《A Hell Called Serestral》


 Chapter 1 - Welcome To... Hell?

    Aries Del Luna had been stabbed to death and was falling into endless nothingness.


    He had never feared darkness. At such a young age, he learned to embrace and befriend it. He felt so close with it that he even expected the devil to personally collect his sinful soul and swallow it whole right after he perished.


    A long time ago, he decided to offer his soul to the devil then lived the rest of his life like a shadow that thrived in the dark. He brought demise to a lot of people and now death had finally come to claim him.


    He deserved hell and yet it felt like he was not in the netherworld at all.


    As soon as he died, he was expecting to be chucked directly into the fires of hell. He should be suffering eternal torment and not just falling into bottomless darkness.


    Hell should be filled with ceaseless punishments and not just an infinite abyss..


    "ARIES!!!"


    A bitter smile curved on his lips when he heard that familiar sweet voice of a woman.


    At long last. His perpetual agony had begun.


    "ARIES!!! Wake up!!! You cannot die here!!! You have to save Sunrei!!!"


    Sunrei¡­


    Aries laughed to himself. That was the name of the man who killed him.


    And the only girl he cared about in his entire life was asking him to save the man who stabbed him to death.


    Not bad but he was expecting a more agonizing pain.


    "ARIES!!! PLEASE!!! WAKE UP!!!"


    He did sense a stinging pain in his chest, and he had to close his eyes when the darkness enclosing him was devoured by a blinding light.


    "Aries? Are you awake? Please, open your eyes¡­"


    He opened his heavy eyelids and pain shot all throughout his savagely beaten body. For a moment he could not move a muscle. His vision was foggy. And his head was throbbing more excruciatingly than the rest of his body.


    But after a few seconds, his vision cleared, and he was momentarily paralyzed by the pair of eyes that were gazing back at him.


    Those enchanting sapphire blue orbs that stared at him with worry were no doubt from Pieffer Celestine.


    But the hell''s version of her looked quite different.


    Her lashes were longer. Her dark brown and shoulder-length hair that was usually ponytailed became dark blue, waist-length, and had been beautifully braided. A sapphire rose pendant was dangling on a tiny golden lace around her neck. Her blouse and skinny jeans changed into a furry pink overcoat. Though the silver hilt was the same, instead of a sheathed knife, a tiny sword was hanging from her belt. Her sneakers had been replaced by a pair of knee-high boots with furs and silk laces. And despite the specks of dust and splatter of blood on her face, she still looked like royalty and not someone that had been brought up in an orphanage.


    "Aries, can you hear me? Can you see me? Can you recognize me?"


    "Pieffer¡­" he weakly muttered and he can finally move his body. "Are you truly¡­ Pieffer Celestine?"


    "Who else will I be?" she asked back with a smile despite her anxious gaze. "Can you help my brother?"


    She glanced at the man that looked a lot like Sunrei. He was no longer wearing dark brown contact lenses to hide his sapphire blue eyes. Like Pieffer, he was also wearing a furry overcoat that had been stained with dust and blood but it was crimson instead of pink. Underneath his furry overcoat was silver armor and instead of a knife, he was holding a sword.


    Sunrei was fighting an armored opponent that was holding a huge axe. His thin sword was surprisingly durable enough to remain in one piece despite the number of times it clashed against that enormous axe. His speed and strength had also improved because Aries was straining his eyes to see the movements of the men fighting in front of him.


    Sunrei was still moving as light as a feather but his resolve to land a killing blow had weakened and so was his confidence to win.


    There was a look of desperation in his eyes as he deflected, parried, and countered his opponent. He was frantically trying to shield Pieffer and Aries from the armored opponent.


    Aries wondered if hell was supposed to be like that. More confusing than agonizing.


    "Is this a test?" he noticed only then that he was also gripping a sword. It had a red hilt that looked like the horns of a ram. Its blade was also crimson and wider than the blade Sunrei was holding.


    The clothes he was wearing had also changed. His black overcoat had been replaced by red armor and carved on his chest plate was a ram''s head.


    He also felt something protruding from both sides of his forehead. He glanced up and saw that he had horns like that of a ram.


    What is this? Did I become the devil?!


    "Aries, what''s wrong?" Pieffer was staring at him with grave concern.


    "I don''t know," Aries honestly answered. He cannot lie to her. "Why are you here? This is hell. You should be in heaven."


    "Sunrei! I think Aries seriously damaged his head! We need to take him to a hospital!"


    "Why are you talking to him?" Aries was getting more confused. "He killed you."


    "Oh no¡­" the concern in her eyes turned into fear. "You should really see a doctor."


    "Leave!" Sunrei screamed at them right after he had pushed the enemy a few meters away. "I will follow you as soon as I''m done here."


    "No!" Pieffer stubbornly refused and got up on her feet. "We will leave here together!"


    Aries grabbed her hand and stopped her from running towards Sunrei. He was somehow surprised that he can touch her and feel her warmth. For some reason, he was expecting to touch a cold corpse or feel nothing at all.


    Though things were getting more confusing, he was also sensing a bit of relief.


    Pieffer felt real.


    He could not help but wonder if hell were being good to him because he had lived a life full of sins but then Sunrei was also there so he could not really tell if hell was being good or bad.


    "Sunrei might be your brother. But he doesn''t care about you. He will kill you, Pieffer," Aries seriously warned.


    "Stay here," she knelt in front of him. "My shield will protect you," she placed her palms on the ground and a dome of light enveloped Aries. "I will be back."


    Pieffer unsheathed her sword and rushed to assist her older brother.


    Aries was surprised at the harmony of their movements. Pieffer was providing good support for her sibling. Her light and graceful footwork was astonishing and though her stabs were not strong enough to land fatal blows, it was still good enough to graze the skin of their opponent and annoy him.


    But it was only mesmerizing to watch for a minute or two. After that, the irritated armored enemy released a stronger aura and his body, as well as his weapon, had been surrounded by a dark glowing smoke.


    "Die, Zodiac Knights!!!" the enemy bellowed as he ferociously and repeatedly slammed his enormous axe on the ground, causing intense tremors that made the siblings collapse on their knees.


    Zodiac Knights.


    Aries was uncertain if he heard the words correctly, but he could not ponder about it for a long time because Pieffer would die for the second time if he will not intervene.


    Test or not, he would not let her down. Not again.


    He gripped his sword tight and walked past the dome of light. But instead of passing through the shield, he had rebounded and slumped back to the ground. The shield would not let him out.


    Aries glanced at Pieffer. The ground underneath her was still shaking, preventing her from getting up on her feet. She had to block the axe with her tiny sword while on her knees.


    Sunrei, while also on his knees, helped his sister deflect the attack with the sword in his hands. But their arms were terribly shaking.


    Aries worried as he noticed cracks on their swords. He had to do something.


    He tightened the grip on the sword he was holding and smashed the shield covering him. He was grateful that it only took one slash to shatter. He hastily sprinted towards the enemy with his weapon raised. He had never held a weapon larger than a knife, but he was surprised at how easily he could carry that broad sword. It felt like he was still holding a tiny blade.


    Another good thing was that the opponent had an enormous weapon. Although he had felt Aries approaching, he could not easily swing the axe towards his direction.


    He successfully sliced through the armor of the enemy, slashed the right arm, and nearly severed it. The armored opponent had staggered and collapsed on his knees. Aries failed to see the expression of the enemy because a metallic mask was covering its face, but it was obvious from the uneven breathing of the armored foe that he was exhausted. He could no longer lift his axe with only one healthy arm left.


    "Leave," Sunrei coldly commanded at their opponent and it further confused Aries.


    The Sunrei he knew would never hesitate to kill an enemy.


    Is this hell''s idea of eternal torment? Or does hell want to test how evil I can be?


    "Leave," Aries muttered as he approached the armored enemy. "How can you let this devil leave?!"


    He swiftly raised his sword, pierced the chest plate of his foe, and stabbed him all the way through the heart. The enemy vomited blood then collapsed motionless on the ground as Aries pulled his sword away.


    "Aries!" Sunrei approached him with a worried look. "You should not have done that."


    "Why not?" Aries pointed the edge of his sword at the neck of Sunrei. "That devil nearly killed Pieffer. If you let him live, he will come again to kill her. Do you want your sister to die? Again? Does her death give you so much satisfaction that you want to see her die all over again?"


    "I will not die," Pieffer held his hand that was pointing a blade at Sunrei. "Not today and definitely not at their hands. You can put this down and we will take you to the hospital."


    "That devil will not die," Sunrei pointed at the dead armored enemy. The axe he was holding had slowly disintegrated and a black smoke came out of his bloody mouth. "The vessel will die but not the soul that had taken over the body."


    "What¡­"


    Aries failed to finish his question as the back of his neck had been hit by a blunt object.


    His vision blurred and he collapsed in the arms of Pieffer.


    "Sorry, Aries," he heard from Sunrei and the concern in his voice was maddening. Aries wanted to stab him repeatedly but he was too weak to lift his eyelids. "We have to bring you to the hospital."


    Fine, Hell. Do what you want. I will kill him when I wake up¡­


    ^##################^

 Chapter 2 - Life Before Hell

    Aries was on his one hundred and twentieth kill. Though he had killed more than that, he could only count the head of his main target.


    At the age of nineteen, he had been killing people without feeling a bit of sympathy towards any of them. The death of others was survival for him.


    He wanted to continue his existence and he wanted to live it in luxury.


    He had been an assassin for ten years. He climbed from the lowliest spot to the second seat of the elite twelve. And he was holding on to that seat for three years.


    He would not allow anyone to take that seat from him.


    He was only twenty-nine and he was hoping to kill more and earn more until he could retire and roam the world with all the money he had earned..


    For each of his targets, he would prepare for at least a month to make sure that his first attempt would be a success.


    Dusk was his ally. He can move through the shadows as if he were one with it. Once he entered the perimeter of his target''s haven, everyone inside that entire area will certainly die within an hour.


    Before his enemies could notice his presence, they were already dropping dead and he had finally slit the neck of his main target within less than an hour.


    "Oh. I guess I was late again."


    Aries glanced at the door and saw a beautiful woman standing there. Countless thoughts and confusing emotions had raged within him but in the end, all that was left in him was anger.


    But he did not allow that to show. He had to calm down and kill that nuisance.


    The room was dark. He had easily merged with the shadows and concealed his presence from the strange woman.


    It was unusual for him to see that someone with a sweet voice and harmless sapphire blue eyes could stay calm after discovering that she was with an assassin that slaughtered everyone in that vacation house.


    Even after hiding himself in the shadows, the woman remained calm.


    "If you didn''t kill that man, I would have," she raised her right hand that was gripping a knife.


    It was no ordinary blade because the silver hilt had an intricate design. A rose with three leaves.


    "I guess I should thank you," the woman tucked the knife back at the sheath dangling at the belt underneath her navy-blue overcoat. "What do you want?"


    Aries reappeared in front of the strange woman and pointed a knife at her throat. The blade was so close to her skin that it had been lightly pierced but she did not look scared. She did not even take a step backward. She appeared calmer than a nun.


    "Who are you?" Aries asked as the blue-eyed woman intrigued him.


    "Pieffer Celestine," she reached out her hand to him for a handshake. "And you are?"


    Aries slashed the knife at the throat of the woman, but he failed to kill her because he hesitated, and the woman took advantage of that. She swiftly and quietly concealed herself within the shadows.


    "That''s unfair of you," the woman said as she reappeared at the right side of Aries and grabbed his wrist. "Tell me your name."


    It was more of a command than a request. Aries felt compelled to obey.


    "Aries¡­ Del Luna¡­" he answered while wondering how that woman managed to sneak beside him unnoticed and easily asked him to spit out his name. He could not even pull his hand away from her grip. It was like he had completely fallen under her peculiar charm.


    "Nice to meet you, Aries," Pieffer smiled and gripped his hand for a handshake. "Maybe we should talk somewhere¡­ less bloody?"


    ^##############^


    For an assassin like Aries, emotion was a hindrance. He had abandoned all his emotions when he decided to become a killer.


    But with only a single night and with that bizarre encounter, his life had changed, and he had become powerless to stop it.


    "Stop coming here," Aries came home from another mission and found Pieffer sitting comfortably on the couch while watching a series.


    "If you don''t want me to come, you would have changed your passcode by now," Pieffer turned down the volume and walked over to him. "You would not have taken me here in the first place and allowed me to see your passcode."


    "Stop," Aries raised a knife and pointed it at the throat of the blue-eyed woman.


    "Enough with the threats," Pieffer lightly touched his weapon hand and pushed it away from her throat. "If you wanted to kill me, you would have done it that night."


    "Who sent you to spy on me?" Aries sheathed his knife and walked towards the kitchen.


    "You know the answer to that," Pieffer took a seat around the dining table. Her eyes were always on Aries, but it was not that uncomfortable. Even the smile on her face was not bothering him at all.


    He wanted to put his guard up whenever that peculiar woman was around, but he kept on forgetting about it after a while. It must be because he had run a background check on her and found nothing to be worried about.


    She had been raised in an orphanage and had to work hard all her life just to earn a college degree. She acquired a job at a cruise ship and traveled around the world because of it. She had a few acquaintances but no close friends or even long-distance relatives. She was all alone. Just like Aries.


    "I''m here for two reasons," she finally said while peeling an orange that she had taken from the fruit bowl in the middle of the dining table. "First, I think I like you."


    Aries glared at her which she only ignored and went on saying, "Second, I want you to help me find my older brother."


    Aries slammed his sheathed knife at the dining table and reminded the strange woman, "I am an assassin. I kill people."


    "I think my brother is also an assassin like you."


    "I don''t care," Aries grabbed his knife and took an apple from the fruit basket. "I will not help. Leave and make sure you are not followed."


    "I will follow you until you help me out," Pieffer seriously declared before leaving his house.


    ^################^


    Pieffer Celestine did follow him in his every mission and Aries was only learning about it after he had killed his last target. It was always like the first time they met.


    He had to admit that the strange woman was better at him in hiding under the shadows. It was like her portal to wherever she wanted to go.


    And because of that, Aries started paying attention to the shadows around him, particularly when he was using the comfort room at his house.


    Unfortunately, he could not sleep well while a single light was on. He eventually had to turn it off.


    And in one of those lightless nights, he had been awakened by a slight movement at the edge of his bed.


    Aries bolted up from his bed with a knife in his hand.


    "Did I frighten you?" Pieffer laughed softly.


    He quickly recognized her as his eyes adjusted against the darkness around him.


    The peculiar woman was sitting at the edge of his bed.


    "What are you?" Aries finally asked and followed it up with a ridiculous question. "Are you¡­ passing through the shadows?"


    "I will tell you my secrets if you help me in finding my brother."


    They exchanged serious glances for a few minutes.


    "Answer all my questions and stop following me then I will help you find your brother."


    "I have to see your willingness in helping me before I tell you my secrets and I will tone down my stalking, but I will not stop until we find my brother."


    "Why are you thinking that your brother is an assassin?" Aries lowered his knife and opened the lamp at the bedside table.


    Pieffer pulled the sheathed knife from her belt and tossed it at Aries.


    "My brother gave me that knife before he left the orphanage," there was a sad reminiscent smile on her face as she said those words. "He told me not to look for him because he will live a life that is totally different from mine."


    "Then don''t look for him," Aries tossed the knife back at Pieffer who only rolled her eyes and lay down on the bed beside him.


    "What are you doing?" he was glaring at the strange woman who only gave him a sweet smile.


    A sweet smile that he would be remembering even in his afterlife.


    "Are you going to stare at me until the sun rises? Or will you ask all the questions you wanted to ask?"


    Aries cleared his throat and said, "If he already told you not to look for him, then just listen. Stop looking for him."


    Pieffer rested her head on the pillow and stared at him with a smile as she said, "If I am the obedient type, do you think I will still be here?"


    "I don''t think I will be asking questions for now," Aries pointed at the closed door using the sheathed knife in his hand. "Leave. Let''s talk after I get some sleep."


    "You will help me, right?" Pieffer eagerly asked.


    He glared at her and asked, "Don''t you want to?"


    Pieffer hopped excitedly off the bed and marched towards the door. "I''ll see you tomorrow. Good Night, Aries," she winked at him before leaving the room.


    She truly was an odd woman.


    But Aries liked her so much.


    He should not have agreed in helping her search for her brother.


    Everything had been ruined when they did find him.


    Everything had ended.


    Her brother, Sunrei, had killed Aries and Pieffer.


    Yet even in her death, Pieffer was smiling so kindly at Aries.


    How can she smile like that at the person who had killed her?


    Yes. That was correct. Sunrei was not the only one who had killed her.


    I, Aries Del Luna, had stabbed her.


    I killed Pieffer.


    ^########^

 Chapter 3 - Confusing Hell

    Aries woke up from a long dream that eventually ended in a nightmare. He squinted as strong light from an open window overwhelmed his eyes. He was not expecting that hell would let him sleep and allow his wounds to recover.


    When his eyes had adjusted against the daylight passing through the window, he scanned his surroundings and realized that he was in a room that appeared somewhat old-fashioned, like it was part of an ancient structure.


    Red draperies were tied neatly at the wooden vertical columns on each corner of the bed. Another set of curtains, white in color, was hanging on each side of the open window. The armor and sheathed sword he had used before he fainted had been polished and placed over the table next to the bed.


    He noticed only then that he was wearing red silk pants. His torso was covered with bandages. He also felt a patch of bandages at the back of his head.


    He looked up and touched the side of his forehead.. No horns were sticking out of there and he only realized at that time that his black and clean-cut hair had become brownish red and was long enough to fall neatly past his shoulders.


    The scars in his body seemed to change position and multiply.


    He felt like himself, yet his body was a little strange to his senses as if it were not his own. He quietly moved out of the bed and looked for a mirror. He found one inside the bathroom just within that room.


    He gazed at his reflection with more confusion. His face looked the same, but his pupils became crimson in color. He was not wearing contacts. He would notice it immediately because he hated wearing those.


    He glanced at the bathtub that looked similar to the one he was using at his house. There were faucets around it but no shower. A large bucket filled with water was standing between the tub and the toilet.


    He opened the faucet that releases warm water and filled the tub. He was removing his bandages when he heard Pieffer calling his name.


    "Aries?"


    He suddenly stopped removing his bandages, closed the faucet, and rushed out of the bathroom.


    "Pieffer?"


    The woman pacing around the room was the Pieffer he had seen before he fainted. She was wearing the same dress, but it had been cleaned of blood and dirt.


    "Why are you looking at me as if you don''t know me?" the concern in her eyes seemed sincere but it had given Aries more confusion than satisfaction.


    Aries had to remind himself that he was dead and that was hell. The devil was certainly playing with his mind.


    "Stop using her face," he grimly advised the woman in front of him. "Pieffer is dead, but her soul will never go to hell!" he grabbed the sword from the bedside table, unsheathed it, then pointed the blade at the neck of the demon pretending to be Pieffer. "Come on, you devil! I expected a lot of agonizing torture from you! But what is this?! I can''t believe that you prepared such a lame role-playing game to punish me!" he thought about grabbing piercing her neck but refrained from it with more confusion.


    The demon was staring back at her without fear or judgement. Just like how Pieffer looked at him the first time they met. Instead of stepping away from the blade, she surrounded her body with a faint translucent light that was similar to the shield she had recently used to protect Aries.


    She is not Pieffer! Aries reminded himself. All I am seeing is the devil''s work!


    And yet¡­ why can''t I kill her?


    "You''re right," Pieffer was staring seriously at him. "We died. But we are not in hell," she carefully touched the blade pointed at her neck and gently pushed it away. "This is a trial for redemption. Both heaven and hell agreed on this. If we successfully save this world, we will be given permission to enter heaven. Let''s not waste more time, Aries," she gently touched his weapon hand then pulled a bracelet from the pocket of her overcoat.


    It had a pendant that was shaped like a lion''s head.


    "Let''s go," but before Pieffer could make another move, Aries grabbed her hand back and asked her an important question.


    "If you are truly Pieffer, tell me about the first time we met."


    "I can''t remember my life before I died," Pieffer honestly answered. "I had been given new memories. About this world. It is to help us in this trial. Forgive me, Aries. I want to tell you more things about this world we are in. But we need to hurry. We need to save Sunrei."


    "Why will I save him?" Aries tried to pull away from her grip but could not. It was like the Pieffer he had known. She had this strange ability to weaken him by her touch. "He killed us."


    "This is trial for redemption," Pieffer reminded him. "All of us in this world had been given a chance to be redeemed. He is my brother. I should save him. But I cannot do it alone. I need your help, Aries. And whether you like it or not, we will save him," she tossed the bracelet on the carpeted floor and smashed the pendant with her silver boots.


    As soon as the ornament shattered, it emitted a blinding light that swallowed everything around him. When it vanished, he found himself inside a dimly lit room without any furniture aside from a single-sized bed and a bedside table with a glowing lamp over it.


    Pieffer and Sunrei were pinned on the wall by knives on each of their shoulders. Their feet were a few inches above the wooden floor. Their overcoats were drenched in blood. Their eyes were half-closed but they were still alive.


    "Don''t worry. You will die before they do," another armored demon attacked Aries.


    It certainly was a different enemy, but Aries can still sense a huge similarity. The armor had changed. The build was smaller, but the axe was the same and even the movements of the enemy.


    Aries had easily predicted the next move of his foe that he smoothly dodged and countered it. He swiftly slashed his sword at the right arm of the enemy, piercing the armor and making the opponent bleed.


    The armored foe was already bleeding before Aries attacked. The doppelganger siblings must have fought hard before the enemy managed to pin them against the wall.


    But what confused Aries was the Pieffer that brought her to that place.


    How many Pieffer does this world have?


    He had to push that thought aside and focus on the armored enemy that was relentlessly attacking him. He had to finish that fight first.


    He had been pulled to that place with only bandages on his torso, sleeping pants, and a broad sword in his right hand. He would instantly die for the second time if that huge axe hit him.


    While focusing his attention on the weapon of his enemy, he sensed something warm rising from within him. His sword glowed red, and horns protruded from both sides of his forehead.


    His senses had sharpened, and he could see the enemy moving at a slower speed. Deflecting attacks had been easier and he was able to slash his sword repeatedly against the opponent until he shattered the armor and stabbed the foe right through the heart.


    "If you are that happy to die in my hands, I will gladly stab you to death every time you come back," Aries flashed a deadly smile as the enemy dropped dead on the cemented floor. And like the last time, a black smoke seeped out of its mouth and floated out of the house.


    Aries slashed it with his sword, but the smoke was not vanquished and only kept on drifting away.


    "I will wait for your return!" he promised to the drifting smoke before turning towards the doppelganger siblings. "Trial of redemption¡­" those words felt like a huge lie to him. "Are we worth saving?" he raised his blood-covered sword and aimed it at Sunrei who also pointed a weapon in his direction. "Right. We don''t. Let''s just kill each other again."


    Sunrei, though in great pain and struggling to keep his aim steady, had thrown his weapon first. Aries was about to dodge but he noticed that the trajectory of the sword was already off. It flew past his left horn and hit something metallic not far from behind him. He quickly turned around and saw that the door had been opened. Another armored man was standing at the entrance. His forehead had been struck by the sword that Sunrei had thrown. But before it hit the armored man, it shattered the blade that was aimed towards Aries. The broken pieces of the dagger dropped on the floor and left Aries more furious.


    "Stop pretending!" he turned away from the drifting black smoke and glared angrily at Sunrei. "You and I will never be forgiven! I will never forgive you!!!"


    Aries raised his weapon but before he could pierce the heart of Sunrei, his blade had been seized by the bare hands of Pieffer. She had freed herself from the wall and removing the knife from her shoulders caused her wounds to bleed profusely. Yet she was holding the blade as firmly as she could. She was not concerned about bleeding to death.


    "Aries¡­ please¡­ hear us¡­ out¡­" she collapsed on her knees, but her grip remained on the blade. "Please¡­ Aries¡­"


    His grip on the hilt of the sword trembled with fury.


    It would have been easier to ignore everything if he never had that conversation with Pieffer.


    She was dead. If heaven truly exists, her soul should be in there.


    Sunrei, a sinful soul as he was, should be facing his own eternal torment.


    The doppelganger siblings had only been created by hell to make him suffer.


    It was all part of his punishment.


    It should be like that.


    After all the bad things he did, how can he be given a chance to be redeemed?


    He should rot in hell.


    Aries closed his eyes and lowered his sword as he cursed both heaven and hell.


    "Thank you¡­ Aries¡­" Pieffer weakly smiled before fainting.


    Aries caught her and placed her carefully over his left shoulder. He also caught Sunrei on his right shoulder after the latter had freed himself from the wall.


    "Where is the hospital?" Aries asked Sunrei that was barely holding on to his consciousness.


    ^##################^

 Chapter 4 - Body Thief

    "Your house healers¡­ can heal us¡­" Sunrei gave Aries a couple of bracelets with various ornaments.


    The woven lace was similar to the one that Pieffer had used to bring him at that place but the decoration dangling on each of the bracelet were different. Aside from the ones with a lion ornament, there were also some laces with pendants shaped like pear, rose, scorpion, fish, bull, jar, and ram.


    He grabbed the one with a ram''s head pendant and showed it at Sunrei, "Is this the one?"


    But Sunrei had already lost his consciousness and could not give him an answer.


    Damn you, Sunrei!


    He dropped the unconscious man on the floor then carefully placed Pieffer on the bed so that he could check the pocket of her overcoat.


    He immediately found the bracelets and it was the same set as to the ones Sunrei had given him. But Aries could only put his faith in Pieffer.


    He pocketed all the bracelets except for the one with a ram''s head pendant then he carried Pieffer back on his left shoulder then grabbed Sunrei from the floor and put him on his other shoulder..


    Ram''s head because of these horns.


    He glanced up at the ram''s horns sticking out from the sides of his head. They looked similar to the horns on the pendant.


    I hope this is the right choice.


    "So, it is true. You are still alive."


    The voice came from a man that entered the already opened entrance. He was a tall and lean man. Maybe a few inches taller than Aries. He had his long dark blue hair neatly ponytailed at the back of his head. He was wearing a dark blue overcoat, pants with the same color, and black knee-length boots. His eyes also had a dark shade of blue and dangerously glaring at Aries.


    "How many times do I have to kill you, Aries Del Luna?"


    At the right hand of the dangerous man, a sword with a golden blade had materialized. It had a hilt that looked like the sun with six rays.


    "Who are you?" Aries should have shattered the bracelet by that time, but curiosity got the best of him.


    "You will recognize me after I return to my true body," the dangerous man shifted his gaze towards Sunrei and stared as if he wanted to devour the unconscious man. "Give him to me."


    "This is your true body?" Aries curiously asked. "Are you insane?"


    "This is Demise," the dangerous man raised his golden sword and pointed it at Aries. "Only I can wield this."


    "You must have gone crazy," Aries was about to throw the bracelet at the ground but stopped when the golden blade suddenly touched the skin of his neck.


    "It must be true. You had forgotten everything," a wicked smile curved on his lips when he said, "Or¡­ like me and that man you think is Sunrei, you are also a body thief?"


    "I don''t know what you are talking about," Aries quickly took a step backward and hurled Sunrei at the dangerous man.


    It must be true that the newly-arrived stranger desperately wanted to take Pieffer''s sibling because he quickly dropped his golden sword just to catch Sunrei.


    Aries took that opportunity to shatter the pendant at the floor and disappear at that dangerous place together with Pieffer.


    When the blinding light that swallowed him had faded, Aries found himself in a familiar place. That was the same room where he had awakened earlier. Pieffer was still in his shoulder. She did not vanish like what happened earlier.


    Breaking the ram''s head pendant must be the right choice.


    As soon as Aries placed Pieffer at the bed, a door opened and a young man in a white overcoat had entered.


    "Sir Aries!" the man bowed low in front of him and went on speaking, "I rushed in here as soon as I saw a blinding light from your window."


    "Are you a doctor?"


    The young man lifted his head and looked a little taken aback at his question then tears filled his eyes as he answered, "Yes, Sir Aries!"


    "Can you heal Pieffer?"


    The young man nodded, wiped the tears in his eyes, and walked towards the bed where Pieffer was lying. She was still unconscious. Sweat covered her face and her forehead creased with pain.


    The young man in white overcoat placed his palms over her wounds. After a few seconds, those palms emitted a faint green light that magically mended the stab wounds of Pieffer. And within five minutes, her shoulders looked as if it had not been scathed at all.


    Aries wondered why Pieffer had been fully mended while his torso was still covered by bandages.


    "Sir Aries, should we try to heal your wounds again?" the healer turned to him as if his thoughts had been heard.


    "No," Aries shook his head. "My wounds will heal in time. How about Pieffer? Will she be okay?"


    "Yes, Sir Aries," the young man bowed to him once more. "I will take my leave. You can call me if you are hurting somewhere. I will try my best to heal it."


    "What is your name?"


    "Paolo!" the young man cried then sprinted out of the room.


    "What is wrong with him?" Aries wondered then leaned on the bedside table with a lingering feeling of discomfort.


    And to make it worse, he heard Pieffer whispering in her sleep.


    Sunrei¡­ brother¡­ please¡­ don''t leave¡­


    Then he remembered what Pieffer had told him earlier.


    ''This is trial for redemption. All of us in this world had been given a chance to be redeemed. He is my brother. I should save him. But I cannot do it alone. I need your help, Aries.''


    ''I need your help, Aries.''


    Her voice echoed annoyingly within his mind.


    "Why do I have to help him?" Aries asked out loud as he reached for the bracelets in his pocket.


    He picked the one with the lion''s head.


    "I don''t think that Sunrei and I should ever be forgiven," Aries tossed the bracelet on the floor and grabbed another bracelet from his pocket. The one with the ram''s head. He gripped it tight and glanced at Pieffer. "But if the only way to save your soul is to pass this trial of redemption, then I will do whatever it takes to save everyone in this world," he stepped on the lion''s head pendant and he was instantly transported back to that ominous house where he had left Sunrei.


    Fortunately for Aries, Sunrei and the dangerous man were still in the room. They were wrestling against each other. The dangerous man had the upper hand because Sunrei was already gravely wounded. The former was continuously punching the latter on the face while furiously screaming.


    "Return my body!!!"


    "This is my body!!!" Sunrei yelled back.


    Both were so focused with each other that they failed to notice the blinding light that brought back Aries.


    Though confused, Aries grabbed the Sunrei that Pieffer wanted to save and kicked the dangerous man away.


    "Find another body," he told the dangerous man rolling on the floor before he shattered another ram''s head pendant with his boots.


    Aries dropped Sunrei on the couch as soon as the blinding light that transported them back to safety had vanished.


    "I thought you were unconscious," Aries sat on the windowsill while glaring suspiciously at Sunrei.


    "I was. But when that man tried to push me out of... out of my body¡­ I woke up," Sunrei leaned on the backrest with his eyes closed.


    "Sir Aries!" Paolo entered the room and quickly understood what he had to do. He healed Sunrei then asked, "Should I tell Miko to come here?"


    "No need," Sunrei answered. "Thank you for healing me, Paolo."


    "It is my pleasure to serve you, Crown Prince Sunrei!" Paolo politely replied before leaving the room.


    "That man who is claiming this body¡­"


    "I don''t care who he is," Aries had quickly interrupted. "Pieffer wants to save you. That is the only reason why I rescued you. If she believes that you are her brother, then stay in that body and continue being her brother. If that man returns, then I will kill him."


    "Who are you talking about?" Pieffer quietly asked as she sat up.


    "Just sleep there," Aries said. "I can sleep anywhere."


    "Thank you," Pieffer smiled then asked again, "Who will you kill?"


    "Merrick," Sunrei answered, surprising Pieffer.


    "You remembered Merrick?" there was a flicker of hope in her eyes that instantly died as soon as Aries replied.


    "No."


    "He showed up in the House of the Lion," Sunrei explained.


    "Again? He nearly died the last time he came with us," Pieffer seemed to be worrying about that dangerous man.


    "Before we talk about that strange man, I want you to answer some of my questions first," Aries interrupted the siblings and seriously gazed at Pieffer.


    "Is it about how I brought you from this room to that house?"


    "You were with me and then you were pinned on the wall."


    "That is one of her abilities that she cannot fully control as of the moment," Sunrei answered and Pieffer blushed in embarrassment.


    "I''m sorry for dragging you in that place without an explanation," Pieffer blushed further with shame. "It''s just that¡­"


    "It''s okay. You don''t have to tell me your reason. I only want to know how many Pieffer are in this world," Aries glanced back at Sunrei as he suddenly changed his mind about that dangerous man. He had this feeling that he should know more about that person. "Merrick called you a body thief. Is that true?"


    "He said that?" Pieffer seemed frightened. "Is he possessed? You are Sunrei. You own that body."


    "He is wielding a golden sword named Demise," Aries seriously added, silencing the siblings.


    It appeared that they knew what that sword meant.


    "No," Pieffer shook her head and clenched her fist against the bedsheet. "You are my brother. Stay in that body. That is also what Father wants."


    Sunrei was not saying anything. But the guilt in his eyes while he was staring at the fireplace revealed everything that Aries had to know.


    "You said that this is a trial to redeem our souls," Aries reminded Pieffer.


    "Trial?" Sunrei glanced at his younger sister with confusion.


    Pieffer closed her eyes then sighed.


    "Give me the remaining bracelets," Pieffer moved out of the bed and reached out her upturned palm to Aries.


    "Where are we going?" Aries asked while taking all the bracelets from the pocket of his pants.


    "You will know once we get there," Pieffer grabbed the bracelets from Aries then walked towards the cabinet.


    She took three overcoats from the furniture. She handed the crimson one to Aries, black to Sunrei, then she replaced the white overcoat she was wearing with the pink one in her hands.


    "Let''s go," she pocketed the bracelets aside from the one with a rose ornament then seized Aries and Sunrei by their hands before shattering the pendant.


    ^###########^

 Chapter 5 - Hell Called Serestral

    Pieffer brought Aries and Sunrei to the highest tower of an enormous blue castle atop a snow-covered mountain. There was a flag in that tower that had a woven blue rose emblem on it. From there they can see almost everything that surrounds that fortress.


    "Aries, you are not dead," Pieffer held his hand and led him towards the stone railings.


    The sun was high up in the clear blue sky. Aries realized only then that from the house where they had encountered strange enemies, he could not see any light from outside the windows and even from the entrance of the house. It appeared that the place was covered with dark skies. Aries could see dark skies covering most parts of that kingdom.


    "This is Serestral," Pieffer tugged at his sleeve and pointed downwards.


    Amidst the clouds, Aries could glimpse immense stone walls surrounding that fortress. Past the walls were big and small houses then walls again.. He counted twelve sets of walls separating groups of houses. Then past those walls and around what Pieffer called Serestral was boundless desert.


    "You are Aries Del Luna," Pieffer seriously stared at him. "You are a knight and House of Ram is your land. You protect it and this castle as well. This is the only place where you can teleport using that bracelet with a blue rose pendant," Pieffer went on. "You''ve met one of the triplet''s healer. One is stationed at your house while the other two are stationed here at the castle. It is father''s idea because the three of us are always getting seriously injured," she smiled and reached out a hand at Aries as if offering a handshake.


    Aries took it.


    "I am Pieffer Celestine, princess of Serestral," she introduced with a wider smile. "Sunrei is my older brother and the crown prince. My father is King Astra Celestine. His presence in this castle provides an impenetrable shield. You can only enter with his permission. This is the only area where he allows the Zodiac Knights to enter and leave using that special bracelet," Pieffer reached past the railings, but her finger rebounded at some unseen barrier. "Even for us. This is the only entrance and exit."


    Aries remembered the boss of Zodiac Assassins. He was also that cautious. Only a few people could meet him. Aries met him twice but he could not see the face of his boss on both occasions because the rooms where they talked were poorly illuminated. His boss must have hated lights.


    "Our enemies are the undying souls of Celestial Knights," Pieffer looked up at the sky with a sad smile. "Hundreds of years ago, they were our allies. They served Serestral side by side with Zodiac Knights. But they revolted when the founder of Zodiac Knights had been chosen as the next king of Serestral. They had been driven out of Serestral, but they refused to leave this kingdom in peace and had been killed. But their grudge was too powerful that even death cannot claim them. They can only accept death once Serestral had fallen."


    How can I be different from those Celestial Knights? I had nearly given Sunrei to the enemies because I hated him that much. How can I be given a chance to be redeemed but not them? It seems... unfair...


    "Zodiac Knights protected their land for hundreds of years," Aries wanted to cover his ears and stopped listening, but he did not want to offend Pieffer.


    "They were strong enough to resist the corrupted souls of Celestial Knights. But everyone gets tired. With the passing of years, Zodiac Knights had weakened, and the corrupted souls finally found a way to get to them. Out of twelve, only five Zodiac Knights remained strong against the corrupted souls. House of Ram, House of Scorpion, House of Bull, House of Fish, House of Pitcher. They are the territories surrounding the castle. Fish are the territory before the Scorpion.


    "Twelve Houses surrounds the Serestral Castle," Pieffer pointed beyond the walls of the castle. This is the North. Your land is nearest to the castle. Past your land is the House of Lion. And next to the house of Lion is the House of Archer. Both had fallen into the corrupted souls.


    "On the South, two territories assist each other in resisting the corrupted souls. The House of Scorpion and the House of Fish. The House of Crab had fallen to the enemy.


    "House of Bull is the only remaining territory on the West. The House of Maiden and the House of Goat had been conquered.


    "On the East, The House of Pitcher is the only house fighting against our enemy. The House of Twins and the House of Scale had already been defeated.


    "But the leaders of the houses that had been defeated should be alive somewhere in their land. Father said that if the leader was rendered incapable, it will be passed on to another person that is more capable."


    "They are already defeated. Does that mean they are incapable and had been replaced?" Aries curiously asked.


    "If that is what already happened, we just need to find their replacement," Pieffer smiled.


    "How?" Aries frowned.


    "They are special. They will stand out. We will find them no matter what happens," Pieffer positively stated.


    "Really?" Aries doubted.


    "You have horns. Only the leader of the House of Ram can possess that horn," the smile on her face widened. She seemed to be enjoying his ignorance. "And the scarlet sword you are using is special. Only you can use that."


    "Wait," he suddenly remembered something. "I nearly died, right? I had been defeated. Can we really win against our enemies? They cannot even die. They just keep on finding new vessels."


    "Once we find the house leaders, we can reinstate the shield on their houses, and it will strengthen the shield protecting the entirety of Serestral. Though we can never kill our enemies, we can drive them out of here."


    "No. We need to find a way to kill them for good."


    "Tauren and Quaria are already looking for ways to kill them," Sunrei was sitting on the railings. His conscience seemed to have lightened up a bit after taking in some refreshing cold air. "We should focus on finding the remaining house leaders."


    "I want to know first how the enemy nearly killed us. I want to prevent it from happening again," Aries was glaring suspiciously at Sunrei when he asked. "Did you betray us?"


    "Aries!"


    "Let him be, Pieffer," the regret showing in the eyes of Sunrei was making Aries furious. "Somehow that is true. I terribly messed up that time and it caused Aries to lose his memories. I should not have brought Merrick with me."


    "It''s getting cold," Pieffer said before Aries could ask a question. "Let''s return to your house."


    ^#################^

 Chapter 6 - Hell Is Winning

    "Merrick?" Aries asked as he settled on the bed on the other side of the room.


    Pieffer sat on the couch in front of the fireplace. There was sadness in her eyes as she stared at her brother.


    "Merrick is Tauren''s cousin," Sunrei answered. "He has this arrogance that turns people off. You and Pieffer do not want to be close to him. But he eventually became my friend.".


    Of course, birds of the same feather flock together, Aries refrained from saying that out loud.


    "Sunrei is the only one who can tolerate that man''s arrogance," Pieffer commented with a teasing smile. "Or should I say that he becomes so tamed when you are with him?"


    Who cannot be tamed by the devil himself? Aries glared at Sunrei.


    "He is trying," the older brother reasoned with a sigh. "And because of that, I decided to befriend him. He always wanted to stick beside me but you," he smiled at Aries then shook his head, "You and Pieffer were always finding reasons to exclude him from our little adventures. Even when we were given this task to look for the house leaders, the two of you petitioned to His Highness that the three of us will be enough to fulfill the mission. I should have listened to you," Sunrei guiltily sighed. "But because he terribly wants to go with us, I gave him permission to follow us secretly," he felt so ashamed and had to cover his face with his palms, "I should not have done that. It was because he had left the House of Bull that he had been possessed by a corrupted soul. I should not have stopped you, Aries, from killing him. It was because of my foolishness that the enemy had stabbed you in the chest and hit you in the head."


    "You tried to shield Aries," Pieffer said. "That is why you had also been hit in the head and nearly died."


    "Is Merrick that armored man I stabbed in the heart?"


    "No," Pieffer said. "You only knocked him out and forced the corrupted soul to leave his body, but you had also been hit in the head and stabbed in the chest. I''m still new at healing people and could not close all your fatal wounds but I managed to bring back your heartbeat. I also healed Sunrei and while he was waiting for you to come around, I transported Merrick back to the House of Bull. When I returned, Sunrei is busy fighting off the armored man and you were slowly regaining consciousness."


    "Will Merrick show up again and make things hard for us?" Aries glared at Sunrei.


    "Right now, he cannot walk," Sunrei answered and the look of guilt in his eyes was unbelievable. "I told Tauren to forbid him from leaving the House of Bull. What happened last time will not happen again. I promise."


    "Promises are made to be broken," Aries got on his feet. "We should head out to the House of Lion before Merrick can walk and disrupt our mission."


    "Let''s go," Pieffer bolted upright and reached out her hands towards Sunrei and Aries.


    As soon as both men grabbed her hands, she instantly shattered another pear-shaped bracelet and they had been swallowed by a blinding light.


    ^#######################^


    The transport bracelet brought them to the room where he had awakened. According to Pieffer it was his room and that was in the House of Ram.


    "That transport bracelet can teleport anywhere?" Aries asked as he put his sword back to its sheath over the bedside table.


    "You see that pear-shaped design at the middle?" Pieffer pointed on the chandelier just above her and Sunrei. It was crimson in color and as big as a bulb. It had the same color as the pear-shaped ornament that Pieffer had shattered.


    Aries recalled the color of the ornament that transported them to the castle. It was also blue but darker.


    "The bracelets are color-coded?"


    "Yes," Pieffer answered and raised her hand. She was wearing the same color of ornament he had given Aries. "The bracelets and chandeliers are Tauren''s latest invention."


    "I kept hearing his name. Who is this Tauren?"


    "Tauren is the Leader of House Bull. He spends most of his time creating things with his talent and magic. He keeps his land safe with his magnificent inventions. You will eventually meet him. He comes out of his laboratory once in a while and visits us."


    "But I guess you will meet Siorre and Pines first," Sunrei grabbed the doorknob. "Siorre leads the House of Scorpion while Pines leads the House of Fish."


    "Quaria who lead the House of Pitcher also visits us, but she is as busy as Tauren," Pieffer opened a cabinet and pulled a crimson overcoat. "Quaria loves to read books and conduct endless research. She helps Tauren in his inventions," she handed the overcoat to Sunrei and said, "Change your clothes first."


    "This will only get dirty," he said after replacing the one he was wearing. "Let''s go?"


    "Let''s eat first," Pieffer looked excited when she hopped outside the room. "Aries, you have an incredible cook. Miko is his name."


    After passing long hallways and descending a few staircases, they finally reached the dining area. A mouth-watering aroma was floating all over the room that was twice as big as his chamber. Open windows lined on one side of the wall. Lamps were sticking out on the other side. At the center of the room was a long table. That was where the mouth-watering aroma was coming. Long benches lined on each side of the table. Only three of them were eating but the food can probably feed twenty or more people.


    "Sir Aries!!!" a muscular man wearing purple and body fit clothing was running towards him with arms wide open.


    Aries quickly bent his knees and evaded being crushed to death by those big arms. He closed his right fist and aimed at the head of the muscular man whose eyes had widened with fear.


    "Aries!" Sunrei caught his fist and pulled it away from the muscular man. "This is Miko. Your cook. This is how he greets people."


    Pieffer put an arm around Miko''s shoulders and led him towards one of the benches.


    "Did you¡­" Miko swallowed then cried like a baby, "Did you truly forget about us, Sir Aries?!"


    "Miko, please understand," Pieffer offered him a handkerchief.


    "I''m sorry," Aries blurted before he could stop himself.


    Fuck. Aside from Pieffer, I never felt sorry and apologized to anyone. So¡­ why did I apologize to that muscular crybaby?


    "No, Sir Aries," Miko got up on his feet and motioned for Aries to take his seat. "This must be hard for you. Just eat. Maybe these foods can help you remember. I''ll call the kids."


    "What kids?" Aries asked as his heart pounded annoyingly strange.


    The door opened and twenty or more kids came running towards him with arms wide open.


    "STOP!!!" Aries angrily yelled, silencing everyone. "I will eat in my room."


    "No," Pieffer held his hand and pushed him down on the bench. "You will eat with everyone."


    "You want to torment me with these kids?" he glared at Pieffer who only smiled at him.


    Fine. Do what you want.


    Aries sat between Pieffer and Sunrei.


    Miko and the children looked sad as they sat around the table. Their feelings should not be important to Aries. He never cared for a stranger. He had no intention to start caring for someone that hell had created. But¡­


    "I''m sorry."


    There. He had said those lame words again.


    "I''m not¡­ feeling well¡­"


    Damn this hell!!! Why do I have to explain to these little devils?!"


    "Kids, you have to be patient with Sir Aries," Miko explained. "He hit his head pretty badly and having difficulty remembering things. We should not stress him out."


    One lad, who seemed to be the oldest among the children gathered around the table, moved out of his chair and put a piece of meat on the empty plate of Aries.


    "I''m Matchi," the kid smiled at him. "You told me that a bad memory should be thrown away to be replaced with better ones. I can smile now because you saved me. Not just me. But all of us in here. We can smile because of you. Thank you, Sir Aries!" he cried. "You don''t have to worry about us anymore. We can take care of each other. Just please, be well and be safe."


    All the children cried to him, "Please, Sir Aries, don''t die¡­"


    Shit, Aries cursed as tears flowed from his eyes. Why am I crying? I don''t even know these devils!


    He got up on his feet and walked out of the dining area.


    "Aries!" Pieffer seized his hand and stopped him from wandering aimlessly.


    "Let''s leave this place, please."


    Fuck. I am now begging the devil! What is happening to me?!


    "Let''s leave," Sunrei was approaching with a packed lunch in his hands. "Miko saved these for us. We should eat before entering the House of Lion."


    "I''ll get my sword first."


    "No need for that Aries," Pieffer raised his hand that she was holding. "You can call it out."


    "What?"


    "Vermillion. That is the name of your sword," Pieffer said. "Call it out when needed. Let''s go?"


    "Let''s go."


    ^#################^

 Chapter 7 - Spear Wielder

    Aries was catching his breath when he reached the closed gate at the southern border of House Ram. Fortunately for him, the iron gate and the stone wall were covered with towering trees and rich bushes. It provided him a place to hide from those people that kept on calling his name, giving him things, and wishing for his speedy recovery.


    He hated gaining a lot of attention. And it seemed that hell wanted him to suffer all the things that he despised.


    "You looked pissed."


    Aries looked up and saw a woman that was probably the same age as him. She was comfortably sitting on a sturdy branch and her right hand was gripping a spear with a dark purple blade. The color of her eyes was like an amethyst. Her pupils were sparkling but they were also giving Aries a dangerous vibe.


    "Vermillion," he whispered and was a little amazed at how the crimson blade manifested in his right hand out of thin air..


    "Ooohhh¡­" the girl was clearly mocking him. "It must be true," she vanished on top of the branch and reappeared in front of Aries with her spear raised and ready to strike him dead.


    Aries wondered if he can still die. He lowered his sword and waited for the spear to pierce his head, but it did not come. He only felt something cold splattered on his forehead.


    He opened his eyes and saw the tip of the spear splattering water on his forehead and the woman wielding it was laughing at him.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" Aries frowned at the woman. At one moment, he was ready to slice her body in half, but in the next second, something inside his head was forcing him to keep his sword pointed on the ground.


    He hated it.


    Hesitation could kill him.


    But then again... I am already dead. I cannot die again. Right?


    "Aries! She is Siorre!" Pieffer was running towards them and Sunrei trailed behind her.


    "Hello," the spear-wielding woman waved her left hand at him. "The moment you stepped out of your house, I''ve been observing you," she squinted and leaned her face closer to him. "You cannot recognize anyone. That is the reason you were running away from your own people."


    "I asked Quaria to tell you about his condition," Pieffer stood beside Aries.


    "He cannot remember anything," Siorre reminded Pieffer and Sunrei. "Don''t you think he should get his memories back before you stormed to the House of Lion for the second time? Or are you that eager to die?"


    I''m already dead, Aries wanted to say but the words that came out of his mouth were, "If you are worried about my fighting skills then why don''t we fight?"


    I want to see if I can die again.


    Pieffer sighed and rolled her eyes, "Fine. Do what you want."


    She sat beside a tree and took one of the lunch boxes Miko had packed for them.


    "Just don''t kill each other," Sunrei sat beside Pieffer and opened another lunch box.


    "Is that Miko''s dishes?" Siorre was staring hungrily at the lunch boxes.


    "You want to eat first?" Aries sneered.


    "Of course," Siorre sat beside Pieffer and opened a lunch box. "Miko cooks so well. And I don''t want to fight you. There are only five of us remaining. We should help each other out and focus on defeating those corrupted souls," she winked at Aries then started eating.


    "As if you have a way to defeat those corrupted souls," Aries took one of the lunchboxes and settled beside a tree that was a few feet away from Pieffer, Sunrei, and Siorre.


    "Tauren and Quaria are continuously looking for ways to send those corrupted souls to where they belong," Siorre pulled a bundle of bracelets and a few glowing vials from the pocket of her sleeveless purple overcoat. She gave them all to Pieffer and explained, "According to Tauren, the clean water from the House of Pitcher helped in creating those holy waters. But as of now, it will only work on weak corrupted spirits. Quaria said that clean water is not enough. It needs to be purified."


    "The only person who can do that is Gin-Ren. But her house had fallen, and we don''t know her whereabouts," Sunrei sighed in frustration.


    "We need to find Leon as soon as we can," Pieffer put down her lunch box. It was already empty. "Are you guys ready?"


    "Five more minutes," Siorre ate her food in silence.


    Aries wanted to ask about their priorities but decided to keep his mouth busy with the food Miko had prepared for them.


    It was not a lie. The food was so scrumptious that Aries kept on eating until there was no more food left. He wanted to eat more but all the lunch boxes had already been emptied. Pieffer looked like she was on a diet, but she had eaten more than the rest of them.


    Aries smiled.


    Shit. This hell is really getting into my head.


    "Let''s go," he was about to throw the lunch box on the ground but Siorre seized it away from his hands.


    "Miko will look for this," she gave the lunch box to Pieffer.


    "Here," Pieffer gave each of them three vials of holy water and different colored bracelets. "How do we use the holy water, Siorre?"


    "Tauren said that a single spray should force the corrupted soul out of its vessel."


    "Got it," Sunrei said.


    "I think we should not go in big groups. We instantly attracted attention the last time we did that," Pieffer said. "And I think it will be faster to find Leon if we split into two groups. Siorre will go with me. Aries, you go with Sunrei. Let''s meet at the Mane''s Inn by midnight."


    "Okay," Sunrei said while Aries nodded.


    Though Aries wanted to say that Pieffer should go with him, he did not want anyone to misinterpret his intention, especially Pieffer. And even though he wanted to keep her safe, he also wanted to know if something will change in him once they parted.


    Siorre also looked capable. She can protect Pieffer.


    Damn. I am getting more and more involved in this hell''s game.


    "Aries, only you can open this gate," Sunrei pointed at the enormous iron gate a few meters away from them. The head of a ram was engraved at the center of it. "Tap it lightly with your sword. Another tap will close and lock it."


    Aries approached the gate and did as he was told. It opened with the slightest touch of his blade. They quietly passed through the gate and within only a few meters ahead of them was another closed gate with a head of a lion sculpted in the middle of it.


    "How do we open that?" Aries asked after closing the gate behind them.


    "We don''t," Pieffer smiled nervously. "We will use the bracelet."


    "We can use that anywhere, right?" Aries glared at Pieffer who nodded with an apologetic smile.


    "We could have used it inside your mansion," she further explained. "But your people wanted to see if you are well. That is the reason we didn''t use the bracelet. You needed to show them that you are okay."


    "I think they now know that I don''t remember any of them?" Aries was still glaring at Pieffer.


    "Yes," Sunrei answered. "We explained it to them. But for your people, even without your memories, you are still their leader. They still believe in you. So, don''t fail them."


    Aries rolled her eyes and pulled the bracelets from the pocket of his overcoat, "What bracelet will we use?"


    "This," she picked up the one with the red-orange color. "The last time we were inside, I managed to bury the bulb not far from this gate."


    "How did you manage to enter that time?" Siorre asked the question that Aries had in mind.


    "It was open," Pieffer simply answered. "They are already trying to enter the House of Ram but we managed to shove them back to the House of Lion. Even though I was expecting this gate to remain open, I still made sure that we have another way in."


    "Leon is the only one who can open and close this gate," Siorre gazed hopefully at the lion crest on the closed gate. "I hope we find him tonight."


    "We will go first," Sunrei grabbed Aries by his arm and broke the red-orange bracelet on the ground.


    It transported them on the other side of the wall, beneath the tall trees and rich bushes.


    "Follow me," Sunrei was moving stealthily behind the trees.


    Aries was cautiously trailing behind him. At that moment, he was like the Sunrei he knew.


    Will he reveal his true nature now that we are away from Pieffer?


    "Stop," Sunrei whispered and pointed to where they had been transported a few moments ago.


    Pieffer and Siorre appeared behind the tree through a silent explosion of blinding light. Those two had spotted Aries and Sunrei. They waved at them before traversing the opposite way.


    "Let''s go," Sunrei sneaked quietly from behind the trees and towards an empty alley.


    The strange thing Aries noticed the moment they entered the House of Lion was the gloominess of the place. The sky over that land was dark as if it were already nighttime. When on the other side of the wall, the sun has yet to set.


    "Don''t talk to people unless you are sure that they are not being possessed."


    "I know," Aries snapped at Sunrei. "Just tell me what this Leon looks like."


    "His hair looks like a blazing flame. He is the only one who has that strange hairstyle," Sunrei paused when they heard a faint cry.


    "Let''s check it out," Sunrei rushed towards the source of that voice.


    Aries followed suit but stopped when a child bumped into his abdomen. It was a boy that seemed to be as old as Matchi. He quickly pushed the boy away and searched for the vial in his pocket.


    "Help¡­ me¡­ please¡­" the boy whispered while slouching on the ground. Aries could not see his face because he was always facing downwards, and his long and messy hair was covering his eyes.


    But he could sense danger emanating from the boy. He was ready to spray the holy water but realized that he finally had the chance to end that game.


    I am dead. So, what is the point in struggling? The game will be over once I die, and the devil will lose interest in this stupid game. It might make him angry, and finally start getting serious in tormenting me.


    "Hey, boy. Kill me," Aries returned the holy water in his pocket and dropped the crimson blade on the ground.


    The boy laughed, "So it is true. Aries from the House of Ram had gone crazy," he raised his head and revealed his pitch-black eyes. "Why will I give you an easy death? You''ve been such an infuriating pest since you''ve become a house leader. You should suffer."


    "Make me suffer. I will not mind," Aries dropped on his knees with a smile. "Actually, that is what I really want. Do it. Torment me for eternity."


    The boy squinted suspiciously at him, "What are you planning?" he pulled a knife from the back of his belt and slashed Aries at his chest.


    "Come on, boy. You cannot kill anyone with this shallow cut," Aries grabbed the weapon hand of the child in frustration. "Pierce me¡­" his voice faded when he noticed that the hand he was holding was cold and trembling.


    The boy was terrified.


    "You¡­ helped¡­ Matchi¡­" the boy cried. "Why¡­ won''t you¡­ save me¡­ Am¡­ I¡­ not worth¡­ saving?"


    Shit. This is not happening. I am a killer. I don''t save lives.


    But why...


    Aries pulled the holy water from his pocket and sprayed it on the boy.


    "NO!!!" the boy bellowed in agony as black smoke seeped out of his body.


    Aries seized his sword and slashed the smoke in half. As it floated away from him and the boy, more children approached Aries.


    "This is crazy," Aries put the boy behind him. With a vial of holy water in his left hand and a sword in his right, he prepared himself for the swarm of possessed children.


    ^###############^

 Chapter 8 - Accepting The Strange Hell

    Aries emptied all the bottles of holy water given to him by Pieffer and managed to free fifteen children from the corrupted souls.


    But there were still at least twenty children swarming at him, with knives at hand and slashing mindlessly at his direction.


    He returned Vermillion to its sheath. He cannot kill those possessed children. He cannot hit them that hard either. His sword was heavy enough to cause some serious damage to those little bodies. He can only slash his sword lightly in front of him to stop anyone from advancing.


    "Sir Aries¡­" the first boy he had saved had finally awakened.


    "Wake them up and hold on to me tightly," Aries commanded without taking his eyes from the swarm of possessed children.


    "Aries!" Sunrei was running towards him, carrying two unconscious children in his left arm while his weapon hand was busy waving at the swarm of children.. He also had his sword sheathed and was careful enough to reach Aries without killing a single child. "We have to retreat! Hold on to me!"


    Aries still hated the Sunrei who stabbed him to death but for the children clinging on to him, he grabbed Sunrei''s overcoat as the latter shattered a crimson bracelet on the ground.


    Hell had finally triumphed to have him play his part in that silly game.


    ^###############^


    Children had crammed in the chamber of Aries. Most of them were crying, a few were wide-eyed with fear, and two were unconscious.


    "I''ll call Miko."


    "No," Aries grabbed Sunrei by his arm and pulled him away from the door. "I will call Miko. You stay here and take care of the children."


    "Okay."


    Aries hated the teasing smile that curved on the lips of Sunrei. But he left without saying a word to his killer-look-a-like.


    He went straight to the kitchen and found Miko teaching a batch of children with different cooking techniques.


    When Miko glanced in his direction, he quickly motioned for the cook to shut up and approach him in silence.


    Aries quickly walked out of the kitchen and sat on the empty dining area. He heard Miko left instructions to his students before leaving.


    "Sir Aries," the cook gazed at him with concern. "You''re back..."


    "Sunrei and I had brought a few children back from the House of Lion," he quickly interjected.


    "I''ll take care of them," Miko instantly offered as if understanding the entire situation. "If you need to return to the House of Lion, you may do so. I''m nearly done preparing dinner. I''ll pack a few boxes for you. This will be quick."


    "Miko," Aries cleared his throat before saying, "Your cooking is excellent," the awkwardness he was enduring had doubled when the muscular chef blushed and smiled with tears in his eyes. But Aries had to say it. "Can you pack more food for us?"


    "Of course, Sir Aries!" Miko eagerly answered. "You can wait in your room."


    "Okay," Aries said as casually as he could before leaving the dining area.


    Instead of returning to his room, he looked for a place where he can be alone. He found an empty balcony not far from the room he had left. He sat there and gazed at the setting sun.


    Ever since he arrived in that hell called Serestral, Aries never had the chance to be by himself and think things through. That was the first time.


    Sunset was his favorite time of the day. His blood comes alive as the sun disappears from the horizon. Darkness had given him a lot of money. Now that he was dead, all his earnings will only come to waste. But his boss will probably take it all back.


    I should have visited as many countries as I can.


    Aries knocked the back of his head lightly on the wall. There was no use regretting.


    At least hell made him a leader. He was living in a mansion. He had his own room. Pieffer was with him.


    Was it truly because he had served the devil for a long time and without a single complaint or remorse that he had been given that kind of hell?


    But the devil had to put everything on the verge of destruction because that was still hell and everyone in there should still be tormented.


    If I manage to survive this hell, will the devil allow me to have an eternity of happiness with Pieffer? Will it be possible? Or am I placed in here just to suffer all kinds of death?


    Aries rummaged his head in frustration. He never expected hell to be so confusing.


    Can anyone explain all of these to me?


    "Miko is looking for you," Sunrei entered the balcony and sat beside him. He was holding two bamboo containers.


    It was also strange how all his rage against Sunrei had been lessened by a great deal. His killer-look-a-like was no longer making his blood boil.


    Was it all because of Pieffer? Because she seemed happy with the hell''s version of her older brother? Was he ready to accept everything in that realm just because Pieffer was with him and she was smiling despite the danger that surrounds them?


    "Believe it or not, I know how confusing your situation is," Sunrei handed him one of the bamboo containers.


    Aries took the container and opened it. The aroma of beer filled his nostrils.


    Poisoned or not, at least, I can still drink this.


    "When I was a child, I got into an accident," Sunrei took a gulp on his container and looked reminiscently at the setting sun. "My head had been terribly damaged, but I survived. My memories were once as chaotic as yours. Pieffer was the only person who kept me sane. She was the only one that felt real to me."


    Aries stared at Sunrei as he swallowed the last drop of his beer. He was wondering if that was the truth or hell only wanted to give him some comfort.


    "Pieffer¡­" Aries whispered as he gazed hopefully at the setting sun. "I think we should return to the House of Lion and check on her."


    "My sister can take care of herself," Sunrei got to his feet. "Let your house healer check on your wounds first."


    "These are all minor cuts," Aries returned the empty bamboo container at Sunrei.


    "Will Pieffer think the same? Or do you want her to worry?"


    "Are you not worried about her? That place is filled with possessed people," Aries was looking for a red-orange bracelet from his pocket.


    "We have a promise to each other," Sunrei grabbed Aries by his arm and dragged him back to his room. "We will not die until we restore the shield around Serestral. Pieffer will not allow herself to die until then. Siorre is also aware of that promise. They will be fine. Worry about your chest wound first. It was still bleeding though not profusely."


    "Fine. I can walk on my own," Aries pulled his hand away from Sunrei and marched back to his room.


    He was a little surprised to find it empty except for a young man sitting on the couch.


    "Sir Aries, let me check on your wounds," he quickly got up on his feet and motioned for Aries to sit on the couch.


    "Where are the children?" Aries wondered.


    "Miko will give them a room where they can rest well," Sunrei answered as the young healer magically mended all the cuts Aries had. "Don''t worry about them. Miko likes to take care of the children."


    "Sir Aries, the previous wound on your chest had not been fully healed. You should be more careful," the healer anxiously sighed. "Deep wounds will take a few days to heal completely."


    "Just stop its bleeding like the last time," Sunrei took an overcoat from the cabinet and gave it to Aries. "You can heal him again later."


    "Yes, Crown Prince Sunrei," the healer was nearly out of breath by the time he had successfully stopped the wound from bleeding.


    "Thank you, Paul," Sunrei gave the healer a light pat on the shoulder. "You should take a rest.


    "Be careful on your journey," the young healer bowed to Aries and Sunrei. "May you find Sir Leon."


    ^#########################^


    Aries and Sunrei were expecting to be transported near the walls but after the light that swallowed them had vanished, they found themselves inside a cozy room.


    "You''re here at last," Pieffer was sitting on a queen-sized four-poster bed.


    "We took the bulb from the gate and placed it here in the Mane''s Inn," Siorre was sitting on the couch and the red-orange bulb was glowing over the center table.


    "You didn''t know we brought the bulb here," Pieffer squinted as she got on her feet and approached Aries and Sunrei. "Have you been cornered?"


    "Yes," Aries honestly replied. "Possessed children swarmed on us. I already used all the holy water you had given me. We only managed to save a few children and they are now resting at the House of Ram."


    "Sorry, we could not find Leon," Sunrei sat on the window railings.


    "It''s okay," Pieffer smiled nervously. "Siorre and I had already found him."


    "Where?" Aries and Sunrei were both amazed.


    "Not far from here," Siorre seriously answered. "But we cannot go near him. He had surrounded himself with flames and his mansion had been burned down to ashes."


    "I can feel his desperation," Pieffer said. "He is losing his soul. If this continues¡­"


    "Then why are we still here?" Aries snapped at them. "Let''s go before he dies."


    "Corrupted souls are all over the place," Pieffer said. "That corrupted soul with an enormous axe had stopped us from reaching Leon."


    "Sunrei and I will take care of the corrupted souls," Aries said. "You and Siorre should focus on getting Leon."


    "Okay," Pieffer agreed with a nervous sigh. "Let''s get Leon this time."


    ^###################^

 Chapter 9 - Dual Swords

    Aries remembered the empty alley where Pieffer and Siorre had taken him and Sunrei. It was where he had awakened after his death.


