Admittedly, this is an unusual pairing, possibly non-existent (not anymore!) and perhaps one no one except me asked for. I had them in mind for awhile but wasn't sure I could make a full story, then I thought, "Or could I…?" Before you is the result of following that idea, and if you do decide to read, just know I gave it my all.
This is set when Baam and his team are about halfway up the Tower. It contains spoilers up through the Hidden Floor.
A man who's pure of heart and says his prayers by night
May still become a wolf when the autumn moon is bright
-Howl, Florence + The Machine
Baam steeled his nerves; he knew Khun and Rak were not going to be pleased, but he had made his decision. Hwaryun had guided him well in the past, and she wouldn't ask this of him if she didn't believe it necessary. Keeping that in mind, he fetched his friends from their training.
"So, what is this about, Baam?" started Khun, ice blue eyes razor sharp as the four of them picked chairs in the living room of their current lodgings. Baam's uneasiness had not gone unnoticed: Khun was searching for clues, and Rak had already furrowed his brow. They three knew each other too well for that to be a possibility, and Baam wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible.
"Hwaryun tells me someone at FUG requested a meeting with me."
"Oh? And who is this mysterious someone, Hwaryun?" returned Khun.
"I cannot say." she answered.
"Why am I not surprised," drawled Khun, "Baam is not going anywhere unless you tell us more. What is the reason for the meeting, what do they want from him, what is the benefit for us?"
"I agree with Blue Turtle." added Rak. "I decide where Black Turtle goes, not you, Red Turtle!"
"Khun, your belief that you can control everything with your wits alone never ceases to amaze me." Hwaryun started, ignoring Rak. "You should know by now there are powers in this Tower you do not defy. The purpose of this conversation is not to obtain your approval; it is only a courtesy. You and Rak are not coming. The meeting is for Viole and myself."
"How dare you insult me like this!" Rak roared, chin pointed to the ceiling.
Baam stayed firm as the argument continued – Khun attempting to gain intelligence, Hwaryun revealing nothing, and Rak working himself into a frenzy. Though it pained him to see his friends' worry, Baam knew he would not be any happier if the situation were reversed.
"Viole will keep in contact with you. There will be no fighting required. I assure you he will be safe." countered Hwaryun.
"...Truly?" asked Khun with equal parts relief and skepticism.
"Yes. If there were danger, I would have no problem with the two of you tagging along. I have nothing against Viole having his friends with him, when it does not interfere with his work, yet his attendance and only his attendance is required at this meeting."
Khun and Rak looked to each other. Khun raised his eyebrow, Rak flared his nostrils. They were so different, but it warmed Baam's heart to see them work together, even in this situation where he and they were on opposite sides. Khun sighed, the two of them nodded to each other, then Rak turned to Hwaryun.
"Alright, I will trust you, Red Turtle, but Black Turtle, remember you are my prey! You must remain vigilant."
Baam assured them he would, and Khun asked, "You said it will be quick, right?"
"I expect we will be back within a few days. In the meantime, train and make yourselves useful." Hwaryun replied.
"Having a mere turtle belittle my strength! This will not go unchallenged!"
Baam hurried to smooth over Rak's hurt pride. "Please calm down, Rak. Everything will be alright. Let's go downstairs and get a meal before I go. I saw they had bananas!"
"I did not see any bananas. I would know if there were bananas here!"
"Maybe they weren't out before. Let's go look!"
"Fine," said Rak, momentarily appeased, "But Black Turtle, I will be very disappointed if there are no bananas."
"Hurry up, Crocodile. Someone's probably eating your bananas as we speak." added Khun, a bored look on his face.
Rak's eyes grew wide, then he rushed for the door. Baam started to follow, but paused when Khun grasped his shoulder.
"We'll be fine." muttered Khun, giving Baam's shoulder a squeeze before letting go. "Tell us all about it when you get back."
"Right!" answered Baam cheerfully, and together they made their way after Rak.
Nevertheless, Baam's heart fell as he packed his things, as he waved goodbye to Khun and Rak and boarded the floating ship with Hwaryun. In this long climb to the top, where all the various hotels and apartments had blended into a forgettable tableau – the only real sense of home he had was with his friends. He asked Hwaryun where they were going, thinking maybe she would tell him now that they were alone, but she only replied, "You'll find out soon enough."
While he waited, he watched the clouds, and the passing cities and fields far below them. He knew he was in the minority of those who enjoyed this as a pastime – Hwaryun was content to read away the hours – but not for him, not after all his years underground.
They slept overnight in their cabin; Hwaryun told him they would be departing at a stop midway through the following day. From there a private floating ship would meet them to take them to their final destination. "Be prepared for a bit of a hike once we land. The one we are visiting places much value on privacy." she concluded cryptically.
Baam awoke on the private ship. The transfer had gone smoothly; his sleep had not. The suspense kept him restless, but once he realized the ship was no longer moving, he became hopeful they had landed. Sure enough, when he peeked out his window, they were no longer amongst the clouds but beneath them, blanketed by a solid cover of gray and surrounded by dense forest. He dressed and met up with Hwaryun, who confirmed his suspicions. After breakfast, they would begin on foot.
She also advised him, "Send whatever message you would like to your companions before we leave the ship. This will be your last chance until we are on the return voyage – as I said, this one values privacy – but I assure you, no harm will come to us here."
"Hwaryun, will this person help me?" That would give some comfort amidst the mystery. It had when he trained with his Master, Jinsung Ha. He'd had no idea what the future held, but at least he would be stronger when he faced it.
