Strong people tend to solve problems on their own, and Ciel had always borne immense pressure alone. But she couldn't stop thinking about what Krillin had said while holding her that day: "Your burdens, I'll share them with you."
With Krillin as her support, Ciel felt a newfound sense of security.
But suddenly, her face turned pale. Shaviza was one of the Frieza Clan's subordinates, and the Ice Demon was infamous for his wickedness, with his evil influence spreading across the entire East Galaxy. How could she allow Krillin to get involved in this dangerous matter?
"The Twilight Star has reappeared… searching for its traces this time is almost certainly a death sentence," Ciel thought grimly.
Her heart softened at the thought of Krillin, bringing a sweet smile to her lips. But then her expression grew serious. "I absolutely cannot let Krillin get entangled in this. He's not one of the Perseus people… he should leave Zisan Star immediately!"
"Once our forces are exposed, even Zisan Star might become a target. I must ensure Krillin leaves as soon as possible," she thought, now consumed by concern for his safety. Yet, the mission meant her people could not escape; they had to face their destiny.
Ciel walked slowly toward the tree where Krillin lived. Her expression was heavy, and her steps hesitant, as she struggled to find the words to say.
Krillin noticed her arrival and couldn't help but grin. "We've only been apart for a little while, and she already misses me, huh?"
Without missing a beat, Krillin leapt behind Ciel, catching her off guard and wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Miss me already?" he teased mischievously.
Ciel, seemingly used to Krillin's playful ambushes, replied in a feigned serious tone, "I did! Now put me down."
"Oh? Admitting it so quickly?" Krillin said with a chuckle, gently setting her back on the ground.
But just as her feet touched the ground, Ciel spun around and threw herself into Krillin's arms. Before he could react, he felt a soft, warm sensation on his lips.
Ciel clumsily embraced Krillin, her movements awkward and uncertain.
Krillin was stunned for a moment, staring at her cherry blossom-pink lips glistening in the sunlight. His heart began to race. Ciel had taken the initiative to this extent—if I don't respond now, I'd truly be worse than a beast!
Gently brushing aside her silver bangs, Krillin cupped her delicate face in his hands and took control of the kiss.
Ciel was inexperienced and naïve, believing a simple peck would suffice. But Krillin wasn't about to let her off that easily.
Feeling his deepening kiss, Ciel's eyes widened in surprise. Her glassy, crystalline eyes reflected disbelief as she instinctively tried to pull back.
But Krillin held firm. Slowly but surely, his persistence softened her resistance. Her tightly shut lips began to yield, and Krillin seized the opportunity to deepen the kiss.
Ciel's soft tongue was drawn out by Krillin's gentle coaxing...
This kiss was timeless, as if the earth and heavens had stilled.
When Krillin finally pulled away, he noticed a faint salty taste in his mouth. He opened his eyes to see a tear streak running down Ciel's cheek. Her tears had mingled with their kiss.
Panicking, Krillin quickly released her and said anxiously, "Ciel, don't cry! What's wrong?" He gently wiped the tears from her face.
Ciel was out of breath but felt a bittersweet warmth in her heart.
Seeing her remain silent, Krillin grew even more concerned.
"Leave Zisan Star," Ciel said softly, her voice barely audible.
"What?" Krillin asked, thinking he must have misheard her.
"Leave Zisan Star," she repeated, tears once again streaming down her cheeks.
Krillin lightly knocked her on the head. "What nonsense are you talking about? It's still broad daylight!"
Her tears continued to flow as she threw herself back into Krillin's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. "I said leave! Stop arguing and just go!"
Krillin held her tightly, rubbing her back soothingly. "Didn't I tell you? I'll share your burdens with you!"
Then, with a mischievous smile, he added, "Besides, I'm practically half a Perseus now."
Ciel looked up, her eyes filled with confusion.
Krillin grinned and pointed to his lips. "See? You've already stamped your seal of approval on me. I'm half a Perseus now, and you're half an Earthling!"
Realizing what he meant, Ciel's face flushed red as memories of their kiss flooded her mind. Embarrassed, she couldn't meet his gaze.
Krillin guided her to sit beside him. "So, what's going on?" he asked gently.
Ciel hesitated, her determination to protect him strengthening.
Seeing her stubborn silence, Krillin feigned irritation. "If you don't tell me now, I'll go find Scar and get the full story myself!"
"Don't!" Ciel quickly grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks.
"The Twilight Star has reappeared," she finally admitted, her voice heavy with exhaustion.
"Again? Is it another false alarm?" Krillin asked reflexively, recalling their previous experience.
Ciel gave him a faint, bitter smile and shook her head. "No, this time it's real. I've felt it myself."
"When did this happen?"
"About ten days ago," Ciel replied. "At first, I only sensed a faint trace of it and thought it was a mistake. But today, when Scar came to me, I could feel its presence clearly."
"We'll have to leave soon. After we pass through the wormhole, you'll leave us, Krillin," Ciel said, her voice trembling as she avoided his gaze.
"Look at me," Krillin said firmly, his voice cold and commanding.
Ciel's body trembled, but she didn't lift her head.
"I said, look at me!" His tone was even sterner this time, leaving no room for argument.
Tears welled up in Ciel's eyes as she finally raised her head to meet his gaze.
Krillin's bright eyes locked onto hers, and she understood the message they conveyed: Don't be afraid. I'm here. We'll face this together.
Her overwhelming sense of helplessness vanished, replaced by a warm, reassuring calm. She buried herself in Krillin's chest, clinging to him tightly.
"We'll be heading to Perseus's main star and two other moons, Xianwang and Yingwu, to confront their mecha forces. The enemy is very powerful," she murmured into his chest.
Krillin chuckled as he gently stroked her hair. "Silly girl, even if you hadn't told me, I'd planned to deal with Shaviza anyway. I came to the Perseus system to gather energy and take him down!"
"Mecha forces? Hah! In front of me, they're just a bunch of tin cans," he said with a smirk.
"But Shaviza's power level is nearly 200,000, and with his team…" Ciel began, her worry evident.
Krillin laughed, rubbing her tear-streaked face affectionately. "I'm at 470,000 now."
Ciel's eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth slightly agape.
"…"
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