A/n: long a$$ chapter ahead

❝ ..... ❞

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Almost half of the monsters die, but they're getting exhausted. (Name) takes a deep breath before she summons Rayne's Partisan and lungs at the remaining monsters.

Slashing it dead, she pants heavily as her knees give up on supporting her weight. Her vision is getting blurred and she knows she's not going to last long.

"What are you doing, little one? Get up and entertain us!" One of the monsters swings a hatchet at her, earning a gasp from the crimson cane.

Orter sends another sand drill, wiping away the monsters around (name). He gets to her and lifts her up by her arm.

"Take a break, (name). You're exhausted." He mutters, a hint of concern evident in his voice. She shakes her head, "No. I can still fight," she shakily stands up.

Suddenly, she pushes him harshly, away from their spot to dodge a flying axe. Orter clicks his tongue as he sends more sand drills at the monsters.

He notices a slight change in his magic power. The sand drills are bigger and faster, making it easier to kill the creatures. He raises an eyebrow as he looks at his wand in curiosity.

That's when he sees a flash of red in his vest's pocket.

He takes out the crimson locket and frowns. Knowing that it is made of Flynn's blood, the author of the unique book he gets, makes him slightly uncomfortable.

He raises his head from the locket to find the crimson cane. "(Name), why is your locket with me-"

His breath hitches.

(Name) is there. On the ground. Her head is turned to the other side, so he can't see her face.

Did she pass out?

No answer for that question. He makes his way to her, simultaneously sends attacks at the monsters. His heart beats fast, adrenaline rushes in his blood. The uneasy feeling engulfs him whole, and he doesn't like it.

When he reaches her, he crouches down. "...(Name)?" He calls out hesitantly.

"....."

No answer.

He takes her in his arms, her eyes are closed. She must be passed out, he notes.

But she's cold.

No movement that gives him a sign that she's breathing. No pulse can assure him that she's alive.

He finds no fatal injuries that can kill her. But her blood is escaping from everywhere; her eyes, mouth, ears, nose. She's bleeding internally.

A fragile body won't be able to hold such strong magic.

He always finds that sentence amusing. But now, he hates it.

His arms around her limp figure tighten. He lowers his head, the glasses that almost fall off are not adjusted.

The crimson gem shines brightly as the whole floor except under him turns into sand. The gravity completely suck in the monsters into the sand, like a quicksand.

He feels his own energy drain out. He knows he won't last long from the start.

He expected he'd be the one to die first. But once again, she exceeded his expectations.

He falls onto the ground beside (name), his hand holds onto hers. He turns to the side to stare at her face that he always adores.

The face that has that smile and small blush whenever she talks to him. The same face that allows him to love.

God, please. Let me see her again.

He brings the pale hand to his bloody lips, kissing it gently.

Please. Just once.

Let me admit the feelings that I always deny.

They say you'll gain freedom once you die. All the burden on your shoulders disappears, and you can rest in peace.

But Orter doubts so.

Because he no longer has his freedom.

.
.
.

"Let's welcome the new divine visionary, (name) (last name)." Mr. Bless announces as the new visionary nods her head as her greetings, a soft smile plasters on her face.

"Nice to meet you," she says softly.

Orter has a frown on his face. Yet another comrade that he might despise.

She looks so cheerful, innocent, and free. Unlike him.

Plus, based on the data, (name) (last name) only has two years of experience using her magic. Why would Wahlberg let someone inexperienced like her become a visionary?

Sometimes the old man's judgement is really questionable.

ꕥ

What's wrong with that four-eye guy?

She frowns internally as she listens to Kaldo's introduction. She is smiling, but inside, she's judging every person in the meeting room.

He looks like he wants to kill me with his stare.

But eh, she'll ignore him. She doesn't have the time to worry about people's judgement on her.

All she needs to do is prove Fabian that she can be a fighter too.

Ryoh is a good cable. He helps her with her magic and becomes a visionary. Now she can see why Fabian chooses this narcissist as his friend.

The divine visionaries are full of interesting people, (name) admits. There is an immortal, a guy with a weird taste in food (who the hell eats sashimi with honey? gross-), a narcissist that she knows very well and more.

