Sorry yesterday I can not update because a lot of homework and I was very tired, so please enjoy this story !!!!!

[HYORI P.O.V]

 

Standing in the palace’s porch, I stared intensely at the waves crashing at the rocks all over and over again. With a weigh in my heart, I closed my eyes remembering my previous encounter with Zen, a few days ago...

 

[FLASHBACK]

 

“Jesse, go help the others while I deal with him.” “But, Hyori-!”

“Go! That monster will kill everyone if we don’t stop it now! Hit the heart, don’t forget!”

 

After I yelled at him, he nodded and run to fight against the Golem. I breathed in relief for awhile since Zen couldn’t hurt him anymore. However, when I looked back at him, he was smiling in disdain at me as he spoke in scorn:

 

“I was waiting for this… shall we?”

 

Before I could even defend, Zen attacked me with several blows. I managed to dodge; still it was getting hard to keep it up, how can he be that powerful? His power wasn’t all that in the past… it must be that Rubi Stone! It’s consuming him into a blinding bloodlust. So, he raised his arms as two long and sharp blades came out of his sleeves. Like a furious hurricane, he charged against me with those dangerous blades. I kept defending with some effort as some of his attacks ravaged all the scenery around us.

 

A yelp escaped from my lips as one of his slashes scratched my right arm. When I was about to heal the injury, I heard his wicked laughter as he spoke into a defiant tone:

 

“Tsk tsk tsk always hesitating. Hyori… you know you don’t have a chance against me. I am invincible. So why don’t you just give up and we end this now?”

 

I scoffed at his cocky remark and with a brush into my arm, the wound disappeared entirely. Standing up and staring at him fiercely, I shook my end and whispered in sadness:

 

“What happened to you, Zen? We swore to protect these people and keep the balance between good and evil. How can you harm those persons?! How can you be so blind?! Cant so that this stone will kill you!? Zen, please, stop this…”

 

“Such touching words. The same weak Hyori I used to know. I am impressed with your presumption. Tsk, I’ll tell you for the last time… this stone gave me infinity powers, then… why should I want to be the old and weak Zen again? No, with this power, I can do anything. Now, let’s end with this conversation, I am getting tired already. If you surrender now, I can give up a quick death or in other hand, if you keep struggling, I can guarantee you that your death won’t be nice at all… So, what it is going to be?”

 

Taking a deep breath, I looked into his eyes and only saw darkness, not a single trace of what he used to be… Feeling a fire of justice grown in me, I extended my arm and my white staff came to my vision. He faked a shocked and expression, remarking in scorn:

 

“So… it going to be in the hard way? You can’t say that I didn’t warn you… Arghhhhhh!”

 

“Not this time, Zen! You are going to pay for your sins!”

 

At the last second, when he was about to me, I managed to create a protecting sphere around me, repelling his attack instantaneously. He was violently pushed against the wall and stared at me in shock. I raised a brown to him and cocked my head to forward:

 

“Were you saying?” “How dare you!”

 

He quickly brushed the dust of his shoulders and charged against me once again. With that, our fight started. Sounds of blades clashing or spells being casted echoed all over the higher tower. Yet, as the time passed, my body grown tired and I could see that his energy wasn’t the same again. Still, we kept battling until we heard a huge crashing sound. Once we turned our attention to the sound, I sighed in relief when I saw the Golem monster falling in defeat. When I looked to his expression, I saw shock, anger and hate. So he snapped his head at me, and enraged he shouted:

 

“How dare they destroy my Golem?! They are going to pay for this!”

 

Before he could lung himself against the chosen ones, I rushed before him and blocked his path. Pointing my staff against him, I uttered coldly with my eyes glued on his:

 

“You aren’t going to take another step. Leave them alone!”

 

But, out of sudden, his shocked semblance turned to a devious one as he stood before me with an evil smirk:

 

“I see… those worms are very important to you… I guess it can’t be helped… We will have to postpone this duel, yet… I have a last warning to you… Hyori…”

 

Not speaking a word, I waited for his next sentence as he looked at me angrily:

 

“Bring me the blue stone in five days… and I’ll spare their lives. But, if you not fulfill my wish…” His face darkened and he gritted his teeth in anger while his voice was deadly:

 

“Not only you, but I will gave them a painful death and for all those people. The future it’s in your hands now… don’t make me wait too long…”

 

Out of sudden, he turned into a dark mist and disappeared of my sight in a snap of finger. When his presence finally disappeared, my knees gave in as I fell on the ground in my knees. Tired, my heart was deeply heavy with his words because I knew he wouldn’t hesitate anymore. Looking down at the chosen ones, I burrowed my face in hands, sighing in deeply concern:

 

“What are we going to do now?”

