Goddess' Wish

Xxxxx

Nice to See You Too

Xxxxx

"This is the my late Uncle's room," Xsayara swung open the door, revealing a single bed with a dresser next to it, piles of rolled up scriptures almost hiding the lamp on top of it, "you'll be sleeping here tonight, Mr. Shian."

Smiling in gratitude, Nabiha nodded his head in thanks before blinking once as Khayru approached and knelt down in front of her son.

"It's time to go to bed, Xsayara," She spoke, stroking her son's hair whom frowned in response, "I know how much you want to stay up and get to know Shian, especially since he helped you earlier today." The Elf Queen gave her son a smile, "But everyone needs sleep my child, even heroes. Do you understand?"

Giving his mother a glance, the half elven sighed and nodded before looking towards the Moon Lord's way, gave him a big grin before dashing out of the room.

The instant the young child was gone, Nabiha's expression turned blank and raised an eyebrow, "Late Uncle?" He turned his eyes towards Khayru whom only nodded as she stood and responded, "Hilal and I's brother, he use to live with Hilal until his death 6 years back." A look of grief flashed into her eyes before she shook her head and released a gentle smile, "This room use to be his but since it hasn't been used lately, we thought it would be best if you have this room."

"...Sorry but I don't feel comfortable sleeping into a dead person's room," Nabiha admitted, "It doesn't feel right."

The Tempest gave the Moon Lord a glance, "Please, take it. Otherwise, the only other place is the living room but I have a feeling that your brother is going to stay the night there." She gave the warrior another gentle smile, "and I have a feeling if you try and bed there, it might be a bit crowded."

Staring at the Tempest for several seconds, Nabiha shook his head, "Sorry, but I feel like I'm invading someone else's privacy, even if they aren't technically 'alive' anymore."

Hesitation faded into the Elf Queen's eyes before she replied, "Then how about this? We'll give you this room and perhaps you'll help us in the war."

"Help?" Nabiha frowned, suspicion clear in his eyes, "Help on what exactly?"

"You heard of the betrayel of the clerics right?" She asked in which the Moon Lord responded with a single nodded, "It is true that they killed off many innocents in the Underground Haven however, not without encouragement." Khayru paused for several seconds, contemplating on her words before she continued, "A couple years back, a year after Xithyl was born, a cleric, whom no one had known or even seen before, wondered into the haven, seemingly worn from his travels. Being use to taking in nomads and wondering adventurers, we immediately took this unknown cleric in and nurtured him back to health." Hesitating for a moment, Khayru murmured, "He gave us his thanks after he was able to stand but after that, things started to change." She stopped one again, staring into the face of the Moon Lord before she took in a deep breath, "At first, the Cleric was just like any other Cleric. Worshiping the Goddess, aiding the injured, and help rebuild the monastary. But then soon after, he started preaching about Vestinel, the Jealous Goddess and how she is the one that the Clerics should worship, not the Sleeping Goddess." Placing her hands onto her chest, her fists tightened as Khayru continued, "This Cleric preached that the Sleeping Goddess will never give them the help they needed but that Vestinel is the one that they should turn to instead. Soon, the Monastary started to believe the words of this strange Cleric and to show their new loyalty to Vestinel, the Cleric ordered to take innocent lives." Tears formed in her eyes as Khayru finished, "and that's what they did exactly." Taking in a shaky breath, Khayru used the back of her hands to wipe away the forming tears, "We've been trying since then to track down the clerics, all of whom left the Underground Haven to base in the quarters of Vestinel." She turned her eyes towards the ground, "Though I am upset that such a holy group can be affected by such a evil being, I am just happy that Hilal and Xithyl had not been affected."

His gaze fixated upon the Tempest before him, Nabiha murmured, "I understand the history now but where do I come in?"

Hesitation filling her eyes, Khayru replied, "We need you and your brother's help to track down the traitor clerics however not to eradicate them but to find the Leader."

"The Cleric that wondered into the Haven?" Nabiha asked whom gained a nod as a response, "and from the way you're speaking, you want us to kill him?"

