Dead man's Blues C10

Hi Guest and Ilich, thank you guys for the nice reviews for the previous chapter. I have never thought that I would get this far with this story, or in fact with any story. There's a pruhun scene at the end which I have been wanting to write as a one shot for a long time, I first heard a song called "Final Masquerade" by Linkin Park in 2015? (can't quite recall) and I knew for sure that I wanted to write a Pruhun story inspired by that song. Finally get a chance to do that, (one strike off on the to do list).

In addition, I know there's not much people reading this but I will now be answering questions regarding this story. Please leave them in the comments, and I will provide and answer in the next chapter if there's any. (Multiple questions are allow~)

I was inspired by so many different songs from so many different genre.

And I present to you, the latest chapter~~~ (Honestly speaking I can't wait to write the ending.)

"I-It's that boy I met on that snowy day…." Yao muttered; his eyes widen in horror as everything suddenly make sense. Kiku is that boy he met. Kiku is just a body. A dead person's body cruelly infused with a living soul. Yao felt himself shaking as he tried to digest this fact, trying to wrap his head around these new developments, yet all he can feel are fierce, burning tears gushing out from his eyes. The cramps in his tummy are persistent, making him felt worse than ever, and he walk out of the room in huge steps and down the corridor.

"What do they want? Why is everybody treating me like this? Why is everyone betraying my trust like this? What have I ever done to deserve this?" he bawled angrily, the tears and mucus blurring on his face and eyes. The rain outside no longer provide the comfort in the house, it sounded sinister to Yao's ears now that the cat is out of the bag. The seed sprouted in his heart screamed of betrayal. He reaches the end of the corridor, and on the first step of the stairs, he slipped.

Wang Yao's eyes shot open as the pain in his stomach came punching through, it hurt so bad that amidst the agony, he started laughing with tears from his eyes. The laughter from the momentary detachment soon subside when nausea rises up quickly, cold sweat dotted across his forehead as he curls, breathing hard from the pain. Slight trickling dampens underneath him.

"Ivan… Where are you?" Yao muttered. The only face that surface in his mind.

It took what felt like an eternity, but surely, the pain does not hurt as much. Yao is not sure if it's because this body is finally used to this pain or whatsoever, he just felt tired, so tired and cold that he closes his eyes, the pain and trauma took its toll on him, but the darkness when he closes his eyes provided him refuge from the reality.

"You're awake." A voice came from the shadows.

Wang Yao open his eyes, disappointed to be back looking at the wooden ceiling again. His body are limb but snugged tightly underneath the duvet. He turns his head and glance to the side to find Kiku sitting down by his side. Kiku is holding something in his hands, staring at it with an eerily nonchalant expression. He let out an audible breath, and lifting his hands, he places the jar in his hands on the table beside him. Wang Yao's glance over to that jar on the table and frowned. It's not a relatively large jar, and inside the jar of clear fluid floats a fetus.

"It's our child." Kiku commented, looking over and stroking the jar tenderly. "We lost it."

Yao's eyes shot back at Kiku. There is still no expression on that man's face.

"Why did you do this?" Yao asked, staring at him.

"Do what?" Kiku replied.

"This." Yao almost shouted, there's guilt in his heart from the loss of a life. "Why did you do this to me?"

"Are you sad?" Kiku asked, turning his attention back to Yao.

"Don't change the question."

"I just wanted to know."

Wang Yao's eyes look away. Anywhere except on the jar and Kiku.

"Yes."

Kiku nodded lightly. Then he continued: "Do you know that the times I have spent with you are the happiest time I have in my memories?"

Yao turn his eyes back to Kiku.

"Do you know the kind of things you have to go through to be selected to inherit Kiku Honda? I was chosen among thousands of children. For my ability to endure. I have to tear them from limbs to limbs and devour them before they devour me. I have to break their souls into a million pieces and only pick the best to absorb into my own. But you know what? I can also get to pick the memories I wanted, and I kept you."

"Why?" Yao asked.

"Because I love you." Kiku retort.

"You're insane."

"Yes, I am insane. For you, I went back. For you, I endured and killed everyone in that room, over and over. For you I am willing to do anything. For you I survived. I survived and came back as Kiku Honda, I kept only memories of us. I don't care if those memories are not mine. I only cared about you." Kiku retaliated, upturned mouth twisted into a snarl.

"You said… You are willing to do anything for me…" Yao replied with a fiery determination in his eyes. "Is that true?"

"Yes. I'll do everything for you."

"I want to go back. I don't want to see you ever again. Can you do that?"

Kiku's face change, as though he did not expect that, uncertainly, he answers softly: - "I can't let you go again."

"You're a liar."

"You're really cruel, Yao."

It was Yao's turn to feel indignant and he stated, "You said you love me, but you sent a man to kill me and did those things to me, and my grandmother. Glory and honour above all. That was the last thing my brother wrote in his letter for us. Turns out that he didn't manage to reach the academy in the end. Now…. You forcefully kept me here, manipulated me into this body with a child. And you claim you love me. Kiku Honda, that's not love."

