Vision of Escaflowne is owned by its respective company not by Yuki Fanel.

 

Finding The Light

By Yuki Fanel

 

Chapter 1

 

“Is there anything else you want?” Allen asked as he turned his back to walk away.

 

She shook her head with a reassuring smile, staring across the rippled surface of the pond. As he disappeared into the woods, she shivered as a breeze hit her sharply. It was cold. Not ice cold but she felt cold inside. Something was going on within her. A shadow of doubt loomed over her, destroying her image as a young lady who disappeared for nine years. She felt different. Like someone else. Then, darkness came.

 

***

 

Blood. There was blood everywhere. My chest tightened from lack of air. I open my mouth but all I could find is blood. I could taste it, lingering in my mouth. The coppery taste made me gag unpleasantly. A strong pull withdrew me from the horror and fear that kept me close. I could feel the liquid drip from my pale skin slowly and painfully. I can hear my name being called. I gasp for air, longing for the cold air to fill my pained lungs. I open my eyes, cautious for the blood might go into my eyes. Allen was there. He pulled me out of the blood and saved me from certain death. I snuggled to his chest, looking for the warmth I have longed for years. *Onii-sama…*

 

***

 

Allen put the shawl he brought around her. Keeping her close, he felt her body shake violently. He felt the fear that coursed through her blood. *Maybe comforting words might help.*

“Are you alright, Celena?”

“I fell…”

“…into the pond? I know. I had to pull you out. What happened?”

“…I…” *He didn’t see the blood. He just saw water.*

“I’ll bring you home. You need to rest.”

 

Chapter 2

 

          I can see piles of rubble collapse into cinder as the fires engulf them mercilessly. Screams echo in the hot air. Smoke rises from afar. A fire. Destruction bathed this place. How can it be so? Who is cruel enough to leave this place to the desolate hands of destruction?

 

          My tears flow at the sight of this devastating vision. I fall to my knees, disoriented. Confused. How can this be? Who can do this without ever feeling remorse?

 

          I can sense a cold feeling stir on my shoulder. I turn to see what it was. A hand, caked with blood, smelled of rotting flesh. Gasping as much air as I could, I suppressed the scream in my throat sternly. A man stood before my eyes. He was old, ragged but his face bore a gentle smile.

“Why are you crying, little one?” the man asked in a gentle tone.

“Who caused this?” her voice cracked slightly.

“Why…it was YOU!!!”

          The man furiously grabbed her neck and squeezed tightly. He grinned maliciously, his eyes gleaming with all his hatred and pain.

“Die, murderer!!! Fall lifeless by the sacred ground you have desecrated! Let your death be the end of all this sacrilege!!!”

 

***

 

          She thrashed violently beneath the sheets, screaming with the highest pitch she could voice. The door burst open, the blond boy rushing towards her, calling her name.

“Celena, are you alright? What happened?”

          She waited until her mind settled. Her thoughts replacing themselves where they should be.

“I am well. I just had a bad dream.”

          Excited by the fact of well-evading her brother’s prodding questions, she realized that she was being selfish. Her brother had wished for her well being and here she was, destroying that wish. She was panting, bathed in cold sweat. How can that dream affect her so?

“Alright. You’re sure about that? By the way, Millerna came to visit.” he smiled gently at her after a sigh escaped his lips.

“I see. That would be nice then.”

“She’ll be taking you outside. I just don’t know where.”

 

*How can I tell this to you, Allen? I’m afraid of the truth. I’m afraid of what might happen to you. I am afraid of myself.*

 

***

 

*I see. She’s doubting herself. Things are going as to what I have planned.*

 

A half-smile crossed his lips then vanished entirely. Gold eyes gleamed maliciously yet longed for something only the girl can have. *She will feed me…* Turning back from the cliff where he stood, he went off. To Asturia.

 

***

 

Chapter 3

 

“Can’t you lower that a bit? Its too high for just a pair of gloves!” Millerna frowned.

