A/N: Hey guys! Alright, I know I haven't updated in a while, I apologise for that. I was really busy with examinations over the past few months. Now that I'm on a break, I decided to finish this chapter I've owed you all. To all the people who have reviewed and waited patiently for this chapter, I really really thank you. *sends virtual hug* Anyway, hope you enjoy it guys!

Angelic Buster's PoV

'No, no, no….!' I try to get as far away as I can. I run through the fields, ignoring anything else around me. "Shit, why did I even do that? I feel so stupid now! I can't do this…" I continue running until I collapse from exhaustion. I fall flat onto the grass and roll over. I lie on the ground and let my tears flow freely as a train of thoughts flashes through my head.

"Kyle…" I whisper to myself between sobs.

I can't do this, no. I cannot get attached to Kyle. Not like this, not right now It shows weakness. Come on, I'm a hero, I gotta fight for the freedom of my people! I'm not gonna fall in love and look like some weak little mess! No, I can't do this. It can't be like this if I want to fight. This is a weakness. Do we want our enemies to use this weakness and defeat both of us? No, definitely not. I won't let this get in the way of our fight. I must remain strong in this fight and not be distracted by stupid things such as love. Yup, that's final. No more romantic stuff with Kyle, I'm all by myself from now on.

I almost feel proud of myself. But just as soon I conclude that I will avoid all romantic feelings for him, another voice speaks in my head.

But you love him

Well, um… I wouldn't put it like that… It's um, just one of those things that uh… you know…

Yes, you love him.

No no, I won't put it that way! It's just that he's really… and I'm…

You. Love. Him. Dumbass!

Urgh, scratch. Yes, I do. I won't deny it anymore. I can't hide and run from the truth. I've been in love with him for as long as I remember… Ever since I was young. Everything that he did for me – he was so sweet and nice. For so many years I've loved everything about him, his braveness, his caring heart, everything. I'd desire nothing more in the world than to just be with him forever. Forget Kaiser and Angelic Buster, I'd just want to be with him as Tear and Kyle, nothing more than that.

But I suddenly remember.

I'm still a hero, whether or not I'm in love with Kyle or not. I have to protect my people. What's more, I can't be seen as weak because of this romance. The enemy could easily exploit this and destroy the both of us. And all our people.

No, I can't let that happen. I will try to block out any feelings for Kyle until this fight is over. Then, we can go back to what it was.

I pick myself up from the ground and walk back home.

When I reach back the town, I transform out of Angelic Buster form and return to my usual human form. (of course, ignoring Eskalade's cries of "no, stay you idiot!" and "don't change out!") I walk to my resting area to get some rest. It's been a rough night and I better calm myself and get some rest.

As I walk away, in my heart, I make a solid promise. And I'll make sure I fulfill this promise, no matter what: Kyle, I'll be with you once this fight is over. We can go back to what it was, when everything was normal and we didn't have to deal with all this. I'll be with you again, like we were once. I'll be with you soon Kyle…

When I reach my room, I crash onto the bed and fall asleep. I drift into a world of dreams, most of them involving a certain blue-haired guy.

Kyle's PoV

I push myself up from a lying-down position. "Damn." I whisper to myself. It felt like I had just awoken from a really good dream. Except it wasn't a dream. My head is throbbing as I remember everything that had just happened – how Angelic Buster was all emotional, how she suddenly displayed her affection for me, how we ended up having our moment. Oh well, I guess there's no denying it right now: I do have romantic feelings for Angel. I have tried to treat her as a companion in battle, nothing more. Well that obviously didn't work out. I knew I began to fall for her, and I fell fast. But then I realize, we can't do this. The words of a wise old master I once heard talk ring in my head. "Love is a distraction" Indeed, we still have a fight against our enemies, specifically the Tyrant. We can't do this right now, lest it distract us and create a weakness. "Sigh. Just gotta hold it back now." I tell myself.

I also wonder about something else. As much as my feelings for Angelic Buster were as such, I had to admit, well, truthfully, she wasn't and won't be the most important girl in my life. I think she knows that and she knows who is the most important, but I couldn't be sure. Even so, I think it'd be really hurtful for her. Nevertheless, I still maintain that there's one girl who's more important to me, more important than anybody will ever know.

-flashback start-

"So you're saying Kaiser, this Tear girl is the most important girl in your life?" Angelic Buster asked me. There is a look in her eyes, somewhere between sadness and being touched.

"Well, yes. Don't get me wrong, I'm not in love with her or anything, but she's been my best friend for so many years. I'd really be lost without her. She's someone I can really look to when I'm upset, and so does she to me. We can talk about everything under the sun, as if we were telepathic. It's just one of those things about lifelong friendship, and I really hope she and I can remain friends for as long as possible. It's so sad she doesn't have any powers like us, but I always hope that she's fine and well. In fact, I did promise to her I'd keep her safe, to protect Pantheon for her." I finish rather lamely.

