The soft rays of the morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow upon Tassa's face as she woke up early. With a heart brimming with anticipation, she offered her prayers before eagerly turning her gaze to the right side of her bed. However, her happy expression quickly transformed into a frown when she realized that Ixartxist was not there, leaving the chair beside her empty. Disappointment washed over her, and she folded her arms, letting out a discontented snort. "He's a liar. He said he'll be here before I wake up."
Unbeknownst to Tassa, Ixartxist stood silently on the left side of her bed, patiently waiting for her to notice him. Hearing her words, he gently interjected, "I'm not a liar. You simply happened to look on the right side of your bed instead of the left, where I was standing. Here, I brought you breakfast." Ixartxist's voice carried a warm affection as he offered the tray of food to Tassa. "Do you want me to feed you again, my dear?"
A mixture of happiness and embarrassment washed over Tassa, causing her face to blush like a cup of fine wine. She tried her best to avoid looking directly at him, not wanting to reveal the depth of her feelings. With a sudden surge of determination, she stood up and told him that he didn't need to feed her like a child. As Tassa rose from the bed, her blanket became accidentally tangled around her legs, causing her to lose her balance. In that moment of vulnerability, Ixartxist swiftly tossed the tray of food into the air, his movements filled with grace and precision. With a flourish, he caught Tassa in his arms, preventing her from falling. The scene unfolded like a romantic fairytale, reminiscent of a princess being effortlessly caught by her dream prince. Tassa's hands instinctively found their place on his chest as she stared at him in awe. It was the first time she had seen him up close, and she couldn't believe just how handsome he was, even in such proximity. Ixartxist, too, was captivated by her beauty, his gaze fixed on her mesmerizing presence. In that enchanted moment, both of them forgot about the tray of food suspended in the air.
"Are you alright, Quart?" Ixartxist asked, his concern evident in his voice.
Tassa, realizing that her actions were becoming too obvious, softly pushed him away and replied, "Food."
Ixartxist's expression turned blank as he tried to comprehend her unexpected response. Perplexed, he questioned, "Why food?" Tassa, her cheeks still flushed, delicately touched a strand of hair at the end of her locks and explained, "Maybe I'm just hungry. Did you have something to eat?"
"Well of course," Ixartxist responded, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
Suddenly, the realization of the suspended tray of food dawned on Ixartxist, but it was too late to prevent the impending disaster. In a desperate attempt to shield Tassa from the falling food, he softly nudged her aside. However, his efforts proved futile as the bowl landed squarely on his head, while the rest of the food scattered across the floor.
"Xart, are you okay?" Tassa asked, her concern evident in her voice.
"Quart..." Ixartxist began, his voice filled with a mix of amusement and affection.
"Yes?" Tassa replied, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"Go and take a bath, and I'll do the same. I'll be back before you know it," Ixartxist instructed, his tone filled with warmth and reassurance.
Ixartxist left Tassa without saying a word, his mind consumed with frustration and self-anger. As a memory holder, he was not supposed to forget anything, his ability allowing him to remember even the tiniest details. But the fact that he had forgotten about the food he tossed in the air annoyed him greatly. It wasn't the food that bothered him, but rather the loss of focus that came with Tassa's presence. He prided himself on maintaining control, especially when the person he cared for was near. Now, he questioned whether he would always be this way in front of her.
Meanwhile, Tassa finished her bath but found herself struggling to locate her clothes in the unfamiliar surroundings of the new mansion. Unlike the old mansion she had shared with Nia'le, where every carving and corner was familiar to her, she felt lost in this new space. Clad only in a towel, she carefully navigated the room in search of suitable attire. The vastness of the room overwhelmed her, and she felt a pang of sadness as she remembered Ayamani, who used to guide her. She longed to sit and reminisce about her lost friend, but she realized that she didn't even know where to find a chair or how the room was arranged. As she nearly stumbled, she realized she had nothing to sit on but the empty air. Fortunately, Ixartxist swiftly caught her hand, his graceful movements preventing her fall. He asked why she was falling for nothing, appearing suddenly in front of her.
