Two days later, the afternoon sun hung high above the mountain range as Alex and Saeko made their way back toward the city Luminaria. The narrow trail wound through ancient pines whose branches swayed gently in the breeze. Birds chirped from the canopy while rays of sunlight pierced through the leaves, painting the forest floor with shifting patches of gold.
Neither spoke.
The morning's spar had been exhausting despite ending without a true victor. Or rather... without Alex ever fighting seriously.
Saeko glanced sideways at him.
"You planned that from the beginning."
Alex smiled innocently.
"What?"
"You never intended to test your limits."
"I intended to test yours."
She sighed.
"...You're impossible."
"And yet you still follow me."
"I've been making that mistake for years."
They both laughed quietly.
It was peaceful.
Too peaceful.
Alex's smile slowly faded.
His footsteps stopped.
Saeko noticed immediately.
"...Alex?"
His eyes narrowed.
