"Let Me Die"

"Check." He declared with a smirk, moving his rook all over the edge of my chessboard.

I shook my head, covering it with my bishop and at the same time going after her king. "Check."

He grumbled, moving his king one step upper. "This is quite getting tedious now, do you not think so, Miss Caelesti?"

"Oh please, the fun is just getting started." I replied, moving my horse to intercept his next move, as though knowing what he would pick next.

"But chess, huh? If I had not known better, I would have concluded such person of great power is not capable of any physical activity at this moment." He smiled, hinting a challenge as he moved a pawn forward, something I don't really see a point in.

I sighed, continuing on with my layout. "I rather you drop the pretentiousness, Zoro Fritz, was it? Your kind always had such strange names."

"Am I wrong?" His lips twitched into another smirk. "If my eyes aren't deceiving me, I am sure that collar around your neck has an energy-blocking system. Which means," he deliberately pause as he moved another piece, his pawn checking my own king and preventing me from escaping because od his bishops on both ends. "... checkmate."

I prevented the urge to roll my eyes by looking outside the transparent wall where clouds were covering the large ocean below. This game has been going on for almost an hour now, and it was indeed getting tedious. The Dragonbornes and the Legion Soldiers were battling when Iyana told her people to retreat, the Dragonbornes then completely surprised when they recognized me. Of course, I knew they didn't expect for me to be here.

They must have had planned to attack this ship knowing it is being chased by the World's Organization, making the army unable to intercept other enemies at the moment. They just didn't plan on how to deal with me beforehand but I didn't want to waste such opportunity that I invited their current leader in. To think the leader itself went after the enemy...this man must have a lot of courage if he thought his army of flies could completely overtake Iyana.

But he isn't stupid. I know so from the way he's been able to keep up with me, that he plans things meticulously. Iyana must have had something else in mind when she told her soldiers to retreat, but this man is certainly not an easy opponent. For all I know, something would have had happened if I didn't step in. Though I can't say the rest particularly like this idea of mine. After all, I just casually invited an enemy inside the only shelter we have.

I stood up, walking behind his chair, my smile reflecting upon the cup of tea on the table in front of him. "What happened to Zordon Fritz, the former leader of the Dragonborne Clan?"

"You...have no rights mentioning such a name." He scowled, clenching his fist on the table.

"Oh?" The corner of my mouth rose gently. "He died then. Pity. He was such an obnoxious man too."

He stood up aggressively, pushing me away as though my mere presence near his irritates him. His mascular body was enough to make me step back a few steps behind, and his figure tall enough that I had to look up, my height only about just under his chin. I frowned noticing this, simply because I didn't like it.

"Cut to the point, Caelesti of the Unknown. I am not like my my father who will play your game only to get heavily beaten by the end."

"Is that so?" I glanced at the chessboard momentarily behind him. "That doesn't seem to be the case."

His expression darkened, taking a step forward. "Prove me how powerful you are, Caelesti. Fight me."

"So enthusiastic." I chuckled as my fingers traced his broad shoulder. "I doubt you can do as little as scratch me, however."

"You underestimate me."

"I am simply saying a fact." I walked back to the table, meeting his gaze. "You think you have all the advantage, you think you have the chance to deliver a blow," I moved my piece, and that single piece was enough to lock his king in place after I completely overturned his trap. "Checkmate."

He suddenly grabbed the collar of my clothes, almost lifting me up. "Enough. Tell me what you're after, now."

"My, I believe this is no way to treat a lady." I tapped his wrist, making him grunt and eventually let go.

"I came here to take my revenge against that woman who killed my father. I am not here to waste my time on you--"

"I don't think Iyana actually remembers who your father is, but you can ask her yourself." I said, knowing Iyana's personality. "Though seeing how impatient you are, I shall cut straight to the point. I want your cooperation against the World's Organization."

"...that organization is not something my clan is capable of dealing with. We have already decided to be subtle about our movements. We have no reason to fight with our lives on the line."

"Pity." I shook my head, sighing in dismay. "Then there's no point in further conversation."

Zoro then left the room hurriedly, probably going back outside to regroup with his other men. The other Dragonbornes were still flying above, waiting for his orders. It's useless to attack now though. My little game with him was enough to buy time for Iyana to activate the barrier from the spare energy. The barrier would be able to protect the ship from outside attacks.

"Truly a pity."

Upon saying that, Iyana entered the room along with Andrea, now using a crutch for her other leg. Both were apprehensive but I dismissed their worries by waving my hand. I sat back on the chair, putting my leg atop another as I crossed my arms. I was hoping that Dragonborne leader would actually agree, but he really wasn't easy to deal with. Not that I really needed his help, I just wanted to add numbers to my side, numbers I can freely discard.

"I take it he didn't agree." Andrea concluded. "See how stupid this idea is? You just let him inside and it was all for nothing."

"But if they had continued their assault without the barrier intact, the Avian would have been scathed, and I'm rather protective of what's mine." Iyana retorted. "Pero hindi parin ako sangayon sa ginawa mo. Alam mo ba kung gaano kaingay ang mga reklamo ng Generals nung nalaman nilang nakapasok ang Dragonborne na iyon? And I couldn't even say it was you who did it."

"You're planning something and you've already began setting it up." Andrea said. "Care to explain what that is?"

"Hmm." I hummed, looking at the empty teacup my earlier visitor left. "I would want another tea--" pero bago ko pa man maipatuloy ang sasabihin ko ang nakaramdaam na lamang ako ng may tumama sa ibabaw ng ulo ko, the pain coming seconds after. Napatingin kaagad ako kay Iyana sa gulat, tsaka siya binigyan ng masamang tingin. "Did you just...smack me?"

"I would happily give you another if you continue avoiding the question!"

Natawa naman si Andrea sa reaksyon ko. "You should have done it harder. Malay mo maging matino na siyang kausap."

"I am a woman of power and you just dared--" and she did it again, harder this time that made me stood up. "Enough! That hurt."

"So? What is it?" Andrea questioned again.

"It's not that I didn't want to tell you." I sighed, rubbing the top of my head. "I was just so sure you wouldn't agree to it."

"Test me." Iyana insisted.

"The Dragonbornes cooperating or not isn't necessarily a necessity. Even if if they disagree, with Exodus, Legion Army, and the Grimoire House's people are enough to build an entire empire of armies." I may have said that, but it would still be better if we had the Dragonbornes on our side. After all, we needed an army who can maneuver in aerial battles.

"Then why propose the cooperation knowing they won't take part in the war?" Andrea asked, puzzled. "I know you just used the proposal as a way to buy time for Iyana to set the barriers, but that wasn't all of it, is it?"

"I was trying to figure out if their current leader knows the existence of the Grimoire. I would have been suspicious if he agreed, but he bluntly rejected my offer, making me realize his father probably died without telling him anything."

"And?"

"That's it--"

"Don't test my patience." Andrea glared. "Ano 'yung hindi kami papayag?"

I looked away. "... that I go back to Magnus." I was waiting for their reaction, but when I heard nothing, I sighed. "So I need this collar off--ouch!" I stepped back, clutching my head now. "What's the big idea?!" This time, it was the both of them who smacked me.

"You do realize you're planning on just marching right into the enemy territory, don't you?" Andrea reprimanded.

"I'm not stupid. I just need a way to contact someone. The magic circles I set were meant to prevent the flow of energy, and they were large enough to cover an entire range of a country. Moreover, I set them on at least fifteen different countries surrounding Magnus and even on Magnus itself."

"Which means you can't send any form of letter spells. Why do you even need to contact someone?" Iyana questioned.

"I need everything to work perfectly well. If we were just to attack and fail, then everything I've worked hard until now would be in vain."

"Hindi mo pa nga nasabi sa amin kung ano ba talaga ang binabalak mo laban sa World's Organization." Andrea said, knitting her brows.

