> Place : Canut Forest.

> Realm : Sylvir

> Ethan’s Status : 11 Zyk in Fairy age (21 yr in human age), 6’5’’ft,.

> Time : Morning, 1041th Rev of Timestar.

> Population : 90.256946% (Astrylra Realm wiped completely)

As Ethan and Emberis step out of the Mini Dyfost, they are greeted by a once-thriving landscape now reduced to a nightmare. Trees and plants, the essence of the Sylvir Realm, lie in ruins, broken and withered. The sky, usually alive with gentle floating petals, is now eerily still. The devastation is overwhelming.

Emberis, scanning the shattered landscape, can barely contain her disbelief. "What... what happened here?" she mutters, her voice trembling at the sight of the once lush paradise.

Ethan, his expression hardening, replies grimly, "It's Fez. One of Zovrath's Dihodos. I didn't expect this much damage..." He trails off, his eyes filled with concern as he surveys the destruction.

Emberis' face turns pale. "Fez? The same who killed many Wiknis"

Ethan nods, his brow furrowed. "Yeah, and now she’s doing the same here."

With a few quick taps on his tablet, Ethan makes the Mini Dyfost disappear, its form shimmering and vanishing from sight. "This will keep it hidden from Fez and her minions," he says, glancing over at Emberis.

Emberis watches, impressed. "You really are a genius with these things," she remarks, half-smiling.

Ethan waves it off modestly, grinning. "It's your tech, Emberis. I just... played around with it."

She chuckles, trying to lighten the tension. "Ethan, just admit it. You're amazing. Come on, don’t make me say it twice."

Their shared laughter cuts through the heavy atmosphere, momentarily easing the weight of the situation as they walk deeper into the broken forest.

----------------------------------------

Moments later, the gravity of their mission returns. Emberis stands on guard, gripping her glowing blue assault gun, eyes scanning their surroundings. Meanwhile, Ethan is crouched nearby, tinkering with his gadgets, trying to locate the Sylvir fairies trapped somewhere in the forest.

“Come on, come on... work already,” Ethan mutters, tapping his screen in frustration.

Emberis glances at him, still alert. "What’s wrong?"

"The device isn’t picking up their signal. We need to get to higher ground," Ethan replies, still focused on the malfunctioning gadget.

Without hesitation, Emberis grabs the device from his hands. "Higher ground? Easy." In a single, graceful leap, she launches herself up to a towering tree, perching easily on a thick branch. "How’s this?"

Ethan looks up, thoroughly impressed by her agility and strength. "Perfect! Hold it steady for a second."

After adjusting the Prodge, the signal finally pings, and Ethan grins with relief. "**Got them! They're not too far—this way!"** He points out the direction.

Emberis gracefully leaps back to the ground, handing the gadget back to Ethan. "**You and your gadgets,"** she teases. "I bet you’d make one to fix your bad hair days if you could."

Ethan laughs, shaking his head. "If only it were that simple."

The two of them share a quick smile before their expressions shift to focus. They move stealthily through the forest, Ethan checking his tablet as they approach their destination. After a short while, the sound of heavy footfalls and low growls echo from the nearby thickets.

Emberis quickly ducks behind a fallen tree, pulling Ethan along with him. He taps his Prodge, scanning the area. "There are... seventeen of them," he whispers. "Ugly things, aren’t they?"

Emberis tightens her grip on her weapon, eyes narrowing in determination. "Seventeen or seventy, it doesn’t matter. I’ll take them all down." Her voice is calm but filled with fierce resolve.

Ethan grabs Emberis by the arm, pulling her back gently as she readies herself to charge into battle. “Wait! We need a plan," he insists, his voice firm but filled with concern. "*I can’t risk you fighting alone.”

Emberis' eyes soften briefly but harden again as she grips her assault rifle. *"And I can’t risk you. My mission is to protect you, Ethan.”

