~Chapter 78: Wishful Thinking~
Raven stared out at the window while checking the clock from the corner of his eyes. It's been an hour and what Aisha said was true. Rena really did lose it. He could still remember what had happened earlier as he stares at his bandaged hand.
Rena's fingers twitched lightly, her eyes slowly opened. Raven looked up from the ground, his eyes watching her closely. He found himself staring into blank eyes that shows his reflection. Rena crawled out of bed, walking towards the door with the intention to kill.
Within a blink of an eye, Raven was on top of Rena, his fingers wrapped around her delicate neck loosely. Blank spring green eyes stared into sharp golden eyes. Rena's blank eyes and lack of expressions made his thoughts wander. She reminded him of one object.
'A doll... A doll that's been used and will always be used.. Once done with, that doll will be thrown away and replaced...'
For a moment, light returned to Rena's eyes, however that light soon faded away. Rena lifted her knee and nearly kneed him in the stomach. Raven released his grip on her and backed towards the door. Rena did a quick somersault before grabbing Erendil. She thrust it forward, stabbing the door with her blade. Raven tilted his head to the side, avoiding the sharp blade. He took a step forward closer to Rena, however she pulled out her blade and swung it towards Raven's head.
"Rena..."
Raven caught the blade with his bare hands. Drops of crimson blood rolled down the blade and dripped on the ground. Rena's eyes grew wide while her mouth curled upwards. In her eyes, she could see blood. Nothing, but blood. She wanted to need see more of that crimson liquid. She smiled maniacally as she dug the blade into Raven's flesh.
"More... I want to see more blood! Let the blood dance around us! Let it consume us in this hell!"
Raven grabbed the blade tightly, letting out more blood. He roughly pulled the blade out of her hand and threw it on the ground. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing his lips on top of hers.
"Rena... You want to see blood, right..? Then.. You can see mine any time you want, and only mine. I'll protect you... Comfort you in my own way.. That's all I can do.."
Rena stayed silent as Raven's words echoed in her head. Her need to see blood fade away slowly. Her maniacal smile eventually turned to a sweet smile. Her eyelids grew heavier and heavier by the minute. Raven's fingers ran through her soft locks.
"Sleep... I'll wait for you. No matter how long, I'll wait.."
She nodded her head silently. She leaned against Raven's shoulder, and closed her eyes. Raven took her hand in his and held it tightly.
"Good girl.."
The sky was gloomy and dark, almost as if it was trying to hold back sad tears. This kind of weather wasn't helping his mood. From the window, he could see the citizens restless and the guards hiding their worries.
"Elsword and the others... Where did they go? And that explosion..."
A soft knock on the doors grabbed his attention. He looked up and found Seris in the room, smiling brightly. She walked forward and stared at Rena.
"Good morning. Rena.. She still hasn't woke up?"
".. 'Morning... She woke up a few times, but she manages to go back to sleep. I'm just watching over her. What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to go and get breakfast with you later.. Do you want to go?"
"No... I'm not leaving Rena by herself. You can go by yourself.. Sorry."
"No~ It's alright."
Despite that, Raven could hear slight disappointment in her voice. She smiled softly before skipping out of the room, closing the door gently. He leaned back, smiling softly as he watches Rena's sleeping face. He caressed her cheek and kissed her soft lips lightly.
Out of nowhere, two magic circles appeared. Four familiar figures and a drone appeared in front of him. Elsword was carrying Chung on his shoulders. Aisha was lending Ara a shoulder because of her now blind eyes and held onto her spear. Moby tried its best to carry Chung's weapon.
"Elsword... Ara.. Aisha.. Chung..? What happened to Chung? And Ara, what happened to your eyes? In fact.. All of you, why are you guys covered in injuries? Also.. Where's Eve and Remy?"
"Nothing. We'll explain later. For now.. We need to rest. Don't tell anyone of this."
'In fact.. Don't remind us of the incident. What happened to Eve.. I don't want to remember. Leaving behind Eve. What are we going to say to Chung when he wakes up? Eve is his world and now that his world is gone.. What's he going to do? I should take responsibility.. After all, I was the one who teleported us out, leaving her behind.'
