Chapter 24

The World's Hope

As the evening drew near, everyone was more than glad to be in the peaceful village on top the mountain. The air was clear and crisp, there wasn't a single scent of malevolence anywhere, and all the seraphim were surrounded by a holy cleanness that couldn't compare to anywhere else on earth. Elysia certainly was a special place and no one took it for granted.

Mikleo and Sorey showed their friends around town and that included giving them tours of their homes. Their traveling companions asked a lot of questions, some of which were embarrassing. They answered most, but not all. And a few things out of Zaveid's mouth earned him a hard whack on top of his head from Edna. But as the sun began to set, it was time to make dinner for Sorey.

"We haven't had any food in the village since you left," Gramps informed them, "we've had no need for it. So I hope this'll do."

There had been some left over crops, and the seraphim still took care of the gardens for the simple pleasure of the activity, and so there had been plenty of things to put into a stew. But no one had time to go hunting and so there was no protein source. Even so, Gramps stew was rich with potatoes, carrots, beans, and pasta. It was still a rich filling dish, and as always, Mikleo ate alongside Sorey.

While the pair were eating, it was Lailah that approached Zenrus.

"Excuse me sir, there's something I was hoping you could help me with."

"Sir?" Zenrus raised an old, bushy, eyebrow. "Please young lady, call me Zenrus."

"Ok, sir Zenrus." It just felt weird not to add the sir. He was so much older than her. Zenrus chuckled.

"What is it you needed Lailah?"

Lailah glanced over her shoulder to where Sorey and Mikleo were chatting with the others while eating their dinner. They appeared so happy and carefree to be back home. But even so, one look at them gave a bit of their troubles away: for Mikleo still looked strange without his cloak.

"Back here, if you would sir," Lailah requested, them gestured for him to follow her into the bedroom. The two disappeared behind the curtain and no one really thought much of it since Lailah was the prime lord. Everyone just assumed she was talking to Gramps about their journey.

Back in the bedroom, Lailah faced the older seraph, then, waving a hand, she called forth Mikleo's cloak. She'd been working on it feverishly for the past several days, ever since he'd been attacked. And really, it looked very good. Back in Tolrin, she'd researched some new artes and had managed to find one that let her use her power as a seraphim to mend cloth. As such, there were no stitch marks to speak of, only smooth, perfect cloth. There was almost nothing at all to even show that it had been shredded to begin with. The only issues with it were very minor, and these mistakes were only there because Lailah couldn't remember how the cloak had looked originally to begin with.

"Mikleo shared the story with us about how you were the one to originally make this for him. He explained how special it was, how you'd given it to him as a coming of age gift. He was…terribly distraught when it was ruined. I've been working hard to piece it back together, but…I'm not sure how a few parts go. Would you help me?"

Zenrus could not hide the warm smile that came to his face as he looked at the cloak. It was already almost perfect. There were only a few things off. And with Lailah's newly learned arte, he knew they could fix it in a manner of minutes.

But what made him even happier and what really warmed him to his soul was Lailah's kindness. He could hear in her voice and tell from her few words that she really cared for his boys. She'd done her best by them to help them and protect them during their travels. And with a gesture such as this, it told him that she'd done her best to make them happy too.

"You are a wonderful prime lord," he said to her. "And I'm so glad Sorey met you. I wouldn't want them in any other seraphs hands." He lifted his gaze from the cloak to the fire seraph. "Thank you for watching over my boys."

Meanwhile, back in the main room, Sorey, Mikleo and the others were seated around the fire. And of course, they were all joking around.

"Yes you were!" Mikleo cried to Sorey as he elbowed him in the ribs. "You were! Just last night, you were mumbling in your sleep about cookies. Just admit you want me to make you some Sorey."

Sorey blushed, and crossed his arms over his chest, completely unaware of what Lailah and Gramps were talking about in the next room.

"N-no, I..." and the shepherd flushed even harder. "I...I wasn't...Was I? Talking about cookies..." And the brunet stuck his nose slightly up in the air and pretended to be offended by the suggestion. It lasted about two seconds, because then he dared to look at his boyfriend. Sheepishly, and with a slow smile that started at the very tips of his lips, but quickly spread across his cute face, Sorey admitted it.

"Maybe I would like some of your cookies," he confessed. "They're really good. Especially the vanilla kind with the chocolate chips," the young shepherd said, then smiled brightly at the water seraph. "Those are definitely my favorite. And might've been the ones I dreamt about last night."

He was aware he was admitting to the very thing he'd been adamantly denying only a few seconds ago, but that was part of their fun together. Sorey acted like he didn't like being teased, but he ate it up. It was just another form of affection from the water seraph, and where would they be if they didn't flirt with each other like this? It would be weird, that's what it would be, and Sorey was so happy to be home and sharing a meal with Mikleo and so happy that he was surrounded by everyone he cared about that admitting something embarrassing in front of everyone could hardly break his good mood. Besides, it wasn't like everyone there didn't already know he talked in his sleep sometimes. They all knew. And so Sorey ate up the attention and the affection, as pleased as he possibly could be, with their evening.

Lailah, meanwhile, had the proper amount of dignity and respect to politely bow at Zenrus, her sea-green eyes sparkling with gratitude at the older seraph's kind words.

"It's my pleasure and my honor to work with Sorey and Mikleo," she said, her long hair swishing as she righted herself. "They're two very special boys, and I couldn't be in better company. You've raised them well, sir Zenrus," she said, feeling such a sense of relief now that the two of them could work on Mikleo's cloak together. She wanted to return it to him as quickly as possible. She knew it would make the water seraph feel better to have his personal affects back to normal. And so, with that, the two seraphim began their work on repairing the beautiful cloak Gramps had made for Mikleo all those years ago.

