AN: I was on a writing spree this week~ Hope it continues! And I hope you'll enjoy reading. With Zohar making a short return and Caelem being adorable, I think you will enjoy it indeed~

Chapter 19:

Drayce rested his elbows on the banister of the balcony that was attached to his room. It was night now, but he stood in the dark to gaze up at the mighty Yggdrasil tree. He had a great view of the tree, of the front courtyard of the Crescentia, and the streets out front. But his gaze was focused entirely on the tree and how it reached beyond what his eyes could see.

It truly did feel as if it could reach the heavens.

It was awe-inspiring, naturally. And to think he hadn't even finished the first floor. But that was ok. He wasn't in a rush to reach the top. There was more to the labyrinth than exploration. So much more to learn and to experience.

The sound of the front gates of the Crescentia as they creaked open pulled Drayce from his thoughts and he glanced down in curiosity that was mixed with caution. However his eyebrows shot up toward his hairline when he recognised the one who walked along the stone pathway to the front doors.

"Zohar?" Drayce whispered in surprise. His breath unexpectedly hitched in his throat when Zohar paused in his steps, tilted his head back, and looked directly up at him. Drayce found his breath again and leaned forward over the balcony banister a little.

"W-wait, I'll be right down!" he called out before he pushed back away from the banister and turned on his heel.

He broke out into a light jog as he made his way out of his room, down the stairs and toward the front doors. As he hastily unlocked the door and pushed them open, he wondered what brought Zohar to the Crescentia at night. Was there something wrong? Or was he just paying a visit?

"Zohar?" Drayce called out and felt a sense of relief when the blue-eyed necromancer had remained where he stood previously.

Before Drayce could ask him anything, Zohar spoke first. "I do wonder if there is an expiry date on your previous offer."

Drayce blinked at the unusual question. "To join my guild? No, none."

A small smile appeared on Zohar's and nodded his head. "Ah, that is reassuring."

Drayce felt a surge of optimism and took a half step forward. "You're…joining?"

Unfortunately, Zohar shook his head slowly. "Not yet. There is something I need to confirm first, but…"

"Ah, ok," Drayce said, unable to hide his disappointment. However he felt curious. If Zohar wasn't visiting in regards to his offer to join, then what brought him to the Crescentia this night?

"So, uh," he started as he wrung his hands in front of him and took a step forward. "What brings you here tonight?"

Only when Zohar pulled a few books from the crook of his arm did Drayce realise he had been carrying something the entire time. "I want to give you something," Zohar said as he presented the books towards him.

"Huh?" Drayce uttered and took the steps necessary to reach him and to stand in front of him. He looked down at what Zohar was holding and he was immediately intrigued and curious. "Books?"

"They are reference books that I have acquired but I feel they are better off being a part of your extensive library," Zohar explained simply.

Drayce retrieved the books from him and held them in front of him. He turned the one on top of the small piled to look at the front cover. "These...?"

"They detail myths and legends about rituals that have rumoured to have been conducted during the legendary war," Zohar enlightened once more.

"Oh!" Drayce said in surprise and genuine interested, and probably with a hint of excitement, as he idly opened one of the books and idly flicked through the pages. "So it's possible that they could have information on the legendary treasures, too?"

Zohar made a sound that was similar to that of a chuckle, and yet not quite. "I believe you will find them most handy," he said.

Drayce closed the book and rested his hand on the front cover, his fingers idly tracing the eccentric engraving upon the old leather. He looked up toward Zohar and smiled softly at him. "Thank you."

For the longest time, Zohar just looked at him. He didn't stare. Not really. Just…gazed at him as if he couldn't quite understand him. Understand his gratitude toward him. He also appeared as if he was contemplating something. And internally struggling with a decision.

"They are better off with you," Zohar unexpectedly said before he turned as if to leave.

"H-hey, do you have to go?" Drayce immediately blurted out in hopes of stopping him. "You can stay for a while, you know? Besides I...want to ask you something."

Zohar paused for a second or two and finally turned to look at him. "...Very well," he thankfully said. "I do suppose it shouldn't hurt to stay for a while."