 

[END FLASHBACK]

 

Pondering my thoughts after a while, I knew that we didn’t have another choice. They should know what happened on that night and I can’t keep this hidden anymore. Taking a deep breath, I called a guard and informed seriously:

 

“Guard?” “Yes, Master Oracle?”

 

“Please, inform the regent and the chosen ones that I need to talk with them at the meeting room after the dinner.”

 

“Yes, mistress!” The guard left me in rush with my message. I kept staring the waves again, thinking in deep worry:

 

“It’s now or never…”

 

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[NO ONE P.O.V]

 

After reunited, all the gang waited anxiously for Oracle’s announcement at the meeting room. Each couple was with their respective pair. Yuri was cooing and caressing Sooyoung’s cheek tenderly since the latter still was complaining from her hard slap from days ago; Taeyeon was smirking with his usual grin while trying to pounce on his favorite bunny who bursts in laugher of his flirty jokes and sneaky hands around her waist; Yoong and Seohyun were the most collected couple since they still were shy, so they were seated with their hands firmly attached on each other while exchanging warm smiles and stares.

 

And lastly, but not less important, Jess and Tiffany were on the room’s corner as the brown haired guy back hugged the eye-smiling girl affectionately with his chin on her shoulder. He used this chance to whisper sweet nothings in her ear, making her blush madly. In result, she turns around and plants a shy peck in his lips, making the poor guy totally flustered and stunned. HyoYeon was happily chatting with the captain Eunhyuk who couldn’t stop to admire her beauty, falling even more for her charms. And surprisingly, Siwon finds himself completely closer of the princess Nana after Zen’s attack a few days ago; they discovered a lot things in common as their relationship increased rapidly trough the time.

 

While everyone was in their own world, they jolted in surprise when the main door was opened, revealing the Oracle. The latter stared the room and her heart was heavy, she was sad to break such and precious moment between the chosen ones, but she must be honest with them. Even before speak; it looks like all the gang noted the tension in the air, so they adjusted themselves while turning the attention to Hyori. The regent asked worriedly:

 

“Oracle, what did you saw? We are all ears.”

 

After a long sigh, she stared each one of them and clamped her lips, pondering her thoughts or trying to think in a way to not make them desperate. Breathing heavily, she stood before them and started slowly:

 

“My noble warriors, captain, regent and princess… there is something I should inform.”

 

They didn’t nod, but their eyes gave her allowance to go further. Carefully, she looked outside the window and back to them, speaking into a tense tone:

 

“After our battle against Zen’s forces… I fought against him on the tower and while all of you were recovering from your wounds… him and me, well… we had a tense discussion. And I must admit that I am not in peace.”

 

“B-but what happened, Hyori? Is anything we can help?”

 

Jesse worriedly asked and Tiffany nodded as well while wrapping her arms around his right arm. Answering with a tired sigh, the Oracle added in concern:

 

“I waited for all of you heal your physical and mental wounds to this announcement which is… Zen will attack us in two days and this time…  he won’t let anyone survive…”

 

“WHAT?! TWO DAYS?! WHY DID YOU SA—“ “Tae, ease! I know the Oracle have her reasons and a good plan… right?”

 

Sunny said gingerly as she held Tae’s hand, trying to calm the nervous and shocked boy. His reaction was the same from the entire gang, but they let her continue:

 

“I know I should have done this before, but all of you should be fine so I could expose my true plan.” They stared to themselves in confusion as Hyoyeon asked carefully:

 

“And what it would be?”

 

“Zen said that he would attack this place in two days to get what he wants… but he don’t know that we have a surprise attack… if we strike him first and weaken his forces, we can stop him once for all!”

 

Hyori added seriously leaving all the gang stunned… going to a battle? Against Zen’s army? This won’t be easy. Then, Yuri asked quizzically:

 

“Hmm, it sounds a good plan, but how are we going to make it since his forces are clearly stronger than ours?”