Ethan takes a deep breath, his resolve unwavering. “And my mission is to save those fairies. So, if we’re talking about numbers, I should be the one risking more.” His voice is edged with determination, the weight of their shared duty pressing on him.

Emberis turns to him, incredulous. "What? No way! You’re staying here while I handle these ugly things. End of story."

But Ethan isn’t backing down. He reaches out, gently tugging her hand, the one holding the massive assault gun, making her pause. “No. We’re going together. Look,” he says, pointing to the group of monsters ahead, “You take down the ones in front, and I’ll handle the ones on the side.”

Emberis stares at him, conflicted. "But Ethan—"

“Please,” he cuts in, his tone earnest. *“Let me help you. We’re in this together.”

Her expression softens for a moment, and with a small sigh, she nods.“Okay... but please, be careful.”

Ethan flashes her a reassuring grin. “What? No. I’ve got you to take care of me.” His playful tease earns a smile from Emberis, who shakes her head at his light-heartedness despite the dire situation.

With the plan set, Emberis silently moves into position. Ethan gives her a quick nod, and together, they spring into action. In perfect sync, they attack the 17 monstrous creatures. Emberis’ assault rifle, glowing blue, blasts through the enemies, each shot eliminating one with precision. Meanwhile, Ethan uses his advanced void vortex gun, a smaller yet equally powerful weapon that creates miniature black holes, swallowing the monsters into nothingness with each shot.

“Seems like they’re not big on conversation, huh?” Ethan jokes as he disintegrates another creature.

Emberis, mid-battle, can’t help but chuckle. “Yeah, well, I prefer them quiet.”

With a final coordinated strike, the last of the monsters falls, and the forest around them falls silent again. Ethan, catching his breath, pulls out his tablet to track the fairies’ signal. But as he searches, his face twists in confusion. “Wait... this can’t be right.”

Emberis, wiping her brow, looks over. “What’s wrong?”

“The signal... the fairies. They should be right here,” Ethan mutters, glancing around. "But there’s nothing... unless they’re underground, but the land is—"

"Ethan!" Emberis interrupts, her eyes wide as she looks upward.

Ethan follows her gaze, his heart sinking as his eyes land on the horrifying sight above them. "Oh... fuck."

Above them, tangled in the massive branches of the towering trees, are the fairies—bound by thick vines, some tied to the limbs, others hanging limply in the air. And crawling over the branches, ready to pounce, are even more of Fez’s monsters, grotesque and snarling.

Before they can react, the creatures leap from the trees, surrounding them on all sides. Nearly 30 more monsters hit the ground, encircling Ethan and Emberis in a tightening trap.

Ethan, ever the jokester despite the dire situation, smirks. “Looks like we’ve got a little company,” he quips sarcastically, though his pulse quickens.

Emberis, her usual playful demeanour now replaced with deadly seriousness, activates her fiery mode. Heat radiates from her body, her eyes glowing a fierce, molten red. “Ethan,” she says, her voice low and dangerous, “stay close to me.”

They stand back to back, surrounded, the heat from Emberis intensifying. Ethan glances over his shoulder at her. “Got a plan?”

Emberis’ lips curl into a fierce smile. “Yeah. Kill them all.”

Without another word, she tosses her assault rifle aside and lets her power surge through her. Flames engulf her red glowing hands, her entire form pulsing with heat. Ethan can feel the fiery aura radiating from her as the first wave of monsters rushes them.

With a battle cry, Emberis unleashes a torrent of flames, burning through the creatures as they attack from all directions. Meanwhile, Ethan struggles to keep up, firing his vortex gun as fast as he can, making several monsters vanish into nothingness. But the overwhelming number of enemies is taking its toll.

Suddenly, one of the monsters grabs Ethan from behind, lifting him off the ground. He gasps, trying to free himself as the creature's claws dig into his arms. "Emberis!" he shouts, panic rising in his chest.

