Until Then [3]

"Shall we?"

Isaac extended his hand toward Furina, offering a cordial invitation to dance beneath the moonlit sky. The vast expanse above shimmered with a tapestry of stars, stretching endlessly into the cosmos.

The moon hung low, its silver light casting a soft glow on the grassy clearing, while the constellations above seemed to twinkle in sync with their heartbeat, as though the stars themselves were watching.

Furina, realizing what Isaac intended, hesitated briefly. Her mind flickered back to how they had arrived at this moment so suddenly, but soon she brushed those thoughts aside. She knew this was their moment.

She paused for a moment, her lips curving into a soft smile before she placed her hand in his.

"Very well."

Isaac felt a wave of relief as she accepted. With a gentle smile, he took her hand, drawing her closer until their bodies were nearly touching.

Following this, the both of them took off their footwear, letting the natural grass touch their bare skin. The cool night breeze rustled the grass beneath their bare feet, bringing a bit of chill, yet they didn't mind it.

Isaac then held one of her hands in his, his other hand resting on the curve of her waist, guiding her into position. In return, Furina placed her hand lightly on his shoulder, her fingers barely grazing the fabric of his suit.

Still gazing into her heterochromatic eyes, Isaac smiled and leaned in, his voice soft against her ear.

"Thank you for indulging my selfish request, my dear... Archon."

Playing along, Furina responded with the same playful tone, her gaze tender and warm.

"It's my pleasure, my dear... assistant."

For a moment, they stood still, merely looking into each other's eyes, before Isaac took the first step. Their impromptu waltz began slowly, with measured movements as they eased into the rhythm of an unspoken melody carried by the nightly wind.

Perhaps even the Anemo Archon himself blessed this night with the most serendipitous winds.

Their bare feet moved across the cool grass, each step carefully placed, every movement graceful.

Isaac led her in a slow, deliberate spin, their movements fluid as the world around them seemed to give way to them.

He guided her in elegant arcs, twirling her beneath the stars, with the moonlight glinting off her greyish-white hair like woven silver.

- Rustle, rustle

As they twirled and swayed, the sky above shimmered, the stars casting soft beams of light that glistened on the grass.

The night sky was like an ocean of sparkling jewels, with the faintest wisps of clouds floating like delicate silk strands across the heavens. The air was cool— a proof of the coming winter, carrying the fragrance of the chilly night mixed with the earthy scent of the grass beneath them.

Their dance then began to quicken, with Isaac's feet guiding Furina in intricate steps.

A daring spin sent her gown swirling around her legs, only for him to catch her effortlessly, pulling her back into his arms. They moved together in perfect synchrony, each step seamlessly flowing into the next, as though they had danced this way for centuries.

It was an elegant dance, filled with poise, yet beneath the surface, a subtle struggle occurred— soon, the two of them danced while trying to dominate the other. Isaac pushed forward while Furina countered.

There was no hesitation, only the gentle, unspoken battle of wills as they wove their movements in a seamless blend of grace and daring boldness.

Isaac then led her in a sweeping dip, his hand firm on her waist as he guided her toward the earth, only to bring her back up again, their eyes never leaving each other.

Breaking the comfortable silence, Furina, who had been pondering something since earlier, finally spoke, her voice a soft murmur in the night air.

"Earlier... I saw you with Chevreuse..."

Isaac, who had an idea of where her thoughts were drifting, smirked as they continued to dance, effortlessly leading her into a graceful turn.

"Fascinating, isn't it? I can never seem to escape the eyes of the law... always finding myself entangled with them."

Furina chuckled, her laugh light, almost like the tinkling of wind chimes.

"Hehe, isn't that because of your... questionable... actions? If you weren't always so suspicious, I doubt they'd even notice you. Perhaps next time you should try blending in with the crowd."

Isaac shrugged, his smile widening as they spun in a tighter circle, the world around them narrowing to just the two of them.

"An ordinary face in the crowd... Yes, that sounds tempting. Perhaps if I became part of the common people, I won't stand out anymore."

He paused, his smile softening as something flickered in his amber eyes—a subtle melancholy that hadn't been there before. "But then..."

"Would you still look for me?"

For a fleeting moment, Furina noticed the slight tremor in his voice. It was brief, but it was there, a vulnerability he rarely showed, something raw and unguarded.

Sensing his hidden trepidation, Furina's eyes softened. She tightened her grip on his hand and whispered warmly.

"Of course. Even if I couldn't find you... I know I'd be drawn back to you. Or you'd find your way back to me."

She paused for a heartbeat before continuing, her voice a gentle reassurance. "So don't worry."

At that moment, Isaac felt something stir within him, his core trembling at her words. Her simple answer seemed to calm a storm he hadn't even known was raging inside him. It gave him closure in a way nothing else could.

He twirled her again, their movements slowing as the dance became less about steps and more about savoring the moment.

