Their position was more than compromising.

Cecil still had her arms around Xue's neck and her lips close to touching his. On the other hand, Xue still kept his arms around her waist, clutching at her kimono lightly as it rode up her leg, exposing her pale ankles slightly.

K'xug gave them a deadpan.

What do you mean appearing out of nowhere?

I have been here the entire time.

K'xug continued to give them an expressionless stare.

Xue narrowed his eyes at K'xug, motioning at him to go away with his hand. He looked back at Cecil, leaning in to continue their kissing session.

Cecil was flustered, glancing hastily at K'xug and smashed her hands onto Xue's lips, a blush apparent on her cheeks.

"What are you doing?!"

Xue raised an eyebrow at her.

He was obviously trying to kiss her.

"How can you still think about--" she hissed in complete embarrassment, unable to finish her words as she extricated herself from his embrace, adjusting her kimono. "Let me go!"

"Tch." Xue pouted in disappointment, releasing her reluctantly. "If he wants to look and not leave, just let him be."

Cecil gawked at Xue in disbelief.

No shame!

He has no shame at all!

Xue grinned at her, interlocking their hands and rubbing circles on it.

K'xug rolled his eyes, shaking his head. He removed his wooden sandals and stepped onto the wooden floor, walking towards Cecil. He stretched his palm out to Cecil, and she leaned in curiously along with Xue.

Just then, a stark white feather formed above his palm, hovering. Anyone could see that it was no ordinary feather, its quality seemed otherworldly and there was a shimmering light surrounding it.

"Isn't this from your wings?" Xue questioned with a frown. "And you imbued it even further with your light magic."

K'xug nodded.

"Uhm..." Cecil blinked, pointing to herself. "Are you giving it to me?"

K'xug nodded again.

Cecil tilted her head in confusion, not knowing what it was. However, from the immense light magic coming from it, which she could see from her eyes now due to her improved abilities, she could tell it was an important item.

Nevertheless, she couldn't comprehend the reason behind giving her a part of his wings.

She reached out, wanting to take the feather from K'xug's hand but Xue hugged her close to his chest.

"No, don't take it," he growled out, showing an unhappy expression and pushing K'xug's hand away. "If you want one, I'll give it to you next time."

"..."

K'xug gave Xue a deadpan.

Is this really the time to be possessive?

You know the reason why I am giving this to Cecil.

It's because you can't afford to do it now, with your incomplete powers.

Xue seemed to understand that his good friend was lecturing him. However, he disregarded K'xug.

Cecil leaned her head back, staring at Xue in bewilderment before looking back at K'xug. "Why give me such a powerful feather? And from your own wings at that. I can see the light magic just coming out from it, it's almost...scary."

K'xug wore a surprised look.

Xue was equally surprised.

"You can see it?"

Cecil nodded. "I...can."

"But how?"

K'xug showed the same questioning look.

"Actually, I could tell that the auction house owner was a demon from first glance, since I could see his dark magic. This all happened after I woke up." she explained further, staying in Xue's embrace comfortably.

"Is this why you could hear the voice of the judgement?" Xue muttered out, frowning as he shook his head. "No, it's not a good enough reason."

"I guess going through a life-threatening situation with the dark magic in me, it made me grow stronger in a way? It's not so bad after all." Cecil shrugged with a smile.

Xue frowned in disapproval, his other arm coiling around her shoulders. "Don't joke about such a thing."

"Alright, I'm sorry." Cecil laughed lightly.

Xue became unhappy once again, and his eyes met K'xug. K'xug raised his eyebrows knowingly, outstretching his hand towards Cecil again, still holding the feather.

His expression grew gloomy upon seeing K'xug offered his own feather again, he was tempted to smack away his friend's hand again. However, Xue knew K'xug was only doing this for the sake of Cecil whom he saw as a good friend.

"So what's this feather for?" Cecil asked.

"...in situations that are dangerous, especially where dark magic is involved, it can act as a life-saving barrier," Xue started to explain, looking at K'xug. "It is not an easy process to remove one's feather from their wings and imbue it with strong light magic. It's both painful and tiring."