"I do agree with Ke'ala at some extent." Iyana tapped her fingers on the table. "The war against the World's Organization isn't something we can regroup and replan from if things go south. It's going to be a full scale battle. Dumagdag pa ang Endseeker na sinummon nila. Kahit hindi man ito ngayon gumagalaw sa kawalan ng enerhiya sa paligid nito, hindi tayo sigurado kung ano ang gagawin ng Organization. We need to hit them in an exact spot they wouldn't be able to recover from."

"Exactly. Which is why I need to see things for myself and therefore need my presence over there. This temporary alliance of ours is vital, and I'm grateful for both of your cooperation. But I can't risk any failure knowing how powerful our numbers are."

"Who are you going to meet?" Andrea asked.

"One of the Sect's apprentice. I have my own people situated there years ago, and he's the one leading to assess the current situation of Megnus."

"You've already spread your people out from the start?" Iyana, almost bewildered.

"Ever since I took over the Sect, I put branches in many countries. That way, in time of the war, I'll be able to regulate the World's Organization's forces, giving them no time to recuperate if I do succeed."

Iyana sighed. "You've already planned everything out since years ago, did you? We're just going to be accessories at this point."

"I suddenly appreciate you teaming up with me." Andrea smiled, but eventually frowned. "Pero hindi ibig sabihin nun ikaw mismo ang pupunta dun. Baka nakakalimutan mo, the Organization is strictly looking for your traces. You can't just go to them."

"Oh that won't be a problem." I smirked. "Why do you think I invited the current Dragonborne's Leader?"

"You... don't tell me--"

I interrupted Iyana. "I'm spreading the word out that I'm here in your ship. The Dragonbornes wouldn't pass this chance, they would tell everyone about this. If they can't destroy the Legion Army, especially that I'm here, then others will."

"The Avian Zone will be targeted! I spent years hovering this masterpiece up in the air! You can't just--"

I cut her off again by putting ny hands on both of her shoulders, smiling. "Calm down, Iyana. If this masterpiece of yours is truly what you say it is, then it won't be destroyed that easily, will it?"

She glared at me intensely but before she could smack me again, I already took a step back, grinning at her reaction whereas Andrea just shook her head. Andrea then proceeded to the table, rearranging the pieces on the chessboard.

"No! I will not let you out of this ship. If you're planning on making the Organization think you're here while you sneak inside Magnus, hindi ako papayag."

"The current situation isn't all that different anyway. You're still being chased by the Organization."

"But if they get a word you're here, they will attack us with their entire forces! I can't risk Avian just for you!"

"I doubt it. You care more than you let on."

"And you only care about yourself!"

"I care about the entirety of this plan! If they attack with full force, I doubt you'd even have trouble escaping. As long as you two are alive, this alliance will continue on with the plan and we'd even be able to take revenge on them destroying your masterpiece."

"Now you're even so sure my ship will be destroyed!"

"Iyana--"

"No! I won't agree. I won't take that collar off and you'll do as I say inside my territory. You'd die out there with your already frail body. Do you even know what would happen if you die? All that stored energy inside you will explode and what do you think would happen then?"

"You're agitating me, Iyana." My voice this time was getting serious.

"And you're making me angry."

"Can you two stop?" Andrea finally interjected. "Your yells are getting too noisy." She pointed at the chessboard. "I have a solution."

"You?" Iyana boredly asked, her annoyance probably disappearing by now.

"What is that even supposed to mean?" Andrea was glaring at her. "If Ke'ala only needs reports to know how things are in Magnus to solidify whatever plan she has in mind, then why not just send someone else?"

"You expect me to trust someone else do something so important? I'm not just going there to assess the situation, I'm going there to lay the plan.

"You can't send your aides then?"

"...no. They aren't my aides anymore. They won't listen to anything I'll say, especially if it's going to be something dangerous. Plus, I wouldn't want to put them in danger like stepoing into an enemy territory."

Andrea nodded, as though my answer was a confirmation. "Ako nalang kaya--"

"No." I firmly denied.

"Hindi pwede." Iyana seconded.

"I'm kidding. But who else is available? You don't trust anyone else could do the job but yourself. You can't ask your aides, or ex-aides whatever," she rolled her eyes. "And you won't even allow me to go."

"And your solution is?"

"Nothing much." She plainly answered, shrugging.

"Hah. Of course." Iyana sarcastically stated.

"Oh I rearranged the pieces by the way, you do realize your opponent could have escaped that checkmate, don't you?"

"Impossible." I looked to the board, frowning now that I'm able to see it at a different angle. "His king was already trapped, it has nowhere to move..." I trailed off. "You moved his only remaining pawn and promoted it to a queen to check mine and at the same time target my bishop. But it's useless." I moved my white horse, immediately eliminating it as soon as it got promoted.

"But now the king isn't trapped, giving me an effective chance of breaching into yoir defence by sliding my rook to your side."

I sighed, not even bothering to move the pieces anymore. "My bishop would be moved back to eat your rook and now you're left with no officials to sacrifice."

"But that's not the point." She grinned. "The point is that I managed to actually get out of your checkmate, breached your defences, and if we were to continue," she touched the chessboard, positioning the pieces. "You're going to replan your whole strategy on how to lock my king in place knowing I have nothing else to sacrifice now. An open opponent is much harder to trap knowing it has no subjects to hold its movements back, especially when you have limited time of moves."

"You want to test it out?"

"Nah. I'm too hungry to play tag with how smart your brain is. I'm out of here." She gave up, moving back with a smirk. Eventually, she slowly left the room still with her crutch, leaving both Iyana and me in silence.

"Is it just me or... she's actually thinking now?"

"Alam kong napansin mo ang mga sinabi niya kanina." I glanced at Iyana who said that, seeing her smile.

"I know."

"You strategize, I do the tactical part."

"And she fills the gaps. Though she did more than that this time." I chuckled. "I guess that's the top student for you."

"So? Are we doing it?"

"She did give the solution. It would be a waste not to."

"It's risky."

"One that I'm willing to bet."

"Good. Because I'm betting on it too. But she's still as reckless as ever."

"We need to have their attention but keep the confrontation short. We don't have the resources to spare, we need a different set-up if you value this ship that much. Then we need an escape path."

"Hesperus, a trading island known for its neutrality. I used most of the spare energy to generate the barrier, but left some for the ship to use as fuel." Iyana promptly replied. "We're supposed to go a different route, but if we want them to catch us off-guard, then we're heading for original route."

"You mean the Cove where pirates are said to always linger?"

"One and only. What else?"

"How long can the barrier sustain under continuous blows?"

"I'm not sure."

"Thirty minutes. We'll use the chaos as an opportunity to get a piece inside."

"No room for failure, huh? Tricky. But fine, I'll make the barrier last for thirty minutes. But what if the World's Organization and the pirates gang against us? You know how pirates are, they would cling to anything that would give them money and security. With the Organization known as a worldwide terrorist group, whose side do you think they'd choose?"

"That's why I asked you if you could sustain the barrier for thirty minutes in the first place. It doesn't matter if they team up, the more the chaos, the better."

"You really love risking everything. But who are we going to use?"

"Alvar'ius." I noticed her flinch when I said that. "He's already a part of the Organization. He'll get inside the enemy's ship in the pretence that he was able to escape from you."

"What if they'd get suspicious? What if they already know you two are related?"

"Then we're going to erase that suspicion. He'll bring someone with him and tell them I'm here in your ship."

"If you put it that way, it has to be someone they know dearly important to you that they can use as hostage. Having that advantage against you will force then to retreat and use that person to threaten you in time of the war. Who fits that criteria?"

"Celeztie." I said, looking straight at her.

"Seriously putting your daughter in danger when you refuse to even associate with your aides in fear they'd get hurt. You make it seem like she's unnecessary."

"She's not mine. She's from a future me I refuse to become." I turned away from her, walking out of the room with her footsteps lagging behind me.

"Her existence reminds you of that future you utterly reject." Iyana scoffed. "But you don't hate that child at all."

"I do." I answered immediately, walking through the empty corridor now.

"You don't."

"You wouldn't know, Iyana."

"Because if you do hate her, your eyes wouldn't falter so much like it did when you looked at me."

