This chapter is dedicated to a special someone (Not anymore)
"Status report."
"It's successful. Just hope they don't have any cheese."
Maestro had hoped the plan would work. For it could give them an upper hand against Hanlerk's soldiers. As much of a nuisance they are, he can't deny that they are quite deadly. His own Red Hand idiots always underestimated them. And that ends in their demise one way or another. But Maestro is different. He knows their exact danger. And is the complete opposite of his subordinates.
"Maestro sir." Two recognizable subordinates ran to his side. Giving him a quick bow, "We have...Bad news sir."
"Speak."
"We failed. In our attempt to locate the remnants of the search party. We were unsuccessful. And bumped into the headmaster on our way." It was the twins. Two of the sleeper agents Maestro had placed that fit into the second year had been some of his best soldiers.
"What happened?" Maestro calmly asked them. His eerie cool-headedness freaked out the twins and everyone else around.
"He just questioned where we were going. And sent us away before informing us that the area would be off-limits and patrolled with guardian creatures." The sister of the twin spoke.
Maestro took a deep breath before eyeing the screen infront of him, the town slept quietly yet again. Slowly healing from the tournament. They handle that quickly to his amusement.
He took a few steps and walked around their base for a quiet minute. The twins stood where they are, they dared not to move out of place. That was until one of Maestro's subordinates took a single step that the silence finally broke.
A silver glint shined from under Maestro's hand. The brother noticed this and grabbed his sister before he sprawled to the ground: SHING
The other red hand ducked just in time as the blade swung across the room. And jammed itself on the wall. As the others gathered their courage to look up, A red flesh tendril had pierced an area on their map that was hung up.
The tendril had originated from under Maestro's sleeves. White razor-sharp bones protrude from the tendrils with a rigid silver blade on the other end of the tendril, "Then what's your status report on the artifacts?"
For a quiet moment, No one dared to answer. Afraid that if they spoke, their jaws would have been cleaved right off their faces. Maestro looked around before pulling the tendril back under his sleeve, "I see. I apologize everyone. For my actions of lashing out. I can assure you all that I'm not like the other higher-ups."
He grabbed a nearby cup and poured a drink from his flask. Before handing it to one of his lead technicians, "I'm not a psychopath. I don't kill my subordinates out of anger. I merely want to shape them into something tougher. Something that can face against the world on its own. But I care for our mission as well, you all are experienced red hand members. This should have been an easy task to accomplish."
The technician still hesitated on drinking the concoction from Maestro's flask, "It's just an energy boost. I'm not idiotic and psychotic enough to poison my top technician." Maestro patted him on the shoulder.
"Thank you...Maestro." He quickly gulped down the liquid. With each sip, he felt a surge of energy flow through him.
"Good. Now...You two." he pointed at the twins, "Stand up."
The two obeyed his order and stood up, "How many sleeper agents have you activated?"
"Only one sir. Third year."
"Is that all that will be helping you?"
The sister shook her head, "There's a total of six. Us, Shoatan, Nox, and Seravim. And now the sixth. Arshal."
"Hm. Awaken more if you can. And then gather more artifacts. We'll need them for the future." Maestro ordered.
"Same place?"
"Same place. But expect one less person to help you gather them."
The brother bowed his head, "May I inquire the reason?"
"They're busy...Handling our enemies." Maestro said.
Maestro relaxed his shoulders, eyeing the board nearby with the electric images of their biggest threats so far. They have about ten as of now, with one of them oblivious to their presence, Mr. Kiro.
Originally, the Operatives aimed to put him right under Headmaster Avshino. Who was placed at number four, originally number one until the soldiers arrived. Then the rankings changed. Mr. Kiro was placed in the tenth place. Above him were two Security force children, much to their shame, ninth was Aziroth. And the eighth place was reserved for their marked target, 'The Vessel of Blood'. Who thankfully, is not on high alert to their knowledge. And then Aurora as number seventh. Karasu was sixth, but Maestro marked him as a target of interest. Fifth was Sultan, they were confused about why he was placed there by Maestro, but all he told them was not to underestimate him.