It wasn't much later when the two older seraphim finished their work. And Sorey and Mikleo had just placed their empty bowls down on the floor when Lailah and Zenrus emerged from the back room. And as they did, there was a very familiar blue cloak resting folded up in Lailah's arms. When Mikleo looked up and spotted it, his lavender eyes widened. His face fell slack and he stared.

"Is…is that-?" But he couldn't finish, and really, he didn't have to. Both Lailah and Zenrus smiled. Mikleo got up and onto his feet. The room had fallen quiet as he walked over to his loved ones. Stopping in front of them, he gazed at the folded cloak before turning his eyes to Lailah.

"Did you…really fix it?"

Lailah's smile only grew, reaching her eyes. Joyfully she nodded.

"With a little help from your Gramps. I've been working on it for days, but I couldn't get it quite right without his help." Lifting the cloak by its shoulder's she let it fall open. Then, holding it up for him to see, she showed it off to him. "I hope it's still as special to you as it was before."

Mikleo stared at the garment. And as he did, his face tensed, and it was clear he was fighting a sudden wave of emotion. Daring not to let any tears enter his eyes, he remained dry.

"Thank you…" he said, his voice tight. "It's even more meaningful now. Now that it survived such an ordeal…and was mended by my friends and family." He gave pause. "Just like me…"

And that sentence threatened to choke Lailah who was still holding the garment out to him. Her turquoise eyes quivered.

Mikleo reached out his hands and took his cloak from her. For just a moment, he held it out in front of himself, amazed by the quality of it.

"It looks just as it did before. This is amazing Lailah."

Then, unable to keep it from himself, he unzipped the front and then twirled it back and over his shoulders. Slipping it on as he had so many times before, he fit into it like a glove. Zipping it back up, he immediately felt whole, and like himself, once more. Blue wings trailing down behind him, and collar up and around his neck, he felt his confidence rise. He hadn't even realized how vulnerable and naked he'd truly felt until now.

"Thank you," he said again. Then he came forward, and extended his arms to the fire seraph. The two embraced and Mikleo gave his prime lord a loving squeeze. "This means so much to me." After he finished hugging her, he turned to his grandfather. Reaching out to him, the pair also hugged. After righting himself, Mikleo turned to face his remaining friends, but more specifically, his boyfriend.

"Well? What do you think Sorey? Am I as stunning as I was during my coming of age ceremony?" Unabashedly, Mikleo gave a twirl, his blue tendrils flowing around him as he did so. And although he wasn't usually one to show off or brag, these circumstances were different. It was clear he felt good. And wanting a compliment from his boyfriend was only natural.

It would've been evident to anyone in the room that Sorey's answer was yes, even without him verbalizing it. That much was clear from the warmth in his eyes, and also the appreciative smile the shepherd gave the twirling seraph.

"Even more so," Sorey said, his grin growing. This caused more than a few of the Elysian seraphs to whoop and laugh in amusement. Everyone had always known about the two boys' feelings for each other, perhaps even before Sorey and Mikleo had been aware of it themselves. But they'd been waiting a long, long time to see the two finally admit it out loud.

"Ohohoho! Looks like you two finally figured it out!" Shiron laughed, throwing his head back and laughing loudly.

"Yes, when did you figure out you loved him Sorey?" Melody teased.

"Come on now! You know Mikleo had to spell it out for him!" Taccio chuckled, which made Sorey only blush deeper. He ignored them, though, and stood to join his boyfriend.

"You look amazing," he said openly, not afraid to compliment Mikleo in front of anyone present. "I'm so happy you have your cloak back," the shepherd stated, keenly aware of how much the water seraph had missed it. "Lailah and Gramps did an amazing job. It looks as good as new." And he gave a smile towards his foster parent and his Prime Lord too, who looked just as happy as they could be, too.

Mikleo smiled warmly at his Sorey. He felt his affections for him flood him. And simply having him stand near was nice. He loved his warmth and his scent. Had they been alone, he would have kissed him, but because there were so many family members watching, he was too embarrassed to. Even so, he didn't need to publicly kiss Sorey to have his affections seen. The shine in his lilac eyes as he gazed at his boyfriend was more than enough.

The evening wound down and came to a close. As the night grew dark, several of the other seraphs left to head to their own houses for the evening. Sorey and Mikleo walked Lailah, Zaveid and Edna over to Mikleo's house. Bringing them inside, they helped the team set up some blankets and pillows. There was only one bed after all, which Edna claimed. Zaveid valiantly offered Lailah the couch, and the wind seraph himself took the floor. But at least everyone had a blanket and a pillow.

"We'll be at Sorey's house, if anyone needs us for anything," Mikleo offered. And of course, as soon as he said it, a sly, mischievous smile spread over Zaveid's face.

"Oh, we wouldn't dream of bothering you two," he teased. "Some time alone with your boyfriend? In a proper house? In his house? Yeah…I don't think we'll be needing anything."

A quick, hot blush came over Mikleo's cheeks as he glanced off and to the side indignantly. But all the same, he didn't deny anything.

"I wish you wouldn't be so vulgar," he said instead. Zaveid only chuckled.

"Good night love birds."

"Good night pervert."

And with that, Sorey and Mikleo turned and stepped back outside in order to head back to Sorey's house.

Sorey slipped his hand into Mikleo's as they stepped outside, looking at his beautiful boyfriend as they walked. The evening had gone so well, and everything had been so wonderful. And the young shepherd couldn't stop thinking about the warmth those lilac eyes had held for him, and for him alone. Mikleo was so wonderful, and Sorey couldn't get enough of being looked at like he was something special.

