Notes: It took quite sometime till Zach and I began to write again. We're having so much fun with drafts and multiple ending in mind that we kind of get out of writing the new chapters--oop--sorry about that and with the ongoing lockdown, quarantine because of Corona Virus, our minds get muddled up but not to worry we're both okay in our respective countries and we hope our readers are okay out there too! Stay safe and healthy everyone QAQ

This chapter contains lots of boring parts XD Just kidding but it's more of fight scenes and blood? Enjoyyyy~

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The Maharlika Royal Castle was shaken by the earthquake, leaving everyone in the Throne Room in shock for a few seconds, exchanging glances at each other, In tension and silence until the earth beneath them began to shake with violence once again, a few seconds later, with a thunderous noise. This time, the movement was faster, rapidly escalating in intensity. The walls began to crack, the entire structure began to collapse and quickly falling down like domino pieces.

Every person in the castle began to evacuate, in fear that they would never see light ever again while the sand of the desert began to rise in a sandstrom, covering the crimson red sky, making the whole situation more confusing and chaotic. Naib remained perplexed, looking at the town. His kingdom falling in pieces and his people dying, crushed by the walls and falling debris.

"SIRE! WE NEED TO GO, NOW!"

Jose screamed and took the Pharaoh's arm to force him to move while the floor began to crack by the earthquake. They ran as fast as they could towards the vast desert, that was the only safe place while the earth continued to shake with no mercy.

The Royal Advisor and the Pharaoh had to cover half of their faces to avoid choking with the sand, they couldn't see what was happening but heard the noise and screams of the people of the kingdom. The floor was splitting in two due to a huge crack on the ground, making a few ones fell inside the fissured pillars, leaving them without a possible rescue, the only option was praying for a quick demise for them.

During the evacuation, they had to help various people to stand up again since they can't stand still due to the violent shake on the ground beneath them. The Earthquake lasted for at least fourteen minutes, where the trembling earth began to cease the movement, leaving just a few houses standing alongside the remains of the royal castle. Naib watched his people in agony, while standing in the middle of the sand dunes, waiting in complete silence for the sandstorm to cease and it happened in the next hour. Naib's surviving men started to help the injured ones while Jose tried his best to calm the rest of the people but it did not last long as another earthquake hit them again and this time, the night sky was being covered with ashes.

"...The volcanoes...Are active!"

Someone screamed alerting everyone that survived and the Pharaoh fixed his gaze at the horizon where the sleeping volcanoes began to erupt, covering everything with ashes and menacing the survivors of the catastrophe with the burning lava, it continued for long, the Maharlikans decreased in numbers, food supplies had deteriorated. Those weeks were an absolute hell in Maharlika, the earthquakes were present every hour, it was one strike after another, even with the help of the Sand Dragon, they couldn't manage to save everyone.

The whole Anima was falling in that spiral of catastrophes.

The Plague in various cities, spreading disease and hunger. Provoking a health crisis

The Magical creatures began to act erratic and violent, not leaving the people with places to run after the wave of natural disasters and hunting humans down.

All volcanoes erupting simultaneously, stoning the people who had the minimal contact with the lava instead of burning them.

The blue oceans now painted in a deep crimson red due the blood rain from the Realm of the Deities.

... Half of the population on Anima was now dead due to the wave of natural disasters all across the world.

In Lumina the things were a bit different, even in the middle of storms and small earthquakes, the Revolutionary Army noticed their leaders, Servais and Eli's absence, while they were planning the next move, everyone got worried, but they had no time to search for him, since they were busy with the revolting against their conquerors, Aesop beg to differ and decided to look for Eli, he couldn't leave his best friend behind.

Before his departure, he shared various pieces of information and his knowledge about the Royal Army of Entity and how to fight them, leaving Tracy a notebook full of chemical formulas to develop tear gas and non lethal poisons, as well a map with marked shortcuts to organize the prison breaks to help the prisoners to escape. After providing them with the most of his useful statistics he knows, he leaves and searches for Eli.

By the following weeks, with the dreadful atmosphere across Anima, the Seven Heavens Army was leading the whole revolution in Lumina, fighting against the Entity Military Force now without fear.

Barricades burning in the streets, Molotov bombs being thrown, using improvised weapons, even some of the inventions Tracy Reznik had created, especially the robots, had been an advantage for the army carrying tear gas to disperse the soldiers during the hours of their battles on the streets. The bloodfest was the daily scenery inside the pure white kingdom of Lumina.

The Revolution soon transformed into a civil war, the Entity Soldiers showed no mercy to them, but now the Luminarians had lost the fear and they wanted their freedom back...Even if they had to use the violence to do that. The Kingdom had fallen into the chaos, the fights were violent, the people of Lumina getting harmed in the most horrible ways, the Enticians showing their disgust by releasing their anger with the neutral ones, the ones who never raised their voices and just were mere observers, feeding the anger of the revolutionaries who often were in the frontline of the conflict.

In five months, the revolutionary movement had not stopped at all, in fact, every single day that the fight continued, their anger and desire for freedom was getting stronger and stronger. . . Until afternoon came that Lumina was hit by a colossal earthquake, a replica of the Great Earthquake in Maharlika but that wasn't the worst part yet.

Most of the Luminarians ran away from their houses, compared to Maharlika which had the desert as their safe place, Lumina was different, it was a place of mountainous houses, landslides come hand in hand with the Earthquake, ending innocent lives. Lucky and Tracy went to a high place to watch the damage caused by the telluric movement.

"...Lucky... Look at the Ocean..." Tracy spoke with fear, handing the binoculars to her friend. Lucky took them and fixed his gaze to the shore.

"...The ocean...Is pulling back..." Lucky shaked in dread

They both quickly warn the others about the event that has yet to come but in the next few minutes, the Tsunami strikes Lumina, covering almost half of the city under the red water, destroying houses, buildings and risking human lives. The Seven Heavens didn't run away from the violent rage of nature; instead they headed to the city to help as many people as they could, they carried people to higher places to keep them safe them of the violent waves of the Tsunami, during the commoniton, Tracy saw a familiar brunette young lady in fancy clothing, with a stick on her hand and tapping it in the ground, she seemed lost and confused as everyone else.

"That's the Duchess! Lucky, go and save the others, I will go for her!" The Puppeteer spoke with resolution, but when she was to leave, Lucky grabbed from her arm.

"Are you crazy!? She's the Duke's younger sister! If you save her, you will be betraying us!"

Tracy looked back and forth before speaking, the smell of the ocean filled her nose, the screams of confusion and fear filled her head. She sighed and calmed herself.

"Look around, Lucky. Lumina--No--Anima is falling apart. There's no royalty or revolution here anymore, just human lives. If you can't save a few enticians...Then you and the Duke aren't so different after all."

Lucky was surprised by Tracy's words, he realized that his anger got the better of him, the young blonde struggled a bit from Lucky's hold and began to run then stopped for a second and stared at her the man hanging his head down, Tracy knew he was contemplating for a moment,"Stay safe." bidding her farewell, she dashed to reach the young Duchess, when she finally reached her, she lightly took her hand

"W-Who!?"

"Just follow me! I will lead you to the safe zone!" Tracy spoke and began to run hand by hand with Duchess Helena, looking behind her to watch the waves of destruction.

Aesop suffered the Earthquake too and when it stopped for a moment, his silver eyes turned to purple hues and there he saw the tsunami that would bring destruction to Lumina. Thanks to the God of Death's blessing, he can hear every scream for help within those moments when the waves attack Lumina.

