It's been a while since I last updated but here's the new story for Rafayel and you!
Thank you for the continuous support and hope you continue to enjoy these little stories/delulus with our Rafayel!
Midsummer and You with Rafayel but with different touch!
Our World Intertwines
Summer is always a season made for refreshing love, with its unyielding brilliance.
The sky above Whitesand Bay, as always, carries a flawless feel beneath the vast expanse of blue, while waves crash like heartbeats against the shore.
And it is here that you and Rafayel have chosen to spend your summer vacation, expecting nothing more than a simple break. And yet somehow fate has reshaped this time into a memory neither of you will ever forget.
Rafayel, as always, is dazzling in his bright orange swimsuit. The sun bestows its rays upon him, gilding the curve of his shoulders while the ripple of his muscles glowing under golden light.
The fabric clings lightly to his powerful frame, a striking contrast to his radiant smile, one so brilliant it can make even the noon sun feel dim in comparison. His laughter, low and rich, utterly unguarded, drifts to you over the sound of the sea, and you catch yourself staring, overwhelmed by the beauty of a man who, to you, will always shine brighter than the horizon itself.
As you and Rafayel are about to sink into the warmth of the sand and let the tide cool your skin in its lazy embrace, something suddenly disrupts the stillness.
A tremor of energy ripples through the air, signaling your Hunter’s Watch that an anomaly has appeared. It is a sensation you recognize well after a similar encounter.
Your gaze meets his, curiosity sparking between you like flint against steel, for this signal may uncover the same place, the same kind of wondrous experience you both once shared. Without a word, you rise and follow where the signal leads.
The signal guides you to the edge of the beach, where the water deepens into an unnatural hue, swirling with an otherworldly glow. You stop short, breath catching but not entirely in surprise, as it is not something unfamiliar to you both.
This is the same place, nearly the same spot where you once discovered the Lemurian sand dunes. The place where Rafayel, kneeling with solemn grace, had asked for a deeper bond between you, deepening your relationship further than ever before. But this time, the vision has shifted.
No dunes, no desert. Before you lies an open expanse of water, vast and luminous, as though a gateway into another world.
For a moment, you both fall silent, drinking in the marvelous sight.
Then Rafayel is the first to speak. “Looks like an invitation, cutie,” he murmurs, eyes narrowing with quiet reverence.
And with the same unspoken reaction, you nod. An invitation to an unknown adventure, in the heart of summer, is exactly the kind of thing you and Rafayel embrace.
With a quick glance exchanged, a glint flickering in both your eyes, you clasp hands and dive together into the water’s depths.
The cool, breezy tide rushes gently across your skin. Sunlight fractures into a thousand shimmering prisms, fading as you descend further into the ocean’s embrace.
Your chest tightens, not from fear, but from anticipation of what wonders might await. And the mystery of the depths does not disappoint.
Rising from the ocean floor before your eyes is the familiar city, once known as the Lemurians’ shelter, now uncovered before you in all its restored and gleaming, surprisingly pristine compared to what you last witnessed.
Marble towers curve upward like frozen waves, their spirals pulsing faintly with hidden power.
Colossal walls stretch into the distance, adorned with carvings of sea creatures, deities, and sacred rites. Just as you recalled from your previous visit, the artistry is breathtaking with every figure caught mid-motion, as if alive.
Rafayel had once explained the meanings behind each image, though this time a new carving stands before you.
A figure with his trident raised toward the heavens, thunder roaring in all directions. Behind him, waves crash with unbridled force, proclaiming his might.
A majestic god, crowned with coral and pearl, his flowing hair alive with motion, his eyes burning with untold power. His presence eclipses the others, the weight of divinity unmistakable.
Your hand drifts toward the carving. “This one wasn’t here before. Who could it be? Could it be… the first Lemurian Sea God?”
Rafayel remains silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then softly, “Perhaps. Or perhaps he is the last Sea God you will ever see.”
His words hang heavy, touched with something unspoken. You trace the etched storms and tides surrounding the figure. “He must have been strong, unimaginably so, based on what this carving shows,” you whisper, your own thoughts drifting deeper.
Then you ask, “Rafayel, if you had that kind of power… what would you do? Save people? Restore order? Create wonders for the world?”
His gaze finds yours, steady and piercing. He says nothing at first, then answers quietly, with all the weight of his soul, “If I had such power, I would use it only to protect the one I cherish above all else.”
Your breath hitches. His eyes do not waver, and you know exactly who he means. Heat floods your chest, a tenderness so sharp it aches. “But power like that… it comes with a burden, doesn’t it? An unspoken duty that one can’t ignore: the duty of a deity.”
Rafayel exhales, a shadow of melancholy softening his features. “Indeed. Yet even gods have moments of weakness. Perhaps, when burdened by power, they long for one selfish wish. One fragile, deeply personal desire that could make them falter. Perhaps then, even gods might be worthy of pity.”
You bite your lip, eyes lingering on the carving. “If that wish was everything to him… then maybe it wasn’t selfish at all, but the truest part of his soul.” Folding your hands together, you breathe a small prayer, “Then, I pray this Sea God found his heart’s desire… and that he may live happily ever after.”
A hint of surprise flickers across Rafayel’s face. Then, with a low chuckle, he leans closer, teasing softly, “You know, I’m a Sea God too. Shouldn’t you be praying for me as well?”
Your heart leaps, but you smile through the warmth in your chest. “I don’t need to pray. I’m already here with you. And I will do everything I can to make this Sea God before me happy.”
Something unspoken glimmers in his gaze. His smile deepens, gentle, luminous, impossibly tender. The water stirs around you, cool and weightless, wrapping you both in its embrace. For a moment, the world above, the sun, the noise, the endless demands, disappears into silence. Down here, there are only the two of you.
You drift closer, his forehead brushing yours, your hands entwined. Like a whisper, your promise carries into the sea. Unspoken wishes ride the tide, slipping away to distant places, perhaps even reaching the hearts that need them most.
Perhaps to the Sea God who has been searching for his bride all this time.
Please pardon my rambling as I feel veey emotional after Rafayel’s recent release of “Summertime with You” so here’s a bit of my genuine and heartfelt reflection accompanied by the line:
"DO YOU REALLY THINK AN INFERNO UNDERNEATH THE WAVES CAN’T BE TURBULENT?"
This phrase carries multiple meanings, but to capture the essence of the sentiment, especially since LnD enjoy poetic language, I'll translate it in a way that aligns with the context:
"Do you believe that a fire raging beneath the waves could ever be calm?"
This line perfectly resonates with Rafayel's emotions, especially in his recent moments and those depicted in "Summertime."
The surface of the sea, before a storm, often appears peaceful—just like Rafayel’s demeanor when he's with us the one he loves.
From the serenity of staying indoors in the air-conditioned comfort, to the playful water fights, to his embarrassing expression when crab hunting with you, only to grow wilted and needing your support... Everything seemed ordinary, tranquil, and calm—just like the Rafayel we once knew, the side of himself he chose to show us.
But then, that quiet flame within him started to burn uncontrollably. And that fire represents his innermost feelings—his relentless longing for his family, his homeland, and the beloved bride he loves and yearns for.
This fire should have always been blazing, but he buried it deep within, so deep that no one could see it, except for those closest to him. And as we began to realize this, as we discovered what truly tormented him, it made him wondered: would we accept him? Would we after embracing that past, the past that only he once knew and experienced, are willing to be trapped as there will be no way back—to face with only one choice: to stay by his side forever?
For someone who respects others' opinions, our willingness to do so is what Rafayel anxiously longs for the most. And this anticipation made him want to hide his feelings. But that very fire also consumed him, stirred him, until we recently had chosen to dive deep into the ocean to discover that fire burning beneath, to touch the fire within bim and bring him comfort. That phrase above symbolizes the heartfelt intention he has long kept hidden...
He remains silent, not because he is ignorant, but because he has not yet had the opportunity to let his emotions surge. He fears that fire might consume us, hurt us, if we’re not willing. But the moment we take the initiative to ask, to come closer, to mark him, to understand him more and sink with him, he accepts... If we desire it, he will reveal the true power of that flame within, the flame that burns fiercely and uncontrollably, just for us...
And what happens after the storm? Of course, the skies clear, the waves gentle, and the breeze softly strokes our hair. Just like his feelings during the "Swan’s Oath," not just in the game, but even in real life, he believes that both he and we will live happily ever after in the way we both desire.
You know I’m obsessed with a card when I can’t stop delulu about it! ><
So here’s another “shortie but steamie” version of our “OMNIPOTENT CARD” (of course!) for all of you to enjoy!
It’s my first time writing in such a suggestive way so I’m all ears for feedback and *cough cough* future materials ^^
Let’s continue our delulu together!
Rafayel…what is this arising heat within me….
EMBRACE OF THE HIDDEN FLAME
A serene silence enveloped the bathroom the moment you reached out to pull Rafayel back, desperate for answers to the questions that had haunted you. Yet now, your worries have multiplied beyond just one.
At first, your vision began to falter, unable to look away from the water droplets that danced across his skin. Since the moment Rafayel fell into the tub, your eyes have been captivated by the way those droplets travel from his hair, tracing the sharp angles of his face, gathering in rivulets over the mesmerizing landscape of his chest, slipping through the narrow valleys between six well-defined ridges, before finally disappearing into the depths of an ocean you scarcely dared imagine. Oh, you—how could you betray yourself with such unguarded thoughts? If you’re not careful, where will your dignity find refuge amid these turbulent waves of desire? But if truth be told, you wouldn't mind casting dignity aside to keep gazing at that perfect expanse, though a person must have limits—and yours is not to indulge in such sights without permission.
As a girl of steadfast virtue, you finally mustered the courage, locking your gaze with Rafayel’s with a resolve you never knew you possessed. And with a voice free of pretense, you spoke your truth:
“Rafayel, may I… may I gaze upon you?”
Startled by your unexpected question, Rafayel first seemed surprised, then let out a soft chuckle. He leaned back against the edge of the tub, his eyes roaming over you, from your face down to your waist (for anything lower would be obscured by the water). His gaze flickered, occasionally glancing at the modest rise of your chest. If it weren't for their almost laughable size, you might have confidently displayed yourself for his admiration. But knowing your own worth, all you could do was feel the heat rise in your face and lower your gaze.
At that moment, Rafayel straightened from his recline and gently lifted your hands to caress them with a tenderness that sent shivers down your spine. His thumb traced slow, deliberate circles on your palm, a soothing motion that traveled from the space between your fingers down to your wrist, where it lingered, making small, tantalizing swirls. His touch…it was both a tickling sensation and something far more profound.
And now, it wasn't just your body—your ears too began to tingle as his lips brushed close, grazing your ear, warm breath stirring, carrying the thrill of his deep voice:
"Why do you hide your beauty cutie? Do you know what we Lemurian do when we fall in love?"
This man… how does he expect you to answer when he keeps breathing all over you like that, and those wandering hands of his are exploring every inch of you? Yet, as if spellbound by the sight of his irresistible form, your mouth moved faster than your thoughts, and a pleading voice, your own, slipped out—a voice that made you wish the ground would swallow you whole.
“How would I know…unless you tell me…ah!”
You’re entirely innocent of that “ah.” It wasn’t yours! It was Rafayel, who had drawn you close, kissing the nape of your neck. The embarrassment overwhelmed you, compelling you to bury your face against his shoulder. But it seemed that today, he intended to take charge.
Before you could fully hide your face, a strong arm encircled you, pulling you down into the tub. The sudden plunge left you with no choice but to cling to him, arms tightening around his neck, legs wrapping instinctively around his waist.
And oh, whether this action was wise or not, you still cannot decide, for immediately afterward, you felt the warmth and solidity of an unmistakable presence down below pressing against you, and Rafayel didn’t seem the least bit surprised or inclined to withdraw. It was as if he knew what it signified, and what would follow.
Before you could fully process the sensation, Rafayel pulled you even closer, his hands gripping your waist, pressing you tightly against him, making the position you were in with him all the more suggestive. You clung to him like a budding flower clings to a centuries-old tree, unaware of the world’s ways, helplessly entrusting yourself to his strength.
And today, Rafayel revealed to you a depth, a side of him that you had never seen before.
With you completely enveloped in his embrace, he pressed you against the edge of the tub, his body molding to yours from above, his face buried in the hollow of your neck. His hands moved from your waist to your bare back, stroking up and down with a tenderness that contrasted the intensity of the moment. His lips trailed along your neck, leaving a series of kisses that sent shivers down your spine, each one coaxing out soft, involuntary moaning sounds that only deepened your blush.
As he traced the curve of your neck with his warm, moist lip he left trails of heat with each kiss, his voice rumbling through you as he spoke between breaths:
”When Lemurian love, we use all our senses…to feel the one we cherish…so never hide your beauties from me my cutie…”
To prove his point, his kisses continued to rain down, traveling from my jaw to my forehead, down the way to my nose, and stop right before hovering over to my lips. His hands, meanwhile, wandered over my body, caressing each curve of mine, until they finally settled at the very place that had filled me with such mortification earlier. His hands and eyes radiated a searing heat that seemed to ignite a fire within me, a warmth that spread throughout my entire being. His gaze, though still fixed on my lips, was heavy with something unspoken.
His voice, now rough with emotion and the thick heat of the moment, asked:
”Then would you let me….use all my senses…to feel you?”
You didn’t fully grasp the depth of his words, but the heat coursing through me made it clear that I wanted something more intense and overwhelming, like a tidal wave crashing against the shore of your reasoning.
Each breath, each touch he offered sent you spiraling deeper, until you were barely conscious of anything other than the rising tide within you. All I could do at that moment was to whisper back,
Another delulu for our fishie! And this time of course will be for his newest steamy card “Omnipotent Perception”!