    The armored man wielding an axe was standing at the end of the alley. This time, he brought thirty more armored men to help him block the way towards the mansion.


    A few meters past the axe wielder and his small army of possessed people, Aries could get a glimpse of a huge fire that was shaped like a lion. In the middle of it was a man with blazing auburn hair and glowing red-orange eyes. He was enveloped in a smoldering flame, but he was not burning at all. Only those corrupted souls that were trying to reach him were being torched repeatedly as they keep on regenerating after a minute or two.


    Aries thought that it would have been an amazing sight if that man can fight with them but he was not moving at all. He was like a statue burning in the middle of a chaotic situation.


    "Let us pass or you will all die," Aries warned just in case it would lessen the number of possessed people they had to kill..


    But as he had somehow expected, no one scuttled away in fear.


    "If you want to die¡­ then die," Aries tightened the grip on his crimson sword as he rushed towards the man with an enormous axe.


    Sunrei, Pieffer, and Siorre synchronized their movements with him.


    The enemies swarmed towards them, and with the limited amount of holy water left for them to use, they had to spray it on the smaller opponents with the hope that the corrupted souls possessing them were still weak.


    Siorre was an astonishing spear wielder. She was taking care of ten opponents at once. She was moving with that long weapon without a problem. Both her hands can use the stick well. Her footwork was light and swift. She can make a three hundred sixty turn without tripping. She was not showing any sign of dizziness either. Most of the time, she was looking like a graceful ballerina. But with a dangerous stick synchronizing with her movements. She also had this ability to make herself vanish and reappear wherever she wanted around her enemy. But she had to be at least a meter away from her target. The amethyst blade of her spear can shower purple-colored water at her opponents. It was different from the plain water she showered at Aries earlier that day.


    Aries had seen Sunrei fight. For a crown prince, he was good at wielding a sword. Aries thought that anyone with a high status was a total wimp. But Sunrei can fight. He was handling seven enemies on his own with irritating finesse.


    Pieffer had also shown Aries what she can do. Though she was not as skilled as Sunrei and Siorre, she was doing an excellent job in advancing towards Leon. She was occasionally being halted by one or two enemies, but she could shove them away with her thin sword. She was like a glittering fish swimming through the sea of possessed people.


    Seeing that his comrades were doing well, Aries focused on the armored man with an enormous axe.


    It was frustrating for him to fight enemies that cannot be killed. Aries never attacked his targets unless it had a one hundred percent chance to succeed.


    Ever since he arrived in that hell, he was doing a lot of things that he had never done before. Aries always worked alone and in the shadows. His enemies were dropping dead even before they felt his presence. And even though the House of Lion was covered in darkness, they were still in an open alley where he can be seen by his enemies.


    Aries was not being bothered by the weight of his sword, but he was distracted at its length that was nearly the same as his height and it was wide enough to cover his torso. He wanted a sword that was shorter, thinner, and easier to swing towards his enemy.


    He was rushing towards the axe wielder when his sword broke in half, from the hilt down to the blade that transformed according to his will. He was now wielding a shorter and thinner sword in each of his hands.


    Aries smiled as his movements became faster and more precise. He attacked the axe wielder who already swung the axe towards his direction. He had already seen that attack. It was too slow for him. He had easily evaded the axe and quickly slashed his pair of blades at the neck of his opponent.


    The axe wielder dropped dead on the ground and the corrupted soul instantly oozed out of the corpse and possessed another body not far from him. But before the corrupted soul could use that body, Aries stabbed the new vessel to death.


    He kept on killing the axe man''s new vessel until he had seen Pieffer reached the lion flame.


    "You have no more body to possess," Aries stabbed the last body nearest to him and it dropped motionless on the ground.


    "You''ve changed," the corrupted soul was hovering in front of Aries. "How can you kill all these people? They are citizens of Serestral!"


    "You devoured their souls," Aries gave the corrupted soul a cold glare. "You killed them. Not me."


    "I WILL KILL YOU!!!" the corrupted soul rushed towards Aries. It aimed at his wounded chest.


    Aries was surprised at the intensity of the impact. He thought that a mere smoke would not send him on his knees, but it did. It was trying to penetrate his body through his wound.


    "Aries!!!"


    "I''m fine!" he bellowed back to Pieffer. "Just get Leon!"


    "I will devour your soul!!!" the corrupted soul, even without a mouth, can be annoyingly loud.


    "Fine," Aries touched the dark smoke and pushed it deep within his chest. "Try all you want."


    Aries collapsed with his back on the ground as the corrupted soul seeped within his wound and penetrated inside his body. There was a painful and cold sensation within him that lasted for what seemed like an eternity. His senses were muddled. For a moment, all he can see was darkness and he cannot hear anything. Then memories that were certainly not from him had flooded his already confused and exhausted brain. Everything flashed so swiftly that he could neither recognize nor remember a single memory.


    "ARIES!!!"


    The memories stopped, his body had been numbed, and darkness covered him one more time.


    "ARIES!!!"


    The distant voice that was persistently calling his name was somewhat familiar and annoying. But he can only listen to it.


    "ARIES, WAKE UP!!!"


    A jolt in the chest had instantly awakened Aries. He was still lying on the ground. The person calling his name was Sunrei. He was kneeling beside him. He looked like a mess as if his enemies had given him a hard time winning.


    "Finally," Sunrei helped him up. "Where did that corrupted soul go? I didn''t see it leave your body."


    "Later," Aries glanced at Pieffer.


    Though she had succeeded in reaching Leon, she was having a difficult time calming the house leader down.


    "LEAVE ME ALONE!!!" Leon roared and the flame surrounding his body had intensified and pushed Pieffer and Siorre a few feet away from him.


    "Leon, it''s us!!!" Siorre waved her spear at the flame and managed to cut an opening but it had quickly closed.


    "LEAVE!!!" Leon roared as he failed to recognize the people in front of him.


    "Leon, please!!! We are here to help!!! Hear us out first!!! Pieffer was also trying to shatter his flaming defense but all the openings she and Siorre were creating had been closing too quickly.


    Aries got up on his feet and stood in front of Leon then asked Siorre, "Your spear can spray water. Can''t you put out this fire with it?"


    "I''ve been trying ever since you''ve been knocked out by that axe-wielding corrupted soul," Siorre snapped at him. "But as you had seen, his flame regenerates at a surprising speed."


    "Then let''s attack faster," Aries swayed as he released his dual sword. For a split second, an axe had flashed in his mind.


    "You don''t look well," Pieffer was staring at him with concern.


    "Let''s finish this quick so we can all rest," Aries tightened the grip on his dual swords.


    Pieffer, Sunrei, and Siorre also pointed their blades at Leon.


    "Attack!" Aries relentlessly slashed his swords against the enormous lion flame.


    Pieffer, Sunrei, and Siorre followed his lead. They waved their weapons in quick succession that the flame failed to regenerate on time and Pieffer finally managed to grab Leon by his shoulder.


    "Leon, we are here to help," the princess leaned closer to the flame wielder. She was fighting the flame that was shoving her away.


    It was astonishing how the fire looked terrifyingly scorching but none of them was burning. One more thing that amazed Aries was the flame sometimes felt ridiculously solid and could shove them away by a few feet.


    "He will not listen!" Aries impatiently concluded and slashed his way through Leon. When he was close enough to land an effective blow, he willed the sword in his right hand to vanish then clenched his hand into a fist and punched Leon hard on the face. "Calm down and listen to what we have to say!!!" Aries roared as Leon looked away from Pieffer and glanced angrily in his direction.


    "LEAVE!!!" the flame around him intensified and Leon finally succeeded in throwing Pieffer, Sunrei, and Siorre away from him.


    Only Aries remained. He grabbed the neck of the flame wielder.


    "You cannot make me leave!!!" he tightened his grip on Leon''s neck. "Unless you stop this madness and let us help you in protecting your citizens! If you keep on doing this, I will not hesitate to¡­"


    Aries froze. Something within him sent shivers all throughout his body and an enormous axe flashed repeatedly in his mind.


    Kill him¡­


    It was a faint whisper that echoed endlessly and pounded painfully inside his head.


    The axe wielder was trying to take control.


    No¡­


    Aries struggled to maintain possession of his own body.


    He blinked away that image of an axe and managed to see Leon, but the flaming fist of the latter was only a few inches away from his face. It landed on his right cheek before he could move his body to evade it. And on the next second, he was flying away from Leon.


    When Aries hit the ground, he coughed out blood and his vision was blurred but he could still get a glimpse of someone rushing towards him and someone tearing through the flames to get to Leon.


    Aries wanted to get up on his feet, but he was rapidly losing grip on his consciousness. All he could do was close his eyes and succumb to sleep.


    ^#####################^

 Chapter 10 - Dreams, House Leaders, And Souls

    Aries found himself back in the pitch-black abyss that was probably part of the hell prepared for him. A faint crimson light was covering his body. Not far from where he was standing, he noticed a translucent rectangular box. An axe that was surrounded by a faint purple glow was inside of it. That weapon looked similar to the one the corrupted soul was wielding.


    As Aries stepped closer to the box, he felt an awful and strange sensation emanating from the axe. The faint purple glow around it was pulsating in harmony with his heartbeat. A part of his brain was screaming caution, but a bigger and more foolish part of his head wanted to examine the axe at a closer distance.


    He ignored the ominous sensation emanating from the axe and put his hand over the translucent box. He froze at the coldness that seeped from the box through his hand and from the familiar voice that thundered from the axe.


    LET ME OUT!!!


    It was the voice of the axe wielder..


    LET ME OUT!!!


    Aries pulled his hand away from the box and sneered at the axe, "Why will I help my enemy?"


    YOU!!!


    The purple glow pulsating around the axe had intensified and Aries held his chest that felt like it was being continuously hammered.


    I WILL BREAK OUT OF THIS BOX AND EAT YOUR SOUL!!!


    Aries winced as the pounding in his heart further strengthened but he still managed to laugh and tell the corrupted soul, "I will wait for it."


    I WILL KILL YOU, ARIES DEL LUNA!!!


    Aries fell on his knees as foggy images flashed in his mind and he had to cover his ears as deafening yet incoherent voices thundered from the darkness around him.


    "What''s¡­ happening?"


    Aries¡­


    Pieffer was calling out to him. Repeatedly. It was barely inaudible at first but as her voice grew louder, it punctured the dark walls around him.


    "ARIES!!! WAKE UP!!!"


    The hole made way for a blinding light to swallow the darkness around him then a hand had pulled him out of the abyss and brought him back to his room at the House of Ram.


    "Aries, are you in pain?" worry filled the eyes of Pieffer. "You are writhing in your sleep."


    "I''m okay," he sat up and refrained from rubbing his painful chest. He looked away from Pieffer and looked around his room.


    Sunrei and Siorre were sleeping on the couches opposite each other and, in the middle of them was a man with auburn hair that looked like a blazing flame. He was wide awake and staring distantly at the fireplace.


    "You¡­"


    "He is Leon Panthera," Pieffer said and gathered the attention of the man she had introduced. He glanced at Aries then looked away with shame on his face.


    "Pieffer said that you have lost your memories," Leon said as he gazed back at the fireplace. "But you still kept your word. Thank you."


    "What happened?" Aries stared at Pieffer with confusion. "I thought we failed."


    The princess shook her head and smiled as she answered, "After Leon focused his attention on you, the flame that covered him had weakened and I managed to grab his arm and pulled him back to his senses."


    How did she manage to pull that out-of-control man back to his senses? Aries wondered and wished he could have seen Pieffer in action.


    The Pieffer he knew was ready to kill if needed but always being robbed of the opportunity.


    But she had chosen to give her life just for Aries and Sunrei to survive.


    Aries stared at the Pieffer in front of him and wondered if she was the same.


    Are you also willing to give your life away just so the people you care about the most will continue to live?


    I hope not.


    I''d rather see a selfish Pieffer. This is hell anyway.


    "Hey, why are you spacing out?" the princess was gazing at him with anxiety. "Is there something wrong? Sunrei told me that the axe wielder had vanished after it attacked your chest. And Leon¡­"


    "When you grabbed my neck, I thought I saw the axe wielder," Leon finished for the princess. "That is the reason I punched your face. Sorry," he truly did look apologetic.


    "I don''t mind getting punched," Aries could no longer feel the pain in his face. The healer of the house must have had mended his cuts and bruises except for the wounds in his chest. It was still throbbing. "The important thing is that you are here with us. Have you already raised the shield to cover your house?"


    "A ritual is needed for that," Pieffer answered.


    "It will take an entire day," Siorre yawned and stretched her arms and legs. "I want to help but Pines only gave me a day. That cheating house leader always wants to be with you for a much longer time!" she glared at Pieffer.


    "You should stop gambling with Pines," the princess laughed softly. "You know how good he is at playing cards and luck rarely leaves his side."


    "But still!" Siorre put her hands on her waist in annoyance. "I wanted to win against him! He only let me have the first round! I hate him! I want to be with you for a few more days!"


    "What is this ritual? Aries asked then snapped at Siorre, "Why don''t you stay if that is what you want?"


    "I wish I can do that," Siorre sighed and sat at the window railings. "I miss the feeling of doing whatever I want. I wish we can go back to that time," she looked up reminiscently at the starlit sky. "It felt like it had been so long when only a year had passed since our enemies succeeded in breaking the barriers around Serestral," she glanced away from the window and rested her sight at Pieffer. "Reinstating the barriers will never be enough. We need to put an end to our enemies."


    That last sentence made Aries remember something from a long time ago.


    Will you help me in killing my enemies?


    That was the question asked to him when he was nineteen years old. Before he became an assassin.


    "We will," Aries heard Pieffer promised and it pulled him out of his distant memories. "Tauren and Quaria are looking for ways to vanquish the corrupted souls. They will find a way. I believe in them. For now, we need to reinstate the barriers and protect our people from being possessed."


    "I know," Siorre sighed then bitterly smiled. "We are all doing our best. We finally succeeded in taking back Leon. After three months of trying. I guess it will take us years to completely reinstate the barriers all throughout Serestral."


    "I don''t care how long it takes," Pieffer smiled with eyes brimming with determination. "The important thing is that we succeed in protecting our kingdom."


    Aries hated the fact that he was starting to like the hell''s version of Pieffer. They were similar in many ways yet different. Though as of the moment, Aries could not determine that difference. He can only feel it but cannot put a word for it.


    "We will explain the ritual tomorrow," Pieffer lightly tapped his hand. "Take a rest."


    "Well, goodbye for now," Siorre pulled a bracelet from the pocket of her overcoat. The pendant looked like a seashell and its colour was gold. "I''ll see you soon," she waved a hand before breaking the pendant on the windowsill.


    A blinding light erupted from the bracelet and covered Siorre. When it faded, the spear wielder had vanished as well.


    "How about the three of you?" Aries asked while getting off the bed. "This ritual you mentioned lasting for an entire day sounds so tiring. You should get a lot of rest," he glanced at the snoozing prince. "Though Sunrei is already sleeping so well on the couch. He can stay there. You and Leon should look for a room to sleep in. This house is big. There is surely enough room for you."


    "I will sleep here," Pieffer seemed decided as she sat on the couch.


    "Me too," Leon rested his back on the opposite couch. "Where will you go?"


    "I want to eat," Aries opened the door. "You can sleep on the bed, Princess. I''ll just ask Miko for another room."


    "Aries¡­"


    He closed the door before Pieffer can finish her sentence. He felt so exhausted to engage in a long conversation. Eating some delicious food can lighten up his mood. It worked for him all the time when he was still alive. Even if he had to pay a large amount for a delicious meal. But at that place, everything was free. He can enjoy each delightful dish without worrying about money.


    But it appeared that he still had to worry about something else.


    When he arrived at the dining area, Miko was sitting at the bench with a detached look in his eyes.


    "Miko," Aries called but the chef did not answer or glanced his way.


    He approached Miko with caution. The distant look in his eyes was nearly similar to the look of the possessed people Aries encountered at the House of Lion.


    His weapon hand was ready to call Vermillion while his other hand tapped the chef on the shoulder as he called a little louder, "Miko!"


    The chef bolted up from the bench and stared at Aries with confusion.


    "Sir Aries¡­" his confusion turned into anxiety as he quietly blurted, "What am I¡­" he paused and shook his head then asked his master with a forced smile, "What do you want to eat, Sir Aries?"


    "Whatever you can prepare," Aries cautiously replied as he sat on the bench. "I''m sorry about asking for food at this time of the day."


    "Don''t worry about it, Sir Aries. This is my job. Please wait here. I will be quick," the chef said before entering the kitchen.


    After no more than thirty minutes, Miko had served him a warm meal.


    Aries loved the aroma and presentation of the dishes in front of him. It was enough to make his mouth water.


    "Thank you, Miko," Aries took a spoonful of macaroni soup but before he could taste it, the chef had grabbed his hand and stopped him from eating.


    "Sir Aries¡­" Miko appeared to be in great difficulty as if he was enduring something so painful. "¡­ the food¡­ is poisoned¡­"


    ^#######################^

 Chapter 11 - Spectral

    "I''m sorry¡­" Miko cried. "I¡­" his head sagged and his grip on Aries had loosened.


    "Miko, what is wrong with you?" Aries put the spoon down in annoyance.


    The chef laughed softly then loudly before raising his head. The expression on his face had changed. It was the same with the child who had stabbed him in the chest.


    Aries wondered how a weak corrupted soul could possess people and manage to pass the gate unnoticed. He was told that it was protected by a barrier that warded off evil spirits. Then why did that corrupted soul enter his house and possess his chef?


    "You want to kill me, don''t you?" Aries got up on his feet and grabbed Miko by his hand. "Move out of that body and possess mine.".


    "How about you eat that poisoned soup, and I will leave this body unharmed?" the corrupted soul suggested with an evil smile.


    "How can you satisfy yourself in possessing a weak body?" Aries asked back with the same evil smile. "Don''t you want to get stronger? You can easily get away with people''s suspicions if you possess my body. Everyone here knows that I lost most of my memories. You can be the leader of this house or you can easily find a way to defeat my comrades."


    Through the eyes of Miko, the corrupted soul glared suspiciously at Aries and said, "I don''t trust you."


    "Do you think I do?" Aries snapped back at the corrupted soul. "The only reason for it is because I don''t want this hell. Surely you don''t want to be floating from one body to another for all eternity. I think it will be a win-win situation for us. Send me to the real hell and you will have a permanent body. Come now before I change my mind and throw you out of my house."


    Miko closed his eyes and dropped limply on the ground. A cloud of smoke seeped out of his mouth and soared towards his chest. It seemed that the corrupted souls knew the weakest spot of their victim.


    But Aries refused to become a victim.


    As soon as the corrupted soul completely entered his body, everything around him had spun, blurred, then darkened.


    He was back at the pitch-black abyss and noticed that the translucent container was now two.


    One contained an axe and the other confined a black linen mask.


    At that moment, Aries confirmed that he was in the deepest part of his core. And the corrupted souls that entered his body had been confined in those containers.


    If he can confine them then maybe he can also destroy them.


    "Yes. You can¡­"


    Another translucent figure manifested not far from the right side of Aries. Though fainter than a ghost, its face was still recognizable. It looked exactly like him.


    Another doppelganger?


    "I''m not¡­"


    It answered with a smile as if it had the ability to read his mind.


    "We are inside your mind¡­"


    The doppelganger claiming not to be a doppelganger was turning into a dust of light and its voice was getting fainter.


    "I wish I had enough time to tell you everything that you want to know. But I can''t."


    The fading spectral floated closer to him and whispered, "I hid a book in the deepest dungeon of this fortress. Take it and some of your questions will be answered. You have to hurry," the doppelganger scattered into glowing dust and, before vanishing completely, it told him, "Thank you, Aries."


    And those last three words pulled him out of the dark abyss, and he woke up in his chamber once again.


    "Aries¡­"


    "I''m fine," he quickly said while sitting up from the bed. "Where is Miko?"


    "Still in the dining room," the princess answered with a look of concern. "He told me that he will not go to sleep until you regain consciousness."


    Aries moved out of the bed but before he could open the door, Pieffer grabbed his hand.


    "What happened between you and Miko?" she worriedly asked.


    "I will tell you about it later," Aries pulled his hand away from the princess, walked out of the room, and went straight to the kitchen.


    ^#############^


    "Sir Aries!" Miko bolted up from the bench and cried. "Did I serve you that poisoned dish?"


    "It was the corrupted soul," Aries answered as he sat down on the bench beside Miko.


    "Corrupted soul?! Here in our house? Did¡­"


    Aries raised his hand to stop the chef from freaking out then he said, "It had already been resolved."


    "Sir Aries¡­"


    "I''m fine," he stared seriously at the anxious chef. "I just need to eat something delicious. Will you prepare something for me?"


    "Sir Aries¡­ you will still¡­ eat my dishes?" Miko started crying again.


    "I told you. It was the corrupted soul. I would have been poisoned if you didn''t stop me from eating those."


    "I¡­ I stopped the corrupted soul from harming you, Sir Aries?" Miko somehow stopped crying and there seemed to be a proud look on his face.


    "You did," Aries assured the chef. "I am sure that the corrupted soul is no longer within you. Just cook whatever you want to cook. I know that this time it will be safe."


    "Thank you, Sir Aries! I will cook your favorite!!!" Miko bowed low then dashed excitedly towards the kitchen.


    Miko served the dishes faster than before. Aries thought that the chef rushed his cooking and expected less delicious dishes, but he was wrong. Every single dish tasted way better than the previous meals.


    Miko was truly an exceptional chef.


    "Thank you, Miko," Aries said as he decided to accept the chef as a trustworthy person.


    He never hired a personal chef because he never wanted to get poisoned. He had never eaten in the same restaurant twice because of the same reason. He never wanted to leave any pattern for his enemies.


    But since hell was being good to him, he should grab that chance and enjoy his strange eternal torment.


    "Miko," Aries remembered his doppelganger. "This house¡­ does it have a dungeon?"


    "Yes, Sir Aries."


    "Can you take me there?"


    "I will take you there," Sunrei entered the kitchen and sat beside Aries. "After we eat," he glanced at Miko, "Can you also prepare a delicious meal for me?"


    "Yes, Crown Prince Sunrei!" Miko had once again entered the kitchen.


    "You know the way to the dungeon?" Aries asked while emptying the plates in front of him.


    "Of course," Sunrei still looked exhausted. "This is our second home."


    "Miko can take me there," Aries finally emptied each plate on the table. "You look tired. You should get more sleep."


    "I''m fine," Sunrei said. "If you don''t want to watch me eat, just wait for me at that balcony."


    "Fine," Aries got to his feet. "Be quick."


    ^##################^


    "He looks the same but feels different," Aries heard someone speaking not far from him. It sounded like the voice of Leon. "What if he didn''t lose his memories? What if he is being possessed?"


    Aries remembered sitting at the balcony and because of his full and satisfied stomach, he had fallen asleep. He kept his eyes closed and listened to their conversation.


    "He is not possessed."


    It was Pieffer and there was certainty in her voice.


    "I agree with my sister."


    Damn you, Sunrei. Instead of waking me up, you called Pieffer and Leon!


    "Should we bring him back to his room?"


    "I will carry him this time," Leon volunteered, and Aries quickly opened his eyes and looked around the balcony.


    "What are you all doing here?" he was glaring at the three people sitting at the balcony railings.


    "We will come with you to the dungeon," Pieffer answered.


    "I can go there alone. Just tell me where it is," Aries got to his feet.


    "Why are you asking about the dungeon? Have you remembered something?" Pieffer hopefully asked.


    "I didn''t," Aries stared seriously at Pieffer. "Let''s make some things clear."


    His words made the three people standing in front of him a little tense.


    "The Aries in front of you right at this moment is not the Aries that you knew before. I will never be able to remember anything. Just think of it as my brain had been permanently damaged."


    Because that is what I am feeling. Corrupted souls? Teleporters? Magic? Supernatural powers? I haven''t seen anything like it in my entire life. The devil appeared to be a fan of those weird things.


    "If you keep asking about this person''s¡­" Aries sighed then rephrased his question, "If you keep asking about my past, I will immediately leave this place."


    "See that? He is different," Leon jumped from the railings and tapped Pieffer lightly on the shoulder. "Good luck to you, Princess."


    "Fine," Sunrei said. "Let''s go to the dungeon."


    For a moment, Pieffer looked a bit disappointed, and it was oddly painful for Aries. If she were truly Pieffer, he would try his best to make her wish she had never followed him to hell. He would send her to where she belonged. He would send her to heaven.


    If she were not the Pieffer he knew, he should not make any special connections with her because that would be unfair for his Pieffer.


    But if that hell wanted him to help in saving that world, and if succeeding on it means that he would be given a chance to be redeemed, then he will grab it and be with his Pieffer.


    ^#################^

 Chapter 12 - Winged Creature

    Sunrei led the way towards the dungeon. They descended a long spiral stone staircase and reached a basement where a huge door was waiting for them.


    Engraved at the center of the door was an emblem of a hooded man holding a spear that had a blade shaped like palm leaves.


    "His name is Kiel. Beast Tamer and Guardian of Dungeons," Sunrei said when he noticed Aries curiously examining the carving at the door. "It is because of Kiel that our dungeons remain impenetrable despite the houses being conquered by our enemies."


    "He is loyal to the king," Pieffer was staring at the image with a proud smile.


    "But that''s it. He is loyal to the king and unfriendly towards the rest," Leon frowned at the door. "It is because of him that I hate entering dungeons.".


    "Then why are you here?" Aries glared at the lion house leader.


    Leon crossed his arms and scowled, "I have to make sure that you will not die until we successfully retrieve my house."


    "Dungeons are dangerous," Pieffer seriously warned.


    "Particularly for someone whose brain had been damaged," Sunrei glanced at Aries with concern.


    "That''s why we are here," Pieffer put her palms over the closed door. "Once we enter the dungeon, we cannot leave until we meet Kiel," a golden light enveloped her hands. "We have to descend five floors for us to meet him. Each floor is guarded by powerful monsters. We cannot kill them for two reasons. One is because, as I said, they are powerful. Second, their death will make Kiel furious. We don''t want that to happen. Just take what you must take. And always stay close to us."


    "Okay," Aries replied, feeling a little tensed. They all looked so serious as if that place were more dangerous than the conquered House of Lion."


    "Here we go," Pieffer pushed the door open, and a blinding light forcefully yanked them inside the dungeon.


    One moment, Aries felt himself being pulled at a dizzying speed and the next second, his back had already rammed a hard wall.


    "I hate this!" Leon was leaning his head on the wall where they had recently hit. His eyes were closed. His brows were furrowed. His back was obviously hurting like Aries, Pieffer, and Sunrei.


    While rubbing his aching back, Aries glanced around him and saw a wide pathway in front of them. The floor where they were sitting was made of stone. Lined at each side of the pathway were cells big enough for one person, one bed, and a toilet. Only a few of those cells were occupied. Some prisoners were quietly slouched at the corner of their cell, oblivious of the other inmates that were desperately screaming for mercy.


    "Let''s go," Sunrei had gotten up on his feet and was looking straight ahead. It appeared that all of them were trying their best to ignore the prisoners.


    "Once a criminal had been sentenced for imprisonment, his only way out is Kiel''s mercy," Pieffer said while walking at a faster pace.


    "But Kiel rarely shows mercy," Sunrei stopped and motioned for them to also do the same.


    "Kiel knows better than us when it comes to pardoning criminals," Leon sighed. "I respect his decisions. If only he can imprison those corrupted souls¡­"


    "Talk later. The floor guard is coming. Be ready," Sunrei quietly warned then called for his sword, "Demise."


    "The guard''s name is Garnet Grace," Pieffer informed Aries before releasing her sword, "Blue Rose."


    "Flaming Fists," Leon made his fists burn then told Aries, "It is a flower pixie that likes to feast on human blood. Be careful."


    "Vermillion," Aries whispered, and swords formed in each of his hands.


    "Why did you come in this place when you have no prisoner to offer?"


    From the shadows of the dimly lit pathway, a pretty woman with translucent butterfly wings had lazily hovered towards Aries. She was wearing a crimson floral gown with a long slit on the left side, revealing her flawless long leg. Her feet were covered with red stilettos. Her straight hair was black and falling elegantly up to her petite waist. She had a crown of crimson flowers and a pair of floral earrings with the same shade of red. Her eyes were also crimson in color and looked somehow dangerous yet oddly alluring. Her gaze fell upon Aries.


    "We''ve heard what happened," the pixie had said in a voice that was slightly melodious. "And we also received a rumor about it," a prickly whip materialized in the right hand of the pixie and a dagger with a leaf-like blade on her left. "I will let you pass once you proved that the rumor is wrong," she glared at Pieffer, Sunrei, and Leon. "Just stand there and no harm will come to you."


    Vines instantly sprouted from the stone floor and wrapped around the three, making sure that they would not go anywhere and help Aries.


    The pixie glanced back at Aries with a dangerous smile, "Show me who you truly are."


    The pixie waved her whip towards Aries who thought that he could easily tear that weapon into pieces since metallic armors had already been shattered by his blades. But to his astonishment, the whip was sturdier than metal though it looked more like a vine rather than any metal.


    The whip wrapped around one of his blades. He tried to free his left weapon with his right, but he could not cut through the whip. The pixie flailed her weapon from right to left and Aries swung with it, painfully hitting floors and walls.


    When the pixie decided to stop thrashing her whip all over the dungeon, Aries dropped facedown on the floor, spitting blood, and starting to feel numb.


    "You have greatly weakened," the pixie dragged him closer to her and as if her whip had a life of its own, it raised Aries from the floor so that he was face to face with the pixie. "Is your injury that serious?"


    "I don''t know what you are talking about," Aries finally let go of his blade and dropped gracefully on the ground.


    Vermillion.


    He tried calling his weapon using his mind and instantly succeeded. The blades materialized in his hands and forced the pixie to use the dagger in her left instead of her whip.


    Aries thought that he would be having an advantage in a close combat battle but after a few minutes of fighting his opponent, he had forbidden himself from assuming things.


    The pixie appeared more experienced in wielding a knife. Her attacks were not that strong but she could still cut her enemy. Having a pair of wings was a great advantage for her. She could easily move in and out of her opponent''s reach. Regarding stamina, she seemed to have plenty of it.


    Aries was relentlessly moving around while swinging his dual blades, but he could not even graze the slippery pixie while he was being cut all over his body.


    "Weak!" the pixie had cornered Aries and made a swift yet graceful three hundred and sixty-degree turn to cut her prey with the knife and trap him with the whip.


    Aries saved his chest from being wounded once again by sacrificing his left arm. But he could not avoid the whip from wrapping against his arms and torso.


    Aries winced in pain as thorns pierced his skin.


    "Tell me," the pixie sat in mid-air and leaned her face closer to Aries. "How corrupted have you become?"


    "I don''t know¡­ what you¡­ are talking about¡­" Aries was having difficulty breathing as the whip tightened and the thorns pierced deeper into his flesh.


    "Will your blood taste different now?" the pixie revealed her fangs and leaned closer to his neck.


    Aries wanted to headbutt the pixie or bite her in the face, but he could not move his head. His entire body had suddenly been paralyzed.


    Is it because of the thorns? Her crimson eyes? Or her fangs?


    "Will it be similar to the blood of the criminals in this place?"


    Aries winced as fangs punctured his flesh.


    Bloodsucking pixie.


    Aries wanted to laugh when he remembered those words from Leon, but his vocal cord seemed to have malfunctioned the moment his neck had been bitten. It could no longer produce a sound.


    He was starting to get dizzy and feel disoriented. His consciousness was slowly fading away.


    "Garnet, please stop!" Pieffer screamed and the desperation in her voice made a part of Aries'' brain itch.


    "I TOLD YOU TO STAY STILL!!!" the voice of the pixie was no longer melodious. It echoed perilously all throughout the dungeon.


    Aries realized only then that he was freed from the whip and the fangs of the pixie. A thin sheet of light was protecting his skin. Though he was still a bit dizzy, his body could move again.


    The pixie changed her target. She was now hovering towards Pieffer who cannot move an inch because of the vines binding her body.


    Aries cursed himself for noticing the shadows all over the dungeon only at that moment. That pixie seemed to have messed with his mind. He quietly hid at the shadowy walls. Whenever darkness covered him, his movements were not making any sound. Even when he was running. He can even move faster.


    He easily reached Pieffer, grabbed her from behind, and covered her with his body before the pixie could stab her in the face.


    His shoulder would have been stabbed if he were not protected by the shield Pieffer had created.


    "Is that your true self, Aries?" the pixie was trying to shatter the shield by stabbing it repeatedly. "Will you protect Pieffer with your life?"


    "Aries, your life is more important than mine," Pieffer seriously whispered. "Please, let go."


    Aries remembered the night he had been stabbed to death. Pieffer asked him to kill her, forget about her, and go on with his life. And he was stupid enough to do as he was told.


    "This time¡­" Aries whispered and quietly called his dual blades. "¡­I will choose to live," he cut the vines binding Pieffer. "Trial of redemption or not," Aries winced as the shield finally shattered and the knife pierced his right shoulder. "Even if you are the Pieffer I know or not," he pulled away from the knife and quickly turned to face the bloodsucking pixie. "None of us will die."


    Once again, Aries engaged in a close combat battle against the pixie. This time, he was determined to survive. Using the shadows all over the dungeon, he finally gained an advantage against the pixie. Appearing and disappearing whenever he wanted, he finally cornered his opponent.


    The pixie lost her balance when Aries suddenly appeared in front of her and slashed her with the dual blades. Her wings hit a wall and even though he managed to dodge the blades, she had still hurt her wings that she could no longer fly. She slumped on the floor and dropped her knife.


    Aries quickly kicked it away from the pixie who still had a whip at hand. It had been slashed in his direction. He slightly dodged it and dropped one of his blades just so he could catch the whip.


    He ignored the thorns that pricked his palm and tightened his grip on the whip. He knelt in front of the pixie and pointed a blade at her neck.


    He would have killed her in an instant, but he remembered what Pieffer had said. Making the beast tamer furious would only make things worse for them.


    "Please, let us pass," Aries sincerely begged. "I only want to take something that I left at the deepest part of this dungeon. We will leave once I get it. I promise."


    "Okay," the pixie smiled, and the whip had instantly vanished. "I will take you to my master."


    Aries was dumbfounded.


    Should I just beg the pixie right from the start?


    ^################^

 Chapter 13 - A Towering Creature

    "Garnet! Are you trying to kill us?!" Sunrei yelled in annoyance once he was freed from the vines.


    "Did I overdo it?" the pixie laughed and further confused Aries.


    "You did!" Leon glared with his arms crossed.


    "But I think it is necessary," the pixie stopped laughing and gazed at Aries with utmost seriousness. "Your blood tastes the same as before your accident. You are still the Aries that we know," she raised her hand and on top of her palm, a tiny bottle with glowing liquid had materialized. "Drink this potion. It will quickly heal your wounds. You need to be in your best condition when you face Master Kiel."


    "Is that¡­ only a test? To see if I''m possessed or not?" Aries stared at the glowing bottle resting on the palm of the pixie. He wanted to get angry but for some unknown reason, he could only ask them politely..


    And he was starting to wonder if it was because of the mysterious presence lurking all over the dungeon. It was an aura more dangerous than the pixie. He sensed it the moment they entered the dungeon.


    "You should drink this," Pieffer took the container from the hand of Garnet and opened it for Aries. "Forgive us for not telling you the entire story of the dungeon guardians."


    "You don''t have to explain," Aries grabbed the glowing bottle and emptied it in one gulp.


    Its effect was instantaneous. All the wounds in his body, even those that cannot be mended by the healers in his house, had disappeared. He was suddenly revitalized.


    "I understand why you have to test me," Aries returned the empty bottle to the pixie. "But I don''t think you will know the difference by tasting my blood. It will still taste the same because the soul is the only thing that had been replaced."


    "Aries!" Pieffer and Sunrei chorused.


    "Nothing had been replaced!" Pieffer continued. "You are the Aries we know!"


    "You think it is only your blood that I sucked?" the pixie laughed softly then stared perilously at him as she said, "I also got a taste of your soul," she took the bottle from Aries and waved it in front of his eyes. "I just returned it to you," she closed her fist and the bottle vanished. "Believe it or not, you are the owner of that body," she made a graceful three hundred and sixty degrees turn and her wings had instantly mended. "Master Kiel will say the same thing to you. Shall we meet him?"


    "Let''s go," Aries agreed and got to his feet.


    ^#############^


    The pixie led them through a long and dark corridor. The only light they had was the glowing wings of the pixie. That must be for the better because shadows shrouded the see the cells lined at both sides of the hallway. The voices had also died down, as if the darkness had muted the prisoners. Pieffer, Sunrei, and Leon also appeared to be a bit at ease with the dimness rather than continuously witness the desperate glances and pleadings of the inmates.


    "Staircase," the pixie knocked the hilt of her knife on a wall in front of them. Five rhythmic knocks and the walls had parted and revealed another spiral stone staircase.


    They descended a flight of steps that Aries failed to count. He was starting to get dizzy when the pixie stopped and knocked on the wall. This time it was four beats.


    It opened and let them through another long and shadowy corridor. Walking for hours was a normal routine for Aries. He loved taking midnight strolls. That must be the reason he felt at ease with the darkness and the silence around him.


    "Your clothes are burning."


    Aries had been so relaxed that he failed to notice his overcoat being covered with black flames. He only became aware of it when the pixie stopped walking and turned to glare at him while saying those words.


    "Don''t worry. You will not burn," a laughing voice of a man erupted from the dark walls.


    "Geriko!!!" the pixie yelled, and the black flames had instantly vanished, but the laughter intensified.


    From the dark walls, a few meters ahead of them, a tall and burly man had emerged. He was wearing a black overcoat, boots, and gloves that were covered in black flames. He had a dangerous aura, like that of the pixie. But it was still different from the one Aries had sensed from the dungeon entrance.


    The black flames crackling on the clothes of Aries were like Leon''s. It would only incinerate those that he wanted to burn away.


    Geriko, as the pixie had called him, approached Aries within only a few steps. Because he was nearly as high as the ceiling, his strides were twice as wide as that of humans.


    Standing closer to Aries, the face of the giant had been more visible. Thanks to the black flames that were still emitting a faint light.


    That huge body had an adorable rounded face, chubby cheeks, and pointed nose. His black hair was short and neat. His eyes were red and glinting like a ruby.


    "I only want to greet Aries," the giant beamed, revealing his perfectly white teeth. "How did it go? Is he still the same?"


    "Yes," the pixie flew closer to the face of the giant and crossed her arms when she told him. "You promised."


    "I did!" Geriko roared and the ground trembled. "But how long do I have to wait for a chance to fight him?!"


    "You should sit," Sunrei advised Aries as he sat on the floor.


    Leon also did the same but not Pieffer. She was staring at the giant with a gentle smile on her face.


    "You are like a child!" Garnet yelled back, aggravating the giant instead of calming him.


    "You had a fight with him! I also want it!" the giant rammed his huge fist against the wall, but it remained intact instead of being destroyed. It was as if the wall absorbed his force.


    "Geriko, your master is waiting for us," Pieffer fearlessly approached the giant and put a hand on his knee-length leather boots. "You can fight him next time."


    "NO!" Geriko got even more furious and moved his hand to strike Pieffer.


    Without thinking, Aries silently called on Vermillion. This time it was in its broad sword form. He stepped into the darkness and reappeared from the shadow Pieffer was casting behind her. He pulled the princess away from the giant and caught the fist with his wide crimson blade.


    Garnet sighed, hovered away from the giant, and grabbed Pieffer by her hand.


    "You should not have stepped in," the pixie glared before pulling the princess away who only smiled as if agreeing with what the pixie had just said.


    "FIGHT!!!" The giant hammered his fists at Aries.


    Fortunately for Aries, even though the giant could move incredibly fast for his enormous body, he was still quicker, and the shadow was his greatest ally.


    As the giant fist struck the ground, Aries had stepped into the shade and traveled towards the ceiling. He soundlessly dropped at the right shoulder of the giant and pointed a blade at the bulky neck of his huge opponent. He would have slashed it right away if not for the earlier warning Pieffer had given him.


    "Let us pass," Aries said but the giant was not paying any attention to him. The huge monster was glaring at Garnet who was smiling triumphantly back at him.


    "You said he is still the same?" the giant roared.


    "He truly is," Garnet beamed a little wider. "You can see his crimson blade. If he is possessed, he cannot wield that sword."


    "Then¡­ why can he wield it only now?" his eyes creased with confusion and his voice became a little calmer.


    "I can only sense a soul, Geriko," the pixie winked. "I can never explain the complexity of one''s essence. But Master might have the answer to that. So, listen to Aries and let us pass."


    "NO!" Geriko stubbornly replied and aimed his thick hand towards Aries who did not make a move.


    He waited for the hand to knock him out, but it stopped when it was only an inch away from him.


    "Why are you not moving?" the giant seemed more surprised than angry.


    "If you knocked me out, will you let us pass?" Aries asked back, silencing everyone.


    The giant stared at him with sheer amusement, and he only stared back at those huge red eyeballs with utmost seriousness.


    Then the bulky shoulders where Aries was standing had trembled as the giant burst out laughing. Aries lost his balance, stumbled, and plummeted towards the floor. But halfway on his fall, a huge hand had caught him.


    He was right. Those monsters only wanted to have a fight with him. Not kill him.


    "Garnet might say that you are still the Aries we know but, personally, I think that you have changed," the giant carefully placed Aries on the ground, between Pieffer and the pixie. "I really do want to fight you. But if you are not the one that I used to fight, then I will no longer force it on you," the giant looked away from Aries with sadness in his eyes.


    "I never had any intention of taking this body," Aries confessed. "I promise to leave. You just have to wait until we reconstruct the barrier around this kingdom. By then, the Aries you know will probably return. Please, be patient."


    The giant gazed at him with the same gravity of seriousness then he smiled and told Aries, "I''m starting to see it. You are the Aries we know. Go and save Serestral. I am hoping for your victory. Always."


    ^#################^

 Chapter 14 - Werehorse

    When they reached the last step of the staircase, Pieffer put up a shield around herself that expanded and enveloped Aries, Sunrei, and Leon.


    "You don''t have to shield us, Pieffer," Sunrei said. "Focus on protecting yourself."


    "This is only a precaution," the princess answered. "These last floors always make me feel uneasy even though they are guarded by reliable monsters. I only want to protect everyone as much as I can."


    "Garnet, I only realized it now," Aries suddenly thought about something.


    "What is it?"


    "Who is guarding the first floor if you are here with us?"


    "Don''t worry about it. I have my own little army," Garnet winked at him.. "And prisoners on the first floor are not as wicked as the prisoners here on the last two floors. The guardian here is strong but that doesn''t mean he will help us if something happens. His priority is keeping the prisoners in their cell. Not to save visitors."


    "Be careful, Aries," Pieffer seriously cautioned.


    Aries only nodded and Garnet knocked on the stone wall.


    Three beats and an entrance had been revealed.


    As soon as they stepped in, trouble had welcomed them.


    A man in tattered clothes was running in their direction. Broken chains were dangling in his wrists and ankles.


    Garnet quickly closed the door by tapping the wall. This time, it was six beats.


    The escapee had no weapon in hand but he kept on running towards Aries who already called on to his dual swords.


    Something that resembled a bolt of lightning had zipped through the chest of the prisoner, shattered the shield protecting Aries and pierced his heart. The lightning was incredibly fast to be deflected by his blades.


    The moment his heart had been stabbed, his senses had gone numb, and he blacked out.


    ^########################^


    Aries finally had a lead about Pieffer''s long-lost brother after months of searching and sparring with assassins.


    It was Sunrei Solstice. He was at the number one seat in the entire Zodiac Assassins. He was uncontested. No one dared to spar with him. He was cold and would not hesitate to slit anyone''s throat. Even if it was his fellow assassin.


    Aries never tried to spar with Sunrei. It was not because he was inferior to the seat before him but because he was too lazy to spar with anyone else.


    He only did all those sparring sessions for Pieffer and even though he was somehow expecting that his search would finally end, the truth still surprised him. He was also not expecting to enjoy sparring with Number One but he did.


    Sunrei was an excellent assassin. His speed was blinding. His footsteps were soundless. He never needed any assistance from the shadows. Aries fought number one with the best that he could. He maximized the assistance of silhouettes around him but all he could manage was pick a strand of his opponent''s hair.


    Aries managed to save his neck from getting cut, but the rest of his body had been savagely beaten. At the end of their fight, he was lying face down on the ground and could hardly move a finger.


    "Five minutes and you are still alive. Not bad," Sunrei checked on his watch. "Be grateful that you are still useful."


    Number one left the sparring ground without saying another word. Aries, on the other hand, had to rest for an hour to gather enough strength to leave that place then another week of hibernation to let his body heal completely.


    He was glad that Pieffer did not visit his place while he was recuperating but when he came to visit her place, he was not that grateful anymore.


    Pieffer welcomed him with a smile and, as always, she had put her arms around his neck to kiss him on the lips.


    "I love you, Aries. Don''t you forget that," she was always saying those first three words to him but that last sentence had an ominous resonance to it.


    "You came at last."


    It was Sunrei. He walked out of the kitchen. His eyes had changed color from black to blue. It was now identical to the eyes of Pieffer. Aries did not have to say anything. He had already told Pieffer the truth. But none of the siblings looked happy that they had finally found each other.


    "Kill her, Number Two."


    "What?" Aries could not believe what he had just heard. He was her brother.


    "Yes. I am his brother," Sunrei said as if he could perceive what Aries was thinking. "But I am also an assassin," he unsheathed his knife and Aries did the same. "If I am to choose, I will always pick my present over my past," an evil smile curved on his lips. "Come on, Number Two. Will you waste all your hardships and die just because of one woman?"


    Aries glanced at Pieffer and was surprised at her bravery. Instead of crying in fear, she was courageously smiling at him.


    "Sunrei is right," she grabbed his weapon hand and pointed the blade at her chest. "Don''t waste your life for me."


    "Don''t tell me what to do," he pushed Pieffer behind him. "I will kill whoever harms you."


    "Aries, please¡­" Pieffer grabbed his waist and tightly embraced him. "Even if you are Number Two, you cannot win against all of them. You can still survive this. Just treat me as another person you must kill. Continue with your life. I only want to see my brother. Now that I finally found him, I can die in peace."


    Aries turned to face Pieffer and asked, "Is that truly what you want?"


    "Yes. I don''t want to complicate things and make everything difficult for us. Let me die in your hands," Pieffer answered without the slightest tremor in her voice or hesitation in her eyes. She was just smiling contently at him. "Do it, Aries."


    Countless possibilities flooded his mind but it all had the same ending. Struggling was futile for a single assassin and an ordinary woman. Death was the only ending waiting for Pieffer.


    "You should not have met me," Aries took Pieffer in his arms.


    "I''m at my happiest whenever I am with you," she leaned her face at his chest and tightly embraced him. "Let''s meet again in our next life."


    "If that happens¡­ if you see me in your next life¡­ run away as fast as you can," Aries raised his knife and stabbed Pieffer in the back.


    The blade pierced her heart, passed through her chest, and grazed the overcoat Aries was wearing.


    "In our next life¡­ I will help you¡­ experience a better world," Pieffer promised through her fading breath. "I¡­ love you¡­ Aries¡­" her hands slipped from his back and Aries slumped on the floor while cradling her dead body.


    He carefully placed Pieffer on the ground, "Hate me. That is what I deserve."


    He got up on his feet and faced Sunrei.


    "Burn this house then report back to our boss," Sunrei impassively instructed, adding more fuel to the fury raging within Aries.


    He raised his bloody knife and attacked the horrible devil.


    It was another long and exhausting fight. By the time Aries landed a fatal blow on the lungs of Number One, his body was filled with cuts and his clothes were drenched in his own blood.


    He finally allowed himself to drop on the floor, beside Pieffer.


    "Let''s all¡­ die together¡­" Aries laughed and coughed out blood.


    "How dare you¡­" Sunrei placed his left hand over his bleeding chest and his right trembled with rage while gripping his blood-soaked knife.


    He was limping towards Aries who was too exhausted to lift a finger. His body was starting to feel numb. His senses were failing him. He looked away from Number One and gazed at Pieffer who had a peaceful smile on her face.


    Her beauty was the last thing he had seen while Sunrei relentlessly pierced his chest until everything around him had been swallowed by darkness.


    ^################^


    "Why did you let your spear hit him?!"


    From the darkness, Aries heard the pixie yelling in annoyance.


    "It was not my fault!" a male voice roared back at Garnet. "You came at the wrong time!"


    "You could have warned us!" the pixie screamed louder.


    "I was busy with all the prisoners trying to escape this floor!" the male voice bellowed, and even though it was not as intense as the giant''s roar, it still caused the ground to tremble. "Those shameless prisoners! I want to kill them! But my spear can only show them their deepest guilt! If they are not guilty at all, the worst my spear can do was paralyze them for a moment! What is the use of confining them on this floor if they will not repent?! Why not take them straight to floor four and be tortured until the day they die?! Why let them stay here and give them three chances?!"


    "Criminals deserves a second chance," the voice of the pixie had finally calmed down.


    "That prisoner had already lost two chances. One more attempt to escape and he will finally be sent down to the fourth floor. I wish he would do it soon. One less disgusting creature on this floor means less work for me."


    "Hey, Aries, for how long will you pretend to be asleep?" the pixie lightly tapped him on the chest, where the lightning had pierced him, but it was not hurting at all.


    He opened his eyes and checked his chest. His clothes were not torn at all, as if he had not been stabbed.


    "I was told that you had forgotten everything about this world."


    Aries glanced at the source of the male voice and saw that it was a werehorse. It had the face of a black horse. Its eyes were red and had a mane that was beautifully braided. Its arms and torso were those of a man. It was also black and had perfectly toned muscles. Its thick legs looked like the hind legs of a horse. It also had a tail that was as shiny as its mane.


    "My spear must have caused you to see a lot of shameful memories and made you feel like a bad person," the werehorse continued. "But it is not all you, Aries. They brought it to themselves, and you are the only one who can stop them. Leon and the other Zodiac Knights can also do the same if they remained as resilient as you are. But they didn''t. And now, you are the only one we can count on to defeat those corrupted souls."


    "Hey!" the pixie elbowed the werehorse. "You are saying a lot of things. Let Aries hear it from Master."


    "Fine," the werehorse crossed his arms. "I only want to tell him not to feel so bad about everything. He might finally get corrupted if he dwelled too much on those negative emotions."


    "He would have been corrupted a long time ago if he is that weak," the pixie glanced at Aries and told him, "Get up and let''s get going."


    "Be careful on the fourth floor," the werehorse smiled and waved a hand. "It is worse than this place."


    And just as he said those words, another prisoner had escaped. The werehorse sighed then ran after the runaway prisoner.


    ^#####################^

 Chapter 15 - A Handsome Dog

    The fourth floor of the dungeon was truly worse than the previous floor. As soon as the entrance was revealed, a pungent scent of blood had welcomed them.


    Pieffer put up a shield for everyone aside from the pixie, like what she did before they entered the third floor.


    Aries already called out his dual blades even though Sunrei, Leon, and Garnet remained weaponless.


    He had a feeling that the guardians wanted him to suffer. He had to protect himself this time.


    The intense scent of blood came from the bodies scattered along the dark corridor.


    Enormous black dogs with sharp red eyes were feasting on those corpses.


    Among those giant hounds was a bigger dog with striped black and brown fur.. Its eyes were as crimson as the blood tainting his sharp fangs.


    "Janden!" Garnet waved at the biggest dog in the bloody hallway. "We already talked about this. You and your pack will let us pass unharmed, right?"


    The biggest hound of the pack stopped eating and glanced in their direction.


    "Something had changed," the dog replied as his appearance changed into a stunning man. His hair was black and falling elegantly down to the back of his waist. He was wearing a long black overcoat and boots with dark brown fur on each lining. He wiped his forked tongue on his bloody fangs. And his ominous crimson eyes carefully examined Aries.


    "Don''t feel sorry for these sinners. They all deserved a miserable death," the weredog clapped his hands and the dogs dragged the corpses into the shadows, leaving the blood-covered pathway empty.


    "I suddenly wanted to drink," the pixie was staring hungrily at the crimson floor.


    "Drink it if you want," the weredog said without glancing away from Aries. "By the time you are done cleaning the floor, my business with Aries will also end."


    "You promised to let us pass without fighting him," Garnet crossed her arms.


    "I already asked Master," the weredog raised his hands and revealed his dual blades that were shaped like fangs. "He had given me permission to fight him. If he dies here, Serestral is doomed. We should see how strong and determined he is."


    "Fine," the pixie sat in the middle of the bloody corridor. "Fight all you want."


    "Aries, don''t die," Pieffer said before standing in front of the wall where they had entered. Leon and Sunrei settled beside her.


    Of course. I am the only one who needs to fight.


    Aries raised his dual blades and focused on the weredog.


    "I might seem busy, but I am still aware of all the things happening on the upper floors," the weredog said and Aries confirmed that the ominous presence lurking in the shadows on the previous floors was that same monster. "I can''t believe that you had finally acquired my ability."


    Aries was confused by those words.


    "I can see guilt in your eyes," the weredog went on. "You are thinking that a sinner like you deserved to be punished like the corpses you are seeing on this floor. You are expecting to burn endlessly in the fires of hell. You want to suffer eternal torment," the fanged creature smiled as he said, "Well, Aries Del Luna, this is your penance."


    The shadows behind the weredog had shifted and hid his presence.


    I can''t believe that you had finally acquired my ability.


    Aries suddenly remembered those words. That weredog could also use the shadows to his advantage. He was even better because he can command the shadows to move closer to him.


    How can he do that? Why did he say I acquired it from him?


    "Focus," the weredog whispered after reappearing from the shadows behind Aries. He slashed his blade one time, but Aries obtained ten slashes on his right arm.


    Though the cuts tore his clothes, neither were deep nor painful, but Aries staggered from the weight of the memories that flashed back in his mind. Memoirs of the people he ruthlessly killed before his death.


    "I guess none of those memories had made you feel terribly guilty," the weredog returned to the shadows. "How many more memories will I pull out of your soul before you roll on the ground with intense guilt?"


    If this is my penance, I will accept it. But I cannot die. Not until I send her out of this miserable place.


    The weredog reappeared in front of Aries.


    "You are willing to accept everything," the weredog smiled with amusement.


    "Yes. But I will survive this. I had to," Aries seriously stated.


    "Let''s see," the weredog cut Aries on his right arm. One slash that had given Aries twenty gashes.


    More bloody memories flashed in his mind and caused his knees to weaken, but he remained standing.


    The weredog moved behind him and slashed his back three times. Aries felt the intensity of the memories more than the hundred cuts in his back. It made him terribly dizzy that his knees buckled and finally touched the ground.


    Those people he killed seemed to stare at him with deep hatred. He was trying his best to ignore everything and let it all pass. He had to survive.


    The weredog returned in front of him and its crimson eyes gazing solemnly at him felt like a blazing flame burning his soul.


    A single slash in each of his legs had his pants shredded. Hundreds of gashes tore his skin while his mind drowned with countless memories. The vengeful gazes of his prey were like drills piercing his brain.


    "I will¡­ let you¡­ kill me¡­" Aries coughed out blood. "After I''m done¡­ keeping my promise¡­ to her¡­"


    "Do you think she wants to be sent to heaven?" the weredog knelt and pointed a blade in front of Aries. "What will you do if she wants to kill you?"


    Aries had once again been cut on the chest and the pain resonated with all the wounds in his body. The agony within him made everything around him whirl and drained his remaining strength. He collapsed on the floor, barely awake.


    He wanted to survive, but seeing Pieffer glare at him with deep hatred, his will to survive had gradually faded and darkness had finally swallowed him.


    ^##############^


    Aries opened his eyes and felt like an immortal. Just when he thought that he was dead, he kept on waking up and Pieffer was always waiting at his side.


    He was back in the world that he knew, in the house that he bought, and in the room that he loved. The Pieffer sitting cross-legged on the edge of the bed was the woman he had fallen in love with. But something was still odd.


    The Pieffer he loved was always smiling at him. Even in her death. But the Pieffer staring at him at that moment was gazing hatefully at him.


    Aries sat up and stared cautiously at the woman in front of him.


    "Are you scared?" Pieffer had gotten up on her feet and moved closer to him. "You don''t have to. I am here."


    She sat on the bed once again, beside him, and took him in her arms for a warm embrace.


    Aries wept.


    She was the Pieffer he knew.


    He put his arms around her and whispered, "I''m sorry. I should not have killed you."


    "Right. You should not have killed me," a knife had been stabbed in his back and pierced right through his heart. "You are the one who should have died."


    "You don''t have to do this," Aries embraced Pieffer. "Leave my punishment to Hell. You don''t deserve to be filled with so much hatred. You should always keep on smiling. I will send you to the heavens so you can keep smiling. I promise."


    After saying that last sentence, Aries felt himself drop on wet and soft ground. Rain was pouring heavily against him. He opened his eyes and found himself in a dark place surrounded by towering trees. Lying on the ground around him were dead bodies of people he was unfamiliar with and not far from him was Princess Pieffer.


    Her eyes were closed and because of the heavy rain, Aries could not see if she was still breathing.


    He wanted to check up on her, but he could not move an inch. He could not open his mouth and scream her name. His body was paralyzed. He closed his eyes and tried to summon all the strength within him. He had to move. But instead of moving, he had been pulled back into a pitch-black abyss.


    What was that? A premonition? Will I fail to send her to the heavens? Will I end up killing her? Again?


    "Janden, I closed up the rest of his wounds. But I can''t fully heal the ones in his chest. And the cut you inflicted near his heart is not closing up. It keeps on bleeding. Why can''t I heal him?"


    The moment Aries heard Pieffer, he felt the cold and solid ground beneath his back. He was back at the dungeon but he could not open his eyes or move any of his muscles. His body was still paralyzed.


    "He doesn''t want to be healed," Aries heard the weredog replied. "It seems that he had been defeated by his guilt. Just let him die, Princess."


    "How can you say that? He protected Serestral for a long time!" Aries sensed warm droplets on his chest.


    "Maybe it is time for him to rest in peace," Janden explained. "It has been too long. He must be exhausted. You should stop relying on him and protect Serestral on your own."


    I am still alive¡­


    I cannot die like this!


    I have a promise to keep!!!


    Let me wake up!


    Let me open my eyes!!!


    PLEASE LET ME LIVE!!!


    Aries jerked awake and coughed out blood.


    "He wakes up!" Pieffer put her hands over his bleeding chest. "Stay still. Let me heal your wounds."


    Aries weakly nodded and closed his eyes. Janden was right. His body was exhausted. But he cannot die. Not again. Not until he had fulfilled his promise.


    "The cut had closed but it left a scar," Pieffer wearily sighed.


    "It is better that way. It is a reminder of my promise," Aries opened his eyes again and tried to sit up but his body was too heavy to be lifted from the cold ground.


    "You should rest for a while but not here," Janden smiled. "Rest at the lower floor. You are ready to face Master."


    "Carry your sister. I will take care of Aries," Leon told Sunrei who instantly carried his pale sister on his back.


    The lion house leader did the same with Aries.


    "Thank you," Aries weakly whispered.


    "Just rest," Leon said and as soon as Aries closed his eyes, sleep had claimed him.


    ^############^

 Chapter 16 - The Diary Keeper

    Aries made sure that he was hiding himself well while watching the people passing by on an alleyway. He was waiting for someone that he must kill.


    It was a man with a head covered by a faint dark smoke. His eyes and mouth were releasing black fumes. Those types of people were his prey. They were the hopeless ones that made people around them as horrible as they were.


    Aries had to stop them before they infect other people. Getting rid of them had become his life. He was saving the world from the evil ones. It was a good life.


    He had killed plenty of those humans that were worst than monsters. He was willing to kill more of them for as long as he could.


    He knew he was doing something good for mankind. But after years of doing it, he felt something strange happening inside his body. And one night, while he was cleaning his bloody hands and knife on a river, he noticed that change as he caught a glimpse of his reflection on the flowing water.


    He could not believe the eyes that stared back at him. It was releasing black fumes.


    He had become those that he had hunted. He had become the devil.


    "No¡­" he crawled away from the river and screamed at the heavens with disgust. "NO!!!"


    Aries jerked awake from that strange nightmare.


    It felt like me, but it isn''t me. Those must be memories from the Aries who owned this body.


    "What nightmare did you have?"


    That deep voice pulled him back to his senses. He looked around and saw himself in a dimly lit room filled with towering bookshelves. He was lying on a four-poster bed with translucent black curtains. The pillows, blankets, and bed sheets were also black in color. Not far from his bed were two black couches. Leon and Sunrei were dozing side by side on one couch while Pieffer slept on the other one.


    A long wooden table filled with books was placed near the towering bookshelves. A chair that looked like a throne was positioned between the desk and the shelves and an intimidating man in a black hooded overcoat was sitting comfortably in it. His waist-length hair was a mix of silver and black. His crimson eyes were staring at Aries as if probing through his soul.


    "You''ve been sleeping for five hours," the intimidating man informed him. "Your companions had fallen asleep while watching over you."


    Aries cautiously sat up and asked, "Who are you? And where is Garnet?"


    "Garnet returned to where she is stationed," the intimidating man got up on his feet and closed the only open book on the table. He looked taller than six feet and he walked with elegance. He reached out a hand at Aries as he said, "I am Kiel. Beast Tamer and Guardian of Dungeons. Nice to meet you again, Aries Del Luna."


    Despite his dizziness, Aries hopped out of the bed to shake the hands offered to him by the Beast Tamer.


    "Thank you for letting me sleep in your bed," Aries bowed low. The guardians on the upper floors nearly killed him. The Beast Tamer could probably kill him with a blink of an eye. "I don''t want to disturb you any further. I''ll just take my journal and leave."


    "You cannot take what is not yours," Kiel let go of his hand and returned to the table. He had taken the book that he had recently closed. "But if you want it that badly, you have to win over me."


    Of course, it will never be easy.


    "We cannot fight here," Aries sighed.


    The Beast Tamer grinned and the scenery around them instantly changed. Everything in the room had vanished and been replaced with an empty white space.


    "Why do you want that journal?" a spear materialized in the right hand of the Beast Tamer. "It doesn''t have anything to do with you."


    "It can answer some of my questions," Aries called on to his dual swords. "I want to know if this is hell or not. Is this truly a trial of redemption? Will I be able to send Pieffer back to the heavens? I want to keep my promise. That is all I want to do."


    "If this is not a trial of redemption, will you stop saving this kingdom?" the Beast Tamer seemed enraged.


    "I am an assassin," Aries answered and prepared for a powerful blow. "I am not some kind of a hero."


    "Let me see if that is the truth," Kiel dashed toward Aries with his spear aimed at the chest of his target.


    Aries crossed his blades and managed to catch the tip of the spear. But he could not shove it away. It was too heavy.


    "I will give you a trial of redemption," the Beast Tamer drilled his spear through the crossed swords of Aries. Within only a few seconds, he had successfully shattered the blades of his prey and pierced him in the chest.


    Again.


    Aries did not feel any pain. There was only a cold sensation that entered his body but it instantly knocked him unconscious. When he came around, he was lying face down on an empty alleyway.


    It was like at the beginning of his most recent dream. But he never had that urge to kill someone. He was confused and wondering if he had been sent to a dream or to another hell.


    Entering the dungeon was like walking into the deepest part of hell and encountering the strange monsters within it felt like meeting with the Devil and his odd minions.


    He was told that it was a trial of redemption.


    But there was nothing on that alleyway. Only an eerie silence.


    This is exhausting. Should I just lie in this place and forget redemption?


    Of course not. I have a promise to fulfill.


    He got up on his knees and marched out of that place but after taking a few steps, he sensed a movement from behind him.


    He was about to summon his duals blades when he heard a voice.


    "Are you leaving?"


    Aries turned to face the one who had spoken. It was a boy that was probably younger than ten years old. He was skinny. His clothes were tattered and as dirty as his entire body. His long hair was all over the place.


    "Are you going to abandon your people?"


    "Kid, I think you have the wrong person."


    "I thought you are different from them!" the boy started crying. "I thought you are willing to fight for this house! But you are the same as the rest of the Zodiac Knights! You are cowards! If you will not help us, we will still fight! Even if we die!"


    The boy ran but Aries quickly caught his tiny arm.


    "Wait! Who do you think I am?"


    "You are a Zodiac Knight! You are Sir Aries Del Luna! But that is only a name! Coward!"


    The boy struggled against his grip but Aries did not let that tiny hand go.


    This Zodiac Knights again. Trying to force me to be a hero. Fine. If this is what they want, I will give it to them!


