A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1. I do not own the song "Prayer". It belongs to ATLUS USA.
WARNING: LEMON, OOC, LANGUAGE
Chapter 22: Interwoven Fates
Argilla descended the dungeons with the hope of speaking with the guard in charge there. She had been told that the body was no longer in their possession.
At that moment, a ghastly feeling crept over her spine as her mind wandered, feeding her with morbid pictures and images of what might have happened to Roland's corpse.
She narrowed her eyes, "Where is it?!" she asked in a low growl.
The guard bowed apologetically, "I've heard talk…"
"What sort of talk?" she prodded, becoming steadily irritated as the second went by.
"That he is by the gates of the castle…"
Argilla paled at that. Serph…displayed his body? How come she did not see it the other day? She cursed herself; she had fainted after her time with Serph on the hill the other day…
She couldn't have seen it.
Feeling her heart pound wildly, she immediately relieved herself of the filthy stench that was plaguing her olfactory nerves as she stood within the subterranean world of the dungeons.
She, followed by her faceless and mindless servants, made her way hastily through the castle's halls and finally, out of the castle.
Her heart raced uncontrollably at the anticipation…Her eyes scanned left and right and yet she found no trace of the body…
She stepped forward, letting her sandal-clad dainty foot touch the soil. No. Still no sign of it. She frowned. She made to turn back around when suddenly, she felt something drop on her hand.
Her eyes immediately flew to the aforesaid hand and there, she saw…
Her pink eyes widened; it was a crimson stain.
She snapped her head up and looked above her.
Her heart stopped.
There, by the threshold of the thick oak wood doorframe of the palace, at the top, by the ceiling hung Roland's severed head.
Argilla's hands flew to her mouth at the morbid discovery.
"Roland…" she breathed out desperately, her voice a mere whisper. Her eyes began to brim with tears as she saw what had become of her guard…her friend…her special person…
"I'm so sorry…" she whispered, a tear rolling down her cheek.
At that moment, she felt her knees buckle together, her strength leaving her body. Her attendants immediately came to her side, clutching her by the arms, letting her get back on her feet.
She couldn't take it any longer…She had to leave…
And so, she turned her heels and walked away, slowly, almost in a limping fashion as she clutched her belly.
'He has no honor!! No honor!' she screamed mentally, her tears continuing to flow freely from her eyes.
At that moment, she felt the flames of her hatred for her husband be rekindled. She had hoped that they would move on forward with their lives in a more peaceful manner…But she guessed that she had been wrong…
Serph could never go one step in his life without having carnage in any way or form…
She took sharp intakes of breaths as she continued to walk away from the grotesque scene.
'He's not a man!' she screamed within.
She gritted her teeth as she felt a sharp pain in her back. She saw black.
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Argilla opened her eyes groggily. She made to sit up when a firm hand pressed her back on the bed, "You shouldn't get up. You need your rest." a gentle male voice said.
Argilla squinted her eyes to make out the silhouette in front of her. She blinked and saw that it was her husband, "Serph…What happened?" she asked groggily, quite disoriented.
He frowned, "I was hoping that you could tell me that. According to your attendants, you collapsed in the main hall…I've summoned the physicians."
Her eyes immediately flew to her stomach, "My child…!"
"Is fine…" he finished for her, draping his hand over hers, "The child is fine, although the physicians stated that any more of that fainting would dislodge it from you and it would die." he told her in a scolding fashion.
She sighed in relief; she had thought for a second there, that her little accident would've resulted in the premature demise of her child.
She closed her eyes as she remembered the reason why she had fainted in the first place. She glared at him and he gave her an innocent look as he pouted childishly, "What did I do now?"
She opened her mouth to speak when they heard a knock on the door. Serph stood, "Who is it?"
"It is I…Junia! I wish to see my sister!" came Jenna's muffled voice from behind the door.
Serph grinned at Argilla, "Well, I'm glad that your relationship with Junia is as strong as ever…You two are the only ones left…It is best that you bond closer together."
Argilla frowned, "And what would My King know of such matters?" she asked spitefully.
Serph laughed, shaking his head, "You are not blind Argilla…nor are you daft. You know the answer to that." He sat back down and caressed her cheek, "I shall return shortly, after your talk with Junia. Get some rest. It's still in the afternoon, you can still move about the castle if you wish."
Before she could respond, he gave her a chaste kiss on the lips before leaving altogether.
Argilla frowned and focused on the satin sheets on her instead. She understood what he meant. He meant his relationship with Gale and Heat. The three of them were practically blood brothers and they had stuck with each other their whole lives…
He was human after all…
He would never admit it, but, he did need his brothers. He did. Without them, he could never have achieved such power that he now possessed…That was why he was advising her to keep up her relationship with Jenna…
She couldn't ponder about it any further though as she felt weight sink on the bed, "Argilla…Are you alright? I came as soon as I heard…What happened?"
Argilla chuckled, "Slow down Jenna…Yes…I am fine. Well…as per what happened…Ah, I just saw something I didn't want to see…I had a fainting spell. That was all."
