NOTES: Hey there Apple here everyone~ Upcoming Smut, Angst, Adventure, fight scenes and lots of boring explanation here HAHAHAHA

WARNING: This chapter contains 18 and above content~ Please kids DO NOT NOT NOT~ Read if you're below 18, wait till your legal, Okaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy! Listen to your elders //Preparing some tissues while listening to Far Away by Nickleback//

For my teenage who are legal and adult readers enjoy!

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It didn't take long for the Lunar Prince to reach Lumina Kingdom and sneaked through the underground passage known by the Lunar Royals and the Luminarians who resides in Lumina for years now

It wasn't a place that Eli would fancy to stay in, it was a place were all rusty metals, recyclables and bugs dwells in, The slums of Lumina Kingdom, the people who lived there didn't have a bad life, it's just they didn't fancy staying in the middle of the city of Lumina, they are liberated and have their own will and opinions they love to voice out, some of them are immigrants from different Kingdoms who didn't share the same beliefs as the people in the main land, that's why they'd rather stay in the slums.

While walking around the place, the Lunar Prince stumbled in one of the stalls near the entrance of the slums, A rack full of newspapers, he peeked through the headlines and saw something that will break his heart again.

17 Lumina Knight's were beheaded

It had the Lunar Prince's sapphire eyes widened, he took the newspaper and read thoroughly, scanning the whole story, another wave of lies were written, the news had inquired that the reason the Lunar Prince had escaped is because the 17 knights were accomplices and was sentenced to death, their heads were placed on a pole in public in the middle of their city square to remind the Luminarians to fear the dictator and to never betray him, the news even said that Duke Joseph was merciful and did not harm their families even if the Martial Law stated that once a Luminarian was deemed as a criminal, three generation will suffer along with the criminal but he did not make their families suffered and spare them their lives and humiliation

"You call that mercy..." Eli muttered, sniffing between his soft cries, he didn't understand why can't he bore hate in his heart but pity, he pitied the Duke for being this twisted and ruthless, he wanted to save him and let him repent for his crimes. Eli clutched the paper tightly in his chest,"...I'm so sorry... your lunar prince is weak..."

"We must take a stand!"

The Lunar Prince sobbed were stopped by a loud voice ringing just outside the exit of the slums, he walked towards where the sound came from and there was a man standing in the middle of the crowd with a couple of supporters waving a banner, Eli listened to what the man is saying

"They have threatened our people! Take our mothers, sisters, daughters for their lust! Took our men and forced them to die for another Kingdom! Enslave us all! Our beloved Lunar Royals were murdered by those monsters!" Eli's eyes flickered upon hearing the man's words, he was so captivated by his speech that he continued to listen

"Wow..." The Lunar Prince muttered

"They have fabricated the news about the Lunar Prince escaped! Why would our Prince escape if he wasn't mistreated inside that palace!" The Man pointed at the Lumina Royal Palace from above the steep,"The Lunar Royals held a ceremony to visit the Kingdom every four months but ever since the Entity Kingdom conquered us! All of our actions, traditions and cultures were blocked! Even our communication from the outside was restricted! Are we just going to stand here and do nothing!?"

The Lunar Prince sapphire orbs were focused and determined hearing the man's speech, he was ready to fight for his Kingdom and his people

"WE MUST TAKE OUR STAND AND BRING BACK WHAT IS OURS!"

With that final call, the crowd screamed in unison, that man is right, we need to take back my---NO---OUR KINGDOM BACK! I just can't be the damsel in distress all the time, I need to stand up and fight, Aesop did teach me a couple of moves maybe I can join them to fight for my Kingdom.

The man was looking at the crowd in triumph when he noticed the Lunar Prince in the crowd, silently watching him, it was strange that he have a blindfold on, he looked closely and was baffled he had a royal insignia hanging inside in his cape, when the crowd dissipates the man walked up to Eli

"Hey there." The Man blocked the Lunar Prince's way with a huge grin on his face

"Ah..! Hi.." The Lunar Prince was startled. It's the guy from earlier. He smiled at him as an acknowledgement

"Are you from Lumina too or an immigrant?" the man choose his words cautiously, he have a hunch he is someone important in Lumina but didn't want to jump the gun right away

"I'm a citizen of Lumina and you?" the Lunar Prince replied in a gentle tone

The Man was dazzled by how pure the person in front of him is, he don't even know him, yet he felt his aura rather comforting, he smiled at him once again,"I am a citizen of Lumina but I live in the slums, the names Lucky bide the way and you?"

"Oh, Nice to meet you Lucky, I'm Eli---uh..." The Lunar Prince gulped, he might be recognized and was terrified they might get hurt because of that information, the guy named lucky just stared at him from head to toe

"Are you---"

"No... we just have the same name that's all..." Eli cut him off with a denial, looking at the side

Although Lucky did have a strong gut feeling he's the runaway prince but he didn't pry any longer, instead hang his hand around the Lunar Prince's shoulders and dragged him into the slums,"Come with me then, I'm going to introduce you to my friends!"

"A-alright.." Eli nodded, he needed to join the army anyways so it wouldn't hurt to follow this guy.

The two went back inside the slums, across the streets where people are looking at Eli, he is wearing a rather expensive clothing for a disguise, Lucky on the other hand felt really awkward about it so they both hurried in his place, snaking through another steep passage and walking down a rusty metal stairs, knocking on a small door and immediately head inside

"Lucky! Where were you!? I said HALF a sun! Half! Halllfff!!!" The blonde girl exclaimed at Lucky, whos covering his ears

"Your sundial must be busted, just use the hourglass to determine your time, your invention sucks sometimes. The sun didn't even reach middle Anima yet and here you are complaining"

"I'm worried about you! You minotaur butt!"

"That's the best insult you got? Do better" Lucky stuck out his tongue at the girl,"Look, I'm okay right? Unharmed, alive and well, Stop worrying like a mother, Trace"

"I WILL worry because---oh..." The girl took a notice of the man in white beside Lucky, the lunar prince smiled at her,"You brought a friend?"

"He's an ally." Lucky winked at the lunar prince,"I think he wants to join the revolutionary army"

"He... does? But he looked... different? I'm not trying to offend you or anything mister it's just... this is a very dangerous task to take and I don't want you to get hurt, this is a rebellion. You need to be sure---"

"I am." The Lunar Prince spoke with confidence,"Please, let me join, teach me how to fight, I want to help restore Lumina Kingdom's original glory."

"That requires trust, my child." A bearded man playing with a stick came out of the room, along with a brown haired guy holding a map in his hand,"How do we know you're not a spy, hired by the Duke? Sure you looked like a Luminarian and our people would rather die than betray our kingdom but desperate times would make them changed their beliefs, how can we know he's not threatening you to sell us out?"

The Lunar Prince brow crunched, It is true that he is a stranger to them and he doesn't seem like someone who's beneficial to the team either, he hang his head low in defeat, the bearded man only sighed at how little his resolve was, just by that one question, he expected he would bite back but in the bearded man's eyes he's worthless, this task is very critical, it just doesn't require being hopeful, it requires bravery, strength and resolve to protect their beloved Kingdom, little boys like the man wearing white in front of him, will have a futile sacrifice. As the bearded man was about to turn his heel, Lucky grabbed him by the arm

"Give the boy a chance, Sir"

"Lucky, you know how dangerous this task is, we don't want BABIES in the army."

"I have faith in him."

The Lunar Prince heart brimmed with hope with what Lucky just said, he never expected he would have this much support from someone he just met, Lucky looked at him and gave him a thumbs up, it's like telling the prince I got this, Eli knew it deep in his heart, he could trust these three, he slowly removed his blindfold revealing his sapphire orbs, the three were mesmerized, Eli took a deep breath and spoke

"I'm the Lunar Prince of Lumina Kingdom, I request you, my people, to aid me as I take back our Kingdom." The Lunar Prince extended his hand just underneath his waist, lifting them and crossing them together, placing his right hand and arm over his left one and bowed.

"MY PRINCE!" Lucky exclaimed

In their tradition, the Luminarians only bowed to someone superior than them or someone they admire greatly, it's a form of high respect for the people of Lumina Kingdom especially the Lunar Royals. In this case, Eli bowing to his people is a symbolism for his resolve and determination to live and die for his Kingdom. It made the three tremble and cry in front of him, kneeling before the Lunar Prince

"We will serve you to the best of our abilities, Lunar Prince." The bearded man spoke without conviction

"No, I don't want that. Let's do our best together, all of us, treat me as one of your companions, I wish to keep my identity between us. Please." The Lunar Prince pleaded

"Then you need an alias, Lunar Prince and we need to introduce ourselves." The man with goofy teeth implied,"I'm Freddy Riley, I work as a public lawyer here in Lumina but my birthplace is in the far east kingdom of Anima, Mariana, the land of the ocean blue and my alias Mr. Bunny---Funny isn't it?" The lawyer laughed

"I'm tracy! I work as a mechanic here in Lumina and I'm not a citizen here either, I live faaaar away~ In the futuristic town of Samosata, ruled by our great Earl Lucian and is also a celestial researcher, My alias in the army, Puppeteer." The blonde girl exclaimed happily and lifted a mystical beast in front of the Lunar Prince,"This is chicky! He's a Sarimanok, isn't he a cutie pie?" The Lunar Prince just nodded and giggled at the strange bird, she held in her arms

"I'm Servais Le Roy and my alias is Treasure Hunter, I cannot say much about myself, I still do not find you trustworthy, My Prince, please do understand that."

"It's alright, I understand, thank you for at least stating your name and alias it's more than enough and accepting me in the revolutionary army."

"Me next! Lucky Guy as you all know and love, my alias is Moon Face, I was born and raised here in Lumina"

"I want to introduce myself properly, I'm Eli Clark, the Lunar Prince of Lumina Kingdom. I was born and raised here and is the 128th Prince of the Clark household. It is a great honor to fight alongside, with all of you."

"We need to train you first, to learn our tactics and how we plan our attack, It'll take some time but you got us! We'll help you besides you still need to meet the other members come now!" Lucky expounded, motioning the Lunar Prince to come with him

"Thank you so much, all of you." The Lunar Prince bowed once again and followed Lucky, he touched his shoulder and to his surprise Luz wasn't there,"Where's my owl?"

"Hm? I didn't see any creatures with you. Is she a guardian of yours? She's probably with Trace, playing with chicky they are both winged creatures."

"Oh, you're right. Okay, let's proceed."

With that the five of them head to the central slums hideout to meet the revolutionary army

*****

Back in Yuma where Norton, Aesop, Vera and William discussed about their journey, The God of Death told them about a certain person who can aid them in their journey, everyone just looked at each other in confusion

"Who is this person, Norton?" Vera asked breaking the silence, asking the question that everyone had at that moment

"The messenger of the Goddess." Norton replied sternly, "It's not an easy task to travel to where he resides though, the scribes have told me that he is currently living at the top of the mountain named Tralkawenu but before we head there we must seek the Oracle's advice for our journey, her shrine is near the forest of Alajgpacha, in the middle of Entity and Maharlika Kingdom" the Musician explained

"We will have to travel for a month or so, those places are quite far..." William added, what other option do they have? Returning to Lumina and retrieving the Lunar Prince would be dangerous, Norton couldn't go back to Maharlika just yet since the Pharaoh is being controlled by Count Jack, the news about the Lunar Prince kidnapping and stealing the crystals are not helping them too. The room went silent again until Aesop stood up and prepared their things

"Aesop?" The three called in unison

"We can't change anything just by sitting here and do nothing. We need this messenger to get Eli back." Aesop spoke with resolution, Vera let out a breath and mimicked what Aesop is doing, packing her potions and other mystical artifacts, William followed by garnishing his weapons. It took an hour or two for the team to be ready and start their journey, to seek the messenger of the goddess's. They left Yuma in the sunset

Norton conducted the carriage towards the shrine of the Oracle, they passed by small towns as they disappeared from their sight and were replaced by a dense forest, full of life and magical creatures with different shapes, colors and sizes, the atmosphere is brimming with magic and divinity,

Deep in the forest they finally arrived at the forgotten shrine, it was white marbled stone covered in vines, beautiful flowers surrounding the ground and a small wooden door in the front side. Norton step down the carriage and the three inside tail him behind, they slowly enter the shrine.

Illuminated by torches, the white pillars were coated with rouge quartz and gold, in the middle of the shrine lies a bonfire with pink flames and a beautiful woman with ginger dreadlocks, white gown and her gentle blue eyes smiled upon her visitors, holding circular artifact in her right hand

"Samara, the goddess of fertility." Aesop called, the goddess nodded in approval

"Wow, it's been a while since I heard someone called you by your Goddess's name, Fiona, I often hear your mortal name or your title as a Goddess." Norton smiled at the goddess earning a curious look from the witch

"You told us months ago that you are a God right, Norton. So, you must have a God name too?" The witch asked dubiously

"Ain't it the God of Death then?" William scratched his head, not minding the whole name thing but was rather confused by the witch asked Norton

"That's his title, name is something the Goddess bestowed upon her deities." Aesop expounded making the goddess laughed a bit

I can tell, you're still cautious in protecting your sacred name, my dear soul catcher

"It's quite extraordinary to see mortals being informed about NAME that was given to us, nonetheless you three are quite peculiar and unique in my eyes, Care to explain why did you visit me in such a short notice?" The Goddess interrupted by changing the subject

"I believe you know why we are here, Good Goddess of Fertility." Norton spoke politely

"Ah, is it a path towards the messenger of the goddess, yes?" Fiona asked softly, the goddess have seen foolish mortals who tried travelling that path and ended losing their lives as they pressed on, the goddess of fertility was kind enough to give them strict and accurate instructions on their journey to seek the messenger of the Goddess, many have failed, mostly losing their souls inside the Cavern of Misfit and Misfortune or dying at the Goliath's rock, It was common for her to help but uncommon if some were successful in their pursuit perhaps these four might be able to complete the challenge ahead of them

The Goddess of fertility had placed her faith on her four visitors, gesturing her left hand to them, to follow her at the back of her shrine. Once they reached the other side, she planted her circular artifact on the ground, closed her eyes and began to chant

"Illustre stelle flat vonis.

