A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1. I do not own "Prayer"; it belongs to ATLUS.

WARNING: OOC, LANGUAGE

Chapter 25: Destiny

Sera's eyes widened.

The room around her seemed to get smaller by the second and seemed to crush her, making her feel claustrophobic.

Her former husband…No!

Her husband…Heat…was a very sick man…

Her hair stood upon one end as she looked at the jars in front of her…all around her…They were all piled up neatly upon the large shelves…

Suddenly, she had the urge to throw up but she held her ground; she must be strong. There, within the jars, were the severed heads of those whom Heat had killed. Heads of countless men were piled up before her shocked silver eyes…

Never did she think that Heat was ever capable of doing this…

"He's not…human…" she whispered within the damp and cool room.

Sera's body felt numb as she walked even further in the room. Her skin crawled and her blood ran cold as the dead eyes within the jars seemed to awaken suddenly and peered at her through the glass of their containers.

She wanted to shut her eyes and run from there.

But something told her that she had to press on.

After a few moments of walking within the room, she found Heat's desk. Her eyes, that had been thus far dilated, widened even wider still.

"He lied…! He lied…!!!" she screamed over and over as she looked at the ghastly object before her.

She collapsed on the floor, her palms on the stoned floor. Her will had finally crumbled and her strength had abandoned her.

Now, all that remained was the feeling of despair…

She forced her head to rise and there, with all the strength that she could muster, gazed upon the severed head of her true love…

"Cielo…" she choked out as her silver eyes met his dead sapphire ones.

Suddenly, flashes from her memories with him surged through her mind.

She remembered when he held her hand…She remembered when he carried her to bed…or how she waited for him by the windowsill every time he had a mission…

She remembered the time that he had pressed his ear and the side of his face to her belly, feeling and hearing their child move within…

She remembered how good a person he was…

Sera's heart wanted to burst. She sucked in the air, the oxygen around her, but none of it would enter her lungs.

"No! No!! No…!!" she yelled over and over again as she banged her small fist on the floor, causing bruises on her delicate knuckle.

"You lied…!!" she screamed to no one in particular.

Heat had lied…

He had given her his word that he would not harm him…He had even told her that Cielo had left so that their bargain may be invoked…

But she was the stupid one.

She had believed him.

"How could I believe the words of a serpent?!" she asked herself in self-loathing.

With one more look at her fallen husband, she picked herself up and stood with wobbly feet. She walked over to the desk and took the jar in her hands. The old Sera would have found this to be heavy but because of Cielo…she had become stronger.

She looked at her husband's dead eyes and peered into it, ignoring the stinging pain of realization that his eyes were empty as they were dead, and spoke with a quivering voice, "I…I shall set it right…I shall set you free…my love…"

Without another thought, she rushed out of the room, the jar in her hands. She quickly locked the door and donned on her veil. She had told Heat days ago not to inform her sisters of her return until she was ready.

Wanting to keep her, he complied.

And so, whenever she would leave the room, she would have her veil over her face. She was known as the Red Dragon's enigmatic new lover…

But sadly, she hadn't yet seen her sisters…

Why?

She didn't want to…She knew she would feel guilty if she did. She had put them through a hellish experience once they learnt of her untimely demise…They didn't need to relive that once more at seeing her. They had already moved on with their lives…

There was not a need for her to enter their aforesaid new lives any longer…

Their paths…had diverged with each of them given their own destinies…

Sera put the jar within a sophisticated box, adorned with jewels and embroidery; no one would suspect what lay within…

And so, she made haste.

She was glad that Heat and the others were at the meeting. He wouldn't return for a few more hours.

She silently and meekly made her way out of the castle and into the gardens. She cursed as she saw Argilla within the gardens as well, sitting, caressing her engorged belly while reading a book.

So, Priya hadn't succeeded in whatever plan she had after all…Argilla was still alive. She had asked Heat what had happened to her but he said nothing of it…And now, seeing her sister alive and well, Sera could only deduce that Priya had failed.

She smiled though…

So…that was what she looked like now…She was with child…She sighed; she could only hope that she was happy…Suddenly, she saw Argilla smile, putting the book down.

Sera knew…

Argilla was happy.

She froze again as she saw her other sister, Jenna, walk up to Argilla. They began to converse although Sera couldn't hear them, she saw the two were happy…

"I'm glad…" she said to the winds.

Shaking her head, she dashed from the scene. She had left from the castle gates, unheeded by the guards. Heat had given her freedom…She, after all, had given her word that she would not runaway.

She walked with great haste, holding the box with her as tightly as possible. After a few minutes of walking, she had finally left the city's soil. She looked around her…Greenery…trees everywhere…

She looked left and right and there found a secluded spot. She dug a grave with her hands, her fingernails digging aggressively within the dirt, her arms moving at an accelerated and exhilarated manner. When she was convinced that it had been deep enough she opened the jar, spilling its liquid carefully, setting her husband's head free.

She held his cold head in her shaking hands and there, pressed her lips on upon his cold and dead ones. She pulled away and looked at him one last time, "I shall…see you in Nirvana…"

And with that, she deposited the head within the grave and quickly covered it. She knew that he would've wanted it this way…He would have loved to have been buried outside Arkanadaran soil…

She sighed…

She may still be within the country of Arkanadara…but she was out of the city walls. She was regretful that this was the best she could do.