Cecil was horrified, hurriedly accepting the feather from K'xug.

"Something like that...I'll put it to good use!" she exclaimed, showing a helpless look. "You don't need to do something like that, K'xug. Rather than me, Hana would--"

Xue clasped her wrist, stopping her from taking the feather.

"In the heavenly realm, one would go through all this because they consider the other person as someone precious to them," Xue narrowed his eyes, a possessive glint in his eyes as he looked down at Cecil in his arms. "Like their lover, or their lifetime partner."

Cecil went still, her eyes wide in shock, she never knew such a tradition existed. She knew K'xug felt nothing like that towards her, she was more surprised that something considered as a love token in the heavenly realm was given to her, instead of Hana.

K'xug sighed, smacking his palm on his forehead. He lifted his head up and stared at Xue in exasperation.

"Cecil is right, give this to Hana," Xue still remained gloomy, pulling back Cecil's hand. "I'll give my own to Cecil."

K'xug rolled his eyes, patting himself on the chest.

I'll be with Hana the entire time.

She doesn't need this.

K'xug then pointed to Xue, narrowing his eyes.

You are unable to make something like this now, you can't even bring out your own wings! You are still not anywhere close to recovering to your full form!

Demons and angels are both roaming around the mortal realm now, at this rate, you won't be able to protect Cecil on your own.

You and I both know I am only giving this to Cecil for her own safety, and there is no other ulterior motive behind it.

Besides, the one I have in my heart is...!

K'xug lowered his eyes, not daring to finish his thoughts. His hand was still hanging in the air.

Cecil tapped her finger on Xue's arm, tilting her head at him. "Xue, though I don't understand what K'xug is saying, but I can tell from his expression that he is only giving this feather to me because I need it more than anyone else."

"I know what he's trying to say, but..." Xue trailed off, squeezing Cecil close to him. "I still don't like it, because you are mine."

Cecil showed a helpless look.

K'xug raised his eyebrows at Cecil, still offering the feather to her. He was determined for Cecil to accept it no matter what, for her own safety.

Cecil used her other free hand to take the feather, smiling gratefully at K'xug. "Are you really sure about this, K'xug?"

K'xug nodded.

Meanwhile, the entire time, Xue glowered at K'xug. He was resisting the urge to toss the feather back to K'xug, despite knowing that his friend was giving this feather which K'xug painstakingly procured for Cecil's safety.

"Thank you, I'll use it well," Cecil continued smiling. "Thank you for looking out for me."

K'xug smiled amiably.

I'll be more than happy if you use it well.

I do trust your abilities, but...

...!

At that moment, a memory resurfaced in his mind.

"I am not some useless person that needs your help every single time. Stop underestimating me, it's...it's making me feel...mad. Did you know, whenever I stand beside you, I only feel inferior."

"It makes me so inferior, I start to hate myself...and hate you, my friend."

K'xug stiffened.

That's right...

I...I thought I had forgotten all about it.

What if...what if I made the same mistake again?

The light in his eyes dimmed. He watched Cecil with a conflicted look, his eyes lingered on his feather on her hand.

Cecil and Xue noticed his change instantly, their expression becoming concerned.

K'xug opened his mouth, wanting to speak. Once again, he realised he couldn't due to Veau's curse placed upon him. He gritted his teeth, turning away before gathering the courage to look back at Cecil.

At that moment, Cecil was replaced by a familiar face from his past.

It was a male angel with a scar across his eyebrow and right eye.

Someone that was a dear friend to him.

Xue finally left Cecil's side, marching towards K'xug and placing his hands on K'xug's shoulders.

"Oi, K'xug, snap out of it. I know that look," Xue said, wearing a solemn look. "You don't need to dwell on it anymore, Cecil isn't him."

He still appeared conflicted.

In the past, Xue had seen this same face on K'xug many times before. Whenever K'xug offered help to anyone close to him, he always seemed in pain as he did so and he would utter a few cold words in response.

...all to hide the pain.

It took Xue a long time to convince him that what he was doing wasn't wrong.

