Chereads / Linking Stars (old) / Chapter 26 - Conflicting Emotions

Chapter 26 - Conflicting Emotions

January 13 4005 4:13 PM

Inside Light's dorm room, Claire slowly lifted her head from lying comfortably on his lap, breaking the serene silence that had settled between them while Ken slept in the distance. Her eyes, filled with a mixture of contentment and curiosity, met Light's emotionless gaze, unaware of the unintended vulnerability she had left behind.

Unbeknownst to her, she remained oblivious to the unintentional confession she had made to him, or at least, that's what he believed.

Claire's appearance betrayed her lack of rest, with disheveled hair and the weariness evident in her yellow eyes. She blinked repeatedly, trying to fight off the fatigue that weighed heavily on her. Her unintentional display of exhaustion, including a tiny droplet of saliva escaping her mouth, went unnoticed by Light, who maintained his characteristic emotionless gaze.

As Claire struggled to keep herself awake, her vibrant energy waned, replaced by the telltale signs of exhaustion. Her attempts to hide her weariness from Light, although unsuccessful, went unnoticed by him. He continued to regard her with his stoic demeanor, seemingly unfazed by her disheveled appearance and the tiny droplet of saliva that had escaped her mouth. The contrast between their outward states was stark, yet the unspoken understanding between them remained intact. In the silence that enveloped the room, a connection formed, transcending the need for words or expressions.

"I'm sorry if I've taken up all your time this afternoon," Claire says with a hint of regret in her voice.

"Don't worry about it. I didn't have any plans, so it's fine," Light reassures her, his tone still devoid of emotion but with a touch of understanding.

Claire nervously tucks a strand of her bright yellow hair behind her ear before offering Light a warm and bright smile, her expression radiating positivity.

Light's stoic expression remains unchanged as he meets Claire's gaze, his gray eyes reflecting a sense of detachment. He observes her smile with a detached curiosity, intrigued by her ability to radiate such warmth and positivity even in the face of his own emotionless demeanor.

"Thanks for today, Light... I feel much better now, all thanks to you," Claire expresses her gratitude with a bright and genuine smile on her face.

"You sure about that?" Light responds in a sarcastic tone, his emotionless demeanor intact.

"Yeah, I'm completely fine... Don't worry," Claire reassures him with a lighthearted giggle, choosing to play along and pretend she is oblivious to his sarcasm.

He casts a perplexed glance at her, silently observing her cheerful disposition. Despite his confusion, he chooses to remain silent and stoic, allowing the passing moments to unfold in the comfort of his dorm room. The afternoon slips away gradually, marking the conclusion of their weekend as the last remnants of daylight begin to fade.

The dimming light of the room casts a subtle glow on their surroundings, emphasizing the quiet stillness that envelops them. Claire, seemingly unfazed by the passage of time, maintains her vibrant presence while Light continues to express his emotionlessness demeanor. They exist in a delicate balance of contrasting energies, their unspoken connection and the uncharted depths of their shared experiences lingering in the air.

Meanwhile, finally succumbing to his restlessness, Marcus musters the strength to step out of his dorm. With a heavy sigh escaping his lips, he hesitates for a moment before slowly turning the doorknob and opening the door.

Caught off guard by the sudden movement, Liene loses her balance and tumbles backward, landing on the floor. Initially, Marcus pays little attention to her presence, feeling indifferent towards her. However, upon closer inspection, his eyes fall upon Liene, who is peacefully asleep on the floor. Her delicate features are framed by her blue hair, which spills around her like a gentle waterfall. Her peaceful expression contrasts with the chaos of the previous moments, lending an air of serenity to her slumber. The soft rise and fall of her chest with each breath, and the calmness that radiates from her closed eyes, create an image of tranquility amidst the surrounding tension. It becomes apparent that she had fallen asleep after sitting against the door, and her unintended fall to the floor occurred when he opened the door.

"Liene, come on!" Marcus says with a tinge of annoyance in his voice, annoyed by her presence in front of him.

Reluctantly, Marcus, annoyed and mad, scoops Liene up and carefully lifts her onto his back. With a sense of responsibility, he takes slow and deliberate steps as he carries her towards her room, ensuring her safety throughout the journey.

