AN: Thanks so much once again CreepyNick1, notasongfic and TaintedBloodLily for reviewing the previous chapter! I have a feeling my readers will both like and despair at this chapter :3 Enjoy!
Chapter 29:
Something was wrong.
There was a strange sense of tension hanging in the air, ever since Axel and his guild returned from visiting Minister Dubois. They had left early that morning, straight after breakfast and returned an hour or so later. They entered the Inn silently, lost in their thoughts, their expressions unnervingly stoic.
Lynus lingered in the doorway of his room he shared with Axel. Axel was kitted up in his armour, his axe, as shiny and sharp as always, standing up against the bed next to him. He was currently sitting on the edge of the bed, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands folded under his chin as he stared at the vacant air in front of him in thought.
What was going on?
Subconsciously hunching his shoulders in trepidation, Lynus entered the room and slowly approached his red-haired friend. "Axel?"
"We have a mission from Minister Dubois," Axel immediately answered his unasked question.
Lynus' breath hitched in his throat…A mission? Not a quest, but a mission. Missions were notoriously more dangerous.
"A mission, huh?" Lynus murmured meekly, that ever familiar feeling of fear beginning to build within his chest. "A dangerous one?"
A sigh passed Axel's lips as he heaved himself to stand up tall. "It could be," he admitted as he grabbed the handle of his axe, effortlessly hoisting it onto his back.
"I see…" Lynus didn't know what else to say. The way Axel was acting, how serious he appeared, it was all rather unnerving. He didn't like it.
Axel stepped in front of Lynus, so close, practically chest to chest. "Lynus."
Lynus lifted his gaze to look upon Axel's face when he felt him wrap an arm around his waist. He figured that Axel was simply going to give him a comforting hug, reassuring him that everything was going to be fine. He opened his mouth in order to say something, but whatever he was going to say immediately disappeared when Axel unexpectedly lowered his head, pressing their lips together gently.
For a moment, Lynus was startled. His surprise didn't last long, though, as he soon found himself responding, reaching out to touch Axel as his eyes slipped close. He grasped at Axel's shoulders as Axel wrapped his arms around him tightly. It didn't bother him that Axel, his best friend from childhood whom he had only been reunited with not too long ago, was kissing him.
It wasn't at all bad. In fact it felt good. Natural. Like it had been a long time coming.
Slowly, Axel pulled away and Lynus sucked in a sharp breath, his features heating up gently with a flush. "A-Axel?"
"I'll come back," Axel told him, looking him straight in the eyes as he pressed their foreheads together. "I promise."
Don't go, Lynus desperately wanted to say. He didn't want Axel to go. It was too dangerous. Leave it to someone else.
But he couldn't speak. He couldn't say those words, could he? Minister Dubois entrusted Axel and his guild with the mission. Only they could complete it. And Axel was strong. His power and strength would be needed. It would be selfish of Lynus to ask him not to go.
"Axel," Hamza's voice suddenly drifted in. "We must leave now."
"Alright," Axel said as he reluctantly released his hold on Lynus.
Lynus shook his head and grabbed onto Axel's arm. "Be careful!" he said, almost desperately.
"I'll see ya later, Lynus," Axel said as he tried to smile.
Then, with one last lingering touch, he pulled away from Lynus completely and moved to stand beside Hamza, Jhon, Tobyn and Shen also lingering in the background. Wordlessly, the five experienced warriors began to move, their postures tense and their strides determined.
Lynus felt an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and dread wash over him as he watched them disappear from his sight. He suddenly felt weak, drained of energy. He stumbled to sit on the bed Axel had been sitting on. While his body felt oddly numb, his mind was reeling.
He couldn't help imagining the worst case scenario. His heart was beating little 'what ifs' so loudly that it was deafening. The more he thought about it, the worse his anxiety became. He was steady moving toward the verge of a total panic breakdown.
Busy.
He had to keep himself busy. He couldn't sit here, in this room he shared with Axel, all day.
But…working at the hospital might be too much. With each patient to arrive, he would hope and pray that that person wasn't Axel.
