Arc IV
Chapter 5 - Until We Meet Again
At least they made new friends again in the City of Scholars, even if it was a short visit. Rafaela hugged the girl for the final time. "It was nice meeting you, Angela," she said and kissed the girl's cheek. Miya also gave the girl some candies. Looking back, the reason they had trouble was because Rafaela spent their savings to buy Angela a large horn. What if they were able to buy the ship much earlier? Then they wouldn't have met the three gentlemen from the east.
Aside from Angela, officers Saber and Johnson were also there to send them off, albeit for a more official reason.
Zilong sighed in relief as Saber unlocked the handcuffs of Lapu, Gatot and Yi Sun-shin. Three days ago, the three men wreaked havoc in the port and caused some minor injuries on some dock officials, as well significant property damage.
With Gatot's power and the fighting prowess of Lapu and Yi, they could have battled the cops that responded. Good thing the three had common sense to raise their hands and surrender. Travelers like Zilong, Miya and Rafa wouldn't be too problematic, as well as some low ranked dock employees. However, the government and law enforcement would be a different matter. Why would anyone want to be a criminal?
"And thus, by the provisions of Ordinance #375, the three of you-" Officer Johnson yawned "-are deported from the City of Scholars." He took out a note from his pocket and recited the laws they violated. "You may return in this city after a 3-month travel ban. If you return sooner, I doubt anyone would care."
"Maybe just don't use this dock." Saber commented as he tossed a can of coffee to Johnson with one hand, bag filled with donuts on his other hand.
"Well, if we need to, I'm sure I will have permission from my king." Yi Sun-shin said as he massaged the part of his wrists where the handcuffs marked.
"Ahh," Lapu stretched his arms upwards. "Thanks for the free food, especially the rice. Haven't had them for days, thought I was gonna starve."
"You're always starving." Gatot remarked. "The beans were also good. Hmm."
Zilong narrowed his eyes on the three eastern men."Don't tell me you surrendered to the police just for the prison food." The trio chuckled as a response. Lapu just looked away and whistled a tune. Zilong rolled his eyes. Well, at least they could go now. He would leave the continent without the guilt of stealing Yi's "wife." Also, having experienced sailors with them would be very much beneficial.
He turned to the cops. "Thank you Officer Saber, you and Officer Johnson have helped us in our stay here." Zilong bowed.
Saber bowed back. "The honor is mine."
"Wait a minute," Miya rested her hands on her hips and leaned forward. "Are you and Johnson the only cops here? I don't see anyone else."
Johnson and Saber looked at each other and both shrugged. "We're probably the ones you just see... by coincidence." Saber said nonchalantly. Miya decided to ask no more and just proceeded to chew what she called a "gum" and head back towards the direction of the ship.
"Ah, finally, I'm with her again." Yi gazed at the ship wistfully.
"Would have wanted more sightseeing." Gatot's sighed, his back hunched. "But sadly we got deported!" He said a little louder, purposely making Johnson and Saber hear. The two cops pretended not hear and proceeded to bite on their donuts. They shared some some of the pastries with Angela but refused to give the girl any coffee.
"There's a next time. We bring our families." Lapu grinned.
"Yeah, my brothers would love to visit here." Gatot chuckled as he gazed back on the city.
Fishing vessels were being cleared for their departure and soon they could set off. In such a large and populated city, they've had far less trouble compared to the first places they visited. Zilong paused as he stepped on the platform leading to the ship. What if they never return to this continent again? He looked back one last time to Saber and Johnson who waved. Angela was also there making noises with her beloved large horn.
"Goodbye Angela! Goodbye everyone!" Rafaela waved from the window of the ship. "One day, I'll visit again!" The girl waved back and jumped on the dock.
"Whoah, it's so..." Miya breathed as the anchor was pulled up and the ship began to dance with the waves. The elf was grinning ear-to-ear. "Hey, Zilong, aren't you a bit scared? You know, sailing to the ocean." Her voice was shaking slightly, as she peered through the small window- or rather, the opening for artillery. Unlike passenger ships with viewing decks, the Turtle Ship had a roof guarded by spikes.
"Are you excited or are you scared?" Zilong asked her.
"Excited of course!" Miya beamed, a childlike happiness in her face. She clasped her hands close to her chest; "May the Moon God shine his light upon us. This is an honor- no, a gift, that I am able to journey to the East." Miya walked towards the window and leaned on the sill. "Thank you, Zilong. For this."
"What? Why are you thanking me?" He asked as he joined her beside the window. Soon, the ship moved away from the dock. The ocean breeze just had the right coolness along with a faint smell of salt. Just nearby he could overhear Lapu and Gatot asking Rafaela about her wings.
