"1330: Cave of Eternia.
I sat on the floor, completely powerless. My body was as stiff as a rock, and I was silent. Tears kept running down my cheeks, and the pain in my heart tore me down, but I didn't move a muscle. Only in my heart, I could still see Vic's blood-stained face. He was still smiling at me through the pain, telling me it wasn't my fault, but I was dying on the inside with every whiplash that fell on his back. I was helpless, and I wanted to know a way out.
"Love heals people. Love also kills people. Love is a dangerous game, Dione. One wrong step, and everything is gone. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes." My voice was firm. I wanted a way out of the turmoil. Eternia was silent for a long while, but she turned to look at me with teary eyes.
"I once gave up everything for love, but it didn't give me anything. Do you really want to do this?" She said.
"Yes." I repeated.
She took a deep breath, looked down and then nodded.
"If that's what you want, Dione, get ready to give everything up. Even yourself."
The fire in me was burning me. I was ready to give up everything to save Vic from the pain. I stood up.
"I am ready."
"Ready to die?"
Her words shook me to the core. I looked at her and furrowed my brows.
"What?"
"The only way to save him is to die, Dione. Your death will bring balance. Good co-exists with bad. Just like it is not possible to wipe out good, it's impossible to wipe out the bad. If you try to do so, it will only manifest as something bigger and darker, and hunt until it can take revenge."
I was still confused.
"How can I save him by dying? How will Mal die, then?"
Eternia smiled through her tears, and it gave me more power.
"Sometimes, you are the weapon. You need to give yourself up to nature once your purpose in this life is met. Death is inevitable, Dione. But death is only for the body, not the soul. Remember that."
I felt like a desperate lioness as I walked back to the palace the next morning. I was hurt, and hurt canines were dangerous.
"Release Vic."
"You know that isn't possible."
"Release Vic."
"You repeating yourself won't change my verdict, Dione."
"I know how to make you change your verdict, father.
Father raised an eyebrow as he leaned forward.
"And how is it?"
My eyes were fixed on him, and my face was stone cold.
"I'll marry Mal and never come back to Vic, if you promise Vic's safety."
Father smirked at my words.
"You learnt how to make deals, huh?"
I smirked and looked at him. My eyes clearly showed I wasn't respectful anymore, but disgusted.
"I have the same blood as you do. How could you even expect me to not learn how to deal with the Devil?"
Dad narrowed his eyes, but the smug smile didn't wash off his face.
"I'll release him." He said. His words almost made me sigh, but then he added, "after I've seen the marriage myself."
I looked at him wide-eyed. How could a human be so crude? How could a human only think of his own benefit and not of others? How could he enjoy while others suffer?
"Why not now?" I asked. He burst out laughing as he stood up.
"Now? Do you think I look like a fool? I know what you both are up to. And I'm not going to let that happen… in fact, it would be fun to see him writhe in pain for a bit, while you beg for mercy."
"OSBONTE!" I screamed. I was glaring at my father, trembling in anger.
"Enough is enough. You have crossed all your limits this time."
"Dione. Mind your lang-"
"TO HELL WITH YOUR LANGUAGE! I've had enough of your dirty business. But not anymore. Yes, I will marry Mal, but trust me, if a finger is laid on Vic from this very moment, I WILL DESTROY YOU."
Father staggered back a bit but still glared at me.
"ARE YOU THREATENING ME?!"
"No, father. I'm not you. I'm promising your demise if you hurt Vic. Just because I have to give in to fate, doesn't mean I'll let you hurt him." I paused, as a tear escaped my eye, and I snickered, looking at him.
"I'd rather die than give in to your dirty games. I'd rather die and let every bit of me live in Vic, because I promise you- even if I marry Mal, my soul will BURN me to ashes if ANYBODY touches me, other than the one I love. I'd rather die with dignity by myself, than let anybody else malign my dignity. I'd rather have people come to my grave KNOWING that I died for my love, and not for someone else's hunger. I'd rather have people come to my grave KNOWING that the one lulling me to sleep would be the great almighty, and the only one whom I died for, was the one I loved the most. Let the world know, Osbonte, your daughter's body would be married off to Mal, but her soul remains with Vic. Let the world know, Osbonte, that your daughter accepts her fate, only to shake the throne of the almighty up above and remind him of my sacrifice. Let the world know, for when I die for love, for centuries to come, people would chant my name in places of love, KNOWING that the almighty was the one who visited my grave every night to adorn it with flowers just to keep the message of love alive… just to let the world know that love is to die for."