"...I know it may be hard for your brother but..." Khayru hesitated, "we don't see any other way to bring the Clerics back. Multiple times, Hilal went out and searched and every time he would find them and tried to convince them to come back but even he, one who had served the Goddess longest than any of them, couldn't sway them back to our side."

"And the only solution is kill the wondering Cleric?" Nabiha frowned when he gained no response as his answer, "Khalil, I know this place is in desperate times but there is no way that you can convince my brother and I to take the life of a cleric, espeically since Edan had to end the lives of-"

The Moon Lord quickly stopped himself, causing the Tempest to gaze at him with curious and pleading eyes, "...I'm sorry but..." He started his way towards to door, "But if that's the deal to get a room to sleep in tonight, then I prefer sleeping outside."

With that, he exited the room, leaving the Tempest alone.

Making his way back through the halls and rooms that he had made his way through, Nabiha finally his way back towards the living room, pausing when he spotted Aoshiro lying upon the floor, his armor laying beside him as he slept. Contemplating for several seconds, Nabiha slowly and quietly made his way towards the door, silently opening it and shutting it behind him as he exited.

"...Now the perfect spot to sleep," Nabiha murmured as he turned his eyes towards the dark corridors, squinting his eyes to adjust the to darkness.

When his eyes finally adjusted just enough that he was able to see the dull path, the Moon Lord slowly made his way, absentmindly wondering through the darkness. Letting his feet carry him where ever it will, Nabiha's mind wondered back to Khayru's deal, causing him to frown.

"I know that she's different than my fiance and all back in the 'other' Altera," he grumbled, "but...but I just can't believe that she would bring up such a crude deal. I mean come on, she's suppose to be gentle, kind, smart, and..." Nabiha's voice faded, the face of the one he loved flashing into his mind, "...but...she's still Khayru." Grief flashing over his eyes, the Moon Lord placed a hand over his face as he came to a slow halt, fearing the tears welling up in his eyes.

"Khayru...only if I was stronger...then maybe...maybe you could have..."

"Father!"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Nabiha blinked several times as another wail echoed through out the corridors, "Father! Father! Faaather!"

"Xithyl?" Immediately recognizing it as the voice of the young cleric, Nabiha sprang into a dash, trailing the screams towards the Fountain Square and to his horror, his eyes came upon a group of three men, one of which was struggling to keep a tight hold on the young cleric while another held a knife. In shock, Nabiha came to an abrupt halt, gawking at the sight before him.

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

"Then hurry it up and end it!"

Snapping out of his shock, Nabiha took several steps forward, only for his eyes to widen as the glittering edge of the weapon sliced into Xithyl's neck, the crimson liquid flying forth from the knife and the wound like sparklings lights. Shock overwhelming him once more, the Moon Lord's eyes traced towards his nephew, whom now had fallen limp, his eyes fading of life. Though he knew this was the not the reality that he had known and lived through, Nabiha felt pure rage overwhelming his senses as his vision turned red. Then before he could stop himself, the Moon Lord wrapped his hands around the hilt of his sword, removing it from his back with hated vigor.

"Someone's coming!"

"Quick! Drop him and-"

Dashing forward, the blonde male thrusted his weapon in the first man he saw, the blade easily piercing the mans' chest. Ignoring the crimson color sliding down the blade of his sword, Nabiha forcibly turned the weapon to the side, recieving a howl as he ripped the blade out. Feeling droplets falling onto his face and hands, the Swordsman rolled to the left, barely feeling the wind of a weapon brush past his neck, the sound of metal ringing in his ears. Then without hesitation, Nabiha jumped back onto his feet and twirled around, his sword ringing through the air as it made contact with flesh and bone. His ears deaf to the cries of the man in front of him, the Moon Lord's eyes turned wild as he continued to cleave his sword through, easily slicing the man like butter as he finally freed his blade. Hearing the fleeing footsteps of the third behind him, the blonde male turned and dashed after the survivor, easily catching up before leaping back and lunging forward. Feeling his blade coming into contact with the intended target, Nabiha then twirled once, feeling his blade come free once again as the blood sprayed all over his arms and the ground.

Forcing himself to stand straight, the Moon Lord's stood where he was as his blue eyes fixated upon the corpse in front of him, his harsh breathing the only sound ringing throughout the silent air.

