pearl of wisdom

[Season 2] Chapter 36 - Mournful Whisperings

"That's enough, Karaka." You walked over to him on air, the reflection of glistening waters under your feet appearing with every step until you descended in front of him, having walked over the broken path. You glanced at your frozen companions, Yihwa's pleading stare burning into you, "Let them go."

". . . Advisor. . . I asked for Jue Viole Grace." Karaka turned to you, the sphere of shinsu the color of his eyes levitating behind him. You hummed, an nonchalant countenance on your face, "You asked for Viole to be melted into the thorn and ended up handing it over to him. You asked your subordinates to revive White and Viole ended up having the power of souls that White accumulated."

You placed a thumb onto your lower lip, your stare burning into the slayer— "Are you certain you should ask for more?"

With a sigh, you placed a hand on your chest, "Let them go and step away. I have no interest in fueding with you."

"I can't do that. The moment I release those hostages there's a good chance those high rankers up above will attack me."

"Frankly, that's your problem."  From the corner of your eye, you saw Yihwa talking to Androssi, "And so is the consequences of your actions."

". . . You're harsh as usual. But my goal is to revive White, you're in the way, advisor."

You scoffed, "Your goal to revive White includes eliminating my companions and I. Rather than us being in your way, it's you who's in ours. You think you're so high and mighty just because you were called a god."

Eyes from which the depths peeked out met golden and black, "You're no god, Karaka."

And Yihwa swung the swordsman's ignition weapon.

Androssi rushed you over to the train amidst the choas, trails of pink and blue fading in your vision as you casted your gaze upon the three companions you left behind. A bubble formed around them as Yihwa stared up at you, words leaving her as shock came and passed, peeking through your countenance. The wind had carried your whispers away before the train door's had shut behind you.

They're alive.

It's only after a moment of silence do your knees crumble below you.

"[Name]!!" Baam kneeled next to you, his hands hovering over your back though he couldn't do anything to help. Khun stepped to you, "A. . . are you okay, [Name]!? What happened!?"

"Why did only you guys come back!? What about the others!?" Boro asked. You rose to your feet, a hand to your chest as always, "They're alright. I can't ascertain their exact whereabouts but they're still alive and well."

"Alright, everyone prepare for the Floor of Death. In the meanwhile, I'll get Cassano."

Freezing waters, bitter enough to diminish the sun's raging flames rushed through your blood.

— —

A day after your entrance into the train, Baam had barged into your room. You had nearly dropped enna core.

"[Name]!!" Thus he told you about the conversation he had with the God of Guardians, from his request to be a God to the child who had asked the guardian the same thing and became the king of the tower, "How can I. . . make everyone happy?"

You stared at him, patting the space on your bed next to you as a silent gesture. He sat down and you hummed, your gaze distant yet so utterly enchanted that Baam wondered why you didn't look at him like that, "Baam. . . no one can simply make others happy. Each fish in the ocean swims in its own direction, all we can do is give respect to the will of every creature."

He looked down, "But. . . I still don't know what that means."

You shifted, facing him, just about to speak before he engulfed you into a hug, his weight nearly pushing you onto the bed, "Can I. . . stay here for a while?"