This will be the lighter version with different approach (suggested by LnD contest theme) but I hope to still be able to capture Rafayel’s complexity and profound feelings.
This personally is my favorite card (I know I know I had so many favs now huhu) but definitely on par with Private Trip and Floral Promise for me.
This journey of discovering Rafayel inner feelings has been quite a treat for me and I look forward to seeing more of these in the future.
Hands up to LnD dev team! Excellent job as always ❤️❤️❤️❤️
PS: I would also appreciate if you can check out the post on X as well!
Now is the time for our delulu!
Rafayel and I were enjoying our vacation on an island miles away from where the Lemurian ruins were discovered then fate found the better of us…
The Unspoken Feelings
"Today’s forecast: Sunny and breezy, perfect for picnics and outdoor sightseeing..."
The ding of a text message with a weather alert pulled me from my slumber. As I looked around the unfamiliar room, I realized I was on an island southeast of Linkon City, about miles from the discovered Lemurian ruins. Rafayel and I had come here for a summer vacation. A big yawn reminded me of how well-rested I felt thanks to him. Last weekend was hectic, but now I can relax and enjoy my vacation with Rafayel, with whom I want to spend the rest of my remaining time.
Even though this was my third day waking up to the colorful sunlight filtering through the blue-tinted windows of my room, as if I were submerged in the sea, I still couldn't stop marveling at this place.
An island surrounded by the sea, like a lone oasis in a desert. I'd heard rumors of mermaids living here, but only those who'd seen them could confirm the truth.
Not only the island itself but also the way someone had furnished this guesthouse intrigued me. It was very nautical, or rather, very Rafayel.
In my bedroom, beside the large blue-tinted windows, small sea-themed decorations were scattered on the shelves: seashells, pearls, coral, scented candles that smelled of the ocean, an hourglass, and a pot of bright red lilies.
If someone told me this was Rafayel's house, I wouldn't hesitate to believe them.
But when I asked if he had lived here for a long time because this kind of decor is usually found in places for people with long residences, he simply said that a friend had given him the house, so maybe that friend had decorated it in his style and left it there in case he needed it in the future.
I knew this was his usual way of avoiding an answer if he wanted to hide something. And it made sense. Why would Rafayel have a house on such a remote island, except for the local residents or curious people who wanted to explore the Lemurian ruins? If that were the case, it meant he had a past he hadn't told me about. I suddenly realized I might not know him as well as I thought.
When my phone buzzed a third time, I realized I'd been spacing out for quite a while. Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I could immediately guess who had been texting me all morning. It was Rafayel who kept asking if I wanted a seafood breakfast, and really, only he would suggest something like that so early in the morning. Just as I was about to touch the screen to reply, I heard the door open, and the smell of the ocean mixed with his distinct scent and food filled the room. When Rafayel saw my dazed expression, still lying in bed, he chuckled and said,
'Cutie, it seems your sleep is about to turn into a fairy tale about a sleeping beauty.'
Without waiting for me to speak, he went straight to the round table by the corner of the wall, carrying the plate of food he had in his hand. The faint smell and vapors from the food also let me know that this was something he had just prepared. Before I could say anything, he went straight to the bathroom. The sound of running water echoed, and a moment later, a wet towel was draped over his arm along with a basin of water. His fluid movements left me stunned as I could only watch. Rafayel chuckled at my naive and silly expression. He sat down beside me and lifted my face to gently wipe it.
As he traced the lines of my face, Rafayel looked at me and teased, 'Haiz, I think I'm losing money on this deal. I hired you as my bodyguard, but it turns out I do more serving you than you do for me. I wonder if I can get a refund.'
I was silent, enjoying his gentle care, until I caught the distinctive salty smell of the sea.
'It's your honor to serve me, Mr. Rafayel. Now tell me why you got up so early this morning to go to the beach. You're not usually the type to wake up early, are you?'
'Silly girl, don't underestimate me! I need to exercise too, especially when I have the chance to come back here. Watching the sunrise and then immersing myself in the sea. The feeling of sinking into the water and forgetting all my troubles is the best way to de-stress.'
Rafayel flicked my forehead. 'If you're still feeling troubled by work, you should try it. I'll do my best to accompany you.'
I hit Rafayel, and he reflexively yelled. But before he could complain, I immediately pointed out a flaw in what he had just said.
'Rafayel, didn’t you always say you wanted to watch the sea or the sunset with me? So why didn’t you invite me this time? And by the way, what do you mean by getting de-stress?'
Rafayel sighed, looked at me, and stroked my hair from my temples to my face, then gently pinched my cheek.
‘You’re overthinking it, it’s just simply because I saw you sleeping so soundly, and I didn't want to wake you up, so while I was waiting for you to wake up, I had to do it by myself and for de-stressing, maybe from…not getting enough attention from you?’
Noticing a slight irregularity in Rafayel's voice, before he could finish, I quickly grabbed his hand and squeezed it tightly, then looked straight into his bright cerulean blue eyes covered in fiery red with a determined expression and said,
"I want to do that with you from now until the end. So next time, don't forget to take me with you, no matter what happens, okay?"
Rafayel was momentarily surprised, but then he smiled softly, leaned down close to my cheek, and placed a kiss on it, watching the blush spread from my cheeks to my ears.
When satisfied with his handiwork, Rafayel replied, "Okay."
After we finished eating, it was time to carry out the plan that Rafayel had already set up, and the reason I emphasized that this plan was personally arranged by Rafayel was that he was determined to let me relax without a care in the world. It was in executing this plan that I realized Rafayel was more familiar with this place than I'd thought.
And that surprised me because he usually would proactively tell me things I needed to know, but perhaps this land, along with the buried past here, was something he didn't want me to touch. Not only that, deep in his eyes, there was a nameless sadness, like a fleeting nostalgia that quickly passed like a fish's tail gliding quickly across the palm of my hand, leaving me no time to grasp. Maybe I didn't understand Rafayel as much as I thought. I thought I understood a large part of him, but the chain of events of the past few days had revealed to me that I still had a long way to go.
I tried to learn more about what he hadn't revealed, but whenever I wanted to mention a part of that past, he would just pass it over with a calm tone as if it were just one of those trivial matters that didn't need to be mentioned - from the villages he had been to, to the streets he had walked. Everything he told me was like a third-person narration, not from the direct perspective of someone who had experienced it. I also asked if he was really happy when talking about those past times, and fortunately, because I knew he was a truthful person, instead of glossing over it, his answer through silence was proof of what I had guessed.
And that made me want to know more and more about him. So when I looked at the schedule for the last day, packed with places to go, from the harbor to the art gallery to the night market, I suddenly felt that I didn't want him to keep reminiscing about the unhappy memories anymore. I wanted to see him in a place where, although there was still a hint of nostalgia, he wouldn't feel suffocated. And that place was the guest house where we were staying.
That meant there was a possibility that today, both he and I would do nothing but look at each other. When he heard my suggestion, Rafayel was quite surprised and observed me for a moment as if trying to find something different about me, until he sighed and agreed.
"If you want, cutie..." he took my hand and gently kissed it. "I don't mind spending the whole day with you without doing anything. Luckily for us, I just found a flyer stating that there will be a seaside market near the shore around the afternoon when the fishermen have finished fishing, and they will also hold a small festival to celebrate the summer, so there will be fireworks by the shore. What do you think? That's also like doing nothing in this place, right?"
Fireworks and a seaside market? That's a great idea! I'm sure Rafayel would love it!
So I agreed immediately without hesitation.
The detailed plan for today was simplified drastically to "sit idly at home until there is a seaside market and fireworks in the late afternoon."
The sounds of fishermen and vendors mingled with the excited chatter of shoppers, signaling to Rafayel and me that it was time for the seaside market. Conveniently, the market was located right next to the guesthouse Rafayel had arranged.
Hand in hand, we wandered towards the tents set up for the festival. It was quite different from what I had expected. Instead of just selling seafood, there was a wide variety of other items characteristic of the region. From seashells to thatched hut decorations, necklaces and bracelets made of pearls and stones, created mysterious sea colors. To emphasize the summer atmosphere, a multitude of Hawaiian-style shirts were sold everywhere in the stalls. Before I could tear my eyes away from all the goods, Rafayel had placed a straw hat on my head, having bought it from a nearby stall without me noticing.
“You’ll need this when walking by the sea in the afternoon, or you’ll end up like a dried fish,” he said with a smile. Seeing him wearing a similar hat, I couldn’t resist taking a photo of this memorable moment.
“Then I have to save a picture of you before you turn into dried fish too!” I teased. Rafayel grabbed my phone. “If we share the fun, we have to share the misfortune!”
Our laughter somewhat eased my mind as I thought about the part of Rafayel I didn't know. I told myself perhaps now wasn’t the right time to delve deeper.
But fate had other plans.
As we took photos, a heated argument erupted at a nearby stall. A customer, with a fierce expression, was holding a pearl and was berating the young boy behind the counter. “A trivial pearl like this, and you dare to say it’s priceless and charge a sky-high price? Do you know the price of pearls is going down? If you don’t sell it cheap, no one will buy it!”
The boy, almost tearful, replied, “No...this pearl is truly priceless...very precious...I can't sell it to you like that…”
Just as the customer was about to get physical, Rafayel intervened, grabbing the customer's hand and examining the pearl.
“Hmm, a very fine, aged pearl. Truly priceless, not something you can buy with money. Unlike someone who didn’t even know its true worth and still dared to make himself a bargain.”
Rafayel glanced at the customer and with a force only the man could feel, he snatched the pearl, wiped it with his sleeve, and handed it back to the boy.
“You're right. This pearl is priceless, and priceless things shouldn't be sold carelessly.”
The boy stammered, “But...I need money to…”
“Alright,” Rafayel interrupted, “if you want to sell, I can buy it and give it back to you, and of course, I won’t do it for free. So the condition for returning it is that you let me meet the owner of this shop, is that okay?”
The boy looked from Rafayel to me and then to the angry customer. After a moment's hesitation, he nodded and said he would tell the owner.
When the owner met Rafayel, I felt indescribable, as if they were old acquaintances who hadn't seen each other in a very long time. As they went into the hut behind to talk, I grabbed the boy and asked about the stall owner.
The boy called the owner “Grandpa”. Grandpa was the one who had taken care of him as he once lived in an orphanage. The boy also said that “Grandpa” was very knowledgeable about the island, everything from tides to weather. He loved “Grandpa” very much, but “Grandpa’s” health had been declining lately as if he was sick even though Grandpa always told him there was nothing to worry about. With his small mind, he only knew that if “Grandpa” was ill, he would have to see a doctor, which would require a lot of money. But “Grandpa” rarely asked for help, especially from people wearing white coats, and Grandpa also forbade him from selling anything except for what Grandpa caught or made, and the money earned from those small items was very little. So while Grandpa was resting behind the stall, he had tried to sell the gift the man had given him: a pearl as bright as the moonlight shining on the sky when the tides ebb and flow. That's how we were able to encounter the scene today.
After putting everything together, I had a feeling of who the stall owner was. There may be some things I need to ask to clarify.
As I finished my conversation with the boy, Rafayel and the stall owner emerged. Before I could speak, Rafayel took my hand and said,
"Let's go, there are still many other stalls waiting."
He turned to the stall owner and said in a serious tone, "As the old saying goes, if you need anything, we're still here."
The stall owner laughed as if this was something he often heard. "I know, I know. If you keep saying that, you'll become an old man. But let me have a few words with this young lady."
Rafayel looked at me as if asking for permission, and I nodded without hesitation.
As I approached, the stall owner looked at me for a long time and sighed, "That boy, although he talks a lot and has quite a sharp tongue, still withholds a gentle nature. So would you mind taking care of him?"
"Don't worry, that's my plan!" I proudly replied. Seeing my sparkling eyes, the old man sighed as if a weight had been lifted from his heart. He looked directly at Rafayel and me and suddenly bowed, surprising me a little.
But before I could stop him, he looked at us and said, "Well, I wish you both a happy outing. Be careful because..." He whispered, "It will rain tonight, so you'll have to find something else to do."
To my surprise, the old man and the boy waved goodbye as Rafayel held my hand and led me away from the stall, leaving behind a multitude of unanswered questions.
The sun was setting, turning the sky a deep red. The stalls were winding down as people eagerly awaited the evening's fireworks. Yet, between Rafayel and me, there seemed to be an invisible divide.
Since our encounter with the mysterious stall owner, who seemed to be an old acquaintance of Rafayel's, his mood had been down, despite his attempts to hide it by avoiding more profound questions.
He could explain the stall owner's background but seemed reluctant to discuss the man's current condition or why he was on the island in the first place.
There were too many intertwined secrets, and I had an intuition that these secrets held the key to understanding Rafayel's true self, a facet of him I had yet to discover.
This led me to bolder speculations. Perhaps this was the true emotion he had always held, and I had only realized it now because he had hidden it so well. While I acknowledged that his genuine, happy smiles were always associated with the moments he spent with me, it was only when he mentioned his "past," the time before we met, when he was still in Lemuria, that he seemed distant. And it was largely due to my inattentiveness; I hadn't truly focused on learning more about him.
Determined, I decided it was time for Rafayel and me to break through this invisible veil. I wanted to understand him better, including the things that might have hurt him in the past and the scars he tried to hide from me.
I wanted to know everything, to understand him better, only because I loved him as much as he had, was, and would love me.
Taking a deep breath, I took Rafayel's hand, who was still busy introducing the stalls in front of us. A determined look in my eyes conveyed my steadfastness, catching him off guard for a moment. But finally, he sighed in defeat. He squeezed my hand and stroked my palm gently as he said.,
"There's an open space on the other side of the dunes. Would you like to sit and watch the sunset while we wait for the fireworks?"