"Absolutely," answered Hwaryun with such authority he was convinced, and soon enough they began their trek through the wilderness. There was no path visible, only Hwaryun's, as they marched up and over hills, fallen tree trunks, ferns and other low lying vegetation, hearing the movements of animals and birdsong. It was beautiful, rugged terrain, and Baam began to realize the magnitude of what Hwaryun had been telling him, about this person's need for privacy, seen first hand the lengths gone to achieve it, and wondered what could be important enough to break that privacy, by inviting them here.
Hwaryun led them to a river, and they followed along its bank before coming to a cave. The cave did not stop the river, it continued its course right on through it, as did he and Hwaryun, treading forward into the depths of the earth.
The air was uncomfortably damp inside, though that was no bother to the shinsu fish who swam in these waters. The only sounds now were their occasional splashes when they surfaced, the drip drop of liquid from the cave ceiling and the eerie reverberations of he and Hwaryun's footsteps.
They used their pockets to illuminate the way, until Hwaryun came to a standstill in front of an otherwise unremarkable section of rock. She held up a small token, and spoke:
"Lady Skud, it is I, Hwaryun, whose presence you requested, along with Viole Jue Grace. Please allow us entrance."
The wall rippled, then folded upon itself, revealing a chamber. At first, it was as dark as the rest of the cave, but as his eyes adjusted, Baam made out the light of a small fire, and the shadow of a stone throne beside it. A figure rose from that throne – a woman whose age he could not determine – dressed in floor length robes.
"Enter." Her voice was gravelly, as though she rarely used it.
Hwaryun bowed slightly, to Baam's surprise. She was sparing in her gestures of respect, and she had seen much. Baam followed suit. Anything to quickly facilitate the proceedings of this meeting, for the sooner they finished, the sooner they could go home.
Hwaryun stepped forward, while Baam remained a few paces behind. The room was empty, only the throne and the fire. Baam wondered if she had further quarters here, or if this was a meeting place and nothing more.
"Thank you, Scarlett Witch. Welcome, Slayer Candidate."
Her eyes and hair were the color of slate, and when her movements ceased, she was as still as the rock that entombed her. There was some quality about her: of being very old, ancient even. The pressure her gaze generated was intense, as Baam found himself in her sights. As though she witnessed more than he could comprehend.
"This meeting will be brief, but for you to understand why I called you here, I must tell you a little about myself. My name is Skud. I am sometimes known by another moniker, the Lady of Time. To me, time – past, present, future – is unbroken. One indistinguishable whole. You do not need to understand this, but know that not only do I see them all as one, I can – when the Gods demand it – send individuals backward and forward along the chain, and the Gods have demanded your travels today."
Baam was shocked into silence. He had heard rumors of Pentaminium being able to manipulate time, but this was something he neither wanted for himself, nor had any interest in. He began to protest.
"Lady Skud, there must be some sort of mistake. What would be the point? Is there a mission you want me to complete?"
"It is not for myself that I send you, but the Scarlett Witch will accompany you; she will guide your way. You may return to your time when you have accomplished what you need to, and as for what that is, I cannot say. Much of it is up to you, but I can inform you the lives of you and your companions depend on what you are about to do. You must go."
"Hwaryun, you don't agree with this, do you?"
"I do. I wouldn't have brought you here otherwise."
"Keep this in mind during your travels," Skud continued. "The past, present, and future are not as different as you believe. Now, clasp hands."
Baam started to object, but Hwaryun took each of his hands in hers. As she did, the room began fading away, not violently, but slowly and completely until her hands were all he could sense. Just as slowly, his senses returned, and there they stood in the cavern with Skud.
"Lady Skud, what is the date?" Hwaryun asked methodically.
Skud replied with a date centuries before their current time, much to Baam's astonishment, then handed them a bag. "These are pockets to use for the duration of your stay. It is wise to go by different names. Scarlett Witch, call yourself Magda. Slayer Candidate, Bijou. Be on your way, and return when I contact you."
Hwaryun nodded, took the bag, then turned to Baam. "Let's go."
It seemed none of his objections mattered anymore, but that did not diminish his feelings of betrayal as they walked back the way they came. The underground river looked just as it had an hour ago – actually, centuries in the future. Baam shook his head, wishing Khun were here, he had the mind to wrap his head around this.
"Hwaryun," Baam started, frustration in his tone.
"I know where we need to go, though exactly what you need to do is still unclear to me. We will have to look for clues when we get there." Hwaryun answered matter of factly, then gave a rare sigh. "I do not want to be here anymore than you do, but even those of my clan obey the decrees of the Lady of Time."
"I don't understand. If FUG has this power, why do you even need Slayers? Just send someone to kill the king when he was young!"
"Lady Skud is sympathetic to FUG, but it is as she said. She is only the instrument, some other power decides who travels when. I heard she once tried to send people at her own will, it did not work and she became seriously ill as a result. FUG never asked her to try again."
"No wonder you wouldn't tell me in advance. I would never have agreed to this. I would have refused to come here!"
"You are forgetting what else she said. 'The lives of you and your companions depend on this.' We are already here. Lady Skud is the only way back, and she will only return us when she deems it finished. FUG will provide us with transportation, money, and lodgings. Remember our new names, and let's get to work."
