Perseverance

The sun was now high in the sky and Asuka was seated outside with Martha and Thalia who were listening intently as the trinity told them what had occurred and what her thoughts and feelings were during that week. Though she didn't go into deep detail of her contra training.

As she got further into the details the two listeners had two different reactions.

The look of concern on Martha's face as Asuka went on became more and more apparent while Thalia remained composed and sat composed on the log of wood she shared with her granddaughters.

When she finished tears threatened to fall and Martha quickly cupped her cheeks and wiped her eyes.

"Oh my dear sister. It's all gonna be alright okay."

Martha stretched her arm around Asuka's shoulder and brought in her close to her.

"Thanks Martha."

Looking up, she noticed Thalia's unmoving expression.

"What's wrong granny?"

Hearing the question, her expression began to falter. Seeing this Asuka went to grab her hands to comfort her grandma.

Feeling the warmth of Asuka's hand she let out a shaky sigh.

"I'll tell you both another time," she said. Each word laced with emotion. Looking up into Asuka's eyes she continued.

"What I will tell you Asuka, seeking perfection whether in yourself or in the things you do will only make you feel worse. It's good that you want to do your absolute best, but perfection is a never ending journey which will only cause you more pain."

Her lips shifted upward warming Asuka's heart.

"You may be a trinity Asuka, but never forget your humanity. Only then will you be able to grow. You may have fallen, but you have also become stronger and more importantly wiser."

Raising her hand, she first lifted her index finger.

"Acceptance."

Then, her middle.

"Perseverance. Those are the two most important traits you'll need to survive in this world."

In that moment, Asuka felt a wave of unease washed over her heart. She feared that this would be the answer. Unable to maintain eye contact, she lets go of Thalia's hand and purses her lip. 

"But...but what if I'm not strong enough? What if something truly terrible happens and I just can't keep going?"

"Then don't."

Asuka confused, raises an eyebrow.

"If you're not strong enough to keep going, don't. I am not saying you should give up, but pushing yourself when your worn down is not perseverance. That is recklessness. It's very important you know the difference between the two."

"Okay. I think I understand."

"Good. There's no shame in taking a few steps back to learn, rest, train and come back stronger," Thalia said with a smile.

A similar expression found its way on Asuka and Martha's face though, the latter ones was a bit more forced. 

Suddenly, Asuka stood and stretched her arms in the air letting out a sigh. 

"Thank you both. I won't say that my confidence is fully back yet, but I am willing to try. Now if you'll excuse me, I have someone to apologize to."

With that, she ran back into the house heading to her room. Martha and Thalia quickly looked at each other with confused looks but shrugged it off. Thalia then stood about to go inside as well but she noticed Martha had remained seated with a distant look on her face. 

"Everything alright?"

"Yeah. I was just in my own thoughts."

Letting out a sigh, Thalia walked over to her eldest and kissed her on the top of her head. She then turned and walked away from Martha, heading inside.

Being left alone, she could hear the children playing with Arthur close by. Looking at their faces of joy, she couldn't help but have an overwhelming feeling of guilt. Opening her hands she looked at her palms pouring anima into them. As it circulated through her fingers, hand and arm, memories of that day flashed into her mind and the feelings she tries to bury surface once again. The fear. Helplessness. Guilt. Trembling, she clenched her fists and took a deep breath and let out a sigh.

"Perseverance."

~

In a city of white, blue and gold, a shadow made his way through the streets. Garnering looks of both fear and disdain, he, seemingly clueless to it all, calmly walked towards the large building towards the edge of the city. Reaching the palace, he opened the door guarded by two royal officers. He tried to greet them but all he got in return were looks of scorn.

Walking through the empty hall made of white marble, the sound of his footsteps echoed off the walls. Right before entering the throne room, the door opened and a young woman with an expressionless face exited. She had wavy, brown shoulder length hair. Her eyes a dull gold color. She wore a white uniform with gold on the hems of the jacket, belt and sash. The jacket more like a dress reaching all the way to her knees. A long white cape flowed from her back swaying each time she moved. But one detail outshining the rest, was the burn scar devastating the right side of her face. While her hair did its best to cover it, it was still hard not to take notice of it.

Knowing how she got it, a chill ran up Ichigo's spine

But, he did not even glance at it, instead looking at her in the eyes.

"General Octavi. A pleasure to see you," he said greeting her with right fist over his heart.

"Ichigo," she replied without a hint of emotion performing the same gesture.

Without saying anymore, she walked past him at a steady pace.

"Cold as usual," Ichigo thought.

Opening the throne room made of white, blue and gold marble, he made his way towards the center of the room where a throne faces away resting on top of a staired pyramid like structure. And in that throne, sat a man with the world in his eyes.

When he got close enough he lowered to one knee with a fist over his heart.

"Emporer Solarin."

A palpable silence in the air when the emporer didn't immediately respond. Taking his time, he stood up from his throne and calmly walked down the step towards Ichigo until he was standing right beside him.

"Let's take a walk while we talk. It would seem you have quite the intriguing tale, Umbra."