Chapter Text
Two fists cut through the air in rapid succession. “Pretty cool, huh?” Antonio asked with a smile before returning to his shadowboxing.
Nikolaus was leaning against his locker. He made his opinion clear with a bored yawn, making sure to maintain eye contact.
With a sour face, “What would you even know about fighting?” His roommate asked in between punches.
Giggling quietly, -He’s got a point.- Aarelion added. Feeling provoked, “I know this much about fighting: Punches can’t measure to knives, guns, or eccentricities.” The one-eyed medic replied coldly.
“Well,” Antonio slowed down, “My eccentricity isn’t good in a fight. I don’t have a weapon either.” He turned to Nikolaus before firing a punch at him, stopping right before his face, making him flinch. “So it’s punches for me.” He concluded.
Now visibly annoyed, “Maybe you should get into cardio instead. That way you’ll drop the belly too.” Snarked the one-eyed man.
He had successfully passed his annoyance to his roommate. One moment later, he would realize his folly.
Antonio stepped in and threw another punch, not intent on stopping this time. Nikolaus barely managed to sway his head to the side.
After a moment of shock, “What the hell!?” The one-eyed man asked.
“Aw man, you dodged.” The tall man commented in mild confusion. “Of course I did!” Nikolaus replied angrily. “You think I’m going to let you punch me?”
His question was immediately answered by another punch aimed at his face. With the same haste he dodged again, feeling the wind behind his fist against his cheek.
Dumbfounded, Antonio stopped for a moment. Nikolaus stood on the edge, his instinct telling him to stay on his toes.
Taking a deep breath, the tall man launched a flurry of punches at him. They moved recklessly through the corridor, unbothered by the other students as the punches flew rapidly.
Each came closer to hitting the one-eyed man than the last, but none made it. Out of gas, Antonio slowed down and finally stopped, breathing heavily. “H-how did you?” He tried to ask.
Finally relaxing, “Either I’m just that great, or your punches suck. Maybe both.” Nikolaus told proudly.
“No, those were good punches.” A familiar voice intercepted. Walking between the two, Alexis turned her attention directly to Antonio. “Your stamina could be better.” She advised.
Walking next to her with plenty of confidence, “And how was my dodging? Amazing, right?” The one-eyed man asked.
Ignoring him, “Your swings are also too wide. Try to tuck your shoulder in more.” She continued giving pointers to Antonio.
Tucking his shoulder and punching twice, “Like this?” He asked. With a nod, “That’s better. Try to do it faster.” Alexis commended.
As commanded, Antonio punched through the air. “Feels better.” He commented. “You’re a fighter then?” He asked casually.
The girl softly nodded. “Kickboxing, muay thai, and boxing.” She explained, taking a kickboxing stance.
Stepping between the two, “Still with this boring boxing talk?” Nikolaus asked discontentedly. Before he could continue, his roommate popped up.
“Then you could land a hit on Nikolaus?” He asked. Alexis’ cold gaze was upon the one-eyed man in an instant.
Once more, before he could say anything, a punch cut through the air and almost hit his face. Even as he tucked his head aside, Nikolaus could feel the wind dragged by her strike graze his cheek.
Leaping back in fear, “Why am I the only one getting punched?” he asked. Alexis looked at him coldly, then at her left fist. Realizing that she had missed, she clenched it hard.
Nikolaus gulped, realizing what was to come next. Another left cut through the air and struck at him. He could barely step back in time to dodge it.
Without respite, more left punches came at him. Each inched closer and closer to his face.
“Wai-“ “Alexis-“ “Stop-“ He called out in vain as her jabs flew past him.
They moved erratically through the corridor, Nikolaus trying to shake her off while Alexis boldly stepped in with each punch.
With a loud thud, his back hit the lockers, sealing his doom. Alexis moved in without hesitation, digging her foot and turning her hips she fired a right straight.
Time flowed as slowly as molasses. Nikolaus could see the punch approach him inch by inch. His body acted on its own, pushing him out of the way as fast as it could.
Her hand grazed his cheek, drawing blood. In the blink of an eye, he stood three steps away from the tall girl.
Alexis slowly turned to him. There somehow was a sense of shock in her dull eyes. She slowly pulled her fist back; it had made a small dent in the locker.
Trying to catch his breath, the one-eyed man raised his hands in surrender, “I… Stop.” He managed to stutter.