The sky above them was lit with thousands of stars, each twinkling brightly as Sorey gazed up at them. The shepherd took a deep, long breath, inhaling the scent of their homeland, loving the feeling of the slight breeze that ruffled the feathers of his earrings, and the way the grass was so soft underneath his booted heels. His house was just up ahead. And this would be their first time there, alone, since they'd come together in Tolrin.

Sorey gave Mikleo's hand a squeeze, and wordlessly smiled at him. They both felt the affection flowing between them, and with everyone knowing about their relationship, he felt no need to hide anything or hold anything back.

"It's beautiful tonight," he said softly, catching the seraph's gaze. He, of course, meant more than just the stars and the moon...but Mikleo would know that. He'd know what else Sorey was thinking. How could he not, with the way the brunet was looking at him?

Mikleo felt his heart give a leap. Even though they'd loved each other for as long as he could remember, having Sorey look at him like that, with those green, shining eyes, still made their love for one another feel so new. And there was just something magical about the moment they suddenly found themselves in. With the cool, clear breeze ruffling Sorey's chocolate locks, and with the soft glow of the moon and stars against his smooth skin, it was almost like living in a story book.

How many have what I have with Sorey? He suddenly wondered. And immediately he was convinced that the answer was none. It may have been selfish or foolish to think, but he didn't care: he couldn't imagine that anyone in all the world could possibly love as much as he was at that moment. Sorey filled him. And the power of that feeling was so great he wondered how his small body could even hold it all inside. His heart and soul felt like they could burst. And all they had done…was look at one another whist standing underneath a starry sky.

"It is," Mikleo agreed, his voice a bit airy. And as they stood in the blue grass, gently swaying in the mountain breeze, he dared not tear his gaze from his beloved's face. "I know I've said it before, but…I love you, Sorey. And I wish there were better words in existence for me to use to describe how much that's true. Nothing feels sufficient enough, and words are useless."

Reaching out his second hand, he encompassed Sorey's. With both around his palm, he squeezed.

Sorey's heart pounded. There was a quality about Mikleo at that moment that threatened to take his breath away. Maybe it was the way the seraph was looking at him, or maybe it was the way his hair glinted in the moonlight. Or maybe it was the sweet words that fell from his lips. Really, it didn't matter. Because at that moment, all Sorey wanted to think about, wanted to see, wanted to hear, was Mikleo.

He took his other hand and laid it on top of Mikleo's, smiling down at the slightly shorter youth. "I love you too. More than anything else in this world, or the next," the shepherd said, his expression even softer than the feathers Mikleo had fashioned into earrings for him all those years ago. "There really is no word that's good enough, close enough, for what we feel...is there?" he asked, his green eyes shining in the moonlight. "I'm so lucky."

For a long second, the two stood in silence, simply gazing at one another, their hearts pounding from within their chests. And at first, Mikleo waited for Sorey to kiss him. But then he realized: why should it always be Sorey to make the first move?

I'm the one who confessed after all. And so, I should have the courage for this too. Stealing himself, and holding his breath, Mikleo leaned in, tilting his chin upward to meet Sorey's taller lips. Then, lifting both arms, he wrapped them around the shepherd's back. Closing his eyes, he softly pressed his velvet lips into Sorey's.

Sorey's eyes fluttered closed as their lips met, then he wrapped his arms around Mikleo, pulling the shorter boy closer to his chest. He kissed back, loving the feeling of the seraph's soft lips on his own. And after a second, he raised one of his gloved hands and gently cupped Mikleo's face, brushing his thumb lightly across the water seraph's cheek, even as he continued to kiss his boyfriend under the light of a thousand stars. Every second was amazing, and Sorey really didn't want to stop.

A shooting star lit up the night sky overhead, but of course, both human and seraph alike missed it. Too enraptured, they saw nothing but each other. After kissing for several moments, Mikleo pulled back in order to gaze at his love's face. Smiling up at him, his lilac eyes shining as brightly as the heavens above them, he said,

"Let's go home."

Sorey nodded quickly in agreement, looking as happy as a person could be.

"Yeah. Home," he said, his voice soft. Wrapping a hand inside Mikleo's, the same as before, Sorey started forward, moving in tandem with his boyfriend, as they headed towards the shepherd's tiny abode. Honestly, it didn't matter if it was small and not nearly as nice as some of the places they'd stayed at during their travels. The home was theirs, and he was with Mikleo, and that's all that Sorey cared about.

Underneath the glittering sky and in the deep of the crisp night, the little house nestled in the mountains became filled with passion. If at all possible, it was even better than it had been in Tolrin. For here, at home in Elysia, it simply felt so right and so perfect. They were home. And being in Sorey's house, surrounded by his scent and his energy, Mikleo could do little more than fall into him.

The pair gripped at one another, fingers grasping at each other's backs, daring to never let the other go. Their sweat glistened in the dim light from the moon and stars filtering in through their open window. And the power behind the love Mikleo had felt just outside moments ago, was poured into his need for Sorey.

Smooth skin and silky hair sang a symphony between them, and as before, Mikleo could not keep himself quiet as his passion overtook him. Being with Sorey, being as close as two people could ever be, becoming one with each other, was the greatest dream he'd ever had. And it was so wondrous and so perfect and so fulfilling that he didn't want to stifle himself. Being with Sorey made him so free and was so liberating that he felt like he could fly. And so, as he had back in Tolrin, he let it all go, and he threw his head back squeezing his eyes shut as he let his body take control. And only a short time later, as it all built up into an unbearable, wonderful pressure, it all ended as the flood dams broke apart, releasing everything from within.

