Arc III

Final Chapter - Hope

"Hey Roger, gimme one of those." Miya wheezed. The werewolf lit her a cigar and placed it between her teeth.

"Thanks," the elf chuckled. "I want to look like a boss when I die," Miya's expression was smug as she kept the tobacco in her mouth, even if she didn't inhale the smoke.

"Why don't you let me smoke?" Ruby grumbled.

"Why do you want to burn your lungs?" Roger replied.

"Why do you?"

"Because I'm a werewolf, I can do what I want!"

Rafaela couldn't stand the smell of tobacco in a confined space, but she wouldn't argue with a precious friend. Miya was given the best bed in a room for honored guests, and close to her was a fireplace at its hottest, Zilong adding more wood and peeling some fruits. Despite the uncomfortable temperature, Miya was still shivering under layers of blankets. The angel dipped a towel on a warm basin filled with herbs. The medicine applied to Miya's skin eased her pain, but the poison that Balmond inflicted was beyond Rafaela's healing spell. It was too ancient and powerful like Odette's curse, weakening Miya's life force as it spread.

Miya's face was swollen from her cracked skull, and her arms and legs were similarly enlarged. There was no trace of the elf's porcelain skin under all the swelling and rumor of the elf's slim chance of survival spread in Pharsa's village, and it was the reason for Pharsa, Roger, Ruby and Alucard dropped by. While the swordsman Alucard knew Miya, the other two were there just to pay respect.

"Hey Alucard, I know we're not close but I'm gonna say this; get out of the damn forest. There's so much more to learn and discover outside," Miya started. "Listen to me, because if you don't and if I die, I'll haunt you."

"Tsk," the man replied. Due to lifesteal and prior exposure to Balmond's curse, resulting to some sort of immunitu, Alucard recovered faster than anyone. He healed even faster than Zilong who was hiding his injuries from Rafaela.

Miya continued; "Go to Felise and find Lancelot. I swear, he's epitome of manliness. I'm sure he'd want to have a good sword fight with you," she smiled wistfully. "His girlfriend Odette? So virginal and innocent. You cannot find a girl with thoughts so pure."

"Whatever, maybe I'll check things out." Alucard replied, somewhat solemn. "See you in the morning," he said. He was also hoping for the best.

Soon, Roger and Ruby left and the room was just again the three of them. Miya started; "So this is the part where we tell each other what happened when we got separated." She described the events that transpired; the Moon King's spirit, the war that Freya fought, and finally, the truth on Alice's rise in power.

Meanwhile, Rafaela also shared her experience; her and Argus' true origins. She leaving out the uncomfortable kisses and the most terrible detail - that she wanted to murder. Not the place or time. What mattered more was the knowledge she gained from the fountain about Alice.

Zilong's part made Rafaela blink. He revealed his origins, his mission and his encounter with the Monkey King. It answered a lot of mystery about the man, and it was the reason he was so human. "I'm sorry, I didn't say the truth earlier," he said to both Rafaela and Miya. "I didn't know where to start, and I didn't understand what happened to me either. I promise that from now on, I'll be honest with who I really am."

Miya spoke again after a long time; "You have nothing to apologize for, Zilong. I would probably go crazy if I could remember a past life." Rafaela nodded in agreement and gave Zilong a reassuring smile. Miya looked smug; "Besides, sorry for all the teasing. I bet your past life got laid at one point. How many exes did you have?" Zilong just rolled his eyes as a response. The man was annoyed but otherwise endured Miya as all the medicine that the elf took earlier affected her inhibitions.

Rafaela observed Miya's reactions, the proof of her consciousness. Miya got quieter and closed her eyes from time to time. Zilong seemed to look torn as time passed by, clearly being affected on seeing Miya cling to life. He wanted to escape and Rafaela could read it from his body. She took his hand and looked at him straight in the eye; "Stay. You have to be here." When the angel spoke the words, Zilong looked at her with helplessness. It was difficult to see him like that, but if Rafaela showed weakness, then their spirits would crumble.

Miya spat out her tobacco and Rafaela took it away. "It was worth it, the journey has been amazing. Thank you for letting me tag along, even if I am like the third wheel sometimes," Miya smiled and winked at Rafaela.

Rafaela blinked at the metaphor, wondering about its meaning. Did that imply a lower status? "Miya, nobody is first, second or third wheel okay? We're all the same."

