Chapter Text
I wish Lord Khaslana is out more often
I know, right? He’s so dreamy…
Kinda makes you wish he’s our deliverer, eh?
A small part of him throbbed at the passing words. He knew he shouldn’t be feeling this way. People will talk, words can turn from sweet honey to venom in an instant. He had seen what they said about Mydei, for example. A brutish prince, hungry for power and blood but in reality, he was the sweetest person Phainon had ever met. True, he rarely smiles and has a permanent scowl on his face but his touch and demeanor has always been soft and gentle.
But it didn’t get any easier.
The news about Khaslana spread like wildfire among the people. Another soul residing inside the Deliverer, ancient and wise, they whispered. It wasn’t far from the truth but Aglaea deemed it important to keep a secret on Khaslana being the first Phainon and the one who almost ended the Chrysos Heirs as the Flame Reaver. So speculations became wilder, some assuming he was an old deliverer of the ancient past and some were more inclined to believe Phainon had a twin who died during childbirth. The Heirs neither deny or confirm the rumors. The Council of Elders were restless. Their sway weakened more as the Heirs continued their effort to rebuild Okhema and were already planning to rebuild other major cities in Amphoerus.
Hence on a sleepy morning, the councils and the Heirs held a grand meeting at the Vortex, the area since repurposed as a general meeting room. Both Aglaea and Caenis sat side by side with an aura of serenity and tranquility. Phainon knew it was only for show, he knew both were snakes ready to bite. Each Heir sat opposite of a councilman, with the exception of Phainon who stood tall at the end of the table. He gave a reassuring smile to Mydei when he saw the other growling. As protective as ever, his little lion.
“Shall we start the meeting?” One of the councilmen spoke, Aegis, if Phainon remembered his name correctly. He didn’t wait for any confirmation, his beady eyes instantly focused onto Phainon’s figure, “Phainon of Aedes Elysiae, it has come to our attention that you harbour a benevolent soul and would like confirmations on its status.”
“His.”
“Pardon?” An eyebrow twitched and Phainon gave him a polite charming smile.
“The soul residing within me is a male and goes by the name Khaslana.” As if summoned, Khaslana stirred from his slumber, blinking himself awake before giving an inquiring glance.
Phainon…?
Sorry. His voice echoed in their little mindscape. I’m currently in a meeting with the council. That made Khaslana perked up, more alert than before. Is everything alright? The concern brushed gently. All is good! They’re just curious about you.
“And…? Is that the only information you are willing to give me?” Came the irritated response. He should focus on the council. He can explain to his brother later, without these vipers around.
“Well, I am unsure what the councils would like to know. Mayhaps it is better if I am given questions instead?”
“You Heirs are completely useless. Is he a danger to Okhema?”
Well, he is a danger to the councils but he couldn’t say that. He can already feel the disappointed stare from both Aglaea and Castorice if he follows through his thoughts.
“No, he won’t be a danger to Okhema or anyone for that matter.”
“Who is he and why does he appear now and not when we were in danger?”
“He never gave me much detail except for his name and he was once a deliverer. He just recently emerged when Era Nova casts the new Dawn. Even he does not know why he was summoned within me and during peaceful time nonetheless.”
“Are there other secrets you have been keeping from us, Deliverer?”
It slowly became overwhelming, the questions, the leers from the councilmen. His own words need to be picked precisely. He could not give them too little detail nor too much. The whispers began amongst them, weighting his words like Talanton’s Scales. He took a deep breath, words already arranged when Khaslana spoke to him.
Do you want me to take over…?
That made him pause. It didn’t sound like a bad idea. One, it would quell the curiosity of the councilmen and two, it would build Khaslana’s own reputation among them.
If you are well enough, Khaslana.
Of course.
“Deliverer, why are you once again so quiet? Finally admitting having more secrets-?”
“No, there are no more secrets.”
The voice was quiet, deep and devoid of emotions but it managed to silence and stun everyone. The usual bright blue eyes are now muted, his stance rigid compared to the casual one that Phainon had. He glanced down at each councilman before offering a small political smile.
“Forgive me for speaking so suddenly… Phainon and I discussed that it may be wise that I take over your questions as it partakes about myself. Is that satisfactory…?”
