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He felt like he was drifting at sea. Sometimes the waves submerged him before he floated back to the surface. Whenever he sank down, the world around him muffled. He could hear them but he could not grasp that reality. It felt as though his soul was stuck in limbo between two realities. Until, an elderly voice managed to pierce through the veil.
"Your Grace…it's time to wake up…"
Aamon refused to open his eyes. If he did, he will have to face the reality he wants to avoid the most. That reality was too painful for him to live in. His life had already been filled with thorns and poisons, danger lurking behind every corner. The scars that marred his body, the bones that were broken - they did not prepare him for the worst pain a human could experience. He fought back the urge to open his eyes but that voice kept on calling him.
"Your Grace, it's morning. You have plenty of work to be done today."
His eyes opened. Damn that voice, Aamon cursed. The sunlight breaching into his bedroom forced Aamon to close his eyes. One of his hands appeared out of the covers to shield his eyes from that blinding light. Even in his grungy state, Aamon could hear something rustling beside him. His eyes no longer felt heavy so there is no point going back to sleep.
Aamon opened his eyes again and saw the slouching figure of his grandfather, Ingvar. The old man sat in a large armchair, holding his staff in one hand while the other rested on his lap. Although Ingvar had an authoritative aura surrounding him, Aamon did not miss the fatigue weighing in his eyes. The shadows underneath his grandfather's eyes told Aamon that this old man may have skipped a few nights of sleep.
"Good morning, Your Grace," Ingvar greeted with a warm smile. The old man's smile never failed to make waking up more bearable each day.
Ingvar's gravelly voice pierced through Aamon's brooding. "I asked the chefs to make your favorite. Fluffy scrambled eggs, buttered toast and yogurt with granola, yes?"
A servant came to place the tray on Aamon's lap, as if she had been waiting for her cue. He nodded his thanks and went to stare at the display of food before him. The fluffy scrambled eggs were piled high. Its vibrant yellow gave a distinct color to the overall presentation. The eggs were sitting on a thick slice of toasted bread with a small helping of fresh greens. Beside the medium-sized plate was a small bowl of plain, white yogurt topped with fruit slices and granola. Aamon reached past the food plates to take a cup of steaming hot tea. His nostrils were greeted by a floral scent as he brought the cup close to his lips. Instantly, his fatigued head cleared. Aamon took a small sip of the tea and softly moaned as the liquid warmed his inside.
After he finished his tea, Aamon placed down the cup and nodded to a servant, signaling to her that he was done with breakfast. Rather than obeying his request, the servant appeared stunned and quickly turned to Ingvar. Her eyes seemed to beg the elder for assistance. Ingvar turned back to his grandson, watching him swing his legs to the side of the bed. Aamon did not stand up and sat there with his shoulders slumped forward. Ingvar frowned before motioning his hand at the servant.
"I think His Grace's appetite is absent right now. Though, do send my gratitude to the cooks for this meal. Give this food to those that need it." He told the servant.
The servant tried to hide her smile as she bowed her head. The servant took the tray and hurried out of the room. A giant beam broke on her face knowing a big, delicious breakfast will soon fill her stomach. When the chamber's door closed, Ingvar turned his head to the current Duke of Moniyan's strongest magic family.
"You still mourn?"
Silence
Ingvar let out a heavy sigh and shook his head. He walked over to the bed and sat beside his grandson. He stared at him, taking in his grandson from the top of his hair to the tip of his toes. Ingvar would blame his waning vision for seeing Aamon to be skinnier than he used to be. Not to mention the dull appearance. His silver hair had lost its sheen, becoming more unkempt. He and the others in this house had grown accustomed to Aamon's deep scowl, something he had inherited from his father through years of 'tutoring'. However, after that fateful incident, Aamon's scowl made those who crossed paths with him shiver in their boots. Even the hardened
Paxley Elders trembled in their seats when Aamon entered the meeting room. Unlike before, none of them dared to open their mouths. While Ingvar is amazed to see those senile fools silenced by just a glare, he still felt uncomfortable by Aamon's change in behavior because this is not the young Duke he knew.