...He was terrified, the screams of agony became so painful to him, he had to run for his life but he can't stop thinking, if he could save the people, he definitely would, along the way he desperately looked for survivor or fallen men

"M-Mommy!? W-where are you!?"

The Exorcist heard a cry coming from a child, he followed the voice and saw a small boy with brown hair, crying and standing outside of a building, without noticing the incoming wave of water behind him. The silver haired knight quickly ran towards the child, carrying him in his arms, speeding as fast as he could towards the closest higher place to save both him and the child. Fortunately, Aesop reached a safe place right in time when the wave crashed violently against the buildings, destroying everything at its path.

"Are you okay!?" Aesop asked worriedly and the child nodded, confused and scared. The exorcist sighed in relief.

"Exequiel!" A woman screamed as she saw the entician with the brunette boy in his arms. Aesop examined and assumed the woman was this child's mother, Aesop released the boy so he can be reunited with his relative,"Oh thank goodness, thank you so much for saving my son!" The brunette lady took the child in her arms with tears on her eyes

"You're welcome, madam..." Aesop replied softly with a smile

After an hour, the Tsunami ended, all the survivors in Lumina were in very high places, they could see the whole destruction of their homeland. Everyone went silent afterwards, just a few cries from the people who lost their loved ones from the disaster could be heard. The members of the Revolutionary Army assisted the injured with a couple of emergency medical kits in their hands, on the other hand, the enticians just were shocked at the disaster and couldn't move a muscle.

"How are you? Are you hurt somewhere?" Tracy asked the tired Duchess who was sitting on the floor, the blonde lady had forgotten to search for her teammates or her group, she only cared about the brunette lady with glasses.

"I'm...Fine. Thanks for saving me, are you alright as well? I can't see too much at night." Helena confessed, she knew that Emma and Emily were somewhere safe, those two escaped together before the crisis and it was just a matter of time to find them again.

"Hey you! Revolutionary scum! Don't hurt the Duchess!"

Before Tracy could answer Helena's question, one of the guards noticed them and approached Tracy violently, The Duchess stood up slowly and stood between her men and her savior, looking at the entician guards, disappointed on how they treat the people, especially in a horrifying time like this.

"She saved my life, Are you not ashamed of yourself, noble and loyal guards of Entity, this woman saved more than one life and suffered a great deal of ordeal losing her loved ones as well yet you come here insulting this noble person, you had no right to do such." The Duchess spoke in an authoritative tone, strong enough to make the guards tremble in her presence,"This is my order, Help the Luminarians and the Revolutionary Army aiding the injured, securing shelter and guidance to those are in need, those Enticians who rebel against my order will be punished severely, understood?"

The Royal Guards could only bow at the Duchess' order and began doing their task. Thanks to Duchess Helena, the entician guards began to help the revolutionary army to treat the injured, Tracy smiled and expressed her gratitude.

Even if the destruction of the kingdom was dreadful, the people began to do their best to cooperate. Improvised nurseries were built in a few empty houses to help any wounded and sick survivors, the guards of Entity delivering rations of food to the people, helping the reconstruction plans. In a few weeks Tracy reunites with Servais, Lucky, Freddy and everyone once again, Helena with her sister, Emma.

Aesop was focused on finding Eli, he didn't know how many days had it been roaming around the Kingdoms and outskirts of each town. It was devastating, each part of Anima had been destroyed by different calamities, he went back to Lumina and as quickly as the disaster had led, Lumina was reconstructing every damage with both the Luminarians and Entician's help. During his walk around the Kingdom, something eerie struck him, everything that had happened from this point and another, something was odd during their journey, the Duke was always one or three steps ahead of them, he didn't want to blame anyone but was there a possible spy in their midst, doing some of the Duke's dirty works for years, he knew something was not right, something did not add up

How did the Duke know of their location back in Yuma? Strange enough, he did not attack, not until we were separated...

Knowing he had connections like Count Jack and manipulated Naib's Royal Advisor as well...

Was he the cause of Eli's disappearance too? Or someone working under him?

So many questions run in his mind. It was not his intention to doubt his friends but what other option he had? Taking advantage of the aftermath of the Tsunami, he sneaked inside the Royal Castle of Lumina, perhaps the Duke had some proof of his suspicions. The halls were now empty, with cracked and broken decorations on the ground, some pillars could easily falter, he proceeded with extreme caution, upon reaching deep inside the castle, he saw a familiar silhouette, It was Vera.

"...What are you doing here?" Aesop asked, looking at Vera, she was standing outside the Duke's office. She didn't answer the Exorcist but her silence spoke for her instead.

Something was knocking in Aesop's mind, once again everything that had happened several months ago, his silver eyes widened as Vera revealed her cold eyes, a facade she wore for everyone back then was crumbling down,"Vera, don't tell me..."

"I'm sorry, Aesop." Vera clenched her fist with her eyes coldly piercing towards her old friend

"How could you? ... HOW COULD YOU BETRAY US!? " Aesop shouted in agitation, he always thought that she wanted to save the Duke but NOT helped him like this and because of her betrayal, lives were lost especially the musician he loves

"We trusted you, Vera. I trusted you!"

"...I know. I do too."

"But you sold us without even thinking, didn't you? I thought you were smart enough not to let your love for Joseph blinded you, I thought that you were better than me in that aspect! "

Vera lowered her gaze and sighed heavily before meeting Aesop's pained expression, "I never loved him. I always loved Claude... I just...Try to search Claude in Joseph"

"Then why?"

"For my sister..." Vera replied with resolve

The Exorcist gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, he was losing his patience,"Do you REALLY think that Chloe would be happy about all of this!?"

" DON'T PRETEND YOU'RE A SAINT, AESOP! You killed innocent people too in Joseph's name! Why can't I---"

" I REPENT. EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE I REGRET ALL OF THAT AND I TRY TO CHANGE! YOU CAN CHANGE IT TOO! YOU HAVE A CHANCE! "

"I. Will. NEVER CHANGE! " Vera shouted at the top of her lungs and began to run towards Aesop, to stab him

The Exorcist snapped at the right moment and dodge the attack, pulling his sacred knife out and began to defend himself from the violent attack but that wasn't an easy task since both had the same trainer and shared tactics. Vera was a nimble fighter and her dirty tricks included her magic being carried in her container, breaking one potion, the gas filled the halls in dark mist to distract Aesop's view, the silver haired coughed violently as the smoke began to invade his lungs, still focused at the surroundings around him, preparing for the next attack, a silent tick from behind had Aesop flinched as Vera slashed Aesop with her knife, earning a scratch from his back, she managed to bring his defenses down and making him dropped his knife on the ground

"Shit!" The Exorcist cursed underneath his breath.

Vera kicked the knife away, inching towards the unarmed Exorcist, forcing him to fight by hand. Aesop tried his best to dodge Vera's violent attacks, afraid of getting wounded again and this time, he had to be cautious, who knows, maybe she planned to tranquilize him and offered his head to the Duke, Vera had absolute advantage on the situation, Aesop had to think of something quickly. Vera was getting annoyed of how the Exorcist defends himself, stabbing him from left to right, when the opportunity came, Aesop grabbed Vera's wrist and with full force, he twisted her hand, enough to make her scream in pain, in an instant dropping her weapon on the floor, Aesop took this chance by punching her in the stomach and made her fall on her knees, pinning her down, locking all possible escape

" LET ME GO, YOU BASTARD! " Vera screamed angrily, struggling to break free. Aesop glared at his stupid friend, lifting his hand up, he slapped the living hell out of Vera, making the other twitched in confusion and silence.