    ^################^


    Out of that alleyway was a warzone. People whose heads were covered with black smoke attacked them upon noticing their presence. Aries thought that the boy needed a lot of protection, but the kid proved him wrong. Though young and skinny, he was fast and can wield a knife well. Aries did not have to worry about the kid. It was like fighting side by side with a reliable ally.


    "You''re strong. Do you really need a knight to protect you?"


    "These possessed people are not as strong as those trying to break the barrier on the gates of Ram Village. They are the ones we are trying to suppress. But with all these people getting possessed, it is getting more difficult to keep the barrier strong against those monsters."


    "You sound like an old person," Aries remarked.


    "This war started five years ago. If I don''t learn how to fight, I will never be able to survive. I have to protect my younger siblings," the kid looked away with a blush.


    "Five years? What about the Zodiac Knights you had mentioned? What are they doing? Why are they not helping you protect these gates? And if the barrier is still there, how did the corrupted souls find a way to possess the people here?"


    "The barrier cannot stop the weak ones from entering. The Zodiac Knights should be vanquishing those souls, but they¡­ they stopped caring a long time ago... and I thought that you¡­ you will also abandon us¡­ I''m sorry¡­ I was scared¡­ I¡­ I should not have doubted you¡­"


    This Aries they know must be one exceptional being. How can an assassin like me take possession of this body? I felt like one of these corrupted souls instead of a hero. But still¡­ I should succeed on this.


    "Sir Aries!"


    The kid moved in front of Aries and deflected a knife flying towards his chest. Another knife zoomed in their direction. It was now aimed at the kid who was still recovering from deflecting the previous knife. Aries quickly stepped between the kid and the knife. He deflected the blade, dashed towards the corrupted man, and slashed his dual blades at the throat of the paralyzed vessel.


    Aries looked away from the dead body that dropped on the ground and glanced at the boy standing behind him. The kid was shedding silent tears. He was crying for the men that they had killed. They were still people of Ram''s Village.


    Aries raised his hand to tap the shoulder of the child but he was momentarily paralyzed when a knife shot out of nowhere and pierced the back of the boy, passed through his chest and would have stabbed Aries on his left leg if he did not shatter the knife with his dual blades.


    Aries was mad. He wanted to chase whoever it was that hurled the knife. But he had no time for it. The boy collapsed in his arms and was bleeding profusely.


    Aries hastily hid behind the shadows and searched for a hospital. Fortunately, he quickly found one. RamVille Healing House was the name carved on the big sign hanging on top of the double door entrance. As soon as he had entered, he was welcomed by another Pieffer. She was now wearing a white dress and her blue hair was in a high bun.


    "Place him here," she pointed at an empty bed near the entrance.


    Aries quickly complied and Pieffer instantly put her hands over the bleeding chest of the boy and magically mended his stab wound.


    "Will he live?"


    "Yes."


    Aries was relieved and mesmerized at the Pieffer standing in front of him.


    It seemed that he would be meeting Sunrei and Leon soon.


    ^#################^

 Chapter 17 - Another Hell

    "I guess in here you are not a princess," Aries remarked. He was guarding the unconscious boy while Pieffer was occupied checking up on the nearby patients.


    "I never told you that," Pieffer said when she was done with her round. She quietly pulled a chair and sat beside Aries.


    "You''ve never told me that you are a princess?"


    Pieffer laughed softly and said, "I never told you that I dreamed of becoming a princess. Should I check you up? Maybe fighting those corrupted souls is taking a toll on your mind."


    "The devil is messing with my mind. I don''t think you can help me with that," Aries looked around the hospital. All the patients in there had no guardians watching over them. "You are doing a great job as a healer. I think it is a more useful job than being a princess."


    "Then I can be a princess and a healer," Pieffer gazed at the patients with a hopeful smile. "If I become a princess, I can reach out to more people. It is the same with your wish of becoming the Zodiac Knight''s leader."


    "My only wish is¡­" his voice faded as chills crawled up his spine.


    He was sensing grave danger.


    "I''ll see you later," Aries got up on his feet.


    "Be careful!" Pieffer anxiously told him before he stepped out of the hospital.


    Earlier, when he arrived in that place with a boy in his arms, he did not notice people fighting outside the high-fenced yard of the hospital.


    Guards were all over the fence and the gate. They were trying their best to stop the people from infiltrating the hospital.


    Aries could glimpse corrupted people, but he had also detected uncorrupted souls.


    "Sir Aries!" one of the guards finally noticed his presence. "Please, help us."


    Aries nodded and found his way out of the yard without jumping over the high fence or passing through the gate. He walked into the shadows and reappeared in the middle of the chaos outside the hospital.


    He instantly saved those that were having difficulty warding off the possessed people.


    "Sir Aries!" the man he just saved was horrified. "You¡­ you killed Carl¡­"


    Aries glanced at the man that dropped dead on the ground the instant his dual blades hit that man''s neck.


    "He is no longer Carl but a weapon of the corrupted souls," Aries went on to kill more possessed people. "If he killed you or anyone important to him, do you think he will be happy? If they cannot free their souls, we should do it for them. If you cannot help them, then return to the hospital."


    The man he helped shed tears but did not back down. He tightened the grip on his knife and bravely said, "I will help them!"


    The rest of the uncorrupted people stopped hesitating and fought bravely against the possessed people. They were finally making progress and, fortunately, it frightened the remaining corrupted souls. Some left the body they possessed while others ran with their acquired vessels.


    "Thank you, Sir Aries," the courageous survivors were bowing their heads at him while crying.


    "You should thank yourselves," Aries looked away from the people. Once again, his body was reacting annoyingly towards the people around him. It was making his eyes disgustingly watery.


    "Sir Aries¡­"


    "Let''s talk later," he had quickly interrupted. "The dead need to be buried and the wounded should be healed."


    "Yes, Sir Aries!"


    The survivors divided themselves into two groups. The men took care of the dead bodies while the women helped the wounded.


    Aries helped in burying the dead. It took them hours and they were done by nightfall. All of them were kneeling in front of the graves and saying silent prayers.


    Aries was not the praying type and when he does, it was never for himself. He was always praying for the dead. For the people that he had killed. He was asking the heavens that in their next life, they would be given a better chance at life so they would never have to work for the monsters pretending to be humans. It was the same with those possessed people. The corrupted souls used their weaknesses to grant them permission in becoming their vessels.


    "We can never erase the evil in this world. But that doesn''t mean we should stop trying to lessen their existence," Pieffer knelt beside him. She looked exhausted but there was still a gentle smile on her face. "You''ve told me those words."


    "It''s not me," Aries bolted up and walked back to the hospital.


    "Let''s do it," Pieffer caught up with him.


    "Do what?"


    "Decrease the number of the corrupted souls," Pieffer was hopeful. "Let''s save this kingdom and gain the favor of the heavens and the king. I will become a princess and you will be the new leader of the Zodiac Knights."


    Aries held his head that was starting to throb. The devil who sent him to that world must be toasting his mind somewhere on that dungeon.


    Fine. I will obediently play my part and pass this trial.


    He stopped walking, turned to face Pieffer, and seriously told her, "I will grant your wish."


    "Let''s go," Pieffer beamed wider, grabbed his hand, and dragged him towards the border of Ram''s House.


    It must be the House of Ram because the towering gate had an emblem of a ram''s head at the center.


    Aries looked around to search for the castle of Serestral. It should be closer to that place but from where he was standing, he could only glimpse the tallest towers.


    "You did bring him here."


    It was that lady spear wielder who had welcomed them at the gate.


    "Where are the others?" Pieffer was looking past Siorre as if she were expecting more allies.


    "Enemies are attacking their borders. We cannot ask them for help at the moment," Siorre reported.


    "How about your house?" Aries inquired.


    "For as long as Pines is holding up, my house will be fine," Siorre confidently answered and called for her spear. "Let''s talk after we defeat the corrupted souls past this gate. If you really have some way to defeat those corrupted souls."


    "We do?" Aries glanced at Pieffer who tapped him at the shoulders.


    "Stop doing that," she softly laughed. "You will make our friend worry."


    "But¡­"


    "I had only seen it once," Pieffer pushed Aries in front of the gate''s emblem. "But it did happen. Aries absorbed the corrupted souls, and nothing happened to him. He remained uncorrupted."


    Aries remembered that he could absorb corrupted souls without getting tainted despite seeing strange pieces of stuff afterward. But that must be because he was already an evil person and killed a lot of people.


    "You want me to absorb all those corrupted souls?"


    "Yes. The three of us will try to absorb all the corrupted souls," Pieffer answered as if it were that simple.


    "Let me do it," Aries insisted. "I don''t want you and Siorre to increase the list of corrupted people I have to kill."


    "Hey! You don''t trust us?" Siorre raised an eyebrow.


    "I don''t want to risk it," Aries honestly answered. "You can still assist me in fighting until I absorbed all the corrupted souls."


    "Okay. We will do as you say," Pieffer said but Aries was not convinced.


    "You have to promise me that you will not do something stupid."


    There was only silence from Pieffer and Siorre.


    "I will not open this gate until I hear your promise," Aries seriously stated.


    "Promise," Pieffer finally said. "We will not do anything stupid."


    Reassured, Aries faced the emblem and called Vermillion.


    "Wait," Pieffer grabbed his arm. "You also have to promise me that you will not be defeated by the corrupted souls. If you can''t absorb them all, you should immediately stop."


    "I promise," Aries tapped the emblem with the blades of his dual swords.


    The gate opened and corrupted souls instantly shot through their direction.


    Siorre and Pieffer deflected the corrupted souls with their weapons while Aries closed the gate behind them.


    Like in the House of Lion, both women were reliable comrades. They were doing a great job distracting most of the corrupted souls from swarming on Aries who needed to focus on absorbing those wicked essences one by one through his dual blades.


    Some of the spirits were easy to hit and absorb while some were surprisingly good at dodging and Aries had to chase them for hours.


    Absorbing corrupted souls were never that pleasant. It was making him dizzy every time and flashes of unfamiliar memories were flooding his mind. But he was trying to endure everything. He had to succeed on that trial and fulfill his promise to Pieffer.


    He would absorb all the corrupted souls and survive. He just had to ignore all the memories flashing before his eyes.


    He had to ignore those tormented eyes and terrified cries.


    But those memories were tearing his mind apart.


    "Aries!!! Stop!!!" someone was painfully gripping his shoulder and pulling him away from those suffocating memories.


    Aries opened his eyes and coughed out blood. He was exhausted. Pieffer was always the one who was pulling him to safety.


    Siorre was circling around them, protecting them from at least ten corrupted souls.


    "Leave those three humans to me," an intimidating voice had commanded. "All of you should fly through that barrier and eat all the humans inside Serestral!!!"


    As the corrupted souls obeyed, Aries bolted up despite his exhaustion. He had to stop the corrupted souls from entering the House of Ram but before he could run, Pieffer grabbed his arm and stopped him.


    "You are at your limit," she was staring at him with deep concern.


    "I can do this," Aries promised and gently pulled his arm from the firm grip of Pieffer.


    He rushed towards the corrupted souls, slashed his swords at each of them, and absorbed their smoky essence.


    He collapsed on his knees after obtaining the last corrupted soul that tried to enter the House of Ram. His head felt heavier than a huge block of metal. The memories spinning endlessly in his mind were clouding his hearing and vision. For a moment, he felt like his head will implode.


    But he could not allow that to happen. Not yet. He still had more corrupted souls to eat. And at that moment, he had to take care of one more enemy. An opponent that was probably stronger than all the corrupted souls he had consumed.


    He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. He had to endure a bit more.


    After a few inhales and exhales, he felt a little better. He got up on his feet and turned to face the remaining corrupted soul standing a few meters away from the House of Ram.


    Pieffer and Siorre were fighting the last corrupted soul that appeared more like a human than a smoky silhouette of a human.


    What surprised Aries further was the appearance of the corrupted soul. It was a man that was wearing golden armor. His hair was blonde and falling elegantly down to his waist. His eyes were fiery red. He was holding a sword with a golden blade that looked similar to the weapon called Demise. A sword identical to the one Merrick was wielding. But instead of having the same appearance as Merrick, the form of the corrupted soul looked like Sunrei.


    Aries was confused but when he realized that the time to finally get his vengeance had come, a smile had suddenly curved on his lips.


    This time, you are the only one who will die, Sunrei.


    ^##########^

 Chapter 18 - Resolve

    "Aries, be careful. The leader of Celestial Knights is strong."


    The smile on his face widened when he heard those words from Pieffer.


    "I can kill him, right?"


    "It will never be that easy."


    Aries beamed happily as he tapped Pieffer on the shoulder.


    "I know he is a tough opponent," he walked away from Pieffer and tightened the grip on his dual blades. "But I will win this fight. Just stay there and watch. No matter what happens, I will not die."


    Aries dashed towards Sunrei with his arms stretched at his sides like a bird in flight. As soon as he came close, he swung both blades at the armored chest of his opponent.


    Sunrei took a step backward just before the dual blades hit his armor and waved his golden sword in retaliation. Aries swiftly leaned away from the sharp weapon, bent his knees, and countered with a double slash.


    The golden sword deflected both blows and pierced its way towards the face of Aries who quickly somersaulted away from the blade. The instant his feet hit the ground, he charged back to Sunrei and relentlessly slashed his sword until he cut the latter in the cheek.


    Sunrei parried the next strikes then jumped away from Aries.


    "How did we end up like this?" Sunrei asked with confusing sorrow in his eyes.


    Aries ignored it and kept on attacking. He was hoping for a challenging fight, but Sunrei annoyed him. The blonde was not changing his defensive stance.


    Even when Aries managed to break through his defense and stabbed him on the shoulder, Sunrei did not try to counter.


    "What are you doing?" Aries angrily pulled his blade and kicked Sunrei in the face.


    The blow was powerful enough to send his blonde opponent rolling on the sandy ground.


    "Stand up," Aries angrily commanded.


    "Take my soul," Sunrei closed his eyes and the sword in his hand vanished. "You can easily devour the others if you consume my soul first."


    "Fine," Aries stabbed one of his blades in the chest of Sunrei. "Even if you surrender your soul this easily, you will never be forgiven."


    Sunrei smiled and said, "I know."


    Aries watched as his blade absorbed the entire essence of Sunrei. He should be delighted but winning against an opponent that only lay down and surrendered without much of a fight did not bring him the slightest satisfaction. He was furious.


    He felt¡­ awful¡­


    The weight of the soul he just absorbed felt heavier than the rest of the soul he had devoured.


    It caused his knees to weaken. His vision had gotten hazy. Memories were flooding his mind once more, drowning his consciousness and drifting it away.


    No¡­ Not again¡­


    ^##################^


    Aries jerked awake and fall from the branch of a tree. Fortunately for him, the branch was only a few feet from the ground. He did not obtain any injury.


    "Clumsy as always," someone offered him a hand.


    He looked up and was surprised to see Sunrei smiling. His right hand was reaching out towards him, offering support.


    "What is this again?" Aries ignored Sunrei and stand on his own.


    "Hey! The celebration is about to start!" Siorre appeared from behind Sunrei and placed an arm around the shoulders of the blonde knight. "We can''t be late."


    "I''m going crazy," Aries mumbled.


    "Stop joking around," Siorre pulled him away from the tree where he had fallen and dragged him inside a castle.


    Aries recognized that it was the castle in Serestral.


    Siorre let go of his arm when they arrived at the throne room. It must be the throne room because there was only one chair in that spacious room. And it was an elegant chair. But as of that moment, it was empty.


    Twenty-four people were standing in that room, including Aries, Siorre, and Sunrei.


    Leon was also in the crowd and waved a hand at Aries.


    Everyone greeted him as if they were close to him.


    But aside from Siorre, Sunrei, and Leon, he could not recognize the rest of the people in that room.


    He did not know them. But they... felt familiar to him.


    Aries held his head that suddenly burst with pain.


    He dropped to his knees then collapsed on the ground while writhing in pain but no one in the room seemed to have noticed what was happening to him. All of them continued talking excitedly with each other.


    Aries¡­ this is your life¡­


    Aries closed his eyes and furiously yelled, "NO!!! THIS IS NOT ME!!!"


    He blacked out and when he opened his eyes, the scenery had changed.


    He had changed.


    He kept on killing people whose face was covered in dark smoke. There were too many of those people that he could not stop killing. Even Pieffer became one of them and he had to kill her.


    After taking her life, he abandoned her body in the middle of a forest. She was covered in mud and blood. Rain was pouring and he could not see anything but trees and dead bodies.


    He had killed Pieffer.


    Again.


    Aries closed his eyes and shook his head.


    No. This is not real.


    Stop this¡­ please¡­


    "You are perfect for it," a deep yet gentle voice had spoken in front of Aries.


    He opened his eyes but squinted as bright light dazzled his eyes.


    He was no longer in that bloody forest. He was in an empty alley with lamplights lined on it. One of it was blazing blindingly that Aries could not properly see the man standing next to him.


    "Do you want to kill bad people?"


    The man reached out a hand to him.


    Aries only stared at it, wide-eyed.


    It was his memory.


    That was how he had become an assassin.


    Aries blacked out one more time and when he came around, he had returned at the lowest part of the dungeon. He was lying down on the four-poster bed. He rubbed his head that was still throbbing, but it was not as bad as before. Memories stopped flashing in his mind.


    He felt¡­ a little normal.


    "Welcome back, Aries Del Luna," the Beast Tamer was back in his throne, and he was reading another book.


    Aries sat up and asked, "What did you do? Where did you send me? Those memories¡­"


    "They are yours," Kiel put down the book he was reading and gazed seriously at Aries.


    "No," Aries refuted. "Most of those memories are not mine."


    The Beast Tamer gracefully got up on his knees and approached Aries.


    "Can you remember everything from when you were young? Before you became an assassin?"


    Aries was silenced by that question.


    "I can only help you remember," Kiel admitted. "But I cannot force you to accept everything and believe in it."


    "I died," Aries stared helplessly at the Beast Master. "The dead should stay dead. I am as worst as the prisoners in this dungeon. Why am I given another chance to live? Why in this world? Why did I meet another Pieffer and Sunrei? This world¡­ isn''t this¡­ my hell? But if this is hell¡­ I should be suffering eternal torment. I should not be given a chance to become a hero. Because I am¡­ an assassin¡­ and I killed¡­ the most important person in my life¡­"


    "Yes. You are an assassin," Kiel agreed and lightly tapped Aries on the shoulder. "But you are more than that. You don''t have to rush in believing that you are an important part of this world. Saving Serestral, on the other hand, cannot wait any longer. You have to do it now or more lives will be lost."


    "You are strong. Why stay here and guard criminals instead of saving innocent lives?"


    "Guarding criminals is one way of protecting innocent lives," Kiel smiled. "This is also a place where criminals can find a way to redeem themselves. You had been confined in this place for a few times."


    "I¡­ don''t remember¡­"


    "People die and always get a chance to be reborn," the Beast Tamer returned to his seat. "You think all the criminals in here are humans? Some of them are monsters. Others are only souls. When you get the chance to be reborn, your memories will be erased, and you are bound to start all over again. It is the same with you but with a little exception. We even reserved a part of this dungeon just for you."


    "Why?"


    "Because of all the souls that you have consumed. You, the rest of the Zodiac Knights, the Celestial Knights, and Pieffer have a complicated fate. You will always be reborn as yourselves. As for your memories, everything will eventually return to you as you age," Kiel raised the journal that Aries wanted to have. "This is not your memories. You don''t have to read this."


    "About that¡­"


    "That Aries is from an alternate world," Kiel answered the unfinished question. "Our enemy desperately wants to get rid of you and they will try everything just to kick you out of this world. They did succeed on it when you nearly died ten years ago. Pieffer did everything to save you but, instead of you, she pulled another Aries from some alternate world."


    "I still want to read that journal," Aries insisted. "I came here just for that."


    "I will give you this journal once you remembered who you are," Kiel promised with a mischievous smile. "You can return here anytime but, of course, the journey will never be that easy."


    "To leave here¡­ we have to pass those floors again?"


    "I know you are tired," Kiel beamed wider. "I will make an exception this one time only. Shall I transport all of you back to your house?"


    "Master Kiel¡­" Aries hesitated but decided to ask away. "I cannot save the woman I love. I even killed her to walk away from a complicated life. Now you want me to save a kingdom. Can I¡­ truly save Serestral?"


    "No one can answer that. It all depends on you and your comrades. You are their leader. You are their strength. For as long as you remain strong, there will always be hope and maybe by saving this kingdom, you can appease the soul of the deceased."


    Aries gained a bit of confidence in those words. It took him a while. But he was now ready to embrace that life and that world.


    He would save Serestral.


    ^################^

 Chapter 19 - Barriers

    The Beast Tamer flicked his fingers and a warm and blinding light had erupted and swallowed Aries. It lasted for a second and when it vanished, Aries found himself back in his chamber. Pieffer, Sunrei, and Leon were all sitting on the couch, still sleeping.


    He quietly took Pieffer in his arms but before he could carry the princess to the bed, her eyes had opened.


    "Aries¡­"


    He gently returned Pieffer on the couch and said in a defensive tone, "I only want to tuck you in bed so you can sleep well."


    The princess glanced around and asked, "How did we get here?" she gazed anxiously at Aries from head to foot, as if checking him up. "What happened to you? Are you okay?"


    "I am."


    "What did Master Kiel tell you?" Pieffer asked, apparently anxious.


    "He told me everything I need to know," Aries took the empty space next to Pieffer.


    "The redemption thing¡­ is a lie. I''m sorry," Pieffer guiltily confessed.


    "I understand," Aries leaned his head on the backrest and stared at the ceiling. "You need to save your brother."


    "I don''t know what you''ve been through. But it must be painful. I know you are still in pain¡­ but I will still ask you¡­"


    "I will help," Aries straightened his back and seriously gazed at Pieffer. "Let''s save Serestral."


    "Thank you," the princess cried with gratitude.


    "It''s too early for that," Aries raised his hand to wipe the tears from the eyes of the princess, but he pulled it away when he remembered all the Pieffer that he had killed in his memories. If that were truly his memories, it will be better to distance himself from her. "I still need to know a lot of things about this world, but I can learn along the way. For now, let''s reinstate the barrier at the house of Leon."


    "We can start as soon as dawn breaks. You and Leon need a lot of rest."


    "You sleep on the bed. I will sleep here," Aries offered.


    "Thank you," Pieffer got up on his feet and lay down on the bed.


    ^###############^


    As Pieffer had said, as soon as the sun had risen, they returned to the House of Lion, at the southern part of its border.


    There was a lion statue in the middle of what seemed like an abandoned park. The ground was covered with knee-length grasses that nearly concealed all the wooden benches around that place. Trees and bushes lined at the perimeter of that area. There were houses nearby but Aries could not see a single person outside. All the houses had their doors and windows closed.


    Leon sat on the lion statue and told them, "Let''s start."


    Pieffer only nodded.


    Leon put his palm on the mane of the lion and closed his eyes. His mouth opened and he was chanting words that Aries could hardly hear. As soon as his lips stopped moving, his hands blazed with crimson flame and the statue glowed orange. The light intensified and transformed into fire.


    Leon and the statue were in flames, but they were not burning. Even the grass was not catching fire.


    "It will take hours," Pieffer told Aries.


    "The corrupted souls will come once they notice Leon reinstating the barrier," Sunrei warned. "We have to be ready."


    A few minutes after Sunrei had said those words, the corrupted souls came. Some of them obtained a vessel while others were gliding shapelessly towards Leon.


    Pieffer took a stand in front of the statue and covered it with a huge shield. Aries and Sunrei rushed to her side and protected her from the corrupted souls that changed course to attack her.


    "No one can touch Leon and the lion statue," Pieffer said. "We have to make the corrupted souls retreat."


    "We cannot make them leave," Aries tirelessly slashed his dual blades at the corrupted souls. "We have to endure until this is over."


    Or I can eat them up¡­


    In the memories he had seen, he could easily absorb corrupted souls just by slashing them with his blade. But at that moment, after slicing the souls swarming at them, all he could do was incapacitate them for a few minutes. He even tried stabbing the shoulders of the possessed people with the hope that his blades could liberate them from the corrupted souls that infiltrated their bodies. But nothing was happening.


    He had no better choice but to kill the possessed people.


    Why show me those memories if I cannot do it to these corrupted souls?!


    Aries tried to recall all the memories Kiel had made him see. He was trying to find where he was lacking. He had to absorb all those souls. If he can do that, then the rest of the possessed people had a chance to survive, and the corrupted souls will finally stop using people as their weapons.


    He cannot repeat what he did with the corrupted soul that possessed Miko. He could not trick all the dark essences swarming at them.


    Cutting himself open and pushing them inside his wound would not work either. He would bleed to death before he could absorb all the corrupted souls and he could not help the possessed people.


    How can I absorb the corrupted souls using my blades?


    "Aries!"


    He felt a tap on his shoulder and Sunrei slashed five corrupted souls and kicked two possessed people away from them.


    "Think about the other things after we are done here. You need to focus."


    Aries tightened the grip in his dual blades and cut the corrupted souls in half then he apologized to the possessed people before slitting their throat.


    Bodies dropped dead one after the other. Aries noticed that Sunrei was trying his best not to land a fatal blow on the possessed people but it was not helping them at all. The corrupted souls can still manipulate the body even if they were gravely wounded.


    For Aries, it would be better for the possessed people to die an instant death than prolong their agony. He was killing everyone that would attack him.


    The possessed people were decreasing but the corrupted souls were not diminishing.


    They were defending that place for hours, but Aries could see no sign that Leon would soon be done with reinstating the barrier on that area. And they had to repeat that process three more times.


    Pieffer was starting to weaken and so was her barrier. Sunrei was slowing down. Aries could also sense his stamina depleting, but he had to endure and protect his comrades.


    He had to endure even if it lasts for a day or more. He would keep on slashing his blades until he could learn how to absorb souls using his weapon.


    Aries heard Pieffer cough and when he glanced in her direction, she was on her knees and there was blood oozing from her mouth. Despite her pain, her barrier remained around Leon and the lion statue.


    "The barrier¡­ will not¡­ last long¡­" Pieffer coughed out more blood and cracks had formed at the shield she had created. "I''m¡­ sorry¡­"


    The shield had finally shattered, and the corrupted souls wasted no time in attacking Leon. Pieffer fainted. Aries and Sunrei had no time to check on her. They had to stop the corrupted souls from touching Leon and the lion statue. But the corrupted souls were floating high in the sky and their blades cannot reach them. They also had to stop the remaining possessed people from advancing.


    Aries gazed at his dual blades and remembered that it was once a heavy sword that was a bit difficult to wield. He transformed it into a weapon that was easier to handle. If he had done it once, he could do it again.


    Aries crossed his dual blades like he was pulling an arrow from a bow. He aimed it at the corrupted soul and closed his eyes.


    Become a bow and an arrow.


    He repeatedly chanted those words until he sensed that the shape of his dual blades was changing. When he opened his eyes, a smile curved on his lips as his weapon became a bow and an arrow.


    He shot at the corrupted souls, but his arrows were not enough to stop them from advancing towards Leon.


    Is this the end? After all those hours¡­ is this how it will end?


    ''You are their leader. You are their strength. For as long as you remain strong, there will always be hope¡­''


    Aries gathered courage as he remembered those words. If he wanted to win, he could not give up that easily.


    He fired another arrow to the corrupted soul that was closest to Leon. The moment his arrow had hit the dark essence, Aries felt his body devouring it. He had done it.


    He kept on firing arrows while Sunrei was occupied in defending against the possessed people.


    As it was in his memories, absorbing a soul gave him a disgusting feeling. Memories were once again flooding in his mind. But he had to keep his focus. He had to keep firing at the corrupted souls. But no matter how fast he was at shooting, his arrows were not enough to stop all the corrupted souls from closing in on Leon.


    "No¡­" Aries gathered all his remaining strength at the arrow he was about to shoot. He had to eliminate the corrupted souls that were only a few inches away from Leon.


    But before he could fire that arrow, Leon had opened his eyes and the flames covering the lion statue blazed stronger before it exploded.


    Everyone had been hit. The corrupted souls became wisps of smoke before completely vanishing. The possessed people had been liberated and the same thing happened to the corrupted souls that entered their bodies. Aries felt the warmth of the flame helping him deal with the memories flashing in his mind. The flame gave him a relaxing sensation.


    "We''ve succeeded¡­" Leon smiled then closed his eyes and slid from the back of the lion statue.


    Aries caught him before he hit the ground.


    This is only the first out of the four borders, Aries slumped, and he put Leon gently on the ground, beside Pieffer.


    ^#############^

 Chapter 20 - Easier

    "Let''s return to your house and rest," Sunrei took a transport bracelet from his pocket but before he could break it, someone from behind him had spoken.


    "Prince Sunrei, you can rest at our house," a woman in her early forties had kindly offered. "We want to thank you for helping Sir Leon reinstate the southern barrier."


    "Thank you," Sunrei pointed at Aries, Pieffer, and Leon. "I will also need help in moving them in your house."


    "We will help!"


    More people were coming out of their houses. Most of them were women and children. They were carrying blankets that could lift Pieffer and Leon.


    Aries managed to get up on his feet, but his knees buckled when he tried to walk.


    Sunrei caught his arm and offered a shoulder for him to lean on.


    Aries accepted it for he was too weak to refuse.


    ^###########^


    The house of the woman who offered them a temporary shelter had a second floor with two double decks on one of the three rooms. It was perfect for the four of them.


    Pieffer and Leon were on the lower decks while Sunrei and Aries lay down on the upper beds.


    "What is your name?" Sunrei sat up and asked the kind lady who offered them her house.


    "Leana," she politely answered with a bow.


    "Leana, thank you for letting us rest in your house," Sunrei gratefully bowed back, shocking the kind lady.


    "Prince Sunrei, you have saved us. My house is not enough to thank you for that."


    "This is more than enough," Sunrei assured the kind lady. "I will be more grateful if you let us sleep for four hours."


    "Yes, Prince Sunrei. No one will disturb your sleep," the woman bowed before leaving the room.


    "We finally made some progress," Sunrei yawned and rested his back on the bed. "Let''s sleep first and talk later."


    After saying those words, Sunrei had quickly fallen asleep.


    Aries thought that he would be having difficulty sleeping since he was in a house of a stranger but as soon as he had closed his eyes, sleep had easily claimed him.


    ^############^


    Aries opened his eyes and saw an enormous axe spiralling in his direction. He swiftly rolled on the ground and successfully dodged the axe. It stopped moving an inch away from a familiar tree and shifted direction. It was targeting Aries once again.


    "Vermillion," Aries crossed his dual blades, deflected the blade, and hurled it away as far as he could.


    The axe spun in midair then rolled around Aries before shooting past him.


    "You''re getting better," someone from behind him had spoken.


    Aries turned and saw a man, probably the same age as him, catching the enormous axe.


    He was wearing a silver breastplate, gauntlet, and greaves. His long black hair was neatly ponytailed. His blue eyes were staring at Aries with amusement. His face looked familiar but Aries could not remember where he had seen such face.


    "Why do you look so shocked?" the axe wielder leaned the handle of his weapon in his broad shoulder. "Did my axe frighten you?"


    "Who are you?"


    "You don''t know me?" the axe wielder raised an eyebrow.


    "You are a corrupted soul," Aries tightened the grip on his dual blades. He was certain that the man in front of him was the corrupted soul that he had devoured. That one who possessed people wearing armors. The axe they were holding appeared identical. But Aries was certain he had seen that face somewhere else.


    The axe wielder laughed, "Do you really see us as your enemies? How can you throw it all away and kill us?"


    "Who are you?" Aries asked again as he finally remembered seeing the axe wielder in one of the memories that Master Kiel had shown him. He was one of the twenty-four people in the throne room.


    "It will not make any difference even if I tell you my name," the axe-wielder turned his back on Aries. "You will still devour us. Over and over again. But remember that you can never make us disappear. We will keep on coming back the moment you are reborn. No matter what you do, this will never end."


    "Who are you?!" Aries yelled but the axe wielder did not answer and everything around him had been enveloped with darkness then flashes of memories overwhelmed him again.


    His mind throbbed with confusion from the memories that were unfamiliar to him. But in all those memories, he could see himself with those twenty-four knights. They were his friends.


    But he had killed all of them. He had devoured their souls.


    I am an assassin¡­


    Not a hero¡­


    He closed his eyes to block those unpleasant memories. His eyes remained tightly shut for a long time and when he opened them, he was back at the house of that kind lady named Leana.


    "Get up and eat with us," Sunrei had said. He was sitting at a table for four with Pieffer and Leon.


    The table and chairs were not in the room before he had slept. The owner of the house must have lent that to them. She even cooked a lot of dishes for them.


    "We need a lot of strength in reinstating the remaining barriers¡­"


    "I know," he snapped at Leon and joined them for an early breakfast.


    There was a few minutes of silence before Pieffer cleared her throat and asked, "Aries, is it okay if we ask you something?"


    The anxiety in her eyes hinted at something that Aries already knew.


    "I devoured their souls," he bluntly answered the question they were nervous to ask. "I thought you knew about it?"


    The three of them shook their head.


    "I did the same with the corrupted soul that wielded an axe and the one that possessed Miko," Aries gazed suspiciously at Pieffer, Sunrei, and Leon. "You truly had no idea that I can absorb souls?"


    "We will not be this concerned if we know about it," Sunrei said with a shrug of his shoulders.


    "You consumed a lot of corrupted souls. Are you okay?" Pieffer asked, always with a deep concern for him and Aries had to remind himself that she was not the Pieffer he loved. They only looked the same, but the princess was a different person.


    "I''m fine," Aries answered. "You don''t have to worry about me."


    "What''s wrong?" the princess blushed as Aries kept his curious gaze at her.


    "You really don''t know that I can absorb souls?"


    Pieffer shook her head and asked back, "The previous Aries never showed that ability."


    "How can there be two Aries in one body?" Leon curiously asked.


    "I thought you knew things that I don''t?" Aries glared at his comrades. "Master Kiel told me that we have a complicated fate, and we will always be reborn as we are. I thought that you can remember what I can''t."


    "The memories of our past lives¡­ we can only remember them as we grow older," Pieffer answered. "Though we can see them in our dreams, it is still hard to tell if we owned them or we are only seeing random dreams. You have to feel that you are the one in your dream to know that it is yours. Your mind can show you a lot of things, but your feelings will tell you if that is truly your memory."


    "I kept on dreaming about a lot of things," Aries emptied his plate. The owner of the house can cook well. It was nearly as delicious as the dishes prepared by Miko. "But I guess¡­ I have yet to feel that they are truly mine."


    "You can ask us if you remember something," Pieffer offered. "We can confirm that for you."


    "We want to tell you a lot of things, but we don''t want you to feel that we are forcing things on you," Sunrei also emptied his plate and glass of water.


    "It is better if you are the one to remember," Pieffer added with a gentle smile.


    "It''s getting late," Leon said. "We can talk after we reinstate the barrier at the western border."


    "Let''s go," Aries, Pieffer, and Sunrei had chorused.


    ^################^


    The eastern border also had a park where a lion statue was standing at the centermost area. It looked exactly like the one on the southern border. Aries and his comrades had difficulty reaching the area for there were plenty of enemies blocking their way.


    Fortunately for them, Aries was slowly getting used to absorbing souls with his dual blades. They reached the area without getting exhausted.


    Leon sat on the lion statue and Pieffer protected him with a shield. Sunrei distracted the possessed people while Aries shot arrows at the hovering corrupted souls.


    It had been easier for them that day compared to yesterday. The casualty had been greatly reduced. Aries, Pieffer, and Sunrei were still standing by the time Leon was done reinstating the barrier. The lion house leader did not fall from the statue, but he was about to faint from exhaustion.


    Aries jumped on the statue and offered his back to Leon.


    "Thanks," the weary house leader crawled on his back and quickly fell into a deep slumber.


    "People are coming out of their houses," Sunrei smiled with satisfaction.


    "We''ve done it right this time," the eyes of Pieffer brimmed with tears as she saw people approaching.


    Aries was also happy that he was able to save more lives.


    ^###########^


    A lot of people offered them temporary shelter. They were able to rest and eat well before heading to the northern border.


    They encountered lesser enemies on the way. There was also an identical park in that area. Leon started right away and reinstating the barrier became easier for them. The corrupted souls in that area were not as many as the enemies they encountered in the previous parks.


    Though the time to reinstate the barriers remained the same and Leon were always exhausted by the time he was done, at least keeping him safe from the enemies were not that difficult anymore.


    One more border to go and they could move on to the next house.


    The four of them were hoping that it would be easier for them as they reinstate more barriers.


    ^##########^

 Chapter 21 - Golden Sword

    Aries should not have hoped that things would get better for them. Bad things kept on happening to him ever since he arrived in that world.


    When they reached the eastern border, the lion statue was being hammered into pieces by the possessed people. That was the reason no enemy had intercepted them on the way there.


    The four of them rushed to the statue and tried to save it from further damage, but a stronger enemy had stopped them.


    It was Merrick. The man who wanted to take possession of Sunrei''s body. He was wielding a golden sword named Demise.


    In the memories that Master Kiel had shown Aries, Sunrei was wielding that golden sword. But at the present, Sunrei was using an ordinary silver sword and Merrick was the one holding the golden blade.


    Is Merrick the real Sunrei? Then who is in the body of Sunrei?


    Aries shook his head and focused on their goal. They had to save the lion statue.


    "Take care of Merrick," Aries jumped on the head of the statue. "I will stop the corrupted souls."


    Pieffer, Sunrei, and Leon listened to his instruction.


    Vermillion became a bow once again and Aries converted his energy into arrows. He noticed from their last battle that when the ram''s horn erupted from the side of his head, his arrows were becoming more effective against the enemies and his energy was not being drained so easily.


    He fired arrows at the hovering corrupted souls before targeting the possessed people. He was careful in aiming his arrows. He should save those people, not kill them.


    Aries never thought that he was good at shooting arrows. He rarely used a gun. A knife was the best weapon for an assassin like him. That was the reason he was amazed at his archery skill.


    Aries dropped to his knees after he consumed the last corrupted soul in the area. The memories flashing in his mind were making him dizzy every time and he had to wait for a few minutes for everything inside him to calm down.


    As soon as he felt a little better, he joined Pieffer, Sunrei, and Leon in fighting Merrick.


    "Pieffer, Leon, you should conserve your strength. Go and check the statue," Aries instructed as he landed in front of Sunrei and deflected the golden sword. "Leave Merrick to us."


    For a second, Pieffer was hesitant then she nodded and pulled Leon towards the statue.


    "What do you think you are doing?" Aries asked Sunrei who looked like he had seen a ghost. "Are you that scared of Merrick? If you can''t fight him then go and join Pieffer and Leon in checking the statue," he hurled the golden sword away and kicked Merrick in the face, sending him rolling on the ground a few meters away.


    "I''m sorry¡­" Sunrei turned to approach the statue.


    "But you can''t keep on running away," Aries made Sunrei froze in place. "If you want to stay in that body, you have to fight for it. You have to win over Merrick. If you can''t, then it is better for you to just surrender."


    "But I¡­"


    "Don''t you want to stay with your sister and keep on protecting her? Will you let that man take over your body and hurt Pieffer?"


    "I don''t want that to happen!" Sunrei tightened the grip on his sword and faced Aries. "I am Sunrei! I will protect my sister!"


    "Then fight," Aries deflected another attack from Merrick and Sunrei went on the offensive. He slashed his sword, but Merrick had quickly jumped away from the blade.


    Aries stepped aside to give Sunrei a chance to fight for what he truly desires.


    Merrick was fast. His footsteps were as light as a feather. It was like watching the Sunrei he knew from his world.


    Prince Sunrei could also move as swiftly as his opponent. He could parry and counter every blow.


    Watching them felt like observing two similar yet different people. And the longer Aries gazed at them, the more he felt odd.


    Prince Sunrei was thoroughly careful in approaching Merrick. He was swift to attack and quicker to move away from his opponent. It was as if he was scared to be touched by the golden sword wielder.


    They exchanged slashes but none was cutting anything. Aries could tell that Merrick was doing it on purpose. He was cautiously waving his golden blade to prevent damaging the body he thought was his true vessel.


    Though Prince Sunrei was no longer trembling, Aries could see that he was still hesitating. It must be because Merrick was still someone he knew. Aries remembered that he was a relative of a house leader.


    Aries opened his mouth to tell the prince that if he kept hesitating, Merrick would win. But before he could say those words out loud, a flash of memory had taken him back in time.


    "If you keep on hesitating, you can never win against us," Sunrei in a golden armor had told Aries. He was standing a few feet away from Aries and he was holding a golden sword in his right hand.


    Aries was kneeling on the ground. He was holding Vermillion that was in a form of a broad sword. He was using it as a support to keep himself from collapsing face down on the ground. He was exhausted from a fight that he could not win. But he wanted to continue fighting.


    For once, he wanted to win.


    "Stand up!" Sunrei charged.


    With an exhausted body, Aries could only roll on the ground to dodge that attack.


    "Stand up!" Sunrei repeated with a slash of his blade and Aries managed to lift his broad sword in time to parry that blow.


    He pushed the golden sword away from him with all his might and shakily got up on his feet. His red armor had dents all over the place and he had minor cuts on his cheeks.


    "That''s it, Aries," Sunrei smiled. "You should never give up."


    He attacked again. Aries raised his broad sword and caught the blade. Though his weapon was bigger, it trembled with the intensity of the blow.


    "Do you want to kill me?" Aries took a few steps backward as he deflected another attack. He managed to push the sword away and countered.


    Sunrei gracefully spun to dodge the counterattack. He moved only a few inches away from Aries but he managed to successfully avoid the enormous sword aimed at his chest and waved his golden blade in vengeance.


    Aries jumped away from his opponent and avoided the attack. He was still in midair when Sunrei recovered from a missed opportunity. He raised his sword and dashed towards his opponent.


    Aries prepared his weapon and caught the blade of his enemy but lost his balance when his feet got entangled with each other the moment he landed on the ground.


    His clumsiness was a curse. It would never leave him alone.


    He tumbled on the ground and his back hit hard on a tree. It would not have been that painful if Sunrei did not pin him on the tree. His golden sword was only a few inches from his neck. The only thing that was keeping him safe was his broad sword.


    "Do you want to kill me?" Aries asked as his hand trembled on the hilt of his weapon.


    "What if I do want to kill you?" Sunrei seriously asked back. "Will you just cower and wait for your death? When will you gain the courage to fight for what you want?"


    "What I want¡­"


    "You want to lead the Zodiac Knights."


    Aries shook his head and said, "I only want recognition from Grandmaster Serestra."


    "Do you think he will recognize someone that only wants to run errands from the rest of the Zodiac Knights? Do you think doing that will make you stronger? You are a knight, Aries. Not an errand boy."


    "It''s okay¡­"


    "It''s not okay," Sunrei pushed the golden blade closer to the neck of Aries. "You are a knight. You had been chosen because you can fight. Clumsiness is only an excuse. You can be better. Fight and lead the Zodiac Knights," his eyes flicker with desperation when he said, "If you lead them then maybe we can have a better fate."


    "What are you trying to say?"


    "Fight, Aries," Sunrei put more force on the blade until it cut Aries on the neck. "Fight!"


    Aries blacked out and he felt that the tree from behind him had vanished but the force that was pushing on him was still there.


    He hit another hard ground and something heavy had dropped on top of him.


    "Aries, what are you doing?! Wake up!!!"


    He jerked awake and found himself back at the eastern border of Leon''s house. He was lying on the ground and Prince Sunrei was crouching on top of him, protecting him from the sword of Merrick. Pieffer had also provided them a shield. Leon was fast approaching Merrick but before he could close in, the barrier had shattered and the golden sword was about to pierce Aries on the face.


    Prince Sunrei rolled on the side of Aries to catch the blade with his bare hands.


    Aries shakily caught the same blade with one of his dual blades.


    And someone from behind Merrick had stabbed a dagger on his left shoulder.


    Aries thought that it was Leon but the lion house leader had stopped on his track and was staring behind Merrick with a little surprise.


    "I thought you will not need any help," the man from behind Merrick had said. "I was wrong."


    ^###############^

 Chapter 22 - Entangled Fates

    Merrick had been shoved away from Aries and Prince Sunrei with an intense kick from the man who had put a dagger on his shoulder. He rolled once more on the ground.


    Without Merrick blocking the view, Aries finally got a glimpse of the man who had helped them.


    He was wearing a silver overcoat with fish scale linings on it. His silver hair was in a tight bun. The handle of his dual daggers was two fish swimming in opposite directions. His vibrant silver eyes and wide grin were mocking Aries.


    "Merrick wants to kill you?" he raised an eyebrow at Aries. "Is he possessed?"


    "Later, Pines," Leon told the silver-haired house leader. "We need to take Merrick back to the house of Taurus. We also need to repair the statue."


    "If Tauren could not stop Merrick from disrupting our mission¡­" Aries got up on his knees and glared at Merrick. "Then I will kill him."


    Aries crossed his dual blades as he charged towards Merrick. His aim was to slice the neck but Pieffer pushed his arms away that the blades only slashed the shoulders of Merrick.


    "Please, don''t kill him," Pieffer begged while gripping his arm. "He is still Merrick."


    "Fine," Aries beamed menacingly. "I''ll just take the corrupted soul away."


    Pieffer hesitated for a moment before releasing the arm of Aries.


    "You are my sister!!!" Merrick yelled angrily at Pieffer who looked back at him with the same gravity of rage.


    "Prince Sunrei is my brother," she said before stepping away.


    Aries began to consume the corrupted soul inside Merrick but to his surprise, he could not pull it out of the body. It felt like the soul had been glued to the vessel.


    "You consumed my soul most of your lifetimes, but not in this one," Merrick grinned wickedly back at Aries and his hand had been surrounded by a blue ball of light. "This time, Celestial Knights will win."


    The ball of light shot from his hands and zipped towards the abdomen of Aries. It hit with an intense force that shoved him a few feet away from Merrick. Prince Sunrei and Leon had caught him before he tumbled on the ground.


    Merrick magically conjured another blue ball of smoke in his right hand and tossed it on the ground. The ball shattered and released a cloud of blue smoke that swallowed Merrick and when it vanished, he disappeared together with it.


    "Let''s leave him alone for now," Pieffer said as she put an arm around the arm of Prince Sunrei. It was as if she wanted to find consolation.


    "Thank you," Prince Sunrei smiled kindly at his sister.


    Aries was still confused as to who was inside the body of Prince Sunrei yet he could not help but feel glad that the prince was protective of his sister and Pieffer wanted to save him more than her real brother. There was certainly a reason for it.


    "My Princess Pieffer!!!" Pines was hopping joyfully towards the princess. His arms were wide open as if he wanted to embrace her.


    Aries knew that the princess was different from the Pieffer he loved, but his body still moved protectively in front of Pieffer and he was the one who had been embraced by Pines.


    "You!" Pines jumped away from Aries with annoyance.


    "We have to repair the statue," Leon grabbed him by the collar and dragged him away from Aries and Pieffer.


    "How dare you do this to me?" Pines pulled away from the grip of Leon. "Show your respect to me, weak lion! I am here to help you!"


    Leon glared as he told Pines, "Thanks for the help. But I think we can get rid of Merrick without your help. You''ve been wandering around my house all this time, without helping us. We did just fine. But if you want to repair the statue all by yourself, I will bow my head to the ground in front of you."


    "How dare you..."


    "Pines, we need to repair the lion statue as soon as we can," Pieffer had quickly interrupted. "Please, let''s focus on our goal."


    "I''m sorry, My Princess," Pines crazily changed expression from furious to joyful, and as he tried to walk side by side with Pieffer, Aries and Sunrei quickly pushed him out of the way that he yelled, "Hey!"


    But no one was listening to him anymore.


    "How do we fix this statue?" Aries curiously asked. "Do we have to call masons?"


    "We can fix this with our own energy," Pines looked annoyed as he stood in front of the damaged face of the lion statue. He called forth his dual daggers and pointed its edges at the face of the sculpture. He closed his eyes and the blade of his daggers had been enveloped by silver light while his skin was covered by glowing silver fish scales.


    "Leon, wait for us to finish. Conserve your energy as much as you can," Prince Sunrei ordered. "Pieffer, you should also do the same. Watch out for incoming enemies and shield us when they come."


    The princess nodded and so did Leon.


    "Aries, you should stand near the tail of the statue and do what Pines is doing," Prince Sunrei instructed.


    Aries followed and positioned in front of the stone tail. He called Vermillion and pointed its edges at the tail of the lion. He closed his eyes but he could not feel anything extraordinary happening. He opened his eyes and saw that Prince Sunrei and Pines were already healing the face and the body of the enormous sculpture but Aries could not fix the tail.


    "Send your energy to the tip of your blades," Pieffer kindly told him. "It will easily come to you."


    "Thanks," Aries closed his eyes once more and tried to send his energy at the tip of his dual blades. As Pieffer had said, it came easily to him. His weapon was like a part of his soul. What his mind wanted, his swords were instantly complying.


    Warm and powerful energy was flowing from within him through his dual blades. Aries lost count of time. It only stopped when someone tapped his shoulder.


    "You can stop now."


    It was Pieffer who told him those words. When he opened his eyes, the lion statue appeared brand new.


    "We can start reinstating the barrier," the princess glanced at Leon who nodded and jumped on top of the lion sculpture.


    As usual, it took hours before Leon successfully brought back the barrier at the eastern border. But unlike the last time, he was still strong enough to jump down the statue.


    "Thank you," he bowed low to Aries, Pieffer, Prince Sunrei, and Pines. "It was easier this time because you filled the statue with your energy. Now my house is safe from the corrupted souls. I owe this to all of you."


    "Keep your house safe," Aries said. "Don''t let the corrupted souls destroy it again. A strong soul will be difficult to possess. I learned that from Miko and from absorbing corrupted souls. We are the Zodiac Knights. We should always be strong enough to protect everyone within our territory."


    "But if you find it hard to fight against our enemies, you can easily call us," Pieffer gave Leon a set of transport bracelets.


    "We have to head to the next house," Prince Sunrei said.


    "Whose house?" Aries asked.


    "The House of Maiden," Prince Sunrei answered. "We need Aries to come with us. Until we are done reinstating the rest of the barriers all over Serestral¡­"


    "I know," Leon smiled. "I will protect the House of Ram while Aries is away. This time, you can count on me."


    "I know," Aries felt like smiling but could not. For the first time in his life, he felt shy. "When will we go there?"


    "Tomorrow," Pieffer replied. "We have to rest for now. We also have to visit the House of Bull before entering the House of Maiden."


    "I''ll go with you to the House of Maiden," Pines put his arm around Pieffer''s shoulder. "I won against Siorre. I can be with you for an entire week."


    "Rest at my manor," Leon offered. "That is one of the few places that remained undamaged by the corrupted souls."


    "Is your cook as good as Miko?" Aries asked after clearing his throat.


    "Of course," Leon laughed. "Let''s go."


    ^########^


    As the lion house leader had said, his house remained undamaged. The people living there were safe and they had provided a delicious dinner for everyone. The house was big enough to give each of them a room to sleep in and it was all clean and cozy. It was as if the House of Lion had never been infiltrated by the corrupted souls.


    Aries was lying comfortably on the bed that was placed right next to a window. From there, he could see the starlit sky. His body was tired but he could not doze off. Even if he tried to count the stars in the sky, he could not feel sleepy at all.


    He sat up on the bed and passed through the window that felt like a glass door because it was a few inches taller than him. Past the window was a small veranda where he could sit and gaze at the stars more clearly. But it was not the stars who had caught his gaze, but a beautiful lady.


    Pieffer was sitting on the veranda next to his. They were only separated by a few feet and of metal railings.


    "Can''t sleep?"


    Aries only nodded and quickly reminded himself that it was Princess Pieffer.


    "Thank you for helping my brother," the princess turned to face him and bowed low.


    "But he isn''t truly your brother, right? Why are you choosing him over your real brother?" Aries curiously asked.


    Pieffer smiled bitterly as she replied, "You''ve seen how he is. He doesn''t care about me or Father. He only cares about himself. He wants to kill me even when we were little. He tried it several times until he got into an accident and nearly died," a tear fell on the cheek of Pieffer. "His several attempts to take my life made me hate him. I hoped back then that he will not recover and just die. That''s how much I hated him. When he had awakened, I thought about killing him. But I can''t," more tears poured from her eyes. "And I''m glad that I didn''t because he had changed. I thought at first that it was because his head had been badly injured," she wiped her tears away and smiled at Aries, "It was the same thought I had with you. But as time goes by, I saw a lot of differences. Sunrei not being able to wield the golden sword was the biggest hint I got. I know he is not my birth sibling but he thinks of me as his sister. For the first time in my life, I felt that I have a brother. He is the sibling I am praying for. He had been given to me. That is why I want to protect him."


    A terrible thought came to Aries while listening to her story. It was awfully familiar to him.


    "When did Sunrei have this accident?"


    "It was when he was five years old."


    That answered shocked Aries for he never believed in coincidences. The Pieffer he loved had the same story. Her brother got into an accident when he was five years old and when he came out of a coma, he became a different person. Though he never tried to kill Pieffer, he had given her a dagger before abandoning her at the orphanage where they grew up together. Then he had become an assassin. In the end, he got Pieffer killed. And now, he was back to kill his real sister.


    The soul inside the body of Merrick was the number one assassin in their organization. And he was a corrupted soul.


    Why is this happening to us?


    ^###########^

 Chapter 23 - House Of Bull

    Aries finally saw a connection between the world where he died and the world where he had been given a second life. He also remembered a question from Master Kiel. Back then, the Beast Tamer wanted him to acknowledge the fact that he could not remember anything beyond the day he had been asked to become an assassin. It was because he had survived a terrible accident. His head had been badly injured and whenever he strained his mind from remembering anything, it felt like his brain would explode with intense pain.


    That was the reason he stopped trying to recall anything from before the accident. Did Master Kiel truly make him see part of the memories he had forgotten?


    He closed his eyes and tried to remember but all he could see was darkness and his head was beginning to throb.


    "Aries!"


    He opened his eyes and was surprised to see Princess Pieffer kneeling in front of him and gripping his shoulders.


    "What''s wrong? Are you in pain because of the corrupted souls you consumed? Are they trying to take control?"


    Aries was not concerned with those questions. He was amazed at how high the princess could jump.


    "For a princess, you are not concerned with your life," Aries was still astounded but he also felt a bit concerned. "What if you slip and plummeted on the ground head first? What if¡­" his eyes widened with expectation but Pieffer quickly extinguished that flicker of hope.


    "I''m not the Pieffer from the world where you came from," the princess smiled tenderly at him. "I''m sorry for the disappointment."


    "No," Aries was ashamed. "I''m sorry for even thinking about it."


    "I will wait."


    "Wait for what?" Aries was confused at the hopeful gaze of Princess Pieffer.


    The princess got up on her feet, leaned on the railings, and gazed upon the starlit sky with that hopeful smile. "I will wait for the Aries I know."


    "Do you... know me?"


    She glanced back at him and said, "All I can say is that I lost him ten years ago."


    Aries was stupefied when he heard those words.


    Ten years ago.


    And he never believed in coincidences.


    Am I¡­ truly from this world?


    Pieffer tapped his shoulder and said, "Don''t stress over it. You don''t have to rush anything aside from reinstating the barriers around Serestral," she yawned and stretched her arms. "Thinking about the barriers made me feel more exhausted. I think I can sleep now. Good Night, Aries."


    Without losing the grace of a princess, she jumped from one railing to the other. She landed on the veranda of her room like a feather touching the ground.


    Aries shook his head and tried to remain focused.


    "Master Kiel told me that the previous soul in this body was also Aries but from another dimension. Did we¡­ switch bodies?"


    "That is all we can think of," Pieffer kindly answered. "Good Night, Aries," she said again before entering her room.


    Aries gazed at the sky above him and wondered how two souls from different dimensions could switch bodies without them realizing it?


    He rubbed his head that was getting annoyingly painful. For the first time since he had lost his memories, he wanted to remember what happened before that accident ten years ago. He wanted to remember even if his head exploded with pain.


    But the agony only rendered him unconscious and when he had awakened, he was back in the bed of the guest room Leon had provided to him.


    He glanced at the window and saw that the sun was already high up in the sky.


    He heard the door opened and when he glanced at it, Princess Pieffer had entered.


    "You are finally awake," she was always tenderly smiling. "You must be hungry. Let''s have lunch."


    Aries nodded and moved out of the bed.


    "I thought I slept at the veranda," he said out loud while walking side by side with Pieffer.


    "Yes. I saw you," the princess beamed wider. "I asked my brother to carry you back to the bed."


    "Thanks," Aries nearly whispered in embarrassment.


    Silence floated between them as they marched through long corridors. Aries was hesitant but after a few strides, he finally decided to say out loud, "I want to remember my past. Can you help me?"


    "I wanted to, but I don''t know how to help without forcing things on you," Princess Pieffer was always giving him the same answer. "Maybe spending more time in this world and with us will help you remember. As I said last night, you don''t have to rush. While waiting for your memories to return, why don''t you start to live the present?"


    "I want to understand," Aries was getting frustrated.


    "We all do," the princess answered with astonishing calmness. "And it will come to us when the time is right."


    Aries let his dissatisfaction out with a heavy sigh. Princess Pieffer had a point. He had to be patient. He had to see more of Serestral and meet the rest of the Zodiac Knights. He even wanted to meet all of the Celestial Knights.


    Aries bitterly smiled as he realized that the assassin Sunrei he hated was one of the Celestial Knights. He could not accept that the person he hated the most was once his friend. If the memories he kept on recalling were right. It would have been better if the Sunrei in those memories was Prince Sunrei.


    He must have killed a lot of people in his past. Those memories of him killing relentlessly must be true. That must be the reason why the heavens made his life so complicated and why Pieffer was not that willing to help him remember his past.


    He was being punished yet he was also being given the chance to change his life. Aries was grateful yet reluctant. Why only him? Why not give the same chance to the Celestial Knights? What did he do to deserve that chance? All the answers must be in the memories he could not remember.


    He had to remember.


    "Why are you with my princess?"


    Aries stopped walking when a blade had been pointed at his neck. It was Pines. He was suddenly blocking the corridor.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" Princess Pieffer grabbed the weapon hand of Pines and put it down. "Why are you pointing a blade at your comrade?"


    "Siorre told me that he had become a different person," Pines was eyeing Aries suspiciously. "How can you be so sure that he is still our comrade?"


    "You had seen him wielding Vermillion," Princess Pieffer replied with confidence. "He is Aries."


    "Merrick is wielding a golden sword that looked exactly like Demise. Should we say that he is Sunrei?" Pines asked, causing anxiety to the princess.


    "Celestial Knight Sunrei is a corrupted soul that possessed Merrick," Aries honestly answered. "He is our enemy. Prince Sunrei is different from him even though they have the same name and appearance. Prince Sunrei is our comrade. Celestial Knight Sunrei is our enemy."


    Pines was annoyed but he finally hid his dual daggers.


    "I''m sorry for doubting your brother, my princess," Pines stood on the other side of Princess Pieffer. "But have you ever wondered why your father named your brother Sunrei? Was that the reason your brother grew up looking like one of our enemies?"


    "Father had his reasons," Princess Pieffer had gained more confidence. "But if you are that curious then ask him in person."


    "I know," Pines was taken aback. "The king had his reasons. I will no longer question it."


    "Our fate is not predetermined," Aries blurted as he came to realize something.


    It caused confusion to Princess Pieffer and Pines but he went on saying, "We will not always be reborn as we were. We can change our lives. We can be better."


    "What are you saying?" Pines raised an eyebrow.


    "Nothing," Aries smiled and walked towards the dining area.


    ^############^


    Leon had provided them a scrumptious lunch and they left his house with a satisfied stomach. With the help of the transport bracelet that had a pendant of a bull''s head on it, they reached the House of Bull in a blink of an eye.


    They had been transported in the middle of a beautiful and spacious garden. Walls covered with thick and pink flowering vines were protecting that area. There was a swamp on the eastern side of the garden. It was surrounded by neatly trimmed shrubberies. On the west was a beautiful ancient tree whose silver leaves were shaped like an umbrella. Underneath that tree and all over that garden were neatly trimmed grasses. On the north was an enormous wooden gate that was covered with the same pink flowering vines. On the south was a tower that looked like it had at least ten floors inside.


    "Welcome to my house."


    The one who had spoken came out from the main entrance of the tower. He was a tall and lean man wearing a long black robe. Beyond his dressing-gown were a loose shirt and baggy trousers. His long dark green hair was flowing elegantly down to his waist. His emerald green eyes looked tantalizing or maybe he had just woken up. His thin lips were curved into a tender smile.


    "Tauren! I''m glad you''re fine!" Princess Pieffer joyfully approached the house leader with a tight embrace that caught Aries off guard.


    ^#########^

 Chapter 24 - Call For Help

    Prince Sunrei tapped Aries on the shoulder and said, "Tauren is like a brother to Pieffer. You don''t have to worry. His heart already belongs to another wonderful lady."


    "I''m not worrying," Aries shrugged the hand of the prince away from his shoulder.


    "I''m glad that you are all fine, Princess," Tauren embraced Princess Pieffer back and gave her a light tap on the head. "Congratulations on saving the House of Lion. You finally made it here. It''s been a while and I missed you."


    "Hey!" Pines yelled in annoyance before Aries could clear his throat. "Should we head straight to the House of Maiden while the sun is still up?"


    "Pines, as impatient as always. You can leave after you hear what I have to say," Tauren finally let go of Princess Pieffer and gracefully marched towards Aries. "I was worried when I heard that you nearly died because of that axe wielder Gains. I had also been informed that you have lost most of your memories. I thought the mission to save the House of Lion will fail again because of what happened to you. I''m glad that you have succeeded despite all the drawbacks."


    "It would have been easier if your cousin didn''t come. He made things hard for us," Aries honestly stated, causing a smile on the lips of Pines and worry in the eyes of the royal siblings.


    "What happened, Tauren?" Prince Sunrei had asked. "I thought we made it clear that he cannot leave your house."


    "You didn''t tell me that he had been possessed by a Celestial Knight," Tauren suddenly looked serious. "He nearly killed my people."


    "He is also one of your people," Aries reminded the green-haired house leader.


    "And back then no one knows that he had been possessed," Princess Pieffer added.


    "Your holy water will not work on him," Aries said. "As my ability to absorb corrupted souls had been useless against him."


    "You''ve changed," Tauren was carefully examining Aries. "You are more confident now. Is it because you can now wield Vermillion and you acquired your legendary ability?"


    "What are you talking about?" Aries curiously asked back. "What legendary ability?"


    "That ability to absorb corrupted souls," Tauren calmly replied. "You are gaining your true self faster than the rest of us. That''s good."


    "True self?" Aries was getting more confused.


    "It is the same with what Master Kiel had told you," Princess Pieffer answered. "When he told you that we will always be reborn as we are, it means that we will eventually acquire our true self and the memories of our rebirths."


    "None of you had done it yet?"


    "Just the weapons," Pines answered with annoyance. "We can regain it soon. Don''t be so proud of yourself."


    "How can you know things about our true selves if you haven''t fully regained it?"


    "You really did lose most of your memories," Tauren sadly affirmed with a shake of his head. "It is in the Book of The Legendary Knights. You can read it if The King is in the mood to have an audience. Or you can borrow it from Master Kiel. I think he had a copy."


    "I think I will focus first on helping you reinstate the barriers," Aries sighed.


    The royal siblings smiled and gave him a light tap on the shoulder.


    "Father will surely want to see you after we save our kingdom," Princess Pieffer promised.


    Of course, he had to see us after that. We saved an entire kingdom. ''His'' Kingdom.


    "What is it that you wanted to tell us? Say it now so we can proceed to the House of Maiden," Pines impatiently demanded.


    "Pines!"


    "Let him be, Princess," Tauren walked towards the beautiful ancient tree and momentarily basked in its shade. "Pines is right. This matter cannot wait. I need your help."


    "What is wrong, Tauren?" Prince Sunrei asked.


    "When you brought Merrick back to my house, I should have brought him to the dungeon instead of confining him in the highest room of the Bull Tower," the green-haired house leader glanced up at the tower where he came from. His eyes were filled with regret. "I hoped that Merrick will stay as he is."


    "What do you mean?"


    Tauren gazed at the prince with a sad smile as he answered, "You and Merrick had been close friends when you were little. And you were always doing naughty things especially to¡­"


    "Tauren, you don''t have to bring the past up," Princess Pieffer quickly interrupted, obviously concerned about her dearest brother. "Just¡­ tell us why you need our help."


    "Back then, I thought that Prince Sunrei is the reincarnation of Celestial Knight Sunrei and Merrick is the new body of Mercielle," Tauren went on. "I''m glad to have been wrong."


