"You said that Abraxas has been waiting… I don't see him anywhere." The Celestial King asked as he entered the ballroom, eyes furrowing in confusion at the empty chair next to his.
Caleb was equally confused as he was. Moments ago when he left to look for the Celestial King, the god was surely in his seat waiting patiently. But now the place was empty. No sight of the god anywhere.
"He was... He must have looked for you. But we didn't take long did we?"
"No… I don't think we did." Ciel heaves a sigh while he rubs a hand over the side of his temple, "No matter, Abraxas is an unpredictable force. He might be enjoying the festivity on his own without anyone letting his identity be known, so let him be."
And with that, he turns around intending to step out.
Caleb visibly showed his reaction and tried to reason with him. "You're not staying, your majesty?"
"No."
"But… Abraxas might come back and-"
"Then inform him that I've stepped out. I want to enjoy peace after the long battles I've done if you don't mind."
"But the ball?"
"This ball is made for Abraxas's amusement, not mine. Let him enjoy it and be sure to tend to all his needs while I'm outside."
The music that filled the air suddenly came to a stop.
Ciel's footsteps halted as he turned around.
The music they were familiar with, suddenly stopped, that alone can catch anyone's attention, even the Celestial King himself. He watches as his aide hurriedly comes toward the commotion. He could see the color leaving his complexion within seconds. Following behind him, Ciel looks over the view of the ball with small interest.
It wasn't hard to miss where the commotion was. He could see the musicians that Caleb hired being pushed away and their instruments being ripped off from their hands as strangers dressed in dark garments started to take their place.
The mellow and steady melody he knew was no longer known as a lively tempo replaced it.
Moments ago the Celestial King had no interest in how this gathering would flow, but somehow the newly awakened crowd of demons caught his attention. A bunch of unfamiliar faces plastered with smiles as laughter filled the air. He could see the Celestial beings getting Intimidated by the sudden burst of energy.
So this is how fast the infernal demons could change the course surrounding the Celestial Palace.
He could hear Caleb cursing under his breath in agony, hands going over his face, "What was Abraxas thinking when he asked for this… Demons have yet to be disciplined, of course, most of them would lack proper manners…"
Words filled with disdain and disapproval of the change, Caleb shakes his head while he watches the dance floor turn into a chaotic sight.
"On second thought, perhaps it's better to rest for a moment, your majesty. I will fix this before Abraxas-"
Caleb's words were soon drowned by the volume of the loud voices from below. Unlike Caleb who was now struggling to find peace, Ciel kept his eyes on the crowd.
He watched as the Infernal beings parted ways as a figure suddenly stridded through them. All of their eyes are glued to the figure. Ciel could see the anticipation of their expression rising. Even the beat of the music slowed down its tempo for this person. As if they were waiting.
But waiting for what?
And with one clap from this person, as he found the center, the noise grew even louder and wilder. Caleb couldn't even mask his expression at this point but the Celestial King could.
How daring…
The Celestial King narrowed his eyes at the latter. It seems like this person was influential enough to be able to turn sway the infernal beings.
"Let them be." A familiar voice came behind him.
Moments ago, Caleb was ready to jump down and stop this nonsense, but now he had pressed his lips into a thin line. Steady footsteps came closer until they stopped right beside the Celestial King. Ciel doesn't need to look for him to know that it was Abraxas himself.
"It's not a ball if it's too formal right?" Abraxas glances at the Celestial King with a small smile on his face.
White lilies adorned his skin, along with lace and ribbons that wrapped around his head to hold the lilies in place. Though it may be odd, it surely gave him a mysterious air.
"Mn.."
"It's different, but the infernal beings are surely fun to be acquainted with, are you not interested?"
"…"
"Tell me, Ciel, how many years has it been since you've known me?"
More than half of his life.
Ciel doesn't answer him right away and lets him mouth his thoughts.
"Do you know why I asked for this kind of gathering?"
"Certainly not."
It was a lie. Of course, he knew. This wasn't just a simple celebration of his return. It was more than that. And it was about time that it happened. But doing it in this way was questionable. However, who was Ciel to question his wishes?
His response made Abraxas laugh beside him. "Are you not curious about how they are? Think about how they've become. I want to hear your opinion."