"It's okay if you don't understand." Kiku commented quietly. The eerie calmness surfaced again. "I will let you go. I am sorry for the hurt I have caused." He quietly bowed, hands over each other on the floor, he touched his forehead onto them before rising back up.

"There are some matters I need to attend, so I will take my leave soon. I will undo the magic binding your soul here, you will be back once you taken a rest." Kiku stand up, picking up the jar with him. With a wave of his arm, a ferocious fire spark up right by his side, contained in an invisible bubble. Kiku took a long look at the fetus in the jar, then he throws it into the fire.

The glass slowly melted and exploded inside the bubble silently, engulfing the content of the jar. Wang Yao and Kiku looked on quietly at the silent funeral for their only child.

"War is coming." Michael said to Alfred. "We have been summoned home, it's time to go back."

Alfred stop packing, seemingly pondering with what Michael have said. Then he continued stuffing the remaining clothes into the bag on the bed. "I have been tasked with another mission. I need to find Wang Yao back"

"Understand. Report back after you have finished your mission. We will make a move first."

"Yes, Captain."

Michael left the room, leaving Alfred all alone. The last of the concerts have already finished, and Alfred thought it would be some time before there is anything to occupy his time on Earth, but the prayers the morning before have revealed things to be otherwise.

"What have you done this time, Yao?" Alfred commented, his face void of any expression. It was not a question of concern, nor is it curiosity. Just a habit created from mimicking humans for too long.

A hooded figure walks out of a portal before the throne of Uskye. The arrival of the Everbloom quietens the previously loud hall, and everyone hush to soft whisperings as they discuss the hope of a renewed Uskye after this long, arduous civil war. The king on the golden throne, dressed in riches, was the first to talk: "We have been graced by your presence, Everbloom."

The sun is setting, and it light up the halls in a brilliant shiny gold, it would not be long before the sun entirely sets and envelope this place in darkness. Servants are already starting to light up candles in the room in preparation. "Servants." The King shouted.

"Your Majesty." Kiku cut him off. "I wish to have plumage of the firebird before we start, would you be so kind to see me to it before showing me to my room."

The King was caught off guard by this request. "T-That is fine. But some preparations will need to be made before we can fulfill this. Perhaps it would be best if we show you to your room first."

"I insist."

"There's no need to personally make your way down for this. We can handle it." The King explains, looking visibly distressed. The Everbloom stood on. Not moving. The atmosphere in the hall become tensed, the King's subject seemingly full of words to help the King, but none dared to defy the one of the councils of Five. They shuffled their feets, sweating and looked away.

"Your Majesty." the Everbloom said. "You have invoked the ancient law. I am here, and you have my service."

"He is right. " the King mumbled under his breath, "G-Guard. Guards!" The King stuttered as he shouted out down the hall. "Where are my guards?". Two guards clink and clanked in their silvery mental armor as they ran in to report to the King. "Where is the princess? We are going to the garden."

"There's no need to bring any princess."

"But… The firebird will…" the King tried to say, but the Everbloom is already walking out of the Hall.

To call it a Garden would be an understatement to the size of the magical enclosure. The King and his entourage lead the Everbloom to the door, it was a hundred feet in length, made from gold and encased with precious stones. Sky splitting shrieks shoot out from inside the enclosure, and a hellish burning heat emanate from inside the door. The King stood from afar, not wishing to go any nearer. The Everbloom walks pass the barriers and wave the door open. The flora and fauna of the garden are covered in blue and yellow flames but are not burning. Large stones statues are broken into miserable pieces, the remaining that still stood from the firebird's onslaught are intricate and lifelike. The shrieks are louder and aggravated without the door, a large gust of hot wind flew past with blurring shadow. The huge firebird landed in front of the Everbloom before the eyes of the King and his entourage. Its large, long neck is covered with iridescent oval shaped scales speckled with thin layers of sharp, pointy feathers; its beak is sharp in onyx colour. Its eyes glitter with red and black, like a large tear shaped ruby. On its body from the end of the neck down are arm's length feathers glowing in blue, red and yellow, its beautiful plumage illuminating the garden like a luxurious daylight. It shrieks again, widening its wings in a threat display, its sharp talons clutch the stone of the garden as it moves forward, breaking the stones as easily as sticks. It's menacing wings open, preparing to attack the man in front of it.

"In the end, you're still just a monster. One that does not have the guts and wits to get what you want." Kiku taunted to the beast in front of him.

