Chapter 65

I DO NOT HATE HUMANS. I SIMPLY DETEST THEM. I ALWAYS WONDER WHY THEY WERE CREATED ON THE FIRST PLACE. FOR ME, HUMANS LIKE YOU, ARE JUST WORMS. UNWORTHY OF LIVING, YET IT BRINGS JOY TO ME DESTROYING THEM. I AM GOD; YOU'RE NOT, SO YOU MUST DIE. AS SIMPLE AS THAT

Ifrit

The poem "You're Not alone" (with some changes) belongs to Trixie Asirvatham.

Several minutes after the battle against the orcs have ended…

Rainbow comes after rain, light comes after dark. But peace…comes after war. Personally, I think it's ironic how people live in peaceful times after destroying each other. But as I stated in a certain occasion, to destroy each other is human's nature. So rather than worrying about how peace comes after war, I think I would like to enjoy these moments of peacefulness while they last.

Orc Lord and Orc Hero are standing before Fiorentin and Felicia, wishing to speak after tends their and their soldiers' injuries. It's a magic after having such battles no one really died, well at least after Elraven left the building. "Alexandria, we're in your debt" Orc Lord politely states, "From now on, the orc village would have nothing to do anymore with Valdomir Kingdom. We're part of Sagramore, as you previously mentioned. And for that, we will lend you our power whenever you need it".

"Don't mention it" Fiorentin pulls out a paper and a box of butterfly wings, "Take this paper and this box. Use the box to bring your whole village to Gonryun, where Sagramore's base lies. The paper contains my signature so you would pass through thr base without any problem".

As Orc Lord accepts the paper and the box, a towering light could be witnessed shining form Geffen, taking the attention of the people in the field for a moment. "That must be Elraven" Felicia comments the light.

"Oh, you mean the gunslinger with wings? Is he one of you?" Orc Hero slowly asked.

"Well, pretty much. He's an ally coming from Einbroch" Fiorentin replies while recalling that Elraven killed dozens of Orc Warriors before he entered Geffen. She knew Elraven wouldn't listen even if she ordered him to let the orcs lived, and for that she feels a need to apologize, "And for the lost of your warriors he caused, I…apologize. He kind of…had a different view with us".

"There's no need to apologize, Alexandria. One wouldn't step their feet on a battlefield without preparing to lose their lives. And our warriors are no different" Orc Lord ensures no hard feelings on the air, "Thank you for your help. Now, we shall take our leaves".

"Good luck on your journey" The lord knight replies as the orcs return to their village, leaving the two girls on the meadow field all by themselves.

"Shall we go inside, Fio? I have a feeling Elraven already destroyed half the city" Felicia hastily asks her leader. Nodding, Fiorentin replies as they run to the town, "Half the city? I wouldn't be surprised if he has destroyed the entire city. Let's hope he didn't destroy The Prophecy of Eisenheim too".

****

Meanwhile, inside Geffen…

Elraven could be seen packing his HAVOX to its metal box, resting it for a moment after defeating yet another one of The Quarter Kings. He hangs the box on his back after he finishes and rises, observing the now destroyed city. Elraven grunts and slowly repositions his purple glasses, "My god, the city is destroyed? Other than Geffen Tower no buildings left standing. Hopefully the prophecy is still in one piece, or else…I would feel the wrath of a Claymore from a certain person right on my neck…".

However, the fear soon breaks as he heard a step from his behind and spots Frea slowly limping, trying to approach him. "Oh my god, Frea!!! What happened to you?!" Elraven quickly approaches her and lifts her; trying to find her a place so she could lean her body. The gunslinger leans the soul linker in an unimpaired wall and quickly gives her a white potion

"Are you alright, Frea?! Please, say something!!" Elraven asks with an obvious anxiety written all over his face, worrying his lover's condition. "I'm alright. Some of my ribs are broken, but that's all" The soul linker delights her lover by answering him, ensuring her own condition.

"What happened in Geffen Tower?" Elraven asks again.