However, there was no chance he was going to wait around at the Inn, sitting around and thinking. His thoughts were dangerous enough to him as it was. He was already anxious enough.
Taking a deep breath, Lynus scolded himself for being silly. This was Axel he was talking about. He was strong, talented and very experienced. So were those with him. They wouldn't do anything foolish. They would know if they were outmatched and in any possible danger.
They'll be fine.
Gathering his wits, Lynus stood up and subconsciously straightened his coat. He took a few moments to fiddle around with his bag, resting it on top of the table, sitting it next to his Shard Mace. He took a moment to remember how he wielded it while fending off Vemonflies. But he knew that whatever Axel was facing, was vastly stronger than some butterfly.
There was still this feeling of wanting to be of some help.
Digging around in his bag, making sure everything was in order, Lynus found something that was out of the norm. Oh, a Warp Wire. Tobyn had given it to him to hold and keep when he ventured into the Labyrinth for the first time. They didn't need it, thankfully, so it stayed hidden in his bag.
He hoped that they had bought another before heading into the Labyrinth. And Medica. And Nectars. And…
Ok, this wasn't helping.
Argh! Axel and the others had only just left and his nerves were already starting to fray. They could be hours yet. What was he going to do during that time?
The only thing he could really do was to go to the hospital and wait, hoping and praying that neither Axel nor any of his guild-mates get stretchered in on a bed with a Code Blue.
Pushing his bag aside, Lynus left the room, shutting the door tightly behind him. He would check up on the others, especially Magnus as he wasn't a member of the party chosen and would no doubt be feeling as skittish as he was. After ensuring everyone else was fine, he would go to the hospital.
And wait.
… … … … …
Typical.
On a day that Lynus really needed to keep himself busy, the hospital had a surprising absence of patients. He could busy himself by doing some paper work or offering some assistance to the guards who had been sent to rebuild some of the rooms, but there was only so much he could do.
The only thing he was any good at was healing.
"Is something the matter, Lynus?"
Lynus jumped slightly, startled by the suddenness of Dr Stiles appearing directly behind him. He spun around to face the head doctor, finding him smiling at him.
"You seem a little vague today," Dr Stiles went on to say.
"O-oh, I'm sorry," Lynus automatically said. "I was just…" he trailed off, not entirely sure what else to say. He was being silly, surely.
"It's rather quiet now," Dr Stiles said as he continued to smile, placing his hand on Lynus' shoulder in a rather comforting way. "Why don't we sit down and have something to drink? A cup of tea would be nice about now. Don't you think?"
"Yes, I guess so," Lynus replied as he allowed the other man to lead him toward the break room. He was forced to sit down in a chair as Dr Stiles went over and brewed a couple cups of soothing tea.
"So, what's on your mind?" Dr Stiles asked as he placed the cup of tea in front of Lynus and slid into the seat next to him.
Lynus sat silently for a moment as he wrapped his hands around the teacup. "…I'm just realising a few things."
Dr Stiles nodded his head knowingly. "Would you like to talk about it?"
"…Do many Medics enter the Labyrinth?" Lynus asked as he peeked up to look at the talented doctor.
"A frontline Medic is quite rare, but not unheard of," Dr Stiles answered easily, lifting his tea to his lips to take a slow sip. "Why do you ask?"
"I guess I'm just worrying about Axel," Lynus admitted, shrugging rather skittishly and smiling weakly. "He's a capable explorer, I know that, but…I don't know what I would do if anything should happen to him."
Axel was his only thought during his nightmare as a hostage. Dreams of him and believing that they would one day meet again were the only things that kept him going. If something should happen to him now...
He wouldn't be able to deal with it.
Surprisingly, Dr Stiles chuckled. "A lot of people don't understand this, but there is a lot more to being a medic than healing. Sometimes it's not even about the spells used, or even the tools. It's about the Medic's intention. About his heart. The power of healing is so much stronger when it comes from the heart."