    "Maybe you should stop assuming things since you are wrong most of the time," Pines glared at the green-haired house leader.


    Tauren smiled calmly before saying, "Merrick is Mercielle."


    "What?!" Pines was overly shocked. "That¡­ that female knight is now a man?! How can that happen?"


    "I thought they can never be reborn as humans?" Princess Pieffer was anxious.


    "All I can guess is that Mercielle took over Merrick''s body when he was only an infant," Tauren looked away and turned to face the ancient tree. "Merrick was always getting sick. He nearly died when he turned one year old. He survived that and became a healthy child. We all thought that it was a miracle. But as he aged, he became too attached to Prince Sunrei. He wanted them to be best of friends. They did become close until Prince Sunrei got into an accident and nearly died. From a naughty child, the prince became a responsible knight, son, and brother. We were confused yet grateful," he turned to look at Prince Sunrei with eyes that seemed to be diving deep into the soul. "You do look like the Celestial Knight Sunrei in the Book of Legendary Knights. But you are not him. Celestial Knight Sunrei is inside the body of Merrick. That witch Mercielle had found a way to tie their souls inside the body of Merrick. As Aries had said, holy water is not working on them. We have to find another way, and maybe we can still save Merrick''s soul."


    "But¡­ we don''t have other ways in saving a possessed person aside from the holy water and the ability of Aries," Princess Pieffer sadly admitted. "We cannot help you right now."


    "Quaria and I will keep on looking for various ways to save the possessed people," Tauren said. "I need you to help me find the corrupted souls Mercielle had released while escaping the tower. I think that Aries can absorb those souls."


    "How many corrupted souls did Merrick release?" Aries asked.


    "Ten," Tauren answered with an exhausted sigh, "I already found seven and had them thrown out of my house. But the three were too elusive to be found. They were killing the people they possessed. Fear is spreading in my house like a wildfire. If this continues, it will invite more corrupted souls. My people will be easily possessed. And the barriers around my house will shatter. Help me find those three corrupted souls before it becomes too late."


    "Let''s divide into three groups," Prince Sunrei said. "Pieffer, you go with Aries."


    "Hey! I also want to be with my princess!" Pines furiously yelled.


    "You go with me," Prince Sunrei insisted.


    "No!" Pines stubbornly refused. "I will go with my princess."


    "I will go with Aries," Princess Pieffer seriously stated. "I promised to help him recall his past. Working together might help him remember. Please, Pines, go with my brother and keep him safe."


    "Fine," Pines said even though he was still irritated. "This is for you, my princess. Don''t fall in love with that man!"


    Princess Pieffer only smiled but it was enough to satisfy Pines.


    "Here," Tauren had given each of them a bracelet with a white crystal ornament. "Wear it and we can easily come to the aid of one another."


    "This is a transport bracelet, right?" Princess Pieffer inquired. "How is this different?"


    "You need to transfer energy on it," the green-haired house leader had answered. "All the people you want to find using that bracelet need to transfer their energy on it. But for now, it can only hold the energy of three people. I already transferred my energy to those bracelets. You only need to call my name and I will instantly come to you."


    "Is it the same as what we did to fix the lion statue?"


    "Yes, Aries," the princess kindly answered, and using her weapon, she transferred a bit of her energy on the bracelets of her brother, Pines, and Tauren.


    Aries did the same.


    Afterward, Prince Sunrei and Pines transferred their energy to the bracelets of Aries, Princess Pieffer, and Tauren.


    "Aries and I will check near the southern border," Pieffer declared after they were done with the energy transfer.


    "Your brother and I will check on the east," Pines stated.


    "I will cover the rest of my borders. Let''s meet here by nightfall if the corrupted souls remained elusive," Tauren said and then they temporarily parted ways.


    ^##############^

 Chapter 25 - A Stunning Figure In The Shadows

    Before Aries had been stabbed to death, he felt that he was a lucky person. None of his mission had failed. He never had a hard time on anything. He was good at being an assassin.


    Now that he had decided to change his career, he could feel that the heavens, or maybe hell, or probably both were not fond of it and they would never make things easy for him.


    The moment he and Princess Pieffer stepped at the crowded southern border, Aries had spotted two corrupted souls.


    He was not sure if his ability was malfunctioning or advancing. Previously, he could only glimpse a dark smoke around the head. Sometimes the dark fumes were from the eyes and mouth. But right at that moment, he could glimpse the original form of the corrupted soul. It was overlaid with the shape of its vessel.


    He must have stared too much that both corrupted souls realized that he had recognized them.


    Princess Pieffer was probably watching him too closely that she noticed him glaring at the two suspicious people a few meters away from them.


    "There are two?" the princess asked him in a whisper. She looked away from the possessed people but it was too late to pretend ignorance. They had already been busted.


    It would have been easier if the two possessed people are standing in the same place. But they were meters apart from each other. They were near an alley where they could easily run and hide. Aries could shoot an arrow but they were in a crowded place. Though he had a lot of practice at the House of Lion, he was still not that confident in hitting his target. And an arrow flying through the crowd would definitely instigate panic.


    Tauren said that causing fear to the people would only make them more inviting and vulnerable to the corrupted souls.


    "Let''s call for backup," Aries suggested for the two possessed people were smiling at him as if mocking him.


    "We can do this," Princess Pieffer was determined. "Let''s split up."


    "No," he strongly refused.


    "You don''t trust me?" the princess smiled and raised an eyebrow at him. "I know you feel like I''m a stranger to you. But you have to believe in me even for just a bit. I can handle one possessed person. If something goes wrong, I will call my brother. I will not let myself die. Not even after we saved Serestral. I will live for as long as I want and until my hair turns white."


    Aries was silenced by her determination and she had taken that as an approval.


    "I''ll run after the one in the left alley. You take care of the one in the right," Pieffer instructed.


    Aries could only nod and as Pieffer dashed to the left, he rushed to the right.


    The possessed person he was chasing had run to the alley. He was grateful that it was an empty one. He quickly called Vermillion in the shape of a bow and released an arrow. He thought it would easily hit his target but the possessed person lowered his upper body without losing agility and successfully dodged the projectile.


    Aries fired five more arrows that only passed through the air and hit the concrete walls. He finally decided to switch into close combat as the possessed person stopped moving and laughed scornfully at him.


    He charged at the possessed person with caution. He only needed to stab one of his blades at the vessel and he could easily absorb the corrupted soul inside it. But with the swift movements of his opponent, it became difficult to land a paralyzing blow.


    That corrupted soul was different from the previous ones he had absorbed. For a moment he thought that it was another Celestial Knight but Tauren would have warned them about it.


    Remembering the Bull House Leader, Aries thought about the bottles of holy water in his pocket but decided not to waste such precious items on an enemy that moves around so swiftly. Right at that moment, he could only rely on his blades.


    His opponent was like a gymnast. He could stretch his body like rubber and at a speed that was truly annoying.


    Aries kept on attacking. He was now using the shadows to help him surprise the enemy and land a paralyzing blow. But his foe could still sense where he would reappear.


    Aries refused to be defeated by his frustration. He hid behind the shadows, reappeared at the back, left, right, and front of his elastic enemy but all he managed to do was left a scratch on both shoulders of his foe.


    But he was still making a progress.


    He only had to do it all over again.


    He stepped behind the shadows but as he was about to leave, a stunning figure had caught his eyes.


    Pieffer was traversing through the darkness.


    At first, he thought that it was the Pieffer he loved, but at a second glance, it was the blue-haired Princess Pieffer.


    The princess also noticed his presence and was as stunned as he was.


    He thought about following her but remembered that he was still fighting a hard to pin down enemy. When he reappeared near his opponent, a blade had pierced his stomach.


    "Getting tired?" the possessed person smirked at him.


    "No," Aries grabbed the weapon hand of the enemy to prevent him from pulling the weapon away then with his free hand, he stabbed at the shoulder of his foe.


    He pushed the blade deeper and absorbed the corrupted soul as fast as he could but he stopped midway when he felt that the soul of the vessel was hurting. That was the first time he had seen that.


    The corrupted soul laughed, "You cannot get me out of this body without killing the host."


    Aries stared coldly at the corrupted soul as he pulled the blade from the shoulder of the vessel and stabbed him right through the heart. As the possessed person died, pulling the corrupted soul out had been effortless.


    "I like it when you become so ruthless," someone from behind him had whispered.


    Aries froze at the coldness of that voice and his vision was momentarily obscured.


    "You''ve seen the princess. She is covered with darkness. That woman is wicked. You must kill her."


    He had heard that voice and those words before. He could not remember when but it was certainly the same voice and words.


    Kill the princess.


    A wicked smile curved on his lips and he jumped into the shadows. He was going to find the princess.


    It did not take him long. A minute was enough to locate her. She was fighting the possessed person and she was doing well. It was like watching a feather moving gracefully with the wind. Her movements could either be slow or fast, depending on the actions of her opponent. Her body could bend elegantly as if she was a ballet dancer that was wielding a sword.


    Even though her foe was as fast as the wind, she was just moving along, dodging, parrying, and countering at the right moment.


    The corrupted soul inside the possessed person was getting frustrated. It reminded Aries of his recently concluded fight and much more memories from a distant past. He was just trying to ignore it all.


    Princess Pieffer became more aggressive in attacking. Her opponent was shocked as Aries was astounded. After fighting for more than an hour, she could still surprise her foe.


    Her sudden fierceness caused her opponent to panic, stumble, and hit a wall. The princess wasted no time to pierce the possessed person in the shoulder. She had quickly reached inside her pocket, pulled the three bottles of holy water, and shattered it at the head of the screaming vessel.


    Aries thought that it would fail but the corrupted soul had been successfully ejected from the body and Aries had quickly shot an arrow to claim that dark essence.


    Princess Pieffer turned to look at him.


    "When did you arrive?" she asked with anxiety in her eyes.


    "Just now," Aries lied. "I saw you¡­"


    "Yes," the princess quickly said. "I can also travel through the shadows. You learned that from me."


    "What?" Aries was confused. He remembered that the Pieffer he loved can also use the shadows to her advantage. He never had the chance to ask where she had learned that. But he was certain that he did not gain that skill from her.


    "I am Princess Pieffer," she approached him and put her hands over his stomach.


    Aries had forgotten that he had been stabbed in there. He was confused and that was all he could think about.


    "Can you read my mind?"


    The princess smiled and answered, "No. I can only guess based on the look in your eyes. You are probably thinking that since the Pieffer in the world where you came from can also traverse through the shadows, there might be a possibility that I am her. But I am certainly not her."


    "How did you know that she can do that?" Aries was getting more confused and his head was hurting more than his stab wound.


    Princess Pieffer calmly replied, "I met her a few times."


    "What?"


    It was the only word that Aries could mumble. His heart was pounding real fast and his brain felt like it would explode from excessive throbbing.


    "Let''s bring this person to the hospital then I will tell you everything that you want to know," the princess said after healing his wound.


    "Lead the way," Aries sighed then carried the injured person in his back.


    ^#############^

 Chapter 26 - Back To The Past

    They reached the hospital without the help of the shadows. The victim of the corrupted soul had been immediately treated and would be discharged after a few days of rest.


    "I killed the vessel that I followed. I''m sorry," Aries did not want to apologize for he had only done what was necessary. But there was a part within him that wanted to say sorry for not trying to use the holy waters given to him. "I forgot about the bottles in my pocket."


    "I will tell the hospital about it," Pieffer was still smiling kindly at him. "You can wait outside."


    Aries listened and waited outside the hospital. He leaned his back on a wall right next to the hospital entrance and tried to recall the memories he had remembered earlier.


    But nothing was coming to him aside from the one where he had seen Pieffer being covered with dark smoke. It was not the Pieffer he loved but Princess Pieffer.


    "Kill her."


    Aries moved away from the wall and stared at it. He was certain that the voice came from the shadows covering those bricks.


    Is there another person that can pass through the shadows?


    "Aries, is there something wrong with the fence?" Princess Pieffer walked out of the entrance and noticed him staring at the stone wall.


    "Nothing," Aries looked away from the wall and stared seriously at the princess. "Just tell me how you can pass through the shadows."


    "Let''s go back to the southern border," she was smiling despite her anxiety.


    "Why?" Aries glared.


    The princess ignored it and said to him, "I will tell you when we get there."


    Aries was getting impatient but in spite of that, he followed the princess in silence.


    Pieffer stopped at the busy street of the southern border. He glanced at Aries and told him with a tender smile, "This is where we first met."


    Right after she said those words, Aries had been hit by an intense air of nostalgia and he was immediately sent back in time.


    ^#########^


    Aries was walking all over Serestral. He was trying to keep the kingdom safe from the corrupted souls that managed to break through the barriers. No one could see them but him. He was the only one who could stop them from destroying his hometown.


    In his careful search, a blue-haired woman in a hooded overcoat had caught his attention. It was not because he was mesmerized by her beauty but because she was covered with dark smoke. Not just her head but her entire body.


    The suspicious blue-haired woman noticed his gaze. A gentle smile curved on her lips before looking away. She was heading towards an empty alley.


    Is she enticing me?


    Aries was hesitant but only for a moment. A strange corrupted soul was inside her body. He had to be careful in trailing her.


    When he stepped deeper into that empty alley, he found the suspicious woman standing there as if waiting for him.


    "Why are you following me?" there was no fear in her eyes. She was just curiously inquiring.


    "A corrupted soul is inside your body," Aries honestly replied and called his claymore Vermillion.


    The blue-haired girl was surprised and smiled as she said, "I finally found you."


    Aries ignored it and attacked the woman. As he was expecting, she had a weapon. What he did not expect was that she could summon a blade out of thin air. As far as Aries knew, the Zodiac and Celestial Knights were the only ones who could do that.


    The strange woman could also fight well. Her sword was only a tiny blade compared to his broad sword but it was not shattering even though Aries slashed at her with all his might. There was grace in her movement. Her knee-length boots failed to make a sound. It was as if she and all that she was wearing was as light as a feather. She was no doubt a skilled fighter but she was not attacking and it made her even more suspicious.


    She must be waiting for me to be enthralled with her beautiful face and gentle smile. I will not fall for it.


    Aries became more aggressive in swinging his blade and forced the strange woman into a corner. As her back hit a wall, Aries leaned back slightly before swinging his sword at the chest of his prey.


    To his astonishment, the woman sank into the shadow that was covering her and the wall. The woman vanished and his sword was stuck at the wall.


    "I''m sorry."


    It was the voice of the strange woman. She reappeared behind him. He failed to sense her presence until she had spoken. Aries willed his broad sword to vanish and resurface in his hands as he turned to face the strange woman. But before he could swing his blade, the tiny sword of the strange woman had pierced his right shoulder and he had instantly fallen into a deep slumber.


    Aries did not know how long he had fallen asleep, but when he opened his eyes, he was no longer reliving his memories. He was back at the present and his head was lying on the lap of Princess Pieffer. They were back at the beautiful garden of the Bull House Leader and the princess was sitting on the grass-covered ground. Her head and back were leaning on the ancient tree. Her eyes were closed. She seemed to be taking a nap.


    He must have fainted on that busy street and the princess had taken him back there with the transport bracelet.


    "How dare you sleep in the lap of my princess?!"


    Aries quickly sat up in annoyance. Princess Pieffer opened her eyes and yawned.


    "Aries was tired. He had to take care of two corrupted souls," the princess stretched her arms into the air. "This is always a good place to rest. How was the eastern border?"


    "We''ve found one and we managed to throw it past the barrier of this house," Prince Sunrei answered because Pines was still sulking as he sat near the princess.


    Aries could not help but wonder why the house of Pines was still standing strong when he appeared more immature than Leon.


    "We can go to the House of Maiden tomorrow," the prince continued as he sat right next to the sulking house leader.


    "Where is Tauren?" the princess asked with eyes closed. Despite taking nap, she still looked exhausted.


    "Get some rest," Prince Sunrei said to his sister. "I''ll take you to your room."


    "I''m also hungry," Princess Pieffer smiled. "Can we eat first?"


    "Of course," her brother answered with a smile and a shake of his head.


    Aries wanted to smile but what he saw in his memories prevented him from doing so. He wanted to ask Pieffer a lot of questions but with Prince Sunrei and Pines around, he could no longer ask those questions out loud.


    "Let''s talk later," the princess whispered to his ear as they were heading inside the tower.


    Pines glared at them and the princess walked between him and Prince Sunrei.


    "Brother, you didn''t tell me where Tauren is. Will he join us for dinner?"


    "He will be late for a few minutes," Prince Sunrei answered. "But he will be joining us."


    ^##############^


    Despite the kingdom crumbling into the hands of the corrupted souls, it was still blessed with talented cooks.


    Aries could satisfy his stomach whether it was Miko or any other cook from the kitchen of any house leaders. So far, all of them could cook very well.


    "My princess, you should have come with me," Pines said with a quick glare at Aries. "I will never let you feel tired. You should have seen me fight and I''m sure that your weariness will fade away at my greatness."


    The royal siblings only smiled and Aries got up on his knees.


    "I''m full," he said. "I need to stretch my legs. I''ll be in the garden."


    "Okay," Princess Pieffer smiled.


    Prince Sunrei nodded while Pines waved a hand at him with a smile that seemed to be saying ''good riddance''.


    Aries returned to the garden and walked around the lot with plenty of confusing thoughts in his mind.


    "You look bothered."


    Aries glanced at the gate that had been opened. He was too occupied with his thoughts that he did not notice it moved. He only realized he was no longer alone after hearing the voice of Tauren.


    "Thank you for your help earlier," he said while closing the gate with just a wave of his hand. "I can only do that to non-living things," he smiled as he answered the astonished look in the eyes of Aries.


    Am I that obvious? They are answering the thoughts in my head.


    "They are in the dining room," Aries walked towards the ancient tree. "I just want to rest here."


    "The Princess is a good person," Tauren smiled as he turned to leave.


    "How are you doing that?" Aries had to ask. "How can you read my mind?"


    "I think it is because we''ve known each other for a long time," Tauren answered with annoying calmness. "And because I had seen that same confused look in your eyes. Last time it was because of the princess. I only assumed that this time it is also because of her."


    "What do you mean?" Aries impatiently asked.


    "Here," Tauren gave Aries one of the two transport bracelets he was wearing. "You can call Pieffer using that. But you should do it once Pines had fallen asleep," the Bull House Leader grinned. "Don''t worry, he falls asleep surprisingly fast once his stomach is full and his back had hit the mattress."


    The green-haired house leader waved at him before entering the tower.


    Aries clutched the transport bracelet and sat beside the ancient tree. He should take a nap. Maybe he would dream the answer to his questions, if not to all then at least to some.


    ^##############^

 Chapter 27 - Underneath The Shade Of An Ancient Tree

    Aries woke up tied by thick ropes to an ancient tree.


    In front of him was that strange blue-haired woman. She had his hood lowered and Aries could see her braided hair more clearly. She was talking to two people. Both were men. One looked a little identical to her. They had the same blue eyes and hair. The other man had long and dark-green hair. The three of them seemed to have the grace of royalties. And they were totally unaware that he had already awakened. They were busy talking about their captive which was Aries himself.


    He would have been mesmerized at the beauty of that garden if he was not tightly constrained.


    "Are you sure we should tie him? And why are we tying him out here and in this tree? It feels like you will be performing a ritual on him."


    "Because you said that he tried to kill you," the blue-haired man said.


    The three of them had their backs on Aries.


    "Are you sure he is the one we are¡­" the voice of the blue-haired man had faded when he glanced at Aries and noticed that he was already wide awake and glaring at them.


    "Aries Del Luna," the green-haired man approached him. "I am Tauren Treehouse. This is Prince Sunrei and Princess Pieffer Celestine. We''ve been looking for you for a long time."


    "Should I say nice to meet you?" Aries spat at them with sarcasm.


    "Let''s release him," the blue-haired woman named Pieffer had said. "He is a Zodiac Knight. We should treat him with respect."


    "Respect?" Aries laughed. "You stabbed me, brought me in this place, and tied me in this tree! And you want to show respect?!"


    "You tried to kill her!" the blue-haired man named Sunrei had yelled, losing his grace.


    "He had mistaken me as a possessed person," the princess explained. Her calmness was extraordinary.


    "A corrupted soul is inside your body," Aries insisted. "You are covered by a dark aura. If you are truly a princess and you care for this kingdom then you should be ready to die for your people."


    "You¡­" the impatient prince started but the calm princess motioned for him to remain quiet.


    "I will take care of this," her voice suddenly became commanding. "Tauren, can you please take my brother inside your home?"


    "Yes, Princess," Tauren put both his hands on the arms of the prince and lightly pushed him towards the tower.


    "I will give you fifteen minutes!" the prince yelled before running inside the tower.


    "Are you ready to die in my hands?" Aries seriously asked.


    "None of us will be dying any time soon," the princess annoyingly smiled. "As I told you, I am not possessed. You must be seeing something dark emanating from me because my creator is the devil himself."


    Aries jerked awake. His back was leaning on the ancient tree but he was no longer tied to it. He had fallen asleep and dreamed about the past. It felt like it had just recently happened and he could still feel the rope tightly binding his arms, torso, and knees.


    "What did you dream about?"


    His heart nearly jumped out of his chest when he heard the voice of the princess. He seemed too distracted and did not notice her presence right next to him. She was also sitting on the grass-covered ground and her back was resting on the tree. There was a smile on her face but Aries could feel her unease.


    "You," Aries mumbled as his heart began to calm.


    "How bad was it?" the princess asked with a soft laugh.


    "You said that you had been created by the devil himself," Aries seriously replied and the princess stared back at him with the same gravity of seriousness.


    "Yes. My soul is from the devil himself."


    "Don''t play with my already confused mind," Aries looked away from the princess, leaned his head on the tree, and looked up at the swaying leaves. The sun had set but the leaves were still glowing because of the moonlight. "Tell me about your ability to pass through the shadows and those times you had met her."


    "Don''t you want to talk about what I told you in the past?"


    "I will eventually remember it and right now¡­ I can''t see any dark aura around you. So stop getting me confused."


    "When I discover that you can see the darkness within me, I learned how to hide it. I practiced for years."


    "I thought you know all about my abilities because of that legendary book? How come you didn''t know that I can see the corrupted souls? And where did you learn to hide your dark aura?"


    "The legendary book is like a storybook for me. I read it but I don''t take all of it too seriously. How can a book tell who we are and put a limit on us? If I want to learn something, I will learn it even if it is not in the book. As to where I learn to hide my aura and that skill to travel through the shadows, I learned it in the dungeon. The guardians had taught me well.


    "Regarding my meetings with the Pieffer from the world where you came from, it all happened while we were passing through the shadows."


    "Let''s call her Lady Pieffer," Aries said with a curious gaze. "Did she also set foot in this world?"


    "No," Pieffer sadly replied.


    "She is searching for her brother named Sunrei and I think¡­"


    "Yes. Prince Sunrei is her brother," the princess confirmed his unfinished thought. "She knows about it."


    "She¡­ knows about it? When?"


    Princess Pieffer stared at Aries for a long time. She seemed to be contemplating.


    "You can tell me everything. It is still up to me whether to believe you or not. I just want to hear what you have to say."


    The princess smiled before saying, "You''ve read my mind."


    Aries nearly curved his lips into a smile but still managed to stop himself by coughing, "So, when did she learn about her brother?"


    "When we first met within the shadows, we were both amazed," Princess Pieffer said, not answering his question. "I told her that I am looking for someone. She was surprised and asked me if my brother is missing. I told him that I am looking for my friend named Aries Del Luna. Her shock doubled and she left in a hurry. Her reaction made my heart pound and I can only think of one thing. She knows someone with exactly the same name.


    "I tried to look for her and ask about the Aries she knows. It took months before our paths crossed. She apologized for running away last time. Then she started asking questions about the Aries I know. I told her that I lost him in an accident ten years ago. That was when she had confirmed that the Aries we know is the same person and she told me not to worry about you because you are happy with your life. You are happy with her. She asked me to stop looking for you. I can see from her eyes that she was not lying. She truly loved you. So I told her to take care of you.


    "Then I asked about her brother. I wanted to know if she had lost him in an accident twenty-four years ago. When she told me their story, I confirmed that our brothers had switched souls with each other. When I told her about it, she was shocked and cried for a long while. Then she told me to keep on taking care of her brother and promised me that she would love my friend well. We both agreed on it but I am still hoping that the time will come that you will find your way to us."


    "It was an awful way back here," Aries scornfully whispered then heavily sighed. "I realized only now that I barely know the woman I loved. I don''t deserve her," he got up on his knees. "I think I heard enough. Thank you for telling me some things about her. It''s late. We should get some sleep."


    "I''ll show you the way to your room. It''s just next to mine."


    Aries nodded and they walked towards the tower in silence.


    ^########^


    Though the rooms in the tower are only good for one person, Aries had slept well. His room was on the highest floor of the tower. The air was cool and refreshing. No air conditioner was needed. His bed was soft and warm. The blanket was thick and comfortable to the skin. It was like a five-star suite and he felt rejuvenated.


    He was awakened by a knock on the door. Pines went in and glared at him.


    "Let''s have breakfast before going to the House of Maiden," he snapped at Aries then slammed the door shut as he left.


    Aries moved out of the bed and changed his clothes before going downstairs.


    Princess Pieffer, Prince Sunrei, Tauren, and Pines were already sitting around the dining table. Aries sat on the empty chair next to the prince.


    "Good luck in your journey to the House of Maiden," Tauren began to say. "I gave Princess Pieffer new bottles of holy water and a few sets of transport bracelets. I will create more things that will be useful on your journey. Siorre and Pines will be my messengers."


    "Thank you, Tauren."


    "There is no need for thanks. This is my duty to the kingdom. I''m not that good in fighting the corrupted souls. Creating things that can support in your battles is all I can do."


    "Do you have any information about the House of Maiden?" Aries inquired.


    "The last information I got from the spy I sent three months ago was that the Maiden House Leader had been fully corrupted. I think the successor is hiding somewhere around the area," Tauren answered.


    "No recent news?" Aries asked.


    "Forgive me. I stopped sending spies two months ago because they were no longer returning. I can only assume that the situation there had worsened. I cannot risk more of my people."


    "Well, Princess Pieffer is good at finding the Zodiac Knights," Aries confidently stated. "I think we will eventually find that successor if we leave right away."


    "Let''s go!" Pines bolted upright with excitement on his face and with the use of the transport bracelet, they reached the House of Maiden in no time.


    ^##########^

 Chapter 28 - Successor

    They had been transported inside an abandoned one-story house. Dust and cobwebs were covering the ceiling, carpeted floors, and walls. There was no furniture in that residence. The door and windows were barred by mossy woods from inside and out. A dirt-covered lamp that had a shape of a five-petal flower was glued to the wall near the door.


    "What should I know about the House of Maiden?" Aries asked.


    "None of us had visited this place for a year," Princess Pieffer honestly admitted. "Tauren told us that according to one of his spies, this place was slowly falling into ruin."


    From the look of that area, it seemed that the House of Maiden was worse than the House of Lion. No lights were peeking from the barred windows. Thick clouds were probably covering their skies.


    Aries asked another question, "Should we divide into groups?"


    "No!" Pines snapped while glaring at Aries. "We should stick together."


    "Shamans dwell in this place," Princess Pieffer explained. "The Maiden House Leader is supposedly the Head Shaman but I heard that when corrupted souls began to break through the barriers of this house, she began to lose faith, and that quickly led into this."


    "How can we distinguish the successor?" Aries inquired at the princess but it was the prince who had given him an answer.


    "According to the Book of Legends, her eyes are light yellow and her hair is white. She had no weapon but she can glimpse into the future and had a healing hand."


    "Just like how Princess Pieffer had healed us?"


    "Yes, Aries," the princess smiled.


    "Do you have any more questions?" Pines was still glaring at Aries.


    "None for now," Aries called his dual blades to slash the door open but the royal siblings had quickly caught his arms.


    "You don''t have to do that," Prince Sunrei said. "We only need to do this," he knocked at the door three times and the wooden bars had instantly shortened, causing the door to swing open.


    "Let''s go," the princess said and they cautiously walked out of the abandoned house.


    As Pines were closing the door, Aries surveyed their surroundings. The door was leading to a backyard with tall grasses and bamboo trees that served as fence around the house.


    "Follow me," Prince Sunrei led the way out of the mini bamboo forest.


    It took them nearly an hour before seeing a paved road that directed them towards a village that was nowhere near crumbling.


    Though the sky over the entire village was covered with thick dark clouds, no corrupted souls could be seen roaming leisurely around the area. The rows of houses were we well-lighted. None of the windows were barred. The streetlamps were illuminating the streets well. The place appeared to be at peace.


    "Is this an illusion?" Pines asked.


    "I don''t think so," the princess walked further into the village and peeked at one of the windows and seemed to instantly regret it.


    She quickly turned her back on the window with eyes closed and red cheeks.


    "What is it?" Pines glanced through the window and said, "Oh, I see."


    Aries also take a quick look and saw a naked couple lying on the couch and intensely making love with each other.


    "You two, stop staring," Prince Sunrei grabbed them by their collar and dragged them away from there and onto an empty alley.


    The princess was right behind them and her cheek were still glowing red in embarrassment.


    "You never meant to invade their privacy," Aries said. "You only wanted to gather information."


    "Right, My Princess!" Pines agreed with a nod. "You don''t¡­"


    He stopped talking because Aries put a hand over his mouth.


    "I''m hearing footsteps," he whispered and pointed at the edge of an alley where the road had branched.


    From the sound of the footsteps, Aries could make out three people and they seemed to be running closer to the direction where he, the royal siblings, and Pines were standing.


    "Be prepared," he said as three people came running from the left road and went straight to the right road.


    A lady was holding hands with two little girls. She had seen Aries and her eyes widened but she did not stop from running.


    "Let''s go," Aries rushed after the lady.


    The royal siblings and Pines were trailing him closely but they halted at the edge of the alleyway as they saw a group of men approaching from the left road where the three girls came from.


    "Possessed people," Aries warned and called his dual blades. "Princess, please check on the girls."


    "Okay," Pieffer followed the three girls.


    "Pines, help Aries. I will protect my sister," Prince Sunrei said before trailing the princess.


    "Fine!" the Fish House Leader yelled and in his hands had manifested a dual dagger. He moved with astonishing fluidity, like a fish swimming in the water.


    Within a minute he had stabbed the three men on their legs and poured holy water on their face. Corrupted souls were immediately ejected from the vessels and Aries quickly changed his dual blades into a bow, fired at the three corrupted souls, and absorbed their souls.


    "Why?" one of the vessels had murmured. "Those girls¡­ I want to taste them too¡­"


    Aries was infuriated. His bow changed back into dual blades and he slashed the throat of the previously possessed person.


    "Hey!" Pines said but Aries ignored it.


    He walked over the next vessel and asked, "You want those girls too?"


    "Yes. Give them to me¡­" before he could finish his sentence, Aries had slit his throat and moved on to the last wounded person.


    "You want to die like them?" Aries asked coldly.


    "Yes¡­ kill me¡­ I will eventually die if I stop tasting those young¡­"


    Aries nearly severed the head of that man as he furiously waved his dual blades.


    "Let''s go," he told Pines and went after the royal siblings.


    "Hey, wait," the Fish House Leader had blocked his way.


    "What?"


    "You might not remember this because you forget so damn easily," Pines started and with a serious tone. "Princess Pieffer only has her eyes on you. I hate to admit this but you also feel the same about her."


    "No¡­"


    Pines waved a hand to silence him.


    "Deny it all you want," the Fish House Leader went on. "But your actions contradict your words. You want to protect her because you love her."


    "I already have someone in my heart."


    "No," Pines said with a shake of his head. "That is a lie. Princess Pieffer is the one you love and she is willing to wait no matter how long it takes for you to warm up to her again. She did it once. She could do it again," he cleared his throat before continuing, "Even though I am saying these words to you, I will never give up my love for her. Not until you two are married to each other," he smiled with confidence as he told Aries, "Nothing stays the same," he turned his back on Aries and said, "Let''s go."


    ^##############^


    Aries and Pines arrived at an abandoned one-story house. A waist-high wooden fence was surrounding the moss-covered house. Knee-high grasses covered their feet as they marched towards the porch whose floor was covered with dusts while the roof, pillars, and walls were covered with thick and prickly vines. The windows were barred from the inside while the door were made out of stone and painted like a wood. But the paint was already peeling and revealing the bricks it was trying to conceal.


    Prince Sunrei was standing outside the porch, just beside the closed door.


    "What are you doing here?" Pines asked. "Where is My Princess?! Why did you leave them with those girls?! What if¡­"


    "I''m okay," the princess yelled from inside the house. "They are not possessed. Gin-Ren and I will be coming out in a while."


    "Gin-Ren is a Goddess."


    Aries closed the mouth of Prince Sunrei that was starting to water. His eyes were glittered like the stars. He looked deeply captivated.


    "He''s not possessed?" Pines whispered at Aries. "This is the first time I had seen him like that. I thought he likes men."


    Prince Sunrei glared at Pines.


    "I think he''s not possessed," the Fish House Leader beamed.


    The prince put a hand over the shoulders of Pines and murmured, "You will forget my sister when you see the beautiful Goddess."


    "How dare you say that to My Princess? She is the only one for me!"


    "The children are sleeping. Be quiet," Princess Pieffer marched out the house, followed by the lady they had seen earlier.


    She was now wearing the hooded fur coat of Princess Pieffer and a thin silk cloth was covering her mouth and nose. It appeared that she was trying to conceal her face but the hood and the silk cloth was not enough to hide her captivating beauty. Her wavy white hair was partly covering the right side of her face. Her light yellow eyes were glimmering like stars in the night sky. Her gaze was enticing.


    Prince Sunrei was right. Her beauty was heavenly. Even Pines could not help but stare at the lady with deep admiration that was gradually turning into lust.


    Aries caught their hands that were reaching out towards the enticing lady.


    "You said that Princess Pieffer is the only one for you? What happened?" Aries snapped at Pines then he turned to glare at Prince Sunrei. "You are a prince. What do you think you are doing? Are you going to harass a lady? And she is the one we are looking for. Why are you being so disrespectful? She is also a knight."


    "She''s not," Prince Sunrei and Pines had chorused, still gazing at the captivating lady with intense desire.


    Princess Pieffer, on the other hand, stared at him with astonishment and she mumbled, "You can see her light yellow eyes and white hair?"


    ^##################^

 Chapter 29 - Head Shaman

    "Let''s talk inside," the captivating lady had a voice that sounded melodic.


    She had opened the door for them. It was incredible that despite her tiny body, she could push the stone door open without struggling by just a bit.


    Aries dragged the two enchanted men inside the house and made them sit on a corner far away from the captivating lady.


    "Isn''t her eyes light yellow and her hair white?" Aries asked while gripping the wrists of the two men sitting at the dusty floor at each of his side.


    "No!" Prince Sunrei gazed more hungrily at the captivating lady. "Her eyes and her hair were both black. She is so beautiful."


    "They are not black! They are as crystal blue as the ocean," Pines angrily countered.


    "Brother, Pines, it will be best for you to stare at the wall," Princess Pieffer commanded.


    "But¡­" Prince Sunrei was about to retaliate but Aries pushed their heads on the nearby wall.


    "Just listen," he said.


    "Fine!" the Fish House Leader lowered his head and leaned his forehead on the wall. "Just this once, Aries!"


    After Pines had zipped his mouth, the captivating lady had introduced herself, "I am Gin-Ren. According to the legendary book, I am a Zodiac Knight."


    "You''ve read that book?"


    "No, Aries," Gin-Ren flashed an enticing smile. "I heard it from the Head Shaman when I was five years old. She told everyone that whoever finds me will be greatly rewarded," her appealing smile had filled with bitterness. "That announcement forced my parents to leave me in this house. They changed the color of my hair and told me to hide my face with a hood and cloth all the time. But after a few months, the Head Shaman had caught me. A Zodiac Knight came to my rescue but it was only after the Head Shaman had cast a curse on me," while saying that last sentence, she was staring intensely at Aries.


    "What curse?" Prince Sunrei asked and tried to glance at the captivating lady but Aries pushed his head back to facing the wall.


    "A curse of lust," Gin-Ren sighed. "People will see in me their greatest desire and will be filled with lust."


    "For real?" Pines was shamefully staring at the dusty wall in front of him.


    "Yes. That''s the truth," the captivating lady replied.


    "No¡­" the Fish House Leader murmured and buried his face on the wall. "Forgive me, My Princess."


    "I can''t believe this is happening," Prince Sunrei leaned his forehead on the wall with his eyes closed. He was shaking his head as if trying to get rid of the unwelcomed thoughts in his mind.


    "This is unfair!" Pines yelled without moving his face away from the wall. "Why is Aries unaffected?!"


    "Aries doesn''t desire anything," the captivating lady had answered. "He can see beauty but could not feel any desire for it."


    "You are talking as if you know me well," Aries was staring suspiciously at the young lady. He was waiting for a flash of memories, but nothing was happening.


    "You are the Zodiac Knight who rescued me from the crazy Head Shaman," Gin-Ren was gazing back at Aries with a smile. "You might not remember because it happened eleven years ago."


    "He had lost most of his memories. That is the reason he could not remember," Pines glared at Aries then glanced back to the wall.


    "I see," Gin-Ren looked at the floor with sad eyes. "Those corrupted souls had hurt you too."


    For a fleeting moment, Aries had glimpsed his beloved Pieffer in the face of the captivating lady. A powerful desire had overwhelmed him. He wanted to touch her face. He wanted to see her smile. He wanted to give her pleasure.


    Aries closed his eyes until his emotions had calm down.


    She is dead because of. I should never forget that.


    Aries repeated those words to himself until he was calm enough to look the captivating lady in the eyes.


    "How can we release you from the curse?" Princess Pieffer had asked.


    "The Head Shaman is the only one who can take this curse away," Gin-Ren answered with an exhausted sigh. "I tried it for years even though I know that she will never listen. She just keeps sending lustful men to keep me busy. She is also using the children to keep me away from her. These innocent lives¡­ I cannot let them get tainted by lust. I have to protect them."


    "If I kill the Head Shaman¡­"


    "Hey! You always want to kill!" Pines snapped at Aries before facing the wall once again.


    "Do you think the Head Shaman will still want to live after we ejected the corrupted soul out of her body? She used children just to keep Gin-Ren occupied. She should be leading a peaceful village. But she could not do her job well and her people had suffered. If we will not give her death, she will probably give it to herself. If not, then people of this village will give it to her. Or worse, she will be like those men I killed earlier, they could not think about other things aside from lust."


    "But still¡­ let''s try to save the Head Shaman," Gin-Ren said. "I just turned twenty-one. I can''t take her place."


    "You have to do it," Aries got up on his feet. "That is your duty as a Zodiac Knight. Tell me where I can find the Head Shaman."


    "I¡­ I will come with you," Gin-Ren offered with a bit of hesitation.


    "Let''s go," Pines eagerly got up on his feet.


    "Stay here," the princess commanded. "This place is filled with children and needs to be guarded."


    "As you wish, My Princess," Pines slumped on the floor and buried his face to the wall again.


    "Brother, please stay here with Pines."


    "Be careful out there," Prince Sunrei said. "Call us if you need help."


    "I''ll say the same thing to you," the princess smiled. "Call us if you need help."


    "Do not worry about this place, My Princess!" Pines straightened his back. "I will keep the children safe!"


    "Thank you, Pines," Princess Pieffer said before leaving the place with Aries and Gin-Ren.


    ^##############^


    Gin-Ren led them to a shrine at the middle of the village. In the middle of a circular and cemented ground stood a towering stone statue of a beautiful woman wearing a long furry robe and feathery headdress. Around that circular ground were well trimmed knee-high bushes. Streetlamps were illuminating the area. Stone benches were scattered around the statue and in those seat were naked people hungrily making love with each other.


    In front of the statue was an elegant seat made of marble and decorated with colorful and fresh flowers. A long table was facing that sit and scattered all over the red tablecloth were luscious fruits.


    Half-naked men were serving the Head Shaman while in front of her, men were fighting to death. She was watching everything with an entertained smile.


    The Head Shaman was radiating an enticing aura that was more powerful than that of Gin-Ren even though the latter was more beautiful than the former. Aries could not see a dark smoke around the Head Shaman but he was certain that a corrupted soul was inside that body.


    "Stop," the Head Shaman had slowly straightened her spine against the high backrest. "A more interesting contender is here."


    The bloody and exhausted men battling in front of her had instantly stopped exchanging blows.


    "Take them away," she gracefully waved her hand and four of the ten half-naked men standing around the statue had immediately dragged the two bloody fighters away.


    "You finally came, Aries Del Luna," an alluring smile curved on the red lips of the Head Shaman.


    "I came here to kill you," Aries marched towards the Head Shaman with dual blades in his hands.


    The remaining half-naked man around her and the statue had circled around Aries with only their fists as their weapon.


    "Kill them first," the Head Shaman lazily crossed her legs and leaned her head on the seat.


    Aries raised his dual blades and attack the half-naked men. With only their fists to evade, Aries had quickly stabbed his blades to their bodies and absorbed the corrupted souls within them.


    While he was busy with the half-naked men, Princess Pieffer and Gin-Ren were ejecting the corrupted souls from the vessels that were too absorbed making love on the benches.


    Aries knocked all the half-naked men unconscious while the two ladies were nearly done liberating the vessels. And because the hovering corrupted souls were trying to make their way back to the people they possessed, Aries quickly changed the form of his weapon and shot arrows at the gliding dark essences.


    "You are getting better at absorbing souls," the Head Shaman was talking like she knew a lot about Aries.


    "Who are you?" he asked after stepping into one of the shadows cast by the unconscious men lying on the ground and reappeared in front of the Head Shaman. His dual blades were crossed at her neck.


    "You can''t remember?" she asked with a wider smile.


    Aries ignored her taunting. He was there to kill her, not to question her.


    His blade sank deeper into the throat of the Head Shaman but immediately stopped when the corrupted soul had spoken.


    "Kill me and that young successor will die."


    "Her soul won''t," Aries smiled back.


    "You''re right," there was no trace of fear in the eyes of the Head Shaman. "But she will never be reincarnated in a body that can perform a ritual. Her soul will have to be reborn from a mother''s womb and you will have to wait years to reinstate the barriers in this village. Go on, Aries. Take my soul."


    "Aries, don''t!" the princess yelled.


    She was sitting on the ground and cradling Gin-Ren who had fallen unconscious the moment his blade touched the neck of the Head Shaman.


    "Let''s find another way."


    With trembling hands, Aries removed his dual blades from the neck of the Head Shaman and marched back to where the Princess was.


    She had broken a transport bracelet that took them back to where Prince Sunrei and Pines were.


    ^############^

 Chapter 30 - Friends, Enemies, And Obsession

    Before leaving the house, Princess Pieffer placed a five-petal flower crystal underneath the lamp right next to the stone door and they had been transported back near that gemstone.


    Aries could not see Prince Sunrei and Pines yet he could hear faint laughter seeping from underneath the wooden floor.


    "Let''s go to the basement," Princess Pieffer tugged Aries at his sleeve and pointed at the lady she was cradling. "Can you carry her?"


    Aries took Gin-Ren into his arms and followed the princess to a room where there was a dirty bed and an old cabinet.


    Dirty clothes had been revealed to Aries when the princess opened the cabinet. She peeked through those clothes and opened another door.


    She motioned for Aries to enter first because she had to close the doors behind them.


    The laughter Aries was hearing had grown louder as they made their way down a spiral staircase. At the basement landing, another closed door had welcomed them.


    The princess opened it and they had entered a well-illuminated room filled with double decks, a small kitchen, and a long table that was only as high as the knees of a child. It was filled with delicious-looking foods. There were no chairs in the room and clothes were stacked at the edges of the beds.


    There were twenty children in the room. All of them were wide awake. The oldest seemed to be in her mid-teenage years while the youngest appeared to be three to five years old. They were all sitting comfortably on the carpeted floor until Aries and Princess Pieffer arrived with the unconscious white-haired Zodiac Knight in his arms. The laughter died and had been replaced with awkward silence as everyone looked in their direction.


    "Miss Gin-Ren!" one of the kids cried.


    "She''s only sleeping," Princess Pieffer said before the kids could cry out in fear. "She''s very tired and needs to get as much sleep as possible. Let''s all be quiet and give her time to rest."


    The children nodded and the oldest girl motioned at the bed nearest the door.


    "This is where she sleeps."


    Aries gently put Gin-Ren on the bed and the oldest girl had covered her with a blanket.


    "What is your name?" Princess Pieffer asked.


    "Janice," the girl answered.


    "Can you help me tuck the children to their beds?"


    The girl nodded with a timid smile.


    "Let''s talk upstairs," Prince Sunrei was taking some of the foods with him. "I know you are hungry. You can eat while talking."


    Aries, Prince Sunrei, and Pines returned to the empty ground floor and settled near the stone door.


    "Eat," Prince Sunrei gave Aries all the food he was carrying.


    Aries stared closer at the dishes and instantly felt hungry.


    "These foods¡­"


    "Miko prepared them," Prince Sunrei smiled.


    "What happened? Why is Gin-Ren unconscious?" Pines curiously asked.


    "It is because of the Head Shaman''s curse," Aries answered after devouring all the food given to him. "The corrupted soul told me that if I killed the Head Shaman, Gin-Ren will also die."


    "Did you recognize the corrupted soul?" Pines was glaring.


    "She must be a Celestial Knight because she was speaking as if she knows me."


    "It must be Venera," Prince Sunrei leaned his back on the wall.


    "I agree," Pines nodded. "She is the only one who can do this."


    "Venera?" Aries was totally clueless.


    "She is a Celestial Knight whose beauty can only be compared to a Goddess," Prince Sunrei said. "Her eyes can seduce both men and women. Her touch can paralyze and her voice can control minds. But children are immune to her abilities. Cursing people is not mentioned in the book. Maybe she acquired it from the Head Shaman."


    "Or that witch Mercielle had helped her curse Gin-Ren," Pines added. "We have to stop that witch."


    "I will kill her the next time I saw her," Aries promised. "But right now we need to find a way to free Gin-Ren from the curse. Do you know anyone who can counter a curse?"


    "Shamans should be able to counter any spells," Prince Sunrei said. "Let''s look around the village tomorrow."


    "I''ll do it," Aries said. "You should stay here and take care of the children."


    "I didn''t come here to take care of the children!" Pines raised his voice but it was not as loud as his previous screams.


    "You didn''t come here to be seduced either," Aries reminded the Fish House Leader.


    "I know!" he yelled a little louder but he was still careful not to alarm the children downstairs. "I came here to be with My Princess!"


    "But you are so good with those children. You are like their older brother," Prince Sunrei smiled teasingly.


    "You like children more than me. You even traveled to the House of Ram to get foods and toys for them," Pines snapped back at the prince.


    "That''s why you should stay here and avoid the enticing world outside," Aries seriously insisted. "I don''t know how to take care of children. If I stay here, I might scare them away."


    "You¡­" Pines wanted to retaliate but decided against it. He just fell silent.


    "Princess Pieffer is with me. We can quickly find a reliable shaman," Aries reassured the Fish House Leader.


    "I want to sleep," Pines ignored his words and lay down on the dusty floor.


    "We should rest," Prince Sunrei agreed and curved on the floor like a ball.


    Aries remained seated. He just leaned his head on the wall and closed his eyes. He only needed a few hours of sleep.


    ^###############^


    "Wake up, you sleepy ram''s head!!!"


    Aries jerked awake from that ear-splitting voice of a woman and a thump on his head.


    He was sleeping underneath the shade of his favorite tree at the southern courtyard of the Serestral Castle and bending over in front of him was a beautiful woman with shiny black hair that was braided elegantly down to her waist. She was wearing a long overcoat that seemed too tight for her huge breasts and buttocks. She had long lashes, rosy cheeks, and red pouty lips. Her irises were black but it was glowing grey when touched by the sunlight.


    She would have been the most attractive woman to Aries if she would lower her voice, stop being too violent, and become less demanding.


    "What is it this time, Venera?" he asked while rubbing his hurting head.


    "Sunrei is still ignoring me!" she was still screaming even though she was only a foot away. "You said that if I cook for him, he will eventually soften up to me."


    Aries could not stop his lips from curving and it earned him another smack in the head.


    "What''s funny?!"


    "You should practice cooking!" Aries yelled back at Venera while covering his hurting head. "Don''t stop practicing until you become better than the cooks here in the castle."


    "I hate cooking!" Venera impatiently yelled and stomped her feet a few inches away from Aries.


    "Sunrei loves eating!" Aries bolted upright and leaned closer to the tree and further away from the violent woman. "If he sees your efforts, he will warm up to you."


    "How can you be so sure? Have you ever been in love?" Venera was doubtfully eyeing him.


    "N-no!" Aries stuttered. "But Sunrei is my friend! I know how to get close to him."


    "I don''t want to be his friend!" Venera raised her hand to hit Aries but someone had caught her wrist.


    "Stop hurting Aries or I will hurt you!"


    It was Gin-Ren who came to his rescue. She was wearing a white overcoat that was perfectly taking the shape of her flawless body.


    "You will hurt me?" Venera flashed a mocking smile at the beautiful white-haired knight.


    Gin-Ren was about to unsheathe her sword but Aries quickly stopped her.


    "We are comrades. We should not fight against each other," he lightly pushed the women away from each other.


    Venera glared at Gin-Ren for a few seconds before she turned around and walked away.


    "Finally," Aries breathed with relief. "Thanks for¡­"


    He failed to finish his sentence because the white-haired knight had pushed his back against the tree.


    "I will protect you anytime, My Dearest Aries," Gin-Ren was staring closely and intensely at him.


    "Thank you," Aries was leaning his head as far away as he could but the tree trunk was making it difficult for him. He could not even move his arms because Gin-Ren was gripping them tightly. "We are friends. We should protect each other."


    "But I don''t want to be your friend," Gin-Ren was leaning her face closer to Aries. "I want to be your wife."


    "NO!!!" Aries closed his eyes and when he opened it Gin-Ren was still leaning over to kiss him.


    The only difference was that he could freely move his hands. He quickly raised his right hand and aimed for her throat. He pushed her down to the dusty wooden floor and knelt over her.


    "Aries, stop!" Prince Sunrei and Pines were holding his arms and pulling him away from Gin-Ren.


    We are friends. We should protect each other.


    Those words echoed in his mind and he quickly let go of Gin-Ren.


    "I''m sorry," he breathed and slumped on the dusty floor. His hands moved defensively out of habit. He was so different from the Aries in some of his memories.


    "No¡­" Gin-Ren coughed as she sat up. "I should be the one apologizing. I should not have done that. I''m sorry," tears poured from her eyes. "I hate this curse! And I hate this fate!!!"


    ^###############^

 Chapter 31 - Capable Shaman

    "Don''t cry," Prince Sunrei and Pines scrambled to their feet and tried to calm Gin-Ren but Aries pulled them away from the captivating lady.


    "Stay here," he firmly said.??


    Fortunately, Pieffer came and she was the one who sat beside Gin-Ren and calmed her down.


    "What happened?" the princess glanced at the men with inquiring eyes rather than a judgmental glare.


    "It''s my fault," Aries and Gin-Ren chorused.


    "I tried to kiss him," Gin-Ren had quickly added. "I tried to stop myself but the urge is only getting stronger. I like you, Aries. I like you ever since that day you saved me from the Head Shaman."


    "Did the Head Shaman put a curse on you too?" Pines glared at Aries. "You keep on attracting women."


    "No. It is only me who had been cursed¡­ and¡­" Gin-Ren looked down on the dusty floor with hesitation. "I had been cursed¡­ because I¡­" she closed her eyes and blurted, "I asked to be cursed¡­"


    "You¡­ asked for it?" Pines could not believe what he just heard. "Why will you ask for it? Do you like getting a lot of attention?"


    "Pines!" Prince Sunrei glared.


    "What?!" the Fish House Leader stared angrily back at the prince.


    "I was a fool¡­" Gin-Ren was still staring at the floor. Her eyes filled with regret. "That day when the Head Shaman had caught me, I told her how hateful it was being born as a Zodiac Knight. My parents had to hide me away just to keep me safe. I cannot live like a normal girl anymore. I hate how everything around me was changing for the worse. I hate the Head Shaman and all the shamans in this village. They had the ability to communicate with the dead and make peace with them but they just¡­ stopped doing it. Negotiating with the corrupted souls became too exhausting for them and because they had given up¡­ it led to the downfall of our village. I wanted to run away as they did. But before I could leave this place, the Head Shaman had caught me. The only thing that came to my mind back then was that if I get myself cursed, I will never be qualified as a successor."


    "They were doing it for a long time, I understand how exhausted they had become," Aries seriously said. "I am absorbing souls for only a few days but I already feel drained. You haven''t done it at least once but you already hate the fact that you have to do it for the rest of your life. Who wants to be born with a heavy burden? Who wants to be born in a dangerous world? None of us did but we still have to accept this. You have an ability that is more powerful than those shamans. You can do things that even the Head Shaman could not."


    "You had been reborn a few years later than most of the Zodiac Knights because the Head Shaman did her best for everyone in this village," Princess Pieffer added. "I know you are still young but the House of Maiden needs a new leader. Learning will never be hard for you because you are destined to lead."


    "And we are here for you," Aries murmured then cleared his throat. "I am also learning a lot of things which can be extremely confusing and exhausting most of the time but running away is not an option. Even if we run away to some other dimension, our fate will still catch up to us. Delaying things will only cause more suffering. These children need a safer home. Help us release you from the Head Shaman''s curse then let''s rebuild the barrier around this village."


    "You said the same words when you saved me from the Head Shaman," Gin-Ren smiled but with sadness in her eyes. "But you left in a hurry before you can help me. You said there was something urgent that you need to take care of. I waited," tears poured from her eyes. "But you didn''t return. I''ve been waiting all this time."


    "I''m sorry," Aries cleared his throat. "I¡­"


    "I understand," Gin-Ren sobbed, wiped the tears in her eyes, and smiled with a bit of confidence in her eyes. "The important thing is you are here now. Thank you for coming back. And I am sorry for not being strong enough to release myself from this curse."


    "Saving the children and protecting yourself from the curse is enough," Aries said and got up on his feet. "Will you help us find a capable shaman?"


    Gin-Ren nodded with determination.


    ^########^


    The white-haired Zodiac Knight had escorted Aries and Princess Pieffer to the Northern Border of the House of Maiden.


    Standing at both sides of the entrance to that border was the same beautiful statue Aries had seen on the central shrine but those sculptures were a few feet smaller. Serving as fences were groups of tall trees lined neatly around the border. There were ropes hanging from the branches with warding talismans on them.


    Past the entrance that was guarded by beautiful statues were stone stairs that appeared endless. The steps were not steep but there were hundreds of them.


    They ascended the flight of stairs for nearly two hours before they reached the landing. From there they saw a tiny shrine and a few bamboo houses. That place looked a little normal compared to the rest of the areas in the House of Maiden. The influence of the corrupted Head Shaman seemed to fail in contaminating that place.


    Children were peacefully playing outside their houses. Men and women were fully clothed. Some were doing the laundry. Others were preparing for lunch. And most of the men were taking care of their little farm. The elders were gathered around the shrine. All were holding prayer beads while tirelessly chanting words that Aries could not understand.


    "Shaman Mina," Gin-Ren quietly called when they approached the chanting elders.


    They all stopped praying and glanced at Gin-Ren with a smile of relief.


    "The Zodiac Knights have finally arrived," one of the elders had slowly gotten up on her feet. She was an old woman with a pair of green eyes. "Keep on praying," she told the rest of the elders then motioned for Aries, Princess Pieffer, and Gin-Ren to come with her.


    The old woman led them to a bamboo house nearest to the shrine and asked them to sit on the patio.


    "Aries, I''m glad that you convinced Gin-Ren to become the next house leader."


    "You¡­ know me?"


    The old woman smiled kindly at Aries. There was no surprise or confusion in her eyes, unlike Aries who could not get used to people knowing him beforehand.


    "Life will always be hard for the Zodiac Knights," the old woman had said. "But you, Aries, will suffer the most. Losing your memories can only mean that you had been in a traumatic incident."


    "Is it in the Book of Legends?"


    "No, Aries," the old woman laughed. "I saw it in the stars. Even now, great sorrow awaits all of you."


    "You don''t have to read that in the stars," Gin-Ren bitterly furrowed her brows. "Our lives are already full of tears and sufferings. We came here to ask if you¡­"


    "I can help in breaking the curse the Head Shaman had cast on you," the kind smile of the old lady was not fading.


    "I guess you are Shaman Mina."


    The old woman laughed and said, "Yes, Aries. I am Shaman Mina. As for the three of you, no introductions are needed. I already know who you are. Let''s just talk about breaking the curse."


    "How long will it take for the curse to be broken?" Princess Pieffer curiously asked.


    "It all depends on Gin-Ren," Shaman Mina seriously replied. "Summoning a spirit is not that easy."


    "Why do we have to summon a spirit? Don''t you know how to break my curse?" Gin-Ren glared suspiciously at the old woman.


    "The Head Shaman is the one who had cursed you. She is the only person who can take it away from you."


    "Gin-Ren told us about it," Princess Pieffer politely informed Shaman Mina. "But we cannot rely on the Head Shaman."


    "The corrupted soul inside the Head Shaman will not take it away from Gin-Ren for free," the old lady nodded agreement. "But I believe in Head Shaman Aurora. She will help us. We just have to separate her soul from the corrupted one."


    "We already tried but we could not eject the corrupted soul from the Head Shaman without killing her. Gin-Ren will die if we kill the Head Shaman," Aries explained.


    "I can help in delaying the effect of the curse. But it will only last for a few minutes," the smile in the face of Shaman Mina had faded. She had become terribly serious. "Gin-Ren needs to undo the curse faster than my spell could hold out."


    "That sounds dangerous," Princess Pieffer anxiously murmured.


    "I will die either way," Gin-Ren said with courage in her eyes. "I should die fighting."


    "You will not die," the princess sighed then smiled with confidence. "Aries and I will not let you die any time soon. We will save Serestral first and you will have a chance to live a normal life."


    "I want that," a spark of hope glimmered in the eyes Gin-Ren.


    "You only have two days to master the summoning technique," Shaman Mina suddenly looked like a strict teacher.


    "Ah¡­ can I also learn the summoning technique?" Princess Pieffer eagerly asked. It seemed that she wanted to learn everything even though she could not master it.


    "I also want to learn it," Aries stood right next to the princess.


    Shaman Mina only smiled and began to teach them the basics of summoning a spirit.


    ^#################^

 Chapter 32 - Summoning A Spirit

    The basic to summoning a spirit was an intense focus. Aries had to ignore everything, even his emotions. His soul had to be calm enough to resonate with the spirits that were hovering restlessly around him. It was strange how his eyes could see the corrupted souls but not the carefree spirits of nature and the essences of the people unaware of their death. Spirits of nature were colorful, bright, and vivid. Lost souls were transparent white with tints of grey. Yet he could only sense them with his eyes closed. Corrupted ones were too dark and he could spot them without exerting effort. His soul must be as dark as the corrupted ones that he could easily resonate with them.


    Opening his inner sense to perceive those that were unseen was exhausting. He had to stop and rest for a few minutes before he could focus again.??


    Gin-Ren was doing well. She truly was born to do it. She only needed three attempts before she could sit on the ground without moving a muscle and her face looked astoundingly serene.


    Aries had to try for hours before he could get himself to fully relax his entire being.


    Princess Pieffer had to struggle with her focus for half a day but she never complained even once. Her willingness to learn amazed Aries.


    After a few minutes of rest, Aries closed his eyes and focused once again. Continuous attempts made it easier for him. It was like traversing through the shadows. His body felt like a feather being drifted by a gentle wind.


    In the shadows, there was only darkness. While in a trance he could perceive a lot more. It was draining but extremely satisfying.


    Now that he could see the spirits of the dead, something had sparked within him. Maybe he could see the soul of his beloved Pieffer.


    A jolt of electricity had hit him so hard, causing him to lose his focus and collapse with his back on the ground. That was the first time he felt electrocuted.


    Pieffer crawled towards him and whispered, "What happened?"


    Gin-Ren was still in a trance. Aries was grateful that his actions did not interrupt her training.


    "I was electrocuted," he answered while sitting up.


    "A strong connection to a spirit had caused it," Shaman Mina quietly explained as she sat next to the princess.


    Aries was about to ask a question when Gin-Ren gasped in pain.


    "I was electrocuted!" she was rubbing her temples in annoyance. "I was trying to summon the Head Shaman. I thought I could get through the defenses imprisoning her but I was electrocuted."


    "Are you also trying to connect with the Head Shaman?" Princess Pieffer asked Aries.


    "No," he honestly answered. "I was thinking of something else," he glanced at Shaman Mina and asked with a pounding heart, "Can we connect to spirits by accident? And if we can connect to them, does that mean they could not enter Heaven or Hell?"


    "You can connect to a soul even if they had already entered Heaven or Hell," Shaman Mina kindly answered then glared strictly at Gin-Ren. "Do you want to die? Why are you rushing towards our enemy?"


    "I want to save Head Shaman Aurora!" Gin-Ren stubbornly replied. "If she can still lead The House of Maiden, then I can come with Aries and assist him in saving the rest of Serestral."


    "We will try to save the Head Shaman," Aries seriously told the white-haired Zodiac Knight. "But if all else fails, I will kill her."


    Gin-Ren nodded in agreement.


    "Master the summoning technique," Shaman Mina reminded Gin-Ren. "And you have to excel in convincing the spirits. Maybe if you say the right words, we have a chance to encourage the Head Shaman to live."


    "We will convince her to live," Princess Pieffer always had this confidence that was surprisingly contagious for Aries.


    ^#############^


    After resting for an hour and eating a simple meal for dinner, Aries searched for a place where he could not disturb Princess Pieffer and Gin-Ren. He hid behind the trees and began to focus. Earlier, before he had been electrocuted, he was thinking about the possibility of seeing his beloved Pieffer. He was positive that his soul had connected with her.


    This time, he wanted to talk to her.


    Hours passed but nothing had hit Aries. No jolt of electricity, no voice, or anything that could tell him that his beloved wanted to connect with him.


    Another hour of disappointing silence had followed and Aries had to momentarily let go. He opened his eyes and coughed out blood. He had strained himself to fulfill his desire but it seemed that his beloved never wanted to talk to him or even see him. That must be the reason he had been electrocuted.


    Aries smiled with self-loathing.


    I killed her. Why will she want to see me? What else should be said between us? I should not be bothering her. She is already at peace in Heaven. Right, Pieffer?


    "Aries, what happened?" Princess Pieffer sat beside him. "Why are you coughing out blood? Are you trying to summon Venera?"


    He stared at the princess with awe. He never thought about talking to their enemies that in some of his memories were his friends.


    "I''m trying," he lied and coughed out more blood. "I never thought summoning a spirit can be this tiring."


    "Gin-Ren is amazing," Princess Pieffer leaned his back on a tree. "We already reached our limit but she was still in a trance without any sign of getting tired. She truly wanted to save the Head Shaman."


    "Are you sure we can convince the Head Shaman to live?" Aries also rested his back on the tree where the princess was leaning.


    "All of us make mistakes and dying is only an excuse not to pay for your sins," Princess Pieffer glanced at Aries with a smile. "Don''t you agree?"


    "I guess you''re right," Aries closed his eyes. "I''ll just sleep for an hour. You should leave."


    "I also want to take a nap," Princess Pieffer was almost whispering. "Thinking about those flights of steps is already making me sleepy. I will leave once I wake up."


    Aries only smiled and after a few minutes, he had fallen sound asleep.


    ^###########^


    When Aries opened his eyes, he was still hidden in between the trees near the entrance to the Northern Border. His strange dreams seemed to take pity on him and let him sleep in peace. He glanced at his left and saw the princess still leaning on the tree and sleeping.


    Aries wondered how a princess could fall into a deep slumber while at a place where she had no defenses and in a position that was quite uncomfortable.


    He thought about waking the princess up but just decided to carry her through the long flight of steps. He was about to touch her shoulder when her eyes opened. She had been instantly alerted and Aries was amazed by her sharp senses.


    When she realized that it was only Aries, she smiled and yawned, "I''m still sleepy."


    "I can carry you," Aries generously offered and the princess was eyeing him suspiciously.


    "I''m not possessed," he reassured her but she was still looking at him with caution.


    "You are being so kind and a smile curves upon your lips."


    The princess gazing at him so closely had made him uneasy.


    "Fine," he forced the smile out of his face. "Walk if you want."


    The princess smiled and jumped on her feet.


    "Thanks for the offer," she said while stretching her arms and legs. "I want to strain my muscles."


    "Let''s go," Aries said while stopping his lips from smiling.