'I'm so sorry…Cielo…' she thought painfully, with tears in her eyes…

She knelt in front of the grave as she said her prayers up to the gods…asking them to give her beloved safe passage to Nirvana…

She sighed and there, parted her quivering lips and sung a lonesome requiem for him…

"I'm you…You are me…Itsumademo…" she sung into the winds…

"Remember that song Cielo…?" she asked him, laughing a bit as she wiped off a tear with the back of her hand.

"I told you about it…right…?" she sniffed, holding back a sob.

"No matter…where you go…no matter how far apart we are…we'll always be together…Always…So, wait for me…" she finished with a choke, finally letting her resolve fall apart as she laid rest on his grave, her forehead pressing against her bent arms.

After a moment's quiet calm, she composed herself, stood and took a deep breath, "I love you…" A breeze then passed through her. She shivered and stiffened as she could've sworn that she had felt human hands around her waist…

And heard a human voice…

She smiled; it was he…

She smiled languidly at the grave, "Wait for me…"

And with that, she fled.

She had reached the confines of Heat's chambers and there set to work immediately…

She smiled though. It wouldn't be long now. She would be reunited with her family soon. She would be able to hold her son again. She would be able to embrace her husband once more.

She allowed herself a small thought once more. Priya had done what she had done for love…Argilla had stayed because she did it for love…Heat had done what he did, no matter how twisted, because of his definition of love…

And Cielo…

He had died…for love.

He had died so that he may save her…

And now, what was she doing…?

'I…am returning the favor…I'm doing this for you my love…' she thought with a rueful smile.

She stood and stepped on the stool and then from there, on the table. It had all been prepared now…

"I'll see you two soon…" she said as she tied the final knot.

All that was needed…

Was her.

She breathed in the air calmly, relishing in the feel of this world around her. She perked up her ears and heard the distant chirping of the birds…She felt the warmth of the sun's golden rays on her face…caressing it gently…as if comforting her…telling her soothingly that all would be well…

"I'm waiting for you Sera…I'm waiting…"

She quickly opened her eyes and looked around. There was no one…

She had heard Cielo's voice…

She smiled; he was waiting…

"Do not fret…I shall not make you wait any longer…" she said with utter happiness.

Her hands went to the small hoop in front of her and there put it around her neck. She tightened it.

She then saw them…

Her son…her true love…

"I'm coming…" she said with a gentle voice and happy smile…

She took the final leap of fate. She had taken the last step on her journey. Yes. Her journey had at last come to an end…There was no longer the concept of suffering…of grief…of agony…of anguish or of strife.

There was only…

Bliss.

The surreal visage of her son and her husband were the only things that she last saw before the end…

"Cielo…"

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"Jenna, what a pleasant surprise." Argilla said as she motioned for her sister to sit as she put her book away.

It was a nice and sunny morning and Argilla was feeling all the more cheerful. It had been two days since Priya's death; she shuddered at that.

But thanks to her husband, she had put all that behind her. He had been right; there was only the family…

And so, seeing her sister, her smile widened still.

Jenna sighed and returned her smile, "I've decided to ride again…"

"Is that so?"

She nodded, "I can't stay in my chambers forever…"

Argilla was glad, "Yes. You need to release your stress Jenna. And before you know it, you would be delivering your first child with Lord Gale." she said cheerfully, holding Jenna's hand.

Jenna smiled tightly; she hasn't told Argilla yet…But her sister was right about one thing though; release stress…

Telling Argilla would only add unnecessary stress on both Argilla and herself. If Argilla didn't know, they could continue to pretend…to pretend that everything was fine and peachy…

She wouldn't have to look within Argilla's eyes and see pity and compassion. No; Jenna wanted none of that.

Even if it were all a lie, she'd live that lie. Because within that lie, she was happy. There were no words of consolation, no hands that would drape over her shoulders and say, "I'm sorry…"

No.

With this lie, all that she would ever hear were words of encouragement; words that say, "You can do it the next time around!"

And she would be happy…

It was childish, she knew…but she cared not.

This was what she wanted. This was what she felt…

Jenna smiled, "Aa…You're right…Yes. I think I shall take your advice sister."

Argilla laughed, "Of course I'm right…!"

"Am I intruding?" said a male voice.

The two immediately stood and Jenna giggled, "Of course not My King. I was just leaving." she looked at Argilla and smiled and then bowed before Serph before leaving.

Serph took Argilla's hands in his and kissed her knuckles. He pulled away and looked into her pink eyes, smiling, "You're in high spirits today."

"I am." she openly admitted.

Serph chuckled and embraced her, "I'm glad."

He then pulled away and saw her twinkling pink eyes, "The family…is everything." she slowly spoke. She took his hand and pressed it on her belly, "I want a happy family Serph…" she said, peering into his silver eyes, "Please promise me that you'll do everything to achieve that…"

He caressed her face and kissed her chastely on the lips and spoke against her aforesaid luscious and full lips, "I shall."

The couple once more found themselves within one another's arms when suddenly a thought struck Argilla's mind.