“I-it is” One of them shuttered when the silence became too long before clearing his throat. “But can we proceed with the questions at a later date? We have much to discuss amongst ourselves.”
“I see no harm in postponing. You may inquire about me through Phainon.”
“Ah yes the Deliverer… We will let you know when we have a date planned.”
Ha! They’re scared.
Khaslana let out a small chuckle at Phainon’s little comment. It looked like their dislike for the councils were the same.
They never changed… No matter how many cycles I’ve seen.
Are you going to be alright? You’re…
I’ll… be fine. If I keep… stopping, it will be a weakness… they’ll exploit.
Even if it’s causing you pain…?
Even if… it’s causing me pain.
“Khaslana, was it?” For the first time since the discussion, Caenis finally made herself known. Khaslana tensed, he knew exactly who she was. She also never changed in any of the cycles he went through. Caenis had always been a slick woman, charismatic and charming, her words coated with lies and deception but no one seemed to question her.
“Yes, that is my name.”
“Your name… or a name you go by now?” The atmosphere turned tense, every single occupant looked at her in disbelief. The Heirs themselves masked their concern easily. Does she know who he is?
“Does it matter?” He answered smoothly, his gaze neutral, “It is still my name after all. Are you suspecting me of fraud, Councilwoman Caenis?”
The question made her laugh, “Nonsense! Merely a curiosity of an old woman. You certainly have an aura to you, Lord Khaslana.” The title made him narrowed his eyes before she continued, “If only you are our Deliverer. I wonder if Era Nova would have come faster with lesser sacrifice. If you haven’t noticed, the current one is still wet behind the ears. Still in need of training.”
“Do you truly think so? From what I can see, he did a splendid job in securing the dawn and the trust of the mass.” His smile turned sharper, “Not to mention diplomatic relations with Castrum Kremnos and the Grove, both are powerful allies I might add.”
“Of course, by charming the prince to bed-”
“Do not assume that was how he gains my trust.” Khaslana let out a small breathless laugh. Of course, Mydeimos would not stand idle when his Deliverer’s achievements came into question. “He came to me for a truce. My army for shelter in Okhema, to which I agree. We solidified the truce with a duel that lasted for ten days and ten nights. He has earned my respect since then until now. My army is his to command.”
“Do you not think you place too much hope into him?”
“No,” Mydeimos replied confidently, “He has my highest trust, councilwoman.”
“Then what about you, Lord Khaslana?” Her eyes trailed to him, her smile charming, “Do you have that much trust in him?”
“I trust him with my very life.” He wasn’t shy to hold her gaze, “For without him, I will not be standing in front of you.”
“I do hope the Deliverer knows your expectations of him.”
He didn’t like this whole conversation. Her words, her calm demeanor felt like something was lurking. It felt like he had walked into a trap. “Well then-” She stood up, nodding at each one of them, “The meeting is now adjourned. Lord Khaslana if you may, it is much preferable if you would join the meetings instead of the Deliverer. Your input is much more valuable than his”
“I will need to discuss this with Phainon first for it is not a decision I can make alone.”
“If he knows what is best for Amphoreus and her people, he will agree to it.”
With a small wave of her hand, the councilmen trickled out of the meeting room, leaving the Heirs alone. Khaslana let out a breath he was holding, pinching the bridge of his nose as a small headache formed.
Phainon… you can take over now.
…
Phainon…?
Silence from Phainon was something new and worrying. He was never quiet, always having a topic to talk about. A heavy hand on his shoulder startled him from his thoughts. He knew who it was even without looking.
“Khaslana? Why are you still here? No offense.”
“None taken Mydeimos. I’m.. unsure. He is… not responding to me.”
“Truly?” Mydei raised an eyebrow, “Maybe he is simply asleep? With how those hyenas hounded him before you took over, I would not be surprised if he decided to take a nap.”
“Perhaps…” Khaslana replied softly, “It… may be wise for me to stay home until he returns. Is that alright with you Mydeimos?”
“Of course. The guestroom is always ready for you.”
“Thank you.”