With a cry, the pair fell back against Sorey's sheets. Breathing heavily, and already feeling the exertion such strenuous activity took on his lithe body, Mikleo used what little strength he had left to crawl closer to Sorey's side. There, he snuggled in beside him, burying his nose against his neck and resting an arm across his bare chest.

He took several minutes just to breathe and to attempt to get his heart back down to a reasonable pace. But even as his body cooled, he felt the exhaustion. Despite being a seraph, and not needing sleep the same way humans did, that certainly didn't make up for the work-out they'd just done. Mikleo knew he'd fall asleep in mere moments. And before that happened, he of course wanted to whisper sweet nothings to the person he held in the center of his heart.

"I love you, Sorey," he said again. "I love you…so please…live as long as you can." And even though they were on high from their love making, it was also still clear that Mikleo's mind had drifted to Nadia. It hadn't been that long ago that such a traumatic event had occurred after all, and it would have been strange if the water seraph hadn't been thinking of her words and her warning.

Sorey was quick to wrap his arms around Mikleo, pulling him close as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking. His heart felt like it was going to pop out of his chest, and he felt the fatigue hit his very human body like a brick. But Mikleo's words...they called up quite a response in the young shepherd, and Sorey found himself clutching Mikleo all the more closer as he heard what the water seraph was saying.

"I love you too," he said. "So, so much," the green-eyed youth reassured, burying his face into Mikleo's silky hair, trying to take in as much of his lover as he could, even after they'd physically exhausted themselves. "I'll do everything I can, to be with you for as long as I can," he said, kissing the seraph's forehead gently, his heart still beating loudly within its confines.

And suddenly...Sorey was very afraid. He'd thought about it before, but...he didn't want to give this up. He couldn't bear the thought of one day leaving Mikleo. Their encounter with Nadia had shaken both of the young men to their cores, and the last thing he wanted to do was think about Mikleo all alone for centuries, mourning him for God only knew how long. Would he be like Nadia? Devastated for all the rest of time? Or was he stronger than that? Would he be able to eventually move on?

Sorey traced his hands across the firm muscles on Mikleo's back. His lover was thin, but there was definitely muscle underneath all of his silken skin. And as he caressed his love, who was quickly falling asleep in his arms, nestled snugly up against his chest, Sorey suddenly remembered the things he had learned not all that long ago in the library of Tolrin.

That book he had read, and all the ideas that had come to him after reading it: Sorey already knew that was the answer. He had known in that moment what it was he would ultimately need to do in order to rid the world of Heldalf and malevolence. And if he truly did become Maotelus's vessel…then perhaps he would cure more than just the earth and more than just hellions. Perhaps he could save Mikleo from a never ending existence of loneliness.

If it worked…the theory was that he would become a seraphim when it was all over, right? Because if he fell asleep for such a long time, slowly giving his energy to all the earth, than his human body would die. But attached to Maotelus…he wouldn't die completely. Instead he'd be transformed, like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis. And when he finally awoke…he could be with Mikleo forever. Mikleo wouldn't need to suffer.

The thought was bittersweet, for Sorey already knew that in order to take care of things long term, in order to take care of things permanently, it meant sacrifice in the short term. He had no idea how long it would take him to cleanse the earth. It would be a passive movement of energy that occurred without his knowing as he slept. And so there was no way to tell. And there was also know way to know…how long he would need to leave Mikleo alone. Ten years? Thirty? Fifty? No one had ever attempted such a thing, and so Sorey knew no one could give him the answer.

With a heavy sigh, and a slight tremble, Sorey buried his face into Mikleo's soft hair once again, and did his best to memorize that scent as best as he could. If his plan worked, once they faced Heldalf, it might be some time before he could have another night like this with his lover. But before anything was for certain, he had to go over it with Mikleo. That was his number one priority, now that he'd figured it out, or at least had an idea of what to do; he had to discuss it with him. He couldn't surprise him with something so huge at the last second. It wasn't going to be a happy conversation, but...

If he could have an eternity with Mikleo, wouldn't the risk be worth it? He could only hope his love would think so too. Finally, after hours of mulling things over in his mind, the shepherd fell asleep, allowing himself to get at least a couple of hours of rest. He'd need it, if he was going to be worth anything the next day. The last thoughts the brunet thought about as he fell asleep was how he wouldn't let Mikleo suffer like Nadia had, and once again, how he'd do anything to make their dream of being together for as long as possible a reality.

The next morning, Mikleo, of course, was the one to wake up first. Being a seraphim and having a human companion, he was used to this. And so, at first, he wasn't concerned. For a long time, Mikleo was content to lie beside Sorey. Satisfied to be quiet and let his shepherd sleep, Mikleo watched him breathe for over an hour.

Sorey was sometimes cutest when he slept. His face was slack and clear of all thought. And his eyelashes always seemed longer than they actually where when his eyes were closed. His mouth was closed for once, and Mikleo smiled to himself when he thought about how he somewhat missed his usual dribble of drool.

Mikleo passed the time by playing with Sorey's hair between his fingers, and then by trailing a pale finger over his chest. But eventually, after the second hour, he thought perhaps he should at least get up and get dressed. He did so, pulling on all his clothes, including his freshly repaired blue cloak. But then, as always, he found himself with no desire to go anywhere or do anything without Sorey by his side. And so, he crawled back into bed and laid back down, this time fully clothed.

There, he once more watched Sorey sleep, wondering when he would wake. As cute as Sorey was when he was resting, Mikleo found himself wishing he'd get up so he could see his green eyes crinkle with delight when he smiled.