He's not going to kill me? Is he an idiot for showing mercy at a time like this? Vera muttered inside her head , She looked at the Exorcist, his silver eyes did show pity and he sure didn't look like he's planning to kill her,"Why won't you kill me already? I betrayed your trust and it's my fault for the Lunar Prince disappearance, Norton's demise and the Pharaoh's manipulation..."

Aesop sighed exasperatedly, keeping his grip on Vera,"Killing you would be the easiest to escape to all your problems and it's the easiest form of revenge for me but It also means the killer would have to bear the burden ... then he's not different from the one he killed. It wouldn't be good too since you have no chance to repent when you're dead. I will keep you alive, even when you betrayed us and sold our heads to Joseph."

"You are a coward..."

Aesop groaned and gave another violent slap across Vera's face, her left cheek was now swollen and the feeling of burning sensation in her face."I am a coward but this is the bravest thing I did today. Forgiving a friend."

With Aesop's words and gentle smile, Vera bit her lip, her eyes began to tear up, she was so confused, hurt and lost, she always saw Aesop as a brother but when he became close to the Duke, her ideals have changed and she saw him as a threat because she desperately wanted to be in his place, being the Duke's aid. I don't deserve your kindness, Vera's heart spoke for her.

Seeing Vera struggled and broken, Aesop released her and extended his hand to her,"Get up. I have one condition"

"...What's your condition?"

"Help me to fight Joseph and end his madness, I'm giving you a second chance, will you accept it?"

Vera looked at Aesop even with a broken heart, she took his hand to help her stand while drying her tears,"I accept it and thank you, Aesop for opening my eyes, I'm so sorry for everything"

Aesop picked up his knife back from the floor and smiled briefly at her. "This time, I'm counting on you."

With those final words, Aesop walked towards the exit of the castle, promising to inform each other from now on.

Days had passed another numerous encounters had Anima breaking apart once again, the disastrous innuendo did not stop, even without the Duke's leadership, the Duchess was there to keep the people together, both in Lumina and Entity, everyone did their best to help each other, reducing the deaths and destruction from both Kingdoms, Aesop also helped until Vera informed him that several months ago that Duke had escaped Maharlika during his conference with the Pharaoh, Count Jack's disappearance and his machinery as well, Duchess Mary had been captured by Maharlikan Authority, for questioning and interrogation of the events happened several months ago, she theorized that Lumina would be a safe haven for the Duke and maybe it was the only chance both Vera and Aesop can ambushed him when he arrived, after the news, Aesop had rested for the night.

"Can I... Can I do this?" Aesop spoke to himself upon hearing Vera's news, his gaze focused on the night sky, sitting at a broken bench, he was honestly afraid, what if he falters by the sight of the Duke again or what if he failed to end his life? Was Norton's sacrifice for him all for nothing? He was also preoccupied by the fact that Eli was missing, Maharlika and Entity were in a dreadful state, what about Naib? What happened to him and his people? Even the task to be the Dark Crystal's next protector and stop Nightingale's evil scheme was too much for him to carry

"...What should I do, Norton? . . .I'm so afraid..."

Aesop took his head in a heavy sigh, he was on the verge of tears but soon after, he noticed a small spark of light and heard soft footsteps approaching him from behind, he felt curious and turn his head around, meeting an unknown figure of a tall man, he couldn't see more of the mysterious figure and he was now standing in front of him.

"Are you the protector of the Dark Crystal?" The man asked and Aesop slowly took the hilt of his sword, showing his distrust, glaring violently at the man

"Who are you?"

The man laughed a bit and approached the Exorcist, letting the moonlight illuminate his face. Sharp face features, his face appeared to have a slight trace of a beard, brunette hair, eyes with the same color but with a slight bluish spark on them, he seemed tired but with a wise and calm aura surrounding him, He smiled gently to the silver haired entician.

"I'm the God of Space and the original protector of the Dark Crystal, Orpheus."

Aesop's silver orbs dilated in surprise. The man truly seems to be a God, his presence was so powerful and magical, at first the exorcist felt threatened but upon observation, he was filled with light and warmth, he bowed to show his respect and stared at him once again,"Sorry for my behavior! I didn't mean to be rude" He quickly apologized, making the Primeval God giggle a bit.

"Do not worry, my Child. In fact, it calmed my heart to see your first reaction was a defensive one... Soul Catcher, choose his successor well." Orpheus noticed an immense sadness behind those silver eyes when he mentioned the name of the God of Death, he can see how the exorcist's soul was being crushed by mentioning the God's name while being surrounded by grief and heartache.

"Aesop, can I ask a question?"

"Yes, benevolent ruler, what's it?"

"If you could see Norton for one last time, what will you say to him?" The God asked in a calm voice and Aesop's lips began to quiver and his eyes began to tear up. He slowly touched his chest and lowered his gaze, sobbing in silence.

"I just want to tell him...That I'm so sorry for being so blind and that I always loved him... That I'm so sorry that his last memory of me, is that of a heartless person... I'm truly sorry about what I said, I never meant to hurt him... I love him... I love him so much and... And I miss him... A part of me died with him and... And..." The exorcist fell on his knees, crying uncontrollably and clenching his chest tightly, Orpheus just remained in silence, looking at the broken mortal in front of him. "I can't feel happiness anymore... I don't care if I only see Norton again, even for a couple of seconds, I just want to say that I love him... I just want to see him one last time..."

Orpheus sighed and offered his hand to the mortal to help him to stand up again. Aesop took his hand and surprised himself that he broke down in front of the Creator of Anima like that, The God only looked at him with concern, like a father would look at his child with love

"I know that this isn't the best moment for me to ask of you but I needed the Dark Crystal's power to stop my sister from causing continuous havoc around Anima."

"I see, All is well. I will give it back to you." Aesop closed his eyes, to feel the Dark Crystal inside him, a soft purple light shined from his chest and managed to summon the crystal inside him and revealed it in his hands, he offered it to the God before him, Orpheus smiled at him kindly

"Your heart is kind and your soul is noble and righteous... Keep your faith, Aesop Carl, I promise you, when everything is over, I will grant your heart's desire. I grant blessings to those who believe in genuine love and sacrifice and until that moment...Keep praying and you will be heard."

The God of Space began to disappear, leaving a trail of pure white feathers around Aesop, when he was alone, his eyes were filled with tears once again, the talk with the God of Anima had given him hope and strength to carry on, he can now face forward with courage, leaving all his doubts behind making the Duke pay for his crimes, he was not aiming for revenge this time but the Duke's repentance for everything he had done to everyone all these year, he will fight the Duke and he will gladly do so.

It wasn't long till Vera informed Aesop of the Duke's presence in Lumina by Vera's instruction Aesop sneaked with ease inside the Castle, Vera on the other hand was following the Duke, she was cautious not to break any suspicion towards him, she didn't want him to think that their alliance had been broken after all or else all of Aesop and her efforts will be nothing but toll on their heads

"Why did you come back to Lumina? There's nothing left to rule in whole Anima, Joseph, We lost. We can't bring your brother or my sister back... The best thing we can do is give up" Vera spoke, in hopes that making the Duke felt hopeless, he would be despairing and probably meet his demise,

"You're wrong, Vera, we still can win. I know that the Dark Crystal is in Aesop's possession. I will steal it from him and I will fulfill my goal and I don't care how many lives have to suffer because of my actions. I started this, I planned to end it."

"Then you are a lost cause, Joseph."