"I managed to fend Dracula off. But, that's not important at all. I learned an important truth" The soul linker slowly answers, rolling her eyes before continuing, "I'm not really human after all".

Elraven puts a confused look on his face and throws in another question, "I…I don't get it".

"Listen, Elraven. Maybe this would be hard to understand, but…I was…a goddess" Frea looks at the gunslinger's eyes when she said that. Elraven replies with nothing but a stare, trying to understand her answer.

Finally done collecting his brain, the gunslinger responds, "A Goddess? You mean…by goddess you mean, you were a goddess in heaven?".

"I was. During the battle against Dracula, a whisper forced me to recall my erased memories, and it succeeded. I regained my memories in my life as a goddess. Before I became a human, I was known as Freyja" The soul linker explains quiet slowly so the gunslinger would catch up with her.

"You were a…goddess? Freyja, the Goddess of Beauty and Prosperity?" Elraven asks again. There was still a bit of disbelieve on his tone, but he sure wants to know more.

"Very true" Frea rights him, "I gave up my power as a goddess around…twenty one years ago. The land of Arunfeltz was greatly destroyed during the war between Einbroch and the rebellions. So, I decided to give my power to fertile the land and became human".

"The Steel Rebellion" Elraven slowly says and recalls the knowledge inside his head, a history of Einbroch, a war that took place more than twenty years ago, "Around twenty two years ago, a group of rebellion from the military of Einbroch joined forces to throw down Juno. So, the military of Einbroch unleashed their power to stop the rebellion. The war lasted for a year before finally the leader of the rebellion was defeated by General Eduardo Barragan in a raid. It was then the military of Einbroch discovered the blueprints of the Five Children of ARMAS. Due to the use of heavy artilleries, The Arunfeltz Continent, the place which the rebellion chose as their base was greatly destroyed".

Done recalling things, Elraven asks again,"But truthfully, I don't know it was Freyja...I mean you, who saved that land afterwards. The history book at the academy only said the land was magically survived".

"Yes, to hide the fact that Freyja is no longer a goddess" Frea tells Elraven the real reason. But something still concerns the purple glassed gunslinger, "But, why did you have to give up all your power? You were a goddess, right? A little touch of your magic should be more than enough".

Frea looks down to the ground for a minute, perhaps she is trying to calm her mind down before answering. Elraven quietly observes her, not daring to interrupt or force her to quickly give her answer. Because he can see something on her eyes, and that something is definitely not good.

"Listen carefully, Elraven. Not so many people know about this. So, listen well and listen carefully" Frea gently looks at her lover before telling the gunslinger her story, "Millions of years ago, long before humans were born, there were times when gods lived inside this world and ruled the earth. Immortality, prosperity, and peace, even we couldn't ask for more. And then humans were born and started to live their ancient civilizations. They worshipped us, making our lives even better. Days by days, years by years, centuries by centuries passed with nothing happened. Until ten thousand years ago, Odin, The King of Gods, learned that the gods would be destroyed in a war called Ragnarok. He learned a horrible truth, that his own best friend, Loki, The God of Chaos, would lead this war against himself and his loyal followers to avenge him. Knowing this, Odin exiled Loki. Not knowing what his fault was, Loki planning to carry revenge to his former friend. Loki and his loyal followers allied themselves with the frost giants while Odin ordered his Valkyries to collect millions of Eirnheinjar, the souls of human warriors, so he could use them as his soldiers in Ragnarok. And finally the time came for the gods to date with destiny, their destinies".

