AN: Thank you so, so much CreepyNick1, notasongfic, SolPhyr3x and TaintedBloodLily for reviewing the previous chapter! Here's another long chapter for you all to enjoy!

Chapter 37:

"Is everyone here?"

As all the members of Guild Guardian piled into a room that was often used as a conference room at the inn, Hamza seemed satisfied that everyone was accounted for. He waited for everyone to get themselves comfortable before he spoke. Tobyn helped Jhon over to a seat, hovering near him like a concerned mother-hen. Macerio limped over to a chair and plonked himself down harshly, ignoring the look of disproval from Lynus. Axel rested his back against the wall, folding his arms over his chest as Chi-hung prowled in a circle near his feet before settling down onto the floor. Magnus instantly made his way over to the window while Shen took a vacant seat, sitting down with his legs folded and his arms crossed tightly over his chest.

When Hamza cleared his throat, Lynus scurried over to Axel's side to stand next to him, while the others turned their attention to their leader. They all seemed slightly apprehensive with what he had to say. No surprise, really. There was no doubt that his guild was slightly worried about this mission, in regards to the last one.

It had the potential to have ended so badly, after all. It didn't, thankfully, but it could have.

"In contrast to our previous mission," Hamza started, smiling in a reassuring manner. "This one merely has us soughing out a particular flower called Snow Blossoms. A request from Lady Gradriel herself."

Lynus tilted his head toward Axel to whisper something to him. "Who's that?"

"The Duke's daughter," Axel answered simply. "We've done a few missions for her before."

"Ah."

"It shouldn't be overly difficult," Hamza continued to explain. "But I believe the best party would be Axel, Lynus, Chi-hung, Shen and Magnus. Chi-hung because you should be able to navigate the ice better than anyone with your four legs."

Chi-hung lifted his head and flicked his tail playfully in response, seemingly sniggering when Macerio was heard muttering something under his breath. While his words were mumbled, it wasn't hard to imagine him cursing the ice.

"Axel and Shen, because the monsters on this level are still rather unknown to us."

Axel glanced over in Shen's direction, who peered up at him through one eye. They seemed to share a silent conversation before they nodded their heads once and at the same time. They then both turned their attention back to Hamza, waiting for him to continue.

"Magnus, your fire magic would be quite handy indeed."

Magnus fidgeted with his scarf, his gaze flickering over to Shen, and Shen turned to look at him as well. His gaze was slightly piercing, as if daring Magnus to dispute Hamza's words in some way. Instead, Magnus squeaked silently, rather cutely, before nodding his head in agreement.

"And Lynus, you are familiar with the care of natural ingredients from the Labyrinth. These Snow Blossoms are said to hold medical properties, so should be handle with the utmost care."

For a moment, Lynus looked mildly surprised at being chosen, prompting Axel to snort and nudge him with his arm. Lynus then looked interested. Hamza had to hide a grin. He knew he would be intrigued the moment the words 'medical properties' were mentioned. Lynus was most certainly a devout Medic, wasn't he?

"Is everyone agreeable with this?"

With a chorus of agreements from his guild, Hamza nodded his head, pleased with their response. He had thought long and hard about the best method and members for this request, so it was reassuring that they agreed and trusted his judgement.

"Ah, good. Now, the Mission of the Snow Blossoms will begin tonight as it is said to be the best time to pick these flowers. Now, spend the rest of the day getting yourselves ready."

"Right."

… … … … …

As the large grey and white stone doors slowly creaked open, Lynus was taken completely off guard by the sight that greeted them. A chamber, the largest he, and by the barely smothered gasped emitted by Axel was any indication, any of his guild-mates, had ever seen. It was virtually impossible to see the other side. Sure, it was late in the evening, verging on the very edge of night, so the lighting wasn't the best.

But that size of the chamber wasn't what took Lynus' breath away. It was all the ice. When Macerio cursed the Ice Field, he wasn't really expecting this much ice. It practically covered the entire floor.

It was rather…daunting, to be completely honest.

"This is a large ice field, isn't it?" Lynus muttered as he and those with him lingered on the edge of the ice. They weren't exactly sure what to do. It would be kind of reckless to step on the ice and slide all the way to the other side of the chamber, wouldn't it?

Then again…what else could they do?

"This can be either really easy," Axel murmured, not looking all that pleased. "Or really difficult."