"Hah hah, that's so funny Ky-Kaiser! But it's also really sweet, I respect you for being so… dedicated to her. Well for your sake, I hope she's all fine. When we're done with this fight, I hope you can return to hanging out with her! Maybe I'll join the both of you sometime! So tell me more! What do you two have that is so similar? Any really cool shared hobbies?"

"Hah well, Velderoth and I used to collect star rocks for her, she really loved those. Well, we know what happened to Velderoth."I shudder. I do not like talking about that topic. "But I still do leave her star rocks at our hideout. She still loves those as they serve as a reminder to our friendship. And we used to spend hours at the hideout talking about stories about ancient Nova deities, Maple World, everything y'know. Good times"

Angel lets out a cutesy 'awwww…' somehow, I can't help but notice that she's trembling slightly. And her words somehow sound a bit… forced. Really awkward. But oh well, it doesn't really affect me.

-flashback end-

Hmm, in fact, I might just find Tear now to talk to her about this. She's a great listener and maybe she could help me with things like this. "Yeah, I'll go and find Tear. Hopefully she's at home. Maybe she can help me with this um, relationship problems?" Ha ha, I laugh to myself. I doubt she can help me with such things, I bet she's inexperienced and knows nothing about these kind of stuff. Nevertheless, I feel like talking to her. I think what I really need now is a listening ear. Furthermore, talking to her always makes me happy and brightens my mood. Yeah, sounds good. With that, I pick myself up, sheath my sword and head back to Pantheon.

When I reach Pantheon, I walk to Tear's home. Somebody calls out my name and I stop in my tracks.

"Oy Kaiser! Wait up!" I turn around and Cartalion is there, waving to me.

"What is it, Cart,?" I turn around and ask him. I walk towards him

"Good job clearing out the Specters the other day. Their population has gone down by a fair amount. Oh yeah just wondering, did something happen between you and Angelic Buster while on the job? He asks, slapping me on the back.

"Uh—huh, w-why do you ask? Is s-something w-wrong?" I stammer. How does he know? Was he spying on us? I definitely don't want anybody to know what happened between us. That must remain a secret. The last thing I'd want is for everybody to know about our 'affair' and both of us be put to shame, our reputations tarnished.

"Well, nothing wrong there bud, just wondering. She did look very… off. And she didn't seem like her usual self when she came past me earlier. I could have sworn I saw her crying. I was wondering if something happened back there that caused her to be like that. So did anything happen? You guys… aren't a thing now are you?" he asks, raising his eyebrows.

I heave a sigh of relief. Thank heaven he doesn't know about what happened. But he did ask a question and was expecting a reply "What? No! That's crazy. I don't know what happened to her man, we just beat up those specters and did our job and came back, nothing more. I'll uh, check on her later though. Anyway, catch up with you later Cart, I got other things to do right now."

"Alright Kaiser, see you later. Have a good day" I rush off to Tear's home now, hoping to get to speak to her. I silently thank my lucky stars that my 'affair' with Angel hasn't been found out. When I reach Tear's home, I knock on the door.

"Hey Tear! Are you in? Tear! It's me, Kyle! Are you there?"

Tear's PoV

I am suddenly awakened by a loud knocking on my room door. I hear a rather familiar voice shouting through the door. "Hey Tear! Are you there? It's me, Kyle!"

Oh no, it's Kyle. Now's really not the time. I really don't think I want to see him right now, after what just happened. I'm afraid his appearance might just trigger an emotional attack inside me, making me a sobbing teary mess. Plus, I did vow to block out romantic feelings for him. I try to ignore the knocking on the door and his shouts.

But it's no use, he's that persistent.

Ugh fine, I'll let him in, but I'd better not go against my promise! Don't do anything stupid that will remind you of your romantic feelings for Kyle, Tear! Oh yeah, I just remembered that I wasn't in Angelic Buster form. Kyle doesn't know that I'm Angel. That might help. I get up from my bed and call "Hold on Kyle!" at the door. I slowly make my way and open up the door.

"Hey Tear," he says, smiling brightly.

'Lean in and kiss him!' Ugh, my feelings are starting to come back. Block them off Tear!

"H-Hey Kyle. What do you want?" I stutter.

"I just want a talk, I've got a lot on my heart now and I just need someone to lend a listening ear. Hopefully it can get things off my heart. You care to listen to me?" he whispers.

Of course I don't mind, as long as I can be with him.

"O-oh, um, sure. Come in Kyle."

Kyle enters my room and sits himself down on a chair. I return to my bed and lie down, eager to hear what he has to say.

Hopefully he'll tell me about his feelings for me as well. Oh yeah, wait. He doesn't know I'm Angelic Buster.

"So… you do know who Angelic Buster is right?" he starts

Of course I do! She's your lover. And uh, that's me.

