[BL] Guardians of Fate
Chapter 96 - 22: A Feeling Beyond Rationality [1]

Chapter 96: Chapter 22: A Feeling Beyond Rationality [1]

As if in response, the crescent moon mark on Luke’s forehead also glowed brightly, the color vivid and distinct against the complexion of his skin.

"Hold on, hold on," Ardyn said, raising a hand weakly in confusion. "So this means..."

Leon nodded. "I am your companion," he said softly, and all of his former stiffness seemed to vanish. After the admission had left his lips, it was as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders, and he appeared more relaxed than before. His gaze was fixed on Luke, as if fascinated to see his Summoner in person. "I, too, bear the moon mark on my body."

"So the reason you came all the way here..." Ardyn realized.

Leon nodded. "When we first evacuated the city, I felt restless. Like you said, I felt a strong pull. I read that it usually happens when a Guardian feels that their Summoner is in danger and is nearby, just within reach."

"A sense of unease," Ardyn provided. "Like a gnawing in your gut."

Leon nodded again. "I... couldn’t resist it any longer as time passed. I had to leave no matter what, even if my father became furious with me. I couldn’t shake off the feeling no matter how hard I tried."

"I see," Luke said, his features displaying a quiet understanding. He didn’t move an inch from his position, but the tension in the air had decreased considerably.

Leon sighed. "I... I didn’t want to show you the mark, but..." He paused. "When you started describing how I felt..."

"What was your initial plan?" Luke asked gently.

"Nothing concrete. Just... I wanted to see for myself and save you from—from whatever danger you were in," Leon said helplessly. "And then leave. Go back to my father and act as if nothing had happened. Even if you felt my aura, it wouldn’t matter because I would still insist on leaving. At least, that was what I planned on doing..."

His voice trailed off, and he didn’t speak anymore. There was nothing more to say, but Ardyn and Luke still had a lot of questions in their minds.

Luke didn’t know exactly how to feel. Of course, he felt relieved and elated since Leon was his Guardian, but he still couldn’t help feeling conflicted over this.

Fate really seemed to be determined to play tricks on him. He had no desire to become a full-fledged Summoner, yet his Guardians were coming to him one by one, whether on purpose or by accident. It was ironic, to say the least.

Meanwhile, Ardyn shook his head. "This is too much for my small brain to take," he muttered, leaning back against the wreckage. He winced, cursing himself inwardly for being so careless with his movements. His legs still felt like they were made of lead. A dull ache coursed through his body, a sensation that made it difficult for him to pick himself up from the ground and stand.

As if sensing his discomfort, Leon reached out to him, his eyes now glowing a bright blue. "This... will feel strange at first," he said tentatively. "I haven’t used my magic like this in a long time, so forgive me if I accidentally put it on too strong."

"It’s fine," Ardyn said with a sigh. "I just want to get out of here and sleep."

"You can sleep in the carriage," Leon offered.

Ardyn smiled. "Thanks... That sounds tempting."

Leon hovered his hand over Ardyn’s back, and then a pale blue glow enveloped his palm, causing the air around them to turn frosty. As he concentrated, a thin layer of ice formed over the wounded areas, easing the aching pain.

To Ardyn’s surprise, the ice was not harsh or biting as he had expected. Instead, it carried with it a gentle coolness, like a soothing breeze. The initial touch had sent a shiver down his spine, but it was quickly replaced by a comforting sensation that seeped into his skin, creating a subtle numbness that eased the throbbing pain.

Eventually, Ardyn’s muscles began to relax, and he couldn’t help but let out a deep breath. At least the burning sensation of the wounds had subsided, and his mind no longer felt as empty as it had before. The pain, while not completely gone, was much more bearable, allowing him to shift his posture with newfound ease.

"That should do it for now," Leon said as he drew his hand back and stood up from the ground. He offered his hand towards Ardyn. "We should leave. I’ll explain what I can once we’re on the road. There are many things that you need to know."

Ardyn stared at his proffered hand for a moment before grasping it with his own, allowing Leon to help him up. "All right."

"Thank you for all your help," Luke spoke up, a small smile on his face. "You saved us both. I’m truly grateful."

Leon averted his gaze, seemingly a bit embarrassed. "No need for thanks. I’m just doing what I’m supposed to be doing, as your Guardian."

Luke watched as Leon put an arm around Ardyn’s shoulders and supported him. Then, he looked back at the ruins of the once-bustling city of Angelbay.

It was heartbreaking to see, to be honest. Even though he had lived in this world for a long time, the sight of wreckage had always torn him apart. It reminded him of bad memories, of death and the despair that came with it.

For a brief moment, he wondered if the Calamity was really gone. Instead of relief and the feeling of looking forward to another period of peace in these lands, there was only the slightest feeling of dread that twisted like a knot in his stomach.

They walked towards the city gates. Ardyn limped beside Leon, each step sending spikes of dull pain through his legs. To distract himself, he tried to let his mind wander.

But that seemed to be a mistake.

Memories of the chaotic battle earlier flashed before Ardyn’s eyes, the sight of Ansel, Elyana, and Evan’s deaths etched in his mind. Suddenly, the distance between him and the towering doors stretched forward, as if they were too far for him to reach.

The thought of escaping to safety thanks to the sacrifices of his friends weighed heavily on him, even though he knew that in a battle against such a fearsome monster, there was no guarantee that everyone would survive.

For a brief moment, he wondered if the sealing would have been successful if he had not interfered with the battlefield. He wondered if he had played a part in those deaths, no matter how small.

Whatever it was, he blamed himself for it, especially considering that those who had saved his life and helped him to survive were now dead.

His emotions felt odd at the moment, like a mixture of grief and survivor’s guilt. His heart felt heavier now that he had the chance to think clearly, now that his goal of finding his Summoner had finally been achieved, and now that everything was starting to sink in like an anchor pulling him down with its weight.

What now? was the question in his head.

Why did he have to gain a second life after death only to suffer a seemingly cursed fate?

"I have just one question," Leon suddenly said, his apprehensive tone snapping the latter out of his thoughts. "The monster... did Evan manage to seal it away?"

The question made Ardyn’s heart skip a beat. A knot of fear tightened in the pit of his stomach, and he felt tense all over.

This was it. The question that he had been dreading to answer.

He was afraid of what Leon’s reaction might be, but he knew that he had to reply as truthfully as possible.

There was no point in hiding it from Leon. He deserved to know.

So Ardyn swallowed back his nervousness and answered, "...No. He didn’t."

Ardyn could feel Leon’s entire body freeze in response.

"He’s now... He died," Ardyn choked out. "Elyana and Ansel, too... I’m sorry."

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