"Isn't it obvious? I wouldn't have left our forests if I didn't meet you and Rafa." Miya was silent for a while then she smiled at him. "You're going home now, Zilong. After a long journey."
"Indeed," he nodded, his mind wandering to people he wished to meet again: Mother, Kagura, Hayabusa and others who were still hazy in his memories.
"You know, I don't like being sentimental or wishy washy and those stuff… but I guess I just think about home. I'm going so far away." She said as she stared at the horizon. "But no matter what happens, I'll return." She turned her head towards the west. "I just wonder when. When what we're doing is over. One day, you and Rafa…." Miya's gaze lowered as if she was deep in thought. Zilong tried to read her expression discretely; was there a hint of sadness? Miya sighed and curled her lips in a weak smile. Before Zilong could speak anything she stretched again. "Damn, I can't wait to see our next landing."
Zilong nodded. "Same." Maybe it wasn't the best time to ask and he had no heart to prod about it. Somehow he probably knew. "One place at a time," he muttered softly. Where would be their last stop?
Zilong had nothing but pity for the elf as she spent an entire days in sea sickness, pale and hurling contents to the sea despite Rafaela's efforts and recommended bed rest. Miya's body had to adjust to its new environment, and after a while she looked healthier. For the first time in many days, she agreed to join dinner with the others. Yi, as the captain of the ship, only ate for a few minutes before leaving again.
"Damn, who knows when I can write to Estes again but he should know about this: The ocean sucks." Miya grumbled as she sipped another cup of soju. The five of them sat around a hearth in the cooking area, the smell of grilled fish permeating in the room.
"Oh Miya, don't get disheartened too much. You'll get used to it." Gatot said. "It's hard to appreciate the ocean in this warship. No scenery, all water." He shook his head. "Come visit us in Bali." The man waved his open hand as if presenting a canvas. "White, sand beaches, fresh coconut juice, the most beautiful temples. Bring your family there and enjoy the vacation."
Miya blinked and followed Gatot's hands. Her eyes were lost in imagination. "I've always wanted to see those beaches. I've lived in a forest all my life."
"No no no! Go to Cebu instead!" Lapu burped loudly and his cheeks turned red. "S'rry 'bout that." He drank a fair amount of wine and was slightly drunk when he decided to stop. "Our seafood is the best; squids, oysters and more. Also, if you eat pork, you're also in for treat." The man hummed. "Plus you have to taste our mangoes! Sweetest in the world."
"You know, I'd like to go visit... " Miya blinked. "Everything! It's not like I cannot visit both of your islands."
"Yeah, the three of you can bring your families as well. Expect a full feast when you arrive." Lapu said to Miya, Rafaela and Zilong but no one replied. The man sensed the awkwardness and didn't press for more details about the families. "You know, I just wonder why the three of you travel together. It's just odd."
"Odd?" Rafaela tilted her head.
Gatot stroked his beard. "I don't judge but… Zilong is a man."
"Surprised to learn that information." Zilong remarked as he sipped his wine.
Gatot continued; "Miya is an elf, and Rafaela is a winged creature-" he stopped and furrowed his brows - "winged person." His eyes widened.
It's not too hard to explain their situation without revealing too much details. Miya was to visit places to bring messages from the Elven king. Rafaela was her mage companion and healer, conveniently believed by Lapu and Gatot as a fairy, while Zilong was a traveler who would like to see the world who tagged along. Only if it was as idyllic as that - no impending threat of mass destruction or genocide, no fallen angels nor demons that could end their lives. No destiny of godhood he must grasp.
Soon, Lapu began to sing and use stringed instrument in Yi's ship. He repeatedly just played one note but enjoyed changing the rhythm. Zilong looked at the people seated around the fire; the two gentlemen from the south east enjoying themselves. Miya and Rafaela were clapping along the music, entertained by the display. He wouldn't mind more days like this.
Across Lapu's shoulder, he could see Yi peering from the door. Zilong knew the admiral wanted to talk and stood up.
"Zilong, where are you going?" Rafaela asked. Against the firelight, her hair was like gold. It was one of the details he could remember too well from the first time they met.
"Just need to stretch my legs." He replied, smiling at her. It was nice to see her happy for the past days, especially when compared to how she looked in Pharsa's forest. The City of Scholars seemed to have lifted her and Miya's spirits.
Zilong followed Yi to the navigating room. Without the actual crew, the ship felt so empty with so many clothes, weapons and personal belongings left behind. The ship had some repairs back in the city but sailed without the arsenal of gunpowder. "You need help?" He asked the admiral.
"Zilong, I'm afraid we cannot go directly to the east." Yi said, looking at him straight in the eye.
"Why?"
"It's dangerous." Yi sighed and rested his hand on the steering wheel. "Armadas had invaded the shipping routes, even my kingdom's seas. Worse, they seem to ally with pirates. You know the story on how I got separated with my crew, right?"
Zilong frowned and looked at the stars. "So where will you take us?"
"To the north. Nost Gal." Yi answered. "The south east weather is dangerous for us. If we sail to Nost Gal, we can land on the northern shores of eastern continent. The khans there are my kingdom's allies."
"Understood." Zilong was disappointed by the news but they had no choice. Also, maybe the gods willed that the north would be their next stop. After all, they also sought Queen Aurora and the Freya the goddess. At the back of his mind, a question begged to be asked; "Why are you telling me this, Admiral?"
Yi looked at him with a stern expression and reached out to his own bottle of soju. "Those two idiots, powerful they may be, are my honored passengers, not my crew. I owe them my life." He sipped his drink. "Your two companions are capable in battle, but they obviously knew little about the sea. But you're different. When we crossed our blades I knew you were a soldier. You are also familiar with these type of ships." Zilong didn't respond while Yi held his gaze. "Perhaps you'll feel more at ease if you share responsibility in this vessel rather than be a guest."
"That's correct, I appreciate you telling me this, admiral."
"I've also heard tales of a terrifying warrior among the nations: a young man who was fast as lightning and could slaughter generals even if they hid behind their men." Yi kept his eyes on Zilong. "His skills with the spear are unrivaled, so is his loyalty to his lord."
"What's his name?" Zilong asked, returning his gaze.
Yi shrugged and poured wine for Zilong. "I don't know. I'm just wondering if you knew him. You are the best spearman I've encountered in my life, and the masters knew each other."
"I knew a man you fits your description," Zilong said, accepting the wine. "He was murdered, betrayed by the family he served. Maybe that was the man you heard of." He sipped the alcohol. Well, he wasn't lying.
The admiral nodded, never taking his eyes away from Zilong. Yi had the face of a man who can read people easy. Far too easily. But what secret did Yi need for his benefit? Perhaps none. "That was an interesting story." He sighed. "I just hope that his spirit found peace."
Late at night the passengers were forced to sleep due to Yi Sun-shin's curfew. Rafaela thought that sleep had always been one of the luxuries that humans take for granted. Sleep had also allowed the angel to pass time even though she never needed it.
Tonight, she didn't feel like sleeping.
Rafaela adjusted Miya's blanket as the elf slept on their shared futon. Against the dim moonlight Miya's hair still shone like silver, beautiful against her porcelain skin. They were given the privilege to have their own room and more comfortable amenities. Rafaela never felt that she deserved chivalry, but she respect men who wanted to adhere to the code.
Sometimes she would walk around the ship out of boredom, looking at the belongings of the crew that sailed with the admiral. Some had letters to loved ones that needed sending. Some were artists who made drawings or tiny sculptures. Some polished their weapons and armor even without the eye of the captain. The place was empty save for Gatot and Lapu who were sleeping on the hammocks, swinging with the waves. Their size made Rafaela think that the ropes hanging them would snap any minute. Even in snoring they were trying to outdo each other.
At the navigation room Rafaela expected to see both Zilong and Yi Sun-shin. Both took it upon themselves to steer the ship. As soon as she entered the room she noticed that Zilong was alone, looking at the sea- or at least, he was the only one awake.
"Glad Yi finally decided to sleep." Rafaela remarked. Zilong nodded and returned his gaze to the expanse. The admiral curled on a futon close to the helm, sleeping like a child but never leaving his post. She had always wondered how it would feel like; to be someone comforted and tucked in like a babe. Rafaela warmed her bare arms with her hands. The breeze was cold despite the ship's insulation.
"Yi was working too hard. He said we only needed one more week to reach Nost Gal." Zilong replied.
One week. Such time never mattered to Rafaela in centuries, but now it seemed too long. Their mission to unite kingdoms and nations against the Apocalypse had become clearer, but it was uncertain if they were being too early, or worse, too late. It wasn't just the Queen of the Abyss Alice, there was also the archdemon Balmond, and who knows how many allies they had? They had their own corrupted nexus where her consciousness met Argus. Rafaela hugged herself tighter and shivered.
"Hey," Zilong interrupted Rafaela's thoughts and handed her a blanket. "What's on your mind?"
"Thanks." She took the blanket and wrapped it around her body. Rafaela hummed as she gathered her thoughts. "Things. Everything." The woman smiled slightly and chuckled. "What is ahead, you know? People we will meet. Some are inevitable. Of course, I'll definitely meet my old counterpart again." Rafaela looked away, regretting that she brought up Argus.