Jenna frowned, "And the child?"
"Thank goodness, my child is unharmed…"
Jenna felt the irritating jab of jealousy as she heard her sister's optimistic words and her convivial laugh.
She was quite aware that those "fainting" spells could dislodge the child from her womb, expelling it prematurely…
But again, luck, and the gods, had been on her sister's side.
Argilla had not miscarried and she and the child were both unharmed. They had escaped a narrow death…and she had done so without even realizing it.
While she on the other hand…
'Forget it.' she thought, shaking such ill thoughts from her mind.
She held Argilla's hand and stroked it gently, "Do you want to talk about it…?"
Argilla sighed, "Very well." She paused, and then continued, "I had seen Roland's…head hanging by the castle doors…" she shut her eyes tightly, "Serph had probably had his other parts of the body torn off as well…"
"To be displayed all over the castle or the town." Jenna finished, her voice as stoic as ever.
Argilla looked into her silver eyes, widening a bit, "You've…seen…them?"
She shook her head, "Fortunately, no. I had just come to know that as part of Arkanadara's custom for fallen adversaries…They usually did it against a fallen worthy and powerful adversary…"
Argilla frowned; of course.
Serph did say that he considered Roland as his rival…for her affections. It all made sense now…But still, it was an act that sickened her to no end.
"I hate him…" she told Jenna with a low voice.
"But you love him."
She sighed, "Yes."
Jenna looked at her sympathetically; perhaps she had been mistaken to think ill of her after all…Perhaps her life hadn't been all that successful…Perhaps she had not been favored by the gods either.
Jenna took a deep breath and released it, "You can never hope to change him Argilla…That's why you hate him; that's why you hate yourself."
Argilla's eyes widened, "What?!"
Jenna glared at her, "Let me finish sister."
"…"
"Love him for who or what he is sister. Do not try to change him…Because he never will change. Accept him, accept his faults, no matter how disturbing or how repulsive…It is the only way in which you would be able to find peace…If you keep thinking of the past, of what foul atrocities he has done, then, how can you hold his hand and brave a future together…?"
"…"
"You cannot…Then, how will you two raise your children…? How can you give to them love and trust when you have none for your significant other?" She sighed, paused, and then continued, "He did that to Roland because of what you had done to him. It is his way of retribution that is granted by their laws…You cannot persecute him for things that you consider inhumane…Their world is different from the one we lived in."
"He does love you…No matter how twisted his definition of the word 'love' is. You can never change him Argilla…but perhaps, you can make him into a better person…"
"There is a difference sister, between changing and refining." Jenna smiled and kissed her sister's cheek and stood, "Good luck Argilla."
Argilla sat there, completely dumfounded at what she had just heard…Jenna…she was wise beyond her years…
"Thank you…Jenna."
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"The Sanadan Prince will be in Arkanadara in a few days."
Heat's heart stopped and he grinned and then laughed, "Is he crazy!? What would he be doing here?"
He then narrowed his eyes, "Or is it that you're lying to me?"
The woman laughed, "You can believe whatever you want milord…But…I am telling you the truth. He would be here…In the towns…with his wife."
Heat's blood boiled, "His wife?"
She nodded.
Heat frowned, "He had Severina replaced." he stated nonchalantly.
"…"
He scowled, "That scoundrel…"
"Well, no matter…he'll be here. That's all I need to know. But when exactly will he be here?"
The woman laughed, "Fate must be a comedian milord for the Sanadan prince and his wife are to be here on the day of your attack at Ilvika forest…"
Heat cackled, "So it would seem…"
But still, it would be a bit difficult to search for a blue-haired man and his wife…
The woman laughed as she read his concern, "Red Dragon, the Sanadan prince will be with his expecting wife…carrying the cradle for the unborn child."
"How do you know all this?"
She chuckled, "I am a woman milord…I know what a woman like his wife would be doing at Arkanadara. She wants to prepare for her birthing…"
He paused, crossing his arms, "Why did you tell me this?"
She smiled, "It had been a bargain milord. You had convinced the king and thus, I am telling you what you needed the most…There is no harm in helping you milord. That's all."
Heat raised an eyebrow; Serph made a pact with this woman? But she only wanted one thing…How could Serph had consented to that?
'The answer is a simple 'no'.' he thought sourly. If he knew his friend, he'd have something up his sleeves…
But what?
Serph had always been known for his unscrupulous truthfulness. Once he had given his word, there was no going back…
That was why he was curious as to what kind of pact he made with this woman. But he doubted Serph would tell him. So, the best course of actions would be to let the events simply unfold.
"Alright." he nodded in congruence.
The woman bowed and there, disappeared into the shadows.
Heat smirked as his mind drifted elsewhere…He would see his Raikiri. He would see the blue-haired Sanadan man again.
He wouldn't be difficult to spot. A man with his wife.
'Too easy…'
But too bad. He would have to miss the offensive. Well, he had best tell Serph and Gale.
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Argilla waited for Serph to come back. She had been waiting for hours now. The evening meal had been served within the room.
She had thought that Serph had given her, her power back…but it would seem that he had other plans.