He didn't have any. He was aware of their growth through reports that were handed in. It wasn't like Ciel was neglecting the other realm, it was he didn't have the time to tend to it properly. Unlike the Celestial Realm who had retainers to handle major to minor problems while he was away, the infernal Realm had no one. Despite having no King to govern over them, they were doing quite well. It was impressive actually. Not only were they able to manage their realm, but it was also striving. Though slowly, but surely they'd be able to sustain it properly without major problems.
However, sooner or later, a King needs to be chosen for the realm to evolve even more.
"They need a King," Ciel mutters while watching. "They might be doing well at this moment but that peace could shatter if not guided in the future."
"Is that so…?" Abraxas chuckles while turning to him.
"Mn, they deserve to have one. They can grow further maybe even better."
"Is that your opinion?"
"Hardly an opinion. It's a fact."
"I see." Abraxas chuckles lightly while nodding in understanding. Moments ago the Celestial King wanted to leave and sit idly but didn't dare to leave the latter's side just yet. He lifts a hand towards the god. And naturally, the god places his hand over it. Standing for too long could be uncomfortable, which is why he leads him to his chair where he should've been earlier.
Caleb and the guards knew how their King treated the God so this wasn't something uncommon to see. They all just stood behind them to protect them. But as soon as the God had taken a seat he glanced back and waved a hand to dismiss them.
Silently they all left, leaving them behind.
"They need a King," Abraxas softly spoke, "But I'm worried they might not want one."
"Wanting and needing are different things," The Celestial King spoke, "They might not want their King at the moment but in time they will need them. They're just used to having enough freedom that's all but eventually, they will accept whoever you choose."
"Eventually?" Abraxas smiles at him.
"Mn..." Ciel didn't join him at his seat and stood there behind him. However, it didn't take long for his heavy footsteps to be heard. Abraxas said nothing as these footsteps slowly got softer with each passing second. There was no need to glance back to see no one behind him.
The Celestial King might not have a fierce temper but Abraxas wishes he did. It was hard to know what he was going through his mind most of the time, especially with his stoic expression. Almost blank. He was a man of only a few words, even winning countless battles, he showed no satisfaction, nor pain, nor any resentment over the fact of how far his duties have stretched. Many could say that he was the ideal King. But for Abraxas that thought worries him.
Caleb was waiting outside when he heard the curtain beside him flutter open. With one arm, Ciel stepped out. Before Caleb could register his presence, a soft voice came from his lips, "Inform me immediately if anyone bothers Abraxas."
"Oh. Ah?"
"I'll be stepping out for a moment."
"Ah?? But the-"
"I'll be back."
"But-"
The anxious guard was fidgeting as their Celestial King turned and began to head to the other side, failing to properly voice out his concerns. He couldn't stop him any further, he didn't dare to. Even if his face held no emotions, he could feel the air around him unstable. Gave off an aura that wishes not to be disturbed.
An occasion like this was rare. One would think that he would finally unravel himself. But he chose to be somewhere peaceful and less crowded. Not even with Abraxas's intentions to announce the chosen Infernal King faze him.
"Garden?"
Caleb hears Abraxas asking.
"...Garden." Caleb sighs.
Each time the Celestial King silently excused himself, he would always head directly to the Garden.
And they would always find him there no matter what the circumstances are.
"Caleb come in,"
"Yes, Abraxas."
Following the God's wishes, he steps in and stops beside the God's seat. Abraxas was leaning to the side, a hand under his chin while his eyes stayed glued to the crowd below them.
"He hates this doesn't he...?"
Uncomfortable maybe, Caleb wanted to say that but surely Abraxas already knew that.
He knew.
"I thought this news would bring him comfort but perhaps my methods had failed me," Abraxas hums, spreading his fingers at his cheeks. His fingers almost hid the growing grin on his lips.
The sight of the dancefloor being enjoyed by the infernal beings, he felt a sense of joy.
He could see the celestial beings succumbing to their curiosity at their mannerism, but none dared to give in. But with Infernal beings' unreserved nature, they welcomed them to their dance by offering a hand at their way. Some angels couldn't take it but seeing the silver-haired latter's dancing form, they admit, looking at him made them stumble in astonishment. It made them feel alive. It didn't take long for light and dark colors to begin to mix along with the beat of the music.