Sit custodie bantur erit Anima tua

Et erit iter tuum, benedixitque per lucem"

The path was illuminated by soft pink lights,"These lights will guide you to enter the Cavern of Misfit and Misfortune, from that point and beyond, you will walk alone." she clarified fixing her gaze on her visitors,"I hope that will be enough for your safe trip."

"It's more than enough, thank you, kind Goddess of fertility." Vera curtsy and began to walk with the huntsman and the exorcist. The Musician was left behind with the goddess

"I'm surprised you didn't ask me anything, aren't you curious." Norton spoke and Fiona laughed at his remark

"I am curious." The goddess of fertility gave the god of death a smirk,"You are unpredictable and you earned my interest, there is no need to question your action, I'm a mere observer, neutral so to say, my dear god of death"

"I see, In any case thank you, Fiona"

"All is well, I love helping, It's odd that you are aiding Maharlika Kingdom for centuries now, I thought you would be free once your duty is fulfilled but I guess not?" The goddess only tilted her head in confusion, the god smiled at her making her understand why he was staying, in return the goddess gave him a warm smile,"This is a parting gift for you." the goddess gave norton three mini charms that resemble her circular artifact

"This is?"

"It's a portal, you can only use it THREE times, once used it will vanish forever, it's a long range portal from one kingdom to another, it will only work if you know the place you are heading to"

"Thank you, This will help us a lot!" Norton exclaimed

The goddess chuckled, motioning her hand towards the god,"Hurry now, my dear god, that silver hair is waiting for you~" she winked at the god, making the god's face flushed from the tease and smiled as he follow the group in front of him

The goddess went back to her shrine once again, they have to travel on foot this time, the trip they have now without a carriage duplicates their target time to reach the messenger, with a few stops and rest in their journey, fortunately for them the creatures at the forest were shy and docile around mortals and the climate made peace with them as well, being warm and sunny

When they exited the forest of Alajgpacha, the weather became chilly, the forest was replaced with stones and the cavern was surrounded by a heavy and suffocating aura, muffled voices were heard from the wind before they head inside, they decided to rest and camp just near the caverns entrance

In the middle of the night, the voices from the cave were calling out to them.

The first one targeted Vera, being awoken from her slumber, she used her artifact to follow the voice, in the misty dark cavern. She was cautious yet curious

"Vera..."

A familiar voice called her

"...C-chloe...i-is that... that you?"

Vera's eyes widened, it was her twin sisters voice, how can she forget right? She loves her sister and regretted what happened to her, her once calm expression become so desperate, calling and searching for her twin sister again and again, not until her tracks were stopped by a distorted voice and a cruel laugh

"What a foolish woman you truly are~ you fell in love with a criminal~ Oh! But that's not the worst part isn't it~"

The voice teased Vera emotionally, she shut her eyes in return and screamed,"...don't say it! DON'T SAY IT!"

"Did you ever think about your beloved twin sister~? She loves him as well and he loves her back, you should know that, you're a smart girl but you have to be selfish~ you think you are good for stealing your twin sisters lover and her life~ What a shameless and corrupted woman are you, my dear sweet vera~"

"SHUT UP!" Vera screamed at the top of her lungs continuously telling the voices in her head to shut up! She falls on the ground as the voice continued to harassed her with their words using the voice of her twin sister, slowly breaking her heart

"You were jealous of your dearest friend~ Aesop, right? You wanted to be in his place... being touched by the Duke, his love, attention and affection, your little exorcist friend have them all~ You wanted it so bad, no wonder you try so hard and be friends with him~ you even betrayed your beloved sister and now you wanted to do it with your friend, Don't you dear?"

The witch began to shake her head violently this time, she doesn't want to listen to the voices anymore,"NO! GET AWAY! GET AWAY FROM ME!!" She was so lost, trembling in fear and sobbing. I.. I'm.. someone help me..

The second one to hear the nymph's voices was Aesop, he entered the cavern with a torch on hand, he didn't want to walk too far, he feared he might be separated with the others, the voice made him curious and wanted to explore the cavern a bit more, Until he heard a soft and gentle voice, it was a familiar voice... from his mother

He didn't know if it was real or not but his heart is telling him to follow it... it was warm... full of love... just how he remembered her... he wanted to hear and see her once again...

"Aesop, my sweet child..."

"Mother? Where are you? I'm here..." The Exorcist called for her, scanning the area where could his mother be,"Mother, I---"

"You are such a fool my child"

Those words surprised the Exorcist and stopped his tracks

"...The Duke never ever loved you but of course you already know that, Don't you?"

The Exorcist hesitated to walk any further, he wanted to go back but for some reason his body won't let him, he was frozen in his place

"But he missed you so much~ You broke his heart, My dear Aesop..."

A cold sweat runs down Aesop's forehead down to his cheeks... Why is his mother telling him these confusing things? He mumbled in confusion,"...Please, don't... I... no, just shut up..."

"He might die because of the revolution in Lumina~"

"What!? No he wont! He won't die...he...he...I don't want him to die..."

A giggle from her mother's voice,"My dear foolish son, he gave you a life, a purpose and affection and yet you betrayed him, you hurt him, what a selfish and evil child you are."

Aesop clenched his fist tightly, he let out an exasperated breath and bit his lips before speaking,"No, stop this..."

"He will DIE alone, because of a selfish and heartless being like you"

"NO! HE WON'T! SHUT UP!"

The Exorcist's heart was breaking apart , he couldn't continue speaking anymore and began to sob uncontrollably, he can't identify if what he's hearing is real or not. His mother's warning, that sweet voice, the things she knew about him...it was all true,"Please... I can't do this anymore..."

The last one who entered the cave was Norton, A stronger force drives him to enter the cavern alone, it was mystifying, he was quite vigilant and try to keep his guard up at all times, he knew perfectly well how playful the nymphs of this caverns are, he thought to himself that he can't be fooled that easily

"You still haven't learned from your past mistakes, Oh Great God of Death"

A calm yet thundering voice spoke to him

No eres ella. No eres ella. No eres ella.

(You aren't her. You aren't her. You aren't her.)

The God began to chant these words inside his head as he pave his way through the cavern, he needs to remind himself these were all tricks to make him submit inside the Nymph's playground

"You fell in love with one of the descendants of the thief who fool you yet he is madly, deeply and truly in love with the one you hated the most, How tragic God of Death."

"... No eres ella... Callate..."

(...You aren't her... Shut up...)

"How painful does it feel, Oh Great God of Death? You wanted to die so bad, sadly the one you love will be the one to end it for you"

The God grind his teeth as those words are cutting deep in his heart, he knew they were all tricks to trigger him but he can't help but to feel awfully distressed about it

"No los escuches, Norton. No los escuches."

(Don't listen to them, Norton, Don't listen to them)

"He's going to steal your heart and he's going to kill you. He WILL betray you, You foolish lonely God of Death."

"...C-Callate..."

(...S-shut up...)

All those painful truths, crushed the God of Death's heart, they're wrong... but... his heart and mind doubts what he is saying, he's contradicting himself,"...I'm breaking apart..."

By dawn, William noticed that he was completely alone, he woke up in a haste, he assumed that all his companions head to the cavern already, quick on his feet, he rushed inside, even with his impending fear, he bravely searched for them. To his fortune, the nymphs couldn't get to him.

What was in the huntsman that the Nymph's did not come across his deep and darkest desires?

On the other side of the cave where the witch resides, still being haunted by the voices of the nymphs, she had her eyes closed and tried clearing her head.

"My dear sister, YOUR resistance is futile, Give up~"

The witch slowly opened her eyes with determination, she knows what to do already, accept her past and her flaws, she have sinned, yes, that is a fact but that doesn't mean she can't change it, she can't move on and she have no future ahead of her, she knew she was stronger than that. Her twin sister, Chloe, never hated her, the witch remembered her last words before she died

"Vera, my sweet and beloved sister... continue living for the both of us... I entrust Joseph to you... thank you for everything..."

The witch puffed her chest and glared,"I will NEVER give up! My sister, my dear sister told me to live and I will for both of us!I will save Joseph no matter what it takes! I'll make him repent for his crimes, I will carry his burden with him!" She spoke with confidence,"I need to get the hell out of this DAMNED place!"

Vera stood up and prayed on one of her magical charms. The voices began to vanish and she heard William's voice calling out to her

"I'M HERE WILLIAM!"

The Witch and the Huntsman finally meet halfway, although Vera didn't explained what happened, they immediately search for the others, she thought they must have been tricked by the nymphs as well, they need to hurry and save them

"You have been a bad child, Aesop, You should be trapped here, wandering this place for eternity, that might clear your confusion or maybe a punishment for your sweet betrayal."

Confusion? The voices in the cavern were right, that was what he was feeling right now, he gently closes his eyes to recollect his thoughts. Joseph gave him everything

He gave him life,

He gave him gifts,

He gave him affection,

He gave him a purpose,

He was the Duke's favorite,

The nights where Aesop submitted his body to him, the gentle touches and kisses that he received every night...

All of those things were ABSOLUTELY MEANINGLESS for the Duke, he was just a toy, his favorite puppet and someone who will do his dirty work for him but there was this one person, that musician, he turned the exorcist world upside down, He always showed his genuine affection in an orthodox way, it was something he never expected someone would do for him. That person was always there when he needed him and he was his company

Someone who cherished him,

Someone who made him laugh,

Someone who listen when he's hurt,

Someone who protected him and save him,

Someone who tells him he loves him everyday,

Someone who made him smile and cry at the same time,

The night at the forest... his touch was so warm and tender... It was full of love...That person didn't give him anything yet but he promised a future together, In that God's eyes, the exorcist was the most precious human being in this world

"How can I be so blind...?" That question was the first thing that came across his mind, placing a hand on his chest as he muttered,"... I don't love him..."

"Hm? Did you say something, My Child?"

The voice asked while the Exorcist stood up from his position, tightening his hand on his chest,"I said... I don't love the Duke anymore! So leave me the hell alone!" he shouted, the voice slowly perished and everything came clear to him now, another familiar voice, calling out to him, it was his friends, Vera and William. He smiled and ran up to meet up with them

"Succumb to your desires, God of Death and help us deceive the lost souls of these foolish Mortals or do you want to keep suffering?"

For centuries, his life was engulfed in deep sadness, he was truly a lonely God yet he learned something valuable from the Mortals, they never give up no matter how hard life can be and how fragile their short lives are but still kept fighting on

"What if I want to continue walking on this lonely path? What would you do if I wanted that? I'm not a coward!" The God of Death sneered and turned his back to the voices that tricked him,"I have to find Aesop and the others!"

The God of Death was resolved, everything went silent for a couple of second and he began hearing Aesop's voice calling out to him, he run to the direction of his voice and came another one, he knew it was Aesop, Vera and William, when everything came to light, the four have finally reunited and sighed in relief

While walking the three are still contemplating from the voices they heard earlier, whatever the nymph's have said really affected them greatly, when William noticed the three felt gloomy and confused. he spoke up

"We're almost at the exit."

The huntsman voice was soft and calming, the three were glad the huntsman didn't asked anything and encouraged them instead, when they finally arrived at the exit, they rearranged some of their things and continued to follow William's lead

"Flor de loto... La flor que simboliza la pureza... realmente no salvaste de esta, Will."

(Lotus... The flower of purity... You really saved us, Will)

Norton thought forming a small smile on his lips, following them from behind and pressed on their journey. The group continued their trip towards the mountain, climbing until it was dusk, they looked for a place to rest and spend the night, reassuring that their trip was about to end, they cooked and shared some dinner

"By the way William, did you hear someone calling for you and telling you something back at the Cavern?" Norton asked, Vera and Aesop stared at William waiting for his reply, William laughed nervously and scratched the back of his neck a bit

"Well, I did... but..." William duck his head before continuing,"...the voices said I was dumb BUT it wasn't new to me so I didn't mind what they said, that's their opinion anyways."

The huntsman confessed with a carefree smile, the witch and the exorcist were confused why was William unaffected by the Nymph's tricks, surely being dumb wont make you immune to their magic.

When everyone went to sleep, Aesop struggled to relax himself, his feelings were conflicted, whatever the nymphs had told him, still lingers inside his mind and heart, resonating in his soul. Admitting he doesn't love the Duke anymore felt so liberating but why did it confuses him a lot? He swayed those thoughts away so he can rest

The sun rose from the east and the group dispersed, It took a three months and a half before they come close to their next destination, Goliath's Rock, another climbing awaits them until they reached a vast space in the altitude, when they began taking another step, the floor beneath them began to tremble, they hold onto the walls and was surprised to see gigantic silhouettes appeared in the misty dust

"...Rock Giants..." William muttered, everyone began to raise their guard up, they have to evade an impending attack from these giants, they couldn't work together and were being seperated by the tremors and the numbers of giants, stepping on them

Vera used her potions and spells to trick the giants, fooling them of her location, once they bite the trap, she instantly poured acid on their feet making one tower to fall after another, a classic domino effect, the Rock giants were persistent and tried to hit her violently, earning bruises around her body, It was taxing for her

Aesop was nimble, swinging his holy sword, making powerful and precise slashes and he knew when to evade if necessary, his movements looked like he's dancing in the air while fighting, he couldn't avoid getting injuries as he progress, the rock giants are harder to counter but he didn't flinched from the pain, he was used to it while being trained as the Duke's Royal Guard.

William was slow but his punches can break the Rock giants defenses, crumbling one after another, his moves were limited as he parry and threw a powerful punch at them, he also uses his axe to slash their rock hard bodies, it was imbued with adamantine, hard enough to break at least half of their bodies.

