The days turned into weeks, and Zen found himself growing more comfortable at the academy. He and Alice had become inseparable, often training together and exploring the surrounding areas. Despite the dangers that lurked in the shadows, they had found a sense of peace in each other's company.
One day, as they were walking through the academy's gardens, Alice turned to Zen and said, "You know, I never thought I'd find someone like you here."
Zen raised an eyebrow. "Someone like me?"
Alice smiled. "Someone who understands me, who gets me. You're not like the others, Zen. You're...different."
Zen felt a warmth spread through his chest at her words. He had never felt this way about anyone before, but there was something about Alice that drew him in.
As they walked, they stumbled upon a hidden clearing deep in the gardens. In the center of the clearing was a small pond, its surface reflecting the sun's rays like a mirror. Alice sat down on the edge of the pond, and Zen followed suit.
For a moment, they just sat there, enjoying the peacefulness of the surroundings. Then, Alice turned to Zen and asked, "What do you dream about, Zen?"
Zen hesitated, unsure of how to answer. But something about Alice's gentle tone put him at ease. "I dream about a life beyond this one," he said finally. "A life where I don't have to fight, where I can just be."
Alice nodded, a look of understanding in her eyes. "I dream about that too," she said. "But sometimes, I wonder if that's just a fantasy. If we'll ever be able to leave this life behind."
Zen turned to her, his heart aching with a deep sadness. "We'll find a way, Alice," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We'll find a way to make that life a reality."
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the clearing, Zen realized that he was falling for Alice. Hard.
*To be continued...*