by Arantes
“Right now, he’s in a battle with himself. The Excitaret Quad is known to be the greatest power a Pureblood could wield; sitting on top of its throne is the Reawakening. I’m sure the two of you know about the Bloodhounds’ power, it has a way of turning you into a savage animal. The same can go for the Reawakening, and if that happened, it will be too late to bring him back. Without a proper training, I promise you he will become a living Phantom.”
Just like a Phantom? “Why are you telling us all this willingly?” asked Sonia.
“Because, if we’re going to help him; you need to know of this knowledge.” And besides, for some reason your voice can reach him within his darkness. It’s just as I thought, I might need this girl after all. He stared his evil eyes in Sonia’s. “I will help you, but you must understand one thing; when all is done, he will become Dawson once more.”
We will see about that Aleister. Sonia was relieved that Aleister would help her, she hated joining forces with him, but she knew there was no other way to save Albedo.
“Your King has pushed his mind into a dark place,” said Aleister. I must once more go inside his mind and retrieve him. The reason that that girl is still alive when I first encounter her is because he loves you, you can be the one to help me bring him back.
They left the castle after a short talk.
“Aleister, can I ask you a question?” said Sonia as their horses made their way to the woods.
He replied, “What is it?”
She looked at him, and thought he was not much different to Albedo. “Why do you kill for no reason?” she asked him.
Axil too was waiting for an answer to this unexpected question.
“I kill because fear controls this world, without fear, there would be no order,” he answered. And I have the perfect weapon to control it.
If she had asked Albedo this question, why he protected people, he would tell her love controls this world; they were both the same, and yet so different from one another, each
had different ways of seeing the world.
“It’s funny how life can change wouldn’t you say?” He looked at Sonia. “A few of months ago, I was trying to kill you, but Albedo’s heart would not permit me to, and now we’re allies.”
“When Alan was trying to kill Albedo, a word came out of his mouth. He said, get away from him or I’ll kill you, was that you talking?” asked Sonia.
Aleister look at her as if she had figured something out.
“And all those nightmares he had, it was you. That time when we first meet, when you had your hands on my throat, ready to kill me, you stopped, because Albedo took control of your body,” said Sonia.
“It’s because he and I are connected. I don’t know how to explain it but our hearts are intertwine with each other,” explain Aleister.
So I was right, thought Sonia. “Promise me you won’t change him back to his old self, Dawson. Promise me you won’t turn him into you.”
Aleister looked into her eyes, “You ask too many questions foolish girl... It’s up to him to be who he wants to be, I cannot force his memories to return.” Even if I wanted to.
***
“He’s really gone, isn’t he? It’s hard to imagine,” said King Victor.
“Yes, he is,” replied Angelione.
The King had summoned Dante and Angelione to come see him.
“Any news from Sonia and Axil?”
“No, her words made it pretty obvious that she was leaving us. Axil and her had come to the same conclusion, that’s why he left with her, that’s the only explanation?” said Angelione.
“Do you suppose they will ever come back?” asked the King. He wondered if they were gone for good.
“The basic motive why they left is that it was too hard on them. Watching a friend changing who might not ever be the same is difficult to comprehend.” Angelione himself was a bit confused, why would she leave in a critical moment like this?
Dante felt the same way as they did, but following his King was a must. How could you Axil, we sworn an oath to protect this kingdom, and one day become a Reaper. So why, why would you throw all that away? I value Albedo’s friendship as much as you do, but he’s a King of Awakening, the enemy of this world.
“I want the two of you to pay a visit to Jarvis’ wife for me,” said the King.
Angelione and Dante made their way to see Jarvis’ wife. She was out in front of her store and tending to her flowers. She invited them inside and made them tea.
“He died protecting his favorite student, just what you would expect from him. Jarvis loved that boy the way he loved Dragan and Cecelia.” She looked joyous in spite of her lost. She smiled, she was happy about Jarvis’ decision. She too had admired Albedo. In the end, he died protecting his student son.
After an hour of talking Dante got up and told Angelione he needed some air and he would see him later. This was his excuse to go see Natalia; he felt that she needed to know. He made it to her house and wasted no time explaining.
“I know Axil and Sonia; they must have a good reason for leaving. They would not give up on their friend without trying,” said Natalia.
Dante thought, maybe Natalia was right; maybe they did have a plan after all, a plan to bring their friend back. He put his hand on his face, looking mystified and discontent. “I don’t know what I should do, Natalia, follow my King or follow my heart. I made my brother a promise, to lift up our names once again. But he’s my friend. I don’t know what to do.”
Natalia put her hand on Dante’s shoulder, and told him he must do what he thinks is right. Dante was baffled. This was the first time Natalia had seen him showing real emotions. “Dante, you took an oath to protect your King, but one deeper within your heart to protect your friends. You know where I stand if this was my decision, but it’s not.”
Chapter 34
The Door of Consciousness
“Aleister wait, we can’t go through the woods, by now they’ll be expecting you or Henry. Allow me and Sonia to go and distract them,” said Axil. He had a hand on Aleister’s shoulder, as if they had been friends for a hundred years.
