At the Last Drop of Autumn

"Your eyes always seem to find fault in beautiful things," he raised his glass, the smell of the grape-scented wine immediately filled the room as his deep blue eyes stared forward behind the huge glass window. A huge town waited below, the tranquility and peace it exuded reminded me of a calm sea, a warm breeze--with blooming flowers around, the tall trees surrounding the most of the buildings, and people were happily interacting with one another. But I did not find the scene comforting at all with his presence dominating mine. "What do you see, Ke'ala?"

My eyes averted from his penetrating look, my hands were hidden behind me as my head looked down. The marbled floor was cold, but it wasn't that fact that gave me a chill, it was the way he bored his gaze into mine, instilling a wave of fear as his energy covered everything around. It wasn't the first time he had called me in, though it wasn't that often either. He would call it 'occasional session' where his servants would forcefully dragged out of my room, my own energy suppressed by his overwhelming spiritual energy. 

While my mother would give me riddles, my father would talk about things I never had seen point in, as though he was writing a book and I was its paper--as though he was drilling words inside my mind, played needlessly in a loop. Sometimes, his eyes would glow in a dark shade of blue, and I knew then it was his way of easily gaining superiority to those below him. This person wasn't a good father, but he was an effective leader, where his words were laws, his every action hid meanings.

He was a good man despite all of that, but he was also the embodiment of fear itself. People would fear him, clouding themselves with the thought that they merely respected him. They say fear is the only way people respect another, fear drives people into loyalty, and instilling fear is the only way to dominate. My father followed those rules very well, contrary to the stories my grandfather used to tell. According to him, my father as a child seemed very much like me, quiet, timid, his intentions were always masked in pretenses, and he was naive. It made me wonder what changed him, what forced him to act so confident, what forced him to appear so cold-hearten to his family, what forced him to appear so fearless in my eyes.

"Ke'ala." He called, and it was a warning that made me flinch.

Clenching my fists behind me, I avoided looking at him straight yet again and cast my eyes around the room. I did not fear him as much as everybody did, I merely feared him for he had the power over my life, and I was afraid meeting his gaze would unmask the hatred I had longed in stored for him. My father had never once showed his anger in front of people, but having one of these 'occasional sessions' also indicated he needed a leverage to soothe his emotions. I didn't understand how calling me in would calm him down, but each time I walk out from it, I felt my own energy increasing that I had never once looked forward to these meetings.

"Es nezinu, tevs." I answered in Latvian.

"You will be a lot of things in a distant future, Ke'ala." His voice ranted amusement. "But you mustn't be a liar."

It made me frown, but I merely shrugged it off, not wanting to prolong being under his presence any longer. "Es redzu mieru."

"Peace, huh? Is that really all there is to it?" He chuckled, his feet dragging him in front of me. He crouched lower, matching my childlike height. "A land represents its leader. If mine is peace, I could only wonder what yours would be like." 

I stepped back, still looking down. "I...I know nothing of what you speak of, Father."

"Of course." I could feel him smile before standing up. "You can only gain supremacy through power. Power through fear. Fear through dominion. Dominion over loyalty. Loyalty over trust. Trust through supremacy--and the cycle repeats all over again,. How do you expect to have all of that when you have no forces behind that will support your throne, Ke'ala?"

I opened my eyes, feeling a sudden gust of wind meeting my face. My fingers gazed along the smooth surface of the cup which scent easily indicated vanilla. The cold wrapped around my body, making me shiver as my feet came in contact with the rushing river. Although it was hard, the subtle texture of the stone slab I was sitting beneath me brought me contentment as my eyes wandered around the scenery. A small number of trees stood just beside the riverbank, the water clashing along the protruding rocks from underneath, and I could even see small tropical fishes. I looked up, still the ever-constant grayish sky where streaks of sunlight barely got passed.

My lips met the edge of the cup, the heat eventually enveloping my senses as the soft liquid went past my tongue. It was rejuvenating, after I've been keeping myself busy for so long. I sighed, thinking that perhaps things were meant to be like this from the start. Another breeze came excusing itself by, along with the sound of turning pages beside me. The journal opened, its old leathered cover was barely even keeping the contents together, some had ripped pages, some had marks that made words appear unreadable. 