"Having someone like you to rely on for help, we are grateful for it," Xue emphasised. "None of us will never feel any sense of inferiority or hatred towards your actions, K'xug."

"..."

K'xug lowered his eyes.

Xue felt his soul fragments stirring on the inside.

Rugi: "Till this day, he still hasn't moved on. Even though his friend was the one at fault."

Rugi sighed on the inside.

Meanwhile, the soul fragments all turned to Rugi with a confused glance. It was only Isleif that glanced at Rugi, a hint of understanding flashing past his eyes.

Rugi: "Seems like most of your memories aren't complete."

Rugi smiled at the soul fragments. They urged him to speak and Rugi simply dodged their questions with the same seductive smile.

Cecil was staring at K'xug in concern. "K'xug, are you alright? If it's really that difficult, just take it back."

She noticed his hesitant look on his feather.

After all, hearing what giving away your feather imbued with your own magic meant in the heavenly realm, Cecil was still reluctant to accept it. Alas, she couldn't reject it if K'xug wanted to give it to her as well, since the man himself put in so much effort.

"It's fine, since it's really important," Cecil smiled brightly. "If I'm ever in a dangerous situation, I know I have everyone by my side, and I can rely on everyone to have my back, no?"

"That's right," Xue smirked, smacking K'xug on the back. "It's like I said, didn't I? None of us will ever feel that way around you, K'xug."

Cecil heard Xue's words, knowing there was another implied meaning behind it. Nevertheless, she did not pry.

With his friends reassuring him, K'xug broke out from his depressing memories. He shook his head at Cecil with a smile, pushing her hand that was holding his feather closer to her.

After which, his figure disappeared in a flash.

"Now that I think about it," Cecil focused her attention on Xue, her tone still holding a hint of concern. "Are you alright, Xue?"

"About what? If it's the feather, I still don't like--"

"Assimilating with Rugi."

Xue gave her a questioning look.

"Rugi was afflicted by dark magic, and it seemed to hurt you when you absorbed Isleif before..." Cecil trailed off, recalling some bad memories and she hurriedly shook it off, her hands on his face. "Are you sure you are okay? You are okay, right? Right?"

Xue grinned at her apparent concern for him, holding her hands.

It was gratifying.

"With that red-haired bastard, it was different," Xue spat the first few words out, before softening his tone. "In a way, the dark magic was inflicted on his soul. For Rugi, the dark magic was a superficial wound."

"Is it something to do with the way he absorbed all the other souls?" Cecil questioned.

Xue had the urge to pinch the tip of her nose, and he did so.

"Probably, but I have no reason to find out."

"Then, that means..." she furrowed her eyebrows, sounding worried. "Jehan, that evil soul fragment we encountered earlier, you will have to..."

Seeing such an expression on her face, and it was all directed towards him, Xue could only continue to smile.

It was as if he could melt into a puddle of bliss.

"Don't smile like that, I'm being serious."

"You are so cute."

"I'm being serious!"

"Alright, I know, I know," Xue brought her hands down from his face, still holding onto them as he squeezed them lightly. "Don't worry, it won't be like last time."

"Then, just like how I promised you that I'll get hurt less, promise me you won't just recklessly absorb him."

"Alright," Xue said affectionately, placing a soft kiss on her hand. "I promise."

There was a white glow within Cecil's palm and she gasped, opening it up.

The feather was still there.

Xue's expression changed.

"I still don't like it."

Cecil laughed quietly.

***

Pt. 1

《 start 》

Damn feather.

Annoying feather.

Stupid feather.

Once I get my powers and wings back, I'll give ten of my feathers to Cecil.

No, ten isn't enough.

Maybe a hundred.

...or a thousand.

《 stop 》

***

Pt. 2

《 start 》

Xue remembered his good friend K'xug.

The man had a tragic past.

He first met K'xug at the place that was close to the border between the heavenly and demon realm. It was a place angels rarely went to, and a place where spiritual heavenly animals resided.

Along with them, there were curious souls of both angels and demons. However, those same curious souls possessed cruel hearts.

After all, the main residents of that abandoned area were half-breeds.