    ^##############^


    After two days of diligent training, Shaman Mina had told Aries, Princess Pieffer, and Gin-Ren that they were ready to break the curse.


    "Wait," Gin-Ren was nervous. "Just give me one more day to gather confidence, please, Shaman Mina?"


    "I think I also need one more day to prepare," Aries said. He wanted to summon someone else first before trying it on Venera.


    Shaman Mina glanced at the princess who only nodded agreement.


    "One day only. You cannot ask for further extension."


    "Thank you, Shaman Mina!" Gin-Ren exclaimed and went back to training.


    "Will you practice in that place again?" Princess Pieffer walked by his side.


    He only nodded.


    "Can I also train there?" the princess eagerly asked.


    He nodded one more time and let the princess accompany him in his training ground.


    ^########^


    Aries and Princess Pieffer sat on the grass-covered ground with their back facing each other. A tree had served as their dividers.


    The princess was getting better at focusing. It only took her an hour before she entered a trance.


    Aries had done it after a few minutes. He wanted to summon a spirit that was inside his body. He focused on the image of an axe until he was face to face with it.


    He had been pulled back in that place where glass boxes contained the corrupted souls he had absorbed.


    The last time he was there, he had only seen a few glass containers. Now there were countless fragile-looking prisons crowding that area. But the one with an axe on it was still first in the row of those glass boxes.


    Aries approached it and lightly placed his right palm over the glass. The ax pulsated and tried to push him away but Aries refused to be denied a connection. His soul had to be one with the axe-wielder.


    He kept on pressing his palm against the glass box until his hand passed through the container that did not break. It felt like the glass suddenly transformed into some sort of sticky jelly.


    The corrupted soul was resisting with all his might but Aries remained firm in moving forward and stretching his arms until his hand could finally touch the axe.


    The connection had been instantly established. The glass boxes had vanished. Aries let go of the ax as it began to change form. He could finally see the true form of the axe-wielder.


    He was wearing a silver breastplate, gauntlet, and greaves. His long black hair was neatly ponytailed. His blue eyes were staring at Aries with fury.


    He had seen that man in his dreams. He was one of the twenty-four knights that gathered in the castle of Serestral.


    "Tell me the reason why we had come to this," Aries strongly commanded. "Why did we become enemies?"


    "If that is what you want," the silver-armored knight gripped his weapon in both hands. "But you will never get the answer that easily."


    "Of course, it will never be easy," Aries called on to his dual blades and prepared for a fight.


    ^###########^

 Chapter 33 - Vicious Cycle

    Aries wearily collapsed with his back flat on the grass-covered ground. He was catching his breath and his body was hurting all over, especially his arms. It was as if he did not only fight with his soul but with his physical body. Fortunately, the wounds his soul had received did not reflect on his body.


    "Aries, you are forcing your soul to the limit again," Princess Pieffer was leaning over to him. "Stop doing that."??


    He smiled and told her, "I''m tired. I''ll just sleep for an hour then we will return to the border village."


    "You are smiling a lot since we got here. Are you truly okay? Are you trying to hide something with your smile?"


    "I will tell you after I get some rest," Aries smiled more as he closed his eyes.


    "Don''t get me wrong," he sensed the princess relaxing right next to him. "I''m happy to see that you are smiling... but still¡­ it makes me a little worried."


    Aries opened his eyes and glanced at the princess. He was getting used to her presence that he never felt uneasy even when she was lying by his side.


    "I''m okay," he promised then looked at the leaves swaying gently above them. "I just never expected that something so challenging could also be so satisfying," he closed his eyes and felt even more tired. "Just one hour, Princess."


    But when he opened his eyes, not only an hour had passed. He was no longer hidden behind the trees. He was back at the house of Shaman Mina and lying on a mattress provided for them.


    Princess Pieffer was also in the room and sleeping on another mattress. But she had been instantly awakened even though Aries tried not to make a sound when he sat up.


    Her senses were truly amazing.


    "You didn''t wake me up," Aries glanced at the window. It was already dawn. Aries realized only then that even though there were still dark clouds covering the sky in the Northern Border, sunlight could still be glimpsed no matter how faint it was.


    "You were sleeping so soundly," Princess Pieffer rolled on her left and smiled at Aries. "I felt guilty. That''s why I decided not to wake you up. Don''t worry. I didn''t carry you in my arms. I brought you back here using the transport bracelet," she lazily sat up and pointed at the crystal on the floor right next to the cabinet. "I put that just in case we feel too exhausted to climb the stairs."


    The door opened and Gin-Ren entered. She looked a little more confident than yesterday.


    "Shaman Mina wants to throw us out of here," she furrowed her brows and leaned on the door. "If you need more sleep, I can tell her to give us at least half a day to rest."


    "We cannot delay this any further," Aries got up on his feet and put a hand on Gin-Ren''s shoulder. "Just do what you can. And don''t forget that we are here to help you. We will succeed."


    "I know," Gin-Ren sighed then smiled with more confidence. "Let''s go and save Head Shaman Aurora!"


    ^#########^


    After saying their thanks to Shaman Mina and a few revisions to their plan, Aries, Princess Pieffer, and Gin-Ren returned to the Central Shrine.


    They walked for only a few hours but it felt like they travelled for an entire day, for as they drew closer to where the Head Shaman was, the sky became darker, more ominous.


    Aries was accustomed to the dark but he was still feeling a little uneasy. It must be because of Gin-Ren. She was losing the confidence she gained while closing in on the Central Shrine.


    Princess Pieffer was the only one who looked unaffected by the alarming sensation floating in the air.


    Unlike the last time, the Central Shrine was empty when they arrived. There was only the Head Shaman sitting on her throne. She had no half-naked servants and no corrupted souls were gliding around the area.


    Aries wondered if she was that confident in winning against the three of them.


    The Head Shaman gracefully moved out of her seat and raised her right hand. It glowed and a leather whip had manifested from her palm.


    "You will eventually take my soul."


    At that moment, Aries was seeing the face of Venera instead of the Head Shaman. Her chilling gaze was filled with restrained fury.


    "I was thinking about giving myself up without a fight or," she wrapped the whip around the neck of the Head Shaman, "I''ll just kill this woman and take Gin-Ren with me," she leisurely marched towards Aries. "Well, unlike us unlucky Celestial Knights, she will be reborn in an instant. But I have to wait for you to die before my soul gets freed. And one more frustrating thing is that she will be reborn in a new body while I will remain a corrupted soul!"


    Aries felt the intensity of her gaze and for a moment he could not move a muscle. It was only when Venera safely released the neck of the Head Shaman had he been freed from her paralyzing glare.


    "But if Sunrei had finally been reborn in his original form, I will certainly gain my body back," Venera lashed her whip, leaving a crack on the paved ground. "I will kill you right now and let us all be reborn with our original body. It will be a fairer fight between us! Don''t you think, you evil Ram?"


    "Be prepared," Aries whispered to Princess Pieffer and Gin-Ren then he called forth his dual blades.


    It was a good thing that he was well-rested. Thanks to the princess.


    He dashed towards Venera and slashed his blades at her throat but the latter had vanished and reappeared a few meters away from him. It was like she took a few backward steps within a blink of an eye.


    Aries dodged as the corrupted knight aimed the whip at his neck then he took a few quick strides to close in on the Head Shaman and slashed the dual blades at her throat. But Venera easily eluded Vermillion with her blinding evasion technique.


    Instead of getting frustrated, Aries remained calm and doubled her speed. Venera had quickly adjusted with his pace and managed to land the whip on his cheek.


    It was only a scratch because Aries managed to evade it somehow then he marched straight at the Head Shaman and sliced her throat. As he was expecting, Venera used her blinding evasion technique.


    As soon as the corrupted knight had vanished, Aries took a quick three hundred sixty turn and stabbed his dual blades that instantly transformed into a long sword at the chest of the Head Shaman.


    As the vessel collapsed motionless on the ground, the whip wrapped tightly at the neck of Aries, choking him.


    "I will take you with me," Venera seethed as her soul was being absorbed by the long sword.


    "Not now," Aries had fully drained the corrupted soul from the body of the Head Shaman and the whip vanished before it choked him to death.


    Princess Pieffer rushed beside the dead vessel and healed the chest wound.


    Gin-Ren was already in a trance and summoning the spirit of the Head Shaman.


    "No!" the white-haired knight suddenly screamed but her voice had become similar to that of the Head Shaman. "Let me die!"


    "You can''t," Aries got up on his feet and grabbed Gin-Ren by her wrist. "Pay for your sins while you are still alive. You cannot just die and rest in peace."


    "Why?" the Head Shaman snapped at Aries. Rage and sorrow were mixing in her eyes. "I did everything for the people in this village. House of Maiden remained strong because our family did everything to protect everyone here! We dedicated our lives to people that don''t even want to defend themselves! People that were weak enough to be easily corrupted! It is exhausting! I hate the fact that my family and I wasted our time shielding these weak people! I don''t regret giving up! I''m tired! And I want to leave this hopeless life! And you, Aries Del Luna! Why were you reborn this late? We have been waiting for decades! This is all because of you!"


    "I''m sorry for coming so late," Aries sincerely apologized. "But I still came and I will no longer run away. I am here to help Gin-Ren restore the barriers. She needs your guidance. You cannot pass on even if you are tired. Help us bring an end to this. Not just to be reborn and relive all of these. Let''s end this so we can live happily in our next lifetimes."


    The Head Shaman cried, "It will be great if you can put an end to this vicious cycle," she laughed and her voice filled with sarcasm, "This has been going on for centuries. How can you put an end to this? Do you have a plan that could defy fate?!"


    "I will put an end to this no matter what happens," Aries seriously vowed.


    The Head Shaman laughed harder, "Stop fooling people. You probably said that each time you are reborn. Let this world die. That is the only way you can put an end to this vicious cycle. Stop doing anything."


    Aries let go of Gin-Ren''s wrist and stabbed the body of the Head Shaman to the heart. For a second, he felt that familiar jolt of electricity. He wondered if it was because he had accidentally connected to the soul of the Head Shaman. But he could not dwell on it for long.


    "I''m sorry for wasting your effort, Princess."


    He had been answered with silence and pouring tears.


    Gin-Ren collapsed on the ground as the soul of the Head Shaman passed on to either Heaven or Hell. Aries would never know.


    "We failed," the white-haired knight came to her senses and was crying. "We could not save her."


    "But we could save the rest of this village," Aries coldly stated. "Let''s reinstate the barriers."


    ^#########^

 Chapter 34 - Back To The House Of Ram

    The rest of the day had been spent burying the dead and praying for their souls. Everyone in the village returned to their normal selves but most of them were too ashamed to go out of their houses. Children that were unaffected by the influence of Venera came out to help with the burial rites. The shamans of the Northern Border came down to the Central Village to assist Gin-Ren and teach her all the things she needed to learn in leading the House of Maiden.


    Shaman Mina was a strong woman with plenty of helpful knowledge. She would have been a great Head Shaman but she rejected the offer a lot of times. All she ever wanted was to protect the Northern Border with all her life. And for the humble shaman, Gin-Ren was the only one who could lead the House of Maiden. It was her fate right from the moment of her birth.??


    Reinstating the barriers took them a week because Gin-Ren was not yet used to the ritual. She had to rest for an entire day to recover her depleted strength.


    The first one that they reinstated was on the eastern border, where Prince Sunrei, Pines, and the children were patiently waiting. Though the little ones could return safely to their homes, they were still hesitant to leave. They want Gin-Ren to be their guardian. They had also come to like Prince Sunrei and Pines. They wanted to stay at the abandoned house rather than their own homes.


    Gin-Ren did not force the children. She said that everyone in the village needed a lot of time to heal. Accepting her role as a leader meant embracing the duty to help the villagers get over their ordeals.


    "I do want to go with you," Gin-Ren said a day after she had reinstated the last barrier.


    The house of the previous head shaman had become her new home and it was the nearest manor to the Central Shrine.


    Shaman Mina agreed to stay there until Gin-Ren had learned everything that she needed to learn and only up to that moment when she was ready to stand on her own.


    "Focus on fixing the House of Maiden," Aries strictly told the new house leader. "Do not just learn from Shaman Mina. You also have to remember where the previous head shamans had failed."


    "I know," Gin-Ren sighed. "I will teach my people how to defend themselves. Our souls will grow stronger together."


    "If you need help, do not hesitate to call us," Princess Pieffer reminded the white-haired house leader.


    "Actually, I think I need some skilled guards to help in securing the borders of our village," Gin-Ren said with her eyebrows furrowed. "The shamans can fight the corrupted souls but it will be better if they can be assisted by people that know how to wield weapons."


    "Aries can provide you with reliable guards," Prince Sunrei grinned.


    "I can?" Aries was utterly clueless.


    "We have to return to the House of Ram," Princess Pieffer was also beaming as if she was proud of something.


    "I will wait," Gin-Ren nervously smiled.


    "Don''t worry. I will not make you wait for a decade," Aries promised.


    "I know," the white-haired knight laughed softly.


    "See you soon," Princess Pieffer waved a hand at Gin-Ren before transporting Aries, Prince Sunrei, Pines, and herself back to the House of Ram.


    ^##########^


    "Should we sleep, eat, or check out the guards you will be sending to the House of Maiden?" Princess Pieffer asked as soon as they arrived at the House of Ram.


    "I''ll go wherever you want to go, My Princess," Pines remained standing right next to the princess. "I could not spend much time with you because of those children."


    "But I never saw boredom in your face while guarding them," Prince Sunrei teased then sat on the couch. "I''ll just rest for a few hours. My sister will take care of you."


    "You should also sleep," Pines glared at Aries. "I''m sure you are tired."


    "I''m not," Aries opened the door. "I want to see those guards. House of Maiden needs them. We should send a few as soon as possible."


    "Follow me," Princess Pieffer smiled before leaving the room.


    Pines rushed after her and as he marched at the right side of the princess, Aries strolled at her left. Fortunately, the corridor was wide enough for the three of them to walk side by side.


    Princess Pieffer led them to the southern courtyard of the house.


    Aries noticed only then that his house looked like a small castle. It had four towers and four spacious quadrangles.


    A few people were outside, either cleaning or tending to the plants. All of them had momentarily paused from their work to greet Aries and Princess Pieffer. Pines was a bit annoyed that he was getting little to no attention.


    The southern courtyard was crowded by men in red armor. In their chest plate was a crest of ram''s head. Some of the men were holding swords. Others were wielding spears. A few were practicing their aim with a bow. Each group was being led by a man in dark red armor and a cape of the same color.


    "I will introduce your trusted soldiers," Princess Pieffer grabbed Aries by his wrist but Pines had quickly pulled her hand away and he stood in between them.


    "No touching!" he strictly warned.


    The princess stifled her laughter and approached the man who was teaching the sword wielders.


    He was probably in his early twenties. His brown eyes were bright and they sparkled with joy at seeing the Ram''s House Leader.


    "You have finally visited us, Sir Aries!" he was standing as straight as a statue. "I am Emil Brass, head of the sword warriors, at your service, Sir Aries!"


    "You can relax," Aries cleared his throat as he felt a little embarrassed in front of all the unfamiliar people who knew him. "I am here to take some of your men. House of Maiden needs reliable people in guarding their borders."


    His words made some of the men in the courtyard emotional. Tears welled in their eyes.


    "House of Maiden had been saved?" the man teaching the spear-wielders approached Aries. There were tears of disbelief in his dark brown eyes.


    "Yes, Erick," Princess Pieffer answered. "You can return to the House of Maiden."


    "Thank you, Sir Aries!" Erick dropped to his knees and bowed his head to the ground. Everyone in the courtyard had followed.


    "Get up," Aries quickly commanded and the soldiers instantly obeyed. "Those who are from the House of Maiden should return there. Guard that place with your life."


    "Yes, Sir Aries!" the soldiers chorused then resumed their training.


    But Erick and the man teaching the bow-wielding soldiers had stayed.


    "What is it?" Aries asked.


    "I am Emerson Shaft," the bow-wielder instructor had said and there was a look of hesitation in his grey eyes. "I will gladly follow your command, Sir Aries. But if Erick and I will leave the House of Ram¡­ then who will teach the young soldiers here? Who will protect your house?"


    He was speaking as if he was older than Aries but he was probably the same age as Emil and Erick. They were only in their early twenties.


    "You are also young but you can already teach others how to properly wield a weapon. I am sure that you can find someone who can follow your lead," Aries remarked. "House of Ram will be fine. It is the House of Maiden that needs help right now. You should focus on protecting your hometown."


    "Thank you, Sir Aries!" Erick and Emerson bowed low to him.


    "Thank me by protecting the House of Maiden."


    "Yes, Sir Aries!"


    "If you encounter any problem in the House of Maiden, do not hesitate to ask this house for reinforcement."


    "Yes, Sir Aries!"


    "You may leave."


    The two young soldiers immediately returned to their duties.


    "I hope I can remember them," Aries let out a disappointed sigh.


    "I will tell you about them later," Princess Pieffer winked at him. "Let''s eat first."


    "Right," Pines agreed. "I''m hungry."


    ^############^


    When Aries entered the kitchen, Miko had been too excited that he cooked a lot of delicious meals. The long table was crammed with delightful dishes that Aries thought would only be wasted but, to his surprise, he and Pines hungrily devoured each serving as if they had been denied of food for a long time.


    "Miko, you are the best of the best," Pines was leaning on the backrest while rubbing his bulging stomach. "I could eat your dishes all day," he yawned. "Well, maybe not all day because I will need a few hours of sleep," he drowsily got up on his feet. "My Princess, I will see you later," he waved a hand before leaving the dining area.


    "How about you?" Princess Pieffer beamed at Aries. "Are you sleepy?"


    "Not yet," Aries got up on his feet. "I want to stretch my legs."


    "Then come with me," Princess Pieffer grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the house and onto the eastern courtyard.


    It was an empty space with plenty of flowering trees, bushes, and piles of prayer stones.


    Princess Pieffer knelt in front of the tallest prayer stone and said a few seconds of silent prayer. When she was done, she glanced up and told Aries, "You will not remember any of those soldiers because the Aries they met was the one who came from the alternate world, the one who inhabited your body these past ten years."


    ^############^

 Chapter 35 - Farewell

    Aries knelt right next to Princess Pieffer and bowed his head down to the ground in front of the prayer stone. He repeated it three times.


    "He seemed like a good guy," Aries murmured with guilt. "I feel bad for getting his body killed."??


    "He lived his life well," Princess Pieffer agreed with a reminiscent smile. "He was grateful that he had been given the chance to reside in your body," she glanced at Aries and seriously asked him, "Do you want to relive his life while he is inside your body?"


    "I don''t want to add more weight on my conscience," Aries glanced back to the grave with so much respect. "What if he is the one who could put an end to this vicious cycle?"


    "Though he lived his life well while he was in your body, you are the only one who could save Serestral," the princess sincerely believed in the Aries right in front of her. "He could only do so little because he was not able to tap on your abilities."


    "He kept the House of Ram safe for ten years," Aries stated. "He did all that without using Vermillion. How can that be so little?"


    "His mind could do wonders and his running ability was remarkable," Princess Pieffer beamed proudly. "We saved a lot of children from different houses because of it. Some of them wanted to become warriors. Others wanted to help around your house. Others simply wanted to read, write, and enjoy their childhood. The alternate Aries just let them do what they wanted to do. He was like a supportive older brother to those children."


    "I can''t be like him," Aries lowered his head to the ground. "Forgive me if one day I ruin the reputation you earned all these years."


    "He believes in you," Princess Pieffer said. "Even if he had passed on, I''m sure that he is watching over you. If you want to speak with him, you can easily do that now. That is the advantage of learning the skill of a shaman," she winked at him.


    "No wonder you wanted to learn all the skills you are seeing," Aries smiled. "Maybe I will try to summon his spirit once I am not ashamed to face him. For now, I want to make another prayer stone."


    "You can gather some stones behind the bushes," Princess Pieffer informed him. "Do you want to be left alone?"


    "You can leave if you want to," Aries got up on his feet and gathered some stones.


    "Then I''ll be staying," the princess beamed and remained kneeling in front of the prayer stone he built for the alternate Aries.


    "Are you going to pray for something?" the princess curiously asked when Aries returned from behind the bushes, cradling a lot of stones.


    "For someone," he corrected after resuming his place right next to the princess.


    He put the stones one after the other until he had created a pile that was as high as the prayer stone built by the princess.


    "This is for Lady Pieffer," he bowed his head to the ground three times with tears in his eyes.


    Thank you for coming into my life. My world became less gloomy because of your smile.


    Thank you for the companionship. It was because you decided to stay that my life became less boring.


    Thank you for the love. Because of my job, I never thought that I will be able to share my heart with anyone. It was you who showed me that I can still love.


    Thank you for your trust. Even until the end, you had chosen to put your faith in someone like me.


    I should not have listened to you and your brother. I should not have killed you. I should have convinced you to fight with me until the end.


    I was a coward.


    Forgive me. I hope you can because you deserve a better life in Heaven. You should not be filled with hate. Leave the punishment to my cursed fate.


    You should be reborn with a happier fate.


    Thank you, My Beloved.


    Farewell.


    Aries finally raised his head from the ground and wiped the tears in his eyes.


    "Where should we go next?" he asked the princess.


    "Our next goal is to save the House of Scale but before we go there, we will visit Quaria in the House of Pitcher."


    "Then we should get some sleep," Aries got up on his feet.


    "We should," the princess agreed as she bolted upright.


    They returned to their rooms after lowering their heads one last time to the two prayer stones.


    ^#########^


    Aries had just drifted asleep when an axe cut through the peaceful darkness in his subconscious.


    The glowing weapon changed its form and became the axe-wielder.


    "You have a promise to keep! Why are you sleeping?!" the axe-wielder yelled furiously at him.


    The last time they fought, Aries remembered a few things from his distant past. The name of the axe-wielder was one of those memories. It was Gani Cleaver.


    "Of course, I need to sleep," Aries frowned. "I will keep my promise. You just have to be patient. Your wish cannot be rushed."


    "I told you everything you want to know! I need to see you making an effort! Keep your promise or you will never sleep in peace!" Gani screamed so annoyingly.


    "Stop threatening me," Aries coldly commanded. "I can imprison you at that glass container any time I want."


    "Go on then!" Gani hammered his axe on the dark ground. "It doesn''t make any difference."


    "It doesn''t make any difference?" Aries repeated those words ominously. "Inside that container, you cannot take your own form. You cannot speak. You cannot move. You can only show yourself to me through nightmares that were too weak to scare me. You want to return there?"


    Silence had floated between them. Gani was glaring hatefully but he had still taken a step backward before disappearing.


    Aries sighed. He should be resting as much as possible but the axe-wielder had made it impossible for him to return to sleep.


    He just decided to visit Venera in the rows of glass containers. She was also in the form of her weapon, a leather whip. And it seemed that Celestial Knights were always in the front row.


    He touched the glass but quickly pulled away as a bolt of electricity had hit his palm. Venera was furious.


    "I understand," Aries had seriously said. "I will grant your wish. You just have to wait."


    ^##############^


    "My Princess, I have to say goodbye for now."


    Despite the sadness in his eyes, Pines could still eat a lot. He and Aries seemed to be competing the moment they sat at the dining table.


    "I will be back to join you for a longer time," he unwillingly got up on his feet and glared at Aries. "Fight me fair and square! Don''t make any unfair moves while I am away. I will be back soon. I''ll just have to win against Siorre," he affectionately glanced at the princess. "Wait for me."


    He crushed a transport bracelet in his hand and he was gone in an instant.


    "Finally, some quiet time," Prince Sunrei sagged on his seat.


    "You don''t look well," Princess Pieffer was looking at her brother with worry.


    "I''m just tired."


    "You slept all day. Why are you still tired?" Aries suspiciously glared at the prince.


    "I''m¡­ worried," the prince laid his head on the dining table. "Ever since that day I encountered Merrick, my body began to feel¡­ strange¡­"


    "Strange?" Aries raised an eyebrow.


    The prince sighed and said, "I feel¡­ like I''m¡­ I''m losing control of this body. Sometimes, I find it hard to lift my hand. I need to concentrate a lot before I could raise it up. I don''t want to give this body up¡­"


    "Then don''t give it up," Aries firmly commented. "If a Celestial Knight could tie his soul in the body of their vessels, we can also do it. Maybe a shaman knows something about it. Should we ask Shaman Mina?"


    "We can try," Princess Pieffer eagerly agreed. "Let''s ask her now."


    ^#############^


    "No, I don''t have any knowledge in binding a soul to the vessel," Shaman Mina had answered their inquiry and there was anxiety in her eyes. "Souls should be free. We only summon them for a moment to ask for their aid. But that''s it. Why do you want to bind them?"


    "This is for the greater good," Aries assured the elder shaman.


    "I am against this," Shaman Mina sighed heavily. "But if you have to do this, you can try asking the Scale House Leader."


    "I don''t think that we can find any help in that place," Princess Pieffer was deeply anxious.


    "The Scale House Leader is a reasonable person," Shaman Mina had stated. "If you save her house, I think she will fairly reward you. Her word has power. If she decided on something, it will become irrevocable. If you tell her that this is important in saving our kingdom, I think she will agree on it."


    "I still doubt it," Princess Pieffer was getting more anxious.


    "We are going there anyway," Aries reminded her. "We should at least try, right?"


    "Right," she sighed then smiled nervously. "Let''s visit Quaria first."


    "Thank you, Shaman Mina," Prince Sunrei bowed low to the elder. Princess Pieffer and Aries did the same.


    "We know Gin-Ren is busy. Please send our regards to her," the princess said before breaking a transport bracelet.


    ^#########^

 Chapter 36 - Break

    House of Pitcher was an astounding place filled with small floating landmasses connected by stone bridges. Underneath those hanging isles was a bottomless ocean.


    They had been transported to the middlemost island. Standing on it was a two-story house. Serving as a fence were waist-high bushes. Even the trees on that place could not be any taller than the shrubberies.??


    There was a fountain in the middle of an island. It had a statue that was a few feet taller than the two-story house. The sculpture was that of a woman holding a huge pitcher. She was pouring its content on the fountain. The water that was flowing from the pitcher was flooding the fountain and was streaming to the connecting four shallow canals and through the ocean underneath the floating island.


    Four stone bridges were linked to the four corners of that center island.


    "Princess Pieffer!!!"


    A woman in a lime green gown walked excitedly out of the house and gently took the princess in her arms. She had a pair of eyes that looked like jade crystals. Her olive-green hair was messily braided down to the back of her knees.


    "You finally came to visit," the woman had a voice that radiated patience. "It''s been a long time."


    "Yes. It''s been a long time," the princess agreed and put her arms around the woman in green.


    "Is he ''our'' Aries?" she asked while gazing curiously at Aries.


    "Yes," the princess smiled. "Aries, this is Quaria, leader of the House of Pitcher."


    Aries was surprised as the house leader warmly locked her arms around his torso.


    "Welcome to my house, Aries Del Luna," she said before letting him go. "I heard that you have already reinstated the barriers in the House of Lion and the House of Maiden. And you only needed two weeks. That was great."


    "I only helped a little," Aries awkwardly explained, "Leon and Gin-Ren are the ones who reinstated the barriers around their houses.


    "They could not have done it without your help," Quaria looked up at the fountain not far from them. "I could barely hold my house together."


    "We can help," the princess immediately offered.


    "I want to protect my house for as long as I can," the house leader walked gracefully towards the fountain. "But lately there are too many corrupted souls and I am spending the rest of my days warding them off. I could not sit in my room and read books for a long time. I''m too tired to stay awake. I should be helping My Tauren in his creations but those annoying corrupted souls are taking most of my time. I just woke up a few minutes ago and there are too many reports about the corrupted souls wreaking havoc at my borders. I just want¡­ a break. I''m sorry¡­ I should not be thinking this way¡­"


    "It''s okay to feel tired," Aries had said. "It''s okay to take a break. That''s normal. Despite our complicated fate, we are still humans. Take a break. All we can give you is a one-day off."


    Quaria stared at Aries with disbelief. Even the royal siblings appeared to have been shocked by his speech.


    He cleared his throat and added, "If you don''t want then we can head straight to the House of Scale."


    "Of course, I want it!" Quaria exclaimed and tightly embraced Aries and Princess Pieffer together. "Thank you so much."


    "You have to tell us all the information that we need to know about those areas that need to be checked."


    "Yes, Aries! I will tell you everything!"


    ^#######^


    Quaria wasted no time. After informing Aries and the royal siblings about the things they had to investigate, she immediately transported herself to the House of Bull.


    Prince Sunrei volunteered to stay at the central island to receive reports from the guards stationed at the border.


    Aries and Princess Pieffer checked the safety of the borders. Passing the long stone bridges had not been a problem for them because they can both pass through the shadows. Instead of six hours, they only needed two hours to reach the western border.


    "How can Quaria ward the corrupted souls from the borders of her house if passing through the stone bridges took six hours?" Aries curiously asked while they were checking the situation around the area.


    "She can fly two feet above the water," Princess Pieffer revealed. "As long as there is water, she will be having no difficulty traveling at a faster speed."


    "You cannot learn that skill?"


    "Only Quaria can do that," Princess Pieffer smiled.


    The Western Border was almost similar to the Central Island but instead of one house, there were a few small houses built around the fountain with a huge statue. The people warmly welcomed them. They were even excited at their arrival. Everyone was eager to help but, for the safety of the villagers, Aries allowed only one guard to accompany them to the area they had to check.


    "You may leave," Aries told the guard. "Don''t let anyone enter this area."


    "Yes, Sir Aries!" the guard gave a short salute before leaving.


    "How many?" Princess Pieffer quietly asked.


    "Ten," Aries called on Vermillion in the shape of a bow and shot at the corrupted souls. It took him an hour to fully absorb those hovering dark spirits.


    Aries sensed something unusually heavy while he was taking the souls inside his body. It was as if each essence carried excess luggage with them. By the time he was done absorbing those souls, he was kneeling on the ground.


    "What''s wrong?" Princess Pieffer knelt beside him with worry.


    "Just tired," he sat on the ground. "I need to rest for a few minutes."


    The princess settled right next to him and stared at the closed gate a few meters away from them. They could not properly saw that earlier because the corrupted souls had gathered in front of it.


    There was a crest at the middle of the gate and it was similar to the statue on the fountain. Serving as the wall were trees that were only half as tall as the gate yet Aries could not glimpse what was beyond. It was as if there was a thick mist covering everything beyond that gate and wall of trees.


    There were guards stationed at that gate but Quaria had to withdraw them because the corrupted souls kept on invading their bodies. She could not risk her guards any further.


    "Quaria must have been too occupied that she failed to notice the cracks on the barriers."


    "You can see the barriers?" Aries stared at Princess Pieffer with confusion.


    "You can only see mist past the trees and the gate, right?"


    "That is the barrier?"


    "Yes."


    "And you can see cracks on the mist?"


    "You cannot?"


    Aries shook his head.


    "Then¡­ I am the only one who can see the cracks?" Princess Pieffer asked with disbelief. "I have an ability that only I can have?"


    Aries smiled and said, "I''ve rested enough. Let''s go to the northern border."


    "We need to tell the guards about the cracks," the princess eagerly got up on her feet. "I will also ask them to relay the message to my brother."


    "Tell them not to mention anything to Quaria," Aries reminded. "We told her that we can give her a one-day break. We should keep our word."


    "I know," the princess smiled.


    ^#########^


    Upon checking the Northern Border, they encountered eight corrupted souls. Though the dark essences on that house were heavier than the previous souls Aries had encountered, he managed to remain standing after absorbing the last one.


    Princess Pieffer noticed two cracks on the misty barrier but it was not as big as the ones on the Western Border.


    After informing the guards, they hurriedly moved on to the Eastern Border.


    The situation there was a bit better than the two previous borders. Aries only encountered three corrupted souls and Princess Pieffer discovered only one tiny fissure in the barriers around the area.


    They took a short break after notifying the guards of the situation at the nearby gate. Aries could feel the weight of the souls slowly draining his strength and causing his arms to feel numb. He had to rest.


    It took him two hours to recover his strength and move his arms without squinting.


    "We can rest for another hour," Princess Pieffer was staring at him with concern.


    "I''ve rested enough," Aries reassured the princess. "And the sun had already set. We should already be checking the Southern Border."


    "If you say so," Princess Pieffer sighed and they headed straight towards the Southern Border.


    ^#########^


    Two of the four guards stationed at the entrance to the Southern Border had welcomed Aries and Princess Pieffer.


    "Can I talk to you in private, Princess?" one of the soldiers timidly asked. "I¡­ I want to ask you something that¡­ that is bothering my family."


    "Go on," Aries answered the hesitant look in the eyes of the princess. "I''ll go ahead and check at the gate."


    "I''ll follow as soon as I''m done here," Princess Pieffer promised.


    Aries only nodded then told the guard to show him the way.


    Like in the previous borders, it took them about an hour to reach the border gate.


    "Thank you for leading the way," Aries called Vermillion in the form of dual blades then he quickly turned to stab the guard in the shoulders.


    ^#########^

 Chapter 37 - Electrical Shock

    Aries absorbed the corrupted soul from the body of the guard. It was the heaviest essence he had devoured in the House of Pitcher.


    Both he and the guard had collapsed on the ground.??


    "Can you still get up?" Aries asked the guard as he pulled his blades away.


    The guard weakly nodded.


    "Then go," Aries commanded.


    As the guard got up on his feet and ran away from there, Aries observed his surroundings and made sure that the guard could successfully escape.


    "You''ve changed," a woman standing near the closed gate had spoken.


    Nearly twenty corrupted souls were circling around her that Aries failed to notice her presence the moment they arrived in that area.


    Another Celestial Knight must be possessing that vessel.


    Aries changed the form of his dual blades into a bow and shot at the hovering corrupted souls. Absorbing one dark essence was like devouring blocks of rocks. And the weight of all eighteen corrupted souls had drained his energy, caused him to cough out blood, and forced him to drop on his knees.


    "You were cold and decisive. You will never hesitate to kill a person for the success of your mission. This world had weakened you."


    Those words made Aries uneasy. He never wanted to make a conversation with a Celestial Knight until he had absorbed them. But that one made him extremely curious.


    "Who are you?" he asked since he also needed time to recover his strength.


    "You cannot recognize me. This is getting more disappointing."


    As the woman marched slowly towards his direction, her impassive face had become clearer. But Aries could only glimpse the form of the vessel and not the corrupted soul possessing the body.


    "You''ve become weak and now you failed to recognize me," the woman unsheathed a dagger and knelt in front of him. "You broke my heart again."


    Aries was too confounded that he failed to fully dodge the dagger aimed at his chest. Though it failed to pierce his heart, the blade had caught his left shoulder. He ignored the pain and pushed the woman down on the ground and pierced her shoulder with one of his dual blades.


    Instead of gasping in pain, the woman laughed.


    "You used to aim at people''s throats. The people in this world had weakened you."


    "Who are you?" Aries asked again and pointed his other blade at the throat of his dreadfully familiar opponent.


    "You will take my soul, won''t you? Do it and you will eventually know," the corrupted soul was challenging him.


    For a moment, Aries could neither speak nor move. He should take all the corrupted souls he encounters but that one was awfully different. He had this feeling that it was wrong to absorb that essence.


    "Hell is where we should be. We can conquer that place," the woman pulled the blade from the shoulder of Aries. "Let''s go there together."


    Those words made Aries realize that his intuition was wrong. That corrupted soul was not the person he thought it might be. He grabbed the blade aimed at his chest and stopped it from piercing his heart. While resisting the dagger, he began absorbing the corrupted soul.


    Shocking electricity flowed from the vessel but Aries did not let go of the blade. He had to absorb that infuriating corrupted soul who made him think that his beloved had become one of them.


    It was unforgivable.


    He endured the jolting electricity radiating from the corrupted soul.


    "Will you¡­ kill me again?"


    Aries froze. A thousand thoughts came flooding in his mind as he heard that familiar voice.


    The corrupted soul must be playing with his mind. But what if it was truly his beloved?


    The first time he tried to summon her spirit, there was that jolt of electricity. But he also felt it when he absorbed the soul of Venera. Female souls must have a shocking effect the more they resist his devouring ability.


    But what if she was truly his beloved?


    "Come with me to Hell."


    Aries got a glimpse of the corrupted soul but he was not sure if his mind or the corrupted soul was only playing tricks on him, or if he was seeing the true form of that dark essence.


    Was it was truly his beloved?


    The dagger touched his chest but it did not pierce his heart. It was the woman who had been stabbed. A sword had punctured her back, cut through her heart, and sliced her chest.


    "My Aries¡­" the corrupted soul cried as she had been ejected out of the body. "I¡­ will wait for you."


    The dark essence had floated away from him and vanished past the misty barriers. Aries remained frozen. Whether it was the truth or not, he could not absorb that soul no matter how corrupted it might be.


    "Aries, what happened?"


    The one who had killed the vessel was Princess Pieffer. She had carefully placed the dead body away so she could kneel in front of Aries.


    "Is that another Celestial Knight?"


    "Can a Celestial Knight cast an illusion?" Aries finally managed to open his mouth.


    "I''m not sure if Mercielle can cast an illusion but she knows a lot of forbidden crafts. It might be possible."


    Aries sighed. It would be easier to believe that the corrupted soul was Mercielle instead of his beloved.


    His Pieffer would never be a corrupted soul.


    "I''m sorry. I let one of them slip away," Aries glanced at the misty barrier.


    "You will get her anyway."


    Aries noticed only then that Princess Pieffer was pale and her blood-stained hands were trembling.


    "The barrier here had more cracks than the Western Border," Princess Pieffer was staring anxiously at the misty barricade. "We should inform the guards."


    "I''m sorry. You had to kill that woman because I was a fool," he held the trembling hands of the princess. "I failed to save her. It was not your fault that she died. It''s all mine."


    "I''m not regretting anything," Princess Pieffer smiled nervously. "And this is not the first time. I''m just¡­ like this every time. I will be fine."


    "We should take a rest," Aries carried the princess in his arms.


    ^########^


    The guard who talked privately with Princess Pieffer earlier had welcomed Aries and the princess in his house.


    "Forgive me, Sir Aries," the guard dropped on his knees and lowered his head on the ground. "I should not have listened to the corrupted soul. I should not have taken Princess Pieffer away¡­"


    "It''s already done," Aries was sitting on the window sill, feeling drained. His mind was restless and his heart was pounding unevenly. "The important thing was that the borders are safe for now. We will only rest for an hour. You can go and check the woman that we failed to save from the corrupted souls."


    "Thank you, Sir Aries!" the guard hurriedly marched out of the house and a deafening silence had followed his absence.


    "That guard is Jerry Nails," Princess Pieffer had broken the uncomfortable silence. "He was telling me a lot of annoying things. I thought I was good at listening to people''s troubles but when he shared his problems with the recipes he was creating, I nearly yelled out my frustration. Fortunately for both of us, the guard that came with you had returned. When I saw that he was wounded, I was worried. I told Nails to take care of the wounded guard then I ran to check up on you," she paused for a moment before cautiously asking, "What happened back there? Did she¡­ make you see unpleasant things? Or¡­"


    Her voice faded as her body vanished.


    At the same time, Aries heard a distant voice calling his name and he felt himself being pulled with a speed that was nauseating and blinding. Everything around him became flashes of white and black lines then, after an agonizing eternity, his body suddenly stopped moving and he found himself standing on the Central Island.


    Princess Pieffer was also in there but she was not as dizzy as Aries had been. Though her face was pale, it was not because of their sudden transportation.


    Prince Sunrei was in deep trouble and he was the one who had summoned Princess Pieffer and Aries in that place.


    The prince was badly beaten and desperately struggling while he was being pinned on the ground by two of the guards there on Central Island. Merrick was kneeling over him with a hand over his forehead. He must be reclaiming his true body.


    Aries and Princess Pieffer moved to help the prince but ten guards and ten household maids had blocked their way. All of them were possessed.


    Princess Pieffer unsheathed her sword and faced the household maids. Aries wielded his dual blades and fought the guards.


    They were both surprised as all the guards and the household maids possessed excellent fighting skills. It seemed that Quaria had trained them well and the corrupted souls were maximizing the use of their abilities.


    It was the first time Aries had difficulty landing his blades at the possessed vessels. Princess Pieffer was also having a tough time but she was gracefully battling them out.


    Though not as fast as before, Aries was confident that they could defeat the corrupted souls but right at that moment, they had to get to Prince Sunrei.


    Aries could not see the soul from the body of Prince Sunrei but he could sense the soul of the Celestial Knight Sunrei. He was starting to enter his true body.


    They had to knock every vessel unconscious as fast as they could.


    "Are you worried?"


    A housemaid attacked from behind Aries just as he was done absorbing the corrupted soul from the sixth vessel. He quickly turned around and blocked the blade of the woman.


    He glanced at the princess and was a little relieved that she already knocked five enemies and she was now battling four housemaids at the same time.


    The one that came to attack Aries managed to escape from her strict offensive.


    "If you want to save my brother, you have to kill these vessels," the housemaid took a step backward before slashing her blade.


    Aries caught the dagger with his dual blades but he was slow to counterattack because that feeling of uneasiness came rushing back to him.


    "That will be faster," the woman smiled wickedly.


    "You¡­"


    "Yes, my love," the look on the face of the woman had softened and so was her voice. "I am your Pieffer."


    ^#######^

 Chapter 38 - Cracks

    "No," Aries refused to believe. "You are not her."


    With his dual blades, he pushed the dagger and the possessed woman away. But he did not stab her. He let Princess Pieffer took care of that housemaid.??


    Right at that moment, the princess knocked out two more vessels and she quickly caught on to the one that Aries had pushed away.


    The dual blades transformed into a bow and Aries quickly absorbed the hovering corrupted souls with his arrows.


    As the remaining guards attacked, the bow instantly changed back into dual blades. Aries parried the weapons slashed at him but he failed to land an effective counterattack.


    "Kill them! Or my brother will be killed!!!" the crazy corrupted soul had bellowed.


    Princess Pieffer was momentarily confused but she did not allow herself to be distracted. She knocked out two more housemaids and Aries had to run away from the remaining guards to change his weapon back into a bow.


    After absorbing the corrupted souls, his focus returned to the guards that were trying to hit him. His dual blades were eager to strike the vessels but the remaining three were quick to dodge his attacks. Whenever he tried to run towards Prince Sunrei, they were swiftly blocking his way, and their harmonized offensives were forcing Aries to take a few steps backward, away from the prince.


    Princess Pieffer was also struggling. Panic was making things worse for her. It was only the crazy corrupted soul but she was having more difficulty knocking that vessel down than the rest of the nine housemaids.


    Aries could see that Celestial Knight Sunrei was halfway in reclaiming his body. If they fail to help the prince, he would become a homeless soul. Princess Pieffer would lose her beloved brother.


    Aries had to be ruthless. He eventually had to listen to that crazy corrupted soul. Tightening the grip on his sword, he aimed for the throats of the guard but stopped when the water from the pitcher suddenly stopped flowing downward and intensely poured towards Merrick.


    He and the guards were caught off guard and had been hit hard. The water had thrown them a few meters away from the prince then it changed direction and hit the crazy corrupted soul that Princess Pieffer was fighting.


    The streaming water altered its course one more time and hit the three guards Aries was fighting.


    "Aries, why are you just standing there?"


    It was Quaria. She was gliding a few feet above one of the shallow waterways connected to the fountain. Aries remembered that was the area where they had always been transported but he could not see where the transport gem had been placed.


    Merrick, the guards, and the housemaid were all wet but they had not been knocked unconscious. They were getting on their feet at a snail''s pace as if the water had slowed down their movement.


    Aries raised his dual blades and rushed to the guards. Princess Pieffer stopped the housemaid from blocking his way.


    Grateful to the slowing effect of the water, Aries made sure that his blades would hit home. He had easily stabbed the guards and absorbed the corrupted souls from their body.


    Merrick dodged the blades that Aries slashed at him but he did not return to the prince. He dashed towards the housemaid.


    "Let''s go!" he commanded at the woman.


    "Aries! I will wait until you are ready to come with me!" the housemaid yelled before trailing Merrick.


    Out of the thin air, a crack had formed in front of Merrick and it opened a dark pathway for him and the housemaid.


    Aries was too late in throwing his blades at the two corrupted souls. The crack had closed and his dual blades hit nothing but the trees at the perimeter of the Central Island.


    Prince Sunrei was too tired to get up but he was safe for now.


    "I think my house will collapse soon," Quaria gracefully touched the shallow water at the waterway and sadly approached Princess Pieffer.


    "It will not," the princess reassured the house leader while healing her brother. "The barriers had cracks on them but you can fix it."


    "One border needs an entire day to fix. Corrupted souls can enter anywhere. I cannot fight them while I am fixing the barriers. My guards are good but not all of them are immune to the influence of the corrupted souls. My wards against them are getting weaker. I think it is because of Mercielle. Her knowledge in countering spells is only getting deeper while we are only starting to learn it. And that portal¡­ to think that they can use their abilities even though our barriers are still up¡­"


    "It only happened because of the cracks," Princess Pieffer insisted. "They could not use their abilities to the fullest because of the barriers. Just concentrate on fixing it."


    "We can only start once the sun is up and it will take four days," Quaria seemed embarrassed.


    "Don''t worry," Aries had said. "This is for the kingdom. House of Scale can wait. And," he cleared his throat before adding, "You should be taking a one-day off. I''m sorry that you have to cut it short."


    Quaria tapped Aries a little harder on the shoulder and told him with a smile, "Thank you. It''s enough that I saw Tauren and I got to spend some time with him. It is my decision to return early. I am a house leader. Though I love to be with Tauren, I also love my house and my people. I should take care of them."


    "I will keep my promise to you and Tauren," Princess Pieffer said. Her eyes filled with determination. "A time will come where the two of you can spend time together without worrying about the safety of your houses."


    Quaria smiled affectionately at the hopeful princess.


    "Let''s rest while can," Aries offered a hand at Prince Sunrei.


    "I will show you the guest rooms," Quaria motioned for them to follow her inside the house.


    ^########^


    Aries, Princess Pieffer, and Prince Sunrei ended up resting in the same room.


    For Aries, Prince Sunrei should not be left alone. That was the reason he volunteered to stay in the same room with him.


    Princess Pieffer agreed with his idea and she insisted to stay with them. She also told Aries that she had questions for him.


    "You two can talk," Prince Sunrei rested his back on one of the couches in the room. "I''m dead tired. I need a lot of sleep."


    "You cannot sleep yet!" Princess Pieffer sat on the adjacent couch. Her eyes were filled with worry. "You have to tell us what happened. And why did you call us too late? If Quaria did not arrive on time, we would have lost you!"


    "Do you really see me as your brother?"


    There was bitterness in the eyes of the prince as he stared at the crackling fire at the hearth.


    "Why are you asking that question?" Princess Pieffer was confused and so was Aries who had settled on the window sill not far from the couches.


    "I am only important to you because I can keep this body away from him."


    Tears brimmed in the eyes of the princess. She was hurt by those words.


    "Yes. She wants you to stay because she doesn''t want that Celestial Knight to ever return in the body you are inhabiting," Aries was the one who answered the annoying dramatic prince. "But that is not her only reason. You ''are'' her brother. Not that Celestial Knight. How can you doubt her love for you? You''ve been together for more than a decade. You''ve been through many life-and-death situations. How can you believe those corrupted souls more than your sister?"


    "I''m sorry," Prince Sunrei rolled on his right and buried his face on the backrest. "I''m just tired."


    "Brother¡­"


    "Let him rest," Aries leaned his head on the wall and gazed outside the window. "You have questions for me, right?"


    Princess Pieffer let out a heavy sigh before asking, "That housemaid¡­ I think¡­ we know her¡­"


    "We don''t," Aries and Prince Sunrei had chorused.


    "As Aries had said, we should not believe the words of a corrupted soul," the prince added without looking away from the backrest.


    "The corrupted souls¡­ are getting stronger¡­" Princess Pieffer rested her head on the backrest of the couch.


    "No matter how strong they had become, we have to defeat them, right?" Aries reminded the princess.


    "Yes. We have to win," Princess Pieffer agreed with a weary smile.


    "You should get some sleep," Aries advised. "Lie on the bed and rest your mind."


    The princess nodded and did as she was told. It was easy for Aries to say those words to the royal siblings but he could not do it to himself.


    That woman kept bugging his mind. He knew he should not believe those dark essences but a part of his mind was telling him otherwise.


    He lightly banged the back of his head on the wall and repeatedly told himself to stop thinking about that corrupted soul. She was not who he thought she was.


    The Pieffer I know will never become a corrupted soul. She was a good person and always will be.


    He continually chanted those words until sleep had finally claimed him.


    ^########^

 Chapter 39 - Worries And Fears

    As soon as dawn had broken on the horizon, Aries, the royal siblings, and Quaria had gathered at the dining table. While they were enjoying a delightful breakfast, Siorre arrived with a big smile on her face.


    "Luck is on my side," she was brightly beaming as she took the empty seat at the left side of Princess Pieffer. "I came just in time for breakfast. And you know what?" she gazed expectantly at everyone around the dining table. No one replied but it did not diminish her good mood. She went on excitedly with her story. "I won against Pines! We bet for two weeks and I won against him! I can spend two weeks with you!" she tightly embraced the princess then glanced at Aries. "Thank you for teaching me how to win a card game. You''re the best!"??


    She finally looked down on the table and filled her plate with plenty of food.


    "I thought I will catch up with you at the border heading towards the House of Scale," she kept on talking even when her mouth is full. "Are you enjoying your time here in the House of Pitcher?"


    "I have to fix the barriers around my house," Quaria answered with a kind smile.


    "All of it?"


    "All of it," Quaria nodded.


    "That will take days," the smile faded from the lips of Siorre but only for a second. She shrugged her shoulders and a grin curved on her lips again. "Well, I have two weeks to spend with you. We can reclaim another house by that time," she said with so much confidence.


    "I will start at the Southern Border," Quaria stated. "I need you to guard the rest of the borders."


    "You cannot protect yourself while strengthening the barrier," Siorre said after swallowing the food in her mouth. "I will be your shield."


    "Thanks, Siorre," Quaria smiled gratefully at Siorre then glanced at Aries, "You guard the Western Border. Princess Pieffer will take care of the Eastern Border. Prince Sunrei will protect the Northern Border."


    "Understood," Aries and the royal siblings had chorused.


    ^###########^


    Aries quickly arrived at the Western Border by traveling through the shadows and as soon as he closed in on the gate, he encountered a few corrupted souls. He was absorbing souls until Princess Pieffer arrived and fetch him.


    "I think I will stay here until the barrier here is fixed."


    Princess Pieffer smiled at him but the worry was evident in her eyes.


    "I''ll stay here with you," she put her hands over his wounds. "I will guard the border while you take a rest."


    "How can you fight and not get wounded?" Aries wondered as the woman in front of him was unscathed.


    "I only drove five corrupted souls out of the border for the entire day," Princess Pieffer beamed wider. "You did not only absorb a lot of them today. I''m sure you''ve fought possessed people as well. It is tougher on this border. Siorre also had a rough day. But the important thing is that the barrier in the Southern Border had been fixed. There is an inn near the bridge. We can rest there. I''ll just inform my brother and Quaria."


    "Maybe you should stay with your brother," Aries said while they were heading towards the inn. "What if Merrick returns?"


    "Siorre is with him," though Princess Pieffer was smiling, the worry was still showing in her eyes. "I asked her not to leave my brother alone."


    "But you are still worrying."


    She let out a heavy sigh and said, "Something is wrong with him but he is not saying anything."


    "He will be at peace once we find a way to bind his soul to his body."


    "I hope so," Princess Pieffer wanted to feel at ease but she could not shake away her anxiety.


    ^#########^


    Aries slept well. Princess Pieffer made sure that his rest would not be disturbed.


    When he woke up, the princess was sleeping on the couch not far from the bed where he was lying, and sitting on the window sill was Siorre.


    Her arms were crossed and she was seriously gazing at the princess.


    "What are you doing here?" Aries quietly asked as he sat upon the bed.


    Siorre moved from the window to the bed without a sound.


    "Sunrei is unusually quiet and serious. He will not talk unless you asked him a question. I want to stick with him all the time because Pieffer is worrying so much about his safety but he was good at slipping away. I asked him where he went but he did not answer. I never felt this frustrated against him. He was usually kind and friendly."


    Aries kept his silence. It was not his story to tell.


    "You''ve changed. You''ve become a different person," Siorre was glaring suspiciously at Aries. "Did the same thing happen to Sunrei? What exactly had happened to you? It was not just as simple as losing your memories, right?"


    Aries only stared at the house leader and Siorre grunted in frustration.


    "I wanted to wake Pieffer up and ask her but the innkeeper told me that she guarded the border gate for hours and only returned here an hour ago. I can see how tired she is," Siorre sighed. "Her senses are sharp. She should have felt my presence. But she remained asleep when I entered the room and even when I am staring intensely at her."


    "Just wait for her to wake up," Aries lay down on the bed and turned his back on Siorre. "Return tomorrow. For now, guard the prince as much as you can."


    "There is no need for that," Princess Pieffer sat up on the couch. Her eyelids sagged with weariness and as she yawned, tears formed in her bloodshot eyes. "I will answer all your questions."


    Aries sat up and stared at the princess.


    "I can wait tomorrow," Siorre sat on the couch, right next to the princess. "You look exhausted. Get a lot of sleep and recover your strength first."


    "I''m tired," the princess agreed. "But I can no longer sleep. I am worried about my brother. My concern for him had grown deeper when I heard your story."


    "I''m sorry," Siorre sighed in frustration. "I cannot help ease your anxiety."


    "You don''t have to apologize," anger formed in the weary eyes of the princess. "This is not your fault. The corrupted souls are messing with his mind. They are the ones we need to destroy. That is the only way my brother can be freed from his doubts and fears."


    "They want his body because he looks like the Celestial Knight Sunrei, right?"


    "Yes," sadness replaced the anger in the eyes of the princess. "We cannot let that Celestial Knight possess the body of my brother."


    "Of course, we can''t," Siorre agreed. "I will return at his side at once. I will not let any corrupted soul get near him."


    "I will go," Aries volunteered. "Princess Pieffer told me that Quaria will fix the barrier at this border once the sun is up. Stay here and help Princess Pieffer protect Quaria."


    "How about the Eastern Border?" the princess had asked.


    "You encountered only five corrupted souls in that area yesterday. I can easily handle corrupted souls. That number will give me enough time to check on Prince Sunrei from time to time."


    "I agree with that," Siorre said. "Leave this border to me and you take care of Sunrei."


    "Call us immediately if you need help."


    "Yes, Princess Pieffer."


    "Hey, can you drop the honorifics? I know you''ve changed but Pieffer is our friend. Why are you calling her so formally?"


    "I can understand his reason," Princess Pieffer smiled weakly. "Just let him be."


    "Fine. If you say so, Pieffer," Siorre said but she was glaring at Aries.


    ^########^


    Guarding the Eastern Border was easier than protecting the Western Border. It would take hours before he could spot a corrupted soul. It had given him enough time to check on the prince who was also not that busy in protecting the Northern Border.


    The corrupted souls did not drain Aries but traversing through the shadows back and forth had depleted his stamina.


    But he could say that it was worth the effort. He could guard the border and the prince at the same time. He also did not notice anything bothersome with the actions of the prince. He was only taking his rounds around the Northern Border and would shove away corrupted souls whenever he encountered them. Aries never saw him talk to any of them. He also did not sense Merrick lurking around the prince. It must be because Quaria is fixing the barriers. Corrupted souls could not enter that place as easily as they did a few days ago.


    Aries returned to the Eastern Border and slumped on the ground. He had to take a few minutes rest before returning to the Northern Border.


    The sun had set. A few more hours and Quaria will be done fixing the barrier at the Western Border. He could sleep by then.


    "Aries."


    It was Prince Sunrei and there was a bright smile on his face.


    "What are you doing here?" Aries asked as he got up on his feet.


    "Quaria is done fixing the barrier at the Western Border. We should head back to her house and get some rest."


    "I''ll stay here," Aries glanced at the misty barrier. "I should keep on guarding this place until Quaria is done fixing every barrier around her house."


    "Fine. Stay here and die."


    Aries winced as pain shot from his back and through his abdomen. He turned around and glanced at the prince who had stabbed him from behind.


    ^#########^

 Chapter 40 - Request

    Dual blades formed in the hands of Aries as he called Vermillion but he could not slash it at Prince Sunrei.


    Cursing himself for hesitating, he jumped away from the prince while clutching his bleeding abdomen.


    The prince was not possessed. Aries would instantly notice it. If Merrick had come, he would not be able to rob the body within an hour. Prince Sunrei would surely struggle and Merrick had to possess people to help him in subduing the prince.


    The last time Aries had checked, he did not notice a single corrupted soul hovering leisurely around the Northern Border. Prince Sunrei was immediately sending them out of the gate with his sword and bottles of holy water.


    "You look confused," the prince was staring at Aries with restrained fury in his eyes. "Have you forgotten what you''ve done?"


    Aries did not answer. He was saving his strength which was quickly depleting because of his profuse bleeding. It seemed that the prince knew where to fatally hit his opponents.


    "I wanted to stab your heart like what you did to my sister."


    Aries collapsed on his knees as those words further weakened him.


    "How¡­"


    "How did I know?!"


    With a single stride, Prince Sunrei was already in front of Aries and grabbed him by his hair as he yelled, "HOW DID I KNOW?!"


    "I told him," the possessed housemaid from yesterday had said. She came from a crack that formed out of thin air, right next to Prince Sunrei. "Are you going to deny it? Will you tell my brother that I am only a corrupted soul that is messing with his mind? Will you believe that princess over me?"


    Her eyes brimmed with tears and Aries felt his heart ached more than his bleeding abdomen. It was his fault that Pieffer died. It was because of his cowardice that his beloved became a corrupted soul.


    Aries dropped his hands on the ground and the dual blades he was gripping had vanished.


    "Let''s go to Hell," he had totally surrendered.


    The housemaid smiled, knelt in front of him, and put both arms around his body. She was in a different body but Aries felt her familiar warmth. She was the woman he loved.


    She was his Pieffer Celestine.


    "Let''s go to Hell, my love," Pieffer whispered to his ear and Aries felt a cold blade touched his back.


    But it failed to stab his heart. Instead, he heard the housemaid screamed in frustration as his body was being pulled backward, away from his beloved.


    Aries struggled to open his heavy eyelids. He felt so weak and dizzy. His vision was hazy.


    "Brother, what are you doing? Why are you helping that corrupted soul?"


    It was Princess Pieffer but her voice was in front of Aries. She was not the one who had pulled him away from his beloved.


    He drowsily glanced up and got a glimpse of Siorre. She was clutching his torso with her left hand while on her right she was gripping her spear that was stained with blood.


    The sight of the thick and crimson liquid on the sharp blade had shaken away his fuzziness.


    Princess Pieffer was fighting the housemaid that had been wounded by Siorre in the right hand.


    "Let Pieffer handle her brother and that housemaid. You are seriously wounded. You cannot help her," the spear-wielder was firmly gripping his bleeding abdomen. She must be trying to somehow stop the blood but it was not helping at all.


    "Please¡­ let go," Aries pleaded. "They should not fight¡­"


    "Fine," Siorre immediately let go of his torso. "Do what you want."


    Despite his depleting strength, Aries ran and grabbed both weapons of the princess and the housemaid.


    "Don''t fight," he pleaded.


    Princess Pieffer stopped to catch him as he collapsed on his knees and coughed out blood.


    The housemaid dashed forward to attack the princess. Her eyes were filled with rage. But her blade was caught by the sword of Prince Sunrei.


    "Let''s retreat for now."


    His words confused Aries and Princess Pieffer.


    "No!" the housemaid tried to attack but Prince Sunrei deflected her blade once again. "She should die! This is all her fault!!!"


    "Let''s just go," the prince had patiently said and taken the blade from the housemaid. "Plume! Open up a gate for us!"


    A vertical crack had formed out of thin air in front of the prince and the housemaid. They were about to jump in it as it opened a bit wider but Aries grabbed the housemaid as Princess Pieffer seized her brother.


    "Why are you going with that corrupted soul? Are you¡­"


    "I''m not your brother," Prince Sunrei was staring coldly at Princess Pieffer. "I only have one sister and she had been killed by that man," he gazed angrily at Aries. "Let us leave or you will bleed to death."


    "None, I guess," Siorre instantly appeared behind the prince and whacked his nape with the blunt edge of her spear.


    He had been knocked unconscious and collapse in the arms of the princess.


    "As for you¡­" Siorre turned to face the housemaid but before she could do anything, the corrupted soul swiftly moved out of the vessel and rushed towards the crack that was already fading away.


    Aries watched the corrupted soul vanished along with the crack. He wanted to stop her from running away but the only way he knew was through absorbing her soul. He could not imprison her within him. Not after he had killed her.


    "Pieffer¡­" Aries weakly whispered before losing his consciousness.


    ^######^


    "How can you allow yourself to get stabbed?! You cannot die! Remember all the promises you had made! You have to keep them! You have to end this vicious cycle!"


    Aries could not shut the voice of the axe-wielder inside his head. He was too drained to do it.


    "If you want to talk to her this is the best place! Absorb her soul and talk to her all day! You do not have to kill yourself just to appease her!"


    The axe-wielder had a point. But he was afraid that it would only add more rage to his beloved.


    "Remember! You can only die after fulfilling all your promises! I will keep on shouting until you keep your promise to me!"


    Aries did not want to wake up but the axe-wielder was getting more annoying by the passing of hours.


    He forced his eyelids to open and the screaming voice inside his head had instantly vanished.


    He was back at the room Quaria had provided for them and he was not the only one lying on the queen-sized bed. Prince Sunrei was sleeping soundly next to him.


    Princess Pieffer and Siorre were sitting on the couch and staring silently at the fireplace.


    Aries quietly sat up and winced as pain shot through his abdomen. He noticed only then that he had no shirt on. Scars were evident on his chest and a fresh one was on his upper left abdomen. The wound had closed but it was still painful.


    He slowly moved out of the bed. The last thing he wanted was to awaken the prince.


    "How was the Western Border?" Aries almost whispered after sitting on a couch adjacent to where the princess and Siorre had settled. "Who is guarding the Northern and Eastern Borders?"


    "Don''t worry about the borders," Siorre snapped at him. "Worry about your body. You nearly died back there. Your death means the end for all of us."


    "I know," Aries was tired of hearing those words.


    "I''m sorry," Princess Pieffer was not looking away from the crackling fire. "Please don''t hold a grudge against my brother."


    "I understand his reason," Aries joined the princess in gazing at the fireplace. "I killed his sister. I deserve worse."


    The princess finally glanced in his direction and asked, "That corrupted soul¡­ Is she¡­"


    "Yes. She is Lady Pieffer."


    "Wow. It must have been hard living in another body and in another world," Siorre was staring at Aries with astonishment. "And it is not only you but also Sunrei."


    "Things got so complicated because of that," Princess Pieffer leaned her head on the backrest and closed her eyes. "But I will always be grateful that it happened. I know Aries feels the same way. That''s why we both want to keep them."


    "Why did you kill her?"


    Prince Sunrei was already awake. He sat up and kept his serious gaze at Aries.


    "I was thinking that if I treat the princess kindly, the same thing will happen to my sister. But you¡­" he looked away and it was evident in his trembling fists that he was suppressing his anger. "Why did you kill her?"


    "I was a coward," Aries honestly admitted for regret was eating him up. "I was an assassin. I don''t know how to protect life. That Celestial Knight Sunrei is stronger than me. And he wants to kill Pieffer. If I fight him and the entire organization¡­ we will eventually die. I thought back then that death in my hands would be a better end for her than dying in the hands of my co-assassins. If only I¡­"


    "If you didn''t return to this world, the barriers around the House of Lion and the House of Maiden would not be reinstated. Those people and those children will continue to suffer. House of Scale would probably fall into the hands of those Celestial Knights," Prince Sunrei let out a heavy sigh. "I want to kill you for killing my sister. But if I do that¡­"


    "Kill me after all of this is over," Aries seriously told Prince Sunrei. "Stay in that body until the time comes that you can kill me. If that Celestial Knight succeeds in taking his vessel, then you can never avenge your sister. For now, you have to endure working with me in taking down our common enemy."


    "I have one more thing to ask from you," Prince Sunrei stared with the same graveness at Aries.


    "Say it."


    "You have to absorb the soul of my sister."


    ^#######^

 Chapter 41 - Siblings

    "What did you say?" Aries could not believe what he just heard.


    "You have to take her soul or those Celestial Knights will keep on using her," Prince Sunrei clenched his fists. "She became a corrupted soul because of them. I want to take her out of their side. Only you can do that."