Emberis, her eyes blazing, rips apart the creature she’s holding and rushes toward Ethan with a feral snarl. “Ethan” In one swift motion, she tears the monster holding him to pieces, freeing him.

But in that moment of distraction, several other monsters swarm Emberis, piling on top of her. "No!" Ethan cries, his heart racing as he watches her being overwhelmed.

Emberis struggles against the creatures holding her down, her flames flickering as she fights to break free.

Ethan’s mind races as he watches her fight desperately, knowing he needs to do something—anything—to help her. Ethan reacts quickly, spotting the assault rifle Emberis had dropped moments earlier. He scrambles to pick it up, setting the power to its maximum. The gun hums with energy as he takes aim at the pile of monsters swarming over Emberis. Without hesitation, he pulls the trigger, releasing a massive blast that sends the creatures flying off her in one devastating blow.

But the recoil from the gun is far more powerful than he anticipated—his smaller frame no match for the force meant for Emberis. The blast knocks him back, sending him crashing into the bushes with a pained groan.

Emberis, now free, immediately turns toward him. “Ethan” Her fiery eyes widen in alarm as she sees Ethan in the bushes. She rushes to his side, dropping to one knee as she gently lifts his upper body with one strong hand, cradling him carefully.

"Ethan! You okay?" she asks, her voice thick with concern.

Ethan grins through the pain, wincing slightly as he tries to move his back. “Yeah… forgot to account for the recoil on maximum power,” he jokes, trying to lighten the moment despite his discomfort.

Emberis, however, doesn’t laugh this time. Her worry remains etched on her face as she checks him over. "Thank the stars you’re okay," she mutters under her breath. "Can you walk?"

With her help, Ethan gets to his feet, groaning a little as he stands. “Whoa… that was something!” he says with a half-laugh, brushing off the dirt, still in good spirits despite his pain.

Seeing his goofy grin and playful attitude, Emberis finally cracks a smile. "You really don't know how to get serious, do you?"

Ethan chuckles. "Nope. Not my job. But seriously, are you okay? You’re wounded." His eyes fall on her arms, where cuts and gashes mar her fiery skin.

Emberis glances down at the wounds, her expression casual. “Oh, it’s nothing. It'll heal.” She closes her eyes, focusing her fiery energy, and her arm glows red-hot for a moment. The wounds sizzle, then disappear as her body repairs itself.

Ethan stares, wide-eyed. “Whoa! How did you just… do that?” he asks, clearly impressed by her self-healing ability.

Emberis chuckles softly. *“Just like you do with your gadgets. A little repair work, that's all.”

Ethan frowns playfully. "Come on, seriously, Em. Tell me your secret."

Emberis gives him a teasing smile. *“Later. First, I need to get you back to Ignis. You can't heal your wounds like I can, right?”

Ethan nods reluctantly. *“Right.”

With that, Emberis helps him walk, supporting him with an arm around his shoulders. They approach the trees where the fairies are still tied, some of them unconscious, others groaning in pain. Emberis leaps into action, using her strength and powers to free the captive fairies, gently lowering them to the ground.

One fairy, still weak, looks up at Ethan with gratitude in her eyes. “Thank you… thank you for saving us, Savior” she whispers.

Ethan kneels beside her, despite the pain, shaking his head modestly. “I didn’t do anything… you should thank Emberis. She’s the one who took them down.”

Another fairy, visibly wounded, lets out a pained but determined voice*. “You always say that… you did nothing. But it's always you who finds a way to save us.”*

Ethan rubs the back of his head sheepishly, his face flushing with embarrassment. “Oh… that… I just want to help,” he mutters, his voice shy.

Emberis watches the exchange, her heart swelling with pride. She can’t help but smile, admiring how humble Ethan is despite his bravery.