But no matter.
It wasn't what she wanted to speak to him about.
She sighed and continued to read the book in her hands but her mind wandered. She had thought a lot about what Jenna had told her only hours before…
She was right though. It would be foolhardy for her to think that she could ever change a man…much more her husband.
She frowned; accept him for who and what he was unconditionally…
Perhaps Jenna was right…
It was just that, it was a difficult thing to do. It was a daunting task that thus far seemed insurmountable…And at that moment, she began to worry…
Would her relationship with Serph forever remain as a mixture of love and hatred? She didn't want that; and from what she had learnt from him, neither did he…
He wanted a family just as she had wanted one. Yes; she coveted to have children of her own with a husband that she loved dearly…
But even that, seemed complicated…
Before she could contemplate her thoughts any further, the thick doors of their chambers opened and there, walked in her husband.
She stood and bowed, "My Lord…"
He chuckled, "Don't do that…It's just me."
She nodded and there, the questions that she had in her head began to resurface, "Serph…"
He smirked, "Did you get to see the corpse?"
At the sound of his question, Argilla's disgust and anger began to seep within her skin, and down within her very bones.
She frowned, "You…you despicable…repugnant…reprobate!" she finished in a yell, her hands clutching her belly.
Serph laughed as he walked over to her. He then took a chair and sat down, crossing his legs, "I'm the despicable repugnant reprobate, am I dear wife?"
Argilla's heart raced as her anger began to rise as she continued to appraise his nonchalant and unfazed countenance. Didn't he think that her words were meaningful enough to ponder over and give the appropriate reaction to?
Serph chuckled again as he brought his face to rest on his palm, his elbow atop the armrest of the aforesaid chair, gazing at his wife smugly, "If I am indeed what you say I am, then, what would you say to the treacherous act that you had committed? Hm…?"
"…"
"Aaah…silence." he chuckled again and continued, "And to think that you had promised me that you loved only me…but you had openly deceived me. I had given you everything…and yet, not only did you deceive me, but you had decided to carry out your foul and blasphemous act within our very own chambers…" he trailed off with a deadly and dangerous calm that he was known for.
Argilla stiffened but nonetheless said nothing.
He was right…
Serph saw the flash of guilt and remorse in her eyes and he knew…that he had won. She believed his words to be true…And why shouldn't she…? They were truthful.
He stood up and grasped her chin firmly, looking into her eyes deeply, "You see Argilla, you are as despicable, as repugnant and as much of a reprobate as I…" he stated boldly, his smile long gone, replaced with a menacing look.
He withdrew his hand and smirked once more, "You saw him. Wait…" he paused as he laughed, "That isn't technically correct…I should have said that you saw 'a part' of him, eh?"
She tore her gaze from his and glared at the floor, saying nothing. Serph's grin widened, "Well…do not think me to be evil Argilla. I had only done that as a punishment to him…And seeing as your act had been in the degree of malice as it had been, it openly justified that I kill Roland in such a fashion…It is just fair retribution. Nothing more."
"And you seeing him there is merely our customs." he finished truthfully.
She turned back to him with tears in her eyes, but nonetheless, glared at him, "Your customs are barbaric…! Just like you!"
He smirked evilly, "Be that as it may…but it is this barbarian whom you love…Is it not?"
Her pink eyes flashed dangerously, "Do not dare to use my affections for you as your leverage for argument Serph!"
"I can use whatever I want for my leverage for an argument Argilla. It is you who cannot." he told her as-a-matter-of-factly.
She narrowed her eyes into slits, "When will you remove him from there and give him a proper burial?" she asked in a low tone.
He shrugged his shoulders, "In a week."
"A week…?" she asked, her voice coming out as a quaint mouse's squeak. He nodded, "Yes; a week."
Argilla's throat felt very dry, "You…you are disgusting…"
He shrugged his shoulders, used to her words for 'insults', "Whatever you say Argilla…whatever you say."
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The days and nights had gone by…and slowly, but surely, the faint hope within Jenna's chest began to fade within each passing day.
She had not said anything but she could feel the subtle little changes that Gale seemed to be exhibiting…
He had…grown…colder.
He would still care for her and speak to her…But at night, when they would lay together within their bed, he would either fall asleep almost instantaneously…or pretend to…
'Just so that he wouldn't…touch me…' she thought with a choke.
She had told no one of her problem…Not even Argilla. Argilla had enough of her own problems to deal with…That was why both women took it upon themselves to converse on nothing but happy memories rather than painful realities when they were together…
Jenna gritted her teeth as she shut her eyes tightly, clenching her hands into fists. She didn't want to say it…but it would seem that her marriage was failing…
She held her tears back.
But she sobbed anyway… She hated herself right there…She was exhibiting nothing but weakness. The old her would never have stood for such ludicrous feelings such as this…
'I have not changed!' she yelled to herself, 'I am not weak…!'
But as soon as she had thought of that thought did more of her tears come, and flowed freely out of her eyes.
"Jenna…?"
She froze and immediately blinked her tears away, turning to the source of the voice. It was Gale. She forced herself to stand upon wobbly legs and pasted an insincere smile on her face, "Gale…I thought you were with His Majesty and the general?"
He nodded, "I was…We had just adjourned our meeting…But, forget about that." He walked over to her and inspected her face closely, looking from left to right, "What's going on? Why were you sobbing?"
She cast her face down and shook her head, "It's nothing milord…Female problems…"
Gale raised an eyebrow and tilted her face back up to meet his, "Is it about Princess Severina…?"
Jenna shook her head, "I believe that Sera is at peace Gale. She was a good person…"
Gale believed her, "Then…?"
Jenna turned away and walked away from him, calming herself, "How goes the strategy for the assault?"
They only had two more days until the assault…And with each passing moment, the designated day drew even nearer…
Gale frowned; she was doing it again…He walked over to where she was and spoke, "It's done. It goes well. The preparations are almost complete." His hands then found her shoulders and felt her shaking like a leaf.
Now, his worry was roused once more.
"You are eluding my questions Jenna." he stated nonchalantly, "I demand to know what is going on with you."
Jenna let out a strangled cry and she turned around sharply, "Gale…! Am I…Am I no longer worthy of your attention?"
Gale was taken aback, "What are you saying?"
Jenna growled, "You've heard what I've said!"
She may be head over heels in love with this man, but there was no way that she would let herself be patronized by him. Never; her marriage to him and her felt affection towards him had not changed her. No. She was as she was before.
She was his equal and she would not tolerate being treated as anything but.
Gale grasped her arms tightly, "I know what you've said! I want to know why you'd think that!"
Jenna attempted to snatch her arms away from his hands but he wouldn't release her from his tight grip and he drew her closer to him, sighing, "Tell me."
She glared at him, "Do you…find me unattractive?"
Gale wanted to laugh at her ridiculous question but decided against it. She was dead serious about her query and laughing at her would be folly…
"No. Why?"
She didn't believe him and pouted, "Then…why wouldn't you…?"
"Wouldn't what?" he urged her.
She blushed beet red at his question and he understood. He chuckled and embraced her, "Aa…The fault is mine Jenna…I've just been terribly busy the last few days…Please don't think that it's your fault…"
Jenna wanted to believe that…
But…
"Is it because that…I had failed to conceive that our bed had gone cold milord…?" she asked gently, resting her head on his chest.
Gale wondered at her question…
Was it indeed…?
"Nonsense Jenna…My affections for you had not wavered…" he responded stoically.
She raised her head and there looked at him in the eyes, "Then love me…" she rasped seductively. Gale could not resist her alluring voice and eyes and so kissed her…
His tongue and lips devoured hers without reserve. His hands tugged at her sari and she let him do as he pleased…She slanted her face closer to his and kissed him arduously…
She wanted to feel alive that night…and he was the only one capable of making her feel it. No one else…
Gale backed her towards the wall and she complied…His hands left her hips and waist and attached themselves on her face, cupping it firmly as he dove deeper still within her mouth, his tongue now plundering her wet cavern…
She whimpered but he did not falter…He kept going…He too, wanted to feel alive.
Her hands held onto his shoulders as he slid her sari from her…She accommodated him…Soon, they bared their all. Gale, now suckling on her neck, withdrew from his position and looked at her deeply; his cool emerald pools filled with the flames of passion…and lust…
Jenna suddenly found herself lifted off the ground. She wrapped her legs around his waist tightly as he pressed himself against her. Their eyes remained on one another's; their breaths caressing the other's face…
And there, he entered her.
She groaned at the contact…It had only been a few days, but to her, it felt like an eternity…His touches were soothing…and they cooled down the searing, painful, fiery feeling on her skin.
Gale groaned as he buried himself deep within her. His palms found the wall, and his knees did as well. He pressed himself tighter against her, sandwiching her in between the wall and himself.
As soon as he had been satisfied at relishing in her warm feel, he frantically thrust within her. Jenna moaned and closed her eyes as she felt herself being overwhelmed with profound unexplainable pleasure.
Gale gritted his teeth and continued to move within her, going faster and harder by the second. Jenna felt not the cold stone wall behind her as her body rose in temperate as they continued their wild dance.
And then, soon, the two found themselves in nirvana.
Jenna cried out his name while he grunted, releasing his seed in her.
He slid down the wall with her. His arms encircled themselves around her and held her close. He looked at her face and saw nothing but pleasure etched onto her features…
Her eyes were closed and her chest heaved up and down rapidly as her heart raced. Without further words, he picked her up and laid her on their bed.
He draped the blanket over them. He looked at his wife and saw that she was already fast asleep.
He thought about her once more. He thought about her previous question a bit more. She had been right…It had been a while since he last touched her…
Why was that so?
'I was preoccupied…' he reasoned mentally.
'That's a fact…but not the entire truth.' a voice within him spoke.
'…'
'You just don't want to touch her.'
Gale narrowed his eyes and willed the voice to leave him. Yes…it had been right. He did not want to touch her. It wasn't that he felt that she was unattractive…
It was just that…
He just didn't want to be disappointed should he learn that she again had failed to conceive. He just didn't know how he would be able to handle it again.