"W-we have a rough map," Magnus said as he held the parchment in his hands. "It's not as good as the ones Tobyn draws up, but he hasn't been on this floor yet."

"A rough map is still much better than no map at all," Lynus said as he shuffled through the snow to stand by Magnus' side so he could peer at the map as well. He noticed a couple of random red circles and question marks. "What are these? Potential locations?"

"Y-yeah."

"Well, there's nothing to do but get to work," Axel said as he lifted his axe from his back. He wasn't preparing for battle, though. No, he was hoping that he could use it to aid him to navigate the ice.

And as Shen unsheathed his katana, he hoped to do the same. He stabbed the sharp tip into the ice, testing it. He nodded after a moment, seemingly pleased that it should be able to hold them. "It's strong enough."

"Good," Axel nodded before he rolled his shoulders, getting himself ready. "Lynus, Magnus, keep close to Chi-hung; he'll help you to stay upright."

Lynus adjusted his bag onto his shoulder, making sure his staff was securely strapped to his bag but within reach should he need to use it. Chi-hung happily squeezed himself between Lynus and Magnus, his beastly claws scraping against the ice. Lynus placed a steady hand on Chi-hung's back and Magnus did the same.

"Here goes."

Now ready, they stepped out onto the ice…

… … … … …

Well…

That was an experience. Not something that Lynus particularly enjoyed. It was unnerving having little to no control where you were going. The easiest way to stop was to literally run into a wall. It was incredibly frustrating to slide on past a door or corridor, unable to stop and turn around, knowing that just beyond it was the possibility of Snow Blossoms growing. It was also somewhat disorientating. It would be easy to get lost.

He understood completely and utterly why Macerio hated this floor so very much. There wasn't much to like at all. Fortunately, they had a Warp Wire, so if anything should happen, or they get too lost, they could just warp out and try again.

Taking a moment to study their surroundings, Lynus was silently pleased that they had managed to manoeuvre themselves from the large ice field. Navigating the narrow passage ways were a lot easier for them. Sure, there were still patches of ice, but nothing like that massive lake.

A soft glimmer from the corner of his eye caught Lynus attention. He turned to look into an inauspicious nook, narrowing his eyes slightly. There was a little sparkle of light, like ice glinting in the moonlight. He had seen several sights before, but this one was slightly different. He wasn't entire sure how or why, but it was a feeling he had.

While the others try to figure out where exactly they were on the map, Lynus silently made his way over to the dainty light, stepping over a sheet of ice to do so. There, nestled into the corner of the recess was a delicate white flower. He knelt down into the snow, studying the bloom. He hadn't seen anything like it before. It had to be the Snow Blossom they were looking for!

Reaching into his bag, Lynus pulled out a specialise box Hamza had given to himself before their mission. It was where he was to place the Snow Blossoms should they find them. Opening the box up, he placed it aside as he reached for the flower. Being careful, he gripped the stem with his fingers and slowly pulled, choosing to take the roots and all. After all, it wasn't certain which part was useful in medicine; petals, stem, roots.

Mustn't be sloppy after coming all this way.

"Lynus?"

"Over here!" Lynus called over his shoulder as he carefully wrapped the bloom in a soft cloth and positioned it into the box. Placing the box back into his bag, Lynus pushed himself to his feet and quickly made his way back to the rest of his party. "I think I found a Snow Blossom."

"Ah, that's good," Axel said. "We have one flower at least, so we won't go back empty handed."

"If there's one, there has to be more," Lynus said, trying to remain positive, while also very thankful that they were able to find one flower within the entire floor. Quite a blessing, really.

"Let's keep looking," Shen was the one to say.

Knowing that their time in the labyrinth that night was running short, they doubled their efforts. Getting over the complications of the ice, they were able to figure out the quickest way to get to the destination set on their map. And according to their map, there should be at least three more potential places for the Snow Blossom.

Literally slipping down a narrow passage way, Lynus unceremoniously stumbled into an out of the way nook, similar to the one he found the first Snow Blossom in. As he looked around, his gaze immediately fell upon the white, delicate flower shimmering beautifully amongst the snow and ice.

"I found another one!" he called to the others, quite pleased indeed. And as Axel and the others fought with the slippiness of the ice, Lynus carefully pluck the flower and placed it in the same container with the first. Finding two flowers were a relief. Should anything unexpected happen to the first, they had a spare.