Suddenly, a soft strike from the right cocked his head to the side, making him sway and take a couple of steps back.
Proudly presenting her fist, “Hah! I got him!” Flaylay declared in triumph.
“Yes. You did.” Alexis walked up to the colorful girl, making her hair shift visibly lighter.
“Thanks! Who are you, by the way? I’m Flaylay.” She introduced herself cheerily. “Alexis.” The tall girl replied.
With eyes lit up like a pair of torches, “Oooh! You’re Alexis? You’re really cute, wanna be my girlfriend?” Flaylay asked, her eyes wandering all over Alexis, save for her eyes.
“No.” Her reply was quick and cold. The colorful girl turned grey at her response, “Oh… That’s okay.” She murmured quietly.
Unbothered, Alexis turned her attention back to Nikolaus. He was putting a Band-Aid on his wound. Her eyes stood on him a moment longer, alerting him to her gaze.
He looked back at her, then gulped heavily with worry. In turn, the tall girl simply turned around and left.
Walking up to his roommate, “I think she’s disappointed that she couldn’t land a good hit on you.” Antonio commented.
Sliding next to the two, “Unlike me.” Flaylay giggled. “It was a cheap shot.” The one-eyed man shrugged.
As the two argued, Alexis disappeared up the stairs. Her fists were still clenched as only one thing passed through her mind: -I couldn’t hit him.-
-
His bruised cheek still stung as Nikolaus walked back to the dorm alone. He rubbed it slowly, hoping to alleviate the feeling.
-Good job weaseling your way out of another jam.- Aarelion commented slyly. With an annoyed puff, “Better to run away than die, right?” The young man replied.
“…Still…” His thoughts betrayed him, “It was terrifying to be on the receiving end of those punches.”
His thoughts trailed on, unbothered by the mockery of the voice in his head. His trance only ended when he felt a firm hand on his shoulder.
“Nikolaus.” Alexis spoke calmly. Her presence made his heart skip a beat, whether from joy or fear, he couldn't tell.
“A-Alexis. Hi, how may I help you?” He asked kindly, holding onto the little composure he had.
The tall girl looked as dedicated as always, but there was something else in her abyssal eyes, curiosity. “There is something I want to find out. Could you come with me?” She asked flatly.
A question like that from her would have enthralled him usually. Now, he didn’t know what to feel. “I… Uhm, what do you want to find out?” He asked meekly.
As Alexis opened her mouth to reply, something forced its way in between the two and threw its hands on their shoulders, “What are you lovebirds up to now?” Mystelatin asked with a warm smile.
“I- wuh…” Nikolaus stuttered from shock. Taking charge, “We’re going to the coalition center.” Alexis asserted.
Somewhat surprised, “Not a very romantic place. But sure, let’s go.” The scarred woman replied.
Finally coming to his senses, “Wait! Who said you could come with?” Nikolaus asked. Even if he didn’t know what was to happen, he knew he did not want Mystelatin there.
“It’s fine if she comes.” Alexis chimed in. Her response deflated Nikolaus and emboldened Mystelatin.
Squeezing the duo close to her, “Alright then, let’s hit the road!” The scarred woman exclaimed with joy.
As they moved through the streets, the question in Nikolaus’ mind burned more and more. -What does she want to find out?-
-
It all happened lightning fast. After they had stepped into a busy gym, two buff men directed him into the locker room. After putting on a red pair of boxing trunks, headgear, and shoes of the same color, albeit with a notable stench of sweat, those same men wrapped his hands in tight white wraps.
He stepped out of the locker room looking like a boxer, while feeling like a clown. He waddled towards the ring, becoming almost as red as his trunks.
Stepping into the ring, He looked side to side. A decent crowd had gathered around, eager to watch.
One of the men, an older gentleman with a full head of grey hair and a piercing look in his eyes, called his attention from the side of the ring.
“Kid, are you familiar with boxing?” He asked. Thinking for a moment, “Punch the other person and don’t use legs?” The young medic replied.
With a disappointed sigh, “No matter. I’m your second. Just try to do as I say.” He told.
Feeling a sense of confidence with the man, Nikolaus nodded. “Now, open your mouth.” The man ordered, bringing a U-shaped piece of plastic up to him.
Feeling less confident now, the young man nevertheless opened his mouth. Only to have it roughly shoved inside.
