Upon seeing his familiar handsome face, somehow, Cecil felt something warm embracing her entire being. It comforted her, whispering to her as if she could finally relax now and there was no need to be so wary anymore.

There was no need to put up such a tight guard around her anymore.

She did not even realise how tense she was.

The pain on her shoulder slowly faded away.

This feeling of safety and relaxing around his presence, it was something that Cecil felt she had experienced somewhere before...probably a long, long time ago. She faltered, taking a step back and trying her best not to stumble.

Xue.

Her mind called out to him once more, her heart skipping a beat as she maintained eye contact with the two men. The two of them proceeded to smile at her, one toothy and the other somewhat enigmatic.

It didn't matter.

They were all the same person.

There was only one thought running through her weary mind.

I really want to collapse into his arms now.

...and fall asleep right there and then.

Nevertheless, she couldn't possibly run off the stage and collapse into his arms right now.

"What are you doing? Aren't you getting off the stage?"

Cecil heard someone calling out to her from the backstage, and she turned to look at Tsuki. She blinked rapidly and she nodded distractedly, her voice soft yet exhausted.

"Yes...I am..."

Cecil bowed to the audience once more that were still applauding for her, plastering a smile on her face. Her onyx eyes lingered on the two men once more before she disappeared backstage.

"You changed your dancing style to fit ours," Tsuki smiled, impressed. "I suppose I should express my thanks for that."

The backstage was simply separated by some partitions and curtains. Just as Cecil left the stage, the lighting changed to signal a break before the next performance.

"Since you are providing me shelter and aiding me," Cecil smiled back. "The least I could do is maintain your reputation that you have on the line."

It was as if the relaxation spell was broken and Cecil could feel her strength being drained away yet again. Waves of pain struck at her shoulder again and she couldn't help but wince.

"Are you alright--"

"Miss Tsuki!"

A female employee came running, panting heavily. They whispered into Tsuki's ear and Tsuki had to cast her concern for Cecil aside when she heard the words they uttered.

"The owner?!"

"Ye-yes."

Cecil snapped her head towards Tsuki, controlling her expression to not show any pain.

"And to bring her along as well?"

"Yes."

Tsuki raised her eyebrows at Cecil. "You...do you actually know the owner personally? Why is he asking for you? He is not someone that simply calls for women or men to his side."

Cecil hesitated, her expression lukewarm.

How can I explain to you that he is a soul fragment of the person he entered with...

...and that I personally know him because of many different things...

I am also now the lover of that said person.

Tsuki was still waiting for her answer.

"...no, I don't know him at all," Cecil bluffed with a shrug. "I just know that he is handsome."

"..."

Tsuki agreed that Himura Tsurugi was handsome, but hearing it from Cecil's mouth with her nonchalant expression somehow made her...speechless.

"Nevermind, follow me."

Cecil nodded.

"Is your shoulder all right? No, in the first place, are you alright?"

At that moment, the system in her mind started enlightening her about her situation once again.

[ Since the process has been expedited, the calculation leading up to your imminent death would be in... ]

[ Twenty-two hours. ]

Cecil slapped on her indifferent and haughty look.

"I am fine."

Tsuki narrowed her eyes, observing the raven-haired woman whose face was utterly pale. "...you don't seem fine."

In fact, she looks like she's about to topple over any moment.

Cecil maintained the same expression. "I am completely fine."

Minus the fact that I am about to die in twenty-two hours from dark magic.

It wasn't like Cecil could spill out that fact to Tsuki, since it would cause unnecessary panic. Moreover, she wasn't in the right state of mind to come out with a million different lies about the reason behind her dire circumstances.

Fortunately, since she had found Xue, all she needed to do was wait for K'xug to reach here and remove the dark magic spreading through her shoulder.

Her persistence failed and Tsuki saw no point in dragging this conversation.

Tsuki started to lead the way back to her room, where she had ordered the female employee to bring Rugi and his "friend" along.

***

The wooden doors slid open and Cecil lifted her head.

Inside Tsuki's room, the two men she saw earlier stood inside and her hands trembled slightly. She could feel something compelling her to move forward, to dash right into Xue's arms and just nestling herself into his embrace.