'There was a horde of human figures, but at close inspection, they weren't even humans. Their skins were either peeled off that I could literally see their flesh and bones, or they were meant to actually have none at all. They had pointed ears, sharp nails, almost naked, they moved in groups, and they were slow. Their mouths were bigger than average that they could probably bite down something with ease, and they were coming from the woods where those raw energy balls landed on. These strange creatures--'

The journal closed as another wind came, halting my eyes from reading the next passage. I traced the lines on the cover, seeing a magic circle etched just above it, but I couldn't recognize the law formation due to the obvious blood stains that had been dried by time. I licked  my lower lip, gulping down the last batch of the tea I was having, and only then I heard the clamorous footsteps trailing behind, the heaviness of each movement caused the pebbles to tremble in an unnoticeable manner. 

"Would it kill you to have an audience--"

"No, but it would bore me." I replied abruptly, my back still faced to her. I placed down the empty cup beside me as I clasped a round rock below, not minding her announcing glares. "Plus, dealing with those matters seem to be your specialty."

"I cannot make decisions for you, Ke'ala." She hissed, an obvious irritation radiating from her.

"That's what you think, but that's not what I see when you actually do." 

She sighed. "Still, they want to meet you. I can't always hide you from those who wish for your presence."

"People always desire the things they cannot have." I stood up, letting the rock fall as it created a small splash. "And I desire silence, but even that cannot be fulfilled."

"You weren't meant to have silence, Ke'ala." She said that as though it was the most obvious fact in which I couldn't help but chuckle. 

I turned around, seeing her tall figure leading the way back. She was wearing a black tight-skinned long sleeved suit with a red hood attached from the back. She had stopped wearing plated armours when she was easily beaten by Aeryn once, she said it had become a bother for it restricted her movements. She used to have a long auburn hair, but she urged Laire to cut it in a way that wouldn't be troublesome in a battle, so now it was only around her neck. I say it suited her better. I often found myself in her company, either we talk about boring affairs or suddenly have a spar--which she never won against. 

"I would want a cup of jasmine." I muttered, giving her the journal for keepsake. She looked at it first in curiosity, before taking it.

"You just had one, didn't you?" She pushed through the bushes blocking our path. 

"That was vanilla."

"It's still a tea."

"The flavour's different."

"The effects they give your body's still the same."

"The tastes they give isn't, Ellise."

"...fine. Have it your way then." 

The woods halted as we reached past the double wooden posts, a huge sign flaunted above along with the lanterns and torches lining each beside the path road. Houses were placed uniformly, with meters of gap beside one another. Buildings ranged in different heights and although they look the same in terms of external structure, each setting served different purposes. Short Bermuda grasses coated the plain soil beneath, adding to the supposedly comforting and tranquil ambiance the whole scene was exulting. 

As we dragged ourselves past the bridge where the rushing water stilled underneath, people halted their works and stood to stare. Some waved, some bowed, while some simply did nothing but look. I averted my gaze from their questioning gazes and steered myself forward without minding them. I felt my companion's worried look, but she held her tongue from asking more. The place seemed comforting, it should be, but I found myself bearing an uncomfortable sense of dilemma whenever I feel their expectations. 

We stopped by in front of a building, a wooden inscription was set just above the doorway and the sign was enough to know what the place was. She opened the door, letting me walk inside as silence greeted my frowning expression. Despite the quietude that rang through the surroundings, I heard the creaking door shut close behind, slight thumping footsteps on the darkened corners of the room, and the sound of glasses clanging against another. There were no murmurs nor any audible voices, but I could feel magic growing like a plague--instantly surrounding the whole area. 

The tavern was the same as it had always been, although it's surprisingly empty today. They would usually use this place to hold an important gathering regarding the Cretian Plains. It would be all about politics and building an economy, I see no reason for myself to be part of something so time-taxing. Over the course of time, hunting, fishing, farming, weaving, logging--had all been acted with precision that there was no room for any uncooperative cooperation. I wonder what is it this time that they actually seemed desperate.

I pulled out a chair, letting myself sink atop it. "So, what does the Dwarf King, Admon Quil, want from someone like me?"