Then at fourth, it was the Headmaster himself, which was quite a confusing one. Every Operative in action knew that he should possibly be number one, yet Maestro changed it to fourth place.
"I don't really get why you put the Headmaster at fourth. If he finds us, we're doomed." The brother spoke.
"If." Maestro simply answered.
"Then Gary is third. Samuel is second. And Donovan...? Why is he first place?" The sister asked this time around.
"None of you will understand until you meet them." Maestro walked over to the board, many of the Operatives, technicians, engineers, and magical mystics watched him intensely, "Especially him." he pointed at Donovan, "If he really knows how to use the Silver tongue, then most of you would be dead by his feet."
"And if he does, will you?"
"No."
"Damn, you really are that confident huh?" The brother chuckled, "You're a saint, Maestro. Saint-level of magic mastery. You'll kill us all in here, why would you need this board?"
"This is related to you. Not me. So my soldiers can understand who to avoid conflict with. If you would have charged them with no plan, contingency, or idea of their power in mind, this operation would have been dead in the week they arrived."
"And how would you know?" the sister asked this time, "I can mistake you for being one of them if it wasn't for your outfit."
"I get that a lot." Maestro sighed, "Now disperse. Collect and awaken more Sleepers. Dismissed."
***
Usually, in the dead of midnight. There would be at least one or two security force members monitoring the school one last time. Before going to bed. And that would be Madhav. He didn't want to go out himself, something was warning him against it. So he opted for cameras instead.
Other than Madhav, only one other person present in the security force room was awake as of now. And it was Aziroth. Who stood quietly in the training room. His tailcoat was placed off to the side and his scythe was next to him.
He usually doesn't go out like this often. Wanting to spend his time like this reading in his own room, but for today, he just can't. Something is keeping him awake. And that something has entered the training room.
"Azzy?"
"Eio..." As he turned around, Marlen closed the door behind them. As she gathered her courage to confront him.
As she came closer, Aziroth's tense shoulders slowly relaxed. And soon his whole body. This phenomenon only happened when Aziroth was close to Marlen. Before fully seeing him eye to eye, she placed her coat next to his, "It's...Good to see you again."
"I could say the same thing..." Aziroth responded.
"You have...grown." Her eyes scanned his body. His skin is slightly more pale. Longer hair, and rocking a new style, And he got taller.
"I could still say the same thing."
For Aziroth, Marlen's beauty had doubled as the years passed. Each year,s he appears more beautiful than the last. Yet she still bore the same fire in her eyes. And the same warm heart.
"One things for sure...You changed. A lot..."
"It's been three years Eio...We're not in the seventh grade anymore..." Aziroth looked down.
Marlen looked up at him with sad eyes, "But we can still gaze upon the stars no?" She grabbed his hand, "Please Azzy...Come with me. I know a spot."
He tried to refuse but, his body refused him instead. The only words that came from his mouth instead was, "Fine...Take your coat. It's going to be cold outside."
Without hesitation, Marlen pulled him towards the door, taking both of their coat at the same time and handing Aziroth's his. He followed her through the ancient yet clean hallways. Passing by empty classrooms and empty desks. He followed her into a hallway with a window on the other end.
As she pulled him towards it, she pushed the window out and hopped off from the frame. Stepping into some planks, "Come on, we can walk here."
As Aziroth followed her cautiously. The two of them climbed the planks and slanted roof of the building. Before ending up in a safe spot. Disconnected with the world, and reunited with the beauty of the stars and galaxies on the far end of the sky. Marlen laid down against the roof as Aziroth did the same, a short distance away from her.
The two shared a silent moment together. Watching the stars and figuring out its constellation alone in their own thoughts. Marlen still recognized some of the constellations of winter. Orion, Taurus, Auriga.
"I remember that one..." Marlen pointed upwards at the sky.
"Which one?"
