Kapitel 39: Standing By the Cliff
As Marnia held onto Leo's arm, the two of them walked silently through the forest, leaving the sleeping family behind. The thick blanket of snow muffled their footsteps as they continued to walk side by side, and the sounds of the night forest seemed to fade away and they could only hear the traces of their own heart quiet heartbeat, leaving only the rhythmic but soft crashing of waves that was far in the distance.
The cool night air brushed against their faces. And although it was a snowy little island for this time of the year, yet the warmth they felt from being close to each other kept the chill that was in the air far at bay. They didn't speak to each other during the silent trek through the forest, and there was no need for words as they exchanged meaningful glances, as Marnia would steal glances at him from time to time (Leo knew but said nothing), understanding each other's thoughts and feelings.
There was a mysterious, almost magnetic pull in Leo's eyes as Marnia looked at him shyly, it wasn't so much desire as it is a caring attention placed on her, that tells her you're safe in my presence, feeling her heart race at the intensity of his gaze each time he directs a small glance when their eyes would meet. She knew there was something deep and powerful within him, an untamed force that could both protect and inspire, but that despite his coldness to her, the mysteriousness to him, he also cares for her, and that he doesn't state out loud, but she knows.
As they reached the edge of a cliff that overlooked the shore below, with the soft crashing of the icy water where there was little fog, they stood side by side, their eyes drawn to the wild expanse of the ocean before them that seems to stretch for so far. The crescent moon cast a silvery glow on the water's surface at the farthest distance, its light dancing and shimmering in a hypnotic display. Above them, Leo could see that the sky was a tapestry of a million stars that hung like little lights in a bedroom. Each one was like a brilliant point of light that seemed to reach out to them. They were large and bright, inviting them to dream of infinite possibilities that could welcome them.
He focused his gaze on the horizon, where the dark sea met the vast sky. As his thoughts drifted to the adventures that awaited them, he breathes a sigh of relief as he feels her arm holding onto him tight. She was almost like a koala bear.
Marnia could sense that there was much more to discover in this world, and the thought of facing those challenges together with Leo filled her with determination and hope. She never felt this before, but it is so much more interesting to sail with Leo by her side than when she was just one alone in the grand ocean. Even though she carries her own secrets, he respected that and never asked about them, but still receives her in his arms and life without a word.
Marnia, still holding onto Leo's arm in that quiet presence of the ocean, leaned her little head against his shoulder, feeling a sense of security and comfort in his presence that she didn't want to go away. As long as they remained together, forever, as they are now, Marnia knew that with Leo by her side, the two of them could surpass any roadblock and that they could achieve their goals. Regardless of the distance between them, there was nothing she wanted more.
As the night wore on, the waves from the ocean before them continued gently crashing against the shore below the cliff, the little rocks that were there creating a sound. And the stars continued to shine so brightly above. There was never a more beautiful sight like this when he was back on Earth. Leo and Marnia stood together on the edge of the cliff, as their hearts intertwined as they gazed at the boundless sky that was available in front of them. As the millions of little stars, and the vast sea that stretched farther than their eyes could tell, knowing that their journey today was just beginning to a long journey that stretched so far and with so much time.
As they stood there, Leo finally broke the silence between them. He had a soft and nostalgic smile on his face, as though in thought of some, before he shared a story from one of his past adventures he remembered as he was looking out at the grand ocean. As he began, his deep voice had a sense of the longing of nostalgia in it, saying, "Have I ever told you about the time when I was with Luffy, Ace, and Sabo when we were little?"
Marnia looked up at him with curiosity, she had never heard of him speak about people with those three names before, although when he seems to look at the grand ocean on their boat she thought perhaps he was thinking of someone, and at first she was feeling a little jealous inside thinking that maybe he was thinking of a certain girl he had loved in the past, but waited for him to share it with her one day. Hearing him bring these names up, her eyes shining with anticipation, as she asked, "No, you haven't," she replied, eager to learn more about the experiences that had shaped the man she cared for so deeply, Leo could see her eyes sparkle with interest as he told her about his experiences. "Please, tell me the story."
Leo's smile widened, and he looked up at the stars as he recounted his tale. "It was a long time ago, probably longer than I can remember. All four of us were just little kids. Well, before I say anything else, I got a feeling maybe one day I could introduce all three of them to you, and although I am sure by that time they would have all established their own success in this world. Well, I'll continue with the story. It was a similar time, and on a small, remote island not too different from this one. But even at that young age, we already had dreams that dwelled with us that were even bigger than this world itself, and we all knew it. There it was in our eyes. The three of them were inseparable, and we made a vow to be eternally brothers, and our bond was something truly special."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein