And this is the last chapter of the 6-chapter update. A little treat for all the immense support that every single one of you readers have been giving me. It means a lot that you guys have stuck around for this long, especially if you've read my stuff since my beginning run on. 5 Years really is something for me. And this message goes to all of you, whether I address your name or not.

And so, please enjoy the last chapter of this 6-chapter update.

And yeah, to be honest, I saw no real reason to change the entire backstory. If it works, then don't touch it.


Chapter 54: Who We Were

Flashback


Issei, known in his very first life as Ardjis, had met Aria, the original Songstress of Erenity, who was the original incarnation that Vali and apparently Adelaide came from, at the age of 15. Issei had been introduced to her, to make him aware that he would soon be charged with protecting her and watching her as her designated bodyguard.

The two met in the Royal courtyard on a cool spring day. Issei was walking next to his father, wearing a black and blue uniform meant for apprentice warriors of the Kingdom of Numenla. His father, Galgin, was the Supreme Commander of the Royal Military, as well as the King's most trusted Guard.

Galgin had shoulder-length dark brown hair, blue eyes, and a muscular build. He wore a navy-blue uniform that had armor strapped onto it, with grey pants, and black boots on his legs. Sheathed by his side, was a broadsword that was clustered in ceremonial markings.

"Ardjis, remember, from today onwards, you're to tend to the Princess. It is your duty as her personal bodyguard to protect her. Even though you are not allowed outside the castle walls, you must vigilant at all times. Make sure to keep a keen eye and to be mindful of what could happen. A guard's duty is constant." Galgin reminded his heir.

"I understand, Father." Ardjis, who was Issei's original self, said.

Galgin broke his stern expression into a smile. He ruffled his child's hair and changed his voice to a more casual.

"However, that doesn't mean that you have to be a machine. Just make sure that you keep yourself careful but be sensible. You should still try to connect with your charge. The King is strict, but he still wants us to treat each other well. The King and I are best friends. You two might get along well.

Ardjis (Issei), wasn't too sure of that.

The two entered the courtyard and found three people waiting. They were the King and Queen standing with their young daughter, Aria.

The King, Kardil had short white hair, blue eyes that were like a sapphires. He wore a black silk jacket over a white shirt, and dark red pants with brown boots as his royal attire. Strapped to his hilt was a royal sword for ceremonial purposes. He retained a youthful appearance that was balanced by the regality of his clothes and the sternness of his eyes. Even so, his eyes were aged, as if he'd seen a lot.

The Queen, Mardra had long silver hair and ice-blue eyes. She wore a white dress with golden markings and regal designs sewed into it, along with gold and gemmed jewelry. Detached sleeves were on her arms and her dress reached the just above her ankles, with black shoes on her feet.

The Princess had long silky hair that seemed white but shined like silver, combining the traits of her parents. Her eyes were a shiny cerulean, like gems. She was almost as tall as Ardjis and had a figure that was already developing into a very mature and alluring form. She wore a navy dress with silver aesthetic designs sewed onto them, with the dress itself, reaching mid-calf. White bands of jewelry adorned her arms and short white gloves were clothed over her hand.

"Welcome back, Galgin. I take it that this is your son?" The King peered at Ardjis, analyzing him.

"I am Ardjis, Your Majesty. I am honored to meet the three of you." He bowed, lowering himself to one knee.

"Well-mannered, I see. Stand, young man. I am also pleased to meet you. This is my daughter, Aria. In the coming future, I will be counting on you to protect her, as her designated knight and bodyguard." The King kneeled as he gently urged his Aria forward.

"Hello. I am Princess Aria. I'm pleased to meet you." Aria curtsied.

"From today onward, the both of you will spend the morning and afternoons together. Ardjis, you are to protect Her Majesty from all harm, even at the cost of your life." Galgin reminded his son.

"Galgin, there's no need to hammer those thoughts into his young mind. He's still barely entered his late teen years." The Queen chided Galgin.

"Still, we must be careful. The talk of war between Pantheons is becoming more frequent and erratic. War might break out soon. Several look at humans like vermin. They either want to exploit us or use us as fodder. I don't doubt that we'll be targeted for elimination."

