Sad OST recommended for this chapter

"Ah, you were here after all," a melodious voice called, luring every person's attention towards the tall woman whom Amelina wished she would never come back even after a month- not exactly, three weeks of roaming around the tower, creating chaos everywhere she went. Looks like her absence granted Amelina too much happiness that she actually envisioned Maschenny being away for good.

"When did you come back?" Amelina asked, despite herself not wanting to know. It took quite a lot of restraint to not to sneer at the princess. Even Asensio turned rigid beside her with the sudden appearance of the oh-so-glorious big sister.

"I wanted to have more fun, but then I can't neglect and leave your education solely to Asensio here, right?" Maschenny mused, observing Amelina from up and down for the first time in a while. As if receiving reports from Asensio everyday wasn't enough. "By the way, I heard you've sparred with father."

With the mention of the unpleasant memory, Amelina's expression immediately turned sour. "I've nothing to say about that," the girl unconsciously blanched.

Oh, if only Amelina would open up more to Eduan, then they would've been the 'perfect' family.

"Well, there's actually another purpose as to why I've come back," Maschenny continued while Amelina pretended to listen intently as Asensio draped a grey cardigan over her shoulder. Where did that come from anyway? "I can't let such interesting things happen without my supervision, can't I?"

Okay, what 'interesting' things is she talking about?

With those ominous words, Amelina stared at Maschenny's calculative looks with suspicion. For as long as she had known Maschenny, the only things that caught the lady's interest were so few that Amelina could've swore there was an audition for 'Things That Interests Maschenny'.

'Unless it's directly related t me…'

But Amelina didn't want to get ahead of herself. What Maschenny expected was probably some of the family's internal dispute that would never be solved over time until Eduan himself dies or something.

And believe her, she never liked how Maschenny loves to twist her words to the point there was nothing Amelina could figure out by herself. Really, what a misleading creature…

'Maybe I can ask Aguero in our next meeting…'

But Amelina never got the chance to with how things turned out.

Hm?

Where is this?

The only thing Amelina could see was an unending darkness that illuminated her surroundings.

Weird.

Did Miru brought me here? But she didn't remember the retainer telling her anything regarding that. Anyhow…

She could see what beyond her, but some area was too dark for her to conceive anything. Does that make sense?

"That's weird. It's so dark, yet I could see everything clearly…"

The water below splashed and the ripples echoed as Amelina took a step forward, venturing the gloomy space.

Why don't her feet feel wet with so much water down there?

She didn't stop walking until her feet accidentally kicked something hard and cold.

Eh?

"R-Ran?" Amelina muttered, holding back the urge to scream as she covered her mouth. The girl's legs felt weak as she stared back into a lifeless, dull blue eyes that belonged to a familiar looking boy she'd love dearly. The scene looked so real as if it came out straight from horror film.

Backing away in fear, Amelina fell down into the water and squeaked when her hand touched another cold and hardened skin.

"Eeeekk!! A-A-Aguero?"

Before she realized it, countless corpses of children surrounded her. The once light-blue hue seemed to be painted in crimson, all of the unmoving eyes seeming to stare into Amelina, calling out to her despite knowing the gore and horrific state.

Now that she observed it clearly, the pool of water was actually bloods.

Amelina woke up in a hurry and desperately tried to catch her breaths as electricity crackled around her, desponding to her unstable mental state. Electric blue eyes scanned the surrounding area before the owner sighed out in relief, knowing there was no corpses nor bodies to be found like what she had witnessed in her dream.

Right, she fell asleep in the lawn under a tree after Maschenny had left. A zap of aqua-colored electricity brought the girl back to reality, she herself staring hard into her palm.

'My shinsoo? Why is it acting out?'

"Ame?"

Hearing a certain boy's soft voice, the said girl choked a sob that made her eyes glistened with tears that threatened to fall before she quickly wiped them away. Even her ragged breath had calmed a little upon recognizing the soothing presence.

"…what's wrong? Are you upset?" Ran cupped the girl's cheeks to examine her properly. Well, aside from the teary eyes, she seemed perfectly fine. "Did I came at a bad time? Do you want to go to your room?"

"…no. It's fine," Amelina slowly closed her eyes, indulging into the assurance of touch Ran was giving her. He was her sole pillar of support among the maniac family, the one who knew her thoroughly in and out. If only she could be the same with Aguero…

After some time settling down, Ran finally had his chance to voice out his intention. "Well- you see.."

Amelina's eyebrow quirked in confusion since Ran was never one to hesitate in his actions with her, nor anybody else.

"If…" Ran cautiously peeked at Amelina's inquiring orbs which seemed to make all words disappear from his mind.

'There's no way I could tell her. But…'

"The maid-" Ran added quickly, "-if she were to leave to go back to her… home, how would you feel about it?"

Amelna took a few seconds to process the question, eyes blinking rapidly. "Did you mean Eira? Why would she suddenly go back to her hometown?"

Ran kept quiet for a while before turning his head away. "It's just a 'what-if' situation.."