Priya.

Priya's words…

What did she mean?

But, not wanting to break the moment, she had momentarily let it slide.

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Jenna walked over to the stables and there picked out her favorite white mare. Wearing her hakama, she mounted the horse and rode away…

She sighed deeply as the cool breeze passed through her; letting her wavy ebony locks dance and sway in the winds…

She needed this.

She needed this release…

She could feel the burning life-force of the horse beneath her…Her ears heard the gentle yet firm stomping of her mare's hooves upon the dirt…

She felt so whole whenever she would ride…

She felt…free.

"I wish…I could feel this way…forever…"

But like all things…all must come to and end. She didn't know how long she had been riding but before she knew it, she was back at the stables.

She put her horse away and petted her one last time with a gentle smile on her face before walking away.

Her smile gave way as she was met with her husband's cold green eyes. She cast her head down, "Milord…"

"We have to talk." was all he said. He then turned around and walked away, leaving a bleeding Jenna. No. It wasn't a physical wound.

It was something else…

She could feel her heart breaking as he took further steps away from her.

Soon, they reached their chambers. Jenna was the one who first broke the silence, "What about milord?"

Gale turned around and stared at her with his ever unfeeling and stoic gaze, "I cannot live like this any longer."

Jenna's silver eyes widened, "W-what ever do you mean milord?"

Gale shook his head, "I am sending you to the temple at Shankara where you shall serve as a priestess to the temple of Shakti and remain so until the end of your natural days." he finished unfeelingly, coldly.

Jenna felt the wind get knocked out of her, "Gale…? What…?"

Gale shook his head, "I can no longer look upon your face and feel happy Jenna. I only feel frustration whenever I would. You and I…can never be."

Jenna sobbed now but her eyes burned with anger, "Why!?" she yelled, "Because I can't bare you children?! Is that it!?" she screamed, "Is that…it…?" she repeated in a defeated tone as she now cried fully.

Gale touched his forehead, "I am in need of someone who could bare me a child Jenna. How can I pass on my knowledge to the next generation if my wife is barren?"

Jenna looked at him with sadness in her eyes, "W-we…we could always adopt Gale…We can…! Nothing has to change…! I'll still be his mother!"

Gale sighed; Jenna was making this difficult.

He shook his head, "I want a child that is of my own flesh and blood…"

"But…!"

"No. I've decided. You are mine to do as I please Jenna. I am very regretful that it had to come to this…But I have no choice. I cannot look upon your face any longer. I want you gone from my sight…That is why I'm sending you away."

Jenna's heart crumbled faster as she heard his painful words.

So…was it all a lie…?

A game to him…?

"So," she began with a shaking voice, "it had all been a lie…? You…you never felt anything for me…Not even a small shred of…love?" she asked desperately.

Gale knew that it wasn't true. He did love her. That was why this was so difficult for him. He hated seeing Serph and Argilla being convivial about the arrival of their firstborn.

He had done everything the gods had taught them. He wasn't a saint, but he wasn't a demon either. He prayed and abided by the teachings.

But still, no blessings came his way…

He had thought that when he found Jenna and fell in love, that the gods had finally decided to bless him…But no; they had only wounded him deeper still.

Not only did they make him fall hopelessly in love with her…but they crushed his hopes and dreams of having a family by making her barren…

That was why he was doing this.

It was the best for her and him. They couldn't live together any longer; and he couldn't bear to look at her any longer either. That was why being apart was the best option.

That was why he had to lie…

"No. Never." he spoke as coldly and as icily as possible.

"…!" Jenna's heart burst open. He had dealt her a fatal blow. Her eyes were dilated still, but they had lost their shine…She now looked at him with dead fisheyes. Her body slightly shook but she stood stupefied on her spot.

Gale took her silence as her confirmation and merely nodded, "It's settled then. You are to depart at first light tomorrow. I shall have your belongings packed."

And with that, Gale walked out of the chambers, leaving his dying wife behind.

"G-g…aal…" she wanted to utter his name…but she couldn't. Her lips were frozen…

Her breathing was ragged…

Her soul had been shaken…

She had told herself before that she would always be strong. To be strong. That was her mantra. And even after she fell for Gale, she vowed that she would never change; that her strength would never fade or diminish…But she knew now…that she indeed, had changed. Her strength had left her.

She was…weak…

He had taken her barriers and had torn them apart, exposing to him her heart…her vulnerable heart. She had thought that she was entrusting her heart to faithful and affectionate hands…But now, those hands only crushed her heart.

Gale was gone.

He had left her…again.

But this time, it was forever…

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Heat's laugh reverberated through the castle walls. He had heard from his brother and king that the foolish informant had been slain.

'Serves her right! The stupid bitch!' he cackled internally. She had had it coming, in Heat's opinion. He smirked; he knew that Serph would never concede to that lunatic of a woman's foolhardy requests!

Aah…The power of technicality.

But that wasn't the reason why he was with high spirits. Oh no; the blood of a mere whore interested him not.

Heat had been happy; he had hit two birds with one stone.

He had managed to keep Sera while disposing of Raikiri. He had deceived Sera, yes, but it had been for her own good.