After ensuring the fairies are safe, Ethan and Emberis work together to help the injured fairies into the Dyfost, a sleek teleportation craft Ethan had helped design. Despite his lingering pain, Ethan powers on the Dyfost, initiating its teleportation sequence. The ship hums to life, and within moments, they all disappear in a flash of light, teleporting back to the Ignis Realm.

As Ethan and Emberis deboard from the Dyfost, the air hums with the aftermath of their successful mission. Medics rush forward, prepared to tend to any wounds. Emberis stays by Ethan’s side, her hand gently yet firmly wrapped around his smaller one as she helps him walk, guiding him toward the medic-bed.

“Easy. Watch your step,” Emberis says softly, concern heavy in her voice.

Ethan winces, but tries to play it off, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I’m fine, Emberis. I don’t need any treatment.”

But Emberis isn’t fooled. She walks beside him, her large hand still gripping his smaller one protectively. “Yeah, I can see that. You can barely walk,” she says, her tone carrying a mix of affection and worry.

Finally, they reach the medic bed, and she helps him lie down, never once letting go of his hand. “Thanks,” Ethan murmurs, his voice grateful but light.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Emberis, however, remains serious. She holds onto his hand tightly, almost desperately, her eyes glimmering with an unspoken emotion. “No,” she says, her voice soft but strained. “Just… don’t forget me.” There’s a vulnerability in her tone as she clutches his hand tighter, her heart heavy with the fear that she might lose him, even though he’s right there. “…Please.”

Ethan’s eyes soften, and despite his pain, he flashes her a warm, reassuring smile. “How could I? You’re my favourite hand-holding fairy.”

Emberis glances down at their hands, her large, strong fingers cradling his small one. For a moment, she can’t bring herself to let go. Instead, she pulls his hand to her chest, her heart aching with the fear of what might come next**. “I’ll always hold your hand,”** she whispers, her voice barely above a breath, her fiery eyes locked with his.

The moment feels suspended in time, but soon, the Fliya Fairies (Specialized in medical treatment) move to take Ethan’s bed away. Slowly, his hand slips from hers, and Emberis feels a deep, tearing sensation in her chest, as though a piece of her heart is being pulled away with him. She tries to hold on for just a little longer, her fingers lingering on his, but she knows she has to let go. As Ethan is wheeled away, they share one last look, a silent exchange of feelings neither has the courage to voice. For Emberis, that brief connection feels like the loss of something irreplaceable.

----------------------------------------

In the same day that follow, Emberis returns to her duties. She moves through the motions, reporting the success of the mission to Aarthel, receiving congratulations, but the words feel hollow. Despite the victory, she feels a deep emptiness inside her, as if she left something behind on that battlefield—something she can't seem to reclaim.

Days pass, and there’s no sign of Ethan. The absence gnaws at her, a constant ache she can’t shake.

Ryznith, finds her sitting alone one evening, her fiery glow dimmed, her thoughts elsewhere. Ryznith sits beside her quietly for a moment before speaking.

“Still thinking about him?” she asks, her voice gentle but knowing.

Emberis stiffens slightly, trying to mask her feelings. “No… no, I was just… thinking about Jiya and Mum,” she replies, though her voice betrays her.

Ryznith raises an eyebrow, her tone playful yet pointed. “Are you lying to me, Emberis? To your best friend?”

Emberis sighs, her shoulders sagging. “No. Really. I know Ethan has a lot of fans. He’s a favorite of many many fairies… like me. I am just… just one of them. probably the last one.”

Ryznith chuckles softly, shaking her head. “No. You’re not just one of them. You’re his favourite. You two accomplished a mission together.”

Emberis scoffs lightly, though a small flicker of hope lights up her eyes. “Like you didn’t go on missions with him?”

“Sure, I did,” Ryznith says with a shrug. “But you know what? He was talking more about you.”

Emberis perks up at that, her fiery nature rekindling for a moment. “Me? What did he say?”

Ryznith grins, teasing her. “There’s my fiery fairy,” she says, nudging her friend playfully.