"Y-yes, I do. She's that pink-haired idol isn't she? What a-about her?" I stutter. This is starting to get extremely awkward.

"Umm… so, this just happened… I was out taking a stroll around the forests this morning, when I just chanced upon her sleeping on the ground." He pauses and gulps

"So… uh, what's so unusual about that?" I ask.

Kyle sighs. "I really don't know what to do. She woke up all emotional and teary, claiming how she's afraid to lose me, how the thought of it was distressing to her. Well I mean, I honestly didn't think I was so significant in her life, y'know. And then… and"

Oh no, I know where he is heading now.

"Well, she and I looked in each other in the eye, and for the first time I really just appreciated how beautiful she was. She told me that she 'really liked me' and then.. and she leaned in and, and…" Kyle's voice falters.

Even though I do know what happened. I still ask "and?"

"And then we kissed for the first time, and it just felt… just felt so right to me… Like we were meant to be from the beginning. And then suddenly she broke apart from me, claiming that she she shouldn't have done that. After that, she just ran off and left me there. And when I was alone, I suddenly felt that, I realized I love her and I can't deny it. I do love her. But I just remembered that we still have a fight against the Tyrant and this love could be a weakness and could affect both of us… but I want to be with her, argh, this is all so hard for me!" Kaiser stamps his foot on the ground.

He… He does. He does love me too. I can feel my lip trembling and the tear ducts about to open. I love you too Kyle, I do. I tell myself. I want to just jump forward, embrace him and confess my love for him as well. Then, we could be together, which is what the both of us want.

But I resist that urge. No. He doesn't know who you are, Tear. You have to play along to this. An idea comes to my mind. If I could 'force' Kyle into…

"Uh—Uhm Kyle, I really don't think I'm good with these type of things… but I honestly think that… you should just follow your heart. Just uh, be with her if it's what you truly desire. Don't hold back your feelings, it'd be even worse in your fight than being together. Um, that's my opinion though."

"Hmm, I don't think we should… I mean, I do love her but it's gonna be a real weakness in our fight… I don't want either of us to be harmed. And not you Tear. I promised to protect you. I won't let the Tyrant take over and bring suffering to you, just because I didn't protect well enough…"

Man, looks like my idea isn't working…

"Yes but, don't you think it'd just be better to go with her, I mean… I.. I-" I find no words to say. What should I say? Come on, think! Make him choose his love for you!

Kyle cuts me off. "That's fine Tear. I've pretty much made up my mind now. I can't follow my heart. I may love Angel, but I have to flush out any romantic feelings. That's probably going to lead to my death, or anybody else's death. I can't let that happen. I have to do my duty as a protector. Thanks for the help anyways Tear, I really appreciate it." With that, Kyle gets up and heads towards the door

I can feel my heart shattering into a million pieces. I can't control the tears anymore and they begin to flow out from my eyes. "Damn it Kyle…" I whisper. I feel my lower lip tremble and start hiccoughing. And then, I lose my control.

"Then why did you even come to find me Kyle!" I scream as he is about to leave my room. He turns around in shock. I stand up and advance onto him. "You're just so stubborn, how can I even think about helping you!" I continue screaming, the tears pouring out of my eyes freely now. I shove him backwards. "Y-you already know that you aren't going to choose her, w-why even bother asking me! You're so stubborn, it's not as if I can change your decision! Why even look for me!" Kyle just looks stunned for a moment. However, his face suddenly changes to one of sheer fury.

"What, Tear? Did I hear you correctly? REALLY?! You don't know what it's like being me! You don't know what it's like having to be the protector of this race, while struggling with your emotions and feelings! Have you had to think about how the fate of your people is in your hands? HAVE YOU?! Have you sat there wondering what it'd be like if you seemed weak and the enemy could easily defeat you because of some weakness? HAVE YOU?! No, you haven't at all! So how can you be blaming me of such things! You don't even know anything you asshole!" I suddenly notice the tears coming out of Kyle's eyes too.

"Get out Kyle." I whisper in a soft voice. "Just please go." I say, as I begin to sob uncontrollably.

"Fine. If that's what you want. I've made my choice Tear, you've made yours. You can forget about this friendship completely! Don't even bother remembering I was your friend! Maybe Velderoth was right, I could have chosen to leave and join Magnus instead of having to deal with you!" With that, Kyle storms out of the room and slams the door behind him. His booming footsteps slowly fade into silence.

I clamber back onto my bed and start crying freely. I do not care for how long I cry or if anybody sees me. I can only muster one thought in my mind, as the tears flow out freely from my eyes.

Kyle's gone… he isn't choosing to love me… and I've just lost my best friend…

I continue to lie there, the tears flowing from my eyes and crying myself out.

A/N again: Whew, done with this chapter. Once again, thanks for reading. Do drop a review if you enjoyed it! I'm also welcome to any constructive criticism. It'll help me be a better writer.