To be more specific, they were known as abominations.

A mixture of angel and demon blood.

They weren't supposed to exist. Even if they were to exist, they went through an excruciating process to achieve a balance between both blood at their birth.

Supreme God. Where have you been?

Nowhere.

Have you once again visited that dirty place near the border?

Xue glared at his assistant.

The assistant cowered back, lowering his eyes as he bowed his head.

It's not dirty! None of them are! The sooner we get rid of this useless prejudice, the easier it is to unite the people.

Supreme God...

Unless it is concerning affairs of the realm, not one word.

...I will heed your words.

There were many faces of the heavenly and demon realm.

These were one of the faces that Xue detested.

Whenever Xue visited that place, in disguise as a normal angel, it was futile. The residents occupying that area never revealed themselves.

If they revealed themselves, he was always chased away with their hostile attacks.

Getting them to open up their hearts to me, it's certainly no easy feat.

Xue sighed to himself.

Supreme God!

A guard rushed into his quarters.

Speak.

There is a disturbance at the town close to the border! A half-breed bastard is rampaging--

Mind your words.

So-someone is going on a rampage, hurting innocent people!

Xue spread out his wings, disappearing into a line of light magic. He was there within record time, and he witnessed a chaotic scene before him.

Angels were casting barrier after barrier, containing a copper brown-haired man within. The barriers would always be broken down in seconds, before another conjured up right away.

The man trapped inside was sending out wide slashes with his twin swords. They cut across the air the moment the barrier was down, and those powerful attacks destroyed the elegant buildings within the vicinity. There were many injured angels, and many of those trying to tend to them.

Xue recognised the man.

He revealed himself frequently before Xue, when Xue was in disguise, talking to him. Albeit, his talking consisted of aggressive words and hostile actions.

His talking also consisted of a few, cold words.

However, Xue knew him enough to know that he wouldn't attack indiscriminately like this. Neither would the man wear such an enraged look on his rugged face.

Someone stop this half-breed bastard!

Xue really hated that word.

When the barrier was down, he took the opportunity to slip in. Just then, a few slashes were headed his way as Xue touched the ground.

He deflected the attacks with ease using his spear, observing the man called K'xug.

At the same time, Xue flapped out his wings and light magic burst out. It formed a powerful barrier, causing K'xug's attacks to be futile.

K'xug noticed a new presence in his vicinity.

Supreme God!

The ones outside called out to Xue, but he disregarded them.

I knew you weren't any ordinary angel, turns out, you are their leader.

Sadly, I am.

K'xug had a merciless look in his eyes.

You'll be the last to kill.

Before you do that, why not tell me the purpose behind your rampage?

Xue showed K'xug a toothy grin.

You didn't strike me as the type of person to do something like that. You are actually pretty nice.

K'xug had a chilling expression on his face.

It's for my dead friend.

What does that have to do with the angels here?

These selfish monsters refused to help someone bleeding out from an injury done by one of their own. They let him die.

Xue was in disbelief.

As someone who is known as their leader, I am really sorry.

K'xug smiled bitterly.

I don't need it.

No, I truly am sincere in my--

I sent my friend to his death, so we aren't so different.

Xue was flabbergasted.

K'xug lifted his sword, pointing it to his surroundings and to Xue.

After I annihilate everyone here, including you and this entire damned place, I'll kill myself.

K'xug's eyes glazed over, laughing miserably. It seemed like he had gone insane, there wasn't even a shred of sanity in his different-coloured eyes.

Yes, yes. It's the least I could do for him with this cursed existence of mine.

Are you crazy? Why would you kill yourself? Just because you believed you sent your friend to his death?

K'xug nodded, his crazed eyes growing wide.

I did do so, he hated me because I made him feel inferior with my overpowering strength. He said he would show me he wouldn't need to rely on me any longer, and that he would die before accepting my help once again.

K'xug seemed to have lost his mind now, a tear sliding out from his right eye and rolling down his face.

The look of hate in his eyes, I can still clearly see it.

He died because of my cursed existence.

Xue felt his body trembling.

