"You are enough, just as you are."

- Meghan Markle.

~~|||~~

Faith:

"When of age and once the vessel is ready, the Holy Light will appear."

"-- You've grown so much, Faith. She's a beautiful girl!"

"-- Remember, Faith. Remember."

I flinched awake. My eyes staring wide at a wooden ceiling. I hadn't noticed but I was taking in deep breaths, my shoulder and side aching because of it. Then suddenly it all came to me. The Heaven, the ruins-- the book of Holy Light. The Seven, us fighting... Ragnarok.

Damn, I wished it was just a bad dream.

I heard a loud snore not far from me, my eyes slowly turning to see. Although I already recognized it. Chris was sleeping on a bed beside me, his body full of bandages and I could smell the strong antitodes on his skin. A healing saliva? He had his arm resting under his head, looking like he was having the best sleep he has had in a while. It almost didn't look like he was closer to the gates of heaven before. When he was almost killed.

I frowned and turned to look back at the ceiling, the memory returning of the vampire woman leaving with Aron. We did stab her in the chest and cut her head off, how was she still running away unharmed!?

Hell... they're the worst.

I sighed quietly, slowly sitting up on the soft mattress below me. I looked down at my lap, I was still wearing my bloody tank top. Yet when I lifted it up, I could see a bandadge wrapped around it. The same was with my shoulder. I could smell the saliva on my skin as well, even though it wasn't the same Alchadar had used before on my wounds. Back when I escaped slavery.

Someone else's doings?

Then I looked around the room, it was almost like a private clinic room. The one me and Chris were in had four beds and two tables, which on laid all kinds of tools and equipment. Healthcare products and doctor's equipment to be a specific. The room wasn't too big, the two big windows made it seem much bigger than it was. I noticed movement outside and squint my eyes to see, it looked like a town. Too big for a village. Where the hell were we?

Chris snored loud again and shifted to lay on his right side, drool dripping from the corner of his mouth. I almost rolled my eyes, was this man for real?

How can he sleep this peacefully?

I sighed, pushing my feet off the blanket covering me. Then I slid my feet off the bed and sat on the edge, staring outside once again. All I was thinking was, where were the others? Praxina, Armen and Alchadar? Had they gone out and left us here to rest?

Probably yeah, which you're clearly not doing.

I vinced when I first stood on my feet, ending up falling back on the bed. Damn, my feet hurt a lot. The wounds weren't the biggest issue, what was going on with my muscles? Then I almost forced myself to stand on my feet, standing there for a moment. I could do it. The truth was I couldn't lay down, I felt like I had slept a whole day. My body ached to be moved. And... the dreams were quite rapid.

I begun to slowly drag my feet over to the table on the opposite end of my bed, taking it as my first destination. All the while wondering to these dreams. They had appeared ever since I learned of my past, presenting themselves to me in my sleep. It was like a big puzzle, the pieces slowly finding their places. Yet it did raise a numerous questions, some things didn't add up.

Who was my nanny? Where is she?

Why were my kind and my parents killed?

How do I use the Holy Light and who will teach me of it?

I sighed out loud and slid to sit on the chair, I had made it. I was just feeling frustrated, I was so clueless of everything. How could I move on? I don't know was my trip to the Heaven more useful or useless?

I lent my chin to my palm and stared at all the different equipments on the table, almost bored. My eyes grazed a simple tool which had a thin glass and a long neck, then a dish under it. Could things be looked at through this? I grabbed it and stared through the small peep-hole, noticing things moving on the other side of it. I pushed it away quickly, I wasn't too into of the fact what it was. And why was it alive?

"-- It's smells amazing!" I could hear a voice behind the only door in the room, footseps evident. I recognized it as Praxina's. They were back. "They're gonna love this. I hope they're already awake-"

The door knob was grabbed and I watched the door pushed in, Praxina walking in holding two sacks full of something. So, they were out shopping? I crossed my legs and kept leaning to my chin, noticing how she noted Chris still sleeping on the bed-- but mine was empty. Then I saw Alchadar and Armen step inside as well, their faces sharing the same concerned expression.

I found it amusing.