“Mouth guard. Protects your teeth and mouth.” The man explained casually. With a sour face, “Is… is this thing clean?” Nikolaus asked best he could.
The man shrugged, “It has been cleaned.”
Just then, at the other corner of the ring, Alexis walked in. Indicating that the match was about to begin.
Grabbing Nikolaus by the neck and leaning his head forward, “Alright kid, Alexis is an all-rounder with incredibly sharp punches and observation skills. Don’t let her establish the pace. Try to get up close immediately.” His second advised.
Understanding none of it, “Wait, what?” Nikolaus asked meekly. But the man had already stepped down, leaving him alone.
The young man finally gathered the courage to look at his opponent. Up to this point, everything felt like he was on autopilot. But staring at Alexis in her black boxing gear made him realize he was conscious and fully in charge of his actions.
The first thing that came to pass through his mind was the urge to run.
-Hah! Running away from a girl again? Pitiful.- Aarelion mocked him. -Let me tag in if you actually want to win.- He continued.
With each word, Nikolaus’ blood boiled hotter and hotter. He readied himself, pitting his right foot forward and his fists up.
Taking notice of this, “He’s southpaw?” Arkan asked from Alexis’ flank. “He is full of unknowns.” The girl coldly replied before putting her mouthguard on. “And I intend on figuring all of them out.” She declared.
Among the crowd, Mystelatin watched the ring intently. “I have seen you before, but never here.” A voice called from her side.
Turning around, she saw a pair of dark green eyes glaring at her. She then noticed the massive breathing mask covering most of the man’s face.
With a simple shrug, “I walk around a lot, might have seen me on the streets.” She replied.
“So, you’re not an enforcer.” Kane concluded coldly, “May I ask, what are you doing here?” He demanded just as cold.
“Came here to see the fight.” Mystelatin told honestly. Against his best judgement, the man turned to the ring, “Who’s fighting?” He asked.
His eyes darted to Alexis at first. Even at that distance, he could feel her intensity. Then he saw her opponent.
Dumbfounded, “That kid! The hell is he doing in there?” He asked. “His name is Nikolaus.” The scarred woman said, “Alexis wanted to fight him.” She concluded.
Realization slowly seeped in, “You were there too, at that cave…” Kane accused. Mystelatin briskly shused him, “They’re about to begin.” She told quietly.
Another enforcer playing the part of referee had brought the two to the center of the ring. While he talked about wanting a clean fight and prohibiting hits below the belt, Nikolaus noticed Alexis eyeing him.
Not wanting to be left behind, he too started eyeing her body. Though the height difference between them wasn’t too large, he felt dwarfed by her presence. Her arms were long and slender, but had well-defined muscles. Her body, as he would find out soon enough, was built for the sole purpose of martial arts.
Meanwhile, the tall girl intently studied what lay under his unremarkable body. Her vision revealed details about him beyond his knowledge.
Whether what she saw worried or emboldened her couldn’t be read from her poker face.
The referee finished his words and made the two touch gloves. With that, the calm before the storm had come to an end.
-It’s going to be okay…- Nikolaus thought to himself while waiting for the bell to ring, -Just stay on your feet and dodge her like before.- He held his fists in front of his face.
Finally, the bell rang. -Just focus.- Nikolaus reminded himself and blinked.
He wasn’t in a ring when he opened his eye. The ring, the gym, and the building had vanished. Instead, he stood in the middle of a vast ocean. High waves roared all around him, and the sky was a stormy grey. Nothing else existed as far as the eye could see, just him, the ocean, and an ominous black fin.
It was swimming towards him, fast. He could feel each second pass, but couldn’t bring himself to move.
The shark was upon him now. It leapt out of the water, its dark body was sleek yet powerful, its soulless eyes saw nothing but its prey, and its jaw was wide open, aiming to get a bite out of him.
A left uppercut tore his guard apart. The impact also snapped him back to reality. He was still in the corner, and Alexis was upon him.
Biting through the pain and the shock, Nikolaus watched helplessly as the tall girl fired her right punch straight at him.
The same fear that had frozen him now urged him to move. He stepped down and leaned forward, letting the punch merely graze his shoulder as he got out of the way.
Lost in momentary relief, Nikolaus forgot his guard was still down. Alexis didn’t. Immediately bringing her left arm down, she fired at his face before he could react.
