Way to the Dawn [Eng Version]

Chapter XI: Altru Tower 1st Part

Kellyn had never felt such anxiety before. Not even when Keith had been captured! Or maybe....

The brunet rested his gloved hand just above his cardiac muscle, watching how it was pounding.

- / For the love of Mew...! Control yourself you idiot!/

The Fiore Ranger, upon noticing that his comrade was no longer following him, stopped in his tracks to check his condition.

- Kell? What's wrong? You don't feel well?

The teen bit his lips when he saw the worried expression haunting the crimson eyes. So he put on a smile, trying to pull himself together.

- It's nothing. Just a little stressed.

...But he knew. He knew no one believed him. Not when Fischl was staring at him, frowning....Not when Sapphire seemed to be planning something to get him to confess....Not when Keith was looking at him, so sad and hurt.

-....You don't trust me?

- E-Excuse me?

- Am I that untrustworthy...? Be honest.

A deeply indignant and shocked expression appeared on the boy's face who replied without hesitation:

- W-What- Of course you're not!

- Then why? Why do you refuse to tell me what's wrong? Why do you ignore your problems and needs?

The older one moved closer to his boyfriend, tenderly wrapping the clenched hands with his own. He then began to massage and kiss them, hoping to make their owner relax.

-...If you need time, then let's take it, ok? There is shade there, we can sit if you want. But we absolutely have to talk.

The brunet panicked at the mention of "time" and shook his head sharply.

- I-It can't wait for the end of the mission...?

The redhead slowly shook his head, trying to gently drag his partner towards the shady corner. Except that the latter entered a state of panic.

- S-S-Stop it!! You know very well that the Incredible Machine will be activated at midnight! We don't have time for that kind of idiocy! We have an urgent mission to accomplish!

The 12th Top Ranger watched his partner's expression twist with anguish, stress, and despair before sighing softly. He then placed a hand firmly on Kellyn's shoulder while resting the other on his cheek.

- And?

- What do you mean "And?"?! Do you realize that the fate of Almia and the world is at stake?! What's a life compared to them anyway?!

Silence reigned for a few seconds before Keith burst out laughing, making the teal-eyed one more confused than ever.

- W-What's so funny?!

- Haha! Oh, my Angel....You are a very beautiful paradox.

- E-Excuse me?

The oldest calmed his laughter before starting to gently caress the cheek of his boyfriend, an amused and tender expression on the features.

- "No matter the trade, I'll always choose you.".

- W-What-

- Those are your own words, right? You know, when you traded the Yellow Gem for me back at the Hippodown Temple... You basically just sacrificed the world for me. And without the slightest hesitation!

He smiled silly as he recalled the memory while the brunet felt the tears welling up in his eyes. The redhead then ran his free hand around the younger's back, effectively bringing him closer to him.