After a long day of work, it felt nice to finally sit down and rejuvenate for some time. The food filling her stomach slowly did everything to quench Asura's tiredness and by the end of it, she was refreshed and awakened. It seemed as though Haru was far too tired after the trio's little escapade and rushed to his room to rest up, which the blonde could understand. She'd probably be tired too if she hadn't slept the entire day away and was now, as awake and well-rested as she had ever been. Asura wondered whether Akira would go to sleep, as well. Maybe, she might considering that she neither of the two were very talkative and so, it could become awkward. Hence, Asura decided she'd head to either to her room and read or maybe head outside for a while.

However, she was surprised when the raven muttered about not being too sleepy and asked whether Asura was tired. It seemed as though someone was rather chatty today. The raven did seem a little self-conscious of Asura's response as she could see her anxiously fiddling and could note the emotions transpiring through her face. At Akira's question of whether she'd want to go for a walk, Asura wondered whether she had mind reading skills. She quickly said it was okay if Asura didn't but before, the raven could finish, the blonde shook her head lightly.

"I'm not too tired." She said, "Well, after all, I did spend my entire day sleeping so I'm rather well-rested and awake now. The walk sounds like a good idea." She would lightly attempt to smile towards the raven's direction and would hope that it didn't look too weird. Asura got up and removed her apron as she motioned for Akira to follow her out of the kitchen. The restaurant was pretty empty as they made their way out of it. Asura stopped and turned back to Akira. "Wait here for a moment okay? I'm just gonna grab a sweater for both of us in case it's too cold outside." If Akira agreed, the blonde would quickly race to her room, grab two sweaters, her pair of rounded glasses and head downstairs. She'd hand one to Akira as she put on her glasses and say, "Ready to go? You can back out still if you want, no pressure." Of course, if Akira had changed her mind in this short while, the blonde would go out herself as she had initially planned to.

It certainly appeared as though Akira's mood had gone up quite a notch, as she could note from her tone which had become enthusiastic. The soft way she uttered her thanks, not only once but twice made Asura realize the fact that Akira was still a kid. The blonde let out a little giggle at the raven's insistence of not backing out from the walk and she motioned for Akira to follow along as the duo would exit the bar just as Batra told them to stay safe. "Thank you for your concern, Batra. Good night." Asura would say to him and closed the door behind her as Akira had already exited.

At Akira's mention of the sweater being quite soft, the blonde let out a little smile at her as she put her hands in her coat pocket. "Do you like it? You can keep it if you want." Asura said, "As for where I got it, well, I stitched it myself. Surprise, huh? I probably don't look like the type." The blonde would then, go forward as the moon's rays descended on the two girls. There was hardly a soul out in the streets of Crocus, the city was quiet although, some drunk laughter could still be heard in the distance. Asura had to make sure that they wouldn't pass any sketchy people. While she was sure that Akira could take care of herself, she'd rather avoid any form of confrontation especially, when it was nearing almost one in the night.

Asura would walk in a particular direction, one that led to a small, nearby park. She had went recently there to train some kids and had met Fenrir by chance. Maybe, she and Akira would walk to the park, sit for some time and come back, afterwards. Regardless, at her improved enthusiasm, even the blonde found herself to be somewhat glad that Akira asked her for a walk.

"So, now that I think about it, we don't really know much about each other, huh?" Asura commented as she was walking. That fact was true. Asura had met Akira when the girl had went missing; even then, they didn't talk much. They had met in the bar too but for some reason, the blonde's memory of that night was extremely fuzzy and so, she didn't remember much. And, then they met today so while Asura knew Haru to some extent, with Akira, she was still rather clueless and hoped to get to know the girl during this time.

The blonde couldn't help but let out a little chuckle at Akira's hesitance to take the sweater once she'd learned that Asura had been the one to make it. This girl was very much like a child and it felt almost refreshing having someone who was perhaps, a little more clueless than the blonde normally was. "It's fine, you can have it, I mean it." Asura reassured the raven, hoping that she wouldn't feel obligated to decline it. Plus, truth be told, the blonde wanted her to have it. "I would appreciate it if you did take it actually. I've never had anyone to give anything to and if you'd accept it, then, you'd be the first one to and that would make me happy. Because it's kind of sad when you make things only to not have anyone to give them to." The blonde had murmured the last part of her little dialogue as she really did not intend for this to become some sad escapade.