A loud thud emphasized the heavy impact. Nikolaus stood still, Alexis’ punch supporting him on his face. Then he stumbled forward, his sense of balance completely gone.
Each step was heavier and less balanced than the last. Finally, it looked as though he would finally fall down.
Through instinct alone, the young man threw his foot forward, maintaining his balance. In between heavy breaths, “I… can go on.” He declared, putting his guard up.
-Sure about that?- Aarelion asked, -It looks to me like you’re hanging on by a thread.- He added snarkily.
“Shut up…” Nikolaus murmured, “I just need to focus.” He tried to convince himself.
Alexis was on the move again, approaching him with soft but fast steps. With each step, she changed direction, leaving him guessing.
Finally, planting herself firmly at his right, the tall girl fired a left hook at his face.
Nikolaus would have been impressed if he weren’t the one to receive the strike. She had masterfully used his missing eye to circumvent his fast reactions.
By the time he saw it coming, it was too late to dodge it completely. He tried to lean back, but she was faster. The impact sent his head flying back.
His body followed, trying to re-establish balance in an exercise of futility. His body stretched like an arrow, heading for a fall.
The ropes cushioned his head, slowing him just enough for him to throw his arm back and catch them in an awkward grab.
Realizing that he had survived, Nikolaus exhaled heavily. -How long can you keep this up, kid?- Aarelion asked with disappointment.
Though he did not want to admit it, he knew the voice in his head was right. Swallowing his pride, he replied: “I can’t keep running.” Simply.
Slowly, he got back on his feet. “I hate the thought of hurting the face I adore. But I must retaliate.” He whispered and put his guard up.
Sensing his intent, Alexis started to move again. Adamant on finishing him. While watching her closely, Nikolaus blinked again, finding himself in the middle of that grey ocean once more.
Pushing back against his fear, the young man took a deep breath. He looked at the shark; the beast was as gnarly as before. But this time, he wasn’t unarmed.
A single rusty knife lay in his left hand. Compared to the beast’s teeth, it may as well be a toothpick. That did not matter to him, what mattered was the minuscule but real fighting chance he held.
The shark lunged at him again, its soulless eyes sought only to destroy him. The man knew he had to get closer to the beast. Though its jaws were menacing, its belly was soft and unguarded.
-Slip past its jaws, and plunge your knife into its belly.- Nikolaus told himself intently.
Alexis threw her left punch forward, aimed right at his face. Seeing the jaws of the beast close in on him, the young medic leaned down and pushed himself forward.
With one step, he covered all the distance between them. By the time Alexis realized what he was doing, it was far too late.
Pivoting his left foot, Nikolaus struck her side with all his might. The impact on her liver made the tall girl almost puke.
She barely managed to throw herself aside, still shaken from the pain. The young man did not pursue her from a mix of confusion and misplaced worry.
“I… Hit her.” He murmured.
“That step in… and liver blow. He’s good.” Kane commented. Nodding with pride, “Yup. I wouldn’t want to be in Alexis’ place.” Mystelatin replied.
“That being said…” The enforcer squinted his eyes, “Alexis is used to receiving far worse hits. I don’t think he’s winning this.” He commented coldly.
Alexis tapped her feet on the ground twice. -Good. They still work.- She thought to herself. Her eyes were locked on her opponent. Instinctively, she tightened her guard.
Nikolaus watched her carefully, knowing full well she would go on the offensive again. He gulped, knowing what he had to do.
Just as the tall girl sprang into action, so did he. What happened next shocked even Nikolaus. In one dash, he had covered all the distance between them.
Both looked at each other in confusion for a moment. Alexis was the first to snap out of it, firing a left hook at him.
Just as he came, Nikolaus was gone. He hadn’t simply gone back, but was circling her at a speed neither he was accustomed to, nor she could follow.
-Wait… Am I really this…- Nikolaus slowly realized what was going on. -When did he get so…- Alexis tried to follow him in futility. -Fast.- Both thought at the same time.
At the height of his momentum, the young man aimed himself at his opponent from her back. He flew at her like a lance, dedicated to ending the fight.
Managing to turn around just in time, Alexis turned around to see something she would never forget.
She believed she knew Nikolaus well enough, but never once had she seen the two massive wings, made out of pure light, spanning from his back.