A deep voice laughed, his figure showing in front of me as he sat on one seat meters away. He wore his usual golden armour, followed by a few dwarf attendants. "Another three tribes came to be merged this past week." He started. "Must be in fear of the strange advancement of monsters that has been happening for quite some time now. One of my scouts has seen one group of varied monsters gathering not far from the territory."

I crossed my arms, my leg placed atop another as I tilted my head, my long black hair falling beside me. "Good for you then, your Kingdom seems to flourishing well."

The King pushed his back on the chair, his eyebrows meeting in puzzlement. "Do you not understand what I am trying to convey, Ke'ala Feyree?"

"I need no army, King Admon." 

He placed both of his arms on the table, his face distorted with a frown. "This territory may be my Kingdom, but the whole of Cretian Plains is yours. The tribes existing on different areas of the Plains know of your status, and with my Kingdom backing your social standing--"

"We have been through this conversation many times in the past, Dwarf King." I sighed, closing my eyes. "I do not want to lead numbers of people I have no need of. The Cretian Plains is mine to take, but you're free to have anything you like and I won't even care."

"No need of? They are your people ever since you took charge of the Plains yourself, ignoring that responsibility only means selfishness."

"Selfishness?" I opened my eyes, my stares blankly directed to him. "Is this why you even have my aides set up a barrier around the place to prevent me from storming off?" I looked behind him, seeing those silhouetted figures near the wall.

"I have known you long enough to know for a fact that you leave if you're annoyed." He raised his hand beside him, and the action brought one of his attendant forward. The dwarf attendant poured a wine to both glasses, the scent quickly telling me the flavor it held. 

"Many are after this life of mine, and you know that. There will always be people who wish for my death."

"Are you saying you need no army for you are concerned of their wellbeing?"

I laughed, the sound of my laughter traveling through the empty spaces of the tavern. "Why must I need an army if I can annihilate one without even breaking a sweat?" I smiled, seemingly knowing his thoughts. "This is not arrogance, Admon. I am merely aware of my capabilities." I gaze down at the glass-filled of wine. The scent reminded me of what my Father used to always have. "And do I look that kind enough to worry about people I see no benefit in?"

I watch him as he gulped his wine, his eyes locked on mine. "Your aides are never enough to hold your power. A few number of people, no matter how powerful and useful they may be, cannot hold you on top. You need a force greater in number, even if they are weak if you desire absolute power."

"You can only gain supremacy through power. Power through fear. Fear through dominion. Dominion over loyalty. Loyalty over trust. Trust through supremacy--and the cycle repeats all over again,. How do you expect to have all of that when you have no forces behind that will support your throne, Ke'ala?"

"I guess great leaders think alike." I muttered with a smile, standing up. "But I am not like you, nor am I trying to. I do not need numbers of people tailing my back like dogs seeking for their master's favor and attention and bite off my back when I do not expect it the most. I have power enough that I could deliver fear even without dominion. I need no loyalty when trust is greater than it. Supremacy through power?" I smirked. "I have you coiled around the neck, don't I?"

His attendants might have taken that as an insult that they drew out their swords in an instant, but eventually stopped when Admon stood. "I do not take that as a mockery nor a threat, but I do not deny those claims, Ke'ala. After all, you are simply that evil."

His smile showed an obvious amusement, though I said nothing more as he and his attendants leave the tavern. Sunlight then narrowed through the glass windows around the walls, showing the tables and chairs in the place, there was a counter up front where people would usually order up a drink, but there only stood my aides who have been listening since earlier. I walked towards them, my face showing dislike. 

Lucis was sitting on the seat near the counter, examining the journal I gave Ellise a while ago. The said woman was on the next corner with the Dragonborne who seemed to have grown into a fine lady. Silverrium and Aeryn were still the same as they had always been. I haven't heard from them recently since they always got out in an expedition along with my spirits. My spirits though were drinking beers so early in the morning on one table, with Finè looking so annoyed with the idea. 

"You know I can easily break this barrier, I see no point in keeping me here."

"But you won't." Silverrium stated. "Plus, it's to make sure nobody enters--"

"Tahiat tyba!" A booming voice then rang through the room, the door bursting open. Everybody sighed in unison seeing the demigod demon. "Am I late? There was a kind dwarf on the other side of the street, he gave me free sweets! You want some?" She even showed a box, and it was filled with cookies ranging in different shapes. What? Aren't we going to discuss how the Alberich Empire--" she was cut off when Ziandra threw a shuriken, it was so quick that she wasn't able to move. "What was that for?!" 

"I missed." Ziandra shrugged. "Shaky hands."

Aeryn sighed. "Thana Keres, sit the hell down." 

"Wasn't the barrier supposed to be impenetrable?" I heard Astoria whisper. 

 "It doesn't work with people suffering from abnormality." Millard answered. 

"I heard that!" Then she glanced at me. "You missed the chance to see my spar with Silverrium last night, Kea. He's not that strong--"

"You surrendered." Silv interrupted.

"Because you were losing!"

"Can you all please settle down?" Lucis announced, before looking at me. "When are you planning to show yourself up? It has been a year already. Surely we are more than prepared."

"It's not a matter of whether we are prepared or not," I said as a matter of fact. "It's timing."

"Alberich Empire somehow managed to take one of Siegber's states. That changed the tide of the New World Order in the Irregular Order's favour."

"You're saying that if this goes on, the Irregular Order might just win." 

"Not only that," Finè said. "The Legion Army led by Iyana Klein has been mobilized in different countries. Their numbers now exceed even that of Exodus and Black Clan's members combined. Yet for some unknown reason, their actions do not make sense. They have the power to change the situation but they aren't doing anything."

"The Fairy Queen, Titania is looking for you." Theone muttered. "She believes the strange movement of the monsters on every Enchant Woods were caused by you. In other words, you severing her from her power--which is nature--serves as a threat, and she is threatened."

"The Coven has been busy dealing with Exodus. While Alberich Empire is having its own war against Siegber Nations, the other two has been on a constant farce beginning from a month ago." Millard said. "They are fighting over a relic that is now in the possession of the Coven. Also, if Coven were to be defeated, there would surely be no chance for the Regular Order to win."

"A large number of armies were found gathering in Zyrendel." Aeryn leaned over the counter, her eyes fixed on me. "Rumors said they were seen heading for Magnus. Whatever Celeztie is planning, she seems so fixated on sinking the whole country's main force itself. Naturally, Magnus has been gathering its own army of irregulars itself. They say the war will happen on the East Quintson Ocean near the island of Buvolia."

"Celeztie may be the one setting things in motion, but they all believe it is Zen Arkion." Silverrium said. "If Magnus were to be at a disadvantage, no matter how much they say they will not join the New World Order--the World's Organization will possibly take an action. If they do, Zyrendel might be in trouble even if they have the Fallen Empire of Leomer's remaining forces. And if Zyrendel Kingdom were to fall, it will spark wars between neighboring Kingdoms and countries." 

"The Kingdom of Zyrendel is powerful enough to influence other countries and Kingdoms into peace and force them into a treaty. Zyrendel falling apart would shatter that treaty and will cause wars between nearby nations." Ellise stated. "Wars are already happening in different parts of the world, them adding to that picture would bring the world in complete chaos. What is your daughter even thinking?"

Lucis stood and went over the back of the counter, getting himself a glass of water. "Not to mention Caelesti still hasn't activated Etherion. The Spirit Keepers are in a hurry. It appears that the top candidates for the World's Battle has recently attempted to break into their realm. It was a futile attempt, of course. But who knows if they might actually do manage to get in and destroy the Etherion Tower." He drank his water before fixing his glasses. "Their goal is to prevent you from activating the said technology."

"When are you planning to activate it anyway, Kea?" Thana asked. "If we didn't know you enough, we would have concluded you were wasting time."

"Soon. But those reports made me incline to go there myself." I nodded at Ellise, she sighed knowing what my thoughts were telling her to. She went behind the counter, opening up the cabinets while Thana grabbed the glass filled with wine that I hadn't even taken a sip since I am not fond of it.

"Where?" Silv questioned.

"The Academy." I smiled, seeing Ellise pour a hot water on a cup, the aroma the jasmine exuded already calmed my nerves.

"Magnus?" He frowned. "The main force is bound to leave tomorrow. If you plan to sneak in, better do it without them."