As Marcus makes his way through the halls, he can't help but feel a sense of unease. Liene's weight on his back serves as a reminder of the vulnerability she displayed earlier, and he can't shake off the guilt that lingers within him. Despite his annoyance towards her, he can't deny the small flicker of concern that burns deep within.

"Seriously, why do I have to be the one to carry her to her room?" Marcus grumbles irritably, his frustration evident in his tone. He can't help but question why he has taken on this responsibility, feeling burdened by the task of helping Liene. The inconvenience and the extra effort required only serve to fuel his annoyance. Nonetheless, he begrudgingly continues with his duty, determined to see it through.

Every step Marcus took, he couldn't help but grow increasingly annoyed. The sound of Liene's loud snoring resonated in his ears, further fueling his irritation. As he carried her on his back, he couldn't help but reflect on their earlier encounter, the argument and her subsequent attempt to apologize. A twinge of guilt began to seep into his voice as he mused, "Come to think of it, she did go out of her way just to apologize... It's kind of nice." Despite his frustration, a small part of him recognized the effort Liene had made to make amends, leading him to question his own reaction.

As Marcus carried Liene on his back, he reminisces of their fateful encounters. He couldn't help but reflect on the day they first crossed paths, when Liene had selflessly come to his aid on the battlefield, lending him a helping hand during a dire moment. The image of her rushing to his side during his fierce battles against Derek resurfaced, not once, but twice.

His gaze shifted towards her pointed ears. It was a subtle feature that had not gone unnoticed by him from the moment they first met. Marcus had been aware that Liene was an elf, but he had chosen to remain silent about it, understanding that revealing such a detail could potentially hurt her or make her uncomfortable. He respected her privacy and cherished their friendship, embracing her as she was, elf ears and all.

A wave of guilt washed over Marcus as he carried Liene on his back. Despite her earlier outburst and the unintentional harm caused by her words, she had taken the initiative to apologize to him. Her genuine effort to make amends weighed heavily on him, stirring a mix of emotions within him. Marcus couldn't help but feel a twinge of remorse for his own behavior and the role he played in their conflict.

He finally arrived as Liene's dorm with Liene still securely on his back, Marcus reached into her pocket and retrieved the keys. He carefully inserted the key into the lock, turning it slowly until the door clicked open. As he pushed the door inward, he was greeted by an enchanting sight. The room was adorned with mesmerizing elven designs, a testament to Liene's connection to her elven heritage. Intricate patterns danced along the walls, and ethereal tapestries adorned the space. The furniture boasted elegant curves and nature-inspired motifs, creating an atmosphere of otherworldly beauty. Marcus stood in awe, momentarily forgetting his annoyance as he took in the enchanting ambiance of Liene's elven-inspired room.

He let out a weary sigh, his earlier irritation dissipating as he focused on ensuring Liene's comfort. With gentle care, he carefully lowered her onto her bed, arranging her body in a comfortable position. He tucked the blanket around her, ensuring she would be warm and snug throughout the night. Despite any lingering frustrations, Marcus couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility and protectiveness towards Liene as he watched over her slumbering form.

As he turned around, Marcus couldn't help but be captivated by Liene's serene and peaceful expression as she slept. A faint smile graced his lips, appreciating the calmness that enveloped her cute features. His gaze shifted to her desk, where a slightly open locket caught his attention. He hesitated for a moment, feeling it would be rude to pry into her personal belongings, but his curiosity got the better of him. With a mixture of intrigue and caution, he reached out and picked up the locket, holding it gently in his hand.

As Marcus opened the locket, his eyes were immediately drawn to the picture inside. It depicted a triumphant-looking elven man, holding a large spear in his hand. The man's face bore a striking resemblance to Liene's, causing Marcus to wonder about their connection. Who was this person in the picture? What role did they play in Liene's life? These questions swirled in his mind, igniting a newfound curiosity about Liene's past and her ties to the elven world.

"It's my brother..." Liene's voice interrupts Marcus's thoughts, catching him off guard. He turns to face her, surprised to find her awake.

