Sorry the break, but my classes will be ended soon, so I hope to be able to update more. This is not an action chapter, but if you are fans of Yuan and Martel, you are in for a real treat. I put alot of working this chapter and I hope you enjoy.

Warning, this chapter has a bit of mush.

Chapter 21: Love

Mithos stared between two half-elves with a look of interest in his eyes.

"You two know each other?" He asked, breaking the silences.

Yuan rubbed his hair. "We go a ways back."

Crystal frown. "Yuan, you know we were more than that."

This got Mithos' attention. "How much more?" Martel had a mysterious blank look on her face.

"Crystal, what are you doing here anyway?" Yuan asked instead.

"I am here to pay my respects to the Wind Spirit." Crystal said. "I have been coming here everyday for the last five years."

Yuan had a disapproval look on his face. "You know it dangerous for 'you' to be here."

Crystal's face became sad and shameful. "I know, but I just feel close to spirits every time I come here. Besides, this is the closer we can get to the original shrine for the spirits."

"Hold on." Mithos suddenly interrupted. "What do you mean this is the closest we can get the original shrine?"

Crystal turned towards Mithos. "I don't think we met."

"Forgive me, this is Kratos, one of my dear friends." Yuan said as he pointed to the purple knight who had remained completely silent. "The young boy is Mithos and this young lady is Martel."

Crystal bowed. "It is nice to meet you all." Everyone return the bow, except Martel. Her sudden rude behavior didn't go unnoticed by Mithos or Kratos. Crystal's eyes widen after she stared at them for a few seconds. "Oh.....you're like me as well."

Yuan nodded. "It is not safe to talk here. Can we take it the Elven's Quarters?"

"Of course, we can go to my house." Crystal offered. "You do remember where it was."

"I could find it with my eyes close." Yuan regretted those words as soon as they left his mouth. He glanced at Martel from the corner of his eyes and saw that she didn't miss the implication.

"Ok, I am there. Just come when you're ready." Crystal said. She gave one last pray to the spirits and walked off the dais grounds.

"It would seem that coming here has prove useful afterall." Kratos said neutrally, but he felt the uneasiness that had befallen the group. He thought it was best not to bring it up. Unfortunately, Mithos didn't have the same restraint. "Who was that, your former girlfriend?" He bluntly asked.

Yuan coughed nervously. "We had relations in the past, but that was many years ago."

"Seems kind of fresh to her." Mithos muttered in distrust. Martel looked even sadder, but said nothing.

"We should go meet her." Kratos offered after seeing Martel. "It is dangerous for us to linger her longer."

"Yeah, we shouldn't risk getting caught by security." Yuan said quickly as he began to lead the group out.

The crowd had gotten bigger since it was later in the morning, so they were force to walk at a snail's pace. Kratos was now carrying Mithos on his shoulders since he was nearly ran over more than a couple of times. Martel followed behind them, but she lack the energy that she usually had around large crowds. This changed in attitude really worried Kratos, but there was little he could to do to help it.

After awhile, the crowds began to thin and soon, only one or two people could be seen walking around. The buildings also became less fancy and older. The marble also wasn't as clean and it was more of an off-white.

"This part of time hasn't been care for like the rest." Mithos observed as Kratos lowed him to the ground.

"These are the Elvan Quarters." Yuan explained. "All half-elves can only live in this section of the city. Also, the poorer humans live here as well."

Mithos snorted. "That is just typical."

"It is not as bad as you think here, but we must be careful." Yuan said. "Unlike the other sections, this place has no security. Which means, you're on your own if you get mug."

"But they wouldn't attack a fellow half-elf, right?" Mithos asked hopefully.

Yuan chuckled humorlessly. "Wrong kid. Regardless of your race, your money and stuff are just as good as any other person's. That is one of the few fair and equal things around here."

"How could a half-elf hurt their own kind?" Mithos asked in disgust. "I mean we're all on the same side."

"When times are tough, it's every men for himself." Yuan said. "That is the universal rule, rather you're a half-elf or a human."

"It is a often sad truth, but that is the world we live in." Kratos said.

"It still doesn't make it right." Martel suddenly said. This was the first time she spoke in almost an hour. "We are all people trying to survive. We shouldn't try to live on the weakest of us."

"I am afraid that is nothing but idealist talk, Martel." Kratos said, although his voice lacked any harshness. It was only filled with bitterness.

"When this journey is over, I want to change that way of thinking." Martel said. "I want a world where everyone can live peacefully and happily."

Mithos smiled. "That's a nice dream and I'll be by you side every step on the way."