Baam sat alone in his new, temporary bedroom, lavishly appointed with gold framed watercolors and gleaming mahogany tables. Hwaryun had led them to the 29th Floor, and they were currently lodging at a luxury hotel owned by FUG, though he only saw it as a beautiful prison, an unwanted consolation prize for being put in this situation in the first place. FUG had once again caged him – trapped him for some purpose he was not privy to – and again separated him from his friends and told that only his cooperation would ensure their safety.
Despite all that, he was grateful for Hwaryun's presence here. She was always steadying, though their relationship was not without difficulties. Her association with FUG, how she called him her God, wanting him to fulfill desires he did not relate to or understand made him intensely uncomfortable. Even so, he had risked his life to save hers at the Workshop Tournament. Maybe she was not a friend, but she was an ally, and if he had to pick anyone to accompany him on this journey – regardless of how desperately he didn't want to be here – it would be Hwaryun, the same Hwaryun who now knocked on his door.
"Come in."
She only opened the door to say, "Follow me, Bijou."
"Where are we going, Magda?" Their new names made him feel vaguely ridiculous, as though all this were only a game, and not a real test they needed to pass.
"To get something to eat." she replied, which is how Baam found himself standing in line at an outdoor cafe. Hwaryun waited at a table for him to avoid the bustling crowd. As he navigated through the people and tables and was just about to set down the drinks and pastry, someone bumped him from behind.
"Watch where you're going, little shrimp." directed a gruff voice.
"You bumped into him, Gana. Your grace is nowhere near equal to your size. It's only your pride that's prevented you from obtaining a minimizer license." replied a calming voice, like twinkling bells. Baam turned to face them. There stood a man with Horyang's build, but lacking his gentleness, and a small woman who looked like the elves in stories Rachel used to read to him.
"I apologize, we don't want a fight. You too, Gana." said the woman.
"Why?" questioned Gana, irritated.
"Don't you ever feel ashamed of yourself? You're trying to pick a fight with a D-Class Regular."
"You aren't D-Class Regulars?" inquired Hwaryun from the table.
"No, we're just passing through. We beg your pardon, ma'am." Funny, Baam thought to himself, the same could be said about them. Hwaryun nodded that everything was fine, and the two walked away, though Hwaryun stared intently as they did so.
"What is it?" he asked, when they were out of range.
"I think they're important." replied Hwaryun.
"Should we follow them?" Any direction was welcome at this point.
"No, but we'll see them again."
With that lingering, they explored the area. It seemed the experience of being a Regular in the Tower remained relatively unchanged across the centuries, for this all seemed familiar enough. It was a populous settlement, filled with shops, restaurants, entertainment and living quarters for the Regulars. Nothing in particular caught Baam's interest, only that it seemed a peaceful place, as far as the Tower was concerned anyway.
When they returned to the their quarters, Hwaryun informed him they would be eating in the hotel restaurant tonight. Baam rested, stared up at the gold leaf ceiling above his bed, the velvet green drapes blocking the outside world for now. He eventually rose to prepare for dinner. The restaurant was just as fancy as the rest of the hotel, and they dressed to match – he in suit and tie, Hwaryun in an elegant floor length gown that matched her hair. It was busy tonight; the lights were dim and the buzz of conversation ever present.
Hwaryun was deep in concentration throughout the meal and Baam did not interrupt her. Though he did not like the anticipation, he believed her when she said she wanted to return just as much as he did, and badgering her for information would not help. Instead, he enjoyed his meal as best he could, though he could not cover up his excitement when Hwaryun finally did speak, indicating behind him.
"Interesting. Bijou, our 'friends' from earlier have arrived. I'm going to invite them over."
Baam turned around as she rose and walked over to the man and woman from the plaza. They were also dressed in elegant evening wear. Hwaryun engaged them in a brief conversation, then they all made their way back to the table.
"Hello again, shrimp. Normally, I wouldn't have come over, but I am not one to refuse the company of a gorgeous woman." said the man, arrogantly.
"Do you always have to pick a fight?" the woman replied quickly, before turning to address Baam. "My apologies, again, Mister...?"
"Bijou." Even though it was another name given to him by FUG, he found it did roll easily off his tongue.
"Ah, Mr. Bijou. My name is Tak, and my companion is called Gana. We do appreciate the invitation, Ms. Magda."
"Yeah, we were getting a bit bored. We were supposed to meet up with our group outside, but they're late. So I convinced Tak to come on in."
"What are you doing on this floor, if you aren't D-Class Regulars?" asked Hwaryun.
"Our captain wanted to visit someone down here." replied Gana.
"Maybe she couldn't find him?" asked Tak.
"Nonsense. Of course she found him. What's the point of having that miserable Silver Dwarf if he can't find anything?"
"A Silver Dwarf is in your party?" asked Hwaryun, with interest.
"Yeah. He's a great help at times, but man, is he dull."
"Would it be possible for us to meet him?"
"I am much better company, if I do say so myself."
"Gana, you're insufferable, but yes, it is possible, Ms. Magda, because he's approaching our table as we speak. Hello, Evan!"
Hwaryun remained unfazed, but Baam couldn't help startle at seeing Princess Yuri's guide come forward. Did that mean she was here as well? Noting his surprise, Gana gave Baam a slap on the back. "Really shrimp, he's not that big a deal. So, where's the Boss?"
"She will be here shortly." Evan was looking at Hwaryun, and she nodded to him.
"Will we get to meet this guy? She must like him a lot, to go to all this trouble."
"Keep your voice down, Gana." muttered Evan crossly.