Tassa, her voice filled with frustration, replied, "Stupidity. I'm falling because of my own stupidity. I'm lost because of Ayamani, Xart. You've given me this huge room, but I have no clue where to sit, where to find my clothes, and everything. I—"
"You need an assistant, but you don't need to worry, honey. I can guide you, and I will—" Ixartxist began, his voice filled with reassurance.
"But, Xart, I love him. I miss him, and I long to see him again, even if it's just for a second—"
"Don't tell me you love him?" Ixartxist interrupted, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and confusion.
"Didn't you hear me, Xart? I do, I really do. And even on a deeper level, I love Ayamani!"
Ixartxist stared at her blankly, his silence causing a small rift between them. Tassa, realizing she had raised her voice, fell quiet as well. She looked at his hand, wanting to hold it and apologize for her outburst. However, the baleful look in Xart's eyes froze her in place. She wanted to say his name, but she felt paralyzed, unable to move. She tried beckoning him for help with a slight movement of her finger. When Xart noticed her gesture, he looked around and saw his surroundings transform into his own madness. His vision blurred, and he witnessed Tassa being devoured by a swirling dark smoke. Desperate to save her, he tried to pull her to safety, but his own sight began to fade. Blinking and rubbing his eyes, he suddenly remembered everything from their past, from their childhood. Ixartxist screamed as he saw Tassa fall into the abyss of darkness, his grip on her hand unyielding. He called out her name, but Tassa remained unresponsive, no matter how loudly he shouted. Ixartxist realized that his own madness had trapped them within his mind, leaving them without physical bodies to feel or wake each other. As a memory holder, his thoughts became jumbled, every detail flooding his mind. It became increasingly difficult for him to regain control and wake himself from this nightmare. He understood that their sacrifice for each other had become futile. In his despair, he recalled a conversation he had with Heaven, the most superior being.
(Flashback of Ixartxirst when he's talking with Heaven)
"Do you ever feel mad sometimes?" Ixartxist had asked.
"Not now, but I will, sooner or later," Heaven replied.
"I saw humans in Flute'agon's place. It allows you to see the future, and he let me peek inside his Qiasjolque. I think I said it right."
"He wasn't supposed to let anyone inside, but what did you see in there?" Heaven inquired.
"I saw people fighting, yelling at each other so loudly, especially a man with long hair and two bumps on his chest. They were loud and talking nonsense."
"Oh yes, they can be quite a handful."
"Well, if you get mad, will you shout too?"
"Consider this, Ixartxist. Shouting may catch someone's ear, but whispering can capture their attention. If I want someone to listen, I will whisper in their ear, making it easier for them to understand. Whispering and shouting both require a voice loud enough to grab attention, but in different ways. Remember that, Ixartxist."
(Back from reality)
Overwhelmed with emotion, Ixartxist followed Heaven's advice. He whispered to Tassa, apologizing for his carelessness. Miraculously, Tassa heard him and woke up in his arms. Ixartxist couldn't believe it, but he witnessed the miracle unfold before his eyes. A whisper louder than a shout had awakened a dormant soul.
Tassa looked up at his tear-stained face, confusion evident in her eyes. She glanced around and noticed their changed surroundings, a place where they continued to fall together.
"Xart, where are we?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
"It's my fault, my Tassa. We're falling because of me. I let my emotions control me, and now we're trapped inside them, in this abyss endlessly falling into nothingness. I can't free myself, and I can't free you. This is the price I'm paying. Forgive me, Tassa—"
"No, listen to me. Do you really think I'll let that happen, Ixartxist?"
Ixartxist's eyes widened in surprise at her calling him by his full name instead of "Xart," the name Tassa knew.
"Tassa?" he called, worry evident on his face.
"Ixartxist, the moment you whispered to me, I suddenly remembered everything. I don't want to lose those memories. I want to love you, not hate you. But I can't remember you in that world. Make me remember you, ixartxist."
"But, Quart—"
"Why? Don't tell me that an angel of memory can lose his memory. That's odd, isn't it?"