As they walked out of the room, Raven narrowed his eyes at the gloomy atmosphere. He slowly began to think of Aisha's words and actions.
'Rena's weird condition... Could it be that.. They were away, trying to save Rena?'
Aisha opened the door to Chung's room, allowing Elsword to enter. Elsword managed to take the armor off of Chung and placed them aside. He laid Chung on the soft mattress as quietly as possible.
On the bedside, he could see a portrait of Chung and Eve together. In fact, there were signs of Eve's existence everywhere in the room. Moby swiftly, yet silently placed the Destroyer beside Chung's Freiturnier. Moby laid on the desk before shifting to sleep mode.
"Let's go.."
Elsword, Aisha, and Ara quickly left Chung's room and headed for Ara's room. The moment they reached her room, Aisha immediately took out First Aid Kit.
Aisha checked Ara's eyes carefully before stopping the blood. She sighed as she wrapped the bandage around her eyes. Ara raised her hand and waved it in front of her eyes. She imagined herself seeing her hand waving in front of her. She laughed before reaching out for Aisha's cheeks and stretched them.
"Aisha, smile! My eyes... Even if I am blind, it doesn't mean the end of the world. Elsword is waiting for you. I'm sure... We can explain things to Chung. For now, just rest. I'll be fine on my own."
"Yeah.. Sorry, Ara.."
Ara smiled brightly and waved at Aisha and waiting Elsword. The door to her room closed quietly. Ara's smile wavered as her eyes began to sting.
'Even crying hurts.. But.. At least Rena can be saved. Sacrificing my eyesight in order to protect my friend and the cure.. It's worth it. Then again.. Is Eve's sacrifice really worth it? Eve should be here... In Chung's arms and probably kiss him or make out with him, but.. Chung was knocked out by Elsword with tears flowing from his eyes.'
She laughed humorlessly as she hid her face with a pillow. Out of nowhere, a pair of arms were wrapped around her. She slowly turned her body around, her hands reaching out. She touched a smooth metalic mask and silky hair. She took the mask off and let it fall on the ground.
"Glaive..?"
"Yeah. Your eyes.."
"I can't see anymore, but... Luckily, I only know one person who wears a mask like yours! And.. You let me take your mask off because I'm blind now, right?"
"No. I would've let you seen my face even if you're not blind. Ara... You want to let it out, right? Those tears, and the sadness.."
Glaive caressed her cheek softly and placed his lips on top of hers. Ara buried her face against his shoulder and held Glaive in her arms tightly. She only tightened her grip. Glaive smiled lightly before resting his chin on her head.
"Don't leave me.. Please. Not until.. I sleep."
"Yeah.. I promise."
Aisha followed Elsword with a blank expression on her face. All she could think of was Eve in those flames. Elsword dragged her out of her thoughts by kissing her cheek. She looked up in surprise and embarrassment. Out of reflex, she raised her hand to slap him, however he caught her hand and pulled her in his room.
"Sleep."
He closed the door and pushed her on the bed. He wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes. Aisha tried to push him away, but her efforts were futile. She sighed softly, wrapping her arms around Elsword.
"Elsword... Do you think.. Chung and Eve can be together for eternity?"
"I think.. They will. In this life, maybe not, but.. In the next life, they might be. Or maybe... They'll be separated by fate again. What do you think?"
"I believe.. They'll always be together. In this life... I don't want to believe that Eve is gone. Maybe.. Eve managed to survive along with Code Empress. A small chance that Eve will be brought back to Altera!"
"Aisha.. That's wishful thinking."
"I know! I know that, but... Is it bad to have wishful thinking?! I'm sure... Once Chung wakes up, his thoughts will immediately turn to Eve. He'll immediately deny her death and go back to those ruins. He'll try to dig up those ruins and look for Eve. That's something that'll bound to happen. And Ara! Her eyesight is gone!"
"Sorry.. Maybe you're right. Maybe that wishful thinking of yours might actually be true. Ara.. She's a strong girl. She can handle this."