Discreetly, Vera threw a small bottle of her potions, filling the room with dark smoke. The Duke opened his eyes in surprise and held his breath while he tried to locate where Vera was but when the smoke began to dissipate, he felt a knife against his throat, he looked slowly from behind and chuckled maniacally, he saw the Exorcist keeping him bound. The Duke glared at Vera and spoke in a cold tone,"So, are you betraying me as well, Vera?" The brunette did not say anything and just pointed her weapon at the Duke,"Very well then, I will kill you both, right here, right now"

With his elbow, The Duke punched Aesop in his torax, making him lose his grip for a moment, releasing him from his grasp, the three unleashed their daggers and swords, The Duke took this opportunity to charge at Vera with a sword on hand, it happened so fast that he lightly slashed Vera's abdomen, Aesop dashed to Vera's aid only to meet the Duke's sword and both of their sword into a strong clashing sound, pushing each other with their whole strength, Vera took one of her potion and a knife on hand and began to attack the Duke from behind, with the Duke's fast reflexes, he attacked Aesop's knee making him fall on his defenses while dodging Vera's surprise attack, grabbing her by the arm letting the two of them crash on each other, making the Duke took a step back and stood up in an offensive stance. It was very easy for the Duke to fight the two of them head on, since he's confident that the two will be hesitant to kill him, unlike him, he craved for blood, killing them would be so easy, after all, these two are his most loyal subject that betrayed him, his heart filled with anger and enough to fuel his desire to punish them

Another rapid attack, Aesop speed towards the Duke, trying his best to match his swordplay, while Vera aid him by releasing her chemical containers and when opportunity come, she would attack him the best she could with her knife, when Aesop almost reached the Duke's chest to stab him, the Duke immediately grabbed him by the neck and knocked him down by gripping Aesop's head and slam it against his knee, the exorcist fell unconscious, In disadvantage Vera gritted her teeth and charge towards the Duke, engaging into a fight, while waiting for Aesop to recover, Vera landed a few scratches on the Duke's body but not enough to make him falter from the pain

"How rude..."

The Duke was now irritated, he considered the fight a waste of his time. So, wanting to end the encounter quickly, he immediately took Vera's arm and twisted it behind her back, breaking it without thinking twice. She screamed in pain, the Duke stabbed her stomach from behind as she spit some of blood and fell on the ground, holding her bleeding wound and groaned in despair

" VERA! "

Aesop called while shaking his head, by the sight of one of his loved one slowly dying, his anger boiled inside him as he firmly took his sword and took a strong step, dashing towards the Duke. His movements were more erratic, making his opponent struggle before his attacks. Their swords collided incessantly, they both looked like wolves wanting to tear each other's throats. In that violent fight, the Duke managed to stab Aesop's shoulder but even with an injury like that, Aesop didn't show any pain and continued the fight.

" JUST SURRENDER, YOU FOOL! YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A TOY, A PUPPET! NOW ACT LIKE THE DOG THAT YOU ARE AND GIVE UP! "

" I. WILL. NEVER. GIVE UP! "

After that short exchange of words, they both continued, the Duke noticed how tired Aesop looked like right now, taking his time with the fight and conserving his energy, when Aesop had an opening, letting his guard down, the Duke kicked him by the foot, making Aesop lost his balance and fall to the ground, releasing his sword, he was about to pick himself up and grabbed his sword but a kick was impacted on his face, making his headache and nose bleed, given the opportunity, the Duke punched him continuously, making his pain and exhaustion took a better of him.

It wasn't long till Aesop couldn't even get up, he was bleeding and bruised, The Duke took Aesop's body and threw him to the wall like a ragdoll, while Aesop groaned in pain, he felt as if his ribs were breaking and was spurting a huge amount of blood from his mouth

"Aes... ae... A-AESOP!" Vera screamed in fear, her voice laced with worry for her friend but she flinched when she saw the Duke standing in front of her, with a cruel smile and his hands stained with the Aesop's blood

"Now you see what happened to the people who betrayed me, Vera Nair?" The Duke asked coldly at the woman lying on the floor, he stepped on the wound on her stomach, making her scream again in agony. "Nobody is going to save you, my dear Vera." he raised his sword to kill her but was stopped when he heard a faint groan, fixing his gaze in the beaten body of the Exorcist.

"I... I will not let...Him... hurt...You... Vera..." Aesop struggled to speak, while he was trying to get up once again. The Duke laughed at his poor state.

"You can't beat me, My Dear Aesop. Your beloved musician already gave his pathetic life for you. No one will be there to sacrifice their lives for you ever again, you will die alone and lonely for eternity." The Duke mocked remembering that pathetic sacrifice the Musician did

Aesop laughed at the Duke's commentary,"And that's....The reason...Why I will never give up..." He wiped his bloody face revealing his silver orbs now turning into faint purple hues, shining like amethyst, it surprised both the Duke and the Witch

The Duke looked around, the devastated throne room began to be illuminated by green and blue flames. The earth began to shake and coffins with yellow roses began to rise from the Underworld itself, A swirl of marigold petals surrounded the Exorcist, who closed his eyes, feeling the power running through his veins, healing his wounds and recovering his strength, he didn't felt any pain like the one he felt when he was controlled by the Star Crystal, instead he felt a warm, tender embrace, full of love with that familiar fragrance.

"...Estás cumpliendo tu promesa, ¿verdad? La de jamás dejarme solo..."

You are keeping your promise, right? To never leave me alone...

Aesop mutters to himself with a soft smile while a few tears fall down to his face. His black and crimson attire now was replaced by purple colors, with a beautiful floral embroidery. The flames burned down that black tie that was the symbol of his connection with the Duke, releasing his silver strands. His holy sword now is decorated with silver rose thorns and his facial features slowly being decorated by the same tattoos of the God of Death, the Soul Catcher.

Fire and Flowers.

Life and Death.

They were one.

The ancient promise was fulfilled.

...Norton was always protecting Aesop.
And Aesop was now fighting for the sake of Anima's future.

The Witch fixed his gaze in the Exorcist, her cerulean eyes widened at Aesop's transformation

"...The Grim Reaper..." Vera muttered under her breath.

Aesop was activating the full potential of the God of Death's powers. The Duke clicked his tongue in anger and irritation, firmly taking his sword and fixing his gaze in the former knight who betrayed him. For that very moment, The Duke saw the face of his twin brother, he could feel the sadness and fear in his gaze, like if he were questioning his actions. The Duke lowered his gaze and tried his best to ignore what he had seen. That couldn't be Claude , he'll never be happy of what he had become, he was a monster, he tried his best to forget him but why did it still hurt to see his dead brother's silhouette?

"I will kill you... I WILL KILL ANYONE WHO TRIES TO DEFY ME! EVEN IF THEY'RE A GOD! " The Duke screamed, losing his composure but Aesop remained calm, taking his Holy Sword, the coffins began to spin around them.

"Come and try it."

The Duke gritted his teeth and rushed towards him, who used the coffins as shields, Vera just stayed on the floor, watching the two engaged in a fight, the marigold and yellow rose petals fall from the roof, She was speechless, she never thought that something like that was possible, Her eyes filled with tears, she was remembering her sister and deceased lover, repenting as she breathe slowly, still had her hand gripping on her fatal wound, luckily her potions were there to help her to dull the pain and lessen her injury, "So...That's the true power of a love's sacrifice..." She dried up her tears and took her dagger once again, standing up proved to be excruciatingly painful for her. "Claude...Chloe... I'm sorry, but I need to fight him...For the sake of our world."