It rained a lot that morning. It was as if the world was crying for the decision I made, and wanted me to stop right there. But I was determined. My love was stronger than my desire to live. I couldn't forgive myself if another whiplash hurt Vic, because of my fault.
Even in the rain, a huge crowd gathered on the grounds. I stood among everyone, as stiff as a rock. My face was emotionless. Vic was brought in, in chains. He was panting, looking half dead, and seeing him that way tore my heart to shreds, but I didn't let a single emotion show on my face. I looked calm and composed.
"My decision for myself is not to be changed anymore. And as much as it pains me to accept my fate, I shall not take a step back. From now on, no one shall lay a finger on Victor." People murmured as I said that, and Vic's face lit up with a smile, as if he believed all along about my competency and knew I would not let anyone hurt him… but at what cost?
"As for me…" I paused, and looked at Vic's smiling face one final time, and then looked away.
"The next full moon, I shall marry Malvic." An uproar was heard in the crowd. People protested far and wide, and that even shocked my father. But I raised a hand to silence the crowd.
"My decision won't change."
"DIONE! DIONE, WH-WHAT HAPPENED?! DIONE, PLEASE- PLEASE TALK TO ME, DIONE!! DIONE, I- I SWEAR WE CAN FIX THIS, DIONE! PLEASE, PLEASE, DIONE. THERE'S NO USE OF KEEPING THIS LIFE IF IT'S NOT WITH YOU, DIONE-"
Vic's voice made me tear up, but my face was still stone cold. I didn't look at him, I was facing the crowd while he kept begging me to talk to him for once.
"I do not want any hindrances in the union. Guards are requested to capture anybody who tries to cause any issues in the wedding. Nobody should be hurt, but kept captive until the marriage is over. And I repeat, nobody should touch Victor, only keep him captive."
"NONSENSE! I'D RATHER DIE THAN THIS, DIONE! WHY DO YOU WANT ME TO SUFFER LIKE THIS? WHY?!" Another uproar was heard in the crowd, as they supported Vic.
"The stones that hit me yesterday to cover me in blood, are lying on the ground today- they weren't able to kill me off, Dione. But this one action of yours surely would. One day, Dione, one day- the whole kingdom would remember me when I die whilst you abandon me forever. Even these lifeless stones would speak up in unison and cry for me. Every stone, every brick, that one day would build great houses, would speak of the story of my demise, and remind you that I loved you till my last breath, Dione. Till my last breath…"
"Current time:
It was still dark outside when I regained my consciousness. I kept convulsing in my sleep and subconsciously calling out for Vic. It was raining heavily outside, and as I looked out of the window, a strange fear settled in me. The rain didn't feel as welcoming or beautiful as it felt the other day. Tonight, the rain felt disastrous and ominous.
"Moon, you're awake!" Vic moved everyone and came closer to me. I was in my bed, surrounded by Astra, Vlad, Anya, and Vic. Everybody seemed relieved as I looked up. My head was still reeling, and my body felt weak, but at least I was alive. My heart skipped a beat as I saw Vic, and ignoring every bit of weakness, I got up and hugged him tight. The vision that I just saw, made me think I was going to lose Vic forever to the unknown. I hugged him tight and cried in his arms like a child. I didn't want to let go of him, and Vic didn't want to let go of me either. After a long moment, I pulled back, and frantically began examining him for any cuts or wounds. I still wasn't able to get his blood-stained face off my mind, as if it just happened now. I checked to see if he was okay, and only stopped when Vic violently shook me and made me look into his eyes.
"I'm alright, Moon. Calm down… Please. I'm right here, with you, and I'm not going anywhere. Nobody can lay a finger on me, trust me."
"No… no, no, I-I saw it… I saw you were hurt, Vic! I saw you were hurt! You- you had blood all over your face… you were writhing in pain, I- agh!" My head hurt as I tried to remember the vision. My vision was blurry and I could barely keep my eyes open, but I tried my best to not let go of Vic. Vic silently sat next to me, and signaled the others to leave. Once they left, Vic hugged me again, this time, a little more gently. I held on to him and closed my eyes, letting go of the vision. The vision only tormented me and nothing else. I held onto vic and silently cuddled up against him. Vic didn't speak either, only kept caressing my hair and gently stroking my back. I didn't even realize how quickly his warmth filled me up and made me calm down. I had nothing to worry about. I knew Vic was right here with me, and he wasn't gonna leave me for anything.