"Sorry, you're right, you're right. Don't want to go getting the Boss in trouble."
"Who are your friends here?" asked Evan. After introductions were made, Hwaryun asked "What princess are you traveling with, Evan Edroch?"
"Right down to business, huh." replied Evan.
"The one and only, Princess Yuri Ha." answered Gana proudly and Baam shuddered.
"You are her teammates?" continued Hwaryun.
"Yes. And who are you? It's not everyday you run into a Scarlett Witch." replied Evan, evasively.
"We Witches climb the tower, same as you." Hwaryun responded, with some chill to her tone.
Baam wasn't fully aware of the history, but he gathered the Silver Dwarves and Scarlett Witches didn't care for each other, but he also wondered if Hwaryun was personally irritated that Evan's family served Jahad. Tak also seemed to sense the tension and tried to divert the conversation.
"You must be honored, Mr. Bijou, to have such a woman with you."
"I am."
"What a gentleman." scoffed Gana. Tak gave him a dirty look, and was about to speak, but something drew her eye away from the table.
"Ah, here she is! And she did bring him! That's him, right, Evan?"
"Yes. At least she had the sense to cover her face."
"Yeah, otherwise it's just endless, 'Princess! Princess!'" explained Gana, then looked to Baam and Hwaryun, gauging their reaction. Hwaryun remained impassive as always, and Baam had recovered enough to maintain a neutral expression.
"Shrimp, you were more excited to see a Silver Dwarf than a princess? And you, Ms. Magda, are not easily impressed. I like that about you!"
"Hey, everybody." Yuri called once she was near enough to be heard. She wore a hooded cloak that obscured much of her face, but Baam recognized her by voice alone. When she came closer and tilted her head up, he saw she appeared younger than when he met her, but had the same brash confidence and proud manner.
"So! Introduce us to your friend, Princess!" entreated Tak, enthusiastically.
"Right!" Yuri called, excitedly, as she pulled forward a tall, rake thin man with a cap low over his face. "This is Lero-Ro. Lero-Ro, these are my companions, Tak and Gana. You've already met Evan. This is a Scarlett Witch I've never met before, and here is an admittedly handsome wave controller with a ridiculous amount of shinsu. Who are you?"
"What?" Baam thought to himself. It was shocking enough to find Evan and Yuri here, but at least he knew they associated with each other. What was Lero-Ro doing here? Fortunately, Hwaryun did not miss a beat.
"Perceptive of you, Princess. I am Magda, and this is my companion, Bijou. We bumped into your teammates twice today, and I took it as a sign to talk, but I did not realize we would get to meet Princess Yuri herself."
Lero-Ro also appeared younger. He wasn't as tall, and he was without the twin black circles on his face, but he had the same wavy dandelion-colored hair, the same large ears. He was harder to get a read on: he was cheerful in his greetings, but he looked slightly uneasy as he and Yuri took seats next to each other at the table.
"Well, you wouldn't have gotten to meet me at all if I hadn't come to see Lero-Ro here!"
"How do you know each other?" asked Hwaryun.
"We took the entrance exam on the Floor of Test together! Isn't that right, Lero?" said Yuri happily, but there was something forced about it.
"It is, Princess." replied Lero-Ro, calmly. That answered one of Baam's questions, anyway.
"So, Mr. Ro. You are currently on this floor?" asked Tak.
"Yes. I am afraid I could not keep up with Princess Yuri's pace."
"That is nothing to be ashamed of. There are few of us who could." acknowledged Hwaryun. It was a rare expression of sympathy from her, and Baam wondered if she too could sense something off between the Princess and this younger Lero-Ro.
"Yuri, will you come back and visit us too? After you climb on ahead of us?" asked Gana jovially.
"Sure I will, meathead!"
"It is an honor to climb with you, even for a little while, Princess." added Tak.
"Alright, enough of this!" interrupted Yuri, "Let's get some food, talk about something else for awhile."
They did: popular movies, Regulars who were making a name for themselves, Tower gossip. Yuri had such a large presence that everyone fell into orbit around her, and whatever unease Baam detected earlier faded for the time being. Baam noted Yuri made sure to include Lero-Ro in the conversation, while also making him try all the appetizers she ordered.
It was all so fun, it would have been easy to just lose himself this, but it was no coincidence Hwaryun had led them here. It must have something to do with Yuri or Lero-Ro, and he kept an eye on them throughout the evening, but there were no obvious indicators of anything amiss. No talk of rivals giving them a hard time, only the usual dangers of climbing the Tower.
The restaurant grew more packed as the night wore on, and the combined noise level rose to a dull roar. After a particularly loud cheer erupted from a nearby table, Baam saw Lero-Ro wince slightly, and recalling his acute hearing, leaned over to him and said, "It is quite loud in here, isn't it. Does that bother you after awhile?"
Lero-Ro looked startled and Hwaryun sent him a warning glance.
"Hey, how'd you know about Lero's hearing? You doing some covert research on us over there?" asked Yuri.
"Lay off him, Princess. I mean, it's pretty obvious." said Gana, indicating his own ears. "That's like asking me if my arms are strong!" he continued, proudly displaying his biceps.
"Because they're the size of tree trunks?" asked Yuri, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Exactly! Same as your legs, Princess!" Gana retorted, joyfully, to the Princess' shock.
"What are you trying to say, Gana? My legs are too big, they're not feminine, is that it?"
"I'm just saying what I'm saying, Princess."