Norton used his sacred magnets, using a gravitational skill, restraining the Rock Giants to support his teams from their attacks

The fight did not last long, the group grew tired, the Rock Giants numbers didn't decrease from all their efforts they just keep on increasing in numbers, they still tried their best to fend them all off even if it's useless

"Shit!" Aesop cursed receiving a powerful blow, sending him flying at the border of the cliff, luckily he grabbed the tip of the rock, holding himself up with his left hand. The pain from his ribs hurt like hell, he was losing his grip and his strength was depleting from the pain

"Aesop!" The God screamed, dashing towards the Exorcist, desperately dodging the Rock Giant's attacks, he moved his feet in a different agility, transforming half of his body into God form, Aesop was at his limits and released his grip to let himself fall but a strong grip pulled and lifted him up, Aesop blinked a couple of times and felt a soft kiss touch his lips, Norton just kissed him

"Can you STOP doing stupid things like that in moments like this!?" The Exorcist scold angrily, holding his side in pain, spilling a little bit of blood

"I can't help it." Another kiss was place at the Exorcist lips,"I love you~"

"Whatever... Let's end this fight once and for all." The Exorcist spoke, breathing heavily, taking his sword in one hand, even in his sorry state he still has the strength to fight on. While William was focused on fighting a rock giant, he heard a small cry from a dog, he scanned the area worriedly and saw a silhouette of a small animal

"Vera! Cover for me! I need to protect that pup!" William shouted, Vera nodded breaking a small bottle of dark liquid which caused mist, confusing the Rock Giants, William took the opportunity to ran and took the dog in his arms, wrapping him around his body safely and secured

The Rock Giants halted. Their attacks had stopped and got frozen like a mannequin, the group were perplexed and looked at each other's injured faces.

"You may enter, Te ariki kuhane"

The God of Death heard a shy and gentle voice in his mind and smiled, the two rocks in the middle have seperated, opening a large golden door in front of them, in the middle of that pure white place, it was covered with fluffy clouds and golden pillars, A young man in crimson and golden garbs awaits them. The small dog from William's arms jump happily as he approached the young man

"Come on everyone, May I introduce you..." Norton grinned from ear to ear as he slowly approached the young man,"...The messenger of the Goddess, his mortal name Viktor Granz."

"It's been a while, Norton, how have you been?"

Viktor asked telepathically, ignoring the confusion from the three mortals, he can only speak through someone's mind and only divine beings can hear him, he waved his hand and healed the four wounded visitors

"Se podría que decir que bien, me alegra ver que sigues igual, Viktor~"

(As you can see, I am fine. I'm glad you are the same as before, Viktor~)

Both of them began to hold a conversation as old friends, even the pup was happy to see the God of death again, the three were just standing there bewildered by the two gods in front of them, Viktor isn't speaking and Norton speaks through an ancient tongue, they couldn't understand anything

"I think they're talking about the Goddess." Vera assumed

"I can't say, I hope they're looking for a solution for this problem." Aesop responded

"Dogs, they're talking abouts dogs, definitely dogs" William added, looking at the dog underneath Viktor wagging his tail happily, the two just rolled their eyes at him

"The Duke had taken the power of the crystal and abused it, The same time the Goddess had disappeared..."

"¡¿Qué¡¿ ¿Qué quieres decir con eso, Viktor?"

(What!? What do you mean by that, Viktor?)

"The flame on the Goddess's temple is almost extinct and no Deity has ever seen her... She's missing, Norton."

"...Entonces no podemos contar con ella ahora"

(...So, we can't rely on her for now)

"I'm sorry, I can't help you that much and you come all this way too..."

"Con lo que nos contaste es suficiente, Viktor, Gracias"

(With the information you give us is enough, Viktor, Thank You)

Norton spoke with a gentle smile, the three are already preparing one of the Oracle's portal to teleport back to Alajgpacha's entrance once again.

"So, what did he tell you?" Aesop asked Norton, earning a sigh from him and looked at his companions

"The Goddess is missing... We are on our own now." The revelation from the God made them surprised and dread engulfed their expressions, the God composed himself and stare back at them confidently

"Look, I know It sounds bad but that doesn't mean we wouldn't stand a chance, we can still fight the Duke and save Eli and Naib, It is true we don't have any divine being supporting us but that doesn't mean we should give up, we made it all the way here, It proves that we can still fight! One thing I learned from you Mortals is that you never EVER give up..." Norton spoke with assurance, " ...Not even in the face of Death"

The three mortals stare back at him, their morals have heightened and their eyes are full of hope and resolution. When they get back to Yuma they need to plan out their next move.

You really are something, Norton...Your wisdom and strong heart shines the most... The Exorcist thought to himself, smiling as he looked at the God beside him.

It took them another two months before they reached Yuma but when they went back it didn't end well for Aesop, he had been staying a lot in his hometown, a lot of bittersweet memories tormented his mind, those beautiful nightmare keep him up every day and every night and the fact that he still kept the key that the Duke entrusted him, an access to all of Entity Royal Palace's room made him so attached, It was his feelings whirling up in confusion.

During that night he grabbed a few things, sneaked outside his house and planned to head to the Entity Kingdom's Castle

"Where are you going?" That familiar voice made Aesop flinched, he turned around to see Norton gazing at him curiously

"I..." Aesop cast his eyes downwards and breathed before continuing,"...I'm going to the Castle, I need to talk to Joseph... Maybe he will... he will listen to me."

Norton sighed and looked directly at Aesop's quivering silver eyes sternly,"That Duke, he's out of his mind, there's no reason to talk to him anymore, any plausible reasoning is futile at this point and you know it, Aesop."

Aesop clenched his fist to control his emotions,"You don't know anything about him, Norton."

"Of course I do!" Norton exclaimed,"Do you want to die so bad!? He already used the Star Crystal to control you!"

A heavy tension surrounded the two

"I know! But I still want to talk to him!"

"ARE YOU BLIND!? RIGHT NOW, HE'S TORTURING INNOCENT LIVES IN LUMINA, HE RAPED YOUR FRIEND AND FUCKED UP YOUR MIND!"

Norton's words ignite fury in Aesop's heart

"YOU KILL PEOPLE TOO! YOU FUCKING SUICIDAL GOD!"

Norton's eyes widened in disbelief and pain of being called in such way, especially coming from someone he loves the most but Aesop didn't saw that sadness in his eyes and continued

"WHAT IF I STILL LOVE HIM!? I LOVE HIM EVEN IF HE TREATS ME LIKE A BLOODY TOY! HE GAVE ME A LIFE, A PURPOSE!"

Norton gritted his teeth as he retorted back,"AND YOU WILL LET HIM PLAY WITH YOU UNTIL YOU DIE FOR HIS FUCKING CAUSE!? Smart move, Aesop Carl!"

"WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO WITH ME!? PLAY WITH ME UNTIL YOU TAKE MY SOUL FOR YOUR HELLISH GARDEN!?" Aesop growled back

The God and The Exorcist was in deep pain, exchanging words they never meant for each other, those agonizing words didn't end for the both of them and continued

"I. CARE. FOR. YOU! You damned blind exorcist! That's why I want to save you from him!"

"I don't want to be saved!" Aesop groaned, this discussion is endless,"I will talk to him and save him no matter what."

Aesop didn't feel threatened when he saw Norton's onyx orbs being replaced by purple hues

"Then I will take his life to end this madness and save you." Norton said sternly

Aesop unleashed his sacred sword, pointing at Norton's neck and coldly stared at him, "I will kill you before you do that. I will fulfill my Ancestor's debt, right here, right now! I swear!"

Norton felt his heart crushed by those cruel silver eyes and the words that Aesop declared yet he remained in his place and fixed his eyes on him

"Do it." Norton said in a monotone voice

Aesop eyes dilated looking at Norton's onyx eyes with a purple shading being shrouded by sorrow, he saw the God of Death's agony for centuries, Aesop saw his own reflection in Norton's eyes... breaking apart... their hearts are both suffering from their own words and actions, His hand began to quiver and he clicked his tongue in irritation

"Do it, Aesop Carl. Fulfill the ancient debt of your household and kill me."

Why... WHY DO YOU HAVE TO DO THIS TO ME!? Just STOP! It hurts... It hurts too much! Aesop's mind screamed his true feelings but he remained calmed and facade in front of Norton, he turned his heel and walk away

"... I wouldn't think twice, next time." Aesop replied harshly, without looking back, trying to hold everything until he was alone,"I..." he clutched his hands tightly in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably. His heart was full of regret and pain

"Why... Why did I say those things... it hurts so much... I didn't mean to..."

Norton watched Aesop disappear from his view, without any courage to stop him, he let him go with a heavy heart, For the first time in centuries, he fell down on his knees, hugging himself and gripping his hair tightly and with his broken voice

"... Soy un jodido idiota por amarte tanto... cuando tu ni siquiera me miras..."

(...I'm a fucking idiot for loving you too much... even when you didn't even look at me...)

Aesop continued his path towards the Royal Castle in Entity, the lingering regret and pain still clings in his heart but he chose to ignore it, he kept telling himself it doesn't matter, it will go away and hope it really will. He wanted to try speaking with the Duke maybe it will change his mind and who knows maybe his heart too, they have limited options and going against Entity Kingdom would be futile, he knows that blood will shed and a lot of innocent lives will suffer once again.

After his short trip, he successfully sneaked inside the Royal Castle, thanks to the key that the Duke entrusted him, he easily accessed every hidden passage inside the Castle. He slowly walked inside, reminiscing every corner of the Castle, this place held a lot of memories, this was his home, trying to suppress his feelings he continued wandering around the place until he stopped in a familiar door, he breathed in deeply and knocked on the door

"...Lady Helena." Aesop spoke in soft tone, bobbing his at the side of the door

"You may enter..." A gentle voice replied,"...Aesop."

Aesop walked towards the young lady sitting in the middle of a beautiful pink pastel room, coated with ornamented furniture, one grandeur bed with a transparent princess-like cover on top and a room full of stuffed mystical toys. The young lady was reading a braille, upon feeling someone's presence near her, she turned her gaze and smiled.

"It's been a while Aesop, come have a seat with me." The young lady patted an empty side of the sofa, Aesop gently sat down beside her,"I apologize, I do not have a cup of tea or biscuits to offer at the moment. I did not expect your return this early."

"Don't worry that much, Lady Helena. I'm fine." Aesop replied in mellow tone, he had a good relationship with the Duke's adoptive sisters, especially with Lady Helena, whom she helped a lot due to her poor vision

"How many times must I tell you to call me, Helena." The young lady scolded the exorcist,"I can tell you are not working under my brother anymore, Aren't you?" those words from the young lady made Aesop flinched, the Duke must have told her, then again Helena is a sharp girl, she could have figure it out herself, there was no use lying to her

"Your supposition is correct, my lady..." Aesop narrowed his eyes away from Helena,"...I betrayed the Duke to save the Lunar Prince." he confessed and waited for the young lady's resentment, he deserved it after all

"Oh, I see." The young lady simply replied, Aesop looked at her in surprise, he knew that Lady Helena was understanding but not this much, he waited for her to continue,"Are you okay with that? I mean, you told me back then you love my brother dearly."

Lady Helena's words stirred up another confusion in Aesop's heart, she was a great listener and a wonderful adviser besides it always calm his heart whenever Aesop tells her how he truly felt, she's like a big sister to him

"I honestly don't know, my heart is in chaos."

"And why is that?"

"Because I think I'm in love with someone else but I'm not sure, the Duke has a special place in my heart and I don't want to continue betraying him, he gave me everything, he showed me a world I thought I never needed...I just... I don't know what to do with myself anymore, everything felt right then wrong, I don't what should I do anymore" Aesop let out a sharp breath, stared at the ground and fiddle with the tip of his silver strands

"It is true that Joseph did give you everything but it doesn't mean you have to live your life for his sake, that you can't choose the path you wanted." Aesop's silver eyes widened from what the young lady just said,"All I'm saying Aesop, do what your heart tells you to do, you don't have to sacrifice anything just to repay all he had done for you, live for your own happiness not the happiness of others."

"What do you mean by that?"

The young lady giggled, it seemed like the exorcist is beginning to realize something very important, he's so fixated at making the Duke happy that he forgets his own welfare, the lady knew what kind of person his brother is and he pitied this person in front of her, dancing in the palm of her brother's hand, he wanted to set Aesop free from her brother's shackles

"You don't have to feel guilty for protecting something you treasure, saving someone that needs you and for loving someone who made you whole again." It pained the young lady that once she said her piece to the exorcist, her friend would fly to where she will never see him again but she wanted him to be happy, she never ever seen him have these multiple emotions before, even though the exorcist respected and cared for her family, his silver eyes were always shrouded with darkness but now she can finally see the beauty in her friend's eyes

"Lady Helena?"

"Hm, let's see does that special someone make your heart jump in joy? Or does he make you smile in a special way? What else~" The young lady tapped her chin while she thinks,"Oh! When he smiles at you, do you feel that warm feeling especially and when he holds your hand or holds you close to him, do you feel safe around that person? And his voice, you feel like he's speaking from the bottom of his heart to your soul."

Aesop subconsciously smiled, earning that curious look from Helena.

I feel happy when I'm with Norton, he makes me smile a lot

When he smiles at me, I feel this warm fuzzy feeling inside my heart

I remember when he held my hand, it was tender, I want to keep holding him

When he let me go that warmth left me, I thought my heart was going to break in pieces...

I love that he cared so much for me, he listens to me, he saves me when I fall, he makes me laugh

I thought it was weird at first but now, I realize it was love I'm feeling, I'm in love with Norton all along

I'm such a denying idiot.

"Everything you have said was true, Helena. I felt everything."

The young lady nodded at Aesop's reponse,"Do you feel that when you're with Joseph?"

That question consumed Aesop in deep thought, everything he felt about Joseph was different, he was happy that's a fact but his happiness was surrounded with malice, he was loved because of his capabilities, he was cared for if he did something satisfying and was praised if he did something for the Duke sake. It wasn't love at all.

"I don't think so and I know he doesn't love me back, not even once."

The young lady sighed,"Aesop, you don't love Joseph anymore and that's fine, you just need to be honest to yourself okay? Take care of your heart, treasure the people who value you the most and won't use you for their personal gain and I'm glad you meet people who will love you dearly, they're your home now."

Aesop gave Helena a bright smile, even though she's younger than him, she sure is wise and kind. Aesop stood up and sighed in relief,"Helena, thank you so much for this conversation."

"You're welcome, Aesop. Stay safe on your journey, I'm always with you."