"That would already be too late by then." I answered the demon. Ellise harshly gave the cup to me when she passed by, and I almost glared at her for spilling some drops. "Lucis, the black tourmaline gems should all be ready for translocation by now."

"Thanks to your help, there have been no problems with it. But I don't think it's safe for you to leave right now alone. If any of the organizations see you, you might meet an unexpected trouble."

"That wouldn't be so surprising." I sipped from the cup, the liquid making me sigh in pleasure. 

"You should be worried, Ke'ala." The demon sternly warned.

I chuckled, turning my back from them. "I can take care of myself, Silverrium." 

In one snap, I could feel the barrier breaking down as I gulped the last batch of the tea. I placed the cup on the table before stepping out of the tavern. Mornings were always quiet in this town, but I never found the whole place comforting as its ambiance made it appear so. There weren't much people, and it was never crowded. But perhaps I didn't like it for it reminded me or Arizole. That island was rich in every natural aspects, with people always helping each other and there wasn't any discrimination--at least there shouldn't be for everybody was strong, everyone had their own purpose in life that there was no need for disrespect. 

The Feyree Household certainly didn't feel that way to me though. But looking back, I don't really blame them now. I wonder if one would call it maturity, but I do not feel the same hatred I once had for them. But that wasn't the case when it came to my father. He was many things in life in people's perspective, but he was someone I feel like I couldn't surpass no matter how much I try. His presence would always drown mine and I hated every second being in the same room as he was, breathing the air he breathe, and him looking at me as though he could manipulate my being.

I smiled seeing Andrei on the field together with a bunch of kids, most were dwarves--and each was holding different weapons. I watch as they all move in rhythm as the former Elite yelled instructions while walking around. She had been in a comma for two months after that incident before she came over together with Allanea almost a year ago. So much things had happened and I wonder if she ever blamed me for associating herself on something she had the option she wouldn't. 

Her health deteriorated ever since, and she suddenly decided to retire from the calls of the battlefield. She had been teaching children since then, and sometimes I see her sparring with Astoria that the Dragonborne mostly had her movements. I couldn't help but feel guilty whenever I see her--because I felt weak that I, who is supposed to be powerful, couldn't even heal her mentor. I still couldn't beat her even now though, she could even probably rival my brother. But I felt no competition towards her but only respect. She would tell me a lot of things but never about herself. 

I tilted my head, catching an arrow flying towards my direction. The tip of the arrow almost hit me directly on the forehead. "If you wrap it with your energy, it would have gone even faster and more forceful." I told the kid who ran towards me in panic. 

"I'm sorry. Nagkamali po kasi ang direksyon ko." 

I gave him back his arrow, finding Andrei already behind him. She rubbed the boy's hair, looking proud he had somehow managed to actually have the courage to hit me. "Build your arm muscles. Kaya palagi ka nagkakamali sa pagtira sa tamang direksyon dahil mahina ang mga braso mo." Tumango na lamang ang bata dahil nahihiya itong magsalita na nandito ako. 

"Teaching suits you." I complimented. Andrei would usually have a blank facade but ever since she began teaching, she would sometimes show expressions I never really thought she could. 

"It made me think how I should have just done so from the start." Her gaze was far over the horizon, and I could only wonder then what exactly was she seeing. "I used to teach Andrea how to use her daggers. But when did I stop doing so? Before I even realized it, our relationship had become so distant. It was my fault, I know."

"You became soft ever since you began associating yourself with those children. I could feel the admiration and respect they have for you, I wonder if it's because of that."

She smiled. "If only you know how they would often ask about you in our breaks. They kept asking how strong you really are, and if you can defeat me."

"Your answer?"

"You can."

I let out a small smile. "I never once did."

"Because you respect my strength so much that you wanted to make yourself believe you couldn't." Nagsimula siyang maglakad pabalik sa training grounds kaya sumunod narin ako na walang sinagot mula sa sinabi niya. "But you have long surpassed me, Ke'ala."

"They could have just asked me their questions." Sabi ko na lamang. Medyo natawa siya nang alam niyang iniiwasan ko ang sinabi niya. "Or do they fear me so much that they couldn't even look at me in the eye?"