And there is this rule-obsessed four-eye guy.

(Name) doesn't get this guy at all. She is sure that she didn't do anything unpleasant, but he keeps staring at her as if she just commits a murder.

Nodding her head when Kaldo decides to excuse himself to get some snacks, she leans to the side, towards Ryoh. "Hey," she calls out, earning his attention. "Yes, (name)?" He asks, smiling gently at the girl.

The newly-recruited visionary averts her eyes at the desert cane without turning her head at him. "What's wrong with that guy? He's rude for staring at me like I just do something unforgivable," she frowns.

Ryoh looks at Orter who is now talking to Sophina who approached him a moment ago. He then chuckles, "That's just how he is, (name). He is strict with laws and rationality, so maybe he is not satisfied that you're so strong that you succeeded in becoming a visionary with only two years of training."

"Even so, I don't like him." She huffs.

"Don't be like that. If you hate him so much now, you might have a crush on him later." The light cane teases, wiggling his eyebrows. The (hair colour) haired girl scoffs and shoves him on the shoulder playfully. "Don't jinx it when it involves me, idiot. I don't want to get the effect," Ryoh laughs at her.

She notices those golden eyes on her again. Turning her head at the desert cane, she offers him a kind smile, which makes him look away.

Right. No one needs to know how she really is, Ryoh is an exception. She just needs to keep up that kind attitude, and everything will be just fine.

ꕥ

She low-key wants to bang her head against the wall.

Her first mission is assigned with the four-eye.

Like literally, she can handle being assigned with Kaldo, Renatus or anyone at all, but not him. He makes her want to bury herself six feet underground and meet Fabian there.

She can handle annoying, cocky or an anger issue people, as long as they're okay with her. But Orter, he looks like he doesn't buy her mask.

There is something about her that he's not satisfied with. Ryoh said he might not be satisfied that (name) becomes a divine visionary with just two years of training... is he underestimating her?

Okay, she admits, she herself is quite shocked that she manages to use about 45 percent of her magic power within just two years, when she never really had used it before. She never thought that she had that much of a talent to be able to do that.

But he shouldn't be underestimating her. She hates it.

As they exit Wahlberg's office, Orter pushes his glasses to the bridge of his nose, his golden eyes looking down at her. "Let's make this quick," he mutters. "Just let me do the job, you sit behind and watch quietly. Don't get in my way," That is all he says before he walks past her. (Name)'s eye twitches, but she says nothing and just catches up to him.

"I wonder how you managed to be a visionary," the desert cane murmurs as she walks beside him, frowning. "You only have two-years experience. If you make any mistakes, you'll become a burden."

The crimson cane furrows her eyebrows, does he really need to ruin her mood for the day?

"I won't," she mumbles. "I know how to work. I'm a fighter, just like you." She says sternly, her iconic smile is not found on her face.

Orter stares at her from the corner of his eyes, the loops in his golden orbs almost put her into a spell. He then looks back to the front, humming. "Then make sure you don't get in my way."

ꕥ

"You're such an idiot," Orter stares down at her bleeding form, deadpanning. "I'd never thought there is a magic that harms its owner. Not until you proved me that."

"Shut it," she snarls. If she's not so weak right now, she would've punched him on his pretty face. "You were unaware of your blind spot. I had to move," she mumbles.

"I'd never asked you to save me."

"You're welcome, four-eye."

Orter sighs, his hand adjusting his glasses. "You really are troublesome." He mutters before scooping her from the ground and throws her on his shoulder, as if she's a sack of potatoes.

Dumbfounded, she twitches her eye in annoyance. "What are you doing-"

"Be a good girl and be quiet or I'll leave you here."

Honestly (name) would prefer that.

He takes her to the hospital and the doctor does some inspection on her and treats her wounds. He has some bruises too, but it's not fatal.

"Mr. Orter," the doctor approaches him after inspecting the crimson cane. "Can I talk to you about her condition?"

The desert cane raises an eyebrow. "Why don't you talk to her parents or family?" The doctor shifts nervously as his mind ponders how to tell him.