"Which is what, exactly? How about you say it again, just so I can make sure I heard you correctly. Or better yet, so Lero can hear you."
While Gana and Yuri bantered, Lero-Ro leaned over to Baam and said with a small smile. "I am alright, thank you for asking."
"Princess, I hate to interrupt, but we really should be heading back. We need to get up bright and early tomorrow. We have a long day of travel ahead of us."
"You're no fun, Evan!" cried Yuri.
"Yeah, lighten up." added Gana.
"You're very cranky when you don't sleep, Princess." chided Evan, with a tone that suggested he and Yuri had had this conversation many times.
"So, what's wrong with that?" Yuri challenged.
Bam was disappointed to see the evening coming to a close. After his initial disorientation, he found it immensely comforting being with Yuri, seeing her spiritedness, that she was herself, no matter what age they were in. Also, though he knew it was significant they had met here, he still did not know why, and now they were about to part ways.
Yuri looked like she was going to argue with Evan, but she paused and turned to Lero-Ro. They had some silent exchange. Yuri relaxed, and then – much to Evan's relief – said, "Fine. Me and Lero are going to head out."
"Night's young, Princess. We're staying behind at the bar. Let's party, Magda!" exclaimed Gana, wrapping an arm around Tak. Magda smiled a Mona Lisa smile. "Sounds good to me." After a quick round of goodbyes, Yuri, Evan, and Lero-Ro left the table. As soon as they did, Baam received a message on his pocket from Hwaryun: "I'll gather information here. You follow them."
"Follow," in this case meant spy, and these were Baam's friends, even though they didn't know it yet. Yet he wanted to get home, and he was heartened at the thought that this night might still yield some clues, so he excused himself as well. He didn't think he could cloak himself against A-Rank Ranker Yuri, but a B-Rank Regular he could. He did so, then left the restaurant. The streets were swarming with people but he found them standing near a fountain: Evan on one side, and Yuri and Lero-Ro a short distance away.
"Yes, Evan, I'll be right there. I'm just going to walk with Lero. I'll see you soon." Yuri responded to Evan, huffily.
Evan gave a grim smile, but nodded and turned away as Yuri and Lero-Ro walked down a different street. They walked in silence as Baam weaved through traffic to keep pace with them. Finally, Lero-Ro broke the silence.
"It was good of you to come see me. I'm glad to see you've been doing so well. I follow your progress."
"Did you hear about my fight with the Khun family princess?" asked Yuri, proudly.
"Yes." responded Lero-Ro, concerned. "That was rash, even for you. Please be careful."
"She was egging me on! I had to do something!" Yuri looked excited, reliving the memory of it, but then she changed subjects. "Are you doing well?"
"Yes. I like my team at the moment. We're training before taking the next test." At this Yuri's face fell, and Lero-Ro added "You don't need to look so guilty."
"I can't help it! I wanted us to climb together! If I had stayed with you, you would be so much higher."
"As Ms. Tak said, it was an honor to climb as far as I did with you."
"Don't give me that crap. I let you down!"
Lero-Ro's face fell too. "Princess, there was no way we were going to climb the Tower together. I am not skilled enough. I know you stayed with me as long as you could. Even this visit, tell me the truth, how hard did you push just to come see me?"
"But I hate it! Everyone's pulling me every which way. Telling me what I can and can't do. What is and isn't appropriate for a princess."
"I worry for you. I think maybe it would be best if we parted ways here."
"Lero!"
"I don't want to get you in trouble! You push, but I'm worried you'll push too far."
"But what's the point of being a princess – of having all this power – if I can't even be with the people who are important to me? Dammit!"
"Please! Be wise. Don't let anyone hear you say that!"
They paused for a moment. Yuri looked truly dejected, as she uttered, "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you." echoed Lero-Ro.
Then Yuri regained some of her fire. "This isn't the end! When I'm a Ranker, I'll change things!"
"I know you will." Lero gave her an encouraging smile, but it quickly fell when they made eye contact. Yuri gave him a brief, intense embrace, pulled away brusquely, then took a few steps backward. "Goodbye, Lero."
"Goodbye, Princess."
Yuri breathed a deep sigh, then walked away. Baam saw her pull her hood low over her face, watched Lero watching her go, then watched as he too walked away. Yuri's hopes for the future were painfully relatable, as were her struggles to be with the people important to her, and Baam tilted his head back and let out a sigh of his own.
He considered himself a simple person: all he really wanted was to be happy with his friends, yet he too had power, enormous power. Power that, more often than not – instead of allowing him to be with the ones precious to him – got him into trouble and kept them apart. He doubted he would be in the situation he was in now even, marooned in time, if he was just an average citizen of the Tower.
Of course, the other side of the coin could be equally devastating, not having enough power to stay with the ones you cared for – Lero-Ro's side, in this case – and Baam in fact remembered Lero-Ro expressing this exact sentiment to him during their brief conversation on the Floor of Test: "Isn't God cruel, Mr. Baam? It might seem like you can have anything, in this limitless world. But one day, God appears again and tells you 'This is your limit,' although there are so many things you still want to have."
Baam hoped Hwaryun had better luck in her investigations, as he slowly made his way back to the hotel, grieving for them all, as he laid down to sleep.
Over a simple breakfast in their rooms the next morning, Baam and Hwaryun discussed what they had learned.
"At first, I wasn't sure who was significant, Yuri and Evan or Lero-Ro." started Hwaryun. "They have both saved the lives of you and your companions. Either fit with what Lady Skud said."