Upon leaving the young lady's room, the memories of Aesop's past rushed inside his mind again, if he wanted to throw all those feelings away he needed to remember everything and leave everything, he came this far after all, he wanted to face a new future and a new life.

During the time the Duke had invited Aesop to work in his Castle as an Assistant Rorschach Physician, he was very nervous, he never knew how to interact with others well, he just watched the other Physician do their work at the Laboratory and when he is asked he obeys.

One day one of the Physicians was working on a deadly poison that can be used as a weapon that can have an instant effect on Mortals. When he was busy with the chemicals, Aesop took a peek at his calculations,"Ricin would be a better substance for your experiments, Doctor..."

"Pardon?" The Physician walked up to Aesop with a surprised look on his face, he never knew this child would be interested in chemicals to voice out his opinion,"Do you know how to mix chemicals and create a fatal poison?"

Aesop nodded, the physician smiled at him and gave him a pen and paper, he instructed Aesop to write his calculation regarding any chemicals that will help them progress and of course Aesop being obedient, he wrote multiple deadly ingredients in an hour and even demo how to do it, both in a complex manner and the easiest method they could follow, his poisons were dangerous, he didn't only master poison but witchcraft and other herbal cure, he was outstanding, he was only fourteen but his potential as a Physician was marvelous and an asset to Entity Army. The Physician commend him to the Duke, the Duke was surprised he didn't know Aesop was this knowledgeable about his profession.

Soon after, The poison Aesop invented and developed were instilled in their military weapons, making Entician Army grew stronger, with just one slash of the tip of their swords, in an instant they could kill any Mortal or mystical creature in 8-10 seconds, he was immediately promoted as a Senior Physician at the age of sixteen, he didn't mind whatever position he landed, he just want to keep studying

One sunny day, two Entician soldiers were at the hallway, mocking the weapon they held in their hand, a two metal stick with no blade or sharp edges, they swing it back and forth, it didn't cause any damage which made them quite agitated

"How can you use this blade? It's not even gonna incapacitate someone." The Entician soldier complained, swinging the weapon back and forth

"The blacksmith should be punished by making a stupid blade like this." Another one of the soldier retorted

Aesop saw the Entician Soldiers reacting from that new weapon, he shook his head at the two Entician soldiers, he knew that the weapon wasn't a blade and it was used in a complex matter, he walked up to them,"Excuse me, gentleman."

The soldiers turned to him with their piercing gaze, judging Aesop's presence. The Entician soldiers were prideful men in Entity Kingdom, they're respected by every citizen, even the nobles in Entity because they protected the Kingdom in harms way, their ego knows no boundaries but Aesop wasn't intimidated, he couldn't care less about these two dumb soldiers

"May I try?" Aesop asked politely, The two soldiers stare at each other and started laughing

"Goodluck with that, this stupid blade couldn't even kill a fly." The Entician soldier laughed in mockery as he handed Aesop the weapon

"Oh? This is called a nunchaku. These are used by the Lumina Kingdom's Soldiers to incapacitate someone or worst kill them if you aim for the right points that is." Aesop explained, the two men just raised a brow at him, they still didn't believe that a silly metal piece of sticks would kill someone,"You don't believe me? I'll show you."

Aesop swing the Nunchaku over his shoulder down to his waist, circling it around his body making the two Entician Soldiers backed off, Aesop on the other hand walked slowly at the two, cornering them and was intimidating them, when he saw a tinge of fear, he snapped the metal stick off the Soldiers knee, making a bone cracking sound

"ACK!" The Entician soldier fall of his knee, holding it tightly in agony

Aesop's next aim was the soldier near him, aesop twist his body and swayed the metal blade letting it fly across the soldier's left ear, cracking the side of his skull, the soldier's left ear bleed from the impact

"GAH!" Another one, falling on his knees, clutching his bleeding ear tightly in despair

The Physician snorted seeing the two men who mocked him earlier in pain, from afar the Duke was watching Aesop and two Entician Soldiers, he was very impressed with his skills, his interest grew for Aesop. The next day he called his Royal Guard, Captain Kevin Alonzo if he could train Aesop as a Royal Guard, the captain was little bit surprised he knew the boy was a Physician not a soldier but of course he wouldn't refuse the Duke's request

Aesop was called by the Captain the day after and told Aesop that it was a request from the Duke, the little physician was surprised but he wanted to learn more so he agreed to be trained. Aesop juggled his schedule, training as a Physician and as a Royal Guard, he was industrious of what he does, he has a talent for both after all, the people in the castle respected him.

Everyday the Duke showered Aesop with presents such as sweets, new clothing, chemicals he wished for, his own personalized weapons and even a garden that he had in Yuma, it was decorated inside the Royal Palace accordingly like his own place, he was the Duke's favorite. It really made Aesop fall in love with the Duke even more.

One day, the Duke let Aesop stayed in his office and asked him to do what he wants while he works, he was nervous and shy enough not to do what he asked of him, he just quietly sit at the sofa and steal glances at the Duke, which the Duke noticed, he smiled and gestured him to come over, Aesop immediately obliged

"Aesop, do you want to be my personal Royal Guard?"

"Oh, I..."

"If you become one you'll have to be with me all the time, It's quite taxing to be honest plus you'll have to leave the laboratory and you won't be able to trinkle with the chemicals you love but this is only if you wanted to be my personal royal guard and maybe my personal physician too." The Duke smiled gently at Aesop,"I'm not forcing you."

That request made Aesop's heart flutter in joy, he smiled brightly at the Duke and bowed,"I would be honored, My lord"

"Is that so? Very well then, I will ask my royal advisor to appoint you as one."

The days went by, the Duke and his Royal Guard are inseparable and as their relationship grew deeper, the Duke's darkest secret were shared to his trusted royal guard, he let Aesop assassinate the people who pose threat to him, through poison and violence, Aesop didn't know it was wrong, he had his mind set, if the Duke is happy, he should be too and whatever he did for the Duke, it was for the best, he would do anything and protect him with his life, for the man he loves.

One night, the Duke invited Aesop to celebrate his 100th city that he conquered throughout Anima

"Congratulations, My Lord." Aesop smiled at the Duke,"I believe Lady Helena and Lady Emma would love to celebrate this moment with you, I'm just your loyal servant."

"Not at all, you're my right hand man." The Duke poured wine in Aesop's glass,"Say, my dear, do you know how to satisfy someone?"

Aesop drank the wine the Duke had offered and flickered his eyes at the Duke's question,"Satisfy someone?"

"I'll get straight to the point." The Duke gave Aesop a mysterious smirk,"Have sex with me."

Aesop's eyes widened at the Duke's suggestion, his mouth went agape and he couldn't stop his heart from drumming in his chest,"I...I..."

"I can tell you haven't even tried it yet, you're so innocent with your reaction." The Duke snickered taking a wine in his mouth,"Let me be your first then"

The Physician's body started feeling heavy as he watched the Duke drink his wine, he felt his hand shaking and placed his glass gently on the table, his body felt odd, like it was almost burning. Am I sick? He mumbled to himself, he started to feel dizzy and disoriented, nothing was normal anymore. Am I drugged!? That wine...Without any strength to asked the Duke, he let his head rest on the table, trying to recollect his thoughts while his body quiver from the effects of the drugs

"...It's... so hot... ah... I feel... hazy..."

His breathing hoarse from the burning sensation, immersing inside his body, the heat was evaporating his senses and logic. The Duke smirked seeing his little Physician struggling to keep his mind and body in a normal state, he walked up to him and caressed his burning cheeks, feeling his temperature rising up

"I can help you my dear." The Duke whispered in the physician's ear, it sent odd triggers inside his body, craving for more than the touch from his cheeks,"But you have to beg for it."

Without a response from the Physician, the Duke teased his body, massaging it, from his chest down to his hips, breathing in his ears, placing soft kisses on his forehead, cheeks and neck, making the Physician moaned from the pleasure,"Please...ngh... ah...touch me more...m-my lord..."

The Physician couldn't help the stimulation he was receiving, he teared up and begged the Duke to give him more, he wanted to be touched so bad, he was at the Duke's mercy. With a few more begging the Duke finally answered the Physician's plea,"Very well, my dear"

The Duke carried the Physician towards his bed and gently placed him on the mattress, tying both of his hand above his head, knotting it in the headboard. He slowly strips the Physician's clothing, leaving him 100% bare below him, tossing it all of it aside. Aesop shuddered with every touch of the Duke's slender fingers to his pale flesh, his body is turning into crimson glow, the heat he was receiving around his body sent him to heaven. The Duke took his lips for him, languidly pressed his tongue inside the physician's mouth, leaving him no time to breath, drooling over their sloppy kisses. The Duke released their kisses and travelled all the way to Aesop's neck leaving bite marks on it, it was painful but everything the Duke touches automatic turns into pleasure

"Please...hah.. I want..."

"Hm?"

The Duke gave Aesop's pink nubs some few teasings, nipping them between his lips, earning a squeal and moans of desperation from him, the duke continued teasing him until he reached the Physician's thighs, glazing his tongue just near Aesop's crotch and placed a soft kiss in it, it made him flinched and hardened, he felt more and more desperate being succumb in lust. The Duke lifted three of his fingers and coated them well with his saliva before introducing three of his digits inside the Physician without a warning

"Ahh!" The Physician yelp from the sudden intrusion in his hole, stretching and exploring it, the Duke noticed that the stimulation was too much for his little Physician, he's almost reaching his climax, he pulled out his fingers and grabbed a rope to tie it around the Physician's crotch to stopped him from cumming, making the physician's tears trickle his cheeks, he was breathing heavily, he wanted to release so bad but he couldn't with the rope hindering him to do so, he squirmed vehemently for moaned for the Duke desperately

"Shh, my dear aesop, if you behave well, I will give you a reward"

The Duke spoke with a playful grin on his face, he continued tracing his fingers inside the physician's hole, the Physician arched his back and mewled loudly,"Please... my lord... I want... ah... you inside...ngh... me... I'll do anything... please...!"

The Duke is enjoying the sight of his most loyal subject, drooling over his touch, begging for more, It was priceless, he wanted to see him like that, subdued from his will, when he felt like the Physician is ready, he removed his trouser, letting the tip of his cock tease the aesop's entrance, aesop leaned down and see the Duke's cock right in his hole, he tried to pressed himself but couldn't reach it because of the ropes above his head holding him back, The Duke laughed a bit before entering his warn caverns, thrusting him hard, letting Aesop's hole suck his entire length, Aesop's body tremble from the thickness of the Duke's shaft inside him, moaning erotically, choking between his cries

"Ah.. fa.. hah... faster...hard... harder...!"

Upon hearing Aesop's plea, the Duke moved in a quicker pace, ramming himself inside Aesop rougher silencing those plea and moans, making him unable to think anymore, Aesop's mind went overdrive, his eyes bawling out with the intense pleasure and pain he was receiving from the Duke's violent thrust

The Duke continued to thrust him violently, when he felt his climax is nearing he go deeper and rougher, exchanging gruffs breaths and lasciovious moans, it went for a few more minutes and one last thrust until the Duke released his sticky white liquid inside Aesop, filling his hole up, letting it overflow, dripping to his matress. He slowly released his length, removed the rope from Aesop's crotch and stroked him gently until he released his load in the Duke's hands.

After that night, the Duke often invited the Physician to his room whenever he's free or resting just to do it over and over again.

Disgusting.

The Exorcist mumbled to himself remembering all those times he had a sexual intercourse with the Duke for pleasure.

Aesop walked towards the Duke's office, maybe something will help them there, to end his madness, after he noticed there was no Entity Soldiers guarding the area, he sneaked inside. Aesop knew Joseph wasn't in the Palace and was probably at Lumina, he investigated the area, scurried his documents and books on the desk, a special folder caught his attention where his family name was written on it.

Upon scanning the content, his silver eyes dilated from pure rage...

Operation; Carl Household

The Target has been eliminated, Jerry Carl and Aloysia Carl were found dead at exactly 0430 this morning, during their travel in one of the towns near Entity. Their bodies were thrown off the cliff while riding a carriage, their remains were disposed of by throwing it off the river. It can be reported as an accident. Their child and the sacred knife weren't with them. Our intel informed us of the artifact and the child is currently residing at Yuma.

As proof of this act, we took the couple's ring.

---Spy Division of the Royal Military of Entity

Aesop gritted his teeth in anger, "You...bastard..."

He wanted to scream so bad

He wanted to destroy everything

He wanted to end Joseph's life in his own hands

"You took away my family."

The desaulnier household has been spying on his family for centuries because of the power of the Exorcist. Aesop held his anger, leaving the palace with one goal in his mind, he will avenge his family.

Meanwhile, Vera was preparing her things to travel back in Lumina after she saw the beautiful black bird returned, William peaked at her room

"Are you returning home, back to mainland Entity?" William asked with curiosity

"No, I will travel to Lumina and talk to Joseph." Vera smiled and finished packing her things

"Should I accompany you then?" William replied worriedly

The witch just giggled, picking her things up,"No, I will go alone, I know how to protect myself, stay here with Aesop just in case anything happens." She ordered, taking a carriage towards Lumina, William bid her farewell with no more questions, he knew Vera was a reserved person, he sighed and decided to take a stroll around town while waiting for Aesop to return home.

CA-CAW!

It didn't take long till Aesop reached his home, he directed his gaze towards the majestic black winged creature perched in his window, his silver eyes widened in surprise, that bird was familiar, he was the Duke's messenger. He slowly approached the bird and took the letter in the bird's pouch

Dear My Beloved Aesop,

I am truly heartbroken about what happened back in Lumina a few months ago, I want to talk to you and I wanted to forgive you for your betrayal and I will beg for your forgiveness because of my actions. I will visit you tonight in Yuma. Let's keep this meeting between us, be alone by that time.

Sincerely yours,

Joseph Desaulniers

Aesop felt his anger boiled up from his letter. Tonight, I will end this madness, I will kill you, Duke of Entity Kingdom, Joseph Desaulniers. He vowed to himself and prepared his sacred blade.