"Based on her data, she doesn't have any parents," that catches his attention. "It says that she only has a younger brother. He is also suffering from an incurable illness, so he's unable to come over." he says nervously.

Golden eyes unconsciously soften at the statement. Orter pushes his glasses to the bridge of his nose and sighs. "Fine, tell me." He says firmly as the doctor nods his head urgently.

"R-Right. Before that, may I know what her magic does?" The desert cane hums, "Her magic needs her blood so she can make a weapon out of it." The doctor frowns as his eyes trail the words on the paper.

"Ms.  (Name) suffers from anaemia. She's not supposed to make weapons out of her blood, but if that's her magic power... we couldn't do anything."

Orter furrows his eyebrows as he lets the doctor continue.

"But if possible, try to reduce the use of her magic. She'll die if she uses too much blood."

.
.
.

"What do you mean I can't use my magic?" (Name) ponders, catching up to the desert cane.

It's their second mission, and the first thing Orter said after they exited Wahlberg's office was that she can't use her magic and let him do everything.

"You'll collapse again, and it's troublesome." He reasons, and (name) finds it irrational. "Then just leave me there. Mr. Wahlberg assigned me into the mission with you so I can help you."

"I don't need your help," he mutters firmly as he halts his steps. "Your presence just gets in my way. It's better if I'm assigned to this mission alone."

(Name)'s frown darkens as she purses her lips. This guy reminds her of Fabian.

She hates it.

She wants to speak. To tell her rights. But she can't.

Not when that man is awfully similar to Fabian.

Slowly, she lowers her head. "...fine," she whispers. "After this mission, I'll ask Mr. Wahlberg to assign you with someone else. So I won't be a burden." Orter glances back at her, staring at her silently.

"But..." she raises her head, her (eye colour) eyes lock with his golden ones. "I'll prove to you that I'm not a burden. I'll show you that I'm a fighter too. I know I lack experience, but I'll make sure that it won't be the reason for you to underestimate me."

Golden eyes widen slightly as (name) walks past him. Honestly, he expects the crimson cane to protest, and she did. But the determination in her voice and eyes catch him off guard.

Sure, he handled so many people before. But that kind of determination always catches him off guard. That kind of determination that he admires. That kind of determination...

...that is the same as his dead friend's.

ꕥ

(Name) keeps her promise. After reporting to Wahlberg, she asks for a new partner for Orter.

He doesn't mind, of course. It's better actually that he doesn't need to take care of someone as careless as the crimson cane.

Wahlberg stays silent for a while.

"...if you wish so, then I'll grant it. From now on, (name) will be paired with Kaldo and Orter will be paired with Ryoh."

She thanks him and excuses herself before Wahlberg asks for Orter to stay. The older man looks at him in concern,

"Did something happen, Orter?" He asks the desert cane who shakes his head. "There's nothing wrong," he replies. "I just found us as a bad partner. Our chemistry is not quite good. It might affect future missions," he explains.

Wahlberg hums, nodding his head, signing that he understands his reason. "Do you know why I assign you with her?" Orter raises an eyebrow, "I don't. Are there any specific reasons you assigned us together?"

A soft chuckle escapes the older man's lips. "It's Ryoh's request," the desert cane tilts his head to the side, confused. "He doesn't want (name) to go on a mission alone. She is a good acquaintance to him, and I'm sure you're aware of his friendship with the late soul cane?"

Orter nods his head. "Then you must understand him," Wahlberg smiles. "But I understand if both of you don't match each other. It's fine, I'm sure Kaldo can handle her well."

.
.
.

After that, they never talked to each other again.

Two years passed like a blink of an eye, and Orter is already 21 years old. His missions with Ryoh were completed with perfection, as he respects the greatest magic user and he silently appreciates Ryoh's carefree manners.

The blonde might be quite annoying sometimes, but most of all, Orter can handle it.

Now, he's on his way to meet Ryoh for their next mission.

Noticing his presence, Ryoh turns his head to look at him with a smile. "You're unusually late, Orter. What was on your way?"

The desert cane adjusts his glasses and puts a book in his coat. "I was just seeing an acquaintance," he gazes away. "He wanted to give me the book he just finished writing."