“I’m sorry, milady. No 300 Crowns, no pair of gloves.”

          Celena giggled when she saw Millerna dug into her purse with a scowl on her face. Millerna had brought her to the marketplace to buy some things for their horseback riding. *Poor Millerna.*

“Here’s your 300 Crowns!” she shoved them roughly into the greedy hands of the vendor.

          When they walked away, the silence between them was broken by Celena’s sudden outburst of laughter.

“You sure made a bargain!” Celena help up one glove by the thumb socket.

“What do you mean?”

“These gloves are made with good fabric but with crude and TINY stitches. One pull could rip them apart easily. I just couldn’t think of any reason why you like this.”

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?!” Millerna used much of her willpower not to strangle Celena right then and there.

“I wanted to see the look on your when you realized it. And besides, I tried to tell you but you were too busy admiring it.”

 

***

 

“What do you mean he closed down his stall? It’s not even dusk yet!” Millerna slammed her palm on one of the oak boards.

“After he made that bargain with you, he closed down. I figure he was a lousy cheat. He makes those gloves overnight!”  the old woman frowned and pointed to the alley.

“What’s over there?” Celena blinked.

“You want to chase him, right? Go there and turn right at the seventh corner. The house at the end of the road is his workshop. But I’d warn you. Those streets are swarmed with gamblers and drunkards. They’ll pester the lives out of you!” her tone narrowed into a whisper.

“Thank you, good ma’am.” Millerna smiled as gently as possible that can practically hide the evil grin she had behind it.

“But don’t say you heard this from me!” she called out as the two ladies walked away.

 

***

 

“Hey! Give me back my money! You’re not playing fair!”

“You’re just a sore loser.”

          The man before him growled menacingly and signaled for two hulking brutes to approach the table that they were playing on.

“Get up and fight me like a man, cheater! You’re not getting away with this! Jinn! Lentz! Get him!”

 

          The young man smiled, golden eyes gleaming. His slightly built body was fixed into a defensive stance yet his smile was more of otherwise. His long silver hair was tied to a neat bundle, some of his bangs falling slightly over his eyes, hiding what was in them. His hands held on tightly to the hilt of two daggers.

          The two men lunged forward, taking on him hastily and recklessly. The young man evaded them smoothly, moving with demonic speed and landing a hard kick on each of their backs and sending them to the floor.

“Why you!!!”

          The other man drew his knife and charged him. The younger man slammed his elbow in his face an brought his dagger smoothly upwards, slashing the man’s clothes. Cards fell from beneath the folds of his clothes. The young man narrowed his eyes on him. *Dear Lord! Did I just confront the Devil? The look in his eyes. He can kill us if he wanted to.*

“You’re the cheater. Yet your technique isn’t good enough. I still got to beat you. You’re a sore loser. Nothing more.” the young man shook his head and fingered the bag of crowns in his belt.

“Who are you!?” the man drew back a step, shaking from head to toe.

“I am Jerle. The God of Death.”

 

          A malicious grin crossed his face as he walked over to one of the fallen men. Jerle placed his hand on the man’s face like a spider. Warm energy crawled from the man and into his skin. His heart beat erratically, blood pulsing like a river. He felt as if energized and withdrew his hand with a gentle smile.

“Are you feeling better?”

“A…Hai…”

“Then I bid you farewell. Although you’ll see me when you die.”

 

          And with that, he was gone.

 

***

 

Chapter 4

 

“Sixth corner. One corner left. Celena, do you really think this is the right way?” Millerna sighed as she tried to concentrate on putting one foot after the other.

“I am sure. The old lady said it was this way. Problem is, each block are the size of a 4 castle blocks!” Celena nodded firmly as a frown creased her face.