Ixartxist was about to reply, but Quart suddenly kissed him, calming his racing thoughts. In that moment, he felt a perfect harmony and peace in his mind and soul, freeing them both from his own madness.
He awoke to find Tassa resting in his arms, her towel no longer covering her body. It lay discarded on the floor, and he saw her completely naked. However, Ixartxist felt only sadness, his interest not piqued by anyone's body, not even Quart's. Tenderly, he carried her and laid her on the bed, gently dressing her. As Ixartxist finished, his eyes filled with sorrow for not being able to grant Quart's wish. He reached out and softly touched her face, his fingers tracing the contours of her cheek. Slowly, he lowered himself to one knee, his gaze fixed on her hand. With gentle reverence, he took her hand in his and pressed a tender kiss to her skin.
"Forgive me, Quart," he whispered, his voice filled with regret. "But granting your wish would mean making you disappear. I cannot make you remember me. You were never meant to remember who you were before. And if Ixartxist is the villain now, then so be it. If the heart can remember, then let it happen. Shouldn't I be the one begging you, pleading for you to remember me, Quart?"
Quart's consciousness slowly returned, and she saw Ixartxist murmuring something while holding her hands. Concerned, she asked if he was alright. But Ixartxist simply smiled at her, remaining silent. He stood up slowly, his gaze shifting to his watch.
"It's 13:01," he said, glancing back at Quart. "I suppose we'll be having our breakfast and lunch at the same time."
Quart was about to stand up on her own, but Ixartxist offered his assistance, helping her to her feet. He then extended his arm, offering to guide her.
He held her hands, but Quart found herself lost in his gaze, unsure of what was going through Ixartxist's mind this time. She remembered their last conversation before she had lost consciousness, a conversation about Ayamani. But after that, her memory was a blank. She longed to be aware of everything, feeling as though she was studying this new version of Xart who seemed both pretentious and kind to her.
In an attempt to gauge his reaction, Quart suddenly tried to pull her hand away from his grasp. However, Ixartxist refused to let go, calmly looking at her with an innocent and perplexed expression. He asked her, "What's wrong?"
"What's wrong?" Quart echoed.
"But isn't that my question, Quart? Why are you acting like this again?" Ixartxist asked.
"Like what?" She questioned, genuine confusion in her eyes.
"Are you avoiding me?" Ixartxist asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"No, never, Xart. All I was trying to say is that it would be better if we eat together. Don't you think it's a good idea, Xart? What's wrong with that?" Quart replied, her words filled with a mix of frustration and longing.
Ixartxist annoyingly smiled at her, murmuring to himself. "I still don't understand how your brain works, repeating all these stupid things..."
"What was that?" Quart inquired.
"Nothing. What I meant to say is... Of course, every suggestion of yours is perfect. Now, let's go and have breakfast together, my love," Ixartxist responded, his voice filled with tenderness.
Ixartxist held Quart's hand tightly as he guided her downstairs. They walked in such close proximity that Quart could feel the warmth of his body. She leaned her head against his chest, briefly closing her eyes, allowing herself to be led. As they descended the stairs, Quart couldn't help but notice Ixartxist's pale, veiny hand holding hers and his right arm securely around her waist. It made her feel both comfortable and vulnerable, weak as a woman. Her mind was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, and she couldn't help but feel a tingling sensation due to their closeness.
"He's literally touching my waist. No, he's holding my waist. His veiny hands are holding my hand and my waist. I'm getting weak, I can't take it anymore. I feel like I'm going to go crazy. No! I feel like I'm going to die," Quart thought to herself, her mind consumed by the intensity of their connection.
Ixartxist, too, couldn't tear his gaze away from their intertwined hands and his hand resting on her waist. He, too, engaged in a silent conversation within his mind.
"I'm literally touching her waist. No, I'm holding her waist. Her beautiful and soft hand is holding mine, while my other hand is holding her waist. I'm getting weak, I can't take it anymore. I feel like I'm going to go crazy. No! I feel like I'm going to die," Ixartxist pondered, his thoughts mirroring Quart's.