The King, Kardil and the Queen, Mardra had to agree with his thoughts.

"Aria, why don't you and Ardjis go for a stroll in the gardens? Your fathers and I want to talk." The Queen patted her daughter's shoulder and sent the two off.

When they were out of earshot, the adults began to converse about more stressful matters.

"Galgin…I think that the time for our end is coming. I didn't tell anyone else aside from my wife, but there's talk that Bahamut isn't coming back. He took his departure on his trip a few days ago and hasn't been heard of since. In his absence, trouble has been brewing." The King sighed with a despairing expression.

"The effects of the war scare is growing worse. Mongers are using this as a chance to fan the flames. I have my best soldiers trying to hunt them down, but even then, we can only do so much. We have to take a stand before we're caught in the middle with no help." Galgin remarked.

"We are the only human kingdom that hasn't taken up opinions in the conflict. If I take a stand, it'll be used against us to force us into the fray. I don't want to get us involved in this war." The King bemoaned.

"Regardless, tell your troops to prepare. Begin planning stations and ready all weapons. We should be ready for whatever may come." The Queen ordered the Supreme Commander.

"It will be done." Galgin bowed.

"That aside, there is another matter to speak of." The Queen softened her expression.

"Milady?"

"I'm well aware that my daughter is nearing the age of 17, the marriageable age. Men will flock to her like beasts to a rare delicacy. They'll lust for her and they'll see her as an opportunity for the throne. I want your most honorable guards close to her. I want to avoid anything unfortunate." Mardra crossed her arms.

"Thus, we have an idea." Kardil smirked.

"Let me guess, my son is involved." Galgin raised a brow.

"It's only temporary! Please! We promise we'll drop the whole charade when they find people they're willing to marry. Our daughter's future depends on you." Kardil clapped his hands together in a pleading fashion.

"And how is this not going to snowball in our faces?" Galgin asked.

Galgin was quiet for a while, unsure of what to say or do.

"Also, it'll bring our families together and our lines will continue. Don't you think it's romantic?" Mardra added in.

That didn't help their case. He'd rather his son love the woman that he preferred.

"The moment my son tells me that he's fallen for someone besides the princess, we dissolve this." He demanded.

"Agreed." Kardil smiled.

In truth, the three were afraid of what would happen to them. They knew that the mythical war might claim their lives, along with countless others. They could only hope that if the worst came to be, their children would live on.

(Doctor Who OST – Clara?. Play Song.)

Ardjis and Aria walked silently before Aria decided to speak up. Things were a little awkward. She didn't know what to say to Ardjis because she didn't know what he was like. He had maintained a stern look as he peered around, as if attempting to look through walls. He was definitely the Supreme Commander's son.

"There's no need to be so uptight, Ardjis. You can relax around me." She turned around with a serenely calm expression. She was disappointed to see his cold eyes.

"I am just a guard, Your Highness. It would be inappropriate and impossible for me to refer to you by your name."

"Well, that's no fun. You can't be so stern all the time. What'll you do if you get a permanent frown?" She playfully asked.

Again, Ardjis' brows didn't budge.

"There is nothing of interest about me, Your Highness. My father is the Supreme Commander of the Military. I'm just his son."

Ardjis had made it a point to avoid making any emotional attachments. He had to be careful at all times. Getting caught up in playing around would hinder that. The time of war was already here. People were just pretending otherwise. He would hear rumors and talk between politicians and military leaders, who feared that the Cataclysm War was going to approach the doorstep of humanity. It was to be the war to end all wars.

Growing up understanding human mortality due to hearing of his father's tales, he matured quickly, far more than any 15-year-old should at the normal standard.

"Why so serious all the time?" Aria asked, turning around.

"It is a given, Your Highness."

Aria lived her entire life until now, as someone who had been raised to a station far above others, being seen as someone to be loved and feared. She hated it, honestly. She felt alone, isolated. It got so bad that she had asked her father for a knight that she could befriend while keeping his worries at bay. Since childhood, she'd been held within the confines of Numenla's protective wall and barrier. The Curtain of Numenla had been made to prevent the Cataclysm War from reaching them. However, the strength of the Curtain was failing. It was just a matter of 'when' for the dark times to reach this place.

