33 Talk it Ou

The three moons dimly light the small path we trek. The smell of flowers in bloom hangs in the air accompanied by the harmonious sounds created by wildlife. Lark and I walk in silence, both of us trying to find to right words to say. We know what we want to talk about, but neither of us seems able to bring it up. We remain quiet as the silence grows awkward.

"Would you like to sit?" Lark offers.

"What?" he gestures to a fallen log I didn't notice we came across, "Sure."

The silence stretches on, and I grasp for a way to break it.

"How's the arm?" I question.

"Arm? Right, yeah. It's fine. Never thanked you for that, huh?" he awkwardly replies.

"Thanked me?"

"For helping it, you know, regrow and everything."

"Right..." till now, I still haven't properly thought about it. At the time everything happened so fast it was over before I knew it. Thinking about it now, the best way to explain what it felt like is, life. Pure, unfiltered energy of life, flowing through me for a mere second and at that moment I know I can easily become addicted to the feeling. And that terrifies me. Picking up on my unease, Lark thankfully doesn't ask how did I do it.

Instead asks, "Why did you help me?" looking me straight in the eye.

My brows jump, that was the last question I expected him to ask. "Do I need a reason to help someone?"

His eyes widen, clearly not expecting that reply. "Well, no, but..." He falls into silence thinking. After all, people don't typically help another unless they benefit from it.

I can feel his suspicion, I sigh, "Alright, I do have ulterior motives." he tenses, "I did it in hopes we can be friends." He really didn't expect me to say that. I chuckle at his surprise. "What? Is that such a weird thing to hope for?"

"People don't typically try to befriend a low born soldier, from Unit 13 nonetheless."

"I'm aware most people look at status when making friends," I make a small smile, "but I'm not like most people. You're a kind, funny, and loyal person. Trying to keep himself hidden under a heavy mask, out of fear of ignorant people, who would focus on what you are and not who you are. And despite that, you don't let it twist you into a hateful person, which means you have a strong heart and firm convictions. Only an idiot wouldn't want that type of person as a friend."

He doesn't speak nor does he move, but somehow I can sense the hard shell he has around his heart, crack. "Friends?" he slowly speaks almost afraid to hope.

"Of course."

Laughter bubbles out of him, a bright sound that booms into the night sky. Different from the deliberately sexy laugh I've seen him use on women. This one is genuine without motive lighting up his face. I'm startled at the sudden outpouring of his emotions, but I can feel his relief and joy.

As his laughter dies, we lapse into a comfortable silence.

Unable to help myself, I say, "You're not going to ask how I knew you were a hybrid?"

He hesitates, "I'd be lying if I didn't say I considered it, but I knew you wouldn't tell me."

He's right; I wouldn't tell him, less because it's a huge secret and more because it would sound ridiculous if I said it out loud. "And you're okay with that? I could have horrible and sinister reasons with plans to manipulate you into doing my bidding."

"The fact you said that alone makes me doubt you would ever do it," he hesitates once more choosing his words carefully. "I don't understand what happened, but I know you're not the same Princess Nadia as before."

Now it's my turn to tense.

"But, I can also tell your kindness is genuine, though I still struggle to believe it."

I smile in happy relief.

He smiles back, "So Emma, what now?"

"Now, we try to make it back to the capital, Naora. Hopefully in one piece."

He sighs, "This hasn't been the best rescue, has it?"

I smile, "There have been a few unexpected incidents," I say woefully understating everything that's happened so far.

We laugh, which is how Irvin found us with Daric trailing behind.

Unhappy Irvin snaps, "Lark the perimeter needs to be checked."

"Yes, Commander," Lark pops up and leaves with a backward wave.

I remain sitting. "Careful Commander, if you keep making that face, it might get stuck that way." I could tell I'm irritating him, but he smooths out his expression.

Daric takes Lark's seat. I tuck him into my side out of what has become a habit. I stay there for a time knowing it was further annoying Irvin. He remains quiet as he keeps watch. When I finally stroll back, it's well into the night. The others are settling in; we reach a tree with a broad base, snapping twigs along the way. Propped against the trunk, Daric and I immediately fall asleep succumbing to exhaustion.