SÓLMÁNUÐUR DAY OF MOON

Dawn broke when the emergency conference Night requested had finally concluded. We spent the whole day preparing until the sun had set and we headed to the other side of Mt. Ymore.

Because of Night's realization, instead of dividing the team into two, it became three. One who would seek the other Lost Treasures of the Reapers headed by Blaze. The second was the team of Night which was composed of skilled fighters that consisted of almost half of our numbers due to the fact that they would lose their magic once they set foot to get Lady Mhilrim. Lastly was our team who had the least members with only me, Reichen, Sullien, and seven other acquainted members.

Night figured out that there was a higher chance that Mother's body was very important for the Cattivos to resurrect Cannaria and that resulted in our current strategy.

"Are you okay, Carline?" Willow whispered beside me.

She was going with Blaze even if she was part of the offense because of her lack of experience when it came to fights without magic.

"Yes, go ahead now. Take care."

"You too," she muttered and headed towards the cave.

We organized to dispatch into small groups and our team would be the last one to enter the cave. Minutes after, Night approached me.

It was the busiest I had seen him for many years. I always thought he was quite idle. Now, I believe that he was indeed qualified to be the leader witnessing his performance as he discussed the tactics with Reichen and the rest of the top members.

"Keep this for me." He unchained the silver necklace and gave it to me.

My eyes focused on him, full of bewilderment. Night did send me several gifts after we met but I knew that this necklace was very important to him and that it never left his neck.

"This ring was given by Mother according to Cindra. It was my only keepsake from her. Though I first loathed the idea of something from the Ezriel, you'll only realize how precious it is later on. Cindra said Mother made each of us an accessory from her favorite citrines during our birth to give to our beloved," he explained.

"Then, shouldn't you be giving it to Lady Mhilrim?"

"This necklace is from her." The corners of his lips suddenly twitched and lifted, forming a smile, but it was only seconds before it disappeared as his voice became solemn. "There will only be a tragic ending between a human and a god. Anyway, this pendant had the power to stop an enchantment. It is similar to the earrings but it could only block new enchantments. If you touch the Cattivo while wearing this, they won't be able to cast any enchantment."

My heart skipped because of his way with words like he was bidding farewell. I was aware this was considered a suicide mission. It involved life and death in which no one could tell the result.

"If something happens, the only thing you need to remember is to escape, understand?" he stated, only worsening my apprehensiveness.

I remained silent so he continued.

"You know I have told you that you had an important role. Maybe I am selfish too, for asking you this. It's true that you have the capability to defend us from the gods having both types of magic. Not to mention, you inherited the magic of Verdari but promise me that you won't ever sacrifice your life."

There was a plea in his voice. He sounded vulnerable that once again I was persuaded and I unconsciously nodded. Seriously. When should I learn to refuse him?

Regardless, I didn't know if I could keep my promise. I had no idea what would happen and Father knew me so well. He could easily manipulate me to do his bidding and that was what I was afraid of the most.

After saying his piece, Night turned around but I held on to his hand and pushed the necklace back to him.

"Keep it, Night. I don't want to receive a couple's accessories," I muttered indignantly trying to ease myself from worry.

"It's no time to be stubborn. This will protect you from him," he said as wasted no second and fastened it to my neck.

I sighed in surrender. "Return safely, okay? You still owe us a lot with your disappearing act."

He pulled me into a hug, delaying his answer. I felt a soft brush of his lips on my head. "I will and stay safe, too, my dear sister."

Night finally walked away. The pessimism in me still existed as I see him going inside the cave. I wanted to clear out all the bad thoughts but they invaded my mind like a plague. If I had known we would do this mission right away, I should've not stayed in bed too long and spent more time with my family than doing a reckless act of betrayal.

I inhaled and tried to relax my mind when I felt a recognizable presence beside me.

"Don't worry too much, Ace. Night is strong," Reichen appeased positively after he surmised my mood.

"But he lost to you many times," I contradicted.

"Of course since I always cheated on him. When he's serious, I have a hard time dealing with him."

"If that's what you say. Anyhow, how are Yves and Lian?"