I nodded gently. The four footprints treaded side by side towards the base of a tree on the other side of the dunes.
The gentle breeze carried the salty scent of the blue sea mixed with the sand, creating a slightly itchy damp feeling, like rolling in the sand while still wet. It was uncomfortable and stuffy. Perhaps that was also the feeling the Lemurians had to face and adapt to when they first hesitantly set foot on the shore.
We both remained silent, watching the sun gradually set on the horizon until I decided to break it.
"Rafayel, you don't have to tell me more details. But at least you can share the basics about you. After all, those basics will help me understand you and your origins better."
Rafayel rested his head on his hand and looked at me intently. "What do you mean by basics?"
I took a deep breath and looked straight at him. "By basics, I mean things revolving around your daily life or at least how you feel. For example, how did you, as a merman, feel when you first stepped onto land? Did your feet, accustomed to swimming, hurt when you first learned to walk? Or did you feel lonely in a strange place? You may not need to tell me what happened, but at least how you felt when experiencing those."
Rafayel's eyes seemed covered in darkness immediately after hearing my questions. He lowered his head and let out a bitter chuckle before looking back at the sky, which was gradually darkening as the sun had set.
"So if I say it hurts, or I'm lonely, what will you do? I'm not naive. Who's to say that those past experiences and feelings weren't all fabricated by me to trap you?"
"Rafayel!"
I took his chin and pulled him to face me. "Look into my eyes."
Rafayel, startled, slowly turned his gaze from the dark sky to meet mine. "...Why? Why do you insist on knowing this? Isn't it easier to not know?"
Just as I was about to reply, a loud clap of thunder echoed through the sky, followed by heavy rain. Oh...just like the old man said...it's raining...
Before I could react, Rafayel quickly wrapped his arms around me, trying to shield me from the pouring rain. But the rain was coming down so hard that everyone had to seek shelter in the stalls being cleaned up, except for me, who was still in Rafayel's arms and protected by him.
But I didn't want to be protected like this...I wanted to face it with him.
My impulsiveness caused me to act faster than I thought. Amid the heavy rain, I grabbed Rafayel's hand and ran straight towards the guesthouse.
The sound of the rain pattering on the ground seemed to separate Rafayel and me from the outside world. This separation became even clearer when we finally reached the door and got inside. It was just him and me in our own space.
The heavy breaths mingled with the raindrops gradually falling to the ground made the atmosphere around us change invisibly.
When my sudden sneeze broke the silence, Rafayel quickly grabbed my hand and led me towards the bathroom. The sound of running water carried the warmth that gradually emanated from the bathtub. While Rafayel was still focused on preparing the bath, I continued to look at him and said what I hadn't been able to say in the downpour earlier.
"I want to know, Rafayel. Because I love you and want to understand you better, including the aspects you consider ugly and not worth mentioning."
After a long silence, Rafayel sighed. He approached me, touched my cheek, and said with a gentle voice.
"Alright, I can start by writing a book or telling you 1001 stories of the Lemurian people. Now go to the bathtub and rest, I'll wait for you.”
As Rafayel was about to leave after ensuring I was settled in the tub, my hand quickly grabbed his wrist and pulled him back. My sudden action caused Rafayel to pause, and before he could pry my hand away, he lost his balance and fell into the bathtub.
Silence enveloped us until Rafayel took a deep breath and chuckled as if he had no choice.
Rafayel leaned against the side of the tub opposite me. The hem of his bathrobe was askew, almost like an invitation.
"So you want me to stay here? In this state? Just to find the answer to what you've always wondered?"
I looked at him and reached out to where his heart was beating. "Yes, I want to know more about you."
Rafayel took my hand and rubbed it gently on his cheek. "So what do you want to know?"
"You don't have to be specific, but you could start with...how your Lemurian people express affection?" I firmly acclaimed.
"You really want to know?" Rafayel moved his hand from my wrist to my fingers and gently placed a kiss on it, slowly saying, "When Lemurians fall in love with someone…All our senses are committed to perceiving them without questions."
Before he could finish, I moved my finger to touch his lips and stroked them. "You mean...like this?"
Rafayel chuckled. "Your way of triggering my “sense” has only touched the surface."
I chuckled too. Because, of course, this touch didn't stop there. To prove my point, my hand gradually traced along his neck and went down to where I had touched earlier.
Rafayel's body stiffened with each movement of my finger, signaling that he was also becoming tense. "You...are all humans so foolish...this isn't just about touching..."
Before he could finish, my finger went even deeper to places I wouldn't usually wander. And by now, even Rafayel couldn't stay calm. His eyes darkened, only faintly lighting up when lightning flashed across the dark sky, illuminating the entire space for a moment, revealing shades of deep blue and fiery red. Before I could react, he pushed me onto my back while holding himself above me with his arms. My whole body was submerged in water, enveloped by his strong body.
Rafayel looked straight at me with a frown.
"Do you know what you're doing?"
With his words, the thunder roared continuously, signaling something big was about to happen. I knew what it was, and I was the one who was looking forward to it. "I know. And I know you're looking forward to it, too."
Rafayel looked at me intently with eyes I'd never seen before. It was as if I were prey being watched by a predator, and in the blink of an eye, I could be attacked without a chance to fight back.
Our heartbeat gradually filled the silent air, drowning out the thunder outside. Even I couldn't tell whose heartbeat was so strong, mine or the person I loved who was facing me. But no matter who it belonged to, I knew the hidden intention.
Rafayel finally spoke after his hand gently stroked my lips. "I'm looking forward to it because it's from you."
His entire body leaned down as he pressed his lips against mine. A warm sensation appeared between our lips. From the familiar, it gradually turned strange. This kiss...was different...so intense...so passionate...and so unfamiliar... Could this also be another part of him?
Our heavy breathing continued after the passionate kiss he had given. It was frantic, as if devouring. There was no more thinking or reason. Only passion and intensity. My warmth caused him, a merman, to exclaim, "And you’re warm, I like that."
Somehow, those words touched my heart. They recalled many legends I had once heard, and one vaguely mentioned how mermen didn't like the heat and how difficult it was for them to adapt to the warmth. But for him to say that he loved my warmth, how much had he had to endure to adapt to that extent?
When Rafayel looked at me intently after the passionate kiss ended, I couldn't help but reach out, hold his face within my two palms, and gently caress it, which was unfamiliar and slightly different from usual. I uttered the words that I thought from the bottom of my heart.
"Rafayel...this different side of you...is it still you?"
Immediately after hearing that question, his eyes sadly looked down for a moment, but as if reassuring himself, after a moment, he looked up at me and said, his voice mixed with a little self-doubt and a touch of pleading, "So will you still love me no matter what I become?"
I suddenly realized. It turned out that he was worried about me no longer loving him after discovering his past?
Silly Rafayel, how can I tell him that my love for him can no longer be taken back?
Ignoring all reason, my body acted on the most primal instinct. I grabbed the necklace around his neck and pulled him down hard, leaving a bite mark on it. I bit down fiercely as if to leave a strong and unfaded mark, a mark to say that he belonged to me no matter what might happen.
And to his surprise, I reached out and touched the bite mark, uttering the crazy words I had hidden deep in my heart and now had the opportunity to express. "Rafayel, just to let you know, when you’re madly in love, human often have the urge to mark their territory. And this mark of yours is no different."
His eyes were filled with a thousand emotions, and one of them I could see was relief. It seemed that he, too, understood my feelings for him as much as he had always had for me.
So Rafayel, please don’t be hesitant to open yourself up to me as well.
As if reading my mind, Rafayel pressed his body against mine again and whispered a word only he could understand the depth of. "If you say so, then join me. Let’s drown in the ocean. Together."
Despite the pouring rain and the constant thunder in the sky, in that room, only two minds were sinking together into the current of the waves of love.
On that unforgettable night, as I drifted off to sleep, I heard Rafayel's faint voice telling me the first story he had promised in the collection of 1001 Lemurian stories. As mentioned in his first story, I vaguely recalled the image of the Sea God in the dream I had afterward.
Like in a film, I saw the image of that sea god swimming from under the sea to the shore. Then, from the shore, he wandered aimlessly in the endless night. I desperately wanted to reach out but couldn't get close. And that scene repeated over and over until I finally took on a definite form, the form of a traveler standing on the shore after my countless silent prayers just to get closer to that sea god. But instead of the Sea God, in front of my traveler form was the image of a merman whose eyes I was familiar with. And even before the merman raised his singing voice, I rushed forward and grabbed his hand, his cold, lonely hand, and hugged him tightly and gave him the warmth only I could give. And in return, I received from him a warmth that comforted my soul despite all the chaotic melodies in the outside world.
A breeze blew past me, carrying the salty scent of the sea, gradually waking me up from the bittersweet dream I was encountering. Facing me was the sunrise on the horizon hidden behind the seashore. And I was wrapped in warm blankets and cuddled deep in Rafayel's warmth.
Rafayel….he always remembered…no matter what I said despite how nonsensical they were sometimes.
Thank you, Rafayel, for always keeping your promise to me.
So this time, let me also make an unbreakable promise.
Lying quietly in Rafayel's arms and watching the sunrise, I made a silent wish.
I have finally finished the gift for Rafayel to welcome his branching story in this upcoming September!
Hope you all will like this “Opposing Vision” from our beloved fishie! And I would very appreciate if you can support the post on the link below!
Now is the time for our delulu!
What happens if Rafayel came to our rescue instead?
OPPOSING VISION - RESURGING TIDES
As the light from a reflecting headlight pierced my eyes, I slowly regained consciousness, the effects of the neurotoxin anesthetic wearing off. I began to recall the events that had led me to this point.
At the Nest bar, I had agreed to put everything on the line to uncover the truth about my identity. Under Rafayel's guidance, I volunteered myself as bait. As he had said, if the bait isn't good enough, the fish won't bite. And if I, along with the Aether Core in my chest, was the source of all this, then let it be the end.
But what did I get in return?
An unknown assailant kidnapped me and it was all due to my own carelessness, or perhaps, my negligence and over-dependance.
I realized I had somewhat become too attached to Rafayel, believing that he would always come to my rescue, just like he had when I was sinking to the bottom of the ocean.
Thinking back, I realized something rather peculiar. Despite being underwater, where communication should have been impossible, I had a clear memory of conversing with Rafayel. As he was about to leave, I couldn't help but cry out, begging him not to go and not to leave me behind. And as the darkness enveloped me, I could feel myself fall deep into a warm embrace.
I had gradually developed a sense of reliance on him despite the fact that we had just met. It was as if he was the one I wanted to trust, as if he were a god, and I was his devoted follower.
What was happening to me?
The screeching of tires jolted me back to reality. My kidnapper came to an abrupt stop, cursing under his breath.
"Damn it, why did the car have to break down now?"
His angry muttering was mixed with someone's voice from the other end of the phone. I couldn't make out who it was, but I could guess the gist of the conversation.
He wasn't with Onychius! Did he work for another organization that also wanted me?
What was going on? I thought Onychius was behind all this, so why is there another player? Were there some hidden secrets I have yet to discover?
But without giving me time to dwell on it, my kidnapper grabbed me and dragged me out of the car, taking me to an abandoned cemetery. As he carried me, he mumbled to the person on the other end of the line.
"There's no one around. Is this an abandoned cemetery? Hey, send someone here, quick!”
As I tried to lean toward his ear to eavesdrop, he threw me to the ground and pulled out a knife, pointing it at me.
"So, you're awake? Not bad. But don't try anything funny, understand?"
His condescending tone set me off and I think it was a good time to provoke him for more information. I answered back at him.
"What's the matter? You're just a middleman. Are you working for the N109 zone?"
Impatient, he shouted, "Shut up! Let me check the merchandise before I deliver it. Talk! Where's the Aether Core?"
His question surprised me. Didn't he know the Aether Core was supposed to be within my heart? Why would he ask such a thing?
As the man lunged towards me with his dagger, his gleaming and menace eyes made me freeze in terror. This man is no joke, he can actually kill me anytime.
The chilling realization of my impending doom washed over me, reminiscent of the moment I succumbed to the depths of the water. In that desperate instant, my heart whispered a name, the one that surfaced amidst the immense fear – Rafayel.
Just as my lips uttered his name, a fiery streak surged between us, separating me from the assailant.
A calm yet slightly languid voice filled the air, "Such an ill-mannered fellow, how dare you address a lady with such disrespect? And be mindful of your hands, for touching my hired bodyguard will not come cheap."
A surge of warmth coursed through me, dispelling the icy chill of the by-gone aura. As my gaze met his where I can distinguish the mesmerizing blend of cerulean blue and fiery red within his eyes, I knew I had unknowingly become so reliant on him. Who, after all, was protecting whom?
Undeterred, the man tightened his grip on me, his dagger now pressed against my throat. "Who are you? Do you also serve Sylus and his Onychius organization?"
The suddenness of his movement caused the dagger to graze my neck, leaving a trail of crimson. The air crackled with an eerie tension fueled by the frigid wind and the unspoken threat.
In a swift motion, a gust of wind swept us off our feet. The man's dagger, once poised to strike, was now deflected, its blade replaced by a myriad of shimmering sparks aimed directly at his throat. Startled, he loosened his grip, allowing me to fall to the ground.
I gazed up at the extraordinary scene unfolding before me. Rafayel, usually adorned with a playful smirk, now wore an icy expression as he leveled his dagger at the man, his voice laced with a chilling calm, "If you value your well-being, I suggest you cease your resistance."
The man, however, let out a derisive chuckle, "I care not who you serve, but..."