I laughed, flicking on the lightbulb connected to the table. "Here." My face was full shown as I lent to the table again, resting my chin on my palm. Their eyes all connected to mine, the heart attack evidently not far away. Praxina growled when she dropped the heavy sacks down, starting to pace towards me quick.

"Why are you up!? You should be resting! On the bed!" Praxina stopped in front of me and grabbed her hips, pointing at the bed. Her face more than serious.

"I second that." Alchadar walked to stand beside Praxina, looking down at me almost amazed of how I was up and walking. His raised eyebrow didn't go unnoticed. I smiled and slowly stretched my arms, feeling the soreness in my body and joints.

"I feel like I've slept at least a day already, besides," I relaxed again and continued to rest my head on my chin, glancing back at Chris' still snoring ass. "His snoring can be heard to the next building. Wonder why I can't sleep."

"Good. It means you can eat." Armen walked forward and carried one of the sacks' Praxina had dropped, offering it to me. I hesitantly took it from him and put it on my lap, taking my eyes off them to look inside it. I rustled with the plastic and reached in, feeling warm cardboard. Then, the smell hit my nose. It was almost too good-- food!

"What!" I almost exclaimed, taking the little box out. I put it on the table and opened it, the smell of marinated chicken and vegetables as well noodles hit my nostrils. I moaned, grabbing two sticks from the sack and took the first piece. I put it in my mouth. I chewed and chewed, my smile growing wide. "I've always wanted to try this-- oh my gosh, it's so good." I tried to explain to them but kept on stuffing food in my belly, almost forgetting to chew.

"Easy there." Alchadar chuckled once, I could feel he was satisfied with my reaction. "It was Praxina's idea, we're in the town called Aywa. It's where the chinese roots' are, and as we recalled," Alchadar shared a glance with the Elf beside her, a proud smirk plasteted on her face. "You've always wanted to try this."

"Aw, guys-!" It would seem talking when your mouth is full of food wasn't a good idea when I almost suffocated, coughing the piece away. Then I grabbed the soda from the bag and took the tip off, swallowing it almost fully. I could see the not-so-impressed faces. "... You're not eating?" I finally relaxed, not feeling like I was starving for almost 48 hours. I could feel more food in the bag, until Praxina and Alchadar shared a look.

"You thought you'd eat alone?" Praxina pulled up a chair beside me and sat down on it, digging from the sack on my feet her box of asian noodles. She dug her box open and suddenly grabbed her boot, throwing it at the sleeping Demon Slayer. The action was so swift I almost cringed, watching how he snorted awake and looked around. "Oi, idiot! Come and eat some chinese!"

"Ugh, women..." Chris growled and turned to face the wall. Clearly wanting to rest still. I watched Alchadar sit on the bed before me, amusingly raising an eyebrow when Armen approached the sleeping Slayer's bedside. He didn't notice until I offered him his box, a grin on my face. It wasn't a movie, but this was all the entertainment we would get while we ate.

Alchadar took it grateful, his eyes lingering in mine until he turned to see Armen climbing on the bed. It made me wonder,

Is he still over the Ragnarok thing?

I'd have to ask him later... it must've been a big deal.

"Oi, Slayer." Armen groaned and with his humongous body sat down on Chris' back, in return hearing a loud groan under him. "You've slept almost an entire day. Look, Faith's up and walking more faster than you and already eating." He stated and begun to lick his paws, Chris trying to hit his side to shake him off. It would seem he was losing oxygen under him.

I smiled and continued to eat, I knew Armen wouldn't harm Chris. He was messing around with the Slayer's mind. I begun to devour my food again with Praxina, Alchadar joining us. We spent the rest of the night watching Armen trying to wake up the sleeping Demon Slayer, who in return tried in all his power to slay the mighty Beast.

It would seem...

That our group is still the same.