A moment of silence covered the destroyed city. Nothing but the sound of the wind gusting could be heard in the city of mage in that cold night. But only after Frea continues,

"Truthfully, I had never known, until that time, that even god could not escape deaths. Ragnarok was…the end of the gods. Gods and Goddesses killed each other, destroyed each other, and overpowered each other, much like human did during wars. As long as I may recall, never before this earth staged a battle like that? Odin was the first one to be killed, slain by Fenrir, one of Loki's sons. I was in Loki's side, so I knew that much. The battle ends after almost all the gods met their deaths. Only few survived, and by few I mean you can count it with your fingers. I was one of the survivors. Ragnarok pretty much took almost all my powers. And then humans started to rule this world. With my remaining powers, I fled to the sky and start living in The Continent of Arunfeltz. I have never hated humans my entire life, so I decided to use my power to give prosperity to people in Rachel. That's why, when the Arunfeltz was destroyed and I had to use my remaining power, I became human myself, because all my 'goddess' powers have been used. That's all I can recall for now. My life as human's memory is yet to return".

Both of them look at each other quietly as Frea finishes her story. One can only wonder if such things or should I say, such experience happened to them or their loved ones. Not everyday you would find out if your loved ones are gods or goddesses. Confusion, not knowing what to do, and not understanding the situation would be normal, even for Elraven. Straightening his head, he looks at Frea quietly before asking again.

"The whisper" Elraven slowly questions, "Who…whispered in your ears?".

"Why…do you want to know?" The white haired beauty asks back.

"Because I could see fear in your eyes" Elraven gives a short but straight answer, "When you were telling me about Ragnarok, your memory, I saw something in your eyes, you were afraid. You were afraid of something I don't know. You may not be able to see, but to us, humans, eyes are the window to our hearts. And I definitely sure, that I saw your eyes filled with unspeakable fear. What makes you afraid, Frea? Tell me, who whispered in your ears?".

Just as Elraven said, Frea may not be able to see, but she couldn't hide her emotion either. Her lips slowly moves, forming a name as she finally let her answer out, "Ifrit".

Elraven widened his eyes upon learning the whisperer name. Perhaps no other entity, not even Beelzephir The Chaos, Elraven hates as deep as The Fire God of Midgard at the moment. Although she could not see what kind of face Elraven currently puts, by listening his heartbeat, Frea knows Elraven is angry. No, he is mad. Frea could guess Elraven's memory is currently filled with Alberta, and of course some precious people to him, who were burned to ashes by The Embodiment of Hell. His behemoth size, his laugh, the fire forming his whole body, his presence, and his godlike power, Elraven could remember it all. And before he himself realizes it, he starts trembling, maybe fearing or worrying the safety of the woman in front of him.

Both of them know, they fear for something. Frea is afraid of The Fire God of Midgard wrath, but who wouldn't? And Elraven is afraid of losing yet another of his loved ones.

"Elraven, my dear" Frea circles her arms around his neck to calm him down, "Calm down, Elraven. Please, calm yourself down".

Feeling her warmth, the gunslinger slowly returns the hug, returning her warmth with his. After calming themselves down, the two breaks the hug and quietly sits on the ground, not saying anything for a moment. Letting the blowing wind plays their music. After taking a deep long breath, Elraven chins up, gazing to the night sky with his black eyes, "Why does he want to kill you in the first place, Frea?".

"Apparently" Frea explains, "Ifrit is also one of the survivors of Ragnarok. He sided with Odin during the war, and after Ragnarok has ended, he returned to his territory, recuperating himself. All this time, he's been hiding inside The Thor's Volcano Dungeon, regaining his power while deeply craving his hatred for humans deep inside his vile heart…well, if he has any. I do not know the real reason, I couldn't understand it myself. I have heard before Ragnarok happened, he was so against the decision to use humans' souls as Eirnheinjar, because he viewed Odin's warriors would be so weak if Odin relies on humans. I spotted him several times during the war, and he didn't seem to regard the Eirnheinjar as his comrades, as he could be seen killing some of them by using them as either his shield or merely his tools for attacking, to be used against the frost giants. He even goes so far to attack them as long as he would hit a frost giant. And after Ragnarok has ended, I remembered seeing him wailing to the sky, blaming the weaknesses of the Eirnheinjar as the main reason why both sides lost the war. It seems that his hatred for humans has been born long before Ragnarok even happened. I don't know the real reason, and…I don't want to know. And during the whispering…him...he pledged himself to kill me now for I am a human myself. Apparently, he regards me as a betrayer of the gods for sacrificing my power to save a human's soil…".