 

They have been walking for almost an hour yet the seventh corner still hadn’t showed up. The men that lined the alleys stared after them as they passed. Of course, it looked very odd, especially for two ladies walking through the dangerous streets of Asturia alone. Millerna wrinkled her nose as the smell of wine-stained breaths sailed through the pungent air. *Ugh! The disgusting smell of testosterone.*

“Hey ladies. Where are you off to?” a skinny man walked up to them with a malicious grin.

“Somewhere. Nowhere.” Millerna frowned, glaring at them as cold as possible.

          Celena cuddled next to Millerna, afraid.

“Would you like us to bring you there?” another skinny man came up to them from the rear.

 

          A few more men came and surrounded them completely, smirks crossing their ugly faces.

“No, thank you. We know our way so please get out of the road before I slice you to pieces.” Millerna raised them an eyebrow dangerously, flicking her cloak to show the hilt of the dagger she kept on her belt.

“They don’t know their rulers, don’t they?” Celena whispered from behind.

“Nope.”

“Come on, boys. Let’s see what this boyish girl can do then take her money. Or maybe we can do something fun afterwards, right boys?” the man grinned mischievously.

“You don’t know who the hell you are talking to!”

          Millerna drew her dagger and charged him. Thrusting forward, she slashed the man cleanly at his cheek.

“Celena! Run!” Millerna landed a kick on his gut, throwing her backwards.

          She turned to another opponent but stopped as she heard a shrill scream. Celena struggle to get out from the man’s grip. Millerna rushed towards her but she was pulled roughly by the first man and brought against the wall.

“Well, girlie? What are you going to do now? Huh? Will you scream for help? It’s too bad, you know. You are kinda beautiful but you slashed my handsome face.” the man taunted her.

          Millerna swallowed hard. *Damn! If only Allen were here, he’d…* The sound of clanking metal echoed through her ears. A young man with striking features came towards them and caught the men off guard. With a smooth move, he retrieved Celena from her captor.

“Hey! Pick on someone your size.”

          A grin crossed his face, his hands digging into his tunic. He withdrew a handful of knives and threw them expertly at the men. One was caught in the shoulder. Another was pinned to the wall.

“Men! Get him!”

          Several men, armed and ready, lunged towards him, hands on the hilts and shafts of swords and spears. The young man smiled and parried every attack with ease.

“You boys can’t do a man’s work, can you?”

          He smirked and charged the man holding Millerna against the wall. The man fell on his side, cursing about young men and demonic speed.

“Go back to where you came from, you fools. Look for something else better to do than pester people’s lives.” he muttered, narrowing his eyes as he glared at the fallen man.

 

          The men scampered away, looking back once and wailing the next. Celena swore she heard some of them whimper. Millerna brushed the dust off of her clothes. She sheathed her dagger and sighed in relief. Celena looked at the man. Long silver hair. Golden eyes. Slight build.

*Who is he?*

 

***

 

Chapter 5

 

          Allen sighed inwardly before putting the spoonful of soup in his mouth. The soup felt warm in his mouth but still he felt very cold about the situation. Celena and Millerna had arrived late in the evening with a stranger who might have rivaled his looks. *It’s not that I’m insecure about his being handsome in front of my sister but…what do I know about him?*

“I really thank you, Sir Allen for allowing me to stay here for a while.” Jerle smiled gently, flushing a bit.

“Please do not worry. You are welcome in our house, right Celena?” he fostered a pleasant smile despite his thoughts.

“He really was very good in fighting those men, brother. He could actually scare them away with just a simply glare.” Celena giggled, setting down her spoon in her empty bowl.

“Please, Lady Celena. Flattery could get you nowhere.” Jerle flushed crimson red.

Why is he all red? Allen blinked.

“So tell me. What countries have you traveled, Jerle?” Allen eyeing the boy like a vulture on its prey.

“Well, let me see. I’ve been to Fanelia. Just there and I’ve been through the rocky mountains that harbor the Dragon’s Pass.”

“Dragon’s Pass? Isn’t that the road to the Dragons’ nesting grounds?” Allen blinked.