Asura shook her head lightly as Akira remarked that she had long ago, forgone the habit of judging people by their appearance as she had been judged many a times too and frankly, Asura could relate. The blonde nodded in appreciation and said, "Well, that's a really good trait to have. More people should have that quality in them." It was true in the sense that although to most people, Asura Nightshade was a blank canvas, if they took the time to look deeper, they'd see that she was filled with colours just as vibrant as the world's were.

"So," she started, "while we're at it, let's do a game of 20 questions. I ask one question to you and then you ask me one." Asura hoped that this would do an effective job to make their little walk a bit more interesting. "I'll go first. If you don't want to answer, you don't have to." She said, hoping to the raven more comfortable. "How do you and Haru know each other?" She looked at the raven through her rounded glasses and patiently waited for a response.

Akira's determination to try to answer as many questions as possible caught the blonde a little off-guard. From the little meetings they'd had, she hadn't pegged Akira to be such a boisterous person but as she herself said so, looks can be deceiving. Hence, when the raven replied to her question with an answer the blonde had already guessed or assumed previously, Asura merely nodded her head and said, "I thought as much." At her eagerness to ask her question, Asura kindly nodded at her to go ahead. Normally, the blonde would hesitate to disclose much about herself but today, underneath the moonlight that radiated upon the two females, Asura felt at peace. Something that she hadn't felt in a long while. It were as if the harsh waves had calmed down, the rough winds had become serene and the world, for a moment, stopped moving and became still; became peaceful. Maybe it was the emptiness of the city or maybe it was the presence of the figure beside her, with her quiet voice and soft persona but whatever it was, Asura appreciated the little break.

So, when Akira asked her why she joined the Rune Knights, the blonde had already expected that question. She put a strand of her hair behind her ear as she adjusted her glasses. "Well, to be honest, my reason was the same as everyone else's, really." Asura said as she got a little more comfy in her coat, "Maybe a little more personal, though, I suppose. If you want to know the whole story, that'll take a bit of time but short version is because I want, in some way, to make a world where everyone feels like they belong. There's too much evil in this world and maybe, even in ourselves, that sometimes, we don't recognize it. It'd be nice to have that go away and to just live without worrying about being shunned, about not being loved, about not belonging. I think that would be a...peaceful future to have." Memories enraptured her mind, of her youth, of her parents, of the orphanage, of places where she didn't belong and nostalgia took her over for a minute before she shook her head and looked back at the girl.

At Akira's glee of being the first person who had ever accepted something from Asura, the blonde couldn't help but let out a little soft smile. It was obvious; the emotions that the young raven was showcasing were her genuine emotions. Facial expressions tend to tell a lot about a person's personality and beliefs and over the years, Asura had watched and watched until she could read the little curve of the lips, the crinkle of the eyes, the scrunching of the nose and from Akira's eyes that were filled with the purest form of joy, the blonde indeed, felt like she had done the right thing.

The girl next to her stated that she does judge people by personality and Asura offered a nod in return. "And that's the way it should be," she said. It was true most people nowadays were judged by appearance. A relatively good looking man or woman by society's standards was bound to earn higher favours and options during the course of their entire life than someone who was well, not that good looking. Which was honestly sickening. It was good that Akira developed that since a young age. Asura knew that feeling all too well; her monotonous face would irk people and they'd scatter away from her. Which is why she was glad that the people she had met had given her a chance; a chance wherein now she could smile at the other girl without worrying about how it would come across.


"If you'd like to know more, I'd be happy to tell. But, for now, it's my turn." Asura winked lightly at the girl as she proceeded to think of a question. "Well, is it alright if I ask the same question? Why did you join the Rune Knights? You're rather young to be stuck with a bunch of oldies like us." Hopefully, Akira would sense the joke and reciprocate and hopefully, Akira would answer her question as well.