Her lips started to tremble and she bit onto them to control her emotions, ducking her head.

It was only for a few hours.

But those few hours...without Xue, without Hana or K'xug, I felt so tense and I was unable to relax even for a single second.

Cecil did not realise she had started to rely on them, just by having them beside her comforted her immensely. By having them beside her, she could let her guard down because she knew they had her back.

However, with them gone for these few hours, she noticed how scary it was.

She only had herself to rely on.

Tsuki folded her arms across her chest as she noticed that the two men in the room were only focused on Cecil. She stood beside Cecil, as if knowing something would happen any moment now.

Rugi took a step when the ash blonde-haired man beside him rushed forward. He gathered Cecil into his embrace, an elated toothy grin on his face.

Cecil widened her eyes in shock.

"Do you know how much we were worried for you?! Thank god, thank god you are okay!"

The ash blonde-haired man withdrew from the hug, and the toothy grin was gone from his face. It was replaced with a gloomy yet gentle stare.

"Why are you always so reckless?" he chastised softly, tugging her hair behind her ears. "Hmm?"

Cecil gazed right into his grey eyes.

"If we couldn't find you, what are we supposed to do? How do you want us to live on?"

She began to recall the words that Xue constantly said.

"Stop shouldering all the burden on yourself."

"Think more about yourself."

"Learn to rely on others."

"Be more selfish towards your own well-being."

Cecil bit on her lower lip, lowering her head and she felt tears pricking at her eyes. "I'm...sorry."

"Again you are saying that. Stop it," Xue sighed, pushing her head into his chest gently. "I should be the one saying sorry."

"...why?"

"Just because," Xue whispered out, narrowing his eyes. "And next time, drag those two in with you through the portal."

Cecil hugged him back, letting out a scoff.

"How could I do that?"

Xue sighed again and he closed his eyes, placing a soft kiss on the top of her head. "That's right, if you did that, you wouldn't be the Cecil Lan I know."

She smiled.

"So you do know each other after all," Tsuki raised her eyebrows. "You tricked me."

Cecil gasped, breaking apart from the hug and blinking her tears away. Xue still clung onto her, not wanting to let her go. He noticed the injury on her shoulder, furrowing his eyebrows and there was an angry glint in his grey eyes.

"It...it will take too much time to explain!"

"Yes, yes, and many other million excuses I can think of," Tsuki waved it away, turning to look at Rugi. "So what brings you here, Owner?"

"..."

Rugi paused, looking back and forth between Xue and Cecil. His eyes lingered on the latter before he turned to Tsuki.

"...I sent someone to bring Cecil Lan here," Rugi closed his eyes, frowning slightly. "In my haste to send her away safely, the guard with her turns out to be someone from Ephert's side."

Tsuki widened her eyes.

Xue snapped his head to Rugi.

"It's fine, I handled him on my own," Cecil smiled gratefully at Rugi. "I should thank you for--!"

Xue grabbed Rugi by the collar, narrowing his eyes. "Are you trying to put her into harm's way? She is already injured by dark magic by Veau's damn minions--"

"Xue."

Cecil placed her hand on Xue's arm, shaking her head.

"Are you still trying to be nice? Even when your life is at risk because of him?"

"No, listen. You've got it all wrong," she started to explain. "Do you remember that person who absorbed the two twin souls that tried to protect me? He was there, fighting Jehan and Jehan was aiming for me. Rugi can't possibly fight against him and protect me at the same time."

Rugi knew he wasn't completely free of guilt. However, the raven-haired woman already said so much to help him, he couldn't possibly indirectly slap Cecil in the face by twisting her words.

"I apologise, it was an urgent situation and I had to outweigh which was the better choice." Rugi spoke in a composed manner.

"..."

Xue released Rugi, taking a step back.

"Not to mention, he saved me when I was flying in the air helplessly. The portal teleported me into a very...horrible situation."

Xue looked at Rugi once again, and this time, he decided to back off. He stood beside Cecil, maintaining an indifferent look.