Then, there was the reason. It was that…he had lost interest…
Quite frankly, he had lost interest in trying to conceive…He sighed and shut his eyes. No…it was wrong. He shouldn't give up on her just because they had problems…
'That's why I live…to solve problems and not merely run from them.'
But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel cold towards her. No; she had not been blind or wrong to his attitude towards her lately. He had just justified it as mere preoccupation.
But she had been right.
Like he previously said, he just couldn't help but feel the loss of interest…He was just afraid that…this crack on their relationship could progress and eventually tear them apart…
No.
He didn't want that.
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Sera awoke with a smile on her face. This was the day when Cielo would take her to Arkanadara.
She turned to her side and saw that his side of the bed was empty. She slowly sat up and a moment later, he came into their bedroom, already prepared with a smile on his face, "Well, come on sleepy-head. We have a long road ahead of us."
She smiled at him and got off the bed gently. She looked out of the window and noticed that the sun had yet to rise.
Well, it was for the better.
Within half an hour, she was ready.
"Alright! Let's go!"
Cielo smiled back, "Come."
Cielo carried her and there, zipped through the trees. Cielo stopped and Sera looked at him in question, "What's wrong?"
Cielo perked up his ears and remained perfectly still, "It feels…like something is wrong…"
Sera frowned, "Are you sure…?"
He shook his head; maybe she was right. Maybe he had been overreacting. He had been doing that an awful lot lately…
Well, he shook his head off such thoughts. This was a happy day. He would make his wife happy.
They had arrived at the outskirts of the forest within minutes. Well, this was where all the "fun" would begin. They had quite a long trek. Well, they had better get going if they want to get there before sunrise.
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Serph had been awake all night. And now, he found himself by the eastern outskirts of Ilvika forest. The sun was going to rise any moment now…
Gale had taken the forces with him within the forest and had already started the fires. The sentries had been effectively killed…
It wouldn't be long now…
His thoughts suddenly turned to his queen. She was there, at the castle…waiting for him. He smiled; she had inspired him…
She and their unborn child were two more reasons for him to return home.
Flashback
Argilla assisted him as he put on his armor…
She stood in front of him and frowned as he smiled.
He wondered why she frowned. She had her face cast down and he tilted it up so that their eyes met, "What is it?"
She looked at him with hopeful eyes, "Don't…don't do anything rash out there…" she whispered painfully.
He wanted to push her further…
"How would you know if I would do anything of that sort?"
She frowned at him, "Because I know you…I've seen you firsthand in battle…Serph…"
He could see the desperation in her eyes. He knew that it was no longer a joke.
"What is it…?" he asked gently.
She sighed, "When I saw you in battle…I saw a demon challenging death; staring death in the face…I don't want you to do that today…" she paused and took his hand in hers and kissed his palm and continued, "You have a reason to come back home now…So please…return to me…and our child." she finished with a choke.
Serph's heart melted. This woman…really loved him.
He embraced her…and then…made a promise…a vow to her…
"I shall return to you Argilla…Nothing and no one could ever part me from you…"
She sobbed in his chest, "I love you…"
"And I you…"
End Flashback
He sat on his horse as calm as ever. He would not break his promise to her. After all, this was but child's play!
He laughed, 'Aa…you scum…Run…Run like the filthy rats you are!'
His eyes widened and he cackled from within his silver mask as he saw it…
Yes…The rebels were indeed coming his direction. With his sharp eyes he saw that it wasn't just soldiers either…
Men, women and children…
He narrowed his eyes. That wouldn't change anything. Men, women, children…They were all the same to him. This was the battlefield.
It was kill or be killed. And because of what he vowed to his wife, he wouldn't let anything get in the way…even if it meant slaughtering women and children.
His lieutenant came to him, "Your orders My King."
Serph frowned and nodded, "Arrows away lieutenant. Send the infantry at the second trumpet…"
He nodded and there left Serph to his thoughts. So, it was finally here.
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Gale's eyes scanned through the trees as he ordered the battalion to a halt. The fires had been started from all sides simultaneously…
His heart got caught up in his heart though as his troops had engaged the fleeing rebels.
With his sharp eyes…he saw that it wasn't just soldiers either…Innocent civilians were amongst them…
He gritted his teeth; Serph's commands were clear. They were to kill everyone within the base…Anything living, may it be innocents or otherwise…
He had no choice…
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Heat laid in wait, there atop the temple's roof. He had been scouring the city from the top for the last half an hour, looking for blue hair…
And so far, nothing.
All of the blue-haired men that he had seen weren't his Raikiri.
He was beginning to feel annoyed.
But then, he remembered his harsh childhood. Patience was rudimentary and was paramount to success.
His thoughts then wandered to his brothers and their assault. He really had wanted to be there and command the troops himself…but this was a pressing matter. It was both important and personal.
Serph had allowed him to bail out of the operation. He was grateful.
He didn't worry about Serph and Gale though; they could handle everything there with no problems.
Who were the rebels in comparison to their army?
