Cecil observed the figure floating down in the air, his white wings and ash-blonde hair shimmering slightly. His grey eyes were locked onto hers and she couldn't look away, her beautiful onyx irises trembling.

They were still in the middle of a battle amongst the three races, and Cecil knew that.

It was what made her upset.

Yet, she didn't want to look away from Xue.

The expression she wore on her face went from awe to conflict.

Ah...

I wanted him to come back quickly.

...but not come back to a sight like this.

She didn't want him to come back to the midst of another war.

It was because of this same war that he lost everything.

His parents.

His friends.

His morality.

His happiness.

She didn't want to remind him of that misery.

Xue began to make his way towards her but he was interrupted by Veau. The two of them started to engage in a fierce battle.

"Hey, Cecil! Looking away is going to get you killed!" Linqin exclaimed, shoving Cecil away.

Linqin's treasured mount rushed in, snarling and chomping down on the sword that swooped down towards Cecil. The angel using the sword withdrew back quickly, clicking their tongue in disappointment.

Cecil stumbled, blinking awake and looking behind her.

"Why are you standing there in a daze?! Have you forgotten where you are?"

"I...I just..."

"What? Too overjoyed at reuniting with your beloved? From the expression on your face, I doubt so."

"I didn't want to welcome him back with a sight like this. Not like this..." Cecil muttered out, her tone was soft. "He has been through enough, I can't put him in that position again."

"..."

Linqin paused.

After she withdrew from the academy and travelled back to her home, seeing the tragedy before her eyes and the suffering she had to experience with her dearest brother...

She had an inkling as to what Cecil was referring to.

"Look carefully, Cecil Lan."

"...?"

"Where do you think he is focused on?" Linqin rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Those painful memories are far from his mind right now, since all he sees is you."

Cecil lifted her eyes, seeing Xue surging towards her and ignoring everything else around him. Somehow, he managed to shake Veau off. His grey eyes were fixated upon her, as if she was the only one that mattered.

"I don't even have to look to know he is smiling right at you."

Linqin was right.

He really was.

It was blinding.

"As long as you are here, those painful memories will drown themselves out," Linqin sighed, grimacing at the fact she had to say all those saccharine words to comfort Cecil. She whistled, calling out to her treasured mount. "Let's go, my treasure, and take those bastards down!"

Her mount let out a roar, dashing towards her and Linqin leapt onto it in one swift motion. She disappeared into the battlefield.

At that moment, Xue landed right in front of her as he inhaled deeply. There were a few cuts on his face with his scuffle with Veau, however, he was still as handsome as ever.

His eyes were full of adoration as he gazed at her, never once looking away from her face.

His smile remained, bright and warm.

"I am here to fulfil my promise."

"...what?"

"To return to your side, that's what I promised, didn't I?" Xue lowered his voice, reaching his arms out and pulling her into an embrace, his wings encircling her as he whispered the next word. "...Oracle."

"What did you just call me?"

"Nothing."

[ Unbelievable. ]

"AI500?"

[ He remembers it all now. ]

[ The connection between you two is unprecedented. ]

[ Truly amazing~ ]

"...?"

Unfortunately, without even giving her time to recover or question, Xue began to glow due to the light magic bursting out from his body. He turned his head, glancing coldly upon the angels and demons who were charging towards him and Cecil.

Spears of light magic began to surround him and Cecil as they hovered in the air. Xue furrowed his eyebrows, feeling a strain on his body as pain coursed through him. He hasn't fully recovered his powers since he was still lacking some soul fragments, albeit, it was good enough to serve as a deterrent for now.

The sight blinded the angels and demons who neared them, and those who were far enough were frozen in shock. This was the sight they always saw when Xue, the Supreme God, was on the battlefield.

"Th-the Supreme God..."

"He's...back?"

"Yo, isn't that Xue?!" Haru exclaimed.

"As usual, he only has Cecil in his eyes." Kiyae sighed, shaking her head.

"Strong! He looks strong! He became stronger! I can feel it, I can see it!" Ryo burst out in excitement, his silver eyes sparkling.

"Calm yourself, Ryo. Now is not the time." Yun warned.

On the other hand, Cecil tried to get a good look at the situation but she was blinded by Xue's powers and was forced to squeeze her eyes shut.

I can't see anything.

What's going on?

Xue feels...different.

The next second, she felt her body being shifted around.

Xue was carrying her in his arms now.

"Xu-Xue?!"

"Too much disturbance."