Zilong listened to her without any reaction until she finished talking. "Yeah, we'll meet him."
"I'll definitely be ready by then," Rafaela interrupted. "I'm not afraid. I'll fight." Not unlike last time where she gave in to her weaknesses. Her eyes become heavier and hot as the images played back in her mind.
"You don't have to be alone." Zilong said, his gaze on her. He sighed and leaned on the window sill. "I've been wanting to say this for a long time Rafa. It's not your fault."
"...What do you mean?"
"I see you beat yourself after your encounter with Ar-" Zilong shook his head and huffed. "With that asshole. He hurt you and you didn't deserve that."
"I was weak." Rafaela answered, her jaw tense.
"Not to me." Zilong looked at her with sincerity. "Strength measured with the ability to fight, to hurt, and being cruel is what is wrong in this world. That's not who you are."
Rafaela smiled weakly. Zilong has wisdom that astonished her, and his warmth made her feel safe. He made her a little bit stronger. She had nothing much to add to what he said. "Thank you-"
"I also feel uncertain sometimes," Zilong seemed to have interrupted her unintentionally. He stopped but Rafaela nodded, urging him to continue. "Going back home, meeting people I treasured, or those that…" He curled his fists on the sill and took a deep breath. "Sometimes I wonder how much I remembered? How long ago? What if they're all dead?"
"Zilong…"
"What if… I'm not the person I thought I was? I go back home and there was nothing left to go back to." He shook his head and frowned, staring at the darkness and the beating waves. " Zhao Yun was dead. Sometimes, I feel like I'm just his ghost. What if he's not the person I thought he was?"
"You're Zilong." Rafaela replied, she touched his shoulder. "I think… this is why it's important for you to return to your homeland, to confront your past." She took a deep breath. The little girl in the snow, the original Rafaela, was just now a distant vision. She had nothing to go back to. Zilong had family, friends, a home and years of life to remember.
"Yeah," Zilong nodded, still deep in thought. He sighed and scratched his head; "Well, I would have to explain why I'm still alive if people meet me. What story could I give?" The man shrugged and his shoulders slumped, easing away some tension. "But anyway, Rafa, maybe I'm overthinking this. But to be honest, I miss home."
"Tell me about it."
It didn't take too Zilong before he spilled some of his secrets. His memories were hazy but he could describe his mother. He barely talked about family and it warmed Rafaela's heart to hear about a wonderful woman who raised Zilong alone- but it was quickly turned to sadness. The child that the mother raised was already gone. Rafaela pushed away grief as Zilong continued to reveal his memories. He had a humble house, their garden the river beside it, and the village of Iga. But over half his life was spent in the castle belonging to the Omyouji family. "We might have to arrive there in winter. Hope we could still see spring." His face beamed at her, "I'd like you to see the cherry blossoms."
"Of course," Rafaela nodded and clasped her hands together as she imagined the scenery. She knew what those trees are, but it would be different if...
"I promise I'll take you there." He said warmly, smiling at her.
"Let's go together."
Too soon. Zilong's face quickly changed - eyes wide in alertness. "Get down! Ships!" The man shouted and quickly extinguished the lamp at the navigation room. Rafaela followed and dimmed her magic. With Zilong's warning, Yi quickly rose from his futon and grabbed the navigation wheel. "What do we do?" Zilong asked the admiral.
"Wait." Yi closed his eyes and channelled his power. It was different from the magic Rafaela possessed. It was like Zilong's - pure spirit energy. Rafaela peered from the windows to see light raining down from afar. Those weren't meteors at all. The light seemed to be shining down on some objects that Rafaela couldn't discern.
"Ships. Three of them" Yi said, eyes still closed. "Pirate ships."
"You possess such ability. A hawk's vision?" Zilong asked.
Yi nodded. "More than a hawk. Yes, it's my gift, but it takes a lot of my energy. Can't do that again for a while." He sighed and furrowed his brows. "There's something worse, but we have no choice." The admiral pointed to the east. "A mist is approaching."
"Still can't see anything," Zilong muttered under his breath. It's been hours yet the fog remained, blinding everyone in the ship. Their silent, slow treading filled Zilong with anxiety as the sounds of canons were heard throughout the night. With Rafaela's revealing power and Yi's vision, they were able avoid some giant rock formations scattered in the sea, as well as increase their distance from the ships approaching. Miya, Gatot and Lapu had also awakened and kept watch in the other sections of the ship.
"We're surrounded." Rafaela said, worry in her voice.
"How?"