Upon learning her deduction, Elraven stands up and quickly sits side by side with the soul linker. And as the night grows colder, Elraven puts his hand on Frea's, with both of them not saying anything at all.

"Her hand is cold and she is trembling" Elraven quietly tells himself, "Of course she would. Being alone in the darkness, fearing for death. Anyone would feel the same way she does. At times, like this...all I can do is...".

Elraven knows, her fear wouldn't be erased without anyone protecting her. And if she ever needs that someone to protect her, he would be the man to do so. Making up his mind, Elraven slowly recites,

When it looks like you're at the end of the road,
You're not.
When it seems as if your back is to the wall ,
It isn't.

The sudden poem reciting surprises Frea, but rather than asking why Elraven is reciting, she chose to listen well and listen carefully.

It's the way you look at a situation
that turns it into something you can handle
or makes it fearsome, intimidating…
something you want to run away from.

And fear feeds upon fear,
Until it is monstrous, gigantic, larger than life…
something you just can't cope with
on the strength of your own frail resources.

As if the words were knocking deep inside her heart, Frea realizes this poem is about her, for her.

But let me tell you, my love,
You are not alone.
You have me by your side
In your time of deepest need.

I will never let you down,
No, not even when you've reached
the lowest of the low points in your life.

The soul linker listens quietly, closing her eyes and keeping her mouth shut. She lets the words, one by one, walking and venturing on her darkness.

I love you and will guide you
through the lashing waves,
Shelter you from the stormy winds
and bring you to an oasis of peace.

Anywhere you go.
And I will make you believe in hope,
Because you're not alone, and you will never be.

The last sentence got her right on her heart, making her remember that she has someone by her side. And before she realizes it, her cold hand has become warm.

Have faith, and do not be afraid ---
This time of trial will soon be over.
Reach out to those who care for you.
You don't have to be the "strong one" all the time.

And even from this troubled time
You will find some positive changes in your life emerge
And like the coconut tree that bends in the wind,
You will spring up tall and strong
After the storm is over.

Because you're not alone and you will never be.

As Elraven finishes reciting, her hand is no longer cold and trembling. "I will not let it happen" Elraven says with a determination, "I will not let him kill you. Be it Valdomir or Hell, but I will not let him kill you. You may not be able to see anything but darkness, but believe me, you're not alone. I'm on your side, and I will always be on your side. If something ever happens to you, than I would be more than glad to follow you, wherever you go, for eternity. This is an oath, and I will keep it".

His voice sounds like a song from heaven. Suddenly, inside her darkness, she sees a glimmer of light, a small but warm light, shining her everlasting darkness with something, a feeling, to guide her, to protect her, to live for her and to die for her. And as tears start streaming down from Frea's eyes and smile decorating her lips, she could be heard whispering,

"Thank you".

Elraven smiles knowing her whisper, indicating her fear has been lifted, knowing that she's not alone to face hell. The two looks at each other, although Frea can't see, but she could still look, nonetheless. And as their faces grew closer and closer, right before their lips meet, a voice could be heard greeting them, "Are we interrupting?".

The two looks at the direction where the voice came to spot Fiorentin and Felicia observing them, both are smirking.

****

Meanwhile, inside the Glast Heim Monarch…

Beelzephir The Chaos, sitting in a old wooden chair with a golden table in front of him, could be seen busy playing another chess with Albert Gahn. Thanatos Phantom could be seen standing behind The King of Valdomir as Ifrit enters the room.

"Oh, you're finally here" Beelzephir turns his attention to the fire monster, "How is it going? Freyja regained her memories?".

"YES, MY LORD" Ifrit answers, "EVERYTHING IS GOING AS I PLANNED".

"Good, now we can wait for 'her' to make her move to Elraven. She is the only one left beside us to know this secret anyway" The high wizard claps his hand once before showing a big smile.