"Xithyl?" Suddenly remembering his nephew, Nabiha turned around, sighting the young cleric unmoving on the ground.

When he recieved no response from Xithyl, the Moon Lord's breath left him as he rushed forward as he knelt down and placed his hands upon his nephew's shoulders, "Xithyl speak to me."

Holding his breath, Nabiha released a sigh of relief when the boy opened his eyes but the Moon Lord's heart stopped when the young cleric attempted to speak only to be wracked with coughs, blood flowing from his mouth.

"Xithyl!" he cried as he turned the boy over, cradling him in his arms as he slightly shook the young child.

Seeing the boy move his eyes towards him gave him a sense of relief that the young cleric was still alive but his eyes widen when the boy's eyes closed, "Xithyl? Xithyl!"

When the young boy went limp in his arms, mass hysteria took over the Moon Lord, "Xithyl, come on kid. You're stronger than this. Don't let those men do you in. Not this easily anyways."

Once again recieving no response, Nabiha cursed as he scooped the child into his arms, standing up as he did so. The boy needed help and as such, Nabiha started his way towards the medical ward.

Xxxxx

"Why didn't he bring him back home?" Aoshiro asked as he stood in the waiting room, concern clear in his eyes as he faced Khayru, "it would have been better if I had healed him, not here."

"That's what I thought at first," Khayru placed one hand on her arm in front of her, "However I remembered how long you had spent healing Hilal. He must have thought that you were still exhausted from the ordeal and I highly doubt he wanted to bother an injured person to heal another."

"But he knows it's a risk bringing him to the Medical Ward," Aoshiro pointed out, "especially since the discrimination against Clerics. Who knows, the doctors might attempt to kill Xithyl while our backs are turned."

"That's why Hilal and Shian are in there now," Khayru comforted, "that way, they could keep an eye on the doctors while they're treating Xithyl."

Hearing this, Aoshiro heaved out a sigh of defeat.

A few hours earlier, a messenger knocked loudly on the door, awakening Aoshiro and Hilal from their slumber. Hilal too injured to stand and Aoshiro still exhausted from the ordeal earlier that day, Khayru had to be the one to answer. That's when they recieved the news about the wounded Cleric in Training. Almost immediately, Hilal attempted to stand only to immediately fall onto the Guardian, whom had tried to stand as well. With both Clerics trying to untangle themselves, Khayru was the one who sent the messenger away and ordered her son (whom had been awakened from all the commotion) to stay where he was. Then somehow, the Temptest was able to lead the Guardian and the Saint towards the Medical Ward. Upon entering there, Hilal demanded to see his son in which the doctors reluctantly agreed (after a death threat given by the Tempest). Aoshiro and Khayu had volunteered to stay where they are, to ensure that no hostile visitor was allowed into the room.

"I just hope that Xithyl is alright," Aoshiro murmured, crossing his arms as he frowned, "from the way the doctors summarized, it seems like a serious injury."

The Queen of the Elves nodded, "I just don't understand why they won't tell us what."

No sooner had the words left her lips when the doors behind them swung open, "Edan...Khalil."

Recognizing the voice as his brother's, Aoshiro turned to greet Nabiha, "Shia-"

He halted, his pale blue eyes widening, "Shian...what did you..."

Puzzled at the words of the Guardian, Khayru also turned and her eyes also widened.

Crimson covered the Moon Lord's arms and chest as he tilted his head to one side, splattered blood hiding most of his expression as he replied, "What?"

"What did you...what did you do Shian?" Aoshiro questioned as he took a couple of steps forward, "What did you do?"

Regret filled Nabiha's eyes as he watched the shock and horror fade into the eyes of his brother, "I didn't mean to kill them Edan. I didn't mean to but...I just lost it when I saw those men attack Xithyl the rage just took over and I know what I did wrong but..." Tears filled the Moon Lord's eyes as he finished, "Those men...those men...Xithyl...Xithyl can't speak anymore."

The instant the words left the Moon Lord's lips, shock overwhelmed both the Tempest and the Guardian.

"H-How?" Aoshiro took several steps back, "How could have that..."

"They tried to kill him Edan," Nabiha murmured, "They slit his throat in order to kill him."

