Goddess' Wish

Xxxxx

The Attack

Xxxxx

"Y-you must be mistaken," Aoshiro stammered, "Shiro isn't my-"

"Aoshiro," Hilal butted in, startling the Guardian even further, "just because my eyes were closed doesn't mean that I can't hear what is going on around me."

The Saint released a small grunt as he pushed himself upright, "From what I heard, you two claim to be Aoshiro and Nabiha, two brothers that Khayru and I were closely connected to." Hilal's eyes narrowed as he continued, "However they both died years back, my sister and I witnessing their deaths ourselves." Aoshiro flinched as the Saint growled, "As such, you can't be them. Tell me, who are you really?"

Struggling to regain his composure, the Guardian released a stiff smile as he spoke, "Y-You're sort of right, we're really not the Aoshiro and Nabiha that you and your sister knew."

"Sort of right?" Hilal frowned, "now don't play games with me. Tell me who you are and I might consider letting you and your 'brother' to stay here longer."

"If I told you, you won't believe me," Aoshiro laughed nervously, "who would really? Considering that it's quite mind boggling."

The Saint stared at the Guardian, his blue eyes staring into the older male's,"...Try me."

A nervous smile still upon his features, the older cleric nodded once, "My brother and I...we came from a difference place in a different universe from this one."

Aoshiro paused, his eyes gazing at the Saint whom returned the gaze, his blue eyes showing doubt as the Guardian continued, "Our home is currently in a war, very much the same war that is occuring now but there is a slight difference."

"Difference?" Hilal repeated, the frown still visible upon his features, "What's so different from this 'place' that you and your 'brother' come from?"

Another stiff smile flashed onto Aoshiro's expression, "Our names really are Aoshiro and Nabiha however, where we come from, you and Khayru were both killed in the first year of the war."

A pause from both men caused a stiff silence to permeate through the air, the younger cleric's eyes showing much doubt and belief.

"Nonsense," Hilal finally spoke, "What makes you think that I will believe that you and your brother come from a different dimenson?" He dismissed it with a wave of a hand, "Khalil and I dying? Non-" The Saint suddenly halted in mid-sentence, his blue eyes widening as he snapped his head back towards the older male, "How do you know?"

Aoshiro stared on, puzzled, "What do you mean?"

"How do you know Khalil's real-" Hilal flinched as he quickly placed his hand over his chest, feeling the wound throb as he coughed once. Taking in a deep breath, Hilal whispered, "How do you know Khalil's real name?"

"...She was...she was our sister," Aoshiro replied hesitantly, "and you...you were our little brother." Grief flashed over the Guardian's eyes, "Well...back at home...when you two were still alive."

Silent for a moment, Hilal turned his pale blue eyes upward, locking them together with the older cleric. Almost immediately, a familiar connection overwhelmed him as he kept his eyes locked onto the other's, the sensation of a familiar bond crawling throughout his body. Then, he finally spoke, "...Shiro?"

A gentle smile formed onto the older cleric's lips, "Nice to see you again, Hilal."

Xxxxx

"Come on ! This way!" Xsayara exclaimed as he turned and waved before turning back around and dashing off towards one of the rooms.

Nabiha chuckled in response before he turned his eyes towards the Elven Queen, "Your son is quite an energetic child, Lady Khalil."

"Call me Khalil," Khayru returned the smile, "and to be honest, this is quite out of character for Xsayara. He's usually more...quiet."

Nabiha raised an eyebrow, "So you say?"

The blond elf just shrugged, "My son usually acts more reserved and formal towards others besides his family." Khayru then gave Nabiha a gentle smile, "But then you came into the picture."

Nabiha just chuckled in response, "Well, Edan always did say that I was great with kids but I really didn't believe it to be honest."

"But you are great with kids ," Xsayara twirled around as he slowed down to a halt, "especially with your daughter."

"A daughter?" Khayru repeated as the Moon Lord came to an abrupt halt, "I didn't know you had a daughter, Shian."

"Well...not exactly," the blonde Swordsman gave the Elf Queen a nervous smile, "My daughter calls me her biological father when in actuality, she's full elven."

"Elven?" Khayru stared wide eyed, bewildered.