Vera took a step forward, Aesop noticed her decision to fight alongside him, he was a little bit worried, Vera was injured gravely, while he was busy distracting and dodging the Duke's attacks, he summoned one of the coffins right behind her. Vera understood the intention and let herself fall into the coffin, which closed for a couple of seconds, the celestial power inside was enough to heal her wounds completely, It was also a great opportunity to let Vera sneaked past the Duke and attacked him from behind, taking extreme caution, Aesop let the coffins switch and distract the Duke and when Vera's coffin landed on his back, she jumped out of the premises and kick the Duke from behind making him groan in pain and divert his attention on Vera, his defenses have been failing him, Aesop took a step forward and punch the Duke across the face and let him fall to the ground, he took his knife and stabbed him in his torso, while the Duke screamed in pain

"Duke Joseph Desaulniers of Entity Kingdom, you are under arrest." Aesop spoke coldy while Vera tied up the Duke's hands behind him, his feet bound together with a rope. The coffins began to vanish as well, Aesop returned to his original form, surprisingly the Entician guards were shocked by the event but did not attack the two, instead Aesop took this opportunity to command them to arrest the Duke which they followed without any question and take the Duke under their care.

"We did it...We defeated him..." Aesop smiled softly, he was tired after the fight and using Norton's powers was quite taxing for him

"Yes...But it's not over yet." Vera chuckled a bit.

"Yes, I know, Chloe and Claude would be proud of you, Vera."

That comment caused Vera to cry, for once in her life, she believed in herself, she believed that she did something right, it made her burden and crimes dissipate,"Thanks for the second chance..."

The two go back to their safe haven and inform the others of the events that occurred earlier. Aesop decided to visit Maharlika after he was fully recovered

**************

Hello Eli.

Who's that?

I'm Elumina.

"Huh"

The Lunar Prince slowly stood up and scanned his surroundings, he was a little bit surprised everything was painted in white, an endless nothingness in space but he was sure he heard a soft voice, it was familiar yet he couldn't comprehend who was the person, his head shifted from left to right to find he was alone. Maybe I was hallucinating, Said the Prince to himself

Eli.

There it is again that voice

"Who's there?" The Lunar Prince whipped his head around but there was really nothing there, he furrowed his brows in disappointment,"Please, I know you're out there and you say your name is Elumina, nice to meet you but where are you?"

I'm here, Eli.

"Here where?"

When Eli turned his back, a flash of light luminate a figure which made him shut his eyes from the brightness and slowly opened it again when it becomes a little dimmer, a silhouette of a man wearing all white stands before him, smiling, what was striking about this man is because he had that same beautiful cerulean orbs Eli has, the mysterious figure approached him and patted his head lightly

"Hello Eli, let me introduce myself, I'm Elumina, your ancestral dragon."

Mesmerized by the introduction, Eli's eyes flickered,"I saw you in one of the paintings we have in our kingdom and my mother used to tell me stories of your kind, I was surprised that the Lunar Royals are descendants of your kind because you fell in love with the shrine maiden, Lady Blanca. It's an honor to meet you."

"You're knowledgeable my dear prince." Elumina smiled,"I'm thankful that my lineage lived all these years, the Sand Dragon, the Pharaoh's of Maharlika kept their promise to me and protected Lumina Kingdom."

"The Pharaohs had a promise with you?"

"Yes, long story short, the Sand Dragon and I are best friends or something more." Elumina chuckled when he saw a flash of interest in Eli's eyes

"Oh, here I thought you are lovers." Eli teased

"Well." Elumina raised a brow at him, he didn't expect he would be this playful and pet Eli's head,"Let's save that story for later, right now you need my help Lunar Prince, I can help you escape in this prison that the Goddess locked you in."

"Really but how? There's nothing in here but a vast of white land"

"This is your mind and your vessel, it's just taken over for now the only way out is to separate your mortal and dragon soul and once unleashed, I will ask of you, free my brothers and sisters at Dragoon Kingdom, they will help you save Anima, I believe the destruction is caused by the primeval siblings fighting over the crystals once again, if you do what I told you to, you and your friends can save Anima."

Eli contemplated, he wanted to save Lumina but this was a big mistake when he accepted Luz's help, he never expected it was that Goddess who betrayed his brother, if unleashing his other self is the only way to save his people, he'll take this chance somehow, he needs to risk leaving his mortal soul behind if he wanted to save everyone, with the fire in his eyes, the two crystal shown great light which surprised Elumina, Eli spoke

"Alright, tell me what to do, Great Lunar Phase."

Elumina smiled like a proud father with his enchantment through his ancient tongue, he divided Eli's Mortal Soul and Dragon Soul, releasing him from his vessel, to solidify his Dragon Form, unleashing him inside Goddess Prison, she was quite surprised a ray of light was cast out of her chest, a white beautiful creature with cerulean orbs emerged and flew out of her gauge, due to her surprised, she was unable to catch the creature that dash across the sky making its way to Dragoon. During Eli's flight, he was surprised how much damage that everyone's greed had brought, following the Lunar Dragon's request, the Lunar Prince unleashed a light beam, breaking the metal prison in which the dragons were imprisoned under Dragoon Kingdom's Dungeon, the dragons soar off the distance, Eli commanded them to protect all living creatures in Anima which all the Dragon obeyed

**************

The same velvet sky, Naib and the Sand Dragon, hovering around Anima looking for mortals to aid and at the same time searching for their comrades, Naib was honestly worried for Eli since he haven't been in contact since the war and disaster that's happening with Aesop's help, defeating the Duke and giving two of the crystals to him plus with the help of the Sand Dragon, Naib controlled both the Moon and the Star Crystal, commanding the land and creatures to protect what they need to, when he was blessed by the crystals and the Sand Dragon, he was surprised that his whole attire and looked had changed, His hair turned blue, his attire glittered into a beautiful blue hood with leafy designery, a glowing flower in his right chest, his pants were darker in hue, the lines in his attire had golden linings and his eyes shine as bright as the sun, he can also take a flight with all those little lights surrounding him, The Sand Dragon called him Clarity

After a long flight, Naib's Clarity form and the Sand Dragon had stopped and stared at the distant velvet sky, Malakili huffed, feeling the wind brushed his body, he felt a familiar yet peculiar presence of someone he knows

"Something wrong Great Malakili?" Naib asked curiously

I sensed the presence of one of my comrades... Lunar Dragon...?

"There are more dragons! Will they help us?!"

I believe so, what is your will, Pharaoh?

"Let's go where the drag---AH!"

A strong gust of wind surge above the Sand Dragon and Naib's head, their eyes widened and saw a white dragon flying across them, without further delay the two decided to followed the white dragon and to their surprise the white dragon halted and looked at the two dubiously, The white dragon slowly landed on the ground

Is that you, Elumina?

The white dragon stared at them in confusion, he seemed like he didn't understand what they were saying, they gently approached the white dragon and it became apprehensive when they did but when the white dragon saw Naib, he quickly rushed to his side and put his head near him and stare at his Naib's golden eyes, Naib knew something familiar about the white dragon

"Eli?"

The white dragon flapped his wings happily when his name was called, the sand dragon stared at the white dragon sadly and sighed

It's his descendants... I'm surprised he managed to transform into a dragon.

"Same here, I never knew Eli could transform into one but he looks like he doesn't understand us. How can we communicate?"

We don't. Let him follow us and help Orpheus to put an end on Nightingale. She's getting chaotic.

"Right." Naib looked at Eli and gestured him to follow them, Eli didn't understand but when he saw the Sand Dragon drifted to the sky with Naib, he tailed them behind, surfing across the realm of the deities, Eli kept his eyes on Naib, nuzzling his dragon head near him, Naib felt that overflowing warmth from him and smiled,"I promised to get you back to normal... I love you, Eli."

