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Chapter 3 - A Beating Heart

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Yuno's POV
~~~~~~~~~

My heavily-rested eyelids open suddenly, allowing my golden orbs to take in the barren, desolate surroundings in which I lay. I gasp for the dungeon's thin air, out of breath, and in shock from the scene that had haunted my dreams only moments ago. I raise my shivering, prostrating arm to touch my cheek.

As if on cue,

a single,

shimmering droplet of water,

streams down my face.

The reason why is unknown to me.

Surprised, I instantaneously turn my head in shame, hoping that my teammates didn't witness my moment of anguish and pitifulness. I then realise, that there would be no reason for them to be awake anyway. They don't suffer from night terrors as well, do they...? Still quivering, half of the reason to do with the temperature, and the other half due to stupor and shock, I gradually stand up as the weight of my body rests on my own two feet. After a few laments, ponders, whilst standing in silence, I come to the decision to venture further in the dungeon, alone.

Just to clear my head.

Only for some solitude.

After that, I'll surely return.

They won't even notice that I'm gone...

Disappearing...

~~~~~~~

The sound of gravel crunching against my worn-out boots,

the occasional drop of moisture from the dungeon's roof,

and my own paced breathing,

are the only sounds that I am able to perceive.

A single, never-ending pathway is laid before me. I haven't the slightest idea of how long I have been walking. However, I am now calm and composed, having finally cleared my head due to the much-needed solitude. I pondered to myself, that I ought to return to my teammates, as I had been gone for quite some time.

However, fate seemed to have another plan in store.

I paid no attention to the logical side of my brain calling out for me to return to my squad mates, as I spot something...

...shimmering...

My pace begins to speed up, quicker and quicker in the direction opposite to my teammates', until I eventually reach the whereabouts of the source of the shimmering, in little to no time. When I reached said destination, what stands before me is an opaque, ivory-white crystal, approximately two metres tall. It appears to be acting as some sort of narrow doorway, I presume.

Quite curious about my discovery, I deduce that the best course of action would be to return to my teammates, and alert them of my mysterious discovery.

~As I followed the flow of mana, I eventually made my way back to Klaus, Mimosa, and Langris.~

"Klaus.
Klaus.
Klaus.
Klaus.
Klaus.
Klaus.
Kla-" I started to whisper, gradually becoming louder, much like an obnoxiously loud, nonchalant siren of sorts. However, I was interrupted when a certain shorty snarls,

"Would you shut up? Some of us are trying to sleep!"

"Ah, Langris. You're awake. Can you awake everyone else up?" I reply casually. "How dare you. You shall not order me around, you commoner. I am the Vice Captain of the Golden Dawn!" He grumbles whilst half asleep, slightly raising his tone of voice, causing him to sound somewhat-drunk. I gather, that he is most likely grouchy from being suddenly awakened by a certain nonchalant siren. That siren, being me, of course. "I've made an important discovery. I may have even found the aforementioned 'priceless fortune'. Pack up your things and come along now." I pester.

"Just this once, you commoner. Though, you're not very good at explaining." Langris sighs, as he proceeds to rub his eyes, yawn, and nudge Klaus and Mimosa.

~Time Skip~

"Oh goodness. A lousy crystal. Is this what my precious sleep was interrupted for?"

Langris whinges. "Oh come now. I was thinking that you could use your magic to break through the crystal. After all, it seems like a doorway of some sort. This may lead us to the 'priceless fortune' that the Captain spoke of. Though, if you're the one to break through this door, you may very well get all the credit." I reply, neutrally, knowing exactly how to 'push Langris' buttons'. Langris only 'hmphs' nods his head in defeat, and proceeds to swallow up the door with his unique magic. While this is being performed, I wander a few steps away, whilst waiting for the job to be done.

I watch curiously, as Klaus, Mimosa, and Langris meander into the makeshift doorway that had now been opened, courtesy of Langris. Though, not a single sound was heard after.

"Klaus, Langris, Mimosa... Are you there...?" I question, but to no avail. I mosey through the doorway, facing them. Their faces are frozen in the state of awe, as their eyes bulge out of their sockets, seeming as if they would nearly fall out.

Now, my curiosity was truly peaked.

I turn my entire frame around, to gaze upon the exact sight that surprised my squad mates so very much.

Though, as soon as I turn around, the sight that lays before my eyes,

makes my shackled heart begin to beat...

faster...

and faster...

What I see before me, is a girl.

The luminous, snow-white hair that flows gently around her entire physique is like none that I have ever laid eyes upon. Her fair, flawless complexion illuminates, and outshines all that surround her. A large, white, plain robe covers her, and complements her fair complexion and snow-white hair. My glistening, shimmering, amber eyes reflect the sight before me,

as my pupils become larger,

and larger,

creating feelings deep within my desolate, shattering heart, that I had never even dreamed of feeling before.

As I peer closer, I realise something.

Her ever-so-petite physique, is encased in an enormous, dark, transparent, crystal.

In an endless slumber,

frozen in time.

As I gaze upon the intrinsic luminosity of this mysterious individual, I gather my thoughts. I have never been certain of anything in my entire life.

Even so...

In this very moment,

I am certain of this one,

single

thing.

~This maiden, whoever she may be, is the most enchanting, captivating, and pulchritudinous being that I have ever laid my eyes upon...~

~Chapter 3 Finish~