Drayce smiled at him. "That's right. Let's talk inside. It's rather cool out tonight."

Zohar nodded his head and when Drayce turned to walk back into the Crescentia, Zohar was right behind him. They walked onto the porch and then inside in silence. Drayce motioned toward the sitting room, to which had the fire still burning brightly thankfully.

"What is it you wish to ask me?" Zohar asked as they moved toward the fireplace.

Drayce placed the books down onto the coffee table that he been replaced to stand in front of the fireplace again. "You've been in the labyrinth at night, haven't you?" he asked as he stayed standing and turned to face Zohar. "The first floor in particular?"

Zohar took a step to stand in front of him, the fireplace the only source of light in the room. "That is correct."

"Have you seen anything strange?" Drayce questioned. "As in bright lights, perhaps similar to the one on that sealed door?"

Zohar tilted his head to the side in question and curiosity. "Is this about the Radiant Moon?"

Drayce nodded his head before he rubbed the back of his neck. "That's right. Shashi says that the Radiant Moon draws on the power of the full moon and something along the lines of shining a light of truth in the darkness of deceit. I don't suppose you've seen anything, have you?"

"No," Zohar answered bluntly.

Drayce felt his shoulder drop in disappointment and he dropped his arm to rest against his side. "I see," he sighed.

"But that's because I will not be able to see this light regardless," Zohar unexpectedly added.

Drayce furrowed his brow in pure confusion. "What do you mean? Do you know anything about the Radiant Moon?"

"Rumours."

"They are?"

Zohar's gaze somehow appeared more intense as he looked at him. "The Radiant Moon of Compassion will only show itself to the one whose heart contains the purest of compassion."

Drayce had heard something similar to that a long time ago. "That's-"

"If so," Zohar interrupted him before he unexpectedly and tenderly took a hold of Drayce's chin with his hand, earning a soft, timid gasp of surprise from him. "Then you are the one who will find it."

Though Zohar's hand was surprisingly warm and soft, Drayce felt more confused than before and could only really blink at the celestian. "But..." he started but words seemed to have failed him.

Zohar closed his eyes and released a slow breath. "I best leave now," he said as he dropped his hand from Drayce's chin and took a step back. It was only then did Drayce realise how close they had been standing. Toe to toe, practically chest to chest.

"Wait, are you leaving again?" Drayce asked as he subconsciously raised a hand toward him.

"It has become late," Zohar said simply as he turned away from him and in the direction of the front foyer. "You should rest for the night. I assume you will be returning to the labyrinth tomorrow?"

"Well, yeah," Drayce admitted as he let his hand fall away.

Zohar turned to face him and granted him a small but sincere smile. "Then rest."

Drayce nodded his head before he tilted it to the side and idly folded his arms behind his back. "You'll visit again?"

"I have more books that may of use to you," Zohar stated simply.

"So that's a yes?" Drayce asked as he felt a smile spread across his lips. "Ok. Until...until next time, then."

"Yes," Zohar said as he gave Drayce one last smile, a smile that held a promise, before he turned and walked away.

And Drayce let him. He couldn't stop him from leaving, not when he knew that he would return anyway. And that he was still considering his offer to join his guild. It was positive and reassuring. Whatever he was dealing with, it was ok. Drayce would just wait.

… … … … …

Drayce sat on the edge of his bed as he flipped through the books that Zohar had given him. There were many rituals and descriptions of ceremonies that he didn't truly understand, and some of them were genuinely disturbing and frightening. And yet they were interesting.

He didn't believe all of them but he knew that out there somewhere was someone (or a group of them) who did believe in them. Enough to potentially hunt for the treasures or conduct the rituals themselves. And that was quite unnerving.

A light tap on his bedroom door caused Drayce to lift his head up and glance over at it. "It's open," he called out as he closed the book and set it aside.

Slowly, almost cautiously, the door opened and a familiar red-haired Therian popped his head in meekly. "D-did I wake you?"