This made Sonia wondered why she was so afraid of this man when she was alone with him.
“That won’t be necessary, but then again, if the two of you are afraid of being discovered for treason I comprehend completely,” he replied calmly but yet sarcastically.
“We’ve already come this far, we finishing this,” said Sonia.
As they went deeper into the forest, Aleister could sense a man jumping down from above him. He quickly teleported as his body turned to ashes. The man’s sword went straight through the ground, before he could remove it; Aleister reappeared behind him with a kick that send him to the other side. Aleister teleported in front of him now, and he grabbed his short sword ready to kill.
“That will be enough; we didn’t come here to kill Black Knights!” said Sonia angrily.
Aleister had a look of aggravation instead of rage on his face.
“No more killing, please!” she pleaded to him.
Aleister looked into her eyes. “Fine,” he said calmly. He walked towards the two of them. “I sense more are ahead the deeper we go, we don’t have time to deal with them. Hold on to me, I’m going to teleport.”
Axil and Sonia each had their hands on his shoulder, and they were gone. Teleporting for the first time felt inquisitive and exhilarating at the same time. For a second everything went black, and then the light came back as they reappeared in a different place instantly. As much as Sonia hated his teleportation, even she had to admit this was an envious ability that one would be lucky to possess.
Aleister’s teleportation had reached its range as he teleported in front of the gate.
“Aleister!” shouted one of the men who spotted him.
Aleister didn’t even bother hiding his presence as they were gone once more. The alarm was sounded and made loud noises, royal guards scattered to find the King.
***
“What’s going on out there?!” King Victor could hear the alarm. He looked grieved; it had not been long since Jarvis had passed away.
“My lord it’s Aleister and he’s not alone,” said one of the royal guards.
“I see he’s not even trying to hide himself,” said the King. That’s weird, why would Aleister not bother hiding himself?
“My lord, there’s something else, young Axil and Sonia are also with them.”
As much as the King saw this as a betrayal, he had a slight smile on his face. So this was your plan after all huh Sonia?
Angelione and Dante walked in the throne room, they had made it back from Inferno a few hours ago. The King explained to them the situation.
“Sonia and Axil went and got who?!” Angelione was furious. After all Aleister had done to her, nearly killed her and yet she went to Odeon, took Axil with her and betrayed her kingdom.
“The two of you will go, these are my orders to you,” said the King. He explained to them what they had to do.
“Yes my lord,” Dante wasn’t too thrilled with Axil.
***
Angelione and Dante stood in front of the other side of the bridge, away from the castle, waiting for Aleister. Behind them were Black Knights that the King had sent alongside with them. The Black Knights looked sharp and firm waiting for Aleister. They had sworn to protect the castle and the king with their lives.
“Master, are we going to have to fight them… Axil and Sonia?” asked Dante.
“Yes, they had made their choice; it’s time for us to make ours.” He looked at Dante and was grateful he was here with him. “Dante, hold nothing back.”
Dante looked at Angelione and nodded his head.
***
Aleister approached with Sonia and Axil. They made their way to the bridge to find Angelione, Dante, and Black Knights waiting for them. Aleister came to a stop, and saw Axil and Dante locking eyes, the same for Sonia and Angelione.
“Is this the kind of help you wanted for Albedo, Sonia?! Bringing him here and betraying our King!” Angelione was beyond furious.
“You don’t understand. He holds the knowledge of helping him! The King has pushed Albedo’s mind in a stage of emptiness, what would you have me do?!” said Sonia.
Angelione was baffled, he too wanted to help Albedo, but what could he do. “This… this isn’t the kind of help that he needs, Sonia.”
Aleister walked forward, “I must be on my way.” This wasn’t his battle, it was theirs.
Dante stepped closer to him, “You’re not going anywhere, Aleister.” So, this is Aleister huh. He launched at Aleister, but was quickly stopped by Angelione’s voice.
“Dante stop, remember our orders! I would love nothing more than to fight him also, but we’re under orders to let him pass!” said Angelione.
Let him pass? Though Sonia, what is the King up to?
“But as far as for the two of you goes, we received no such orders to let you go beyond this bridge,” said Angelione.
Aleister looked back at them, he could easily teleport them out of here if he wanted to. Sonia shook her head and told him to go, their alliance was now over.
***
Is that your plan Sonia, have you sunk so low you allied yourself with Aleister?!” said Angelione as they squared off.
“Try to understand the magnitude of his power Angelione?! He holds the knowledge to save him, why can’t you comprehend that?!” said Sonia.
Dante stared into his friend’s eyes with a rebellious feeling. Axil simply stared back at him, wondering why he didn’t understand his feelings for betraying the King. Behind Dante was the bridge that led to the castle, further down behind Axil was the gate, and to the left of him was the city. Good. He needed a place to fight Dante, a stage. He had always wanted to test his strength against him, now was his chance. He started running towards the city, Dante followed with a few Black Knights after him.
By now most the citizens of Atnius had their doors and windows locked after hearing the siren going off. It was an indication that they had unwanted visitors, and doors and windows must be locked at all cost.