But he hadn't completely deceived her. He did give Raikiri the antidote. After all, he needed a healthy head to be added to his "collection".

He smirked evilly at that.

It was after that, when Raikiri had recovered, somewhat, that he had severed his head. The poor boy didn't even get to utter his last words…He didn't even get to beg forgiveness to the clan that he vowed to avenge…

He didn't even get to speak to Sera and tell her his saddest goodbyes. He didn't get to see her within his, the Red Dragon's arms, and feel distraught…

Flashback

Heat sneered at the boy on the bed.

Yes…he was young. He was the man Sera had fallen for; he was the man whom she had replaced him with.

He frowned and narrowed his eyes into slits as he saw the young man's chest heaving up and down in a steady rhythm.

His hand gripped the handle of his sword tightly. This was his chance…He had sent Sera up to their room several hours past…And he had given the young man the antidote that he sorely needed to live.

The sun had already risen. And now, the normal color of his face was returning and no longer a sickeningly pale green. He growled and turned to leave; he knew that if he stayed a bit more, he would only end up severing the boy's head.

He walked towards the doors when he suddenly stopped. He froze but breathed just as calmly as he felt cold metal pressing just against the side of his neck.

He smirked, "So, you are not as weak as I thought you to be, eh boy?" he drawled at Raikiri condescendingly.

"No." Cielo spoke lowly, firmly, "You underestimate me Red Dragon. Where is she?"

Heat scowled, "She's where she belongs."

"She does not wish to be here. Let her go." he responded darkly.

Heat narrowed his eyes. How dare this boy assume such things?! With the speed of sound, Heat eluded Cielo's weapon and turned around, his sword drawn, "It is you who underestimates me now, boy."

Cielo frowned, "Let her go." he said, ignoring his last statement.

Heat arched an eyebrow, "You are alive because she wanted you to live."

"What?"

"In exchange for your pitiful life, Sera had chosen to remain here. You are alive. There is not a need for you to remain here. Get out." Heat hissed through gritted teeth, his eyes boring holes into Cielo's calm face.

He smirked within as he saw a flash of shock within his blue eyes.

"I would love nothing more than to see you dead Red Dragon…My family's deaths still remains without retribution."

"Then kill me boy…!" Heat taunted him, spreading his arms apart, leaving his chest wide open, "Come at me with everything you've got…You know you want to…"

Cielo narrowed his eyes at him but said nothing.

Heat sneered at him, "Yes…Come and kill me and dishonor Sera's wishes."

Cielo blinked, "S-Sera's…wishes…?"

A…doubt.

It was a powerful ally indeed…

He nodded, "Sera's wishes. If you remain here, you make her bargain with me void…You would be dishonoring her."

"So, get out and never come back."

The young man before him visibly stiffened.

"Your life for her stay. I had fulfilled my end of the bargain Raikiri." he said within narrowed eyes, "Do you dare dishonor her by remaining here, seeking to take her away when she had clearly agreed that she wanted to remain?"

Cielo growled, "You're pathetic…Luring her in such a position…! You are nothing but a coward!"

Heat sneered, "I've no need to listen to your ramblings boy…Leave and never come back."

Cielo's eyes narrowed still, "You have no honor Red Dragon. Your words are as worthless as your putrid-smelling carcass. I care not for false honor. She isn't happy with you. She's coming with me."

"Tch…" Heat spat, "I suppose there's no other way then!"

End Flashback

Yes…The boy was definitely smart. He had been able to see through his lies…

But at the same time, he was stupid.

No…He never really had any intention of letting the boy live after he turned his back. No. Of course not. But it would seem that the boy had known about his real intentions and had instead challenged him to a fight.

Heat laughed…

There was no way he could have won…

Not when he used an innocent…

Flashback

Heat stood in front of Cielo's bleeding body, there, lying on the floor messily. He sneered at him, "That is why you would never win boy…"

He had used a young woman as a shield; a human shield. Then he tossed the woman away and lunged for Cielo. The two had battled…

But it was then that Heat had decided to end it all.

Cielo was an honorable man; and he did know of true and false honor. That was why…he was going to die. It was time to use it against him, wasn't it?

Heat smirked as he dodged Cielo's blow and there made for the maiden on the side, preparing to strike her…

He knew…

He knew…

In a second, it was all over.

He was right.

Raikiri had pushed the girl out of the way, taking the fatal blow upon himself. And now, Heat was standing over him, his boot on the boy's chest, "You would never be able to avenge anyone now boy. Goodbye."

Cielo coughed up blood as he struggled for breath, "At least…I would've died…for honor…!" he spoke desperately in between heavy breaths.

And there, threw a shuriken.

"Argh!"

Heat's hand immediately flew to his face where the shuriken had deeply cut his left cheek, the blood flowing freely from his wound and onto his face.

He saw the young man's face and within his eyes etched the valiant look of triumph, pride and unyielding courage.

It was beginning to irk Heat.

He looked liked he had something to say…No. Heat wouldn't let him. There was no way that he would let him get his final words. Why? So that they may haunt him for the rest of his life?

It was a treat that Heat wanted no part of.

Heat had had enough and so, within that very same second, brought his sword upon the young man.

