The day after

Remind me to never try this experience again, not that Emilia is a bad pillow but saying no to her is simply impossible in this position.  Speaking of her, what is she doing with me in the same bed?  Good thing she was dressed.  Phew!  In any case, it's time to wake her up.

“Are you awake, Emilia?”

"Mmm... Louis? I'm a little tired... Is that you?"

"Of course it's me. I'm sorry, but I have to wake you up."

I move my arm a little so I can look Emilia in the eyes.

“Do you remember what happened?”

It serves as a pillow for me when we are on the tree and... nothing more.  And after....

She suddenly becomes surprised to see me so close and blushes a lot, again.  She looks away and hides in the covers as if I see her completely naked.  However, she is dressed;  which confirms that nothing happened.  So she should be relieved, right?

"Um... no, not really.  Last night was... something."

“Yeah, it was quite a night.”

“I have to get up... Louis, can you let go of me?”

I get up and notice that fortunately I am dressed too.  I hope that in Emilia's case, she understands that nothing weird happened between us.  She looks up, keeping an eye on me, tries to hide her face because it is full of red from shame.

"Louis, that was... strange..."

Ah... On second thought, that doesn't explain everything.

“Yes, it is… I feel like we just had an intimate moment… but at the same time we just spent time together as close friends, nothing more…”

Which is pretty healthy.

"It's not something I thought was possible.  I mean...how can a situation like this not result in a more intimate relationship between the two people?"

I know the answer.

"Because you and I would never go into this without taking everyone's feelings into consideration, would we?"

She thinks for a moment and gives an honest answer.

"No Louis, you're right about that... That would be impossible because we both know how important each other's feelings are to each other.  You know?  When I think about it, sometimes,  I wonder why you haven't tried to go further than what we have now.  The question may be a little too intimate for me to ask, but I'm still curious about one thing."

"It's very simple. You are my friend Emilia and above all I wouldn't have tried if you didn't want to."

I notice that she feels uncomfortable.  Emilia... What's happening to you?

"Louis, why didn't you try to go further? You could have, right?*"

"And why should I do that to you? It's not something you do to a friend. Minute. Would you have gone further?"

She reacts more and more to what I say to the point of blushing.  Might as well change the subject!

"Okay, we need to go to Echidna's grave. Do you agree?"

She's looking at me.  Now this is something we've been waiting for for a long time: to go to this place and possibly be able to find out what's behind this mystery.

"Yes, I agree, Louis. I want to know what is happening behind this door, which has been sealed inside and... all the mysteries that I know are hidden there in the Sanctuary. However, I  'Admit that I'm worried that what we find behind that door will be a little too scary for me. But I want to be with you, so let's go find answers."

Well said" I hold out my hand and smile tenderly.  Before arriving at my destination.  Suddenly, I push Emilia further and block a person's attack with one hand.



He wears a vest and tight pants, a blue pendant, and golden hair like a savage.  He moves with agility, then fights well, except that I block all his blows without counterattacking until we stop.  I ask him :

"Garfiel! Could you wait until later? Emilia and I want to stop by."

Surprised by Garfiel's sudden appearance, his presence freezes her, while I remain calm.  Obviously not as surprised as Emilia, and there is a reason for that: my trip around the world in 1234 steps, then several that he and I fight against her.  Yes, I have difficulty refusing the challenges that are thrown at me.

"Garfiel, we want to talk with Echidna. I'm sure you know what this is about. It's not yet time for me to talk with you, nor fight."

"Hmmmmppft! Well...okay then, but only because it's you Louis! I'll keep an eye on you!"

“You always do, Garfiel.”

Once finished, we walk towards our destination which lights up.

*We arrive at Echidna's tomb, and we find ourselves in front of the tomb where we already tried to pass in the past.  I, in his role as sole heir to the secrets of the Tomb of Woe, am preparing to open the door.  However, before I can open the doors, I take his hand in mine.

"Emilia, I must warn you that I am still not sure what awaits us beyond these doors. There may be things you do not want to see. But whatever it is, I  Promise you that I will be by your side. Okay?”

"Louis-chan... you know I trust you.  I know you won't let me down.  If it's not too much trouble for you, please open the doors so we can finally find out what awaits us at  beyond the sanctuary."

I slowly open the tomb and we enter.  The sanctuary is just as big as before.  The tomb is cold, even colder than outside.  She feels a shiver run down my spine as I wonder what lies ahead.  Although I am by her side as promised, it comforts her but she still can't get rid of this feeling of fear, nor can I.