    Aries believed that it was because of him that Pieffer became a corrupted soul. But he kept his silence. Prince Sunrei had finally calmed down. He did not want to infuriate the prince again.


    "I''ll try."


    "Do it," Prince Sunrei insisted. "This is for her. We both don''t want to keep seeing her possess bodies and get them killed."


    "Okay," Aries sighed. "I will do it."


    ^########^


    "Why?" Aries asked while he and Princess Pieffer were patrolling around the Eastern Border.


    The princess glanced at him with confusion.


    "Why did you volunteer to guard this border with me?" he asked more clearly.


    "It''s because I think that you and Prince Sunrei should not pair up for now. Just for now," she answered with a smile and a sigh.


    "I can team up with Siorre."


    "I don''t think that two Zodiac Knights should leave the safety of Quaria on me and Sunrei. That''s not fair."


    "Point taken," Aries smiled. "But I think there is more to that. You seemed uneasy in front of Prince Sunrei. It was the first time I saw that look in your eyes. You were smiling awkwardly, not happily."


    "You''re getting better at reading people''s expressions," there was sadness in the smile of the princess.


    "I always observe people. It was part of my job that eventually became a habit of mine," Aries admitted then cleared his throat before asking, "So¡­ what''s wrong?"


    Pieffer smiled a little brighter as she answered, "Sunrei is not my brother. I should start accepting it and distance myself from him. I should not make things difficult for him now that he had found his real sister. He should focus on her."


    "You are tough," Aries tapped her on the shoulder. "But I don''t think that is necessary."


    The princess kindly shrugged his hand off her shoulder, "We should not give Lady Pieffer more reason to get angry."


    Aries quickly kept his hand to himself and asked, "I''m sorry. I thought it was normal for comrades to comfort each other. You see¡­" he hesitated before confessing, "I never had any comrade or friend. Not in the past ten years. I only had Lady Pieffer."


    "Of course, it is normal for friends to comfort each other," the princess agreed with a wider smile. "It''s just that Lady Pieffer must feel a little sensitive since Celestial Knight Sunrei is fueling her rage. She could misunderstand."


    "You are sensitive," Aries could not help but smile teasingly at the princess. "You should not distance yourself from Prince Sunrei. He is angry at me but not at you. The only way to keep him is to stay close to him."


    "How can you know such things?" the princess was teasing him back.


    "From experience," he seriously answered.


    "Princess Pieffer," a young lady had timidly approached them. "Can you spare our house a bit of your time? My mother¡­ she... she is sick and¡­ and she needs help. I heard that the princess can heal people¡­"


    "Let''s go," Aries had said but the young lady stared at him with panic.


    "Sir¡­ my mother¡­ my mother hates seeing men¡­"


    "I will be quick," Princess Pieffer promised. "You should continue patrolling. I''ll join you in a moment."


    "Fine. I''ll wait at the border gate," Aries said then he and the princess had parted ways. But after he had reached the border gate, he jumped into the shadow and checked in on the princess.


    It was a good thing that he did.


    The young lady did bring Princess Pieffer to a house. A woman, probably in her early forties, was sitting comfortably at the window sill. She did not appear sick and there was a fierce look in her eyes as if she wanted to strangle the princess to death.


    It took Aries a while to notice that there was black smoke around the woman. It was too faint, almost undetectable.


    "Young lady, can you leave us alone for a moment?" Princess Pieffer kindly asked but the young lady only stared fearfully at the woman sitting at the window sill.


    "Leave," the woman had coldly commanded.


    Though the young lady was hesitant to leave, she still walked out of the house.


    A few minutes of silence had floated inside the house before the princess had decided to break it.


    "Lady Pieffer," she nearly whispered and the woman laughed.


    "Lady Pieffer?" she furiously spat. "Why do you have to put a lady before my name?" she slowly moved away from the window sill and unsheathed a dagger that was familiar to Aries. It had a silver hilt that had an intricate design. A rose with three leaves. That was the dagger she was carrying in the other world, a memento from the Celestial Knight Sunrei.


    "Do you despise me that much? It was because of that attitude that all of this had happened!" she was struggling to restrain her anger against the princess. "You are selfish! You cast me out and now you want to take the only two men I love!" she raised her blade and attacked.


    Princess Pieffer could have unsheathed her blade and parried the blow but she only moved her body a little to avoid being hit on the chest. The blade stabbed her arm and she had been pushed hard against the wall.


    "I will not let you have my brother and my beloved Aries!" the woman yelled and stabbed the knife deeper in the flesh of the princess. "He is mine. He will always belong to me," she grabbed the neck of the princess. "Give me that body," she began choking the princess. "That body is mine right from the beginning!"


    "I¡­ understand¡­ your anger," Princess Pieffer grabbed the hand that was choking her. "But I cannot allow you to take my body."


    "I''m sorry," Aries whispered as he moved out of the shadows and stabbed his beloved on both shoulders.


    "You!!!" the woman screamed and tried to pull away but Princess Pieffer grabbed both her hands. "How many times will you stab me in the back?" she asked as her soul was slowly being drained out of the vessel. "You will¡­ kill me¡­ again¡­"


    Aries trembled but only for a moment.


    "This is for you," he whispered to his beloved. Tears trickled in his eyes.


    "NO!!!" his beloved yelled and bolts of electricity had hit Aries. He was almost thrown away but he managed to hold on to his blades.


    "Princess, let go," he quickly instructed and the princess instantly obeyed.


    He dragged the struggling woman away from the princess until they stumbled on the floor. Her dagger stabbed Aries at the abdomen, at the same spot where the prince had hit him.


    "You don''t have to do this, Aries," she had tenderly spoken. "Just go to Hell with me."


    "I can''t," he said while enduring the pain from the blade and bolts of electricity. "Not now. I''m sorry," he whispered one more time before fully absorbing her soul.


    "I''m sorry¡­" Aries closed his eyes and let his dual blades disappear.


    ^########^


    There was absolute darkness and deafening silence. Aries dwelled on it for a long time until voices had slowly found a way to break into the deepest part of his mind.


    "Why are you doing this?"


    It was the voice of Prince Sunrei. He sounded frustrated.


    "What am I doing?"


    He was talking to Princess Pieffer. She was trying to sound ignorant.


    "You are avoiding me!"


    "I''m just trying to make things easier for you."


    Aries kept his eyes closed and tried to repress a smile.


    "Make things easier for me?" the prince repeated those words with annoyance. "Your action frustrates me!"


    Aries did not want to continue listening but he cannot block their voices that were only growing louder.


    "You already found your sister! She wants to be with you! I cannot continue being your sibling! That will make her more furious. I don''t want her to get angry with you."


    "Yes. I''m glad that I finally found my sister! But that doesn''t mean that I will stop treating you as my family! We became siblings by fate! And I will treasure it until the end!"


    "Really?" the voice of the princess softened up. "You are not angry with me?"


    "Why will I get angry?" the prince had also calmed down. "You didn''t do anything wrong. You never wanted any of this."


    "Brother!" the princess sobbed and Aries had been tempted to open his eyes.


    The royal siblings were tightly embracing each other.


    "Do not leave me with that Celestial Knight. I want you to stay in that body not just because I don''t want him to return! It is because you are the only brother I want!"


    "I know," he gently stroked the back of his sister. "I''m sorry for saying those words. I didn''t mean it."


    The princess buried her face on the chest of her brother and cried more loudly.


    ^#############^

 Chapter 42 - House Of Scale

    Aries was staring quietly in a glass box that contained a dagger. Its silver hilt had the shape of a rose with three leaves.


    It was his beloved, and he was waiting for a sign that she wanted to communicate with him. But after hours of waiting, her soul was not showing any interest in starting a conversation.


    He could understand her reason but that was not enough to extinguish his hope.


    He was not hoping to be forgiven. He only wanted to hear the voice of his beloved.


    "Staring won''t help you."


    It was the axe-wielder. He appeared right next to Aries.


    "If you want information, you should force it out of her."


    "Shut up."


    "You should be firm with her as you are with the rest of the souls in here. There will be a problem if you softened up to her."


    Aries glared and the axe-wielder raised both his hands in surrender.


    "Fine," he said with a mocking smile. "I will shut up. But you better remember your promise to me. I will not stop pestering you until you keep your word," he had instantly disappeared and he was not failing in ruining the mood of Aries.


    After glancing at the dagger with deep longing, Aries closed his eyes and woke up in the guest room at the house of Quaria.


    "Just right in time," Siorre was sitting at an adjacent couch and beaming brightly at him. "Quaria wants to have lunch with us."


    "She''s already done strengthening the barrier at the Eastern Border?"


    "You are finally awake," Prince Sunrei had entered the room and even though he was not smiling, the rage in his eyes had somehow lessened. His princely composure had returned. "You''ve been sleeping for two days."


    "What?!" Aries bolted upright from the couch where he was lying. "Two days?"


    "Don''t worry. My brother woke up just an hour ago," Princess Pieffer came in and pushed her blushing brother further into the room then she held the door open. "Quaria is waiting and I am getting hungry. Let''s go and have lunch with her. Then we can head straight to the House of Scale."


    ^#############^


    "Quaria, is there something wrong? Why are you so quiet?" Princess Pieffer asked because they had been eating for a few minutes and no one was saying anything.


    The Pitched House Leader was usually the one opening the conversation over dinner but at that time, she was awfully quiet and there was a look of agitation in her eyes.


    She glanced up from her plate and tears brimmed in her eyes as she cried, "While I am busy strengthening my borders, all of you were suffering. Forgive me. I could not be of any help."


    "A comfortable room and delicious meals are enough to help us," Aries admitted. "And I think that even if you are not busy with the barriers, you cannot offer us any aid. What we''ve been through¡­ is something personal."


    "That is the truth, Quaria," Prince Sunrei agreed. "We are the only ones who can settle that mess."


    "You did a great job strengthening the barriers," Princess Pieffer added. "I didn''t find any cracks on them when Siorre and I patrolled the borders these past two days."


    "Are you going to the House of Scale after lunch?" Quaria asked as if she was not yet ready to let them leave.


    "Yes," Aries answered, feeling a little embarrassed. "I''ve been resting for so long. I should get back to work."


    "Be careful out there," Quaria seriously advised.


    "Do you have any information regarding the House of Scale and its leader?" Princess Pieffer kindly inquired.


    "Since House of Scale strictly abides by their law, we could not get a lot of information. Gossiping is forbidden in that house. And when the corrupted souls found a way to invade them, sharing information with the people outside their barriers had also been banned. The last news we have regarding that house was that the heir to the leadership had been prohibited to enter the Central Hall. She had been kicked out of their house for trying to talk some sense from her family. She was trying to revolt but was always failing. I think she had been forced into hiding."


    "If I remember correctly, Lira Gavel is the name of the heir," Princess Pieffer muttered.


    "Yes, Princess," Quaria nodded. "You have to find her. Help her overthrow the reigning house leader."


    "We should try talking to them first," Princess Pieffer suggested.


    "I don''t think it will make any difference," Aries opposed. "As Quaria had said, the heir had been kicked out of their house for going against her family''s ideals. She was even forced into hiding."


    "But they didn''t kill her," the princess had reasoned. "I think that is because they are still hoping that Lira will come back to them."


    "Fine," Aries sighed in defeat. "We can try talking to them."


    "You cannot use the transport bracelet inside the House of Scale," Quaria had warned. "Trespassing is a crime. You will be heavily punished for it."


    "But that is also the fastest way to meet the house leader, right?" Aries mischievously smirked.


    "That sounds reckless," Prince Sunrei glared at him.


    "But reasonable," Princess Pieffer had smiled. "If we are caught, the house leader will be the one to pass out a verdict, right?"


    "Usually, yes," Quaria seemed bothered. "But you can be killed right away."


    "We can protect ourselves," Aries reassured the house leader.


    "It''s interesting," Siorre winked at Aries. "I like surprises. We should finish our lunch and head straight to the House of Scale."


    ^########^


    Quaria led the way towards the gate at the Southern Border. In front of the stone gate, she raised her hand and pointed her adjacent palms at the emblem that was similar to the statue at the fountains. Her hand had glowed and a tiny crystal vial had manifested in the middle of her juxtaposed palms. The vial splashed water at the emblem and the gate had slowly opened up for them.


    "Be careful," the house leader had reminded them one more time.


    As soon as they passed through the gate, it had instantly closed.


    What lay beyond the gate was a long stone bridge above a clear blue ocean.


    "Just wait here," Aries had instructed. "I will find a way inside the House of Scale and put this transport crystal at a place where we can be easily noticed."


    "How will we know when to break a transport bracelet?" Siorre curiously asked.


    "I will use the other bracelet Tauren had given us, the call-for-aid bracelet. I will summon Princess Pieffer. That will be your cue."


    "Understood," Princess Pieffer had said. "Be careful."


    Aries nodded and jumped into the shadow. It took him nearly an hour to find a stone gate that had an emblem of a scale and another ten minutes to reach the centermost part of that House.


    At first glance, everything in that place appeared normal. He did not notice a single corrupted soul. But he did perceive that the village was unusually quiet. Windows were not closed and he got a glimpse of people cowering inside their homes. Not all but most of them were afraid.


    Aries wondered if it was because of the guards scattered around the village. There were too many guards for a village that had no imminent threat. Even the Central Village that appeared peaceful had so many people guarding it.


    The only building in the centermost part of the village is a three-story house that had a wide balcony overlooking a vast quadrangle with seats arranged like those in a coliseum. Not far below the terrace was a stage with a single seat on it that somehow seemed scary.


    Guards were roaming around the quadrangle but none of them was checking on the platform with a chair. Aries decided to move out of the shadow the chair was casting and put the transport crystal on the seat.


    "Princess Pieffer," he immediately called and after only a few seconds, the princess had appeared in front of him.


    In the next few seconds, Prince Sunrei and Siorre had been transported right next to the princess.


    "Trespassers!!!"


    One of the guards had finally noticed and more of his comrades rushed towards the platform and seized the four offenders.


    "There is no need to tie them up."


    A man probably in his sixties had entered the veranda. He was wearing a robe that was similar to a judge. His long curly hair was grey and there was a strict look in his sharp eyes.


    "We will be holding a trial," his voice was loud, clear, and intimidating.


    Aries was staring closely at the old man but he could not see a corrupted soul possessing that body. It gave him more confusion.


    How did this village get conquered when there are no corrupted souls roaming around? There are no possessed people. Just a house leader that appears strict enough to frighten his people. Is it because of him that villagers are scared to get out of their homes?


    "Adding to their violation of entering my House without permission, Prince Sunrei will be on trial for possessing a body he did not own," the old man had said. His voice thundered over the quadrangle. "The complainant is here to fight for the ownership of his body."


    Merrick entered the balcony and stood right beside the old man.


    "It will be a duel to the death," the old man had said. "And the winner will claim the body of the prince."


    ^#######^

 Chapter 43 - Hideaway

    "Wait!" the princess bellowed and quickly explained, "We came here to help in saving the House of Scale!"


    "This House doesn''t need saving," the old man contested. "One year of imprisonment for the offenders except for Prince Sunrei. He had a more important trial to face," he raised his hand and commanded. "Move!"


    The guards promptly obeyed the old man and began to drag Aries, Princess Pieffer, and Siorre out of the quadrangle when deafening explosions were heard at the perimeter of the area.


    The ground shook. Clouds of dust and smoke covered the entire quadrangle, making it hard for Aries to clearly see his surroundings. All he could glimpse were shadows restlessly moving around. And after a few seconds, more silhouettes were approaching their direction. Another minute had passed and he saw shadows dropping on the ground then the hands gripping his roped arms were gone.


    He thought about escaping but another hand had tightly grabbed his tied arm and dragged him away from the platform.


    "Come with us!"


    It was a male voice and the urgency in his words made Aries obey in silence.


    They ran through clouds of dust and smoke. Aries could glimpse shadows trailing them and he was hoping that those were silhouettes of his comrades.


    Aries lost count of the time they were running. It felt like an eternity of sprinting. He also failed to memorize the route they were taking because they took a lot of turns and detours.


    When the man dragging his hand had suddenly stopped running, he nearly bumped on the back of that man. It was a good thing that he skidded to a stop just in the nick of time.


    "Wait here! No one will move!"


    The man in front of Aries had firmly commanded and he was grateful to hear those words because that could only mean he was not the only one they had taken.


    The silhouettes around Aries had stopped moving and a few minutes of stillness floated in the air.


    The clouds of dust and smoke had gradually faded and Aries could finally see the people around him.


    As he was hoping, Princess Pieffer, Prince Sunrei, and Siorre escaped the quadrangle with him. Five strangers surrounded the four of them. One of them was a woman, probably the same age as Princess Pieffer. She and her comrades were carrying a cloth bag and they put some colored sticks in it. Aries thought it looked like smoke bombs or fireworks. Those must be the cause of the explosions and the clouds of dust and smoke. He was certain that the smell lingering in the air was gunpowder.


    He looked away from the bag and glanced back at the woman.


    Her sky-blue hair was neatly tied into a bun. Her eyes had a darker shade of blue than her hair and there was coldness emanating from her gaze. She and her comrades were wearing black hooded overcoats and black boots. Hanging in their belt were sheathed daggers.


    Aries looked away from the woman and gazed at his surroundings. They had been brought to a place that was similar to a dungeon. But it was different from the dungeon of the Beast Tamer.


    There were windowless brick walls. Lamps were attached from the pillars in between walls. Simple chandeliers were hanging from the high ceiling that was also made of intricately carved granite.


    Aries also noticed a few closed iron doors alternately placed in between the pillars.


    "Follow me," the woman had said then marched quietly through the hallway.


    "Are you¡­"


    "Yes," the woman instantly interrupted the question of Princess Pieffer. "I am Lira Gavel. I am the leader of this rebellion. We can talk in my room."


    ^########^


    Lira Gavel had a simple and cozy room. It was only enough to accommodate six people. A long table was placed near the fireplace. Over it was piles of leatherbound books, scrolls, envelopes, and parchments. Three chairs were placed around that table. There was a couch in front of the crackling fire and a rounded center table. At the left corner of the room, opposite the long table was a four-poster bed with neatly arranged pastel pink bedsheet, blanket, and pillows. A lamp was placed on the bedside table. A two-door cabinet was placed not far from the footboard of the bed.


    "Brailles, Ross, Dan, you can leave Alfred here. We will explain everything to our guests. Go and check on our people and our perimeter," Lira commanded. She was not yet a house leader but she already had the aura of one.


    "Yes, Lady Lira!" the three men chorused before taking their leave.


    "Take a seat," the future house leader had offered and the cold expression in her face had somehow softened. She sat on one of the chairs around the long table.


    Princess Pieffer and Siorre joined Lira at the long table. Aries and Prince Sunrei settled on the couch, a few feet apart from each other. Alfred remained standing right next to the chair Lira had taken.


    "I am Lira Gavel," she introduced herself once again. "This is Alfred, one of my most reliable comrades. You''ve met Brailles, Ross, and Dan. I have eleven more men guarding this hideout. This is where I conceal all the villagers I saved from my family. But I''m afraid that I cannot continue hiding them. Seven years ago, I have more than a hundred men but now they were reduced to fifteen. We cannot hold on for much longer. And I think that your arrival is a blessing to us. Aries, please help us."


    Her hopeful gaze made Aries a little uneasy. He cleared his throat and asked, "I heard that this House has a lot of rules. If I cannot disobey them then how can I help?"


    "This is all because of my father," Lira sighed with exhaustion. "At first, he became obsessed with righteousness and went overboard. And then¡­ when the corrupted souls entered this House¡­ he chose to save his family over his people," she sighed one more time and it appeared that she became oblivious of her guests. She was staring at the long table with frustration and went on complaining. "I understand him and I can see his point¡­ but¡­ a house leader should always protect his people¡­ not just his family. He should have done¡­ something better¡­ for all of us in this House. How could he alter the law for the benefit of his family and those corrupted souls?"


    "Lady Lira," Alfred cleared his throat. "I think our guests don''t fully understand what you are saying."


    "I''m sorry," Lira breathed. "You don''t have to understand everything. My father was a good person. Obsession changed him. He cannot see the truth anymore. The barriers had weakened and corrupted souls are taking the bodies of the villagers through the battle to the death."


    "What?" Prince Sunrei asked a little louder than his normal voice.


    Lira gazed pryingly at the prince, "Do you think you can win against that man who challenged you?"


    Prince Sunrei looked away and could not answer.


    "I was watching at the quadrangle," Lira revealed. "It was only momentary but I saw the truth in the eyes of that man. He owns that body. You cannot win against him."


    Silence had floated and Aries could sense the tension building up.


    "Once you become the house leader, can you make his case a special one?" Aries inquired.


    Lira gazed at him as if he said something forbidden.


    "We should always be fair."


    "You already said that Prince Sunrei cannot win against that man," Aries stared back at the future house leader with the same intensity of annoyance. "Can you see the future? How can you judge the prince without knowing his strength first?"


    "I cannot see the future but I can see the truth in his eyes," Lira had seriously responded. "He believes that he cannot win against that man."


    Aries glared at the prince and said, "I thought you want to keep that body? Why are you hesitating?"


    "He is a Celestial Knight!" desperation had shown in the eyes and voice of the prince. "How can I win against him?"


    "But if you win, you can own that body for good. Only death can separate you from that vessel," Lira sighed. "The battle to the death had killed a lot of our people," she leaned on the backrest and gazed at the chandelier hanging on the ceiling. "I don''t know what is worst. Getting possessed or getting killed by the corrupted souls in that arena then got robbed of your body," she closed her eyes and sighed, "My father kept on allowing it because he sees it as a ''fair'' fight between souls. And even if I become the new house leader, what had been decided will never be changed. All those people that had been killed and robbed of their bodies will remain dead and the corrupted souls will still live in those vessels. Killing them is punishable by death," she slammed her hand on the long table and firmly stated, "Justice shall prevail! The corrupted souls should be sent to eternal rest. This house should be brought back to how it was. And I need your help to make that a reality."


    "How can we help?" Siorre asked.


    "We need the Book of Balance," Lira replied. "If I get my hand to it, I will become the new house leader. Only our bloodline can touch that book. You need to help me find a way inside our manor undetected. If anyone sees us, we will instantly get imprisoned. You saw how tight the security is all over the village. All those guards have sharp eyes. They are getting better at detecting intruders and the house becomes harder to penetrate."


    "But you penetrated the quadrangle and got us out of there."


    "Yes, Aries," Lira nodded in agreement. "We have a lot of practice in running away. It is somewhat easy for us to get people out of the quadrangle. But we can only stay in there undercover for a few minutes. We have to leave immediately or the guards will sense our presence."


    "Can we seek justice for the people who had been robbed of their body once you become the new house leader?" Princess Pieffer was hopeful.


    "As I said, what was already decided can never be amended," Lira seriously replied. "Though I am powerless in changing my father''s verdicts, I can protect the villagers from future injustices once I become the new house leader."


    "Then let''s get that book," Aries finally agreed.


    "One more thing," Lira quickly added and her eyes appeared ominous.


    "What?" Aries asked.


    "Once the house leader changes, House of Scale will become lawless for twenty-four hours," Lira gravely informed them. "We need to protect the villagers. And¡­" her voice faltered and hesitation was evident in her eyes.


    "And what?" Siorre curiously urged.


    The future house leader closed her eyes as she said, "You can do whatever you want to those corrupted souls that killed and robbed our people of their bodies. Send them to where they belong."


    "Sure," Aries instantly agreed. "But before we take that Book of Balance, Prince Sunrei should win the battle to death."

 Chapter 44 - Battle To The Death

    "I cannot kill Merrick," Prince Sunrei was horrified. "He is our cousin. Killing him is not right."


    "Killing will never be right but that is the only way you can own that body."


    "But still¡­"


    "No more buts," Aries firmly stated. "If you want, I will teach you how to kill him."


    "Like how you killed my sister?" Prince Sunrei glared at Aries.


    "I told you," he glared back at the hesitating prince. "The only way you can avenge her is if you stay in that body. If you want to surrender without a fight then that only means you had given up the chance to seek justice for her."


    Prince Sunrei was silenced by those words and Aries had taken that as an agreement.


    "Train for a week and then fight him."


    "You can also train with us," Alfred kindly offered.


    "Win that battle to the death," Princess Pieffer pleaded but the prince did not reply. He was just staring bitterly at the stone floor.


    "While Prince Sunrei is practicing, we should also train in penetrating our heavily guarded manor," Lira clenched her fist over the long table. "We should succeed in taking that book."


    ^########^


    A week had passed so fleetingly. Aries was busy memorizing the blueprint Lira had given him. Princess Pieffer joined him in familiarizing every detail of the blueprint because she would provide backup for Aries in case it was needed. Siorre would only study the blueprint whenever Lira was with them. It seemed that the Scorpio House Leader had taken great interest in the future Scale House Leader.


    Those two instantly became best of friends. They frequently spent their time together whether it was for training, patrolling, or simply chatting over a meal. Lira even allowed Siorre to sleep in her room.


    Prince Sunrei was practicing all day with only four hours of sleep and a few minutes of mealtime. It seemed that he was no longer hesitating. They were all counting on it. He had to win.


    "Are you ready?" Aries asked the prince now that they had gathered at the chamber of Lira for another meeting over a simple yet delicious dinner.


    "We cannot extend our stay here. A week is long enough," Prince Sunrei said with a heavy sigh. "I need to accept that duel now."


    "Win it," Aries insisted.


    "I know," the prince glared at him.


    "I can''t believe another week had passed," Siorre looked sad. "I don''t want to return yet. I need to see our plans succeed."


    "Stay as much as you want," Aries smirked. "Pines can wait."


    "He can''t," the royal siblings and Siorre had chorused.


    "I''ll stay here until we get that book or until Pines comes," the Scale House Leader smiled.


    "I think you should head to the quadrangle," Lira reminded the prince who nodded with a grave look in his eyes.


    ^######^


    Though Prince Sunrei told them to wait for his return, Princess Pieffer was still restless. She wanted to follow her brother through the shadows but Aries stopped her. He told the princess that he could observe the fight alone. He did not promise anything because he had this belief that the prince would go home victorious.


    Aries found a steady shadow being cast by a pillar underneath the balcony towards the wall of the manor. There was also a guard standing right next to that column and he was adding more shadow to accommodate Aries.


    Watching the fight in the shadows was not his only reason for coming into the quadrangle. He also wanted to try penetrating inside the manor. He was hoping that they could hit two birds with one stone.


    Prince Sunrei was standing at the platform below the balcony. The present house leader and Merrick were looking down at him from that veranda. Guards were scattered at the perimeter of the quadrangle and were roaming the area carefully. It appeared that they tightened the security because of what happened the last time Prince Sunrei was in there.


    "I accept your challenge," Prince Sunrei was staring fiercely at Merrick. "Let''s do this now."


    The prince unsheathed his silver sword as Merrick jumped from the balcony and landed gracefully at the platform. He slightly raised his right hand and a golden blade materialized from his palm.


    Aries noticed that Merrick had squinted a bit when he released his weapon. It seemed that the vessel was having difficulty sheltering three souls. That gave Aries more confidence in the victory of the prince.


    "What are the rules?" Prince Sunrei asked.


    "There is only one rule in the battle to the death," the old man answered. "Stop the heart of your opponent from beating. Whatever method you use will be allowed. Are there any more questions?"


    It had been answered by silence.


    "If there are no more inquiries then Prince Sunrei and Merrick will begin the battle to the death!" the voice of the old man rumbled all over the quadrangle.


    Merrick rushed towards Prince Sunrei, his blade was aiming for the heart. The prince sidestepped and dodged the attack then swiftly slashed his sword at the face of Merrick. The possessed vessel managed to jumped away but his cheek had still been grazed.


    The two dashed away from each other with their weapons raised and pointed at one another.


    Aries was glad to see that Prince Sunrei was not wasting his training. He had no doubt improved.


    The opponent on the other hand had somehow weakened. His mobility decreased and the intensity of his attack had lessened. Though it was only a subtle change, the vessel was certainly wearing away. And with that, Aries would not be bothered even if he left the prince alone. He should start penetrating the house.


    As Lira had said, the inside of the manor was closely guarded and according to the blueprint, the interior had lesser furniture than any ordinary mansion. It was a good thing that there were still shadows around the house. Aries was cautiously passing through the shadows and carefully examining each room.


    There were plenty of guards, a few housemaids, and no immediate family. For a few minutes of searching the manor, Aries had not seen anyone that seemed related to Lira. But he was still on the first floor and moving on to the second.


    The upper floor had plenty of doors and Aries warily checked each room. It appeared that the people in that big manor had a siesta time. It was only one in the afternoon but most of the residences were dozing off on their beds. Some were sitting on the couch and staring drowsily at the fireplace.


    For a moment, Aries had this urge to see if they were possessed or not but his cautiousness got the better of him and he stayed well hidden behind the shadows while checking the rest of the room.


    There were only five chambers left and the Book of Balance was not yet to be seen. Lira told him that he would immediately know if it was the one he was looking for, but as of that moment, he had only seen ordinary books.


    He was about to enter the next room when he felt a stinging pain in his left shoulder. No one had stabbed him but the throbbing made him anxious. He had to check on the prince, yet before he could move, another piercing pain had shot from his left abdomen. It was more agonizing that he dropped on his knees and rolled out of the shadows.


    A stab wound had never been that painful. Aries felt his organs throbbing as if needles were repeatedly pricking each of them, making him dizzy and out of breath.


    "Who are you?"


    Though writhing in pain, Aries glanced up. His dread was instantly replaced with confusion. It felt like he was staring at the spitting image of the future house leader.


    "Lira¡­" he breathed before losing his consciousness.


    ^######^


    Aries sensed himself floating in a thick dark liquid. Its coldness was worsening the throbbing that had spread all over his body. He looked around but could not see anything aside from pitch-black darkness. He was hearing distant voices and could not understand a word. Straining to comprehend was giving him a headache.


    Prince Sunrei, what is happening to you?


    Aries was annoyed. He reminded the prince plenty of times to immediately send a signal if trouble arose in the battle to the death.


    He closed his eyes and ignored the pain all over his body. He focused and let his consciousness drift towards those distant voices.


    Slowly he was getting there.


    "Stop struggling."


    Aries finally understood the voices he was hearing. It was from Merrick. He opened his eyes but still could not see anything but pitch-black darkness.


    "It will only worsen the pain. Just let me make it quick for you. Consider that as my gratitude for taking care of my body."


    The prince did not reply with words but with his silver sword.


    Aries heard swords clanking. Their footsteps sounded swift and faint. Prince Sunrei and Merrick resumed their intense battle until Aries sensed another agonizing stab in his body. That golden sword Demise felt like it was sending tiny needles the moment its blade entered the body.


    "Let me fight!" Aries immediately sent his thoughts towards the prince.


    "Stay there! I will handle this."


    That voice of the prince thundered in his mind, adding pain to his already aching head.


    "Your stubbornness will get you killed! Let me fight!"


    "I said stay there!"


    "No!" Aries squinted as he focused on finding the connection he had made with the prince.


    They both agreed to let him fight if things had gotten out of hand but now the prince was pulling back on their pledge.


    Aries ignored the escalating pain in his head as he searched through the pitch-black darkness. It took him a few exhausting minutes before he glimpsed that tiny light of hope.


    He finally found the connection. He swiftly drifted towards the light until he bathed on it and when it vanished he found himself out of the pitch-black darkness and into the body of Prince Sunrei.


    ''How can you let yourself get wounded by this much?'' Aries sent those thoughts to the soul of Prince Sunrei that was trying to push him out of the body.


    ''I told you I can do this!'' the prince yelled in his mind.


    "You cannot defeat him alone.'' Aries bluntly opposed. ''We need to help each other. So stop pushing me out of your body. Don''t add more pain to the wounds you had inflicted in my soul.''


    Those words had finally silenced the stubborn prince.


    Aries thought he would be having difficulty moving in a body that was not his own. Fortunately, his assumption was wrong. There was only a slight strangeness, like wearing garments from a stranger with the same clothes size as yours. There were only a few minutes of strangeness but you would just quickly get used to it.


    He needed to familiarize himself quickly with that vessel because Merrick was rushing towards him with his golden sword and ready to strike right at the heart.


    "Vermillion," he called on to his sword with a smirk that widened when he noticed the surprise in the face of Merrick.


    That distraction was enough for Aries to swing his crimson dual blades against the golden sword Merrick was gripping. The collision was too intense that sparks formed in between their clashing swords. Aries stepped forward and pushed harder against the weapon of his opponent. Their arms were both trembling with the force they were exerting until Aries managed to shove the golden sword away from his path and he swiftly dashed forward. His blade was aimed at the neck of his opponent.


    Merrick managed to pull the golden sword in his direction and deflect the crimson blades. He pushed the dual swords away from his neck and the rest of his body but the clothes over his chest had still been shredded.


    He took a few steps backwards and gazed furiously at his supposed body.


    "You¡­" he seethed.


    "Right," Aries grinned. "I am who you think I am."


    ^######^

 Chapter 45 - The Victor

    Merrick smirked as he said, "Fine. I will stab you to death again."


    Aries had confirmed with those words that his Pieffer already told Celestial Knight Sunrei the connection they had with each other.


    "I thought back then, at that world, that you only looked like the Zodiac Knight I despised," Merrick went on as he walked in circles without taking his eyes away from Aries. "I nearly killed you once in this world. I successfully assassinated you in the alternate world. I will gladly kill you all over again."


    "Kill me all you want. I will always rise up," Aries dashed towards Merrick and aimed for the throat but the latter parried the blow and his dual blades had been shoved aside.


    Merrick took a swift stride forward to pierce the golden sword at the chest of his opponent. Aries hopped backward at a blinding speed that he momentarily disappeared and reappeared a few feet away from Merrick. He was able to dodge that quickly because Prince Sunrei had helped.


    Aries was glad that the prince had given him assistance but it appeared that evading the attack was unnecessary. Merrick swayed as his knees buckled when he tried to pierce the chest of his enemy and it took him a few seconds to steady his legs.


    Aries grinned and told Merrick something obvious, "Your vessel is crumbling."


    Merrick only glared at him and attacked. His movements were getting slower. Aries simply had to sidestep a little then spin rapidly and kick his opponent on the back. The possessed vessel nearly dropped on his knees but still managed to recover his balance and dashed away from his foe.


    "Back then, when you tried to kill me in this world, I survived and you are the one who died and had been sent at a young age to that alternate world," Aries reminded the Celestial Knight possessing Merrick.


    His memories of that day had returned just as they were fighting. He could not remember everything, just glimpses of it. In those flashes of images, Celestial Knight Sunrei was still in his princely body. They looked like they were no older than ten years old but they were already fighting to the death. He could not recall the reason. He could not even sense any intense emotion from his younger self. He was not fearful even though he was filled with serious stab wounds. He was not angry at his opponent either. He was already like an assassin, cold and fierce. He was always aiming to land a fatal blow at his enemy. That was how he nearly killed Celestial Knight Sunrei. He probably made the heart of his opponent stopped beating for a while and ejected the soul out of the body and to an alternate world.


    Aries suddenly wondered if sending souls to other worlds was a skill he knew or just mere coincidences. But then again, he never believed in coincidences. Maybe the answer to that will come to him on time or he could ask the Beast Tamer once he was ready to return to that exhausting dungeon.


    "When we met in the alternate world, you killed my vessel but failed to eliminate my soul," Aries dashed towards Merrick. "Now, I can see who will win this battle."


    The possessed vessel managed to catch his dual blades with the golden sword but his arms were already trembling with the intensity of the blow. Aries disappeared in front of his enemy and reappeared not far from his back. He swung his dual blades with more intensity. Merrick quickly turned around and deflected the attack. Aries momentarily leaned away from his opponent to give more power on his next attacks. Merrick was forced to take backward steps as Aries relentlessly swung his dual blades with a speed that made his opponent struggle even further. He only stopped attacking when the vessel was finally compelled to drop the weapon he was gripping. As the golden sword whirled in mid-air, Aries aimed for the throat of his opponent and succeeded at long last in cutting it.


    Aries was not yet done. He raised his dual swords one more time and stabbed both bloody blades at the heart of the vessel. He began absorbing the two corrupted souls in there but failed again as bolts of electricity hit him hard enough and pushed him out from the body of Prince Sunrei.


    ^########^


    Aries jerked awake and realized that he was back in his own body. Though he could not see any wound, he felt exhausted and severely beaten. He was not expecting that the connection he had made with the soul of Prince Sunrei would terribly hurt.


    "You are finally awake."


    Aries sat up and realized that he was lying on a queen-sized four-poster bed. The translucent blue curtains hanging from the frame had been laid down as if to partially conceal him together with the comfortable blanket over his body.


    He was not entirely hallucinating from the pain when he had seen the spitting image of Lira. The woman who had spoken did look like the future house leader. The only difference was with their age and their eyes.


    The beautiful woman sitting on the bed not far from him had hazel-brown eyes and she appeared to be in her early fifties. She was also sharing the same blanket with Aries.


    "Don''t worry. I didn''t do anything to you. I just needed to hide you and your scent," the woman was almost whispering as if she was afraid that someone would overhear.


    Aries had so many questions in his mind but he remembered Prince Sunrei.


    "Thank you. I''ll be back," he quietly moved out of the bed and disappeared through a nearby shadow.


    When he returned to the quadrangle, Prince Sunrei was on his knees. Two guards were standing beside him and pointing swords at his neck. Merrick was lying lifeless on the ground behind him.


    "For winning the battle to the death, I hereby declare that you, Prince Sunrei, is the only owner of that vessel. You are the prince and always will be," the old man loudly stated all over the quadrangle. "But winning against your opponent doesn''t mean that you will be excused from your other offense.


    Aries knew it would not end the way they wanted it to. He had to get Prince Sunrei out of there.


    "You are a trespasser," the old man went on as Aries passed through the shadows. It would be a lighter sentence if you did not escape with the rebels. But you did and for that, you will be¡­"


    The verdict had not been finished because Aries released multiple smoke bombs and fireworks at the perimeter of the quadrangle. Even at the balcony where another four guards and the house leader were standing.


    Once more, the courtyard was filled with smoke and explosions. Aries reappeared from the shadow behind one of the guards that were dragging Prince Sunrei inside the manor. He aimed for the throat then disappeared and reappeared at the back of the remaining guard and instantly went for the kill. Prince Sunrei dropped to the ground and Aries quickly picked him up.


    "Merrick¡­" the prince was barely holding on to his consciousness. "We cannot... leave him here."


    Aries understood and went to fetch Merrick while he was gripping Prince Sunrei by his torso. The shadows around that place were well used by Aries on that single day. It allowed him to bring two bodies back to the hideout.


    He moved out of the shadow cast by the four-poster bed in the room provided to him and his comrades by the future house leader. He collapsed face down on the cold stone floor together with Prince Sunrei and Merrick.


    Princess Pieffer was waiting in the room and she quickly checked on Merrick.


    "I''m sorry," Aries breathed as he noticed the dread in the face of the princess. "I cannot save your cousin," he pointed at the prince and said, "You should heal your brother."


    The princess knelt beside her nearly unconscious sibling and magically mended his wounds. After an hour, most of his injuries had been cured and he could finally lift his back from the floor. He sat up and leaned on the four-poster bed.


    "I''m okay now," he said and glanced at the lifeless body of their cousin. "Can you close up his wounds? I will clean his body afterward then we will bring him back to the House of Bull."


    Princess Pieffer nodded and quietly obeyed.


    "What happened to the souls of Celestial Knights Sunrei and Mercielle?" Aries curiously asked the silent prince.


    "They hovered away through the same portal. They tried but failed to kidnap me because it is a crime and the house leader would not allow sin to be committed in front of him," he glanced seriously at Aries. "I think you should return to the manor and guard the house leader. We will follow you as soon as we are done returning Merrick to his home."


    "No need," Aries contested. "I can monitor the manor and the people in it on my own. You take your time at the House of Bull."


    "But¡­"


    "I will immediately call for you if I cannot handle the situation alone," Aries glared at Prince Sunrei before saying, "I will keep my promise."


    Prince Sunrei looked away from him and glanced at the princess, "Let''s clean him up."


    His sister nodded as she finished closing up the wounds of their cousin.


    "I will inform Lira and Siorre of what happened at the quadrangle," Aries got up on his feet and walked out of the guest room.


    Aries quietly marched through long hallways before he reached a stone door with a scale carving at the center. He tapped on it five times then stopped for a heartbeat before tapping it again three times.


    The heavy door swung open and Aries saw Siorre and Lira kissing each other on the lips.


    ^######^

 Chapter 46 - The Search

    There was an awkward silence as soon as the not-so-unexpected couple noticed him. The two ladies shyly moved away from each other. Siorre sat on the windowsill while Lira settled on the chair by the long table.


    "I''m sorry," Aries sincerely apologized. "We can talk over dinner."


    "No," Lira blushed as she cleared her throat. "I need to hear your report."


    "And we have no more time to waste," Siorre added with a glare. "Pines might arrive here at any moment."


    "Then let''s remove that transport gem you put in our room," Aries nonchalantly suggested.


    "I cannot entirely go back from my word," Siorre sighed. "So, what happened at the quadrangle?"


    "Prince Sunrei won," Aries reported. "I also tried penetrating the manor."


    "Aries!" Lira was terrified.


    Siorre, on the other hand, smiled proudly and gave him two thumbs up before asking, "How did it go?"


    "I only reached half of the second floor," Aries casually replied.


    "You''ve reached¡­ half of the second floor?" Lira was dumbfounded. "Then¡­"


    "Yes," Aries answered her unfinished question. "I saw your mother and she is doing well. We can return to her now. But I guess we have to hide our scent. Do you know what perfume your mother is using?"


    "I''m not hallucinating. I can smell it in you," Lira eagerly got up on her feet and approached Aries. She tried to sniff his scent more closely.


    "Yah!" Siorre yelled. "Is that necessary?!" She hurriedly moved away from the window sill and searched his overcoat, "Maybe your mother put a bottle of perfume in his¡­" She grinned and pulled a tiny bottle of lavender liquid from the inner pocket of his overcoat, just near his chest. "See this?"


    She must have put it in his overcoat while he was busy fighting Merrick.


    "Mother¡­" Lira cried as she carefully held that tiny bottle close to her cheek. "It''s been a long time since I last saw her."


    "She is as beautiful as you are that for a moment I thought I was looking at you."


    "I will only allow you to say those words for now," Siorre glared at Aries who quickly promised, "I will say it to her only tonight. She needs to hear it. Don''t worry. My heart belongs to only one."


    "I know," Siorre grinned, probably misunderstanding what Aries meant.


    "Let''s go," Lira commanded.


    "Can I tag along?"


    "Of course," Aries answered the Scorpio House Leader. "I already tried it earlier. I can bring two people along with me. And I think that will be the best. We need to protect Lira at all cost."


    "This will be enough for one trip. I am hoping that my mother can help us."


    "She already helped me and I am only a stranger to her," Aries reminded the hesitant future house leader. "What more can she do for her daughter?"


    Lira confidently smiled and said, "Let''s go."


    ^########^


    It was easier returning to that room where Aries had seen the woman who greatly resembled Lira. The moment they entered the chamber through the shadow cast by the four-poster bed, Lira had been caught in a tight embrace by her mother.


    "Siorre, I leave Lira to you. I''ll just check on Princess Pieffer and Prince Sunrei," Aries whispered at the Scorpio House Leader.


    "Sure," she quickly agreed. "I can take her back to the hideout."


    "Call us if¡­"


    "I know," Siorre grabbed Aries by his shoulders and lightly pushed him towards the shadow. "Don''t worry. We will not get caught."


    He smiled then passed through the shadows and searched for the royal siblings at the hideout. They were no longer there so Aries went to the House of Bull. He did not use the transport bracelet because he only wanted to watch through the shadows.


    After a few minutes of searching, he found the royal siblings in the backyard of the tower which was the home of Tauren. There were a few graves in it. Princess Pieffer, Sunrei, and Tauren were kneeling in front of a newly made one.


    Aries waited until they were done paying respect to their relative. It must have been hours before they decided to leave the grave of Merrick and returned to the tower. He waited for another hour before he moved out of the shadows and knelt in front of the grave. He picked up pebbles on his way there and built a prayer stone for the person he had killed.


    I''m sorry that it all comes to this. I wish you a better existence in your next lifetime. Have a healthy body and live however you want to live. Be alive. Be who you are.


    "I''m sure that Merrick is on his way to being reborn with a healthy body and a life filled with freedom," Princess Pieffer knelt beside Aries.


    "Mindreader," he muttered, making the princess smile even by a little.


    "It is all we can think of for every person that we could not save, my cousin included. We can only hope for a better reincarnation for them. But that can only happen if Serestral becomes a better world for them."


    "Right. We have a lot of things to do," Aries lowered his head one more time in front of the grave. "Wait for it. All of you."


    ^########^


    Aries bid farewell to Princess Pieffer and returned to the manor. He did not step out of the shadow because Lira and Siorre were no longer in that room.


    "Your scent lingers," Mother of Lira had spoken and there was an unusual coldness in her voice that confused Aries. She was sitting on the bed and did not look up from the book she was reading. "They left hours ago," she went on saying in her cold voice. "You should also go back."


    Aries felt that there was no need for him to reply. He just quietly took his leave. When he returned to the hideout, the royal siblings were already in the chamber of the future house leader.


    "You!" Lira shot a strict glare at Aries. "Sit here," she motioned at the empty seat opposite Siorre.


    "What''s wrong?" Aries asked after he had settled on the chair.


    "Mother told me that you killed two guards in the quadrangle," the strict glare in the eyes of the future house leader had turned into frustration. "I told you not to kill anyone until we get the Book of Balance."


    Aries suddenly understood the coldness in the voice of Lira''s mother. He had committed a crime.


    "I need to save the prince," Aries was not regretting anything. "Punish me once you''ve become the house leader."


    "Death is your only punishment," Lira reminded him.


    "Then punish me after we save Serestral. Prince Sunrei will try to kill me anyway. We can do that Battle to the Death."


    "Aries!" Princess Pieffer was horrified.


    "I agree," Prince Sunrei agreed. "We can do that Battle to the Death."


    "I''m not listening to any of this!" Princess Pieffer furiously got up on her feet and rushed out of the room.


    "I''m serious with it," Aries told Lira.


    "Fine," the future house leader sighed. "Let''s decide on it once we get the Book of Balance."


    "Did you get information from your mother?" Aries inquired.


    "Father was not telling anyone about its location. He trusts no one, even his wife," Lira let out another heavy sigh. "But Mother thinks that he is hiding it in his room. That must be the reason he had thrown mother out of their room," she slammed her hand on the table in frustration. "We need to find that book!"


    "I will find it," Aries promised. "I just have to take a bath. I need to remove any scent in my body before I return to the manor."


    Lira nodded and motioned for him to take his leave.


    ^######^


    After making sure that the scent in his body had somehow been minimized, Aries changed into a new set of fresh clothing. Lira provided him their black uniform. It was light and had a very faint smell. He had quickly gotten used to it. The future house leader had also given him new sets of securely packed smoke bombs and fireworks. He hid it well in the pockets of his overcoat then stepped into the shadows and return to the manor.


    Though Lira had said that the Book of Balance might be in the room of her father, Aries still inspected the remaining rooms on the second floor. He did not find an extraordinary book in any of those areas but something unusual had caught his attention. Those chambers were empty. That made Aries check the other rooms again. They were also empty. Even the mother of Lira had gone missing. He checked the guards on both floors. They appeared as composed as they were the last time he was there. Even the housemaids looked calm. Aries wondered where the residences in the upper rooms went and if that was a normal routine.


    Aries returned to the second floor and stared at the door of the only chamber he had not yet inspected. He had this feeling that everyone missing from their rooms had been gathered inside that area. He was suddenly hesitant to enter that room. Then he remembered his promise to Lira. He should get that book now.


    Moving as carefully and as quietly as he could, he searched for shadows inside the chamber of the present house leader.


    That was the biggest room on the second floor but it only had a few luxurious pieces of furniture. A king-sized bed was on the leftmost corner of the room. Tall cabinets lined on one side of the wall. A fireplace with couches was located near a wide window. A glass door was separating the balcony where the present house leader was relaying all his verdicts. A long table that was similar to the one in the chamber of Lira was positioned on the right corner of the room and it only had one elegant chair next to it. High shelves filled with books occupied most of the remaining walls. But Aries still could not glimpse any extraordinary book.


    Contrary to what he was expecting, the room was nearly empty. A few sentries were guarding the balcony but no one was inside the chamber except the house leader and he was walking along the shelves as if counting the books in there.


    The old man pulled one leather-bound book and opened it. After a few minutes of looking into the pages, he had softly spoken, as if he was reading from the book but the words that he had said appeared not to have come from it.


    "Return to where you came from."


    Those were his words and, at that moment, he looked like a different person. He was not possessed. Aries was certain of it but if someone won against him in the battle to the death then he could truly be a different person.


    "Save your friends," the old man glanced at the shadow near the bookshelves. "Save my daughter."


    Aries moved his hands out of the shadows as guards from the balcony had entered the room and had their weapons aimed at the house leader. He grabbed the old man inside the shadows before he had been stabbed in the back by the guards. He pulled the old man deeper into the shadows until he saw what he was looking for.


    The Book of Balance was in a secluded room right behind those towering shelves. The chamber was not that wide. It had no windows but it was well lighted and ventilated. There was a vent at the high ceiling. Lamps were hanging at the pillars in the walls. A locked door was on the farthest corner of the room. No guards were guarding that precious book. It must be because no one can touch it but the house leader and the future house leader.


    "How did you do that?" the old man was astounded.


    "I am a Zodiac Knight. I can do some extraordinary stuff," Aries simply answered. "Get the book and I will take you with me."


    "The Book of Balance is safest in this chamber," the old man insisted. "Lira is the one you should bring to this place."


    Aries glared with suspicion at the present house leader.


    "You need to move now," the old man pleaded. "They are attacking her base."


    "What? How¡­" his eyes widened as he realized the mistake he had committed. "Stay here."


    The old man nodded and Aries quickly jumped back into the shadows.


    ^#############^

 Chapter 47 - A Safe Place

    Aries could not jump out of the shadows when he arrived at the chamber of the future house leader. For a room with only enough space to move around, Princess Pieffer, Prince Sunrei, and Siorre were fighting five people at the same time. Lira was also in the room but she was too devastated to fight back. The three were protecting the future house leader whose back was leaning on the stone wall.


    Aries understood why Lira was reacting that way. One of the five people attacking them was her mother. The remaining four were probably her relatives because Aries had seen them in the rooms on the second floor of the manor.


    Because his comrades were doing well at defending themselves, Aries decided to check on the people outside that chamber. And as he had dreaded, the hallways were also in chaos.


    Fortunately, the guards were doing an excellent job in protecting the people. They were doing surprisingly well that the group attacking them had called for backup. Aries saw one of the enemies broke a crystal that released a faint smoke. After a few seconds, corrupted souls came hovering from the vents and attacked the guards.


    Aries finally stepped out of the shadows and called Vermillion in the form of a bow. He pulled a few transport bracelets from his pocket and tossed them at the guard nearest to him.


    "I already told you how to use it," he reminded the guard and started shooting arrows. "Go and save yourselves. Quick!"


    The guard distributed the transport bracelets among his comrades and escaped the hideout with the rest of the people they had rescued.


    Aries kept on shooting at the hovering corrupted souls while dashing away from the enemies that were chasing him at ground level. For a moment, he felt like being hunted by zombies. He could not be hit by their sharp knives or he would be in deep trouble.


    After a few minutes of relentless shooting and running, Aries managed to absorb all the hovering corrupted souls. Vermillion quickly transformed from bow to dual swords and Aries tried to render his ground enemies unconscious. But it was like fighting possessed people. Even though you hit them hard enough to knock the breath out of them, they would only be stunned for a few seconds.


    ''Kill them¡­''


    Aries momentarily staggered as he heard that familiar whisper inside his head.


    ''Slit their throats¡­''


    Aries shook his head and kept on trying to render his enemies unconscious but they annoyingly kept on rising up.


    ''Killing them will be easier. Your friends need you. Will you let them die?''


    Aries felt his hands moved involuntarily that he quickly willed his dual blades to disappear. He could not kill those people because he had to keep his oath. He promised Lira that he will not kill anyone. Two guards at the quadrangle were enough.


    He did his best to dodge the blades aimed at him and seize whoever it was that his hands could grab and snatch away from that place. Through the shadows, he brought the enemies to the House of Pitcher.


    Quaria was walking around the fountain at the Central Island when Aries appeared from the shadows, dragging two strangers along with him.


    "I need to lock up a lot of people," Aries breathed as the house leader approached him.


    Even though his sudden arrival was too abrupt and surprising, Quaria had quickly gotten over it and correctly assessed the situation.


    "Bring them to our dungeon for now," she instructed her guards and the strangers Aries had dragged in there were instantly disarmed and carried to the dungeon.


    Aries brought nearly fifteen people to the House of Pitcher.


    "Thank you," he was already catching his breath by that time. "I will return for them soon."


    "Don''t worry. I can take care of those people," Quaria reassured him.


    Aries gratefully smiled before leaving through the shadows.


    Now that he had cleared the hallways, he returned inside the chamber of Lira. The situation seemed to be progressing in an ugly way.


    Tears filled the eyes of the future house leader as she unsheathed her dagger and pointed the tip of the blade at her mother.


    "Forgive me," Lira cried as she attacked her mother. Her weak slashes were slowly gaining intensity and she was able to corner her mother on the wall.


    "Forgive me¡­" she repeated as she raised her knife to land a fatal blow.


    Her mother stopped resisting, dropped her dagger on the ground, and waited for the kill.


    Aries had quickly maneuvered through the shadows until he could grab the mother by her shoulders and pulled her away from that place and towards the House of Pitcher.


    "She is Lira''s mother. Guard her well, please."


    "Understood," Quaria promised and motioned for her guards to take her to a separate cell.


    "I will be taking four more people in here."


    "Okay."


    "Thank you," Aries gratefully mentioned before disappearing into the shadows.


    He pulled the four remaining enemies away from the chamber of Lira and into the House of Pitcher. He thanked the Pitcher House Leader once more and returned to the hideout. As soon as he stepped out of the shadows, his knees buckled and he slumped on the ground.


    "I''m okay," he quickly said as his comrades stared anxiously at him. Except for Lira whose face was buried in the shoulder of Siorre.


    "Let''s not¡­ kill them now," he went on speaking but his voice had lowered into a whisper and everything around him began to blur and spin. "I took them all¡­ to the House of Pitcher¡­" he was starting to catch his breath. He did not realize his body was this tired until he stopped moving.


    "Take a rest," Pieffer knelt beside him and helped him up on the couch.


    "Do you think you can save those people?"


    Out of nowhere, a woman in a dark violet dress appeared in the room. She was wearing a bracelet on her right wrist and its pendant glowed in harmony with the bracelet Lira was wearing.


    The future house leader was not wearing a bracelet before they went to the manor. It must have been given by her mother.


    "You can only save them once you are dead."


    The woman in dark violet dress had black eyes that were glinting with killing intent. Her pitch-black hair was hanging loosely down to the back of her waist. Aries could see a corrupted soul possessing that body.


    "We will save them," Lira lifted her head from the shoulder of Siorre and turned to face their newly arrived enemy. Her eyes were filled with rage. "We will give justice to the people you killed," she removed the glowing bracelet from her wrist and shattered it with her clenched fist. "We will stop you from using people as your tools."


    "I am wondering when would that time comes," the woman laughed mockingly. "I mean you can defeat us but only for a short while. You will die and be reborn then all of this will happen again. More people will die and become corrupted souls. Our army will only grow bigger while you will keep on grieving."


    "We will end it," Aries had a few minutes of rest. It was enough to recover some of his strength. He pulled a transport bracelet from his pocket as he firmly stated, "This time will be different."


    He got up on his feet and stood with his comrades. He felt their grip on his arms and shoulders.


    "Wait for it," he tightly closed his fist around the pendant of the bracelet until it shattered and a blinding light had swallowed them.


    ^########^


    Aries brought his comrades to where the Book of Balance was hidden. It was a good thing that he remembered to give a transport gem to the father of Lira.


    "Father¡­" the future house leader muttered with disbelief. "What did you do to my mother?!"


    She unsheathed her knife and attacked the old man but Aries quickly stepped in front of the present house leader.


    "Hear him out first."


    Lira halted, took a few deep breaths, closed her eyes, and finally put down her weapon hand.


    "I tried to talk to you plenty of times," her hand trembled around the hilt of her blade. "But you kept your mouth shut."


    Siorre stood right next to Lira and took the sharp weapon from the hand of her special friend.


    "And you will talk now?!" the future house leader screamed her frustration. "Why only now?!"


    "I don''t want you to hate your mother," her father looked straight into her eyes. "You can discern if I am telling a lie or not. I wanted to protect you and your mother. That''s why I lied. I kept telling myself lies because I had this hope that things will return to how it was if I just believed on it. But that didn''t happen. One mistake led to another until everything went out of hand. I should have made you the house leader that day I decided to lie. But in the end, I still chose to protect my family."


    "Protect us from the corrupted souls?" Lira was furious and confused. "And what did mother do? Why will I hate her?"


    "She had an affair with an outsider," her father cried and Lira held on to the arm of Siorre with shock on her face. "Not just any ordinary outsider but someone who was possessed. I discovered their relationship all too late. Our barriers had weakened and corrupted souls entered our House. I became obsessed with righteousness because of your mother. She was telling me things that I did not bother to investigate because I trusted her with my life. I feared that you will be devastated. You are the only hope of this House. I don''t want you to be filled with rage."


    "But I did," Lira breathed. "I hated you for a long time. And because I trusted mother, I endangered my companions and I lost my hideout."


    "Can you punish your mother?" the old man seriously asked after wiping the tears in his eyes.


    "I love her but if she is in the wrong, she should be punished," Lira said despite the pain in her eyes. "Look at what happened to all of us because you tried to protect two people. Did mother change? She had only worsened."


    "Maybe you should also hear your mother out," Aries suggested. "Maybe she still had something to say."


    "I can listen to her," Lira gazed seriously at Aries. "But that will not change the fact that she had sinned, brought our entire House on the brink of destruction, and caused death to a lot of innocent people. That cannot be easily forgiven. She should be heavily punished for it."


    "I understand," her father sincerely agreed. "A house leader should always be fair. You are ready for that position. You should touch that book."


    Lira nodded then glanced at Aries, Princess Pieffer, and Siorre.


    "The book will give me a trial that will last for twenty-four hours. As I said before, this House will become lawless. You are free to do what you wanted to do without any consequences. Please, protect the House of Scale and its people."


    "You don''t have to plead," Siorre smiled. "We will do it even if you didn''t ask. It is our duty."


    "Thank you," Lira smiled with relief.


    "But¡­" Siorre lowered her voice as she asked, "How can you trust his words? You hated him for a long time. What makes you so sure that he is telling the truth?"


    "I missed my mother so much that I forgot to check if her words are genuine. My carelessness nearly cost lives," Lira bitterly smiled. "I am examining my father ever since he had opened his mouth. My eyes can see it. He is not lying."


    "Okay then," Siorre tapped Lira lightly on the shoulder. "Go ahead and become the new house leader of this House."


    Lira nodded and approached the Book of Balance that was floating in the middle of the chamber. She looked at it for a minute as if contemplating. Then she finally raised her hand and touched the leatherbound book.


    ^########^

 Chapter 48 - Cleaning Up

    The Book of Balance had opened on its own. It pulsated with a golden light that enveloped Lira and pulled her inside the glowing pages.


    "What happened?" Siorre glared at the old man as the book slammed closed.


    "Her trial has started," there was a proud look in his eyes as he answered then he glanced at Aries with a pleading look. "The House of Scale has become lawless. Can I see my wife?"


    "You have to wait until Lira becomes the new house leader," Prince Sunrei replied and glanced at his sister. "We should leave."


    "I''ll stay here," Siorre was staring anxiously at the glowing book. "I''ll wait for her trial to end."


    "Okay," Princess Pieffer agreed. "Let''s go."


    ^#########^


    Aries brought them to the quadrangle. Lira had informed them in one of their meetings that all of the guards in the House of Scale had fallen victim to the corrupted souls because of the battle to the death.


    As soon as they had entered that area, all the guards had glanced in their direction.


    "I will take care of the guards here," Aries volunteered. "You should check on the rest of the villagers. Be sure to make them safe."


    The royal siblings only nodded and fight their way out of the quadrangle. Aries prepared his dual blades and assisted his comrades in leaving that place.


    When the two royalties had successfully made their way out of the quadrangle, Aries stood in front of the gate to make sure that none of the guards inside would follow the siblings. There were also guards outside that place and he was certain that the royal siblings could take care of those uniformed men. He should focus inside the quadrangle. He should not allow a single sentry to exit the gate right behind him. He should eliminate all the guards and he should finish the task quickly. He only had less than twenty-four hours.


    He still tried to absorb the corrupted souls but he could not feel anything biting his blade. Lira was telling him the truth. The law in that House is powerful. It could transform a corrupted soul into a normal one.


    "Let me live, please¡­" the guard that he was about to kill had begged in horror and everyone in the quadrangle had stopped moving as if waiting for his answer.


    "You are already dead," Aries placed the dual blades near the neck of the terrified guard.


    "Our souls will vanish!" one of the guards around him had yelled. "We will never be reborn."


    "Then why did you choose to own someone else''s body when you can just possess them?" Aries inched the blades closer to the neck of the robbed vessel. "All of you have lived long enough just by being a corrupted soul. Why did you suddenly want to become normal people?"


    "We had been tricked into doing this!" one of the guards had answered.


    "Celestial Knight Mercielle tricked us!" the rest of the guards agreed in unison.


    "She showed us that by owning a human''s body we can live as we did before our deaths," the guard that Aries was about to kill had shed tears. "We can live as humans again¡­ for eternity¡­"


    "You believed in it?" Aries laughed. "How can a human live for eternity? That body you robbed can get sick, grow old, and die. What you want is immortality and if you become immortal then you are no longer human. You cannot be both. Stop fooling yourselves."


    "How can you be reborn and stay as your previous self? Aren''t you an immortal? Why can''t we all become immortals?"


    "I cannot remember much of my previous lives," Aries admitted. "I guess I can be reborn but I always have to start from scratch. I have to crawl before I can walk. I am not an immortal. No one can be an immortal except the gods. Selfish souls like us can never be gods!"


    Aries finally cut the throat of the guard underneath his blades and went on to slaughter the rest of them.


    ''Yes. That''s it. Take their lives, Aries.''


    That familiar voice again. It was helping him to kill with ease, to enjoy the sensation. And when he sliced the throat of the last guard alive and the lifeless body dropped on the ground, Aries was feeling numb. Only coldness remained within his body. His crimson blades were glowing brighter as if Vermillion loved shedding a lot of blood. His hands, clothes, and face were also drenched with thick and red liquid. He looked around and satisfied himself in seeing them all dead. His mission there was finished. He should move on to the next.


    He looked away from the corpses, opened the gate, and marched out of the quadrangle. The guards stationed outside had all been killed. His comrades proved themselves to be useful at times. Aries smiled and followed the trail of corpses.


    On the side of the road, near one of the houses, he had spotted a small fountain. He decided to stop by for a while to clean his bloody hands. While washing the drying blood, he noticed the reflection he was casting in the reddening water. Instead of his face, he had seen someone else. The face being mirrored was from Pieffer Celestine. Her blue eyes were cold, dark, and ominous.


    "Aries?"


    He quickly called Vermillion, turned around, and pointed one of his dual blades at whoever it was that called his name.


    "What''s wrong?"


    That person was Princess Pieffer and her blue eyes were not cold, dark, and ominous. She was staring at Aries with deep concern.


    She was also drenched with blood and her hand that was holding a weapon was trembling but not as much as the last time.


    "What happened?"


    "Nothing," Aries had finally come to his senses. "I''m just washing my hands."


    He glanced back at the water and saw his own reflection instead of Pieffer Celestine.


    "Have you checked the entire village?"


    "Just the southern border," Princess Pieffer had reported. "We are on our way to the western border. Will you come with us?"


    "We can cover more ground if we separate," Aries said. "I will go to the eastern border."


    "Then let''s meet at the northern border later."


    Aries nodded agreement


    "Be careful."


    "You too."


    ^#######^


    Aries had cleaned the eastern border within three hours. The quadrangle at the manor had taken him two hours. The guards were starting to hide away from him and they were taking refuge at the houses.


    "Please, don''t hurt my husband!" the woman inside one of the houses had protected the guard Aries was pursuing.


