Chapter 7 Of Nostalgia and Loose Ends

Trivia #7: Eirwen's original design was supposed to be an exact replica of childhood Khun and the author had planned a lot of jealousy scene between the two

The newly gained name rolled off Eirwen's tongue smoothly and carved its existence to the bane of his mind. Merely moments ago he was but a sickly fox hybrid running away for dear life from his own team. And he wakes up to a kind stranger who picked him up from that alleyway, to which he hasn't asked her name. Though he caught her being called "Eve" by the two others who playfully dragged her out of the room while asking the girl to cook dinner, leaving with the promise to bring him his share of dinner too later on.

They certainly seemed like a tightly knit family if nothing else, the boy thought. His sensitive ears picked up the clear sound of joyous laughter, something that he rarely witnessed in the Tower. Even if they are called teams, typically it was limited to transactional relationships only. Betrayal could happen at any given time, they would do anything so long as they can reach the top. There was no one to trust save for yourself in this forsaken insanity. Though he supposed playing house in the middle of it all is also its own brand of madness.

He laid back on his back helplessly, knowing it'd be suicidal of him if he tried to escape with no idea where he was and without any supplies. Should he really accept her oddly auspicious offer? Not that he had any other choice from the start, he supposed. His suspicions were eating at him alive and he knew not of what was to come in the future, but his desire to be acknowledged and accepted as himself was far stronger. She came in tow with the temptation of the devil, promising him of potential that no one else ever dared to. He's long lost himself, what was there to lament even if he sold his soul?

"I-" His clenched fists were a telltale sign of how hard he was considering this, and Evolet certainly didn't miss that fact. And she had absolutely no intention to pressure him for an immediate answer. Decisions were never meant to be made with turbulent emotions after all.

"It's okay, for now let's just focus on getting you healed up first then we can talk about that offer." Maybe she'll keep her healing ability under wraps a little bit longer so he can have the time to consider his options. Besides, it would allow her a chance to investigate further about this matter. That ominously obvious hint from the Test Administrator, the timing of which Eirwen appeared and most importantly…

She gave a fleeting pat to his head. Wishing him well and leaving him to rest, his sullen look of being unable to catch her name went unnoticed as the door shut. Evolet's expression was chillingly unreadable as she stood in the dimly lit hallway with a nearly inaudible sigh. The data of the whole Floor splayed on her Lighthouse, her sole accompaniment in the mocking silence as she read the story of the winter Floor. By no means was it a bad nor demoralizing legend in the front, nay. It was undeniably a beautiful art that readers would coo over its soothingly sweet and affectionate moments. But she knew better for she witnessed the continuation after the end of a mere chapter, watching as everything went up in flames.

The Tower was reminding her of the wishes out of reach. Lies, a part of her somewhere was well aware how she had the power to overturn everything if she willed herself to. But then again she's never been the one to hold on so tightly either, has she? What was there to hold if nothing was hers from the start? Lies, lies, lies, she was desperate to hold on until the end. They were always so eager to crush her hopes weren't they? Not that she had any from the start, she playfully mused to herself. A wistful smile overtook her lips as she sent a grateful reply to the twins of Lavender Cafe for the additional information. Oh to be a fool with hope in the Tower, she could only wish to be one.

She doesn't bother to go back to her room, instead opting to seek refuge at the deserted rooftop in the midst of others' rest. The witching hour dawned silently, leaving her with a ghastly touch on her shoulder and a ringing bell of laughter haunting her mind. Memories parading through her mind, prancing around her thoughts despite not belonging to her. The Regulars clueless of the countless hidden tales. The victors weaving their falsehoods and the remnants gathering back. History was slowly being pushed to repeat once more on its original track. And she had to change it no matter what. She doesn't know for whose sake she's doing it anymore.

A golden Shinsu string stretched across the boundary of the starry night, one end tied on her little finger while the other end was nowhere to be seen on this Floor for the owner's separation with his other half. Evolet smiled lightly at the lively swaying gold thread, content since it meant that Bam was doing well. She remembers a similarly effervescent Shinsu string, electric blue in color and a distant memory in the past. Another broken piece that would never be repaired, she mused. It's been long since he's moved on anyway. And even if he hasn't then the one he would seek out is Euterpe, not her.

As if the coldness of winter wasn't enough, it just had to trigger a trip down the memory lane, didn't it? In the end she didn't get a wink of sleep, opting to sit through the hour of dawn and accompanied by the vibrant shades of sunrise. A little reprieve before making gruelling preparations for the Floor Test, she supposed. After all, the appearance of Eirwein had thrown things into a loop even if the team had no idea yet. A good Defender should always be ten steps ahead to protect their team. team after all. And speaking of which, it's about time to prep breakfast and greet the little presence that's been wandering about since earlier.

"Good morning, Eirwen."