“Aamon?”
“How can I not?” Ingvar heard him whisper. It was so soft that Ingvar thought he imagined those words.
Aamon inhaled deeply before letting out a heavy sigh. He mumbled, “I had vowed to protect my family from any harm, especially Gusion. I failed Lillith. I failed Kain. I promised to not let the same thing happen to Gusion and yet…”
He paused, bowing his head. Ingvar, however, did not miss that single tear sliding down his cheek. The Paxley Elder lifted one hand and gently squeezed his grandson’s shoulder. He understood the young duke’s pain. Being the oldest and soon head of the family, Aamon was expected to look after the family especially his younger siblings. Unfortunately, Lillith passed at a young age due to a sickness without a cure. Aamon spent his entire days researching, not wanting to believe the healer’s words but his effort remained fruitless and Death invited Lillith to his realm. Kain, on the other hand, survived until he was the same age as Gusion. Unlike that gremlin, Kain was more obedient. He took his first mission - slaying a demon horde that is coming towards the border. Aamon was sent to accompany him, protecting him from harm.
The horde was beyond anyone’s expectation. Aamon returned home heavily injured. As for Kain, the Elders praised him, giving him a heroic title that was soon carved onto his tomb.
When God bestowed him another chance, Ingvar watched as Aamon kept a firm eye on Gusion. He will send out spies and pay servants to make sure the youngest Paxley is kept safe from any form of danger. He was the one responsible for ordering a servant to sneak desserts into Gusion’s cell when the boy was being punished for his pranks. If it was possible, Aamon would have kept Gusion in a cage so he could keep a watchful eye on him all day and all night.
“Your brother is not dead…” Ingvar’s voice broke the heavy silence. Aamon did not turn nor did he make any indication that he was listening. Ingvar ignored it and continued, “You said it yourself when I asked for your brother’s whereabouts.”
Aamon sighed and shook his head. “Even so, it’s not the same as him being alive here.” He whined, sounding extremely distraught.
He turned to the window, glaring at the blue sky from underneath his bangs. “Even though he survived, I will never be able to see him ever again…”
*****
One month ago
Aamon stepped back with Natan. Their eyes watched closely as the Heart of Anima broke into finer shards. The shards began to shimmer before absorbing into Gusion’s body. Aamon held his breath as the stone’s energy enveloped his brother, flowing in his veins to become part of his bloodstream. Though, Aamon’s eyes were mostly on the God forsaken mark branded on Gusion’s neck. The blood red color seemed to be mocking him, taunting his effort in curing his brother from the generational curse. Aamon could hear that demon’s deep, guttural voice laughing in his ear.
The blue and violet aura began to glow brighter, forcing everyone to look away. A loud hum was making Aamon’s eardrums vibrate. He lowered his arm only when the light dimmed. Blinking away the coloured spots from his eyes, Aamon faced ahead and gasped sharply. He was not prepared for what stands before him.
Although Gusion did not physically change - still maintaining his usual short brown hair and round cheeks, his clothes had completely changed. No more were the lavender shirt and jacket he always wore. They were replaced by a dark blue long sleeved shirt and a pair of dark pants. Rather than being plain or embroidered with expensive strings, his clothes had textures that reminded Aamon of tree barks. On his shoulders were a pair of oddly shaped pauldrons with one of them seeming to be containing a light orb. All of his armors, belt and even his daggers’ holster looked as though they were made by twisted clusters of roots. His signature purple scarf had changed to something more ethereal with the colors becoming a different gradient as it flowed down like water. Of all the details, what got Aamon’s attention the most was the crown nestling on top of his brother’s forehead.
When Gusion’s face scrunched up, Aamon pulled himself from his own curiosity. Gusion groaned softly as he stirred awake. Eyelids fluttered open to reveal a pair of glowing blue eyes that searched around hazily. His eyes only flickered with life when they landed upon a familiar face.
“Big brother?” He asked in a soft but hoarse voice.