The White Dragon's heart drummed in his chest as he stared in Naib's face. I love you too, Naib. for a moment there, Naib heard Eli's voice and simply grin at his confession

When the three had arrived the primeval siblings are already fighting to death, breaking the sky, while the other deities and living creatures that protect the realm were injured and some had already passed away, The White Dragon seeing all the chaos flew in between the two while howling, stopping their deathly blows, the two primeval siblings halted their attacks

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the little dragon prince and his playmates."

"Eli, you unleashed your dragon soul." Orpheus called, glaring at his sister who now has the Lunar Prince vessel as a Night Owl,"Nightingale stop this nonsense, why do you want to rule so bad, this conflict had been going round for centuries, our creation are suffering because of our selfishness"

"If you only give me the power of the crystals and let me rule! There won't be any destruction!"

"Why do you wish for it so badly? Why do you loathe both of us ruling Anima?"

"You were loved by all! I was always in your shadow! You want what is good, right and just! I wanted the same but no one recognized me!"

"I do, my dear sister... Was it not enough?"

"What...?"

"You may never know but a lot of our creations adhere to you, respect you, why can't you see that? You are an amazing Goddess in your own special way, you were clouded by your own jealousy and rage that you cannot see your own importance, in your own eyes, I keep telling you all of these, without you, Anima will never be balance, beautiful and perfect as it is, Please my sister, let us end this war, for us, for the people of Anima, for everything."

Before the goddess could say anything, the sky cracked in half and saw the dragons trying to use their celestial powers and rebuilding it, the realm was in deep chaos being engulfed by darkness, she never noticed the destruction their fight had done, it made her horrified, the first crystal war was nothing this broken, she turned to Orpheus and he knew that his sister wanted nothing but to end this madness they caused unfortunately for the two they have no more power to do so, Naib rushed to the two Primeval Siblings and negotiated

"If I may, great divine beings, will you allow me to help you restore the balance with the two crystals in my possession perhaps it might help restore Anima to its original form."

"Preposterous! How can a mere human like you---"

"Nightingale." Orpheus cut his sister, he believed in the strength and bravery of the Pharaoh and let out a breath before speaking to him,"The White Dragon also has the Sun and my sister the Sky Crystal, I shall give you the Dark Crystal and we will bless you with the remainder of our celestial power, Please help us save Anima. Pharaoh Naib Subedar."

"As you wish." Naib bowed politely

"Brother, they're lower beings! How can they save our creation!"

"Do not underestimate them nightingale, remember how you underestimate the God of Death? He is the reason I am here now, because he passed the Dark Crystal to his lover and remember you underestimate his little brother as well, the God of Life, hm?"

"Fine... Then I shall aid these lower beings. I order you to help us, Pharaoh Naib."

Orpheus only chuckle at his sister's demanding tone with the power of the two, they gave their blessings to Naib, he casted himself on top of their world, Anima, the crystal emitted a great power bringing back what was left broken, damage and passed away, the trees began to bloom, the water flowed, filling the ocean, sea and rivers, the Kingdoms were being repaired, the fatally wounded were being healed one by one, Anima was slowly glowing with pure light and beauty, restoring back to its original form, the creatures have stopped and watched the magnificent display that the Pharaoh had displayed. The war was over, everyone has been graced with peace, returning to their own world.

After that, everyone goes back into their realm, Naib, Eli and the Sand Dragon stayed with the Primeval Siblings but one thing that is quite concerning to Naib, when Nightingale regain her original form, Eli did not turned back into his Mortal Vessel however he turned into a tiny white dragon who's walking with his small dragon feet following Naib around

"Oh dear, Why was the Lunar Prince turned small." Orpheus stared at Eli, the little dragon only tilted his head at the God and ran behind Naib and poked his little dragon head between Naib's feet

"I don't think that's the problem, Great God of Space but he's not a mortal, he's still a dragon." Naib replied worriedly, he lifted little dragon Eli in his arms while the little dragon nuzzled in his chest,"Is there any way we can turn him back? I don't want Eli to be stuck like a dragon forever."

You will probably marry that little white dragon prince, Young Pharaoh.

The Sand Dragon chuckled while Naib frowned at his remarks, Naib looked at Eli but the tiny white dragon just flapped his little wings happily being stared at, he let out a sigh

"Well, we can keep blessing him until he regains his original mortal self. However, it will take some time but for now, Take care of your little dragon boyfriend. We will give him a necklace to direct our powers into it." The Goddess spoke worriedly, staring at the cute little dragon, she looked like she have a soft spot for baby dragons like Eli

Months had passed, A lot has happened, The High Council apologized to the public and the dragons of their crimes of imprisoning the great magnificent creatures and they were pardon, The people of Anima helped each other little by little, Vera, due to her treason was in house arrest because Aesop pardoned her actions to the High Council for helping him stopped the Duke, the Duke on the other hand was sent to jail under Naib's jurisdiction in Maharlika and was waiting for his final verdict once the Lunar Prince turned back to normal

The Lunar Queen took care of Eli while he was in little white dragon form because Naib was busy with both Lumina, Maharlika and Entity affairs, being representative in three kingdoms keeps him away, Eli would just whimpered sadly when Naib is gone and stayed at his room and a small soft space they made especially for his little dragon form, he would eat a little when Naib talked to him through the mirror of chinwag and stared at the sky to wait for his return

After some time, Eli is slowly regaining his mortal vessels which was good news for everyone, nine months had passed till he finally regained his full mortal self and thus the verdict for Joseph's trial will start during Fall.

**************

At the Cold, rusty, dirty and isolate dungeon at Maharlika, lies Joseph, he was there for almost a week now, he was given water and food, something that is not fancy truth to be told but he can't complain, he wouldn't speak at all even if the guards of Maharlika spite him for being a vicious ruler, his crimes had spread across Anima after all, he was hated and damned, he often looked at the sky by a small metal barred window and accepted his fate, it was cruel but he have no choice whatsoever, the fate of a cruel man, he will be forever known in the history as the most merciless, bloody and deadly ruler, nothing more, nothing less

During the 3rd week of the 5th day, he was sent out to meet the Council, The Lunar Prince and his company in public, from above the stage he could see the people's resentment and pay no mind to it, he deserved it, even the Pharaoh and the Exorcist looked at him with wrath and disgust, he stare at the Prince he had his golden locks so he thought he probably glare at him the most, understandable he murdered his family, violated him, oppressed his people and destroyed his kingdom how can he not be hated?

DEATH!

HANGED!

BEHEADED!

BOILED!

BURNED!

STONED TO DEATH!

ENCARLTAMENT!

Those were the words of the people, he let out a breath, in the crowd he saw Vera, her tears brimmed from her eyes as she clasped her hands tightly, must be praying for him to be spared, it was no use to him anyway, he deserve all the hatred in the world, he realized how many times Vera had sacrificed and atoned for him, he wanted to cry but he couldn't show that, he wanted to thank Vera for loving him even if she only cared because she loves claude

"I love you, Joseph... I will die with you." Vera mouthed, Joseph's aquamarine orbs widened, now he had to pressed his eyes hard, they both love each other after all, he was fool, nothing will ever change, he can only carry his guilt in his heart for eternity

"Only the Lunar Prince can decide what the Duke's trial would be." Michiko announced, the crowd went silent and looked at the Prince

The Lunar Prince sigh and spoke,"Joseph Desaulniers, Duke of Entity Kingdom also known as Bloody Sword, I hereby declare... your sins are absolved." The crowd gasped with his proclamation, the prince approached the duke and crouched to look him in the eye, the duke was surprised and did not know the Lunar Prince's intentions,"I know you've done a lot of cruel things in this beautiful world of Anima. You have violated me, hurt my people and murdered my family but I cannot have the heart to kill you nor I cant let your people suffer, without a leader they will be damned and without you the people of the Kingdom of Entity will suffer great humiliation and mistreatment, I cannot allow such."