Akin to a deer caught in the headlights, the fox hybrid froze up with panic. He hadn't heard a single footstep nor any indications that she was nearby. In a hurry to return her greeting, he ended up tripping over his own words. "Gosh mowning-"

Realizing his blunder, bit his lip and stood in place with a rapidly reddening blush. Among all the mistakes in his life, this could be counted in his top 10. Evolet was practically trembling from holding back her laughter, small giggles escaping occasionally as Eirwen's white foxy ears and tail twitched subtly in embarrassment. Not that Evolet minded, smile curling mischievously as she patted the whitette. "So what were you doing hm~? You've been walking around for a good 10 minutes already."

How was he supposed to tell her that he walked around in search of a bathroom, unintelligible mumbles spilling from his lips. She was aware that he wasn't doing anything suspicious, but it was rather fun teasing him. It was amusing to see how he was finally acting more his age, not that she knew his exact age. Seeing how his flustered state wasn't going away, she relented with a fond sigh and let him be.

"Then, let's get you ready for the day and I'll have you accompany me to the bakery. What do you think about some cream stew and bread for breakfast?" The eager nod she received in response satisfied her.

Minutes later they were already out the door, leaving silently with a note as to not disturb the sleeping occupants of the house. The morning air was crisp, weather perfect for a walk which she certainly enjoyed with small hums along the way and a hand holding Eirwen's to guide him. The fox hybrid noticed the way she was purposefully walking slower just to match his pace, and had no idea if he should be grateful or offended. Everything felt so odd, including the peace he was experiencing for perhaps the first time in his life. It nearly made him wonder if this was just his own imagination, a false reality he created to escape from the suffering. The warmth of her hand and the chilling air around them were so realistic though.

He didn't want to believe it was all a lie. But if it was then would he want to stay in it forever? Or would he rather face the bitter unrelenting truth to get it over with? It's not as if facts will change no matter how much he denied it nor lost himself in pretty delusions. Time eventually reveals all illusions and lies.

"You don't have to look so lost, just focus on living in the present and think of the future. It's dangerous to get lost in your thoughts and become too absorbed when you're still in public."

The faint aroma of freshly baked bread proved her words, as the golden-eyed boy snapped back his attention and realized he's been spacing out for a while. He had let his guard down enough that he didn't notice when they entered the bakery and bought the necessary bread along with a few pastries on the side. It was all too odd, his mind screamed. He was confident in his ability to be cautious, always being the first one to sense danger. That's how he survived so far, after all.

And speaking of which, he could already sense trouble heading their way. Familiar footsteps approached, the sound of jeering laughter surrounding the two and closing up upon them. He thought he'd lost them, especially since he was picked up by the purplette. She must've been staying nearby where his old team was, Eirwen concluded. He tightened his grasp around Evolet's hand, mind working vigorously to whip up a way to get them out of here. It was hard enough for him to escape last time, and he was alone. How was he supposed to get away with another person this time?

"You ungrateful blind fox. We treated you nicely and helped you, but this is how you repay us?" A male brunette shouted shamelessly to Eirwen, ignoring the presence of Evolet beside him along with the bystanders who were watching in worry and excitement. The poor child was practically trembling in anger from what his former team leader uttered. All seven of his former teammates were present, baring a thirst of vengeance when he's done nothing but running for his life from them. In a way they were desperate fools, sending all of their members just to chase down one blind boy. He was still in a pinch either way.

"Answer me you little piece of—" Irked by the lack of reply, the team leader raised his voice impatiently and stormed in to slap the panicking Eirwen. Though promptly stopped by a soft grip as Evolet stepped in. Her expression was calm but the nightly shade of her eyes promised nothing but pain. It didn't deter the angered brunette, only making him pause for a moment before scoffing at the purplette.

"Heh, you're his new owner then? Look here, I really suggest you just step the f*ck away so I can deal with this damned traitor."

"And if I don't?" Eirwen could easily imagine the Cheshire smile on her lips, tone too mischievous for her own good and unmoving even as he tried to pull her away to run. They can't take on his old team, it's too dangerous with how outnumbered they are. He didn't need her to get hurt for protecting a burden like he was, even if he's desperate to survive.

The reply to her question came in the form of an order from the brunette to kill them, his teammates moving immediately into action. Yet Evolet was calm as ever, smiling nonchalantly as she leaned down and picked up Eirwen with care regardless of his protests of turning their back to enemies. He sensed absolutely no tension in her body language as they walked away ignoring the battle cries behind them. She chuckled lightly, patting his head in reassurance. "Don't worry, they'll never reach us. Never."

Concurrently to her words were pained screams accompanied by horrified ones, and the sound of flesh being sliced. If Eirwen had his sense of sight, he would've seen the utter defeat of his previous team as they lay bloodied on the ground albeit still alive. He was already aware from the beginning, that the one he's dealing with wasn't a saint by any means. No matter how kind she may have been to him and the team, he knows trouble when he sees one and she was pure hazard he should've steered clear off. But did it matter when she was the one who offered him a hand and believed in his potential? Absolutely not.

A/N:

I can't believe I just published at this hour... It's like, 6 hours later than my normal schedule? I got delayed by uni events and driving practice :" Sorry for the wait— And I'll try to finish this arc in... 2-3 more chappies max