Miya broke into a laugh, causing her to cough over and over. After catching her breath she shook her head. "Don't mind that, it's a silly joke." She smiled to the angel. "Again, it's all worth it. I saw what's outside our forest, visited Felise, then witnessed history in this place. I met Odette, Lancelot, Tigreal, Natalia and Lesley. Oh, and Alucard too, and everyone else in this village. I don't have regrets," her voice was weak. From time to time, she groaned in pain. "I just wished I reached the ocean I guess…" She coughed. "I have letters in my bag. You know what to do, you know… if I die." Miya then broke into a grin. "I also commissioned an artwork from Odette, and she said it'll take a month. It's a painting of my naked body on a bed of roses, make sure Estes gets it. Of course, Zilong is not allowed to look."

Rafaela smiled but Zilong frowned, seemingly not amused on how Miya was trying to make jokes. As an Angel of Healing, death had been something natural for her. As much as she loved Miya, somehow, she had just accepted the possibility. Still; her eyes grew heavy as she thought of tomorrow - what if Miya wasn't there by then?

"Hey, I'm not going to die. You two are so dramatic." Miya looked concerned this time and looked livelier than earlier, color returning to her lips. "I can feel my strength returning… Sorry for the jokes, but I was scared too you know? Also, do I really need to be in my deathbed to say words like that? I could have been killed by Karina. Or could have been killed by Lesley. Even if I live tomorrow, I could slip on a mossy rock, fall into a river and drown." She sighed. "Hey, you two listen to me. When I was out there, I was shown my future."

The two were quiet as Miya narrated the circumstances of Alice's ascent and what fate could befall Estes. "The future was terrible. I won't go into the details…" Miya became serious again. "But if I die tonight, then it means the future is not true. It's a good thing isn't it? But if I live, then that also means I can change it."

Rafaela nodded. "Yes, you will change the future for the better."

"Don't believe that destiny or whatever is the reason behind everything. Believe in yourselves. Don't believe in those magical, mystical future predictions. The future is ours to decide." Miya reached out her hand to Rafaela who gently took it. The angel's tears fell as she felt Miya's pulse - much stronger than earlier. The elf's temperature also cooled from the burning fever earlier. Zilong seemed to understood and his face spelled relief. Rafaela kissed Miya's hand as she grasped it, thanking the miracle that happened in that moment.

"You're wounded," Rafaela stood by the door of his room with a basket filled with needles, a pool of thread and bandages. It wasn't the scary part. The angel looked at him like someone would scold a child. Zilong couldn't turn her away as she brought in a basin of hot water. "Why didn't you ask for my help?"

Zilong sighed and scratched his head as the angel invaded his room. What if he pretended to be asleep? Perhaps opening the door wasn't such a great idea. But if he didn't let Rafaela in, either she'd break in anyway or be angrier with him in the morning. "Of course, there's Miya who was hurt-"

"Why are you looking at me like that Zilong? I'm not angry at you. I'm just worried." Rafaela's voice said otherwise. Maybe she was just stressed. Even when she told the story about her reunion with Argus, somehow, it felt incomplete. He didn't want to press her more for answers. "Off with your shirt," Rafaela commanded, looking impatient. Zilong complied. "Your pants too," she added as she put her medical instruments on the bed and sat there, pointing to the spot where he should sit.

He sighed and did everything the angel ordered, unable to deny he was in a bad shape. He winced as he sat on the bed as his legs were still painful from the cuts earlier. He looked back to Rafaela who began inspecting his back. She seemed vexed. "Are you okay?" Zilong asked, wanting to help lift some of the tension he could sense of her.

"I was about to ask that to you," Rafaela answered flatly as she began pulling off his wrappings soaked with dried blood. "This is a very different wound, cursed and meant to hurt even demigods like you. I have always sensed pain, but this one is just… distressing. I haven't dealt with anything like this before."

Zilong sighed and Rafaela began stitching the cuts. He counted around five shallow cuts, but three deep ones where on his shoulders. He hadn't taken into account the damage done to his legs either. Zilong had been used to his rapidly healing body and superhuman endurance and wounds inflicted earlier made him feel like a normal human again - weak and vulnerable. "Just do what you have to do then, if it makes you feel better." He tapped the bed, thinking on how to lift the heavy mood. Knowing that Miya had recovered would guarantee him a good rest, and he hoped Rafaela wouldn't overwork herself. "I mean you like doing this don't you? Being a nurse."