Sensing impending danger, I watched as he reached into his inner pocket and retrieved a gun, pointing it directly at me. "The Aether Core will be mine!"
I braced myself for the inevitable. In that instance, my mind racing with thoughts of where the bullet would strike – my stomach or my chest? And if it were my chest, would I have enough time to utter one last word to Rafayel?
But the agonizing pain never came.
Slowly, I opened my eyes, only to find Rafayel's face inches from my own, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made my heart flutter. I couldn't help but playfully nudge him, "Rafayel! What have you done this time?"
Despite my gentle push, he let out a dramatic yelp, "Ow, ow, that hurt! How could you treat your savior so?"
I couldn't suppress a giggle at his antics. His lightheartedness was a much-needed balm to my frayed nerves. Yet, the events that had just transpired lingered in my mind. What was to be done with the unconscious assailant lying at our feet?
As if reading my thoughts, Rafayel gestured towards the man, his voice laced with a hint of menace, "What would you like to do with him? Apprehend him, or perhaps..."
I understood the unspoken implication. Things had spiraled out of control, and while there were various paths to take, my instincts as a hunter prevented me from straying from my moral compass.
With a pleading look, I turned to Rafayel, "Would it be too much trouble to ask if you could anonymously report him to the authorities?"
Rafayel met my gaze, his hand ruffling my hair. "No trouble at all, but that will come out of your bodyguard salary."
True to form, even in the face of danger, Rafayel couldn't resist a playful quip.
Taking a deep breath, I looked into Rafayel's eyes with sincerity, "Thank you for saving me, Rafayel."
A flush crept across his cheeks, his expression a mix of surprise and embarrassment. He averted his gaze, his voice barely a whisper, "It's... it was nothing."
Clearing his throat, he gestured towards me, "Time to go. It’s not safe to stay here for long so let’s leave this place my bodyguard."
I was startled at the request as I was not expecting my infiltration plan would end this abruptly without achieving anything.
Really...I have to leave this place now? But I've put in so much effort to get here so far, isn't it all in vain?
I know what just happened also proves to me that N109 is not an easy place to infiltrate. Even if I want to make myself bait, it seems that not all the fish that want to bite the bait are the fish I'm looking for.
Seeing my hesitation and my mind about to wander off again, Rafayel sat down, flicked at my forehead, and tilted his head to one side, saying,
"You're overthinking it. If I was the one who helped you plan, then I could also come up with another plan. Today's mission is enough, no matter how much more you think, you won't make any progress. So why not take a break and come up with another way, how about that?"
With that, his hand reached out to me again. The slender but firm fingers invite me to trust the person in front of me, because the road ahead will not be as easy as I thought.
Determined, I took a deep breath and put my hand in his palm, saying, "Alright, let's go together then, Rafayel."
*************************************
As night fell and my apartment was a distance from where I had been taken, Rafayel offered me shelter for the night at his place. Ordinarily, I would have imagined that a house as vast as his would evoke a sense of isolation and dread upon returning at night. Still, for some reason, Rafayel's home, despite its oceanic expanse, didn't make me feel lost. It was as if... I had returned home... Returned to my true roots...
There I went again... what was wrong with me? Lost in a reverie the whole evening! I couldn't even understand myself at this point!
Slapping my cheeks twice, I tried to calm myself and avoid further overthinking. These emotions probably resulted from my shock after the terrifying encounter I had just experienced.
Rafayel told me to wait comfortably in the living room while he took care of some business, giving me an opportunity to take a closer look at the room I often frequented.
Everything was still as messy as ever... Rafayel was indeed not a fan of tidying up, but when it came to his passions...
My gaze fell upon the painting he often worked on, the same painting he had been engrossed in when we first "officially" met. Looking at it again, it truly had something special...
Unable to contain myself, I got up from the sofa and approached the painting. Though I had no knowledge of art, the colors used in this painting always left me questioning. The azure of the sea mingled with the crimson of the stone Rafayel had given me, evoking a sense of... melancholy... as if it were blood spilling from the sea. Could this painting have always been imbued with such sadness? Just like at Raymond's house, when I had hallucinations of the singing voice coming from the very painting he had painted.
Was it my oversensitivity or was he harboring a sorrowful secret within the painting that he doesn’t want anyone to reach it?
As I was lost in thought, a finger gently touched my shoulder, accompanied by a soft cough. "All done, let me show you to your guest room."
I took a deep breath after the unexpected tap, "Next time, there are other ways to get my attention." But remembering his earlier mention of urgent work he had to handle, I couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "You're done already? I'm quite surprised that an artist would have urgent work to do late at night."
Rafayel paused slightly, tilting his head to the side and scratching the back of his neck, "It's nothing big..."
At first, I didn't catch the hidden meaning in his words until he led me to my room. Looking at the furniture in the room, it seemed as if it had been hastily moved aside just to make a makeshift space right in the middle of the bed, and the traces of dust on his fingers that I inadvertently noticed, I also realized the "urgent" work he had mentioned earlier. Could it really be... that we had only known each other for a short time?
A question began to stir in my mind, adding another layer of complexity to my bewilderment.
After settling down and readying myself for bed, I realized insomnia took control of me. Each of the past events played out before me like a puzzle, each clue more difficult than the last, but with no hints or connections to piece together, just casually floating before me, mocking me and making me realize my helplessness.
In frustration, I sat up straight up, got out of bed, and walked straight to the door. I needed some fresh air to calm this wavering mind down or else I would do something out of hot-headedness that eventually makes me regret.
As I wandered around and finally reached the living room, I noticed that someone else was also in a state of insomnia. Seeing Rafayel holding a paintbrush but sitting motionless, staring intently at the blank canvas in front of him, my heart tightened uncontrollably and I gradually approached him.
I followed suit, sitting cross-legged on the floor, arms wrapped around my shins and chin resting on my knees, also staring directly at the blank canvas.
Before I could speak, Rafayel asked,
"Is it because you're in a strange place that you can't sleep?"
The question caught me off guard, as it turned out that this was what he was concerned about. I chuckled.
"No, the bed is very comfortable, even though it's a bit messy. It's still very cozy; it's just..."
My trailing off made Rafayel even more anxious.
"Hey, tell me the rest of the sentence please? I can't handle being left hanging like this! I hired you as my bodyguard, but I'm afraid I'll die before you with this way of talking..."
When Rafayel met my serious gaze fixed on him, he knew I had something on my mind. He put his hands behind his back and leaned back in a lazy way while looking at me. Tilting his head, he asked, “Then what do you want to know? Let me warn you, my information isn't as readily available as it was at the Nest bar, so there's no guarantee I can answer everything you ask…”
“Well then,” I said, “tell me how you are able to find me.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Rafayel's face, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Hmmm, who knows, maybe it's because we have a telepathic connection?"
There was that playful tone again. I glared at Rafayel in reproach.
"If that were true, then you should have realized I was in danger from the start, shouldn't you? Why wait until so much later to find me?"
As I uttered those words, the atmosphere between us shifted.
Rafayel sat up straight, imitating me by wrapping his arms around his legs and resting his head on his knees. He looked at me intently and asked, "Then what about you? If you knew it was dangerous, why did you still rush in? Why go through so much trouble just to find out the truth? Wouldn't it be better to just live in ignorance?"
For some reason, I sensed that Rafayel's reprimand held another layer of meaning. Why did I want to know? Even though my answer might not be the best, I felt I needed to let Rafayel know what was on my mind. I looked straight at Rafayel with unwavering determination.
"Because living in transparency is better than living in a fabricated reality?"
He looked at me, I looked at him. We both had our own thoughts and our own resolve. No one broke the silence until something unexpected came out of Rafayel's mouth.
"So what if the truth isn't as rosy as you think? And what if it's connected to someone you used to know, someone you used to trust, and it makes you realize that they're not the good person you thought they were? What would you do then?"
Now it was my turn to be surprised. This was something I had never considered. Could someone I used to know have completely different personalities than I thought?
I had my own answer, and it sent a shiver down my spine.
My grandmother and Caleb?
Taking a deep breath, I looked at Rafayel with an unwavering gaze.
"Then I need to know even more! Because at least, I can understand their predicament."
As I spoke, I could feel the weight of my words settling upon me. The truth, no matter how bitter or unsettling, had a power of its own. It was a force that could not be ignored, a tide that could not be turned.
Rafayel continued to stare at me intently.
His silence was deafening, his gaze unwavering. He seemed to be weighing my words, probing the depths of my resolve. I could almost see the wheels turning in his mind, the calculations being made.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he broke the silence. His voice was low and measured, each word carefully chosen.
"Alright, if you've made up your mind to find out the truth."
As he spoke, he pulled out from his inner pocket a jet-black card with gold lettering, a design reserved for exclusive invitations among the upper class. It was the contents of the card that caught my attention.
"Invitation to the Underground Auction - Venue: N109"
Just as I was about to reach out and touch the card instinctively, Rafayel stopped me by pulling it back and looking at me scrutinizingly.
"This is the reason you sought me out, came to the Nest, and became bait for Onychius. All of that was just to get to this auction with the Aether Core, wasn't it? You must remember you agreed to the gamble, and you agreed to pay a high price to find the truth you wanted. And if you fail or don't provide enough leverage, you'll become the payment yourself."
The moonlight outside shone on my gleaming eyes. Yes, I hadn't forgotten my deal. Letting out a deep sigh, I looked back at Rafayel with no hesitation.
"So, you mean that the one who should make the transaction now should be you?"
With a sly smile on his lips, Rafayel tilted his head and looked at me with an air of admiration.
"That's right. Instead of beating around the bush just to get what you want, I'll take the trouble of being your guide. And out of respect for the fact that you're my employee, I'll give you a discount, how about that?"
Even though I knew that Rafayel also held many secrets, the feeling of dependence on him made me feel more at ease than anything else.
"Alright, then it's your turn to make your conditions..."
The wind swept past the window, revealing moonlight streaming into the room, carrying whispers that only he and I could understand. The words were spoken, but the true and heartfelt intention would reveal itself in time.
I asked, trying to cover the daring slit of my crimson dress as I stepped out of Rafayel's newly parked luxury car. As I was struggling, a strong, clean hand reached out to me, accompanied by his gentle voice.
"You look beautiful, not strange. And if you do look strange, who dares to gossip when I'm here?"
Sometimes I don't know if this trait of Rafayel's is a blessing or a curse. Putting my hand on Rafayel's palm, I gently stepped onto the luxurious tiled steps and headed toward the main lobby of a famous hotel in N109. In contrast to the complexities and chaos of the area known for its crime, this hotel had an air of nobility but also a sense of mystery through the scrutinizing eyes in the darkness, like predators lurking with bared teeth.
And to my surprise, it wasn't just myself under watchful eyes, but the one they were observing the most was...
As I looked up at Rafayel, who was very calm and composed, looking straight ahead while putting his arm around me as we walked in, a voice from the waiter next door rang out.
"Mr. Rafayel, please this way, the esteemed guest is waiting for you."
Rafayel was indeed a regular here, so much so that someone was waiting for him. As if reading my mind, Rafayel just patted my head for a moment and then leaned into my ear and said, "It's almost time for the show. Take care of yourself, I'll come to you when I've gathered enough information. Oh, and as we agreed before, feel free to use the card I gave you, because I'll deduct it from your salary anyway."
With that, Rafayel winked at me and then pretended to speak loudly for everyone around to hear, "Have a good time, my lovely little cutie."
Those words successfully drew everyone’s attention to me. There was never a dull moment with Rafayel.
After Rafayel left, I began my search for information about the Aether core and for the possibility that someone would be selling it. I wandered around the auction room for a while, observing all the cores present in the auction room, and I realized that this was not going to be an easy task. Some of the cores present had been modified, which immediately made me think of the organization that made fake cores. What was their plan? What was their purpose in creating fake cores?
Under the dim lights of the auction room, all information about the objects on display was also swallowed up in the misty darkness. Just like the pearl I accidentally came across, it was also on display on the auction board. The inscription on the item was accompanied by a rather strange name: "Tears of the Lemurian." This pearl reminded me again of the similarly sized pearls in Rafayel's studio. A normal pearl being auctioned off in N109? Or was it more than just a pearl and held some other symbolic meaning?
Once the question was asked, it was like a wave that couldn't be stopped. I had many thoughts swirling in my head, but it was like walking through thick fog. Even though I could touch it, I didn't know where it would lead me or how to find out. As I drifted deeper into thought, a figure approached me with a warm smile, but his eyes gleamed like a hungry tiger.
"Beautiful lady, are you interested in collecting precious items? I also know quite a bit about the item you're admiring, so would you be interested in trading some information for a dance?"
Sweet words laced with hidden daggers were nothing new to me. Just as I was thinking about how to reject the insincere person in front of me who was reaching out his hand, a hand was already around my shoulder, pulling me towards his chest. A familiar voice rang out, "Excuse me, the lady here already has an escort and an appointment. I'd hate to trouble you to find another unclaimed flower."
Sensing the fiery gaze above and with no sign of either of them backing down, I quickly wrapped my arms around Rafayel and sighed dramatically.
"Where have you been for so long? You kept me waiting. You said you knew everything about Lemuria, so you have to explain it to me, right? Otherwise, I'll be embarrassed in front of this gentleman!"
Rafayel's body stiffened for a moment, but he quickly played along and gently patted my shoulder.
"Alright, anything you want is possible. So, outsider..."
With a sharp glance, Rafayel looked at the man while emphasizing, "There's no need to worry about him that much."
As the strange man retreated in frustration, I let out a sigh of relief. Just as my eyes met Rafayel's gaze as he looked down, I couldn't help but ask curiously. "What you said earlier, was it... true or false? Do you know a lot about the Lemurians?"