The Everbloom raises both of his arms, a swirling gust of wind accompanied by incredible amount of magic power surrounded the two of them. The robes flutter violently, and the hood was blown off his head, a sinister expression surface on his face, a smirk that indicate that he is going to enjoy what is coming next. In the air, the relax fingers clutch and in response the firebird shriek out in pain. The beast's talon slowly lifted away from the ground and it was suspended in the air as it tried to struggle free from the invisible force. With another move, the Everbloom pull apart his clutch fingers in a swift motion. A deluge of blood pour down from above, it splatters down and filled the whole garden and the Everbloom in red. Each half of the carcass was plopped down onto the garden floor, its feathers still glowing as bright as ever even in its violent death. Walking through the blood, from the feet of the Everbloom grew out deep golden chrysanthemums, its petals turning red as it curls inwards at the ends. The flowers grow slowly, spreading around the vicinity. He bent down on a half of the carcass and pluck out two of its tail feathers. Slowly, he turns back and beckons the King with his bloodied hands.

"Bring down your tributes. We shall unshackle here."

The King and his entourage are filled with awed and horror. "This is the power of the councils. A swing of their hands can tear ancient beasts that thousands have struggled apart." the mages among them whispered.

Five young tributes were offered, every single one the best this kingdom have to offer, they sat in a circle among the Everbloom. They are surrounded by the chrysanthemums, lightly glowing, occasionally, sparks of energy will slip out of the flowers, floating and disappearing as it dances upwards. The Everbloom stood still, the sparks of energy from the flowers faintly reveals a shackle on his neck, wrist and feet, each string from the shackles confine itself onto the different tip of the pentagram circle on his feet.

"Masks and skins of flesh and bone, we have bound ourselves to keep this world a flow. The brothers and sisters of Uskye, have called upon to break these bonds. With these bloods, cleanse my sins, with truth and temperance, set me free." The Everbloom chanted over and over.

The flowers releases more sparks of energy as it slowly wilts, drying into a dark shadow of its former self before disintegrating into dust, the first of the tributes opens his mouth in agony as his skin shriveled, bright lights flow out of his eyes and mouth, turning into magic particles and dissolving the faint shackles on Kiku's arms and legs. The tribute dried up and disintegrated into dust just like the flowers. It goes on the same way for the second, third and fourth tribute. They dried up and turn into dust, flying away in the winds.

The Everbloom let out a slow, large breath as the ritual comes to an end, and turn to the last tribute. Then he stood up and walk towards the worried King. "Your Majesty. It is done. We will see each other again tomorrow morning in the war room."

"Yes, sure, Your Grace." The King smile in relief. "It's upsetting that my people have died, but at least only four sacrifices are made. The people from Uskye are worthy."

Kiku turn back and look at the King. "An ancient beast like that is worth two thousand tributes of Uskye's caliber. You should be glad that the firebird fell in love with your daughter." With that, he continued walking back to the palace, he is in a rush. There's a person he needs to meet.

The soft looking snow cover everything the eyes could see in white, the dark brown, almost black dried trees with gnarly, long branches that surround him are the only vegetation left in this barren land. Kiku Honda stood in the middle of road amidst this winter forest waiting, the snow lightly falls on, but the still air is biting cold, and it makes people drowsy with sleepiness. A single box was cradled in his left arms, Kiku is tempted to open it for warmth, but decided against it. This is a gift, for the White King.

"Sorry for the wait. I just woke up." A voice called out. The scenery around Kiku changes with a blink of an eye, and from the corner of the room, a man came out, yawning and stretching on his way out. Kiku is now standing in an old house luminated by yellow candles, they are littered sparsely, but brightly on the wooden pillars, with a few here and there on the wooden table. The place smells of old books and the wooden cold. In the corner of the brick wall are massive bookshelf with messily placed books, on the second floor where the eyes can see are more shelves of books and corridors that lead to other part of the house. "Welcome to my library. It looks messy, and its rarely used." The man continued, looking around place. "That being said, everywhere in this house is rarely used."

The man walks and stood in front of Kiku with both of his hands on his hips. Uncombed silvery white hair drape on his head, pale translucent skin, even his eyebrows and eyelashes are white. He is dressed in blue slacks that does not seem to offer any warmth from this cold. His sleepy pale red eyes are filled anticipation. "You managed. I assume?"

"Of course." Kiku replied, bringing the box up for the White King.

"This is perfect." the White King commented, stroking the bejeweled box. "Now I would never accept another's gift for nothing. Tell me, my fellow council mate, what would you like that I can offer?"

"Nothing."

"Come on… Anything that I can offer within my means?" the White King pressed.

Kiku looked at him and started thinking. "There's honestly nothing much you can offer, but I will be helping out with the war in Uskye, so I don't mind if you can lend me the White Scepter."

The White King look at him like he was joking. Then he let out a laugh. "Are you kidding me? You are unshackled, there's no need for my White Scepter." Kiku look away then back at him casually.

"Are you serious?" the albino confirms, his face changing.

Kiku nodded.

The White King frowned, pondering on it. "I… supposed it should be okay."

"Thank you."

