~Chapter 74: The Clock Is Ticking~
Blazing red eyes flew open as they found familiar golden eyes and cerulean eyes staring into them. Elsword raised his hand and covered his eyes with the back of his hand.
"Stop staring.. What's there to stare?"
"Nothing.. Although, shouldn't you get up instead of lazing around?"
Chung chuckled softly as he rests his chin on top of Eve's top, wrapping his arms around her petite waist. He held her tightly as he began to think of the illusions and the past.
'Am I.. Still afraid of the past? No.. The past is already behind us, I don't have to fear anything.. Then why? Seeing the other's and Eve's death is my fear, but why did that part of my memory show up? Or maybe... Deep inside, I'm still afraid.. I don't want to see any harm coming in Eve's way.. I trained myself during the past few years in order to get stronger to protect Eve, but... What's the point if I can't even protect her...?'
"Elsword, do you mind if I talk with Chung privately? Look for Ara while you're waiting for us. I have a feeling.. She was saved by somebody."
"Yeah. Take your time."
Elsword pushed himself up from the ground, and casually walked away. His eyes met with Eve's as he gave a silent "good luck". Eve nodded her head before turning on her heels and met sad cerulean eyes.
"Chung. What's bothering you?"
"W-What do you mean? Nothing's bothering me! I'm just... Worried for Rena."
"Really? Then... Why are you tightening your hold? Chung. Tell me the truth. Are you scared?"
"Yeah... I'm scared. I'm scared that I won't be able to protect you! I'm scared of the things that can harm you! I'm scared of you getting hurt! I don't want a repeat of the past! I... I want to protect you, but what's the point if I can't protect you?! Every time you're hurt, it hurts.. Not being able to protect you.. I'm a f-"
Eve's hand came in contact with Chung's damp cheeks for a slap. His warm, silent tears flowed down his cheek. These tears rolled down her hand even after the harsh impact. However, she knew it wasn't because of the slap, it's because of his fear. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed the corner of his eyes. She pressed her cheeks against his and kissed his lips softly. She smiled softly as she tightened her hold around him.
"Don't say that. In my eyes, you're special. You're strong. You've protected me so many times. When I shed tears, get confused.. You're always there by my side. You hold me in your arms and kissed me.. You're my comfort, my love, and my world.. That's why.. Smile and keep on protecting me. And.. At least let me have a chance to shine. I want to protect you as well."
Eve pouted lightly at Chung as the blood rushed to her cheeks. Chung pushed Eve against the rough bark of a tree and pressed his lips on her soft ones. Their hands joined together, their fingers intertwined. He nibbled on her lower lip softly, asking for entrance. Eve shyly let him in, his tongue touching the roof of her mouth. Their tongues soon met each other, joining in a dance.
Soon, their lips part and their breaths mingled together. Chung smiled before leaning in for another kiss. A kiss that was gentle, yet passionate.
"Thank you.. Eve. I love you.."
'You don't know how many times you've saved me.. Thank you for being with me. Our promises.. I'll definitely keep them. Eternal love and we'll stay by each other's side forever..'
"You're welcome.. I also love Chung."
While Chung and Eve finished up their talk, Elsword looked for Ara. He dove in the freezing water, and still couldn't find her. Rather than Ara, he found a group of Piranha attacking him. He sighed as he easily defeated them and swam up to surface.
Glaive came out of the portal, casually walking towards Elsword from behind. Unbeknownst to Elsword, Glaive's presence was technically invisible. Ara's eyes slowly opened, her hand twitched lightly.
She took in the familiar amber eye that was visible from his dark mask, the silvery grey locks that framed his face. His attention turned to her as she gaze at him. Her face flushed lightly as she looked away.
"Glaive.. What are you doing here?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"To help us in saving Rena...?"
"... That's part of the reason. I have another reason. A reason that you'll never get until you're old enough."
"How rude! I'm old enough to understand your reason!"
Ara pouted at him as he shrug it off, letting her down. He soon turned his attention to the red head who hasn't notice their presence yet. Glaive's hand rest on Elsword's shoulder who flinched lightly before grabbing his blade and swung it. Glaive grabbed the blade with his bare hand, but to Elsword's surprise, it didn't bleed.
"Who are you?!"
"Calm down. I'm merely here to give you back your teammate."
"Teammate... Ara..?"
Ara laughed nervously as she came out from behind Glaive. Elsword stared at Glaive suspiciously before shrugging it off. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to his side. He bowed down slightly as a silent thanks for saving Ara who also did the same. Glaive nodded his head before muttering soft words.
"Hurry up.. Or Rena will be in trouble."
Elsword and Ara's eyes widened in shock. Elsword opened his mouth to ask questions, however Glaive was already gone from sight. Elsword spun on his heels and ran off to tell Chung and Eve to hurry.
Without having to say anything, Chung and Eve were already prepared to go. They immediately left for the top of the ruins. They were close to the top, yet they felt that it's farther than it seems. As they defeat more Ancient Cockatrigle and Nasods, they could hear the sounds "tick-tock, tick-tock".