Emberis pushes her back, laughing despite herself. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

Ryznith laughs, shaking her head. “What? You always light up when you hear his name.”

Emberis sighs, her defences falling as she softly admits, “I can’t stop thinking about him.”

Ryznith wraps a comforting arm around Emberis’ shoulders, pulling her friend closer. “I know. Neither can I. But you know what he said about you?”

Emberis looks at her curiously. “What?”

Ryznith leans in with a smile, her voice warm and teasing. “That you’re his favourite hand-holding fairy.”

Emberis laughs, her heart swelling with warmth as the two share a moment of lightness amidst the heaviness. They both laugh together, the tension easing as the scene fades, leaving Emberis with a renewed sense of hope.

----------------------------------------

Two days later, the grand ceremony to determine who would become the Guardian was finally upon them. Out of seven rookie Guardians, only two remained: Emberis and Ryznith. Today, they were called to the council chamber, where the fate of their dreams would be decided. As they entered, the air was thick with anticipation, and the council members greeted them with solemn expressions.

Emberis and Ryznith knelt before the council, their fists clenched in salute, a gesture steeped in respect.

Asheer, their captain, nodded approvingly. “At ease, Yalzets.”

They both stood, their tension easing slightly but still buzzing with anxiety. Emberis's eyes scanned the room, desperately searching for Ethan, whose absence felt like a gaping void. Just days ago, he had lounged casually in Amiraha’s chair, advocating for her with a confidence that had made her heart swell. Now, the chair was empty, and so too was Emberis’s heart.

Asheer's voice echoed in the chamber. “Today, we shall decide which of you shall become the Guardian of the Savior. Either both of you, one of you, or none shall be selected.”

As Emberis closed her eyes, a silent prayer escaped her lips. Please...Please....Please... let me be his Guardian. Please... She longed for the bond they shared, to protect him and keep him safe.

Ryznith stood tall and composed beside her, her confidence unshakeable. She was aware of her superior points, her determination flickering like a flame.

The council began their deliberation. “Yalzet Ryznith,” one member began, *“you have proven yourself in every way. You have scored higher than Yalzet Emberis. Why should we choose you as the Guardian of the Savior, the Guardian of Ethan?”

Ryznith delivered a powerful response, her voice steady and filled with conviction, aiming to impress the council. They murmured amongst themselves, nodding at her words.

Then, they turned to Emberis. “Yalzet Emberis,” one council member spoke, a serious tone in their voice, *“you controlled two Virgons without harming them and without any weapon. It shows your commendable skills. However, we have reports regarding your mission with Ethan, stating that he was injured upon his return. Explain this and tell us why we should select you as his Guardian, when he seems no safer with you.”

Emberis’s heart sank at the question. This was the moment she had feared, a test of her love for him that felt insurmountable. Her breath hitched in her throat, memories flooding her mind. She paused, staring at the empty chair where Ethan had once sat, its absence painfully evident.

“It is true that the Savior Ethan got injured upon his return from the mission,” she began, her voice trembling slightly. “When we fought the minions of Fez, one captured him. I rushed to save him. I saved him but while saving him , I was ambushed by a horde of creatures. I was overwhelmed, fighting for my life. In the chaos, Savior Ethan took my assault gun, setting it to maximum power. He shot at the minions hovering over me, freeing me, but the recoil sent him crashing into the bushes.”

She swallowed hard, the weight of her words pressing down on her. “And that’s how Savior Ethan got injured. I accept my mistake for not being careful on the battlefield. I accept that it was my fault he suffered pain.”

In that moment, Emberis’s heart ached for him, her eyes welling with unshed tears. “But I care for him the most,” she continued, her voice softening. *“When I saw him lying in those bushes, in pain, everything else faded away. Nothing mattered except him. I didn’t want him to scream in agony. All I could think at that moment was how to make him safe again. I couldn’t let go of his hand when I helped him onto the med-bed. I wanted that moment to freeze in time, to hold onto him forever.”