The White King smile awkwardly in return. "Just wait here a second, I'll get it for you." And he disappears into where he came from. Kiku took a seat at the table, the two open books on each end of the table is covered in a thick layer of dry dust, making it hard to see the original text of the book, he brush the top of the page with a single finger, the dust pile up at the end, revealing a name written in beautiful cursive letter: - "Elizabeta Hedervary III"

"There we go." the White King reappears with a long scepter shaped like a bone. There's a hollow hole at one end that was fixed in with a white crystal ball, inscriptions are carved all over it except on the handle wrapped with strips of tattered blue cloth on the other end. Before he places it on Kiku's hands, which he was very reluctant to, he said: "Just… In case you don't know. This is my bone, the real deal. I need it back as soon as you are done with it, else the remaining seals to my power might break, and please take very good care of it. I am only lending it to you because you brought this feather to me. And don't tell anyone about it."

"Of course." Kiku replied, taking over the scepter. "What are you going to do with the feather though?"

"It's the last thing I need to stabilize my powers."

"Was it not already stabilized when you are bounded to the council? And what about your bone seal?"

"Not exactly. The bond to the council is not enough to do anything significant, though it does help a little to keep the power stable enough to let me be awake occasionally, but I am still mostly sleeping. Not that it's not a bad thing since I am keeping watch over the other side, but its good to be awake more frequently. You should have seen how Francis was complaining. As for the bone seal, a complete set is definitely better at sealing things up, BUT, I guess you are in luck, it is currently being stabilized by the Daughter's pendant as well, and that's how you get the honour to use the white scepter. And lucky for me, because a bone is out, I can stay awake a little longer." The White King explains. "Tsk, well, stop asking so much, you have what you asked for. Now go. And remember to give it back soon, the Daughter will be asking for her pendant back soon."

The night ended and the morning came, but the birds no longer chirp to welcome the morning in Uskye, the overwhelming magic and gunpowder residue polluting the air have chased them all away. Kiku Honda woke up, the box in his arms have been replaced with the scepter. The trip to the white dreaming world was fruitful, the plans have been set in motion.

"Wang Yao." He heard the same old obnoxious voice before the painful smack was in contact with his skin. Wang Yao open his eyes and sat up, feeling extremely offended by both the voice and this uncalled attack. "That fucking hurts, Alfred…." He complains with disdain. "Go away. Why are you even here?"

"Well. I was ac-" Alfred started explaining.

"That was not a question." Yao cut off, he turns around with his back facing Alfred and pull the blanket over him. "Please Alfred. I just want to be alone for a while." He continued quietly, almost pleading. Alfred did not continue his explanation; he did not leave the bed where he was sitting either. Underneath the darkness of the blanket, Yao could no longer feel the pain and aches in his body, and he understand that Alfred have probably done something about it when he found him. He is grateful to Alfred, but the pain and aches in his heart are amplified by his own mind, reverberating the self-loathing and betrayal throughout his whole body. He sniffs, surprised but not surprised that tears started overflowing out of his eyes again. He was afraid that Alfred would start making a fuss out of things, and he would have to pretend that everything is okay again, but Alfred did not.

For the longest time, there are no words in the room. That is until Yao started questioning Alfred.

"Alfred."

"Yes?"

"Why are you here?"

"I don't know. But I am here to protect you."

"Why?"

"As I said, I don't know."

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure thing."

"Where do people go to when they die?"

"They go back to Our Lord."

"So, a person's purpose in life is to die and be with God. If that is the case, why are people not dying the moment they are born. Why do God feel the need to let us all suffer in this world? Why am I here to suffer? All I ever want was to hear the blues again? That was my purpose. Or so I thought. And it turns out I am just here to die." Yao cried out.

Alfred did not reply. He continued sitting there and finally replied: "The truth is not usually spoken for people who are not prepared." Then he pauses before continuing quietly: "I can see that you have suffered much. Don't worry, I am here to protect you, and I'll be here until you are okay."

Wang Yao adjusted himself into a sitting position and look at Alfred with red, swollen eyes, he sniffed and ask another question: - "Will I ever be with my family again?"

"Of course. But I'm sure they would want you to be happy too."

"You are right." Yao replied, closing his eyes, he scrunches his face and bit his lower lips to stop his nose from souring again. "It's just so hard."

"You're strong. You'll be okay." Alfred comfort.

After taking some time calming down, Yao said: "Alfred."

"Yes?" Alfred replied, staring at Yao with an expressionless face.

"Can you…. Go back to your normal self. I am not used to this you." Then as though Yao have flipped on a switch, Alfred let out a huge smile, revealing his pearly whites, "Let's grab some burgers and fries! They always make anybody feel better! Let's go go go!" he cheers as he flips the blanket away and started pulling Yao by the hands out of the bed.

"Wait Alfred. Where's the other guy that was here in the room." Yao asked, looking around the room, and realizing where he is.

Alfred thought about it, look around the room and said: "You mean that rotted pile of flesh in the corner of the room?" He pointed to the corner of the room and found measly amount of decaying flesh and broken bones darkening the carpet it laid on. Alfred walk towards it and frowned. He recognizes this as something else.