Bringing her back into his arms, Isaac whispered with a grateful smile.

"Thank you. You don't know how much those words mean to me."

In response, Furina laughed softly, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"Hehe, so this is what it feels like to be in your shoes."

She grinned, her gaze playful yet piercing. "Playing coy like this... I could get used to it if it means seeing this side of you."

Isaac laughed along, his smile genuine.

"Let's hope this is a one-time occurrence."

Their dance continued, slower now, more intimate as the night deepened. The moonlight bathed them in a soft glow, their shadows swaying gently across the field.

Furina then spoke.

"By the way... I didn't know you were this good at dancing. You indeed are full of surprises."

In which Isaac replied.

"The surprises aren't over yet."

In a sudden move, Isaac leaned Furina back, supporting her easily as she gazed up at him. She smiled softly without uttering a word, and he gazed down at her as if she were the most precious thing in the universe.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The stars above shimmered brightly, the night alive with the soft hum of the wind, the rustle of the grass, and the distant call of night creatures.

Then, breaking the silence, Furina let go of his shoulder and placed her hands on his face, leaning into his touch as he continued to hold her in the dip. Her fingers traced the lines of his features, gentle and curious.

It was as if she were studying him like a work of art— one crafted solely for her.

Isaac remained still, his eyes fluttering shut as he let her explore. He didn't find it uncomfortable— on the contrary, he welcomed it. He had long since surrendered himself to her, offering her all that he was.

Her fingers slid from his hair to his brow, then to his eyes, tracing down to his lips. She lingered there, captivated.

Under the moon's soft glow, Furin raised her head and leaned in, her lips brushing against his.

- Chu

Isaac, expecting it, closed his eyes and reciprocated, the kiss deep and sincere. It wasn't long, but it spoke volumes—his silent promise of devotion wrapped in the brief, yet meaningful contact.

After a while, Furina finally parted and she found herself looking back at Isaac's amber eyes. Although they weren't as lifeless as they were before, she still felt an odd feeling emanating from them.

Those were the very same eyes that she noticed about Isaac from their first meeting. The very thing that intrigued her about him.

She then opened her mouth and asked a question which she had been curious about for a very long time.

"Your eyes... Tell me more about them."

Hearing this, Isaac paused in silence for a moment. He then lifted Furina from her position and stood both of them upright.

"My eyes... You really want to know about them, huh?"

Holding her hands, Isaac smiled lightly before letting out a short sigh. "I guess... It won't hurt to tell."

"...if it's not fine with you, then there's no need." Sensing his heavy tone, Furina drew back her words and lightly shook her head.

"No, It's fine. I knew this day would come..." Also shaking his head, Isaac chuckled lightly, determined to satisfy her curiosity.

Still holding her hands, Isaac became silent for a few moments before finally uttering a word. "I'm sure that you've noticed the anomaly in my eyes. In fact, I've often been told about them."

"Eerie, creepy, dreadful... tranquil... I've heard all of them before."

He then breathed heavily before explaining. "In truth... They're the result of... something that happened to me in the past."

"You could even say that... It's a consequential characteristic of mine."

"...was it caused by the Institute?" Remembering Isaac's origins, Furina brought up what could have happened. "Did the Institute's destruction... affect you in any way?"

"Something like that."

Isaac didn't deny it. After all, it was half the truth. "This characteristic of mine is just a side effect. That's all."

He had long known about the origins of his nebulous eyes, as well as what happened to it. He was suspicious of it at first, but he eventually figured out the source— it was the system.

From the start, Isaac found it bizarre that such a system exists. It wasn't something of this world, and it doesn't even ask him anything.

Moreover, the abilities it gives him were a bit too familiar for his liking. Fortune manipulation was one thing, but the name of his powerful skill gave it away the moment he pieced them together.

Not to mention Isaac's innate ability to induce serenity, he came to a conclusion.

The system was his very own uniqueness... One that belonged to the Darkness. And Isaac's dark, lifeless eyes were just the side effect of owning such uniqueness.

As for its origins and how he came into possession of it— or rather picked by it— he did not know.

...and to be frank, he did not want to know.

Looking at Furina, Isaac finished explaining and quickly added with a small, tender smile.

"Well? Does that satisfy your curiosity?"

Furina nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile before she leaned closer, embracing him gently. Her voice softened, almost a whisper carried on the night breeze.

"Yes... Thank you. I'm sure experiencing that... must not have been pleasant, and have put some burden on you."

"Not really... Do you know why?"

"Why?"

Isaac lifted his hand, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, his fingertips lingering. He didn't wait for her response. His deep amber eyes, shadowed by a quiet darkness, glistened in the moonlight.

"It's because I managed to meet you. I mean... I lured you in with these eyes, didn't I?"

"Don't go inflating that ego of yours now."

In response, Furina's light laugh danced between them, her arms tightening around him as though anchoring them both to this moment.