"Caelem?" Drayce questioned before a smile spread across his lips and he pushed himself to his feet. "Hey, how are you feeling?"

Caelem pushed open the door and stepped into the room. His hands fidgeted in front of him as he looked at Drayce. His hair was slightly messy and his eyes were still somewhat glassy, as if he had just awoken. But he did not look anywhere near as pale as he had during those moments after the ritual. His had colour back in his cheeks and though he shuffled somewhat nervously on his feet, he stood up tall, shoulders back as if a weight had been lifted.

"I'm ok," Caelem said with a small smile. "I feel better than before."

"Good, that's such a relief," Drayce replied in earnest. "You don't have to carry that burden around anymore."

Caelem nodded his head before his ears folded back slightly and frowned. "Shashi told me what was on my back. I had...no idea."

Yeah, it must have been quite the shock to him to learn what he had been carrying around on his back. And what it could potentially lead them to.

"It's an intriguing mystery, I won't deny that," Drayce said as he reached out to place a hand on Caelem's shoulder. "But I'm glad you don't have to worry about anyone else attacking you for it."

Unexpectedly, Caelem's ears folded back further and he pressed his lips together into a thin line.

"Is something else wrong?" Drayce asked, genuinely concerned that he had said or done something to offend him.

"I'm…in your debt," Caelem said as he subconsciously stood taller.

"Huh?" Drayce uttered before he smiled and lifted his hand from Caelem's shoulder to give a slight dismissive wave. "Nah, don't worry about it. I didn't help you in hopes of getting something in return."

"But…I can't accept that," Caelem insisted as he shook his head rather frantically. "I have to repay you somehow."

Drayce held up his hands in front of him in a pacifying manner. "It's fine, really."

"Y-you don't understand, I'm a Masurao, I can't just…" Caelem trailed off before an expression of determination appeared on his face and he curled his hands into tight fists at his sides. "I need to stay until my debt is repaid, however long it takes, ok?!"

Drayce took a half step back in surprise, genuinely confused as to where that outburst came from. However as he looked at Caelem, looked past his tense shoulders and expression of determination he noticed a light flush to Caelem's cheeks and his lips were pulled into a slight pout.

He couldn't help but allow a smile to appear on his lips. "Hey now," he said as he placed his hands on his hips and leaned forward. "If you wanted to join my guild, you could've just asked!"

The redness on Caelem's cheeks immediately deepened and his eyes widened a fraction. He, however, looked like a child who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. It was honestly quite adorable.

"We'll be happy to have you," Drayce continued as he held out a hand toward Caelem for him to shake on the deal. "Welcome to Angelward, guildmate."

Caelem's ears perked up and so did he. "Y-yes!" he said with a beaming smile and took Drayce's hand in his.

Again, Drayce had to smile. Caelem was going to fit right in. And honestly he had thought about asking him to join anyway. Though the spell had been removed, those bandits could still target him simply for getting away. And Drayce was a naturally protective person, so there was no way he would allow that to happen.

"For now, you should rest," Drayce said as he released his grip on Caelem's hand. "It would be best if you stay in the Crescentia until we can find what it is that the Moon Legacy is leading us to."

Caelem looked equally surprised and disappointed. "But-"

"You can help Ashton and Shashi here," Drayce said with a smile, intentionally cutting him off. "I won't let those bandits near you again. Even though you are no longer carrying the Moon Legacy, I'm still cautious. Don't worry; you'll be able to join us in the labyrinth soon."

Caelem seemed to understand he had good intentions and nodded his head. "Ok. You're right. I'm...I know the spell is gone. I can no longer feel it." His ears folded back slightly in dread. "But I don't...want to go in that corner again just in case."

The pain he felt that day must have been intense if it caused him to run blindly in the opposite direction. Good thing he didn't have to worry about it anymore. Honestly, Drayce wished he had encountered Caelem a lot sooner so he could have removed the spell long before anything harmful and dangerous had happened to him.

He still hadn't forgiven those bandits for kidnapping him like that!