"Where are we going?!"

"Somewhere quiet," Xue leaned in, nuzzling his nose against hers. "Somewhere just you and me."

Cecil stiffened, growing flustered at his affectionate action.

Just what happened to Xue inside the mirror?

Unbeknownst to them, there was another trail of light following behind them, cutting through the air.

It was the mirror.

The angels and demons who were awed at the magnificent sight of Xue in his glory days did not notice the dark presence making its way out of the giant hole in the ground. He took a few steps forward, and they finally noticed his presence, all of them flinching back.

"Demon lord!"

"My lord!"

"What are you doing here, my lord?!"

"To think there'll be a day you would trick me and I would fall for it," Veau narrowed his eyes, smirking wryly as he disregarded the questions from his people. "Not bad, Xue."

His demonic red eyes were fixated on the mirror following after the pair of lovers, his expression inscrutable and his eyes moved down to his hands when the mirror was out of sight.

In his palm, there were three pristine white feathers that were tied together by a shimmering thread to form a necklace. The feathers never lost its lustre, as if it was alive. Veau closed his eyes and brought the necklace to his chest.

I don't believe it.

I know you are still existing somewhere.

Veau clutched onto the necklace, his face contorted with pain.

"I'll find you and wait for you," he whispered to himself. "No matter how long it takes."

Veau took a step forward when a few of his subordinates rushed up to him, bowing their heads in greeting.

"Demon lord, let us come with you!"

"No need, this is a problem between me and him."

His body began to disappear into a mist, moving in the direction where Xue and Cecil escaped to.

"Isn't that the weird self-proclaimed devil?" Haru muttered, squinting his eyes.

"It seems...he is going after Xue and Cecil." Yun noted.

Haru widened his eyes. "Isn't that bad?"

"It is." Yun nodded, but not making a move to do anything.

"Captain, you are always free to stop them." Kiyae grinned.

Haru recalled back to the moment he stepped in between Xue and Veau for destroying his ship, and he was punched and kicked into the air by the two of them. He could still feel the pain from that day and he shook his head vehemently.

"No thanks," Haru raised his arms in the air. "That is Xue's problem to handle now."

"I want to go, I will go! Let me, me me me!" Ryo exclaimed happily, volunteering himself without any hesitation.

"You stay here and complete what you were supposed to do." Yun stated, grabbing Ryo by the collar.

Ryo slumped his shoulders.

All of a sudden, the crew was surrounded by angels and demons.They recognised these mortals to be the one that stole the horn from them and gave it back to their rightful owner who was going on a rampage on them now.

"If we get rid of you, the horn will be ours to claim."

"I'll be the one to take their heads, angel."

"Keep your filthy mouth shut, demon."

"We have our own problems to handle too." Haru smirked.

"Aye, captain!"

"Yes."

"Aye...captain..."

The four of them stood back to back before rushing into the fray.

***

Cecil had her arms around Xue's neck, her surroundings were a blur as Xue flew through the air with his stark white wings. She admired his wings before directing her onyx irises towards Xue, gazing at him quietly.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"It's just...you feel different somehow, but..." Cecil responded as she lifted her hand, caressing his cheek. "I'm glad you are alright."

"I would never leave you alone," Xue stated, his fervent eyes gazing right at her. "Not even death will take me away from you."

Cecil smiled.

"You are smiling, but you don't seem happy at all." Xue said softly, nuzzling into her hand.

Cecil faltered, blinking rapidly. She didn't expect Xue to catch on to her mood that quickly, she thought she had hid it perfectly.

"I'm so–"

"Don't apologise." Xue interrupted, unhappy.

"Alright, I won't. I just wanted you to return at a better time. Where you didn't have to see a war between the angels, demons and mortals."

"Why?" He asked, baffled.

"..."

Cecil hesitated.

"Don't worry, just say it."

"I...didn't want any bad memories to resurface for you. I wanted to settle this problem as quickly as possible, but..."

"...?"

Xue was bewildered for a moment before his eyes widened in realisation.

The suffering he went through was because of the war between the angels and demons. If it wasn't because of that, he wouldn't have to experience such pain and misery.

She was upset for his sake.

He was rendered speechless and could only stare at Cecil.

"Are you okay? What happened in the mirror? Did you get hurt again?" Cecil questioned, concerned. "I don't want to see you suffer anymore. I should have gone in with you."

Xue didn't answer, lowering his head.

"..."

"Xue?"