"The Carina constellation. You told me that it resembled the keel of the ship. Where they place the figureheads and everything on pirates ship. Then there's that one, the Andromeda constellation..." Marlen pointed at another Constellation, "Ah...That one was a pretty one. And that was your favorite, wasn't it? "
Aziroth could still see the constellations she was pointing out, the idea of her remembering them and even recounting his young self's favorite constellation stirred something within his chest, "You really were listening after all..."
"Of course I was..! Who wouldn't?" Marlen smiled softly at Aziroth, "So you do remember huh?"
"What?"
"Your...fixation on space and the galaxies. Your love for the beauty of it and how vast it was...You said that you wanted to be an astronaut when you grew up."
Aziroth fully remembered now. And he realized where they are right now. This is the spot. This is where him and Marlen ran off when they were younger, to hang out in this specific spot of the school. Aziroth recounted taking some books of space from the library and bringing them here. Before Geeking and nerding out towards Marlen about the information in the book. Reminiscing about it now, Aziroth realized how much of an annoying little prick he was.
"What's wrong Azzy?"
"Huh?"
"You look embarrassed." Marlen pointed out, "Did that bring back some cringey memories?"
"I will admit it. It did." Aziroth chuckled softly.
"Aha!" Marlen finally managed to do it.
"What now?"
"I made you laugh again! It may be small, but it's something!" She cheered herself on.
"My god...Your personality didn't change as much." Aziroth shook his head.
"Yours did, however." She quickly sullied the mood.
Aziroth noticed the sudden change in the mood and laid back on the roof, "So...When I was...Geeking about space, you were actually listening, right? I thought you were annoyed at me."
"Annoyed? God no! I was interested. Really, I was. Just listening to you talk about the stars and how you perceive it was the most fun I had in a while at that time." Marlen reassured him.
"I'm glad you felt that way..." Aziroth turned to face the stars again, he always perceived it in his own way, space dust, and constellations, but..."What about you? What's your view on space? What do you like about it?"
"You're asking me?"
"Well, I've always been the one speaking, why not let you say something this time." Aziroth scooted closer.
Marlen turned to face the bright sky again, in her view, it wasn't just constellations and space dust, it was something else, "I...Like how space is as it is. I like how everything came to formation and into what they are today. That bright dot in the sky, there could be a possibility that one of them is a ravaging black hole. Attracting and pulling everything inside. And...yet we can see it, but not even know its history.
"History. That's it. I like the history of space. All the way from the Big Bang, the protons and neutrons and electrons... Despite how vast and infinite space is, everything has a story to tell. The biggest of stars has a story to tell on how it became what it is now. The remnants of the old previous stars that birthed it. And their stories as well. It just keeps on going. Every single atom, dust, and element in space has a story. An origin somewhere until the Big Bang. And I find beauty in that. Everything has some history behind it. And how it even... resembles life here.
"It's like us and we're like it. I mean...Have you seen some theories in the internet? Some space dust somewhere resembled a human eye. Almost identical in fact. And in a way, we're connected to it. Just by a very small margin we are. There's energy that flows in space, just like here on Earth. And I like that. Where does it come from? Gods? Outer beings? Cosmic horrors? I hope it's not the last one. That'll be terrifying to know.
As she chuckled at her small comment, Aziroth continued to listen to her attentively, "If we were to look into a planet...Some distance away from Earth, if we find life there, we are gazing through history. For that could have happened already. Since light takes a long time to reach our planet if it's far away enough, we could be gazing at events hundreds or even millions of years ago in their time. And the same could be said about us. Aliens out there could be watching at us right now. And they will be seeing dinosaurs instead of humankind.
"And the beauty of it..to me, was understanding how it came to be. Black holes came from the brightest of explosions. Stars came from the remnants of the said explosion. And there were so much things that couldn't be explained as of now. And...That brings me back to our hangouts here.
"I like how...you rambled on about constellations. And stars as well but. I think you have a small memory locked inside that head of yours." She poked her fingers at Aziroth's forehead, "That time where we...formed stupid and baseless ideas of how the universe came to be? Our ideas of time travel, light speed, all of that dumb shenanigans. Do you remember now?"