"That's fine," Drayce said as he placed a comforting hand on his shoulder again. "Let's worry about that later. Have you eaten? Ashton prepared something for you earlier."

"Oh, yes. I've eaten," Caelem answered before he gave him a slightly sheepish grin. "I'm still a little tired, though."

Drayce nodded his head in understanding and smiled. "Well, we better get some rest before Ashton goes on the rampage and throw us back into bed."

Caelem honestly looked a little scared at that. "R-right."

Honestly, Drayce felt that he could sleep a little easier now knowing that Caelem was fine and that he was safe within the Crescentia and would remain safe under the protection of the Angelward guild.

"W-well, goodnight," Caelem said as he turned toward the door.

"Yeah, we'll see you in the morning, Cal."

… … … … …

They had breakfast slightly earlier than usual that morning as they had wanted to head into the labyrinth as soon as possible. With the necessary food in their stomachs, they quickly readied themselves for a day in the labyrinth.

However, things were a little bit different this time round. Drayce left the mapping tools in Faelen's care and Fiorello was the one in charge of the healing items and the Ariadne Thread. Blayke and Kamali were the two who were likely to be the ones to engage in any battles while Drayce, of course, was in charge of the protection.

But there was another thing he needed to ensure the protection of. Something he couldn't afford to lose or let anyone else know about.

"I'm not all that comfortable with taking the Moon Legacy into the labyrinth," Ashton said as he looked over the guild with a worried look.

"I'm not all that comfortable, either," Drayce admitted. "But it is the only way."

Caelem lingered in the background, looking nervous for them. "It won't hurt any of you, will it?" he asked.

"None of us is supplying the Moon Legacy with mana," Kamali was the one to explain. "So it shouldn't affect any of us. Don't worry."

Caelem wasn't wholly convinced, but he nodded his head in acceptance. His unease remained though and was likely to stay that way until they returned later that day.

"You should enter the labyrinth with completing the first mission in mind," Ashton said to them with a stern sense of protectiveness in his voice. "You can search for the Radiant Moon or wherever the Moon Legacy wants to take you, but if anyone asks you're simply completing the first mission. And try to refrain from speaking openly about the Moon Legacy."

The orders seemed a bit excessive but Drayce knew that Ashton only had their best interests at heart. Also he was right. The bandits could be lurking about. They couldn't afford to have them eavesdrop on them. Although the necromancer Caelem mention was able to detect mana, too. Being secretive for now was their best bet.

"Don't worry, I'll keep my mouth shut," Drayce promised as he hefted his shield onto his back.

Drayce was about to ask where Shashi was and if the Moon Legacy was able to be transported yet when the purple-haired celestian walked down the stairs with a wooden cylinder case in his hands.

"Here, the Moon Legacy," he said as he presented it to Drayce. "Keep it in this. And open it only when needed."

Drayce glanced down at the case and noticed that it had several symbols he didn't recognised engraved onto the wood and that it had a leather strap to it to allow him to carry it over his shoulder and under his coat for added protection.

"That's…?" he muttered before he looked up at Shashi in surprise. "Was this what you were working on last night?"

Shashi nodded his head before he took the leather carry strap in his hands and set about lifting it over Drayce's head and positioning it so it was within reach but also out of the way in case of battle.

"It will maintain the mana supply while supressing it from outside forces," Shashi explained. "If you happen to encounter someone with mana detect, specifically that bandit necromancer, they should not be able to detect the Moon Legacy with you."

Drayce was so grateful that Shashi had the foresight. "Oh good, thank you. I was worried about that, honestly."

Again, Shashi nodded his head before a slight frown tugged on his lips and he took a step back. "Without a constant supply of mana, the Moon Legacy will not remain for long. The sooner we find where it is pointing to, the better."

Yeah, Drayce figured that also.

"Right, we better get going then," Drayce said before he turned to his travelling party and looked them over. "Well, is everyone ready?"

"Yeah, all ready to go," Blayke answered quickly.

"Then let's get going," Drayce said as he led them all to the doors lead out of the Crescentia. "Back into the labyrinth we go."