Walking Distance

Noir's ears perked up, capturing every syllable as Kevin uttered the name "Elna." In response, Noir's expression softened, and a flicker of recognition sparked within his mind. Faint memories, like wisps of smoke, began to materialize, teasing his consciousness.

"The name... It rings a bell," Noir spoke softly, his voice carrying a hint of relief. The mention of Elna rekindled something within him, evoking fragments of precious memories. Yet, it was as if a veil had been cast over those recollections, obscuring the details.

"Yeah, so, um," Kevin continued, his words slightly hesitant and awkward. "What if I tell you that she used to work as a mercenary and then became a teacher at the academy? And, uh, there were rumors going around that she would playfully rub her butt on students' faces or stomachs as a sort of... gift, you know?" Kevin's words hung in the air, the atmosphere tinged with a mixture of curiosity and discomfort. As he spoke, Noir's expression shifted, a blend of surprise and amusement playing across his features.

Aroan blushed, his cheeks flushing at the thought of such peculiar behavior from a teacher. He cleared his throat, attempting to steady his fast-beating heart, preparing himself for the unexpected. His hands instinctively tightened around his mythical sword, finding solace in its familiar weight and presence.

Noir's eyebrows furrowed as he absorbed Kevin's words about Elna. His heart rate quickened slightly, a subtle flutter in his chest as memories of her started to resurface, along with the rumors that surrounded her. He delved deep into his thoughts, contemplating the significance of these recollections. Suddenly, he shook his head, snapping back to reality, realizing what Kevin had just said. An involuntary blush tinted his cheeks, prompting him to instinctively cover his face with his left hand, momentarily hiding his embarrassment.

"So, Noir does remember," Kevin's voice carried a hint of smugness, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on Noir, awaiting a response. Yet, Noir remained silent, trapped in a whirlwind of emotions. His face flushed a deep shade of red, his embarrassment intensifying. Memories of the events that transpired with Elna in the academy flooded his mind, evoking a sense of sadness. Slowly but surely, the memories began to resurface, enveloping him in their grip. A nervous gulp escaped his throat as he fought to maintain a facade of calmness, concealing the shame and embarrassment that weighed upon him.

With a quick nod, Aroan tried to regain his composure, though his face and demeanor betrayed the turmoil within him. He sought to hide the deep-rooted emotions from Kevin and Vanilla, his shame and embarrassment threatening to consume him. "Yeah, so, we're ready," he managed to say, his voice tinged with determination. His grip tightened around his sword, a symbol of his unwavering resolve, as he held it away from his sling.

"Well, let's go meet her!" Kevin exclaimed, his excitement evident in his voice. He took confident strides, forging ahead through the forest. The soft crunch of leaves beneath his feet accompanied his movements, creating a gentle rhythm. Noir followed suit, his presence a silent but resolute force, his footsteps echoing Kevin's.

Meanwhile, Vanilla, the devoted phoenix, took charge of the situation. With careful precision, she grasped onto Timmy's pants, using her beak to guide him towards a safe cabin. There, they would patiently await the return of the trio, as they prepared to confront Elna and fulfill their mission.