Aamon hurried to kneel by his side. “Yes. Yes, I’m here.” He said in a rushed tone as if he feared that Gusion might fade away if he was a second slower. “How do you feel?”
He helped Gusion sit up, placing a gentle hand on the small of his back while pulling his brother’s hand with the other. Gusion's face twisted as he let out a small moan. His hand had gone up to lightly massage his temple.
“You okay?” Aamon asked, concerned for his brother’s question. “If something’s wrong, you can tell me. We can fix it together.”
Gusion’s answer was only a shake of his head. Aamon let him slowly recover. He leaned close to his brother, lifting a hand and carefully pulled down Gusion’s scarf. A relieved sigh escaped him at seeing clean, pale skin.
It worked, Aamon felt a heavy weight was lifted off his chest. Finally, after so many years, he managed to cut his brother off Kalon’s hold.
Though, Gusion was still disoriented. Aamon had to support him standing up because Gusion’s legs wouldn't stop trembling. He was slouching even, breathing heavily as if he had just been fished out of water. Gusion will recover his energy more once they get home. Aamon turned to Natan, nodding at him. The time traveler nodded back, understanding his message and went to fetch a carriage from a nearby village. When they get back to Castle Aberleen, Aamon will let Gusion do whatever he pleases as long as his little brother is happy and well-rested.
However, it seems destiny has different plans for them.
“Stay where you are, mortals.” A firm female voice appeared out of the blue.
Aamon and Natan both looked up to the sky to see two shadowy figures approaching. The two figures landed before them, One being a giant, guardian figure while the other was a humanoid bird. The giant’s main chest port let out a loud hiss before splitting open to reveal a petite girl with blond hair. She stepped out of the mecha before hovering down to stand before them.
Edith gazed down on them from above her nose. She had her shoulder squared and fists clenched as she spoke in an authoritative tone, “Mortals, while we appreciate your efforts in containing the God of Mischief, Kalon, there is still a significant matter that we cannot overlook.”
When Edith finished talking, Aamon noticed the way she was looking past them. He followed her gaze and realized she was looking at Gusion. The dread from earlier quickly returned to its place in his heart. Aamon turned pale, whipping his head back at the two Celestial guardians.
“You cannot mean-”
“The Heart of Anima does not belong in the mortal realm,” The humanoid bird spoke. “You and your band of misfits had broken the heavenly laws and nearly caused an extinction level of catastrophe. According to the law, you should be punished, however, we will let this slip by if you return what belongs to us.”
He might be hallucinating but Aamon could hear Kalon chuckling in his ears. The thought of that evil god returning scared him.
What’s worse…will Gusion die if he is separated from the Heart of Anima?
Aamon will not let that happen. He vowed to protect his family from damnation. Gritting his teeth, Aamon stood in front of Gusion, blocking him from Edith’s eyes. Gusion was still confused by the whole situation. He looked at Aamon with furrowed brows before turning to the two Celestial guards. But Aamon was not paying any attention to his brother.
The two Celestial guards sensed Aamon’s intention. Edith narrowed her eyes. She warned them, “Any form of defiance shall be marked as hostile. You are going against the Celestial Laws and will be severely punished.”
“Do it,” Aamon growled, not hesitating on the consequences. His answer got the two guards into a combat stance. Kaja grabbed his whip while Edith’s fists began to crackle with lightning.
Aamon summoned his mana shards. The cluster of crystals quickly encircled his wrist like a floating bracelet. Edith saw his action and she glared at him.
“You dare to defy us?” She questioned.
“Aye.”
Aamon did not spare a second and dashed ahead, his mana shards trailing behind him. When he got close to Edith, he swiped his arm in an arch and his mana shards nearly cut the demigod if she had not leapt back into her mecha. Phylax came to life. The mecha lifted one hand towards Aamon to grab at his leg but Aamon was fast, dodging to the side. He landed on the ground, rolling back onto his feet. Aamon swung both arms, sending his shards flying at Phylax.
“Edith!” Kaja cried out. He flew ahead and quickly unleashed a ring of lightning. Aamon’s shards absorbed the lightning and halted in their path before falling to the ground.
