Chapter 223: The Weight of the Tide
Malik and Ranke's footsteps echoed softly against the uneven stones of the rocky beach, the waves crashing against the shoreline in a calming rhythm. Malik had been holding Ranke's hand for most of their walk, her warmth blending seamlessly with his. Suddenly, he stopped, gently releasing her hand. The cool air immediately replaced the warmth she hadn't realized she was growing accustomed to, leaving her fingers strangely cold.
She frowned slightly, folding her arms, but said nothing as she watched him. Malik seemed deep in thought, his dark pink eyes scanning her from head to toe. His gaze lingered on her chest for a moment, prompting Ranke to cock an eyebrow.
"Seriously?" she said, crossing her arms over her ample bosom. "Are you really doing that right now?"
Malik didn't answer immediately. Instead, he raised his voice slightly, his tone calm but commanding. "Kiyomi, please come here."
Out of nowhere, a gust of wind swept through, and within seconds, Kiyomi "The Tempest" Matsuda appeared at Malik's side. Her silver hair flowed behind her like a stormy waterfall, her piercing grey eyes locking onto Malik first before briefly flicking to Ranke.
Ranke blinked, startled by her sudden appearance. She hadn't sensed Kiyomi at all, and the realization made her jaw tighten. How long had she been following us? Her surprise quickly turned into irritation as Kiyomi flashed her a sly smile, clearly enjoying Ranke's discomfort.
"You rang, my lord?" Kiyomi said smoothly, her voice like a soft breeze but carrying an undertone of unwavering strength.
"Stand for a moment," Malik said, gesturing for Kiyomi to take a step forward. She complied, her movements graceful yet deliberate. Her toned figure and athletic build were on full display, accentuated by her sleek outfit. When she stood still, her sizable chest—a full E cup—jiggled slightly, a fact Malik couldn't help but notice.
Despite Malik's initial ogling, he quickly regained his composure and looked Kiyomi in the eyes. "Kiyomi, I need your help." And with that he held Kiyomi's heavy and full ords in his hands bouncing them.
Kiyomi's expression never wavered as Malik carefully held her breasts in his hands, letting them bounce gently. The weight and softness of her breasts were unmistakable as he examined them with the utmost care. Ranke watched, her irritation slowly turning to something closer to jealousy. How could Malik treat a woman like this so freely, and in front of her?
Finally, Kiyomi broke the silence, her voice steady and clear. "Is there something in particular you need my assistance with, Malik?" Her tone conveyed both curiosity and a quiet confidence.
Malik's eyes locked onto hers, his thoughts swirling. "There is," he said with a determined look.
Malik's hands continued to hold Kiyomi's breasts, feeling their softness and weight. The rhythmic bouncing created a mesmerizing sight, her chest rising and falling with each movement. His fingers traced the contours of her nipples, causing her to inhale sharply, her breath hitching slightly.
Ranke's eyes narrowed, her jealousy now mingled with a simmering anger. She couldn't believe what she was witnessing. Here was Malik, a man she had come to care for deeply, openly fondling another woman in front of her.
Kiyomi, however, seemed unfazed by the intimate gesture. Her gaze never wavered from Malik's face, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity. "Is there something specific you need from me, Malik?" she repeated, her voice carrying a hint of challenge.
Ranke's irritation grew as Malik openly observed Kiyomi. "You called her here just for this?" she snapped, her tone sharp.
Ignoring her comment, Malik looked back at Ranke, his gaze momentarily softening as if considering something important. He glanced down at her chest for comparison but refrained from using any magic or skills to determine her measurements. He wanted to respect her individuality and let her be herself without intrusion.
Ranke Analysis:
Name: Ranke Alstrade
Love for Malik: 35/100 (Growing but hesitant; her feelings are conflicted due to her loyalty to Haido and her own emotional barriers.)
Lust for Malik: 60/100 (She's undeniably attracted to him, even if she tries to mask it behind sarcasm and irritation.)
Haido Analysis:
Love for Haido: 20/100 (Not true love but a deep-seated devotion akin to that of a cult member for their leader. She believes in his vision because she craves power and purpose.)
Lust for Haido: 5/100 (There's no real romantic or sexual attraction, only an overwhelming sense of duty and awe.)
Note: Ranke views Haido not as a romantic figure but as a symbol of power and security. Her "devotion" is rooted in her belief that he can provide her with strength and stability.
Malik broke the silence. "Kiyomi," he said, tilting his head toward Ranke, "do you think one of your swimsuits would fit her?"
Kiyomi shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. "Maybe," she replied. "But my job is to protect you, not lend out swimwear."
Malik smiled, his expression soft but genuine. "Thank you, Kiyomi. We'll talk later."
With a nod, Kiyomi disappeared as quickly as she had arrived, leaving behind a faint gust of wind. Ranke glared at the spot where she had stood, her irritation still simmering.