Emberis’s thoughts drifted, completely lost in the vivid memory. All the time she was looking at the empty chair. The council chamber fading into the background. Her heart spilled open before them, each word a piece of her soul laid bare.

“Yalzet Emberis!” Asheer’s voice cut through her reverie, stern and commanding. “You are meant to provide a fair response, not to share your feelings!”

Reality crashed back down around her. Emberis's eyes widened in shock, panic surging through her. She had said that things that she was not supposed to say here. She got lost in memories and thoughts, that she could barely recognize what she is saying. Had she really just bared her heart? Would the council reject her for her vulnerability? Would the council reject her for sharing her feeling instead of fair answer?

“S-Sorry...Sorry ....Please, Asheer! I... I didn’t mean to... please don’t reject me! Please don't reject me” she stammered, her voice a mix of desperation and fear. “I want to be his Guardian... please...I really want to...please”

She looked at Ryznith, who was smiling at her. Emberis felt like the ground was crumbling beneath her as she stood there, her heart shattered by Ryznith’s cold smile. Her best friend, her closest companion, who had once laughed with her during training and shared in her punishments, was now quietly revelling in Emberis’ moment of weakness. It was a betrayal that pierced deeper than any wound. Emberis could barely stand; her legs felt like they would give out any moment. Tears welled in her eyes, her throat tightening as she fought to keep them at bay.

But then, amidst the council’s deliberations, a voice echoed through the chamber—a voice Emberis recognized instantly. It was the voice of Elden Aisling, the head fairy of the council, who only spoke to render final decisions. The atmosphere shifted, and Emberis could hear every heartbeat, feel every breath as if the entire room had stilled just for this moment.

Aisling’s voice, calm and authoritative, reverberated through the hall: "Through the blood of Phinix in me, through the power vested in me, I, Aisling, the Elden of Ignis, declare..." Emberis' heart pounded in her chest, threatening to burst as her entire being tensed, waiting for what felt like the longest second of her life. Her name—her name had to be next.

"...Yalzet Emberis, as the Guardian of Ethan, The Savior Guardian"

The words hit her like a wave. Emberis’ knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the cold floor, unable to contain the sob that tore from her throat. Relief washed over her, crashing in waves as tears streamed down her face. She sobbed openly, all the fear and tension that had gripped her heart dissolving into the tears that now stained the chamber floor. She could barely speak through her sobs. *"T-Thank you... thank you..."

The council remained silent for a moment, watching as Emberis cried tears of not only relief but overwhelming joy and love. Her whole world had just been handed to her—she was now Ethan’s Guardian, the only thing she had ever truly desired.

Aisling continued, turning to Ryznith. *"And Yalzet Ryznith, as the Guardian of Ignis. May your strength never falter, and may your courage never wane."

Ryznith’s face twisted in disbelief, her confidence shattered in an instant. Her shock was palpable as she processed the judgment. She had been so sure—so sure it would be her standing as Ethan’s Guardian. She had outscored Emberis, outperformed her in nearly every way.

“I challenge the council for this unfair decision!” Ryznith protested, her voice rising. *“It should be me, the Savior Guardian. I scored more than her!”

Asheer’s voice boomed across the chamber, sharp and unforgiving. “Guardian! How dare you challenge the judgment of the council? Apologize now.”

But before Ryznith could speak, Aathel Kanthia raised her voice, her calm presence silencing the tension. “No, Asheer Helina. Let her be acknowledged. She has a right to understand why she was not chosen. But first—Savior Guardian Emberis!”

Emberis, still trembling and collapsed on the floor, lifted her tear-streaked face to look at Aarthel. Her voice was softer now, carrying warmth rather than reprimand. *“You need to be strong now, Emberis. You are a Guardian now. Stand up and report to Ethan.”