"Well, instead of being only my bodyguard, why don't you be my friend?" She offered.

Ardjis paused. He wasn't sure if it was alright to be friends with the Crown Princess. Who knew what rumors would come of this. Yes, his father was the Supreme Commander of the Military, but in this era, royalty tended to mingle only with royalty. Anything less, and there'd be unnecessary gossip.

"Acquaintances sounds better." He answered.

Aria puffed her cheeks, greatly disappointed. It was going to take forever to get past his shell.

"For now." She pouted to herself after turning around.

(Doctor Who OST – Clara?. End Song.)


When they returned to where their parents were, they were blindsided by extreme news.

"We have an announcement to make to the two of you, and later, the entire kingdom." Kardil smirked.

Chills went up Ardjis' spine and his face paled for some unexplained reason.

'I've got a really bad feeling about this.' He sighed.

"What is it?" Aria asked, also feeling something close to premonition.

"We have decided that you two are to pretend to be lovers."

Both youth's jaws dropped in shock.

"WHAT?!" Vali both exclaimed.

"It's only a formality. Rather, it's a cover. Aria, you're 14 years old now. Soon, you're going to be maturing into a young adult. That means people will try to take advantage of you. Thus, we've designed this charade to keep sleazy men away. You can discreetly pursue the one that you love, but for those that can't see past your position, Ardjis will be there."

"The ultimate cockblock." Kardil coughed.

"May I speak, Your Majesties?" Ardjis came forward.

"Do give your input." Kardil nodded.

"If Her Highness courts another man while we pretend to be in a relationship, won't that be seen as unfaithful and licentious?"

"We thought of that and will break the relation if you find someone to pursue. Regardless, your duty as her bodyguard still holds, no matter what happens. However, for the good of the both of you, it'd be best that this arrangement be made known. None would dare cross the Royal Family and the Supreme Commander of the Military. As the Son of the Supreme Commander, you are also of high pedigree. Many would target you just as much as my daughter. If someone tries to pick a fight with you, then they'll risk my wrath. If someone tries to think of harming my daughter, they'll think twice when the son of the undefeated Supreme Commander is shown to be her guard." Kardil folded his arms.


With that done, Aria and Ardjis had spent weeks walking around the gardens and the city. It was a hassle to deal with all the looks and constant well-wishers. Both were quite troubled; Aria more than Ardjis. She hated her freedom being restricted. This was like a thorn in her side that wasn't going away any time soon.

Regardless, she tried to make friends with Ardjis out of genuine interest.

Late one night, she found him training outside in the Training Fields directly outside the Castle. The sound of sword hacking away at wood had clued her in. She watched him practice into the night, as if transfixed. The way he moved looked automatic. Not as if prodigal, but as if it was done over and over. It kind of brought new interest to Aria.

When Ardjis finished, Aria walked up to him and offered him a drink of cold water.

Ardjis was a bit surprised by her sudden entrance.

"Want some water?" She asked, smiling brightly.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Ardjis knelt.

Aria's brow twitched. Six months had passed and he was still referring to her like he didn't want to interact with her. Formal and distant. It was starting to annoy her.

"We're announced to be engaged. We could at least act like it." She sighed, leaning in toward his face.

She didn't like the fake dating either, but she decided that she could only bide her time. She didn't know when she'd meet that special man, but for now, she'd try to create a positive relationship with Ardjis.

Ardjis, however, wanted to maintain a professional relationship. He had to be honest. Aria was breathtakingly beautiful. No, rather, he couldn't find words to do her justice. She was so graceful and full of joy. She was a deep contrast to a mechanical person like him. Unfortunately, he feared that emotional attachments would only cause pain when they were broken. He learned that lesson when his mother had been a casualty in a weapon experiment. Sadly, it was a secret in order to keep the public calm.

His standpoint on the fake dating or engagement was passive, as he felt the same as Aria. Then again, he found Aria to be unbearably charming. She was always so nice to him and tried to break his stern shell, but he had to keep applying new layers to it. He was just a soldier and she was princess. It'd never work out.


One day, the two had gone out to the town, as Aria wanted to go see the people. She had made it a point to greet her people and interact with them, not confine herself to high societal wards.