Even after all that happened.

~~~

          "What was it called again?"

The streets were buzzling with people and energy, the stall owners' living their best lives at such hour while most of the people were demanding either food or other necessities. It was almost mid-night, yet the city was more alive than a few hours prior to this.

I looked at the others beside me, until glancing down at Alchadar from his piggyback ride. "The New Year's Eve?" I was as confused as a newborn with a new pacifier while questioning from the others' again.

It was very late, yet the other four seemed almost persistent of not allowing me nor Chris sleep until we go out and see some 'surprise'. Yet, it would seem I was the only one who didn't know what was going on. Praxina was the first one to figure out what date and time it was and seemed almost panicked that we misssed it. And then we headed out-- me on Alchadar's piggyback ride while Armen got stuck with Chris. Yeah... we couldn't exactly move yet.

"Jeez, princess. You haven't seen the fireworks ever?" Chris yawned all the while almost boredly looked around him. All the while laying on his stomach on the Beast's back, who did in return a growl of disapproval. It would seem that even the slightest breath the Slayer took made him annoyed.

"No... fireworks?" I asked almost bluntly, how the hell was I able to tell where we were going? I figured this was an event that the year was changing and everyone celebrated it-- at least it was popular among the human culture. Still, I knew very little.

Praxina howled out a laugh, turning on her heels before us. Earning my eye contact. "It's amazing- you're gonna love it!" She spun around again and sped forward a little, looking a little too excited. We were walking through the busy streets of the city, avoiding bumping into anyone. We were going somewhere- to the center of the city?

"Slow down, Elf." Armen growled, almost annoyed of the two's presence alone. I felt Alchadar shake his head, I couldn't see his expression, yet I figured it was because he was amused of the situation. I chuckled as well, continuing to look forward.

I was pretty tall, I could see far from sitting on my partner's back. Alchadar kept a steady pace, people did share a few glances but nothing more. It would seem travelers weren't a new thing anywhere and people ignored most of them. After all, it meant more money and the knowledge of their culture.

I could feel his hands grab my thighs a little tighter, I almost didn't catch it. Was he thinking something?

... Is something troubling him?

"... How long until the show starts?" I asked suddenly, earning Chris' attention while he dug his earwax. Again, ew. He dearly was sometimes unbelievable.

"An hour about... it's 11.01 p.m." Chris checked the watch on his wrist, shrugging. I thought about it, and decided to go with it.

"... I'd really need some gloves and underwear. Could me and Al' grab them really quick while you go ahead?"

The group of four suddenly stopped, almost all of them raising their eyebrows at me. If I had the camera- I would take a picture. Even Alchadar shared me an odd glance, just frozen on his spot and looking through the gaps of his helmet. I almost pouted, releasing my arms from my partner's neck and crossing them. I wasn't lying-- yet I needed a reason to separate the gang a little. I knew Alchadar didn't speak when others' were around, I believe it wasn't because he didn't trust them... but it was just something he did with me.

"What? I know we're in a rush in the morning anyway. Besides, it's boring to just wait." I said to them, looking into the distance. Trying to gain some confidence, my voice almost betraying me.

Please work...

"... I guess it doesn't hurt?" Alchadar said it, although it came out as a question. I knew he was onto something, yet he couldn't pinpoint what I was up to. Yes! "The rest of you search what you need until we leave in the morning. We'll meet at the river in exactly 40 minutes." He spoke out, although it was more of a command. I never realized it, yet it would seem that he had became our group's leader.

Even if it made sense... considering he was a liuetnant in the Black Phoenix. He was full of authority. A Demon... yeah, that really sums it up.

Yet he's not like that with me?

... Well, not always.

"Jeez, Faith." Praxina sighed and crossed her arms, shooting almost disappointed look in my direction. Yet she relaxed and looked at the shops' coming up ahead, sudden glimm in them. "Well, I guess it's a good time as ever. Come on, boys. Let's go shopping." She gave Chris and Armen almost a shit eating grin, starting to slowly walk towards the shops. A sudden hop in her movement. Well someone was excited?

"For the love of Satan..."

"Aw, man..."