"We avoid some, then more arrive." Yi massaged his temple. "It's an entire armada of a flag I've never seen before. Hundreds of ships." He cursed under breath. "This waters shouldn't be anyone's territory, but judging from their presence…"
It was unfortunate but there was nothing they could do. None of them could have predicted the situation, but Zilong was thankful of Yi's skills in navigation. Cannons fired in a distance and they couldn't tell where Zilong shivered. Something was in the air - a noise, a sensation and feeling of dread.
"Get down!" Yi yelled before a sharp, sound pierced Zilong's ears. Too blind and too little time. Before they knew it, the ship was rocked by canon blasts hitting the water. Yi steered among the chaos, using his vision. "We have to choice. We need to face them. Show them who we are and hope for the best. " The admired said, struggling to stand as the vessel rocked.
Zilong was thrown back with the powerful impact. Around him, nothing was destroyed. Where?
"Miya!" Rafaela quickly dashed towards the other parts of the ship. Zilong followed her while wood exploded around and the vessel shook with each impact. There was no use in telling the angel to protect herself as she looked for Miya. I blink of an eye, a large arm grabbed Rafaela and took her down.
Zilong scampered to see Gatot pinning both Miya and Rafaela down, and protecting them with his large body. Without warning Zilong soon found himself dragged down and shielded. "Hey, what are you-"
Gatot pressed down, trapping him with Miya and Rafaela as debris flew around them."I can't let my new friends get hurt!"
"Lapu?" Zilong, being bigger than the women, had a hard time breathing against Gatot's weight.
"Nah, I'm sure he's alive. Probably." The giant replied.
The cannons stopped. Zilong turned his head to see the sun shining down from the large, gaping hole of the ship. The fog, or the smoke from the attacks began to clear to reveal large battleships around them. No way they could fight… just no way.
"Zilong, do you know these people?" Lapu stood up buried under some debris. He looked like he rolled on charcoal, but otherwise he's fine.
"No, I don't-" He had no memories of them.
"Raise the flag." They all turned to Yi who stood among the wreckage. "I'll gladly fight with my ship to death, but I'm not taking all of you down with me." The admiral looked at the solemnly.
The attacks ceased. Zilong couldn't tell if the white flag worked or if the enemy realized they're firing a ship for no reason. They tensed as a grand vessel, which could be the flagship, approached them. Hundreds of crewmen gathered at the deck to stare at the tiny crew visible from the damaged turtle ship.
"I am Admiral Yi Sun Shin of Joseon!" Yi declared proudly. "You have attacked my ship without provocation! I would like to talk to your captain, as civilized people should!" He shouted, earning some murmurs from the crew of the other ship.
A man in an elaborate uniform stepped forward, his crew moving away to give him room in the balcony. He introduced himself as the captain of the ship. "Why would an admiral of Joseon sail alone in these waters without a handful of crew? It's preposterous." He stared down on the group and wrinkled his nose. "Island savages," he said as he looked on Lapu and Gatot who glared back. "A western woman and a she-elf." He stroked his beard as the rest of the men in the ship whistled and waved, thrilled by the sight of women.
Zilong stepped forward to hide Miya and Rafaela in sight, but Miya shook her head and faced the crowd. "Let us pass! I'm Miya, the ambassador of the Elven King. I've made arrangements with these men to bring me to Queen Aurora of Nost Gal!" The crew of the enemy ship murmured when Miya took our a scroll from her bag and opened it. Judging from the noises, the mention of Aurora caused some kind of panic among the enemy crew. The moon became visible in the sky despite the morning sun, and its light produced a faint image of King Estes. The display silenced the crew and Miya retracted the scroll. "Let us pass, and keep peace between our peoples."
The captain of the other ship was silent as he stared at the Miya and their small group, looking at their faces. Zilong squinted as the sun rose higher and shone against his eyes- he moved away his gaze when he heard a commotion among the crewmen.
"It's Zhao Yun!" One man yelled.
Zilong couldn't speak as more men recognized him, screaming, and hurling curses at him. They knew him. They hated him.
"He killed my captain!"
"Come on, let's take him down!"
Zhao Yun killed their comrades, their family and their lords. He was supposed to be dead but here he was. Then it slowly returned - the memories of war and bloodshed. Yes, he wasn't just Kagura's protector. He wasn't just a mere castle guard.
"Tell me, are you Zhao Yun?" The captain demanded.
"The Demon Spear!" Few screamed. Some brandished their weapons.
"Omyouji's dog!"