Of course, Ardjis accompanied her, along with many other bodyguards that followed them discreetly. Now at the age of 18, Ardjis had reached the rank of Captain and was given his own Squad to command.

He looked around and saw several shops and stands set up. People were hustling and bustling to buy groceries and new items. In the original Earth, technology was also prevalent but only in domestic and societal uses. It had lost out to magic in warfare.

Aria turned around and showed him a black necklace with diamond studs on it.

"How do I look?" She smiled.

"It looks well-made." He quipped, not looking at her face.

"Anything else? What do you think it looks good on?" She pressed on.

"I wouldn't know, Milady." Ardjis shook his head in refusal to answer her question.

Aria puffed her cheeks with a pout.

They continued walking before a child that had been playing had fallen over next to Ardjis. Scraping his knee, he started to cry. Contrary to his usual stoicism, Ardjis knelt down and gently helped the boy up. He had been the first to move, which didn't surprise Aria. This next part did.

Putting some magic salve onto the boy's scraped knee, Aria was flabbergasted that Ardjis' expression was soft and full of kindness, forming a small smile. The boy's cries stopped at small sniffles.

"Are you okay?" Ardjis softly patted the boy's head.

"Thank you, sir." The child sniffled.

"Young men shouldn't cry too easily. It's okay to cry but we should know when it's the right time. Be strong." Ardjis whispered to him before sending him off.

'So, he's not as mechanical as he pretends. Ufufufu, I like that.' Aria mused.

She'd begun to learn that Ardjis hid many sides to himself. He was bold but kind. He hid his gentle and loving nature behind a stoic mask and professional attitude. He was charitable to the commoners, always donating excess money that he didn't need. He went around and took care of crimes that the police of the Kingdom couldn't handle. Altogether, he gave his all for others. It was charming, really.

At first, she thought he was like another machine in service to the Royal Family. Everyone always seemed to keep their distance and would either look at them with fear or reverence. She had half-expected him to simply stay away from her but she found some hope that she could break past his cool exterior. She was just dying to know what his real face was like.

That night, the two were walking home, having spent a long but peaceful day in town.

"Ardjis, it's been about 3 years already. Are you really so adamant that you don't want to associate on a deeper level with me? We really won't look like a couple if you keep acting like this." She turned around, sporting a sad smile.

"Excuse me, Your Highness? What might you mean?" Ardjis coyly looked at her.

That irked her a lot. There it was. That usual distant and coy attitude that annoyed her to no end. Was it really that hard to get genuine friends?

"That's what I mean. I had been hoping that we could be friends. All my life, I'd pray for one. From the moment I could walk, I was to never leave the confines of the Kingdom's walls. As the only child of my parents, I'm vital for the continuation of the Royal Line." Aria scoffed with a scornful laugh.

This was surprising. Ardjis had never seen her act so cynical and resentful before. Her usual serene expression contorted into a sad yet angry frown.

"I had hoped that someone could come to understand me. To see me as a person and not just someone to protect and eye like a piece of meat. I guess I was wrong. I hoped that a bodyguard like you could also be a friend, a true friend. Someone who I could confide in and confide in me. I guess my hopes were for nothing. Let's go home." She turned around, silent the entire way.


For the next few months, the two had maintained a relationship that Ardjis had initially wanted. They barely spoke aside from when Aria told him of where she was going or if business came up. It was nearing the time when she would begin to learn of the politics and business ends of the Royal duties. It was a golden opportunity for her to venture into the world and learn of what it was like.

Having went on a trip for ambassador purposes, she'd successfully procured agreement from a new supply owner that had agreed to ship food and raw materials to their kingdom, saving them from much grief.

As they rode home on horses, Ardjis looked around the forest that they were in. The woods were lush and green. The trees stood tall like vigilant guards for its inhabitants. The sound of running rivers flowed by his ears as he listened to the sound of nature. It was calming, yet exciting. The air was fresh and gave a relaxing breath to those who inhaled it.

However, Ardjis knew that something was coming.

(Gundam Unicorn OST – Banshee. Play Song.)

"Your Highness…leave. Now." He turned his horse around.