*****

In deep thought while Norton was riding a carriage back to Maharlika, he waited for Aesop back at Yuma before leaving maybe Aesop will come back home soon after their fight and he will forget about the Duke but he never did, he talked to Vera and William he would be going to Maharlika alone and save his best friend. Vera and William agreed and told him they will wait for Aesop's return.

Norton watched, Entity Kingdom disappeared from his view, one last hope that maybe Aesop will come running but he never did, The God of Death sighed in silence.

The journey took long, the day turned dawn, Norton stare up the sky, watching the stars from the vast sand of Maharlika Kingdom, he took out his guitar and started strumming the strings, he sang a song to at least mend his broken heart, He remembered the Language Jose Baden had thought him, it was one of the dialects in Maharlika and use it to sing his song tonight

Tulala lang sa'king kuwarto

At nagmumuni-muni

Ang tanong sa'king sarili

Sa'n ako nagkamali?

Bakit sa iyo pa nagkagusto?

Parang bula, Ika'y naglaho...

(Staring dumbfoundedly inside my room

And pondering

I question myself

Where did I go wrong?

Why did I even fall in love with you?

Like a bubble you suddenly disappeared...)

Norton remembered as he sang, That man who told him something important, decades ago, It made his heart heavy, maybe it will really come true, whatever that man said made sense now. He slowly reminisced about their conversation but still kept singing

Porque contigo yo ya escogi?

Ahora mi corazón ta supri

Bien simple lang iyo ta pidi

Era cinti tu el cosa yo ya cinti...

Ta pidi milagro

Bira'l tiempo

Na dimio reso

Ta pidi yo

Era ulvida yo contigo

(Why did I choose you?

Now, my heart is splitting in to two

I'm asking one simple thing

That you'd feel what I felt

I'm asking for a miracle

To go back time

To make things right again

In my prayer

I am asking

That I will forget you)

It was that time, where the underworld was a dark and cold abyss and a prison for the God of Death, he thought he was alone but a man came out of nowhere and talked to him, they spent hours, days, weeks or centuries, keeping each other's company, for who knows how long it was.

There was this one conversation in the future they have stumble to talk about

"Do you wish to know what will happen to you in the near future, my little God of Death?" The man smiled at the lonely god before him

"I am curious but I'd rather leave it that way." The God of Death spoke sadly, he wasn't the type to ask favors because of his introverted personality, he'd always be a bystander,"Besides it's not like anything would change, No one will love a god who brings misfortune, no one will love someone like me..."

The man chuckled, he raised his hand up in the air and circled it around the thin air, forming a reflection,"Do you see it my little God?"

"See what?" The God of death questioned watching the man point at a small dark whirlpool in front of them

"The person who will love you." The man grinned, making the reflection clear up,"A beautiful silver haired boy hm... quite stern looking too, don't you think so?"

"Yeah, very scary but he's pretty~" The God of death chuckled at the sight of the beautiful man in the magical pool, his purple eyes twinkle in interest

"You'll fall in love with one of the descendants of the thief who stole your power and he will fall for you the same way." The Man declared, earning a confused looked from the God of Death

"WHA!? I don't want that! Who would want to end up with that!?!?!?" He exclaimed

"You'll see how much love can change you, I can only see glimpse, vague future or something I couldn't comprehend, I'm not sure myself." The man twitches his chin upon thinking

"I don't think I'll ever fall in love" the God of Death shook his head torridly

"You never know my dear god but it's risky to fall with him because... I see this..." the man placed his hand in the god's forehead, he flashed a painful future lies between the God of the Death and the Silver haired mortal, when the image had stopped, the God's purple orbs, moist in tears. Who knew loving someone could be that painful. The lyrics of his song began to writhed in melancholy

Ang lahat ay binigay ko

Ngayon ay sising-sisi

Sobra-sobra ang parusa

Di alam kung kaya pa...

Huwag nang lumapit o tumawag pa

At baka masampal lang kita

Di babalikan, magsisi ka man

Ako ay lisanin

(I gave my everything

Now, I regretted it so much

The punishment is too much

I don't know if I can still go on...

Don't ever go near me or call me

Because I might just slap you

I won't ever go back, you may even regret it,

Please just leave me be)

That man's vision, the future where Norton returned to the underworld collecting souls once again, he was alone, keeping the balance in Anima. Aesop meets Norton in the afterlife, they both smiled at each other

"Do you still love me?" Aesop asked his eyes fixed on the God of death before him

"Yeap!" The God of death replied enthusiastically but deep inside he was tearing apart, it was bitter sweet seeing the Mortal he loves and let him go because he knew he was happy with someone else

"You didn't stop me when I left you... you let me stay with him, Why didn't you try and win me back, If you love me?" The Exorcist asked with curiosity

"Because you were happy with him, I wanted to see you smile, I'm glad he changed and love you back. I should have believed you back then, You are right. I didn't regret letting you go..." The God of death's words pierced his own heart, It was so grim but he had no choice, the Exorcist never loved him, so why continue loving him back

Aesop chuckled sadly,"You are an extremely selfless God for someone who lived alone for centuries, Norton"

The God of Death smiled hearing his mortal name from the person he loves the most,"I know and bide the way, you should go now, Joseph's soul it's waiting for you..."

Aesop's face grimaced upon hearing those words but turned away, he softly whispered,"I hope someday... We can be together... in our next life..."

The God of Death replied in a sorrowful tone,"I hope so too, I will always love you, Aesop Carl."

That was one painful vision from the man he interact with decades ago, Norton continued singing in agony between his cries

Bakit ikaw pa ang napili?

Ngayon ang puso ko ay sawi

Kay simple lang ang aking hiling

Na madama mo rin ang pait at pighati

Sana'y mag milagro

Mabalik ko

Mali ay mai-diretso

'Pinagdarasal ko

Sa aking puso

Na mabura na sa isip ko

(Why did I have to choose you?

Now, my heart is tearing apart

My one and only wish

That you feel the same pain and agony

I'm waiting for a miracle

To turn back time

It's wrong to rewrite our story

I'm praying

Deep inside my heart

That I'll forget everything)

At the last note of the song, Norton sighed exasperatedly, He wished everything would just vanish and that he would wake up from this horrible nightmare. Why is loving you so hard to do, Aesop.

*****

Inside the Pharaoh's quarter, he's still had his mind wandering, trying his best to break from the spell that's stripping him off his freedom, staring dumbfoundedly at the balcony. The Count had arrived two days ago explaining the events of the meeting and political discussions, the usual boring stuff, For Naib, he felt like he had nothing to do with it, Count Jack was handling all his works and affairs, Naib's only job is to sign the scrolls for approval with his insignia and that's it.

"What is my purpose here anyways?" Naib asked himself while staring at nothing,"Am I going mad? I keep asking that stupid question and then forgetting it after wards PLUS I'm not too old to forget a lot of things this much!" Naib tugged his hair out of frustration

Why am I forgetting something important? What a nightmare.

Hoot~ Hoot~

A soft howling came flying across his window, the Pharaoh titled his head as the winged creature perched on his shoulder, his brows knitted perfectly, he knew he don't own any creatures like this black winged one, the creature nuzzled his cheeks and he felt a warm sensation from it

"Who's owner are you?" The Pharaoh petted the owl's soft feathery head,"You're quite affectionate aren't you, Luz, huh?" he blinked twice of what he just said. Luz? Who's that? Why did I say that? The creature made a happy howl upon hearing her name

Naib realized it was the creature's name and he smiled,"That's your name, It's very beautiful, It means light but..." Naib put his hand on his chin, looking at the creature from head to toe,"But you're a black owl, whoever gave you that name is weird" Naib let out a laugh, Luz just look at him, shaking her little head

Hoot, Hoot... If the owl could slap her face, she could have done so.

"In any case, I need to visit Lord Baden, would you like to accompany, Luz?" The Pharaoh smiled at her and in response Luz flapped her wings happily

The two went ahead to Lord Baden's office, the Pharaoh smiled upon seeing him relaxing while reading some scrolls, he sneaked up to his back and read what he was reading, Naib tried to decipher the words in the text

"Noli.. me... teng.. ene? What's that Lord Baden" The Royal Advisor shot up from his seat upon hearing the Pharaoh's voice behind him, the pharaoh ignored his surprise and kept on reading the text,"El.. Pucha...rismo... what is this language???"

The Royal Advisor snorted, hearing the words of his Pharaoh, he was reading it the wrong way and it sounded so offending if someone from his hometown heard him say that, Maharlika is filled with various dialects after all. He walked up to the Pharaoh and placed his hand on his shoulder

"Please, refrain from saying that." The Royal Advisor still had his laughter lingering in him

"Huh? Did it sound weird?" The Pharaoh only fluttered his eyes towards the advisor in confusion

"It does actually. It's my mother language, Alibata, The way you read and said those titles sounded like you're cursing."

"WHAT!? I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"

"It's alright, It's tongue twisting to read actually. Let's see how about I teach you how to curse in Alibata, in that way, you won't be fooled by locals."

"I don't know if I'll need that, I can't leave the palace"

"Who knows right? It's fun to learn it."

"Okay. Let's hear what you got."

The two shared a father-son like discussion, at the very least it warmed Naib's confused heart, the royal advisor knew what Count Jack had done but his fear for the count hinder him for telling the Pharaoh any more information he knows, he can watch sadly as Naib dance around the hands of an evil menace.

*****

After the Musician travelled for so long at the vast sand of Maharlika Kingdom, the Musician headed to the throne room to confront the Count, he was so furious of what he did to his friend, Naib after all and what's worst is his burdened doubled because of his fight with Aesop, he was swirling deep in his negative thoughts, he wanted to release it so bad by punching the Count across his face and for sure, he will do it as soon as he sees that smug face behind his mask.

The Musician used his celestial power to locate where they are and to his fortune, The Pharaoh, The Royal Advisor and The Count are inside the throne room, he slam the door opened, his eyes were glowing in wrath, the three were quite surprised by his sudden appearance, the Musician marched towards the throne, locking all the doors and windows with power

"What's going on? And who's that?" The Pharaoh asked the Count, which surprised Norton, he never knew Naib would ask that. He was heart broken by his words, he glared at the Count whose face is covered with his white creepy mask.

¿Ese bastardo realmente hizo que Naib se olvidara de mí?

(Did that bastard really make Naib forget about me?)

"I won't forgive you for using my best friend..." Norton growled at the Duke in a threatening tone, he slowly transformed himself to his God form which earned fear in Naib's eye and worried look on the Royal Advisor's expression, those two known that he is a God of Death but it was quite surprising, especially for Naib who had his mind muddled up by the Count's manipulation, the Count remained unfazed by the God of Death's presence, nonetheless that doesn't stop Norton for marching towards them

"Wait! Stop! Don't hurt him!"

Those words made the God halt his tracks, It was the same words he heard, when Naib was just a young boy, the memories flashed through the God's mind, he remember the first time he met that small little mortal in the hands of the Pharaoh's wife, cradling him and singing him the lullaby of Chia, Naib's mother was very beautiful and she's the only Mortal in this century who knew how to read or speak the ancient tongue

Naib's mother was the one who took great care of the holy artifact, the Hourglass, that the God ode Death give the Pharaoh's of Maharlika, the sand in the Hourglass was gold and flowing for eternity but once the Ancient Debt is fulfilled the sands would vanish.

Unfortunately, most of the female in the Royal Family are destined to die after childbirth due to the curse that fall upon calling the God of Death, those were one of the sacrifices that the Pharaoh of Maharlika have to offer in exchange of the God's favor, it was sad and heart breaking for Norton, the wife of the Pharaoh's last wish, is for the God of Death to be friends with her only son, how can he do that? He's a God he couldn't care less about the Mortal lives, all he needs to do, is to watch over them and by doing that, he gains freedom

Years had passed that one small baby turned into a brave and playful little boy, the people in the Royal Palace of Maharlika usually leave the Musician be, even the Pharaoh's for the past generation fear his presence, they know that if they offended the God of Death he will take your life away but that's not true, his powers are hindered for harming the Pharaoh or any mortals but he let that it pass and let the everyone believe whatever they want, the God preferred to be alone anyways

"Wait! Stop! Don't hurt him!"

The young boy exclaimed as soon as he saw the court official's wife will slap the Musician across his face, apparently the musician had said something about her weight that made the lady offended and wouldn't take it back, the lady won't leave him alone and he didn't have any choice but to be rude but this little boy made an appearance making the lady angrily left the premises.

The Musician sighed exasperatedly. Solo quiero paz... (I just want peace...)

"Are you okay, Norton?" The little boy bobbed his head at the Musician, he did not respond to his question and walked away,"Hey! I want to be your friend!"

The Musician stopped and turn to the boy, raising a brow at him,"Do I look like I want to be friends with you, Que estupido eres" (How stupid you are)

"Okay." The young boy galloped away making the musician confused by his actions

The next day while playing in the garden, the young boy popped his little head out the bushes, leaving the musician startled,"Hi Norton! Didn't know you have a nice singing voice!"

"Will you please leave me alone..." The God groaned in irritation but seeing those soft caramel eyes glittering upon seeing him, he couldn't help but to let out a breath and asked the boy,"Naib, aren't you scared of me? Surely, your people told you I bring disaster and misfortune to anyone who goes near me."

"You do? That's cool! But... I don't believe that!" The young boy happily clapped his hands,"You're a good person, I saw you saving a cat from a tree one time"

"That doesn't justify a good person, Naib... what if I want to eat that creature and cook it as a siopao"

"Whaaaa!? What's a siopao, is that yummy?"

"That's..."

How can dumb can this boy gets? The God of Death mumbled

"I still want you to be my friend, I even thought father adopted you to be my big brother!" Little Naib flailed his hands happily,"My big brother died when we were in mommy's tummy, maybe mommy and brother are up!up! Up there now, right?"

"Yes... they are..."

"They're watching over you, me, father, the Pharaoh and all the people of Maharlika, they're with the goddess now, I'm sure they're very happy! And someday when I get the chance to be with them again, I'll tell them lots of stories about my journey! That'll be amazing!"

"Naib..." The God of death patted the boy's head,"Alright, I'll be your big brother."