"I didn't know you were awake," Marcus responds in a low tone, his curiosity piqued.

Liene smiles slightly and clarifies, "Yes, that's my brother in the picture. Now you can stop wondering."

Marcus, still processing this revelation, nods silently, his mind filled with questions about Liene's family and their connection to the elven world.

Marcus scratches his head, standing awkwardly in front of Liene. She rises from her bed and takes a seat, still wrapped in her blanket. Marcus, unsure of what to do with the locket in his hand, fidgets with it for a moment.

"My homeland, Elysiaar, is currently ruled by my brother, Aric. He ascended to power after... the tragic incident where my family was killed by humans," Liene reveals, her voice carrying a soft tone.

Marcus, filled with curiosity, asks, "Do you blame us?"

Liene shakes her head gently. "Not all humans. But my brother, Aric does. That's why I left Elysiaar and came here, to see for myself and form my own opinions."

Marcus stood awkwardly, unsure of how to respond to Liene's words.

"Were you wrong?" asks Marcus, his voice filled with curiosity and a hint of self-doubt.

Liene's face lights up with a gentle smile as she looks at Marcus. "Of course not... I met you of course..."

Liene's smile fades, replaced by a sorrowful expression that tugs at Marcus's heart. He stands before her, unsure of what caused the sudden change in her demeanor.

"Hey, um, I just wanted to say that I'm really sorry for the way I acted earlier. I know it won't change what happened, but I genuinely mean it," Liene apologizes in a soft tone.

Marcus stood silently in Liene's room, his gaze fixed on her as she spoke. He could sense the sincerity in her voice and the genuine remorse in her eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded in acceptance, silently forgiving her for her earlier actions. While the tension between them had momentarily created a rift, this gesture of apology and forgiveness allowed the possibility of healing and rebuilding their relationship.

"And thanks for bringing me here..." says Liene, a hint of gratitude in her voice.

"Don't mention it..." responds Marcus, his tone nonchalant yet filled with a touch of warthogs

He returns her locket, a small gesture of respect, before turning to leave the room. However, Liene's voice stops him in his tracks.

"Wait, hey... Could you stay for a while?" she asks, her tone filled with a touch of vulnerability.

Marcus hesitates for a moment, then nods in response to her request. He walks back towards her and leans against the wall, finding a comfortable spot to sit. The last hours of the weekend slip away as they spend them together in Liene's room, immersed in a comfortable silence that speaks volumes.

Meanwhile, Cain wearily returns to their dorm, exhaustion etched across his face. The strain of taking extra classes and catching up on the extended curriculum, a consequence of joining the academy late and entering midway through the school year, is clearly visible.

As Cain enters their dorm, he is greeted by the familiar sight of Dylan engrossed in his headphones, deeply immersed in his favorite online game. The sound of intense gameplay fills the room, as Dylan's eyes remain fixated on the screen with unwavering focus. It seems as though there isn't a day that goes by without Dylan indulging in his addictive gaming sessions.

Despite Cain's presence in the room, Dylan remains deeply immersed in his game, seemingly unaware of his roommate's arrival. Unlike many gamers who tend to exhibit loud and toxic behavior, Dylan is surprisingly silent, displaying a sense of calm and composure. It's unclear whether his quiet nature stems from exceptional skill in the game or simply a friendly and cooperative playstyle.

"Another day this is..." Cain murmurs wearily, his voice tinged with exhaustion. He lets out a sigh, the weight of his long day weighing heavily on him. Despite the weariness, he remains determined to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Ignoring Dylan's immersion in his video game, Cain settles into his chair next to the desk. He retrieves a stack of notebooks and opens one of them, flipping through the pages to review the notes he had taken during his classes. The monotony of the material causes his eyelids to grow heavy, and his mind begins to drift. However, certain keywords catch his attention, sparking a blend of boredom and curiosity within him. Intrigued by these glimpses of something more interesting, he fights against his drowsiness and delves deeper into his notes.

