When our lips met, the world continued to turn, unaffected by the moment we shared. The Dark Hour arrived each night, casting a sickly green light over everything.
However, there was a shift within me that brought about positive change. It seemed as though I had wandered aimlessly for a long time, and at last, I had discovered my path back home.
In the days that followed, the focus shifted to discovering a new rhythm. My father is now living with us in the dorm. He remained silent, primarily observing us with attentive eyes.
He was a man dedicated to science, and his entire comprehension of the world had been shattered. He was attempting to reassemble the pieces in a fresh manner once more.
He refrained from discussing the things he had witnessed that seemed beyond the realm of possibility. Rather, he assisted in modest, practical manners.
He took the time to repair various items throughout the dormitory. He assisted Akihiko in organizing his training notes.
I also observed him instructing Makoto on how to brew a superior cup of coffee. They required only a few words.
One afternoon, he spoke to me in a straightforward manner. "She's good for you," he remarked, gazing out the window.
"Mitsuru. When she gazes at you, she perceives no issue at all. She perceives a solution."
I gave a nod of my head. "She perceives every part of me."
He nodded slowly in response. That was his way of expressing his approval.
Life continued its course. We attended school. We completed our homework. We engaged in a discussion about films. Yet, beneath the surface of our everyday existence, an unseen battle raged on.
The battles we faced in Tartarus seemed to carry a different weight now. We had greater confidence in ourselves. We truly functioned as a cohesive unit.
One evening within the tower, a swift Shadow darted by Akihiko, making its way toward Yukari. In the past, I may have found myself freezing or losing my grip on the situation.
This time, I maintained my composure. I noticed Mitsuru looking at me from across the room. Her gaze brought me a sense of calm.
I chose not to resist the authority. I requested assistance from it. I caused the Shadow to decelerate.
It functioned flawlessly. The creature advanced as if it were ensnared in thick mud, each movement slow and laborious. Junpei acted without a moment's pause. He entered and, with a single, smooth motion, removed it effortlessly.
"You did an amazing job!" he exclaimed, beaming with joy. His eyes no longer held any fear. Simply trust.
I was in the process of learning. The dreadful force within me was increasingly merging with my being, akin to an arm or a leg. I was discovering the proper way to use it.
Eventually, I discovered Mitsuru by herself in the command room. The lights had been turned off. She sat there, clad in her school uniform, her gaze fixed on an empty space. She appeared to be weary. The burden of leadership, tied to her family name, rested heavily upon her shoulders.
"You really need to get some sleep," I said gently.
She raised her gaze. "It's so quiet," she murmured softly. "Strega is out there, devising a plan. I can sense it deeply within me. This moment feels like a tranquil pause, a serene interlude that precedes the impending chaos."
"We will be prepared," I assured her.
"I understand." She rested her head gently against my arm. "It's simply that I used to bear all of this by myself."
"The errors made by my family. All things. However, at this moment..." Her voice had a delicate quality. "Now I'm not alone."
I wrapped my arm around her gently. "We are now carrying it together."
We remained in that position for an extended period. Neither as a leader nor as a soldier. Like two individuals, carrying the burden together.
As I accompanied her to her room that evening, she paused at her door. She gazed directly at me, her expression solemn in the soft glow of the dim light.
"Regardless of what unfolds from here," she said, her voice soft.
"We confront it as one. Every hero has companions on their journey. Nobody makes sacrifices for themselves. We remain united."
I gazed deeply into her eyes. I observed the powerful leader, yet I also caught a glimpse of the genuine individual beneath, filled with her fears and aspirations.
"We will face this together," I assured.
She offered me a genuine, subtle smile. She rose up on her toes and pressed her lips against mine. The kiss was gentle, yet it carried the weight of a promise. After that, she entered her room and gently shut the door behind her.
I found myself standing in the hallway, and for the very first time in my life, a sense of solitude did not envelop me. I found myself with my father, seeking to comprehend. I had my friends who were always there for me. I had her with me.
The storm continued to approach. I could sense it deeply within me. Yet, I found that fear of the dark no longer held any power over me. Now, I had companions to stand by my side during the night.