It wasn't long after Mikleo lay back down that Sorey finally woke up. The first thing he did was open his eyes, blinking a few times, trying to come to his senses. As soon as he could, he turned to look for Mikleo, who was not nestled in his arms, like he had been when he went to sleep. But all the shepherd had to do was turn his head, and there was his love. It relieved him instantly.

"Hey," he said with a smile, his voice crackling a little as his body adjusted to waking life. "Good morning," Sorey greeted with a smile, before promptly yawning widely. He at least had the manners to cover his mouth. "How long were you waiting for me to wake up?" he asked, hoping it wasn't too long. Sorey had a terrible habit of sleeping in, leaving Mikleo to wait around for him. He felt guilty about that.

"Just a few hours," Mikleo responded honestly. But really, it wasn't a response Sorey wasn't used too. Mikleo often times would be awake while he slept. And Mikleo spent most of that time simply watching over him.

"That's good," Sorey said, then yawned again, stretching his arms over his head to make himself wake up a little more. Then he grinned, and scooted over closer towards his seraph boyfriend, and promptly kissed him good morning. It then became very aware to Sorey that he was still very naked, thanks to their activities the night before. And Mikleo was dressed and groomed and looking as fantastic as ever. Looking sheepish, he peered over at the water seraph.

"I guess I should get dressed too," he said, sounding a little sad. Sorey liked lounging around in the bed. But...they had things they needed to do. And...Sorey realized, he had to figure out how to tell Mikleo about his plan. When was a good time for that? How exactly does someone...say something like what he needed to say? It was going to be hard. And Sorey was dreading it.

Sorey was terrible at hiding his feelings and he was so honest and so guileless that he always brandished his emotions right out on his sleeve for all to see. And of course, Mikleo was even better at reading him than everyone else. He saw the furrow in his brow and the worry in his green eyes.

"What's the matter?" Mikleo asked as he sat up. "Are you worried about Gramps or Symonne?" And of course, seeing Sorey worry always made Mikleo worry too. His face changed to match his love's as he peered at him with concerned lilac eyes.

Mikleo, of course, was very attentive to his moods. And Sorey had no intentions of hiding anything from him. That would be completely against his morals and his personality. And so, Sorey frowned, and made a face like he was thinking very hard about something.

"I was up late last night thinking about a lot of things," he began. "More specifically, what we should do about Maotelus," Sorey finished. "I'm worried about that. I...I think I came up with an idea, or at least a theory," he began. "I want to talk to you about it later," he admitted. "I just...have to figure out how to phrase what I'm thinking," Sorey finished, looking at Mikleo apologetically. He had to gear himself up for this talk. And at the very least...he shouldn't be naked.

Mikleo was quiet for a moment as he regarded Sorey, but then, he slowly nodded.

"Ok," he agreed simply. He knew Sorey, and he trusted him, and he understood that he would tell him properly what he was thinking and when the time was right. But for right now, Sorey wasn't ready. Mikleo understood that. After all, it wasn't all that long ago when he himself had a huge secret that he couldn't yet reveal because the timing wasn't right. And Sorey had been perfect and patient with him. Mikleo wanted to do the same for him.

"Do you need breakfast? You must be hungry by now."

Sorey nodded, feeling grateful that Mikleo was giving him some time to process everything and figure out how to say what he needed to say. It was important.

"Thank you Mikleo, and yes," he agreed, right as his tummy let out a gurgle of protest. True to his cheerful nature, he just smiled, and gave his boyfriend an embarrassed look.

"You know me so well," he stated, doing his best to chuckle, before swinging his legs over the side of the bed, so he could locate his clothes. He turned to look at his lover as he dressed.

"I'm so hungry, I don't even care what food there is here," the shepherd said, although he was wondering if there was prickleboar bacon. That would be really great right about now, he thought.

"Well then we'll have to find you something," Mikleo responded with a gentle smile. Getting up and out of bed, he moved to Sorey's side to help him get ready.

After they were both properly dressed and ready to go, they stepped outside. And of course, because Sorey was human, he was the last one to wake up. Everyone else in the village was already present, and the pair spotted their friends chatting with their relatives. Zaveid, Edna, and Lailah were all scattered throughout the village entertaining themselves in one way or another. They stopped by and said hello, but didn't wait long. Explaining that Sorey needed food, the seraphim understood and allowed them to head to their Gramp's house. There, they found the food they needed.

Gramps was prepared. And having known that his human son would need breakfast, lunch and dinner the next day, he'd gone out and went hunting for him. And the other seraphim, as caring as always, had helped him gather some fruit, veggies and herbs. Gramps made his sons a delicious meal and then sat down and ate together with them.

Afterward, Mikleo yet again started to bring up the subject of Heldalf and his location, but for the second time Gramps managed to brush him off, instead insisting that the boys go outside and enjoy their day. He practically shoved them back outside, closing the door behind them. Mikleo stood on the stoop, his arms crossed, a perturbed expression on his smooth face as he turned to Sorey.

"He knows something," he said outright. "He may even know Heldalf's exact location. I understand that he's trying to keep us safe, but we can't stay here for much longer. People are depending on us."

"They are definitely depending on us," Sorey said, feeling a tightening in his chest, because even as he thought of Heldalf, he thought of his plan on how to deal with Maotelus, and he immediately started to feel anxious about it. "I know Gramps just wants to protect us, but...there are things we have to do," the brunet said, green eyes looking more stressed than usual.

"Maybe we can wheedle it out of him as the day goes by," Sorey suggested, but knew, even as he said it, the chances of that were slim. With a frown, the gentle-hearted youth kicked at an acorn on the ground, sending it skittering several feet away.