"Did something happen between you and your vampire sidekick?" He commented.

"He left."

Alfred nodded knowingly. "Why?"

"I don't know okay. Stop asking." Yao shut him up before grabbing his bag from the other corner of the room. He quickly took out most of the things from his tightly packed bag, he took out a tiny pouch in a hidden compartment from the bag, open it before closing it and putting it back.

"What's that?" Alfred turns around and saw that, seemingly piqued by that, he quickly moves beside Yao. "Can I see it?"

"No. It's nothing much."

"Why can't I see it then." Alfred whined.

"And why are you such a busybody? It's nothing. Let's just go already. Your stomach has been growling with weird noises since just now." Yao replied, annoyed. He packed his bag and stood up. "Let's go."

"Really. What's that?" Alfred pestered.

"Clean that up and I'll tell you." Yao pointed to the pile of decaying flesh in the corner of the room. He was still wondering how he could clean that nasty thing and its nasty smell up when he realise that Alfred is here. Time have blurred for Yao and who knows how long this thing has been dead and lying here for.

"What?" Alfred frowned in dismay, "Why?"

"I don't want the people who is cleaning this room to think I'm a murderer or something. So, clean it up. Either you scrub it, or you clean it up with your magic or something."

"You're so mean to me." Alfred whined. He walks over and gave it a blow. The stain and flesh crumbles to dust and get blown away, easily disappearing without anything left behind. "There." He turns around facing Yao. "What's that thing?"

Wang Yao look at the now clean spot. "Hope I'll never have to make an enemy out of Angels. I'll most probably die without a trace in this world."

"Heh." Alfred smile in an extremely proud manner. "I can't help it if I'm powerful like this." He boasted, sending a bolt of repulsive irk up Yao's spine.

"You're really gross." Wang Yao rolled his eyes, leaving the room.

"Hey! Come on, you owe me an explanation! What's that thing!" Alfred called out, chasing after Wang Yao as they left the room for checkout and breakfast.

Alfred sulks at the food in front of them, before taking a bite out of the meat. Wang Yao ignored him and continued stuffing spoonful after spoonful of soup into his mouth, there's no appetite left in him after the traumatic ordeals of shifting through body to body, he felt sick, but he knows that the only way to keep moving is to take care of yourself first. He is thankful that Alfred's antics keep him distracted from his grief.

"What kind of place doesn't sell any burgers…. It's like one of the tastiest things this world has to offer. And this place doesn't sell it! What kind of tyranny are people here living under?" Alfred let out a torrent of rants, all the while his hands and mouth did not stop moving.

"Stop complaining." Yao retort, pushing his emptied bowl away.

"You're done just drinking that miserable bowl of soup? It makes me look like the greedy one." Alfred ranted again, pushing some of his fried fritters towards Yao.

"Thanks, but no thanks. Having such oily food is going to cause indigestion for me."

Alfred happily took his fritters back and continued his munching. "What's that thing you hide from me?"

"It's just a stone."

"A stone?" Alfred said, then he squinted his eyes behind that glasses that he doesn't even need and shake his head. "Hmmm… You won't be so worried if it's just any stone. What is it?"

"Well..." Yao continued, resigned to fate that nothing could go pass this Angel's eyes, especially for things he is interested in. "It's a…. soul stone."

"Soul stone." Alfred repeated, his eyes widened.

"I'm not selling it in any case. No amount of whining will get me to sell it, just so you know." Yao quickly adds on, he could see the glint in Alfred's eyes.

"Where did you get it? Is there more where it came from?" Alfred asked.

"No… What do you think soul stones are?" Yao said, annoyed.

"For one, I do know that creating soul stone is a forbidden technique that involve a powerful magic user to draw out their own soul and encase it into a relic from their past, whereby the user will die in the process for the ritual to completed. Upon crushing the stone, the person who crush the stone will temporarily absorb the soul and inherit its memories and power." Alfred explains, then he added deviously: "I can report you to the councils for owning dangerous relics like this."

"Tsk." Yao immediately look at Alfred in disgust. "You're an incorrigible asshole."

"I'm a hero."

"This soul stone was a favour from an old friend. You better don't think of doing anything horrible or I'll fight you."

"What about it? Maybe I can help."

"It's nothing much, I can do it myself."

"If you say so." Alfred replied.

There are countless rooms of different purposes in the castle of the councils, though the Five rarely grace their visits to the castle, they are still kept clean and in order by the servants and guards in the castle. The Five prefer to keep their locations and faces obscure from the public, it is best, they have decided before, that they keep their presence at the minimum to the society at large. They can always visit each other in their own domain created by their own magic whenever they want. Julius beg to differ, preferring that if anybody needs to meet him, it will be at the castle.

"I do prefer my own privacy, not that people like you actually understands." Julius commented as he took a seat at a round table in the room. The ashen grey wall surround them, lightly decorated with chandeliers and silk drapes. The servant in served them tea, head bowed and never looking at their masters. They quickly went out of the room and close the heavy set door.