"REST ASSURED, MY LORD" Ifrit confidently states, "'HER' MAKING HER MOVE IS PREDICTABLE. AND NOT TO MENTION HER MOVE WOULD ONLY GAIN US ANOTHER ADVANTAGE".

"How could you be so sure, Ifrit?" Albert Gahn interrupts the Fire God of Midgard, staring at him directly, "I am not one to say this, but I think you have underestimated our adversaries too much. Humans, while being weak and vulnerable, shouldn't be underestimated and counted out. I have experienced this by myself, and I think you're repeating the same mistake". Albert Gahn slightly looks at Thanatos before rises from his seat.

Ifrit slowly approaches him and faces him eye to eye. Gahn could feel his heat from the distance they are in. Both Beelzephir and Thanatos aren't doing anything but watching.

"WHAT HUMANS, DEMON GOD? WERE YOU REFERRING TO WORMS?!!!" Ifrit roars, much to Gahn's calm reaction.

"WERE YOU TRYING TO TELL ME THAT I, SHOULD BE AFRAID OF WORMS?!!! DIDN'T THE CHESS YOU PLAY THIS WHOLE TIME GIVE YOU ANYTHING BUT FOOLISHNESS AND COWARDNESS?!!!" The Fire God of Midgard continues his roar.

"That was not what I was trying to say, Ifrit" Gahn defends himself, "I only told you to be more aware of humans. A god you may be, but to overlook their potential is wrong".

"POTENTIAL? THEN PROVE IT!!!" Ifrit forms a Hortus Deliciarum on his right hand as Albert Gahn could be seen stretching his left hand towards Ifrit and whispers, "Abyss Break", forming something like a black sphere on it. Without wasting any second, Ifrit fires his gigantic fire blast as Gahn's black sphere turns into a black beam and collides with Hortus Deliciarum.

GUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!!!!!

The sound of both creatures' attacks colliding trembles even the sky, splits the night clouds and literally shattered the moonlight, as for a moment the city became so dark even the moonlight cannot light a little glimmer of its light to Glast Heim.

The colliding itself resulting in a giant maelstrom of fire, the maelstrom melted everything it touches, swallowed the whole building into bits and shook the entire Glast Heim area like an earthquake just hit it. The earthquake caused by the colliding lasts no longer than two minutes, destroying some of the small impaired buildings in Glast Heim as the result.

The Glast Heim monarch area turns into a large crater, smokes and dusts spreads everywhere in Glast Heim as Ifrit and Albert Gahn could be seen standing, both unscathed, still staring at each other. Whereas Thanatos Phantom and Beelzephir The Chaos, when the smokes and dusts are cleared, are seen coming out from a black warp hole, perhaps escaping themselves right before the collision happened to prevent themselves of being destroyed.

"What a display, gentlemen" Beelzephir says with smile, clapping his hands, "This only ensure me that we will not lose the war tomorrow morning". As Beelzephir continues clapping his hands, the two creatures could be seen observing the impact of their doing.

"HEHEHE" Ifrit chuckles when he learns the result of the maelstrom, "NOT UNDERESTIMATING WITH THIS KIND OF POWER? YOU MUST HAVE LOST YOUR MIND, DEMON GOD".

"I have not" Albert Gahn replies with a smirk, "And let's hope the same for you, Ifrit. Long live Valdomir".

It is unknown what they do for the rest of the night, but one thing for sure, what happened that night is only a small spoiler of what might happen when Sagramore and Valdomir clash in less than twelve hours. And also a sneak peek, what kind of power a certain gunslinger just swore to fight.

****

I decided to dedicate this chapter for Frea x Elraven to show what they have to face in the near future. And also to further develop the feud between a certain gunslinger and a certain fire god. In the next chapter, hopefully I can make a funny chapter about the search of The Prophecy of Eisenheim.

I tried my best to describe whatever I think needs to be described here, and hopefully the next chapter would be better.

See u next chap!!! (^^)