"I want you to accept your reality..."

AVERY

"Why are these marks necessary?" kunot-noong tanong ni Zirrius habang inaayos niya ang mga dadalhin niya. They must meet Damon and Aivee later.

"Because every elves vowed their loyalty on that marks. Whoever bear that mark will be respected as their King. So, even if Avery left her Kingdom, the Elfanians will stay loyal to her no matter what as long as she has those marks. Even if the Asterians don't know you, if they knew you have those marks, they will turn their backs from Severus and serve you," seryosong sagot ni Verone.

"Bakit hindi na lang ako magpakita para naman mawalan na ng kakampi si Severus?" takang tanong ni Zirrius.

Mahinang tumawa si Verone. "In normal circumstances, that's the most logical thing to do but what we are facing now isn't normal. The Asterians are forced to follow him. As if they are bounded with some unknown magic. Kahit ayaw nilang sundin si Severus, wala silang magawa. Lahat ng mga Asterian na hindi napapakinabangan ni Severus ay ipinapakulong niya," seryosong sagot ni Verone. "Kahit magpakita ka ngayon sa mga Asterian, hindi sila susunod sa 'yo. Unless you defeat Severus and break his magic, the Asterians can freely follow you. Kung magpapakita ka ngayon, tiyak na ikaw ang walang kakampi," she added.

"It feels like I've been caught between wars I never thought exist," mahinang reklamo ni Zirrius. Mahina akong tumawa dahil sa komento niya. Tama naman siya. Sinabi ko lang sa kanya na dapat niya akong ibalik sa katawan ko at maghanap ng mga kaalyansa pero hindi ko rin akalain na madadamay siya. I bet he's the biggest and strongest alliance I could have right now. He's the only one I could trust. Hindi ko pa alam kung mapagkakatiwalaan nga si Verone. She's still unpredictable.

"Hindi mo maaaring takbuhan ang obligasyon mo sa mga Asterian," kibit-balikat na saad ni Verone. Natahimik si Zirrius. Hindi niya alam kung nararapat ba talaga siyang maging hari ng mga ito. Bahagyang ipinilig niya ang ulo.

"In that illusion, where did you take me? Elfania? Asteria?" interesadong tanong ni Zirrius. "And that elegant carriage, is that really existing?"

Sumeryoso si Verone. "That's Elfania. It's a dungeon for criminals. Sa Elfania na namamalagi si Severus. Unfortunately, Asteria became the prisoner of the slaves. That carriage is real. It's Elfania's Royal carriage," she answered.

"The dungeon was blurry," he commented. Mahinang tumawa si Verone.

"Dahil hindi ko masyadong alam ang istraktura ng buong dungeon. Bungad pa lang ang nakikita ko," sagot ni Verone. "Hindi ko rin alam kung sino ang mga nakakulong sa lugar na 'yon kaya wala kang nakitang kahit na sino. And my magic was diminishing. You've been unconscious for nine hours and I need to use my magic for that long."

Marahang tumango si Zirrius. Suot na ni Verone ang pulang hood niya. Underneath it, she was wearing a sexy warrior red dress. Her legs were exposed and she was wearing a knee-high red booths. Some parts of her dress were covered with silver plates. Breasts, shoulder blades and her sides.

"Let's go," sabi ni Verone nang mapansin na maayos na ang lahat ng gamit ni Zirrius. Zirrius hung his bag over his right shoulder. He didn't bother to change on his warrior outfit. Mukhang hindi naman kailangan. Kay Verone lang naman galit sina Damon. He was just wearing his usual outfit. A black shirt, pants, and boots.

I could see his true form through his eyes. Pero hindi makikita ng iba ang totoo niyang anyo. Maybe Verone is really an ally. Pero tiyak na may iba pa rin siyang binabalak. Gagawin niya ang lahat para sa Ynaris. If she thought that Zirrius was an asset then she would do anything to have him on her side. Hindi ko pa rin maiwasang kabahan at magduda.

A portal materialized in front of them. Naunang pumasok si Verone at tahimik na sumunod naman si Zirrius. Hindi nila napag-usapan kung ano ang mangyayari kapag nagkita-kita sila. Kung natalo na ang Exether, saan nagtatago sina Damon?

Paglabas nila sa portal, natigilan si Verone dahil sa patalim na awtomatikong tumutok sa leeg niya. Natigilan din si Zirrius dahil hindi niya inaasahan ang ginawang 'yon ni Damon. Damon was standing behind Verone. Bahagyang nakalapat na ang patalim ni Damon sa leeg ni Verone. She was already bleeding. I could feel Damon's rage and frustrations.