"That's why we are here, aren't we?" Kiku replied, taking a sip of lukewarm tea out of his cup.

"Okay, straight to the point. What am I here for?" Julius asked, taking a casual slump to the side of his seat.

"I need your help."

Julius drew his brow, and with a face full of bewilderment, he finally said: "What?"

"I nee- "

"Hold on a minute. I did not hear it wrongly then. You need my help. That's a rarity." Julius let out an incredulous half-snort.

"It's regarding the war in Uskye and…"

"And?"

"And the White King."

Julius's face turned serious the moment Kiku mentioned the White King. "What about him?"

"You do recall the details from the meeting we held amongst ourselves after the world meeting?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"There's something the White King and The Daughter did not declare to the councils, and I do believe that's a call for concern. That's point number one. Relating to that is the war in Uskye, which is more than meets the eyes, I have reasons to believe that it is related to the White King. I wish to discuss this with you, then perhaps with Francis as well." Kiku started.

"Right…..." Julius squint his eyes in some disbelief, seemingly thinking as he strokes the stubble on his chin.

"On the table are some documents I have gathered after attending Uskye's war meetings. You can read it to understand what I meant. You know the basics from the world meeting." Kiku lifted his hands to refer to the pile of papers on the table. Julius grab a few and started fasting reading through the details. Slowly, his eyeball rolled up to glance Kiku, head still facing the paper.

"What's that something that they did not declare?" Julius asked.

"The White King can no longer control his own powers. It's overflowing and it will consume the world starting from Uskye. The Daughter knew about this and that's why she used her pendant to hold off his powers. Her pendant." Kiku replied, emphasizing on the last two words.

"Well... T-That is indeed a call for concern…." Julius mumbled, caught off-guard by Kiku's words. "Where did you get this news from."

"The power signatures coming out from the soldiers who died from the Brotherhood reeks of the other world's corruption. I went to seek advice from the White King, to borrow his white scepter, that how I discover this rot that is decaying right under our nose."

Julius was silent. Seemingly thinking, seemingly doubting. Kiku could not tell which. He lifted the white scepter out from underneath his robe and threw it on the table. It landed on the mahogany table with a loud thud. Julius eyes immediately landed on the thing on the table. Still he is silent. But this time, Kiku know that he is thinking.

"I'll find the White King." Julius finally declared.

"He is dying, there's no saving him."

"If his soul is gone, the last of the bone seal will crumble. This world will still be consumed by his power. He is already dead, but at least his body is serving the purpose being dead and lying there sealing that power. It's not about saving him; it's about saving this damn world. Only his own bones can seal his powers, only his bones can save this world. If he is dying, then we need to save him." Julius argued agitatedly, breathing hard after his tirade.

"I need to find him. I'll be taking this white scepter back. The war in Uskye can wait, once the White King is settled, whatever otherworldly stuff lurking underneath can easily be dispelled away by him, or by anyone of us." Julius stood up, grabbing the scepter along the way.

"Have you not heard me? He went on a rampage; the powers will consume everything UNLESS…." Kiku shouted the last word to halt Julius at the door. The man turns back and look at Kiku, waiting for his next words. "Unless we use the White King's powers to destroy that thing lurking underneath Uskye. You can trust me that it not anything the councils can handle, it is ancient. Something from the past that is coming back to destroy the status quo. Do you remember the stories of the ancient battles in the sky?"

Julius face change. His body slowly turn back towards Kiku. "What about it?" he asked.

"It's all in that documents on the table. Read it. And you will understand what I am talking about." Kiku answered.

Julius went back and begin to go through all the papers on the table. His expression change for the worst, occasionally he looks away, thinking. Then his eyes will go back to the words. Finally, when he is done, he turns his attention back to Kiku. "I apologize, I still stand by words. I do not blame you, but you do not understand the nature of the White King's power. He is the jailor to his powers, powers that do not belong to him. Do you understand what I mean now?"

He stood up, the chair dragging behind him, and went out of the room, leaving behind the silence in the room.

"Hello."

Elizabeta spun around. She is dressed in an elegant satin gown, emerald green in colour. Silky black gloves extend all the way, covering her elbow. Her lips, extra red from the makeup fits in nicely with the luxurious curl of her soft, smooth hair.

"You look funny tonight." came a chuckle.

Underneath the eyehole of her mask that cover more than two third of her face, she sees a man with golden hair and a mask of intricate gold, from one side of it extend out a large, glorious plumage that changes colour as it moves . The man's skin is very fair, and underneath his skin where which are not covered by clothes, faint green and blue blood veins could be seen. He is smiling at Elizabeta when she turned around.