"Proud scum even to the bitter end eh…?" he spat at the corpse mockingly.

End Flashback

Heat touched his cheek; it had been two days now…and the wound was healing quite nicely. It had required stitching but it was nothing; it would disappear in time.

But it wasn't of importance.

What was important was that Raikiri was no more.

That was all that mattered.

'Raikiri…' he thought with a sneer.

"He wouldn't be called that any longer." he said to himself, laughing.

His triumvirate had just finished their meeting and he couldn't wait to come within the folds of his wife's loving embrace.

'She hates you.' a voice within him said.

He frowned, 'She doesn't! She loves me! And if she doesn't, I'll just make her love me…'

'There is no other way around this life but through me.' he thought selfishly, arrogantly.

'There's no one in this world for her, than I.'

'There's only me.'

Willing the voice to disappear from his mind, he walked even faster; he had missed her all the more.

Finally, he had reached the doors that led to their chambers. He smiled; he would see her again.

He pushed the doors open but wished he hadn't.

Having the blood be drained from his whole body, he took in the morbid scene in front of him. Sera had hung herself in the middle of the room. Her lithe frame dangled helplessly, carelessly, for his eyes to see fully…

Her eyes were shut…

Heat immediately rushed to her, unsheathing his sword. With one fluid stroke, he leapt and had cut the rope that bound her elegant neck and caught her body in his arms.

He quickly set her on the floor and looked for any signs of life…

This time…

There was none.

She was gone.

Heat suddenly felt his tears overwhelm his eyes…and there, he sobbed. He had done everything…But she had still chosen to leave him…

He had said that there was no getting through this life without him…She probably knew that as well. That was why she had decided to transcend this life and move on to the next…

It was a life…that didn't have him in it.

"Sera…"

He gazed at her body and then at her face…He blinked; there was something odd. But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense…

There, on her lips danced a smile…

She had been glad to die.

Heat banged his fists on the floor; even in death, Sera had chosen Raikiri over him…

"Sera…!!!"

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"Serph…?"

"Hm…?" Serph turned to his wife.

They were standing upon the balcony just enjoying the cool evening breeze. It was a moment of calm for them…It was quite rare for them to have moments as peaceful as this…

"What is it?"

Argilla frowned and nodded, "What did Priya mean…when she said that she wanted to be…queen? Were you…" she pouted even farther, her lips slightly protruding, her cheeks drooping, "Were you…having an affair with her…?"

Aah…

She asked the right question this time.

Serph nodded, "She wanted to take your place Argilla. She wanted to be my wife…instead of you. Yes. I had an affair with her…but it ceased when we married. She was once one of my women but I never touched her though…" he told her truthfully.

Argilla's eyes widened as she slapped him. He did nothing, letting her vent her anger on him.

Women; they get easily jealous.

"Do not insult my intelligence Serph." she said as she glared at him and continued, "Did you ever sleep with her after our marriage…? A kiss…? An embrace…?"

She wanted to hear his answer but at the same time, she didn't. He was truthful…His tongue was sharp but it was truthful.

She was afraid that that sharp and truthful tongue might work against her…

And she prayed to the gods that it wouldn't…

"I did. Once. I slept with her. I kissed her. I embraced her." he deadpanned.

At that moment, her strength left her body and she broke down in tears. Serph took her in his arms…but she protested. He held her firmly and in the end, she succumbed. But still, she continued to cry.

"Why!? Why…?! Why Serph…!? Why do you continue to do this to me…!? Is this some sort of twisted game…!? Am I a game to you…?!" she yelled against him.

Didn't her feelings mean anything to him? Didn't their vows of forgiveness and love mean anything to him? Why was he being this way? He said that he wanted a loving family and yet he always did something that would tear it apart…! And just when it had started to mend…

And now, her anger had been ignited once more.

"Let me go!" she screamed at him. But he refused to let her go.

"Let go…! I do not wish to see you…! Let me go…!!"

Serph grasped her arms tightly and pulled her away so that their eyes would meet, "No. I would never let you go. You are mine."

He wanted to tell her the real reason. He wanted her to know that he had only used Priya for his own benefit but not once shared an ounce of affection for her.

No. Never.

He had wanted to tell her that he had only been with her, his wife and queen, and no one else…Not Priya, not his whores, not anyone…

Only her.

But being his proud and pompous self, he would never let her know that.

However, she was proving to be difficult once more. He hated it when she would do that. He was easy enough to deal with…Didn't she see that…?

Why couldn't she understand that she was just to pay attention to being his wife and the mother of his children and not stick her nose into his other business…?

Why couldn't she understand that he only wished his commands to be followed without questions…? Not that any of them were hard either. They were all simple and rudimentary to being a woman…

"You are to do whatever I ask of you Argilla. Or did you forget that?" he asked as his silver eyes pierced hers.

"I could have you replaced or killed at any moment Argilla." he said and paused, taking the time to see her reaction. He grasped her chin, "You are a woman Argilla. You are my woman. So act like it!" he hissed venomously; letting her go and lightly shoving her away.

Argilla's heart got caught up in her throat. She wasn't confused anymore…

There was only the truth…

Serph loved her.