"Why did you help Severus to take us down?" galit na tanong ni Damon. It seems that he was really stressed but his appearance was still the same as before. He was still the gorgeous and arrogant King of Exether. Mapait na ngumiti lang si Verone pero hindi siya nagsalita. Without a warning, I took over of Zirrius' body.

"Damon... stop it and let her explain," seryosong utos ko. "Halos lahat tayo ay naiipit sa sitwasyon. Just calm down."

Bumaling ang tingin ni Damon sa 'kin. Somehow, I could see that his expression softened. Pero saglit lang 'yon dahil sumimangot siya. Hindi pa rin niya nagugustuhan na nasa loob ako ng katawan ni Zirrius. Napasinghap na lang ako nang tila may humila palayo sa kaluluwa ko. Zirrius managed to take over.

"Trouble, this is still my body," paalala sa 'kin ni Zirrius. I hate it because he now knows how to get his body back. "You should ask first before taking over," he said with an arrogant grin.

"Let me talk to him," I said as my soul frowned.

"You already did and that's enough," he said with a shrug. Naglakad na siya patungo sa mesa kung saan tahimik na naghihintay si Aivee na tila walang pakialam sa away nina Damon at Verone. Kunot-noong tiningnan ni Aivee si Zirrius na tila may nagbago sa kanya. Hindi lang alam ni Aivee kung ano pero alam kong nararamdaman niya na mas malakas na si Zirrius kaysa noon. Verone sealed his true form but not his power. Ito ang silid kung saan unang nakilala ni Zirrius si Verone.

Aivee was wearing a blue and black elf warrior suit that perfectly hugged her body. But it seems flexible for her to easily move. As expected, her navel was still exposed. Seems like it was her favorite outfit. Her legs were crossed. Her black leather pants fits her well and it was strapped with different weapons. I could sense that a weapon was also hidden in her black boots. Her long blue hair were tied on a half ponytail and some parts of it were braided.

"But Damon..." I said. If only I could talk to him and comfort him.

"Just let him," mahinang saad ni Zirrius nang prenteng umupo siya sa tabi ni Aivee. Nang tumingin siya sa direksiyon nina Damon at Verone, ibinababa na ni Damon ang patalim kahit alam kong nagngingitngit siya sa galit.

"Bakit mo kami pinapunta rito?" seryosong tanong ni Damon. "Kung hindi ko magugustuhan ang mga paliwanag mo, huwag ka ng magtaka kung hindi ka makalabas nang buhay rito," he added with controlled anger.

"May mga bisita pa tayong kailangang hintayin," seryosong sagot ni Verone. Naglakad na siya patungo sa isang upuan. Halatang hindi siya natatakot kay Damon. I wonder who's stronger between these two.

Kumunot-noo naman si Damon. May dalawang portal na biglang bumukas sa magkabilang pader. Sa kanan, lumabas doon si Rigel. And from the left, I saw a guy wearing his dark green hood. Natigilan si Damon dahil sa mga taong dumating at halatang hindi niya inaasahan ito.

"Rigel... Zion?" he asked with confusion.

Ibinaba ng lalaki ang hood niya. His emerald green eyes were fixed on Damon. Bahagyang tumango lang ang lalaki bago bumaling ang paningin sa mga taong nasa loob ng silid. So this is Zion?

Nang dumako ang paningin ni Zion kay Zirrius, bahagyang umangat ang isang kilay niya. Zirrius stiffened on his position. This was his half-brother. And it felt like he was going to have a heart attack. His heart raced back and forth. Hindi niya alam kung paano pakikitunguhan ang kapatid niya sa ama. Zirrius decided to pretend that he knows nothing.

Nawala na ang portal at isinandal ni Zion ang likod sa pader. Hindi pa rin niya inaalis ang tingin niya kay Zirrius. Tila pinag-aaralan niya si Zirrius. Nabalot ng katahimikan ang buong silid. Zion's ash brown hair was neatly cut just like Zirrius' hair. Pero mapapansin ang dalawang manipis at mahabang braids sa magkabilang bahagi sa likod ng tainga niya

His emerald green eyes were just so cold and intense. Sa tingin ko mas bata si Zion kay Zirrius. But he's not dumb to not realize their connection. Somehow, I could sense the slight recognition on his eyes. Bahagyang umangat ang sulok ng labi ni Zion at napailing. He knew that this is ironic.

