STAGE THRITY-TWO: STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL

STAGE THRITY-TWO: STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL

"We have to find Afra as soon as possible. Or Kirin." Alaric suggested. "The celestial orb must be heavily guarded at this point. Without Alyon, how can we even snatch it?"

"Kirin, yes. But if Freyja merges with Afra now, I don't think it'll be easy for her body." Keon argued. "But I merged with Astrid without having the medallion!" Freyja reasoned out.

"You said it yourself! Not having the medallion is totally different from having a non-functioning aura! You can't even call your guardians out now! They are all sleeping like dead!" Keon exclaimed, surprising the two. "We haven't seen a single trace of Kirin and we've been sneaking around for hours. We can't go on like this. I suggest we go for the orb and awaken Freyja's aura even without Alyon's help." Keon held his ground.

Freyja clenched her fists in horrible frustration. It has been a long time since she felt like this. She didn't cry when she was in pain. She didn't cry when blades cut her flesh. But there is no pain greater than watching the people you care so deeply about get hurt, jump into danger, without being able to do anything. The feeling she hated the most, the feeling that tortured her for years. It's coming back now, a hundredfold. For a moment, Freyja blamed herself for being cocky with the white aura and her guardians. Without them, she's completely useless against the ones she's hoping to beat.

"There is a way. Don't worry. There is." Keon pulled her into a hug, and gently wiped her tears off. "I have a plan."

"Are you serious Keon? What is it?" Alaric and Freyja looked at each other, full of hope.

"I am from the Aethelmaer clan, who's said to have descended from celestials. It means that among the three of us, I am best to sense where it is. But I can't concentrate with you two with me here…" Keon bluntly said, facing Freyja most especially. "Especially with Freyja all defenseless. So, here's the thing. I will go on my own, and you two hide the best you could. You can do that, right Alaric?"

"Wait hold on. You're going on your own!?" Freyja almost raised her voice, but good thing she was able to hold back. She instinctively grabbed Keon's hand, not letting him go. "But…"

"Listen, you know very well that I work best in covert missions. Frankly, having you drags me down, Freyja." He explained, gently pulling away from Freyja's hold. "And besides, among us, I can escape the fastest. You know that, Freyja. Us together here won't help."

Freyja fell silent. Keon is right, and what he is suggesting is the logical thing to do. But she couldn't help but worry for him. Keon sighed and pinched her cheeks. "It's okay, trust me. I'll bring get aura back." He smiled, so radiantly, that Freyja almost forgot the predicament they are in. "Alaric, stay here with Freyja and protect her at all costs."

Keon nodded at Alaric, before turning his back. To Freyja, the sight of Keon's back slowly disappearing twisted her heart. But she believes in him. She believes in Keon.

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