“Really? I’ve never been to the Dragons’ nesting grounds. Can you take me there someday?” Celena pleaded almost like a child.

“Celena.” Allen raised her an eyebrow, his tone coming to a dangerous edge.

“Sorry.” Celena flushed.

“So, let’s hurry with dinner so they can clean this up.” Allen smiled gently at her and then at Jerle.

 

          The remainder of their dinner remained silent. All were drawn into their own business. Celena would occasionally glance at Jerle then blush a bit before going back to her own food. The boy seemed fragile yet his body seemed to withstand any pressure set upon it. Can he help me?

 

***

 

Celena sat up on her bed, staring at her hands. They seemed to glow in the pale moonlight, illuminating the fragile skin that enveloped it. She sighed. *Why is it that I’m always like this? In the middle of the night, I’m in bed yet I feel restless. I can’t sleep.* Her chest tightened, leaving small space for her to breathe. Tears welled up in her pristine blue eyes, making them shine as moonlight illuminates it slightly. She shook her head, unwilling to shed tears right then and there.

 

She got out of bed, putting on a blue robe over her nightgown. *Brother…I need you right now… Please be awake…*

 

Walking through the corridors, she tugged at the robe tightly against her body in an effort to warm herself from the cold night air. She went to search for Allen’s room blindly yet she found herself somewhere else. She saw the solid oak door and opened it for a peek.

 

A boy sat by the balcony, long silver hair let loose on his back. His golden eyes flash slightly as tears slowly trickle down his cheek. Something caught her eye. It was dark yet she could see it clearly. Black angel wings spread in full length protrude from his back, grace and beauty silently glow in its matter. Celena almost gasped but it was stuck in her throat.

“Please come in, Lady Celena.” Jerle’s gentle voice cracked as he called for her.

 

          She hesitated yet she went through the door with renewed confidence. He was expecting her but she was expecting him to. Celena looked at Jerle again. No wings extend from his back. No tears flow from his eyes. *Was that him I saw or was it just a dream?*

“What brings you here, Lady Celena?” Jerle smiled, shifting his position on the balcony.

“I…couldn’t sleep.” she flushed slightly.

“I see. Please sit down, Lady…”

“Please. Stop it with the formalities. I can never get used to it.” Celena shook her head as she sat on his bed.

“Do you…feel pain, Celena?” his tone was calm yet there was no pleasant hint.

“Of course. Everyone feels pain.”

“No. The one that comes from the heart.”

“Yes. Every night, I feel like crying. I want to cry with someone and hold that person for a while.”

“I feel that too. Though I can help you.” he rose and walked next to her.

“How?”
“The wind blows sharp and the cold night air seeps through your skin. You need to get warm and the wind just freezes you more. The pain will be gone in time.”

“What are you saying?”

“I am a dark angel, Celena. I will take your pain away.”

          He bent down towards her. With his hand, he took her chin and pressed his lips against hers. *Why is he doing this?* Tears welled up in her eyes as she felt the gentle kiss seemed to take her energy away. The tightness in her chest began to loosen. Could she have fallen for him? She gripped his collar and readied to push him away but her fists cannot tighten any longer. Then darkness came.

 

***

 

Chapter 6

 

          Her eyes opened slowly, mournful of the fact that her sleep was heavenly and dreamless. A slight knock on the door made her ears twitch. Sitting up on her bed, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. *It’s so early in the morning and I barely slept last night. Last night? What happened?* She looked around sharply as if unaware of her whereabouts. She was back in her room. Her blue robe as back in its place by the foot of the bed. *The kiss…* She placed her index on her lips, feeling slightly as if trying to remember what happened the night before.

“Lady Celena?” Jerle’s voice sounded from behind the door.

“Come in.”