"They're probably resting. You don't have to distress yourself. Nothing can pass the holy land and Elkan is there. He might be old and had low combative skills but everyone acknowledges the might of his creations," he consoled then checked on his pocket watch. "It's almost our turn. Let's go."

His last words were accompanied by an abrupt bright smile as he held my hand and I felt an odd flutter in my heart that had been happening for quite a while now.

I was momentarily tranced on his visage. I had been with him and I had gotten used to his charming grins but once in a while, he gave me that dazzling smile that showcased his white teeth completed with a look of sincerity and adoration in his eyes that made my knees weak.

My mind suddenly recalled his words from the other day. I paused and pulled him back.

"What's the matter, Ace?"

I quickly rummaged through my bag. I never had a lot of things but everything valuable to me was kept in this worn-out black bag. The sides of my lips lifted beneath my mask when I saw the shiny glint of what I was looking for.

I took his hand and clasped the citrine bracelet Lian gave to me in the past. The one I received from Mother was similar to Night's ring.

"Let me tell you something once we return. I'll make sure you won't spout nonsense of leaving me anymore and you can call me Carline again so be responsible for your actions, Freed!"

He looked at me dumbfounded before I marched ahead.

Reichen hurried to my side, nudging my elbow but I ignored him. That was embarrassing but those were the only words I could muster at the present.

"Does that mean what I think it means?" he prompted with a hint of playfulness in his tone.

"Who knows?" I replied and strode faster.

"Wait for me, Carline!"

"I didn't mean right now. We're still on a mission in case you forgot," I turned back and scolded him quickly when I heard my name.

"My apologies. I was too excited." He was apologizing but his smirk meant otherwise.

"Urgh. Never mind. Come on."

My voice was laced with annoyance but I could not help the small twitch that slipped on my lips. At least, after all of this, we had something to look forward to.

***

Before we went inside, I already touched the majority of the members. Though I could not copy their face with their masks, I could still copy their magic which was the one I was using as we went undetected.

I had learned that in order to use someone's magic, I, at least, needed to have a resemblance to their body. Nevertheless, in this mission, it was much more comfortable moving on my own so I was only able to shift my hands into Orel whose magic was manipulating soil and rock.

I pressed my hand on the rock wall and it was actually weird since Orel had huge hands as he was a man which in turn made my body noticeably unproportioned.

Well, it was truly not that bizarre compared to changing my appendages into objects. But with that aside, I also realized I could not use its full potential if it was not their whole body.

I ruminated through my thoughts and imagined a whole wide enough to fit the tallest among us. There was no grumbling sound as the rocks moved to form a passage and we were able to pass through smoothly.

From what I could tell, we were almost near the bottom because of the gradual influx of magic in the air. Something like magic could never actually be sensed but within this cave, it was so powerful that I could feel it.

Time passed shortly and it was faster than the secret raid they had done without me. This was a full-blown operation where everybody cooperated by familiarizing themselves with the cave during the past days.

Thanks to the members' wide range of magic, we were able to draw a map and made our way without trouble by avoiding necessary areas, particularly those places where our magic was deflated.

Few more holes before we eventually reached the same open space I fought Father. Those doors remained the same. Still closed and nothing went ajar.

I clearly remembered which door it was so I didn't even glance at the map with Sullien and proceeded to the one on the farthest right from our position.

"Hold on, Ace." Fingers clutched my arm and would not let me go. "We need to be careful. Don't simply strut inside. We are seeking a person and not just an object. We shouldn't be careless."

I nodded and Reichen gave orders. Two men remained at the entrance while the rest of us sauntered towards where Mother was.

Just like the first time, my heart was palpitating with fear of what was waiting for us and our rate of survival on leaving this place.

We walked as quietly as we did all this time until I could see the light and even the faint smell of flowers. Our shoes gave a slight rustle on the grass floor but Reichen who was leading us halted without warning.

We all remained unmoved before he signaled us to follow him. Our steps became lighter than it initially was and we steered just a few steps from the opening when Reichen tersely stopped once again.

We were walking in line and I was the fifth with Sullien behind me. I could not see what was going on so I concentrated on my senses and heard a voice.

"---the final step."

I could not mistake a voice I had been hearing for years. One that should not be here and better off frolicking at parties. I wordlessly rushed to Reichen's side and Sullien tried to hinder me but I was faster.