But he loved his pride more…

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"I've come to bid you farewell sister." came Jenna's voice. The day had finally arrived for her inevitable departure.

Argilla's eyes widened, "What? Why!? Where are you going…?!"

Jenna sighed and explained to her sister the truth that she had long hidden from her.

"And that is why…this is for the best…"

"But…!"

Jenna hugged her sister and sobbed but quelled it with all of her willpower, "Do not weep…I shall visit from time to time…After all, I want to see my nephew…or niece…" she said with a chuckle.

She pulled back and saw the tear that trickled down Argilla's cheek and wiped it away, "Do not cry…I shall write to you."

Not allowing Argilla to respond she embraced her one last time and pulled away and walked away from her hastily.

She hated goodbyes. They were too painful to hear and to say…

Well, she had already said her goodbye but she didn't want to hear hers…

No.

She walked out of the castle and saw the carriage waiting for her. Gale was going to travel with her; he was to ensure that she would be taken care of although Jenna couldn't care any less.

The moment he decided to give her away was the moment that he had practically licensed everyone to violate, rape and pillage her.

Taken care of indeed!

She had remembered his promise to her months ago…She sighed; it had only been months…but it felt like an eternity.

He had promised her that he would change the way women were treated in their society…She supposed he would not be able to keep his promise now. After all, his actions towards her were a complete contradiction to what he had promised.

He had promised to have equality…

And yet he still treated her like a possession.

'No…I am no longer his possession…I…I am being discarded. I am no longer needed…or wanted.' she thought with so much sadness and grief that she just wanted to collapse there and break down in tears…

She cast her head down as she neared him. She couldn't bear to look at his eyes now…It just hurt…too much.

Everything about him hurt her…Looking at him hurt her; hearing him hurt her…Feeling him near her stabbed her with a dull knife.

Wordless, she got on the carriage and looked onward. She didn't want to look back…Everything behind her represented her past life; the life that promised happiness…

Behind her was her sister…her hopes and dreams, her aspirations…

And most of all…Gale.

What she was leaving behind…was his love…

As the carriage moved and moved farther and farther away she finally let her tears fall.

"Gale…I love you…" she sighed desperately. She had uttered her words so desperately, with no one to hear them…

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"Why did you let Gale send her away…?!" Argilla yelled angrily at her husband.

He shrugged his shoulders, "I gave your sister to Gale Argilla. What he does with her is his business and not mine."

Argilla narrowed her eyes, "Yes…that may be so, but you have your ways of moving around laws, rules and unwritten laws Serph!" she hissed.

"…"

Being emboldened by his silence, she pressed on, "You certainly maneuvered out of laws and of that sort when you promised Priya love and the crown only to deceive her and kill her!!" she yelled venomously.

Here, Serph drew the line and backhanded her, sending her to sit on the bed.

He loomed over her and spoke in a low and dangerous tone, "You are nothing woman. Do not ever speak to me in such a manner. You are mine; do not forget that. You are my wife, my lover, my slave. But other than that, you are nothing. I can do with you what I wish."

And with that, he left.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

It had been five years now.

Argilla clutched her once-again swollen belly as she watched over her children carefully. She smiled as she saw them playing in the gardens carelessly.

She had given birth to a son. Serph had been ecstatic and had immediately named him the crowned prince.

The next were twin girls…

Then, after that came another son.

And now, she was once more pregnant.

She had taught her children everything…Love, compassion…humility…and fear of God. She had been thankful that her children listened…But she had her doubts with her firstborn, Seraph. He had his father's silver hair and his silver eyes.

He had been an exact duplicate and she wondered if his heart had been a duplicate as well…

"No…he's a good child."

Her girls had inherited her pink hair and their father's silver eyes…Serph had named them Alicia and Leticia…

Such wonderful names…

Her youngest son Shinji had inherited his father's silver hair and her pink eyes.

"Seraph! Pull your sisters apart!" she yelled as Alicia and Leticia had started to fight. Seraph was a good son…

He did as his mother asked…

Argilla chuckled as she saw Shinji assist his older brother. She didn't believe in sibling rivalry…No; what Serph did to his siblings to get the crown…she was confident that it would never happen to her children.

Her children had loving parents…and they had good souls. They merely needed guidance and that was why she and Serph were there; to ensure that they did not go astray from the path of virtue and love the way their father did…

"Don't be too hard on them." she heard a voice from behind her.

She turned and saw her husband, with a silly grin on his face. She grinned in return and walked up to him kissing him on the cheek and hanging onto his arm.

"Oh…I was being too hard…? Serph…" she chuckled, "I'm just disciplining them."

Serph chuckled in return, "Yes…well, just don't overdo it."

"I won't."

Serph looked at her from the corner of his eyes; she was looking at their children. He turned her to face him and there kissed her fully…

He kissed her arduously…passionately…

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Argilla cried as she read the letter.

Serph frowned, "What is it?"

Argilla gave him the letter and choked out her words, "Jenna…Jenna had died…"

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

No one knew for certain what had caused the beautiful lady's death…They had just found her, sleeping her eternal sleep within her own bed, in her room. There was no note, no sign of a struggle…and no signs of poisoning either…

It was as if…she had…just given up living.