"You couldn't notice her, could you?" Malik asked gently, breaking her thoughts.
Ranke stiffened, her pride wounded by the observation. "No," she admitted grudgingly, her voice quieter than usual. "And I don't like it."
Malik stepped closer and extended his hand to her again. For a moment, she hesitated, her light-violet eyes searching his face for answers she didn't even know she was looking for. Finally, she placed her hand in his, and the warmth she felt earlier returned, easing some of her tension.
"We'll figure something out," Malik said softly, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "For now, let's just keep walking."
As they resumed their stroll, Ranke's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Malik's unshaken confidence, his ability to call upon someone as formidable as Kiyomi without hesitation, and his seemingly endless patience with her—all of it made her question her place in this mission. The fact that she hadn't noticed Kiyomi's presence gnawed at her, a stark reminder that she wasn't as invincible as she liked to think.
But there was something else, something she couldn't quite put into words. When Malik held her hand, the world didn't seem as heavy. For someone so seemingly carefree, he carried a weight that intrigued her—and she hated that she wanted to know more.
The sound of the ocean grew louder as Malik and Ranke continued walking along the rocky beach, the wind carrying the salty spray of the waves. The vast expanse of water stretched endlessly before them, its restless tides mirroring the storm brewing inside Ranke's mind. Malik could feel the weight of her silence and decided it was time to approach her in a way that appealed to her sense of purpose.
"You know," Malik began, his tone steady but thoughtful, "I get that you're only doing this because Haido ordered it. But... I think we make a pretty good team."
Ranke glanced at him, her expression guarded. "Do we?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism. "Because from where I'm standing, you're more of a distraction than a partner."
Malik chuckled softly, brushing off her sharp words. "Fair enough. I can be a handful. But I also think we balance each other out. You're sharp, strong, and driven. And me? Well, I'm persistent, a little annoying, and really good at keeping things interesting."
Ranke let out a snort, her lips twitching in what might have been the beginning of a smile. "Interesting is one way to put it."
Malik stopped walking and turned to face her, his dark pink eyes locking onto her light-violet ones. He hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Look, I know Haido gave you a purpose when you needed it most. I get that. But... have you ever thought about what you'd do if you'd had a choice back then? If things were different?"
Ranke's expression hardened, her walls going up instantly. "I didn't have a choice," she said sharply. "People like me don't get choices. We take what we're given, or we get crushed."
Malik nodded, his gaze never wavering. "I hear you. And I'm not trying to dismiss what you've been through. But… what if? What if someone gave you a push—not to control you, but to help you see something better?"
Ranke's eyes narrowed, her body tensing. "Do you enjoy treading on dangerous ground, Malik?"
He raised his hands in a gesture of peace. " Of cousre I do but,I'm not saying you need anyone to give you purpose. You're more than capable of finding it yourself. But if you ever did need a push, I hope it'd come from someone like me. And I hope that push would come from a place of love, not some twisted version of a dream."
Her glare softened slightly, confusion flickering in her eyes. Malik's words were unsettling in their sincerity, something she wasn't used to hearing. She opened her mouth to respond but paused when Malik's expression shifted into a teasing grin.
"And, just so we're clear," he added with a playful tone, "I also have a goal to kiss you again and, if I'm lucky, maybe even see you naked. But the first part is way more important."
Ranke blinked, caught off guard by his bluntness. Her cheeks flushed, and for a moment, she was utterly speechless. Then, with a sharp bark of laughter, she shoved his shoulder hard enough to make him stumble. "You're impossible," she said, shaking her head.
"But not wrong," Malik shot back, regaining his balance with a wink.
Ranke sighed, her expression a mix of irritation and reluctant amusement. She crossed her arms and stared out at the ocean, the waves crashing against the jagged rocks below. "You're lucky I'm in a decent mood, or I'd zap you for saying something that stupid."
Malik stepped closer, his voice softening. "I mean it, though. I see so much more in you than you let on. And I know you don't need anyone to tell you who you are or what you're worth. But if you ever need someone in your corner, I'll be there."
Ranke didn't respond immediately. Her gaze remained fixed on the horizon, her thoughts a tangled mess. Malik's words stirred something deep inside her—a longing she didn't fully understand or want to acknowledge. Finally, she sighed and turned to face him.
"You're not wrong," she admitted quietly, her tone surprisingly vulnerable. "But I don't know if I can trust what you're saying. I've seen what happens when people get too close, and I'm not interested in getting burned."
Malik nodded, his expression serious. "I get that. And I'm not asking you to trust me completely. Just… give me a chance to prove I'm not like the others. Let me earn it."
Ranke studied him for a long moment, her light-violet eyes searching his face for any sign of deceit. When she found none, she sighed again and extended her hand. "Fine. But don't think this means I'm going easy on you."
Malik grinned, taking her hand and giving it a firm shake. "Wouldn't dream of it."