Unable to tell whether it was the darkness playing tricks on my eyes, but I could sense a hint of sadness in Rafayel's eyes. But that hint of sadness came and went as quickly as a passing breeze, impossible to grasp.
"If you want to know, I do understand a bit. But for now..."
Rafayel released me, then leaned down slightly, extending his hand in an invitation to dance and said, "There's something more important to do. I have the information you need, so would you like to exchange it for a dance?"
I couldn't help but chuckle. It was a time of crisis, and Rafayel still had the energy to tease. But if he wanted to, I was willing to indulge him, because at least thanks to him, I had gathered all the important information I needed to learn about the truth. But that wasn't all.
Looking straight into Rafayel's eyes, I gathered my skirt, dipped slightly like an elegant lady, and placed my hand on his palm. I also wanted to try my luck and see what it would be like to trust him.
I didn't know why Rafayel wanted to dance with me, even if it was just for show, but my limited ability was really not up to the task. However, Rafayel, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy this very much, as after the countless times I accidentally stepped on his feet despite the melodious music with a clear rhythm still playing slowly, he still guided me gently through his motions. Just don't count his endless tease by the way.
His carefree attitude did contribute to my surging calmness, though, which made me start to enjoy this little dance we had.
However, there was only one thing I wasn't satisfied with, and that was stemmed from the fact that he had promised to provide information for a dance, but so far he hadn’t spilled the beans yet.
As Rafayel noticed my movements slowing, he smiled. He knew what I needed.
And as he was about to say something, the lights on the dance floor suddenly dimmed, accompanied by a soft, soulful ballad, leaving me surrounded by shadowy figures. I felt like prey in a hunter's lair. It seemed the time was near. Without delay, Rafayel pulled me even closer. Leaning in, he whispered in my ear,
“Did you notice? At three, six, and nine o’clock, there are armed men watching us. Once this song ends, who knows how many will be waiting to capture us both. But don't worry, we're prepared. If you hear or see anything unusual, don’t be too panicked and follow my lead.”
As he spoke, Rafayel gestured towards the elevator while making a spin during our dance. “See that? When the time is right, that’s our only escape.”
As the music reached its crescendo, I could feel the danger closing in. My heart pounded in my chest. A gentle hand brushed against mine, and I looked up into Rafayel’s reassuring eyes. Taking a deep breath, I nodded. Satisfied with my response, Rafayel interlaced our fingers.
“It’s time. The location of the Aether Core has been revealed. Let’s bring this to an end.”
With those words, he gradually finished the dance and started to lead me towards the elevator. As we moved, the shadows that had been following us began to converge. Just as they were about to make their move, a loud explosion erupted. As expected, Rafayel pulled me closer and we hurried towards the elevator through the smoking air created from the crumbling of the building structures. The explosion had drawn everyone’s attention, allowing us to slip away unnoticed.
As we approached the elevator, we found a beautiful woman waiting. Just as I was about to assume she was an enemy, the woman spoke in an irritated tone.
“You owe me one. I’ll settle this with you later.”
Her gaze lingered on me for a moment before she sighed and turned to Rafayel, her expression filled with a knowing look. “You two should go. It’s time.”
Rafayel nodded. “Thank you, for everything.”
As Rafayel took my hand to step into the elevator, a hesitant voice rang out, followed by a statement only they could understand.
"So... are you still thinking about that? If you still need it, my husband would always have a slot to make it for you."
Rafayel didn't turn around, but responded before the elevator doors closed.
"Perhaps."
As the elevator doors slid shut, I felt as if I had just witnessed something profound. With questioning eyes, I looked at Rafayel, but received only a vague reply.
"Don't worry about it. Right now, all you need to focus on is achieving our goal. We can deal with the rest later."
Rafayel was right. Now was not the time. Taking a deep breath, I calmed myself and thought about the task ahead. With each floor the elevator ascended, my heart pounded in my chest.
The Aether Core has been on the rooftop of this hotel all this time?
When the elevator reached the top floor, the doors opened to a scene I hadn't expected.
Before me lay a ruined landscape shrouded in mist. Shattered glass panes, collection vessels, transporters, and various pieces of advanced equipment were scattered amidst the overgrown grass and protruding steel beams, making me imagine what this place had once been.
It was like an abandoned laboratory...
As my skeptical gaze wandered from the abandoned laboratory to Rafayel, I realized how lost I was and how intently he was watching me.
After a long pause, Rafayel asked, "Do you know... what this is?"
His question was hesitant, and I couldn't understand why. Although I didn't know why the abandoned laboratory before me felt so familiar, the simple fact that I had never been to the N109 zone led me to dismiss that theory. So I could only answer honestly, "Isn't this just an abandoned laboratory?"
As if examining my answer, Rafayel looked at me for a long time. His eyes were noting every reaction of mine with no intention of letting even the smallest details escape. When he seemed to have confirmed something, he sighed and said, "This is indeed the abandoned EVER laboratory."
EVER? The renowned research organization in Linkon? It seemed plausible that they would use this place as a research base. But as if reading my thoughts, Rafayel immediately said:
"Why do you think EVER would have placed a research facility in the N109 zone? There are many areas affected by the incident 14 years ago, but why is only the N109 zone a wasteland? Do you think it's as simple as that?" Rafayel's question reminded me of some rumors I had heard, but my current state of mind prevented me from thinking any further.
Rafayel’s hand, which had never left mine, continued to pull me through the chaotic remnants until he led me past the ruined scenes, revealing a clearer picture of what was happening.
Before me was the Deepspace Tunnel pulsating like a heartbeat echoing through the sky. It was enveloped in thick clouds that drifted through the misty night. Occasionally, blue lights emanated from these clouds, illuminating the entire horizon like eyes peering through a gap in space, looking out into the vast universe. This was the closest I had ever been to the Deepspace Tunnel.
And beneath the tunnel's horizon was a white light emanating from a pile of rock. Unable to resist, I pulled away from Rafayel and moved towards the rock figure.
"A Flux Nexus. I saw a similar one in the no-hunt zone."
As if to continue my sentence, Rafayel, who was behind me, spoke up. "I'm sure you can guess what this Nexus contains."
Rafayel's footsteps approached me and he stood beside me near the Nexus. With a calm voice and deep, focused eyes, he cautioned me. "Think carefully. Once you take the remaining piece, there's no turning back. Are you sure this is what you want to know and achieve?"
If I had come all this way, I couldn't give up now. I took a deep breath and looked into Rafayel's eyes, answering firmly, "This is what I want to know, no matter the cost. Because I want to see with my own eyes what I've been missing."
Pointing towards the Nexus, I transmitted my resonance power.
And at that moment, the Nexus opened. In the center of the Nexus appeared a stone similar to the Aether Core I had seen before. But as I touched it, the ground suddenly shook. A violent storm erupted from the entrance to the Deepspace, and a giant, dragon-like monster with its massive wings appeared. A protofield opened, and a dragon-shaped Wanderer descended, with lightning bolts striking towards me and Rafayel.
This was the first time my battle with a Wanderer had not been easy.
As Rafayel and I fought the Wanderer relentlessly, the lightning strikes continued to hit me, causing fires to ignite around me, making me feel as if I were sinking into a hazy vision.
Before I realized what was happening, in front of me was a pitch-black scene. A figure wearing a sapphire-blue ribbon crossing over the shoulder, as shining and as beautiful as the scales of a fish appeared before me, breathing deeply as if panting from exhaustion or pain. The entire ribbon, draped across his chest, was soaked in a dark color with a strong scent like blood, the color and scent deepening. A hand, covered in tattoos resembling an ancient culture forgotten, reached toward my chest and pressed firmly against my heart. In his other hand, I saw what appeared to be a lump of beating flesh. Confused and in panic, I looked down at my chest where his hand was placed, and I realized that I was also covered in blood.
"What... what is happening?" I couldn't help but tremble as a manly but gentle voice echoed.
"Don't be afraid... trust me... our promise is eternal and unchanging..."
Amidst the somewhat familiar voice, the sound of a beating heart began to pound in my chest. And before me, the beating flesh in his other hand was consumed in flames.
As my vision started to blur away, the familiar voice called out again, accompanied by the warmth of a hand stroking me.
"I'll find you... no matter where you are... I'll find you..."
When I opened my eyes again, Rafayel's hands were tightly gripping mine, replacing the warmth I had felt before.
I didn't understand what was happening, but before me was the image of the Wanderer monster gradually turning to ash and dissipating into the air, leaving trails like rays of sunlight.
And the Aether Core I was holding began to glow. Countless rays of light radiated and were absorbed into my body. It was a familiar, warm energy.
Amidst all the chaos, I was still in Rafayel's arms, embraced by him. His hand still held mine tightly, just like in my vision. I didn't know how much time had passed until the light absorbed by my body changed from crashing waves to ripples on a calm lake.
And when the light from the Aether Core ceased to radiate, it began to crack.
I pointed my hand towards Rafayel, showing him the cracked stone.
He looked at it for a long time, then turned back to me and said, "Finally, that energy belongs to you. Isn't this what you wanted?"
I looked straight at Rafayel and expressed my thoughts. "You know, what I want isn't this power, but the secret hidden behind it."
Taking a deep breath, I gripped Rafayel's hand tightly and said, "I saw... something like a dream. Have we met somewhere before? Have I forgotten something?"
For a moment, it felt like Rafayel hesitated, but that feeling disappeared as quickly as it came.
"You must be tired. You need to rest. Let's go, this isn't a place we should stay long. We can answer your remaining questions another time. How does that sound?"
As quickly as the door to answers opened, it had been abruptly shut closed. After the events of today, there are still many hidden secrets with answers still missing. This coincidentally reminds me of the Lemurian culture, where each answer is met with another question.
This is my appreciation post for all the support I have received during the Entwined Shadow contest!
I’m still pinching myself as my fan fiction “In the Name of the Forgotten” just won the Hearty Prize from Love and Deepspace contest🎉 This incredible achievement wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of you. Your support in my work have fueled me every step of the way. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to many more delulus together! ❤️ #grateful #awardwinner #readersupport
I love this PV soooo sooo much that I have decided to try out some edits as anticipation for the beloved fishie! Hope you all enjoy this amateur workie 🥹
Finally! I have finished this little story for our little fishie's newest card, "Floral Promise," and have decided to take part in the Contest in honor of his first kiss as well.
So I would very much appreciate it if you could give some support to help celebrate this precious kiss together!
Now is the time for some #delulus!
What's going on in Rafayel's mind during his "first" kiss?
IN THE NAME OF THE FORGOTTEN
"Every name holds an invisible thread, binding souls together. Just as I, the moment you called my name, was forever held within your grasp.”
**************************************
I had envisioned today to be a mere excursion into nature's embrace, yet from the moment of our departure to our return, I was enveloped in a symphony of joy alongside you, and even delved into the secrets I long concealed.
Hmmm, where to begin? Perhaps from our journey itself.
The instant my gaze met yours as you sparkled at a couple gifting each other flowers along the way, an irresistible urge to replicate their gesture seized me. But flowers are best admired upon arrival, so my resourceful mind concocted a plan – sketching a flower for you. Much did I long for you to recognize the hidden significance it would hold, for the flower I depicted was the very one I yearned for you to behold today (Fortunate indeed that I carry my pen wherever I roam!).
Yet, what did you say in response? You questioned my sincerity? Could you fathom the depths of my contemplation, seeking the perfect means to convey my heartfelt intentions? For to me, gifting mere flowers felt far too commonplace.
Before I could unveil my grand surprise, you surprised me even further. In a moment of tenderness, you clasped my hand, drawing it closer. Your warm fingers holding the pen you took from me traced the contours of mine, gently caressing my skin, sending shivers of delight down my spine. You lowered your head, your silken tresses cascading over your exquisite visage, leaving a few strands to dance playfully in the breeze. Little did you know, I yearned to embrace you then, but sensing your focused concentration, I restrained my impulse. To interrupt would not only earn me a reprimand, but also deprive me of witnessing the masterpiece you were crafting for me. Indeed, such a blunder would have resulted in a loss on both fronts!
When you finally completed your 'opus' and beamed at me, I eagerly awaited the opportunity to praise your creation. But allow me to inquire...
...what exactly did you sketch?
I am no adept at deception, and upon meeting your expectant gaze, I found myself at a loss for words.
Could the object you had drawn be... a pot? Round with a handle, it bore some resemblance, I suppose. Yet, when I tentatively sought confirmation, you remained evasive, attributing it to your artistic shortcomings.
Who dares to label your artistry as flawed? Not even I!
But your mischievous habit of withholding information has caused me much distress. For the entire drive, I could think of nothing but the mysterious pot you had bestowed upon me.
Arghhhh! You truly know how to torment me, for even now, despite your explanation, its identity remains elusive!
The phrase 'is it a pot?' echoed incessantly within my mind until we reached our destination. I decided to set aside the enigma for the moment and focus on guiding you through the garden's splendor.
The scenery remained as picturesque as I recalled, perhaps even more vibrant, and with your presence, the surroundings exuded an intoxicating charm.
Dreamy lavender, radiant sunshine yellow, pristine white, lush green – all the colors converging within the garden could not rival the crimson glow adorning your radiant cheeks.
So, this is the essence of 'falling for someone in the midst of a scene.'
Witnessing your blissful smile rendered my every effort worthwhile...
As we savored the fragrance of countless blossoms swaying gently in the breeze, my attention was captured by the iridescent aura emanating from the delicate wings of a flitting butterfly. Upon observing the spectrum of colors shimmering amidst its transparent wings as it alighted upon the very flower I desired you to admire, I couldn't contain my fascination and leaned in for a closer look. The moment the magical hues blended seamlessly, I couldn't help but exclaim at the wonders of nature's artistry.