Martel returned the smile. "Thanks, Mithos."

"Anyway, we should be getting to Crystal's house." Yuan said. "She lived near the further end." Martel's mood quickly shifted back to her earlier funk with the mention of Crystal's name. This earned a glare from Mithos, but Yuan took no heed of it.

It took around twenty minutes to reach a small residential area near the edge of the city's wall. The house was all one story and looked slightly aged. Yuan went to one of the houses in the middle of the neighborhood and knocked.

It took a few minutes before someone answer. It was an older lady with red hair that had some streaks of silver in them. "May I help you?"

Yuan smiled. "It is nice to see you again."

The woman titled her head. "Do I know you?"

"Perhaps you remember the name, Yuan Ka-Fai." He stated.

Her eyes widen before some tears could be seen. "Yuan, you're still alive." She said as she flung the door open and hugged the taller man. "We all feared the worst when we heard what happen to your unit."

Yuan returned the hugged. "It wasn't my time to die."

She finally broke the hug and looked over Yuan's shoulder. "Who are your friends?"

"These are the people I have been traveling with. The one with the stern look is Kratos. The little kid is Mithos and this young lady is Martel." Yuan introduce. "Everyone, this is Crystal's mother, Rose."

Kratos bowed. "A pleasure to meet you." Mithos and Martel return the gesture.

Rose eyed Kratos suspiciously. "A human."

"He is a good human, Rose." Yuan assured. "He will bring no harm to anyone."

"Although, it is odd for a human to travel with a group of half-elves." Rose stated coldly. "Is he running from the law?" Both Yuan and Kratos gave each other uncomfortable looks.

"Well, yes, but it isn't for anything bad." Yuan said steadily. It wasn't a complete lie from his point-of-view.

Rose stared at Kratos for a few seconds longer before she broke eye contact. "I'll trust your judgment, Yuan. But if he does anything to endanger you or my family, I will have his head."

Kratos was slightly unnerved by the certainty in which she said that, but didn't let it show on his face. "I will keep that in mind."

"Yuan, have you seen Crystal already?" Rose asked.

"I met her at the dais, we're suppose to meet her here." Yuan said.

Rose's eyes narrowed. "That girl, I told her not to go near the dais. She won't be happy until she gets herself arrested."

Yuan chuckled. "You know Crystal. Krilla and her were always the most religious in the group."

"I am being rude, please come inside." Rose stated as she lead the group into the house. It was slightly crowded, but everyone was able to sit comfortably, except Kratos who rather stand in a nearby corner.

"So tell me, how long have you all known Yuan?" Rose asked as she passed around a tray of tea and snacks to the group.

"We have only known him for a couple of mouths." Mithos said as he grabbed a cookie. "We met him in Kriton."

"Kriton?" Rose said in surprise. "Isn't that place near the Tethe'alla's boarder?"

"Yeah, but it's a neutral zone." Mithos said. "That is where the greatest school in the world is at."

Rose frown as she looked at Yuan. "If that is the case, why didn't you come back home?"

Yuan blushed. "I was busy."

Rose suddenly slammed the tray down, startling everyone. "Do you have any idea how worry we all were for you? We thought you were dead or even worst, sold as a slave to some aristocrat."

Yuan looked noticeable uncomfortable. "Sorry, I didn't take in mind your feelings."

Rose shook her head. "Did you know that Crystal cried for you every night for three years. She only now has begun to recover. And, you didn't think a thing for her."

"So, Crystal was special to Yuan." Martel said barely above a whisper.

Rose stared at Martel. "Of course, the two were engage to be marry." Mithos nearly choke on his tea and Martel looked to have gone several shades grayer. Even Kratos mouth was left slightly open.

"Married!?" Mithos finally stuttered.

Rose nodded. "Those two were promise to each other since they were thirteen." She suddenly smiled. "Now that you're back, you can finally marry Crystal. She would have no one else, except you."

Yuan looked almost sick. "Yeah...." Thankfully, Crystal chose this time to finally return home. She smiled happily when she saw everyone.

"I am so glad you made it." Crystal smiled. "I see you met mother."

"Crystal, what is this about you being near that dais?" Rose suddenly asked. "I told you not to go near it."

Crystal sighed. "Not this again. I already told you."

"You know half-elves are punish severely for going near the humans section." Rose said firmly. "Don't you remember what happen to your cousin? She still can barely walk from the beating they gave her."

"You don't have to remind me every time mom." Crystal said. "Anyway, we have guests."

Rose sighed in defeat and went into the kitchen. "You just won't learn." She muttered.