"Kill him?" the Guardian repeated, snapping his head towards his brother, "You mean they tried to kill a three year old child!? How can do they such a sinful thing!?"

"I don't know bro," the Moon Lord whispered, "I don't know."

Shock still wide in her eyes, Khayru's lower lip trembled before she made a mad dash towards the Medical Ward, brushing past the Moon Lord as she did so.

"...What is this world coming to?" Aoshiro asked as he collapsed onto a nearby chair, placing his elbows on his knees as he placed his head in his hands.

"The world is just desperate for a scapegoat Edan," Nabiha replied, as he leaned against a nearby wall, "and the scapegoat just happened to be the Clerics."

Tightening his grip upon his head, the Guardian murmured, "I'll change this place Shian, no matter what it takes." He lifted his gaze towards his brother, his eyes determined, "I'll make sure that the Faith of the Goddess lives."

Seeing the seriousness in the eyes of his brother, a smile cracked onto Nabiha's features, "You know bro, it's nice to see you living again?"

The older Cleric gave his brother a puzzled look, "What?"

Silent for a moment, Nabiha replied, "Ever since... ever since 'he' left your eyes seemed dull, devoid of life, almost like as though you gave up on living." A smile formed onto the Moon Lord's features, "But now, they seem full again."

Blinking once, Aoshiro released a small chuckle, "Was is that obvious?" He laced his fingers together, a faint smile on his features, "Then again, you have known me for years."

Nabiha smiled in response, "Speaking of years, I figured out the time when Xsayara was born."

"H'm? What is that?"

"The Year when the Tree of Life fell."

"Then wouldn't that make him 4?"

"6" Nabiha corrected, causing the Guardian to look up at him confused, "it turns out the timeline here is two years faster than ours."

"I-I see" Aoshiro blinked several times before turning his eyes towards the ground, "Interesting information, that would explain alot actually."

"I know right?"

Pushing himself off of the wall, Nabiha turned his eyes towards his brother, "I'm going back in to check up on things. You wouldn't mind guarding by yourself, would ya?"

A smirk appeared onto the Cleric's face, "I ain't called a Guardian for nothing, Shian."

"True," Nabiha laughed as he turned and headed towards the Medical Ward.

BANG!

The suddenly slamming of the door to the waiting room caused both men to twirl around, blinking in surprise as a group of men entered, all of those expressions filled with fury.

"May I help you?" Aoshiro asked as he stood.

The one standing in the very front of the group, flashed a glare at the Moon Lord before he replied, "Nothing much, we're just here to arrest Shian, the Moon Lord."

Xxxxx

Squeezing the hand of his unconsious son, Hilal felt tears forming in his eyes as he placed Xithyl's hand against his forehead, concern clear in his eyes.

"Only if I had paid more attention," he whispered, feeling the tears fall from his eyes, "you wouldn't be like this." He squeezed his son's hand even more, "I'm a horrible father."

"Don't say that Hilal."

Twirling around, Hilal's blue hues met with another, recognizing them as his sister's immediately.

"Xithyl sees you as a great father," Khayru sat down next to the Saint, whom kept his eyes on the features of his son, "he talks about you everyday when you're not around."

"Exactly," Hilal murmured, "I'm never around for him."

"But here you are," the Elf Queen pointed out, "though you're not always there physically, you're always there when you needed him most." She gave her brother a comforting smile, "Doesn't that show you you're a great father, Hilal?"

"...I...I guess," Hilal kept his grip on his son's hand, "I just hope that he survives this."

"Of course he will," The blond elf placed a comforting hand on the Saint's shoulder, "He is your son after all."

Contemplating on the words of his sister, a faint smile faded onto the Saint's features, "Thank you, Khayru."

A loud 'Crash' from the other room caused both adults to snap their heads towards the door to the waiting room, concern flashing in their eyes.

"I'll go check," Khayru volunteered, "You have to stay here with Xithyl."

Though reluctancy were clear in his eyes, Hilal nodded, watching as his sister left the room. That's when he felt his son's hand twitch in his palm.

He snapped his gaze towards his son, "Xithyl?"