Through her mentioning it, something unlocked inside Aziroth's brain, "Yes...Now I remember."
"And the best part was that...No one in the world could prove us wrong on our theories without concrete evidence. And that...was what made me feel at home. Being with someone who can entertain my dumb thoughts. Someone who wouldn't constantly bash me down nonstop. Just...being there. With me. I loved that. Really I do."
Aziroth witnessed another change in her expression as she finished her sentence, "But...a system losing its star in the night will bring everything into disarray. Pulling them out of orbit, planets lose their heat source, ending up drifting aimlessly into space. It really does reflect our life here, don't you think?"
"Eio.."
"When you...stopped talking to me. Became distant to me. To everyone, it was as if the star in my night sky was snuffed out in an instant. In that time, I didn't just lose you, I lost myself as well." Marlen looked away from Aziroth, attempting to speak of what it felt like formed a burning and heavy sensation in her chest. But she was not doing her best at hiding it. Aziroth could see tears swelling in her eyes.
"Eio- I..."
"I tried to reach out. Damn it, probably even try and cling onto you. You just pushed me and everyone away. In that time, I may have been healing, but it felt like my stitches and bandages were ripped open simultaneously..." This time, she was on the verge of crying. Her dam holding everything in was just about to break.
Without hesitation, Aziroth reached out to her and wrapped his arms around her body. Pulling her into his warm embrace. The sudden action shocked Marlen for a second, that was until Aziroth spoke, "I'm...sorry Eio....I'm so sorry..."
This was the final straw for her, as she latched onto him desperately as the dam in her eyes failed to hold back the tears. As it soaked into Aziroth's clothing, "Why did you leave me...!" She sobbed into his chest, "Y-You just...You just..."
His embrace towards Marlen never faltered a small bit, as he continued to whisper into her ears, "I'm so sorry Eio...I'm so...so sorry..." To his surprise, even he began to tear up.
"What happened?" Marlen asked as she pulled back a small bit, "Why did you just walk away from me?! Why did you abandon me?!"
"I..." Aziroth hesitated to answer her.
But her continuous questioning breaks his hesitation, "I hate when you do that! When you hold back against me! I want you to share it with me! Whatever it is that worries or pains you, share it with me...Please! Like how you did with me. I want to do the same to you!"
"W-Why? Why would you-"
"Cause I loved you for fuck sake! And I still love you now! There, you happy?!" Marlen and Aziroth is surprised that no one came to check up on all of the commotion, "I said it..."
Even though Aziroth had a small feeling that she liked him, he was still in for a surprise when she confessed to him. At the same time, it was as if weight was removed off his shoulder, and a few different ones were added. In his heart this time. And oh my god, did it hurt badly.
He can't hide it from her. Not anymore, with the motivation of her words, he pulled her closer, "Alright...I will show you..." Aziroth took a step back. Not too far away from her but far enough so that he can unbutton his dress shirt.
As he unbuttoned the bottom button, he pulled the left side of his shirt to the side. As Marlen took in what she saw, her eyes widened in shock as her hand covered her mouth, "What...Is that?"
Long, intricate, and bold jet-black markings had been engraved onto his delicate and toned body. It pulsed with unease, following the rhythm of Aziroth's breathing slowly, "This. Was a warning."
"A what?"
"A warning by something. Some unknown and fucked up being that engraved part of its essence onto my body. It gave me these abilities..." Aziroth held out his hand, as dark smoke piled up onto his fingers, as he showed off his power, the markings pulse became more prominent and even more bolder.
"My goodness..." Marlen's hand touched the marking on his body. It felt like the jagged scales of a dragon compared to Aziroth's smooth skin.
"And...It came with something else." Aziroth held her hand, "The reason...I left you all behind because they gave me a warning. Telling me that people I know and love, people I care about, will die. A lot of them. And...At first, I didn't believe it. But they forced me to see visions of other people's fate and deaths...and that got to me. It didn't help when one or two of them came true."
"Arlsen and Avanander..."