I tried to hold in my laughter as I watched Armen and Chris slowly drag their feet after the Elf girl, not showing the slightest bit of interest in this. Yet it was already evident that no one went alone, and they knew it. Deep down, I knew they cared. Just, not the shopping part.

"Which one's first?" Alchadar asked while he adjusted his grip on me, starting to walk on the right between the tall buildings around us. The people were still there, everyone hurrying towards the center of the city.

"I was thinking... maybe the underwear first?" I swallowed my words, it would be too sudden to just ask it. How do you ask about it? How does it feel-- to know you lost control and almost killed someone dear to you? I couldn't... I'll wait for a minute.

"Very well."

         "That would be all." Alchadar said, carrying two small pink bags in his large hands. It looked almost amusing. And I couldn't hide it when I flashed a smile, trying to hide it with my hand. He raised a brow. "Is something funny?"

"It's just..." I snickered while sitting on a wooden chair outside an outerwear shop, giving my partner a sudden rest and getting off. Well, I knew he wasn't tired. After all he was a Demon. Yet I wanted to move a little bit, and he understood it well. "You look cute, with the bags and all." I finished, I couldn't stop the laugh erupting.

I failed to notice through all the tears and giggling Alchadar glancing around him, noting to himself no one was around. Then he attacked. I almost squealed when his hands reached to my sides-- tickling me. I cried out a laugh and tried to push him away, yet he kept his stand and kept tickling me mercilessly.

"Al-- NO!" I howled out, grabbing his hands and laughing. I tried to sound serious. Yet his smirk told it wasn't convincing enough. All the while he kept at it. "St-op! I'm gonna die...!" Then, he released his hands and retracted. Leaving a laughing and crying me there, trying to recover. I shot him a glare through tears, almost too much of a smug face covering his face features.

"It was worth it." Alchadar chuckled at my expression, crossing his arms proudly. Fuck, I'd slap him if I didn't deserve it, however I think I did. I slowly regained and steadied my breathing, my sides felt still ticklish. Had I always been that sensitive? "And I know where you tickle the most." He smirked.

"Haha. Funny." I groaned and got back on my feet, grabbing the pink bags he had dropped on the ground. I didn't even want to know how he knew-- it might've be all the bandages he has changed for me. Or that one night we slept in the same bed? My cheeks flashed red of the thought and looked elsewhere, hiding my embarassment. "... Still, uncalled for!" I tried, I knew he was wondering what was I doing.

"My apologies." Alchadar stood before me and bowed. I just stared at his crouched body before me. I knew he was messing with me. It was evident once he flashed me a smirk, until he turned around and got down to on his one knee. Offering me a piggyback ride. I almost glared at his back, pouting like a child. "Truce?"

"... Sometimes I swear, Demon." I growled through gritted teeth and almost forcibly slid my feet around him, allowing him to grab a hold of my thighs and lift me up. I wrapped my arms around his neck, evidently giving it a tight squeeze. "I could easily defeat you now."

"Oh?" Alchadar stopped moving and glanced up at me, I almost dropped the bags on my hands of the look he gave me. His amber eyes showed interest and challenge, almost as if he wanted me to try it.

I pouted and looked elsewhere. I could feel blood rush into my cheeks again, damn it! What was this-- and why did I feel embarassed every time!

"I-It's just a warning!" I said to him, hoping it was enough of an answer. Then my fingers grazed something silver on him, my eyes looking down. I noticed the necklace around his neck. The one he gave me before he turned into a Ragnarok- loosing himself. Suddenly I was awakened of our 'moment', building up the courage. It was the reason we were here. Just the two of us. "... Al?"

I hadn't noticed Alchadar starting to walk again, approaching the spot we all agreed to gather around in 40 minutes. It was easier now, the streets were almost eerily quiet, all sounds and talking could be heard a while ahead. Everyone were ready for the show- the whole city was.

"What is it?" Alchadar picked up the voice change, his own self returning. I probably ruined our special bonding, yet I knew I needed to know he was at peace. I needed to know what was going on in his head. The mindlink wasn't like that-- I couldn't just pop into his brain and dig out, all I could feel through it was his thinking and emotions. As well we could speak through it. It didn't show anything else.

"... Who is Elizabeth Lawrence?" The words slipped out from my lips.