"People don't see you as a monster here, Ke'ala, nor do these children. Cretian Plains is a different realm, much different from the world outside. They perceive you differently here no matter how bad the world makes you appear." She crossed her arms, looking at the children. "It's just that, you always have your guard up as though everyone would kill you if you don't."

"You told me never to show vulnerability."

"That doesn't mean you can't relax."

"How can I when I know that wouldn't keep me alive?"

"Trust, Ke'ala. I may have told you never to show vulnerability, but that doesn't indicate you should shut everyone out."

"That's not true. I trust my aides." I looked at her then. "I trust you."

"Then why do we feel like you're somewhere far, Ke'ala? You put a smile on your face, but since when did your expressions became so forced that you would do it even unconsciously?" Her eyes shaded in a mixture of dark and green met my pale ones, and I could feel them looking into something that I just knew she wouldn't find. "Have you not realized it yourself? You're faking your expressions now that nobody would know if it's sincere or not."

I avoided her gaze, perhaps because I didn't know how and when myself. "I don't know, Andrei."

"Ano ang nararamdaman mo ngayon?"

"Hollow." I mumbled, but I was so sure she heard it. "The feeling is as though a passing wind, but you would never know its temperature. As though you're walking on the ground and feel like it would simply collapse but despite that, you don't know what to make of it. It's as though you're aware of how deeply you're falling but you don't know if you should be scared or not. As though you're surrounded by a void with nothing on it despite being surrounded by people you know you trust. And as though you should feel but just simply couldn't." A breeze came by, making a few strands of my hair get loose in front of my face. "Would you have called that a weakness, Andrei? Because for some reason, I know it should be one but I always find myself being so immersed in it."

"Sinabi sa akin ni Lucis na palagi kayong naghahanap ng solusyon sa kalagayan ko."

"My spirits told me to stop, but I couldn't give up on you. I know I could do so much more, and that includes finding a solution to your--"

"You should stop." She said, but it was more of a plead than a command. "My health wasn't always the best even when I was a child. That was why Mother once taught me a way to keep my body from falling ill, and that was to keep my life force steady and strong. But that attack from a candidate a year ago made my life force critically unstable that I cannot regain back what is lost. I can't even do magic now without forcing myself. It is like my body has gone back to what it normally should be, and it's nothing more than a natural process. My body would slowly get weaker and eventually--"

"I won't let you." I clenched my fist, and this time, for sure, the anger I was feeling wasn't fake nor forced.

"And eventually die." She continued anyway. "I didn't retire from all that possible battles I should be in one even now because of my health, but for a the reason I wanted to die surrounded by peace rather than surrounded by the fires of the battlefield."

"Then," I finally met her waiting eyes. "When will you die?"

"Who knows?"

"You always never my questions."

"I don't blame you, Ke'ela." She patted my shoulder, showing a satisfying smile as though she was telling me something that made me feel warm inside. "For everything."

Those may just simple words, but I felt my chest heaving out something sharp and heavy that when I inhaled, it became light. Andrei pointed at one boy in particular--and he was an elf. He must be that one Admon tole me he was taking care of ever since they moved here a year ago. I have heard of him a few times when my spirits were asking Astoria questions about Andrei's students, but I was never really interested. 

"His name is Amakin."

"And?"

"Siya ang palaging nagtatanong tungkol sa'yo." 

The boy had a short bleached blonde hair, obvious light-green eyes, but he looked thin enough that his bones would probably break in a single grip. Sinundan ko ang ginagawa nito, nakahawak ito ng isang mahabang espada na gawa sa kahoy katulad ng ginagamit ng iba. Pero hindi katulad ng ibang studyante ay isang dummy ang kalaban nito, 'yung gawa din sa kahoy na umiikot kapag natatamaan. Hindi din ganoon kagaling ang pagtayo nito na sa bawat ikot ng dummy ay natatamaan ito at natutumba. 

"What about him?" 

"He desires to be one of your aides." She stated. My eyebrow lifted, but said nothing as Andrei called for the boy. Lumapit ang batang elf na hawak parin ang mahabang espada nito. 

"W-why, Master?"

"They call you that?" I mumbled.

"They just do." Sagot nito.