In a blink, his wings were gone, but now he was right in front of her.
Alexis clenched her teeth and subtly relaxed her guard. Unaware of the trap he was walking into, Nikolaus hit her in the stomach with a thundering left.
The tall girl almost folded in two. The strike could have put any normal person down. She wasn’t a normal person.
In the heat of the moment, Nikolaus had forgotten the first rule of fighting: Never drop your guard.
Biting through the pain, Alexis pivoted her feet and hit an uppercut square on his chin, sending his head flying back. Not stopping there, she then put everything she had into an overhead, hitting his exposed head once more.
Struggling, she took two steps back. It took a moment for her to regain consciousness. Nikolaus, on the other hand, was lying on his face, motionless.
“Down!” The referee shouted. At his words, Alexis’ shoulders dropped heavily. With weary steps she walked to the nearest corner and waited for the countdown.
Nikolaus stood motionless as the count went on. “Four!” The referee shouted at his lifeless body.
By the wayside, Mystelatin was chewing her index finger with worry. “C’mon, Nikolaus. You got up from much worse.” She whispered.
At “Seven!” The young man started to twitch subtly. Then, with weary hands, he pushed himself up. Just as the referee shouted “Nine!” He was up.
“Can you fight?” The referee asked him softly. After a deep exhale, “Yes.” He replied coldly. Getting out of the way, “Box!” The referee declared.
Right away, Alexis rushed him to finish the fight for good. Pivoting her foot, she sent a lightning-fast right straight at him.
Having no trouble ducking down, her opponent stepped in. “No need to be so rough, my boyish young lady.” He taunted in a voice Alexis could barely recognize.
His words were followed by a right hook, hitting her square on the face.
The girl stumbled back, unable to make sense of what had happened. Her opponent, however, did not let up. Putting his left foot forward, he followed with a series of jabs, forcing her into defense.
With each punch, his assault intensified. He had abandoned all defense now, focusing solely on attack with both arms. That was what ticked Mystelatin off.
She stared coldly at the scene before her. Her terror was clear from her face. “Something the matter?” Kane asked.
It took the scarred woman a moment to reply, “Nikolaus is acting a little… Unusual. Keep your eyes open, something bad might happen.” She admitted slowly, unwilling to voice her thoughts.
The enforcer showed no emotion, simply turning back to the ring. Aarelion had managed to drive Alexis into the corner. Her guard withstood like a wall against his tsunami of strikes.
With the same calmness she always possessed, she eyed each little movement. If there was a way out, she was the one who could find it.
A wild right hook finally broke her guard. It didn’t matter anymore if she could find a way out. She was out of time.
Aarelion sired a left hook, intent on finishing her. Alexis internally sighed; he hadn’t learned his lesson about keeping his guard up.
She turned her waist and fired an uppercut straight at his chin. Both blows connected simultaneously.
A terrible noise rose as the two fighters clashed for the last time. All eyes were focused on the ring, eager to find out the conclusion.
Alexis’ legs gave out first. She barely managed to hang onto the ropes with the last of her strength. Aarelion, on the other hand, stood triumphant over her.
“…Crap.” He commented before crumbling to the side. Seeing his head hit the ground made Alexis finally give in to the fatigue and damage. She fell unconscious, her body lying inches away from Nikolaus’.
The referee hesitated for a moment, then shouted: “Draw!” At his sign, multiple people rushed into the ring, tending to the two.
Mystelatin stepped toward the ring as well, only to be stopped by Kane. “There are medics there, you’ll only get in the way.” He explained.
She looked at him with weary eyes. Then, with a nod, settled down.
-
Nikolaus gasped awake. He rubbed his forehead, trying to diminish the terrible ache. Only a moment of rubbing later did he realize that he was in the medical wing.
“Nikolaus!” Mystelatin shouted from the side, grabbing his attention. She excitedly approached him and sat down next to his bed. “You’re alright?” She asked with eyes as wide as an owl’s.
Still rubbing his head, “I feel fine… What happened?” He asked back. The scarred woman hesitated for a moment, “…You two tied.” He put it simply.
“Tied?” The young man asked in confusion. “The last thing I remember was Alexis knocking me out.” He replied.
-You’re welcome, kid.- Aarelion chimed in sinisterly. Realization hit like cold water, -What did you do!?- Nikolaus asked back furiously.