Alchadar froze on his spot. I could feel his whole sentinent being flinch of the sudden question- well, it was evident he wasn't expecting it. It made me swallow down all the doubt I had. This person was someone dear to him, it made an immediate reaction. I almost felt bad asking, yet I wanted to know him. All of him. Even this person who isn't probably here anymore. If this was someone he cared about during his time at the Black Phoenix...?

"Whoa-!" I squealed and grabbed a tighter hold of him, when his fingers almost slipped from under me. It was bad I could see and feel. "Al, it's okay. Just... you don't have to answer that if you don't feel comfortable talking about it." I decided ultimately to slid off his back, slowly limping to stand before him. Trying to offer a soothing hand on his hand. I knew it might've been a selfish question, and I suddenly awakened some memories hidden deep beneath.

I don't need to know...

I don't.

"Elizabeth," Alchadar finally snapped out of it, meeting my worried gaze. He put his hand slowly on my shoulder, uncertain. I gave it my all to show I cared for him, if it pained him so much to tell I didn't need to know. He sighed loudly and slowly pushed me back to sit on the long metal chair behind me, sitting beside me. I almost questioned it. "She... she was a companion of mine." He begun slowly, trying to collect his thoughts.

"... At the black Phoenix?" I calmly asked, almost shocked that Alchadar was able to overcome the crazy emotion he just had. He really cared for this woman.

He... he trusts me enough to tell me this?

Alchadar nodded. "She was the military's agent, undercover missions was her main job during the Black Phoenix's agenda. Elizabeth and I met exactly a 100 years back," Alchadar rose his gaze from my eyes and looked up at the night sky full of stars, wondering to himself. I didn't fail to see the joy behind those amber eyes of the memories he was recalling. "She joined the Black Phoenix to avenge her family that was killed by my Father's obsession for power during the Cold War... she was a human, yet full of potential and she was a feisty one." He smiled to himself, I couldn't help the smile creeping on my face. Wow, this woman sounded incredible.

... Well, you and her share one thing in common.

The hatred towards King Belial... and him slaying both of our families.

"Did she keep you on your toes?" I asked carefully, offering him a tiny smile while he looked at me again. I tried to lift the tense mood a little, the subject didn't have to be hard. Elizabeth sounded like just the person I imagined Alchadar felt comfortable with-- talented, feisty, powerful and strong minded.

"Yes, I'm afraid." Alchadar chuckled once to himself, his gaze fell to the ground. It was evident a sudden memory popped up. "She had a habit of attracting the wrong type of people, her opinions so strong she couldn't keep them to herself. Often times it came to the fact I had to save her multiple times from killing herself." It was a subject he enjoyed talking about, I could see it. I can imagine what he was telling me, he did have a habit of saving everyone from trouble. Especially the people he cared for.

I slowly grabbed his open palm, it pained me to ask the next question. Even I had to prepare for it. "... What happened to her?"

Alchadar's expression shifted, his mind taking him elsewhere from the happy memories. Like a sudden light switch was flicked on and off. "... I joined her on a mission to spy on my Father's underlings. It was supposed to be an easy mission, get intel and return to base. However, it was the first sign we were betrayed, someone had told we were coming. They ambushed us and locked us down into a mine," I could visibly see his right hand crush into a fist, it was so tight the hand was shaking. However he didn't do it with the one I was holding, almost as if that kept him calm and collected to continue. "It was endless torture, I tried to keep her alive. And it took a toll on me and I..."

Alchadar's body froze again, like it took a picture of a moment. I tried to gain his attention, slowly soothing the palm in my hand and looking at it. I didn't think I needed to know more. They were tortured, Alchadar most likely earning their attention off of Elizabeth and taking most of the hits. It was almost awful to know what kinds of situations he has been. To know what he was been through.

"Al... it's okay." I whispered, reassuring he didn't have to continue. I didn't have to be an Einstein to know that he probably couldn't handle all the beating and had to rest. It was probably when Elizabeth provoked the enemy off of him, resulting in her demise. The thought made me angry, how could they do something so cruel? Even so, so mercilessly? "... She was your person." I said, caressing with my thumb his open palm.

I could feel Alchadar's eyes burn a hole in the back of my head, my eyes remaining down. I smiled, feeling a tiny glimpse of tear in the corner of my eye. It must've been more between them, Alchadar didn't get to feel it. To see it. That made me sad, I knew he cared for her deeply... if not even loved. And my partner didn't get to experience it with her.