 

“Don’t underestimate your power, if all of you were weak, we won’t be here right now. That’s why we need to confront him first before he joins his forces and become even more powerful. Destroying his gem is the key of our success… but I can’t do this alone. That’s why I need your help; I know that together, we can defeat him… I’m really worried and I certainly don’t want to risk you, but we have to join our power to end this once for all and then, you can go back to your world… So… can I count with you?”

 

After a moment of silence, the gang was thoughtful, but this was the only way and they won’t let the Oracle alone in this one. They are in this place for a reason, they are a team and together, they will defeat Zen and his army. Exchanging encouraging stares, each one of them stood before Hyori while nodding. With a confident smile, SeoHyun nodded:

 

“You can count with us!”

 

With a relieved expression, Hyori sighed and genuinely thanked the chosen ones. Together, they worked into plan in how to defeat Zen and know his territory.

 

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[JESSE P.O.V]

 

After Hyori’s announcement, we decided to settle this once for all tomorrow. Zen must be stopped, yet… I could sense that everyone was pondering their thoughts about our uncertain future. This can be our last chance to go back to our homes, still the enemy is unknown. And this time, isn’t like any battle we faced before, is to kill or be killed…

 

Oh God… what I am going to do? All those persons are my responsibility. If it wasn’t for me, all of us would be safe in our homes, still… I looked to my side and there was an angel sleeping while cuddled in my embrace. Unconsciously, a tender smile crept in my lips as I brushed the offending hair which was covering her face. Oh, yes, this room supposed to be mines and Tae, but he was very nice to let Tiffany spend our short moment together. Hmm maybe because he wanted some time alone with Sunny too. I can’t blame him, to be honest, I am really happy to know that they are couple now.

 

Although part of me was really worried about everything, another part was telling me that this was the best thing which happened to me. I mean, if it wasn’t for this crazy journey, I wouldn’t be holding this angel in my arms now. My smile widened as my eyes traced her delicate features. How I loved this girl, only God knows how much. I would do anything for her, just for her love.

 

Subtly, the slumber consumed my body as I closed my eyes slowly, yet not without plant a soft kiss in her forehead. With that, I returned to my dream world…

 

~*~

“Go! *cough cough* Save yourself!” A girl fatally wounded coughed weakly while a boy held her tight in his arms and tears rolling by his cheeks. Stubbornly, he shook his head, yelling: 

“No! I won’t leave without you! You are going to be ok, you w-will see I – I—“

“Shh… d-don’t cry… I’m so-sorry, b-but I think I – I won’t es-scape f-from this one…”

The boy shook his head violently as he closed his eyes tightly, already feeling more tears washing his cheeks, refusing to believe at the girl’s words. Soon, she reached his face gingerly and wiped the tears gently; she whispered sincerely as she smiled and tears fell by her eyes:

“I – I am so sorry for… *cough cough* for not t-tell you t-this s-sooner… but I – I … I love you *cough cough* I always d-did and a-always will be…”

More tears rolled by his eyes as he held her hand tenderly and kissed her palm. Seeing that the girl was giving up right in his arms, he widened his eyes and screamed:

“No, wait! I love you too! You can't give up!”

But it was too late, the girl closed her eyes weakly as her hand dropped his face and her heart finally stopped… He gasped in shock and started to shake her body in attempt to awake the one he loved, but no use… the girl already was gone. Feeling the despair running by his body, the boy felt like his tears were burning his eyes due the immense pain. Unable to hold his despair, he hugged the girl’s body tightly and screamed in pain as the tears washed his face, completely heartbroken:

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

 

~*~

 

[NO ONE P.O.V]

 

“Nooooooo!”

 

Jesse gasped and jolted in the bed once he shot his eyes open. His shirt was damped with his sweat; his heart was aching and throbbing hard under his chest. The brown haired boy looked around in fear, afraid that his nightmare might be true. Yet, only when he realized that the same angel was sleeping peacefully at his side, all his worries simply vanished. Calming his heart instantaneously, he sighed in relief as he caressed Tiffany’s face. Unconsciously, he felt something warm descending by his cheeks, as soon he reached; he saw his own tears on his fingertips.