"Should we split up? One of us follows Yuri and Evan, one stays here with Mr. Ro?"
Hwaryun shook her head. "We were sent to this day and place. Yuri's leaving, Lero-Ro is staying put. He is the focus." That made sense Baam supposed, as much sense as this was ever going to make. He shook his head in confusion, then shared his hypothesis.
"Do you believe he will need my protection at some point? Is that why we're here?"
Hwaryun took a sip of water, contemplating before answering, "I don't know. I was told you would not be in physical danger here, so if that's true, it will be nothing major. We'll have to wait and see, but I'm certain you will see Lero-Ro again."
However, Hwaryun advised him not to speak with Lero-Ro just yet. Instead, she asked Baam to gather some information about his life here. Baam found where he and his team were staying. Their accommodations were in a cheap part of town. From observing them, he didn't get the sense that they had been together long, but they seemed friendly enough. He knew that in most cases, people changed teams frequently. A common mindset was to do whatever it took to get up the Tower, and that there was no point in getting close to people who were either going to quit climbing or get killed.
They often went to a training facility to practice during the days, then they dispersed – some relaxing at quarters, others going out to enjoy the active nightlife here. When Baam relayed this to Hwaryun she nodded, but gave no further indication of what to do. He was frustrated, but he could see she was as well. He was sure it was an unfamiliar feeling for a guide, having so little bearing. They were both visibly relieved when a few days later, she instructed him to go alone to a popular restaurant in the area. It was small, but it was something.
However, after eating there, then loitering at the bar, Baam was feeling mighty foolish. There had been no appearance by Lero-Ro or his teammates, what he'd been expecting. He went over his weak analysis of the situation to pass the time. He may be able to protect Lero-Ro at some point on this floor, but he could not enter a test with him. Lero-Ro was not a member of any prominent families, so that ruled out some of the most intense rivalries and blood feuds Baam could think of. He was also not a member of FUG or The Wing Tree at this time, so no trouble there either.
Baam sighed. He'd had enough sitting around for one evening. He paid for his tonic and headed out, wanting to put some distance between himself and this latest failure. He stood on the sidewalk outside the restaurant and paused to observe the sky of this floor. It was clear with twinkling stars, and his thoughts drifted to Rachel.
In a roundabout way, those stars were the reason he had entered the Tower – chasing after Rachel who desperately wanted to see them. He'd been so naive then, no idea of the world he was entering to be with her. Another failure to add to his list, though in that case it was not that he couldn't find her, but that she did not want to be with him in return, for reasons that he at least hoped to understand someday. He was startled out of his reverie, however, by a familiar voice.
"Mr. Bijou?" Even after all the demonstrations, Hwaryun's abilities continually amazed, and Baam turned to face Lero-Ro, who was standing nearby on the sidewalk, carrying a gift bag.
"Hello again, Mr. Ro. How are you this evening?"
"I am well. I was just heading inside. Were you as well?"
"I was on my way out." Baam answered truthfully, his thoughts too blurred to say anything else. It was strange knowing he had spoken with Lero-Ro about Rachel, that he knew who she was, even that Lero-Ro was the one who first taught her to use a lighthouse, yet this Lero-Ro knew nothing of that.
"Oh, that's a shame." Lero-Ro replied, "One of my teammates is hosting her birthday party here tonight. It is sure to be an interesting evening, if you'd like to stop by. Your companion Ms. Magda is welcome as well."
Baam had noticed some employees coming and going from a large party room, bringing in food, chairs, and decorations. He told this to Lero-Ro, who nodded in recognition. "Yes, that's her room."
"Sounds fun." replied Baam, not about to turn down this opportunity.
"Feel free to come by anytime. It should be going awhile."
"I will contact Ms. Magda, and we'll stop by. I would love to hear about your travels with the Princess, if you have a moment."
"I would like that." he replied, with a smile that eased Baam's nerves, and they parted ways, Baam returning to the hotel to tell Hwaryun what had transpired, and Lero-Ro entering the restaurant. Hwaryun was pleased and they made their way back to the restaurant a couple hours later. It was a lively gathering, with food, drink, music, and dancing.
They chatted with several groups of people; Baam attempted to look interested but without the anchor of people he knew, it all felt so removed. Eventually, he and Hwaryun had a moment alone.
"You are doing well, Bijou. Don't despair."
"I don't understand what we're supposed to be doing here."
"Yes, you do. We're here to talk with Lero-Ro."
Baam had had so much anticipation about speaking with Lero-Ro, that only now that he was about to, did he realize he didn't actually know what he was going to say. Baam thought back to when he first met Lero-Ro. His first impression was of a cheerful, almost blithe personality, yet he had been discrete, saying the net had failed during that second test when it had not. Baam appreciated him not calling attention to his abilities at that time. He was already overwhelmed as it was.
Lero-Ro's words about luck, and that it was not an inner worthiness that guaranteed success in the Tower made much more sense to him now than they did at that time, and the seriousness he displayed then made Baam question whether that first personality was his truest self, for someone who didn't care would not have gone to all the trouble he did further down the line.
Baam chuckled, remembering Lero-Ro's advice to be careful of Khun; admittedly he wasn't wrong. He was glad he and Khun were friends; he would not want him as an enemy. Khun told him it was Lero-Ro who informed him that Rachel's leg was not severely injured and that it was he Khun had gone to for information on the final examination.