"Have I forgotten to mention that?" Nabiha gave her another nervous smile, "Ireth, my daughter, has full elven blood flowing through her veins." He released a heavy sigh, "However, she is one of the last few children to be born from the Tree of Arendel, making her one of the last of the pure blood elves to be born."

Her eyes showing sympathy, Khayru nodded once, "It was a tragedy that my people have never forgotten. Even today we mourn the day when the Tree of Life had fallen." The blonde elf's eyes sadden as she lifted her eyes upwards, "It's been about 6 years since then."

Now it was Nabiha's turn to be surprised, "6 years? That long?"

Khayru turned her eyes back towards the blond Swordsman, her expression puzzled, "Of course, is something the matter?"

"No, no, just...shocked that it has been that long," Nabiha quickly replied, snapping his gaze towards what was in front of him, "6 years huh?" He then placed his gaze upon the smaller blonde in front of him, whom tilted his head to one side in response, "So how old is Xsayara exactly? 4 years?"

"6" Khayru corrected, "born on the exact day when the Tree of Life deteriorated from Altera."

Nabiha stared at her shock, his mouth gaping, "Wait...the same day? Born naturally?"

A frown flashed onto Elf Queen's features, "Of course, how else would be son be half elven and half human?" Khayru then proceeded to cross her arms, her eyes narrowing in anger, "Is something wrong with that, Shian?"

Seeing that the Temptest was growing upset, Nabiha quickly stuttered, "My-My apologies, I didn't mean to cause any insult towards you or your son."

No sooner had the apology slipped forth from his lips did the elf's eyes soften, her arms dropping to her side as she replied, "It is alright, Shian. It just has been a while since someone had...reacted to me in such a way." She brushed her fingers through her blonde strands, her blue eyes staring into the Moon Lord's, "You and your brother, you two must have traveled a while if you didn't know about such simple information."

"...Yes," Nabiha slowly nodded, his blue eyes showing grief, "For a long, long time."

Seeing the gloomy air hanging around the heads of the Moon Lord and the Tempest, Xsayara quickly jogged up and quickly grasped one hand of each adult and gave them a gentle smile, " , mother, come on, we have a lot of things to go through today."

Snapping out of her depressed euphora, Khayru quickly responded with a gentle smile, "Of course, come on, let's get going." She then turned her attention towards the Moon Lord, the smile still upon her features "Isn't that right, Shian?"

Regaining his own senses as well, Nabiha quickly nodded, "R-Right."

Then with a gentle tug from the smaller blonde, both adults slowly made their way towards another room.

Xxxxx

Rubbing his wet hair in a small towel, Xithyl slowly made his way towards the living area fully dressed in Cleric attire minus the gloves, making his way towards the room where his injured father was currently resting.

Wonder what had happened to father to gain such a serious injury, he wondered, his eyes flickering with worry, Did he gain that injury from... The younger cleric shook his head, Don't think about it. Father is alive and so is Uncle Shiro, nothing could go wrong...Except...

"I can't believe it."

Hearing the words of his father full of awe and joy caused the younger cleric to pause where he was, his hands still in mid-motion of drying his hair. Blue eyes full of curiousity, Xithyl pressed his back against the wall, edging slowly forward until his eyes could peek around the corner, blinking once as he saw his father (now conscious) release a small smile towards Aoshiro, whom responded with a sheepish smile of his own.

"You really are Shiro," Xithyl watched as Hilal attempted to stand however flinched as he forced himself to sit back down.

"Now take it easy there," The Guardian warned, pressing a firm grip upon the Saint's shoulder, a serious expression placed upon his features, "A Cleric? Yes. Immortal? No."

"I understand that," Hilal also frowned as he gently shoved his brother's hand off of his shoulder, "it's just that..." He took in a deep breath, "It's hard to believe that you're standing here in front of me, alive."

"Same here," Aoshiro released a strained smile, "to see that the little brother that had died years ago breathing and living today, the Goddess Bless us all."

Watching his father release a small chuckle, Xithyl jumped as the Saint turned his eyes towards him, "Xithyl, there's no need to hide you know, come out."