"Sorry about that." Crystal said. "My mom has a deep fear of the human section."

"Given what happen, I don't blame her." Yuan stated. He was slowly regaining his composer. Although, he didn't like the defeated look in Martel's face.

"Speaking of the dais, why were you there, Yuan?" Crystal asked.

"Truthfully, we were looking for Ventus' shrine." Yuan stated.

"The original shrine of the Summon Spirit Sylph?" Crystal asked in curiosity. "Usually, only monks and priests actually look for it. I am surprise that you would have interest in it, considering that you had more than a few harsh words towards the spirits when you left."

Yuan sighed. "Things change."

"Yuan, there is something you're not telling me." Crystal said coldly.

"I am sorry, Crystal, but that is top secret information." Yuan said.

Crystal looked around the room to make sure that her mother wasn't listening. "Does it have anything to do with you half brother?"

Yuan's eyes nearly popped out of his head in shock. "How......how did you..."

"I overheard it from my mother one day." Crystal said. "She was talking to a friend about how your father was some big hot shot from Heimdall who already had a wife and child. I heard rumors some time ago that he was looking for the shrines of the Centurions and Summon Spirits for some type of research."

Mithos raised an eyebrow. "She doesn't know." He whispered.

Yuan chuckled in relief. "You got me, Crystal."

"Although I have no love for your father's side of the family, I'm more than willing to help you." Crystal smiled. "Me and some others have been doing a lot of research regarding the location of the original shrine."

"You know where it's at?" Mithos asked, unable to hold his excitement.

"Not precisely, but we may have found a way to get to it." Crystal said. "I was at the dais to do some final research."

"It is the best lead we have." Kratos spoke up.

"I can have all the research notes ready by tomorrow." Crystal said. "Until then, you're more than welcome to stay here."

Yuan smiled. "Thank you, Crystal."

Martel managed a small smile as well. "We owe you, Crystal." Everyone, except Crystal, flinched at Martel's words.

Martel had a habit of using Lord or Lady whenever she addressed a stranger or higher authority. This was the first time they had ever heard her not use a title.

"Well, you can't stay in an inn except for Kratos, so it is the least I can do." Crystal offered. "I am certain that mother won't mind."

"Yeah, I need to get some fresh air." Yuan said as he stood up. "I'll be back soon." He almost ran off the house as everyone watched him.

Crystal smiled fondly. "He hasn't changed at all."

"Crystal, were you and Yuan really engaged to be marry?" Martel asked softly.

"Oh, mother told you." Crystal chuckled. "No, we weren't really engaged, but our families made plans for us to marry. However, Yuan was always chasing ladies around time. He was quite the charmer. Mother thought for sure I could tame him."

Martel looked Crystal in the eye. "Do you love him?"

Crystal smiled and blushed. "It has been over ten years since he left, but my feelings for him never wavered. I used to tell my mother that he was alive even when we lost contact with him. When I heard rumors that he was with his brother, I was so happy."

"That's not answering the question." Mithos stated. He stopped himself from going any further when he saw Martel's glare.

Crystal closed her eyes. "I do love him. But, I don't know if it's mutual. As long I have known him, I could never read that man. But, I always hope that one day, he'll see me."

Martel gave her first genuine smile since she entered the house. "You're a good person, Crystal. I think you would be perfect for Yuan." Both Mithos and Kratos gave each other the same look.

Yuan sat on top of the roof of one of the many houses in the area. Seeing Crystal again had opened a part of him that had been bury since the day he joined the army. It was the part of him that was that innocent boy before the raid, before his entire family was killed before his eyes.

He would be lying to himself if he said that he didn't have some feelings for Crystal, but the heartbroken look on Martel's face was more then he could bear.

Martel had started out as another girl for him to charm. Sure, they had fun and went out, but it wasn't supposed to be anything serious. However, as the months went by he became very fond of Martel. She became more than just another girl. But, what was he going to with Crystal?

"I figure you be hiding somewhere up here." Kratos said as he gracefully jumped on the roof.

Yuan snorted. "I am not hiding."

"Which is why you have been sitting on a roof for over eight hours." Kratos said neutrally.

"Did you come here for a reason?" Yuan asked shortly.

Kratos sighed. "Ever since I have known you Yuan, you have always been 'friendly' with women. I have seen and heard of your exports even when you were a slave."

Yuan cracked a smile. "Yeah, I am quite famous."

"When you were flirting with Martel, I just assume you were just being yourself. However, Martel is not that type of lady." Kratos said in a matter-of-fact voice. "She is someone who took your advances seriously and has comes to deeply care about you. Even more so than her own happiness. To Martel, your affections towards her were much more than just a passing interest."