"I don't remember…" Zilong answered weakly, denying his memories. "I don't remember…" He felt a hand touch his shoulders but his senses began to numb as the images returned- the faces of people he killed in the battlefield, all the lives he refused to spare. He felt a tingle of lightning from his side as Gatot charged his gauntlets, then Lapu also positioned himself for battle. "No, don't fight-" Zilong tried to shout, but he was frozen.
"Oh shut up!" A voice of a woman silenced the entire crew. She stood above the sails, hanging by the nest with cables keeping her on the air. The wide-brimmed hat she wore obscured her face under the shadow of the bright sun. "You're all hollering at the women but I'm right here all the time."
"Fanny, you don't count," the captain answered back and received a vulgar word in return.
The woman named Fanny descended from her vantage point, spinning towards the deck. She did not wear any uniform like the crew and captain, but she seemed to command authority. Fanny stared directly at Zilong's eyes and she stirred something inside him. Still, he couldn't remember.
"Zhao Yun?" Fanny asked. No hostility in her voice and there was longing in her eyes.
Zilong shook his head. "I don't remember! I just don't-" He was lying to himself. The memories that flooded him was too much. He wished they stopped. He was compromised. Around him, Rafaela, Miya, Gatot, Lapu and Yi were all preparing to fight. Against one, two or five ships they can win. But against an armada not all of them will make it out alive. Zilong curled his fists and stepped forward. He couldn't let anyone die. "If you want me, take me alone! These people have nothing to do with anything!"
"Lower your weapons!" Fanny commanded and the men around her obeyed. "I'll agree to that. Smart man." She smiled.
"Zilong, no!" Rafaela cried out, grabbing onto his arm. "We stay together."
He pretended to ignore Rafaela and held his gaze onto the captain of the ship and on Fanny. There was no other way. It's unwise to let them know that Rafaela and Miya are more than traveling companions. Even Lapu, Gatot and Yi, whom he had known for a short time, should be be allowed to leave peacefully.
Miya shouted. "He's not Zhao Yun! His name is Zilong!"
"Blah blah." Fanny scoffed. The eastern woman turned to Zilong again. "I think it'd a pretty good deal isn't it? You don't go with us, these men will attack, and people will die. You go with us, nobody attacks and nobody dies." She hummed. "Now, Mister… Zilong. Time is running short. I'd like to get this over with because I hate the sun."
"Yeah, let's go." Zilong answered back. At Fanny's orders the crew lowered a plank that Zilong could use to walk away from the turtle ship.
"Please don't go!" He felt a strong tug as Rafaela clutched on his sleeves. "If you go, we'll go with you!" Zilong didn't look at her as she pleaded. He couldn't. Maybe he should tell her.
"Hey, Zilong. We'll find you." Miya called out and he felt Rafaela loosen her grip as she was pulled away by the others. "Wait for us-"
"No, don't follow!" Zilong screamed with everything he had. His body shook as he caught up with his breaths. The crowd was silenced and he looked up to see eyes stare at him with curiosity. "Don't follow…" He ran his hands through his hair, cold sweat trickling from him. Once he returned to the east, what else could he find out about Zhao Yun that he couldn't remember?
Zilong shuddered and clenched his fists. He was being a coward - afraid to learn the truth, much more terrified of being exposed to Rafaela and Miya. But at least… they deserved better. How shameful it would be to walk away now. He took a deep breath and buried all his emotions deep down. The soldier in him came back easily. Far too easily. His true nature was there after all.
He turned around, the words at the edge of his lips. "I guess… this is goodbye. It was a great journey." Zilong gazed at Rafaela and Miya directly. Behind them, were Lapu, Gatot and Yi who held the women in place. "Don't follow me."
"It's as if you can stop us!" Miya yelled to his face.
"Don't throw away your duties because of me." He spat back. "Don't be stupid."
"Let him go," Yi whispered as he held Miya back.
"Don't shit with us!" Miya screamed angrily. "After all we've been through!" Zilong averted his eyes from her, his lips firmly shut. However, a lump formed in his throat and his eyes began to feel hot. It was better that way. There was a far better mission for Miya than to get dragged down by his heavy baggage.
"Zilong…"
He couldn't help but look at Rafaela. Tears began to stream from her face, her lips quivering. "This is not the end. Please don't it is." Zilong stared back, letting her know he wouldn't back down. The angel was too good in reading him. She knew he meant goodbye. No lies. Soon, she stopped struggling against Gatot's grip. Rafaela embraced herself as she sobbed. "I'll find you, even if you push me away."
"No." He shook his head. Zilong found himself walking towards her, unable to turn his gaze way. How could he do this to her? He reached out to her, cupped her cheek and wiped her tears away with his fingers. Rafaela held his hand firmly in place, and closed her eyes as she leaned on his touch. After the suffering she endured, all his promises to her, he'd leave her.