"Lunar Prince... why..." The Duke's eyes widened,"...why do you have a heart so merciful, I do not deserve it at all!"

"Everyone deserves a second chance." The Lunar Prince stood up and extended his arms towards the Duke,"Will you help us build a new future together, to make Anima a beautiful place to live? This path you will take will be a hard one, mind you that, people will hate you, despise you and you have to do your best to prove you are worthy of my mercy, offer your life to your people, rewrite your mistakes and repent for your crimes."

The Duke cried, taking the Lunar Prince's hand,"Yes, Thank you, My King."

Years had passed, the tides have changed, luckily for Naib and Eli, when they unite their kingdom the boundary had been broken and create a new kingdom in between, Euphoria , a place where mixed race come together, Eli even asked Fiona, the Goddess of Fertility if Naib and him can have a child from their flesh which she had agree to do so after Naib and Eli's wedding, she will grant them children to passed their bloodline to

**************

After the birth of Eli and Naib's children, Aesop would often visit the two and insisted on taking care of them, he would looked at the their children lovingly, It was fortunate to have twins, naming them Naeli and Alen, Naeli because of their names combination and Alen means ' Night Clarity' in one of Maharlika's tribe in Mapudungun. The twins have a striking resemblance to their parents both have brunette head but the difference is that Naeli have cerulean eyes just like Eli and Alen have caramel orbs like Naib, they were adorable.

Aesop would often visit Norton's shrine, strumming his guitar that he fixed, Jose taught him how to play it, he sang Norton's songs, sent him letters and prayed afterwards. One afternoon after visiting his friends and their family, he visits Norton's shrine again while singing, Joseph was there to pay the God of Death some respect and heard Aesop singing sadly, he waited for Aesop to leave and end up eavesdropping

"I hope you love the song, it is your song after all and I'm a fast learner aren't I, I can play the guitar well and understand the Ancient Tongue, sorry I'm bombarding you with sweets and letters, I bought them from the places I've been through." Aesop placed an apple pudding on Norton's altar,"It came from samosata, Lucky and Tracy spared me some, hope you like them. Have you read one of my letters? I resigned as a Royal Guard months ago and started my own clinic at Yuma. I'm happy that I've been helping a lot of people and invented these antidepressant capsules, I never knew a lot of people needed it. I just don't want them to be too reliant on it, I prayed that they find someone who will fill that hole and sadness in his heart. I'm going strong, Norton, don't worry..."

Hearing Aesop talked at Norton's shrine broke Joseph's heart, he never knew that his selfishness, greed and wrath brought this to someone, he remembered what the Lunar Prince had said, for him to repent for his crimes and live with it, Joseph knows he can't change anything but he will still try to atone for his sins by helping others in the best way he can. He slowly approached Aesop, feeling Joseph's presence, Aesop flinched and glared at him

"What are you doing here?" Aesop spoke coldly

"To pay my respects." Joseph simply replied, he walked past him and placed a bouquet of flowers in Norton's altar,"Edelweiss... It means deep love and devotion..."

"So...?"

"I've heard from the Deities back then, that the God of Death saw your soul and the first thing he saw was edelweiss." Joseph said morosely, looking at Aesop with kindness,"You have a beautiful soul."

"You know that whatever you say won't change the fact that I loathe you." Aesop let out a breath, his eyes began brimming in tears,"I'm sorry but..."

"It's alright, I know what I did--no--everything I did was unforgivable and I will be eternally responsible for that but that won't stop me for asking for everyone's forgiveness or at least helped them the best way I can, carrying all these burden in my shoulders." Joseph casted his eyes down and sat at the shrine,"But I do pray to the God of Death or whoever can hear my plea, to please bless Vera, if anyone or any curse fall upon her, let me be the one to carry that, let me be the one to suffer, she don't deserve it..."

Aesop saw how miserable Joseph looked like atoning for his sins, all his hatred was cast aside and he sat down on his side,"No one deserve to be in a cruel world. You and I are victims but even so, it doesn't justify what you have done however you're doing well for repenting for your crimes, I'm proud of you for that."

Joseph snickered and stared at Aesop,"I am here to cheer you up, not the other way around but thank you, that means a lot coming from you."

"You still gave me a purpose in life though..." Aesop stared back at Joseph,"...Even if everything was fabricated from the start, It's because of you I met Eli and he became my best friend, I met Norton, the love of my life, Naib and everyone, if I hadn't met you, I will never ever meet so many amazing people."

"I see. Then, I am glad I made one good thing in my life." Joseph chuckled and stood up,"Thank you so much for this beautiful conversation, Dr. Carl, I promise I won't make the same mistake and make everything right again."

Joseph left Aesop alone to be with Norton somehow and continued praying in his shrine, he still had faith he'll come back to him someday soon.

**************

Two years had passed the twins had their fourth birthday, Everyone in the Kingdom celebrated with glee and cheer, it was very fun, Naeli on the other hand clings on Aesop more than his parents, Alen would just hide behind Eli or Naib, they have a children's party and the adult's party separately

"Aesop! Lookie!! I made flowers!" Naeli jumped around Aesop happily

"That's a very pretty flower." Aesop patted Naeli's hand,"I heard your ancestral dragon, Elumina gave Lady Blanca, his mortal lover flower origami, to show his affection, love and devotion for her, you have a talent, Naeli."

Naeli's eyes glittered in joy, Eli approached Aesop and carried Naeli in his arms,"Aesop, are you visiting the orphanage with Vera again?"

"Yes, I need to provide the children there for their monthly check up after all."

"Goodluck and stay safe okay?"

"I sure will." Aesop bowed politely,"Thank You, Eli and be a good boy for me, Naeli."

"Naeli is a good boy!"

During the party Eli let Aesop stayed in Lumina Castle since he was too worried about his mental state, Eli knew that Aesop was dealing with a lot of things he never spoke about but what caught Eli's attention he never took a cup of wine, champagne or any liquor, observing his dear friend, he looked like his whole body is on alert, that made Eli very curious what was going on with Aesop. Inside the royal couples room, Naib hugged Eli tightly

"I want to ask Aesop what's wrong but at the same time I don't want to probe him." Eli spoke to Naib sadly

"Just wait for a perfect time to ask him, maybe he's resting now and you can ask him?" Naib suggested

Eli went to Aesop's quarters, fortunately he was awake but was in deep thought, he was suffering from sleep paralysis, hallucinating, sometimes he saw Joseph or the people that died by his hands strangling him with a cruel smile on their faces, the panic was slowly consuming him until he heard someone knocking on his door, he quickly stabilized his breath, drying his tears and took a bit of water before opening the door

"Eli?" Aesop blinked a couple of times, peeking through the creak in his door,"Did something happen?"

"Nothing much." Eli smiled,"I just want to check up on you, May I enter?" he asked, waiting for aesop to open the door, letting him inside his room

"I'm fine, Eli. I just woke up because my head began to ache, nothing serious."

"I know you are lying, Aesop." Eli spoke in a stern yet concerned tone, Aesop flinched with his words,"Your heart is beating fast, you're sweating profusely and your hands are shaking, tell me what's wrong" he asked without beating behind the bush

Aesop sighed, averting his gaze at Eli,"Just a bad nightmare. Nothing new"

"Care to tell me what that nightmare was all about?"