          The door opened. Jerle came in, an astounding change to his part. He was wearing a white silk tunic and blue trousers, which was tied together by a sash of a darker shade. His hair was neatly tied by a white ribbon. His golden eyes gleamed richly with something she couldn’t identify. *Is he happy?*

“Where did you get those clothes?” Celena blinked.

“Sir Allen gave me these. He said he had no need for this extra set of clothes. Since I WAS a traveler, I needed a new set.” he smiled gently, approaching the bed.

“Didn’t I tell you last night, no more formalities?” she suppressed a giggle.

“Oh yes. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to forget.”

“…Last night. Did I go to your room?” Celena flushed, suddenly conscious of her appearance.

          She was only wearing a nightgown and nothing else. She brought the blanket to cover herself.

“You did. You said you couldn’t sleep. But when you sat on my bed, you slept like a rock. By the way, your brother told me to wake you up. He wanted to talk to you before he leaves for Fanelia.”

“Fanelia? But why all of a sudden?” Celena asked, her eyes tinged with concern.

“I don’t know. He received a letter early this morning. He began to pack some of his clothes for a trip. That’s how he came up with this.” he silently gestured to his clothes.

“Get out. I’m going to dress up.” Celena got out of bed and headed to her dresser.

 

          Jerle nodded and went out silently. Celena frowned, fumbling around for a proper dress. *What’s the occasion all of a sudden? Why does he have to leave without me?* She found a dress made of silk, put it on and searched her room for a pair of shoes. *Why does it have to be now???*

 

***

 

Allen sat in the study, reading the letter again and again as if it were to be lost from him forever. He frowned. *Rumors? What can these rumors do to a King? Why is Van so affected?* The door opened slowly, grating slightly against the metal hinges. Celena came in, her shoulder length hair tied into a messy knot.

“What happened to you?” Allen suppressed a laugh as Celena pouted.

“You summoned for me a lot sooner than I expected. I had to dress up hurriedly without the help of anyone and I couldn’t find my shoes. And I couldn’t find a proper ribbon…” she silenced when Allen placed a finger on her lips.

“Shh. I’ll fix it for you.” Allen offered his seat and removed the ribbon that bound Celena’s hair. 

“What was the letter about, onii-sama?”

“Van wanted to talk to me. He said it was urgent. Something about rumors.” he smiled, brushing her hair with his fingers.

“What were the rumors about?”

“I don’t know. Van and I are going to discuss about that in Fanelia.”

“Can’t I come to meet the King of Fanelia too?” Celena almost pleaded in a tiny voice but thought the better of it.

“I need someone to watch over this manor, Celena. I won’t be away too long. And besides, Jerle is with you, right?” Allen smiled.

“Y…Yes…” Celena looked at her hands, remembering the time when Jerle had kissed her. *Why? Why am I like this? Was all that a dream?*

“Then, I’m off. I told Jerle to take you for a walk. Or maybe is it you taking him for a walk?” Allen laughed, binding her hair neatly in a half-ponytail.

*Don’t worry, onii-sama. I’ll be fine.*

 

***

 

Jerle was balanced on one hand, his fingers deep in the moist earth. Sweat dripped down his naked back, onto his face, and off his nose and chin. His feet were bare, but he wore an old pair of tight pants that clung to his damp skin. He did not want to soil the clothes Allen had given him. *Celena, why are you so innocent? Why not realize that it is you I want?* He closed his eyes, letting his silver hair fall slightly to the ground. *How can Death be a victim to your…?*

 

          A wave of emotion hit him, removing the peace and balance he had in his position. Screams of terror echoed in his head, asking for help, wishing for the pain to stop. His arm began to shake, ready to give way.

“Jerle!”

          He fell with a loud thud, sharp rocks cutting him slightly on his back. He groaned a bit, rolling onto his side.

“Jerle! Are you alright?” Celena rushed to his side, concern overwhelming her words.

“Hai. I’m fine.” he sat up, mustering a sheepish grin.

“You call that exercise? I don’t think one arm would do.” Celena smirked slightly.