Out of nowhere, memories of Rose flood Cain's mind. He recalls how she was the first girl who genuinely reached out to him, not using him for personal gain. She had come to his aid when he was at his lowest, arriving on Stracia hungry and desperate. The image of her bright smiles and caring gestures linger in his thoughts, intertwining with a sense of worry for her well-being and safety. A single question echoes in Cain's mind, echoing his concern: "Where are you, Rose?"

Abruptly jolted from his thoughts, Cain's senses are assaulted by a piercing buzz and ear-piercing static emanating from the speakers throughout the entire academy. The deafening sound causes students to crouch down or cover their ears in pain and shock.

As the noise subsides, a chilling voice reverberates through the speakers, cutting through the silence. "Well, well, well... It appears that most of you are unfamiliar with my name. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Theseus, the very person who launched an attack on this esteemed academy last month. And now, I have taken all of you hostage," Theseus declares, his tone laced with intimidation and a sense of authority.

As the voice of Theseus echoed through the speakers, the students scattered across the academy couldn't help but listen. In Light and Claire's dorm, they turned their attention towards the source of the chilling voice. Marcus and Liene, still in Liene's room, paused in their conversation, their focus shifting to the unexpected announcement. Rhea, alone in her own dorm, couldn't ignore the unsettling tone of Theseus' words as she curls her ears. Lastly, Cain and Dylan, huddled together in Dylan's room, fell silent as the voice pierced through their shared space.

"Not only this academy, but EVERY academy on Stracia," Theseus's voice boomed with a sinister edge. "Consider this a warning, a taste of the power we possess. We will not tolerate any threats or attempts to undermine our clan. You are all at our mercy." His words dripped with menace, leaving an icy chill in the air.

Students all around the academy were paralyzed with fear as Theseus's menacing voice echoed through the speakers. The weight of his words was further amplified by the sight of armed bandits holding guns to their heads. As Theseus's menacing voice reverberated through the speakers, Light maintained his usual emotionless demeanor, yet his gaze remained sincere and unwavering. While his outward appearance did not show determination, his focus and attention to Theseus's words conveyed a resolute determination to protect himself and those around him. Claire, standing beside him, listened with a mix of concern and worry, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation.

"You're probably wondering how I managed to hold all of you at gunpoint. Well, let me enlighten you. We have hacked into your systems, gaining complete control. With a simple press of a button, every academy in Stracia will be engulfed in flames and reduced to rubble," announces Theseus with a chilling and intimidating tone.

From his office, Isaac sits calmly in his chair, his hands covering his mouth as he leans against the table. Unspecified thoughts race through his mind as he absorbs the chilling words of Theseus. Ann, standing by his side, listens with a mix of anger and determination, awaiting further commands from Isaac.

"Furthermore, if you don't believe us to be a threat yet, we have taken one of your fellow students hostage. If I'm not mistaken, her name is Rose..." Theseus reveals, each word striking fear into the hearts of the students at Celestial Sword Academy.

Upon hearing Rose's name at the end of Theseus's sentence, Claire in Light's room is consumed by fear for her well-being. Light, maintaining his emotionless demeanor, listens intently with sincere concern. Meanwhile, in Dylan's room, Cain grinds his teeth in anger, a burning desire to confront Theseus alone and protect Rose surging within him.

"Do not attempt to resist, or she will meet her end. And finally, if any of you students or staff members dare to interfere, especially you, Headmaster Isaac, we will not hesitate to detonate every school in Stracia with a simple press of a button..." Theseus declares, his tone growing even more menacing.

Isaac remains seated, his expression unreadable as he conceals a slight smirk behind his hands, which does not escape Ann's keen observation. She senses his hidden emotions, unsure of what his true intentions may be. His calm and collected demeanor masks his true thoughts, leaving Ann to wonder what role he might play in the unfolding events.

Suddenly, a piercing drop sounds on all the speaker, leaving the academy to erupt into chaos as the announcement comes to an end, instilling fear and panic among the students. They scatter in all directions, seeking safety and desperately pleading for their lives. In stark contrast, Light remains composed and resolute, his sincere gaze fixed ahead. Despite his emotionless demeanor, he shows no fear to confront Theseus.

"Theseus..."