But all this time Rafaela was following a man who was merely an illusion. She believed in a hero and he believed in the idea as well. That hero never truly existed. He played the part because it gave him a purpose. She deserved better. The least cruel thing to do was to let her go. If he didn't, he'll just break her heart more. After a deep breath he said; "I'm so… sorry." His voice almost broke. He couldn't give her further explanation. "Please… take care. Goodbye."
He could have given Rafaela more than a chaste gesture, but he had to let go.
Zilong ignored all the hateful looks he received as he walked through the ship. The crewmen stripped him of whatever belongings attached to his body, too wary of any hidden weapon, leaving only his clothes. All the small souvenirs from his travels -tools, trinkets, diamonds -were plundered and scattered away.
Under the deck, he followed Fanny expecting to be imprisoned, but they weren't going further down below. Instead, the woman led Zilong to some quarters seemingly reserved to officers and beckoned him to join her in the furthest room. Based on the smell of perfume, bottles of cosmetics and female underwear strewn around a messy futon it wasn't hard to guess where he ended up.
"What do you want from me?" Zilong asked her.
Fanny sealed her door shut and stared at Zilong, studying him. "I heard you were dead." She shook her head. "No, you were dead. What exactly are you?" Her tone was gentle but firm.
"You might have mistaken me for someone else." He replied, trying to read through Fanny's interrogation techniques.
"Bullshit. You're Zhao. This freaks me out." Fanny cursed under her breath and and huffed. "So you really forgot everything? Even me?" Zilong didn't talk back as the woman pouted. Fanny waited for him to talk further but he kept his lips sealed. "How could you forget about me?" The woman sighed and loosened her outer robes, making Zilong look away. Fanny sprawled herself down on her futon, vulnerable, without a concern for modesty and safety. "Stay in this room, you can have all my perks." She yawned. "Besides, too many men out there want to murder you. If you get bored, we can… have fun. Just like the old times." She teased.
Zilong ignored her and sat on the floor, still trying to assess the entire situation he got into. Now he was alone. He threw his friends, the only people who cared for him. Zilong ran his hands through his face and massaged his scalp. The way Miya and Rafaela looked at him earlier made his insides coil. What now? What should he do?
What did he left as Zhao Yun? Fanny asked some things he refused to answer, but it could be his chance to know. "I heard the Omyouji patriarch was murdered." He began, feigning ignorance. "What happened to his clan?"
Fanny hummed. "Well, the last time I heard, most of them are dead. Kagura's body wasn't found though. " Zilong took a sharp breath.
Zilong pressed on, eager to learn more. "I heard rumors that a woman who leads the Shadows murdered the Lord."
"Oh you're well informed." Fanny chuckled. "I cannot confirm nor deny that."
"What do you know about an assassin known as the Scarlet Shadow?"
"Shhh." Fanny shook her finger - a cold, calculating glare in her eyes as she lay. "Be careful in your words Zilong. If you spoke her name and anyone in this ship hears it, I would need to kill him."
Zilong stared at Fanny, her words didn't make him flinch. "Aren't you afraid I'd kill you in your sleep?"
The woman stretched and laughed. She laid on her stomach, rested her face on her hands, swung her feet, smiling at Zilong. "I was about to ask you the same question."
Somehow, the state of the ship - ruined but still sailing, can poetically described their situation.
"Let's get him back dammit!" Lapu screamed as he punched the floor repeatedly. For the past hours he showed no sign of calming down. Meanwhile, Gatot and Yi were more quiet as they tended the ship for damages. They barely knew Zilong, but it was evident they were affected by his departure.
Miya felt he owned the three eastern men an explanation and sat down with them telling them the story from the day she met him, their mission and his true nature, including Rafaela's. She told them their travels from the Elven forests, Tigreal's kingdom and the the revelations about the apocalypse.
"If we get him back, I'll punch him first." Miya said, sullen. It was a shock that was as devastating hours ago. All this time she looked forward in having more adventures with Zilong, following him in his grand mission to save the world. He was more than a companion, he's a friend and a symbol of hope that she prayed for. The gods sent him and now he walked away.
Yi bowed his head. "I pledge my full support to your mission and take you to Queen Aurora no matter what. I let someone under my protection be taken away." He sighed, shame in his eyes.
"It's not your fault." Miya replied. "You know Zilong wouldn't back down. That bastard would stab you if you try to stop him from surrendering himself."
"Politics may be involved at this point. If there is a person who can drag Zilong back, the Queen of the North can do it." Lapu added.
Gatot fiddled with his fingers. "This is a lot to take in…" He sighed. "I just wonder if Rafaela is okay."