    It took him by surprise because that was the first time he witnessed someone protecting a corrupted soul that obviously killed his real husband. The previous families that Aries encountered had all wanted the body of their family members to be free from the corrupted souls.


    "He is not your husband," Aries reminded the woman.


    "I know!" she yelled in tears. "He is better than my husband! Please, don''t kill him!"


    She bowed her head to the ground and Aries had taken that opportunity to slash his dual blades at the throat of the guard. His dead body dropped right next to the kneeling woman.


    She was horrified and could not do anything but grab the body of his dead husband and Aries just quietly left the house.


    He only had a few hours left. He could not listen to any more drama.


    After finishing up with the eastern border, he went straight to the northern boundary. The royal siblings were still not there. He decided to wait for them while cleaning up the area.


    The strange sensation within his mind was on and off. The familiar voice would suddenly speak to him and its coldness was rendering him emotionally detached. He was becoming an assassin that only wanted to kill.


    It took him nearly four hours because he was trying to fight the strangeness within his mind. He should stop getting influenced. And fortunately, the northern border had been cleaned without much of a problem. The only thing that was making him anxious as of that moment was the royal siblings.


    They were taking so long at the western border that Aries ignored their agreement to meet in that place and decided to hurry towards the princess and the prince.


    In there, he had seen Princess Pieffer fighting the guards with trembling hands and tears in her eyes. Her resolve had greatly weakened and she was mostly evading and running in circles. She could no longer cut them to death. Prince Sunrei, on the other hand, was fighting the woman in dark violet clothes.


    "Shairen! Release your curse from my sister!" the prince was furious as he continuously attacked the woman wielding a purple-bladed scythe.


    "That is not a curse but a gift. She will surely thank me later," the woman smiled and was moving with surprising grace. She was like transporting herself out of thin air in short distances whenever she sprinted in any direction.


    Prince Sunrei could still match her speed but was failing in landing a paralyzing hit.


    Aries dashed in front of Princess Pieffer and staggered as he felt his mind pulsated. Something from deep within his subconscious was trying to free itself. He struggled to contain it while slashing his dual blades at the throats of the guards. It became more difficult because killing was what it wants. It was getting more elated at seeing bloodshed.


    But it all stopped when Aries heard metal hitting the ground. He glanced at Princess Pieffer. She dropped her weapon and slumped on the ground. Fear was evident in her eyes.


    Aries looked away from the horrified princess and took care of the guards around them first. When he was done, he knelt in front of her.


    "What''s wrong with you? I haven''t seen you this scared," Aries asked but Princess Pieffer was oblivious of him. It was as if she was seeing something that was so terrifying.


    "Stop bothering her!" the woman in dark violet clothes had bellowed and Aries felt a strong force rushing from behind him. But he was not the least bothered because Prince Sunrei had interrupted the scythe of their opponent.


    "You are the one who should stop bothering us!" the prince yelled back and shoved the scythe and the woman away with his silver sword. "Release my sister from your curse!"


    "Fine," the scythe-wielder lowered her weapon and wickedly smiled. "I will lift my power over that woman if Aries releases my comrades."


    "No¡­" Pieffer was suddenly catching her breath. "I¡­ will not¡­ kill him¡­" she closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. "I will not kill him," she repeated in a louder voice and her breathing was returning to normal. "I will stab my sword on anyone but not at him," she lifted her head and shot a fierce glare at the scythe wielder. "I will not kill Aries!"


    She picked up her sword and attacked the woman in dark violet clothes.


    Surprised at having her curse broken, the scythe-wielder held her bracelet and had instantly vanished.


    Princess Pieffer slashed at an empty air then collapsed weakly on the ground. Aries had caught her before Prince Sunrei could.


    "Aries¡­" she was crying in his arms. "I''m sorry¡­"


    "Just rest," he said and glanced up at Prince Sunrei. "I''ll take her back to Siorre."


    "I''ll continue cleaning this place," the prince agreed. "Return whenever you can."


    "I''ll be quick," Aries promised and carried Pieffer into the shadows.

 Chapter 49 - Tearful Goodbyes

    "Thank you," Princess Pieffer was ashamed of herself as Aries gently put her down on the ground, right next to where Siorre was sitting and waiting for Lira to come out of the book.


    "What happened?" Scorpio House Leader checked the princess from head to foot.


    "That woman in dark violet clothes is possessed by Shairen," Princess Pieffer leaned her head on the wall.


    "Shairen?" Siorre seemed to have had goosebumps when she repeated the name. "Can her eyes truly reflect your fear?"


    "It appears like that," the princess tightly closed her eyes in shame. "I looked straight into her eyes and saw things I don''t want to think about."


    "What are those things that you don''t want to think about?" Aries curiously asked.


    She gazed seriously at Aries and began to ask, "If I¡­" but hesitated and decided to keep the question to herself. "Never mind. I should stop being afraid. It will always end the same. Shairen was just trying to shake my emotions. It will not happen again," he took a deep breath and smiled as she said, "I am ready to return to the western border."


    "Stay here with Siorre," Aries said. "We are nearly done cleaning up that border. You also don''t have to worry about the northern boundary. I''m done with the area. Prince Sunrei and I will be back soon. Just rest here."


    Princess Pieffer did not argue any further and just said, "Be careful."


    Aries only nodded before disappearing into the shadows.


    ^######^


    When Aries returned, Prince Sunrei was nearly done cleaning up the western border. He only helped a little.


    "How is my sister?" the prince asked once they were done talking to the villagers.


    "She''s fine," Aries replied. "You know your sister. She is a tough woman."


    "Right," Prince Sunrei agreed with a smile. "But you are still worried about her."


    Aries coughed then answered, "I am only curious and wanted to ask her some things."


    "Fine," the prince smiled.


    "I heard about Shairen," Aries changed the subject. "Were you unaffected by her ability?"


    "She can only target one person at a time," Prince Sunrei explained. "At that moment, she had taken a great interest in my sister."


    "Why?"


    "I don''t know," the prince beamed a little wider. "You are asking a lot about her."


    "Can I just read that Book of Legends and get some answers to my questions?"


    "There is nothing much about my sister in that book. Just her physical appearance. If you want to what it is that she fears, it is not in the book. Nothing is written there about any of your weaknesses," the prince was obviously mocking him.


    But he asked anyway, "Do you know?"


    "Not really," the prince grinned. "But her worries and fears are mostly related to you. She is not saying things out loud but she cares so much about you and wants to protect you," he suddenly became serious as he added, "This time you should not mess up. Protect my sister."


    "I know," Aries seriously replied. "We still have three hours left. Return to the chamber. I need to drop by the House of Maiden."


    "What for?"


    "I need to do something for the people of this House," Aries said before vanishing into the darkness.


    ^####^


    When he moved out of the shadows, his knees buckled and nearly collapsed on the ground if Gin-Ren failed to catch him.


    "What are you doing here at the Central Shrine? And why are you so exhausted?" the young Head Shaman curiously asked as she led him to a bench near the statue.


    "I need your help," Aries said through his uneven breathing.


    "Our friends¡­ are they all in trouble?"


    "No," he quickly replied because Gin-Ren became anxious. "What I need is help in summoning a lot of spirits at the same time. We only have less than three hours to do it."


    "Let''s ask Shaman Mina."


    Aries agreed then grabbed Gin-Ren by her wrist. He was in a hurry that he preferred to use the shadows in traveling.


    ^######^


    His knees totally gave in to exhaustion when he stepped out of the shadows with Gin-Ren.


    The young Head Shaman was too astounded by his ability to travel through the shadows that she had failed to catch him.


    "Ooops¡­ sorry," she finally noticed Aries lying on the ground and helped him up. "But that was great," she eagerly went on, "There was a bit of discomfort but still great."


    "Aries? What are you doing here?"


    It was Shaman Mina. She was a bit surprised that he suddenly appeared in the backyard of her little house.


    "He needs our help," Gin-Ren answered as she led Aries to the porch and let him rest in there.


    "You need help in warding off corrupted souls?" Shaman Mina asked as she settled between Aries and Gin-Ren.


    "He wants us to summon a lot of souls in the House of Scale."


    "I am asking Aries," the elder shaman frowned at the young Head Shaman. "Why do you keep on answering?"


    "Can''t you see? He is exhausted. He needs to rest for a while," Gin-Ren scowled in annoyance.


    "Then let''s talk after you get some rest," Shaman Mina had slowly got up on her feet.


    "We don''t have much time," Aries was still catching his breath. "Please, help me."


    "Of course, we will help you," the elder shaman smiled kindly at him. "But it depends on the souls we are going to summon. No more corrupted ones."


    "Yes. We will not summon corrupted souls this time," Aries weakly smiled.


    "Then we can start," Shaman Mina paused for a while and examined Aries with her prying eyes.


    After a few seconds, she had given him a piece of good advice, "You should leave the summoning to us."


    "No," Aries stubbornly replied. "I want to join you. I owe it to those villagers. I should somehow make amends."


    "If you will insist on that then you should rest until you recover your strength," Shaman Mina had suggested and Aries was grateful that he had gained reliable comrades.


    ^######^


    Aries returned to the chamber with Gin-Ren and Shaman Mina. Everyone in the room had been surprised then got confused.


    "We only have an hour left," Aries began to explain. "Princess Pieffer, we need your help in summoning spirits. Prince Sunrei, we need you to guard us while we are in a trance. Siorre, I think you need to leave this place and assist the prince. I will also ask Tauren and Quaria to help."


    Despite their confusion, everyone nodded agreement and Aries finally laid to them the rest of his plan.


    "I''ll just fetch Tauren and Quaria," he said after briefing the people at the chamber.


    "Leave them to me and my brother," Princess Pieffer grabbed his hand and let him relax on the floor. "Stay there and get as much rest as you can. We will be back soon."


    "Thanks," Aries whispered and watched the royal siblings broke different bracelets.


    ^#######^


    Five minutes had passed before the royal siblings returned with Tauren and Quaria. They had also been briefed of the plan before being taken to that chamber.


    They were divided into four groups. Aries will summon spirits on the south. He will be protected by Siorre. The group for the west will be Shaman Mina and Quaria. On the north will be the pair of Princess Pieffer and Tauren. And for the south, it would be the tandem of Gin-Ren and Prince Sunrei.


    After reviewing their arrangements one last time, the pairs transported themselves to their assigned locations. Aries had it all planned out after he was done cleaning the eastern border. He wanted to give a bit of peace to the souls that passed on and to the ones they left behind. He told the villagers to gather the dead, clean them up, and wait for his return.


    Aries was grateful that when he arrived on the southern border, the people were done with the task he had given them.


    On each of the borders was a huge statue of a golden scale. That was the place where Aries had placed a transport gem. He instantly settled on the ground right in front of the statue.


    "I will begin," Aries told Siorre who only nodded at him.


    He closed his eyes and focused with all his mind, body, and soul. He chanted the words Shaman Mina had taught them earlier until his soul drifted away from his body.


    When he was studying the summoning ability in the House of Maiden, he came to like the astral plane. It was dim and everything that has life was glowing vibrantly beautiful.


    He began drifting around the southern border until he reached the neatly arranged rows of corpses. Families were patiently watching their deceased relatives and waiting for what Aries had promised them.


    He placed his palm over the forehead of a dead body and called on to its original owner. It took him a few minutes before he could successfully summon the soul.


    For a moment, the summoned soul was confused and Aries had to explain why he was there and what he had to do. He should say a proper farewell to his family.


    At first, summoning souls took time. But as he called forth more and more souls, it became easier for him. By the time he had summoned the last soul, all the deceased had ten minutes left to bid farewell to their families. He had to endure those minutes while holding the links to all the souls he had summoned. When that time ends, the trial for the new house leader would also be over.


    Ten minutes was a fleeting moment of tearful goodbyes and painful embraces. When all of it was over, when the dead were back to being lifeless, and the souls returned from where they had been summoned, everyone in the southern border was crying and still embracing their deceased family member.


    Aries immediately returned to his body and coughed out blood. Siorre knelt beside him and caught his arm when he was about to collapse.


    "Let''s return to the chamber," the Scorpio House Leader had broken a bracelet and transported themselves back to their temporary refuge.


    ^######^

 Chapter 50 - Outcome

    Lira was already out of the book when Aries and Siorre returned to the chamber. She was being cradled by her father.


    "Did she pass?" Siorre asked while helping Aries settle on one corner of the room.


    "Yes," the old man answered with a proud smile. "She is just tired and needs to rest."


    "We all need some rest," Siorre wearily slumped near Aries. "I didn''t fight or summon spirits but I feel so tired. Seeing those villagers¡­" she leaned her head on the wall, looked up, and closed her eyes. "I don''t know¡­ It is kind of depressing¡­"


    "It is¡­" Aries whispered in agreement. His energy was not recovering. He would have collapsed on the ground if not for the wall where his back was leaning. His vision was still a bit hazy but, at least, his hearing had somehow returned to normal.


    A few minutes later, a blinding light had appeared in the room and vanished in an instant, leaving Quaria and Shaman Mina at the chamber.


    The elder shaman looked tired but not as much as Aries was. She and Quaria had settled on the room near Aries and Siorre.


    "You did great, kid," Shaman Mina lightly tapped Aries on the shoulder. "Those people had somehow been relieved of their pain. I''ll just wait for Gin-Ren and we will return the House of Maiden."


    "Thank you for helping this House, Shaman Mina," Aries tried to bow on the ground but the elder shaman had stopped him.


    "You don''t have to do that," she said. "It is enough that you put your acquired abilities to good use."


    "Thank you," Aries weakly smiled and leaned back on the wall. His head throbbed and his vision swirled with that tiny movement.


    Another few minutes of silence had passed before Prince Sunrei and Gin-Ren returned to that chamber. The young Head Shaman was still a bit energetic. It must be because of her age.


    She had rushed towards Aries, slumped on the ground in front of him, and took him in a tight embrace.


    "My love for you is only growing!" Gin-Ren exclaimed as she tightened her arms around him.


    Aries was too exhausted to struggle against her grip, and the intense throbbing in his head had only worsened his weariness.


    A few seconds later, Aries heard a thumping sound and Gin-Ren cried, "Ouch! Shaman Mina! Why did you hit my head? And where are you hiding that fan? It is always appearing in your hand just to slap my head!"


    "Lower your voice," the elder shaman snapped at her. "People here need to rest, including Aries. Leave him be."


    "Fine!" Gin-Ren carefully assisted Aries as he leaned back on the wall then she told him, "Sorry. I''m just happy. I''ve done summoning a couple of times since I''ve become a Head Shaman but I never did it like this. Thank you for the opportunity."


    Aries managed to flash a little smile but could no longer tilt his painful head for a shake or a nod. His mouth had also shut tight.


    "We need to go," Shaman Mina got up on her feet with a little help from Prince Sunrei. "We cannot leave the House of Maiden for a long time."


    "I know," Gin-Ren sadly agreed. "I''ll see you later."


    Quaria had given Gin-Ren a few transport bracelets and bottles of holy water. She and Tauren had somehow replenished their stocks and divided everything among themselves. They were growing in number and the two had told themselves that they should reproduce their creations at a faster pace while maintaining the effectiveness of each item.


    Gin-Ren waved goodbye before grabbing Shaman Mina with her left hand then she broke a transport bracelet with her right. A blinding light had enveloped them and they vanished along with it.


    Another hour of silence had passed before Princess Pieffer returned to the chamber. Tauren was carrying the princess in his arms and he carefully placed her right next to Aries. Despite her weariness, she was still awake.


    "I told Tauren that I can walk on my own," Princess Pieffer was looking at Aries with worry.


    "We all need to rest," he told the princess and everyone in the room because everything around him was continuously spinning.


    "Let''s return to our manor," the old man had offered. "All of you can rest there."


    "Tauren and I should head back to our Houses," Quaria stood right next to the Bull House Leader.


    "Thanks for the help," Aries whispered and he could no longer hold on to his consciousness. Darkness had finally swallowed everything.


    ^######^


    Aries finally found a way to escape the ropes that were binding him to the ancient tree at the House of Bull. Dark clouds had covered the starlit sky, making his surroundings darker than it already was. He quietly moved up on his feet and walked around the beautiful yard. He had to save the people in that tower from the possessed princess. She said it herself. She had been created by the devil. It must be the corrupted soul speaking and not the true owner of the body.


    He had no way of saving the poor soul of the princess. The only way to free her was to kill the corrupted soul along with the vessel.


    Earlier, the corrupted soul was trying to trick him and he tried to ride along with it. When she was done with her attempt to persuade him that she was not a bad person, he told the wicked spirit that he needed some time to contemplate on things that she had told him even though he did not understand a word the corrupted soul had uttered. If he did try to listen, the corrupted soul would find a way to penetrate his mind. He only pretended to listen but his mind was elsewhere. He was trying to break away from the ropes that were tightly wrapped around his body.


    Oblivious of his plans, the corrupted soul agreed and gave him an hour to think.


    At the moment that he had been left alone, he quickly struggled against the ropes. It took him half an hour before he could finally break out of it. He only had thirty minutes left to find a good place to hide and wait for a perfect time to destroy the corrupted soul.


    But there was no need to hide and wait. Princess Pieffer was at the other side of the yard. She was sitting underneath the shades of another ancient tree that was smaller than the one in the front yard. Her eyes were closed as if she was meditating.


    Aries was standing a few feet away from the princess but the dark aura around her body was already obvious to him. The corrupted soul inhabiting her body appeared to be one of a kind and powerful. That was the first time Aries had seen such a confusing dark essence.


    "Have you finally made up your mind?" Princess Pieffer opened her eyes and stared at Aries.


    If he would only gaze at her sapphire-blue eyes, Aries could say that she was not possessed. But the dark aura around the body of the princess was telling him otherwise.


    "Yes," he coldly answered and released a dagger with a crimson blade. "You need to die."


    He dashed towards the princess and stabbed her in the chest.


    But darkness had swallowed him before he could successfully pierce the heart of Princess Pieffer.


    He ran and tried to find a way out but there was none. There was only endless darkness and deafening silence. He slumped wearily on the cold ground and suddenly, glass containers appeared in front of him. Three of those were nearest to her. On the right was the axe. On the left was the whip. On the center was the silver dagger.


    Aries realized that he was no longer dreaming about the past. He was back at the deepest part of his mind. He got up on his feet and stood in front of the silver dagger.


    "I know it was you," he whispered to it. "The voice that told me to keep on killing. It must be hard for you to believe that I want to live a good life so that we can be together in our next lifetime. You will see it in time. I will save this kingdom and ask the gods to let us be reborn together. I will make it happen. Just please, wait for it, Pieffer."


    A bolt of electricity had shot out of the silver blade, passed through the glass container, and hit Aries. He had been electrocuted strong enough to wake him up.


    "Aries! You are finally awake!"


    Princess Pieffer bolted up from the chair next to the bed where Aries was lying. He also noticed that there were guards stationed inside the room. At first, he was alarmed at the thought that they did not totally clean the manor from the corrupted souls but as he stared longer at the guards, he realized that those were Brailles, Ross, and Dan. They were the closest comrades of Lira.


    "You''ve been sleeping for five days straight. I nearly thought about summoning your spirit," Princess Pieffer put a hand over his forehead. "Your fever had finally gone down," she sighed with relief. "Wait here. I will get you something to eat."


    "Let me do it, Princess!" Brailles had instantly offered. "You should stay here and tell Sir Aries of all the things that happened to the House of Scale this past five days."


    "Thank you, Brailles."


    The newly hired guard had given them a salute before leaving the room.


    Aries sat up but his arms were too weak that he only collapsed back on the bed.


    "Let me," Princess Pieffer kindly helped him up.


    "Thanks," Aries was embarrassed at his weakness. "You said that I''ve been sleeping for five days. But why do I still feel so weak?"


    "It is because you used the shadow trick a lot of times and brought people along with you," Princess Pieffer explained. "I asked Master Kiel and he told me that if you overuse such trick, it could cost you your life because you are not only using your physical energy but also your inner strength."


    "This is one of the rooms on the second floor of the manor, right?"


    "This is the room of Lira''s mother," Princess Pieffer informed him with a sad smile.


    "What happened to her and to the rest of the prisoners I had taken to the House of Pitcher? What about Lira''s father? Had they already been punished?" Aries realized that he had missed a lot while he was sleeping. "What about the barriers? Had they been reinstated? And why do I feel that this place is still heavily guarded? Are there still threats to this manor?"


    Aries felt Ross and Dan stiffened with unease.


    "What wrong?"


    The princess let out a deep breath before telling him, "This is the only room that has a tight security. You had been branded a criminal for killing two guards at the quadrangle. Lira is waiting for you to wake up before she gives you her verdict."


    ^######^

 Chapter 51 - Vessel

    "Ah¡­ the verdict," Aries remembered. "I understand¡­"


    "You understand?!" Princess Pieffer, Ross, and Dan had chorused. All of them looked deeply upset as if they are the ones who will be punished.


    "How can you be so calm about this?" Ross was confused.


    "Death is the only punishment waiting for you," Dan reminded him.


    "I already asked Lira to wait until Serestral is safe. I know she will make adjustments for it."


    "But you will still get punished!" Ross and Dan had chorused and they were starting to get frustrated.


    "After all that you did for our House, you deserve a pardon of some kind," Dan bitterly looked down on the floor.


    "Remember how your House had nearly fallen," Aries had seriously reminded the two. "Criminals should be reprimanded. That''s how things should always be. I killed people and I should be punished for it. Thank you for the concern but I will not run away."


    His words had silenced Ross and Dan yet worry was still evident in their eyes.


    "How are the barriers around this House?" Aries asked Princess Pieffer.


    She heavily sighed before answering, "Lira was done reinstating the barriers. Now she is busy recruiting guards. Siorre and Alfred are helping her out. Fortunately for this House, many are volunteering."


    "What about the people I brought to the House of Pitcher?"


    "Quaria will take them here later tonight for the judgment. Yours will also be decided after theirs."


    "I still have a few hours to rest."


    "Ah¡­ Sir Aries¡­" Ross began to say but hesitated.


    "What is it?"


    "I heard this from the eastern border," Ross continued despite his uncertainty. "This might only be gossip but I think you should still hear this."


    "Just say it," Aries impatiently urged the guard.


    "People in the eastern border keep talking about a guard that survived the clean-up."


    "I made sure that I killed all¡­" his voice faded as he remembered that wife who wanted to save the corrupted soul inside the body of her dead husband. "Can it be her?"


    "You have an idea of who it might be?" Princess Pieffer seemed surprised.


    "I need to check it out," Aries moved out of the bed and nearly collapsed if the princess did not grab his arm.


    "I can check it out," she had kindly offered.


    "I can do it," he stubbornly insisted, and fortunately, after a few deep breaths, his knees were no longer wobbly and he could stand on his own. "I will be quick."


    He passed through the darkness once more and rushed towards the eastern border but halfway on the road of shadows, his consciousness had wavered and he was pulled towards the deepest part of his subconscious.


    The axe-wielder was bending over him with a scornful smile.


    "Your mind is still weak. You should rest a lot. If this is something so urgent, then let me take over your body."


    "My mind is weak but not crazy. Why will I let you take over my body?" Aries could not even sit up. His back remained glued on the dark and cold ground.


    "If you will not let me then someone else will," the axe-wielder glanced at the glass containers not far from behind him. "Do you want it to be the whip? What about the silver dagger? Or maybe you want to be possessed by something weaker than us?"


    Aries noticed the cracks on the glass containers. His mind must have weakened a lot.


    "You only have a few hours left. If a corrupted soul is left inside the House of Scale, how long do you think before he could make another scratch in the newly reinstated barriers?"


    "House of Scale strictly abides by its rules. We cannot destroy that corrupted soul."


    "Now ''we'' are talking," the axe-wielder slumped on the ground right next to Aries. "I have a plan that will save you from another obvious crime. That is if you will allow me to take control of your body."


    "Just for this task," Aries strictly reminded the axe-wielder. "One wrong move and I will pull you back here."


    "I know," the axe-wielder offered a hand to Aries. "It is a deal."


    Aries grabbed that hand and said, "Deal."


    A temporary connection between their souls had been made and in an instant, the axe-wielder became the one in control.


    Aries could not move an inch but his mind was functioning well. He could sense his surroundings even better than the Celestial Knight controlling his body.


    Gani Cleaver, the axe-wielder, had been thrown out of the shadows and rolled onto the ground just near the entrance to the eastern border.


    "Don''t do things without telling me!" he yelled at Aries inside his head.


    "I didn''t do anything. It seems that you cannot use all of my abilities. And don''t talk out loud. People will think you had gone crazy."


    "We need to hide in the shadows or that guard will notice us before we can get to him," Gani was getting anxious.


    Aries ignored that statement and told the axe-wielder, "The previous bodies you possessed had been wearing armors. I thought that once you had taken over my body, I will be wearing one."


    "I can do that and attract more attention," Gani replied with sarcasm.


    "You can really do that?"


    "The armor comes out once I called forth my axe. You want to see it now?"


    "Maybe later," Aries was starting to feel relaxed as Gani made his way quietly towards the eastern border.


    It was a good thing that the new overcoat Aries was wearing had a hood on it. Gani used it to cover his face. He was now searching for the guard or the wife.


    "Why can''t I ask people about those two? It will be easier to find them if we ask around," Gani whispered under the hood.


    "This is only a hunch. I don''t want people to become suspicious by asking around. If you cannot hide through the shadows then you should blend well with the crowd."


    "Fine," Gani found a food stall and settled on one of the empty tables in there. He ordered a lot of food and the owner gave him additional free dishes.


    "Thank you for what you did for us, Sir Aries," the owner was teary-eyed. "Enjoy your meal."


    "I want to enjoy my time alone," Gani kindly told the old lady. "Please, do not tell other people that I am here. I don''t want to gather attention."


    "I know. You are safe in this place," the old lady nearly whispered, then bowed low to him before leaving.


    "She misunderstood," Gani smiled. "She''s thinking that you had gone into hiding."


    Aries was about to answer when he noticed a familiar face. It was the crazy wife who had fallen in love with the corrupted soul that killed her husband. She was wearing a veil and a cloak. She was walking briskly along the crowded street where Gani was observing while eating a lot of food. She seemed to be in a hurry but was cautious of the people around her.


    Aries had quickly informed Gani about the crazy wife. They carefully observed her until she passed by their location. She failed to notice Aries because of the hood. Gani was also looking down on the dishes most of the time.


    "Let''s follow her."


    But Gani was not moving away from the table. He was busy emptying each bowl.


    "Remember the reason I allowed you to take control," Aries reminded the axe-wielder. "I can pull you back in here¡­"


    "I already caught her scent," Gani quickly told him after emptying the last bowl. "I can follow her wherever she goes."


    "Are you a dog?"


    "Of course not," Gani finally got up on his feet. "I am a human and always will be."


    Aries could no longer see the crazy wife but Gani kept on walking as if he knew where to go. He kept on marching until he reached a vast plot of towering trees near the border gate. He entered that place and passed through similar-looking trees. For a moment, Aries thought they were only going in circles but after an hour of hiking, they reached a fenced hut hidden behind the trees and tall grasses.


    "She is inside," Gani had whispered. "Are we going to enter? Or should we knock because we are still in the House of Scale?"


    "Knock."


    "Okay," Gani stood in front of the wooden gate and yelled, "Is there anyone home? If there is none then I will take this hut for myself!"


    They waited for a few minutes. The woman was not coming out of the hut.


    "I''m a lucky guy!" Gani exclaimed. "I finally found a home!"


    He was about to open the gate when the crazy wife finally came out.


    "Someone is already living in this house," she was not making eye contact. "Please, leave."


    Before she could close the door, Gani had broken the gate and held the door open.


    "Maybe we can talk," he smiled at the crazy wife and peeked inside the house. There was a backdoor and it was left open. "It appears that your husband has run away."


    Gani pushed the woman out of the way and dashed towards the backdoor.


    "Don''t worry. I caught his scent. It is lingering inside the house," Gani had said as he chased the guard.


    It only took him a few minutes before he caught the trail of the corrupted soul. He ran faster through the uneven rows and columns of trees until he could grab the guard. They stumbled and wrestled over the grass-covered ground until Gani had pinned him down.


    "Keep on struggling and I will cut your head off," Gani had threatened and fortunately for them, the guard had been intimidated.


    He stopped struggling and tried to negotiate, "If you kill me, you will be punished. This House is no longer lawless. You will also die, in front of the people you had protected. You will no longer be a hero but a criminal."


    "I don''t care," Gani relayed the thoughts in the head of Aries. "I am a criminal right from the start," he tightened his hand around the neck of the guard. "I will give you two options. One is death and the other is a chance for your soul to be redeemed."


    A flicker of hope flashed in the eyes of the guard as he heard the last word but it quickly transformed into suspicion.


    "You are trying to trick me."


    Gani raised his right hand and called his axe. At the moment it materialized in his hand, a red armor had covered the body of Aries.


    "You¡­" the eyes of the guard had widened with shock.


    "Yes. I am Gani Cleaver. A Celestial Knight," he answered the unfinished question of the corrupted soul and rested the huge axe on his shoulder. "I''m not sure about the redemption thing. But this guy promised me the same thing. Let''s just kill him if he fails to keep his word."


    "But¡­ he cannot absorb my soul¡­"


    "There is no need for your soul to be absorbed," Gani expressed the thoughts Aries had in mind. "What we want is your body. Lend it to me."


    ^#######^

 Chapter 52 - Verdict

    The guard laughed and said, "You want to possess a corrupted soul?"


    "Do you think I''m joking?" Gani glared and choked the vessel. "Do you want to die?"


    "No¡­ please¡­ sorry¡­" the guard tapped the hand that was choking him.


    Gani loosened his grip and told the corrupted soul, "We are in a hurry. If you want to be saved and not die then allow me to enter that body."


    "If you truly wanted to possess my body, you can do it any time you want. Why ask for permission?"


    "Do you think I want to ask for permission?" Gani slammed his axe on the ground, near the head of the guard. "Aries is saying that one of the ways to redemption is being polite. If you want to lose my patience, then I might just cut your head off and forget salvation."


    "O-okay!" the guard nervously mumbled. "But... before I agree, can I... say goodbye to my wife?"


    "She is not your wife," Gani told him what Aries was thinking.


    "I want her to be my wife," the guard admitted with blushing cheeks.


    "You and that woman are crazy," Aries and Gani both agreed.


    "Her husband was abusive," the guard began explaining and his eyes filled with shame as he admitted, "I too had been like him. I tried to change but I died before I could begin. I can''t accept it," his brows furrowed with rage. "Why do I have to die just when I decided to become a better person? Can''t I change? If the gods will not allow me to be a good person then I will grow more violent than before!" he paused for a while, let out a deep breath, and his eyes turned remorseful. "That''s how I came to be a corrupted soul, for decades. Then the offer to be converted back into a human had come. I grabbed it without hesitation and won the battle to the death," his regret was replaced with enthusiasm as he said, "I am alive once more. And when I came home, I saw her¡­ looking like my previous wife," his eyes became reminiscent and sad. "She was terrified and resentful. He hated her husband but could not walk away. I thought that finally, the gods had allowed me to correct my past mistakes. I tried again to become a better person," there was a flicker of hope in her eyes as he said, "I guess¡­ that act¡­ healed us both. We are just starting to live happily. I don''t want her to feel broken again. Please..."


    "Don''t worry. That woman will not feel lonely again," Gani voiced out the thoughts inside the head of Aries then he finally let go of the guard''s neck. "Get up. Let''s talk to her."


    ^##########^


    Walter and Shane, the unusual couple, had been given the time to say goodbye to one another. Gani, still in control of the body of Aries, was sitting on a couch and observing the couple in front of him. It took them hours to finally calm down. They stopped crying and hugging each other.


    "While you are waiting for him, you can work at the manor," Gani relayed the message of Aries. "I will ask Lira to hire you. Do you want that?"


    "Yes, Sir Aries!" the woman eagerly exclaimed.


    "Now I, Gani Cleaver, will possess the body of Walter Janus."


    "Move aside for now," Aries told Gani as he took control of his body. He raised his hand and pointed his palm over the forehead of the guard.


    After a few seconds, smoke oozed from the center of his palm and seeped into the forehead of the guard. When it was over, Gani had fully transferred into the body of Walter.


    "Until we are here in the House of Scale, I will let Walter take over," Gani joyfully declared.


    "Thank you," the woman bowed gratefully in front of her husband. "Please, take care of him."


    "I will bring him back here. I promise."


    "Sir Aries, you should drink Walter''s remaining potion," the woman noticed that Aries weakly collapsed on the couch the moment he was done transferring the soul of Gani. "It saved him from his neck wounds. He only needed one bottle to recover his full strength. It was as if he had not been fatally wounded."


    Shane pulled a bag underneath the bed and drew a tiny bottle of glowing purple liquid. She quickly handed it over to Aries.


    "Is it safe?" Aries glanced at Walter.


    "Searched his mind," Gani was the one who answered. "This body drank that liquid twice. That is how he had been revived from the battle to the death and from your dual blades. He is still safe and sound. I think it is effective," he shrugged his shoulders and added, "Mercielle made that potion. It should be effective. And as far as I can see in this body, it has no side effects. Drink it and walk on your own or you keep it and I can carry you back to the manor."


    Aries opened the bottle and gulped its content. The effect was instantaneous. His energy had been replenished and his head was no longer painful and heavy.


    He kept the bottle in the pocket of his overcoat and got up on his feet.


    "This is a good potion. Thank you," Aries gratefully bowed to the woman and to Walter then walked out of the hut. "Let''s return to the manor."


    "Yes, Sir Aries!" the couple had chorused.


    ^#######^


    The newly hired guards were surprised when Aries arrived in the quadrangle not from inside the manor but from outside. Though they were curious, none of them had asked a question. They just bowed to him and let him enter. Those guards were comrades of Lira and when their hideout had been attacked, Aries had helped them escape.


    It was nearly nine in the evening and a lot of people had gathered inside the quadrangle. The platform was filled with relatives of Lira. It was time for the verdict and soon afterward, the judgment for Aries would come. But before he hears that, he blended first with the crowd to watch. Walter and Shane were standing by his side.


    The new house leader was standing on the balcony. The cold look in her eyes was clearly trying to mask the pain that she was feeling inside. Siorre, Princess Pieffer, Prince Sunrei, and Alfred were also standing at the veranda, providing strong support for the new house leader.


    A disconcerting silence had floated in the quadrangle when Lira raised her right hand.


    "Let''s make this quick," her voice was as chilling as the look in her eyes. "All these people in the platform had committed a crime. They made a deal with the corrupted souls. If they had not been stopped, citizens of this House would have been killed. As punishment for their crime, they will be imprisoned in the dungeon. Pardon will only be given if the Beast Tamer allows them to receive it."


    Her relatives did not react to her judgment. It seemed that they were already expecting that kind of punishment.


    Lira motioned for the guards to take her relatives away before saying out loud, "Next!"


    Guards dragged her parents to the platform and Aries noticed the tear that trickled down the face of the new house leader.


    "These criminals had greatly sinned. For bringing chaos to the House of Scale, I should be sentencing you to death. But dying will only be an easy way out for you. People have suffered a lot and for that, you should also go through endless sufferings. You will no longer be a Gavel. You will live on the streets without anything other than your clothes. You should suffer the rage of the people."


    Her parents were also silent about the verdict. It was as if they were ready to be punished in any possible way.


    "Sentence them to death!" A woman from the crowd had stepped near the platform and yelled her appeal. "We don''t want to see them walking around the House of Scale. We want to have a fresh start and that will be impossible if you let their punishment be given by us. We no longer want to live in hate."


    There was a few seconds of silence before Lira had spoken.


    "Point taken," she jumped off the balcony and landed gracefully at the platform. She unsheathed her sword and directed the blade on the neck of her mother. "Death it is."


    Her parents closed their eyes and held hands. They were truly prepared for anything. And it seemed that being imprisoned had helped them reconcile.


    Lira raised her sword but before she could swing it around, Siorre quickly leaped from the veranda and stopped her from killing her parents.


    "Let me do it," Scorpio House Leader had offered.


    Lira was reluctant but she eventually accepted it with trembling hands.


    Siorre released her spear and swiftly cut the heads of Lira''s parents.


    "Clean this up," Lira was trying to stop the tears brimming in her eyes. "We still have one more criminal to judge."


    Siorre helped Lira back to the manor. It took thirty minutes to clean the blood that showered on the platform. And by that time, Lira had returned to the balcony with her composure renewed. Siorre was not leaving her side.


    "Aries Del Luna, step into the platform," she had commanded and Aries obliged.


    Everyone in the quadrangle had followed his movement away from the crowd and towards the platform.


    "Lady Lira! Please be merciful!" the people on the quadrangle, including the guards, had knelt in front of the balcony and bowed their heads on the ground.


    "Aries killed two of our guards," Lira had spoken and silenced the pleadings of the people. "For that, he should be punished with death. But he is a Zodiac Knight. He has the protection of the king. Princess Pieffer and Prince Sunrei had spoken on behalf of their father. Aries will not be receiving a death sentence for now because he still has a duty to fulfill. Once Serestral is safe, he will be summoned back in this House and will undergo the trial of redemption."


    "There is a trial of redemption?" Aries asked because the princess already told him that it was only a lie.


    "Princess Pieffer, Gin-Ren, and I had thought about that trial," Lira had answered. "If you pass that trial, you will be receiving a lighter sentence. Until that time comes, you can never enter this House. Tomorrow, as soon as dawns breaks, you will have to leave."


    Aries bowed in front of House Leader Lira and felt a pain in his chest that lasted for a few heartbeats.


    "You will stay inside the manor for the time being."


    "Yes, Lady Lira."


    ^##########^

 Chapter 53 - Potion

    After the event at the quadrangle, Lira had gathered Aries, Princess Pieffer, Prince Sunrei, Siorre, Walter, and Shane at the chamber where Aries had awakened and been confined earlier that day. Brailles, Ross, and Dan were still guarding it.


    "Your wife will start working at my office tomorrow," Lira decided when Aries told her the reason the couple was with him. "Shane, you can treat this place as your home. There are many empty rooms in this mansion. I will be glad to have them filled with people I can trust."


    "Thank you, Lady Lira!" Shane tearfully bent forward and lowered her head into a bow. "Thank you, Sir Aries!"


    "We still need to talk to Walter," Lira notified Shane. "If you want to rest, Brailles can take you to one of the rooms here on the second floor."


    "Can I... stay here?" Shane reluctantly asked.


    "Of course, you can," the house leader had permitted.


    "Thank you, Lady Lira."


    Shane sat beside her husband while the Scale House Leader glanced at Aries.


    "I''m sorry for the verdict," she said.


    "You only did what you have to do. And I know that this night had been more painful for you," Aries was sitting on the bed and rubbing his aching chest. "I''m sure you don''t want to talk about it anymore. Let''s just discuss other important matters so we can all rest soon."


    "We can talk tomorrow," Princess Pieffer was always staring at Aries with worry in her eyes. "You look sick. You should take some rest."


    "I think the potion only had a momentary effect¡­" Aries leaned on the pillow. His energy was rapidly depleting and he was finding it hard to breathe.


    "I checked his memories plenty of times. The potion healed him completely," Gani had answered.


    "What potion?" Princess Pieffer asked.


    "I guess it doesn''t have the same effect on me," Aries coughed out blood and felt chills all over his body even though he was sensing a burning sensation from within him. He covered himself with a blanket


    Princess Pieffer sat on the bed and put a hand over his forehead.


    "He is burning with fever," the princess was getting more worried. "What is happening to him? What is that potion he had taken? Where is it? Where did you get it?"


    Aries weakly grabbed Princess Pieffer by her hand and weakly whispered, "Don''t worry. I only need to rest."


    "Can you see yourself?" the princess snapped at him. She was not calming down. "Your fever is high. You are as pale as a ghost. Blood is oozing from your nose. And earlier you coughed out blood. How can I not worry? I will return to the dungeon and ask the Beast Tamer. He might know the answer," she shot a fierce look at Gani. "Where is the potion?"


    "According to Walter, and I also checked his memories, Aries drank the last potion," Gani reluctantly answered, as if he was scared of the princess.


    "What?" Princess Pieffer did look like she was about to burst with rage.


    "There must be a droplet left at the bottle," Gani had quickly added. "Aries put it in the pocket of his overcoat, the one near his chest."


    The princess unbuttoned the overcoat Aries was wearing and checked the pockets near his chest. After she had found it, she remembered to close his clothes and covered him back with the blanket.


    "I''ll be back. You better stay here and rest," Princess Pieffer strictly warned before leaving the room.


    "Will she be okay?" Aries was embarrassed at how weak he was at that moment.


    "She is only going to the dungeon," Prince Sunrei answered. "Just worry about yourself. Get some sleep."


    Aries listened. He closed his eyes and despite the pain burning all over his body, he had fallen asleep. His mind drifted into endless darkness until he heard voices talking to one another.


    "Is it because he keeps using his ability despite his weak body? Or is it because of the potion?"


    It was Princess Pieffer.


    Aries drifted closer to the voice until a blinding light had swallowed him and when it disappeared, he was staring at the Beast Tamer.


    Master Kiel was closely examining the bottle of potion as if his eyes could discern the ingredients used to create the liquid inside of it.


    "This potion is created with rare ingredients and a strong spell."


    Aries was astounded that the Beast Tamer did know a lot about the tiny liquid just by staring at it.


    "But that same potion saved Walter from death. Why is it killing Aries?" Princess Pieffer asked and Aries realized only then that he was inside the body of the princess.


    How did I get in here?! How can I get out?!


    He tried to speak out loud but could not. It was as if he had been put in there to observe and nothing else.


    "The ingredients used are effective for full and quick healing. It is the spell that put a risk on the potion," the Beast Tamer was not looking away from the bottle. He was still examining its content. "Zodiac Knights cannot use the potion without suffering a consequence. Aries will not die from this but his body will have to endure an excruciating pain until we find the counterspell for it."


    "We can find it, right?" Princess Pieffer was hopeful. "You know a lot of things about spells. You can help us, right?"


    "Where are you heading next?" Master Kiel finally looked away from the battle and gazed at the princess.


    Aries suddenly felt conscious because the Beast Tamer appeared to be looking through the princess and straight at him.


    "At the House of Twins," Princess Pieffer answered.


    "Nice timing then," Master Kiel smiled. "You can find a good book of spell in that House. The dungeon in that place is guarded by a powerful spellcaster. But, of course, you have to earn her respect."


    "Thank you, Master Kiel," the princess bowed low to the Beast Tamer.


    "You are always welcome, Princess Pieffer," he gently tapped the princess on the shoulder and, all of a sudden, Aries was pulled into that empty white space again.


    The Beast Tamer was standing right in front of him, gripping his shoulder.


    "It''s been a while," he moved his hand away and walked leisurely around the white space.


    "Do you have something to tell me?" Aries was a little nervous. It was as if the Beast Tamer would attack him any time.


    "I hate intruders in my dungeon."


    "I didn''t mean to trespass. I fell asleep and my consciousness suddenly drifted inside the head of Princess Pieffer," Aries blurted and hated himself for being so obviously nervous. "I don''t know how it happened."


    "You are learning a new skill," Master Kiel stopped pacing around and curiously gazed at Aries. "How can you accidentally learn the skills of my disciples?"


    Aries was confused and the Beast Tamer laughed.


    "Nevermind," he stopped laughing and suddenly became serious. "You should not leave your body for a long time. Someone might take over."


    "I would have returned to my body as soon as I realized I am invading someone else''s mind but¡­ I don''t know how to do it," Aries blushed with embarrassment.


    "I will send you back this time only," the Beast Tamer smiled. "Next time, you have to learn how to do this correctly."


    "Wait!" Aries remembered something. "Can you tell me something about that spellcaster guardian?"


    "Figure it out on your own," Master Kiel beamed and pushed him out of that empty white space.


    Blinding light swallowed him and when it vanished, he found himself staring at the frame of the four-poster bed where he was lying.


    Nausea overwhelmed him that he bolted out of the bed and vomited on a basin. He was surprised to have found an empty basin over the bedside table.


    "Drink this."


    Gani handed him a glass of water and a bowl of medicine.


    "You''ve been vomiting the entire night," he seemed worried. "I should not have said that the potion is safe."


    "It is safe but the potion is not for Zodiac Knights," Aries emptied the glass of water. He never felt so thirsty.


    "I will get you more water," Gani took the empty glass from him and curiously asked. "How did you know that it is not for Zodiac Knights?"


    Aries was about to fake a cough but he truly coughed all the way until there was blood.


    "Drink the medicine," Gani gave him a towel and stroked his back.


    "Water¡­ please¡­" he forced the medicine in his mouth and gave the bowl back to Gani.


    "Wait here," Gani helped him back on the bed. "I''ll be quick."


    The Celestial Knight rushed out of the room to get more water. Aries rested his head on the pillow. The medicine was starting to work. He was feeling a little better, so much better than before that he had quickly fallen asleep.


    ^########^


    Aries finally had a long and undisturbed sleep. And for the first time in what seemed like a long while, he felt better. He opened his eyes and was surprised that he was no longer in the Gavel''s Manor.


    He was still in a wide chamber but it looked more like an infirmary rather than a bedroom. Neatly arranged at one corner of the room were six beds separated by nightstands. Tall and wide cabinets lined at the opposite side. There were couches, a center table, and a fireplace at the other corner of the room.


    A wide window, covered by grilles on the outside and a translucent curtain on the inside, were only a few feet away from the rows of bed. Aries could glimpse that it was still dark outside.


    Five out of six beds were occupied. Aries was lying on the bed nearest the window. There was Princess Pieffer, Prince Sunrei, Pines, and Gani. All of them were soundly sleeping.


    He sat up as quietly as he could but Princess Pieffer, even though three beds away from him, had still been awakened.


    "Aries!" she instantly moved out of her bed and checked on him. "Are you hurting somewhere?"


    "I''m okay," he answered while looking curiously at his surroundings. "Where are we? And how did we get here? Did I¡­ sleep for days again?"


    Princess Pieffer smiled with relief and said, "You had been unconscious for an entire week."


    ^#########^

 Chapter 54 - Gust

    "I''m sorry," Aries was getting more disappointed with his body.


    "Don''t apologize," Princess Pieffer was serious. "You''ve been working so hard that your body could not keep up. I know you want to save Serestral as quickly as you can, but you should pay attention to your own health. Sometimes you have to stop for a while and listen to your body. Don''t be so reckless. Please."


    "I will be more careful," Aries promised then asked, "What did I miss?"


    "Not that much," Princess Pieffer sighed with disappointment. "Lira wanted us to stay in the Gavel Manor until you wake up, but all of us should abide by the House Rules, especially the house leader. We had to leave. As soon as dawn had broken, we departed the House of Scale. Our plan was to stay at the forest standing between the borders of House of Scale and House of Twins then took turns in investigating the latter House. Siorre bid us farewell because that is the final limit of her bargain with Pines. As you can see," she glanced at the sleeping Fish House Leader and continued with her story, "He immediately came to switch places with her. He was the first one to penetrate the House of Twins but he did not return. We waited for an entire day but there was no sign of him coming back. Prince Sunrei followed to check up on him but he did not return as well. I cannot leave you and Gani alone in this place and decided to take you with me inside the House of Twins. And we had been instantly captured by Gust and his elite warriors."


    "Gust?"


    "He is the leader of this House and a Zodiac Knight."


    "This place doesn''t look like a prison to me," Aries looked around the room.


    "Gust is a powerful spellcaster. He can confine us in this place without the need for ropes and cells," the princess answered with a shrug of her shoulders.


    "Is he possessed?"


    "I can''t be sure but I think he is not. He looks somewhat normal to me."


    "He captured us," Aries reminded the princess. "Something is definitely wrong with him."


    "He did that not because someone gave him a command. He wants to strengthen his forces. I think he wants to protect this place from someone more powerful than him."


    "A Celestial Knight?"


    "Maybe not," Princess Pieffer sighed. "Gust knows his way with people. Instead of him being controlled, it will be the other way around. A Celestial Knight is working for him. So, I don''t think he is protecting this place from another Celestial Knight. I guess¡­"


    "You are thinking too much," the door to that room had opened and a man with a striking figure had entered. He was probably around the same age as Aries. He was wearing a long and dark-green overcoat and a pair of black boots. His short hair was black with light-green strands on it. His eyes were also green and glowing with disquieting seriousness. His commanding presence warned Aries to be more careful with his words and actions.


    "Gust¡­" Princess Pieffer began but instantly fell silent when the intimidating man raised his right hand.


    "Let me talk to him."


    Those words made Aries lowered his guard for a bit. The princess was right. He was not possessed.


    Gust stared at Aries for a long time before saying something.


    "I can sense a strong spell inside your body. I will give you a counterspell if you help me with something."


    "Help you with what?"


    Gust did not answer right away. He only gazed at Aries for a long time. It was as if he was searching for something important in those crimson eyes.


    "How can you forget us?" he asked instead of replying.


    "I''m sorry," Aries did not want to overwork his mind. He had just recovered. "I don''t remember a lot of things."


    "Including us," Princess Pieffer added.


    "Never mind," Gust walked over to the window and said, "You have to fight in my arena like your friends here."


    "You sensed the spell inside my body. I cannot fight as excellently as my comrades can until it is removed."


    "Remember us and I might eliminate your curse. If you can''t then just lay down in the arena and die," Gust approached the door and opened it. "I need strong fighters, not weak ones. I just thought that I can count on you," he walked out of the room and slammed the door behind him.


    "I cannot control my memories," Aries sighed. "But I need to remember him," he glanced at the princess and asked, "Do you know him?"


    "All I know is that he should have a twin sibling. This is the only House ruled by two people. But I never saw anyone in this mansion that looks exactly like him. He must be hiding something in his chamber since I can''t penetrate it. I think he put a spell around it. Entering the dungeon from this side is also impossible."


    "Can we ask Master Kiel for help?"


    "Master Kiel respects his guardians. If they want privacy, he will give it to them. He will not intervene unless the dungeon is in danger."


    "I don''t want to mess with any guardian," Aries felt chills ran up his spine when he remembered facing the four guardians. "Maybe I''ll just rack my brain out until I remember something from this House."


    "I don''t think you have that much time," Princess Pieffer said. "The arena opens at daybreak and closes at midnight. That is the reason those three are sleeping so soundly. They had been fighting for five straight days with only a few hours of sleep and little amount of food to eat."


    "Listening to that is already tiring," Aries dropped on his bed. "I''ll get more sleep. Maybe I will dream about something."


    "Rest as much as you can," the princess agreed and returned to her bed.


    "Hey, are you also fighting?"


    "Not as much as these three," she smiled and covered herself with a blanket. "It is because Gust agreed that I should take care of you. Maybe tomorrow, I will be called again in the arena."


    "We should put an end to this as soon as we can," Aries closed his eyes.


    "We should," Princess Pieffer quietly agreed.


    ^###########^


    Aries expected himself to dream but nothing had come to him. He woke up feeling disappointed with his brain.


    "You are finally awake!" Gani hopped on the bed and opened his arms to embrace Aries but the latter slipped away and stood right next to the window.


    "I had been sleeping for a long time. I''m sorry," he sincerely apologized to his comrades. "From this day onwards, I will be fighting in the arena with you."


    "Don''t fall behind," Pines strictly warned. "Some enemies in the arena are surprisingly strong."


    "I won''t," Aries promised and they headed at the courtyard of the mansion that had been transformed into an arena.


    It was only an hour after sunrise but the place was already brimming with people. Aries and his comrades had been ushered to the waiting room near the fighting area. Five more fighters were hanging at that place. One of them approached Aries and reached out a hand for a formal greeting.


    He was taller than Aries by a few inches. He was wearing black clothes that took the shape of his perfectly fit body. His dark brown hair looked like it had been electrocuted. It was messy and all over the place. His dark-green eyes were sharp and nearly inexpressive.


    "It''s been a long time since we worked together," he pulled his hand away since Aries was not willing to exchange handshakes. "Welcome to our team."


    "His name is Jodien Brawl," Princess Pieffer introduced the messy-haired man. "He is the Celestial Knight working for Gust."


    "I''m an easy person to please," his inexpressive eyes suddenly beamed with excitement. "I exist to fight. As long as there is a battle to be fought," he raised his right hand and called his weapon, a longsword with a dark-green blade. "I will not vanish! And I am happy to have found a perfect vessel, unlike Gani."


    "Don''t underestimate my vessel," Gani glared at Jodien. "You''ve seen what this body can do."


    "Fine," Jodien returned to his seat. "You are as lucky as I am."


    "How long have you been working for Gust?" Aries curiously asked.


    "Nearly two decades, I suppose," the longsword in his arm had disappeared and the inexpressive look returned in his eyes. "The princess asked me a lot of questions the last time she was here. All I can say is that Gust came to like fighting as I do. That is why I am supporting him. I don''t know the reason. I''m just glad that he did. It''s been a long time since we enjoyed the same thing. Fighting is in our blood. I believe that one day this will unite us and I think it had already begun."


    Aries glanced at Princess Pieffer. She only smiled and shrugged her shoulders.


    "I''ll look around the arena," he was about to step into the shadows but remembered how his body had greatly weakened when he overused that ability.


    He promised his comrades that he would not drag them down. He should keep his word.


    "Maybe after the fight," he returned to his seat and saved as much energy as he could.


    ^#######^


    "Ladies and Gentlemen," the voice that thundered all over the arena was from Gust. "Our arena is officially open for a new set of challengers!"


    The crowd applauded with excitement and the house leader waited for the cheering to die down before continuing with his speech.


    "As always, there is only one rule in this arena. Win the fight. Whatever method you choose is allowed. Winners will have their wish granted. Even if for only one day. Losers will have to give their body to the corrupted souls or they can also choose death."


    "Most of the losers will choose to be possessed," Jodien said and glanced at Aries. "That is the only way they can continue fighting. That is how much they love to fight. Though they can no longer challenge the fighters in the arena, they can always fight people outside of it. You will love the chaos outside this arena. I will take you there after this fight."


    "Today, we will be having a tag team battle!" Gust announced. "For the first team, it will be Galen Windchaser and Louden Mire."


    Cheers and jeers divided the crowd. It appeared that the first team was unpopular to the people.


    "Galen Windchaser again," Jodien got up on his feet and stretched his arms and legs. "That man is good but I always defeat him."


    "Always?" Aries was confused. "I thought¡­"


    "As soon as he is defeated, he is vanishing out of thin air," Jodien released his longsword once more. "I thought Gust is the only one who can do that. It seemed that ordinary people can also acquire a Knight''s skill. I guess hardworking humans are still blessed by the heavens."


    "They will go against the team of Jodien Brawl and Aries Del Luna!"


    The arena was filled with loud cheers and applause. It seemed that the Celestial Knight was the crowd favorite.


    "Let''s go," Jodien led the way out of the waiting area.


    Of course, I am the first to fight in the arena. The day was starting to become not so favorable to Aries.


    He let out a nervous sigh before following the Celestial Knight.


    ^######^

 Chapter 55 - Arena

    Galen Windchaser had a strange fashion sense. A silver mask was covering his eyes. His long and neatly ponytailed hair was jet-black and had a few light-green strands. He was wearing a white cape, white clothes, and white boots. He was also wielding dual swords with shorter and curved blades.


    Louden Mire, on the other hand, looked like an ordinary citizen. He was wearing baggy clothes. In his right hand, he was holding an average-looking spear. His brown eyes were filled with excitement. It appeared that he and Jodien were both were thirsty for a good fight.


    "Start the fight!" Gust bellowed.


    As the crowd cheered, the house leader had settled comfortably in his elegant seat not far from the platform where the four fighters were standing.


    Jodien was about to attack Galen but Louden intercepted his longsword. For an ordinary-looking citizen, he was fast and his arms were strong. He could astoundingly keep up with a Celestial Knight.


    Galen, on the other hand, dashed towards Aries and waved his curved blades. His footsteps were also swift and his feet were moving smoothly against the ground. Whenever he swung his weapons, Aries sensed a sharp wind shooting from the curved blades.


    Even though the dual swords of his enemy failed to hit, those sharp winds would somehow strike and grazed Aries.


    Pines was right. Challengers in the arena were not to be taken lightly. They were surprisingly good.


    For a few minutes, Aries was only dodging the attacks and was being pushed around until he could finally parry and counterattack. Slowly but surely, he was keeping up with his enemy.


    Jodien and Louden were almost not moving from their spot. They were eagerly anticipating the movements of one another and would relentlessly swing their weapons against each other. Being wounded was nothing to them. It would only make them smile instead of frown.


    "Are you truly Aries Del Luna?"


    Spontaneous questions like that had caught Aries off guard. Galen took that opportunity to swing his dual blades. Aries dodged but the sharp edges of the weapons had shredded the chest part of his overcoat. The masked warrior did not waste a second and slashed his blades once more. Aries jumped backwards but he slipped, stumbled, and dropped flat on his back at the platform.


    Galen knelt over Aries and crossed his curved blades at the neck of the latter.


    "Answer my question," the masked man was almost whispering at Aries but the urgency in his voice was evident. "Are you Aries Del Luna?"


    "I am," Aries was trying to move his hands but the knees of Galen were tightly pinning his wrists down on the ground. It was strange but Aries could feel that there was a pair of invisible hands gripping his arms.


    The curved blades lightly cut the skin of his neck as Galen furiously muttered, "Liar. Aries will easily recognize us."


    "What do you think you are doing?"


    That was the voice of Jodien. He swung his longsword and Galen quickly jumped away from Aries.


    "If you will only lie down on the ground, you should not have moved out of your bed," Jodien was about to attack Galen but Aries stopped him.


    Louden was already knocked unconscious on the ground. He had more bleeding cuts all around his body than Jodien.


    "Thanks for the assistance," Aries said. "But I will be the one to defeat him. Just stay where you are and relax."


    "If you say so," Jodien settled near the unconscious Louden.


    Aries noticed only then the cheers and jeers of the crowd. When Jodien lowered his weapon and sat on the ground, the jeers overwhelmed the cheering crowd. It appeared that they want to see more of Jodien than some unknown fighter.


    Aries ignored the crowd and attacked Galen. He aggressively swung his sword against the masked warrior. Their dual swords clashed at one another with an intensity that sent sparks all over the place. The clanging of their swords thundered all over the arena until the jeers transformed into excited cheerings.


    After a few minutes of relentless attacking, Galen and Aries dashed away from each other to catch their breath. Their exchange of blows had further shredded their clothes and grazed their skin.


    "How can this be?" the masked warrior seemed to have rested enough. He darted forward and slashed his curved blades.


    Aries raised his crimson blades and caught the blades of Galen.


    "How can you wield those blades but forget all about us?" Galen was furious and his hands were trembling with rage.


    "I had an accident," Aries explained as he shoved the curved blades and attacked Galen.


    "What a lame excuse," the masked warrior caught his crimson blades and kicked him in the face.


    Aries leaned backward and evaded the attack. As Galen jumped and swung his other leg for another kick, Aries bent his knees to dodge then hopped away from the masked warrior.


    Annoyed, Aries dashed at Galen and hacked him with his crimson blades.


    "Do you think I want this?" he kept on attacking, forcing the masked warrior to struggle in parrying and evading. "I am confused most of the time," the intensity of his slashes was shoving Galen backwards. "I have to rack my brain and hope that I will remember something, but nothing is coming aside from persistent headache," he swung his crimson blades without any reservation that the curved blades of his opponent had shattered and the masked warrior was thrown a few feet away and rolled over the platform. "I don''t want any of this," he dashed forward and knelt over Galen. "If only I could, I will remember it all," he raised his crimson blades for the final blow.


    Seeing that it was the endgame for him, Galen slipped from underneath Aries, floated in the air, and disappeared.


    Jodien had thrown his longsword but it only hit empty air.


    "He vanishes once again," the Celestial Knight walked out of the platform, leaving Aries and Louden Mire.


    "That''s it?" Aries was confused. "The winner isn''t announced yet."


    "Our team had won," the voice of the house leader thundered in the arena. "Leave the platform. Louden Mire had to accept the consequence of his defeat."


    "I heard that winners will have their wish granted even for a day," Aries reminded the house leader and everyone in the arena had fallen ominously silent.


    Gust stared at Aries for a long while before saying, "It only applies for the challengers. My team is lucky enough to have a roof under their head and food to fill their stomach."


    Aries was furious but he decided to keep it to himself and walked out of the arena in silence.


    "Louden Mire," Gust called out and the unconscious man suddenly jolted awake. "Choose your penalty."


    "I want to be possessed and become stronger than Jodien Brawl," Louden was smiling triumphantly.


    "Possession it is," Gust agreed and two guards near the platform had taken Louden Mire away and dragged him into another room in that arena.


    Aries thought about absorbing the corrupted soul but decided to do it later while the barriers were being reinstated. He should focus on remembering that place and the people in it.


    "Now! For the second fight!" Gust roared and the crowd cheered once more. "Gani Cleaver against Toni Torre!"


    The fight only lasted for a few minutes. Gani tossed his opponent out of the platform with his huge axe and the poor man had been knocked unconscious when his back hit hard against the wall.


    Toni Torre had been awakened by the thundering voice of the house leader and he made the same choice as the previous loser.


    Prince Sunrei fought on the third fight and won the battle within an hour. He walked out of the arena with a cut on his left arm and right leg. The loser had also picked the option to be possessed.


    Princess Pieffer was the last one to fight. It was nearly midnight but the crowd was still as energetic as they were when the arena had opened.


    The princess did not waste any more time on the platform. She observed her opponent for the first five minutes. Upon learning that the middle-aged man she was fighting had no respect for women, be it a child or an elderly, she used her feather-light movements to quickly cut her foe on both knees. The middle-aged man dropped to the ground and writhed in pain. The princess slashed her sword once more to cut both arms of her already incapacitated opponent. She raised her weapon for the killing blow but stopped when the squirming man screamed and surrendered.


    And a shameless man like that would obviously choose to be possessed and violate more women until he dies. Princess Pieffer promised to kill him once she gets out of that mansion.


    "Let me do it," Aries offered. "Don''t waste your energy on people like him."


    "Thanks. But I want to kill him with my sword," Princess Pieffer tapped Aries on the shoulder. "Let''s head back to our room."


    ^#######^


    Aries was terribly disappointed when he saw the amount of food the guards had brought to their room. They stayed in the arena the entire day and all they could eat was a bowl of porridge and a piece of bread that had no taste at all.


    "How can you last for days with this kind of food?" he suddenly lost his appetite and just decided to sleep. Maybe an empty stomach would make him remember things.


    But that was only his wishful thinking. He woke up the next day and never dreamed of anything at all. It only made him even more frustrated and hungry.


    "I know the food is bad but you have to eat," Princess Pieffer had given him the food served last night and the one served as their breakfast.


    "Thanks," Aries forced the food into his mouth and suddenly remembered something that made him a little hopeful.


    "Gani, how did you search the memories of Walter? Can you do that to my mind?"


    "I easily searched his mind because it had no locks. Yours is a different case. I cannot penetrate it," Gani bluntly answered. "Only you can unlock those memories."


    "How can I do that?"


    Gani glared at him as if he should already know the answer.


    "I''m asking here," he glared back at the axe-wielder.


    "Your resolve will release all the memories you are suppressing," Gani simply answered. "If you are not that determined to remember everything then the locks will never be unlocked."


    "How can I see those locks?"


    "Just dive deeper into that place where you are holding the rest of us captive," Gani beamed at him. "I tried to unlock your memories plenty of times just to get something that I can use against you but I fail every time," he grinned even wider as he said, "Good luck to you."


    Aries emptied the bowls of tasteless food and decided to search his mind after they were done in the arena.


    ^########^

 Chapter 56 - Stormbreeze

    Aries was a little surprised when he heard Gust announced who was the first challenger for that day.


    Galen Windchaser.


    The crowd jeered, called him a coward, and mocked him to disappear like the last time but the masked warrior was unaffected and announced to the arena that he wanted Aries Del Luna to face him again.


    Gust accepted that request and Aries were called to the platform.


    "Start the fight!" the house leader bellowed and the arena filled once more with cheers and jeers. Aries ignored the people screaming that they should both leave the platform and give way for Jodien and other fighters.


    "Are you ready to die?" Aries raised both his hands and called his crimson blades.


    "Are you ready to remember?" Galen rushed towards Aries without unsheathing his curved blades. His movements were faster than yesterday.


    When Aries swung his dual swords, the masked warrior evaded both blades and grabbed Aries in both his wrists.


    "I will help you remember," Galen leaned closer and Aries saw the glowing green eyes that were seriously gazing at him. "Come with me."


    Aries felt his feet leaving the ground. The masked warrior lifted him up without exerting much effort and before he could struggle, he had been pulled out of the arena and into a room that was unfamiliar to him.