Yuan dropped his smile. "You think I don't know that? I truly do care for Martel."

"I know that and I know you would never do anything to intently hurt her." Kratos stated. "I love you like a brother, Yuan, but I have also come to care for Martel as well. If you still have any feelings for this old girlfriend of yours, I suggest you break any romancing feelings with Martel."

Yuan's eyes widen. "I didn't know you cared so much."

"Yuan, if you chose to continue to lead Martel on and hurt her feelings any further, then you will have me to deal with." Kratos said coldly. "So, I suggest you get your act together and decide what you want." Once he completed his statement, he jumped down from the roof and left Yuan to his thoughts.

Yuan sighed in disgust with himself. He knew that Kratos was right. It would have been cruel to lead any of these two girls on. He either had to chose one of them or break off relations with both.

Martel was staring at the window in deep thought. She has been looking aimlessly at the stars for almost an hour.

"I don't know why you're pining over Yuan." Mithos said. "Although he is an okay guy, he still not worth this kind of grief."

Martel sighed. "I am not pining over him. I just want him to be happy. If he would like to marry Crystal, it would be selfish of me to stay of the way."

Mithos rolled his eyes. "You're so love sick for that guy it boarder on pitiful."

Martel sighed. "I guess that's true."

Mithos frowned. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." Martel said nothing. Mithos was about to give up when he heard a knock on the door. He walked to the door and opened it. He wasn't too surprise to see Yuan.

"What do you want?" Mithos asked shortly. "I think you have done enough."

"I just want to talk to Martel." Yuan said. "I won't be long."

Mithos narrowed his eyes. "She doesn't want to...."

"It okay, Mithos." Martel said as she stood by the door.

"Martel, do you mind going on a walk with me?" Yuan asked, he seemed nervous.

Martel nodded. "That sounds nice."

Yuan helped her out and the two were now strolling down the moon lit street. It was a cool night, reminding the two that it was early fall. They kept walking until they reached a cliff that oversaw the entire city.

"It wonderful up here." Martel said in awe.

"This is my favorite spot in the entire city." Yuan said. "From here, it seems like you're overlooking the whole world."

"This really is a beautiful city." Martel said.

Yuan sighed. "Martel, I wanted to tell you something."

"You don't have to say anything, Yuan." Martel said with a sad smile. "I seen the look on you face when you look at Crystal. You truly do care for her and if you want to pursue your relationship with her, you have my full blessing."

Yuan was open mouth by the statement. "You really do think that way."

"I want you to be happy." Martel said. "Even if it isn't with me."

"Martel, you truly are a wonderful person." Yuan said with a smile. "However, that isn't why I called you out her tonight."

Martel looked him in the eyes. "Then why have you?"

"I won't lie, when we first started our relationship I had no intention of letting it go beyond friendship. When my home was attacked, I lost my entire family here and I broke ties with all my friends for revenge." Yuan stated. "I hated the Tethe'allan and humans for a long time after that day. Because of that, I made sure to never to bond with anyone so I could never feel that hurt again."

"That is so sad." Martel whispered.

Yuan chuckled. "However, time had smooth my anger and I have once again started to let people in, despite my better judgment. I can even imagine returning here one day and living a peaceful life. But, if I do return here, I don't want to build my home with Crystal."

"Yuan." Martel whispered.

"I do care for Crystal, but I have come to realize that I never loved her." Yuan said. "I never loved any of the women I flirted with, until I met you."

Martel stepped back in surprise. "Do you really mean that, Yuan?"

Yuan smiled down at her and grabbed both her hands. "I never have been more sure. I can say with a clear mind and heart that, I love you, Martel."

Martel was near tears when she heard those words. "And.....I love you, Yuan." She embraced Yuan. He return the tight huge as they stood in the moonlight.

Some ways away, Mithos and Kratos were watching the entire scene.

"Well, it's about time." Kratos said. A rare smile could bee seen on his face.

"Didn't think he had the balls to do it." Mithos said. He was using his wings and his superior eyesight to spy.

"Looks like you will have a new brother-in-law soon, Mithos." Kratos teased the young boy.

Mithos shrugged. "As much as I hate to admit it, I really don't mind." He smiled. "Brother Yuan has a nice ring to it." Kratos chuckled into the night's air asthe two lovebirds were lost in each other arms.

Yeah, they are offically a couple now. It is about time isn't it. I hope I did justice to people who are fans of this couple. I try to stay as true as possible to their character. In either case, until next time.