The two of them grew closer as time goes on, while the God of Death guard the people of Maharlika, aiding the Pharaoh and singing for them before they die, Mortal lives just come and go, It was a normal thing but when he met Naib, watching him grow and be groomed to be the next Pharaoh, it scared him, he become fond of him for a long time now, they really become brothers, he was supposed to be the next Pharaoh by 16 but he flatly refused because he fell in love with that little prince in Lumina Kingdom, Eli.

Norton watched how Naib's caramel eyes shine whenever his father visits Lumina, he often insisted to escort him, his father didn't notice his son's feelings for the Lunar Prince all he knows that it will be a good opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the foreign kingdom, if he let Naib interact with the Lunar Siblings, Naib fully accepted the marriage, It was for the best to let him meet his future wife often

Every time Naib would come back in Maharlika, he tells the God of death everything about the Lunar Prince, he will tell the God how beautiful, loving and kind he is and whenever he did that pouty thing, it made Naib's heart fluttered in joy, even if he will be married to the Lunar Princess all he ever think about, he will be seeing more of Eli, he even tell the Lunar Princess, he loved Eli, which was something the Lunar Princess accepts because she, too, was also in love with someone else but prioritize duty over love, the Lunar Princess and the Pharaoh's nephew become best friends, supporting each other love life

Then one day, the Entity Kingdom took over Lumina, Naib went to the God of death crying that he couldn't do anything to save his beloved prince's kingdom, he pondered for years, sending messages to the Lunar Prince through Luz, praying to all the deities in Maharlika for his safety, he feared that the Lunar Prince marriage with the Duke will hurt him and his Kingdom.

The Pharaoh of Maharlika was ready to stepped down yet Naib felt conflicted, he begged the Pharaoh to let him see the Lunar Prince once more, at least before his wedding which ended sadly as the Pharaoh had caught a disease that killed him, with no other choice, Naib sacrificed his love once again, Duty over love

How the God of Death wanted to protect the Pharaoh

How the God of Death wanted to see him smile again

How the God of Death wanted to burn that smirk off the Count's face

"Prepárate, Conde, I will break the smug look on your face."

(Prepare yourself, Count)

"Come and try darling~" The Count replied with sarcasm, still had his white mask on him

"Baden, Get the Pharaoh to safety"

"But... th-that's..." The Royal Advisor fearfully turned to the Count, the count gestured his hand to listen to the God before them, he nodded in response, taking the Pharaoh by the arm and leave the throne room

"Lord Baden... that person who..."

"Please, save the questions for later, Sire"

When the door shut closed, Norton dashed towards the Count, releasing a pair of magnets, to restrain him, unfortunately for Norton when he closed his ranged towards the Count, he blocks the magnets gravitational pull with his long claws, it was sharp and was sticking in his left arm, it was so strong that Norton pull back from the impact

"What is that!?"

The God exclaimed in confusion, the Count only laughed maniacally, he used the claw to slashed the wind, solidifying it, making its way to attack Norton, still in surprise, Norton sloppily dodges the fog blade, landing him a few scratches on his shoulders, he growled to the pain and blood dripped off his flesh, he charged to attack once again and this time, summoning a blade of bones, covered by rose thorns to slice the Count's hand, knowing that the Count will use his claws in defense, Norton faked his attack by tricking the Count that he'll be attacking from above but his aim was below, in a flash, he shorten their distance, surprising the Count, hauling his step aggressively backwards to avoid the god's blade

"¡Maldito sea! That was close!"

(Damn it!)

Another round of fog blade but this time, the Count's slashes were violent and doubled in numbers, it was too overwhelming for a God. Trying to dodge everything was not an easy task, the Count even had the furnitures thrown to him, the window glass, breaking from the impact, making the vicious fog blades grew deadlier mixed with the broken shards, the god wasn't able to dodge it as fast as he could, the pieces of glass pierced in his flesh, it was painful and torturous, oozing with blood, bruises and scratches, he was thrown back to the wall, where his head bleed from the impact

How can a Mortal hold such monstrous power!?

The crystals were not even there to help him!

Is he a magical beast?

These are the questions, Norton bear in his mind, it was really insane, finding his way to minimize the damage proves more challenging than he thought, he was out of breath too, what should he do now? He can't kill Mortals, he was just planning to incapacitate him, he can't falter now, he needs to save Naib and everyone

"Aesop..."

He unconsciously mumbled, why did he think of him at a time like this but because he did, he was able to stand up, The God misses the Exorcist already, the fight between him did tore his heart apart but the fact still remain, he loves him so much, he wanted to see him again, he can't die now. Norton gritted his teeth and gather his spiritual energy once again, slowly regenerating to repair his wounds, the count sighed in irritation

"How persistent." The Count unraveled a beautiful canary necklace, it shined brightly, engulfing the room with its light. When everything came clear again, the God found himself kneeling before the Count where he was chained from his neck like a dog and his hands were bound by a cuff, the Count held the God's head high while he removed his mask off his face, revealing his crimson orbs. The God looked at the Count closely, his purple eyes went in shock

"Those... eyes..."

"Do you remember me now, God of death"

"You're...you're the son of the goddess of desires... the demi god of greed and lust, The Ripper!"

"I am so happy you remember me~"

"I thought you died a long time ago, having a mortal father---wait your father was a criminal! He tricked the goddess to fall in love with him and... use you as his weapon!"

"Ah~ Such a romantic story, he did manage to use me as his weapon but I outsmarted him and killed him."

"What kind of twisted person are you---mmphh!!"

The Count muffled the God of Death's mouth with his hand,"Hush, God of Death, I am much more merciful than the Duke, I'll keep you alive... for now, so be a good boy and follow me."

Norton's God form disappeared and his body began moving on it's own. It must be because of the chains that held me captive or that necklace a while ago, it looked like a fragment of the Star Crystal. They entered Maharlika's dungeon and to his surprise the Goddess of witchcraft, Patricia, his friend was there, locked like a bird in a cage

"Norton!" The woman exclaimed

"What are you doing here?!" The god was quite surprised, Patricia is not the type to get caught that easily

"I was tricked. I came to the Royal Palace of Maharlika because Martha asked for my aid to put an end to that bastard standing beside you, I didn't know he was a God himself, I let my guard down and here I am, stuck with you." The goddess hang her head in defeat

"I didn't sense he was a God, you have a strong power to hide your spiritual energy from us deities." Norton bat an eye on Jack

"I'm flattered for your praised oh great deities~" Jack chuckled, pushing Norton inside the cell with Patricia,"In any case, enjoy your reunion, my beloved deities, who knows, this maybe be your last~"

"Wait! Where' Martha!?" Norton exclaimed upon being released from the chains

"She's being punished for being a bad goddess, so please refrain for doing anything stupid. Good night you two."

With that the Count left the dungeon, Norton slammed his fist hard on the walls in pure rage, he was cursing so loud and so fast, Patricia couldn't comprehend what he was saying and just leave him be, a few moments of raging, Norton finally calmed down

"I'm a fool...!" Norton groaned, plopping on the metal bed roughly,"How many times have I failed as a God!?"

"For centuries." Patricia replied bluntly

"That's not really helping." Norton frowned at his friend's response,"Another WORST decision of my life! I'm screwing up! I never learn!"

"Yeap, you never do."

"Patricia!"

"All, I'm saying, you're doing a lot of AWFUL things in your life Norton and I try to tell you NOT to do it or overdo things but did you listen, NO! Not even once, You're so stubborn and---"

"Thanks Pat, you sure are the best big sister, I ever had. Really, thank you and I'm truly sorry that I always made you worry, I didn't mean to, I was just a very lonely god after all." Norton leaned his head on the wall,"I was scared to be attached to someone, that's why I accepted the goddess request, I've seen mortals sacrificed their lives, loose their minds and hurt themselves for their loved ones, it scared me, maybe if I stayed in the cold abyss all alone, I will be happy, then I realized the silence and loneliness was deafening and it was shrouded in darkness, I wanted someone, I wanted to feel loved and be love in return, that's why i did those stupid things, I don't want to be lonely anymore, so when I was punished, I become so desperate that even if I become enslaved by the Mortals who summoned me, I don't care. I just want to be free from that lonely place..."

"You have a heart of a child, you know that." Patricia commented, patted Norton's shoulders comfortingly

"Maybe I do... I'm sorry that you got so worried about me." Norton sighed, he remembered how he couldn't save anyone, not even Naib,"I'm sorry that you warned me not to fall in love with the Exorcist, you were right, look at me now, I'm so heartbroken because I love him so much...I can't even die, I'll carry this heart ache for eternity..."

"Did you two fight?" Patricia fluttered her eyes at Norton curiously

"Yes... he loved that asshole more than me..."

"The Duke you say? That's awful, you can't change someone's heart but I believe you still have a chance you know"

"What do you mean by that?"

"The Duke doesn't love him back, why not apologize, reconcile and sort out your feelings with each other and perhaps you two can repair each other's heart." Patricia expounded giving an advice that would give Norton a second shot

"Are you blessing us?" Norton snorted

"I maybe am. I wanted you to be happy and if being with that Exorcist makes you happy, then all is well for me." Patricia smiled and mess Norton's head

"Patricia, that means a lot! Thank you!"

"But first let's think of a way out of here, these kinds of magic, it's similar to the ones the Goddess used on you, the sealing spell."

"I have to agree---"

The two stopped when the barred doors were opened and a light form the torch was placed on the walls, revealing a chestnut hair man

"Hello? Are you two okay here?"

"NAIB!"

"So, you really know me how did you---" Naib's sentence were cut off when Norton hugged him tightly, nuzzling his head over his shoulders, Naib can only pat his back in return, he was still confused, why did he go here and opened the cell, its like freeing the people who trespass the palace but he felt a strong urge to save them,

Norton released Naib from his hug only to meet that caramel eyes looking directly at him with a perplexed expression,"You still don't remember me, don't you?"

The chestnut haired Pharaoh only shook his head, Norton returned his response with a gentle smile, "Thank you for saving us, you might not remember me at this point but your kindness and love for the people you treasure the most is carved in your heart."

Patricia and Norton stood up, escaping the dungeon while Naib tailed them from behind, Naib stopped when they reached the exit gate and asked, "Am I going to see you again?"

"Yes." Norton ran up to Naib to give him one last hug,"I will come back for you, I promise, My Dear Brother."

Naib's heart suddenly warmed up from Norton's words, I'm his brother...Naib mumbled and hugged Norton back. With that final farewell, Patricia and Norton travelled back to Entity to meet with Aesop and reconcile before heading to Vera who visited Lumina, Eli was also there, perhaps Vera and Eli might meet. Norton prayed that everyone would be safe.

******

Back in Entity, Aesop waited for the night to engulf the sky, thankfully William wasn't back that time, he patiently waited for Joseph's arrival. After a few hours, he heard a soft knocking and the door swung opened

He's here...

The Duke smiled at Aesop but frowned after seeing his anguish expression,"My Dear Aesop, you look mad, mind sharing what is bothering you?"

"I know everything." Aesop shot daggers at the Duke's eyes, his eyes remained focused and serious,"You killed my parents, didn't you?" he spoke in cold tone

The Duke laughed at the Exorcist words,"Yes, what are you gonna do about it? It's not like you can bring back the dead by killing me, my dear aesop" he smirked, pissing the other off

I will make you regret you ever existed, I will wipe that smirk off of your face, I will kill you!

Aesop's fury ring inside his head as he rapidly unsheathed his sacred blade aiming it to the Duke's chest, the Duke dodge his attack by sliding to Aesop's side, he firmly hold his wrist, halting his movements, Aesop gritted his teeth, preparing himself for another assault. When the Duke noticed his persistence he dragged Aesop's body on the wall, pinning both of his hands on his side, inching towards his face and kissed him, Aesop was taken aback, he tried pushing the Duke off of him but he was still weak against his touch, he can't help but to kiss him back and making the blade drop from his hand

The familiar taste on Joseph's lips is intoxicating his mind, It was odd, there's a faint taste of a bitter liquid being inserted in his mouth, he was preoccupied by the taste that he didn't notice, a sharp pain stinging on his chest, Aesop violently pushed the Duke off of him

A red liquid dripped from his torn shirt, his throat began to dry from that bitter and burning taste of chemical

Blood and Poison

Aesop limply took a few steps back and glared at the Duke, he stared at the sacred knife that stabbed him and felt the same poison he invented was used against him,"you... you... BASTARD!" he screamed in agony, coughing a lot of blood, he approached the Duke weakly with a short knife in his hand, the Duke just laughed of how pathetic he looked like right now

"Don't waste your last seconds, My Dear Aesop. You looked so beautiful painted in red" The Duke walked up to Aesop, lifting his bloody chin up and whispered,"This is your punishment for your treason, You broke my heart but I'm glad this won't happen again." he released Aesop's chin, leaned back and stare at his dying silver eyes,"Because the dead can never betray twice"

With those words, The Duke left the place while Aesop fell hard on the floor, he desperately crawled on the side, leaning his body on the wall and stared at nothingness, his last words echoed in his mind.

So, This is how I die... after I helped him to reach his goal and thinking he was my savior, the second I am no longer useful to him, he just threw me away and took everything from me...

Aesop began to hallucinate, seeing his mother, his father, his relatives, his ancestors and more of his bloodline, he chuckled in despair, closing his eyes as his tears began to flow in his eyes down to his cheeks.

I was a fool. Mother, Father... forgive me... I never realized how fortunate I was... I realized when it was too late...During his last thoughts, he felt like his life seemed meaningless.

Aren't you angry with me? All of my descendants meet the same fate because of the unfulfilled debt, the promise I made with the God of Death

Andrew, Aesop's ancestor, the thief who stole the sacred sword, the one who asked the God of Death to save him from dying

"No.. I don't hate you.. It's thanks to you.. And this power.. I met so many wonderful people.. I visit so many beautiful places.. Maybe.. My life wasn't bad after all.. Even with my bad decisions.. At least.. Even for a little while.. I get to be happy.." Aesop sobbed as he watched all his ancestors appear before him one after another, all he could ever do is looked at them with a broken smile on his face

Eli... I'm so sorry, I couldn't save you... I hope you can be happy with Naib someday soon...