Sight reveals, but it is the heart that truly perceives. And thanks to you, this entire panorama transcended the mundane hues of the past.
Lost in my reverie, I was unaware of my prolonged distraction until I captured your inquisitive gaze.
As our eyes met, did you realize that yours are the convergence point of 300 million colors?
Behold, you claim to envy my ability to perceive a multitude of shades, yet fail to recognize your own power to illuminate those very hues. At least, in my eyes.
If your eyes cannot discern the 300 million colors, allow me to discern them on your behalf and assist you in expressing them. All you need do is gaze upon me.
Engrossed in admiring the flowers and you, I recalled a task I had pending. And while contemplating its execution, a revelation struck me – why not entrust it to you?
An ingenious idea indeed! For you have already christened my paintings, so naming a flower could hardly be a more daunting feat, could it?
Yet, you initially resisted, claiming the responsibility was too grand. Do you comprehend the sheer effort it takes to name every single existence? In that spectrum of 300 million colors, only the one that stirs my soul is bestowed with a name, much like you, a fiery crimson that embodies the nature of the heart within my chest.
Ah, this notion arrived at an opportune moment, for it would not only solidify my sincerity but also hold profound significance.
For a name is an intrinsic part of every being. Each name serves as a unique identifier for an individual. Even identical entities are distinguished by their names. Just as the flower I rescued is, without a name, merely a temporary replica of an extinct bloom. How utterly tragic to be a distinct entity condemned to the fate of a mere substitute.
Therefore, if it be within your power, I implore you to bestow upon it a name, liberating it from isolation, loneliness, and the ostracization it endures for being unable to embrace its true identity.
Much like myself and the bond I forged with you.
For years, I have not heard you utter my name, for it is the essence of who I am, and thus, the very bond we share seemed veiled in dust. Yet, during our game of color guessing, and as I reminded you of the importance of names, you began to truly acknowledge mine.
You gradually began to speak my name, for it represents me and only me. And in these past few days, you have even issued commands to me unconsciously.
Silly girl! You are becoming accustomed to giving me orders, aren't you? But how can I blame you, when I yearn for you to speak my name?
And in that very instant, the moment you questioned whether a name could be a prison, binding the one it identifies, I couldn't help but urge you to try. Speak my name, for you will witness the mark of our connection, a testament to the vow I eternally make to you.
And as you whispered my name, a revelation dawned upon me – the answer I seek has always resided within you, waiting to be discovered.
For countless times have I been plagued by remorse, burdened by a myriad of questions swirling within me about you, none yielding a satisfactory answer because it did not originate from you, the one from whom I longed to hear it.
Therefore, I have resolved that until my very last moment, I will seek you out to find all the answers I need, the most significant question being...does your heart hold a place for me?
And now, as the sigil etched upon my chest merges with the rhythm of your beating heart, I am undeniably certain of your answer. I have always belonged to you, and so, I beseech you, belong only to me.
Actions speak louder than words. A kiss conveys a multitude of emotions.
And this single mark, a symbol of my unwavering desire – that I, willingly, surrender to your hold.
*************************
I had presumed our happiness would culminate in that passionate kiss, but you truly are a master of surprises.
The very moment you inquired whether you might ever forget me, my heart skipped a beat.
Have you...recalled something?
But upon witnessing your wide-eyed innocence, I realized you had merely blurted out the question inadvertently.
How many times have you left me bewildered? Yet, this time...it feels different...
Much like the sigil that only appears when it detects sincerity in your words.
I shall not divulge the mechanics of the sigil's operation!
But...wait a minute...you...what do you mean by 'meow'?
Haizzz...
Truly...
You are my darling, whimsical enigma. Though oblivious to the specifics, you possess the key. I foresee a future filled with your playful torments.
But what recourse do I have? For whatever you command, I vow to fulfill it with every fiber of my being, my beloved bride.
Therefore, it is your turn to answer my lingering query...
What, precisely, is that strange fishie you claim is not a pot?
Hope you've been enjoying all my delulus so far ^^
You met Zayne in the destined mountain.....
Sign of Good Luck - Blooming Jasmine
In a dense forest on the peak of Mount Shen, located east of the village of Shen Kong, there stands a temple said to be the dwelling of a deity known for foreseeing destinies and maintaining the balance of all things, much like the tales of reincarnation and transmigration you had read about in ancient stories. If you recall correctly from your readings, this deity was named Si Ming Xian Jun—the Lord of Fate, a god renowned for his icy gaze and unwavering demeanor, regardless of the chaos around him.
A deity free from desires, for in his eyes, nothing mattered more than sustaining the balance and mysteries of the world.
The mere thought of encountering this deity to plead for something so unusual made you hesitate. You knew your intentions were impure and feared that if the deity perceived your calculative nature, he would despise you and refuse your plea. Yet, for the sake of your parents, and yourself, you had to seize this chance, knowing your time was running out.
You were an orphan taken in by a couple who gave you a life when they found you wandering in the forest as a child. They never spoke of your past, as you could not remember where you came from. You only knew this was your home, a place you had longed for. Happiness, however, was fleeting; as you grew, your health deteriorated. Despite their efforts, your condition worsened. Then, one day, a mysterious figure offered a cure on the condition that you travel east to find the legendary Si Ming Xian Jun and become his disciple. In desperation, you accepted.
Defying your parents' objections, you embarked on your journey. Miraculously, the remedy given by the mysterious figure took immediate effect, revitalizing you. This newfound strength spurred you on your path to the east.
Crossing mountains and forests, you finally reached the village at the mountain's foot. The villagers were astonished at your quest but kindly directed you to a small cottage, once home to a benefactor who had helped the village. The cottage, though cold, felt warm and welcoming.
Having prepared yourself, you ventured into the forest. Following the book's guidance, you knew the deity never abandoned those lost in his domain, especially those in need. Lost in thought, you found yourself deeper in the woods, enveloped by a fog that sapped your strength, leading you to collapse, surrendering to fate.
As if destined, a dark figure approached, exuding the soothing breath of spring mixed with winter's chill, cradling you into slumber.
The chime of wind bells woke you. A strange ceiling, a soft bed, and an unfamiliar scent.
“You’re awake?”
A deep, gentle voice accompanied the breeze, brushing your hair and tickling your ears. Recognizing your situation and the presence before you, you attempted to kneel in supplication, only to be restrained by a firm hand.
“I do not accept obeisance without knowing your name and identity. Speak, who are you?”
The commanding warmth in the voice left you fumbling for words.
“A… humble maiden… here to seek Si Ming Xian Jun.”
Receiving no response, you gathered courage, your voice growing bolder.
“Please, Xian Jun, help this humble maiden… I have but one request.”
Drawing a deep breath, you summoned your courage.
“Allow me to become your disciple!”
You bowed deeply, placing your hands on your knees in a gesture of earnest supplication. Silence ensued, the only sound being the rustling of leaves.
Time seemed to stretch as you maintained your pose, hoping your sincerity would touch the deity. Just as you thought you might give up, a resigned sigh broke the silence.
“Very well, but first, tell me your name.”
Overjoyed, you looked up, forgetting decorum in your excitement, and recited what the mysterious figure had instructed.
“I am an orphan, taken in by my adoptive parents in a distant village at the foot of the western mountains. Because of our poverty, I left to seek my fortune, hoping not to burden them. But on my journey, I realized I had no skills and relied on a fortune teller’s words that I possess immortal essence, capable of becoming an immortal. Hence, I sought you out, praised for your wisdom and virtue, hoping for a chance…”
Though some words were rehearsed, your plea was genuine, and you struggled to hold back tears.
As you rambled, the deity extended a hand.
“Give me your hand.”
Without hesitation, you complied, feeling the deity's gentle sigh.
“Someone as naïve as you, how do you survive in this world of deceit?”
You didn’t understand his words fully but felt compelled to trust him despite your doubts about the mysterious figure. Trusting the deity felt right.
He lightly held your hand, channeling a stream of energy through you, refreshing your entire being.
“Your energy is stable, no harm done.”
He began to leave, but you clutched his sleeve, almost causing him to fall onto you.
“But Xian Jun, you haven’t answered my plea…”
Meeting his amber gaze, you realized the deity's striking beauty, making you stare in awe until a soft cough snapped you out of it.
“Reckless, how can you be so disrespectful to your master?”
Before you could process his words, a clean set of clothes appeared before you.
“Do not disgrace your master with your attire. People might think I cannot support you.”
A warmth spread through you, making you tear up as you instinctively reached out to him.
“Thank you, Xian Jun… thank you.”
Ignoring formalities, you saw him as your savior. His stiff arm slowly patted your shoulder in a gentle, comforting gesture.
Your voice echoed through the forest. A hand paused over a guqin, looking towards the approaching figure, now resembling a young immortal.
“Good, you’ve arrived. What about the book…”
You pouted.
“Master, must I continue copying texts? It’s been three months of nothing but copying. Isn’t it enough to learn and practice the circulation of spiritual energy?”
“I’ve told you, understanding the principles and operations of all things is essential before using any technique or power.”
He gently guided a fallen bird to the ground with a breeze.
“Everything has a balance. You can borrow nature’s force to maintain harmony, but reckless actions disrupt this balance, resulting in backlash.”
You pondered the fallen bird and asked,
“If you hadn’t helped, it would have died. Could you revive it?”
His cold response pierced through your heart.
“Life and death are part of the cycle. Altering fate is forbidden. Best not to dwell on it.”
He stood, heading towards the pavilion where you often studied. Noticing your silence, he added,
“Flowers bloom and wither; that is the cycle of life. Would you want them to always bloom or always wither?”
Your heart lightened, you smiled warmly.
“I may not fully understand, but whether blooming or withering, I just want to see them with you.”
His composure wavered momentarily before he replied,
“Am I not here with you now?”
He resumed walking but added a final remark that made you hurry after him with a bright smile.
“Autumn is near; if you wish to see, only withered flowers are left.”
Time to drop another #delulu for Zayne! It’s my first time writing about Zayne and all “thanks” to my friend all my ideas recently stem from *tragedy*.
So yeah sorry Zayne boi, you’re first!
I hope you enjoy this version!
What happens if Zayne and Dawnbreaker meet each other....
Collapse of Multiple Deepspaces
"You are no different from a weakling."
This phrase had echoed relentlessly within Zayne ever since he witnessed his friend transform into a Wanderer right before his very eyes.
If others were given a chance to judge, they would tell Zayne that his hesitation or fear, his inability to act, was entirely natural; no one could stand firm in such a dire circumstance.
To witness someone you know slowly morph into a beast and then have to end their life with your own hands? Who in their right mind would willingly undertake such a horrifying act?
But Zayne knew that the "shadow" that disdainfully uttered those words of criticism through its scornful gaze was no longer a normal person.
How long had it been since Zayne last felt this rush of anticipation, as if he were about to enter a battle?
Before him were blood-red eyes that forced Zayne to instinctively channel energy from his right arm as a defense mechanism.
It was this very power that had been the source of many of his tragedies.
But compared to the shadow standing right in front of him, Zayne could sense that the pain he had endured was nothing compared to the anguish reflected in those judging eyes.
Though shrouded by the night, Zayne recognized the person before him, for the power surrounding that figure was familiar to him. It was the power of ice—the same power he wielded.
In other words, the person before him might be none other than himself.
It was as if he were the embodiment of the Grim Reaper he had always feared.
Zayne also realized that the person in front of him not only possessed his own aura but also harbored an unpredictable emotion he couldn't quite grasp.
This emotion was like a drop of poison, ready to overflow at the slightest disturbance, spreading its lethal intent throughout the icy energy. It was this realization that helped Zayne recognize that the figure before him and he were separate entities. He would never allow himself to be consumed by such murderous intent. He was a doctor, committed to saving lives, not taking them. This was his life's principle and the oath he had sworn to uphold.
Yet, the eerie resemblance between them conjured images of two opposing reflections in a mirror, similar yet different, creating a sense of dual existence. If one of these images were to vanish one day, what would happen to the remaining one? Would it also dissolve, mirroring the original?
As Zayne pondered the bizarre occurrence before him in the dark space, he sensed a shift in the atmosphere between them.
A sudden, piercingly cold wind enveloped him, as if trying to freeze his entire being.
This chilling gust, like a raging beast, seemed determined to devour him whole, mirroring the fury of its creator.
Why had the shadow suddenly become so enraged?
Before Zayne could react, crystalline shards of ice hidden within the snowstorm hurtled toward him, catching him off guard.
The surging murderous intent warned Zayne of imminent danger, compelling him to instinctively unleash his own energy.
A formidable ice wall sprang up, separating Zayne from the lethal ice shards.
Yet, the relentless assault and overwhelming malevolence forced Zayne to retreat.
He panted heavily, striving to regain control over his chaotic emotions and energy. Why had the shadow, just moments ago in a state of observation, suddenly sought to end him?
This remained a mystery to Zayne, causing his hesitation to strike back.
Perhaps the gentle world he had come to know had softened his heart, infusing his decisions with the compassion and magnanimity expected of a doctor. But facing the figure before him, such ideals held no meaning.
Clearly, in this struggle for supremacy, in terms of both resolve and strength, Zayne was losing.
As the blizzard engulfed him, with icy spears closing in from all sides, Zayne realized the figure before him wielded far more power than he had imagined.
Arrows of ice began to pierce through his ice wall, embedding themselves in his body, inflicting excruciating pain and a chilling wind that froze him to the core. The agony was so intense it felt as though a curse had been cast upon him, rendering him immobile and leaving him at the mercy of the storm.