"... I believe you're right." Alchadar answered, slowly closing the palm resting on my lap. All the while engulfing my tiny hand in his. This earned my attention while I looked up at him, noticing the smile he offered me. "Thank you, Faith. For listening and..." He gave my hand a squeeze and looked down at our palms, my gaze following. "For being there for me... at my darkest hour."

I looked up almost immediately. I didn't have to bring it up, it would seem Alchadar had been wanting to say it himself. And the fact he acknowledged it was shocking, yet again I was glad. I had already brought this conversation up. I couldn't of possibly bring back the Ragnarok even if I wanted to.

I slowly slid my hand from his grasp and got to stand up on my feet before him. The action making him question everything he just said until he saw the thumb up I offered him. With the brightest smile I could offer him.

"I've got you, Al. Remember? We're partners and no matter what, I'm here for you." I said, no hesitance in my voice. I had finally accepted my situation, and where I was in my life. It was living with him as my partner, as well as our team. And it was to gather around people and to defeat King Belial. The conversation we just had doubled my confidence in confirming it. For everyone, for my family... for Elizabeth. "You're not alone, big guy." I chuckled and grabbed my hips, confident.

Alchadar stared for a moment, until he slowly stood up. The moment our eyes connected, I almost halted. He offered me the kindest smile I had ever seen on his features, true joy and gratefullness in his eyes. It would seem I chose my words wisely.

"We should get going, it's almost time." Alchadar nodded down to me before looking on the right, the crowd going insane. Then I remembered, what was the clock. "We're not late yet." He chuckled at my shocked realization and crouched before me again, I jumped on his back almost too excited. My wound slightly ached, yet I could overcome it.

"The others will kill us..." I almost facepalmed when we walked past a humongous clock on the wall, we were a few minutes late already. Yet it was still 10 minutes until the 'fireworks' would start and the event they keep talking about. "... Al?"

"Yes?" I could feel Alchadar slightly raise awareness of my question again, almost doubting my question.

"You're doing okay, right? After the Ragnarok 'thing'?" I asked, wanting to know he was doing better. I lent forward and earned his attention, all the while we slipped into the crowd of people and tried to get through towards the river.

"I'm okay, Faith." Alchadar answered, I heard no hesitance in his words. The sentence alone made me relax almost visibly when I nodded to him and lent back again, already noticing a familiar trio up ahead 100 meters away near a river. Their gazes fell to us. "As long as I got you by my side."

I hope it wasn't seenable or he felt it. But the words stuck to my brain more than anything. And it made my cheeks flash red again, my head relaxing to lay on his back. I tried to hide it somehow!? Why'd he blurt out something like that, jeez!

"About time!" Praxina huffed and looked forward, pouting. We finally catched up to them and Alchadar crouched down to let me down, I hopped on my feet and immediately was face to face with the Elf princess. "What took you so long? You bought a lingerie or what?" She snarled, digging through my bags. I sighed visibly, allowing her.

"You couldn't keep your girl in control?" Chris asked from the chair near him, a finger in his ear again. This made me visibly flinch and react, even if I knew the question was directed to Alchadar. I grabbed my bags from Praxina's grasp and slammed them forward, slapping him in the face with them. "Ow-!"

"Your girl!?" I asked, it would seem an adrenaline rush did it's thing when I felt no pain jumping to the Demon Slayer's back my arms around his throat. It would seem he tensed as well and got up, trying to trash around to get rid of my strangle. "I'm gonna kill you myself-!"

"Should we do something?" I heard Armen ask, with a side eye noticing Armen and Alchadar just standing there staring at us. Praxina just dig my bags, envy in her eyes of my gloves.

"Let go-!" Chris tried to use my body as an advantage and swing suddenly forward, yet I grabbed a hold of him like leech. Wrapping my legs around his torso and tightening my grip around his throat. He fell on his back, the contact made me gasp but I regained. I grinned. I swung my blade from my pocked to his throat, breathing heavily.

"It's good training." Alchadar finally disagreed, with his right arm holding his thigh. The action almost made me freeze in spot- how magnificent he looked like.