Aesop's eyes were getting heavier and heavier with every moments passed, his body slowly limping, the blood from his chest were pooling on the wooden ground and the poison made his body weaker, he knew that his end is finally nearing, he whispered in a broken voice

"I'm... sorry... I'm so sorry, Norton... I... love... you..."

His heart had stopped

His eyes slowly closed

His last breath left his lips

He managed to say his last confession

... He was cold and lifeless...

In the desert city of Maharlika, Norton was walking alongside Patricia, after all the mess in the Royal Palace they managed to get out because of Naib's help but then Norton stopped walking, his onyx eyes turned into purple and tears began to appear from them. His power allows him to hear the last words of the living, some of them full of regret, pain, hate, gratefulness, hope and love but he never ever heard in his entire life as a God, someone's last words to be a love confession especially directed to him

Aesop's voice is fading, his last apology and his feelings

"...Ae...sop..."

Norton ran frantically towards the desert

NO TE MUERAS AHORA, POR FAVOR NO ME DEJES, AESOP!

(Don't die now, Please don't leave me, Aesop!)

His mind was preoccupied with the impending fear that his beloved exorcist will disappear, he couldn't hear Patricia calling out for him. Without any other options, he used one of the sacred portal that Fiona had given him, he traveled to Yuma in a couple of seconds. He desperately ran through the streets until he reached the house of the Exorcist, slamming the door opened, running to where he is and when he saw Aesop, his lifeless body lying on the floor

Tears began to fall on Norton's face, he kneeled to the ground, taking Aesop's cold body in his arms, embracing him tightly,"Aesop! Aesop...! Please, don't do this! You can't... no! Please! Please don't go! Please! Aesop...!" Norton desperately called out his name while he cradled him in his arms, he prayed to the God and the Goddess but no one heard his prayers,"Why Aesop! Why!"

He sobbed a bit, looking at Aesop's face, caressing his cheeks and brushing his silver tresses off his face,"Aesop..." he called him softly, trying to calm himself down and thought of something that could possibly save his beloved exorcist,"I will save you, I promise." he closed his eyes, holding Aesop's right hand and began to sing a song

"Yo solo queria

Poner tu cabello detrás tu oreja

Sostenerse en mis brazos

Siempre estoy aquí

No puede hacer ido tan lejos

Tan lejos sin tu ausencia

Pero de alguna forma aun deseo

Que estuvieras aquí"

(I just wanted to brush

Your hair behind your ears

Hold you in my arms

I'm always here

I couldn't have gone so far, so far

Without your absence

But somehow I still wish

That you'll be here)

Norton changed into his God Form, where his face were coated with tattoos, his attire were changed into a purple ones, his eyes glowed in purple hues, both him and aesop were surrounded by various flower blossoming while Norton sang his piece, his voice was like a soft lullaby while his tears silently land on Aesop's cheeks, rocking him back and forth

"Eres mi veneno

Eres mi veneno

Eres mi veneno

Esencia magica

Soy adicto a

Soy adicto a

Soy adicto a ti"

(You're my poison

You're my poison

You're my poison

Magical scent

I'm addicted to

I'm addicted to

I'm addicted to you)

Norton smiled, leaning closer to Aesop's face, planting a soft kiss on his forehead, taking a short pause before continuing his melody

"Yo solo queria hacerte saber que también lo siento

Ninguno de nosotros quería que terminara de esta manera"

(I just wanted to let you know I'm sorry too

Neither of us wanted to end up this way)

Norton's tattoos began to faint, his glow began to fade, the flowers that surrounded them started to wither, he felt every pang from Aesop's heart, his suffering, his tears, his life all of it, Absorbing all the pain he had. Norton drained every bit of his power and transfering all his energy into Aesop's life and continued to sing

"Envenenado

Me tienes envenenado

Oh, hablame

Cuéntame el mundo que tu ves"

(Have me poisoned

You have me poisoned

Oh, talk to me

Tell me what world do you see)

Aesop's silver eyes slowly opened, revealing a tinge of life back in it, his fingers began to twitch, his lips began to quiver while Norton's life began to feel weaker and weaker with one last strength he sang his last piece

"Yo solo quería hacerte sonreír otra vez"

(I just wanted to see you smile again)

Norton smiled as his body slowly vanishing, leaving a beautiful marigold petals around Aesop

"Aesop, Don't forget how much I love you..."

With one last confession, a tear fell on Aesop's cheeks, Norton's existence disappeared, Aesop's heart began to beat again, he slowly lifted himself up and was surprised to be surrounded with beautiful marigold blossom, he began to cry remembering that soft humming and a mysterious voice in his head before vanishing to thin air

The Ancient Debt Has Been Fulfilled

Those words began to ring inside Aesop's head, he knew that Norton was gone forever, he hugged himself, calling out Norton's name over and over again, he can only hear his heart shattering into million pieces. William went back home when a local from Yuma told him he heard a crashing sound at Aesop's home and unfamiliar man went outside his house when he entered Aesop's home, he saw him on the floor, broken down and crying uncontrollably,

William immediately ran up to Aesop, he sobbed in his chest, William just patted his head comfortably, assisting him to rest on the sofa. After hours of crying for the God of Death, the Huntsman sat beside the Exorcist, he took a deep breath and looked at the huntsman with his swollen eyes, he head to the kitchen to cook, which was a little bit confusing for the huntsman since the exorcist did not talk and just prepare food for the both of them, while eating the huntsman tried to say something but was stopped when he saw the exorcist smiling at him

"William, would you like to assist me?"

The huntsman was quite perplexed towards his request but nodded instead,"Sure, what for?"

"We'll take down the Duke tomorrow." Aesop declared making William startled,"The Duke went here last night and stabbed me with my sacred sword, he also had a poison to kill me in an instant." he sighed exasperatedly before continuing,"That's why Norton had to sacrifice his life for me, I believed he transferred his celestial power inside of me and I'm going to use it against the Star Crystal's control, to block his manipulation magic at least."

"Wait, Wait, Hold up! We can't just barge in Entity Castle like that! That's suicide!" William exclaimed, it'll be dangerous to attack with just the two of them with the Entity Soldiers surrounding the Duke all the time, William gaze at Aesop's eyes, it was full of resolution and anger, he knew Aesop wanted to do this bad, he got a little bit worried. William cast his eyes down and scratched the back of his head and replied,"ALRIGHT! But let's be careful, okaaaaaayyyyyyy"

"Thank You, William, we will and don't worry I have an idea where the Duke might be this time." Aesop spoke with confidence, William was a little bit curious but chose to keep the question to himself.

They rest for the night and in early morning the two left Yuma and disguised themselves as common folks strolling around the Entity Square, a group of people surrounded the stage, watching the event about to unfold, in the middle stands the Duke of Entity with multiple armed soldier while holding a torch

"How did you know he'll be here?" William whispered at Aesop's ears

"Each year, in order to pay respect to past Bloody Sword title holders, the Dukes are tasked to light the Pole that separates both light and dark in Anima, they say keeping the tradition will strengthen the great Kingdom of Entity. After the lighting of the pole, the Duke will run up the mountain alone to present the Goddess of Anima's temple the torch of the Stars which grants him everlasting power." Aesop emphasizes

"That's where we attack him?" William asked curiously,"Won't the Entity Soldiers surround the place? It is dangerous for the Duke to go alone."

"That is why YOU have to distract them for me." Aesop gave William a smirk

"WHAT!? YOU ARE INSANE, MR. EXORCIST!"

"You said you will assist me right, so man up."

"I can't believe this." William slapped his face with his hand,"Well, fine, I got some few tricks on my sleeves. You better be careful okay!?"

"You have my word."

With the help of William's distraction, Aesop paved his way through the mountains, advancing towards the Goddess temple before the Duke and waiting for him to appear, he looked at the sky and prayed with all his heart. Norton, Watch over me. He silently mumbled, his heart still aches from yesterday, he misses his dear God so much, he knew that his death will only be justified if he removed the Duke from existence, he patiently waited for the Duke.

After an hour of waiting, the Duke finally reached the top of the mountain and in the entrance he saw a familiar man, someone he never expected to see, he was quite perplexed, he knew that person he is seeing right now is the Exorcist he killed last night, is he seeing his apparition? The Duke slowly walked up to him and to his surprise the man glared at him, clenching his fist and gritted his teeth

"What a surprise." The Duke said simply,"How in the world did you escape death?"

Aesop did not respond making the Duke quite confused if he was a ghost or not, he gave him a sharp gaze, the Duke never believed in any paranormal spirit of the dead wandering the land of the living, he have a hunch that this exorcist was a living person,

"I thought I killed you, I used your poison against you and made sure I stabbed your heart with your sacred sword." The Duke chuckled

"Surprise you fucking asshole, I'm back from the grave" Aesop growled, marching towards the Duke

"How odd." The Duke looked at Aesop from head to toe and was surprised when he saw Aesop's silver eyes being engulfed with a gleaming purple hues, he knew right there that something extraordinary happened to him, he laughed maniacally,"That stupid God ended his own life to save you! Priceless! It's very romantic, saving someone who is indebted to him, you should have died with him, My Dear Aesop."

"If I did I wouldn't be able to wipe your fucking existence in the face of Anima" Every word from the Duke's mouth boiled anger inside Aesop's heart, the God of Death's power cascading deep inside him, the ground was trembling from the impact, his silver orbs are being with replaced by purple ones, his attire is being ripped off from the slashes of the wind swirling around him.

Such strong intensity, Norton's power surging inside of me...I can't control it! Aesop muttered

The Duke was being swayed by the strong force of Aesop's new profound power, he had no choice but to unravel his trump card, he revealed an obsidian crystal in front of Aesop, he was quite surprised he didn't know the Duke had two crystal in possession

"YOU EVEN STOLE THE FUCKING MOON CRYSTAL FROM THE PHARAOH!? What the fuck's wrong with you!? You're greedy over power this much, Joseph!" Aesop gnarled in deep wrath, making the winds change into a stronger tide, gushing the trees away and the temple chimes sweep from their place

"Ah, how delightful you're calling me by my name, Darling." The Duke chuckled and remained unfazed even if the catastrophic event was unfolding before his very presence,"I wanted to rule Anima and you could have been my Duchess but you choose to betray me, so I have to kill you."

"You son of a bitch! I never wanted to be your dutchess nor your puppet!" Aesop's consciousness is snapping, his emotions made the collosal power inside of him even stronger,"I loved you all my life! But you used me! You use my love for your personal gain! I will never EVER forgive someone like you!"

The Exorcist dashed towards the Duke with a violent force, a ray of pure light blinded Aesop's attacks and a man with a golden tunic appeared before him riding a boar, he rammed towards Aesop's body which sent him flying to the Goddess Temple's wall

"How splendid, the Moon Crystal works~" The Duke grinned in a sinister manner,"The God of the huntsman, Jester. He is glad to meet someone like you, My dear Aesop."

Aesop blinked a couple of times before standing up, the wounds he received from the impact instantly healed him but a sharp pain sting inside his chest, it was a price he have to pay for using the God of Death's power in such intensity, he might have the God's powers but his vessel is fragile. The pain matters less to him, he was surprised to see the Duke had summoned a God, he's abusing the crystal once again and it looks like that this God of the Huntsman is under his mind control because of the Star Crystal,

How evil this man can get!?

The Jester grew impatient and began charging towards Aesop which he dodge smoothly, their exchange attacks was so fast in the eyes of the Duke, he couldn't keep up with the battle in front of him, he prepared a bow and a sword just in case they stopped, he would pierce the blade in Aesop's heart once again, in doing so maybe he could extract the God of Death's power in him

The battle between the Jester and the Exorcist did not last long, Aesop was out of breath from using the God of Death's power, falling from a high feat and slamming his body through the ground, groaning in deep pain

"G...ge-...ngh...get up...aesop...y-you...can't die...ugh... Norton... his sacrifice would be in vain... if I die... ngh... ah... my strength..." Aesop breathed heavily, trying to keep himself up before the Jester reached him

The Duke saw him in his sorry state and commanded the Jester to attack him, to end Aesop's life once and for all, when the Jester was about to run Aesop over a dark smoke coated the area, making the Duke and Jester confused, William took this opening and carried Aesop in his back, fleeing to safety, running down the steep mountain path

"T-thank you... William..."

"No problem. Guess this proves that we are not ready to fight and the Duke is three steps ahead of us, we need a better strategy."

Aesop could only nod as he drift off to rest in Williams' shoulder. After a few hours of travelling both of them head to secured forest, William thought Yuma isn't safe anymore, so the forest would be the safest shelter for now, Aesop told William he needs to go to Lumina and searched for Eli, even if William was worried he knew that it would be the best option for now, William had to stay in Entity for his wolves, Jingle, Bubbles and Trevor, they are his only family after all and with that the two bid their farewells and promised to see each other again when everything is over.

*****

SEVEN HEAVENS

"Welcome to our HQ, Lunar Prince!" Lucky happily flail his hand around,"This is where we held our meeting and devise our plan for any attack ya da ya da~"

"What's an HQ? And oh, do I need an alias too, You can't just call me Eli or Lunar Prince during our rescue mission, that would be troublesome if the Entician heard us." The Lunar Prince frowned, that will also give away his chance to help his Kingdom, they might suffer a serious damage if that happens

"HQ means headquarters and very clever, Lunar Prince." Lucky patted Eli's head,"How about seer?"

"Seer? You mean like a prophet or something?" Eli tilted his head

"Yes! The Lunar Royal looked like one! Seer is perfect for you!" Lucky exclaimed giving an okay sign to Eli,"It's easy to say too~"

"Okay, Seer it is, thanks moon face."

"Wow, you're getting a hang of it! About our plan, to infiltrate four of the Entician camps near the borders of Lumina Kingdom, freddy already put the outputs and layouts of the place accurately, if this goes well we'll be rescuing around 200 women and children."

"That many!?"

"Yes, unfortunately." Lucky scratched his head,"It'll be hard to evacuate everyone to be honest and we still have a small group in the army, so we'll have to leave the others or if we pursue rescuing the 200 Luminarians in the camp, we'll jeopardize our team and sacrificed some or most escapees... it's really a risky task..."