He descended down and Cecil glanced behind her, her eyes widening in surprise. It was the Sacred Forest and due to Linqin using the horn earlier, the Sacred Forest was now deserted. There were only small animals remaining within the forest, remaining out of sight.

Xue lowered Cecil onto the ground and she stabilised herself.

At that moment, Xue marched towards her.

She stepped back instinctively, blinking in confusion but Xue didn't stop. They continued like this until Cecil collided against the tree trunk behind her, making her gasp.

"Xue, why–mmph."

He leaned in and kissed her, not letting her finish her sentence.

Cecil was dumbfounded.

Resting his hand above her head, Xue leaned in further. His kisses were fervid and intense, leaving her completely senseless as her head spun. Cecil found it difficult to respond back with equal fervour, taking a step back.

Just then, Xue reached out with his other hand, encircling her waist and pulling her back.

Cecil gasped.

"Don't run away." Xue pleaded, biting and suckling at her lower lip. "Please."

"I-I got it, I got it so..." Cecil panted, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Don't be so hasty."

"I can't help it."

Xue started to smother her with his kisses again.

"You are too lovely."

He said in between the kisses.

"Too cute."

Once more.

"I love you."

Yet again.

Cecil found it hard to breathe but she was melting into the passionate kiss, her arms moving up to his neck and her hands slowly dug into Xue's hair, tousling it. Xue shifted his other hand from above her head to her waist, embracing her as his fingers trailed along her hips teasingly.

"...!"

At that moment, Cecil shot her eyes wide open.

She felt something passing her lips and diving right into her mouth.

His tongue tickled the roof of her mouth, making her shiver and her eyes fluttered close. Eventually, his gentle actions seized and he grew intense like before, it was as if he wanted to swallow and devour her wholly.

It was no use telling him not to be hasty...

Cecil sighed into his lips.

The forest was tranquil as the pair of lovers drowned in the throes of passion.

After a long while, Xue withdrew, a thread of silver joined at their lips. He admired her glistening, red and swollen lips with a wolfish smile, panting heavily.

"You never change," he said softly, peppering kisses onto her jawline all the way to her earlobe. "Whether it was then or now."

He nibbled on her earlobe in a tantalising manner.

"You never changed at all."

"Mm." Cecil let out a tiny grunt, twitching.

She was in a daze, looking at Xue with half-lidded eyes, her irises reflecting her confusion over his words.

"...I never changed?"

Her pellucid onyx irises reminded him of his first meeting with her, the very first time he saw her without the blindfold.

Her eyes were exactly the same, and it reflected only him.

Seeing such a sight, a flood of emotions overwhelmed his heart. The many lifetimes they experienced together...all the way to the very first time they met in this world.

They were finally reunited.

Once again, from the world that they began from.

He swore he would protect her.

He swore he would free her from the curse.

The promise he made across many lifetimes, he wasn't planning on breaking it anytime soon.

Not ever.

Xue hugged her tight, littering kisses all over her face.

"I love you."

"I love you so much."

"I'll love you till the end of time."

"I love you, Cecil Lan."

I love you, Oracle.

I'm sorry for taking so long.

Cecil blinked rapidly and she eventually recovered from her daze, giggling into his arms.

"I-I got it, Xue! Okay, I got it!"

"I love you."

"Stop it!" Cecil laughed, trying to push his face away.

"I will never stop loving you."

"It's ticklish!"

Just then, Xue stopped abruptly and stared at her.

"...?" Cecil tilted her head.

"Why aren't you saying it back?" Xue pouted.

She laughed once again, tiptoeing and resting her hands on his shoulders. She leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead.

Xue closed his eyes, relishing the moment.

"I'll love you till the end of time," Cecil spoke ardently, her fingers stroking his cheek before she placed a kiss on it as well. "Everything that I am, I'll give it to you."

Hearing those last few words, Xue stiffened and didn't dare open his eyes.

No, I need to calm down.

It hasn't happened yet.

I won't let it happen again.

Xue readjusted his mind, lifting his eyes open and he gazed fondly at Cecil standing before him. He took her hand, kissing it softly.

"Ah, that's right!" Cecil gasped in realisation.

Xue looked at her.

"K'xug and Hana," she frowned in worry. "They aren't back yet. It has been three or four days now."

"Three or four days in the heavenly and demon realm..." Xue muttered, calculating the time difference.

"There is no possible way for me to gather news of them." Cecil sighed.