Hesitant, the younger cleric slowly edged his way into view, sliding the towel off of his head and into his hands.

"I see that you're done washing up," Aoshiro smiled at the Priest in training before he motioned for him to get closer, "Don't worry, your father's alright if that's what you're wondering."

"...P..Part of it," Xithyl admitted as he slowly made his way towards the two older clerics, coming to a slow halt next to his father, "I'm just...I'm scared that..." His voice faded, his light blue eyes lowering to the ground.

Hilal frowned in response, "Scared?" The Saint placed a comforting hand upon his son's shoulder, causing the younger cleric to lift his gaze"You're scared of what? Xithyl?"

At first, the white haired child gave no answer, his eyes flashing worry as he continued to gaze into the eyes of the Saint. Finally, he replied, "I'm scared...I'm scared that...that people are hurting you and..." Xithyl turned his eyes towards Aoshiro whom smiled and nodded, causing the younger cleric to turn his eyes back towards his father, "you and Uncle Shiro."

Recoiling in slight shock, Hilal regained his composure and gave his son a comforting squeeze, "Xithyl, it is true that we truly are despised however..." He paused, contemplating his words, "do not blame them for their hate towards us."

"So...we should blame ourselves?" Xithyl asked.

The Saint shook his head, "No one is to blame here, it is just our nature of humans to find a scapegoat to our misfortunes." Hilal then proceeded to place a hand upon his son's hair, ruffling it slightly as he gave him a gentle smile, "So do not worry, your Uncle and I are capable of taking care of ourselves."

"...I won't..." Xithyl nodded once, his eyes still reflecting worry.

"Now go off to bed now," Hilal gave his son a quick hug, "and may the Goddess protect you."

"And may the Goddess protect you as well." Xithyl finished as he slipped out of his father's embrace before slowly and reluctantly leaving the room.

Silence embrace the room for several seconds as the two older clerics watched the younger leave, it was only when Xithyl shut the door behind him when Hilal spoke, "So, Xithyl already knew that you and Nabiha are from a 'different' place?"

"Accidentally," Aoshiro shrugged, "Nabiha blurt out my name while I was tending to your wounds with Xsayara and Xithyl present."

"Xsayara is knowledgeable of this as well?" The Saint asked, gaining a nod as a response, "Must have been both a great shock and joy to the boy then."

"Not sure to be honest," The Guardian admitted as he released a soft smile, "I was too busy saving your life."

"Hey there, don't pin the blame on me," Hilal frowned which caused Aoshiro to release a small chuckle.

"Get some rest, Brother," Aoshiro advised before quickly raising a hand, pausing Hilal's protests, "I've known you for years and as such, I know you well enough that you want to enter the battlefield as soon as possible." The Guardian's features took on a serious look as he continued, "If you want to return to particpating in the war, then you must rest. That way, your injuries won't hold you back."

Though reluctancy still visible in his eyes, Hilal heaved out a sigh of defeat as he laid down back onto the couch, recieving a smile from his older brother, "That's better."

With that, the Guardian started to sit where he was standing, almost causing the Saint to abruptly sit back upright, "What are you doing?"

Aoshiro raised an eyebrow, "Sleeping on the floor, what else?"

"Oh no, you're the guest here," Hilal sat up on the couch, "take the door on the right, it should lead to my bedroom, you can sleep there."

"Not when there's an injured patient right in front of me."

Giving his older brother a look, Hilal rolled his eyes before he said, "There's extra blankets in the closet behind you."

An innocent smile appearing onto his features, Aoshiro slowly stood up and made his way towards the closet, not noticing the faint smile flashing onto the Saint's features.

"It's nice to have you back, Shiro." he whispered.

Xxxxx

Though he was told to go to bed, Xithyl instead found his way outside. How? He waited until both his Uncle and Father were both asleep (he waited several more minutes for extra measure) before pushing open the door and silently closing it behind him. The reason why he decided to sneak out was a simple answer...he can't sleep. Worry and concerned invaded his mind and the younger cleric find it even hard to perform his prayers before bed. So why not go out for a walk for several minutes and return without anyone's knowledge?

Slowly walking down the empty corridors, Xithyl paused as he warily scanned his surroundings.