He realised he was feeling intense anger, for this man before him.

Are you mad?! That's no friend! He is only blaming you for his own faults!

Shut up. Don't insult my friend.

Like I said, that's no friend! Knowing someone out there has my back, and someone I can rely on when I'm in trouble, I would feel grateful for having a friend like that!

You don't know anything.

You are right, I don't. But I do know something, those that I consider my friends...

K'xug was unable to tolerate Xue any longer, wielding his twin swords and charging forward.

Xue readied his weapon.

I would never say or do something like that to make them this miserable.

In the end, the two fought for three days straight. It was only when K'xug collapsed from complete exhaustion, and Xue was kneeling on the ground, the fight truly ended.

Xue laughed with a big toothy grin, offering K'xug a hand. The man quietly took his offered hand before he paused, slapping Xue's hand away. After which, he fainted from exhaustion.

After that fateful day, Xue banished those angels responsible for letting K'xug's friend die. Knowing they could help, but did not due to their prejudices, it was still considered murder.

Murder was taken seriously in the heavenly realm, especially against their own kind.

At the end of the day, half-breed or not, they were still the same on the inside.

K'xug had nothing to say about this, remaining stubbornly quiet.

Supreme God! Doing this will only increase the animosity the people have towards you!

If I don't start being firm, a problem like that will only grow worse. Until one day it overflows, that nothing can stop it anymore.

Of course, I completely understand your kind-hearted intentions. Nevertheless, the people are not ready to accept--Supreme God, where are you going?!

To look for a beaten-up idiot that wanted to kill himself for someone not worth it.

After that, it was the beginning of a rocky friendship between them.

Xue remembered those fond memories extremely well.

He laid on the ground as he was surrounded by an endless void. His arm covered his eyes, and he was laughing miserably to himself.

Just like K'xug did on that day.

It seems like you are the only one left on my side now.

At that moment, within him, the poisonous words influenced his mind once more.

K'xug wasn't on his side.

K'xug abandoned him.

Ah, you probably betrayed me too. Maybe you ran away, since I became something like that.

Xue brought his arm down, tears streaming down his face. However, the expression on his face was utterly cold.

Now, I'm all alone.

No one to betray or hurt me anymore.

But why...

Why do all these memories about everyone keep replaying in my mind?

What exactly...do I want?

What exactly...did I do all this for?

Xue recalled how K'xug said he would kill everyone before killing himself last.

Xue smiled wryly.

I got my revenge.

I killed them all.

Yet he felt nothing.

Just emptiness within his heart.

A world and life like that, I never want to go through it again.

For the first time, Xue realised he was speaking from the bottom of his heart.

Killing myself...it doesn't seem so bad now..

Xue closed his eyes.

Something like destroying his own life force, it was really simple.

He should have really done it from the start.

Perhaps, he would have been spared from this empty and meaningless life.

Now that he thought about it...why has his life always felt empty?

It was as if it was missing something important.

Someone...important?

How ridiculous.

I have gone delirious.

I'll end it all, right here.

Xue raised his hand up into the void, seeing his hand beginning to disintegrate into dust. His expression was unreadable.

The excruciating pain from destroying his own life force was nothing compared to what he has been through.

Xue.

You can rest easy now.

I'll be right by your side the entire time, hmm?

It was a distant voice.

Gentle yet familiar.

Where had he heard it before?

It wasn't Hana.

It's...someone else...

More than half of his body had disintegrated.

...finally, all the noise in my mind...is gone.

So this is what peace feels like.

Xue closed his eyes once more, a serene smile on his handsome face. Eventually, his body had fully disintegrated.

Peace, at last.

Within the endless abyss, there was nothing, not even a speck of Xue's presence.

He had truly ended it all.

Until nothing was left.

The End.

-- Path to the Supreme God

《 stop 》 

***

Author's Note: Oml, I'm so sorry for this insanely long chapter. At that time I was writing this chapter, I kept writing and writing, and it somehow ended up this way. 

Yes, that was the end of the book that Cecil read. Pretty crappy ending, huh?  

Have a great weekend ahead!