Asher stood next to Aiko, proceeding to rest his forearms on the railing as well.
"So? How long were you here?"
Aiko didn't bother turning to him. "Since they put his body here. I guess..."
Asher pursed his lips and nodded.
Silence stretched between them. The only sound was the faint crackle of torches in the distance, shadows lengthening as the sun slid lower. Both of them just stared at Hou's still face, words unnecessary—until Asher finally broke it.
"I honestly thought you'd… cry more."
Aiko's eyes didn't move. "I already did. And again, when I thought you might die too." She finally turned, her voice soft but sharp at the edges. "But you—I thought you'd still be bawling. Whining and flailing around like you usually do."
A faint smile tugged at his mouth. "I only do that when you try to comfort me."
Her fingers shot out and pinched his side.
"EUK!" Asher squealed.
A few heads turned their way. He tried to play it off with a stiff whistle, but the blush creeping up his neck betrayed him.
He glared at her.
Aiko let go of his abdomen, proceeding to only grip on his shirt instead. "That's why… I didn't want to see you."
He glanced down. Her hand was trembling slightly, her eyes glistening even as a small, stubborn smile sat on her lips.
"I didn't want to see you cry."
Asher's chest tightened. His eyes widened for a beat before he jerked his head away, voice rough. "Hearing that from you… only makes me want to cry more."
Aiko gave a short, quiet laugh, wiping the tear that finally escaped. "Heh."
"What the hell are you guys doing...."
Asher and Aiko froze, turning in sync.
Aiko groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "For Spell's sake, Stev. Do you ever show up at a normal time?"
Asher held his chest, "Damned pig bastard.."
The portly man smirked. "What? Don't tell me I ruined your lovey-dovey moment."
Both Asher and Aiko turned deadpan, slowly looking at each other—then back at him, their words landing a the same time.
"Yeah, I'd rather not get hit with pedophile allegations."
"Yeah, and I'd prefer dating someone with all forty-six chromosomes intact."
Their eyes widened. Then they whipped toward each other, glares sharp enough to cut steel.
"The hell did you just say?!"
They both stepped forward, looking ready to claw each other's throats out.
Stev flinched, waving his hands. "Whoa, whoa, hold it! I was joking! You two really gonna throw hands here of all places?"
Asher clicked his tongue and turned away. Aiko huffed and crossed her arms.
Stev exhaled softly, then lifted his right hand, the flickering light painting his features in orange."So… are we doing this?"
Asher's gaze fell to the torch—its flame swaying against the night air, devouring the scrap of cloth tied around the log. For a moment, he and Aiko said nothing. Then both their eyes shifted toward the body.
Silence pressed down.
With a muted sigh, Asher stretched his arm forward. His hand trembled only slightly.
Stev nodded once, solemn, and passed him the torch. Together, they descended the steps until they stood before Hou's still form.
Asher lingered there, glancing one last time at Hou. Then, with a quiet breath, he lowered the torch.
"May the flame keep you warm… bastard."
The fire leapt eagerly from cloth to wood, a soft hiss breaking the silence. In moments, the pyre caught, flames curling upward, shadows stretching long across the walls.
The glow washed across Asher's face, reflecting in his eyes. He stood motionless, the heat brushing against his skin while behind him the night grew colder, the distant sea rumbling in the dark.
Soon, footsteps gathered around them. A small crowd formed—faces dimly lit by firelight. Asher caught glimpses: Kido and Sid bowing their heads, mourners whispering prayers, Zerei's loyalists lowering themselves with reverence before their Saint's closest companion.
The flames swelled higher, throwing sparks into the dark sky. Asher clenched his fists, voice steady but raw.
"I'm not letting either of you die. I swear."
At that, Stev allowed himself the faintest smile. "Good to know."
Aiko didn't answer, simply looking at the flame with a stoic face.
The three of them stood shoulder to shoulder, arms folded against the night chill, watching as the fire devoured what remained—until there was nothing left but warmth and the gentle breeze filled with ash.
***
The next morning, Asher stepped out of his quarters, slipping back into his familiar trench coat layered over the bodysuit. It was unfortunate, but Asher barely had any sleep, and couldn't even catch up on it.
After all, he'd been summoned to a damned meeting.
"Damnation…" he muttered under his breath.
The word rolled off his tongue so naturally that he paused. His eyes widened.
"…Woah."
Shaking his head, he finally reached the chamber. The moment he pushed the door open, every gaze inside turned toward him.
Asher brow twitched.
Even after everything, this still made him uncomfortable. The core members of the cohort gathered in a small room that was situated not far away from the great hall.
Well... With the addition of Seishan and Gemma.
Asher's expression turned weird looking at the two new additions.. "Uhh... Hi?"
It felt weird seeing Gemma again, especially after their last conversation. As for Seishan… Asher realized he'd literally never spoken to her before in his life.
And now he was stuck in an awkward staring contest with the handmaiden.
She smiled, utterly unbothered. "Ah, the famed Saint Zerei. At last, I have the chance to meet you." She extended her hand gracefully.
Asher hesitated—then reluctantly took it.
The handshake ended just as quickly. Seishan said nothing more.
'Weirdo,' Asher thought flatly. 'Worse than Hou at small talk.'
And that's saying something.
Eager to move on, he turned to Nephis. "So? Why call me here?"
Nephis wasted no time. "Can you fly now?"
"…What?" Asher's expression twisted.
"You can, can't you?" she pressed, a faint smile tugging her lips. "After all, you managed to push Effie back. Even just a little."
Asher blinked, then squinted at her. "Sure…" He hated how accurate her deduction was. With his evolved physique and amplified powers after 'that', flight wasn't out of reach anymore.
Nephis' smile widened. "Good. Tomorrow, you'll accompany Kai into the Crimson Labyrinth to search for Sleepers."
Asher froze. Then his eyes nearly bulged out of his skull.
"HUH?!"