Reichen did not even pay heed to me as his face was filled with perplexity. My neck crooked beside him and directed my gaze to what he was looking at.

It was my turn to be stupefied as I saw Father kneeling in front of a woman with vibrant red hair dressed in white and gold. Clothes that were similar to those of ancient paintings than the ones noble ladies commonly wear. It had flowing sleeves and a low neckline that hugged her body perfectly. 

My mind stirred where I had seen it and a memory flashed during our mission to the temple of Solaris.

"Have you prepared everything?"

"Of course, my Queen," replied Father enthusiastically.

Those two had the same countenance I recollected but it was a picture I never had envisioned or even dared to. Father was acting dutifully in front of Erodessa like a slave to its master!

I was absolutely speechless for a full minute and it took me another minute to gather myself, trying to get over the shock, before analyzing what in tarnation was happening.

Father mentioned 'my Queen' and there was only one person who could make him like that but that was impossible.

Father said it himself that they needed someone with god's blood to be a vessel and so far Mother was the sole person that came to mind. Night explained that god's blood was the term used for children of both Amica that didn't inherit the violet eyes. Erodessa was evidently not one due to Father being a mortal.

"Finish everything. This is not enough. After you fulfill my request, I will---."

Erodessa, or should I say the Fallen God, Cannaria, turned and our eyes met. Those penetrating blue eyes were vastly unnerving even from afar.

With a motion of her hand, we were pulled like magnets inside and stumbled like clumsy idiots.

"It seems that our guests had arrived. Even your daughter is here," said Cannaria as she came forward.

I wanted to struggle but I was immobile. It must be her magic. With another slight movement of her hand, my mask fell off on the floor. Her hand held my chin. The slim fingers were usually warm when it landed a slap before but her touch was chilling.

"A rare Amica. A blessing or a curse, what will you be, child?" Her hold tightened and her nails ingrained on my cheeks. If she put more force, I would not be surprised if I started bleeding.

I heard a small scuffle before Cannaria jumped away. Reichen had controlled his hidden weapons which were pointing at her while I was now able to move.

She waved her hand once more but nothing happened. She clicked her tongue and looked at her body distastefully. "How weak."

The remaining members were unbounded by that invisible force as well and we huddled to form a circle as Cannaria turned to Father.

"Do not delay further," she ordered and she materialized a chair, sitting haughtily like she would be viewing a good show.

"As you wish, my Queen."

Father bowed and he gruffly bit his thumb. Blood flowed and he drew outlandish inscriptions in the air that magically floated. Reichen made his swords fly towards the two but it was deflected by Cannaria.

"Prepare, everyone!" Reichen alerted as dozens of white-clothed men appeared in thin air.

I pulled back my dagger and transformed it into a twin blade and the battle began.

***

Clash after clash yet Father remained on the Fallen God's side. Mother's bed was protected as no one came near it but there was a strange feeling sinking inside me that I could not pinpoint.

They seemed to be overconfident. We already halved the men Father summoned but there was no sign of movement from them as they stood in the sideline.

I slashed the running man in front of me and dealt with another. One more strike was followed by another. It was only the sound of metal that resounded in the area.

The necklace was as useful as Night had said since no attacks made of enchantment made their way to me. It was all disabled once I touched the caster and they were not able to use it for a while.

When only the black lingered in the sea of white bodies, I faced Father. He should be fuming secretly with how things didn't go his way.

"Let's end this, Father." My attention was fixed on him. The only option to succeed in this was to deal with these two and finish all this mess.

"How can you end a play when not all the actors are here?" He questioned with a cordial smile and gestured his hand. "Look. It's always about the timing."

I pivoted on my feet to the opening. A dignified man entered with following Reapers on his back. I was rooted in place and trailed his figure while staring at the symbol of angel wings framing the scale with a sword and a crown. It was the Crest of Carrion.

Following him behind was a stream of white-clothed men hauling black-robed people that were gagged and resisting.

"Blaze!" Someone shouted in alarm and I turned to them. The one who shouted was about to attack but she was prevented by Sullien. It was the right thing to do since we were outnumbered and they had hostages.

"Your majesty," Prince Asher greeted.