"Seeing your body healthy does make me feel better," she replied as she continued stitching the cuts.

"You mean my half-naked body?" He grinned, then quickly felt heat crawl on his cheeks. What would she say to him?

Rafaela laughed behind him. A success then. "Well maybe." She hummed. "What about mine? Would it make you feel better if I take my clothes off too?" She added playfully before brushing his hair off his back and putting it forward.

"If a nurse is really obliged to do that I can't stop her." There was no good answer that wouldn't embarrass him.

She lightly tapped his shoulder;" Hey, you know I'm just kidding." Her voice softened. "It's been… tiring. A lot has happened and I felt that we should celebrate, you know? Miya's alive. Everyone's alive. We learned so much…" The light mood seemed to have shifted again to a heavy one.

Zilong understood. It felt like a hollow victory. They forced Balmond to retreat and learned important things about the past and themselves, but; "it was nothing compared to what we face ahead."

"Yes," Rafaela whispered and she sighed. "I have to be stronger… I cannot let history repeat itself. If darkness shrouds the world, then we would need a light." She paused. "If I could be someone who could be something- at least a spark- I felt there would be some difference. But I should never be arrogant. If I cannot defeat the darkness inside me… I can never save anyone," the woman said with bitterness.

Zilong knew what she was talking about. He reached to his shoulder and found her hand, so soft and small against his. He turned around to face her and took both her hands. The angel seemed surprised but allowed the gesture. "Rafaela I…" He looked away and breathed deeply before gazing at her again. What to say to give her faith? To ease her burdens? "If am to be a god, then I'll be one. I will win this fight," he declared, clasping her fingers. "I want to protect everyone. I just need to be more powerful. I'll be there to protect you too."

Rafaela's eyes widened and she shook her head. Not quite the reaction he expected. Zilong withdrew his hands, afraid he said something wrong. "Please don't set your heart on power. I've seen how the thirst for power twisted even the most noble ones." The woman bit her lip, her face resembling how she looked when they first met - fear.

He shook his head, "I would never-"

"No," she breathed. "Please don't misunderstand, I believe you are destined for greatness and I will be there to make it happen." She lifted her hand and gently cupped his face, caressing his cheek. "I will never hold you back."

Zilong looked away, regretting how he reminded Rafaela of the person who hurt her. "I don't think you'll ever hold me back." He gazed back at her. "I guess, if you think I'm losing my way, make sure to bring me back."

She turned his face to meet her eyes again, then she smiled. "I feel safe with you because you're so kind and brave. So never lose sight of who you are."

"I'll say the same to you too." Zilong nodded. He hoped that Rafaela would never lose her smile.

Zilong leaned against the tree as he watched everyone in the gardens.

Everyone in the village were jovial. With the chasms emptied and the Miya surviving, the people - including centaurs and the Crow - had been preparing for a feast in honor of their guests. The villagers had been working, setting up decorations, baking and practicing their dances and music. Even if Rafaela wanted to help, the villagers insisted that they shouldn't work, and it was rude not to accept the hospitality. Roger, Ruby and Alucard felt the same as her.

Not to far from Zilong was the rose gardens filled with butterflies. Rafaela pushed Miya's wheeled-chair around. According to the village's medical experts, Miya could walk again after at least a month; however the elf had been recovering in a very rapid pace - even without Rafaela's magic. The reason behind it was still a mystery. Zilong didn't mind the delay in their plans. While he wanted to go back to the East as fast as he could, it was not worth leaving a companion behind. He remembered Sun's words about Miya: "Noble and courageous she might be, you are aware that you will be fighting in a battle of gods. You are bringing her to enemies," Sun snapped his finger, "who can end her life as quick as that."

He shook his head. Fear of death would bring nothing. The women seemed to be so happy after everything that had happened. Soon, Ruby and Roger joined them in their stroll.

Miya's voice can be heard. "I hope you can explore outside too. I live with other orphans, Nana, Irithel and Lolita. I hope you can meet them. I'm sure they will love you."

Ruby nodded and Roger answered; "I can bring her there if she wants to."