"I do not falter."

"Your eyes speak louder than your words do, Ke'ala. That's something you could never change."

"And you're still as observant as ever." I sighed, knowing she wouldn't let this go.

I stopped when I caught a sight of Ellise together with Astoria, in front of them was Zoro, that Dragonborne leader who I thought already left the ship after Ellise was supposed to escort him out. They seem to be in a deep conversation, but I could see Ellise's frown from here and Astoria's blank expression. There's Amakin by the side too, leaning over the wall as though carefully listening while sending a glare towards the Dragonborne who doesn't even notice it.

If I'm correct, Amakin should already be close to fifteen this year but it's probably because of his Elven blood that he looks much taller now, his long bleached blonde hair dangling behind him in a messy ponytail. He was wearing a leather top, showing his well-toned muscles and defined stomach. His pants reached just below his knees, followed by long combat boots. He has his dual blades behind his hip--no, it's actually four blades now and he even has a bow and arrow hanging on his back. From the way he's dressed, he's probably going somewhere.

Then there's Astoria, a fine young lady of nineteen now that made me smile. She grew even taller than the last time I saw her five years ago. She's no longer thin but physically fit that I could tell despite the white robe she was wearing, with green borders of soft linen around it. Her pale blonde hair was hanging freely down, reaching her back, and even with her cold gaze, her indigo-coloured eyes still look as committed as they had always been.

"My, seems like I'm interrupting something important." I said immediately, walking towards the group.

"Ke'ala." Amakin's face beamed when he saw me and almost as though in a hurry, he was already in front of me then. "It's been five years!"

I smiled, ruffling his hair since he's still a few centimeters smaller than me. "I would want to hear stories but first," I returned my gaze ahead seeing them looking at me now. "Why is Zoro still here, Ellise?"

Ellise clenched her fist. "He's insisting on meeting up with you again."

"Oh? What could possibly the reason be, Mister Fritz?"

"Miss Caelesti, I find myself suddenly inclined to agree with your earlier proposal. As long as our benefits coincide, I do not mind joining your alliance against the World's Organization."

My eyebrow lifted. "Why, isn't this a surprise? Although I appreciate it, what brought this sudden change?"

"It's something surely you wouldn't mind." He muttered.

He smiled, looking at Astoria and seeing the young woman reel back somehow irritated me. A part of me already knew what he would say next, but I was still hoping it could be a different reason. I may not have my ability now, but judging from the way he's looking at someone I practically helped raise, I already don't like it. Still, I smiled and held myself back.

"And that is?"

Don't even dare.

"I wish to offer my Clan's lifelong assistance to you, Caelesti of the Unknown, in exchange for this beautiful dragonborne's hand in marriage--"

Before he could even continue, however, he was already sent against the wall by none other than Amakin who had already drawn out his dual blades after kicking the Dragonborne leader. Zoro glared at him, trying to summon his lance but probably realized that this entire ship has a blocking system, unless he's that powerful enough to overpower that system.

I certainly am though. I could feel my own energy trying so hard to recoil. The reason they had this collar around my neck most especially even with the blocking system is because they know I can easily use my energy even with hoe strong this energy blockage is. Ellise was holding Amakin back, saying something to him while Astoria just looked at the man with a disgusted face.

"I'm going to let that one go, boy." Zoro said, gently patting his own shoulder for non-existent dusts as I slowly walked to where he stood. "However, I am serious about my proposal, Miss Caelesti. It would be in your best interest to agree, especially when you know you need my help--"

Before he could even get away, I was already holding his neck, my hand clasping around his flesh as though it was utterly made out of rubber. Suddenly, I got the urge to just squeeze all life out of that pathetic mouth. It would be so easy, like breaking a toothpick. Or I could just devour his life force by contaminating him with my nether energy, and if he's strong enough to resist that then why not just simply cut his head off and show it to the rest of his clan to let them know how weak and stupid--

"Ke'ala!" I found myself pushed back by Ellise. "You're killing him."

I stared at the man now catching his breath while kneeling on the floor. I smiled at the sight, of how easy it was to bring scums like him down. I quickly pulled out one of Amakin's sword behind him, swinging the blade around my head before swiftly bring it down to the bastard's neck--until the sword was thrown away from my hand, the impact of the gunshot enough to make me let go of it.

"You're interrupting, Iyana." It was a warning, one I was serious about.

"You can't just kill him." Ellise sighed. "Once an army of his kind finds out about it, they'd attack in an instant."

"It could possibly ruin what we planned, Ke'ala." Iyana reminded.

"I tried asking you nicely, Caelesti," Zoro stood up, eyeing me with anger. "But you disrespected me! We're going to attack this flimsy ship and I'm going to take that Royal Dragonborne!" He walked away hurriedly, clearly distraught.

"Papaalisin na lang ba natin siya?" Amakin asked, gripping the hilt of his blades tighter.

"Good question." Ellise commented.

"Astoria can just agree though." Astoria finally managed to say something, looking at me coldly. "If Ke'ala needs their help, then Astoria shall give them what they want--"

I flicked her forehead which made her stop, frowning. "You're underestimating me, Astoria. I was being kind, but after he spouted that nonsense of marriage?" I breathed out an air, as though it would calm my agitation down. "Nobody is marrying anyone so degrading under my watch."

I grabbed Iyana's gun, it was too sudden for her that before she could even react, I've already pulled the trigger towards the retreating figure of a scumbag. We did agree beforehand that no such battle will occur in this ship, he was only supposed to be here to hear my proposal and for a cup of tea. This would have went a little better if he had just agreed, but to ask for marriage and even send me such a ridiculous warning? Who is he kidding?

Thus, there goes his pathetic self kneeling on the floor where he rightfully belongs, grunting in pain as he clutched his foot. It made me frown looking at him, leisurely giving back Iyana her gun after sending me her glare. They were saying something, but I couldn't be bothered to hear them that instead, I found myself standing in front of Zoro, a name out of some random tale for children. Isn't he embarrassed to flaunt such name?

"You should be grateful I missed, Mister Fritz, otherwise you wouldn't even have a chance of feeling pain right now. Death is sudden, after all."

"You--" He was cut off as I slapped him, making him bite his tongue. I chuckled, ignoring the pain that came after from my ribs. Still, the sight of him helplessly glaring at me like that was too amusing I couldn't help it.

I crouched a little in front of him, smiling. "I'm going to let you out of here, Dragonborne. The exit is just by the corner on the left, surely you can fly yourself back to other waiting flies. Oh, I did remember you saying you're going to attack." I held his chin up, my other hand tracing his neck. "Go on, try. I encourage you to do so, Zoro. Only then we'll see how many heads of your kind will rain along with your blood. And the fun thing is that, you'll have the perfect opportunity to watch it all happen."

He slapped my hand away, averting his eyes as he quickly stood up. I pretended not to notice the way his hands trembled just now, smiling as he began to limp away. I turned around and met their gazes. Iyana being indifferent as always, Ellise sighing as though she had already expected this, Amakin who was beaming at me in reverence and there's Astoria who was still looking at me coldly.

I can't help but just want to turn that coldness upside down with my ability, not that I actually would. People are entitled to have their own emotions, and I don't have the right to take that away. Unless, of course, if those people are scumbags like that previous Dragonborne.

"I know you were just bluffing but," Iyana stood beside me, muttering. "If his people do attack and just so happen to scratch my Avian Zone, I'm going to smack you so hard."

I chuckled. "Have you even seen his face? I doubt he'd show up in front of me so bravely like before."

"Well, you have your ways of scaring people, I guess." She yawned. "But now comes the complicated part, and I can't even sleep."

"Go ahead and call the others, I have some other matter to deal with first." I closed my eyes briefly, then glancing at my back where my former aides seem to be talking about something.

"You worry too much. I'm sure they'd be willing to do everything for you."

"And that's why I'm worried."

"Trust, Ke'ala."

"But I do."

"Don't you think the reason your relationship with them's that bad because you don't show them that trust?"