For the first time since entering the council chamber, a smile broke across Emberis' face—a radiant, pure smile of joy and relief. She wiped her tears with trembling hands and stood up, her chest swelling with pride. She clenched her fist to her heart in salute to the council, her body straight and strong now, her spirit filled with renewed purpose.

Without another word, Emberis turned and left the council chamber, her smile unshakable. She was going to Ethan, the only person she truly loved in this entire realm. Nothing else mattered, and the joy in her heart soared as she hurried to him, her feet light, her soul alight with love and devotion.

Emberis ran, her heart pounding in her chest, her tears flowing freely now, no longer out of fear or sorrow but pure joy and love. She had finally become what she always wanted: Ethan’s Guardian. The thought of staying by his side, protecting him, fighting alongside him, and just being with him for the rest of her life filled her soul with an overwhelming sense of purpose and love.

Her feet carried her swiftly through the halls of the fort, heading straight to the Erudite wing. She knew this is where Ethan would be—most likely tucked away in one of the many chambers, working on his latest invention. She hurriedly checked room after room until she finally found him.

There he was, alone in his futuristic messed up lab he had built for himself, standing before a strange machine, completely absorbed in his work. Emberis could barely hold back her tears as she rushed toward him, her emotions surging all over again.

“Ethan!” she called out, her voice thick with tears.

Ethan turned at the sound of her voice, surprised to see her charging toward him. But before he could even react, Emberis knelt down on both knees and wrapped her arms tightly around him, pulling him into a hug so strong, it was as if she was holding on for dear life. To her, Ethan is her life.

Her sobs came freely now as she clung to him, her large arms encasing his frame completely. Even kneeling, Emberis' head over his slightly, but right now, all he could feel was how desperately she wanted to hold him, to never let go.

“Ethan!” she cried again, her tears falling onto his shoulder, soaking his tunic.

Ethan, still unsure of what had just happened, instinctively wrapped his small arms around her as much as he could. His hands gently rubbed her back, trying to soothe her. *“Hey, Emberis...what happened?.....Hey..... Calm down.”

But Emberis only held him tighter, her sobs wracking her body. “Oh, Ethan… Please… don’t leave me… Stay here… please…stay with me”

Ethan’s heart broke for her, seeing how vulnerable she was in this moment. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said softly, his hand continuing to rub her back in comforting circles. *“I’m right here with you. Just… don’t cry. Everything’s okay.”

For a moment, Emberis didn’t move. She just stayed there, hugging him as if he might disappear if she let go. And Ethan stayed there with her, holding her as best as he could, whispering calming words to her. “It’s okay. Everything’s alright. I’m here.”

Eventually, Emberis took a deep breath and slowly pulled back, her face wet with tears, but her expression softening. She looked at him, and even though her tears still fell, there was a small, fragile smile on her lips.

Ethan, seeing her tear-streaked face, couldn’t help but smile back, though he was clearly worried about her. “Emberis…” he said gently, raising his hand to wipe her tears away with his fingers. “Don’t cry, okay? I don’t want your beautiful face to get all messy and scare me.......... Now show me that sweet smile of yours.”

Emberis smiled through her tears, her heart swelling with love as she kept her arms wrapped around him. “I missed you....” she whispered softly, looking deeply into his eyes.

Ethan grinned, giving her a playful look. “Oh, I missed you too. And do you know what I missed the most?”

Emberis’ smile widened, knowing he was trying to cheer her up. *“What?”

“You holding my hand.”

Emberis laughed softly, the sound light and full of warmth. “You still remember that?”

“Of course!” Ethan replied with a grin. “How could I forget when my favourite hand-holding fairy is now holding me entirely?”

Emberis laughed again, her heart feeling lighter. She loosened her grip slightly, though she still kept him close. “Sorry… I didn’t mean to squeeze you so tight.”

But Ethan shook his head quickly, smiling as he leaned into her embrace. “What? No, don’t apologize! You can hold me as much as you want.”