Ixartxist and Quart were deeply in love with each other, but they both chose to conceal their true feelings, afraid of rejection. They hid their desires, at least for now, even though their actions together spoke volumes.
Tassa and Ixartxist descended the grand staircase, making their way towards the elegant dining room. As they entered, Ixartxist courteously pulled out a chair for Tassa to sit in. She smiled appreciatively, gracefully taking her seat. The two of them shared a meal together, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of affection. Unbeknownst to them, the maids in the kitchen watched with envy, gossiping amongst themselves.
"Who is that girl?" one maid whispered.
"I've never heard of Sir Xart having a girlfriend before," another maid replied.
"Well, it's the first time he's brought a girl here," added a third maid.
"Not to mention, he let her sleep in the mansion," the second maid remarked.
"In the same room as Sir Xart?" the first maid questioned.
"No, I saw her from the other room, so I don't think so," the third maid clarified.
The first maid, Roveeri, expressed annoyance, saying, "She's so annoying. Who is that stupid girl anyway?"
"Don't worry, Roveeri. We'll find out who she is and what her connection to Sir Xart is," the second maid assured.
The three maids in the kitchen were filled with envy towards Tassa, unaware that she was far beyond their reach in terms of status and importance.
Meanwhile, Calguas, filled with worry for Tassa's future, tirelessly searched for the Aginer, the one who held the key to unlocking her memories of Nia'le and Céline. He had tried every spell to locate the elusive Aginer, but to no avail. Qiasjolque, the Aginer's hidden realm, was known to be impenetrable, accessible only by an Aginer and those they permitted. Undeterred, Calguas refused to give up, determined to find the Aginer and seek their assistance in freeing Quart from Ixartxist's grasp.
"I love the food. Thank you, Xart," Tassa expressed her gratitude. Ixartxist smiled at her, but her gaze drifted toward a vase in the corner of the room. Suddenly, Ixartxist remembered that Tassa didn't like placing flowers in the vase because of their lost friend Aretha. That's why he nudged the vase, causing it to topple and shatter. He quickly pretended it was an accident, apologizing for his clumsiness and claiming he didn't know who had placed the flowers there. Tassa smiled understandingly, rising from her seat. She leaned on the table, facing Ixartxist, and asked if he wanted to know why she didn't mind.
Ixartxist swallowed nervously, his voice lowering uncomfortably as he replied, "Why?"
With a hint of bitterness or annoyance in her smile, Tassa responded, "Xart, I've been blind since I was 13 years old! So, what vase and flowers were you talking about?" She turned her back to him, crossing her arms. "You just made a mess, and you don't even remember that I'm blind. I can't believe you."
Ixartxist glanced at the broken vase and rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "Of course, I know you're blind. After all, I'm the one who trapped you in that Infinite Night, stupid Quart."
"Did you say something?" Tassa inquired.
"Nothing," Ixartxist quickly dismissed. He then noticed a shadow demon lurking behind Tassa as she continued to scold him. Ixartxist commanded the demon to keep quiet, causing both Tassa and the demon to look at him in confusion. "Not you, my love," he clarified.
The shadow demon, thinking Ixartxist was not referring to him, attempted to greet him. Meanwhile, Tassa persisted in asking who Ixartxist was talking to. Ixartxist tried to avoid answering her question, but when the shadow demon was about to speak, he yelled at it, ordering it to shut up. Tassa, puzzled by the sudden outburst, turned to look behind her. Ixartxist swiftly dissipated the demon with a snap of his fingers and grabbed Tassa's hand, urging her to go to her room. However, Tassa let go of his hand, her gaze fixed on the floor where the shadow demon had left its prints. Ixartxist stopped her, telling her she needed to go to her room. But Tassa remained rooted to the spot, her eyes still fixed on the floor. She asked Ixartxist if the creature was a shadow demon.