"Are you feeling better?" Vic asked softly.
"Mm…" I didn't respond, but only cuddled closer to him. Even the dead of the night didn't look dead with him. When the downpour had finally turned into a drizzle, I slowly pulled away and looked at Vic. He was still awake, and as I moved, he looked at my face. I gently caressed his cheek as he leant onto my palm, closing his eyes.
"I love you, Vic."
My confession was blunt, but very real. I looked him in the eyes, as I repeated, slowly and more passionately, "I love you… I love you a lot, Vic."
I could hear Vic's heart beat faster and louder every second, as his eyes sparkled. He cupped my face with his hands, and leaned in, kissing me on the lips ever so softly. It was hard to imagine the big and strong Vic getting so soft and vulnerable in front of me, but I was glad to be the one who got to see this side of him.
"I love you too, Moon. I love you a lot." He said, nuzzling his nose against mine. He then proceeded to kiss my forehead and hold me in his arms, looking out of the window into the darkness.
"I got so scared, Moon… I got so scared when,,,, when that happened at the river. I thought I'd lose you to him again. I was stunned when I heard his voice after ages, and it almost paralyzed me. I could hear you calling for me, but I couldn't move a limb, trust me. I was stuck like a statue. But then, when I heard you shriek, I knew I had to move. I couldn't give you up that easily." Vic said.
"How did… Astra arrive there?" I asked. Vic was silent for a moment before he took a deep breath and said, "She said she sensed something. Nobody was allowed to wait for the light-bearers, so everyone went back home. But Astra felt something ominous as she went back. So she decided to check on us. She waited for a while on the festival grounds, but when she saw no one coming back, she decided to come check the river bank. And… she said… there was some sort of veil that hid us from the rest of the world. Astra had to power through it and… then…"
I sat up on the bed.
"Does… anybody else know?"
Vic shook his head as I heaved a sigh of relief. I really didn't want to stress anyone out with what had happened. Especially mom or dad. Mom really fought a lot with her to let me go with Vic, I couldn't scare her any more with what happened back there. And as for dad, the man was really looking forward to this very festival. He wanted to see Anya and I enjoy the festival, and the thought of telling him about my troubling experience didn't sit well with me.
"Everybody went back to their rooms. I think… you should get some sleep too." Vic said, getting up from the bed. I pulled him by the wrist to stop him.
"Where are you… going?" I asked.
"Home."
"Home?"
"It's almost dawn. You should get some sleep, Moon. I'll go back and get some sleep too. And… forget about what happened today."
Vic was about to leave, but I got up and blocked his way.
"You are going nowhere. You'll stay with me." I said, pulling him back, but Vic jerked his hand away.
"Vic?" I said, a little shocked at his behavior.
"Moon, stop being childish. Let me go." He said. His words were a hard blow for me, but I was adamant.
"I am not letting you go anywhere, Victor."
"Moon, why don't you understand?!"
"Understand WHAT?!" I shouted at him, as he came to me and roughly held me against the wall. His eyes were desperate and pleading.
"Why don't you understand there's no future for us, Moon? I can only bring darkness into your life! STOP trying to get yourself any more caught up in this web and just LEAVE, Moon! LEAVE HESTIA AND… And, leave me."
I couldn't believe his words. I was tearing up and made no effort to hide it. Vic paused for a second and then said, "He'll hurt you the more you stay with me, Moon and… and I can't let that happen."
Vic let go of me and stormed towards the door.
"So it was all a lie?" I said, making Vic freeze. He turned to look back at me.
"What?" He asked.
"All these moments we spent together, all the times you made me feel like I was the one, all the times when you reminded me of the days when we were together centuries ago, all the moments when you told me how much you loved me… All those were nothing but… lies, weren't they?" I snickered and looked at him.
"Moon…"
"You can go, Vic."
"Moon, I-"
"LEAVE!!" I screamed. Vic looked down at his feet for a while and hesitated to take a step forward. He then spoke timidly, without looking at me.