This sensation… why does it feel so familiar…
As Zayne struggled to rise, the shadow approached, revealing a familiar face.
The Grim Reaper… the Grim Reaper Zayne had seen before… the one who had look at him with an implication that he was merely a weakling.
With the same face, the same demeanor, the samepower, Zayne saw his own reflection in those blood-red eyes.
Is this… really himself?
Before Zayne could process his shock, the Grim Reaper moved closer, looking down at him with disdain:
“In the end, you are just a useless fool, incapable of protecting the one thing you were fortunate enough to have.”
These words felt like a curse, tightening Zayne’s heart in agony. He knew what his one lucky possession was, for he had felt this same heartache in his dreams countless times: the pain of not having her by his side…
Could it be…
Before Zayne could grapple with the implication, a shard of ice materialized in the Grim Reaper's hand. Its purpose was clear.
But what stunned Zayne more than the imminent threat was the Grim Reaper’s next words:
“If you are now useless, then it’s my turn to protect her.”
*************************************
“Zayne… Zayne!!”
Zayne jolted awake at the familiar call.
He sat up, gasping for breath, his body drenched in sweat as if he had just escaped a horrifying ordeal.
Fear clung to him, but a gentle touch on his back, mirroring his racing heartbeat, offered solace.
Looking up, Zayne’s eyes met the worried gaze of a familiar, tender face.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a glow on you and making you appear angelic, which had greatly soothed Zayne as though he were in heaven after wandering in endless darkness.
Unable to contain himself, Zayne pulled your close, seeking your comforting warmth. Only then, with your voice laced with concern, did his surroundings come into focus. The familiar scent of medicine, not the metallic tang of blood, filled the air.
A lingering sense of malevolent energy persisted, a stark reminder of the dream's icy grip. He touched his neck, the phantom pain of the ice shard a chilling echo. Dream or reality?
As he began to lose himself in his thoughts again, a warm touch on his cheek grounded him.
“Are you okay? Why do you keep zoning out? Did you sneak sweets before bed again, making it hard to breathe and sweat so much?”
Like sunlight dispelling the cold, Zayne's heart began to calm. Perhaps it was just exhaustion, a figment of his overworked mind. He clung to this hope, desperate to ease her worry.
Zayne looked at her lovingly, then embraced her once more, yearning to hold onto the warmth only she could provide.
“Thanks for being by my side.”
*****************************
“Zayne, promise me you won’t try to bear everything alone or make decisions by yourself, okay? Always tell me first.”
Seeing her cheerful yet concerned expression, like an old lady fussing over him, made Zayne chuckle—a rare sound for him.
Perhaps the dream was merely a manifestation of his fear, a fear of someday regretting his own "weakness." But what truly defined this weakness? Was it the lack of courage to destroy what could harm her, even if that meant it had once bear the form of a… human?
As Zayne began to drift back into his thoughts, the alarm on her hunter’s watch went off, accompanied by a warning:
“Alert… alert… Wanderer monsters detected… Level A… coordinates X Y… please evacuate residents from the danger zone.”
Both Zayne and you knew what needed to be done in such situations.
As he instructed you on the tasks and cautions for your mission, a rift opened before Zayne, followed by a Wanderer bearing a striking resemblance to…
William…
In an instant, as Zayne stood frozen, the Wanderer lunged, swinging a deadly scythe-like arm at him.
William… is it really you?
Zayne felt his heart stop, memories from that day flooding back.
At Mount Eternal… where the secret he wished to bury lay… where he had once been weak… William… I’m so sorry… turns out, even now… I’m still useless…
“ZAYNEEEEEEE!”
A piercing scream echoed as Zayne snapped back to reality. Before him lay the image of her, shielding him with her body. Blood spurted from her back, splattering across Zayne’s face.
In his arms was the girl he loved, falling.
The blood on his hands was warm…
But this…
Was not the warmth he wanted to feel…
In a heartbeat, everything around Zayne was swallowed by an endless night.
A night filled with murderous intent…
And amidst this darkness lay a path, lined with the bodies of countless fallen.
Zayne didn’t want to tread this path, but it seemed fate had already chosen it for him.
A voice echoed within him, as if from a distant past…
“If the law is a curse… why perfect it… just… destroy it all…”
That's right... destroy everything... only then can I... protect you...
Like a skeleton approaching its tomb, Zayne walked heavily past the rows of piled corpses, heading straight into the endless darkness. And at the end of the road, what Zayne saw was the throne with its many icy blades.
Zayne saw another figure resembling him dressed in an ancient sorcerer's garb... as if he had been sitting there for a long time... just waiting...
Waiting....
"For that daisy..."
As if echoing his heart, the voice of the Grim Reaper opposite him, now replacing the figure holding the staff, sat on the ice throne.
So who was who? He himself no longer knew and no longer cared. Because at this moment, he knew that he and the figures before him had only one thing in common, and that commonality was what all his beings cared about and wanted to have.
You... the daisy we've always sought...
In the quiet night, the cold voice of the Grim Reaper rang out like a warning bell:
"You... are the exception, because only you can have her."
Zayne understood what the Grim Reaper had said.
He sank weakly to the floor, realizing how lucky he was but also how powerless.
"But... you too... are the weakest..."
He knew... he knew... he was weak.
"So... if you can't become strong..."
Before his words could end, Zayne’s chin was grasped, forcing him to face the blood-red eyes right in front of him.
"If you can't do it, then it's my turn. There's no room for the weak."
****************************************
The blaring sirens of rescue vehicles… the screams of the townspeople… only you… seemed to be lying still… in firm arms…
You tried to get up but were held back by those strong arms, preventing any movement.
It seemed that the wound on your back no longer pained you, only a soothing, cool sensation remained.
It looked like Zayne had tended to your injury.
You knew what you had done was dangerous, and you would surely be scolded by him, but you still felt warm inside knowing he was safe….
These past days, seeing his exhaustion, you wanted to do something. But the more you looked at him, the more unsure you were of what to do, as if he was fighting a battle within himself, silently enduring.
That was when you saw him in danger, and you immediately shielded him without a second thought, just to spare him from more pain.
Thankfully… he was unharmed…
As you nestled in Zayne’s embrace, you couldn’t shake off a strange feeling, an unnamed sensation, like you had felt it long ago when you looked into his eyes…. as if… you were seeing a different Zayne…
While lost in thought, Zayne’s hand reached out to touch your cheek.
Fearing he would reprimand you for acting impulsively, you scrambled for excuses in your mind, avoiding his gaze to escape his scolding.
But when you met his eyes, you knew…
Without giving you time to think, the unfamiliar man who resembled Zayne looked at you and smiled, sending a chill through your body.
Trong lúc đang “nung nấu” cái thẻ nắng ngầm “Private Trip” của anh cá nhà t, thì ý tưởng ùa vào cũng giúp t hoàn thành cái #delulu này cho anh bác sĩ 🥹🥹
Mọi sự đều nhờ cô Nguyễn Nguyệt khi mọi ý tưởng gần đây được trao ban cho t đều là ngược 🫣 Nên anh Lê vui lòng lãnh đạn trước nhé!
Những điều được viết dưới đây bao gồm nhiều yếu tố “ảo tưởng” của chính t nên nếu không đúng hay thấy sai sai thì xin các cô bỏ qua giúp t nhé
Mong các cô enjoy phiên bản này! Rất mong được nhận ý kiến từ các cô
PS: ✨✨cá con Private Trip ui lại chờ em nữa nhá 😭✨🐡🌊
Tóm tắt: Nếu Dawnbreaker và Zayne gặp nhau sẽ như thế nào…
Lê Thâm - Ranh Giới Giữa Các Chiêu Không Gian
“Cậu chẳng khác gì một kẻ yếu đuối”
Câu nói ấy cứ vang vọng trong lòng Lê Thâm kể từ khi anh tận mắt chứng kiến người thầy cũng là người bạn của anh bị biến thành Wanderer ngay trước mắt.
Nếu để mọi người được có cơ hội xét đoán, thì họ sẽ bảo với Lê Thâm rằng việc anh do dự hay sợ hãi không thể xuống tay là một điều hiển nhiên theo bản năng của con người, vì không ai có thể đứng vững trước hoàn cảnh như thế.
Nhìn người mình quen dần biến thành quái thú rồi phải tự tay mình kết liễu mạng sống họ? Liệu có ai “bình thường” sẽ nguyện ý làm điều kinh hãi kia?
Nhưng Lê Thâm biết, “bóng đen” thầm thốt ra lời chỉ trích anh qua ánh nhìn khinh bỉ đó đã không còn là người “bình thường”.
Đã bao lâu rồi Lê Thâm mới trải nghiệm lại cảm giác hồi hộp như sắp sửa lâm trận.
Đối diện anh là cặp mắt đỏ như màu máu khiến Lê Thâm không kiềm được mà phải phát huy năng lực từ cánh tay phải của mình như một bản năng tự vệ.
Cũng chính năng lực này là khởi nguồn cho nhiều bi kịch.
Nhưng so với bóng đen đang ở ngay trước mắt, Lê Thâm có thể cảm thấy được nỗi đau mà anh đã chịu không thể nào sánh nổi với người đang nhìn anh bằng cặp mắt âm trầm phán xét.
Dù bị màn đêm che khuất, Lê Thâm biết người trước mặt anh là có thể là người mà anh hiểu rõ, vì năng lượng xung quanh người đó cũng là năng lượng mà anh quen thuộc.
Năng lượng của băng giá - cũng là năng lượng của chính anh.
Hay nói cách khác, người trước mặt anh có thể là không ai khác ngoại trừ chính mình.
Cứ như bản thân anh là hiện thân của Thần Chết mà anh hằng lo sợ.
Lê Thâm cũng nhận ra người trước mặt vừa có khí chất của anh,lại vừa ẩn giấu bên trong một tâm tình bất định mà anh không nắm chắc.
Tâm tình đó tựa như ly thuốc độc mà chỉ cần một giọt nhỏ rơi vào thôi sẽ làm tràn cả ly, khiến chất độc lan ra tới mọi nơi nó có thể vươn tới. Và chất độc ấy đang ẩn giấu một sát khí bao phủ xung quanh năng lượng băng giá kia. Cũng nhờ điều này mà Lê Thâm nhận biết rõ người trước mặt anh và chính mình là hai cá thể riêng biệt, vì anh sẽ không bao giờ để bản thân mình bị bao trùm bởi sát khí. Anh là bác sĩ, và trách nhiệm của anh là cứu người, chứ không phải đoạt đi mạng sống. Đó là châm ngôn sống của anh và cũng là điều anh đã dặn với lòng mình.
Nhưng sự giống nhau đến mức kì lạ này lại khiến anh liên tưởng đến hai giọt nước tương phản nhau trong gương, vừa giống nhau lại vừa không giống, tạo ra cảm giác cả hai cùng song song hiện hữu. Vậy nếu có một ngày một trong hai hình ảnh ấy phải biến mất, vậy hình ảnh còn lại sẽ như thế nào? Liệu cũng tan biến theo ảnh thật trong gương ?
Đang khi suy nghĩ về điều kì lạ diễn ra trước mặt trong không gian tăm tối, Lê Thâm chợt nhận ra bầu không khí giữa cả hai biến đổi.
Một cơn gió lạnh buốt bất ngờ bao trùm lấy anh như muốn đóng băng toàn bộ con người anh.
Cơn giá lạnh đó như một con thú dữ gào thét muốn liều mạng ăn tưoi nuốt sống anh, phản ánh tâm trạng tức giận của người vừa tạo ra nó.
Sao hắn ta lại đột nhiên tức giận?
Không để Lê Thâm chờ lâu, những ngọn băng thuỷ tinh lẫn trong trận bão tuyết đã bất ngờ ập tới Lê Thâm khiến anh trở tay không kịp.
Sát khí cuồn cuộn dâng trào báo hiệu Lê Thâm biết về nguy hiểm rình rập, khiến anh không tự chủ được mà phải phát huy năng lực của mình như một bản năng.
Một bức tường băng kiên cố được dựng nên ngăn cách bản thân Lê Thâm với vô vàn những mũi băng có khả năng gây ra sát thương chí mạng.
Nhưng đòn tấn công dồn dập cùng sát khí quá mạnh đó đã khiến Lê Thâm phải chùn bước.
Anh thở hổn hển, cố gắng điều chỉnh tâm trạng lẫn năng lực đang xáo trộn của mình. Tại sao mới vừa ở trong trạng thái dò xét, mà bóng đen kia lại lập tức muốn ra tay kết liễu?
Đó là điều Lê Thâm vẫn chưa hiểu, nên anh chần chờ không xuống tay được.
Có lẽ thế giới dịu dàng mà Lê Thâm đang được trải nghiệm đã làm tan chảy trái tim của anh, khiến những quyết định mà anh đưa ra đều ẩn giấu sự vị tha và độ lượng mà một vị bác sĩ cần có. Nhưng khi đối mặt với người trước mắt, những lối sống ấy đã không còn nghĩa lý gì.
Hiển nhiên, trong cuộc đọ sức dành cho kẻ chiến thắng này, cả về quyết tâm lẫn sức mạnh, Lê Thâm đã thua.
Lúc cơn bão tuyết bao trùm lấy Lê Thâm cùng những tràng băng bủa vây anh tứ phía, anh nhận ra người kia nắm giữ năng lực còn mạnh hơn những gì anh tưởng tượng.
Những mũi tên bắt đầu xuyên qua tường băng của Lê Thâm mà cắm phập vào người anh, khiến anh phải hứng chịu cơn đau thấu tim cùng đợt gió lạnh tràn vào. Cơn đau đó y hệt như thuật chú định khiến toàn thân anh không thể nhúc nhích, chỉ có thể mặc cho những mũi băng giày xéo giữa cơn bão tuyết dữ dội.