Ixartxist held her close and carried her, instructing her not to look anywhere except at his chest. Confused, Tassa questioned his request. Ixartxist, however, did not respond directly, instead taking her to her room in a state of panic. He feared that the shadow demon might accidentally call him by his true name, jeopardizing Quart's feelings for him. He knew that Quart believed he was a vile demon who had trapped her in the "Infinite Night" due to his own greed. Ixartxist faced a difficult decision, realizing that freeing Tassa from her blindness might be the only way to prevent her from seeing the shadow demon and Ayamani from revealing his true identity as Ixartxist. Furthermore, if the shadow demon accidentally called him by his real name, it would be even more dangerous. "If I don't restore her sight, Ayamani might find a way to inform her that I am Ixartxist. Or worse, another shadow demon might accidentally reveal my name," Ixartxist thought, panting and visibly agitated.
After reaching Tassa's room, Ixartxist gently let her down and looked into her eyes. Concerned, Tassa asked if he was alright or if something was wrong. Ixartxist looked at her, his heart pounding. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he faced her and made a difficult decision. "It would be better to free her than to risk her discovering that I am Ixartxist. I believe it's time to release her from the Infinite Night," he declared.
Quart looked at him, confusion etched on her face, and asked once again if he was alright. Ixartxist continued to gaze at her with cold eyes, taking a deep breath. Slowly, he turned her towards the mirror in her room. "Quart, I'm going to give you a gift that you will love," he said.
Startled, Quart faced him and questioned his agitated and fearful demeanor. Ixartxist did not respond, instead covering her eyes with his hand. He told her it was time for her to be free from the curse that had plagued her for seven years. Unable to comprehend his words, Quart felt a mix of shock and disbelief when he removed his hand from her face. She could suddenly see Ixartxist and her room. Overwhelmed, she walked towards the mirror, touching her own face in disbelief. She turned to Ixartxist, asking if the woman in the mirror was her.
Ixartxist walked towards her, placing his hands on her shoulders as he replied, "Yes, the beautiful lady you see in the mirror is you, Quart. You're beautiful inside and out." Ixartxist affirmed. Tassa turned to face him, her hands holding his as she looked into his eyes. "I'm beautiful, inside and out, you said. So, does that mean you like me? Do you like me because I'm pretty? Isn't that all that matters to men? Isn't beauty everything to you?"
Ixartxist stumbled over his words, trying to find the right response. "No, it's not... I mean, I do like you. But not just because of your appearance. You see, it's not just the face that matters, my love. The P31 is not merely an enchantress, you know."
"Well, of course it is," Tassa retorted.
"No, it's not. My love, I'm sorry," Ixartxist apologized, realizing the misunderstanding.
"It doesn't matter if it is or not. Just tell me, how did you do it?" Randomly asked by Tassa.
Ixartxist turned away, his gaze fixed on a distant point. "How did I do what?" he asked, feigning ignorance. Tassa smirked sarcastically, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Free me. How did you free me from that curse?" she questioned.
"It's not a curse, it's your cure," Ixartxist corrected, rolling his eyes. He approached her and explained that it was because he was a wizard. But Tassa wasn't satisfied with that answer. She looked at him with suspicion, her gaze piercing. "So, a wizard is the same as a demon. I saw a demon inside your mansion. And I know that you know about it too."
Ixartxist momentarily forgot how nosy and doubtful Tassa could be about everything. In an attempt to divert her attention, he swiftly gathered all the flowers from the vase and threw them off the balcony, pretending not to have heard her. However, Tassa halted him in his tracks, blocking his way. She demanded to know what kind of connection he had with the shadow demons. Ixartxist turned to face her, his expression serious. "I have no connection to those creatures. You saw how terrified I was when I encountered one."
"So, you're scared of them," Tassa concluded.
Ixartxist scoffed, dismissing her assumption. "Scared is not even in my vocabulary, Quart!"
"Then answer me," Tassa persisted.
"I don't have any connection to them. Are you doubting me?" Ixartxist retorted.
"No, I was just—"
"Good," Ixartxist interrupted, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Now, get ready because I'm going to buy you some new clothes." Tassa agreed, her smile returning as she let go of her doubts, forgetting what she had been about to say as he kissed her.