"What?"

Ardjis had felt that something was wrong. He looked up and found that the birds had squawked loudly in a frenzy. Screeches could be heard from the animals as everything had gone silent, as if all had fled the area. Even the rivers had stopped making a sound, as if afraid it would be destroyed if it made any more sound.

The air grew thick and foul with a stench that smelled of gangrenous rot. Ardjis took a bow from his saddle and notched an arrow. Taking aim in front of him, he tried to sense what was coming, and where it would come from.

Suddenly, thunderous footsteps came. The sound grew louder and more foreboding by the second. Ardjis was not going to wait to find out what it was, specifically because the Princess was around.

"All of you, take the Princess and get her behind the Curtain. I'll hold it off." Ardjis ordered his 20 troops.

"But Sir!"

"That's an order. The Princess' life and you all take priority. Now do as I say." Ardjis growled.

With great reluctance, the knights ushered Aria's horse and rushed off.

"Wait! We can't just let Ardjis stay behind!" She looked at his soldiers incredulously.

"I know, Milady! But we must secure you first before going back! The Captain knows what he's doing." Someone responded.

The soldiers were forced to lead her horse away and held onto her as they tried their best to escort her to safety.

Ardjis looked into the distance and saw that a massive creature that resembled a rhinoceros, mixed with a boar, had come running. All around it, the ground rotted. It had four horns, two on each side of its head and two on top. It had six legs, with clawed hooves and a long spiked tail. It had two glowing purple eyes and grey skin.

Ardjis didn't know what sort of creature this was, as it looked like nothing from records and books. Now the real question was, what could this creature do?

It roared, which sounded like shrill and high-pitched wind. It scanned Ardjis before opening its mouth. It roared at him, though he stood his ground. He would give it the benefit of the doubt. He knew not if this creature meant harm.

His answer arrived in the form of several bolts of electricity that veered at him, zapping through the air as it homed in on him. Luckily, his steed jumped out of the way.

Firing an arrow straight at its mouth, the creature opened its maw and blasted a beam of purple electricity at it, vaporizing the projectile.

Rolling aside, Ardjis looked behind him and took a sigh of relief when the trajectory of the blast was nowhere near the path that Aria had taken with the others. He turned around and found that the new creature was rushing at him, its horns ready to impale him with extreme prejudice.

Notching a new kind of arrow, Ardjis took aim again. With a spiraling mark of blue magic lines, the arrow began to shine as Ardjis concentrated mana into the tip. It shimmered brightly as a shining star-like cross flared from the arrowhead.

Letting his string go, the arrow whistled through the air before striking the creature in the shoulder. It howled in pain when its front left leg was blown off by the power of the magic arrow.

Ardjis notched another arrow, seeing how effective that it was against the creature. Unfortunately, it snarled and swirled electricity across its four horns. The hair on Ardjis' neck stood up as the air began to smell as if it were smoldering.

The creature roared and fired off its tethers of lightning from its horns. Rushing away on his horse, Ardjis had to get out of the area before he got trapped in possible debris. Rushing through the green of the forest with breakneck speed, he reached the clearing. He clicked his tongue in desperation when he saw that Aria and his troops were still in the process of running away. They were still visible to the naked eye. With that being the case, it meant that this creature would notice them.

He turned around and saw the trees falling over as the Monster came rushing to find him.

Notching another magic arrow, he readied himself to attack. Once more, his senses seemed to kick off. They were telling him to run.

Kicking his horse to veer to the right, he barely missed the gigantic bolt of lightning that roared at him. It sailed through the air and almost struck the wall of Numenla.

"That thing needs to die." Ardjis aimed his weapon and shot it directly at the Monster's head.

Prepared for his assault, the Monster reared itself upwards and slammed its legs onto the ground, causing a shockwave that slammed into Ardjis that knocked him and his steed onto the ground, jolting in pain as electricity coursed through every fiber of his being. Burning and numbing sensations filled his being as he tried to recover from the shock. He felt the heat shake his arm as he tried to fight the pain.

The Monster rushed at him, rearing its horn forward to finish its work.

Drawing his sword, Ardjis prepared to fight back. He paused for a brief moment when he turned around and found Aria charging at them, with her bow and sword ready.