At first, nothing happened as the Saint kept his gaze upon the young cleric, however, to his relief and joy, Xithyl's eye lids fluttered open, revealing his pale blue hues.

"Xithyl..." Hilal leaned in closer to his son, keeping his grip tight the younger cleric's hand, "you feeling alright?"

Blinking once, a small smile faded onto the younger cleric's pale face as he slowly sat up and opened his mouth. His lips moved but no words were coming out. Watching his son's eyes become confused and attempting to speak once more slowly caused the Saint's eyes to widen, realization dawning upon his shoulders.

"It's okay Xithyl," Hilal gently wrapped his arms around his son, tears falling from his eyes as he felt his son quiver in his arms, "It's okay Xithyl, I'm here..." He tighten his hug on the younger cleric, "I'm here..."

Xxxxx

"Edan! Edan, say something!"

Feeling the fogginess of his mind clear, Aoshiro shook his head several times before he blinked, his vision clearing enough to recognize the form hovering over him, "K-Khailil?"

Concern flashing over her eyes, Khayru helped the Cleric to sit upright, watching as the Guardian place a hand over the wound on his temple, his helm completely absent, "What happened?"

Blinking several more times to ensure that his vision was completely clear, Aoshiro abruptly stood up, his eyes wide as he sprinted towards the door, "We have to find Shian!"

"What?" Khayru also stood up, complete confusion clear in her eyes as she followed the Guardian out the door

"A bunch of men came in earlier," The Cleric replied as he continually placed his hand over his wound, "they had a warrant for his arrest."

Khayru stared at him wide eyed, "Arrest?!"

"The night when Xithyl was attacked, Shian killed the men that had done the boy harm," Aoshiro informed, causing worry to appear in the Tempest eyes, "it was a good deed though lives were lost but the men thought that my brother conspired with Xithyl and killed the men."

"What?! A grown man conspiring with a child!?" Fury flashed in the Queen of Elves eyes, "Xithyl is only a child!"

"That's what I told them as well," Aoshiro murmured, "but before I know it, one of the men brought out a hammer and hit me on the side of the head. Though the force was enough to send my helm flying off and knock me out, luckily it wasn't severe." A frown flashed onto the Guardian's features, "Before I blacked out, I heard Shian rushing out the doors with the men hot in pursuit."

The Tempest turned her gaze towards the Guardian, "Do you even had an idea where they are heading?"

"...A guess," Aoshiro admitted after a brief pause, "but it's better than nothing."

Concern flashing in her eyes once more, Khayru turned her eyes forward, gulping as she did so, "Be safe...Shian."

Hearing her whisper the three words caught Aoshiro slightly off guard, blinking his eyes once as he continued to run, turning a corner heading towards the entrance of the Haven.

Why would she..., his eyes showing slight confusion, the Guardian turned another right, coming to a sudden halt.

In front of him were the group of men that had attempted to arrest Nabiha, standing in the open entrance of the Haven, cheering as heavy rain poured outside, making the gloomy landscape even darker than before.

"Why...Why are they happy all of a sudden?" Khayru asked, coming to a slow halt next to the Guardian, placing a hand upon her chest out of worry.

Instead of responding to the Tempest, Aoshiro studied the joyful men and the open entrance, a question suddenly popping in his head, Where is...

Then it dawned on him.

Complete horror in his eyes, Aoshiro sprinted forward, ignoring the call of the Elf Queen and the sounds of the men as he shoved them to the side. As soon as he was at the open entrance, the Guardian didn't even hesitate for a second to barge outside, the turrets of rain clanging against his armor.

"Shian!" He cried against the roaring rain, mass hysteria taking over, "Shian!"

When he gained no response, panic gripped the Cleric's heart as he frantically glanced around, his light blue eyes desperately trying to see through the rain. Feeling a hand wrap around his arm, Aoshiro snapped it out of the person's grip, "Stay away!"

Jumping at the sudden change of temper, Khayru hesitated, taking a step back before taking several steps forward, "Sir Edan please we have to head back inside. The Traitors and the monsters could come in at any moment, especially since the rain is their best cover."

"Not until I find my brother!" Aoshiro roared, causing the Tempest to take several steps back, "I am not going to leave him out here where danger is lurking around in every corner!"