 

That same dream was haunting him all over again. Although he couldn’t see the person’s faces, he felt such an anguish and despair even when he couldn’t explain. With a heavy heart, he frowned worriedly and kept caressing her face as he whispered gently:

 

“Steph…”

 

The girl answered by snuggling her face on his chest and mumbling sleepily with a soft expression in her face:

 

“Jessie…”

 

The latter couldn’t help to stare at her tenderly due her cuteness, much more when the latter was sleep talking about him. However, his previous nightmare crushed into his mind, making him flinch in fear again. Carefully, he took her arm around him, yet the brunette whined with his absence which was quickly replaced by a soft pillow. She smiled while burrowing her face in the pillow; Jesse only admired her caringly. Nonetheless, he took a deep breath and walked to the balcony, where he could hear the crystalline waves crashing against the rocks beneath the palace.

 

Seating on a bench in the balcony, he let his mind repeat the bad dream over and over again. Those scenes tore his soul apart, why couldn’t he get a rid of this nightmare? He wasn’t dreaming with this for awhile, why now? Yet, the dream wasn’t the big concern, deep inside his heart; he knew that he should take care of his beloved Stephanie.

 

The more he reminded that hurtful scenes, more he would feel in pain. While he kept staring the sea, he felt something rolling by his cheek and he knew that it was tears, but he didn’t bother to wipe up. He was afraid, really afraid. Then, while he was drown in his own thoughts, a pair of warm arms wrapped around his neck followed by a husky and soft voice:

 

“Aren’t you going sleep, Jessie?  I need someone to hug and that means you.”

 

Quickly, he wiped his tear with his hand and chuckles as he reached her right arm to plant a caring kiss. Although he didn’t see her face, he was sure that she was blushing now. They stood in silence while exchanging a comforting silence. Although their relationship doesn’t need words, Tiffany could tell that something wasn’t right with Jessie. Trying to make him feel better, she tightened the grip around his neck and whispered gently in his ear:

 

“Are you all right… Jessie?” “S-sure, I am fine. W-why did you ask?”

 

Knowing his tone very well, she frowned and walked around him, standing before him. She looked down at his tense form, yet he looked down to avoid her inquiring stare. Seeing that he was definitely hiding something, Tiffany sighed and kneeled before him while crossing her arms atop his tights. With a puppy dog face, she looked up to meet his worried stare and asked cutely:

 

“Are you sure?”

 

Bedazzled with her cuteness, he merely grinned as his hands brushed her hair fondly. It was when she saw the sadness within his eyes, making her heart tug deeply. Frowning in concern, she found a way to seat on his lap. This time, she decided to give him space while her arms were wrapped around his shoulders loosely. His arms sneaked around her waist as he finally started out of sudden:

 

“Steph?” “Hmm?” “Can you promise one thing?”

 

The concern and sadness were obvious in his tone; she could swear that his voice cracked a bit in the end. Soon, he wasn’t able to hide his glistering eyes as he held her hands tightly, yet gently:

 

“Whenever the time comes… promise that you won’t leave…”

 

“Jessie, I don’t unders—“ “Please, p-promise me…” His serious tone cut her confusion as she saw his subtle despair. He doesn’t speak, but his eyes were begging her to say yes. Her heart ached at the sight of seeing in clear pain. However, she sighed deeply and gingerly cupped his face to whisper:

 

“Only if you promise that you will do the same, that we will get out of this one, together… and then I can guarantee you… that I won’t leave you ever again… ever…”

 

“I… I will.” “Me too.”

 

The couple made their promise while they stared each other with a mix of feelings. Fear, concern, care and amongst all, their love; without second thoughts, Jesse embraced Tiffany tightly as he was afraid that she could disappear from his grip. In other hand, the brunette was stunned with his action; still she touched her forehead with his, looked deeply into his eyes and wiped a lonely tear of his cheek:

 

“Hey… I love you, Jessie. Whatever you are thinking or you being afraid… you better know that I’ll stay with you until the end.”

 

Touched with her sincere words, he croaked a smile as he nodded his head, letting her give a lovingly kiss in his forehead to make all his worries go away. That moment, they didn’t exchange a word; they only let themselves be inside at the other comfortable and welcoming warmth as they kept embraced. Their eyes closed and Tiffany wrapped her arms around his neck while caressing his nape endearingly.

 

Although she frowned due his state, her heart fluttered and a smile crept in her face when he uttered words filled with care and love in her ear:

 

“I love you so much, Steph…”

 

Together, they enjoyed the sound of the crashing waves on the rocks while they exchanged their love, not caring about what happened around them. In their own world, nothing really mattered than stay in the other arms of love.

 

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