I smiled. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"You could have easily thrown them out of this ship. But you gave in and instead and let them stay."

She looked away, her neck reddening as she scratched on it impassively. "It would troublesome doing otherwise."

"Not even denying it, huh?"

"I'm not Andrea."

"She'll get mad at you for saying that."

"Let her." She smiled slightly. "Now finish your matter up and meet me by the office." She waved her hand, walking away.

"If Astoria and Amakin fly there, we could reach the place by tomorrow." I heard Astoria say as I close in.

"We've already talked this through, Astoria. No one's going to go anywhere until Minerva catches up."

"Minerva?" I asked. "Athena's heading here?"

"Athena indulges Andrei to the point she'd follow whatever the Elite wants. Andrei was supposed to meet up with the refugee camp alone but you know her condition, so Athena want with her instead."

I suddenly felt a tug at my heart when I heard Andrei's name. It felt prickly, as though needles were constantly hitting at it. I swore to myself I'd find a way to bring her to full health after everything she did for me, but i haven't even done anything. I did ask my spirits to look for a solution but I haven't contacted them for five years now. Although I could feel them well and alive somewhere, even now it's still hard for me to just reconnect my consciousness with them. For all these five years, I've only ever told Laire my plans which she's working on.

"Refugee camp?" I questioned instead.

"Thane along with George and Freya gathered survivors from the four academies. The New World Order war that happened before divided the entire country. Students joined other organizations and no one knows what happened to them. Majority joined the Legion Order feeling like they needed to take a side for protection, but some ran away." Ellise explained.

"Brother Thane built a refugee camp for those runaway students and along with their families. Tinutulungan din nila ang mga survivors mula sa mga bansang nakuha ng Organization." Amakin continued. "Pupunta kami dun para tumulong protektahan ang lugar. Ayon kasi sa huling balita ni Ate Freya, marami silang ginagawa at hindi tatagal ay masisira na ang barrier na si Andrei mismo ang gumawa noon."

"Andrei can't handle high level magic, her health's already--"

"We know." Ellise cut off. "Pero kilala mo siya. Do you really think she'd just wait around in Cretian? She can be real pushy too."

I clenched my fist, gritting my teeth in annoyance. "Where did you even find a place enough as a refugee?"

"We didn't. It was Thana who created the place. A small island made out of an immersive illusion. It was Andrei's ability's to control darkness fused with the Doctor's sealing spell that kept the island hidden for years now." Ellise answered.

"No. Andrei won't do anything. Using her ability already takes a toll on her body, what more would a high-level fusion with another advance magic could possibly do?"

"Astoria thinks it's already too late for that, Ke'ala. Andrei will arrive here in time tomorrow." Then she faced Ellise. "Which is why Astoria and Amakin must get there first so Minerva would have no need of detouring here. Time is of essence, Ellise."

"Don't tell me what to do. Sa una palang, nandito ka dahil sinigurado ko kay Fińe na hindi ka gagawa ng bagay na lalagay sa inyong dalawa sa panganib."

"When do you need to go to that camp?" I asked.

"As soon as possible." Astoria stated, then tilted her head. "Why?"

"Give me a few days, or weeks. I'll personally handle your problems."

Ellise looked at me with the kind I couldn't decipher without my ability, eventually sighing as she grabbed something by her coat's inside pocket. "Take it. Doctor was planning on making your own, but it would take too long so use it."

She handed me her glasses, the designs were sophisticated despite its practical use. It has chains dangling on each side, connecting the two lenses which could also be slid past each other as single-lensed for zooming faraway sights. The chains has Ellise's name embedded in small gold-like crystals, so small that unless a light reflects on it, nobody would even notice. I smiled, handling her back her own glasses.

"Not your style?" She asked, taking the glasses hesitantly.

"The person who gave it to you must care so much." I narrowed my gaze right at her, before smiling sternly.

"Ah si Kuya Vaeril yata ang nagbigay niyan nung huling kaarawan ni Ate Ellise." Amakin said, pointing at the glasses.

"Interesting." I smiled bitterly. Somehow, it scares me to know how much changes these people have gotten accustomed to and I don't even know about it. It's like I'm being left alone, ironic when I'm the one who disappeared from them in the first place.

"Don't get ideas now. Vaeril is an elf working directly under the King."

"Hmm." I nodded. "Like I said, nobody is marrying anyone so degrading under my watch."

"Wha--" Ellise stopped herself, her cheeks flushing. "Don't talk nonsense."

"Of course." I said rather provocatively. "It would have been nonsense if I don't know the Elven customs, but it just so happen that I do. One such custom is to give a jewelry to a woman with the colour of her eyes and even with her name on it."

"Wala akong oras sa mga ganoong bagay, Ke'ala at alam mo 'yan." Ellise said with a tone of warning. "Isa pa, ginto ang kulay nito, and my eyes are brown. Don't take me as an ignorant woman."

"I didn't say anything. It just so happened that he gave you an eyewear that signifies the colour of your eyes. He must have wanted to be subtle, how...cute." I could feel my own annoyance bubbling up at the thought of it that my words even sounded so sarcastic it was so obvious.

"Look, if you don't like it, don't criticize it." She glared at me, shaking her head as she hid the glasses back into her inside pocket.

I'm criticizing it exactly because I don't like it. It's what people people do, is it not? They tend to find faults in things they don't like, and I'm merely one of the majority of the population who is currently doing the same. It's quite normal, so I do hope she would stop looking at me like it isn't. But I believe there are more pressing matters I need to deal with, as much as I wanted to ask about this "Vaeril" elf. He sounded like a scheming man, and I don't like it.

"Leaving your marriage for another time," I avoided her glaring eyes, looking at the transparent wall on the side where I could see birds flying along with the slow motion of this moving ship. "Can you contact Celeztie?"

"Astoria was told that Celeztie and the others are back on Cretian. They seem to be quite busy." The Royal Dragonborne replied.

"It appears they want to do something so secretly that they got rid of you." My eyebrows met in puzzlement, thinking what possible scheme is that supposed daughter of mine is planning.

I looked at Ellise, my gaze already questioning her and when she averted, I knew exactly that she has an idea what it was. It would be strange for her to just agree with Celeztie's on helping me here, after all, not to mention she was the one who convinced everyone to move and act.

These former aides of mine aren't this proactive, they would only do something to a mean if it was for each other's sake ot the benefit of the entire group they all view as family. When I told them to disband and give themselves some time off, I was so sure they did. But what brought them all back together? Somehow, I have a bad feeling about this. That certain sense of knowing where I'm just suddenly aware I would be betrayed and to think I'm already assuming something this bad about this family of mine just shows how much of a twisted person I am.

I'm tired of it. Betrayal, that is. I don't ever want to feel that way again. Not by Iyana, not Andrea, and certainly not from these people I consider as my family. However, as though just to satisfy myself, I will choose to trust them. They won't do anything I wouldn't like, they wouldn't dare. They care about me, after all. The future I saw from Caelesti wasn't great, but her relationship with her aides were perfect.

There, I did not see Silverrium follow his king. There, I did not see Fińe hurt herself. And only there I haven't seen any of my aides do something Caelesti did not order. They were perfect. Our relationship wasn't a family, but it was a camaraderie where nothing else would matter for Caelesti's words were laws they were so keen on following.

But my current relationship with them was different. So far different. We're happy. We're family. We got each other's back. They are willing to defy every single of my desires if it means keeping me safe. Caelesti's story was a tragedy and full of suffering, whereas ours was something she probably could have never imagined.

Though I knew deep inside she wanted to have this familial relationship with her aides, she was just so keen on fixing everything up that she raised that kind of relationship with her aides. She was someone who was close to her aides yet at the same time, her heart was unreachable. She kept them close yet she kept them at a specific distance.

I'm different from her for a reason that I'm not like her. I value my relationship with them, I don't create mistakes that would lead me to have that cold feelings for them. Unlike her, I'm willing to leave this family of mine if it means keeping them safe and away from misery that I inevitably cause. That's why I'm going to trust them. Whatever secret they're willing to hide, so be it. But I will trust them, that has never changed despite everything we went through.