Baam was terribly grateful for Lero-Ro's help at the Workshop Battle, help that went so far beyond any duty he may have felt as their teacher. He still remembered the shock bordering on awe that Khun and Rak displayed in that crumbling, fiery cavern, when they received the call from him on Khun's pocket, saying he would stall for them.
"Bijou." Hwaryun said simply, but with a tone asking him to pay attention. He looked to her and followed her gaze, and saw this time's Lero-Ro approaching them.
"Ms. Magda, Mr. Bijou. I am so happy you accepted my invitation!"
"We were glad of it." replied Hwaryun graciously, and Baam knew truthfully. They chatted briefly about the party itself: the food was excellent, the decorations gave the large room warmth. They were just starting to speak of Princess Yuri, when a man approached and asked Hwaryun to dance. She accepted, and with a knowing nod to Baam, left them alone.
"So, you met Princess Yuri on the Floor of Test?" Baam asked.
"Yes. I ran into her on the field. I thought for sure I was a goner. I froze. I didn't know who she was at the time, but I must have had some instinct as to her power. I didn't try to attack or run, and for some reason, she spared me. We travelled together for a time, but as I'm sure you know, her reputation precedes her. She is climbing at a phenomenal rate."
What a coincidence, Baam wanted to say, I also met you on the Floor of Test, heard your voice for the first time at the beginning of the Battle Royale, right after meeting Princess Yuri. You two were so close to each other, and you didn't even know it.
He also wanted to say he had seen the heartbreak on his and Yuri's faces last night when they said their goodbyes, even though Lero-Ro spoke so lightly of it now, but of course, why would Lero-Ro tell that to someone he had just met. That was the trouble, with all of this. Baam may be a stranger to Lero-Ro, but Lero-Ro was not a stranger to him. Which may be why he said something so personal in response.
"I understand. I first thought the tests were the most difficult part of the Tower, but what I've found more wrenching are the people I've left behind, and the ones who have left me."
Lero-Ro's eyes widened in shock. "Indeed. How long have you been climbing, Mr. Bijou?"
"It feels like forever." Baam again surprised himself with his candor and hoped he didn't startle Lero-Ro away, but it was easy talking with him, and Baam felt he could speak freely. Maybe it was in part with having a new name, in a place where no one knew him or his past. He loved his friends, yet they were all under enormous pressure and he often didn't want to burden them with the troubles of being the Irregular, the Twenty-Fifth Baam.
"You are an unusual man, Mr. Bijou. I have not met many as honest as you." replied Lero-Ro gently.
"Does it bother you?" asked Baam with a smile, to cover his nervousness.
"No, I find it refreshing." And Baam breathed easy once again.
"How long have you been climbing, Mr. Ro?"
"For almost two decades now…"
They continued chatting, until Baam heard a chime from his pocket, alerting him to a message. The only one who would contact him was Hwaryun, and as much as it bothered him to check it now, he asked if Lero-Ro would excuse him from their conversation for a moment. It was Hwaryun, advising him it was time to leave, and to meet her back at the hotel.
"Bad news?" asked Lero-Ro, causing Baam to realize he was frowning at his pocket. There had been so much build up to this meeting, why leave now? Yet, he reminded himself, Hwaryun had been correct on the floor, this place, and the timing of tonight, waiting at the restaurant.
"Yes, I'm afraid there's something I need to take care of."
"I see." replied Lero-Ro, slowly, looking disappointed. So, it wasn't just Baam who felt this way, and before he was consciously aware of it, he was proposing a compromise.
"I've enjoyed talking with you. Could we see each other again? Maybe for lunch or dinner?"
"I would like that." Lero-Ro said with a smile. They exchanged pocket information, and when Baam walked out into a warm evening breeze, he was in good spirits, the best he'd had since arriving here.
"You are in a good mood." observed Hwaryun.
"I am." replied Baam, truthfully.
Hwaryun had been sitting down reading, and he had interrupted her to exchange a few words before leaving. He and Lero-Ro were meeting tonight, going out to see a concert. This was the latest of several meetings they'd had since his teammate's party. It was satisfying to be working toward whatever Lady Skud sent him here for, since Hwaryun approved of these outings, but Baam mostly enjoyed them personally. Enjoyed them in a way that he was having increasingly futile arguments with himself about.
He noted his frustration when they parted ways, his excitement knowing they had another date set up, a desire to be in close proximity, even to touch. At first, he had argued that these could all fall into the realm of friendship. After all, he enjoyed Rak's embraces, and the comfort of Khun's company. He recalled his feelings of loneliness being parted from them. But, there was a nagging knowledge from within that this was not that, that this was something else. Another form of attraction, a form that now made Baam extremely restless to get out of here, remembering how fascinating he found the sunlight on Lero-Ro's hair to be, how gracefully he moved, even in simple movements – picking up a glass of water, walking through town. How riveted he felt in his presence.
And sometimes, he thought he caught Lero-Ro watching him similarly, when their eyes would meet and it seemed no words were necessary, until eventually the tension would get to them, and one of them would look away or utter some meaningless remark, redirecting their focus.
Hwaryun said nothing more. Since she was not one to say things casually, Baam was compelled to ask. "Do you still think I'm on the right path?"
"I do." she answered easily.
Baam was relieved. "Well, I'll be going then. See you soon."
She nodded, and he rose, expecting that to be all, but she spoke once more, just as he was about to turn the doorknob.
"Have a nice time, Bijou."