"No." Eli said with confidence,"We'll rescue everyone, no one is going to get hurt on my watch."

"Wishful thinking kiddo besides if the Sun Crystal is with us we'll probably gain the advantage."

"What? Why the Sun Crystal? What does it do?"

"Huh? What do you mean what does it do? It heals fatal wounds, cures poison, breaks curse or uses any spells, enhances your capabilities, empower your weapons and more, It's quite a powerful Crystal actually." Lucky explained making the Lunar Prince's eyes widened how vast the power of the Sun Crystal is

"The Sun crystal can do those things..." Eli muttered, touching his blindfold

"More or less yeah, The Late Lunar King did that to help multiple towns destroyed by the Duke." Lucky looked at Eli and continued on explaining,"Yeah and a chant that goes, Oh Great Goddess of Anima I beseech you to lend me your strength my people some jackshit like that."

Eli clapped his hands happily,"Then we'll have the advantage to save everyone unharmed."

"What? We do? How?" Lucky Asked surprising at the giddy friend he have

"I have the Sun Crystal, leave the support to me!"

"I'm glad you're willing to support us Lunar Prince and trying to understand us. You don't even complain about the clothing we let you wear and you're staying in a not so comfortable place. You're wonderful, Lunar Prince and you seemed your way around your kingdom, It's a good thing ya know!"

"When the Duke is away, I always sneak out and go around town, to observe my people and their livelihood, I want to feel and experience their lives. I don't want to be ignorant of my peoples needs, They need someone who will be a good leader to them and someone who can understand them."

Lucky's brown eyes turned wide from the Lunar Prince's words, he really is one of a kind but for the Lunar Prince he repeated what Naib had told him when they were young and free, he did what he asked, it paid off after all.

The SEVEN HEAVENS Revolutionary Army set out their plan after a week, they successfully invaded three of the Entician Camps and save at least 88 women and children that are captive within a span of four months, all were unharmed but some are traumatized by the events, Eli tried mastering the Sun Crystal's abilities, healing the wounded and supporting his team mates, he also joined the HUNT, Lucky had called it, to gather food, supplies and other necessities. It was a struggle for the Lunar Prince, he never had this much challenge in his life before, he realized that his people or all the people of Anima had been living their lives like this, every single day, the Lunar Prince admired them even more

The disaster and typhoons from all over Anima, held them back sometimes, drought, continuous raining and floods, the mystical creatures also fled from their habitat because of the harsh climate, Anima had been changing drastically and they have no clue why.

Is the Goddess punishing them for their crimes?

The Lunar Prince was still determined to save his people which made everyone motivated and followed him, their last camp was in a tight security because of their ambush on the previous camps, their intel told them that there are 112 of women and children were captured and will be sold to slavery soon. It worried the Lunar Prince but his resolve did not falter

Tracy was outside, using a bird's eye view to check the camp as the team's support, she located where the Lumina citizens are right away, freddy map out the place, servais and lucky knocked the Entician Soldiers while Eli support them from behind, upon reaching the prison cells, 10 armed soldiers were keeping a close eye on it

"We need to be cautious..." Lucky whispered, loading his crossbow

"We can sneak past behind them through the metal barrels by the side and pillars" Eli instructed them, months of studying and training had finally paid off for him, he strategized for the team. Servais and Lucky split, bringing down the soldiers but the soldiers did not falter quickly and started to fight, with the soldiers being distracted, Eli took this opportunity to open the barred doors and safely evacuate everyone, A loud bang here and there were flying across the room, Fortunately, the Sun Crystal protected everyone from harm's way, Lucky and Servais took the soldiers down once and for all, when Servais was going to kill the bleeding soldiers, Eli stopped him

"WAIT PLEASE! No violence!" The Lunar Prince exclaimed, shieling the wounded soldiers

"Seer, you KNOW perfectly well they won't hesitate to kill us and we will do the same!" Servais exclaimed, pushing Eli off the soldiers, for the past few camps, they only incapacitated the soldiers or thrown them off the riversides but why would they need to kill them now? Eli looked at the soldiers and to his surprise some of them were high ranking ones

"Even so... please... no violence... I don't want blood to spread across Anima because of revenge, please let me handle this..." The Lunar Prince begged, Servais only glared at him, he's still that little weak boy he met months ago

"Seer! You---" Servais stopped when Lucky pulled him back,"Lucky! Don't tell me you agree with his decisions!?"

"I trust, Seer." Lucky replied sternly and looked back at Eli,"Do what you must, we'll clean up from here, just be careful." Lucky pulled servais, Eli smiled at Lucky mouthing Thank you

The Lunar Prince used the power of the Sun Crystal to heal the wounded Entician Soldiers but they were bound by servais just in case they starts attacking, one of the soldiers looked at the Lunar Prince with confusion

"Why would you save an enemy?" The Dark haired soldier asked

"I do not wish to spread hate and violence." Eli replied simply,"You are sons, father or even grandfather of your own family, I do not wish to take your lives away, someone is waiting for you at home and needs you and they will be hurt if you die."

The Entician Soldiers were touched, never did once they considered their life would hold such meaning for a mere stranger let alone an enemy, their morals are changing, Entity is a cruel place and all villainous citizen lives in there, other Kingdoms would think so otherwise but for this person who saved them, he see beyond what the others labeled them to be.

"There you go, your wounds are okay, I do hope you find in your hearts to save those who are in need." The Lunar Prince smiled

"WAIT!" The Entician Soldier exclaimed,"Are you... the Lunar Prince."

Eli only gave them a smile and left, the soldiers knew right there, the enemy who showed mercy upon them is the Lunar Prince of Lumina Kingdom, they will never forget that kindness. The revolutionary army did not stop there, they caused greater influence in other kingdoms and towns not just Lumina, saving everyone here and there, causing an international turmoil, it alarmed the Duke, their growing numbers and popularity had increased greatly.

The Duke did not stopped terrorizing the Kingdom of Lumina, the Lunar Prince and the SEVEN HEAVENS on the other hand earned a place at Bermuda in the middle of a hidden forest near Dragoon Kingdom, where the people they save have a safe place to live to, Eli become the second in command next to Servais after months of rescue and infiltrating the enemies base

In his new office at Bermuda, Eli looked by the distance, he remembered everyone he loves. Lucky walked inside his office looking at the sad prince

"Missing your friends, Eli?" Lucky spoke

"Hm?" Eli turned to Lucky with a sad smile,"Yes, I miss my mother, the pharaoh, aesop, norton, vera, william... I missed everything..." Eli sighed deeply

"Eli..." Lucky walked up to him, enveloping him in a tight embrace,"After all this, I promised you, things will get better and you will see them again"

"Lucky." Eli leaned back and stared at him,"Thank you for trusting me, it's been 11 months already, almost White Winter Day and were causing a big change, saving all these people, giving them a new life, a home, love and hope. If you didn't believe me back then, I wouldn't have changed for the better. Thank you." Eli's tears trickled down his cheeks

"Nah, even without me you could do it by yourself, you're a very charming guy after all." Lucky wiped Eli's tears away, earning a soft chuckle from him

"I'm still grateful for you though. I'm such a lucky person for meeting a lucky friend" Eli teased

"That's my name after all." Lucky keep on carsessing Eli's cheeks

"In any case..." Eli took a step back and shuffled through his desk,"I should get back on studying all these scrolls, Servais gave me a LOT! He really wanted me to work damn hard huh?"

"The way you curse is very adorable, that's illegal." Lucky ridiculed jokingly

"What? Get out of here soldier! Your leader commands you." Eli motioned his hand to shoo Lucky away

"Yes sir~"

"Take care out there okay? You're patrolling the borders after all, I don't want you to get hurt."

"I promise, I'll return to you."

Eli blinked a little at Lucky's response,"Alright then, please do."

"Wait! Wait before that, Here." Lucky took Eli's hand and wrapped a bracelet around his wrist, the bracelet consisted of gems such as morganite and rhodonite,"I made this for you so better keep them okay? They're especially for you."

"Thank you, It's very lovely Lucky." Eli stared at the pretty bracelet that glittered in his wrist,"...I...Uh..."

"Anyways! See you for dinner!" Lucky happily waved at Eli, started running outside and Eli waved back in return. Eli's eyes flickered, remembering everything Lucky had done for him and his people, Eli clutched his chest tightly, a little startled when his heart skipped a beat and sighed exasperatedly

Focus Eli... He muttered to himself, sitting down and slouched his back on his chair

Meanwhile, during the afternoon, Lucky was busy patrolling the area with his men, to his surprised he spotted an Entician attacking his men one by one, when he come clear, both of them meet each other armed with a sword, unleashing their blades, they clashed, Lucky thought it was quite foolish for this Entician to attacked recklessly in an enemy territory but he sure is skillful he took down 8 of his men, he's no ordinary Entician, he must be a huntsman or a retired soldier

The Entician evade his attacks flawlessly, Lucky was very distracted with the Entician's hood and his scarf that covered half of his face, he focused on aiming on that and successfully removed his cover revealing that beautiful silver strands and piercing silver eyes, for some reason he seemed very familiar, Lucky knew he couldn't win alone, the Entician looked like he got some few tricks off his sleeve, having that faint purple glow on his eyes, Lucky signaled his men hiding behind the trees to shoot him with a bow

With a few side stepping and distraction the men aimed the bow at the Entician which again he flawlessly dodge, he really is a fighter, the Entician dashed towards Lucky pinning him down

"Get the fuck off of me you demonic beast! Why are you attacking us!?" Lucky retaliated being pinned on the ground

"Demonic huh? You're attacking me, it's called self defense" The Entician growled at him, taking out his sword and point it at Lucky's neck

"Grr, I can't die here...I need to go back to Eli." Lucky shouted

"What did you just say?" The Entician's eyes widened from the familiar name that Lucky just uttered, The Entician got distracted and in an instant, Lucky's men had him cornered and he was immediately reprimanded

"You're coming with us!" Lucky grinned and dragged the Silver Haired entician

It wasn't easy because the Entician was still struggling to break free, he was a little bit surprised though, the guy he fought and his men were not harsh on him, usually when an Entician captured someone and they struggled they would use violence to restrain someone but these men were... gentle?

"Your leader must be a softy if you don't plan to hurt me when I struggle." The Silver haired Entician spoke

"Yes he is." Lucky replied without looking at the Entician, which earned that Entician a perplexed expression

Upon reaching Eli's room, Lucky threw the Entician inside,"Hey there, Sorry I missed Lunch."

"Oh? Don't worry, I'll save some knick knacks for you." Eli chuckled, walking up to Lucky and stare at the Entician growling at the ground,"And who's this?"

"We found a rat running in the streets, I thought you might want to check him out, he did say you were a softy afterall." Lucky chuckled

"I am and who...is...WHAT?!" Eli had his sapphire orbs widened behind his blindfold, he knows this person very well

"Eli...is that you...?" the silver haired Entician had the same surprised expression Eli wore

"Eli, do you..." Lucky stopped when he remembered months ago about Eli's descriptions and story about his friends he misses,"...Is this the Entician Guard you were with, your best friend?"

"Best.. friend..." The Entician smiled, his eyes were being moist with tears,"You still kept that bestfriend label thing all these time."

"Of course, I love you..." Eli sobbed,"...Aesop" he ran up to him and gave him a tight hug, Lucky released Aesop's grip, making Aesop hugged Eli back

"I'll give you two some privacy." Lucky smiled walking towards the door

"Wait, Lucky!" Eli exclaimed, earning a last look from Lucky,"Thank you. You're really a miracle to me, thanks for keeping yourself safe too." Lucky didn't say anything and just smile, leaving Eli's office, Aesop had his eyes back and forth

"Who's that?" Aesop asked dubiously

"Hm?" Eli's eyes blinked twice at his question,"He's Lucky, a good friend of mine."

"Friend, right..." Aesop nodded,"In any case, I'm still surprised you're okay and this place is secured. I've been looking everywhere for you and here I am, I'm happy I found you and you're also their boss, I never knew you were affiliated with the Seven Heavens Revolutionary army, I'm proud of you Eli."

"Thank you, I'm happy you are well, Aesop." Eli jumped in and hugged Aesop again then released him,"Oh! Where's your musician boyfriend~ and everyone?"

Aesop looked away sadly from Eli's question,"We part ways..." he replied vaguely

"Ah...I see..." Eli didn't probe Aesop any further, he remembered that favor Norton asked him months ago, he quickly stood up and rummage through his belongings, Aesop watched him as he did, after finding what he's looking for, Eli quickly handed Aesop a small pouch

"What is this?" Aesop shake the pouch lightly

"It's from Norton!" Eli exclaimed happily,"He said to give this to you but he said when the occasion is important or something but I don't know when is that important occasion, I'll just give it to you now, so I wont forget or wouldn't lose it and besides this IS important~"

Aesop's eyes brimmed with tears, he can't believe Norton prepared something like this for him, he slowly unravel the pouch, revealing a small letter and a key, It was quite funny because the letter had a large marking on it

I AM YOUR MI CALDO YOU ARE MY MI CHAMI

"These are FOOD you idiot!" Aesop retorted between his sobs, what was Norton thinking making him laugh and cry at the same time, naming both him and Aesop, the names of the food he loves, he opened the envelope and there were two letters in it,"Love Letter? It's so long and it's written in ancient tongue, what the hell! He wants me to decipher a freaking love letter and this one... Hm?"

ORIGINAL SIN: The Truth About the Goddess and God of Anima

"What does that mean?" Eli tilted his head

"I'm not sure but it says here that this is a key to his room in Maharlika and he also stated the secret of the goddess of time and her older twin brother, the god of space. There are two rulers in Anima?" Aesop stared at Eli in confusion

"I think we need to go back to Maharlika, Norton might be giving us a hint on how to save our dying world" Eli spoke with fear and determination, hearing the truth might help them stop the continuous disaster and will save their kingdoms

Luz suddenly appeared and nuzzled on Eli's cheeks, he patted her head, she keeps on hooting like she's supporting the idea of travelling to Maharlika

What was in Norton's room that no one can enter?

Why does Norton know about it?

The Secret of their world?

END OF CHAPTER