Why is he here too? I was thoroughly muddled seeing unexpected people today but one thing was for sure. Prince Asher betrayed his kingdom and the Goddess as he sided with the Fallen God.

What was more was the appearance of Xenon seconds later. He was able to teleport like last time and went directly to kneel in front of Father and Cannaria.

I saw him glance in my direction before he spoke, "I had retrieved the Lost Treasures."

His words were an explosion inside me. Night was keeping the Lost Treasures. There was not a chance he would easily give it up to the Cattivos. Something must have happened to him!

It could not be. Night must stay alive. Please don't let anything severe occur to him.

"Calm down, Ace." Reichen was already at my side but I could not stop the turmoil within me.

I could not let another death happen. The anger, guilt, sorrow, and other unexplainable emotions raged inside me. I dispelled my awakening and cast another.

"My name is Verdari, awaken," I mumbled to myself.

I enclosed the barrier in an instant. It had a larger radius than usual, probably from the huge inflow of magic in the air. I set the rules inside and sent everyone to sleep in a matter of seconds but because I was blinded by emotions, I was not able to discriminate between my foes and comrades. Those with weaker resistance fell one by one.

"Ha!" Cannaria's lips curled and later turned into a laugher. "You had that power of that old man! No wonder Mhilrim was arrogant but you are only a speck compared to him."

After she spoke, the barrier I made shattered effortlessly but in return, Cannaria was now coughing with blood.

"Erodessa!" Prince Asher hurried to her. "What is happening to her body? Your majesty, you promised you won't do anything to Erodessa!"

Cannaria pushed him aside. A smile broke free on her face but her teeth were stained with blood.

"Young man, don't you know? You have this crest on you and yet you're not aware that every descendant of mine that succumbed to the curse can be possessed by me? Her body is already mine."

Prince Asher's face went ghastly as he stared powerlessly at the bloodied face of Erodessa. "Then..."

Seeing the whole scenario, it was not hard to guess what happened. Prince Asher really did love my sister to be able to betray his own kingdom.

But that was not the point right now. With this amount of opponents, we may overturn the result. They were distracted by the drama and I made it my chance. I picked up a sword and threw it in between Father and Xenon.

It created a distance between them and I launched myself at Xenon who had the treasures. Everyone started moving too.

"Princess." He looked like the usual Xenon who greeted me in that palace but it felt like it was too far away from the past.

"What did you do to Night, Xenon? Where is he?"

Instead of answering, he asked me another question. "If it was me who became the king, would you have chosen me, Princess?"

"What are you talking about, Xenon?"

"What do you feel about Freed, Princess?" He asked amidst all the noise of relentless shouts and clanging weapons but I heard it very well.

He already put down his sword and I would not attack if it would be a one-sided fight either.

"This isn't the time about that, Xenon."

"I saw you, Princess. You were never comfortable inside the palace and you never smiled so brightly either. You were a completely different person."

My brows scrunched. "What? What are you trying to say?"

"I trespassed in the holy lands for a while now and watched you live a different life, Princess."

"But you're a Cattivo and Reichen would've known your presence!"

"I had witnessed what happened to Solaris, Princess. I am cleansed by the Mireal Sea and was accepted by the holy land as the child of the Goddess but I am still someone who can use enchantmen---"

"Does Father know?" I interrupted.

He inclined his head and it struck me why their side had been peaceful since they already knew that all the Lost Treasured had been found.

"Answer me, Princess. What do you feel about Freed?"

"Be serious, Xenon! You won't even fight me so why don't you forget about Father's others and join us? Why do you keep doing this?"

"I live for my revenge, Princess."

Seconds ticked as our gazes locked in a tacit conversation. In the past, I would never have thought that we, who were so much alike, could have a different objective one day.

"I... I cannot tolerate any more deaths, Xenon. If it was before, I may have aided you if you told me but now it's different. Reichen has become someone important to me. I know family could the worst thing and we both know that but please, please Xenon. Be free from your chains. Maybe not now but please get out from its bind someday."

Xenon would not have survived if he was not persistent to live. Father was not an easy person to be with because of his rapid change of mood. I had once thought Xenon had given up his life but seeing his determination, made me want to struggle myself. That was why I could not bear to see him self-destruct.