Usually no one is around during this time of the day however, the younger cleric had encountered a person before and him being a cleric...

It was an experience that Xithyl doesn't want to repeat.

Taking in a deep breath, the younger cleric slowly continued on his walk, his hand close to the only weapon tied around his waist, a wand. The green glowing gem glowed however there were no source of sunlight and the staff was wrapped with faint blue metal, giving the younger cleric a sense of safety as he continued to walk down the corridor alone. Several minutes later, Xithyl made his way towards the Fountain Square, seating himself on the Fountain's edge as he watched the water trickle forth from the mouth of the large structure.

That's when he heard a loud 'thump'

"Who's there?" he twirled his head around, his pale blue eyes scanning the darkness of the square.

Nothing.

Taking in a deep shaky breath, the young cleric forced himself to stand, admitting to himself that wondering around this late was an idiotic decision. Deciding to return home, Xithyl then proceeded to unsheath his wand, the only time he regretted that the glowing aqua green gem emitted a light as he walked through the darkness. As he continued to walk, once again, he heard something but this time, it was footsteps. Pretending to be oblvious, Xithyl slowly made his way towards the exit and the corridor home. This time, the footsteps behind him had gotten closer, causing the young cleric to speed up his pace. Hearing the 'pit pat' of feet still following him, panic rose in the boy's chest as he finally took off in a sprint.

"He's getting away!"

"Told you he was pretending!"

Feeling the 'Flight or Fight' response taking over, Xithyl concetrated all his adrenaline in moving forward, finally making it towards the exit however took a right instead of the original left to head home. There was no way he was going to lead a group of people wishing to do him harm towards the home of his injured father.

Taking another right, Xithyl blinked in surprise as he suddenly found himself in the Commons, the many doors and entraces confusing his mind and eyes. Coming to a quick halt, the young cleric scanned the choices he has before sprinting towards the door labeled 'The Basement', an area he knows quite well. Breathing hard as he continued to run down the corridor, Xithyl quickly took a great leap as stairs suddenly flashed into his vision, releasing a yelp of pain as his feet came contact with hard earth. Though his feet buckled beneath him, the white haired boy quickly regained his balance and dashed towards one of the many boxes and items placed within the dark room, hiding himself right when the men took the last step down from the stairs.

"Clever boy, picking a place like this to hide."

"He know's he can't hide forever."

"Quick, find him before he gets away."

Struggling to calm his breath, Xithyl peeked over the edge of the boxes, his pale blue eyes fearfully glancing at the shadowed figures throwing object and boxes around, cursing when there was no clue of the young cleric. Scanning his surroundings once more, the boy took in a deep breath before picking himself up and dashing up the stairs.

"Hey!"

Feeling a hand brush against his shirt, Xithyl reflexivly brought back his hand holding his wand, feeling it come in contact with flesh and recieving a cry of pain as a response. Then to his surprise, he heard several 'Bangs' and 'Thumps' followed by cursing, slowly giving the idea that he had done more than just hitting a man while going up the stairs. As he made it to the stop of the stairs, Xithyl made his way back towards the Commons and back towards the Fountain Square, coming to a slow stop near the large structure. His lungs burning and his legs ached, Xithyl collapsed onto his knees, releasing a silent prayer of thanks to the Goddess for his safety.

A sharp pain on the back of his head then took him by surprise.

Dazed and seeing stars, Xithyl then felt a large hand grab him by the back of his shirt and threw him across the room, causing him to skid several feet before coming to a slow halt.

"Just because there were two of us chasing you doesn't mean there's another extra waiting, boy."

Panic flashed before the young cleric's eyes as he attempted to stand and search for his wand (having lost it when he was thrown) only to recieve a kick to the face, causing him to collapse back onto the ground.

"Stay down if you know what's good for ya."

His breath still heaving from the chase from earlier, Xithyl made the decision to give in for now. There was no way he could out run this man in the tired state he was currently in. Fingering the forming bruise on his face, Xithyl flinched as he heard two more pairs of footsteps entering the square.

"What happened to you two?"

"That cleric is what happened," one of the men growled, "hit me square in the place where the sun doesn't shine, causing me to fall down the stairs."