“I do that to think. What brought you here, Celena?”

“I wanted to talk. Tell me about your travels. Well since you’re preoccupied and I have to put some healing salve on your wounds…” she smiled.

“Let’s do this back at the manor?”

“I’ll see you then.” Celena rose and walked back through the clearing.

 

*I want to talk too, Celena.*

 

***

 

Chapter 7

 

Celena stared at Jerle’s naked back. He was supposed to have scratches there after his fall but now she couldn’t find any evidence of any. *Where are those scratches?*

“Celena, tell me. How long have you been living with your brother here?” Jerle said, putting on the tunic Allen had given him that morning.

“All our lives! Although until now, I still get tired of this place. Let’s go out for a walk.” Celena smiled.

 

***

         

          The sun shone brightly on the two people riding on horseback through the roads of the Schezzar estate. They raced through the road as if there was no tomorrow. Jerle gained speed, boosting his horse and passing Celena in a few seconds.

“I’ll show you what this little girl can do!” Celena spat between gritted teeth.

          She kicked her horse and sped through road, faster than any horse could muster. *I race you to the end of this road. The end is a cliff. If you don’t stop at the right time, either your horse will buck and throw you off or you fall off the cliff.* She could still remember the cold words he had said when he accepted the challenge. *Very good. The loser faces certain death and the winner has to confront the ugly face of remorse.* She shuddered at the thought. How can a gentle man like him say such words?

          She passed Jerle on horseback and could see the end of the road from then. She pulled on the reins slightly, then jerked it as rough as possible. Celena grit her teeth, aware of the danger that awaits her. The horse bucked repeatedly, wishing as hard to remove its rider from its back. *Oh no!*

“CELENA!!!”

 

***

 

Van eyed the Heavenly Knight of Caeli as he stood by the window. His eyes were deep and his mind was sunk into his thoughts. Van smiled. *He never changed. Still analyzing the facts. The same knight that I once knew.*

“A man proclaiming himself as the god of death?” Allen repeated his words knowingly.

“These rumors have gone through many kingdoms and it has just appeared in Fanelia and Asturia for the past few months.”

“What threat does this man pose to you?”

“Nothing. I just find it quite odd since a man cannot be a god.”

“Do they have any descriptions on the man we are talking about?” he raised him an eyebrow, taking a sip in the cup of wine Van had offered him a few moments earlier.

“Yes. He had very striking features. He has slight build, quick reflexes and has an expertise in throwing knives.” Van nodded absently.

“Most of my men have those descriptions. Give me the eye color and hair color to be more distinctive.” Allen tried not to groan.

“Silver hair and golden eyes.”

“What?”

 

***

 

The world turned upside down. I fell. I can feel the air brush against my skin as I fell like a seagull head first. This is my fate. I shall die of my own immaturity.

 

***

 

He scanned the clearing for any road that could lead to the ravine at the bottom of the cliff. His golden eyes gleamed in confusion. *Why did I accept that foolish challenge anyway? It risked my life and hers. Now I would have to risk my identity and life along with it.* He gritted his teeth, kicking his horse a bit to speed a little bit more down the slope. It was dangerous yet he pulled through with his horse panting wildly. Jerle dismounted and searched the ravine for any sign of Celena.

 

          He covered his ears with cupped hands, concentrating as he searched with his eyes closed. *Celena. Answer me.*  His ears pulsed, twitching slightly. He broke into a run, running into a direction he didn’t know he knew.  As he reached a clearing, he saw the fragile girl who had challenged him. She was sprawled on her back, twigs and leaves lay on her expense. *The treetops must have broken her fall.* Her face was twisted to an expression of pain. Her form was distorted.