The girl's eyes widened in excitement. "I want to! Maybe we can also bring Alucard!" Ruby run away laughing. "I'll ask him!" After running around for minutes, Ruby returned pouting. "He's back in the forest again!"

There was a heavy presence suddenly beside Zilong and the man moved back as instinct. It was none other but Pharsa, the witch. "Not going to join them?"

Zilong knew Pharsa had vision through the bird on her shoulders. He should appear truthful. "I just like the shade for now…" Bad excuse.

"Something's been troubling you," she said with concern. Zilong sighed - he couldn't hide anything.

"The last days have been difficult…" He ran his fingers through his hair. "I need more time to take everything in."

"I understand," Pharsa nodded and caressed the head of her bird. "Nothing's been easy but I can see how strong you are." The witch looked at the direction of Miya and Rafaela. "The two remind me of who I used to be, and I guess… I can find it again - hope. I see them and I see hope and a brighter, happier future. All this time I just plotted for revenge and waited for my enemy, if it wasn't for the three of you, I would have stayed like this." Pharsa bowed her head slightly. "Thank you."

"We are thankful as well," Zilong replied.

"Know that I'll be here. Whatever happens in the future, I will be there to fight with you," Pharsa promised.

From the distance, Rafaela seemed to notice and waved, inviting him to join them. He couldn't. Not at that moment. How long could he hide it? The fear of what the future could bring?

The Monkey King's eyebrows crumpled, face only displayed a pitiful expression. What was wrong? An uneasy feeling washed though Zilong as Sun spoke. "I mean well with this young demigod; don't get too attached to angels."

"What-" Zilong furrowed his brows. "What do you mean?"

"Angels are never meant to dwell in the mortal realm. Their physical bodies are there for the convenience of mortals, but otherwise those are meant to be temporary." Sun walked around and Zilong's eyes followed him. "Angels that linger in this world sometimes learn to adapt humanity, all the good… and all the bad."

"Is this why Argus has fallen?" Zilong answered, the implications making him uncomfortable.

"Perhaps," The Monkey King shrugged. "When angels get corrupted, they lose their divinity and retain their mortal bodies. However, they turn into demons as punishment, doomed to roam like beasts."

"Rafaela isn't like him at all! She's compassionate and selfless." Zilong insisted. "She loves everyone. Everywhere she go, she makes so many friends.."

Sun rubbed his chin. "Love you say? That's exactly what I was talking about. When angels get too attached to this world, they're also unable to leave. Rafaela may choose to remain here, choose to live like a human. When she does, she would lose her immortality and eventually, like everyone else, she will die."

"Still not going to join them?" Pharsa asked Zilong again, breaking his thoughts. She gave him a pat on the shoulder and smiled before fading away.

Zilong sighed. He could just walk away and make an excuse. However, after everything that had happened and how much they learned, the only way to move was forward. It was clearer now - go to the East and learn about the fulfillment of Zhao Yun's purpose, learn about Nost Gal's past and seek Freya and Aurora, protect Estes, defeat Balmond and Argus, and possibly unite the world in defeating the Apocalypse. Like Miya said, the future was theirs. They wouldn't be slaves to prophecy or predictions.

The present is a gift and he would treasure it. Zilong walked out of the shade and into the morning light, following the sound of laughter.

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Again, thanks for all the reviewed this story. Thelittletaco, Ahmed Maruf, Guests and KennyBludvist last chapter. I am grateful for your opinions, feedback and reactions. It makes writing worth it and encourage me to pursue my dream to write a book.

On Raf and Argus - yep I intended it to be like that. Their relationship is complicated, and you are not meant to feel one emotion.

I'd love some reviews for the two chapters released in the same day. It's getting tougher to write due to real life, so I am really hoping for feedback to keep me motivated. Also know that the story already has a fixed ending that will never be changed. However, based on reader reactions I might decide on some variations and adjust the overall tone of the story. Afterall, I do foreshadow some things, and everything I write is according to a plan.

I might continue on August, depending on the reviews this chapter. Here is my plan:

Arc 4 is just a short transition, no heavy plot but has some important characters

Arc 5 is called Shadow of the East. I cannot wait to write Hanabi.

Arc 6 will be shorter and very personal, or maybe combined to the final.

Arc 7, the final arc with be called Apocalypse