Rechecking the map once more, they noticed that the other two places that were marked were located north, all the way on the other side of where they were. Still, just to be vigilant, there were going to do a quick check of the surrounding area and see what was behind the large set of doors located at the end of an ice path.

As soon as the doors opened, though, a young woman dressed in clothes similar to that of a War Magus was seen standing in the middle of a small chamber room. She looked completely out of place amongst the snow, but she seemed comfortable nonetheless. As though she had spent some time on these floors.

Lynus didn't recognise her. Not even fleetingly.

"Hey!" the girl greeted, giving them an impish grin, almost as if she had been expecting them.

"Artelind?" Axel muttered, raising a questioning eyebrow at her. He sounded surprised, with an under hint of suspicion.

The young woman known as Artelind continued to smile, eyeing their party with a slightly cool and critical gaze. Lynus didn't really like the way she was looking at them. It reminded him of the gazes he had received many times in the past. It was a sceptical, critical gaze. Sizing them up, wondering if they were any good. If they were worthy of an unknown task.

He was unable to suppress a shiver when those sharp eyes fell upon him. He had to fight the urge to hide behind Axel.

"Well," she said, her impish appearance becoming slightly strained. "You're a new face. I don't think we've met."

"This is Lynus," Axel said, slightly defensive. "He's our guild's medic."

"Lynus, huh?" Artelind replied with a click of her tongue, her eyes staring straight at him. "Hmm, I think I've heard of you."

The apprehensiveness Lynus felt before turned into a sickly feeling of anxiety in the pit of his stomach. "…Heard of me?"

"Anyway," Artelind unexpectedly dismissed him with an unconcerned wave. "It would be best if you don't go any further than this yet. You're on a mission, right? No Snow Blossoms around here. It would be better for you to complete your mission before ascending to the next floor, hm?"

Shen eyes narrowed. "How did you-?"

"See ya later!" Artelind interrupted as she turned her back to them and making her way to the other door. She tapped it with her staff, opening it before disappearing through.

Axel watched as she left. "…I don't know what to make of her," he confessed after a moment of silence.

"Who was that?" Lynus asked, still unnerved by the way she had been looking at him. He didn't like it. It felt so intrusive, so demeaning…so similar to that of Avith's glare.

"A fellow explorer," Axel answered simply. He didn't seem to like her very much, either. "She belongs to a Guild Esbet."

"She seems…"

"Yeah," Axel murmured in understanding, still watching the direction Artelind exited in with a suspicious gaze. He soon shrugged, though, pushing their conversation to the back of his mind. "Well, let's retrace our steps. We still need to search for more Snow Blossoms."

Lynus tried his best to forget the way Artelind seemed to be eyeing him up, the way her voice became slightly strained and her eyes narrowing when she learnt of his name. He didn't know what to make of her, and honestly, he had no intention of getting to know her. There was a hidden motive behind her actions, and she reminded him so much of Avith.

Something to be greatly alarmed about.

As they were starting to navigate the lake of ice once more, Lynus was pulled from his musings when he heard Shen's voice, sharp and loud. "Move!"

Before Lynus had the chance to react, he felt someone collide against his back, making him stumble forward and fall into the snow. As he tried to figure out what happened, he heard a sicking crack and a splash of water. Alarmed, he pushed himself up onto his hands and knees and looked over his shoulder.

Immediately, his gaze collided with that of Magnus', he being the one to have fell onto him. They shared a look, Magnus' blue eyes wide with fear and confusion. What had just happened?

"Fuck!"

Hearing such a vulgar curse word tumble from Axel's lips caused Lynus' concern to increase intensely. He immediately turned his attention to Axel, finding the Landsknecht standing on the edge of the ice lake, looking out in a slightly panic manner. Following his gaze, a breath hitched in Lynus' throat.

There was a hole in the ice.

"Shen!" Magnus cried as he scrambled to his feet.

"He's fallen through the ice…?" Lynus murmured, shocked.

"Shit," Axel cursed once more. He grabbed his axe and turned to their white-tiger companion. "Chi-hung, we need to get him out!"