The other priestesses with her had never noticed anything wrong. She was a devout believer of the gods and did her duties dutifully…

She had not been ill…And whenever one would speak to her, only utter politeness and a languid smile could be observed.

But there was an old woman who had explained her death as clear as crystal…

"She had not died of any bodily wound…" she explained with her hoarse voice. She shook her head as the younger priestesses gathered around her.

"She had died of a wound of the heart…"

"Her eyes…her silver eyes, though she was young, possessed only the conundrums, the turmoil of an old woman. It was then that I knew that upon the young lady's shoulders, laid a burden so heavy that had caused even her soul to age…"

"She always had a faraway look upon her face whenever I would see her at the gates of the temple…"

The old woman nodded.

"Everyday, she would sit patiently by the temple gates, waiting for someone…I even told her to go inside and wait there…But she would always refuse and remain where she was…But no matter how long she had waited, no matter how hard she had prayed…no one came for her."

"And so, the days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months…and finally, the months had turned into years…The brightly burning fire of her soul had finally been extinguished…"

She sighed, "She had died of a broken heart…"

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Heat listened to the gushing of the furious water in front of him. He had been weary the last few weeks…His spirit almost felt diminished to the extent that he thought that he would go insane!

That was why…that was why he was there…

That was why he was by the woods…within his secret place…He scowled at that; it wasn't just his secret place. It was hers as well.

He had taken her there…She too had marveled upon its beauty…

She would never look upon its beauty ever again; she was long gone.

He remembered that day…As he found her, he found a small smile playing on her lips that day. His heart sank deeper then; even in death…she had denied him of her love. He shook his head as he remembered something else…

Raikiri.

It was supposed to be his most prized possession. He narrowed his eyes. But he was missing. She had taken him no doubt.

She had buried him somewhere…

Heat snarled in lividness. He was going to find that grave. He didn't know why it had never occurred to him the last few years…

No doubt, it would be just bones now, but still. It would bring him endless joy if he could lay his fingers on that head once more.

He laughed.

Aah…It had been five years…Five long years without her…

Heat had gone through his vow…Not another woman had dared approach his heart; no. No one would be allowed within his heart.

No one.

Sera was gone…

And with her gone, there was only one thing left to do. It was time to return to the man that he was before he met her.

Some may call him brutal…Some may call him despicable…detestable…

But he cared not.

This was who he really was. He had changed for her…But even in the end, his change had not been sufficient for her to fully accept him.

So, seeing that she was no longer of this world, there wasn't a need any longer to change further.

He would be as ruthless, as cruel as before.

And then, perhaps, from where she was…in Nirvana, or wherever, she would see. She would see the real Heat once more.

"Just watch Sera…Just watch…" he said evilly.

He would give her a show that she would never forget. He would let carnage and blood reign the lands once more…

And wherever she was, she would hear the cries of anguish of a thousand children…She would hear the screams of countless women…

And she would hear the deafening roars and shouts of fallen men…

She would hear them…and would see them.

And when he found Raikiri's grave and had retrieved his skull, nothing would give him more pleasure than drinking from it.

Oh yes…It was definitely a fantasy worth fulfilling.

He would find Raikiri.

He would.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Gale sat in front of the fireplace, gazing intently at the flames dancing…

And within the flames, burned the letter that he had received. Jenna had died.

She had been in his exact likeness…and yet they were different…She had possessed what no other woman he had seen possessed; a brilliant mind…with an even more brilliant heart.

She had been perfect…

And now, she was gone. She had died at a young age…and he couldn't help but feel that it had been because of him.

Try as he might to remove her from his heart, he couldn't. She had lodged herself too deep within his chest that it proved impossible to remove…

His love for her was something that he knew he would never be able to fully fathom or comprehend…

But what did it matter?

She was gone… And much to his surprise and regret, he felt a piece of him die with her…

Was it his fault…?

Had he done the right thing…?

"Gale, come to bed." he heard a woman's voice call out to him.

He immediately shook his head off Jenna. Her world was different now as was his. He had married again shortly after her transfer to Shankara.

And now, he had a small son. And another child on the way.

He stood from the chair and walked over to where his brunette wife waited. She smiled at him, "Come. You and your son have an early day tomorrow."

That was right. He was to take his son to the fields with him tomorrow…

"Aa…You're right Virginia…"

And so, he lay down beside his wife and closed his eyes and along with them, shut his heart from any more thoughts or feelings towards Jenna…

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Her eyes shut themselves tightly. She embraced herself as tight as she could as the night became even chillier…

She had known of her sister's death…

Needless to say…It had hurt…

No one could comfort her. No one. It was something that she needed to face on her own. She wanted to stop herself from crying…but she couldn't. She tried her best though; and so, only faint sobs floated within the chilly room.

Her husband had left her for but a few moments at her own request; wanting to be in solitude. And now, she saw only their faces…

'Sera…Jenna…You two left me…' she thought sadly.

And so…feeling lightheaded from the pain…her mind drifted to the dark abyss of unwelcome sleep…

Argilla snapped awake a few moments later, panting. She looked around, "Serph!?"

No.