"Don't worry." I finally said, noticing Ellise's apprehensive stance. "I won't pry to whatever it is that you're helping Celeztie with. I trust you."

Perhaps if I only have my ability now, I would be able to see past their current façade. That's why I'm grateful I don't have it at the moment, because I don't want to justify what I'm seeing from their expressions. I don't want to justify that I'm seeing guilt from their eyes. But it's fine. Whatever it is, I trust them. So I hope they won't betray that trust because honestly, I don't think I'd be able to handle it.

"In exchange, I want Celeztie here by tomorrow." I added.

"You know we're going to do something and you're just letting it go?" Ellise questioned figuratively. "You're being irrational, which is rare."

"I told you didn't I? I trust you. I won't pry, I won't even try to investigate or stop whatever it is. All I need is for you to contact Celeztie in exchange and tell her I need her presence here by tomorrow. With the black tourmalines, surely teleportation from Cretian Plains to here would be a breeze."

"Then I'll take care of it." Ellise sighed. "You just got out of a comma, don't overwork yourself Ke'ala."

I smiled, tapping her cheek after noticing the dark marks under her eyes. "You're the one overworking yourself, Ellise. Don't get sick on me now. Well then, I'll see you three later." I turned around, remembering to meet Iyana by her office. "Oh before I forget," I stopped on my tracks, turning my head to them. "Let's all have dinner together."

"Eh?" Amakin glanced at Astoria and Ellise then back at me. "Pero may gagawin pa kami--"

"I don't care how busy your schedules are and when I say dinner, it's by seven." I walked away, seemingly telling them that I won't take "no" for an answer. Well, it's been years after all. They can't blame me for wanting to spend time with them.

Iyana's office was far off on the third corridor, and the emptiness of the halls reminded me of myself when left alone. I could hear nothing but the sound of my steady breathing and footsteps would dangle like an after-echo, softly fading as I paved my way forward.

We can only truly understand ourselves when we have nobody else to turn to, when we're all alone with all the time in the world to think of what ourselves are. It's a strange phenomena, whereas we seem to know ourselves best when in front of other people for we have someone to compare ourselves to, but opposite when alone.

I stopped on my tracks, leaning against the wall as I listened to the voices behind this wall. It wasn't that I could hear directly, it was more of like they left the door open for anyone passing by to hear. Even without my ability, I could feel the tension inside that room, voices raising against one another as though antagonizing whoever it was they were talking to. It sounded heavy, their words filled with obvious anger and regret.

"Then what do you want me to do?!" The woman shouted, almost as though out of options. "Isang buwan ka na nagkakaganito at hindi ko na alam kung ano ang gagawin ko sa'yo."

"Umalis ka. Don't look at me." The man abruptly replied, scornful.

"You're tiring me out, Alaric. Sabihin mo kung ano ang problema at huwag mo akong talikuran!"

"Kung napapagod ka ka, umalis ka! Wala akong sinabi na dapat dumikit ka sa tabi ko bawat oras na gumising ako!"

"I-I...what is wrong with you?" This time, the woman's voice was solemn and soft. "You're hurting me."

"Your presence hurts me! Why can't you just understand that I want to be alone for now, Andrea? Get out of my sight!"

Before I could even eavesdrop more, I decided to stop and just went ahead with my walk through the empty corridor. I didn't understand what it was there back then, and I got a feeling I don't really want to find out. I reached Iyana's office before I even knew it. It was the same as it had been before, they were all present band my arrival stopped whatever discussion they were having, and something's telling me this was going to be a long conversation.

I ended up skipping lunch today, to think they even let a woman who just woke up from a month of comatose skip lunch is just rude. The meeting lasted for hours mainly because of Angela's complaints about the danger the Avian might face and Iyana's hesitation whenever she was asked to decide the course of action with her throwing worried glances at my brother who simply glared in return like it was all Iyana's decision to throw him away when rarely even glare at all.

Then there was Andrea who was mostly staring into space and her situation wasn't helping at all as well, and everyone really was on edge that I suggested breaking the meeting then and there otherwise nothing would be decided.

It was already several minutes past eight in the evening, and from this position, I could see the stars beginning to twinkle above the hemisphere, the moon rising since minutes ago after the sun settled itself down. Even without my ability, I could feel the discord running through the air. Nothing seemed to have helped me calm down that I fear swallowing every feelings out there even without my ability that I was desperate to find some place away from many people and somehow, I found this.

It was a small room. There was no light but the stars twinkling from above brought by the open ceiling. The entire space was empty too, too empty and clean that I even laid myself down the floor, my eyes tracing foe constellations up the night sky. Everything felt tiring, and I didn't like it. It was as though everyone was being affected by a single emotion spreading like some kind of plague, drowning the atmosphere of the ship into that gloomy sensation.

The meeting earlier did not go as expected. For some reason, most of them were simply just too angry, or in despair to the point they could find nothing but that loss sense of hope. I was truly grateful I didn't have my ability at the moment, or I would have drowned in the same way everyone was.

I was disappointed too, I was expecting my aides to show up for dinner but nobody came. It made me sad thinking they didn't want to have anything to do with me. but ai trust them, after all, so I waited for another hour before skipping dinner altogether and left the room I prepared for them. I was hurt. I felt like hurting something--or someone, but I couldn't let irrationality get the better of me so I simply secluded myself in this small, empty room staring at the stars I find no slightest amusement in.

"Ke'ala." I closed my eyes, hearing somebody call for my name. "Something's wrong."

"There's always something wrong, Iyana."

"No." Andrea refuted. "Something's wrong 'wrong' kind of wrong."

I sat up, facing the two was was dressed up in their usual battle clothes with white robes hanging around them, blending in well oppositely with the darkness. It was only then I realize what they were talking about, standing up as I meet them. There were no words needed as Iyana handed me another robe, draping it behind my back as Andrea led the way forward. The corridor was as empty as always, except for occasional patrolling soldiers who would either bow or avoid us altogether.

I was met by another door, except that what revealed behind it was a metallic ladder leading upward. Andrea got on it first, then Iyana, before I managed to get up myself. I realized we were at the top of the Avian Zone, like a tiny terrace only served for those who was tasked to investigate further sightings.

Dark clouds were spreading, as well as fog thick enough to be even considered as a smoke. Still, the stars above were enough as a light and if not, the glowing brightness coming from Iyana's tablet. She was pressing something on it, eventually showing us a hologram of an island.

"We're in a trance since this afternoon. Everyone was especially on edge today because of this miasma." Iyana explained, and it suddenly made all sense to me.

"So it wasn't just a thick fog." I commented, frowning.

"The miasma gets thicker below, and we were literally just going circles that I had to stop the Avian Zone's operations, wasting the half of the spare energy I used to keep this ship running." Iyana clicked her tongue.

"May kakaiba sa isla na iyan sa ibaba, at ito ang rason kung bakit kanina pa tayo pabalik balik at parang walang gana ang mga tao dito." Andrea stated, tapping her fingers on the railings. "We need to do something about this if we want to escape from this trance."

I snorted. "It wouldn't be that much of a problem kung wala ang collar na ito." Wika ko sabay turo sa tinutukoy ko.

"No. Your body's still in a fragile state. I saw Doctor Voltron's records, and I can testify that you're only going to get so much worse if you use your nether energy now. Plus, we're not so sure this is just any trance anyone could destroy because we both tried breaking out plenty of times before finding you." Iyana explained.

"So what's the point of this excursion? Because I know you dragged me out here to deal with whatever it is that's in that island."

"Who said you're dealing with things alone?" Andrea rolled her eyes, lifting the hoodie of her white robe up as Iyana did the same. "We're gonna jump."

"Excuse me? We're like thousands of feets off the sea surface. Do you want me to die without my protective energy around--"

"You're getting affected by the miasma, Ke'ala. You should clear your head." Iyana smirked, lifting her left hand which was still wearing that glove while holding her tablet. Without saying anything, she stood atop the railings and jumped off without a warning, her figure disappearing through the miasma below.