Edith huffed angrily from within Phylax. “You insolent mortal.”
Phylax dashed forward with Kaja. Aamon threw one mana shard ahead. Kaja unleashed another ring of lightning but the shard had already returned to Aamon. The duke’s robe shifted - a hood covering his head before his entire body became invisible to the eyes, even the immortals. It caused the two Celestial guards to stop in their tracks when their target disappeared from their sights. Behind them, Aamon gathered his mana shards and threw them at Phylax. Although Phylax was caught off guard, the damage he did was a mere scratch as the mecha had a tough exterior. He only succeeded in angering the petite demigod.
Edith turned Phylax around. Kaja flew ahead of her. “I’ll unveil him.” He told Edith and let out another ring of lightning. The lightning nearly grazed Aamon’s boots. Aamon perched himself onto a tree’s branch and hid behind a cluster of leaves. He waited for Kaja to come close like a predator stalking its prey. The humanoid bird flew beside his hiding place while his head searched around for the mortal. Aamon brought out his mana shards. The crystals arranged themselves into a straight line along his arm before hardening into a magic blade. He waited patiently before launching himself forward with the blade pulled back. Kaja realized a little too late but lucky for him, Edith was fast to sniff out Aamon. Phylax dashed ahead and grabbed Aamon by the leg, pulling him down and slamming the mortal onto the earth. Aamon’s cloaking magic was forced to withdraw and he revealed himself.
Kaja turned to Edith and bowed his head at her. “My gratitude to you, my friend.”
Phylax gave no response. It turned to Gusion who stood frozen where Aamon had left him. His large eyes were locked on Aamon’s passed out figure on the ground, not noticing the Celestial guards advancing on him.
“Apprehend the mortal…” Edith ordered Kaja. She turned to Aamon. “And the rest of those who dare to oppose us.”
Kaja said nothing yet he gave an affirmative nod. He floated towards Gusion who quickly drew out one of his daggers. Kaja raised a hand to calm the mortal.
“Fear not, mortal,” Kaja gently spoke to Gusion. “We are here for your protection.”
Kaja stretched out one hand for Gusion to take but a burst of light pushed his hand away. Kaja retracted back his hand, hissing in pain. He looked up and saw Natan with his arm raised. The odd looking gun strapped to it had smoke coming out of the barrel. Lunox and Belerick, who were nearby, stared at the scientist in shock.
“Natan, what’re you doing?” Lunox asked, hoping to regain some sense into him. “Do not attempt to be at war with them. They are-”
Natan ignored her and fired more light bullets. Kaja spread his wings and flew high. He spun around Natan’s attack, maneuvering past the bullets to avoid being hit. When he found a clearing, Kaja lash out his whip. Natan jumped to the side before the whip could hit him. The ground where he once stood was scorched by Kaja’s lightning.
Lunox was still attempting to negotiate with Natan to stop but the scientist completely ignored her. Meanwhile, Aamon had taken advantage of the chaos and attacked Edith head on.
“It is useless, mortal!” Edith shouted at him. Phylax raised a giant arm to block Aamon’s slashing attack. “Your meager magic cannot injure Phylax. He is created to battle evil Gods and demons. Give up!”
Aamon gritted his teeth. He refused to believe her words. Running around and leaping from one branch to another, Aamon summoned forth his magic. Hexagon-like runes began to manifest around Phylax. With a snap of his finger, a swarm of mana shards was spewed out from the runes. Edith did not expect the barrage though was quick to respond. With a loud war cry, she activated Phylax’s defense system. The mecha was surrounded by a faint blue sphere, almost like a bubble. Aamon’s shards hit the force field and fell to the ground like rain droplets. While Phylax was able to hold back the barrage, the continuous onslaught put a strain on the shield. The magic slowly began to wear until a crack formed on the shield. Edith gasped at seeing the cracks appearing all over the shield.
“Impossible!”