Delaying his conversation with Mikleo any longer was probably pointless. They'd eaten, and they were all alone, and their teammates were off doing their own thing. Maybe it would be better to go ahead and tell Mikleo his plan now. Stalling, delaying it for any longer would be cruel to his boyfriend, and Sorey didn't want to feel like he was hiding anything from his love. He just couldn't be that type of person. So, with a sigh, he turned to look to his boyfriend, looking worried.

"Since the others are busy doing their own things, maybe we could talk?" Sorey asked. "I still want to go over my plan about how to deal with Maotelus with you, and see what you think about it," he said. "You...wanna go for a walk?" he asked. The implication was clear: he didn't want to talk about it where anyone else could overhear their plan. Mikleo had to be the first to hear about it, because, well, it was a plan that could potentially leave him alone for a year or two. Maybe even ten, if it was really bad. And Sorey hated it, but he just couldn't think of any other way to deal with Maotelus.

Mikleo couldn't help it, he suddenly felt nervous. He knew he was nervous because Sorey was nervous. He could easily see it on his sweet face, and hear it in his hesitant voice. And it was a rare moment in their history together to see him so anxious. Sorey had always been a very easy going type of person. As naïve as he was, it was difficult to get him to worry about much of anything. And that was why Mikleo had always been the one to worry enough for the both of them.

"…ok," Mikleo said quietly in response to his request for a walk. He knew Sorey must've wanted to get him alone somewhere. And if he wanted to talk to him alone, then…was it something really bad? He didn't know. But if it was, maybe they could just figure out something else together.

I'll take care of whatever it is, he told himself. He's probably come up with some crazy cockamamie scheme. I'll just…set him straight after he tells me, that's all.

Comforting himself with his thoughts, he stepped up next to Sorey. Then, reaching out, he gently took his hand in his.

"Lead the way, Shepherd." He smiled softly up at his love as he teased him.

The second he felt Mikleo's hand slip into his, Sorey felt at least a little better. The familiar contact soothed his nerves, and suddenly he felt sort of foolish for being so scared. They'd figure this out, together. He knew Mikleo would set him straight if his idea was too outrageous, or didn't make sense, or if it was plain out of the question. For all Sorey knew, his idea was no good. But still, it was worth talking to him about. And so, feeling at least a little better, the shepherd quietly led them outside of Elysia and into a little forest clearing not far from the rolling hills near their village's gate.

Sorey took a moment to look around, admiring the scenery, and also to double check that no one else was around. Once he was sure they were indeed alone, he looked again to Mikleo, suddenly uncertain about how to start. The shepherd shifted his weight back onto one foot, and then onto the other, unsure of himself. But, he knew he had to start somewhere, and so he just started talking, trusting that Mikleo would be able to follow along with his rambles.

"I don't...I don't even know if this idea is any good or not. I think the theory is sound, and feasible, but...I trust you to tell me what you think about it, and if I've come up with some sort of ridiculous plan," Sorey said, feeling his heartbeat pick up the pace.

"Like I said...after last night, I stayed up late thinking," he said. "Over a lot of things. Like...what to do about Maotelus. And how...I could possibly spent more time with you," he began. "We did a lot of reading back in Tolrin at the library, and it's taken a little while for this idea to formulate in my head, but…" he stopped, and his green eyes darkened in his seriousness.

"My first initial thought was...I could try to purify Maotelus, and moreover, the land itself, to get rid of the traces of malevolence that would linger even after his purification," he said. "You know how, every time I try to purify a human, I take on their burdens and I...sometimes get glimpses of what they've gone through?" he asked, knowing fully good and well that Mikleo did indeed know that.

"I know that it takes a considerable amount of energy to do that. And that...to take on such a burden could potentially...kill me," he said, wincing even as he said it, daring to meet Mikleo's amethyst eyes.

"But then, I started to remember what Lailah said after we'd finished one particularly difficult fight with a hellion. About how...sometimes, when the conditions are right, and the human has enough resonance with the seraphim, they turn into seraphim themselves instead of dying. Like what happened to you, when you were a baby. And I thought about...how to make it so other people could sense seraphim. How I could make it so that humans, and seraphim, can live side by side, as one," Sorey said, aware that his thoughts weren't necessarily the best organized. But he was nervous, and it showed.

"Remember, how I had to basically block out most of my senses for Alisha to hear you and Lailah at the very start of our journey?" Sorey asked, green eyes wide and full of apprehension.

"What if...what if I...went to sleep? For a while," he said. "Maybe a couple of years. That...that could give me the time needed to purify Maotelus and the land, and...when I woke up...maybe I wouldn't...be human," he suggested, wearing the most nervous expression on his face that Mikleo would've ever seen.

"I know it's a long shot, but...it's all I've been able to come up with," Sorey started. "And...I'd do anything...if it meant I could spend more than just this human lifetime with you," he said, looking earnest, even if also anxious. "Maybe there's a way...for me to purify the land and Maotelus, and make it so I'm a seraph too," he finished, swallowing with difficulty, as the lump in his throat made the reflexive action quite uncomfortable indeed. "This way...we wouldn't have just this one, short life of mine," he said, his heart wrenching inside of his chest. "I...I want as much time as we can have..."

Mikleo was completely silent. He stood still, his face slack and blank as Sorey rambled on. He kept his violet eyes fixated to his love. And when Sorey finished, he didn't move for the longest time. He didn't speak, because he couldn't. And he couldn't because Sorey had presented his idea in such a convoluted way that Mikleo seriously had to think through everything he'd just been told to even fully understand what was being said to him. And even after he thought about it, he knew he had to double check. Because if Sorey was saying what he thought he was saying…

Mikleo licked his lips. Then very carefully and slowly he spoke.