"Come on, Ke'ala, keep up." Andrea, no sooner than a minute, followed Iyana's lead.

I could feel my irrationality getting the better of me that I simply sighed, shaking my head as I jumped off and somehow, the feeling of simply falling without the security of my energy around feels...nice. But that good sensation didn't last long as I could feel my back hitting something soft. I groaned, standing up as I scanned my surroundings.

I fell on some kind of a bouncy futon, fluffy enough anyone could sleep on it in a matter of few minutes. Looking around, the space wasn't that huge but it was enough to at least hold a dozen people, and there were only the three of us so it felt bigThe transparent circular ceiling above me closed up, the lights around us beginning to light up in a dim yellow enough to see anything but not entirely, and it was also then Iyana started up the engine for this small ship.

We couldn't see anything due to the thick miasma up front that we were relying solely on Iyana's tablet which she attached to some kind of wire on the monitor to track the energy. The turbulent around the vehicle was getting too much to the point we could feel the place shaking up. That was until the monitor let out a beeping sound, the red mark indicating our position pulsing.

"Nandito nanggagaling ang signal, pero..." Tinuro ni Iyana ang isa pang monitor kung saan nakikita namin ang nakukuha nga cameras sa labas. "Wala akong nakikita kundi ang itim na miasma."

"Wala tayong makukuha dito. Why not land?" Andrea suggested. "But I'm having second thoughts about that miasma. It looks dangerous."

"It should be. I'm going to dock this air rover near-ground." Iyana then pulled a lever, along with that was a small square terminal opening on the edge where we headed over to look, seeing the miasma was even thicker than it was midair that we could barely see the ground below. "Anyone willing do the honour of jumping first?"

We both looked at Andrea, who seemed surprised, pointing at herself in question. "Why me?" She asked incredulously.

"Why not you?" I questioned back.

"Kung ikaw na lang--" she didn't have time to continue her words that what replaced them instead was a shriek as I pushed her.

"Kinailangan mo ba talagang itulak siya? Paano kung mamatay yan 'diyan?"

"We would waste too much time arguing if I hadn't. And I can't really generate any energy at the moment." I said, referring to the collar. "She's a tough one. She wouldn't die... would she?"

But no sort of signal came after Andrea's fall. We waited for a few more minutes and I was beginning to worry she might have indeed died or lost her consciousness somewhere we wouldn't be able to see until we noticed a faint light from a glowing fire below, making us both sigh in relief at the same time. Iyana urged me to go first as she settled the air rover, as she called it, in a silent mode.

The island was quiet, only the sound of the sand being dragged up and down the shore by the waves and the eerie echo of breeze were heard. Up front, we could see Andrea holding a small-lit torch from who knows where she conveniently found, glaring at me. I smiled, ignoring her accusing gaze as I scanned the area. Due to how thick the miasma, however, we couldn't really see anything unless we thrive forward.

"The signal was picking up a stronger wave of energy on the right." Saad ni Iyana na nakatingin sa tablet niya sabay tulak kay Andrea na maglakad na sa unahan dahil siya din naman ay nay hawak na torch.

"May kweba."

Kasabay nang pagkasabi niya nun ay tinuro ni Andrea ang torch sa kung saan may malalaking bato ang nakatayo na parang nagsisilbing gate. Past these two stone pillars was the cave she was talking about, and with enough illumination from the fire, I noticed the strange characters carved over the wall. I wasn't well-versed in other language that I couldn't decipher what it was, but there's something strange about this place that was making my skin tingle and I didn't like it.

"Andrea." Iyana called out.

"I know." Saying that, Andrea immediately put out the fire, the wind from inside the save shifting as the sound of something sharp hitting the wall intensified, a friction causing sparks from deeper into the cave.

The more we walked forward, the more the sound of our footsteps were fading until we couldn't hear them anymore, not even the sound of our breathing. It felt like we had walked for hours and hours without seeing anything due to the wrapping darkness, the length of the pathway not even changing. Then there was also that silence filling up as though I was being submerged underwater where every sort of noise would be nullified, instead replaced by muffled reverberations of something I couldn't quite recognize.

Suddenly, I realized I couldn't breathe, I could feel no miasma but the liquid enveloping around me. I extended my arms, desperate for something to cling on to when I felt a strong grip around my arm, pulling me up. I gasped for air the moment I could breathe it, my knees hitting the marbled floor as I panted heavily. I opened my eyes, looking around where I found myself on some kind of a platform surrounded by giant crystal pillars made out of lacrimas.

I stood up wobbly, my eyes darting to Andrea beside me who was grunting as she clutched her head. She seemed to have hit something hard, I could tell by the small trace of blood on her forehead. Then there was Iyana who lying on the cold floor, breathing heavily as she drew out some kind of syringe, a blue liquid inside, which she immediately injected over her right shoulder in hurry. She seemed to have calmed down after that, her breathing returning to normal.

"What's wrong with you?" I asked Iyana.

"Yeah that's...a calming serum..." She trailed off, sitting up as she clutched her right arm. "Perfect. I just got out of my cast and now it's starting to hurt again."

"Where are we?" Andrea, who was already checking the area.

Nobody answered her for a reason none of us truly know what to answer. Instead, I stood up in front of a wall, the structure of the stone was so old there were cracks mostly everywhere. There was a circle shaped carved on the center with the lines and patterns imitating a sun, except that this sun only has four rays extending on each four direction.

Somehow, I found my hands across the pattern, bending the lines until they formed letters. A strange phrase was written above the sun, and it was written in Latin that I could just barely understand it. But I recognize this writing, it seemed so familiar as though I've seen it before...I just can't remember where.

"Sit lux mea reddere tibi meque."

I touched the letter, and I didn't even realize I was already exuding small batches energy from my fingertips as though my body knew what it was doing, that even despite the restriction around my neck, it was as though my energy had a life on its own. Flashes of images then appeared in my mind, back to where I first saw the same handwriting.

It has a circular appearance, the design on the middle reminded me of wings. But what's strange is that the middle seems to be glowing in pale blue in accordance to my eye colour. The sinister energy I was feeling before came from this thing, not from the monster. Something was written on the metal holding the brooch in circle, the letters were so small, blending in so well with the colour I almost didn't notice.

"Sit mihi et invenire subsidio ut."

"May I find the light to relief me." I mumbled, finally remembering what it meant.

I took a step back, considering what happened back then. It was that time when we were looking for Yillusa in that desert when I came across the relic Gïzë which can store one's time. Back then the handwriting was barely noticeable but my eyes caught it immediately. Although before I could even decipher what it meant, I was already thrown off when I touched it. I looked at the current latin phrase in front of me, analyzing it before making sense.

"May my light give you reprieve." I said out loud, and as though it activated something, the marble stone floor below exuded light bright enough to force my eyes shut as we were swallowed by the blinding white glow.

"What did you do now?" Andrea questioned with that same accusing gaze as we noticed how greatly our surroundings changed.

"I don't know." I admitted.

We were in some kind of office, and I don't recognize where it is but seeing each other's faces...I suddenly had a strange premonition. Iyana was standing in front of a mirror, her appearance and face looked more mature as well Andrea. But I was still the same, and my shock must be so obvious that Iyana ended up chuckling despite out situation.

"Is this some kind of illusion? Because I don't have time for this--" Iyana stopped herself when the door suddenly opened, revealing another familiar man with the same obvious dark blue eyes.

"Iyana," he called her, smiling. "And greetings, Andrea. I reckon you both are done with whatever it is you needed to discuss?"

"I...uh..." Iyana stuttered, not quite leaving her gaze on the man, and she gulped. "You cut your hair!" She blurted out almost in panic.

"I...did." Alvar'ius frowned in confusion, touching the white-haired woman's forehead. "Are you alright? You seem out of it today."

"Why did you--you loved your hair longer, didn't you?"

"Sa dinami-dami na pwede mong itanong, yan pa talaga?" Andrea remarked.