The voice would have smiled if he had a face, -See for yourself.- He showed what had happened after he took over with pride.
A split second later, Nikolaus looked as if struck by lightning. He turned to his sister, “Where is Alexis?” He demanded. “Is she okay?”
With a warm nod, “She woke up before you. She’s fine.” Mystelatin explained. Put at ease by her words, Nikolaus slowly stood up. “Let’s go then. I have to study.”
-
Gulping down an entire bottle of water, Alexis gasped in rejuvenation. “So, did you manage to find out what you wanted?” Arakn asked her coldly.
The girl thought for a moment before opening her mouth: “I thought he was untrained, but he has fighting experience. He’s awfully fast, and those punches sting…” She listed off, “What happened after I knocked him down was strange. He didn’t simply change style; it was like he was another person.” She concluded.
With a calm nod, “Sounds like he’d make a good enforcer.” The old man replied. “At any rate, get some rest.” He commanded before leaving the room.
Watching him leave, Alexis leaned back and exhaled. Slipping into the memory of their fight.
-
Yakub watched the gentle rain with a glass of wine at hand. The noise of high heels approaching alerted him. “How goes the set-up?” He asked softly.
“Everything’s on schedule.” His assistant reported simply. “Good.” The black man nodded. He finished his drink and set the glass aside before turning to her.
“Now, all that’s left to do is to get that arm.” He spoke confidently, approaching the woman.
Pushing her glasses against her face, “Easier said than done. We don’t even know where he is.” The woman replied.
With a scoff, he told her otherwise. “My initial run-in with Julius was a mere stroke of luck. I’ve got something else planned to find him.” He said.
Unconvinced, the delicate woman walked around the couch before taking a seat, “Care to tell how?” She asked casually.
“I was getting to that.” Yakub replied while pouring wine for the two. With swift but casual steps, he approached the woman and handed her one of the glasses.
“Before coming here, I had my connections look into the employment records of the local government.” He explained before taking a sip of wine.
Swirling her wine, “Let me guess, not a trace of him.” The assistant assumed.
With a confident nod, “Not even one.” Yakub replied. “But that led me to another lead. There is precisely one place in this entire city that doesn’t record their employees properly.” He continued.
After a sip, “What makes you think he’s working at the first place?” She asked.
Her question brought a chuckle out of him, “Erza, please, he’s not a rich man. Of course he’s working.” He replied.
With a shrug, “Fair enough. What is this place called then?” She asked in turn.
“WestFort Academy. A high school.” He explained.
Putting her drink down, “So… You’re going to walk into a high school and abduct one of their teachers?” Erza asked, confident the answer would be something far more complicated.
Just as she imagined, Yakub shook his finger no, “Not me. You’re going there. As a potential investor.” He replied with a smile.
Less than amused, “Things I do for you.” The woman sighed. Unlike her, her employer laughed with confidence. “If the paycheck isn’t enough, then being the right hand of one of the Nine Circles of Hell should be, no?” He asked in jest.
Scoffing brazenly, “With the supposed power to ‘Rival nations’ You still couldn’t deal with one that one woman.” Erza gave lip.
Yakub didn’t let his annoyance show on his face, but grasped his glass tightly as if trying to break it. “That woman is far more persistent than any normal human has a right to be.” He spoke through gritted teeth.
A moment later, he had calmed down, “That being said, it will be ecstasy to watch her get ripped apart by my army.” He concluded coldly.
Erza softly placed her empty glass on the table. “Say you find Julius, how are you going to get through her to take his arm?” She asked.
The simple question brought a devilish smirk to the man’s face. After a moment of giggling, he turned to her with light in his eyes like hellfire.
“To that end, I have found someone who can circumvent our annoying little problem.” He told triumphantly.
Against her will, Erza smirked with curiosity. “Care to tell me who that someone is?” She asked.
Shaking his head, Yakub slowly got up, “All in due time, dear.” He told. Walking to the end of the room and looking out, “First, we need to get our little rodents out of their hidey-hole.” He stated calmly. His eyes studied the night city, embers of ambition in his gaze burned brighter than the stars in the sky.
-
Somewhere within that city, Julius looked up into the night sky. His heart, grasped by fear, beat like a drum. Making sleep nigh on impossible. He turned aside, looking at his beloved. Only then did his heart start to settle.