Tsuki gave Cecil a strange look. "You are just blessed to be in the most hectic situations, aren't you? My little new dancer."

Cecil smiled helplessly.

The heroine halo has truly transferred over to me.

Unfortunate or fortunate. I have no idea what to say about that.

Rugi did not bother to adjust his messy clothes as he approached Cecil, sighing out in relief.

"Despite all of that, Cecil Lan..."

"...?"

He reached out his hand, caressing her cheek in a gingerly manner.

Xue's expression grew dark and he wanted to slap Rugi's hand away. At that moment, the spell on his soul acted up again and Xue squeezed his eyes close, trying to maintain the control over his body.

"I am so glad you are okay, if you were to be injured...because of me..."

Rugi began to sway unsteadily.

Tsuki was the first to move.

Cecil widened her eyes in horror.

The next second, Rugi collapsed right onto her.

"Wah!"

"Owner!"

Xue gasped, glancing sharply to his right.

He saw the scene of Rugi laying on Cecil's lap, his eyes closed with his eyebrows furrowed deeply.

His expression grew dark once again.

"You, get off her."

Cecil was wincing from the rough fall, startled when she saw the sea green-haired man lying on top of her lap. Fortunately, her healer instincts took over and she started to inspect the man carefully.

"Wait, Xue. Something isn't right."

Rugi's forehead was glistening with sweat and his breathing was growing ragged.

Xue paused.

Kai: "Cecil is right, I am sure you can sense it about now, Xue."

Zasiok: "He has been afflicted with dark magic."

Leonaut: "Just like Cecil."

Alric: "I-it looks painful."

Sid and Shin nodded along with Alric.

Isleif: "..."

Cecil adjusted Rugi's position, ensuring that he was laying properly on her lap. She took his arm and started to measure his pulse, a look of concentration present on her beautiful face.

Tsuki crouched down beside Cecil, blinking in surprise.

"Don't tell me, you are a healer as well?"

"I am still training," Cecil nodded. "But yes, I am."

Tsuki shook her head in disbelief, scoffing.

"...it's here." Xue suddenly spoke out.

The two women looked up at him.

Xue crouched down, loosening the clothes around Rugi to expose part of his abdomen to them. On his abdomen, similar to Cecil, there were black tendrils extending and spreading throughout his body.

"Dark magic?" Cecil whispered out in disbelief. "It's Jehan..."

Tsuki gasped in horror, covering her mouth. "This...this is..."

"We need to meet up with K'xug quickly," Xue muttered out, gazing gently at Cecil. "Especially for you."

"Miss Tsuki, I apologise, but from this moment onwards..." Cecil inhaled deeply, her voice solemn. "I need to request you of a few things and to keep all of these a secret."

"If it's for the owner," Tsuki stood up, bringing her hand away from her mouth. "I'll do anything."

"Thank you," Cecil nodded, glancing at the ash blonde-haired man crouched down beside her. "And Xue..."

"I'll do anything you tell me," Xue stated without hesitation, pointing to Rugi. "But first, get him off your lap."

"..."

"..."

The two ladies were speechless.

Meanwhile, the soul fragments inside Xue's head were giving him a thumbs-up. For them, their host got his priorities right.

***

Haru and the others finally found their way to Miss Tsuki.

The mercenary took his own sweet time to explain the circumstances to the crew. Albeit, his information was vital to all of them.

Of course, not wanting to let such a crucial person slip away, they took him as extra luggage. Among them, the only person who had strength to spare was K'xug, hence, the mercenary was left with K'xug.

K'xug simply carried him over the shoulder. His entire body was bound by ropes and he could only wriggle, his effort to struggle was futile.

The person that he wanted to at least contact the most.

The mercenary wanted to cry without tears.

However, the mercenary wasn't the only one K'xug was carrying but also Ryo who was asleep like a log.

K'xug didn't mind, after all, his strength was on a different caliber compared to all of them.

Upon seeing the capable assistant of Rugi, the guards grew confused.

First, it was the Owner himself that came.

Secondly, it was the capable assistant that arrived next with a large crew in tow.