But my brother only smiled, ruffling Iyana's short hair. "You were the one who preferred it that way because you loved braiding my hair." He chuckled. "Now, shall we go? Everyone's already outside."

We decided to just follow him outside, realizing we were inside a huge manor all along. Passing through the large living room, we could see a big painting enough to cover majority of the center wall. It was an image of Iyana sitting over a leathered seat with Alvar'ius standing beside her, they both had such happy faces that it made me smile.

What most surprised Iyana that even made her stop was seeing herself with a small girl sitting on her lap while the other boy stood between her and Alvar'ius. Both children had such bored looks that their facial structures reminded me of Iyana but the eyes...the eyes were enough to tell everyone who their father was.

As though to tease Iyana who was still gaping shock seeing the painting, she snickered, elbowing the other female. "What a happy family. This must be the kind of illusion that shows your inner desire, didn't know you wanted to be with Ke'ala's brother that much. Napansin ko naman ang mga tinginan niyo pero hindi ko inaasahan na--"

"Shut up." Iyana cut her off, as though it would mask the redness enveloping her ears despite her stoic look. "Ignore it. Ignore it. Ignore it!" She muttered to herself, chanting as we continued on our way.

We were led to a huge lawn, children were seen running everywhere, I even saw some of my aides preparing for the meal. On the middle of the lawn was a rectangular table big enough to at least fit all of them. On the side was a giant fountain where the children were seen playing around with the pouring water while on the other side was a another big cottage with a hammock inside, the walls created through glass. Surrounding the cottage was a small river where a bridge was placed on the middle to get inside, the river running to the other side of the lawn connected to the fountain.

"You have a nice...mansion." I complimented, don't exactly know how to completely describe the sight.

Surrounding the lawn were fences where woods extended beyond. Over the horizon was the view of the sun up over the afternoon skies. It wasn't that hot because of the trees almost serving as covers above, but the breeze was cool. Upon seeing the two women beside me, they all began to invite them over the table to begin eating while I simply went over the fountain, my fingers playing with the lines over the water.

"You're not eating? It would be a waste." Andrea asked.

I smiled at her obliviousness, my gaze eventually following the happy atmosphere before us. Iyana sat on her seat, awkwardly answering questions and replying to small talks they were making. Her eyes then found mine staring at her, and she held such a serious face I could only shake my head. It would be bad if they create a scene here, we're nor exactly that sure how we got into this illusion after all--no, it isn't really an illusion. This is more of like...yes, our consciousnesses temporarily transcending time.

"Andrea, nandito na ang hinihintay mo." Ellise called her as she distributed the plates around with the children helping with the glasses.

"Why are you acting close to--"

"Andrea." I warned.

She scoffed. "You should be asking your Mistress to eat considering she hasn't eaten anything--what? Why are you looking at me like I said something weird?" Andrea crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing at their silence.

"Nandito na kami!" A little girl announced as she entered the lawn, running towards the group with a big grin.

"Andri!" Iyana's supposed daughter called out excitedly, meeting her halfway as her brother followed behind her.

"Ah, Iviona. Kanina pa dapat kami pero ang tagal kasi ng pila eh."

"Sorry." A man said, wavy jet-black hair fluttering above his head as the wind passed by, showing a box designed with a bunny wrapper. "We got stuck in line buying this limited-edition cookie with some strawberry fillings inside." Placing the box on the the table, he then headed towards the Andrea, surprising her with a quick peck on the lips.

"W-wha...what are you doing?" Her neck reddened, her eyes darting around in panic as though it was embarrassing.

"Are you mad? I told you Andriette and I would be late, didn't I? You know how long the lines are inside that bakeshop your daughter loves so much." He went in for another quick kiss that I actually had to look away now, Andrea's face completely red. "Kumain na tayo?"

"...fine." She muttered, letting herself be dragged onto the table. "Andriette?" She realized, looking at the kid. "She looks like you." She smiled, actually gentle now.

"Malamang. Anak natin 'yan e." The man said with a hearty laugh.

"Then what about those two boys who exactly looked like me?" She pointed at the two older boys talking with Fińe by the side, they seemed to be so engrossed with whatever my former aide was telling them.

"Your sons?" The man sighed. "This is why I told you to stop working so late into the night, Andrea. Even Andrei was scolding how much of an indulgent husband I am."

"I-I...of course. My sons. We apparently have three children. Three. And are the boys twins?"

"You're really out of it today. But no, our sons aren't twins. Please don't tell me you've even forgotten that Aric is going to a summer camp next month."

"He is?"

"Eh? Aric! Mom's feigning ignorance about your summer camp again!" Andriette shouted, letting everyone hear that caused them to chuckle.

"Mom! Napag-usapan na natin tu kahapon ah." The boy refuted, pouting. "Si Kuya Adrille nga nakapunta last year eh!"

"Aricxel, we'll talk about this later, okay?" Their father interjected.

"Anyone there who prefer chilli paste on their barbecue?" Lucis, who was smoking the meat, asked.

"Me, Grandpa Lu!" Iyana's son raised his hand politely, running towards the man.

"Please tone down with the chilli, Va'ren." Alvar'ius reminded, but the boy was already dipping his finger inside the paste, making Lucis laugh as my brother shook his head with a feint smile. "Iyana, your son only ever listens to you."

Iyana frowned, then eventually smiled herself. "He does, huh?"

I watched as they all happily ate their lunch, making me feel something inside. No, it wasn't envy. It was pride, satisfaction...joy. They were happy, and knowing that was enough for me to carry on with everything. They have families waiting for them, everyone was fine in the end carrying on with their peaceful lives that I couldn't be more grateful to see this moment. Because unlike them, I would have no reason to continue on living without purpose, for I will not create Caelesti's mistakes.

"You..."

I flinched when somebody tugged on my robe from behind, seeing a small figure curled up over the fountain, sitting on the bermuda ground below. The boy had such a soft voice, his face covered by his hair coloured in platinum that reminded me so much of...him. But there was no way that could be possible, because that'd mean having a child with someone else and just the thought of it boils me with so much irritation. In the first place, how could this boy even see someone who isn't supposed to be here?

"You can see me?" I asked carefully, I didn't want to seem like talking to air if he ended up couldn't or actually scare him, whoever this child is.

"Yes." He nodded, fidgeting his fingers. "You aren't like any ghosts I've seen before."

Ghost, huh? It's been years since I've been last called one.

"That's because I'm not a ghost."

"That's impossible."

"Really?" I chuckled, crouching in front of him. "Aren't you going to eat with them?"

This time, he played with the strands of his hair that were covering his face, twirling it nervously. "No." He answered softly.

"Why are you alone?"

"Hindi na naman kasi pumunta 'yung kapatid ko, palagi niya na lang akong iniiwanan."

"Oh?" My brow lifted in question. "Bakit naman?"

"Palagi na lamang siyang nagbabasa sa kwarto niya kung nandiyan silang lahat at kung wala naman ay kadalasan din siyang wala dito sa bahay." He sadly admitted, and I appreciate my ability not kicking in right now.

"You don't get along with your sister?"

He shook his head. "I get along more with ghosts. Ca'elli (Sai-e-lli) doesn't care about me. She always leaves me alone."

"How old are you, kid? Don't you like playing with others?'

"Twelve. Katulad ni Andri at Iviona, at mas matanda sina Va'ren, Aric, at Kuya Adrille. They would always invite me but I don't exactly like playing."

"Why?"

"Unnecessary daw sabi ni Ca'elle." He chuckled darkly. "Palagi niya akong pinapagalitan. I think she really hates me."

"Your parents aren't here?"

The boy raised his head to look at me but even so, I couldn't quite see his face, shaking his head once more. "Again. That's impossible."

"Why though?"

"Ka'hzer! Come on, let's eat." I heard Alvar'ius called, and it was only then the boy stood up in front of me.

"Because they're dead." He promptly answered.

