"Eh? Urek-san isn't coming because Yunuen-san is here?" Hearing the new information, Evolet stared at Hachuling incredulously. Yunuen's expression was blank as he remembered what he did to Urek. The High Ranker began to sweat nervously and looked away as Evolet glanced at him suspiciously.
Having finished telling her, Hachuling shrugged mischievously at the other bluenette before walking away leisurely. The Wolhaiksong core members were now somewhat well acquainted with Yunuen after he dropped by to visit Urek after the Zygaena incident. No one knows exactly what he did, but Urek was traumatized by it and is not willing to come within 100 meters of Yunuen or a whole Floor to be frank. The poor man now has "Yunuenophobia" to say the least. Yunuen was convinced this was Urek's revenge against him.
Evolet stood in front of him, blankly staring into the taller man's teal eyes. Despite her shorter stature, the purplette looked plenty menacing to Yunuen. He immediately sat down on the floor respectfully in seiza, hands folded on his lap with lips pressed thin as Evolet raised an eyebrow at him. "So, Yunuen-san. Mind telling me what exactly did you do to the 4th strongest man in the Tower?"
"But Little One— He hurted you first so I—"
"And I didn't ask for your reason nor excuses, Yunuen-san. I asked what you did to Urek-san. Hachuling-san said Urek-san wouldn't take a single step to any Floor you're in for goodness sake—"
Khun sipped his black coffee calmly as he watched Yunuen getting lectured by Evolet, the High Ranker looking pitifully small at the scolding. The rest of the teams were practically huddling behind him to look at the ensuing drama, using him as a man-shield. It was yet again a peaceful normal day.
Serene as it was, they still had issues to be solved. Khun had set his eyes on FUG and Rachel matters, knowing he couldn't let them off after how they tried to set him and his team up. Not to mention their biggest problem on hand is Horyang who has yet to regain his consciousness. They were aware that in order to wake Horyang up, finding Cassano and getting Horyang's part of the devil was crucial.
Some of them had considered asking Emily of Cassano's whereabouts, but Emily hasn't been active for days and neither Evolet or Beta recommended them to use the app anymore. Yet if Evolet made a move to gather information on Rachel and Cassano's whereabouts, FUG will focus their attention on the team. Which brought them to a certain Red Witch who scoffed mockingly at them.
Well, Evolet was supposed to be in the room too but Yunuen had suddenly called her out saying that they needed to speak about something. As a result only Bam, Khun, Rak, and Wangnan were in the room to meet Hwaryun. The redhead was fully aware of their intentions, she wasn't a talented Guide for nothing after all.
She says she had no reason to help them, yet she knew of the path she was going to guide them to. It was all part of the plan after all, ever since the very beginning she guided her god to FUG's path of bloodshed down till the last point of how she showed his friends the path to get him back from FUG. This was the path she deemed to be best in order to make Jue Viole Grace her god. Though then again the future is never set in stone, not to mention there were too many… irregular factors in each path. Honestly, being a Guide is a major headache.
That being said, Khun certainly knew how to read someone. He cut straight to the point, telling Hwaryun that she can join them so long as she showed them the path. She swiftly took him up on that offer, having been aiming it from the start. Her smirk was evident as she speaks of the Hell Train where they would meet Cassano, and inevitably Rachel again. How she was looking forward to all of this unfolding and Evolet's reaction to this.
Just as they were about to leave, Bam stopped in his tracks as Hwaryun called him out. "Viole, you look happy. It's just as they had wanted. If you want to protect this happiness, you must get stronger. Soon, you'll face a great danger."
His golden eyes glinted, wary of the danger she was warning him of as she continued to speak. "You won't survive the way you are right now. If you want to keep your happiness then you must be strong enough to protect it. And then one day you can return to get back at the Higher Ups who put you in danger. Become stronger, Viole."
Hwaryun inwardly chuckled, fully knowing Evolet was one of said Higher Ups albeit she was protecting him rather than hurt him. Goodness knows she'd die first before intentionally hurting the brunette in any form. Bam stared at the Red Witch with a guarded expression, carefully taking in the advice she gave. He was just about to leave when Hwaryun began to talk again, amusement clear in her tone for reasons Bam had no clue of. "Oh, and be careful my god. You never know who you might lose if you're not careful. Danger is present at every corner and turns. Don't be blinded and try to see what is truly important to you."
She flashed an ominous knowing smile to the Wave Controller, giving no other context and watching Bam nod rigidly before going out of the room. Her god who knew nothing of the truth behind his partner, thinking he understood her and it was enough so lone she was by his side. The pitiful lamb blinded by the seemingly deceptive bright light, unaware of how he's been able to see in the dark from the beginning and the ever present light illuminating his path. Hwaryun wondered how devastated he would be if he lost the light he cherished so dearly because he didn't realize her worth.
With how FUG operated as a faith centered organization, the condition within is basically split into factions and a few influential figures. Each Slayer, or rather gods, had their own supporting factions and followers. Jinsung was originally a solo power in FUG, feared for his strength and status. Though nowadays he's more known to be on Evolet's side. Which to speak wasn't something the Elders and Slayers weren't exactly fond of since the Anima by herself wasn't all that powerful at the moment yet she's just gathering allies here and there, wreaking havoc on FUG's politics table.