"I want you to be safe, Moon. I want you to be safe because I love you. I can't bear to see anyone hurt you. And you are but a guest in Hestia. Soon you'll go back to the U.S., and I'll be here. But… at least I'll know you're safe and sound. That would be a relief for me."
"And what about me?" I asked. Vic fell silent again.
"All you can ever think of is you and yourself, Vic! How peacefully YOU can live knowing I'm far away from you, safe and sound, or how happy YOU would be to see me living happily back in the U.S., but you don't care about me, do you? Do you ever stop to rephrase your sentences in terms of how Moon would feel if she was gone? How would she feel living miles away from the one she loves? No, you don't!"
"Moon, let me-"
"No, no- wait! Let me finish! Let me put the REAL image in front of you. You are scared that whoever that was back at the river would hurt me if I'm with you. But you're WRONG. He said he would hurt me even if I ran away and hid, Vic. If he wanted to, he could've killed me off right that instant, but he didn't. He wants us to fret, and you're simply letting him win. WHY?!"
Vic was still silent, listening to my words intently.
"Love is not a utopia, Vic. And this is not how you treat love. Love requires you to be brave, and not a coward. Love requires you to stick with one another and fight together, and not run away. Love requires you to do the unthinkable and not think of the unknown and abandon each other. And so far, you've only done the wrong things so far. And you think you sacrificing your love is the greatest good you can do to the world? Have you thought of sticking together through thick and thin and fighting the fear of the unknown by venturing past your fears? I know you haven't."
Vic was still looking at his feet. I walked closer to him and cupped his cheeks, making him look at me. He was looking tired and pale.
"I know you haven't because of your past. I know, once you were ready to do everything and stick by Dione's side, but she had to leave you. I know how it affected you, Vic. But every end is a chance for a new beginning. A new moon might be dark, but it signifies a fresh start. The voice that we heard was ominous, and I know these next few days are going to be dark. But trust me for once, Vic. I might not be Dione, but I am Moon. When I first started to get to know Dione, I knew we weren't different. But I'm yet to find my full potential, Vic. I'm yet to experience my power fill the brim like the new moon slowly transforms into the full moon. I know this isn't easy, But I want you by my side, Vic. Why don't you understand… you're all I have. You're the only one whom I can trust. I am nothing without you, Vic."
Vic put a finger on my lips making me stop.
"You're more than you can imagine, Moon. You're more than what you've discovered. You're everything without me, but… we ARE stronger together." He said, as he smiled at me. I was relieved, as I smiled back at him.
"Stay…" I said. Vic nodded, heading back to bed with me.
It was still early morning when I made my way to the Türbeh. Opening the door, I walked inside. The windows were closed, but I didn't open them today. I silently sat in front of the tomb, seeking for hope and some answers.
"I don't know what to do. I'm at a point in my life which feels pivotal to my existence. I am trying my best to merge the realities, but… am I really able to? What dark force did we unleash last night, and why? What really was the story of Dione? I don't know. All I know is tha0t a lot is at stake for me. I really don't want to lose the ones I love. Love was something that I only started experiencing in Hestia. No matter how difficult Hestia has been, I still got so much from it, and I'm really grateful for it. But now it really is time to get the full picture, Oh Eternia. Bless me with more courage to handle the truth."
I still felt empty as I walked out of the Türbeh. Though I was grateful for being able to share my worries with Eternia, I still hoped to get more clarity on everything. I walked aimlessly on the roads, thinking about yesternight. The man's voice still echoed in my mind and it wasn't until now that I realized how similar the voice was, to someone really close to me. It was as if I had heard the voice a million times over, but I still couldn't figure out whose voice it was.
Well, some wise man once said, you attract what you fear. It was true. As if my thoughts manifested into reality, I once again found myself at the river bank.
"I- How did I…"
My thoughts ran haywire as I found myself in the same exact place as yesterday. I was even more startled, as I heard someone's voice. I turned around and noticed a man wearing a long black cloak, standing near the river, looking at the forest.
"Missed me a little too much, did you?"
"Vic?" I thought to myself. "But… he was sleeping when I left… Did he… wake up? When did he come here… and why was he wearing black clothes?"