"What. Are. You. Doing!?" He demanded.

This was the first time that he was ever angry at her. It was as much of a surprise to her as it was to others. The stoic Captain was raising his voice.

"I'm not going to just run and leave you behind to possibly die." Aria objected.

Notching a Magic Arrow, she aimed her weapon and fired a bolt. The arrow hit the creature straight in the left eye, blinding it. The Monster reared around, roaring and slamming its hooves into the ground, violently. It's shrill cries of agony were scary, but also a bit…pitiful.

It reared its head towards them and rushed at them, using lightning to augment its destructive force and momentum.

The two got out of the way as they both turned around and fired their arrows. This time, their attacks failed to connect, as its aura of electricity rendered it moot. Using their swords was a bad idea too, obviously.

Aria opened her palm and blasted the Monster with a fireball, leaving clouds of flames to swelter into the sky. Ardjis was only adept with swordplay and archery, with Aria focusing on being well-rounded. She clearly had skill in archery, magic, and had some experience with swordplay.

She opened her palm and created three magic circles that spun rapidly. Aiming her hand at the mysterious creature, she fired ice, wind, and fire at it, creating a stream of three elements. Barreling at the unsuspecting beast, it crashed into the monster, sending it rolling across the grassy hill that they were on.

It rolled over onto its legs and let loose a massive volley of bolts. The ground was blasted apart as streaks of burned and disheveled soil was rent asunder, filling the air with dirt and dust. The sheer magnitude of the attacks' power was easily overwhelming for the both of them.

"Guh!" Aria knew that this was bad. Her barriers weren't strong enough to defend against this attack.

The horses were knocked away by the incoming surge of electricity as both riders fell to the ground, but managed to land safely. Unfortunately, neither would be able to outrun the incoming wave.

Ardjis sprinted in front of Aria and used his sword as a focus point to absorb the brunt of the attack, as well as using it as a medium to create a barrier.

"Ardjis?!" Aria cried out. Even in this situation, he forgot about himself and focused on her safety.

"Run!" He shoved her away as he was almost knocked into the air. His barrier creaked loudly as the surge of lightning continuously assaulted it.

Ardjis' muscles began to burn as he forced himself to stay put. He felt like a boulder was continuously blasting away at him, threatening to crush him. Soon enough, his barrier cracked, slowly splintering as it was chiseled away.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his back as energy rushed into his being. Aria had begun to transfer her magic and mana reserves into Ardjis' body to fortify his defenses. It was a futile attempt in Arydjis' opinion.

"Hurry up and run!" Ardjis yelled at Aria.

"I'm not leaving you here!" Aria fired back.

Suddenly, a loud roar shook the entire landscape as Ardjis looked up. A massive shadow had hovered over them, growing larger as seconds flew by. Looking up, Ardjis was met by a fearsome sight.

Bahamut growled as he descended from the sky in all his glory. He shrunk himself down to a more appropriate size but it did nothing to reduce the terrifying aura he exhumed. He growled, analyzing the newfound creature before opening his mouth and firing a small laser of navy mana that obliterated the creature, leaving nothing in its place with minimal effort.

(Gundam Unicorn OST – Banshee. End Song.)

"Are you unharmed?" Bahamut asked.

"Lord Bahamut, thank you." Ardjis bowed, kneeling.

"Enough of that. I'm not some kind of monarch. Tell me, what happened here?" He asked the young soldier.

After explaining the attack of the new monster and the fear that was evidently displayed by the forest, Bahamut was clearly disturbed. As protector of this world, it was his duty to deal with issues like these.

"I see. I shall investigate this matter." Bahamut already had his suspicions but his mind had been preoccupied by the Cataclysm War.

In his absence on a journey amongst the stars, the flames of war had been stoked by some unseen party. It was starting to bother him to see that the people he had so much faith in, had so little to prove that faith. Even so, he managed to stamp out these embers before an inferno could blaze.

"Lord Bahamut…what is the status of the world? Is war really going to happen?" Ardjis asked.

The Abyssal Wyrm merely sighed in sadness and regret.