At the palace, Rena was alone in her room, staring at a clock. She studied the clockhands closely. Her eyes slowly turned dull and cold. In the silent night, listening to the "tick-tock, tick-tock" that the clock made didn't help. Instead, it made her feel like she wanted to impale her blade into someone's flesh, and rip out their beating hearts or gauge out their clear eyes. Rena bit her lower lip, crouching slightly while she dug her nails into her flesh.
She could feel her blood dripping down. In her ears, she could hear agonizing screams and her vision blurred.
'Elsword said.. If I find something strange going on in my body.. I need to find someone and have them stay beside me.. Elsword must know something happening to me. I can only go to him. i can't bother Raven..'
Rena pushed herself off the mattress, forcing herself to turn the knob and open the door. She slowly walked towards Elsword's room. As she walked, she could see traces of crimson blood along the walls of the hallway. She shook her head, trying to ignore it and knocked on Elsword's door. However, nobody answered and there was complete silence. There was not even a single soft snore.
"E-Elsword... Are you there...?"
Rena's breaths became heavy as she leaned her body against the door frame. Heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway. Rena could tell that these footsteps belonged to Raven. She frantically turned the knob to Elsword's room, breaking the lock in one turn and entered. She leaned her weight against the door as she tried to breathe.
She stared at the comatose Aisha. Rena took a step towards her slowly, her hands reaching out for Aisha. She sat on the soft mattress, her fingers wrapped around Aisha's delicate neck. She smiled maniacally before tightening her grip around her neck until she heard a voice calling out to her.
"Rena.. What are you doing?"
~Author's Note~
I'm so sorry! OAO I was going to update earlier, but... I had to go to a Japanese restaurant with my family. Most of my cousins, my uncle and his wife, and my dad. Damn.. We ordered too much and the bill turned out to be $518 and something cents. XD
Well, it was fun~ We even got some gifts. I got a Lady Bug. XD Oh yes... ;) Who do think is the one who called out Rena? And poor Aisha.. She's getting choked by the insane Rena.
Here are my replies to meh awesome reviewers~
Konjiki No Yami: XD Nah, you're not creepy. You're amusing. XD Aye! Elsword x Aisha chapter.. Ish. XD
The Cynical Asian: Aye.. I don't know if I should let you stay like that forever.. XP It's sort of sad on how you're getting choked by one of Asian's beauty girls. XD Well, if Asian's funeral is going to happen, give me a call~ :D Elsword should be happy. :)
Kat Neko983: OAO Who?! Oh my god! And... Yeah. I sort of noticed. :x Sadly, Elsa died. XD I'll never forget Kat. Such a sweet Kat. XD
Orithia WindBell: Lol! That's alright! :3 Review anytime! As long as you're trying for your story, then it's A-Okay~ :D Glaive is... God. XD He couldn't do that, because.. He was doing stuff behind the scene. I should make a one shot of how Glaive's setting everything up. CX Well, she'll get soon. :D
KoraDora: XD Don't use it too much or it'll turn against you. XD I'll try to do something for you as a gift, but it'll be a bit late. :x
NobelTJ99: Yesh! *sprinkles salt and prepares dinner* ;3 Now... Time to eat the fishies.
Sweet Trickster: XD Aye! I never knew I wrote emotional battles. XD Lol~ I guess it's character development. After all, Elsword needs a new goal. ;3 Nah, you didn't make it sound like it. XD I only phrased it like that. She's great, but... I want to see a dark Ara. ;) I'll keep it up! ^o^
Spirify: XD Yeah, and Aisha is getting choked. Review anytime! At least you reviewed! :D I prefer Pyro Knight.. XD The skills/combos are more flashy. XD You're not out of topic, so no big deal. ;3 Lol! It's going to be minor. :P
Light16XV: How's the mood? o-o *holds a mic in front of you*
Tiffany Keyblades: XD Well, it's better than nothing. Also, no worries. XD I watch crazy things as well. I watched a Chung x Eve wedding. XD I don't think I want to turn insane. I need to stay sane before this story ends. XD
Helringo: Yes! I got it right! :D Well, just imagine. XD And.. Damn! I forgot to review your chapter even though I read it. Just wait for a review tomorrow! :x You'll definitely see it!
SeouLee: XD You sure are excited. And... You got 950th reviewer spot! :D So.. Congratulations! XD You didn't spam, so it's alright. You got the first theory correct! ;D But! The second is off target. XD
Rosamanelle: XD I got confused for a moment because of them. Aye.. She's long gone. Elsword is Infintiy Sword. XD Glaive is a perverted person. XD You remind me of the Mermen.. Aye, they're out and now... They need to hurry. Clock is ticking. XP No worries. I sometimes get mixed up too. XD I write them, but sometimes I need to reread or I don't know where to begin the chapter. XD
Mandy234619: OAO *holds up Chung's Silver Shooters* Stay back, Stalker-san! OAO
KiyoKu: XD A big moment for Elsword and Kiyo to love each other? ;D
YZ19: Aye! Be sure to check out "The World God Only Knows". XD It's hilarious. I'm waiting to see NW, CBS, and TT. XD Aye, sir! ;D
RubyCrusade: XD He won't go psycho for long, but.. I have a surprise for you when he gets to Ignotum. Elsa! Go hug Ruby! :3 Thank you for the compliment and... It's alright! Review anytime you want! You got in trouble?! OAO Nuuuu! Glaive is being a cheapskate. XD
Thanks for reading!
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