 

          He rushed to her side, feeling her for any injury. *Several ribs broken, a broken shoulder and multiple bruises. This is bad. I can’t bring her to a doctor. It’ll worsen if I try to move her. What should I do?*

 

***

 

          Allen cursed as he kicked his horse harder. *Damn! If I find out Jerle has done something to Celena, he will pay.* The horse sounded in protest but its feet moved on. He had ridden out of Fanelia after he had learned that Jerle was the self-proclaimed God of Death. He might pose a threat to his sister. From where he was, he could see the manor. *We’re almost there. Celena… Please be alright.*

 

***

 

Chapter 8

 

Allen pulled hard on his reins, making the horse skid its hooves on the dusty road in front of their manor. He dismounted in a hurry, barging into the house and calling Celena’s name. Her nanny emerged from the kitchen and said that they had taken their horses and rode out. Allen spat curses between gritted teeth. He went back to his horse and mounted in a hurry.

 

He raced through the road, his thoughts all focused into the possible horror that might have befallen his sister. As he rode, he saw the mare that Celena seemed to favor every time they would go on horseback. *No!* He sped even more, his anger making his sense of justice blind and deaf. *I will make Jerle pay if anything happens to Celena.*

 

***

 

 

Time seemed to slow for all three people. Allen couldn’t reach his destination as fast as he could.

Jerle still couldn’t figure out what to do with Celena. Celena was still trapped in the brink of life and death.

 

Jerle sighed in exasperation, decided yet hesitated in his choice. *I will save Celena. But she would have to know.* Tears welled in his eyes as the skin in his back ripped noisily. Blood flowed from his wounds but graceful black angel wings emerged. The sun shone upon it as if it were a jewel. The forest grew into silence. No chirping birds. No movement. The wind died down. Nature seemed to bow down to this splendid creature, giving way for his wish to come true.

 

His head snapped back as he screamed in pain. White light exploded, covering the whole ravine.

 

***

 

Allen pulled on his reins, beckoning the horse to stop. He had reached the cliff but there was no sign of Celena or Jerle. He dismounted, searching the ground for any signs of their trace in the area. At the edge of the cliff, he saw marks of hooves embedded on the same place. The marks were inevitably fresh. *A horse bucked here… no!*

 

He found the road next to the cliff and slid down the slope. He searched the ravine but was knocked back by an explosion of white light. As the light settled, he dismounted and searched as he called for her name. Allen was shocked when he spotted them.

 

Jerle lay on his side on the ground, winded out. Black wings extend from his bleeding back. Some parts of his clothes were torn and ripped but not so faraway, Celena lay untouched. *What happened?* Allen approached the young boy slowly, guilt tightening in his chest.

“Jerle? Are you alright? What happened?”

“Forgive me, Sir Allen. I haven’t been really honest with you…” his face was stained with blood trailing from his mouth to his chin.

“He’s right.” a deep male voice agreed.

 

          A man stood by him, dressed in loose robes that exposed his chest. His light blue eyes gleamed in concern but his tone was cold. Long black hair flowed down his shoulders though it was tied messily into a ponytail. Black wings are folded on his back, hiding the grace that it contains.

“He hasn’t been very honest with you.”

“Who are you?” Allen spat between gritted teeth.

“I am Ecclesiach. And he belongs to me.” his light blue eyes narrowed in emphasis.

“What are you talking about?” he shook his head in confusion, taking Jerle in his arms.

“He’s right, Allen. I haven’t been totally honest with you.”

“My real name is Thanatos. I am the one rumored to be the God of Death. Ecclesiach is one of my kin. Our species are vast but my line is not even diverse. In my kind, we do not have any females. We have relationships different from yours. We feed on people’s pain. We thrive on their screams for help and their dreams. Apparently some of us have wanted to live like a normal human but our needs nag on our conscience.” Jerle spoke weakly but audible enough for them to hear.

“I was a fool Thanatos. I thought you were not enough for me but I was wrong. I loved you, Thanatos. I loved you more than you’ll ever know. I never should’ve let go of you. This would have never happened to you.”