Lynus nodded his head slowly, understanding what Dr Stiles was saying. It made sense, really. Whenever Lynus was forced to heal Taksony, it was agonizing for him to do so. His hands would hurt. He also felt resentful. Like, his healing abilities were being wasted.
But whenever he healed others, be them the other captives or explorers he had met in Lagaard, it wasn't at all painful. His hands felt warm, tingly. And it was because he wanted to help them. They genuinely needed healing assistance. And they were grateful to receive such aide.
"You have a good heart, Lynus," Dr Stiles said as he placed a hand on Lynus' shoulder, pulling him from his thoughts. "You are a very talented healer, and I don't say such things lightly."
Lynus was momentarily rendered speechless as he openly stared at the doctor sitting next to him. "T-thank you," he finally managed to stutter, not knowing what else to say.
Again, Dr Stiles chuckled as he gave Lynus' shoulder a light squeeze. "I must admit that I am beginning to feel that you are too good for this hospital."
"Huh?"
"Talents like yours would be more fulfilling elsewhere," Dr Stiles said as he removed his hand from Lynus' shoulder and picked up his cup of tea. He brought it to his lips once more, peering at Lynus from the corner of his eye. "Like the Labyrinth, for instance."
Lynus blinked, feeling somewhat bewildered. However, the true meanings to his words began to sink in and he managed a small smile. "Are you giving me a subtle push?"
"I am," Dr Stiles said as he finished his tea, standing up from his seat to make his way over to the sink. He continued to speak as he busied himself by washing up. "I don't like to see such talent wasted. The Guardians could do with a man like you. It's not selfish of you for wanting to focus your healing on one guild. It's what you want to do. That is where your true strength lies. Also, the Guardians are moving further and further into the Labyrinth. Many unknown dangerous await them. And they are rather well liked by those of us who reside here. Many people would be upset should anything happen to them."
Lynus sat silently, allowing the other man to simply talk, to say what he wanted to say, what was needed to be said. He knew what Dr Stiles was trying to get across. He needed to do something he truly wanted for once. Being with Axel. Being the Guardians' personal medic.
That was what he really wanted to do. That was where his personal power was held.
"There is something better waiting for you," Dr Stiles continued to simply talk. "Do what you know is right for you."
"I understand," Lynus said as he stood up from his seat. "I will do whatever it takes to keep them alive."
Dr Stiles peered up at him from the corner of his eye. "Even staying alive yourself?"
"Yes," Lynus replied firmly. He would do whatever it took to stay alive as well. If something happened to him, who would ensure the safety of Axel and the Guardians Guild?
"Excuse me; I have a guild I need to take care of."
"Good luck," Dr Stiles said as he smiled at him.
"Thank you," Lynus said as he bowed slightly in gratitude. "For everything."
Turning on his heel, Lynus hastily made his way out of the hospital and to the Inn. He wasn't entirely sure what he would do next, if anything at all, but he needed to be with those who had been left behind. They would be feeling as anxious as he was.
He reached the Inn in record time and immediately made his way to the tea room. Inside, where they've been sitting gloomily since that morning, were Magnus, Macerio and Chi-hung. Magnus was sitting by the window, leaning against the window sill as he gazed outside, keeping a watchful eye on the road that lead out of town. Macerio was sitting backwards in a wooden chair, his arms folded over the back, his chin resting on his arms as he look blankly in front of him. And next to him, curled up on the floor, was Chi-hung, his tail flicking with a sense of annoyance.
"Magnus?" Lynus said as he approached the blond-haired Alchemist.
Immediately, Magnus stiffened, startled by the sudden calling of his name. He tore his gaze away from the outside world to look at Lynus. "Ah? Oh, L-Lynus?"
Lynus offered him a small smile and sat next to him. "…They're still not back yet?" he asked, even though he already knew the answer.
Magnus looked away and shook his head, training his gaze upon the road out of town once more.
"I see," Lynus simply uttered as he fell silent.
Sitting in the silence, accompanied by those who knew what he was feeling Lynus was able to mull over the events of what had transpired that morning. And, oddly enough, he felt a small smile tug at his lips. The fear of what dangers Axel and the others could very well be facing made him momentarily forget that he and Axel had actually kissed that morning. It wasn't like it was a forgettable moment.