"Excuse me?" Elizabeta asked, feeling annoyed by the tone of this stranger. In normal case, she would have lashed out at people like him for talking to her like that, but today and especially tonight, she cannot. The House of Herdervary is having its once a year event: - a Ball that last all night, it has been a strict tradition that was adhered to by the head of Herdervary even before Elizabeta was born. Rich, famous, and influential people are invited to join in tonight, where everyone will mingle, partied, where deals are strike and where compromise can be given.

"Being polite doesn't suit you at all." The man smirk, observing Elizabeta from up to down and up again.

"Pardon me, but I don't quite get you." Elizabeta replied, gritting her teeth hidden by a smile.

Another man dressed to the nines approach Elizabeta, rudely interrupting: "Miss Herdervary, may I have the pleasure of a dance with you?" She turned towards the other man, startled by the sudden request. Before she could give an answer, the other man stood in between her and the man and replied: "I'm sorry, she's taken for tonight. Leave."

Elizabeta open her mouth, wanting to retort something, but somebody seems to have muted her and no words came out. She touches her throat, brows drawing together in bewilderment for the moment.

The man left them alone with a polite smile, obviously disgruntled.

"A dance, my lady?" the man turned to her, holding out his hands.

Elizabeta glance back at the man in front of him, her eyes narrowed. Something about this man feels a little dangerous, she got a feeling that magic was involved just now. Tentatively, Elizabeta place her fingers on his hand, and let herself be taken to the ballroom dance floor. The music from the live band is slow and soothing, as it echoes through the room with tall ceiling. A casual ballroom dance always shut the world around the dancers, and in that duration, they are only meant for each other. To Elizabeta, it's all just formality, to dance and if given a chance, have fun with whoever her partner is, if not, she can only wish it will be over soon. This time, she wishes it would end as soon as possible.

"Why are you so grumpy?" the man broke the ice, after dancing for some time.

Elizabeta could feel a vein popping in her temple. She gave a light smile and shook her head.

"Have you heard those people whispering about how unladylike the Herdervary family's daughter is? Those men over there are betting on who could get your hand in marriage."

"I believe that it was just a joke." Elizabeta's eyes glance around angrily looking out for the people in saying.

"That's unlike you."

"Excuse me? What did you say?"

"I said, that it's unlike you to take things lying down. Eliza." The man continued.

Her attention was immediately drawn back into this man in front of him, her brows draw together once again, suspicion stunned in her mind to a stop by the familiar nickname. In the history of her whole life, this name was only called by three people: Her mother, her nanny and that man. In a fit of anger and hopeful anticipation, she pulls her hand free from grasp and reaches out, intending to tear off the mask on this man.

"Woah, that's dangerous. You almost got me." The man responds in a teasing manner as he caught her arms in quick reflex, just before her fingers reaches his face. Elizabata look at him with a face of indignation, close enough to hear his heartbeat.

"I wouldn't have got you if you never let me. Gilbert." She whispered back.

The lips that once grace a teasing smirk slowly soften into pensive smile. "You are right." He replied, hint of regret laced his words.

"You finally came to see me, heartless, useless coward." She scolded; an angry tear slips out from the corner of her eye. Her fingers curled into fist as her arms tremble in his hand, she could feel the warmth emanating from his body, comforting her.

"I'm sorry."

"I don't want to hear that. Why, I want to know why you left me Gilbert?" Eliza asked, more tears gushing out of her eyes, out of her control. She knows her makeup is ruined now, but with the masquerade mask on, she could not care less.

"Don't cry." He hushes gently, lifting her mask slightly to wipe her tears with his fingers. Eliza could feel the touch of his skin against hers, something she never thought she could feel again. Gilbert looks around the grand ballroom, it's filled with elaborately dressed people. In the corner, he found a more sparsely populated area where the opening lead to the terrace outside. He pulled Elizabeta out of here.

Gilbert navigated through this house expertly, and Elizabeta knows where he is going. It's not that far away from where they came from, but it's quite hidden and not many people know of the existence of where they are going and the shortcut there. The thick bushes are spread apart by his magic, closing behind them as passes through. It's not long before they arrive in front of a lake, the moon hung in the skies reflected in the ripples of the water, lighting their surroundings up.

"Back to square one." Elizabeta commented, looking out to the end of the lake where the sky met. Her mask was already taken off, it slipped out of her fingers and dropped onto the grass.

Gilbert nodded. He looks to his side, at her face. Slowly, he slips his fingers beneath the mask and pull it off, his golden hair turned snow white from the roots to the end, his fair complexion even paler under the moonlights. Elizabeta turn to look at him, it's been so long since she saw this face, they still look the same as before. Ethereal and beautiful.

"Are you going to leave again?" she asked, each word twisting her heart as it was being uttered out.

Gilbert look away in guilt. Then after a long pause, he felt Elizabeta slide her arms around him and squeeze. It's suffocating, as she sobs into him. "I'm sorry." He turned around, hugging her head close to his chest, stroking her hair.