Aisha let out silent sobs against Elsword's chest. She lightly punched his chest with her fists. Elsword pat her head gently, kissing her forehead silently. He listened to her silent sobs, trying to soothe her, however... He couldn't help, but let out stray tears.
'Hey... Eve... If you're still alive, you better come back to us. All of these tears and sadness.. It's starting to affect me as well.'
~Author's Note~
Okay.. Boring, sucky chapter.. I just want to explain their feelings at the moment. :x Anyways... I didn't really do anything much today.. OAO
Except reading Dengeki Daisy... :3 I just got hooked on the manga after avoiding it for about a year. I managed to catch up to Chapter 72 within 3 days~ ;D Anyways, I hope you forgive me for this boring, sucky chapter.. :x
Here are the replies to my awesome reviewers~
Konjiki No Yami: OAO I didn't mean to! Don't cry! *hands you a tissue* Eve will be... Fine in the next life. Chizuru.. I have a slight problem with her. XD She's a bit too... I don't know the word to describe her.. :x And it's fine if you're rambling. I don't know why they changed it, but glad you understand. XD
The Cynical Asian: Well, right now... She's dead in their eyes. Ara will be fine. Like Elsword said, she's strong. XD And.. Expect some hate from Chung to Elsword later. OAO Abused? Well, Chung! Keep going! And poor Asian.. In a way. Do you want me to give you some more Marigold for the funeral? An Author who's being abused by the Elgang... :D *silently orders for more Marigold* A simple bouquet is not enough.
Lolita Saber Yumi: Q-Q Accept reality. She's blind now.
KoraDora: XD I can't keep up with 3v3. I'm more 1v1 or 2v2, but they took that out... OAO No worries. I can't defeat Chung either, unless it's a Base Chung who can't even combo or simply any Chung who can't combo. XD It always happen to me. I almost defeat them until I unintentionally commit suicide. It is boring... :x
Orithia WindBell: XD Such a tragedy. And you are right. XD Chung will definitely rage when he wakes up. For now.. Spend your tragic days with your Eve. XD
Helringo: Aye... Bad Code Empress. :x Grind. I know you love her, but.. Calm down. Ara has Glaive. XD Glaive is your love rival for Ara's heart.
BIAxDiA: O: Welcome back! XD And thank you. :D And... Luckily, my chapters are pretty short~ :D And... I know. I got the same reaction as you. At least, Natsume gets to let out his little feelings for Mikan and make her remember him~ :D I've finally update. Have you caught up? :D
KiyoKu: Call the ambulance! O: *slaps you* It's a miracle. I know, but wake up! *continues slapping you*
SeouLee: :x Yesh.. Eve's alone. OAO And.. Just pretend she has no limit. XD Or pretend she used a Seraphim Potion like you said. XD Well, as long as you remember then no need to rush. XD I shall cheer with you! :D Go Eve! Go!
Tiffany Keyblades: XD And... You do realize that Eve is CBS in this story? XD I know your feelings. Awesome games can be quite distracting. ;D
Spirify: XD Well, at least you asked. XD And... O: Call the ambulance! Oh my god! Don't die on me! *looks at paper and looks at chapter* Here?! OAO
Rosamanelle: Looks like... Hell has begun. Poor Code Empress.. Poor Oberon and Ophelia.. OAO You can have him. *hands in Alex* QAQ Rosa.. Calm down.. Poor Eve is staring at you from heavens. *points in the air and kicks Ignotum to you* Um.. Yeah. XP I'm updating, so.. Here are the criminals.
Guest: Damn.. Two days. XD I'll try my best!
kazurug21: Looks like two days is too long for you? XD I'm glad you're interested. I'll try my best! :D
RubyCrucifix: Aren's appearing.. Very soon. ;D Code Empress... :x And yesh! HyperActives! They were amazing! :3 I'm looking forward to all of them! Can't wait until August 1st. Well, tragedies must happen eventually. :x Yesh, I promise you. Aren will be going. XD Sadists.. :D Then.. Are you a Masochist?
YZ19: That's alright! Review any time! And nice~ A trip to Orgeon! Hope you have fun!
Thanks for reading!
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