"And right into me," the other man finished, giving Xithyl a glare whom blandly responded with a gaze of his own.

"Everything's going to be alright now," the third man gave a kick to Xithyl's side who wheezed in response, "after all, we finally caught him."

"Of course," one of the men snickered as he calmly approached the young cleric and knelt down, his hand reaching forward.

Seeing this action, Xithyl quickly rolled away, hearing the man curse as he quickly pushed himself upright. However, before he can make a run for it, he felt a hand grab his hair, releasing a yelp as he felt himself being tugged backward, the grasp still tight upon his head.

"Don't think it will be that easy to escape, devil," the man hissed as he shook his hand, causing Xithyl to flinch at the sudden movement, his hand grasping the hand holding his hair.

"H'mmm..." one of the men knelt down, his eyes squinting as Xithyl squirmed in the other man's hand, "you have to admit, he is pretty for a boy. I mean, look at those eyes," he lifted a finger, looming it close to the young cleric's face, "you don't find such a nice hue on-"

A cry of pain interrupted the man as he tried to move his finger away from the young cleric's face, only to find it stuck. In an act of desperation, Xithyl had bitten down upon the man's finger, refusing to release his grip even when he felt strong hands attempted to pry his jaws apart.

"Let go you fucking cleric!"

A slap to the force was given enough force to snap Xithyl's head to once side and his grip lost on the man's finger. Seeing stars once again, the younger cleric cried out as he felt himself being lifted, his feet kicking to find ground as he felt himself being lifted higher.

"Fiesty one isn't he?"

The familiar sound of metal being removed from a sheath caused Xithyl to abruptly stop struggling, his pale blue eyes widening as he recognized a knife in the faint light of the square.

"Any last words, cleric?"

Mass hysteria taking over, Xithyl cried out, "Father!"

"What?"

"Father! Father! Faaather!" Xithyl sobbed, feeling the tears stream down as his face as he scratched at the hand grasping his hair, kicking freely as he struggled to escape.

"Shut up!"

"Father! Father help me!"

"Be quiet boy! Or do you want to die!?"

"Father! Father help! Father I'm-"

A hand clamping down over his mouth, Xithl felt the man release his grip upon his hair however, felt an arm wrap around his chest, still keeping him under restraint. Hanging from a man's arm, the young cleric found it hard to breath and as such kicked in an attempt to gain momentum however he felt something fast and hard come into contact with his chest, causing his to wheeze and knocking the wind out of him.

"Damn that cleric! He made a lot of commotion!"

"Then hurry it up and end it!"

Feeling light headed from the lack of oxygen, Xithyl barely had the time to notice a flash of metal and sudden pain flashing into his nerves.

"Someone's coming!"

"Quick! Drop him and-"

A howl of pain came forth from the man before Xithyl felt himself being dropped the hearth, surprising him when he felt no pain. Feeling numbness taking over his body, Xithyl attempted to take in air...only to feel his mouth flow freely of blood. Coughing, the young cleric shakily reached up to his neck as he laid on the ground, only to recognize the familiar warm liquid flowing over his fingers. Hysteria once again taking over, Xithyl struggled to take in air, wheezing as the howls of the men continued around him until silence, his harsh breathing the only thing breaking the silence.

"Xithyl?"

Feeling tired, the young cleric closed his eyes. Why does that voice sound familiar?

He then heard a rush of footsteps to his side and warm, comforting hands being placed onto his shoulders, "Xithyl, speak to me."

Opening his eyes once again, the boy opened his mouth to speak however, hacked once again as he felt the blood leave his mouth.

"Xithyl!"

Feeling himself being turned, the young cleric felt himself being held in someone's arms as he attempted to gaze up at the person, however his vision blurred and darkened before he could even gain a proper glance. Soon, he faded into darkness.

"Xithyl? Xithyl!"

Another cliff hanger 030

Yes, I am evil once again, especially at this part XD

and sorry for the long update guys, life has taken me D:

But don't worry, I'll try and update as much as I can

And for several things in this story, later chapters will explain Nabiha's shock to Xsayara's age...just not in this chapter XD

Enjoy :D

~123arcalas