Phainon heard everything with clarity. In the little mindscape, with wheatfields and the soft breeze of the wind, he sat with his knees drawn to his chest. What Caenis had said… was all true. He had failed. He failed to keep his friends– his family–safe. He didn’t manage to keep the Black Tide at bay, that was all thanks to Mydei in the first place.
The Flame Reaver rampage?
It was all thanks to Caelus that Khaslana was free from his fate as the Flame Reaver and Khaslana… Khaslana was perfect. He was the one who brought them Era Nova. He was the one who already had a plan and made arrangements with Aglaea. He was the one who took the burden for all of the suffering and pain and managed to come up on top. He… didn’t trust Phainon to help carry the burden. He made Mydei laugh and smile, a feat he rarely even manages but Khaslana? Khaslana did it like it was natural.
They don’t need me…
Still wet behind the ears. Her words echoed in his mind, his grip on his knees tightening. Preferable if you would join the meetings instead of the Deliverer. Preferably Khaslana… Not him.
Maybe Caenis is right… Maybe I’m not suited to be the Deliverer after all. Maybe it’s better if I just disappear.
He exhaled shakily, tears dripping down his cheeks as the mindscape trembled, walls forming around Phainon and as Phainon closed his eyes, the door closed shut with a soft click.
The minutes turned into hours then days. There was still no response from Phainon. His soul was slowly breaking, cracking more as time passed, weakening both his mind and body. Khaslana was lucky that Mydeimos lived in the same house. Khaslana did pull his weight in doing chores, helping with the dishes, sweeping the floors. There were times where they would sit on the couch, whispers exchanging with each other regarding Phainon. He could see those fiery eyes softened when speaking of the Deliverer, his tone light and gentle. It truly reminded Khaslana of his Mydeimos.
It was a week after that he woke up in immense pain. He knew he already reached his limit. Any longer in this body will shatter him. He needed to go back. He needed Phainon.
“Phainon…” Khaslana gasped softly, curling into a fetal position on the bed, “Please… switch… hurts… too much… Phainon.” He pleaded but Phainon didn’t answer, the door was still firmly shut. Another jolt of pain to his heart and he clutched his chest in futile. Mydei couldn’t do anything but watch helplessly. He had always been a light sleeper and ever since the unusual switch, he was even more alert than usual. “What can I do to help?” He said desperately, hands hovering over the trembling deliverer.
“Back… Bring him back… Can’t hold… Mydeimos… Save him.” Even now, Phainon will always be his top priority. Mydei let out a small laugh in disbelief. They really are Phainons.
“You said there’s something preventing you from entering that mindscape?”
He merely nodded weakly as confirmation, speech had since escaped him.
“Alright… alright, here’s what we’re going to do and I swear to Nikador this better work. Keep pushing onto that door and I’ll try to wake the idiot up. Don’t panic if it gets too rough.”
Khaslana didn’t even need to be told twice, withdrawing slowly and slammed himself onto the door. The space shook violently, no doubt Mydeimos’s doing and he continued still, crying out Phainon’s name over and over softly until a small spark of hope bloomed when he heard shuffling from the other side.
Khaslana?
The voice sounded groggy but it was indeed Phainon’s. He cried silently. Finally, they can be saved.
Switch…! Phai…non…
Phainon instantly went alert and opened the door. He was immediately slammed back into his body and noticed he was surrounded by warmth and the smell of pomegranate juice. A scent he knew all too well.
“Mydei…?”
“You idiot!”
He winced as the hug grew tighter, the body enveloping him trembling. He gently ran his hand down his prince’s back soothingly. “Mydei? What’s going on?”
“I thought I lost you both… “
“Lost?”
“Phainon… You almost killed yourself and Khaslana”
What…?
“What do you mean?”
“Phainon, did you not realize how many days you’ve gone? It’s been seven days!”
No, that couldn’t be right! It had only been a few hours at most! He didn’t-
Maybe it’s better if I just disappear.
The small memory haunted him as he swallowed. It was his fault. He injured his own brother.
Khaslana…? He looked around desperately in the mindscape until he caught a flickering light on a stump.
Khas… lana…? He whimpered, cupping the light gently but no answer came.
I’m sorry… Please come back.