He looked back in confusion. This was an unusual sentiment, coming from her, but the only answer he received was an enigmatic smile.
"What did you think?" asked Lero-Ro as they sat side by side on the edge of a fountain. They had just left the concert, and were now sitting in a nearby park. A soft breeze caused the tree leaves to dance as the fountain burbled behind them and crickets chirped all around. It was dark; the moon was out. Coming from outside the Tower Baam still found it hard to reckon with sometimes, that he was only looking at a ceiling, this strange mimicry of the sky, but he appreciated the way the silver light transformed everything it touched into something softer and gentler, including Lero-Ro, who seemed more relaxed than he had earlier in the evening.
It had been a classical concert. Baam recognized the complexity of it, sometimes hearing a pattern, but he didn't listen to music often. His knowledge of it came mainly from the tastes of those around him. Rachel often sang him simple melodies during their time outside. He had fond memories of Prince and Miseng playing dance video games and the friendly arguments that inevitably ensued when Wangnan insisted on blaring his favorite bubbly pop music when it was his turn to cook meals.
Yet, none of that helped him formulate an answer. What did he think of the concert? He was stymied, and unfortunately Lero-Ro interpreted his silence as dislike.
"It's alright. I know it's not for everyone. My teammates always make fun of me, when I ask them to see a show with me. Thank you for sitting through it with me." he spoke in a rush, looking embarrassed.
"No, it's not that. I've just… never had someone ask me that before. I suppose my focus has grown so narrow, climbing the Tower."
"That's why I like to go to the concerts, actually. To remind myself there is more… More than getting to the next floor."
Baam rarely heard anyone talk like this. Most of the people he met had such intense reasons for climbing the Tower: Khun was gaining power, Hatz had his honor, Anaak climbed for revenge, FUG fought for Jahad's demise. Some climbed in search of family, as Miseng and Arkraptor did.
His own reasons for climbing changed periodically; though the theme did not: he too climbed for others. First for Rachel, then with FUG to protect his friends, even though at the time he accepted that they would never know it. Meeting Team Sweet and Sour had been a blessing in disguise, and they too gave him a reason to keep going. Now that he had reunited with Khun and Rak, he climbed to stay with them.
"You are an unusual man, Mr. Ro. I have not met many as honest as you."
"Does it bother you?" replied Lero-Ro in a laughing tone, recognizing their previous conversation.
"No," Baam finished. "I find it refreshing."
"Mr. Bijou, I know this is an odd thing to say, but I can't help but feel like I've known you longer than these past weeks."
Baam smiled wryly. "I feel the same."
"You do?" Lero-Ro smiled in return. "That night with Princess Yuri was… quite difficult for me. We both wanted to hold on to our friendship, but with all the demands placed on her, I'm afraid it just wasn't possible. I doubt I will ever see her again, so to have met you the same night I said goodbye to her feels something like a gift."
Baam smiled again, more genuinely this time, and repeated his words from before. "I feel the same." And it was true. He'd had no idea what he was in store for when he agreed to the meeting with Lady Skud. To be thrown backwards in time – it was frightening, disorienting. Meeting Lero-Ro here and the time they spent together felt like a retreat from the all unknowns.
Baam had been leaning back on his hands, but adjusted his position now, accidentally brushing Lero-Ro's hand in the process. The contact gave both of them a jolt, and he had the thought to move his hand, but he did not, and neither did Lero-Ro. There was a voice arguing to move, but it seemed so small, so insignificant, now that he finally had the contact he'd been so contentiously longing for.
After it became apparent to both of them this was no accident, Lero-Ro moved his hand to cover Baam's and gently interlaced their fingers. Baam had avoided looking at him during this exchange, but he looked to him now, and also took another look at their surroundings. No one was here, and even in the faint light, he saw a slight blush on Lero-Ro's face. His hand was light on his own, as if it could be moved and this would be no more than a dream, a shadow in the night.
There was still time to end this, Baam considered. It was reckless, so far off course from whatever he was supposed to be doing here, but the realization that not only did he want this, but that maybe he could actually have this hit him like a tidal wave. He could not justify it, or explain it if he were asked. Still, he tilted his head and leaned in close, not enough to be touching, but enough to get his intention across, so that if Lero-Ro wanted, this too could be just a dream, a shadow in the night.
Yet, Lero-Ro crossed the distance and they met in a light kiss. Team Sweet and Sour had been fond of watching movies together in the evenings, and Baam saw the various portrayals of kissing they had to offer. Some were passionate, others heartfelt, some happy, some sad, yet none portrayed how he was feeling right now.
The world hadn't gone silent, nor had it burst into glorious color. He heard no angels singing, and there was no dam of emotions unleashed. In fact, on the outside, nothing had changed. There was still a calm breeze causing the tree leaves to dance as the fountain burbled behind them and the crickets chirped all around. The moon was still painting the whole canvas in grey, yet none of those things struck him as gentle or soft as they had before. The rustling leaves and the crickets were not soothing, they were heralding change, as the breeze swept away what had been for what now was; the grey of the moon no longer invoked the lightness of threads and spider webs, but the glistening, uncompromising hardness of steel, of a lock clicking into place.
Lero-Ro pulled away first and whispered, "Mr. Bijou, is this alright?" and Baam leaned forward to make up the distance, only pausing to whisper in return. "More than alright."
Author's Note: At the Tower of God Wiki, on Lero-Ro's page, there is a picture of a deleted panel of a young Yuri and Lero-Ro meeting on the Floor of Test.