Chi-hung growled lowly, his ears folding back. Unsheathing his claws, he skidded out onto the ice, his head low as he tried to find Shen through the ice. His head darted back and forth, from side to side, desperately searching. They didn't know how deed the lake beneath the ice was or whether there was a strong undercurrent.

What they did know was that they had to find him. Now!

"Be careful," Lynus whispered as he stood next to Magnus, clutching at his bag. He felt helpless, useless. There wasn't anything he could do wait, watch and prayer.

"T…the ice is starting to freeze back over," Magnus said as a look of sheer panic appeared on his face. "No!"

Lynus turned to look at the Alchemist. "Magnus?"

Without any warning, Magnus took a large step forward, his hands held out up against his sides. A frightening dark expression appeared in his eyes as an array of sparks were seen jumping from his upturn hands. "Inferno."

"Axel!" Lynus immediately called out the very second he realised that Magnus was using an elemental attack, an indication of his desperation to get to Shen.

Noticing the sudden increase of temperature, Axel spun around to face them. His eyes were wide in what could only be described as fear. He managed to jump back as a line of fire snaked over the ice, sending steam into the air. Chi-hung had no choice but to flee as well. Despite having nothing to burn, nothing to sustain it, the flames continued to grow and dance across the ice.

The inferno was helping in melting the ice, but it was making the area incredibly unstable.

"Wah!" Magnus abruptly screamed, loudly, and clutched his head with his hands. He squeezed his eyes shut as he stumbled backwards, the fires around him flaring and waning uncontrollably. "N-no…"

"Magnus!" Lynus tried to make his way over to him in some attempt to calm him down, but the flames that licked around him was too strong. He couldn't even get close.

Then a blade of fire suddenly broke through the ice, shattering it into tiny shards. A mere moment later a hand appeared through the hole, gripping at the edge of the ice. The golden armguards were instantly recognisable. It was Shen! He must have been able to use one of his elemental attacks.

Using his axe to ground himself, Axel reached out and snared Shen by the wrist. With a powerful tug, he was able to pull Shen half-way out of the hole. He sprawled across the ice, his skin a painful tinge of blue and he was gasping for breath.

Readjusting his grip, Axel was able to pull Shen completely out of the water and onto solid land. Lynus immediately scrambled over to him. There probably wasn't much he could do. There were no physical injuries, nothing for him to heal. He was frozen and nothing but getting him warm could help.

But, despite being under water, in below freezing temperatures, Shen pushed Lynus to the side and climbed to his feet, his katana still held tightly in his hand. Wordlessly, he made his way over to the cowering and whimpering Magnus, who was far too lost in his own torment to notice him. Ignoring the flames dancing around him, he reached out and placed his hand behind Magnus' neck, and with a sharp tug, pulled him over to him. He pressed Magnus' face against his shoulder as he threaded his fingers through his blond-hair.

"Calm down," he said, his voice low and stable. "Push the flames back."

Magnus tensed, his eyes becoming wide. Slowly, the fires around him began to dim before being extinguished completely. He trembled as he grasped at Shen, sounding on the verge of crying as he whispered an apology over and over again. "…I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

"I'm fine," Shen said firmly as he tenderly rested his chin on top of Magnus' head.

Lynus turned to look to Axel, unsure of what had happened. Axel looked a little stunned himself. They stood silently in the background, simply watching as Shen tried to stoically comfort Magnus, who appeared to be in great distress.

However, it was heartening to see them like that. The members of this guild truly cared for each other. The support, the understanding, the care. Whatever trouble and turbulence they encounter together, they would get through it. No question about it.

"Let's head back," Axel said as he pulled a Warp Wire from his pocket.

"I'm fine," Shen stated, almost in defiance.

However, Lynus immediately bristled. Oh no, he was having none of that. "No, you're not fine," he said, pointing a stern finger directly into Shen's face. "Not only are you on the very verge of hypothermia, but you could get frost bite if you don't get out of those wet, frozen clothes and warm up. We're heading back to town, regardless of what you say."

For the first time since Lynus had meet him, there was a look of surprise on Shen's usually stoic face.

"Besides, we've found two Snow Blossoms," Lynus carried on. "If there are any more to find, we'll come back later. Lady Gradiel will just have to settle for this."

Axel unexpectedly chuckled, somewhat amused. "Doctor's orders," he said as he activated the Warp Wire. "Let's go."

AN: Did someone mention Shen/Magnus? :3