His chiseled jaw was slightly moving like he was fighting between greeting his half-brother or not. He had this handsome and distinct feature on his face that somehow distinguish him from his brother. He looked calm and collected. He might be young but he's not easy to break. He looked so strong mentally and physically.

Pero halatang nagtataka si Zion dahil sa anyo ni Zirrius. Zirrius was half-human and half-elf right now. He was expecting to see a full-blooded elf. Zion decided to ignore it and faced Verone instead. Mas pinili niya na hindi magsalita. This was so awkward for Zirrius.

Mukhang naintindihan naman ni Verone ang tingin sa kanya ni Zion. "He's Zirrius," pakilala ni Verone kay Zirrius. Isang marahang tango lang ang sagot ni Zion sa kanya.

"What's this meeting for?" Zion asked instead. Hindi na niya tiningnan pa si Zirrius. Kahit papaano ay nakahinga nang maluwag si Zirrius. Pero may kutob na siya na may alam si Zion sa nangyayari. Their resemblance were undeniable.

"I'm sorry for what happened to your Kingdom, Damon," she stated.

Damon hissed. "Sorry will never be enough," he growled under his breath. His canines were slightly showing though he was trying to control his anger.

Masamang tingin naman ang ipinukol ni Rigel kay Damon. Of course, he was protective of his mate.

"Lower your voice, Damon," Rigel warned him. Masamang tingin lang din ang isinukli ni Damon kay Rigel. As if Damon was telling Rigel to back off. The tension in the air was too heavy and it was making everyone uneasy to even breath.

"Bago kami sumugod, binigyan ka na kita ng babala. I told you to leave the place with your army and people. You must hide. Ang kailangan lang naman ni Severus ay ang lugar mo. He just needs Exether to build a tower," seryosong saad ni Verone na tila hindi nag-aalala sa galit ni Damon para sa kanya. Her face was still and neutral. Walang kahit anong emosyon ang makikita sa mukha niya. Her red hair was glittering under the flickering light like an ocean of blood.

"You should have listened," dismayadong dagdag pa ni Verone.

"But you didn't tell us when," inis na sagot ni Damon.

"Dahil hindi ko naman alam kung kailan kayo balak sugurin ni Severus. Sinabi na lang niya na susugod na sila, dalawang linggo matapos kitang mabigyan ng babala," saad niya sa mababang tinig. Halos lahat ay tahimik na nakikinig sa pagtatalo ng dalawa. Rigel was also standing on the right side of the room.

Naiinis na sumandal si Damon sa pader. "So what do you want now?" he asked. He was wearing a simple gray shirt that hugs his tight muscles, camouflage pants and boots. His sword was resting on his back. Sa tingin ko, marami pang nakatagong patalim sa ibang parte ng katawan niya.

"I'm planning for a revolution. A war. All of us against Severus," she directly stated without even a sweat. Halos matigilan ang lahat dahil sa sinabi niya. All of them sucked their breaths. Hindi nila inaasahan na magmumula pa kay Verone ang pahayag na ito. She was always against an alliance.

"Why so sudden? Bakit bigla mo itong naisip ngayon? Ano'ng pinaplano mo?" nagdududang tanong ni Aivee kay Verone. I could feel how Aivee was studying Verone's features and expressions. Halatang nagdududa siya sa intensiyon ni Verone.

"Because I'm losing time. Kung hindi ko maibibigay si Avery sa loob ng dalawang buwan, mapapahamak ang mga taga-Ynaris. And I know you wouldn't want me to give Avery to Severus," Verone answered with a smirk.

"He asked you find Avery? What the hell!" gulat na tanong ni Aivee. Her blue eyes were wide as a golf ball.

"Bakit parang gulat na gulat ka? It's just normal for him to order something like that," komento ni Verone habang nakataas ang isang kilay. Bahagyang natigilan si Aivee at kinagat ang labi. Somehow, she looked troubled and lost for some unknown reasons.

"Will you surrender her?" nag-aalangang tanong ni Aivee sa kanya. She just mouthed those words but she's also consumed with her own deep thoughts. Bumaling ang tingin ni Verone kay Zirrius. She just smirked but didn't give her an answer.

"I won't allow it. I will take her now," mariing saad ni Damon.