"You're saying…you're telling me that both Maotelus and the earth need to be purified after we defeat Heldalf. We need to cleanse them both from all the malevolence he's corrupted them with. If we don't…malevolence will infect others, possibly giving rise to another Heldalf. And if Maotelus isn't freed then the world can never be a place where seraphim and humans can live together. All we've done will be for nothing…"

Mikleo lifted a hand so that he could hold onto his opposite arm. Then glancing off and to the side, he tried to reorganize the jumble of other information Sorey had just given him.

"And you're wanting to achieve this goal by allowing Maotelus to use you as his vessel…" He stared at the clouds floating by beside them. They were so pure and white and fluffy. Not so much unlike Sorey. "If you were his vessel, your purity would cleanse him over time. And once he was purified…the earth would become purified in turn. But…this would send you into a coma. And you would sleep for however long it would take you to achieve these goals. But…more over…" He turned to face Sorey, his lilac eyes filling with the emotions he was clearly trying his best to hold back. "…you could die doing something like that. Such a thing…a thing like that…Maotelus would drain your energy slowly over time. And eventually you'd…you would…"

He turned away again, this time closing his eyes as he struggled to keep his usual cool demeanor intact.

"There's no guarantee you'd come back as a seraphim. Even with as pure and naïve as you are. There's just no guarantee…"

Sorey had waited for Mikleo to respond, wondering silently as he watched his love ponder over all the things he'd just said. The brunet knew he'd word-vomited; he hadn't been able to help it. It was all so nerve-wracking to talk about.

But, eventually, Mikleo had indeed responded, and it was clear he understood exactly what Sorey had been trying to say - and then some. He'd filled in the gaps, and had known what the shepherd had left out in his hurried rambling.

And it was clear...Mikleo didn't necessarily like what he had been told. But Sorey continued onward anyway.

"I know," he said, his voice soft and sad. "I know there's no guarantee. But...it might be our only chance at doing what we have to for the rest of the world, and also...for us to have our dream," he said, his green eyes filled with emotion.

"I know it's a radical idea. And a risky one, at that. But...I think it could work," he said, looking towards Mikleo again. "I said it before, but...I'd do anything if it meant we could be together longer."

"Don't!" Mikleo suddenly shouted, without even meaning too, his face contorting. But of course, as soon as he raised his voice he regretted it. He'd startled Sorey, and he already saw his face changing into one of sadness, and he never wanted that.

"I'm sorry…" he immediately apologized. "I just…I don't…don't want you getting my hopes up like that. I don't want…I don't want you promising me things you can't give me." He closed his eyes again and concentrated on his breathing. His insides were just churning and writhing and it was taking all he was to try and keep still on the surface. He took a few seconds to simply breathe some more and calm his nerves.

"Sorey…this plan of yours…" He bravely turned to face him once more. "It's solid. Everything you've told me sounds like it should work in theory, as you claim. And really I…I can't think of any other way to cleanse Maotelus or the earth. I thought that was something we'd need to figure out later. But your plan…I think…I think we have to do it. As risky as it sounds. If we don't follow through…then there isn't even a point in facing Heldalf…"

Sorey didn't know what was worse: knowing how much his suggestion was hurting Mikleo, or having to watch him try to mask his convoluted feelings. Sorey's face fell, and the shepherd was obviously crestfallen. It didn't matter if Mikleo apologized or not: this situation sucked for both of them. Sorey knew better than to think his boyfriend was angry with him; he just...didn't want any false hope. All the same, Sorey would've given anything to cheer him up or make him more hopeful about the situation.

The difficulty with that was the simple fact that Mikleo was right: there was no guarantee he'd turn into a seraph. And both of them knew that. And so, his boyfriend had chosen to focus on the other details of Sorey's plan, letting him know, despite the pain the water seraph was undoubtedly feeling, that his plan at least had merit. It might even work.

The anxious shepherd didn't know what else to do but acknowledge Mikleo's response. He didn't know what to say, or what to do to make it better. And that would've been very clear to Mikleo, who knew Sorey like the back of his hand.

"If...if you think it has promise, then...I guess that's what we should do." And Sorey exhaled, looking pained, and closed his eyes. He took several breaths, and he clenched his hand which hung loosely by his side, trying to get in control of his own emotions.

When he reopened his eyes, Mikleo would be able to see a world of emotions in his leaf-green eyes. "I'll do my best, Mikleo," he promised. "I don't know if...anything will work. But I'll give it my all." And that was really all he could do.

"I know you will," Mikleo responded, almost automatically. Because of course Sorey would do his best. He did his best in everything. And he did all he could for everyone. He'd become the shepherd knowing what kind of burdens he'd be taking on. Lailah had clearly warned him, and Mikleo had warned him too. And now that it was coming to an end, he almost wished that they had never started their journey at all.

…almost.

Because as soon as he felt the regret creep in, he corrected himself. He knew his regrets weren't totally true. He'd loved the journey he'd taken with Sorey. More than anything. All of their adventures and all of their experiences and all of the ruins they'd explored together: he wouldn't have traded it for anything. They'd grown closer because of it. And truthfully, if they had never left the village, Mikleo didn't know if they ever could have gotten together. They'd needed to get out on their own. They'd needed to grow, first separately, and then together as one.

And if personal reasons weren't enough, Mikleo knew it was all much bigger than just him. He wasn't foolish enough or selfish enough to think so. Sorey was the shepherd. And he was the shepherd for a reason. Mikleo was convinced that no other human on all of the earth could have done what Sorey had done. And certainly none could do what he was planning on doing. No one else would be pure enough, courageous enough, selfless enough…adorable enough…

No. Only Sorey could have been this worlds shepherd in this time of chaos. He was the only one with the resonance to do so, the only one who could see the seraphim. The only one who could love the seraphim. Sorey…Sorey was indeed the world's only hope. Mikleo believed it and he knew it in his heart. And so…there was no way he could tell him no. There was no way he could doom the world just so he could have a little more time with his human boyfriend, who of course was mortal and so for as much as he knew would drop dead from a heart attack or aneurism tomorrow.