'Nothing but pathetic maggots.' he thought sourly.
'Now…where are you…?' he asked, scanning the crowd once more.
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Cielo held Sera's hand as they continued to stand within a shop for the child's belongings. They had been there for quite a while now…
Sera was picky.
She was hard to please. She just couldn't pick out the one that she wanted. He sighed; women.
Sera giggled as she continued to browse at all the trinkets and cradles before her eyes. They were all adorable…
She couldn't choose! They had been in all other shops. She wanted to show Cielo how much she had improved her skills as a haggler.
She wanted him to be proud of her.
Finally, she had narrowed her search to two cradles…
'Which one?' she thought…And then, as if it had been revealed to her by a revelation, she chose neither of the two that was she was currently debating within herself but the light blue one at the back of the shop.
She walked over to it, "What about this one?" she asked, looking at Cielo, who merely shrugged his shoulders, "Whatever you desire Serish."
She chuckled as she saw his expression…Men.
They just weren't prepared for things like these…
She giggled and pulled him with her so that he may inspect the cradle, "Look…it's the same color as your eyes…" she whispered excitedly.
He blushed, "Er…I suppose so…"
She giggled harder and turned to the storekeeper, "I'll take this one please."
A moment later, they were done. Cielo held the cradle in one hand while his other one grasped Sera's hand. He had her wear a veil though; one can never be too sure.
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Heat breathed deadly calm as the sun continued to rise even higher…So far, there still was no sign of his Raikiri…
He suddenly stopped.
His heart stopped.
His eyes narrowed; there he was…
It was just as the woman foretold. There he was…A blue-haired man with a pregnant woman…
He cackled evilly; it was time. But first…he needed to box them in…
Without further thoughts, he leapt from the temple's roof and there silently alerted the guards.
Within minutes, the gates had been closed. Now, there was no place to hide…
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Jenna put her arms around her apparently distressed sister. She looked at Argilla with an unfazed expression.
Who did she think she was fooling?
Even she was distressed…
Their husbands had left in the dead of the night…It was now a few hours after sunrise…And within each passing moment, they both feared the next person that would walk within their private chambers…
For they knew…they knew that whoever so cometh to them through those doors other than their husbands would only bring with him ghastly news…
Jenna felt Argilla shiver within her arms and she immediately tightened her hold on her, "Be still sister…"
Argilla closed her eyes, "I…I do not know what demon has possessed me…I had not always been this way…"
Jenna could only agree so much on that notion. She had never seen Argilla so agitated…
She had never seen Argilla with such poor self-control. Well, that could be explained in two ways, she reckoned. Firstly, pregnant women were more likely to throw tantrums or become emotionally charged…
Secondly, the fact that her husband was fighting a battle would do that to any woman, pregnant or not.
So, knowing that, Jenna understood.
She sighed and began to hum…Argilla stiffened and then relaxed, smiling, "I remember mother…"
Jenna chuckled; their mother used to sing to them when they were in their beds, preparing for sleep…Argilla missed those times…She may not be her real mother…but she had treated her as if she had been her real daughter as well…
And so, the two sisters, sang…They sang, alleviating the sore feeling that plagued their weary hearts and souls…hoping that within the simple, yet deep notes and words, that they would find comfort…and solace.
"Kuzureochiru hikari suna no kakera…"
"Kono setsunai itami ni niteiru…"
Argilla smiled and closed her eyes, pressing her head against Jenna's chest firmly, listening to her heartbeat. It had a calm rhythm…It sounded soothing.
How she wished that she could be half the mother her mother was…Her hands clutched her belly and there she whispered as she began to doze off, "Serph…Come back…"
Jenna continued to hum even as she heard her sister's words. She was wishing for her husband…Well, she was too…
She calmed herself down…Even when Gale had explained to her that he had just been preoccupied to pay her any attention, Jenna could not erase from her mind the possibility of him losing his interest in her…
Her heart suddenly felt constricted and she couldn't breathe…Her lack of self-control had roused her companion. Argilla looked at her as she raised her head from Jenna's chest, "Sister…Tell me what is wrong…Your heartbeat had drastically changed…"
Jenna shook her head and looked at Argilla with a stern face, "It is nothing of concern Argilla."
Argilla frowned and held Jenna's hand, "If it were so, then, your heart wouldn't have behaved the way it did." She sighed as she paused and squeezed her sister's hand tighter, "You once gave me meaningful words about my husband Jenna…Only the gods know how much you've clarified my otherwise maelstrom-filled world with Serph…Now, it is time that I do the same for you."
Jenna gritted her teeth; this was something that was difficult for her. Didn't Argilla know how much effort that she had put around herself so that she wouldn't get hurt?
'But I got hurt anyway…' Jenna thought bitterly.
Of course she did…When one fell in love, one must be prepared for the sorrow and anguish that accompanied it…
That was the exchange. That was the unwritten law that bound each lover to his or her fate…No one can change that. No matter how many barriers once surrounded herself with, they would all but crumble at love's soothing call…
And that was what happened to Jenna. She had succumbed to love…
And now…she had gotten herself injured. And now…her sister had asked her to reveal to her, her injury…
It was something that wasn't easily done.