It most certainly wasn't. In fact, it was something he wanted to experience again.
It…It better happen again!
But everything happened for a reason, right? Maybe…There could be a silver lining to all of this. Maybe it was time for him to let go of the regret, pain and resentment he still silently held in regards to the past eight years. He needed to move on. He needed to embrace these opportunities to grow, to find his own sense of happiness.
Right. It was time for him to make a stand.
Axel had given him his first kiss. And, dammit, it wasn't going to be his last!
Lynus took a deep breath. "I…I want to go," he said, his voice soft, yet so loud in the uneasy silence.
Macerio snapped his head up and stared at him, disbelief and bewilderment in his gaze. "Into the Labyrinth?"
"Yes," Lynus said, this time more firmly. "I want to be there. If any of them are hurt, I want to be able to help them straight away."
Macerio blinked at him before slowly nodding his head in understanding and agreement. "…Yeah," he said slowly. "I hate this waiting around."
Next to Lynus, Magnus moved away from the window. "…I want to go, too," he admitted.
"Why don't we?" Macerio stated as he stood up from his chair, Chi-hung also perking up. "We could help as well!"
"It's going to be dangerous," Magnus commented. It didn't sound like he was reluctant, but simply stating a potential challenge.
"Not really," Macerio said as he grinned, becoming more and more eager and determined. "We can go straight to the floor thanks to the Geomagnetic Pole!"
"T-that's right," Magnus replied, sounding hopeful. "We activated that yesterday."
"There's four of us," Macerio said eagerly. He looked down at Chi-hung, the white tiger standing on all fours, his tail flicking eagerly. A sharp and resolute nod of Chi-hung's head bolstered Macerio's enthusiasm. "Enough to make a team. Let's go!"
Right. Decision had been made. There was no room for overanalysing the 'what ifs' any more.
"Ok," Lynus said as he stood up. "Let's get ready."
He had only been to the first floor of the Labyrinth previously, but that didn't matter. Whatever challenges they came across, they would deal with. He was a medic, a healer. If anyone got hurt, he would heal them.
The four of them temporary parted as they went to gather the things that were essential to them. For Lynus, it was his bag that was filled with life-saving medicines. And his weapon, the Shard Mace, to temporary push aside anything that came too close.
Attaching the staff to his bag, Lynus heaved the strap onto his shoulder. But as he turned to leave, a surprising figure in the doorway caused him to pause. "Rahas?"
Frowning, Rahas noticed his bag and weapon. "Where are you going?" he asked, eyeing him off critically.
"Oh, I…" Lynus took a moment to assess the situation. Should he tell him the truth or offer a small white lie in hopes that he doesn't become concerned? "We're going into the Labyrinth," he ended up admitting, not wanting to lie to him.
Rahas reeled his head back in surprise. "What?"
Lynus decided that he didn't have the time to explain himself. He shouldn't have to. He wanted to go. He needed to go. He had to make sure that everyone was all right. It was time for him to get to work.
Rahas stared at him silently, a mild look of surprise still lingering on his face. However, after a moment, he straightened his posture, becoming determined himself. "Well then, I'm going, too."
Lynus was somewhat surprised by that. "Rahas-"
"Someone needs to protect you," Rahas said firmly, almost if daring him to tell him no, it wasn't going to happen.
Lynus though back to their…previous confrontation and decided that he wouldn't be able to talk him out of it. Rahas was still searching for a reason to become stronger. He had been so lost since their arrival. And, to be honest, perhaps he was right. "…Ok."
"Lynus! Come on!"
"Coming!" Lynus called back, racing out of the room with Rahas right behind him.
Wordlessly, the five of them gathered in the lobby, taking a quick moment to ensure they have everything they need before racing off.
All they could do as they raced toward the towering Yggdrasil Labyrinth was hope and pray that they weren't too late.
AN: Finally! Some action! I bet that's what you're thinking, huh? Now, let's see how I mess this up! X3