As such, he turned around, his eyes once more scanning through the pouring rain.

"...Forgive me for this later, Sir Edan."

A sudden pain erupted on the back of the Guardian's head, causing him to stumble a bit. Before he can regain his senses, a second hit came down upon his head, causing him to collapse onto the ground, the edges of his vision turning black. Blinking several times, a third and final hit placed the Cleric into unconsciousness.

Xxxxx

"Damn it," Nabiha cursed as he brushed some of his blonde strands away from his eyes, cursing as the rain once again swept them in front of his blue hues, "running outside wasn't such a good plan as I thought."

The Moon Lord had made a break for it the instant Aoshiro had been knocked out, running past enraged crowds and making it towards the entrance of the Haven. Quickly prying open the doors, he dashed outside, hearing the men cheer behind him as he left. He had thought that it was a great idea to run outside thanks to the fact that no one will dare (especially the civilians) leave the Haven without a strong warrior. But to his disbelief, it was raining and he now regrets making the decision of ever having the plan in the first place.

After attempting another vain attempted to brush his bangs away from his eyes, Nabiha squinted, his vision barely able to percieve through the rain, "If I head this way, I should be able to make it to the Black Mountains." He sighed as he looked up at the sky, "Though a cave isn't the best place to warm up, at least it will get me out of the rain."

As such, Nabiha continued to trudge forward...until he heard a growl behind him.

His reflexes automatically kicking in, The Moon Lord removed his blade from his back, twirling around to face the intruder, "Come on out cowards! Or are you too scared to face my blade!?"

At first, no sound echoed throughout the darkness with the exception of the roaring rain, causing the Moon Lord to glare into the turret. No sooner had he done this when a shadowed formed lunged at the warrior, roaring as it rammed into Nabiha. Landing onto his back roughly, the blonde male felt the wind being knocked out of him, causing him to wheeze in reaction. Upon seeing the form in front of him baring its fangs, preparing its jaws to be brought down upon the Warrior's neck, Nabiha rammed his left hand into the shadowed figure's jaws, his gauntlet easily breaking through flesh and bone. The sound of breaking bones rang through the roaring air before the creature fell down upon the Moon Lord, unmoving. With a small grunt, Nabiha shoved the corpse off of him, quickly picking up his sword and standing up as he did so.

"My, my, you haven't changed at all."

His eyes narrowing, the Moon Lord pointed his blade out into the darkness, "Reveal yourself."

A chuckle echoed through the rain, "As you wish."

With that, a form stepped out of the shadows, his body and face completely covered by a hooded cloak. However, the bottom half of his face revealed just enough to show the smirk upon his features. Seeing this, Nabiha took several steps forward, hoping to close the distance between him and the stranger but the instant he was halfway towards the hooded figure, multple glowing red eyes appeared behind the man, causing the Moon Lord to halt instantly.

"Now, now, no need to be so hasty," The man grinned, "otherwise the monsters behind me won't mind having a meal, they didn't have a decent one in a while after all."

His blue eyes narrowing, Nabiha continued to threateningly point his sword at the man, "What do you want?"

A grin faded onto the man's features, "To talk."

"Talk?" Suspicion were clear in the warrior's eyes, "talk about what?"

"Some information," The smile still upon his features, the hooded man raised his hands, pulling back the hood from his face as he did so, "about Guardian Aoshiro."

Squinting through the turret of rain, Nabiha's eyes widen, immediately recognizing the white hair and brown eyes, "IIarion?"

The man grinned, "Nice to see you too, Uncle Nabiha."

Yes I am evil once again for another Cliff Hanger XD Though I fee like as though this chapter is rushed ._.

Anyways, hopefully you guys enjoyed...uh...I guess 0-0

And yes, for clarification, Khayru did knock Aoshiro out. Yes she is an archer that is flexible and willowy but remember she's an acrobat and the acrobat has a skill called "Blooming Kick" which can hurt...especially since it can stun 0-0

But it did take her three tries to knock Aoshiro out XD

And yes, Xithyl won't be able to speak...and yes, I know it is evil ._.

IIarion is an important character in this series, especially for Aoshiro. Why? Not teling XD

Enjoy guys :D

~123arcalas