Aamon never ceased his onslaught despite feeling his arms turning to lead. The summoning sucked Aamon’s magic like a leech. Yet, he persevered in breaking Edith’s defenses. The cracks all over her shield motivated Aamon to attack further. His shards increased and Edith’s forcefield broke, propelling the giant mecha back. Aamon took advantage when Edith was disoriented by the blast. She had lost her focus, unable to foresee Aamon launching himself towards her. He pulled both arms back. His mana shards came to arrange themselves along his arms before hardening into a pair of mana blades. Aamon slashed at Edith with one blade before twisting his body and slashed the mecha again with the other. He twirled around like a gracefully ballerina with his blades continuously slashing over the mecha’s cockpit.
Inside the mecha, Edith let out a rough grunt. She was unable to counterattack with Aamon not giving her any room. He was like lightning that flashes in a blink of an eye. Phylax could not keep up. Edith sensed the mecha's magic energy waning. Gritting her teeth, Edith commanded Phylax’s chest cavity to open and she flew out. Just as she did, Aamon delivered a final blow that destroyed Phylax.
Edith floated above. Her wide eyes stared in horror at the damage done towards her mecha. There were kinks and dents covering Phylax’s entire body. Magic energy crackled from the holes the mana shards made and some were still stuck in them. Edith’s face scrunched up in anger and turned to the mortal mage.
Edith threw a stone-like ring towards Aamon. The ring did not hit Aamon, rather it landed on the ground where he stands before expanding big enough to trap the mortal. Aamon groaned as he felt a shock spazzing through his body. His joints locked and he was unable to move. Seeing her target trapped, Edith called for her magic. The sky began to darken with storm clouds with lightning flashing and thunder rumbling. A forked lightning came into contact with Edith’s outstretched hand, creating a lightning bolt. Edith pulled her arm back.
“Die, mortal!” She yelled as she threw the lightning bolt at Aamon. The lightning bolt fizzled with its energy coming into contact with the ground. The grass and trees were burnt as it passed through.
Aamon, seeing the incoming danger, called for his shards. The mana shards circled in front of him fast to create a shield. He waited for the impact but suddenly, Aamon felt his feet leave the ground as he was pushed to the side. The lightning bolt flew past him, hitting a tree and making it explode into splinters. Aamon landed on the ground and heard a heavy grunt followed by Edith’s pained scream.
“Edith!” Kaja cried out. He tried to fly towards her but Natan shot a ball of plasma that pushed him back.
The smoke from the explosion limited his eyesight. Aamon even had his arm raised to shield himself from the debris. Though, Aamon could still sense a new trace of magic energy. To his horror, Aamon is very familiar with this magic energy signature. He lowered his arm and daringly looked up. His suspicion was answered and Aamon paled.
Edith held her arm with one hand. She was doubled over, heaving for breath. Gold-coloured blood was trickling down her skin from where a light dagger had stabbed onto her forearm. Edith raised a hand to the dagger but the weapon began to wiggle, sending more pain to the demigod, before pulling itself free and flew away. The dagger made a beeline returning to its owner’s hand.
“Gusion?” Aamon exclaimed. He was not expecting Gusion to be here with him.
Aamon grabbed Gusion by the arm and said, "Get behind me. I won't let them take you."
But Gusion wrung his arm out of Aamon's grasp. The older Paxley stared in shock. "Gusion?"
His little brother did not say anything. His silence made Aamon anxious. There were hardly any clues on Gusion's face so Aamon could not read what was going through his brother's head. Aamon always knew Gusion to be brash and would not hesitate to throw punches but this air around him was something Aamon had not experienced before.
Aamon watched in horror as Gusion faced Edith. His dagger was still glowing in his hand but he did not attack. Instead, he asked the demigod, "Miss Guardian, is the Heart of Anima really that important for the Celestial Palace?"
Aamon and Edith were equally confused. Both of them did not expect such a question from the young Paxley. All fighting ceased as the spotlight landed on Gusion.
"Gusion, what're you doing?" Aamon whispered harshly, almost growling. His question never got an answer.