"I'm sorry child, but I don't know. For now, there isn't any need to fear, as the conflicts have been resolved. However, do not take that for granted."

Ardjis had been afraid that was the case.

"Return to the haven of your home. I fear more creatures like this one will appear in time."

With those final words, Bahamut took to the skies and departed.

Ardjis then gave Aria an accusational look. She had originally given him a smile but it shifted into a stunned look when he glared at her. He stomped towards her as he got right in front of her and glared. She was so taken aback that she retreated in a daze. Not once had he ever looked at her like that. The cold frown he wore turned into an angry one and his body language made it clear that he wasn't going to use his normal patient tone.

"Why did you come back?" His tone was impatient and brusque.

"Why shouldn't I? Am I supposed to just let you die?!" She retorted.

Aria was getting tired of his smothering methods.

"It's my duty to protect you! What will happen to the people if they lose their princess?!" Ardjis' tone rose with his temper.

Within recent days, she would throw him off and go somewhere without letting him know and would even sneak out of the castle's walls. It didn't bother him much at first. But now, he realized that there was more at stake than just his position and life.

"Am I just a tool to all of you? Are you that desperate to look at me that way?!" She snarled.

"You are the Princess! The fate of thousands rest on you! The people love and adore you above all else. What will they do if something were to happen to you?" Ardjis growled.

"Why are you trying so hard to push me away?! Am I that unbearable to connect to?!" Aria stepped forward, her face inches away from his.

"Why are you trying so hard to connect with me?!" Ardjis narrowed his eyes.

"Why are you so afraid of being human!" Aria admitted.

"BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO LOSE ANOTHER LOVED ONE!" Ardjis shouted. His voice echoed like rumbling quakes as his dark secret came out.

In truth, he was in love with Aria. It was simple, really. In the years that they'd been together, Issei had developed feelings for the Princess. She was kind, loving, gentle, full of love and joy. It was impossible to not fall for her when so close.

"What…?" She asked, stunned.

Ardjis bit his lip. He had meant to take that secret to the grave.

"Forget it." He walked past her, intending to get back to the city and dropping her off at the Castle.

"Wait!" She cried out, latching onto his arm.

"There's nothing more to talk about." Ardjis muttered, he gently pulled on his arm but her iron grip refused to unhand him.

"Yes! There is too much to talk about!" Aria refuted.

"What do you want, Princess?" Ardjis tried to restrain himself but his temper got the better of him.

"I want to clear everything up." She whipped around him and grasped his shoulders.

The soldier only looked away.

"Do you love me?" She asked, the emotion was desperate in her voice.

It was almost as if she would shatter if he said the wrong thing.

Ardjis gave no reply, but his guilty look told volumes.

"You…" She looked down.

"You have no idea how much I wanted to know." She sighed.

"I didn't want to say anything. You're a princess and I'm a soldier. You're going to marry someone of better standing that can give you a better life. I'm an expendable pawn. It'd be pointless. I'd die before anything meaningful could happen. Besides…everyone that I love is gone." Ardjis looked down, clearly downtrodden.

Aria knew what he meant. Galgin had died a few months before, killed in a beast attack that still had little clues.

"But I love you!" Aria finally admitted. Her declaration was just as loud as Ardjis'.

Snapping his head to look at her, not believing what he just heard.

"I love you. So much. We've known each other for three years but that's been more than enough for me to fall for you. I've seen how you treat others and now I know the reason why you avoid me. Why can't I fall for you? No. How can I not fall for you?!" She clung tighter to him, bringing her face closer to him.

"You're always kind and soft to everyone that you meet. You take action when it's necessary and you do your best in everything. You worked for three years to protect me, despite us being safe in Numenla. You put up with all of my demands and never complained. You do all that's asked of you and never ask for anything!"

"Aria…it won't work. You won't be happy with me." Ardjis tried to desperately stop the conversation.

"What makes you think that?! What makes you think that you're so undeserving of me? You're more than worthy! It's the other way around!" Aria tried to appeal to him.

Ardjis remained silent, not willing to continue the discussion. Her temper withering away, Aria had enough with words. She dove forward and placed her lips over Ardjis' own. The young man's eyes widened in surprise. The emotion compressed into the action had reached Ardjis' heart. Tender love, caring emotion, and worried concern had become clear to him. Aria had been worrying for him for the long past three years.