Tinignan ko ang bata na ngayon ay nakatingin din sa akin. "So you're that Amakin Noire from my memories, huh?" I whispered, more to myself. 

"How old are you, kid?"

"Eight."

"Why don't you take him in, Ke'ala?" 

I stared at Andrei. She's the kind that would do nothing without any reason, and her suggesting that tells me something. Perhaps she, too, noticed the immense energy inside the boy. But no matter how big of an energy is it if he doesn't have the right body to store it, the power would disappear over time. At least, that was what Andrei told me once. 

"Astoria was twelve and half when I took her in. She used to dislike violence and dirtying her hands, but now she would even go as far as to kill in most of our expeditions together. Associating with me would only change his character--"

"Astoria begs to disagree." And there came another voice from behind. "Astoria simply did not want to burden Caelesti with being weak that Astoria has made herself stronger."

I glanced beside me, seeing Astoria's frowning face meeting mine. I smiled, shrugging. This Dragonborne became fluent in different languages that her pronunciations were 'clearer as a crystal' as what Finè would say. Well, she hasn't stopped referring to herself in third person though, it has become a habit that she was uncomfortable breaking and thus, she just let herself. 

While Andrei would teach her swordsmanship, Ellise would help her unlock her Dragonborne powers, Finè teaching her how to conduct negotiations, the demons teaching her magic, and Lucis would teach her simple science and mathematics. I would usually tell her how to deal with people that sometimes, she would even try to beat me in an argument of words--which she never did. 

"There's no difference, isn't there? You've still changed because of me."

"Well--"

"Astoria, we're going." Finè interrupted her in urgency from behind as she looked at me. "The translocation portal has been set up--is what Astoria's supposed to tell you. We're planning on going to another village, your monsters haven't been cooperative that villagers are worried they might suddenly attack. I know monsters haven't been gobbling up people in the Plains ever since you came, but some might still just do so."

"They won't. My words are chains, they would never dare defy me."

"And that's the problem." She sighed. "They will only listen to you."

"Then go." I waved my hand as I bid them good luck. My gaze returned to the elf who seemed mesmerized by my sudden interaction with my aides. "Masyado kang mahina. Wala kang maitutulong sa lagay mo ngayon."

"A-alam ko." 

Kinuha ko ang hawak niyang mahabang espada at binali ito sa gitna. Nagulat siya sa ginawa ko pero bago pa man siya makapagsalita ay binalik ko na sa kaniya ito. Tumalikod na ako sa kanila at walang nang sinabi. Pero hindi pa ako nakakalayo ay narinig ko na ang pag-uusap ng dalawa. 

"Don't misunderstand, Amakin."

"Pinutol niya ang--"

"People would often hate her for not understanding her actions. If you want to be one of her aides, you must do your best knowing her."

"Hindi ko maintindihan, Master."

"She's saying you can do better if you use dual swords. Ke'ala is difficult to understand, but she won't do something without a reason."

I just shook my head and went past through the center plaza where I could see people gathering. There weren't much of them that I easily slipped in to see Ellise and Thana waiting above the round platform that was a meter up high from the ground. The glowing grayish lights coming from the tourmaline gems inserted on every corners of the square borders must have attracted everyone's attention. The square was big enough that it could fit a person inside, but it was simply just a square layout with nothing on the other side but a transparent force field that would electrify those who past through without activating the tourmaline gems with energy. 

It was a translocation device that Lucis invented through the tourmaline we used to experiment with. I would often help him with his researches that he had created many things for the growing territory. He found out how the black gem could not only store energy, but transfer this same energy elsewhere the energy of the giver would want it to direct. As a result, instead of a normal portal or any transportation technology, he made this that could locate anything as long as the place had energy. 

"What took you so long, Kea?" Thana's scythe was with her now and like she always did, she was riding her own weapon by placing her bare feet on the curve edge of the scythe. 

I once asked her if it actually hurts but apparently, her own weapon could never hurt her as it would turn soft and smooth to the skin when she touches it. No wonder we would sometimes see her sleep while leaning on it. No one should even be able to see her unless they're all under her trance, but let's just say Lucis Voltron's a genius enough that he was able to solve it like a child's problem. Nobody really trusted this demigod when I first introduced her to the others, but she seemed so comfortable with them that she doesn't look like somebody who had murdered thousands already.