Cảm giác này….tại sao…lại quen thuộc đến vậy….
Trong lúc Lê Thâm đang gắng gượng vực dậy bản thân thì bóng đen kia đã tiến lại gần, để lộ ra gương mặt quen thuộc.
Thần Chết…là Thần Chết mà Lê Thâm đã nhìn thấy trước kia…là người đã ám chỉ anh rằng anh chỉ là một kẻ yếu đuối.
Cùng một gương mặt, một thần thái, một năng lượng, Lê Thâm như nhìn thấy chính bản thể của mình trong đôi mắt ánh vàng của chiều buồn nhưng bị nhuộm đỏ trong màu máu.
Đây…là…. anh sao?
Trong lúc Lê Thâm còn chưa hết bỡ ngỡ, thì vị Thần Chết kia đã tiến lại gần rồi nhìn anh với nửa con mắt khinh thường từ trên xuống:
“Rốt cuộc, cậu cũng chỉ là một kẻ vô dụng, nên mới không thể bảo vệ nổi điều duy nhất cậu may mắn có được.”
Lời nói này tựa như chú thuật nguyền rủa khiến trái tim Lê Thâm thắt lại trong đau đớn. Anh biết điều duy nhất anh may mắn có được là gì, vì đã không biết bao lần, anh cũng được trải nghiệm cảm giác đau đớn y hệt như vậy trong mơ: Cảm giác khi không có em ở bên cạnh….
Vậy có khi nào….
Không để Lê Thâm có thời gian suy nghĩ, một khối băng đã được hình thành trong lòng bàn tay của Thần Chết, và hiển nhiên, khối băng ấy được dùng làm gì và để hướng vào ai thì cả hai đều hiểu rõ.
Nhưng điều khiến Lê Thâm bàng hoàng hơn cả không phải là việc anh có thể bị ra tay kết liễu bất cứ lúc nào nhưng chính bởi điều Thần Chết đã thốt ra ngay lúc anh ta ra chiêu chí mạng:
“Nếu cậu đã trở nên vô dụng, thì tới lượt tôi bảo vệ em ấy.”
*************************************
“Lê Thâm….Lê Thâm!!”
Lê Thâm giật mình tỉnh giấc sau khi nghe thấy tiếng gọi quen thuộc.
Anh ngồi bật dậy thở dốc, cả người anh thấm đẫm mồ hôi như mới trải qua cảnh tượng hãi hùng sau khi thoát khỏi cái chết trong gang tấc.
Trong lúc nỗi sợ còn đang bao phủ lấy Lê Thâm khiến anh chưa kịp định hình thì một bàn tay ấm áp đã chạm nhẹ vào lưng rồi vỗ về anh theo từng nhịp tim anh đập.
Lê Thâm ngước mắt lên mò tìm theo cử động của bàn tay ấy thì đụng phải đôi mắt đầy lo lắng đang hiện trên gương mặt dịu dàng thân quen của em.
Những tia nắng ấm áp xuyên qua mành khung cửa sổ đang chạm vào người em khiến em càng thêm toả sáng hệt như thiên thần, cũng làm cho Lê Thâm có cảm giác rằng anh đang được ở trên thiên đường sau khi phải lang thang trong màn đêm vô tận.
Không kìm được lòng mình, Lê Thâm theo bản năng ôm chầm lấy em mà cảm nhận cái ấm nóng mà em mang lại.
Chỉ đến khi em thốt lên, “Anh có sao không? Lại nằm mơ à?” Thì lúcđó, Lê Thâm mới ngước nhìn cảnh vật xung quanh.
Vẫn là mùi thuốc men từ căn phòng khám bệnh quen thuộc, không phải mùi máu tanh ở nơi tối tăm ấy.
Nhưng cảm giác của sát khí âm trầm mà nơi đó để lại vẫn đang quanh quẩn trong anh, khiến cho ngay cả nắng ấm từ mặt trời cũng không thể xua tan đi cái lạnh buốt anh vừa cảm nhận.
Anh vuốt ve cổ mình nơi đã bị tảng băng giá lạnh kia đâm lấy…cảm giác này…..sao lại chân thực đến vậy….liệu nó chỉ đơn giản là mơ…
Trong lúc lại sắp chìm vào sự suy tư của bản thân, một dòng chảy ấm áp tiếp tục được áp vào má Lê Thâm khiến anh tỉnh lại.
“Anh có sao không? Sao lại ngẩn người nữa rồi? Có phải hay không lại ăn vụng đồ ngọt trước khi ngủ nên mới khó thở rồi ra nhiều mồ hôi như thế?”
Như ánh nắng chói chang đủ sức làm tan chảy tảng băng lạnh buốt, cõi lòng của Lê Thâm cũng dần bình tâm trở lại.
Đúng vậy, có khi nào chỉ vì anh sơ ý không chăm sóc cơ thể nên mới khiến cho mình bị sinh ảo giác rồi gây ra cảm giác chênh vênh này không? Mà cho dù không thì anh cũng muốn tin vào khả năng như vậy. Vì đó là điều duy nhất anh có thể làm, để khiến em không còn lo lắng về anh nữa.
Lê Thâm trìu mến nhìn em rồi lại ôm chầm lấy em, như đang khao khát nắm giữ cái ấm áp chỉ mình em có khả năng trao tặng.
”Thật may…… vì được có em bên cạnh.”
*****************************
“Anh này, đừng tự mình gắng sức hay quyết định điều gì nhé, có gì cũng phải nói cho em trước tiên”
Nhìn bộ dáng vừa hí hửng vừa dặn dò anh như bà cụ của em khiến Lê Thâm không kiềm được lòng mà phì cười một tiếng - điều mà anh rất hiếm khi làm.
Có vẻ giấc mơ kia chỉ là phản ảnh cho nỗi sợ trong lòng, nỗi sợ rằng sẽ có ngày anh phải hối hận vì mình “yếu đuối”. Nhưng đâu mới là định nghĩa cho sự yếu đuối? Là không đủ dũng khí để tiêu diệt những gì có thể làm hại em ấy sao?
Dù điều ấy có thể...đã từng là….con người….
Trong lúc Lê Thâm lại sắp chìm vào suy nghĩ của mình thì chuông báo động từ chiếc đồng hồ thợ săn của em lại vang lên, kèm theo sau là lời cảnh báo:
”Báo động…báo động…quái Wanderers xuất hiện…. cấp độ A…tọa độ X Y….xin vui lòng di tản dân cư khỏi khu vực nguy hiểm”
Cả Lê Thâm và em đều biết biết mình phải làm gì trong những lúc như thế này.
Đang khi dặn dò em về việc em phải làm và phải cẩn trọng ra sao trong lúc thi hành nhiệm vụ thì đột nhiên một khoảng không bị mở ra ngay trước mắt, và theo sau là một con quái Wanderer với hình dáng giống hệt như….
William….
Chỉ trong nháy mắt khi Lê Thâm đang bàng hoàng, quái Wanderer đã lao ngay tới rồi vung lưỡi liềm sắt bén từ cánh tay biến dạng của mình về phía anh.
William…là…là cậu sao?
Lê Thâm cảm thấy tim mình như ngừng thở, ký ức bị anh chôn vùi đang tái hiện từng cảnh một.
Tại núi Eternal….nơi có bí mật anh muốn chôn vùi….nơi bản thân anh đã từng yếu đuối…William…thật xin lỗi….. hoá ra cho tới bây giờ….tôi vẫn là kẻ vô dụng…
“LÊ THÂMMMMMMMM!”
Tiếng thét chói tai vừa vang lên cũng là lúc Lê Thâm choàng tỉnh. Đối diện anh lúc này là hình ảnh của em đang dang hai tay mà đỡ lấy anh. Những tia máu bắn ra từ lưng em cũng xẹt qua gương mặt của Lê Thâm rồi lưu lại.
Trong lòng anh là hình ảnh cô gái anh thương đang ngã xuống.
Máu từ lưng em bám vào tay anh tạo ra một cảm giác ấm nóng….
nhưng đây…
Không phải là hơi ấm mà anh muốn chạm….
Chỉ trong nháy mắt, tất cả mọi thứ xung quanh Lê Thâm đều được bao phủ bởi màn đêm vô tận.
Màn đêm đầy rẫy sát khí đó…
Và chính giữa màn đêm ấy là một con đường, một con đường được dựng nên bởi hai hàng dài những xác người chất đống.
Lê Thâm không muốn đi trên con đường này, nhưng cứ như vận mệnh đã an bài, đây sẽ là con đường mà anh phải chọn.
Một giọng nói vang lên ở trong anh, như đã cách rất lâu, rất xa về trước….
“Nếu luật đã đặt ra…chẳng khác gì lời nguyền rủa… thì cần gì phải hoàn thiện nó….chỉ đơn giản…phá huỷ toàn bộ thôi…”
Đúng vậy…phải phá huỷ toàn bộ….mới có thể…bảo vệ được em…
Như một bộ xương khô đang tiến gần đến huyệt mộ của mình, Lê Thâm bước từng bước nặng nề qua hai hàng xác người chất đống, tiến thẳng vào trong bóng đêm vô tận. Và tại cuối con đường, điều Lê Thâm nhìn thấy, chính là ngai vàng với đầy rẫy những tảng băng gai góc lạnh lẽo.
Lê Thâm nhìn thấy một hình ảnh khác giống anh đang mặc một bộ đồ dành cho nhà tiên tri ma thuật thời xưa…như đã ngồi đây rất lâu …chỉ để chờ…
Chờ đợi….
“Bông hoa thuỷ tiên đó…”
Như trùng với tiếng lòng của anh, tiếng của Thần Chết đối diện anh vang lên. Bóng hình của Thần Chết, hiện đã thay thế cho hình bóng cầm cây trượng mà ngồi chễm chệ trên ngai vàng.
Vậy ai mới thực sự là ai? Bản thân anh đã không còn biết và không còn quan tâm đến nữa. Vì tại giờ phút này, anh biết anh cùng với những hình ảnh trước mặt mình chỉ có một điểm chung duy nhất, và điểm chung đó, là điều mà tất cả các bản thể của anh đều để tâm và muốn có được.
Chính là em…là bông hoa thuỷ tiên mà chúng tôi luôn tìm kiếm…
Giữa màn đêm yên tĩnh, tiếng lãnh đạm của Thần Chết vang lên như hồi chuông cảnh báo:
“Cậu….là ngoại lệ, vì chỉ có cậu mới có được em ấy.”
Lê Thâm hiểu rõ những điều Thần Chết đang nói.
Anh vô lực khuỵu xuống sàn vì anh hiểu rõ bản thân mình đã may mắn ra sao nhưng cũng bất lực thế nào.
“Nhưng…cũng chính cậu….mới là kẻ yếu đuối nhất….”
Anh biết rõ…anh biết rõ…mình là kẻ yếu đuối….
“Vậy nên…nếu cậu không thể trở nên mạnh mẽ…”
Lời nói chưa kịp kết thúc, thì cằm của Lê Thâm đã bị nắm giữ. Một bàn tay rắn chắc lạnh lẽo đang thúc ép anh phải đối mặt với đôi mắt đỏ như máu đang hiện diện ngay trước mặt mình.
“Nếu cậu đã không làm được thì tới phiên tôi. Nơi đây không có chỗ dành cho kẻ yếu.”
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Những tiếng cứu xe inh ỏi….hàng loạt tiếng la hét của người dân….chỉ có em… như đang nằm yên…trong một vòng tay rắn chắc…
Em cố gắng choàng dậy nhưng đã bị cánh tay rắn chắc kia ngăn chặn không cho em động đậy thân mình.
Hình như vết thương ở sau lưng em đã không còn đau nữa, chỉ có một cảm giác lành lạnh thoải mái.
Có vẻ như Lê Thâm đã giúp em xử lý vết thương.
Em biết điều mình vừa làm là rất nguy hiểm, thể nào cũng sẽ bị anh chê trách nhưng em vẫn cảm thấy thật ấm lòng vì anh vẫn bình an….
Những ngày vừa qua, khi trông thấy vẻ mệt mỏi của anh, em đã muốn làm một điều gì đó. Nhưng càng nhìn anh em lại càng không biết mình nên phải làm gì vì cứ như thể anh đang đấu tranh với chính mình, giống như đây là điều mà anh phải tự vượt qua và âm thầm chịu đựng.
Nên lúc em nhìn thấy anh gặp nguy hiểm, em đã ngay lập tức che chắn cho anh, chỉ vì không muốn anh phải chịu thêm nỗi đau nào nữa.
Thật may…vì anh vẫn không sao…
Lúc dụi vào lòng Lê Thâm, không hiểu sao em cứ có cảm giác gì đó rất kì lạ, một cảm giác không tên, như thể rất lâu em cũng từng có cảm giác đó khi nhìn trong mắt anh….cứ ngỡ như…em được nhìn thấy một Lê Thâm khác vậy…
Đang khi lo nghĩ thì bàn tay của Lê Thâm đã chạm vào má em.
Lo sợ rằng Lê Thâm sẽ la mắng em vì em đã hành động thiếu suy nghĩ nên em cố tìm đủ mọi lý do trong đầu rồi chậm chạp không dám đưa mắt nhìn để tránh bị anh hỏi tội.
Nhưng tới khi được chạm vào mắt anh thì em đã biết….
Không đợi em kịp suy nghĩ, người đàn ông xa lạ nhìn giống Lê Thâm kia vừa nhìn em vừa nở nụ cười khiến toàn thân em lạnh buốt.