"Zoned out-?" Chris suddenly asked, I could feel my wrist being grabbed and twisted. The one holding the dagger. I tried to regain control but the Demon Slayer grabbed my other arm, somehow spinning his body around. We laid there face to face. I glared up at him, and felt the dagger pressed to my throat. Until he smirked, and I smirked back. Damn, he had a point. "Almost, princess. Almost."

Chris got up on his feet and offered me a hand, his body showing no signs of the sudden struggle. I grabbed his hand and allowed him to pull me up, brushing the dirt off me.

"-- Ladies and gentleman! Welcome to Aywa, the city where miracles happen and your dreams come true!"

Suddenly a loud male voice could be heard through the big speakers surrounding the crowded area. It made the crowd behind us start cheering loudly, which made me almost jump. Damn, I again forgot why were there.

"And the countdown to the New Year's Eve has finally begun! 30 seconds my fellow people, and we can welcome the year 3050 before us with the greatest light show the world has ever seen!"

The director continued, the back of my shirt being grabbed and hoisted back. Suddenly I was sitting beside Praxina and Chris, the two sipping a smoothie kind-of-thingies, offering me one. It was yellow with a hint of red, I took a quick sip. It tasted amazing- damn. I could stay in this city forever!

What's about to happen in 20 seconds?

"Let's all count together, people of Aywa! And the countdown starts... now! 10! 9! 8-!"

I could hear everyone as well Praxina shout beside me, joining the countdown. They were eager of something. I was still very puzzled of what was going on and glanced at Alchadar who was crouching down against the long chair we sat on, leaning his arm on the back support. His eyes motioning me to look forward, I was hesitant but took a sip of the smoothie and stared forward at what everyone was. Straight towards the river, which continued a long way to the horizon.

"- 4! 3! 2! 1!"

And then I could see the clock ticking loudly, ringing it's bells. It hit midnight. Everyone begun to cheer loudly along with Praxina who hugged me tight, I awkwardly chuckled. What was going on?

Then, I saw a flash of light forward. It went towards the sky. It left a trail of red smoke after it until it came in contact with the sky, exploding. And it created the most beautiful looking sparks. It was shaped like a star with hints of light and red, engulfing me in it's beauty. I stared eyes wide, Praxina still holding me in death grip.

And then another two were fired and they explored, creating two creatures to the sky. A human and a God. They were white and black, yet I could see the image clearly, my mouth gaping open as well. The rockets were sent to the sky more often, so much I could feel Praxina release me and feel others share glances in my direction. Sheepishly, not first saying anything. Probably to not gain my focus off them.

"Whoa..." I breathed, the rockets being shot more frequently. They created all kinds of formations and patterns. It was so beautiful- who came up with this sorcery?

"Amazing, isn't it?" Praxina nudged my side, looking up at the sky with me. I smiled and nodded, it must've been the first time I saw this. And felt like this. So free to feel this excited and be amazed, to be part of something. Even if this was a celebration of the New Year's Eve, I didn't know I liked it this much. "This will be our year, right guys?"

The others myself included looked at the Elf princess who got to stand on the bench, grabbing with her right arm a hold of her left arm's bicep, confidence in her look.

"We'll find reinforces, and build the team we're meant to gather in order to defeat King Belial. This year... this'll be the year." Praxina said without hesitation. I didn't know when and how, but it would seem this Elf was with us... even if she didn't join us in that intend. But she's been traveling with us so long that it felt natural, and I could feel others agreeing.

"... Hell yes." Armen growled, grin plastering his face. It would seem even the mighty Beast didn't notice the single fact she hadn't properly joined our cause, but accepted her anyway.

"About time." Chris said, but smuggly smiled back. For once, Chris and Praxina came along.

"Yes." I said, fist pumping Praxina all the while we saw Alchadar nod very stern. It had been settled. It was going to be a very hard year and a struggle. We could tell that much. But it didn't make us falter- not even once. And it must be because of our team Alpha. It worked- somehow all of us completed each other.

I will avenge my parents...

I will get strong.

Then, our eyes moved to continue watching the fireworks up in the sky, the fire illumination still very captivating.

It was something, but I felt it.

The fact how all of us had grown strong.

And this night had just proved it.

Holy light,

Show yourself.

~~|||~~

~ Keep reading.