“No. I learned a lot of things we were forbidden to learn. She taught me. She taught me how it was to love a female. She made me see things we haven’t seen before.” Thanatos gestured weakly to Celena’s form.

“This girl? Hah! What could she have taught you? She is just a child.” Ecclesiach laughed bitterly.

“She is no longer a child, you fool. She is my sister. She has taught me things herself. Celena knows better than any of us do. I only wish that she will be alright.” Allen fought the tears that welled up in his eyes.

“She will be alive, Allen. I took her injuries for her. It was my entire fault. I’m sorry.” Thanatos cried, trying his best to suppress his groans in his throat as he felt the pain in his wounds.

“Why, Thanatos? Why sacrifice your life for a girl you don’t even know?” Ecclesiach approached him.

“She is a victim, Ecclesiach. She has felt more pain than any of us had. I want her pain to go away so she can live like a normal person.” he turned to Allen and smiled.

“Thank you, Sir Allen. You’ve done what a brother could do. But I couldn’t. I’m weak. I must leave you to your own peace.”

“No, Thanatos. Human or not, you could’ve done even better.” Allen shook his head.

 

          Thanatos closed his eyes and his labored breathing stopped. Allen took a deep breath, deep sorrow overwhelming what was left of his soul. Ecclesiach took Thanatos’ lifeless body from Allen’s arms and kissed him gently. Tears flowed from his light blue eyes, unveiling all the mystery it held into love.

“Your sister will wake when we are gone. Tell her that Thanatos loved her as he loved me. Tell her that his death was not in vain.”

          Allen nodded. Ecclesiach smiled and disappeared into thin air. *Ecclesiach has so much love for Thanatos but Thanatos searched for another. And that love cost him his life. Rest well, Thanatos, God of Death. May Celena know that you are well.*

 

***

 

Epilogue

 

          Allen sighed as he changed for his sleeping garments. *Poor Celena. I just wish I could console her.* Celena had been crying over the loss of Thanatos. She had locked herself up in her room, crying, wishing to see no one. It was afternoon then. Now, the dark shadow of the night had descended upon them.

          He put on his robe and walked through the unlit corridors. He needed a time of solitude. The sorrow had affected him himself. The cold night air bit through his skin, flailing his golden locks slightly. *Why did he have to die without Celena knowing? How can he help Celena cope up with it? Will Thanatos ever come back?* Questions came up but no answers came to him.

          The cold night air blew sharply at him, taking him back a bit. A mysterious melody floated through the air, faint but audible. Allen blinked and started searching for its source. The more he walked, the more he realized it was meant for sorrow. He inhaled sharply, a cold matter massing up in his chest. He walked steadily, then turned around as if to check which direction it came from. As he walked, the melody came louder and steadier. He continued his search, surprised at where it led him.

          He stared at Celena’s door. *Can it be…?* He pushed the door open, squinting his eyes as if forcing them to see through the dark. A dark figure loomed over Celena’s huddled form. Celena was sleeping, unaware of the dark figure that lurked in her room. Allen tried to trace its outline from the faint moonlight that shone from her open window. His eyes widened in shock. *A man with angel wings?*

“Thanatos?” he whispered his name.

          It was Thanatos. He turned around, smiling at Allen. His golden eyes gleamed at the moonlight. He was taller than Allen now, a few inches yet it still made a difference. Allen’s heart throbbed, pulsing erratically.

“How can you…?” his words were cut short as Thanatos put a finger on his lips.

“Shh. Keep silent for her. She needs to rest.”

          Thanatos took Allen’s chin gently and kissed him slightly. Allen held his breath and exhaled slightly. His energy seemed to drain as the kiss lengthened. *Thanatos…* The tightness in his chest loosened as Thanatos withdrew.

          In a flurry of black feathers, Thanatos was gone.

 

*Thanatos came back for Celena. He sings to her a lullaby to console her sorrow. He loves her… there is no doubt…*

 

          Then, darkness came.