That assurance made Emberis smile even wider, and without hesitation, she pulled him back into a tighter hug. “I’ll always hold you, Ethan,” she whispered softly, her voice full of love and determination. “I promise.”

Ethan chuckled softly, resting his head against her shoulder. “Oh, you better be,” he teased. “After all, you’re my Guardian now.”

They both smiled, their hearts feeling lighter, their bond stronger than ever. And in that moment, nothing else mattered.

Emberis’ teary eyes sparkled with a curious gleam as she wiped the last few drops from her face, still holding onto Ethan.

Emberis: "How do you know I’m your Guardian?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

Ethan, sensing the interrogation coming, tried to keep a straight face.

Ethan: "Well... I think I caught myself off guard..." he fumbled, scratching the back of his head. "Did I say I knew?"

Emberis tilted her head, her voice both soft and curious.

Emberis: "Ethan! You literally said, ‘You’re my Guardian now.’ How do you know? You’ve been here this whole time."

Ethan shifted a bit, his cheeks flushing. He knew there was no escaping now.

Ethan: "Well... umm... I..."

Emberis raised an eyebrow, her expression softening even more, catching on to his hesitation.

Emberis: "You already chose me, didn’t you?" she said, her voice gentle, but filled with excitement.

Ethan finally gave in, rubbing his neck sheepishly.

Ethan: *"Yes..."

Emberis blinked, her eyes widening as if she couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing.

Emberis: "You chose me... Really?" Her heart fluttered, and for a second, she looked like she was glowing with joy. *"It wasn't them who selected me...?"

Ethan smiled, knowing how much this moment meant to her.

Ethan: "No... well, yes... It’s kind of both. I told them I want you to be my Guardian."

The moment those words left his mouth, Emberis couldn’t help it—she pulled him back into a tighter hug, her joy spilling over.

Emberis: "Oh, thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you...thank you... thank you!" she said breathlessly, her arms wrapping him tighter with each 'thank you'. *"You have no idea how happy I am right now."

Ethan chuckled, barely able to breathe but loving how happy she was.

Ethan: "Em... Emberis..." he laughed between his words. *"I can’t breathe..."

Emberis immediately loosened her grip, though her wide smile didn’t waver.

Emberis: "Sorry!" she said, still beaming, her cheeks glowing with happiness.

Ethan, still chuckling, waved it off.

Ethan: "Never mind. ........But... since you’re officially my Guardian now... I think we need to set some ground rules."

Emberis’ smile faltered for a second, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Emberis: "Rules?"

Ethan nodded, trying to look serious but clearly enjoying the moment.

Ethan: "Yes. Rule number one: You will never say sorry to me."

Emberis: "What? Why?"

Ethan grinned.

Ethan: "Because you’re going to be my best friend. And best friends don’t need to apologize for anything. Same goes for me."

Emberis smiled warmly, her heart swelling even more.

Emberis: "Okay, deal. But..." she hesitated, her eyes twinkling as if she had an idea. "I have a rule too."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Ethan: "Oh? What’s that?"

Emberis blushed a little, looking a bit sheepish but still determined.

Emberis: "You’ll never..." she paused, biting her lip slightly, *"...ask me to leave your hand."

Ethan laughed, her request filling him with warmth.

Ethan: "That’s a pretty good rule. Why didn't I think of it? .....Okay, I’ll never ask you to leave my hand. I promise" He grinned, then joked, "But... how will I do stuff? Like... what about working? How will I manage?"

Emberis giggled, her earlier shyness melting away.

Emberis: "We’ll figure it out later," she said, smiling brightly.

They both burst into laughter, their bond stronger than ever. Emberis had finally gotten what she had wanted more than anything—to be Ethan’s Guardian. She would stand beside him, laugh with him, tease him, fight alongside him, and protect him from whatever dangers the world, or Zovrath, might throw their way.

And she would never, ever let go him.