The blonde let out a little laugh when the raven joked about wasting her first question and as she answered Asura's own question, the blonde could sense that Akira's tone was almost uncertain. As if she didn't know the answer herself and closed up. That was odd. She had thought that perhaps, Akira's would be like hers and in a way, it was; to help people but there was the air of hesitance around it. When she asked if that was a bad thing, Asura quickly shook her head and said, "No, of course not. In fact, it's a great thing. If you're gifted with magic, which is not something everyone is born with me, I mean, look at me, then you should use it in whatever you can to do something. Your cause is a good one and frankly, I can see that in everything you do, even the small ones, the pure intentions. You should be proud of yourself and never second guess what your instincts tell you to do." She didn't know why she had said almost a monologue of sorts but Asura felt as though, maybe it was something that the young girl needed to hear.

They sat down on the cold bench, the blonde snuggling herself deeper into her blanket as she nodded when Akira asked her whether it was her turn next. The woman wondered what the raven would throw at her this time. They had started off with basic questions and might just remain within that territory or may delve deeper into something. Regardless, she anticipated it. But, when Akira hit her with the question, for a second, Asura was confused. She looked towards the raven and blinked, wondering where the question even came from. This was a full zero to hundred jump real fast. Asura opened her mouth but then closed it again and she did this for 2-3 times until her face scrunched up in thought. What would she do to abolish slavery? Hmm. "Well," Asura started, "first of all, that's an interesting question. And second of all, if I did have the chance to do something, I feel like I'd change it from within. No person is truly evil, they were never born evil and so I feel as though, most people can change if they're just guided to the right path. Of course, that doesn't apply to everyone. But I would probably work my way to a position where I had the power to do something about it, just try to avoid as much violence as possible. And, then abolish it, ban it, arrest those who were a part of it, punish them for what they've done and if they truly show remorse, then forgive them only after giving them what they deserve." And, the woman was a true believer of that. A person getting what they deserved.

To think that it was because of Asura that the normally stoic girl had let out a genuine grin did a lot to warm her heart. Ever since they began their little walk outside, Akira had been receptive although, a little hesitant at first and the blonde could really see it take form now with her light chuckles and firm opinions. In a way, it felt nice. To be the reason for someone's smile and Asura had to admit in their short time knowing each other, the raven had firmly planted herself in Asura's life. Of course, it was very sudden thing; their first meeting was extremely rocky, their second meeting was filled with forgotten and hazy memories, their third one was filled with a chaotic kitchen and now this. So, to think that they beat all those awkward moments and were suddenly, in a position where they were walking under the moonlight, saying words that they've never said before, was a little odd yet, endearing. Asura finally felt like she knew what it meant to have the desire to protect someone dear to you and not to mention, the fact that Akira looks like such a small and vulnerable child certainly brings about the protectiveness in anyone.

Regardless, that question had certainly come out the blue, maybe it was due to the recent happenings with the kingdom that Akira had questioned it? So, she looked at Akira and asked, "Now, it's my turn. Where did that question come from, I'm just curious, and what are your thoughts on it?" Asura laid her chin on her hand as she stared at the other girl.

When Akira mentioned her worries of being in the Rune Knights, Asura felt irked. Not at her, but at the behaviour of the Rune Knights. With the recent turn of events, it wasn't hard to guess why they were acting as such. It was very widely known and believed that dark magic was associated with evil and this narrow minded thinking existed even within the Knights. Akira's recently attained light magic was quite obviously the reason for their change in demeanor. After all, it was the "purer" magic. Asura felt sick to her stomach and this explainable feeling of rage took over. "Hmpf." Asura remarked, "Well, clearly the Knights don't know what they're missing out on. Honestly, to treat you in such a way just because of what you have. That doesn't determine what your values are. I'm pretty sure you're stronger and can do a lot more to help people than more than half of them can." Asura was angry indeed, to treat someone in such a horrible way was unacceptable and the fact that Akira had been subjected to this for the longest time made the blonde so frustrated that she almost wanted to slap everyone who did this to her. She briefly wondered how Haru treated her, from the looks of it, they got along well and he was extremely worried when she disappeared so she was sure their relationship must be fine.