She had pride after all…
Argilla pouted as she sensed Jenna's hesitance. She had always been like this; trying to be strong…When would she realize that there were times that she didn't have to be strong at all? When would she understand that it was alright to be weak at times…?
When would she understand that strength wasn't everything…?
That it was time to face her weaknesses and shortcomings and embrace them…? Not despise them.
That would be foolhardy…It was sheer foolishness…
"Jenna, I am your sister…Please trust me. I would never wish any harm to befall you…" she sighed and then continued, "You don't have to be strong all the time. Days prior, you had been strong for me…and I was grateful. You had been there when I was weak. Now, let me be the one to protect you…"
Jenna closed her eyes and opened them again, letting Argilla see the tear that trickled down her cheek.
"What happened?"
Jenna swallowed the lump in her throat, "Gale…is displeased with me…"
"Why?" asked Argilla, bewildered.
"I…I had failed to conceive time and time again…" Jenna said through gritted teeth, giving herself mental beatings as she heard her disgusting weakness with her own ears.
Argilla said nothing and just enveloped her in her arms, "Oh sister…That means nothing…Lord Gale had been preoccupied…Just like His Majesty…"
Jenna growled and pulled away, "You do not understand! Tell me sister, does His Majesty still make love to you? Does he still hold you close when you are together…?" she said through gritted teeth, her silver eyes flashing angrily, "Does he still look at you with those…eyes…? The eyes that hold only promise of you two having a future together…?" she asked, finishing with her voice ending as a desperate choke.
Argilla's eyes widened and then returned back to its natural sizes. She knew the answer to that…
And the answer was…
Yes. For all her questions…
Serph's passion for her had never faltered…His eyes never lied to her…They continued to gaze upon her with a vow; a vow that said that he would always be there…for her and their family.
Jenna saw the expression in her sister's eyes and she stood up, looking down at Argilla with mocking eyes.
"Like I said, no one can help me." she said, a tear rolling down her cheek.
"You have your whole life with the king planned…and practically made…While I…I am hanging upon a cliff with the very skin of my teeth trying to hold my marriage together. Argilla, you cannot be strong for me; not this time. Our paths had obviously diverged. I thank you for your concern though. But I shall be fine. My business is my own. Thank you." and with that, she was gone.
Argilla released her breath…
'Jenna…'
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Cielo led Sera towards the gates when he suddenly stiffened.
"What's wrong?" Sera asked worriedly, as she felt his hand tightened its grip on hers.
Cielo paid her no heed as he surveyed the area…Something felt awry…He could definitely feel it.
"Nothing," he said, as he picked his pace, literally dragging her along the busy streets, "let's go."
Sera winced, "Cielo…! Slow down!"
The sound of Sera's pleading voice brought him back to his senses and he immediately halted, looking at her in the eyes, "I feel as though someone is following us…"
"What…?"
Cielo looked around…The people were less scattered…The number of the townsfolk had decreased…He was right…Something was afoot.
He dragged her again and headed for the gates and cursed as he found them to be closed. He looked at the guards and noticed that their eyes were piercing his.
'Damn! They know!'
He turned around again and began to walk away when a group of guards barred their path. Sera's breath got caught in her throat as she considered their dire situation.
She clutched her belly, "Cielo…" she said, scared.
Cielo gritted his teeth and spoke in a low tone, "Move out of the way." he told the guards.
"No." he heard a strong male voice from behind the guards.
Sera's hair stood on one end as she recognized the voice…It had been…
"Heat…" she whispered, almost inaudibly.
The guards made way as their superior walked in from behind them. Heat smirked at him, "It's nice to see you again, Raikiri."
Cielo glared at him, dropping the cradle and hid Sera behind him, "Do what you want with me, just spare my wife. She has nothing to do with our conflict. Let her go…"
Heat tilted his chin upwards and raised an eyebrow, "Fight me and perhaps I would let your skank live…"
Cielo's breath became ragged. From the corner of his eyes, he assessed the layout of the walls around him.
Heat laughed, "If you are thinking of pulling that disappearing act that you pulled back at the outskirts of the city, you can forget it. I doubt that you would be able to move with your heavy wife…Not to mention that I've had crossbow men aimed at her at this very second…One false move and it's all over."
Cielo clenched his jaw angrily.
Heat looked at Cielo from head to toe. He was young…and possessed a childish charm. This was the man that Sera had left him for?
He frowned as he felt the ugly head of jealousy and insecurity rear themselves.
"Fight me." Heat challenged.
Cielo turned and looked at Sera from her hood and sighed, "I have no choice…I'm sorry…" he said regretfully.
Her silver eyes began to water, "Cielo…" she whispered sadly.
Suddenly she felt herself be shoved to the side as Cielo and Heat began their battle. Cielo turned his body to the side and took out his twin swords as he did, evading Heat's initial strike.
He then rolled forward and took a defensive stance, "What are the terms of this contest?" he asked Heat as they circled one another.