"You two don't need to come with me. I can handle myself."

"We know. It's just that everyone will be busy that nobody might aide you when you're in trouble."

"I don't think  you actually heard me when I said I can handle myself."

I sighed, taking a step towards the device. It was like a door, where one would suddenly found themselves in another place without feeling much of anything. But as Ellise and Thana followed closely behind, we somehow managed to get inside Magnus with ease. The place has changed too much that I almost wasn't familiar with the scenery though but it seems to be a market where a number of people were scattered around that there was even no way for carriages and horses to pass through. No one will be able to see Thana but Ellise and I quickly tucked our hoods as we blended in the crowd.

"Um is the Academy you're talking about before was behind that huge gates up front?" The demigod questioned, floating above the crowd of people.

"It should be." Ellise answered. "But why is there a massive number of unmoving people?"

"Probably because of that." Thana pointed out. Ellise rolled her eyes because we couldn't really see anything.

 All we hear is the loud cheering of people, the annoying claps, the clamorous footsteps, the cries, and the chattering noises the crowd was emitting. There was the scent of mixed perfumes and sweat, the freshly-baked sweets and other goods, the smoke from cigarettes, gunpowder, and then for some reason--there was that rich scent of blood that made Thana's eyes glow in intense black, inviting her. 

"I see souls, Ke'ala. I see deaths. I see a bloodbath." She muttered, her face no longer showing her usual delighted expression and her calling me by my real name was an indication of her seriousness.

"What do you--" my words fell on deaf ears as the sound of booming horns resounded all over the land. 

"Do you remember when I once told you about my power, Ke'ala?"

"I see." She smiled. "I think I understand now." Sabay turo niya sa akin. "The blood massacre I was referring to didn't belong in your past."

"So you can see my future murders now?" She remained with the playful expression she had on her face without answering my question.

"All I can say is that, I don't usually see the future. But when I do, it means one thing to the target." She started humming, deliberately hanging me on what she's trying to say. 

As though continuing my thoughts, Thana stared at me with a grim look on her face, her eyes still glowing dark that it was all that I could see. "Death, Ke'ala. I see your death."

The echoing sound of the horns added by the constant ringing of the bell penetrated through my ears that it was all that  could hear along with the sudden ranging screams of people running in panic as the ground began to tremble so hard that the grounds on some areas were collapsing, boulders from the tall buildings falling off, hitting a number of gathering people. I heard the cries and series of noises that made my eyes unable to follow what the origin was. 

Only then thousands of weapons came falling from the sky, arrows multiplying--mercilessly hitting people. There were daggers and swords pouring like rain, as well as giant lances thrown randomly. I could feel a massive energy build up enveloping the land like a dome, and only then I realized I could no longer generate any energy. I could see both Ellise and Thana opening and closing their mouths, but I could make up no words from them. 

The ground beneath me cracked, breaking apart as I suddenly found myself falling, a spear heading to my way that eventually pierced my chest. And along with a sharp scream, blood gushed out like a broken pipe filled with so much water it couldn't help but to escape. I heard a loud, crashing sound of bones as my back hit its destination. The iron taste of blood lingered on my lips as I felt something clenching my heart, preventing me from breathing. 

As my eyes began to close, the reverberating ripples of thunders then roamed the skies, then there were the roars of raging dragons, the blaring shrieks of monsters, and the darkening of the land. 

"Death, Ke'ala. I see your death."

My eyes shot open, their pale blue orbs glowing in a lone void, but I was no longer feeling hollow. Because along with that excruciating pain was the coiling, rapid tune of my heartbeat drenched in blood, racing in exhilaration that seemingly didn't mind the tormenting agony my body was screaming. 

And suddenly--at the last drop of autumn, it wasn't my own death that I caught sight of. 

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AN: Another late update! You know I'm still going to apologize for that, and I sincerely do. It's just that, I don't force myself to write when I have nothing to and so, as a result--I only started writing this evening! Now, look at what time it took me to finally finish and be contented with the chapter ending. I am by no means satisfied writing this chapter to be honest, but I'll still cling to the hope that you'd somehow like it. Anyway, happy reading!