She's not. Miya shook her head. The elf excused herself and went back to her room shared with Rafaela. She peered from the door to see the angel curled in their futon. She wasn't crying anymore at least, but her eyes were still red and puffy. Her face were devoid of its usual life and warmth. She hadn't uttered a single word since Zilong left.
"Hey," Miya started, sitting down and rubbing Rafaela's shoulder. "Hey, talk to me. Don't worry, we'll find him. It's not like he's gonna disappear forever." Miya brushed her Rafaela's hair away from her face but her friend didn't respond. It wasn't the separation itself that was painful, but the abandonment. Still, it hurt Miya too see Rafaela's grief.
"What if… it's the last time?" Rafaela spoke in coarse voice.
"It's not going to be," Miya reassured her.
"I don't know." The angel whispered as she clutched her blanket tighter. She stayed silent for a long time. "I don't know…" Tears leaked from her eyes down her pillow. "I have so much to tell him…"
"Rafa?" Miya started, touching Rafaela's shoulders gently. Miya bit her lip and held back her own tears. Heat began to rise within her and she wanted to scream. She hated her own helplessness. They had been too emotional perhaps. Too attached. Too affected. But despite this, they still had choices to make. "Rafa?" She called again. "You can fly to him if you want to. No one's going to stop you. I won't."
Rafaela furrowed her brow and slowly sat up. "Miya, I…" She shook her head. "If that means leaving you. I won't. Don't ever think I'd want to leave you behind."
Miya took Rafaela's hands and held them tight. Nothing could describe the feelings pouring out of her. Someone at least told her that she was worth staying for. She had someone like Rafaela in her life who taught her love and friendship that was beyond kinship. That's why she should also say; "Thank you… Don't think you're leaving me if you go. I want you to know… that nothing would ever change between us, even until the day I die." Miya smiled and felt tears roll down her cheek. "But you and that idiot," she refused to say his name, "I think you need to resolve whatever it is that's between you. Besides, he's like this demigod reincarnation. Whatever his destiny his, it concerns everyone." Miya let out a short laugh. She was just an ordinary being tagging along with gods and angels. "He'll fail without you. So, don't worry about me. Go and save the world."
Rafaela looked down, sorrow in her eyes. "It's not like that to me. He's more than that. These feelings in my heart… they are beyond heaven's will."
"Then it matters."
The angel shut her eyes and didn't utter a single word, turmoil evident in her face. After a long silence she spoke; "Miya, thank you for your words. I think, I can go."
There was a pang in Miya's chest, but it's for the best. "Yeah, go with him and I'll continue to the north. We might be apart but we'll still work together."
"No." Rafaela shook her head. She looked at Miya and curled her lips in a sad smile. "Someone heard my prayers. I need to go and meet him. I… I wish I can tell you more." The angel began to glow in her golden aura, her halo shone on her head while her hidden wings materialized and filled the place with divine light. "I'm lost, but your faith in me means everything. I promise, I will find myself."
Miya threw her arms around Rafaela and embraced her tight. So many questions in her mind, but she needs to trust her friend. "Yeah, that's the spirit. Like I told you, it's not like this is the end. We just need to do some stuff, right?"
Rafaela returned the embrace, burying herself on Miya's shoulder. "Yes. Also don't ever think you're not important. Keep fighting, keep believing in the future, and continue to inspire others." The light around the angel brightened further. "I'll keep you in my heart, until we meet again."
"Yes, until then."
Without Rafaela the room was dark, empty and cold. Miya watched a piece of feather gently fall down. Before a gust of wind blew the feather away, the woman was able to grasp it in her hand. She stood up and looked at the vast ocean from her window, the moon bright against the dark waters.
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Arc IV has ended. The next arc will be called Shadow of the East. Again apologies for the long delay due to real life things. I target to begin publishing in December.
Thanks for the reviews! Thank you Kenny, DSPamungkas, Thelittletaco, It's Not Me, and Guests for the reviews. I hope to hear from you again in the near future. Some points I need to answer:
Other characters: Kadita, Lunox or new characters after Hanabi may be tricky to include since my fic is planned. But I will try to include anyone who can fit into my story.
Filler arc: Definitely this arc would seem as one, but look at the end chapter.
Zilong and Raf: The big elephant in the ship. Well, what I can say is let the story speak for itself. I never advertised this fanfic as romance, because it's a story about individuals. It's heartwarming to see people get invested to them as people.
Future: Prepare yourself. Things will be more intense and may be heartbreaking. Or funny. Or whatever.
Again, I want to finish this fanfic before real life stops me. I'll continue as much as I can, and I am thankful for the support given to me. Until we meet again!