"I would've waited for her then. She a precious person to me after all!" the girl answered with no hesitation. Though it was rare for Ran to ask such kind of awkward questions since there were no secrets between them.

Of course, there would be no secrets, right?

"What's wrong? You're acting weird today," Amelina asked, a queasy feeling starting to pit in her stomach. "Is there something you wanted to tell me?"

Ran slightly frowned at the concerned sight of his half-sister and swallowed all his worries. His priority now is Amelina and nothing else. He would never forgive himself if Amelina were to be sad because of him.

"…Ame, don't make that face please," Ran blurted.

What?

The last time she'd heard that kind of pleading tone was when Ran asked her to stay with him two years ago. What is it that could've made Ran this way?

"Sorry, was it that repulsing-" Amelina couldn't finish her words as Ran suddenly grasped her somewhat cold hands, slightly squeezing them.

"Smile and forget about all of your sadness," Ran caressed Amelina's face gently with the vivid sunlight peeking on them under the tree. "Did you know? Your smile- was what made me move forward and steel myself..."

As if sealing a promise, Ran brought their foreheads together while muttering: "…so please don't cry over me."

Ran didn't stay long after that, leaving Amelina to wonder over his confusing yet so heart-wrenching words. Something doesn't add up here. Did she do something wrong? Or is it the other way around?

The thing with Ran kept bothering her till nighttime that she didn't even noticed a certain someone wasn't by her side as he was supposed to. If it wasn't for her personal maid, she would have ignored it forever.

"Miss Ame, have you seen Miru?" Eira questioned while combing the former's long hair.

"Eh? He's not here?" Amelina turned around from her dressing table to where the retainer usually stood, waiting for further orders. But there was no any sign of him today, nor did she saw him during the day since she was preoccupied with training and of course, Ran. "That's weird..."

Eira noticed that that although the girl's voice was laced with worry, she was clearly distracted with something else aside from Miru's disappearance. Perhaps she shouldn't trouble her young miss further than this.

"It's okay, young miss. He'll back-"

A couple of knocks shook both of the female in the room, as another voice intruded the night. "Amelina, I'm coming in." As usual, Maschenny excused herself in the room without waiting for any answer.

'Urgh, big sis Maschenny..'

"W-what is it?" Ameina asked, silently ushering Eira to exit the room. At least, if it was anything troublesome, she wouldn't have to involve Eira in it.

Maschenny merely smirked in amusement as her gaze trailed long on the maid until she got out of the room, leaving the two half-siblings alone for any private matter.

"I'm surprised to see you being so calm here," the lady chuckled, earning a hardened smile from Amelina.

"Whatever do you mean-"

"Didn't Ran told you anything?" Maschenny cut her off before she could retort anything. "And here I thought you might've been down because of it."

"Eh?"

It wasn't like any other nights.

Instead of forcing herself to sleep early as usual, Eduan noticed the odd behavior Amelina had since she entered his bedroom. Was it because of the spar? Did he went too far messing with her? No, that can't be the reason. Or…

"Is it about that boy?"

Honestly, Amelina was quite taken aback Eduan even knew what she thinking about but more so that he knew any of his children aside from the outstanding ones.

'But he might have known something about this. Then maybe he can stop-'

"Good riddance."

The girl visibly stiffened at the harsh words. Just when she was getting her hopes up…

"It's true he has a remarkable talent even among my offspring, that's why I sent him away. Besides, he kept distracting you from your training."

From that point, Eduan's deep voice laced with indifference faded bit by bit, until Amelina could only hear her own raged breath. It was only a matter of patience whether she wants to let it out or keep it inside.

And Amelina can't seem to understand her father's reasoning on this matter. Is he saying that it was all her fault Ran got sent away? Is he ridiculing her bond with Ran?

'Then… what am I to you?'

Just as Eduan hand was about to reach Amelina's figure, the girl instinctively jerked herself away, getting off the bed without any words.

"Tonight… I'll sleep alone… I want to be alone."

Eduan was frozen in his place as Amelina ran out of the room, not forgetting to close the door with a loud bang that resonated in the lonely bedroom.

Amelina's small feet trembled and her breaths ragged with each step she took as she dashed outside without any footwear. A rare frown was etched to her usually poker face, showing that she was indeed angry. Though Amelina can't seem to tell if she was angry towards her father, or Maschenny, or Ran.

No, she was mad at herself.

The chilling air of the night didn't even bother her with her thin, frilly white nightgown. All that she could think about was Ran and only him.

'If only I'd noticed it earlier…'

"And here I thought you might've been down because of it."

"What do you mean?" Amelina's smile finally disappeared. This was no time to act up when she can finally know what was bothering her and specifically, Ran.

"It's quite earlier than what I've expected, but he'll be entering the Tower soon. Of course, he already told you everything about it, didn't he?"

A look on Maschenny's smile, and Amelina knew it. Maschenny already expected Ran to not tell her anything!

Just the thought of it made Amelina gritted her teeth angrily.

'Calm down. It's not like he'll be going now. I still have some time to confront him-'

"I don't mean to expose him, but I don't think he had any plan to meet you anytime soon. He was already packing up earlier."