After Asura answered Akira's question, she was a little surprised by the raven's mention of her being optimistic. A light giggle left her lips as she nodded and thought about it. "I wouldn't say optimistic," Asura commented as she scrunched her face in thought, "More like realistic. I just think that people need to be given a second chance unless, of course, they're completely hopeless which is why a few, yeah, can't do anything about them." When Akira mentioned about the ruthless ones going to power and that Arthurias played a tit for tat game, the blonde couldn't help but agree. After all, it was true, given the recent turn of events that those who were ruthless and selfish made it to the top and had everyone wrapped around their finger, exploiting them, the people who trusted the nobility with their lives. Arthurias changed that in a way but were his methods right would only be answered when they would see how he would lead. "We'll just have to wait and see how that turns out."

Akira's reply to Asura's other question of why she asked it had the blonde slightly surprised. Truth be told, she didn't remember much of that night. All she remembered was that she woke up in the kitchen of all places with a pounding headache and Batras looked like he hadn't slept all night. When she asked him what happened, he just gave her a blank look and walked away. Asura hadn't thought on that much ever since then however, now that Akira mentioned that she and Fia had gotten rather rowdy, flashes of that night entered Asura's brain. She had no idea how she would act when drunk as she had never drank enough to render her in that state and the blonde scratched the back of her neck as she tightened her sweater around herself and got more comfortable on her seat.

"Well, I'd like it if you forget that. I'm pretty sure I sprouted some nonsense, the in-the-moment type of thing. While I won't deny that I was angry, I still would like to think that what he may have worth it, I suppose." She paused for a second, thinking on her words and then also added, "And yeah, I can understand why Haru would be angry. You're underage, you shouldn't have drank in the first place, young lady."

When Akira gave her answer, Asura lightly nodded her head. It was understandable, even Asura hadn't ever thought of something like that happening so the answer was based on what she thought she could do, but it doesn't mean that it has to happen. Though, when she mentioned being hopeless with the system, Asura let out a grunt in acknowledgment, she could completely understand that. "Yeah, we need a change. A big one and who knows how long that might take."

It was strange how their conversation seemed to shift from more somber topics to those that were relatively light-hearted within the span of a few seconds; there were no awkward pauses, no shifting feeling of non-comfort, just a raw and pure sense of calmness and belonging. It worked in a weird way how two people that were so different yet, alike could manage to fit with each other like puzzle pieces. Both of them were rather on the quiet side but not afraid to show what they believe in; they were those that would avoid unnecessary meddling but at the same time, would put their life on the line to protect the innocent. But both of them were also different in the way that they approached things, in some of their mindsets. Whether that was a result of gap in their age or the way they were brought up remained an untreaded path for either of them. Regardless of that fact, Asura could sense a form of pureness in Akira that she had never seen before. Or, maybe she had. The youngling was far too mature for her age, having stumbled upon aspects of life that no sixteen year should have to witness and maybe in a way, Asura knew what it felt like to be forced to grow up before your time.

The next question surprised the older Knight as she wondered about what she should answer Akira. Does she have anyone she likes? As far as Asura knew, not really. There were of course, good looking people but the blonde was highly inexperienced in this area and so she shook her head. "Not yet. Maybe soon. I'm not too sure and I don't know if I'm looking for someone." She shrugged and turned to the other with the knowing smile. "So, what about you? Anything with Haru?" Asura had wondered this for quite a well and it seemed she would get her answer now.

The response she received from Akira was slightly jarring in the sense that the younger one openly claimed that the discrimination that existed in their rampant world was what was most likely, one of the leading reasons why we even had evil in the first place. And, while, that was a fact that Asura had come to accept and acknowledge long ago, the fact that Akira commented on it and even gave the implication that she could have swerved that way made a heavy feeling rise in the blonde's heart. What that feeling was, she didn't know; it was a mixture of relief, realization and helplessness. Relief that the raven chose not to go to the wrong side even though everything around her compelled her to, realization at the fact that those who were involved in Arthurias' plan all possibly hailed from those circumstances and helplessness at the wake of the feeling of not being able to do anything to stop this. It was a rough patch, an odd spiral of feelings yet, the blonde couldn't help the light smile that laced her lips, aimed towards the other female, with her eyes crinkling behind her glasses, in a form of pride that Asura never thought she could feel. "Well," she said, keeping a hand on Akira's, "I'm just glad you stuck around. It must have been hard but I hope that it was worth it. Fate may have treated you badly before but I'm sure there are great things in store for you in the future. Just don't ever let what they say dictate who you are." 

