Whispers of Destiny

Chapter 22: Hidden Truths and Heartbeats

The bustling streets of the city seemed ordinary to most, but to Kotone—hidden behind the guise of a regular mortal—they were anything but. Each step he took was a careful balance between maintaining his cover and guarding the secrets that lay heavy in his heart. He passed familiar shops and lively market stalls, nodding at acquaintances.

"Kotone!" a familiar voice called, and he turned to see Kaede approaching, her smile wide and radiant. The sight of her always sparked a warmth within him, one that reminded him of the life he now led between two worlds.

"Kaede," he greeted, a playful note in his voice. "Out for a walk?"

"Just finishing up some errands," she replied, adjusting the small bag on her shoulder. "You?"

"Just wandering around," Kotone said casually. He hesitated for a moment, then added, 

"How about lunch later? My treat."

Her eyes lit up, a hint of surprise crossing her face before she nodded. "I'd love that."

Kotone was making his way through the city square when a familiar figure caught his eye. Xinyu was perched on a bench, laughing as she entertained a small crowd of admirers. Even in the mortal world, her magnetism was undeniable. As Kotone approached, her eyes flickered to him, and a smirk curved her lips.

"Well, look who it is," she teased, standing up to greet him. 

"If it isn't our mysterious loner, Kotone."

"Xinyu," Kotone said with a sigh, though a smile tugged at his lips. "What are you up to now?"

"Just making friends," she said, her tone airy as she leaned in with mock seriousness.

 "By the way, I ran into that handsome captain of yours during patrol. Still as stoic as ever."

Kotone chuckled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Nien, huh? You're still chasing that lost cause?"

Xinyu's expression shifted for a moment, the sparkle dimming as she shot him a look. 

"Did you tell him?" Her voice was lower, serious.

Kotone raised an eyebrow. "Tell him what?" He played along, but there was no need to speak openly. They both knew what past she meant.

Unbeknownst to most angels, Xinyu held a story as old as the stars. She was one of the original warriors of Skydrim, who had stood side-by-side with Soraichi, Chunhwa, Seoyeon, Hayan and Hwalin during the Great War.

 A war that had reshaped their realm and left scars that still ached in silence. Though offered the prestigious position of leading the healers, Xinyu had waved it off with a flourish and a smile, saying she was "too fancy for leadership." Thus, the steadfast Hayan had taken the role.

It was this history that allowed Xinyu to speak so freely with Kotone, for she knew his true self. She was more than just a flirtatious presence; she was an angel who had seen, endured, and sacrificed much.

"Still thinking about him?" Kotone asked gently, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

Xinyu's playful facade faltered. "He really doesn't remember anything, does he?"

Kotone's expression softened, a sigh escaping him. 

"No. He's the old Nien again. The captain with no memory of who he used to be. But maybe you can remind him, make him fall for you like before."

Xinyu's eyes filled with sadness as she looked away.

"I've tried, Kotone. But he's so different now." She bit her lip, memories swirling behind her eyes.

Nien had been her partner during the war, fierce and loyal. He had used the last of his strength to heal her when she'd been gravely injured, sacrificing his consciousness and, ultimately, his memory. When he awoke, he was the cold, unyielding captain he remained to this day. And Xinyu had been watching him from afar ever since, hoping one day he would remember her.

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Lunch with Kaede was a welcome distraction from the weight of old memories. They found a quiet café with large windows that overlooked the park, the warmth of the midday sun casting a golden hue over their table. Conversation flowed easily, filled with stories of assignments, shared jokes, and moments of laughter that eased Kotone's heart.

But then, Kaede's laughter faded, and she looked at Kotone with an expression he couldn't quite read. "Kotone," she started, her voice uncertain. "Are you and Xinyu... involved?"

The question caught him off guard, and for a second, he felt the mask of Soraichi slip. 

"What? No, not at all," he said quickly, then, trying to regain his composure, added with a teasing grin, "Why? Are you jealous?"

To his surprise, Kaede looked down, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Maybe," she whispered, just loud enough for him to hear.

Kotone's heart thudded in his chest, the world around them blurring for a moment. He searched for something to say, but found himself lost in the moment, speechless for the first time in a long time.

The mighty Soraichi, stunned by a single word.