Ryoh hums, "I see." He waits for Orter to reach him. "Let's go."

.
.
.

"Can you report to the Bureau alone?"

Orter glances at the light cane from the side.

"I... have some errands to do." Ryoh excuses, his hand scratching his hair sheepishly.

Averting his eyes, Orter nods his head. "Okay." He says curtly as Ryoh thanks him.

Ryoh has a bad feeling. His instinct is screaming at him to go to (name) and Flynn's house, and he's on his way.

(Name) is assigned on a mission with Kaldo. The flame cane is strong, so there couldn't be something wrong, right?

But Ryoh can't ignore his instinct. The last time he ignored it...

...Fabian died.

So he goes to (name)'s house to check on her. It is already past midnight, so she must've completed the mission.

He tries to assure himself that everything is okay. Everything is fine. No one knows (name) and Flynn's relationship with Fabian. Flynn is basically unknown to the public, so no one can harm them, right?

Then why is (name) crying?

From outside, he can hear her wails. He quickly sprints inside, adrenaline rushes in his veins as cold sweats trail his cheek.

He finds no one in the living room nor the kitchen. That leaves Fabian, (name) and Flynn's rooms.

"God, please...!"

The wailing again. His eyes wander around to acknowledge the source of the voice, to get to (name), to take her into a tight, safe embrace, to ask her what's wrong.

Then he sees him.

Standing by the door of his room, a small back facing him. Ryoh heaves out a sigh of relief. He makes his way to Flynn's room, to ask the smaller male about his sister.

But when he reaches the doorframe, he freezes.

Flynn is not standing there.

Inside, (name) is on her knees, in her arms is the youngest (last name). His crimson eyes are staring at Ryoh, but there is no life in them.

"God, please...!" That wailing again. "Don't take my brother. Take me instead. Please...!" Tears streaming down her face as she keeps begging, pleading to God, not to take her beloved brother.

Ryoh falls on his knees by the doorframe. He can't bring himself to the two siblings, he just can't.

He has yet failed to protect another soul.

ꕥ

Flynn's funeral is empty. Only him and (name) attend it.

It's to be expected. (Name) has been hiding Flynn's existence from the public, just like Fabian did to both of them.

All for protection that they failed to provide.

Ryoh puts his grave beside Fabian's, wishing that the two brothers can meet again in the afterlife. He glances down at the girl who is crouching in front of the new-made grave.

(Name)'s eyes look lifeless, as if her soul is taken the moment Flynn died. She stares at the name engraved on the gravestone emptily, her fingers trace the textures of the fonts of her brother's name delicately.

She has been crying for more than two hours, yet she's still sobbing silently. Ryoh's blue eyes soften as he bends to her height.

"(Name)..." he calls out gently. "Let's go home. You cried a lot. You need to rest," he mutters in concern, but the crimson cane never reply.

So he calls her again. "(Name)?" He gently, carefully touches her shoulder, afraid that one wrong move might break her into pieces.

But with just a brush of his index finger against her fragile figure, she collapses.

"(Name)...!"

.
.
.

Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and months turn into a year.

A year has passed since Orter last seen (name). He expects everything, anything but seeing her in that state.

Lifeless (eye colour) eyes, looking at him on the rooftop in confusion. "I want to read," he finds himself saying that sentence. "Read with me."

"I don't like to read, so read for me."

He wonders why she doesn't like to read. She looks intelligent, yet today she seems different. (Name) looks like a different person with a frown on her face.

Just what happened to her throughout the year?

Orter finds himself can't ask the question.

After he finishes, he closes the book and raises his head to look at the crimson cane, only to find her already staring into his eyes. Her dead (eye colour) eyes lock with his golden ones for a skip of a heartbeat before he tells himself to look away.

"Do you still want to kill yourself?"

"Do you want me to?"

He's caught off guard by the question. Sure, he finds her annoying and all, but not to the point he wants her dead.

"Of course not."

He sees a smile on her face, and his heart skips another beat.

"Then I won't." A flash of life glints in her eyes as they crescent, the smile adores on her face. "Thank you, Orter."

That night, (name) almost killed herself. That night, he