Goodness knows what she's been doing outside FUG too, spreading her own power circle. To do all of that for solely one person yet Bam had no idea of it as Evolet kept him away for safekeeping. She purposefully directed FUG's attention to her by causing them problems, so that Bam and her team were out of the firing range. Though if she thought about it Evolet actually resembled a tanker more than a shield—
Speaking of which, the purplette was finally done talking with Yunuen and entered the room Hwaryun was staying in. The look in her eyes was terrifyingly blank, the expression Hwaryun was more than used seeing on the purplette whenever she was dealing with FUG. She could roughly guess what Yunuen told her.
"You're aware that FUG won't stay still after all that you've done right?"
Evolet sighed lightly, no change of emotion on her face. "I already know even if you didn't tell me that… Yunuen-san said they're starting to move. It's bound to happen one way or another, not exactly surprising since it was my intention from the start. Granted I didn't expect it to happen so soon, but that's the reason I've been preparing after all."
"Reckless as always, Svalinn. What would he think if he knew what you've been doing all along."
"...Bam doesn't have to know. Nor does the team. As long as they're safe it doesn't matter. As long as FUG doesn't have the leisure to lay a hand on them." Evolet muttered emotionlessly, aware of the consequences she was to bear sooner of later.
Hwaryun scoffed at her mindset, knowing it was futile trying to convince her. Well it's not as if she could give warnings either. The one who knew Evolet's path best was the purplette herself as the irregularity of Irregulars, an odd title she had indeed. Even if she was paving a path leading to her own demise, who was Hwaryun to stop her. "Be careful, you don't want to see him devastated over losing him, do you?"
"Don't worry, he won't. It won't matter so long as he's still chasing… her. For how long will he remember me even if I went away? Won't he just move on and continue to climb the Tower for her sake? Just like he did when I disappeared back then."
It's always amazing to see the contrast between her recklessness and self-esteem, akin to the distance between heaven and hell. How she was looking straight forward and doing everything in her power so that the team would be safe from FUG's grasp. FUG wasn't exactly the bunch to just let them off that easily.
The only reason they're not targeted yet was because Jinsung, Yunuen, along with a few other Rankers of various ranks were holding down the fort for them. And behind all of that was Evolet tugging at the puppet strings, directing FUG's attention to herself and keeping them busy. Truly, what a situation they were in. Though she'd be lying if she said she wasn't looking forward to the future as a Guide. The future of Irregulars and the Tower itself were finally forming.
The teams were huddled around the floating ship, saying their respective farewells to Shibisu's team. Verdi was talking about how she would miss her "dolls", Miseng and Prince clearly not impressed by her words since they were the "dolls" mentioned. Hatz wished the team well, Bam replying with a smile as Khun glared at the Scout lightly and shooing him away. Endorsi was staring down at Evolet who sweatdropped at the intense gaze. The purplette tensed up when Endorsi suddenly grabbed her by the shoulder, frowning and narrowing her lemony eyes lightly.
"Listen well, Eve. By the time we meet again, you already need to get at least one of them okay?!" The talented fisherman shouted out, pointing at Bam and Khun who froze up at her words. Well, everyone else just about became statues with widened eyes as the flow of conversation stopped. What did they just hear?
Our two male love interests' minds have crashed, still standing in their respective spot. Evolet's eyebrows furrowed as she tilted her head to the side, failing to understand what the Jahad Princess meant. "What… do you mean by that, Endorsi-san…?"
Endorsi was about to explain it to the oblivious girl when the others quickly snapped out of their stupor. Both team Sweet and Sour along with Khun's former team moved, Yihwa stepped up from Sweet and Sour while Novick did the same. The two representatives glared intensely at each other, pulling at the Anima's hands like they're playing a tug-of-war. Evolet was no less confused as Yihwa and Novick started arguing about Bam and Khun.
"Let go of Eve, Mr. Novick."
"Sorry but no can do. Our leader's been waiting for 7 years, shouldn't he get his turn now since Eve's been with you guys for years?"
At first the argument had gone off rather logically. But as time went on… things got a little out of hand. The two were screaming at the top of their lungs, the context not even connected to why they started fighting in the first place. Well, Yihwa was shouting casual insults like it was the end of the world while Novick was calmly enunciating his words. Though Evolet herself was still suffering in the midst of their tug-of-war, with the added gruelling loudness of their voices. And the others have completely become the spectators to the cat fight.
"You foolish idiot—!!"
"Flame thrower."
"Muscle head!!!"
"Kitchen burner."
"Wha— WHAT'S KITCHEN BURNER SUPPOSED TO MEAN— I DON'T BURN KITCHENS DOWN—!!!"
Evolet's head was pounding from the loudness. Her hands felt like they were going to torn apart with how hard the two physically strong members of the Ten Great Family were tugging at her. And of course one of our spectators wouldn't let it continue. There was a small gust of wind as Yihwa and Novick were knocked down to the floor, surprised as the purplette between them disappeared. Or rather it was simply Yunuen who decided to break the little squabble.