There was no one there… She could have sworn there was someone else within the room…

Her heart sank…She felt…so alone. She blinked as her mind recalled the dream that she had…It was of her and her sisters…back when they were children…when they used to play…

She smiled then…

And there…

She suddenly froze…

"Kuzureochiru hikari suna no kakera…"

"Kono setsunai itami ni niteiru…"

What was that? Who was singing that? The color from her face drained as she heard the words fly within the air of her chambers. There was no one else within the chambers! What was this?

A trick?

"Omosugiru tsubasa wo hirogezu ni suwatte…"

"Yasashisa ni shigamitsuku kagi hazushi…"

"Ano hi yume mita basho he ikou…"

No. It wasn't.

No one knew of that song…She hadn't sung that song with anyone other than Jenna…and they didn't even sing the entire stanza when they did! No one within Arkanadara knew of that song…It was their mother's song after all…

Argilla's mouth felt very dry…There was no mistaking it…

"I'm with you…"

"Toomawari shite mo kesshite furimukazu…"

"I'm you…"

"You are me forever…"

"Itsumademo…"

Her blood ran cold as she registered the song in her head…and her heart…But, then, she heard something else…

A cool breeze then entered the chamber…engulfing her in an embrace. She did not protest and embraced the wind itself…closing her eyes gently, inhaling the sweet scent…of Jasmine and wild flowers…

And there…she heard it again…This time, she parted her lips and sung right along with the wind…

"Umarekawatte mo itsuka meguriau…"

"Omoidashite soba ni itsumademo…"

A few moments later…the breeze had gone…and along with it, the voice.

Argilla opened her eyes once more…She understood now…The song…her mother, her sisters…

"They're never really gone…They are here…with me…" she trailed off happily, "Even if I'm reborn, I'll meet you by chance, I'm sure. Remembering that you are forever nearby…" she whispered, letting the last line of the song ring true for herself.

They weren't gone…They were there with her; within her heart…

Always.

The love that they had shared for one another was of the purest kind. It was a bond that would never shatter even at the face of death…It would transcend even the tests of time and space.

It would live on. As long as love existed in this world…it would live on. Their love, their consciousness…their souls would be there for all eternity. Their fates had been intertwined once, only to be parted painfully by fate…

But because of love and faith…Their destinies would once more cross paths…No one knew for certain when, where or how…But they would…

One day, they would meet once more…

A tear rolled down on her cheek as she slowly lay down on the bed once more, closing her eyes slowly, "We'll meet again…in Nirvana."

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Serph looked at his sleeping children. He had just finished visiting his son and now gazed upon the twins in their shared chambers.

He chuckled; he would have preferred if they had their own rooms…but the two refused to be parted.

"Family is the most important thing…"

He then kissed each of their cheeks and then left the room altogether. He had then checked on their youngest son. He chuckled as he looked at the boy's frowning face as he slept; he reminded Serph of Argilla. He then bent down and kissed the child's forehead, "Pleasant dreams, my son…"

He then walked into his chambers and saw that his wife was asleep…

The poor thing; she had cried herself to sleep. She had just begun to mourn her sister's passing… But he would be there for her should she need him. He would.

He felt guilty all of a sudden…

He had known about the issue concerning Heat and Sera…and Cielo. But he had not told Argilla about it.

Not a word about it left his lips.

After all, it was she who was to ask. To ask with the right questions…

He would never tell her anything…

He loved her…He loved her with the very fiber of his very being, his very soul…But as he told her before, there were conditions to love as well…

She was to submit to him, serve him and please him…There was no such thing as equality…No. That was every woman's pipedream. There was no freedom either.

Like he said, she was not free…and neither was he. He had burdens of his own…It was just the way the world was…

The man was the head of the family…while the women served him. That was how it was to work. And even if he wanted to change it, he could not.

He may love her…but it didn't mean that he wouldn't restrain her or control her. He wouldn't hesitate to punish her to bring her back in line.

He had been happy with the last few years…She had understood her role…Finally.

She no longer doubted him…and saw nothing but love in her eyes…

He chuckled evilly; like he said, there was always an equal and opposite reaction for every action…

He loved her…but at the same time, manipulated her…

He needed to make her realize that she was helpless without him. He needed her to realize that she was nothing without him; that she wouldn't be able to live without him…

She needed to believe.

He had first seen the fruits of his labor when she admitted this to him pertaining to the issue with Roland. It had been Roland whom she really loved…but he had made her believe that it had been him and not Roland.

That was why she still chose him despite how cruel, despicable and detestable he was…

He had just pushed her further…and further still…

And now, he had acquired the very whole of her…Heart and mind, body and soul…She was his.

In their world, the strong prevailed while the weak perished. To the victor go the spoils of war… She was his…She wasn't even a person…She was his possession.

And in this war of life, he had emerged as the victor…and as his divine right, he had claimed the spoils…

Her.

She was nothing but the spoils of war.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

FIN

A/N:

Shakti Shakti means power, force and focuses mainly on the feminine energy. Her name was derived from the rootword 'shak,' which means potency or the potential to produce. Known as "Amma", meaning "mother", in South India. She is believed to be the protector of villages and the punisher of evil doers. (paraphrased from wikipedia)