"But Verone still needs to take me to Elfania. She promised," seryosong sambit naman ni Zirrius. Matalim ang tingin na ipinukol ni Damon kay Zirrius. "Ipapahamak mo lang si Avery."

Napansin ko ang bahagyang pagkunot ng noo nina Rigel at Zion. Naguguluhan sila sa pinag-uusapan nina Verone. Pero mukhang may ideya na rin sila dahil sa mga naririnig nila.

"Her life is already in danger from the beginning," seryosong sagot ni Zirrius. He was more arrogant now. Halatang wala na siyang balak magpatalo pa kay Damon kahit ano'ng sabihin nito.

Bumaling ang tingin ni Zirrius kay Verone. "When will you take me?" Zirrius asked her.

"I still need two weeks to prepare," seryosong sagot ni Verone. "While I'm preparing, you have to stay with Damon. Pag-isipan mo munang maigi kung itutuloy mo ba talaga ito," seryosong sagot ni Verone. "Pero bago natin maisagawa ang planong ito, kailangan kong makasiguro na tutulungan tayo ng ibang kaharian. Dahil kapag nalaman ni Severus na tinutulungan kita, katapusan na ng Ynaris. Though, I also can easily find a way out. I'll give you to Severus if needed," she admitted.

Napasinghap ang lahat ng mga tao sa silid. Pero halata sa mga mata ni Verone na hindi siya nagbibiro sa sinabi. Napailing at napangisi lang si Zirrius dahil sa sinabi niya. It's really a bad idea to reveal your plans but Verone seemed confident and fearless.

Tiyak na dahil sa sinabi niya, hindi ito palalagpasin ni Damon.

"When are you planning to set this war of yours in motion?" Damon asked. Napansin ko ang mariing pagkuyom ng kamao niya at maging ang bahagyang paggalaw ng mga panga dahil sa inis. She wouldn't let Verone to give me to Severus.

"Two weeks from now," she answered truthfully. Mas lalong natigilan ang lahat. "I know your armies are secretly preparing for this time too. It seems like Elfania's army are ready now. Isn't it, Avery?" she asked. Again, I took over Zirrius' body. Halos mapanganga sina Rigel at Zion dahil sa biglang pagpapalit ng kulay ng mga mata ko. Narinig ko sa utak ko ang mahinang reklamo ni Zirrius pero hindi ko siya pinansin.

"I still need to talk to my right hand man. I told him to prepare the army before I came back. Most of the Elfanians managed to hide on the hidden city on Elfania. I'm sure Severus will never discover the City of Arcanus. As part of our deal, I need to get my body back first before my army joins this war," I said with seriousness.

Marahang tumango si Verone. "Ano sa tingin mo, Damon? Will you take part on this? All kingdoms already fell on Severus' hands."

Muling kinuha ni Zirrius ang katawan niya mula sa 'kin. Hindi na ako nakipagtalo. Damon hissed. He looks confused but he nodded. Bumaling ang tingin ni Verone kay Zion.

"Just tell what the Augarians must do," he answered directly. Nang tumingin naman si Verone kay Rigel, he just flashed a charming smile. Seriously, these lovebirds! Napansin ko naman na bahagyang namula ang mukha ni Verone pero agad niyang ibinaling ang pansin kay Aivee.