"My older siblings...yes...In the dungeon raid and village attack where they died, they suffered the same fate as I had foresaw before. The exact same cause, the exact same injuries, and the exact same pose after death." Aziroth's shuddered at remembering this. Just like Marlen, he was reopening a few wounds that he had healed, "I thought that...If I steered far away from those I care about, none of their fates would come to light. And them, and you will not suffer. Seeing it now, it's probably a dumb way of thinking...cause fate wills it. But, it appears that I have gone too far into the deep end. And I lost you. Enzo, Carmilo, and Yuri... Everyone."
Aziorth himself was about to cry, other people might have been surprised seeing the once quiet and serious kid breaking down at this moment, but not for Marlen, "I just...Didn't want you to be hurt...I wanted to protect you somehow...Because I-"
"Because...You love me as well?" Marlen leaped.
Aziroth took a second to process his feelings, before nodding, "Yes...Because I loved you. I loved you a lot. To the point where everywhere I go...Everything reminds me of you. Your smile. Your radiance. Anytime I see something interesting, in the back of my mind, I would think to myself, 'Eio would have loved this'... You live rent-free in my head. Even now, I can't stop thinking of you. You always cross my mind wherever I go. And-"
Marlen didn't let him finish his sentence before pulling him into a tight hug. Refusing to let go. Aziroth didn't fight back and instead reciprocated it. Hugging her back with the same ferocity and strength.
The two of them stood under the night stars. Neither of them dared to let go. In the sky, a small shine appeared from out of the blue. Before remaining a steadfast luminescent astral body in the canvas of space. Was it a new star? Or a new hope?
"I'm so...so sorry Eio...I shouldn't have done that to you. Compared to you, my-"
"Don't finish that sentence. It doesn't matter if my scars are deeper than yours. It's still a scar. This time, I don't want to stitch it close alone. I want to stitch it close with you by my side." Marlen looked up at Aziroth, "I'm scared Azzy...I don't want to march onwards in this cruel and hellish world without you by my side...I want to live my life with you. I know it may sound too optimistic but that's the only thing I want to do in this life...I want to stay by your side...And I want you to stay by mine..."
"I..."
"Please Azzy..." Her hand gently caressed his face, hoping that he would accept her proposal.
"Ok...Ok ok. I will. I will stay by your side."
Marlen pulled his face closer. To the point where it was inches away from her own, "Promise me..." She wiped the streaming tears from his face with her fingers.
He thought over his curse for a second. Pondering when it will catch up to Marlen. Sooner or later, it will. But it's best to spend as much time with her before it happens, "I promise you Eio..." Aziroth nodded. After saying those words, it was as if thousands of kilograms of weight had been lifted off his shoulders and heart, "I love you...My light of victory...I-"
Marlen didn't let him say another word before pulling his face closer to hers. All the way. Goosebumps slithered down both of their backs as they held each other close. It felt as if both of their faces were on fire while their lips were singing a different story.
They held each other close and firmly. Refusing to let go of their newfound love and their mended relationship. It was a heavy load that was lifted off both of their souls. Their spirits intertwined with each other as they shared their moment.
"I best get going then..."
Someone had been eavesdropping on both of them. Not with malicious intent, but to care for both of them. He straightened his headmaster pin on his robe before quietly moving away. Headmaster Avshino had always been the listener type. But he was also the eavesdropper type.
But after a long time, he felt a wave of relief wash over him with the mending of Aziroth's and Marlen's relationship. Signified by their kiss together, he could leave, happy. But he best not inform his parrots. They will share their secret across the school in less than twelve hours.
However, if this means that Aziroth's going to be more open now, with his friends, the team, the soldiers, Marlen, and even himself, he sees this as a win-win. More security force members, and a stronger relationship in one day.
"Fuck yes...Finally."
Before this chapter closes, I just want to thank the special someone for reading this story. You have motivated me to keep going. Happy late birthday. And enjoy my late birthday gift. And to my readers now and in the far future, thank you for reading my story. You bring my dreams closer to fruition. Have a great day/afternoon/evening everyone. Stay safe.