In the bluenette's arms was the beloved Anima, rubbing her pained hands with a soft grumble as she pouted from the harsh treatment. Evolet blinked confusedly as Yunuen covered her ears, looking up a bit to see him smiling gently at her before he held her in place. The High Ranker craned his neck to the side, the look in his eyes eerily blank as his gaze scanned all the teams.
"No one is getting the Little One. You hear me? No one. I haven't approved the two idiots standing like statues over there instead of helping Eve. Nor will I approve anyone else to be her significant other. Get over my damned corpse first before you try anything."
His words were spoken softly, yet sending chills to those who heard it. The threat behind it was crystal clear and for Khun who's been on the receiving end of his threats, he was surprised it wasn't anything more elaborate. Though it looks like Khun still has a long way to go before he can get Yunuen's full permission to date Evolet.
If a hundred points were needed to date Evolet by Yunuen's standard, then Khun would have five points while Bam is at minus 10 points. By the way, everyone else other than the two are at minus 50 points. And we all know Yunuen will never be willing to let Evolet date or marry, so no one's gonna get the perfect 100 points.
Shibisu's team was now long gone and everyone went off to do their own thing and get their well deserved break before they started climbing again. Now that Bam was finally free from FUG, he decided that it was about time to cut his hair again. Which was why right now he was staring at the vanity mirror with a small smile, completely relaxed as he let Evolet work her magic. His fluffy chestnut locks were dampened slightly with water, already washed early along with a small head massage courtesy of Evolet. If he thought about it, he's never had his hair cut by anyone else but Evolet. And Bam wouldn't have it any other way, content with how it was.
Meanwhile Evolet hummed as she styled Bam's hair into a loose low ponytail, conjuring up a single Shinsu string and telling the brunette to stay still as she tied the string around the ponytail. With one gentle tug, a sharp cut was heard and the ponytail was successfully cut off. It wasn't the orthodox method, but anything practical works well in Evolet's book. Setting aside the bundle of hair on the table, she started snipping away to tidy Bam's hair with scissors.
"Say, Bam… how do you think our climb will continue in the future?"
The Wave Controller in question moved his head slightly to see her, puzzled by the sudden question. His actions only got Evolet frowning lightly, her hands making sure he was looking straight at the mirror. Bam sweatdropped, but nonetheless answered her truthfully. "I don't know what the future holds but… Climbing the Tower with everyone sounds nice."
A mellow smile spread across Evolet's lips at his answer, already expecting it. She was relieved that he hadn't changed from back then, that despite all he's been through he was still the 25th Bam that she knew and loved. It was the most reassuring feeling in the world. Not that she understood how she played a big part in keeping him grounded. The snipping noise stopped as she put away the scissors into her Lighthouse.
Evolet buried her face into the crown of Bam's head, hands loosely draped around him and pulling him into a gentle embrace that he hadn't expected. This was the first time Evolet has ever hugged him from behind. But he quickly got over the initial shock, going lax in the comfort she provided. It was silent for quite a while before she spoke.
"Yeah… let's climb the Tower with everyone together. We'll heal up Horyang-san… then catch up with Shibisu-san's team. I'm sure it'll be a fun climb with all of us together, as the 25th Bam… and Evolet Euterpe."
Bam's lips quivered, grasping Evolet's hands weakly. He understood the implication behind her words. He no longer needed to be Jue Viole Grace. And she didn't have to be Yvette anymore. They were free from FUG. And moving on forward they'll climb like the Regulars or rather the Irregulars that they were. "That sounds nice… together forever."
"Welcome back, Bam. You did really great as Jue Viole Grace to protect them… that's why, rest well. Everything is okay now."
A choked sob bubbled at the back of his throat, nodding weakly and trying to hold everything in. She acknowledged his hard work of protecting his friends, stood by his side through everything and guided him till the very end until he was finally out of the darkness. Tears spilled like waterfalls from his golden hued orbs, breaking into sobs as Evolet patted his head gently and whispered sweet reassuring promises of the future.
Evolet was well aware that the peace they had right now was a luxury that wouldn't last long. Sooner or later FUG will make their move and she has no doubt that either Bam or herself will be targeted first. But at the very least she wanted Bam to enjoy his climb and keep smiling, to be himself amidst the whirlpool of insanity they were in. She was no controller of fate but if he wished for it then she'll alter the course of fate itself. They'll be fine whether in the present or future, she'll make sure of that no matter what.
A/N:
Can't believe I actually finished a book... But here we are :D All that's left is the part two of the special chapter and the QA answers before— ...before my final exams then I'll start writing book 2 :" Aka the book of pain and angst *sips tea* Have I cried over writing small snippets of it? Yes. Currently contemplating my own sadism.
But that aside, I'm really grateful for your support throughout the story. I truly couldn't have lasted this long without the dearest readers' support. Honestly, your comments make my day especially when I see someone trying to figure out the plot and theories— It's not ending just quite yet, since we still have the special chapter first before starting book 2 after a little break. ...yes, sorry for the awkwardness cause I don't really know what to say but uhh— I'll see you in book 2 later sweethearts—