Instead, Gusion stepped forward towards the demigod. Edith watched him carefully with wary eyes. Her shoulders squared and lightning sparkled around her arms. Nevertheless, she still entertained Paxley's innocent question.
"Aye, the Heart of Anima is the Celestial Palace's core. Without it, the palace falls and the magic around it becomes unstable, including the ones on Earth."
"I see…"
Gusion nodded before looking up at Edith. "Then, I shall return to the Celestial Palace immediately."
Aamon felt his heart stop. He could not believe what he just heard. Even Edith and Kaja were not expecting that. They both stared at Gusion with wide eyes, unable to digest the mortal's idea. Edith recovered fast. Her hardened exterior returned and she lifted her nose.
"Very well. If that is your wish-"
"No!" Aamon shouted. He dashed ahead and grabbed Gusion's shoulders, shaking him with hopes it might knock some sense back. "What do you think you're doing? Don't you know what'll happen if you go with them?" He yelled.
But Gusion remained calm and collected. It was as though the two had switched bodies. Ignoring Aamon, Gusion daringly walked closer to the two guardians. Aamon tried to grab his hand but his own body won't move, as though there was something holding him back. His frustration was screaming for him to take action but Aamon could only watch as Gusion took Edith's hand and Kaja standing in between, shielding Gusion from Aamon's eyes. Grayish clouds gathered above them and rays of light began to pour.
"Gusion!"
His little brother smiled at him. Somehow, Aamon saw him as a little boy he had grown up with. That warm smile he would give to Aamon after their father scolded him.
"It's alright, big brother." There was a trickle of tears going down Gusion's cheek, yet his smile never faltered. "I won't cause you trouble anymore…"
A column of light engulfed the three figures. That was when Aamon's legs decided to move and he dashed ahead with one hand outstretched. He tried to grab Gusion but his fingers went through the boy's body as it shimmered before disappearing completely from his sight. Aamon stared down at his hand. His wide eyes were glassy before the dam broke and tears fell down violently.
Aamon whipped his head up. The clouds were gone. Only a clear blue sky was there with the bright sun seemingly mocking him with its radiance.
"GUSION!!!"
*****
Present Day
Back in Castle Aberleen, he thought those elders were boring. There was never a time he could catch a break from their nagging and whining. Not to mention the reason he got punished was unreasonable, in his opinion. Every day was hectic and noisy. It gave him a headache.
Now, Gusion actually missed that headache.
Sitting on the edge of the Celestial Palace, Gusion threw his gaze ahead. The forest below stretched far in a sea of green before turning blue as it reached the ocean. Past the ocean, Gusion could not see anything off the horizon. No towers, no walls, no flags bearing the Paxley name fluttering in the wind.
The Celestial Palace holds nothing for him. It felt like a decorated prison. There was nothing to do. Gusion had grown tired of playing with his daggers or climbing trees. He even went as far as to chase innocent birds. He felt childish but there was nothing better to do. Plus, there is not even a single being he could talk to. Aside from the birds of course but talking to animals made Gusion question his own sanity.
Is this the reward he gets? Gusion did not know what to expect when he offered himself to Edith. Deep down, he never wanted to be in the Celestial Palace. He just wanted Aamon to stop hurting himself. Seeing the way his brother flinched, Gusion knew Aamon was pushing his strength to the limit. They may have quarreled a lot in the past but Aamon managed to make that hell into home.
Gusion pulled his legs closer, resting his chin on his knees. He let out a long sigh. It was so quiet here and Gusion found it to be irritating. He wanted to hear those Elders' gravelly voices. The smell of Mrs. Winkle's baked berry danish was growing faint in his memory. And above all, Gusion just wanted to see his brother again.
Aamon's face appeared in his mind. The fear-stricken face before Gusion was transported to the Celestial Palace. From what he had heard from Edith and Kaja, no mortals shall ever set foot here again and severed the main bridge connecting the two realms.
He felt tears gathering in his eyes. Gusion buried his face into his arms, shoulders jerking as he sobbed.
"I'm sorry, big brother," He said as if the man was standing before him. "I'm so sorry. I just don't wanna burden anymore…"