"Princess..." He reached out his hand but I stepped back.

"I know you've done a lot for me, Xenon. Your life was always on the line if you defied Father. You taught me to accept my fate but even you did not do it and so will I. I won't ever give up and succumb to this horrendous fate. If I have the choice to make my life better without sacrificing anyone then I will do it."

I paused and heaved a breath. My eyes roamed at the people fighting with their life on the line while time seemed to stop in our case to have this conversation.

"I'm sorry, Xenon. I am a wretched human. I'm aware you did not kill Cindra but there's growing spite in my heart. You're not even telling me what you did to Night and how you got the Lost Treasure from him. I don't want to hate you but if you keep doing this, I'm afraid I can't stop my emotions."

"I am deeply sorry too, Princess. I won't stop until I killed the perpetrator of this all."

As soon as the words left his mouth, he dashed towards Reichen who was swerving all the attacks from Father with his spear. But that was all, he was simply defending and could not overpower Father.

"Xenon, stop!" I screamed as I chased after him but he had longer strides and was able to reach them in no time.

I cast another barrier and I was thinking about what rules could stop a Cattivo but I gaped at the following occurrence.

The silver sword that I was fighting against a while ago had pierced Father's chest!

"A disloyal dog as I thought," shot back Father as if he was expecting this to happen.

I was confused as hell. I had no idea what was going on. After my long speech of defending Reichen and changing Xenon, he still ensued to do what he wanted but why did he strike Father?

"I would never be loyal for someone who manipulated us all," Xenon replied.

"Hah! It took you long enough, slave. It's your father's fault who was greedy with power that resulted in this. He dared to disobey and usurp my people. I am not always keen on unfaithful people."

"You are the one who tempted him. You tricked my mother and grandfather and sowed discord on Deliora just so you can know the Lost Treasure! You planned everything and make us turn to each other! You are the monster!" Xenon was blaring aggressively.

Xenon had a somber face with a calm demeanor. Even the training grounds hadn't heard him shout yet here he was releasing all the pent up anger as his eyes emitted sharply from the heightened emotions.

"And aren't I successful?" Father's lips curled into a sinister grin. He pivoted quickly and snatched the Lost Treasures from Xenon who still had it after all this ruckus.

The whole scene became a blur. Father slashed two identical wounds on his arm and Xenon's. The extracted Lost Treasures dropped on the floor. He got something from his coat and another batch of jewels fell on the floor.

The Lost Treasures of the Cattivos had been with him all the time and that must be why Blaze's team had not found it and fell into a trap.

Blood incessantly trickled on their arms. The jewels had been sprayed with blood and both their bodies began glowing.

"A life sacrifice..." I heard Reichen mutter beside me.

A life sacrifice was similar to what Mother did for me when she was alive.

"That can't be! I can't let Xenon die!" He was still my friend and he had no intention of harming Reichen but Reichen latched on to me.

"No. It is King Enmir who is doing it."

I shifted to see and Reichen was correct. The glow had dissipated from Xenon as he was on his knees but Father was still standing as his body convulsed and blood trickled from his eyes and mouth. It was a grotesque imagery but I could not take my eyes off the overflowing blood on his face.

The whole place tremored and when the light disappeared, the majority of the Crusaders and Reapers disappeared leaving me with Reichen and Blaze who took advantage of the ruckus was pointing a small blade on Asher's neck.

The two men standing earlier were now lying on the cold ground. I scurried to their side and Xenon still had a pulse but Father... He's not breathing anymore.

How can he die so simply after all the hell he made us suffer? There were no tears that left my eyes. I cursed him to die countless times and I never expected his short death.

What about the people he tortured? What about the loathing I had kept in my heart?

Unanswered questions evaded my mind. It was a bloody death but it was a peaceful one compared to the endless abyss he made the people endure around him.

"Carline?"

That voice. I would not need magic to discern who it was. I turned around, focusing my gaze on the bed that was surrounded by flowers that remained untainted from the fight.

The illumination from the large hole above centered on the woman. Auburn hair on loose, a gentle face with an ethereal and elegant appearance. A face of a person I never knew I would see alive once again.

***