Speedrun

As Asuka spoke, Arthur's grew more and more sympathetic to the girl. Unlike with Ichigo, she did not leave out many details when telling the boy. All she experienced, felt and thought. When she finished, to say Arthur was shocked and horrified by it all would be an understatement. 

"What do I even say. 'It's gonna be alright.' 'You'll make it through this.' Nothing sounds definitive."

Before he could continue his thoughts, Asuka spoke to him in a weak voice.

"I...I know. It's a lot. I understand if its too much for you."

Arthur, stuck on what to say, tried to reach out his hand to comfort the girl. Seeing this, she flinched slightly making him stop. Nervously, she looked away from him unable to maintain eye contact.

"S-sorry. You shouldn't-"

A sudden force pulled her to the right and it didn't stop until her right shoulder touched his left. She couldn't process that Arthur had pulled her in until he began speaking to her.

"You're right. It is a lot. And I would be arrogant and a lie for me to say I can give you any certainties about what is to come. But what I can guarantee, is that I'm here for you Asuka. And you've got a lot of people who are there for you too."

While those words of comfort soothed here heart a little, there was still a great burden weighing on her mind.

"But Arthur...I failed. I swore to save her. And I failed."

Tears began to form in Asuka's eye. Before they fell, Arthur softly swept his finger across her face. Without saying a word he gently wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his chest.

"No matter what what you think of yourself or if you fail to do keep a promise I will always be there for you. And the same goes for everyone home."

To Asuka's disappointment, he pulled away from her but kept his hands around hers. He then looked to the horizon where a deep orange color was peering over. Standing with his hands still holding hers, he gave her a bright smile. A smile no one but her could see. 

"The sun's rising. We should head back okay."

Smiling, Asuka stood and nodded at the suggestions. Turning to the woods, a look of concern crossed Asuka's face. 

"What is it Asuka?"

"I just realized that the orphanage is pretty far away. While I can make it back pretty easy, I don't want to get hurt."

"Oh, you don't need to worry about me Asuka. I'll probably be sore for a few days but I should be fine."

Suddenly Asuka pulled Arthur towards her and in one fluid motion, put him on her back.

"Huh?! W-wait Asuka put me down!"

"Don't worry. We'll be back in no time."

Pouring anima into her legs, she launched herself forward only leaving Arthurs shrieks. It was only a couple of seconds before she finally realized who she had been with and who was on her back.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"