There were no guarantees, like he'd just said. And so, even if he did beg Sorey not to go through with his plan, as he wanted to, even if he was selfish enough to choose his boyfriend over everyone else's lives…who was to say he'd get another sixty years with him? It could have been fifty, or thirty, or two.

I can't ask him not to do it, he thought, repeating what he already knew. I can't be the downfall of both humans and seraphim alike. I can't be the reason the world falls into corruption, becoming drowned in a sea of malevolence.

And so, even as he struggled to contain the rising panic inside of him, he turned and looked to Sorey. As bravely and as stalwartly as he possibly could, he lifted his chin. Then, he smiled. And even though he was hiding an ocean of pain, the smile was real and genuine. For in a moment like this, what else could a seraph do but smile for the human boy he loved so dearly?

"I'll support you," he said, as he had so many times before. "I believe in you, and I'll do all I can to help. Just let me know what you need."

It was just too much. Mikleo was being so sweet, and so supportive, even though Sorey knew perfectly good and well how much he was suffering inside.

The shepherd's expression morphed from anxiety into one of pain, and he felt himself tremble as he stood there in front of his lover for one, two, three seconds. And then, he took a breath, and rushed forward, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend and pulling him tight.

"You're too sweet," he said. "Y-you... Mikleo..." And the brunet buried his face into the shorter boy's shoulder.

He didn't know if he should apologize or not, but he felt like he should. And he didn't want to tell the other boy how scared he was. He trusted that the water seraph knew. And truthfully, he'd half-expected Mikleo to tell him his plan was rubbish anyway. Or to protest to his idea, or to demand that Sorey not follow through with it.

But of course...Mikleo would never put himself first. He was always responsible, always taking care of someone else. And Sorey felt absolutely wretched that he was doing the same thing now. Of all times for Mikleo to display some selfishness...well, most people would have now. But the seraph was good and kind and entirely too understanding for his own good. And all Sorey wanted to do was ease his pain and reassure his lover that things would be alright. But he knew he couldn't. They could all die during the final battle, and their efforts would've been for naught. And so…Sorey was afraid.

When Sorey rushed forward, embracing him wholly, it threatened to break through Mikleo's careful demeanor. Feeling his arms around him, feeling the warmth from his body, and inhaling that oh so wonderful scent of his, threatened to break him. But through some miracle, Mikleo held onto himself.

I can't fall apart now, he told himself firmly. Sorey's scared. He needs me more than ever. And he loves me so much. If I start to crumble in front of him…he'll lose his courage. He won't have the heart to go through with his plan if he knows how much it'll hurt me. I have to hold it together. At least for now. There's always time to fall apart later.

And so, as always, Mikleo did what was needed of him. And in that moment, that meant supporting his shepherd.

He reached out his arms, wrapping them up and around Sorey's back. He forbid his tears from forming, demanding his eyes remain dry. And as he held onto his love, he banished any thoughts about losing him or being alone from creeping into his mind. If he thought about it at all…even a little…he wouldn't make it. And so, instead, he focused on caring for his love instead.

"You're trembling…" he said gently. Lifting a hand, he slid his lithe, smooth, fingers up and into Sorey's dark locks to comfort him. And it felt so good to be this close to him, even despite circumstances. "Please don't cry…" he whispered into his ear. "I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. And we'll do this together, the same way we've always done everything before."

Truly, the shepherd didn't know how Mikleo was holding it together, but somehow he was. And as always, he knew exactly what to say to make him feel better. Sorey took in a deep breath of air, burying his nose into Mikleo's shoulder, and gave off one more shudder. The feeling of the slighter youth pressed into him calmed him considerably. And hearing the seraph's soothing, calm words made him believe that maybe everything would be okay.

They were together. They'd do this together. He wasn't alone. And if he had anything to do with it, he wouldn't leave Mikleo alone forever either. Sorey knew he had to believe in himself. Mikleo believed in him. And so he needed to have that same fortitude, that same genuine support for himself that his beloved boyfriend felt in him.

With a squeeze, Sorey let go, and pulled back. It was obvious a few tears had escaped his eyes, but he did his best to keep it together.

"Thanks Mikleo," he said. "For believing in me. We'll...we'll get through this together," he agreed, "like you said." And he tried to smile. He knew Mikleo hated to see him sad. "We'll do our best."

Mikleo nodded, "yes," he said softly. "If anyone can do this you can. We can. I'll break the curse on Heldalf and bestow a blessing on him. Then you can purify him and we'll all defeat him together as a team. Then afterward…you can approach Maotelus, become his vessel and fall asleep." He looked to Sorey once more. "I'll just wait for you. That's all. The way I always do."

Mikleo said it as if it was no big deal, but they both knew that was the furthest thing from the truth. All the same, there was no way in hell Mikleo would be able to talk about it in any other way.

Silence fell between them, and Mikleo knew that Sorey simply didn't know what else to say to him, or what to do for that matter. There was really nothing else to say or do. And so, Mikleo turned around and away from his shepherd.

"If this is all settled, there's something I wanted to do in Elysia before we get ready to leave. You should find the other's and talk to them about our plans. I'll meet up with you later." And without waiting for a response from Sorey, he started to walk away, his blue tails looking like ribbons as they caught in a breeze behind him.