The demons were clapping overjoyed and even laughed at the angels' clumsiness. But it was the kind of laughter that had no malice nor ill intentions. Leon saw this and continued to gaze at them, his smile frozen at the sight. He felt something linger in the back of his mind but pushed it away as he heaved a heavy sigh. Breaking his train of thought, he suddenly came up with an idea.
And that idea included his sister. The cheering grew from the demons when he began to pull off his coat while striding his way over to where she was. Without even asking, he clasped their hands together, pulling her to join in.
Ignoring Lily's protest, he stops by the middle where he was moments ago, clapping his hands within the beat to encourage her to unravel herself.
"You can't be serious!" She laughs while holding her dress in disbelief.
"I am!" Leon laughs, while the clapping increases. Seeing how the demons were clapping along with Leon, Lily covered her face in laughter. Shaking her head as she fixes her posture. With a knowing look, Leon stretches out a hand and she takes it with a big smile.
Both of them understood the flow of the music, so their movements began to blend with it.
The celestial beings watched as an indescribable kind of beauty bloomed. One was unrestrained but still emitted grace and each movement even had a touch of seduction. While the other was elegant, her body moving fluidly like flowing water. Both held a mysterious air around them which caused the unfamiliar race to watch.
Admiring how two different flowers bloomed, capturing the people's utmost attention and interest.
It didn't last long though as the music slowly came to a stop, and it was the only moment they could tear away from the sight. The infernal beings began to cheer at one another as the pair bowed. A string of sweat glistened at Leon's chin, creating a beautiful painting. Soon the infernal beings surrounded the two, complimenting their movements and their synergy.
The celestial beings waited for the crowd to disperse. Wanting an opportunity to ask for the sibling's time but as they waited, they disappeared from their sight.
Away from the crowd and with the music drawing thinner in their ears. Leon was laughing, hand in hand with Lily who was reciprocating his mischievous grin. Their steps were hurried but in a more childlike fashion. And as they do, they would look back to find no one was following their trail which only made them laugh even more.
It was Lily who stopped first, her giggles turning into coughs as she tried to catch her breath.
"For a moment there, I thought we'd be swarmed," Lily says as her coughing is subdued. Glancing at her brother's way who was catching his breath by leaning by the wall, "Remind me again why I entertain your mischief?"
"That's because," Leon's grin grew wider, "We are siblings, and you love me."
"Debatable at this point."
"Oh you had fun, admit it."
"I daresay I did." She shakes her head while fixing her hair and taking her shoes off to relieve herself from the numbing torture. Both of them were amazing at attracting attention but entertaining it was a different matter that both of them had no interest in. Well, not now exactly.
Leon starts to fix himself, but as he does, he catches something that makes him halt. Eyes slightly wide and curious at the sight, he sees a beautiful sea of silver flowers. Due to managing the teahouse, Leon had a fair share of knowledge of flowers. But this was the first time he had seen something like this. And appearances weren't the only thing he was curious about.
He could feel something within each blossom.
Something he was sure of was energy. Kneeling, his hand hovers above a petal, and the moment his finger brushes through its smooth surface, gold specs of dust come alive.
"What..." Lily was already behind him, "Is that..."
"These are beautiful..." Leon mutters not daring to pluck one out from the ground. He couldn't bear to shorten its life just for selfish reasons.
But Lily was too fascinated and wanted ti take home a few to decorate their table, "Do you think we can take some back?"
"No, we can't."
"Why not?"
"Someone created these."
"You mean planted?"
"Created." He lifted his eyes to search for its creator. However, the garden was enormous, whoever did this might not even be here at the moment.
"Is it even possible?" Lily observes the flowers with interest.
It was. This is why Leon was curious. Creating life with energy is a rare ability. Unless they were born with it or they have the skill and talent to be proficient in it. Or both. And the fact that they didn't just create one but the entire garden was covered in it.
The demon was too deep into his thoughts to notice that his sister had frozen in place. The only time he realizes it is when an unfamiliar voice cuts through the quiet and peaceful ambiance.
"What are you doing."