"I…" He tried to form words.

"Is that enough proof that I love you? A kiss means much in our homeland. It's reserved only for the one that we want to marry." Aria smiled.

That much was true. It was a custom in Numenla for a man or woman to only kiss the one that they wanted to marry.

"But…I'm just an orphan that lost everything. All I have is my rank, nothing else." Ardjis counted off but he earned himself a slap.

"That's enough! No more self-depreciation. You are more than that. You're a warrior loved by our people and by me and my parents. If you feel that you're unworthy, then I'll prove to you that you're worthy." Aria protested.

Ardjis sighed, deciding to let out his withheld feelings and thoughts.

"I was afraid of connecting with you. I've lost my mother, who died as a random casualty to an experiment-gone-wrong. My father was largely the same, falling to some monster's wrath. I have no family, nor anyone that I can truly confide in. I was afraid that if I got close to someone else, they'd be taken away, as well. I'm tired of watching people die. It hurt so badly that I'd grown okay with the idea of not feeling anything anymore." He made a scornful laugh at himself.

"I guess I was wrong." He admitted.

For the first time, Ardjis made a large and heartfelt smile. It was brightening to Aria, who felt her heart beat faster, with her face growing red and warmer from the bashful blood rushing to it.

"No more of those thoughts. I'm with you. I'll always be with you." She swore with a small smile as she kissed him again.

Flashback End


That one moment of declaration had brought the two together as star-crossed lovers. To fall for each other in every life, yet to be torn apart at the end, was their fate.

Months went by and the Cataclysm War became a true horror of reality. Various kingdoms fell, including Numenla, who's King and Queen had fallen, leaving only Aria and Ardjis as two of the few survivors.

When Bahamut finally returned from a long expedition outside of their world, he went mad, destroying everything. At that point, the Aviturs had become known, having appeared out of nowhere, razing the world in their mad rampage.

Ardjis and Aria were both casualties of that War, but their souls persisted.

However…that wasn't always going to stay the same.

As their souls drifted in the afterlife, the Void tried to interact with them at some point in time after Ardjis became Host to Bahamut and Aria was chosen as the Songstress of Serenity. It latched onto Aria's soul and tried to corrupt it to its purposes. With the intervention of the Abyss, the Void was foiled but as a result, Aria's soul was torn in two.

(Fate/Prototype OST – Knight of Silver Sky ~ String Version. Play Song.)

"So…you're the part of Aria's soul that remembers everything…" Issei panted as Adelaide, no, Aria said.

"Yeah. I was the half that remembered all of our past lives together. The Void tried to interfere with our reincarnation at some point in time and I was split from my other half. Still, that doesn't change the fact that we've found each other again." Aria dived into Issei's arms.

"I-I…Ahahahahaha! I can't believe it! We're reunited." Issei laughed.

"This time…we'll never be apart ever again." Aria said.

The moment Issei intertwined his fingers with Aria's, it just felt so right. Yes, this girl was indeed Aria, the Princess of the Fallen Kingdom of Numenla and the love of all of his incarnations.

Ardjis and Aria were finally reunited for real.

"I've waited so long for this." Aria said as her lips locked onto Issei's, the pair losing themselves to reality as they indulged in the moment.

"So, who's this other girl that's my other half?" Aria asked.

"Who do you mean?" Issei asked in genuine obliviousness.

Issei couldn't help but draw a blank in his head. Who was Aria referring to again? His head was still foggy from his rebirth, so he'd naturally forgotten about many things. Even so…what was that annoying feeling in his gut and head? What the hell was he forgetting now?

It was like there was an itch that he just couldn't scratch in his head.

(Fate/Prototype OST – Knight of Silver Sky ~ String Version. End Song.)


I sure hope you guys enjoyed this 6-chapter package. I updated the story at 4:00 AM in the morning because I just couldn't wait to get it to you guys. Think of it as my gift to you for your continued support.

Now, I'm about to knock out, so I'll talk more with the next chapter update, whenever that is.

Stay safe, be careful, be sane, and I'll see you next time.