'No way..'

"Is he going.. tonight?"

'Even the vague questions from Ran could've gave away the biggest hint! Damn you, stupid Amelina! Why didn't you notice it earlier?!'

Truly, did she had taken everything for granted?

Amelina's train of thoughts were cut as she bumped roughly into someone, but she never felt the pain of hitting the cold ground.

"Miss Ame.." the man managed to catch Amelina by her wrist. The first thing Amelina noticed was the reluctant expression Miru was making. She'll have to save that for later now-

"Miru! H-have you seen Ran?!" Amelina immediately clenched the retainer's coat to prevent him from getting away. Not that he would, but it acts as an assurance for Amelina's trembling figure.

"I just saw him off, but I think you can still-"

Amelina was already running even before Miru managed to finish his sentence.

"-stop him before he crosses the gate!" Amelina heard the fading voice belonged to her loyal servant. Was that the reason he was gone all day? Did he know Ran was going away? Anyway, interrogations will have to wait later when she has a twin to catch up to.

'Don't you dare leave without a farewell…!'

The whole map of the huge Khun estate was vague in Amelina's memory, but she definitely remembered it from the day Asensio showed her the way.

The way to her dreamed freedom, the main gate.

When the high, gloomy wall came into view, Amelina could finally make out a back that she would often embrace. Her voice hitched for a moment as she distinctly called out just before he would reach the gate. "RAN!!"

Both of the figure stopped moving a few meter to each other, Amelina visibly catching her breaths.

And Ran.

No words could describe how flabbergasted the boy was, for he did not expect to see his twin in the last moments before he entered the Tower. It was never his intention to leave her side, nor did he wanted to make the girl cry. The least he had asked from the retainer was to comfort Amelina when she ever got the news.

'If only.. if only I had a higher standing here…'

It was the first time Ran felt he wanted to be in the family. For the years he had cursed his whole life, the one who dispelled the darkness was none other than Amelina. For now, he was sure he has none of the courage to face her, in case she was crying her eyes out.

The icy-cold night seemed to make the atmosphere even sentimental when Amelina finally broke the brief silence. "C-can't you stay?"

Amelina knew she was being unreasonable. As children, they clearly had no power nor authority to go against an order from the family head. But somehow that wish slipped out of her chapped lips before she knew it.

"That…" Ran trailed. True enough, he could've just rebelled and do something about it even if costing the reputation of his own branch. But…

"You'll be able to protect her if you become a Ranker."

Ran steeled his determination once more before letting out a last shaky breath. "I have to go. No matter what, I will still go."

'Even if it means leaving your side for a while.'

Ran seriously hadn't the confidence to look straight into Amelina's face, fearing a drop of tear from her will make him forget his ambition in the first place. For a moment, how long would that 'while' be? Months? Years? It could even be longer than that. Yet, he knew there was no backing out now.

"Then I won't stop you," the surprised Ran widened his eyes, slowly turning his gaze, "-if that is what you wished for, then go ahead," and what met Ran was a strong, proud girl girl who huffed out. It was clear she looked like she was going to tear up soon, but the upright body and the way she clenches her nightgown proved she was trying hard to hold it all in.

"I won't cry!" Amelina firmly stated. "I really won't cry so…" she couldn't find any words. She didn't even know if she was actually assuring the boy or herself nor did she had the courage to get any closer in fear she might break down. She can't hold Ran back anymore. Not when he had the outstanding talent to make use of. Rather than Ran, Amelina knew she was the one who distracted Ran from his training. The least she could do…

"Ran! Catch!"

The boy skillfully caught the object Amelina hastily threw and was once again astonished when he recognized the tear-shaped locket engraved with the family symbol. What was she thinking of throwing around such a precious item?

Though Amelina seemed to reach her limit, she drew a long breath before she hollered, "Keep it! And give it back once we meet again-no, wait for me!"

Ran couldn't believe she was the same girl who was dragged into the forest without any ability to protect herself, yet here she was, confidently making such promise. Not that he would deny she couldn't achieve it.

"I'll be coming to you!! So wait for me!!"

Did he took things for granted? Was there anything he could've done before? No, it's no use blaming it on his past actions. And he never did a wrong thing when he stayed by her side almost all the time.

"I'll be waiting then," Ran smiled, and Amelina broke out a forced grin.

Tonight, will be forever be embedded in their memory.

Author's note:

Please kill me for writing this *sobs* I can't seem to bring myself to write and publish this chapter, but here it is. For those who managed to read this before I regret and brazenly delete this, mind you I contemplated for a long time whether to publish this or not. •́ ‿ ,•̀

Anyway, I don't know how you readers are thinking, but I seriously cried when I typed out this one (not an exaggeration). Also sorry for the looooong time of absence, and I once again will remind you all that I will be facing a big examination for this or the next year, so expect a hiatus.

Again, thank you for the comments and kudos to my co-author who supported me mentally when I wrote this one UwU.

Sayonara!! Love chu guys!