As they resumed their walk, Ranke found herself feeling lighter, as if some of the weight she'd been carrying had been lifted. Malik's words lingered in her mind, challenging her to reconsider the path she'd chosen and the possibilities that lay beyond it. For the first time in a long time, she felt something that resembled hope—and it terrified her.
Ranke rolled her eyes, the corners of her lips twitching upward as she glanced at Malik. "You do realize we've been walking for over two hours now, right?" she said, her tone dripping with mock exasperation. "Are we circling the entire coastline, or do you just have no sense of direction?"
Malik gave her a grin that was equal parts charming and infuriating. "Oh, I definitely know where we're going," he said lightly. "I'm just making sure you enjoy the view."
Ranke raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as they continued walking. "And what makes you think I'm enjoying anything?"
"The fact that you're still here," Malik quipped. He dodged a light shove from her, laughing. "Okay, okay. But seriously, you can't tell me this ocean breeze isn't amazing."
Ranke huffed but didn't argue. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore, coupled with the salty tang in the air, was indeed calming. She tucked a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear and walked a little closer to Malik, though she would never admit it was on purpose.
As they strolled, Malik's mind wandered. What do you ask someone who's technically in a cult, doesn't think it's a cult, and would never call this a date but totally knows it's one? He decided to start with something simple.
"So, Ranke," he began, his tone conversational, "what drew you to Haido's group? What's the one thing about it you enjoy most?"
Ranke's steps faltered slightly, caught off guard by the question. She frowned, considering her answer. "It's not a group—it's a mission," she corrected, her voice firm. "And I guess since you only asked me the same question 4 times in a row… it's the purpose it gave me. Before Haido, I was… lost. Powerless. Now, I have strength, direction, and something to fight for. That's more than most people can say."
Malik nodded thoughtfully, careful not to push too hard. "I'm just making sure but That makes sense. Everyone needs something to believe in. But when you're not on a mission, how do you spend your time? What's your idea of fun?"
Ranke hesitated, her frown deepening. "Fun?" she repeated, as if the word were foreign. "I don't know. I train, mostly. Sometimes I read, but that's about it. Fun's not exactly a priority."
"Not a priority?" Malik feigned shock. "Ranke, we need to fix that. Everyone deserves a little fun—especially someone as badass as you."
She rolled her eyes but didn't suppress the small smile that crept onto her lips. "You're ridiculous," she muttered, though her tone lacked its usual bite.
Malik pressed on, encouraged by her softening demeanor. "What's one of your favorite memories from your time with Haido's… mission?" he asked, keeping his tone light.
Ranke's expression turned contemplative. "There was this one time," she said slowly, "when we were on a scouting mission near the Land of Waterfalls. It was peaceful—too peaceful, really. But for a moment, we just sat by the falls, no battles, no orders. Just… quiet. It didn't last long, but it stuck with me."
"Sounds beautiful," Malik said softly. "Do you think you'd go back there if you had the chance?"
Ranke glanced at him, her light-violet eyes unreadable. "Maybe," she admitted. "If the circumstances were right."
Malik took a breath, feeling the conversation shift slightly. "If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.
Ranke tilted her head, considering the question. "I've never really thought about it," she admitted. "Maybe somewhere quiet. Somewhere far from all of this. But I don't think I'd know what to do with myself in a place like that."
"You'd figure it out," Malik said with a grin. "You're resourceful like that."
They walked in silence for a moment, the waves providing a soothing backdrop. Malik decided to take a different angle. "What's something you've always wanted to try but haven't had the chance to yet?" he asked.
Ranke hesitated, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I… don't know," she said, her voice quieter than usual. "I guess I've never really let myself think about stuff like that."
Malik reached out, brushing his fingers against hers in a gentle, almost hesitant gesture. "Maybe it's time to start," he said softly.
Ranke didn't pull away, though she zapped him lightly with a faint jolt of Gelel energy. "Don't get ahead of yourself," she said, her tone teasing.
"Noted," Malik said with a chuckle, flexing his fingers. "But I'm serious. You've got so much life ahead of you, Ranke. Why not start making some plans for yourself?"
Ranke gave him a sidelong glance, her expression somewhere between skeptical and intrigued. "And what about you, Malik? What are your big plans?"
Malik shrugged, his grin returning. "Oh, you know. Kiss you again, maybe see you naked someday, but only if I earn it. But first, I want to prove to you that there's more to life than just power and missions."
Ranke snorted, shaking her head. "You're hopeless."
"Maybe," Malik said, his voice softening. "But I mean it. You're worth more than you think, Ranke. And I'm going to prove it to you."
Once againe, Ranke didn't have a snarky retort. Instead, she let herself enjoy the warmth of his hand in hers, the weight of his words settling in her chest. As the rocky beach stretched before them, the tide lapping at their feet, she found herself wondering if maybe, just maybe, Malik was onto something.