Heat laughed, "Simple. You kill me and you and your slut of a wife would go free…I kill you and your head is mine…"
"And my wife?"
Heat smirked evilly, "My men are weary Raikiri…I'm sure that your wife could accommodate them."
"You son-of-a…!" yelled Cielo, enraged.
Predictable. Young men possessed hotheadedness and were easily provoked.
That was what went on within Heat's head as Cielo lunged at him, his twin swords cutting left and right, up and down, missing his throat only by a few centimeters.
Sera watched with terrified eyes as once more, the two men that she loved, battled. Her heart stopped as Cielo's swords came too close to Heat's neck.
She froze again as she saw Heat's sword swing dangerously near Cielo's arm.
She didn't know how much of this she could take!
"Enough!" she screamed. But no one paid attention to her.
"Shut up you dumb wench!" she heard the guards laugh at her.
Her eyes brimmed with tears as she saw Cielo's arm bleed; Heat had been able to cut him. Her heart pounded uncontrollably as the moments came by. She couldn't take it anymore!
"I said enough!" she yelled once more.
Cielo cursed as he dodged more of Heat's attacks. He had heard Sera's voice…What was she doing!?
Growling, Sera knew what she must do. Her hands grabbed her hood and pulled it down, "I, Princess Severina, princess of Flavius Adeodatus and sister to Arkanadara's Queen Amadeus, command you all to stop!"
Heat immediately stopped and so did Cielo.
"Sera! No!" he yelled.
Heat immediately turned and motioned for the guards to seize the girl. Cielo cursed and gritted his teeth, and there, blurred past them, disappearing in a split-second, hurling his kunai with deadly accuracy on the side, hitting the crossbowmen in the throats.
He moved past the people and appeared right in front of Sera, taking out the guards that held her. He slit their throats with grace and agility that no one saw him do it until the guards fell on their knees, clutching their torn throats, the blood splattering in all directions.
Heat gritted his teeth. It was Sera!
He had been distracted by her voice that he didn't even notice that Raikiri had already moved. It wasn't just him either. In a matter of seconds, Raikiri had killed five of his guards.
Damn.
He rushed past the soldiers and moved over to where Sera and Raikiri were.
Cielo grabbed her arm but there, heard the whipping sounds of the arrows. With his inhuman speed, he turned and grasped one of them before it could reach his face while he deflected the other ones with his swords.
"Cielo!" Sera screamed.
Heat held his sword tighter and there, seeing Cielo's distracted state, pointed it at his neck and right in front of Sera's belly.
Cielo froze.
Heat cackled at his victory and there, he stared at Cielo's wife. Red met silver. He couldn't breathe…It was her…She was alive…
"Heat…" she breathed out…
"Sera…I thought…"
But before the drama could ensue, he had his guards strike the young man at the back of his head, knocking him unconscious.
"Cielo!!"
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Argilla's day was bittersweet. While she was confident that her husband would return safe and sound, otherwise unscathed from battle, she had also been melancholy as she had finally seen the rest of Roland's corpse.
As Jenna had stated…he had been torn apart.
She had thrown herself at Serph's feet just before he left, begging him to release the corpse. Seeing that he was to march for battle and had no time for such things, he complied. Argilla felt grateful and there arranged his burial.
It was a small gathering…with just herself and her sister present. She had mourned him all over again.
But she was happy…
He would be at peace now.
She narrowed her eyes. It was a barbaric custom to be sure…but as Jenna stated, one cannot hate another on the basis of their culture. It was what they had been raised to believe and to do. The aforesaid person wasn't at fault.
And because of that…she couldn't hate Serph.
So, now, letting go of Roland fully, she focused on Serph instead…That was why she was walking the halls…in order to find news of him…of the army at the front.
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Argilla walked along the halls with the hope of alleviating her stress and yet with the hope of gaining some news about Serph when she had seen Heat walking along the halls, and apparently, under urgent business as she saw his concentrated countenance.
Her heart leapt at that.
He came to her and bowed, "Highness…"
"Rise." she told him firmly. He did as she asked and she looked at him questioningly, "What is going on? You looked troubled."
Heat considered telling her about Sera but decided against it. If he did, he would never get her alone as her sisters would only persistently nag him about seeing her first.
No.
For now, only he would know that she was back.
When all of his questions for her had been satisfied, only then would he divulge her existence within the castle.
But not before that.
"I've captured key personnel amongst the rebels and I'm going to interrogate him now." he stated curtly, "Is there anything I could do for you?"
She shook her head, "No…But…How goes the battle…?" she asked in apprehension.
Heat understood her concern but nodded his head, looking at her firmly, "Have faith in His Highness. He shall return. The rebels are all but defeated. I've just received word from the front that they have the rebels overrun. So, Your Highness, do not worry."
Argilla nodded and began to walk away, "Alright…Thank you…"
Heat nodded and walked away as well.
He headed towards his chambers were his runaway wife laid in wait. Raikiri had been put in the dungeons and Heat would not bother with him for the time being. He could deal with him in due time.
He and Severina had a lot of catching up to do.
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