Akira's slight hesitance and shyness when declaring that she was probably not as strong as Asura assumed certainly made a chuckle release itself from the blonde's lips. It was cute how she doubted herself when both of them knew that the raven's strength was superior to at least, half of the Rune Knights who commented on her behind her back. There was no shame in admitting as such and Asura would even proudly claim that Akira may be even more stronger than the blonde herself if the aura that she gave out and her performance during the war was any indicator. However, she kept that comment to herself and lightly shook her head at the raven's insistence of not being that strong. "Nonsense, I haven't fully seen what you're capable of but I'm pretty sure you're better than most Knights. Strong is a subjective word so I can't claim for sure though what I am sure of is your potential to do great things in the future and the fact that you're trying to work hard for is an example of that." It felt odd giving someone confidence and appreciating them for their strengths; a sight that Asura had never subjected herself to due to the fact that she would just avoid any and everything. Her hesitance of what lies in the unknown kept her from experiencing a lot of things but after the war, it felt like something had changed. As if the realization that there may not be a tomorrow attached itself to her very core and so, if anything, she wanted to make sure that tonight would hopefully, end with Akira just a little bit more confident and with Asura having a companion to confide in especially, seeing how they both didn't hesitate to point out how unruly the Knights could really be as Asura let out a light laugh at Akira's claim of them being lazy.

At the other's declaration of not wanting to forget the drunken night, the blonde let a pout envelop her lips as she looked at the raven in a mix of embarrassment and glee. She shrugged, bumping shoulders with the younger girl and said, "Fine if you don't want to forget but don't hold me for anything I said that night even though, I hear they say your true feelings come out when you're drunk...." The blonde pondered on what her true feelings regarding the new emperor were but it wasn't a topic she was rather comfortable with speaking about seeing as she herself didn't know what to feel so she shrugged. "But yeah, just leave the me-insulting-the-emperor part out, please." She lightly pouted at the younger hoping to illicit some type of response and when Akira claimed to have been curious about alcohol, even though Asura wanted to give her a pointed look, she instead gave her a cheeky one. "Well, I suppose it's fine once in a while." She said, shrugging non-chalantly, "Just make sure to only take enough to sate your curiosity because alcohol can be a very dangerous thing. Also, I recommend wine for future tries, much more classy and suitable for us who don't want to get a little too tipsy."

The blonde listened to the girl sitting beside her as she commented on how difficult change can be, only nodding in reply. Indeed, Akira was far more wise than Asura had initially predicted but it was that trait of hers that made their conversation far more interesting. 

When Akira said that Asura was pretty, the blonde couldn't help but become a slight shade of red. She was never good with compliments, after all. "Oh stop it, you. I'm pretty sure no one's been looking for me. If they are, well, sad luck for them because they're in for a very boring and bland relationship." She merely shrugged after that, not too keen on dwelling on it. Akira's flustered nature at her answer of what she and Haru were made a cheeky grin escape the blonde. It was clear there were feelings involved but it was also clear that Akira herself didn't know what they were and so, Asura decided to poke this topic another time again. Maybe she could ask Haru what he thought of Akira as well. She'd have to keep that in mind.

"Hmm," Asura said as she pondered over Akira's next question, "What would I want in my partner?" It was a rather, difficult question to answer. Because, after all, there would never be someone who would be able to meet all of Asura's criteria, that was a part of being a human, filled with flaws and imperfections but if there was one thing that Asura wanted, it was this. "I guess I want someone who would want to love me for me and not try to change my flaws in any way. I think that's the purest form of love." She wondered whether she should ask Akira the same but then, wondered whether the latter was too young for this questioning. Then again, she did ask her about her romantic alliance with Haru so maybe she had crossed that line already. 

The two kept on talking for a while more, asking questions back and forth, until sleep decided to creep up on them which urged them to return back to the inn. It was well after three in the morning when they returned and the two giggled their way to Asura's room where they talked some more in the early hours of the morning until, finally, they lulled into a peaceful sleep. For the first time in a while, Asura slept with a smile on her face. For the first time in a while, she felt like she had spent a day fulfilled and it was all because of the blossoming place that Akira took in her life.