"I would've been interested in you... with or without those eyes."

Isaac didn't argue. Instead, he wrapped her tighter in his embrace, silence settling around them like a blanket. The cool wind rustled through the tree behind them, but it felt distant. They shared warmth beneath the vast, star-filled sky, as if the universe itself held its breath for them.

Under the starlit sky, Isaac gazed down at Furina, hesitating only for a brief moment before allowing himself to say the words that had weighed on him for so long.

"I love you... truly."

Spoke the hypocrite who declared that he did not like the Gods. Yet, here he is.

His voice trembled, raw with honesty, but he pressed on.

"From the moon and back... I wouldn't want anything but to give you all that you deserve. I—"

"Hehe, alright, that's enough."

Before Isaac could finish, Furina placed her finger gently on his lips, silencing him. "Any more, and I might not be able to endure the sweetness."

She sighed softly, her breath mingling with the cold air.

"My foolish Isaac... I..."

"I..."

Furina paused, her chest rising as she took a deep breath. Her eyes—vibrant and stripped of all pretense—locked onto his with nothing but longing. This time, unburdened by fear, she continued as her eyes began to moist.

"I love you too..."

"You and your antics, your dedication, your willingness... just you—everything about you spellbinds me. You..."

"You've brought something into my long, bleak life. Something I only ever saw from afar, like a story played out on the stage, and now it's happening to me."

"You are the most wondrous anomaly I've ever known."

"...And will ever love."

Her confession fell like a fragile secret into the quiet night. Furina closed her eyes slowly, sinking deeper into his chest, seeking the comfort of his warmth. A single tear slipped free, falling as if it carried the weight of all she had held back.

'I've gone and said it...'

She thought as Isaac held her, the world beyond their embrace growing distant, forgotten.

'If the plan fails because of this... I've truly placed Fontaine at risk of destruction for my selfishness.'

One of her oaths was, after all, to perform the role of a god. And a god... should not fall in love with a human.

The very notion of love felt like a crime to her, a sin she'd never intended to commit. Yet here she was, confessing it. Her heart bore the weight of consequence, but tonight…

Tonight, that price won't be paid.

"I'm relieved."

Isaac's voice, low and soothing, pulled her from her thoughts. He gently cupped her face, lifting her from his chest so her eyes met his.

"Look, Furina. Look at the sky."

Confused, she followed his gaze, lifting her head to see the vast heavens above them. The stars shimmered in the dark, each one like a tiny jewel against the infinite black. It was as if the sky itself had come alive, a cosmic masterpiece painted just for them to see.

"The world hasn't ended just because of what you said..." Isaac's voice was soft, almost reverent, as if he too was in awe of the moment. "So..."

"Until Then..."

"Let's just enjoy this serenity."

In that instant, all of Furina's worries seemed to melt away due to his words. The heavy burden she carried—her doubts, her fears— slowly vanished, replaced by a quiet serenity. The thing she feared did not come— the waters did not rise and the plan was still in motion.

Furina did not know why and how, but she did not want to know right now. She exhaled, as if for the first time in a long while, she could truly breathe.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice a gentle sigh against his chest.

She nestled closer, resting in his embrace, her gaze still lifted to the endless night. The stars twinkled above them, silent witnesses to their quiet confessions, their presence neither judging nor intervening.

Isaac said nothing more. He merely smiled, holding her close as they shared the silence, letting it speak for them.

It was the best of times.

Volume 2: As The Light Shines — End.

* * *

A/N: And with that... another volume ends. Woo.

I'm gonna be honest with y'all. I didn't think I'd make it this far— I've always had this problem of dropping stories that don't interest me anymore, resulting in... Many... abandoned stories.

But then, one day, an author of a novel I was reading gave a very special advise that just seemed to have... reawakened that writer inside me.

"Know who you are writing for." is that author's advise. It was so simple, yet... makes a lot of sense. Because of that one quote, I now know that, as long as I'm writing this fic to you who had made it this far, I know I can finish it.

Because it's not just me who wants to see the end of this... but you too. As such, I'll try my best to make that happen.

Some thoughts about the next volume:

So uhh... You guys do know that the Fontaine Archon Quest is inspired by the christian bible, right? Wriothesley's ark, Neuvillette's baptism, Focalors sacrificing herself for the sins of humanity, be not afraid, yada yada. You get it.

Anywho, the next volume— actually, this whole fic— still follows that theme.

As for what would happen next... Hehe. I won't say much but here's a little tease:

Lucifer and Satan aren't the same person.

And when the former rebels and gets shunned out, he and the latter would fight to see who claims the position of the devil that entices God's only child.

I have... a lot of plans next volume. Hehe.

As the famous Honkai writer, Shaoji, once said: "This would be a wholesome story."

...also, this chapter just happen to release on Furina's birthday, which makes it a perfect spot to end the volume. So...yeah.