"Eli, seriously I'm fine..."

" YOU ARE NOT AESOP! " Eli shouted at the top of his lungs with tears dripping from his eyes, he was awfully hurt how his best friend hides things from him especially when he felt like Aesop was struggling alone,"You always say that... I sometimes hear you cry... every night when you rest inside our castle and the maids, your friends and even Vera told me you're nothing eating properly...Please...don't bear this alone, share your loneliness with me, Aesop...please...we're friends...aren't we...let me help you..."

Eli kneeled in front of Aesop taking his hand, it surprises him and crouched to Eli's level and began sobbing while hugging him, he was in disbelief how much Eli cared and watched over him, he felt like he was a burden, he didn't want anyone to pity him either,"Everything... is so painful... It's so heavy... I'm so frustrated... I want to be angry... I want to be happy... I don't want it to hurt anymore..." Aesop shared everything, his parents are gone, his abuse for ten years, the revelation why he was an orphan, how Norton's sacrifice broke his heart and soul, his story was enough to make Eli pity his best friend, he was carrying everything for years behind his smile and kindness

"Why didn't you tell me, Aesop..."

"I knew you would cry, be sad for me... I'm sorry, Eli..."

"Stop saying sorry!" Eli shouted again, he grabbed his shoulders tightly,"Stop being so selfless for goodness sake! Why are you selfless when you're in pain, you're suffering!"

"...Because I was always alone, Eli. That's why I felt so guilty back then when Joseph violated you, it should have been me, I know I can endure it all without breaking anymore."

"Aesop, don't blame yourself for that, it's all in the past...You don't know have to be everyone's knight in shining armor, It's give and take"

"It's who I am." Aesop sighed exasperatedly and touched his chest, with his scar on it,"...I let my defenses down for one person and that was Norton and now he left a hole in my heart... I prayed his name every day and every night, he told me that in prayer I can bring him back, I still am hopeful he will return someday. I love him so much, Eli."

"Let's pray for it together, Okay?"

"Thank you, Eli."

**************

It was the day Aesop will leave the castle to do his monthly work visiting the orphanage with Vera, Eli, Naib and the twins took the time to see him off, As for the them, they are currently celebrating their monthly visit around town and preparing for a festival, Naib decided to talk to the court officials while Eli changed in quarters, when the twins went inside the Lunar Kings Quarters, they saw him changing, Naeli and Alen were dazzled by how many pretty stars their parent had all over his body as he was changing, Naeli being a curious bean tried to poke one from Eli's back, which made Eli flinched and looked at his grinning little son

"What is it Naeli?" Eli softly spoke with a soft smile on his face

"Pretty!" The little boy exclaimed pointing out the stars in his body

Little do Eli know that Stars Naib painted on his body during their first night glowed, he didn't noticed that the marker would glow like that and stayed in his body for years, his scars and bruises turned into this most beautiful star like body in his pale flesh, Alen also had his eyes glued on his painted body

"Oh..." Eli could only stare at his whole body in bewilderment and giggled,"Pretty isn't it? They're all from daddy's pure and genuine love."

"Yeah! Pretty!" Naeli exclaimed once again, it was a permanent symbolism of Naib's eternal love for him

After he finished dressing up, he carried the two and went to meet Naib, it was parade that they held in Lumina, since the twins were so mesmerized with the stars in his body he didn't wear his Lunar Royal Outfit but a blue constellation attire, Naib was surprised, he was wearing that blue glittery attire too that he used when he fought for the war, the royal couple were thinking the same thing after all.

During the parade Eli thought of something, a new celebration, a new event to celebrate the unification, happiness and rebirth of the new Anima, through Lifted and Clarity

Starry Sky And Starry Night Event

Where everyone from all over the kingdom will stare gazed at that one beautiful one sky, they are also required to wear blue shades of accessory, clothing etc to match the event, to appreciate their peaceful realm.

At the orphanage where Vera and Aesop worked, the children were always giddy and happy whenever they saw them jumping around and playing with them, Vera told Aesop to relax and let her take over for now. Aesop agreed and in the midst of a small hidden garden near the orphanage, he sat staring at the star, once again he reminisced

Several years had passed since the second crystal war had occurred, everyone did their best to restore Anima back in its former glory, Naib and Eli even had a family, the Deities happily grace the people of Anima with prosperity, even Joseph was pardon for his crimes and now helping his adoptive sisters to rule over Entity

He felt like those blessings had left him behind

He always helped others

He felt great joy to see his best friend be happy and be with someone he loves

He assisted Joseph and his siblings to gain Entity Kingdoms trust once again, being a Physician and social worker

But at the end of the day, he was alone, everyone was there to help but sometimes his sins will crawl to hunt him again and that bittersweet memories of his tragic love story will never leave him for as long as he live, every day wasn't easy for him

Depression

Sleepless Nights

Fantasies of his demise

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

"One... two... three... breathe"

His method to calm himself during his night crisis.

What would the prayer do? He was never answered anyway.

Even when you are a mess, Even if you felt lost, You are still trying to live, to survive

Orpheus watched over Aesop all these years, preparing a great news for him, every mortal would probably tried taking their life away but Aesop kept on hanging on that thin thread, fighting for his will and finding a reason to live every single day

Even when you are hopeless, you still have faith and believed in miracles

Orpheus remembered his conversation with Aesop, that promising reunion with his beloved. I don't care if I only see him for a couple of seconds...I just... I just want to see him...I want to tell him... Norton, I love you... so much... Those words echoed in his head, this mortal seemed broken yet he kept his faith stronger than anyone else, he's not greedy, he just wanted to confess his love and to see the God of Death one last time.

It's time to give you that special reward, My Child. You had endured that pain for so long, I will change the course of your destiny... Thank you for being strong, Aesop Carl.

"I'm trying my best to continue living, Norton but..." Aesop let out a sharp breath, talking at nothing,"Look at me, I'm hopeless, pathetic and I don't see my future anymore... I'm waiting for you...forever... even if in the end it's all futile..."

Aesop closed his eyes, feeling the wind breeze passed his cheeks through his hair, he hummed one of the song Norton wrote for him, he translated some of them and remembered one favorite song, he sang every night to let him fall asleep

"I know, I belong...

When I sing this song
There's love above love and it's ours

Cause I love you too much...

Heav---"

His song was interrupted by a familiar voice, singing in a peculiar language

"Ruego a Dios tenerte a mi lado
Y entonces poderte abrazar
Si no estas aqui, algo falta
Yo por ti peleare hasta el final..."

Aesop whipped his head from behind, breaking in tears
Norton was there, his gentle charming smile brimmed in Aesop's sight, he was singing for him

Without thinking, Aesop rushed to his side, jumping straight to his arms, hugging him tightly and crying his shoulders, Even if this was all a dreaming, it felt so real

"N-Norton.. I love you.. I love you so much! I'm so sorry, for everything I did, for everything I said, I'm sorry... Te Amo Mucho, Norton..." Aesop spoke between his sobs, Norton didn't say anything and just held him in his arms, snuggling in his shoulders, he caressed his head to calm him down,"..Please if I'm dreaming... don't wake me up ever again... I never wanted to lose you anymore..."

Aesop closed his eyes, feeling Norton's warmth surrounding him, silence filled the air as the soft humming continued to echo in the garden under that beautiful golden sun.

END OF CHAPTER

PS: Thank you so much for reading till the end and sorry for the bad editing and proof reading because once again Apple here is editing while her eyes are half open and her brain wondering off to mars XD

Love you guys alot for tuning in QAQ

Once again stay safe and sound out there <3