Axil ran down the narrow street. Black Knights were following him on each side of the roofs of the houses. Their footsteps made no noises as they moved as quiet as a mousse. They were fast for vampires. Axil jumped out of the way just in time before an arrow hit him, these were arrows that were made from steel instead of wood. The last thing he wanted was to get hit by arrows and loose blood, and that’s the last thing he wanted before fighting Dante, to lose blood and soon his energy will follow.
Two of the Black Knights jumped down with their swords aiming for him, Axil caught them with his fist and took one of the swords. The one with the chains threw it at him once more; he caught the chains and pulled him closer, and delivered a punch to his gut. More now were coming down from the roof, challenging Axil to a sword fight. They were more skillful than he was in handling the sword, but Axil’s strength gave him the upper hand.
Dante made it and Axil said, “Choosing to follow a King instead of your heart. How disappointing Dante, I would not have expected that from you.”
***
Aleister arrived inside the castle, not one guard was there to greet or stop him. He founded wired but just kept on walking. He arrived at the King’s throne, where he had been waiting for him. The King looked as if he was expecting him.
“Hello, King,” said Aleister, with a dark, evil smile.
“How long have I been chasing after you? And now you’re here,” said King Victor.
“Yes so I’ve noticed, search no more,” Aleister extended his arms and bowed in a mocking jester. “I am here in front of you.”
“Are you going to try and kill me the way you killed the Queen? If so, I guarantee you, it will not be easy,” said King Victor.
Aleister smiled, “No, I will not be the one to take this Kingdom from you.” I’m no fool Victor, your power level is higher than mine, and if I fight you head on my loss is a guarantee.
“Is this some kind of joke?” asked Victor.
“This kingdom doesn’t belong to me, so I cannot take it from you,” said Aleister.
“Take it from me?!” The King looked angry. “I know your Reawakening is not to its full potential, I have known since your fight with Dragan!”
“Yes, that may be so,” said Aleister. “It is no question that you are far stronger than me at this level of my power, but know this, I have already won.”
Aleister could feel something uneasy, it was as if something was pulling him and everything in the room down. The objects in the room started shaking as if gravity was trying to pull them down. He quickly activated his Reawakening. He’s just sitting there and I can still feel his ability without getting up, he’s much stronger than I ever anticipated; he might be as strong as Henry. Aleister continued to struggle against this gravity pulling him down, he could feel the King’s power rising. His Elder was at a High King’s level, even stronger than the Reawakening at this level. “Don’t you understand? I can help him, and if we don’t hurry he will turn into a Phantom!”
The King stopped after hearing what Aleister said. Aleister was right, Sonia was right; he was the only one with the knowledge on how to help him. “Tell me Aleister, can you really save him?” If Jarvis couldn’t do it, maybe he could.
Aleister nodded his head. “It’s not yet too late.”
“Then go, go and help him. Do what I couldn’t!” The king eased up on his power and
everything in the room stopped moving.
“What’s the sudden change of mind? A few seconds ago you was about to release your Elder on me,” asked Aleister.
“Look at all the people who believe in him, Jarvis gave up his life for Albedo. Sonia and Axil betrayed me. Angelione and Dante are struggling with their decision on what to do. And frankly, he’s too special to die,” said the King happily.
Aleister was content a bit. “You and your people love him even kn
owing what he is, how interesting.” His Reawakening was now gone, and so was he.
***
Angelione swung his sword at Sonia, but she moved out the way before it could reach her. She used her fire against him, but he swung his sword to block the flare. Sonia threw her chain to try and catch him, but Angelione was fast as he moved out of the way, at that point Sonia was getting ready to use her fireball.
“Sonia, stop. This fight is meaningless.”
She was confused, “What do you mean meaningless.”
“Why do you think the King ordered us to let Aleister pass through? It’s because he believes Aleister is the only one who could help him,” he fixed his glasses.
***
Dante and Axil were evenly matched after Axil had defeated the Black Knights. These guys were not as weak as he thought; they had actually proved to be a challenge. Dante had frozen his right hand to match against Axil’s fist. There strength had become evenly match. But unlike Axil, Dante could not sustain this strength forever, his ice would eventually disappear.
“Why Axil? Why did you betrayed your oath to protect the King?!” asked Dante.
“The only traitor here is you. I simply chose to follow my heart instead of my words. I know you made a promise to your brother to protect the King at all cost, but sometimes you have to let logic guide you Dante,” said Axil.
“Logic?”
“You must follow your heart Dante!” He walked up closer to him. “Dante, if you truly feel like what I’m doing is wrong then strike me down now! Prove to me that all of our years of friendship meant nothing to you! If I were in Albedo’s shoes, would you have chosen the same conclusion?!” He extended his arms and threw the sword at Dante’s feet.
Dante picked up the sword and placed it on Axil’s chest. He was so perplexed that he didn’t know which way was up or down. He started thinking about his brother, the promise he had made to him. He looked at Axil and saw the intensity in his eyes and his action. Dante realized the passion Axil had for his friend, and if he was the one in Albedo’s shoes, there was no doubt in his mind Axil would have helped him. At that moment Dante realized the kind of friend Axil was, friends like him only come once in a lifetime, and so did Albedo.