"What happened? You seem awfully silent, my love. What's on your mind? Me, I reckon?" Vic's velvety laughter rang in my ears as I gulped. I took a few steps forward, still maintaining my distance from him. It was weird to see him like this, and a foreboding feeling filled my heart, even though I didn't understand why.
"Vic…? What are you… doing here?"
"Waiting for you, of course."
"For… me? How did you… know where I was?"
Vic laughed again.
"I told you, you cannot stay away from me, Moon… I know your energy as clearly as mine."
His words felt oddly discomforting. I didn't understand what was happening, but I couldn't walk away either. What if Vic was having one of those episodes again?
"A-Are you… Okay? You… seem a little strange, today."
Vic didn't respond. He was still not looking at me, but staring into the distance.
"I know what's bothering you, Moon. And I have the answers to your questions.'
"What?"
"Do you really want to know who spoke to you yesterday? Do you want to know his true essence? Tell me, Moon. Would you like to go on this journey with me?"
Vic extended his hand towards me. I could sense something odd in this request, but more because Vic wasn't looking at me. What was he up to?
"I-I don't… I don't know…"
"Oh, you do, my love. Trust me, you do. Just hold my hand and let me tell you what you've been wanting to know."
Vic's voice never felt so persuading before. It was as if his voice had enticed me to listen to him and my hand instinctively went up to hold his hand. But as I did, a dark gooey substance flew out and blinded my vision. I was shouting, frantically trying to get away, but I could do nothing in Vic's tight grip. I could hear his velvety smile, slow and resonant, as he then began to speak. And as if several drawings began appearing on soot, I could see the things Vic began to narrate…
"Love heals people. Love also kills people. Love is a dangerous game, Dione. And you dared to play the game like your mother once did. Your mother married her love, and out of jealousy, her sister married your mother's brother-in-law. But what she didn't know was that her impulsiveness destroyed someone else's love. The woman that she destroyed was already pregnant with two children. She gave birth to them, but her lover didn't accept her anymore because he was going to marry your mother's sister. Tragic, isn't it? She was devastated. She had no identity and now, neither would her children. She trusted a man who knew nothing but power and money. And now she was ruined. As a desperate measure, she went to her twin flame, who happened to be a part of the same clan- the Vampire clan. She gave her children to them, and went back to the palace only to live as a mere servant. Her twin flame had also given birth a few weeks back. She had given birth to two children- Mal and Vic. Malvic lived up to his name and while growing up, showed how malicious he could be to secure victory. Vic, on the other hand, was the little angel. Always did good to everyone. As Mal, Vic, Vlad, and Elena began growing up together, the woman struck a plan. Hah, that sly, sly woman. She took Vlad and Elena as apprentices and took Mal away to bring him up secretly, away from the rest of the world, only to release him at the perfect time to destroy everything. And why would she not? She was betrayed. She was betrayed by her love because he cared about reputation while his wife cared about power. And because of them, she had to lose everything. Her reputation, her identity, her position. Now tell me, do you understand the wrath of Mal? Do you understand why he wants to take revenge on Dione? Because he was raised by the same woman in darkness, he was raised by the forces of evil. He was raised to devour Dione and Vic and turn into the invincible Malvictor, but before he could do that… You remember what you did, don't you, my little angel?"
Vic's last words shocked me. His grip kept getting tighter as he spoke, to the point that it hurt my hand. I tried hard to free myself, but couldn't. I groaned in pain, and broke out of the trance. I saw Vic's entire body shaking. He was scaring me more and more every second, but then…
"MOON?! MOON WHERE ARE YOU?! MOON-"
I turned around at Vic's voice. Vic was running up to me, breathless.
"Moon! What the hell? Where were you? I-I was so scared! A-Are you okay?" Vic kept examining me, as I simply stood there speechless. What the hell just happened? Wasn't I just speaking to him? I turned to look around at the river, and to my horror, not a single soul was there.
"Vic, weren't you just… here?" I asked, gulping. My hands were trembling as I held on to Vic. He took my hand and for a second, he silently observed. I took a good look at my hand only to notice a dark imprint of someone's fingers on my skin.
"Who was with you, Moon?" Vic's voice grew serious.
"I- I thought… you…"
"It really is becoming unavoidable…"
"What?" I was confused.
"The climax, Moon. It's almost time for the climax." Vic said, as he grabbed my hand, "We have to go back, now." He said, as he pulled me back towards home…