The guards around the town were only informed of a situation where there were enemy spies all over, and they needed to become an obstacle for those enemy spies. Rugi was determined to keep his people in the dark, clearly not wanting any of them to feel the apprehension.

"Please let us in." Masaru asked politely.

"That is, uhm..."

The guards were hesitant.

If it was Masaru himself, they wouldn't hesitate to let him in. However, with such a big crew behind him and faces that they did not recognise, they were cautious, especially in such treacherous circumstances.

"Hey, the two of you!"

A female staff member came running up to the guards as she shouted. She beckoned them and they leaned in, she started to whisper into their ears. They froze before bowing their heads towards Masaru and the crew behind him.

"Please go in," the guards spoke. "Miss Tsuki is waiting for you inside her room."

"This way," the female employee stepped in to guide them. "Please follow me."

All of them trailed behind the female employee.

The lighting in the interior was dim, and the customers were applauding the dancers on the stage. Their revealing costumes were glittering under the soft light, the sultry smiles from the dancers were irresistible.

Unlike Cecil, their costumes and movements were provocative and appealing.

"How pretty!" Hana gasped in amazement. "Cecil should wear something like that and dance too! She'll look even more prettier!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

K'xug, Yun and Kiyae, upon imagining Cecil dancing on stage in such a manner...began to shudder in fear.

"He will explode in jealousy."

"That guy might just bring the entire place down. Not cute at all."

K'xug nodded in agreement.

Hana harrumphed proudly. "But if it's what Cecil wants, Xue can't do anything about it!"

***

The doors slid open and the crew stepped into the room. Finally, they were all reunited after being separated. Despite being over six hours, the separation still felt long and exhausting.

However, their reunion wasn't as happy as they would expect.

The moment they entered the room, they were greeted with the sight of an older woman fussing over Rugi, and there was a faint scent of herbs and medicine lingering in the air. The sea green-haired man was laid down on a mattress with porcelain bottles and herbs placed beside him.

Meanwhile, Cecil was concerned over an ash blonde-haired man whose eyes were closed and his expression appeared disturbed as he sat on the couch. Her hand was entwined with his, and she placed his hand against her forehead, her eyes squeezed close as if she was praying.

On the table in front of the couch, there was a small pail of water and instead of seeing a transparent liquid, all they could see was red, murky water. The cloth hanging on the pail was covered with patches of crimson-red stains as well.

"It's good to see all of you again." Cecil said softly as she lifted her head, looking at them. She looked utterly haggard.

"Miss Tsuki! And Ow-owner?!" Masaru rushed forward, glancing between Cecil and Tsuki. "What is happening here?"

"I would be lying if I said the two of them are fine," she responded, looking at Tsuki. "Miss Tsuki, please update them on the situation."

"What about you?"

"...unfortunately, I am..." Cecil staggered, her grip over Xue's hand loosening. "I am at my limit."

Her eyes closed and she fell backwards.

Everyone gasped and Hana rushed over first to support her friend. She placed her hand on Cecil's forehead, recoiling back in shock.

"It's too hot! I think Cecil is having a high fever!"

"This is bad..." Kiyae clicked her tongue.

Yun nodded.

K'xug tossed Ryo and the hapless mercenary onto the ground. He hurried forward to look at Xue and Cecil.

"Don't even talk about repairing our ship," Haru sighed, running his hand through his hair. "We still have three of our own to take care of, and Rugi's problem to fix."

"Tsuki, what's happening here?" Yun questioned.

"Mhmm..." Tsuki stood up, facing them as she touched her cheek with her hand. "How do I even begin to explain this? I am not too sure of the situation myself..."

"I'll explain."

"...!"

"Xue!"

"You are awake now?!"

Everyone was surprised to see Xue standing, wiping away the blood on his lips. He gazed at the blood on his finger, blinking rapidly and he brought his head up to face everyone.

That...

...isn't exactly Xue.

Hana and K'xug were the only one who knew that the ash blonde-haired man wasn't Xue. Their thoughts aligning with one another.

It was another soul fragment inside of him taking control.

***

Pt. 1

《 start 》

I should be the one saying sorry.

I said I