her. "Huh?" Her body language was clearly communicating that she was growing impatient with him. Something clicked in his mind then. "Oh... haha... ahahahaha!"
His laughter didn't help Eunie's mood. "You really have the worst timing."
"I'm such an idiot!" Taion exclaimed, greatly relieved about something. "All this time, I thought that you were talking about the Commander! I wouldn't have guessed... oh, this is great! Hahaha."
"You what?!” Eunie found herself unable to even process that idea. “Me and Isurd? Why would you even think that?"
“Oh, haha... well...” Taion's laughter faded, and he was looking more troubled now. "You've seen him in my memories. I've always known him to be a kind, respectable man. Forgive me. I just assumed... his nature would appeal to someone just as kind and respectable."
"You calling me kind and respectable?"
"Of course," he said, as though she had just challenged a fundamental fact about the world. "Because you are."
Eunie's expression softened at the compliment. "Might be the nicest thing you've said to me. Even though it's probably coming from that logical part of you."
"Hmm." Taion thought about that for a moment. "Then I suppose I haven't been much of a friend to you."
"That's not true. There's more than one way to be a friend. Sure, you say some insensitive snuff sometimes, but you make up for it... you know, with your own special gestures. Anyway, it's all out in the open." She groaned, mostly in having to repeat the confession. "I really like you, Taion. Didn't know how to tell you. Didn't know if I even should..."
"N-no, no," he said, shaking his head. "I'm glad you told me. Truthfully, I haven't quite felt like myself since we left the City, but I haven't been able to ascertain why. I thought all the stress of fighting Moebius was getting to me, but it wasn't that."
"What are you saying?"
"I don't know how to explain it, exactly. I've enjoyed everyone's company these last few months, but seeing you in particular puts me at ease. I never noticed it until now. Perhaps it's a product of the trust and understanding we've built between us, but I feel it's more than that, too."
"Yeah."
"When I thought you had feelings for the Commander, I was... conflicted,” he continued. “I wished you both happiness, but a part of me was disappointed. Now I understand why. I wanted to be that man you cared so much for."
Hearing this confession, Eunie felt a warmth in her chest. "Oh, Taion..."
"By the way, the thing you did earlier... it was called a kiss, wasn't it?"
"Y-yeah?"
"Hmm." Taion brought a hand to his chin. "An interesting sensation. Strange, and yet, not unpleasant."
Eunie gave him a disapproving look. "Are you seriously rating my performance? Give me a break. I've never done that before!"
"N-no, of course not!” he said, realizing his blunder. “I was just saying... I found it enjoyable."
She could only laugh at his reaction. "Come on, I was joking. Of course you enjoyed it! You wouldn't unless you liked me too."
"Ah... I suppose I can't deny that."
When they returned to camp, Sena was asleep, and there were faint sounds of Riku and Manana carrying on a conversation some distance away. Mio, who was writing in her diary, looked up as Eunie and Taion approached. "Oh, you're back! Is everything good with you two?"
"Yeah," Eunie responded. "Everything okay here?"
"It's been quiet. Noah and Lanz went to visit Isurd, and the rest of us have been relaxing here. I feel like taking a little walk inside though. You guys gonna stay here?"
Something made Eunie look at Taion, who instinctively looked back at her. "Um... yeah. At least, I wasn't planning on going anywhere."
"All right," Mio said, standing up. "I'll see you all in a bit, then."
When she was gone, Eunie and Taion moved to empty chairs that had been placed next to each other. They sat in silence for a few moments, reflecting on their conversation beneath the stars.
Watching the campfire, Eunie suddenly felt inspired. "Hey Taion, wanna try that thing again? You know, the kiss?"
"Wh-what... you mean here?" Taion asked nervously.
"No one's looking..."
Despite her assurances, Taion quickly scanned the camp for witnesses, and then turned back to her. "W-well, all right."
They eyed one another awkwardly as if waiting on the other's cue, and then leaned into one another. Their lips barely touched when they heard-
"Oi, don't do that here. I'm trying to keep my meal down."
The two immediately jerked apart, turning to the one who had interrupted them. "Lanz?!" Eunie shouted, her face red. "What the spark?!"
Lanz was standing behind them with his hands on his hips. "I should be saying that," he said unapologetically. "When did this start, eh?"
"That's none of your business!"
"It is my business when it's our camp!"
"Hey... what's going on?" a groggy Sena mumbled, looking up from her sleeping mat.
"Oh, hey Sena!" Lanz said. "You're not gonna believe this. I just caught these two trying to eat each other's faces."
"Huh?" Sena blinked in her confusion, but decided to let it go. "You guys are crazy," she finally said, closing her eyes.
"Hear that? Sena called you crazy."
Eunie was quick on her feet. "Get out of here, arsehole!"
Despite the young woman's threatening stance, Lanz didn't flinch. "Nope. I'm just gonna sit over there. Everyone else''ll be back soon anyway." Ignoring Eunie's death glare, he went over to the other side of the campfire.
"Eunie, it's all right," Taion assured her. "There... there'll be another time."
With a frustrated growl, she lowered herself back into her seat.
It wasn't long before Noah returned to the camp, followed by Mio, and then Riku and Manana. Eunie greeted them in a more friendly manner than she had Lanz, but her disappointment was slow to wane.
That is, until she felt a warmth upon her wrist. It was Taion, sliding his hand into hers. Eunie gasped inaudibly and turned to him; as their eyes locked, it was enough to put her heart at ease. Managing a smile, she turned back to the fire, its sounds drowning out the conversations around her. She gave Taion's hand a gentle squeeze, finally relaxing in the moment.