My eyes widened seeing the light shade of blue on his eyes, they held no emotions despite the tone of his voice. They were so deep even though they were so much paler than mine, enough that I could even say his eyes were transparent, as though I could see myself inside it. Suddenly, I felt a chill ran down from my spine, and I swear I could feel the trace of nether energy seeping around him like a brewing storm even when I wasn't supposed to feel any energy due to my restrictions.

"Who are you talking to?"

I stood up, my hands trembling for some reason, even more so when I heard another voice. It was a girl this time, coming from behind him. She was taller, long silky platinum hair with some strands of black, falling like the colour of glowing ashes. Then there were her same transparent blue shaded, eyes just as hollow as the boy in front of me.

Unlike his brother, the girl has more control of her energy, but it was a turmoil inside of her that her meridians could break the more she suppresses it. It means these two have so much energy that it would take so much just to store it and the more rhey store it, the more their bodies would break apart from the inside.

I could survive because of the relic Gïzë inside of me storing the moments I could feel billions of energy altogether, letting me able to control how much emotion I could feel. But these two were different, they won't be able to survive if this keeps up and no one even realizes that. What kind of people would just...I clenched my fists, and I found myself despising my existence even more so than I did all before.

"Where's...your father?" There was that animosity in my tone that I couldn't hide.

"Who knows? Probably good as dead."

"He... abandoned you?"

"Kai, who are you looking over at?" The girl insisted, glaring at her brother now. "I told you to stop attracting spirits. They may help you regulate your energy flow but once something happens to them, you'll get the extra payback, you understand me?"

"Pero may kakaiba sa kaniya--"

"Just listen to me!" She yelled, desperately, making everyone stop their chattering to look at the two. "Keep your energy intact. Don't cause problems for once."

"Kai, Elli," Alvar warned. "Nag-aaway na naman ba kayo? Enough of that. Let's eat.

"Certainly as you say so, Uncle." She closed her eyes, opening them in a calmer way as she glanced at her brother. "We'll talk later, Kai."

"Sure..."

The girl sighed, the maturity despite her age was something that didn't amaze me for kids her age shouldn't even worry about anything else but how to live their everyday lives. Yet instead, they worry about something the adults around them don't even care enough to worry and I hate it. With that in mind, I realize how similar this girl is to me, watching as her brother walked towards the table and was about to reach her hand to him when she stopped, smiling bitterly as she followed behind him slowly.

I don't like it. I hate this. Whatever it is. One moment, I was happy they were all leading a peaceful life but seeing these children just broke everything inside me. I swore I wouldn't create the same mistakes Caelesti did but...what the hell is wrong with me? I know I can't exactly control how things would go, but I should know better than this!

I was clenching my fists so hard I could feel my energy rising up, the collar around my neck beeping as my energy forced itself out. I would do literally anything to get me our of this place and I don't care even it meant destroying this happiness they're clearly enjoying.

Because I'm so damn tired of swearing vows to myself only to find out having a different future altogether from the ones I've seen before! The world could just all freaking crumble and I wouldn't even care anymore. What's the point of doing everything I can if I end up leaving people behind just because of that stupid responsibility?! I didn't sign up for a death warrant just to have children I couldn't even take care in the end! Damn it.

"This light doesn't give me relied at all." I said out loud, bright glowing lights appearing on the floor which only the three of us noticed before darkness enveloped my sight once more.

Suddenly, we're back at the altar where we were earlier before our consciousnesses were transported. Andrea was looking at me confused as to what happened while Iyana simply averted gave out an understanding gaze. Looking in front, the wall where the latin phrase earlier crumbled down, revealing a crystalline door made entirely out of lacrima. On the middle was a bright golden gem, glowing so brightly that it could blind anyone who would stare at it for so long.

"It's the Solis." I said. "It's the reason why the Avian had been going in circles and why everyone was on edge today."

"Huh? Solis?" Naguguluhan na tanong ni Andrea. "Can anyone actually explain what happened back there?!"

"Solis is a relic that can store souls and manipulate consciousness. The reason it reacted now was because of the Gïzë inside of me. Both relics eere apparently connected that our consciousnesses were transferred on a distant timeline." I answered, hiding my annoyance. "Although I thought it would be somewhere in Martian Seas, not here."

"Let's get out of here then." Iyana summoned her magnum gun, shooting the golden crystal up front continuously.

"Sigurado ba tayo na sisirain na kamang natin ang relic ng ganiyan ka simple? Relics are ancient artifacts, you know." Andrea said.

"Yeah, either that or we waste time going in circles until the World's Organization catches up on us which would leave us unprepared--and last one." Upon saying that, the bright light on the golden yellow gem dimmed until the place was back to its usual darkness.

Nothing much happened after that. We go out of the cave silently, there was no more water almost drowning us. In fact, the way out was much easier compared to the way in. Or perhaps I was just simply out of it right now. I feel like breaking something--the urge to let loose just to get this frustrations out of my chest. I don't even care about where I I'm going now, even though the miasma around had significantly gotten thinner mostly because we had destroyed the things powering this island up.

I stopped when my feet felt the cold rush of the waves, my boots sinking into the dampen sound. The beach side was so dark I could even barely see anything other than the full moon. It felt lonesome, somehow, being out here. I don't even know how many hours has it been since we last left the Avian Zone earlier, but it felt like I've been in that trance for such a long time.

"Iyana's recalibrating the air rover." Andrea reminded behind me. "She should be done soon."

"Hmm." I hummed nonchalantly.

"They couldn't see you."

"People can't see dead people, Andrea."

"I'm just saying."

"Well? You must be happy, right? You were able to see a brief moment of your future."

"It doesn't change the fact that you wouldn't be there."

"Because I'm not meant to be." Despite how my heart wishes for otherwise.

"You can be honest, you know."

"Honest about what?"

"That you wanted to be there."

I laughed, and the sound of it was so remorseful I couldn't help but pity myself. "Do I, now?"

"You trust us, don't you?" Andrea questioned rhetorically. "Our relationship isn't like those in fairy tales as you said before, but we still trust each other despite everything."

"I trust you both that you'd be able to kill me. I trust you not to betray that trust I placed in you and for the sake of that belief, I would gladly do everything for you two. That's the kind of trust I hold dear."

"And we trust you not to die, Ke'ala."

"Through the hands of others?"

"No. It doesn't matter who wants to do the deed. We trust you that you won't die. But you would sometimes have that kind of look."

"Like?"

"Like you just want to give up." Iyana followed after, her footsteps dragging the sand beneath as she stood beside me.

"This life is tiring. It's beautiful, sometimes it's ugly--but it's fine. It's just that... everything becomes so exhausting in the end." I honestly stated.

"We won't be able to change a thing if you don't act upon it first yourself, Ke'ala." Iyana sighed.

"That, I'm aware."

"Kakatapos lang sa calibration ang air rover. It should be back in action now. Halika na at magpahinga, lampas hating-gabi narin." Iyana yawned, walking back to the rover.

Andrea nodded her head in agreement. "Gusto ko naring matulog."

"Iyana, Andrea." I blurted out, making the two stop to look at me. I raised my hand, feeling the cold passing wind as I turned my back on them. "I have a favour to ask."

I parted my lips and somehow, my voice was as cold the water that was touching my skin, as hollow as the current breeze, and as empty as the starless skies above. But it made sense. Everything made so much sense at the moment that even when I closed my eyes, I could feel my heartbeat becoming one with the world around me--and I realize I really don't want to lose these particular sensations.

I don't want to die.

Please don't let me.

But instead, I faced them with that same genuine smile and whispered otherwise,

"Don't betray me."

---------------------------------

AN: It's a light chapter, but really sorry for another late update. I pulled out a long one this time as an apology, I hope it would suffice. Still, I'm happy I was able to give this chapter to you.

But really, please be patient with me. I was trying to find my sense of rhythm in updating and somehow could only update once every two weeks.

Please do have a happy read. I mean it.

Thank you for still being here. I truly appreciate it, and no word could describe my gratitude.

PS: I hope you caught what Ke'ala meant by her last words.