"Every single time I looked at you, I realise that I still can't let you go." Gilbert mutter, lips trembling. "I know I am selfish. I am one that does not have a future, but still…... I want to keep holding on to you like this. Forever. I am so sorry."

"I'll wait for you." She replied earnestly.

Gilbert pull Elizabeta apart. With a smile he said: "I found a way. I found a way to be back forever. I can be with you."

"Really?"

"Yes." He nodded.

Elizabeta smile as Gilbert wipe away the stray tears left on her cheeks. "You're such a beautiful lady. Strong and independent. I'm just so happy that you love me."

"Well…" Elizabeta blush, looking away as she replied: "You're… not half as bad yourself. At least, you're always there for me when I need you."

Gilbert let out a sigh of contentment. "Right. I want you to have this." He said suddenly, pulling out an emerald encrusted ring. "This ring is a vessel to a part of my power. Use it to protect yourself, I don't want you to be hurt."

Elizabeta's eyes widened at first, thinking that Gilbert is proposing. She pouts a little as she listens to Gilbert's explanation on the ring, mesmerized by the swirling energy inside the lightly glowing jewels. She held out her hands towards him.

"Get on your knee." She demanded.

"What?"

"Get on your knee. One knee. Now."

Baffled but following suit, he got down on one knee in front of her.

"Now say it after me: Will you marry me?" Elizabeta said.

"You…." Gilbert burst out laughing.

"Be serious." Elizabeta stomp her feet in a childish tantrum.

"Okay." Gilbert calm himself down, taking a deep breath, he brought the ring up and announced: "Miss Elizabeta Herdarvary, will you marry me, Gilbert Beilschmidt?"

"Yes." She replied with girlish satisfaction as Gilbert slip in the ring on her finger.

The cold, freezing night went on, but the 'newlyweds' are having fun talking about their past, and about their future while the party in the background continue on and on. The light on the horizon started glowing, brighter than yesterday. As the shadows in the sky began to fade, a slow burning pain start emanating from his arm, Gilbert glance down and lifted his long sleeve a little, peeking at his skin. His pale white skin is stricken with veins of blackish blue that is spreading upwards, his eyes widen in anger as his heart sank. He leans backwards onto the branch of the tree as he let out his breath, then turn he gave a light peck on Elizabeta's cheek.

"Hey!" she yelps, hitting his arm as she moves away.

"Elizabeta, give me your hands." Gilbert said, lifting up his own in anticipation.

"Why?"

"Just give it to me."

"No."

"Come on." Gilbert repeated, trying to grab her arms as she continues to move away. His sleeve lifted as he stretches and Elizabeta caught a peek at his arms.

"What's that?" she asked, grabbing his arm, and lifting the sleeve up. "What's all these?"

"It's nothing. Don't touch it. J-Just give me your hands. Please." Gilbert whine desperately.

"No!" she replied firmly, knowing something is up again. "You're trying to do something."

"No, I'm not."

"Do you promise?" Elizabeta dared, and seeing Gilbert refusing to do that. She stands up and slowly walk away from him.

"Eliza, don't!" Gilbert shouted, standing up and going after her.

"You're trying to do something again. I know it. I can feel it." Elizabeta shouted, hurling a ball of conjured magic at him.

"I'm not…. Trust me…. I will never do anything to hurt you." Gilbert said, dissolving the magic attach with a wave of his hands. "Please. Trust me." He mumbled.

Elizabeta stood still. She is immobilized to the ground by Gilbert. She can only see the man slowly walk up to herself, gently, he lifted her hand with the ring. "Why?" Elizabeta managed to break a part of the spell, while Gilbert refuses to apply the full spell again.

"I'm compromised. I don't know if there's any way out of this one."

"What do you mean?" Elizabeta shouted worriedly.

"I'm sorry." A troubled look surface on Gilbert's expression.

"I'm sorry? What's with that again. What are you trying to do then?" she repeated, urgency and desperation in her voice. "Why won't you just tell me what happen and let me be with you?"

"If fate it be not, forever she forgets me not. This life and the next, may her inner strife cease, doubts of life begone. Her strength return, my dominance slip. She will be her own person, strong, cleansed, and pure. With harm to none, this spell be done. This is my will, so more it be." Gilbert chanted.

"Stop it! Stop you evil, useless man. Stop. Please. I beg you. Stop it right now Gilbert Beilschmidt. You monster, I will never forgive you if you finish that spell!" Elizabeta scream, pleading at the start, spewing threats as she sob and cry.

Gilbert finish the incantations and gave the ring a kiss. The ring glows brighter than the rising sun, wind swirls as an evidence of the heartless spell casted. The last drop of tear drops and splashes against the morning dew on the grass below, Elizabeta was left alone standing by the lake.

"What am I doing here." Elizabeta asked herself, looking over the lake, the thousand sunray glitter off the surface of the water, embracing the world in its warmth. It's a beautiful morning today, she thought, letting out a contented smile.

"Oh no. The party." She let out, rushing pass the bushes, towards the hall.