[BL] Guardians of Fate
Chapter 113 - 24: Our Childhood Friends [3]

Chapter 113: Chapter 24: Our Childhood Friends [3]

"Protecting the people we care about..." Leon repeated, muttering the words under his breath. He digested them slowly, trying to put himself in Evan’s place.

Evan nodded. "I’d do anything to protect my family and my friends. My people. That includes Father, Mother, Elyana, and you, Leon."

"I..." Leon sniffed. "I’d do anything to protect you too, Evan."

Evan chuckled. "I know. You’ve always been very kind like that. I don’t doubt it one bit."

"But still... they say that the monster is pretty scary..."

"Yes. It may seem scary at our age, but when we grow up and become older and stronger, we can lessen that fear. Don’t you agree?" Evan grinned. "As long as we think about protecting our loved ones, we can find the courage to face those who threaten their lives. I believe that, and so should you."

He then lifted his head to watch the sunny blue sky.

"In a world like this, we should protect each other no matter what. Life is too short and too precious. If we don’t, and if we refuse to do our duty out of stubbornness and fear, then who will?"

Leon stared at his friend in amazement. Suddenly, in that moment, he felt another deep admiration for Evan. The ever so calm and gentle Evan, who somehow always knew what to say.

"What about you, Leon?" Evan suddenly asked.

"Huh?" Leon stared at him, bemused.

"If you discovered that you were chosen by destiny to fulfill an important duty, would you turn away from it, or would you have the courage to embrace it?"

Leon looked down, feeling conflicted. He didn’t know how to react. Hell, he didn’t even know what

he was feeling. Right now, it was hard to come to a firm decision.

He felt like his own morals and sense of justice clashed with his father’s teachings. He didn’t know what was right or what was wrong anymore. It was all so terribly confusing.

"One day, I think you’ll understand why I’m doing this," Evan said, his tone reflective. "But don’t be afraid to accept what you’re meant to do. We all have a purpose. Each of us leaves different marks in this world, no matter how big or how small. So no matter what happens to me—"

"No!" Leon suddenly interrupted. "Don’t talk like that. I don’t want to imagine anything bad happening to you."

Evan blinked. "That’s not what I meant. I was just speaking in case—"

"I don’t want to hear it." Leon shook his head vehemently, looking pitiful. "You’re my closest friend, Evan. You’ll always be by my side, right? Please don’t leave me behind."

Evan looked surprised for a moment before he laughed and sat down on one of the seats in the pavilion. He patted the empty space next to him, and Leon obediently sat beside him, still looking worried.

If Evan really wanted to fulfill his duty...

What Leon feared was that his friend would prioritize other things and eventually leave him behind. He wasn’t so naïve; he knew that they weren’t going to be kids forever. They all had their own responsibilities, especially in a world like this. The time of peace was something they all cherished, but they also used it to prepare for many things.

Death wasn’t rare in this world due to the omnipresent danger of the Calamity every eight years. Even so, everyone feared their own death. They were afraid of losing loved ones and of facing danger head-on.

It was especially frightening for Leon, who only had very few loved ones that he cherished. If Evan and Elyana were to leave soon on a journey to fulfill their duties, Leon would be left behind... all alone.

"What are you talking about? Of course I’m not leaving you behind!" Evan said with a laugh. "You think too much sometimes. Hey, you’re never getting rid of me that easily!"

Finally, Leon smiled. He reached out and hugged Evan from the side, tightening his grip.

"That’s more than enough for me," Leon whispered. "We still need to travel the world together someday, like you promised."

‏‏‎ ‎

* * *

‏‏‎ ‎

Leon sat in the corner of the driver’s area, knees pressed to his chest as he stared into nothingness.

Tears streamed down his face as the loss invaded his heart, and it worsened when he thought back to his last interactions with Evan and Elyana.

With Elyana, he at least had a nice conversation, although he had mostly kept his distance from her during the banquet.

With Evan, however, he hadn’t even been able to catch up with things. The scene of Evan standing defensively in front of Ardyn was still vivid in Leon’s mind, causing a sharp pain in his chest. He wished that he could have stayed with them at least a little longer, as Evan had suggested.

But he left without even looking back.

Evan even said that he missed Leon, and that Elyana felt the same.

Leon shut his eyes, feeling a shudder run down his body.

It was true that regrets often came too late. This was probably his karma.

I thought you said that I’m not getting rid of you that easily?

What happened to that promise?

And why...

Why you too, Ely?

Finally, the gravity of the situation began to sink in. He drew a long breath and tried not to cry too hard.

Even though Mirona had told him that it was okay to cry, years of self-control had taken its toll. He had cried many times in the privacy of his room, but even though he knew he was alone, he was still afraid that someone would catch him in the act. It was hard to break the habit of restraining the tears from coming out.

But the death of his friends shook him to the core. What did their faces look like when they passed away? Had they been in too much pain? How many wounds did they have?

Leon sucked in a breath. By the gods. This is painful to think about.

For a moment, he considered sneaking into Angelbay City the next day to pay a secret visit to the funeral, but he quickly decided against it. He was on the run now, and not only that... his father was furious, too. If he went there, he would most likely get caught. Then he wouldn’t be able to help his Summoner.

His thoughts slowly drifted to Luke, who was just one door away in the main area, and Leon suddenly felt a little bit of hope. At least he wasn’t alone anymore, right? Even though Evan and Elyana had left this world and their souls had gone to the Eternal Meadow... he still had someone left.

Like his Summoner.

Maybe even Ardyn, if they ever became close. Perhaps even the other Guardians who bore the same Otherworlder mark.

Mathias, too...

I’m not alone, he told himself. I won’t be all alone.

But it hurts too much.

I miss you, Evan. I hope you weren’t in too much pain when you died.

I’m so sorry, Ely. I wish I hugged you more last night. I should’ve treasured my moment with you when I had the chance.

Leon buried his head in the crook of his arms and cried.

But I’ll survive.

For you two... I’ll keep on living. I promise.

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