Aivee nodded hesitantly. As if something was troubling her mind. After getting their approvals, she started to lay out all the plans. She also took the suggestions from the other Kings. From me and Zirrius. Mukhang maayos naman ang lahat ng nabuo naming plano.

~~~

Matapos ang pagpaplano sa mga dapat gawin, nauna ng umalis si Rigel at Aivee. Nagulat na lang si Zirrius nang lapitan siya ni Zion. "Let's talk," mahinang sambit ni Zion sa kanya. Tumingin si Zion kay Damon.

"I'll bring him back to your camp later. No need to worry," he said. Tumayo na si Zirrius dahil wala naman talaga siyang magagawa. Hindi niya ito matatakasan. Marahang tumango lang si Damon. I'm not sure if Damon knows because he remains casual and unreadable. Maybe he knows.

Muling lumabas ang portal. Sinenyasan na lang ni Zion si Zirrius na sumunod sa kanya. They entered the portal quietly and they end up on someone else's rooftop. The sky was still full of twinkling stars. Though it was already dawn. I could almost see the morning light coming from the sun on the far east.

Makikita rin ang mga bulubundukin at ang mga bayan sa malayo. The sea of lights were beautiful on this part. Nasa tuktok sila ng isang mataas na bundok.

Tahimik na ibinulsa ni Zirrius ang mga kamay niya. No one talked.

"This is Augury. You wouldn't see it's true beauty when you're not in the city," Zion started. The awkward tension was lingering on the air between them. Sa gitna ng isang malaking siyudad, matatanaw ang isang palasyo na halos mawasak na. Marahang tumango lang si Zirrius sa kanya.

"It never occured to me that I have a brother," diretsong sambit ni Zion bago niya hinarap si Zirrius.

Napalunok si Zirrius. "Me, too," he awkwardly said.

Zion chuckled and shook his head. "This is awkward," he admitted. Bahagyang napangiti si Zirrius dahil sa sinabi ni Zion. He thinks so too.

"Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam ang mararamdaman ko. Should I welcome you with open arms? Or is it better to punch you in the face? Should I kill you instead?" he asked. "I don't know what's the right thing to do. When I undergoes a ritual to get the mark, I thought, maybe, I'm not really my father and mother's son or something. I doubted myself and my existence. But then, when I saw you, all I can think of is 'What the fuck? I have a brother?'" he said with a frown.

After a minute, a smile of relief tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well, at least, I managed to confirm my real identity. I'm really my father and mother's son. And you're the reason why I need to undergo a ritual. But then, why are you hiding your true form?" he asked with interest. I couldn't even see a single hint of hate on his eyes. All I could see was curiosity. I bet it's very easy to get along with Zion. He's so cute and adorable. The opposite version of Zirrius.

"You have a very cute brother," I said and giggled.

Sikretong sumimangot si Zirrius dahil sa sinabi ko. Pero mas pinili niyang sagutin ang tanong ni Zion.

"Verone sealed my real form. My mother is Zara. She's also an heir to the Asterian's throne. And the ritual was done to me. You already know the risk if Severus discovered my real form, right? Tiyak na hindi niya papalampasin ito," kaswal na sagot ni Zirrius sa kapatid niya.

"Then you're the real Asteria's King," he concluded. "And you are the host for Avery's soul too? How does it feel?" he asked. I wonder how old he was already. It seems he was really excited to know.

"How old is he?" tanong ko kay Zirrius.

"How old are you?" Zirrius asked instead of answering Zion's question.

Zion frowned. "Nineteen," he answered.

Halos manlaki ang mga mata ni Zirrius. Maging ako ay nagulat. He was acting like an adult in the meeting. I mean, he acts like he was already in his twenties. He were good on suggesting some strategic plans and he was just nineteen?

"And did you even thought of killing me?" Zirrius asked with a chuckle.

"Your little brother is really so cute," I said with a small laugh.

"Don't underestimate me. I have far more experience in fighting than you," Zion grinned.

"How can you tell?" kunot-noong tanong ni Zirrius sa kanya. He grinned back as if he was provoking Zion.

"I just can tell," he answered. His eyes became distant. I wonder how powerful he was. "Pero hindi talaga ito ang gusto kong pag-usapan natin. I just want to hear a promise from you," he said meaningfully.

Kumunot ang noo ni Zirrius sa sinabi ni Zion.

"What promise?" he asked with confusion.

"That you will never take this Kingdom away from me, from my future children and the next generations to come. Ang ibig sabihin, kahit ang mga magiging anak mo, hanggang sa mga apo mo, ay walang karapatan na maging hari ng Augary," seryosong saad niya. "Only those who came from my bloodline can claim Augary's throne."

"It's fine. I never thought of ruling your kingdom, anyway. I can't handle too many responsibilities," Zirrius answered with a shrug.

"Then, it's a deal," Zion said. He started to chant a spell. He was sealing the agreement through the use of magic. Natigilan naman si Zirrius dahil hindi niya inaasahan ang mabilis na aksiyon ni Zion. Zion looks like he was writing the agreement to the stars and that could never be broken.

He slightly cut his palm to let the blood drip to magic circle. He looked at Zirrius as if he was also asking Zirrius to offer his blood to seal the deal. Zirrius sighed and took a knife and slightly cut his palm.

Lumiwanag ang magic circle na tila tinatanggap nito ang kasunduan nina Zion at Zirrius hanggang sa unti-unti itong maglaho sa hangin.

"Done," Zion said with a big smile. His green eyes were shining brightly. Zion is cute, adorable and tricky. But anyway, Augary is really for him and for his bloodline. He has all the right for his Kingdom.

*****