"Don't worry," Xue reassured, playing with her hair. "They'll be fine."

"How do you know?"

"I know K'xug well enough," Xue smirked. "Due to what happened with Hana and what she had to go through, and what he did, he would sacrifice his entire being to ensure she would be back here safe and sound. Unless he dies, which he wouldn't allow so easily, not a single hair of Hana will be harmed."

"Physically, Hana may be fine, but mentally..." Cecil lowered her head, tapping her finger on her chin. "She might be too consumed by her own self-hatred and pessimistic thoughts to even listen."

"..."

Xue couldn't find a comforting response to that.

Cecil knew Xue would be in a difficult position to respond to this statement.

After all, Hana wasn't the brightest person and in her lowest moments, she had no one other than a deranged Xue to lean on. Being in an unhealthy environment and surrounded by an equally unhealthy person, it wasn't surprising to know someone like Hana would make such a silly mistake.

Alas, that mistake was her breaking point.

At that moment of her breaking point, Veau and Zeau stepped in and escalated the situation. It was too much for an unstable Hana to handle.

Even before she could recover, Veau erased her memories and took away her powers.

Thus, when everything came flooding back in, the time from that moment resumed in an instant. She was still the Hana from that day, frozen in time and mind.

Just how long would it take Hana to recover?

"Part of the blame goes to me," Xue admitted, withdrawing a few steps and resting his forehead on his hand. "When I grew insane from the betrayal and the death of my parents, the paranoia of being betrayed again and the loss of my identity..."

Xue sighed, squeezing his eyes shut.

"How am I ever going to make up for my mistakes?"

Towards Hana.

Towards you.

Cecil furrowed her eyebrows, approaching Xue and taking his hand, entwining them together. "For anyone that went through what you did, it was unreasonable to expect you to remain sane."

"It doesn't make me innocent, no amount of apologies would make up for my mistakes," Xue said, squeezing her hand and looking Cecil in the eyes. "I'm sorry for everything I put you through, Cecil Lan."

The unpleasant memories from the past flitted through her mind, especially when Xue wanted to absorb Kai at the very beginning.

"It's fine, I forgive you."

"You shouldn't forgive me that easily."

"I'm making this decision myself, so no," Cecil smiled, shaking her head and his hand. "I decided to forgive you and no one can say anything else about it, not even you."

Xue was speechless.

She was speaking the truth.

If it was the person herself saying that she forgave him, he couldn't refute her words.

His gaze became extremely tender and affectionate.

How could he not love someone like that?

How could he survive without her by his side?

"Thank you," Xue smiled back, lifting her hand up and pressing his lips onto it. "For K'xug and Hana, I will check on them if they aren't back."

Cecil took a moment to process his words.

"...Xue, do you mean..."

"Yeah," Xue nodded. "I am planning to return back to the heavenly realm."

Cecil widened her eyes in surprise.

"When I do return, I'll check in on them right away."

"You...really want to return there?"

"...yeah, I do."

She hesitated before she smiled, stepping forward and hugging Xue. "That's fine, whatever you wish to do, I'll support you."

"Even if it's to kill the angels and demons?"

"That..."

"I'm joking," Xue chuckled. "I'm not going back there to do that."

"What do you plan to do?"

"...when the time is right, I'll tell you everything."

"Alright, even if you don't tell me, I'll still support you."

Xue felt extremely blessed.

If this woman wasn't by his side, he doubted he would have remained sane at all.

The soul fragments agreed with Xue in his head, relishing in the hug that they shared with Cecil. At that moment, Kai started to share the stories of the early days when he met Xue with the other soul fragments.

Xue grew annoyed, switching off the mind link with his soul fragments.

"...!"

Just then, Xue stiffened and he separated from the hug, pushing Cecil behind him. He summoned out his spear, extending his wings out.

"What are you doing here..."

A black mist trailed down to where they stood and from the black mist, a tall figure stood at the same height as Xue.

"...Veau."

His cobalt-blue hair shimmered in the sunlight that filtered through the leaves of the trees. There was an indolent expression on his face but there was a dangerous glint in his demonic red eyes, stretching his hand out to Xue.

"Give it here."

"What do you want?" Xue growled out.

"What else?" Veau tilted his head, narrowing his eyes as he lowered his voice. "The damn mirror that you trapped Eona in."

***

《 start 》

You never once changed.

The you I loved from the start.

The you I loved till now.

You never changed at all.

...from now till the end of time...

I will never stop loving you.

《 stop 》