Chapter 198, Tranquil Archer of the Sacred Flower

"What do you mean the Dream Castle has fallen?!" I couldn't help but exclaim in fear.

"Its as you can hear. The Dream Castle has fallen." Evergreen answered. "It was inevitable after all that place was made from the bonds of Fluer."

"The bonds that connected generation to generation began to grow weak so we did expect it but we didn't expect the bond would grow so weak within just a few days." Erika stated. "Arata you must be careful. Should the bonds grow weaker and weaker, it is possible that you Shadow and even you own Petals will no longer be able to maintain themselves."

"I understand." I answered.

I have no time to lose, I need to find the reason for the bond's weakening. I can't delay it any longer.

"Ah, that's right! I have something I want to ask everyone." I stated.

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Arata seems to be resting well in Al's arms. He isn't hurt but I can feel the Vi now passing from him to Layla. It's likely Arata is supplying her Vi so she can manifest herself before us.

"Alexis I'm upset. Do you know why?" She asked me.

"No." I answered as our eyes were locked on each other.

"Because you aren't being yourself." She answered and walked closer to me.

"Wat do-" Before I could finish I felt her slap on my cheek.

"Eek?! Alexis-senpai are you alright?!" Shinono exclaimed.

"The reason I'm upset is because of your cowardice and hesitance." She said angrily. You're being a coward Alexis. You made a promise to him but what are you doing now?"

"What do you mean?" I asked her.

"Arata gave us this chance to talk so I'll tell you myself. Face to Face." She said as she sat down. "You're a fool. For holding on to the past, for not making your choice here, and for not even facing the person in front of you."

I turn to Shinono... I understand what she means but... I don't know what to do. I know Shinono likes me and I know I can't return her feelings but why can't I tell her. The others turned down the girls who were chasing them but why can't I.

"Because you're a coward." She answered.

"Since then and now. You still run from it."

"Alexis-senpai isn't a coward...!" Shinono answered trembling. This girl, she's so scared but why is she still trying to interfere.

"Because she knows. Because she already understands." Layla answered. Is she... Reading my mind?! "Not exactly. More like, I'm actually inside you."

"I see. You are a physical manifestation of Layla from Alexis' heart. The emotions in Alexis respond to Arata's Vi giving you physical form." Al answered but Layla shook her head. "Is something wrong?"

"To be more precise. I am Layla, her will brought into physical manifestation by Alexis' wish to see Layla again." She explained. "And Arata unconsciously resonated with that wish. He who is the converging point of all Braves. Because of his earnest feelings to grant Alexis' wish, it connected us from different times. Like that day."

"So you really are Layla..." I stated.

"I am and I'm really upset with you Alexis." She stated. "Please, it's time to let go."

She kneels down before me and takes my hand in hers.

"If you keep letting the past chain you, you won't be able to move forward. Accept the pain of the past and turn it into strength for tomorrow." She stated as she gripped my hands tight. "Don't let it hold you down. If you keep looking back at the one no longer with you, you'll lose sight of the one in front of you. Let go. Even if it hurts, even if it's painful."

"But..." I can't say anything, the words I want to say are stuck in my throat.

"Alexis. Arata is a reckless child. If he continues down this path, he needs someone to watch over him. That is you job!" She gripped me tightly. "Please, how can you protect him if you aren't even facing his direction. I'm already gone, there's no point trying to reach me. But Arata is still in front of you. He is still here!"

"Don't let go of his hand!" She added. "And besides, if you let go it doesn't mean I'm gone. I'll still be here."

Her hand goes to my chest and then she points to Arata.

"And we'll always be connect through him. So, let go and start a new. Face the new day before you without any hesitation." She stated. "Stand strong and proud with your head held up high. Only when you do will you be able to stand at the origin without wavering. Just as he did."

She places her hand to my face and smiles before disappearing into thin air. The surroundings return to normal once more and I stand up and see that the sun is beginning to set.

"How long were we in that barrier?" Shinono asked.

"Long enough." I answered and turned to her.

"Alexis-senpai?!" She was taken by surprise when I took her hands.

"Shinono, I'm sorry. I can't return your feelings for you. There's someone more important to me." I told her. "You should give up on this love that will ebar no fruit. There's no point in waiting. Because I can never return your feelings."

"I understand..." She holds my gaze and tries to hold back her tears. "But can you please promise me."

"Promise you what?" I asked.

"Please stop holding on to the past. I ask you this as well. So that... you can face Arata-san eye to eye." She said and I nodded.

"Arata... I'm ready. This time, I choose to stand beside. Not because Layla told me to, not because you choose me, but because I choose to stand with you." I said as I took Arata in my arms. "So, will you accept me, not because Layla asked you to, not because I asked you to, but because you want me to."

"And I promise, this time, my bow will always be facing forward." I hugged him and a golden light engulfs us both.

When it fades, the light enters my crest, forking the petal with a bow etched into it. My clothes have also changed. A black leather jacket over a white dress shirt, black pants with leather boots. A glove on one hand with a golden gem hanging from my neck. There's a knife on my belt.

"Arata, I will stand beside you this time. As your Tranquil Archer." I smiled and took the knife on my belt.

"Layla, this is my resolve and my way of proving that I am no longer bound by my past." I take the knife and cut the length of my hair.