    Aries and Galen rolled on the carpeted floor as if a strong wind had shoved them in that place. It was only for a fleeting moment but his arms ached with the pressure. His vision blurred with a few flashes of hazy memories and with the dizzying speed of that bizarre trip.


    "Princess, why did you have to tag along?" Galen let go of Aries and lay on the floor with his arms stretched sideward. He was catching his breath. "It would have never been this tiring."


    Aries noticed only then that a hand was tightly gripping his right leg. It was truly Princess Pieffer. She was also lying on the floor with her eyes closed.


    "Why did you kidnap Aries?" she asked back without lifting her eyelids.


    "Princess, I think you can let go," Aries was also too weak to raise his back from the ground.


    "No," the princess tightened her grip on his leg. "What if that man takes you somewhere else?"


    "He is already in my house. Where else can I take him?" the masked man answered, still catching his breath.


    "Why did you take me here?" Aries was trying to sit up, but his body was still shaky.


    "You didn''t remember anything?" the masked man forced himself to sit up and leaned on the nearby bed.


    Aries looked around the room and his brain throbbed more painfully as foggy memories flashed again before his eyes.


    "Where is this place?" he strained himself up and Princess Pieffer quickly came to his side and gave him assistance.


    "I already told you. This is my house. We are near the southern border of the House of Twins," the masked man leaned closer to Aries before asking, "You still can''t remember anything?"


    "Who are you?" Aries squinted. He wanted to see more clearly the green eyes behind the mask.


    Galen sighed with disappointment and removed the mask from his face.


    Princess Pieffer gasped, "You!"


    "Yes," Galen leaned his head on the bed. "I am the house leader''s twin brother. My name is Gale Stormbreeze."


    No one could deny that claim. He looked exactly like Gust Stormbreeze. As Aries gazed longer at those glowing green eyes, those foggy memories were slowly becoming clearer but his mind was getting weaker. He could no longer keep his eyes open.


    "Aries! What''s wrong?" Gale caught him before his face hit the floor and everything was once again swallowed by darkness.


    ^#######^


    People whose bodies were covered in dark smoke chased Aries. Their fuming eyes reflected an intense desire to kill. Aries thought that his resolve to slaughter was unshakable but when he came across those corrupted souls, he had been forced to step back and run away.


    He should not have been reckless and jumped off that high wall. He was only ten years old and thought he could already save the most vulnerable borders of Serestral. When he passed through the crumbling barrier of his hometown, he was loaded with so much confidence but realized later on that he greatly lacked fighting skills.


    He should be the hunter but ended up being hunted. He was expecting the corrupted souls had scattered in that vast desert outside Serestral and he could take them one by one. It never crossed his mind that they already built villages and could fight him in groups. Their coordination had taken him by surprise and even the sandstorm seemed to be helping them out.


    He had been running for hours and the walls of Serestral were still nowhere to be seen. The sandstorm was making it more difficult for him. His legs were getting tired, but he could not stop or even slow down. The corrupted souls, with and without vessels, were right behind him and some were throwing sharp projectiles at him. Fortunately for Aries, even though he was greatly lacking in fighting skills, his ability to dodge was remarkable. And that was where the sandstorm had been useful to him. But he had to find the walls and climbed back to Serestral before his knees gave in.


    After what seemed to be an eternity of running, Aries finally stepped into an area where the sandstorm was not blinding his vision. After another few hours of running, he had seen the walls of Serestral. He glanced behind him and saw that the corrupted souls were no longer chasing him.


    He quickly climbed back to Serestral and landed on a lush forest. The shades of the trees had given him comfort from the scorching sun. Entering that vast dessert was like stepping into Hell. He leaned his hand on a tree while catching his breath. He realized only then how exhausted his body had become. His knees were terribly shaking and, after a minute or two, could no longer carry his weight. He slumped on the grass-covered ground and he had to rest his back on the tree to prevent his body from collapsing completely on the ground.


    He closed his eyes to get a few minutes of rest but the sound of flowing water suddenly made him feel so thirsty. He had to drink. Judging by the sound, it was not far from his location. He tried to get up but could not. There was no better choice for him but to crawl towards the water.


    Usually, after resting for a few minutes, his body would already recover. He was still young. He should be swiftly recuperating. But after that trip outside Serestral, he was extremely tired, and instead of getting better, he felt his body worsening. He could barely pull himself along the ground. But at least he could feel the sound of the flowing water getting nearer. Though at a snail''s pace, he was making progress. He would eventually get there if his consciousness hold out for a few more minutes.


    He kept telling himself to stay awake. He still had to save Serestral. Dying was not an option for him. Water might make him feel a little better. He had to get there. But his vision was getting blurry, his body was becoming numb.


    He repeatedly chanted to himself that he could not die, but it seemed that death was too eager to take his life. Darkness had swallowed him and he could no longer feel anything. The only sense left to him was hearing. The sound of flowing water was so near yet he failed to reach it. Then there were voices of children screaming. He only heard it at that moment.


    "Gale!!! Forget the fruits! The fish will get away!!!"


    "Gust!!! There is a child in here! I think he is dying! What should we do?"


    "What?" Aries heard water splashing then there were footsteps approaching his direction. "He needs to be treated. Let''s take him to our hideout!"


    Aries had heard a strong wind blowing before everything around him had fallen silent.


    ^########^


    "Why is he not waking up?"


    "Just wait. It''s only been a day. Can''t you see how much his body had improved? The color of his skin and his breathing returned to normal. His body is no longer stiff. That book helped us a lot. Don''t worry. He will be fine."


    Aries had been awakened by the voices of two children talking. Those were the same voices he heard before completely losing his consciousness.


    He slowly opened his heavy eyelids and saw that he was inside a hut. He was lying on a bed that was good enough for two people. From his location, he could already see the entirety of that tiny house. There was only a tiny kitchen, a small spot for a dining table, and a sleeping area.


    The two children were sitting around the dining table and too absorbed in talking to one another that they only noticed Aries regaining consciousness when he sat up and tried to move out of the bed.


    They rushed to the bed and stopped him from moving.


    "Stay still. You cannot fully recover if you keep moving around. Don''t worry. This is a safe place. You can rest here for as long as you like."


    "My twin brother is telling the truth. No one will bother you in this place aside from the two of us."


    Aries noticed only then that he was looking at two children with exactly the same face and body built. They had the same jade green eyes. Their black hair had a few lime green strands on it. Both were long and messily ponytailed. The only difference Aries could notice at that moment was the color of their baggy clothes. One was dressed in blue while the other wore brown clothes.


    "Hi, I''m Gale," the one in blue shirt introduced himself then pointed at the one in brown clothes, "This is my twin brother, Gust."


    "Gust¡­" Aries repeated the name and searched his brain. The name was familiar to him. He had heard it somewhere. "Ah!" he finally remembered. "Gust Stormbreeze?"


    "And you are Aries Del Luna," the child in brown clothes beamed at him. "So, you do know who we are. Is that why we found you at that state?" Curiosity and worry were mixing in his eyes when he asked Aries, "Did you fight corrupted souls?"


    "Three years," Aries answered after a few seconds of silence. "That is how long I am fighting those wicked souls."


    ^#########^

 Chapter 57 - Brothers

    "I suddenly feel bad," Gust sat on the bed and stared at Aries with guilt. "I should be helping you but I ran away with my twin brother."


    "It''s okay," Aries was not comfortable having a long conversation with anyone, even with the people fated to become a Zodiac Knight like him. "You already saved me earlier. That''s enough. I need to leave."


    Gust quickly grabbed his hand and seriously told him, "Don''t move around."


    Immediately after hearing those words, Aries had become paralyzed from his shoulder down to his feet.


    "What did you do?" Aries glared at Gust.


    "You are not fully healed. You need to rest," he strictly answered.


    "Please, Aries. Just listen to my brother," Gale had begged. "You can leave after having three to five days of rest."


    "Okay. I will rest. Just leave me alone," Aries closed his eyes.


    "Lie down on the bed," Gust said and Aries realized that the twins had different voices. Gust had a firm tone while Gale had a gentle pitch.


    Aries also noticed that his body was no longer paralyzed. He quickly opened his eyes, jumped off the bed, and dashed towards the door.


    "You!" Gust bellowed behind him and Aries heard it again. A strong wind had blown.


    Without slowing down, Aries glanced at his rear. He was surprised when he saw Gust only a few inches away from him. The latter grabbed the former by his arms.


    "I said take a rest!" Gust yelled impatiently and as he leaned backward, a whirling mass of air had formed right behind him. It pulled him towards the bed, and he dragged Aries along with him.


    The force and speed of that momentary pull made Aries a little dizzy but he ignored it with a shake of his head. He could not waste any more time in that place. He yanked his hands away from the grip of Gust and made another run towards the door.


    Then it happened again. This time it was Gale who had dragged him back to the bed using that wind vortex.


    Aries repeatedly attempted to exit the door. It was only a few meters away from him but he could not even touch the handle. Gust and Gale kept dragging him back to the bed. That foolish cycle started when the sun was still up and ended at sundown. The three of them could no longer lift their body out of the bed.


    "Aries, I beg you. Listen to us. We only want you to get better. We will not bring you any harm," Gale, like Aries and Gust, was catching his breath.


    Aries was too exhausted to argue. He could not do anything but lie down on the bed and his rumbling stomach gave him further shame.


    "Gale, you have to help me prepare dinner," Gust slowly sat up. Even though he was also breathing unevenly, he still looked better than his twin and Aries.


    "Okay," Gale wearily obeyed.


    "You stay there and rest, please," Gust seriously demanded before leaving the house.


    Aries felt bad. He wanted to leave that place and avoid becoming a nuisance but in the end, he turned into one. He was failing a lot lately. It was annoying. He closed his eyes and finally listened to the twins. He gathered as much rest as he needed.


    ^#######^


    Aries was awakened by the tasty aroma of grilled fish. He also felt much better. He sat up and saw that the house was empty. The delicious smell was coming from outside the door. He moved out of the bed and carefully pulled the door open. It was a little dark outside. The moon and stars were shining brightly and there was a bonfire near the river. There was enough source of light for Gust and Gale. They were grilling a few fishes in a stick. And more smoking pots were near the crackling fire.


    "Why are you just standing there?" Gust glanced over the door. "Sit here and eat."


    Aries joined the twins and his stomach growled hungrily from the mouth-watering aroma.


    "Here," Gale gave him a stick of medium-sized fish, a bowl of rice, another bowl of neatly cut fruits, and a glass of water. "Enjoy your dinner. We caught a lot of fish. Just take whatever you can eat."


    "Thank you," Aries told himself that he would only take a few bites then he would be leaving but the taste of the fish only made him hungrier and ended up consuming another fish on a stick, two more bowls of rice, and three glasses of water.


    "Thank you," he said once more as his stomach bulged with satisfaction.


    The twins had also eaten a lot and the three of them lay down on the grass-covered ground. They were quietly gazing at the starlit sky.


    "Aries, I know I don''t have any right to tell you what to do," Gust had broken their silence. "Though what you are doing is important, you should not forget to give yourself some time to enjoy. You are still young. You should play a lot and worry less."


    "Like what you two are doing here?" Aries never spent time with any stranger. He would eat and sleep at an inn but would avoid conversation with anyone.


    That was the first time he allowed himself to have a chat with other people.


    "Yes," Gust shamelessly answered. "Like what Gale and I are doing. We are enjoying our childhood."


    "How can you enjoy when you know that the threat is only outside the barriers of Serestral?"


    "I only care about myself and my twin brother. Nothing else matters," Gust bluntly answered.


    "Why did you help me? I might bring danger to this place."


    "As you said, time will come when we can no longer avoid danger," Gust rolled to his side and stared at Aries. "If things worsened, I can easily take my twin brother away from this place. I helped you not just because you are dying. There is another reason to it," he grinned mischievously before revealing, "I am learning magic spells and potion-making. I cannot try it on my brother. There are also no animals that needed saving. Right at that moment, we have met you. The timing is perfect. I already tried some on you and it is effective."


    Instead of getting angry, Aries found himself smiling.


    "He could have killed you," Gale finally said something. "But my twin brother is just too confident that he can save you."


    "It is something that I can be proud of," Gust grinned wider. "I just saved someone that can probably save the entire Serestral, if the rumor about you is true."


    "I want to make it true, but I guess I will die before I can save Serestral," Aries sighed and shook his head. "For how long are you practicing magic spells and potion making?"


    "Longer than your battles with the corrupted souls," Gust proudly answered. "I am doing it for five years."


    "How about you, Gale?"


    "Learning magic is only for my twin brother," he answered with a smile. "Guardian Aika only has one room for a disciple and that is Gust."


    "I told you that I can teach you everything that I learned from her," Gust stared at his twin brother with annoyance.


    "I''m already satisfied with wind vortex traveling," Gale happily smiled. "I think Guardian Aika had sensed that I don''t want to learn magic as much as you do. Don''t worry, my dear brother. I''m not jealous. I''m happy that your skills can save a person. If we can, we should help Aries. The safety of Serestral is the safety of our little home."


    "How can you help if you will not learn magic?" Gust sat up and raised an eyebrow at Gale.


    "Aries can teach me," he simply answered.


    "Teach you what?" Aries was surprised.


    "Aren''t you a sword wielder? I want to learn it," Gale crawled towards Aries and leaned his head closer as he begged, "Be my master. Please?"


    "How can I be your master?" Aries bolted upright. "We are of the same age. And if you learn things from me, you might end up a loser."


    Gust gave Aries a hard tap on the back and whispered to him, "You cannot win if you are not confident."


    "Believe me, confidence will not help you win a battle," Aries remembered what happened when he recklessly jumped out of Serestral.


    "Of course, confidence alone is not enough," Gust agreed. "But believe me, it helps. It''s normal to lose. That is how you learn to improve whatever skills you have at the moment or even want to acquire new abilities. No matter how many times you fall down, just get up stronger. But, of course, it will be hard for you to continue striving if you will lose your confidence."


    "How can you know such things?" Aries glared.


    Gust laughed and answered, "Of course, I learned it from Master Aika. I am still learning a lot from her. I told you, I''ve been doing this for five years. I have more failures than triumphs but at least I can see myself progressing. I''m sure it is the same with you. Share your knowledge with others. Maybe you and Gale can learn together."


    "Who is your master?" Gale curiously inquired and leaned closer to hear the answer.


    Aries was uncomfortable with such close distance that he leaned away before answering, "I don''t have a master."


    "You don''t?" Gale gazed at Aries with suspicion. "Where did you learn to wield a sword?"


    "I learned it from someone that always wears a cloak, a hood, and a mask. He doesn''t want me to call him master or anything at all. He doesn''t even want to talk to me unless it is about swords. But he did save me from dying uselessly. That is enough for me."


    "That''s sad," Gale lay down again on the ground. "If you don''t want to be my master then that will be fine with me. But you have to teach me how to wield a sword. Let''s be sparring partners."


    Aries cleared his throat before saying, "If you insist."


    ^#########^


    The plan to stay at that place for three days had been extended for a few more days until Aries realized he had been there for three months.


    Aries could not remember his family or if he ever had one but Gale and Gust were easy to get along with. For a short time, they were like brothers to him and he could feel that the twins also felt the same way about him.


    They were together most of the time. Aries and Gale would practice swordsmanship for nearly an entire day while Gust would focus on his spell casting and potion-making. They would prepare their meals together. It was mostly fish and fruits. If Gust would be successful in magically growing rice, they would be having rice to go along with the fish.


    Gust would sometimes make potions and Aries would be his test subject. If it fails, he would be having a stomach ache for a day. If it succeeds, the three of them would be having an energy boost for an hour or so.


    "I''m just curious," Aries said in one of their dinners, "Where are your parents?"


    Gale was nervous while Gust looked furious.


    "Let''s not talk about them," Gust said and put more fish in the bowl of Aries. "If you want to talk about family, you can share your story with us."


    "Well, I don''t have one," Aries simply told them as he emptied his bowl of rice and fish. "I should not have asked. I''m sorry."


    ^#######^

 Chapter 58 - Grilled Fish

    "You don''t have one?" Gust was curiously staring.


    "Let''s not talk about it," Aries suddenly felt uncomfortable. He should not have started that topic.


    "Gale and I have a family. A big one," Gust shared with a sigh. He looked away from Aries and stared at the crackling bonfire. "Our bloodline will surely give birth to twins. I thought big families with plenty of twins would bring everyone great happiness. I was wrong. That''s why Gale and I left. We want to stay happy."


    "We became happier when we found another brother," Gale beamed at Aries. "Families don''t have to be related by blood. The important thing is that they care about the happiness of each other."


    "If you don''t have a family before, you have one now," Gust added with a proud grin.


    "I know," Aries got up on his feet and looked away from the twins. He was uncomfortable being stared at while his face flushed with joy. "I''ll just take a walk."


    "Be careful. It''s already dark. You can lose your way," Gust was always so strict, like an older brother.


    "I''ll be back soon," Aries promised.


    ^########^


    Aries would have returned after a few minutes of stretching his legs but a hovering tiny ball of light had caught his attention. That was the first time he had seen something like it in that forest and he could not stop the cautious side of his brain to check it out. Something so unusual could bring harm to the three of them.


    He quietly closed in on that tiny light and saw a girl that was probably a few years younger than him. She had blue hair that was falling elegantly down to her waist. Her eyes were also blue in color and sparkling like sapphire. She was wearing a black and furry overcoat. She was magically creating tiny balls of light with her gloved hands then she was gently blowing them away, making them scatter all around her.


    It would have been an astounding sight if Aries did not notice that the blue-eyed girl was covered with faint black smoke.


    That was the first time Aries had seen someone so young getting possessed. If not for the black smoke around her body, the girl looked so innocently happy.


    He approached the girl as quietly as he could but the ground was not cooperating with him. He stepped on a twig and the slightest sound it made had alerted the girl.


    The balls of light instantly vanished and she looked straight in the direction of Aries. For a few seconds, they just stared at each other with shock. And in the next few seconds, the girl took a few careful steps backward until the shadows of the trees and leaves had covered her.


    Aries ran but when he reached the place where she should be standing, he had seen nothing. He looked around and searched further into the forest but he did not see any trace of the blue-eyed girl.


    He would have continued his search for another hour or two if Gust and Gale did not find him.


    "You said you will return soon," Gust strictly reminded Aries.


    "Are you planning to run away from us?" Gale was frowning. "You cannot just run away from us! You should¡­ at least say goodbye!"


    "I will not run away," Aries reassured the twins. "I just saw something that needs to be investigated."


    "So¡­ will you leave us?" Gale furrowed his brows.


    "Not anytime soon. I need to make sure that this place is safe for you and Gust. And if I ever leave, I promise to return. You are the only family I have and this is the only place I want to call home."


    "Then let''s go home," Gale smiled with relief and put an arm around both shoulders of Aries.


    Gust joined them and they walked back to their home with arms linked with one another.


    ^#######^


    That was the last piece of memory Aries had remembered. The next time he regained consciousness, he heard people talking and those were no longer voices of children. Gale and Princess Pieffer were having a hushed conversation. But Gale was starting to panic and his tone was getting louder.


    "It''s been an entire day. Why is he not waking up? The first time I met him, he only slept for hours and his situation at that time looks way worse than today," Gale moved out of the bed and started to pace back and forth. "I think I need to get Gust."


    "Just wait. Aries will wake up," Princess Pieffer was trying to calm him down.


    "Are you sure?" Gale could not be easily comforted.


    "I''m sure."


    It was a good thing that the princess was cool, calm, and collected most of the time. That attitude of hers was usually contagious.


    "I should not have done this," Gale slumped on the bed and it seemed that he was starting to calm down. "I thought he is only pretending, like my twin brother. I should have believed that Aries will never lie to me. Are you really sure he will wake up soon?"


    "Gale, you are overreacting. I''m already awake," Aries opened his eyes and stifled a grin.


    Princess Pieffer glanced at him and smiled with relief.


    "Aries, I''m sorry," Gale was extremely guilty. "I doubted you."


    "It is my fault for forgetting a lot of things," he sat up.


    "You don''t have to force yourself to remember," Gale quickly helped Aries. "I will tell you everything that you need to know."


    "I need to eat," Aries could no longer avoid smiling. "I missed the grilled fish."


    Gale was stupefied and he stuttered when he asked, "G-grilled¡­ f-fish?"


    "Do you want help in catching fish? Princess Pieffer and I can lend a hand. You can also tell us over dinner what happened between you and Gust."


    "Aries¡­" Gale cried.


    "What?"


    "ARIES!!! MY BROTHER!!!" Gale tightly wrapped his arms around Aries and cried harder. "You remembered us! Thank you!"


    Aries blushed not because of Gale but because of his stomach that growled with hunger.


    Princess Pieffer stifled a laugh.


    Gale let go of Aries and wiped the tears in his eyes as he said, "If you can move around, you and Princess Pieffer should catch fish. I will make a bonfire and prepare everything we will need for dinner."


    Fortunately for them, the sun was still burning brightly when they walked out of the house. Gale had given Aries two fishing rods and a box of baits but the latter had set it aside for a moment. Aries wanted to show Princess Pieffer how to catch fish using his bare hands. It had been a long time since he did that. For most of his life, he had been stiff and formal. He was glad to finally remember that once in his life, he enjoyed being a child.


    And he was grateful that Princess Pieffer was also enjoying the moment. She was so good at following instructions that she caught her first fish after practicing for only a few minutes.


    Gale joined them at the shallow river after creating a bonfire and arranging all the things that they will need for dinner.


    After three hours, they were already enjoying a simple and nourishing meal.


    "Tell me what happened here," Aries finally said after emptying his third bowl of rice and third stick of fish. "I remembered that Gust doesn''t want to become a house leader. Why is he in there and working with a Celestial Knight?"


    "I don''t know," Gale sighed with disappointment. "Out of the blue, he accepted the house leader position."


    "Since when?"


    "Ten years ago," tears brimmed in the eyes of Gale. "It''s been a long time, Aries. And I always wish that we can go back to how we were. Just like this¡­ enjoying dinner together¡­"


    "You didn''t notice anything from Gust back then? Was he pressured?"


    "Pressure is nothing new to him," Gale nibbled the grilled fish with annoyance. "Our family kept on asking him the same question since he was three years old. That was the reason Gust preferred staying in the dungeon rather than his room. That is the only place in our mansion where he could have privacy. When my twin brother learned a few tricks from Guardian Aika, we moved out of the house. He said he will only return there to lock himself in the dungeon and learn more tricks. He had been doing that for years and I didn''t notice anything strange from him. Even when our family became more persistent, I never saw him wavering. But then¡­ he suddenly accepted that hateful position¡­"


    "What happened to the previous house leader?" Aries curiously asked.


    "We were told that he died from an incurable illness. But I doubt it," Gale frowned and his hands trembled as he clenched them. Rage was obvious in his eyes as he spatted the words, "Father probably killed his twin brother."


    ^#######^

 Chapter 59 - Crimson Against Jade

    "Your father did what?" Aries could not believe that Gale would casually say things like that about his father.


    "Gust and I never talked about our family," Gale sighed with dismay. "How can we tell other people that there is more hate than love in our family? Twins turning against each other is a normal thing. It frightened us. Adding to our fear is the truth that Gust is fated to be a Zodiac Knight and a house leader. Father is forcing Gust to become a ruthless house leader. That was the reason Gust begged Guardian Aika to help him become better than the rest of their family. My twin brother did not leave the dungeon until the guardian agreed, even if he was about to die, Gust stayed in that place. He said back then that it is better for him to die rather than kill his twin brother in the future. After learning some skills, he had taken me out of our mansion. We found this place and treated this as our home. We promised that no more twins will grow up like us, that we will stop the killings. But Gale suddenly accepted that hateful position."


    "Why did he open up an arena? Is it a regular thing here in the House of Twins?" Aries inquired.


    "The arena¡­" a bitter smile curved on the lips of Gale. "I kind of liked it at first. Gust commanded that all our family affairs should be settled in the arena. It is better than backstabbing each other."


    "But the punishment¡­" Princess Pieffer began to argue but decided to keep her silence. "I''m sorry¡­"


    "Don''t be," Gale said with a shake of his head. "I was surprised that Gust would do something like that. But we already told you, Aries. We don''t care about anything else but ourselves. And my family already felt like they had been corrupted long ago. Nothing will change even if they get possessed. Gust eliminated most of our family members using the arena. He spared the young ones but he had given them under the care of Guardian Aika. He told her that if they show signs of wickedness, she must report to him and he will bring them to the arena to fight."


    "How can you still talk to Guardian Aika?" Aries wondered.


    "She was visiting this place once in a while to report to me," Gale smiled bitterly. "I hope Gust will do the same but he never set foot in this place since he became the house leader."


    "We should stop Gust," Aries tightened his grip on the bowl he was holding.


    "I am trying ever since but I cannot win in the arena," Gale sighed with disappointment. "I want to be the victor and ask him to grant my wish."


    "I will defeat his army," Aries said with determination. "We will save him, Gale."


    "Let''s save him," Gale nodded with tears in his eyes.


    A strong wind had blown not far from where they were eating. They quickly got up on their feet and glanced warily at the wind vortex that formed near their location.


    Gust gracefully shot out of it and landed with a commanding aura in front of Aries, Princess Pieffer, and Gale.


    "Who needs saving?" his green eyes were confusingly impassive.


    "You," Aries answered as coldly as Gust. He was annoyed at how he suddenly changed and continued with the destruction of his own House. But his sins could not change the fact that Gust was his brother and he would save his only family at all cost. "I will bring you back to our senses."


    A mocking smile curved on the lips of Gust as he told Aries, "Are you strong enough to do that? You and Gale had never won against me."


    In the memories that Aries remembered, those words were true. But that was a long time ago. Things had changed. If Gust became a ruthless house leader, he had turned into a merciless assassin. He called his crimson blades and attacked.


    Gust summoned a wind vortex to dodge and used the same technique to attack Aries from behind. He was also using dual swords with jade green blades. The latter managed to get away with a grazed overcoat.


    "Save me, huh?" Gust disappeared again with the wind vortex and reappeared in front of Aries. He relentlessly swung his blades.


    Metal clashed against metal as Aries deflected each slash. Gust had greatly improved and he was not yet using his spellcasting ability.


    The Twin House Leader continued with his aggressive hacking and Aries was compelled to take backward steps. He retreated to where more trees were standing. He needed all the shadows in the forest.


    "You promised," Gust slashed his blades with eyes glinting with fury.


    Aries felt the intensity of that rage as his crimson swords caught the jade green blades and the sharp winds that came with the blow. His sleeves had been shredded and so was the skin underneath. He quickly moved away, but Gust chased him using the wind vortex.


    "You didn''t return," Gust sliced his jade-green blades with the same intense fury and Aries managed to hop away before the sharp wind hit him again. But as soon as his feet touched the ground, Gust was already a few inches in front of him and with a slash of his jade-green swords, Aries was forced to dash backward until his back hit a tree.


    Gust pierced the tree and crossed his blades an inch away from the neck of Aries.


    "You are a liar," his voice was low but it was fuming with rage. "You cannot change anything now. You came back too late."


    "It will only be too late if you are dead," Aries stepped into the shade of the tree and it felt like he had been swallowed by the trunk where he was leaning. "You are still alive and there was still hope."


    He walked out of the shadow and swayed. He had forgotten about the curse inflicted on him. He had to end that fight before the curse drained him once more. Fortunately for him, Gust was still facing the tree and did not notice his struggle in steadying his knees.


    "You learned a few tricks," Gust used the wind vortex to close in on Aries.


    In the next second, their dual blades were once again clashing intensely against each other.


    Gust swung his blades. Aries bent his knees to dodge then dashed for a counter but his crimson blades were caught by the jade green swords and had been shoved to give Gust a space for swift assaults.


    Aries caught one of the jade green swords and sidestepped to avoid the other one. He quickly turned around and successfully landed a kick in the face of his opponent.


    The intensity of the kick had thrown Gust a few feet away. His back would have hit a tree if he did not use the wind vortex. He reappeared in front of Aries and relentlessly waved his jade-green blades until he grazed the latter on the cheek.


    Aries had to escape through the shades once again and prevent his face from being shredded. When he stepped away from the darkness, Gust was nowhere to be seen. Then out of the blue, he heard the wind vortex reappearing from behind him. He quickly turned and saw the jade-green blades swinging in his direction. He parried both blades but his knees buckled and he stumbled on the ground.


    Gust hopped a few feet backward and took a quick three hundred sixty degrees turn with one leg raised. His kick had hit empty space but it was the blast of air that formed in his stunt that hit Aries and sent him flying in mid-air.


    Before he could hit a tree, he heard the wind vortex and Gust appeared in the direction where he soaring out of control. He violently swung his jade-green blades to form a pair of sharp air currents. It painfully hit Aries and hurled him in the opposite direction until he finally hit a tree. As his beaten body slumped on the ground, Gust reappeared in front of him and stabbed his right leg with one of the jade green swords.


    Aries winced as pain shot from his stab wound and scattered all throughout his body.


    "I told you, it is already too late," Gust left one of his blades pierced at the leg of Aries. He leaned away and raised his other blade. "Let''s end this now."


    "Gust, no!!!"


    Gale appeared between Gust and Aries through a wind vortex. His curved swords caught the jade green blade of his twin brother. But both had been shattered by the intensity of the plummeting blade.


    Aries grabbed Gale by his collar and grabbed him towards the shadow but his right leg was stuck in the ground because of the jade green blade. The next thing that came to his mind was to shove Gale away from the plummeting blade which he, fortunately, did in the nick of time, but he failed to save his left abdomen from getting stabbed.


    Gust was momentarily petrified.


    "Aries!!!" Gale yelled and dashed towards his twin brother but Gust had quickly recovered his senses and escaped through the wind vortex.


    He had left his jade-green blades but it eventually vanished a few seconds after his flight and left Aries bleeding on the ground.


    "Aries, I''m sorry¡­" Gale ripped his overcoat to cover the bleeding wounds.


    "Princess Pieffer can heal me," Aries took the ripped overcoat over his wounds. "Just take me to her."


    Gale nodded, carried Aries in his arms, and used the wind vortex to easily take him back to the bed inside the hut.


    The princess was patiently waiting at the dining table and the moment he had seen Aries bleeding, she had quickly approached him.


    "What happened?" she asked while her magical hands began healing Aries.


    "Gust¡­ he did that¡­" Gale was still crying but the rage was slowly showing in his tearful eyes. "I will make him pay for hurting you!"


    Aries feebly grabbed Gale by his arm and told him, "Stay here¡­ and wait¡­ please¡­ I don''t want you¡­ to kill each other¡­"


    He could sense his energy quickly fading away and he noticed that the princess had also started shedding tears.


    Despite his weakening body, he held the hands that were trying to heal him and whispered, "I¡­ will be fine¡­ I just¡­ need to sleep¡­"


    He closed his eyes and his consciousness had swiftly drifted away.


    ^########^

 Chapter 60 - Spellcaster

    One moment Aries was unconscious and the next second, he was already wide awake. And it seemed that his soul had once again inhabited a different vessel, Gale perhaps, because he was looking at his unconscious body and he could hear the princess talking in front of him.


    "I cannot completely mend his wounds," Princess Pieffer was starting to panic and Aries could sense that Gale was feeling the same way.


    They might do something reckless. Aries had to stop them. For that to happen, Gale must realize that his body was being invaded. Aries tried to speak but no voice was coming out from him. He should have asked Gani how to communicate with the owners of the vessels he had possessed.


    That time, when he allowed Gani to take control of his body, he could speak his thoughts out loud without any problem. That must be because he was the owner of the vessel. He also did it while they were at the House of Scale, when Prince Sunrei had to win the Battle to the Death. They had an agreement at that time and the prince was alerted that another soul had occupied his body.


    "Aries told me that you can mend his wounds. Why can''t you heal him now?" Gale was getting more apprehensive and impatient.


    "It must be because of the curse," Princess Pieffer sighed then glanced at Gale.


    Fortunately for Aries, the eyes of the princess were not as keen as the eyes of the Beast Tamer.


    "Stay here and guard Aries. I will ask Master Kiel if¡­" her eyes sparkled with hope and she suddenly grabbed the hands of Gale.


    Aries felt chills ran up his spine even though he was not the owner of that body.


    "Guardian Aika! You know her, right? Can you convince her to lift the curse inflicted on Aries?"


    "I don''t know," Gale pulled his hands away and stared at the bleeding wounds in the body Aries. "She only favors my twin brother," he closed his eyes, sighed, and then looked back at the princess with determination. "I will try. You stay here and guard Aries."


    As soon as the princess nodded, Gale instantly summoned a wind vortex and let his body get sucked by it.


    ^########^


    Aries was grateful that he was inside the body of Gale. Traveling through a wind vortex did not make him dizzy.


    Gale landed in front of the dungeon door but before he could place his palm over it, someone from behind him had spoken.


    "Though you had been given permission, you cannot open that door whenever you want."


    Gale turned to face the lady who had spoken.


    Her glowing lavender eyes were as strict as her voice. She was wearing a dark violet cloak that was taking the shape of her tall and perfectly fit body. A black pointed hat was covering her long and wavy grey hair. Her arms were crossed over her chest while holding a thick leather-bound book.


    "Guardian Aika, my friend needs your help," Gale quickly told the strict lady.


    "A lot of people need my help," Guardian Aika replied with a shrug of her shoulders. "And you already know that I don''t have any plan to help any of them."


    "I know¡­ but it is Aries Del Luna¡­"


    "Ooohhh¡­ Aries Del Luna," Guardian Aika smiled and stared closely at the eyes of Gale.


    Aries suddenly felt nervous. Her gaze reminded him of the time he accidentally invaded the body of Princess Pieffer and he could not help but wonder if she was as sensitive as Master Kiel.


    Can she see me?


    "A wandering spirit," she said while staring intently at Gale, and probably at Aries. "His body appears to be in a terrible condition."


    "Yes, he had been cursed!" Gale exclaimed. "You are the only one who can help him. Please, Guardian Aika, help Aries."


    She leaned away from Gale, rested her back on the stone wall, and asked Gale, "Now you see how important it is to become my disciple?"


    "I was interested but¡­ wielding a sword seemed more simple and interesting¡­" Gale looked down on the floor, ashamed of himself.


    "Gust can also wield a sword," a proud smile curved on the lips of Guardian Aika. "You can see how strong he had become."


    "It also made him a mad man," Gale looked up and glared at the spell caster. "And you did not stop him!"


    "I can only teach him what I know," a sad smile curved on the lips of the guardian. "What he will do with all those knowledge is out of my control."


    "I know," Gale sighed with frustration. "But Gust is the least of my problem at this moment. Aries needs immediate help. Please, Guardian Aika, help him. Aries¡­"


    "He will die if the curse is not lifted," the guardian finished for Gale. "And Serestral will probably be doomed. But who knows, maybe the people or even the king will realize that they should not put their hope on a single person. And the dungeon will survive even if your kingdom is destroyed."


    "Guardian Aika!" Gale was losing his patience. "Help me out this one time, please¡­"


    "I will lift your dearest friend''s curse¡­" the spell caster wickedly smiled as she finished her sentence, "¡­ if you defeat your twin brother in the arena."


    "No!" Gale yelled and winced at the same time as pain shot within his brain.


    For a moment, Aries had taken control.


    "Such a strong soul," Guardian Aika was looking through the eyes of Gale and into Aries. "It is a pity that your body cannot hold out for long. You have to step into the arena and win against everyone. That is the only way you can force Gust to fight. Defeating my disciple is the only way to persuade me."


    "Guardian Aika, what are you saying?" Gale was utterly confused. "Is there something wrong with my body?"


    "If you want to save your dearest friend, you should start fighting," Guardian Aika tapped the door to the dungeon. "Judging by what I saw, his body can only hold out for no more than five hours."


    "No¡­" Gale muttered and recklessly used the wind vortex to enter the arena.


    ^#######^


    Gale gracefully landed on the platform where Jodien had just knocked down a challenger. Gust was back in his seat and his composure had also returned.


    "I am here to challenge Gust Stormbreeze!" Gale fearlessly announced in the arena.


    Aries wanted to stop Gale but he could not re-establish the connection he had made earlier. He was back to being an observer.


    Accidentally drifting into another body was way too different than making a connection beforehand, like what he and Prince Sunrei did prior to the day of the Battle to the Death. Prince Sunrei was aware of his presence and asking permission to take control had been easy.


    Gale, on the other hand, was oblivious that another soul had invaded his body hence it was difficult for Aries to initiate a link.


    But Aries had to do it. He had to take control.


    "Jodien is already enough to defeat you," Gust coldly stated.


    "If I defeat him, you will have to fight me," Gale insisted.


    "Fine," Gust simply agreed. He was confident that Gale would never win against Jodien.


    Aries was thinking the same thing but if they work hand in hand, they could have a chance. The only problem, but probably the biggest for Aries, was to make Gale realize that he had a reliable ally within his body.


    Because his curved blades had been shattered earlier that day, Gale had to grab any weapon left by the previous challengers on the platform. Fortunately for him, there were daggers scattered in there.


    "Start the fight!" Gust bellowed and as the cheers and jeers roared all over the arena, Jodien attacked.


    His movements were quick and precise. Gale had to constantly use the wind vortex to easily dodge and move around the platform.


    "You cannot win if you will keep on dodging," Jodien grinned with excitement.


    "I know," Gale deflected the longsword and countered as swiftly and intensely as he could.


    Jodien, as calm as he ever was in the arena, avoided the attack with his quick sidesteps and was able to swing his long blade and shatter the knives Gale was holding. He waved his blade one more time to land a fatal blow.


    Gale managed to evade the attack aimed at his chest using the wind vortex. He had gotten away with a ripped overcoat and picked up another weapon. His hands grabbed a spear. Because it was a weapon that he rarely used, it had been torn in half within a few minutes and his chest had been grazed. He still managed to get away and grab another useless weapon.


    Gale was struggling. Though he could easily move around the platform and seize plenty of weapons, Jodien would shatter anything without difficulty. An average weapon was no match for the extraordinary blade a Celestial Knight was wielding.


    Gale was holding the last weapon that had been dropped on the platform. It was a short sword that was nearly similar to his curved blades, but without a partner, it felt incomplete and strange to wield. He tried his best to protect that weapon from getting shattered. It was his last hope.


    Two hours had already passed. Gale was getting tired while Jodien looked like he can still fight until the following day.


    Aries only had three hours left to survive. Gale was commendable for holding out that long. His desperation was his fuel. He terribly wanted to save Aries.


    For that, Aries was grateful but he had to take over and defeat Jodien as quickly as he could. He awfully wanted to but his drive was still not enough to connect with Gale. He was getting frustrated.


    Gale was carefully moving. He would dodge, counter, and quickly move away from his opponent. But it was not doing him any good. He was just wasting time. But if he recklessly attacks, Jodien would only break his weapon and that would be the endgame for him and Aries. But the same thing will happen if he fails to make any progress. He could not continue living after letting his brother die.


    He had to take a risk.


    No, Gale! Don''t do it! Aries wanted to yell out loud but he could only talk to his own mind.


    Gale took a few deep breaths. He tightened his grip on the shortsword and dashed towards Jodien.


    "That''s it!" Jodien exclaimed as his long blade caught the weapon of Gale. "Stop running away!"


    ^######^

 Chapter 61 - Defeat

    Gale stopped using the wind vortex. He had set aside his carefulness and began attacking frantically. Jodien was easily parrying each slash of the sword, and his counterattacks were more violent than his previous ones. Each time the long sword clashed against the short blade, it would cause a crack on the latter, and Gale would stagger.


    The short sword endured five hits before shattering. Gale thought that he could finally pierce the heart of his opponent but Jodien suddenly bent his knees, ducked low on the ground, and slashed his long blade upward. Gale deflected it with the short sword, causing the blade to shatter.


    The force of the blow had thrown Gale off his feet. He tried to regain his balance upon landing on the ground, but Jodien dashed towards his direction and stabbed him. Gale managed to save his chest but the long blade still pierced his left shoulder.


    Instead of pulling away, Gale grabbed the blade piercing his shoulder, and with what remained of his short sword, dashed towards his opponent. He ignored the pain caused by the blade puncturing deeper into his shoulder. He had to hit the face of his enemy. He had to win.


    But the annoying Jodien still managed to get away with only a scratch on his cheek then he raised his leg and kicked Gale hard on the stomach.


    Let go! Aries yelled but the voice in his mind was unheard.


    Gale endured the incessant kicks and punches thrown at his beaten body. He would not let go of the long blade stuck at his shoulder. He was desperate to reach Jodien with his shattered sword. But all he could do was shred the clothes and graze the skin of his opponent.


    "It seems that you are prepared to die this day," Jodien smirked then kicked Gale hard on the stomach and dragged the long sword out of the wound.


    Gale had been tossed in the air a few feet away. He struggled to remain standing when his feet hit the ground but ended up dropping on his knees. His body could not hold out any longer. He could not save Aries. He could not save Gust. He should die right then and there.


    You cannot easily give up! Aries desperately yelled. Retreat and think of another way to win!


    "Why will I retreat?" Gale whispered in resignation.


    Why will you¡­ Aries stopped as he realized something. Did you... just hear my voice?


    "Of course, I can. Why will I not hear your¡­" Gale froze and his eyes widened with fear. "Aries¡­ are you¡­ dead?"


    Not yet, Aries replied. Retreat now or let me fight in your stead.


    "But¡­" Gale hesitated and it caused him another stab on the shoulder. It would have been worse if Aries did not take control and stepped into the shadow.


    But as soon as he did that, intense pain shot through his mind and he had been thrown back to his body. He was coughing out blood and Princess Pieffer was anxiously stroking his back.


    "Aries¡­"


    "I need¡­ to return¡­" he coughed out more blood before losing his consciousness and woke up in the body of Gale.


    He was lying with his back flat on the ground with another stab on his upper right abdomen. Judging by the wound, the blade had pierced his liver and he was bleeding to death.


    Gale! Don''t you dare die! Aries was starting to panic.


    "I''m sorry¡­ I could not save¡­ myself¡­ either¡­" Gale closed his eyes and shed regretful tears.


    "Finally," Jodien raised his long sword. "You can die with dignity."


    Aries had easily taken control because Gale had already lost his will to live. He tried to lift a hand but the body was too weak to follow his commands. He could not even make Vermillion materialize.


    The long sword was plummeting fast towards the heart of Gale and Aries could not even roll to his side and evade the blade.


    Gale! Help me move your body!!!


    But Gale was no longer listening to him.


    You cannot die¡­ Aries closed his eyes and focused. He had to make the body move. I will not let you die, Gale!


    In the midst of his desperation, Aries heard metal clashed on another metal, a few inches above him. He also noticed that the arena had gotten awfully quiet. He quickly opened his eyes and had been stupefied by what he had seen.


    Gust stopped the long sword with his jade-green blade.


    "This is my fight," Jodien was obviously annoyed at the interruption.


    "Gust¡­" Gale whispered and in an instant, Aries had lost control of the body. "Save¡­ Aries¡­"


    Gale gathered the strength to grab the leg of his twin brother and pulled him into the wind vortex.


    ^#########^


    The moment they entered the wind vortex, Aries had been shoved back to his weakening body. He tried to lift his back from the bed but the slightest movement would send excruciating pain all over his body.


    "Aries, please rest," Princess Pieffer begged with tears in her eyes.


    "Gale¡­" his voice faded when he heard the sound of wind vortex forming and it was immediately followed by bothersome thuds.


    Aries took a deep breath before bolting upright. Pain jolted from his head, leg, and abdomen that dizziness overwhelmed him. His frail body swayed and if not for Princess Pieffer, he would drop back to the bed.


    "Thank you¡­" he muttered then glanced at the direction where the wind vortex appeared.


    Gust carried Gale in his arms then he gently put his unconscious twin brother right next to Aries.


    "Princess Pieffer, please, heal Gale," Gust was trying his best not to cry but his eyes were already brimming with tears.


    "I will only heal him if you free Aries from his curse," the princess had firmly bargained.


    "Okay, I will do it," Gust hurriedly agreed. "Please, heal him now."


    "Then release Aries from his curse now."


    Gust nodded and exchanged places with the princess.


    "You should lie down," Gust helped Aries rest his back on the bed.


    Aries glanced at Gale. Princess Pieffer was already closing up his wounds.


    "He will live, right?"


    "Yes, Aries," the princess smiled at him. "Gale will be fine."


    "Gust, how is the curse? Aries already lost a lot of blood. I need to close his wounds."


    "Just focus on my twin brother. Let me focus on removing the curse."


    "Gust¡­" Gale whispered and it was a relief for Aries and his twin brother that he had quickly regained consciousness. "Guardian Aika said that Aries can only hold out for five hours. Nearly three hours had passed since I talked to her. You need to act fast."


    "I know," Gust no longer had that coldness in his tone. He was slowly returning to the person he once was. "Where did you get such a powerful curse? Based on what I am sensing, this is newly inflicted. Your body weakens every time you use your special abilities and it worsens every time you will get wounded."


    "Can you remove it?" Princess Pieffer anxiously asked.


    "I can," Gust said without much confidence. "But it will take time if I do it alone. I need Guardian Aika''s help."


    "Let''s all go to the dungeon," Gale quickly suggested and Pieffer helped him sit.


    "The princess said that you need a lot of rest. I can easily carry Aries to the dungeon."


    "But his wounds need to be closed as soon as possible," Gale got up on his feet and the princess provided him assistance. "We should come with you. We cannot waste time arguing. Let''s go now."


    Gust carried Aries in his arms while Gale wrapped an arm around the waist of Princess Pieffer then they separately summoned a wind vortex.


    They had been transported at a chamber that was nearly similar to the room of Master Kiel. It was only a bit smaller but it had plenty of towering shelves filled with leather-bound books. It had a four-poster bed with a purple curtain, bed sheet, blanket, and pillows. There were violet couches and a fireplace not far from the bed. Lamps were hanging on the pillars and an elegant chandelier was dangling on the high ceiling. Placed on one corner of the room were an organized long table and a chair with a well-designed armrest and backrest.


    Sitting on the chair and too absorbed with a book was Guardian Aika. She did not even look up when four people suddenly appeared in her room.


    Gust gently placed Aries on one of the couches.


    "I don''t want my things to be tainted with blood," Guardian Aika finally looked away from the book she was reading and shot a stern gaze at Aries. "I told Gale that I will only help if they defeat you, my dearest disciple."


    "They did defeat me," Gust helped Aries lay down comfortably on the couch. "You know that I will not help losers."


    "I hate liars," Guardian Aika faded into a purple smoke and reappeared behind her disciple. There was a deadly glare in her eyes.


    "I am not lying," Gust calmly stated and turned around to face his master. "They shattered the wall I created around myself for years. I believed that nothing can break through it. But Gale and Aries did. I cannot let them die," he knelt in front of Guardian Aika and lowered his head on the ground. "You can punish me in any way that you want. But please, save Aries. Save my brother."


    ^##########^

 Chapter 62 - Scroll, Pocket Watch, And Rag Doll

    Distressing silence had floated inside the chamber. Guardian Aika kept the menacing glare at her kneeling disciple. After what felt like an eternity of upsetting contemplation, the guardian let out a deep breath and crossed her arms over her chest.


    "The only quick remedy for him is a potion," she returned to her table and sat gracefully at the elegant chair. "My storage can provide some of the ingredients but I need three more items."


    "Aries only has two hours," Gust straightened his back and looked up at his master.


    "The more reason for you to hurry," Guardian Aika flashed an annoying smile. "I will give you all the things that you will need in retrieving those items."


    "This better be not because you want to acquire rare ingredients," Gust was staring at his master with distrust.


    Guardian Aika laughed then glared at her disciple, "Of course, this is a rare chance to make you gather precious items for me. I should make this a worthy trip."


    "Two hours¡­"


    "Yes, my dearest disciple," Guardian Aika unrolled a scroll and began to scribble things on it. "You don''t have to open this. Just ask and the scroll will show you the answer. Of course, it can only reply to inquiries about the items you need to find."


    She was done writing within a few minutes.


    "Here," she tossed the sealed scroll at her disciple. "Next," she opened a drawer on her table and took a pocket watch.


    She covered it with both her hands and whispered a few words. The pocket watch was momentarily covered by a golden light.


    "Take this," she also tossed the pocket watch at her disciple. "It will alarm every thirty minutes and will instantly pull you back in this chamber once the time is up. You have one hour and forty-five minutes left."


    "Where will we get the ingredients you need?"


    That question of Gust earned him a glare from his master.


    "The scroll," she reminded her disciple. "Ask it, not me."


    "Okay," Gust stared at the scroll.


    "One more thing," Guardian Aika took another object in the drawer. It was a plain white rag doll. "You have to take this with you."


    She vanished in a puff of purple smoke and reappeared right next to Aries.


    "Your body is weak but your soul is not," Guardian Aika pressed the ragdoll at the bleeding wound in his abdomen.


    Aries winced in pain.


    "What¡­" he opened his mouth to speak but he blacked out and when his consciousness returned, his soul had once again drifted out of his body.


    He found himself looking up at his unconscious body. He could also see Princess Pieffer, Gale, Gust, and Guardian Aika.


    "Whose body¡­" he was stunned to hear his own voice.


    "Look here," Guardian Aika said and Aries felt the ground moving and his vision swirled.


    When everything stopped moving, he found himself staring at the mirror. He blinked and the image reflected in the mirror harmonized with his movement.


    Aries gasped and yelled, "What is this?!"


    There was a miniature Aries gazing back at him from the mirror. It was about two feet in height. It had the same crimson hair and eyes. There was also a horn sticking out at the sides of his head. Even the overcoat he was wearing was like the one his body was wearing.


    "Aren''t you grateful?"


    The ground was not the one moving. It was Guardian Aika. She was tightly gripping the torso of the ragdoll Aries had inhabited.


    "I let your soul possess my precious doll. If you don''t want then¡­"


    "I want it!" Aries quickly said. "I want to come with them. Thank you, Guardian Aika."


    "You will eventually drift away from your body and come with them. At least, in this doll, you don''t have to possess humans, especially your friends."


    "Thank you," Aries bowed and it was surprisingly good that he could easily control his ragdoll body.


    "Time is ticking away," Guardian Aika reminded all of them. "You should go."


    "Wait," Gust glared at Guardian Aika. "Why give us only one scroll? You can deploy us in different places. It will be quicker if all of us will gather the ingredients you need at the same time."


    "Hey," the guardian gazed ominously at her disciple. "You begged for my mercy and this is how I want to do it. Are you trying to abuse my generosity?"


    "Thank you for helping us, Guardian Aika!" Princess Pieffer grabbed Gust by his arm. "We will take our leave now."


    "You should always stick together," the guardian advised with a satisfied smile. "The scroll and the pocket watch will only work within a one-meter radius from the person holding it. Leave now and be quick."


    She tossed the ragdoll Aries at Princess Pieffer and warned her, "Take care of my doll."


    Aries and Princess Pieffer nodded then Gust raised the scroll in front of his mouth and asked, "Where is the first ingredient?"


    The scroll emitted a golden light that enveloped Aries, Princess Pieffer, Gale, and Gust.


    When the light vanished, the four of them had been dropped into a deep and clear body of water. Fortunately for them, they knew how to swim.


    Princess Pieffer was tightly gripping the rag doll. Though Aries could not feel any pain, he could see creases at the part where the princess was holding his temporary and unusual vessel.


    "Where¡­" Gust began to ask but his voice faded and his eyes widened when he saw a large shadow moving in the water.


    It was quickly approaching their direction.


    "Swim!!!" Gust yelled but before they could maneuver in the water, a giant white fish with glittering scales had surfaced.


    It caused a huge wave that submerged the four of them a few feet deep into the water and when they managed to resurface, breath in some air and cough out water, a huge tail was coming their way.


    They had no more time to do anything. The enormous tail splashed into the water and it caused a bigger wave that hurled the four of them a few meters away from the fish and brought them to the sandy shore.


    Princess Pieffer, Gale, and Gust had coughed out more water. Aries was immune to physical pain but he felt dizzy as they had been tossed out of the water.


    "Don''t tell me that we need to take home that fish?" Gale asked and the four of them were staring at the colossal sparkling fish that was happily swimming in circles.


    "I don''t think so," Gust raised the scroll he was holding and it was pulsating a golden light that formed a shape of a scale. "We only need one scale¡­ oh¡­" the glowing image multiplied into five.


    "I think we need to get five scales," Gale said and they glanced back at the fish. The scales around its neck were pulsating a golden light that was in harmony with the scroll.


    "Five scales around its neck?" Princess Pieffer clarified.


    "Yes," Gust replied then summoned a wind vortex.


    He appeared above the neck of the giant fish. Though his landing was gentle, the giant fish felt it and it quickly rolled into the water. Gust lost his balance and slipped but he managed to take one scale before dropping into the water. The huge tail of the sparkling fish had resurfaced and it waved intensely at Gust.


    Gale immediately summoned a wind vortex and grabbed his twin brother by the collar. They successfully returned to the shore, right next to Aries and Princess Pieffer, before the tail had hit. It splashed into the water instead and splattered water at them.


    "Hold this," Gust gave the scale and the scroll to Princess Pieffer. "Four scales to go."


    Aries noticed that the pulsating image at the scroll had been reduced to four. He was astounded at how reliable that magical scroll was.


    Gust returned to the neck of the giant fish. He managed to take another scale and he managed to escape before dropping into the water.


    Gust repeated that step three more times. He avoided the water and the tail two more times, but in getting the last scale, the tail had finally hit him and the intensity of the blow had thrown him a few meters away. He would probably fly a few meters more if he did not hit a palm tree.


    But hitting a tree was not a good thing for him either. It knocked the breath out of him and he was falling fast into the ground.


    Gale instantly pulled Aries and Princess Pieffer inside the wind vortex and he managed to catch his twin brother and the sparkling scale in time.


    "The scroll¡­" Princess Pieffer muttered as the scroll emitted a blinding golden light that enveloped the four of them.


    When the light vanished, they had been dropped into the scorching ground. They quickly realized that it was not just sizzling soil. They were at the peak of an active volcano.


    Gust chanted a few incoherent words until a flurry of wind had formed underneath them. It lifted them a few inches from the ground that nearly burned their clothes.


    "What do we need to get this time?" Gale wearily breathed. "Lava?"


    ^######^

 Chapter 63 - The Tasks

    As soon as Gale asked that question, the scroll had glowed. The golden light formed tiny images of what seemed like a butterfly with flaming wings.


    "Did I count those insects correctly? We need twenty?" Gale was looking more exhausted. "And where¡­"


    His voice faded as those fiery butterflies gracefully fluttered from the smoking peak of the volcano. It flew around them and the glowing powdery substance that their flaming wings were emitting had set their clothes ablaze.


    Princess Pieffer quickly put up a barrier around the four of them, then they hurriedly extinguished the scattering fire on their clothes with bare hands.


    "How on earth are we going to get those insects?"


    To answer the frantic inquiry of Gale, the scroll released a ball of golden light that floated in front of Gust. At the moment he held out his hand towards the light, it instantly vanished and dropped a few items.


    Gust caught everything. There were four net insect catchers that were surrounded by a faint blue light and a medium-sized brown sack.


    "Good," Gust breathed. "There are four."


    He was giving out the insect catchers when the pocket watch alarmed. Thirty minutes had already passed. One hour and fifteen minutes remaining to save Aries.


    "How are you feeling?" Princess Pieffer asked, and everyone glanced anxiously at Aries.


    "I''m okay," he quickly answered and held the insect catcher with both his short arms. Not only did his body become so small, but it would also easily set ablaze once touched by the powdery substance. He had greatly weakened but catching insects should be easy for his tiny body.


    "Gale, take care of this sack," Gust tossed the sack to his twin brother after shoving the five sparkling scales in there.


    As soon as Gale secured the sack at the belt of his overcoat, Gust told everyone, "The wind underneath us will move at a very slow pace. That is the only speed I will manage with our combined weight."


    "My shield will protect us from the flames," Princess Pieffer assured them. "But it will shift and roll out of the wind underneath us if we destroy the balance we already have. We need to remain where we are. A slight movement will do but not big ones."


    "Understood," everyone replied and they began catching flaming butterflies. The insect catcher was fireproof and could automatically put the flaming butterfly inside a waterproof cage. As soon as they catch one, they would toss the cage at Gale and he would put it all on the sack that was not bulging no matter how many things had been shoved in there.


    As Gust had said, the wind underneath them was making a very slow movement. They had easily caught four but as soon as they did that, the rest of the flaming butterflies had flown away from them and they could no longer catch up to the insects. The butterflies became cautious and would swiftly move away once they approach. The short handle of the insect catcher was also adding to their annoyance.


    The pocket watch alarmed once more. They wasted more than thirty minutes at that place. And they only had thirty minutes remaining.


    "I will catch the butterflies," Aries suggested.


    "No!" the three had firmly disagreed.


    "Your vessel is made out of light materials. It will easily catch fire," Princess Pieffer reminded him.


    "If we waste more time in this place, I will also die," Aries silenced them. "Let me do this."


    "We can try," Gust said despite his anxiety. "You are almost as light as a pillow. Your movements will not disrupt our balance. Come here."


    Aries jumped from the shoulder of Princess Pieffer towards the lap of Gust.


    "I can give you a momentary protection against flames," Gust touched his palm to the forehead of Aries. He chanted a few strange words until a faint blue light had enveloped the rag doll.


    Gust carefully took his overcoat off and tied one of the sleeves at the waist of the cloth vessel.


    "I will pull you back after you get a few butterflies," Gust firmly stated.


    "Thanks," he sincerely told Gust then seized the insect catcher the latter was holding. "I need to catch as many butterflies as I can."


    Aries jumped as high as he could. His body was so light that the strong wind blowing around that place had nearly propelled him out of control. Fortunately for all of them, he quickly regained his balance and he caught four butterflies before they could soar out of his reach.


    Gust quickly pulled him back because his rag doll vessel was starting to catch fire.


    Aries tossed the cages at Gale while Gust renewed the fireproof shield around his vessel.


    After a minute, Aries was back on air and he had caught six. In his third jump, he had caught another six and the moment he touched the lap of Gust, the scroll had transported them to the last location.


    ^##########^


    When the golden light that enveloped them had vanished, they were dropped on a cloud that could not carry the four of them. They passed through it and then they were plummeting miles away from the ground.


    "Guardian Aika!!!" Gale bellowed in annoyance while Gust grabbed his twin brother, ragdoll Aries, and Princess Pieffer then pulled them inside the wind vortex.


    Gust brought them back to the cottony-looking cloud. He quickly put another thin sheet of wind underneath them to avoid repeating the situation a few seconds earlier.


    "What is it this time?" Aries gave the insect catchers with caged butterflies to Gale. The latter had quickly seized the items and shoved everything inside the sack.


    "Show us the third item," Gust commanded and the scroll instantly emitted a golden light that formed a jar that was half-filled with liquid.


    The scroll had given them the jar then their clothes and the entire body of ragdoll Aries had glowed with the golden light.


    "The cloud was wet when we passed through it."


    Since Aries could not feel anything, he realized only then that not only his comrades were dripping wet but also his entire vessel.


    "Let''s fill the jar with water from the clouds," Gale grabbed rag doll Aries and the overcoat tied at his torso then squeezed them hard until all the absorbed liquid had been extracted in the glass container.


    The jar had been nearly filled. Princess Pieffer and Gale had removed their overcoats and squeezed them over the container. As soon as the exact amount had been fulfilled, the scroll emitted a golden light that enveloped the four of them.


    Princess Pieffer seized the ragdoll and held him close to her chest. Aries felt awkward but he could not push his face away from her breast.


    Fortunately for him, the magical transport lasted only for a few seconds. But unfortunately for all of them, they were not yet back at the chamber of Guardian Aika.


    They were sent instead to another unfamiliar place, at least to Aries.


    Princess Pieffer was wide-eyed as if she was terrified of the area. Gale and Gust were both furious. Aries managed to jump from the chest of the princess and stand at her left shoulder.


    "I thought there are only three items?" he asked and Gust, instead of answering, had crushed the scroll with his right hand but it did not break. It only emitted a golden light that formed the shape of four plain rag dolls.


    But they could not see any plain ragdoll around them. There was only an alarming stillness drifting in the air. Empty and moss-covered stone houses lined on both sides of a paved road. Bushes and trees were slowly overcrowding the area. It appeared that there were no humans left in that place.


    "This is the House of Goat," Princess Pieffer whispered, still looking terrified. "Spellcasting is forbidden in this place."


    "Don''t worry. You are safe here. My master had burned all the humans that will harm extraordinary creations like us."


    A man wearing a white overcoat and boots had walked out from the house nearest to their location. Though he appeared to be around the same age as Aries, his hair was white and it was remarkably long, silky, and neatly ponytailed. His silver eyes were impassive and a wicked smiled flashed on his lips.


    "Master wants to have you," he leaned forward, vanished, and the next second he was gripping rag doll Aries in his arms.


    Princess Pieffer tried to seize Aries but the man in the white overcoat raised his hand and it was what the princess had grabbed.


    "Give Aries back to us," the princess impatiently demanded.


    "No," the man in white smiled more wickedly. "Don''t worry. I will give you what you need," he leaned backward and vanished, leaving four plain rag dolls in front of Princess Pieffer. Instead of picking those toys up, Gust disappeared into a wind vortex and reappeared with a sword in one of his hands right in front of the man in white.


    While Gust waved his dagger, Aries struggled but stopped when he heard cloth ripping. His vessel had been tightly connected in the arm of the man in white by pieces of white threads. He had noticed the strands oozing from the skin of their strange opponent and quickly reconstructing the severed stitches.


    The man in white evaded the dagger and escaped a few meters away just by leaning backward. Gale used the wind vortex but only managed to cover a few feet away from the princess then he collapsed on his knees.


    "Grab the rag dolls!" Gust commanded then, with the help of the wind vortex, he had reappeared in front of the man in white.


    The princess obeyed then knelt right next to Gale.


    The scroll hanging in the belt of Gust began to emit a golden light. Even the pocket watch had alarmed. He hastily swung his jade-green blade at the arm of the man in white that was gripping Aries.


    The arm had been severed but instead of blood splattering, cotton had oozed from the cut wound. The man in white was not a man at all. He was similar to the vessel of Aries. It was a rag doll.


    Gust grabbed Aries by his arm while the doll in white seized Aries by the torso.


    Gust pulled hard until Aries heard his vessel ripping apart and it was like something in his mind was also being torn into pieces. The pain blurred his vision and the explosion of golden light had totally blinded him. There was one final ripping noise that sent an excruciating pain all over his head.


    Flashes of memories burst before Aries until he could no longer hold out and chose to succumb in his reliable sanctuary, the pitch-black darkness deep within his mind.


    ^#########^

 Chapter 64 - Witch Guardian And Witch Princess

    As soon as Aries entered the safest zone deep within his mind, the explosion of pain had been instantly eliminated. He wanted to stay there for a while. It had always been a relaxing and comforting place for him.


    When Sunrei had stabbed him to death, Aries was expecting eternal torment. Now that he was about to die for the second time, he only wanted to experience perpetual silence.


    But it appeared that Aries could never get the afterlife that he wanted. Voices that were as faint as whispers had pulled him out of his calming sanctuary.


    "Why did you lie to us, Master Aika?!"


    That was the voice of Gust. He was furious.


    "I did not lie," the guardian had answered in her calmest tone.. "Gathering those objects will gain him salvation."


    "Salvation?!" Gust yelled more loudly. "His body is no longer breathing! We lost his soul when your scroll brought us to the House of Goat! And you clearly told us that we will gather only three items! Why is there a fourth area?!"


    "I want you to see the House where you will go next," Guardian Aika simply answered. "Now you see how dangerous that place is and you should enter it with extreme caution."


    "You can show it to us after saving Aries!"


    "Yes, my dearest disciple. I can do that," her voice suddenly sounded so serious. "But only in that body can Aries get close to the person that is both important to him and me. Maybe in that body, he can finally save her."


    "Zodiac Knight Cari?" that was the sweet voice of Princess Pieffer.


    "Aries will meet her soon," Guardian Aika sounded so confident.


    "Aries can''t stay in a doll''s body," Gale voiced out his anxiety.


    Something was strangely aching within Aries as he kept hearing the concern in the voices of his comrades. He was also wondering why he could not see a damn thing.


    Is that because my body died?


    "Only his body has expired," Guardian Aika had said as if answering the question Aries had in his mind. "And even though his body died, it still has a chance to be revived."


    "What does that mean? Is he an immortal?"


    There was more sarcasm in the tone of Gust rather than curiosity.


    "The King¡­" Princess Pieffer muttered.


    Judging by the volume of their voices, the princess was nearest to Aries. Gale and Gust were only a few feet away. Guardian Aika was the farthest, probably sitting in her favorite chair.


    "Yes, Princess. Your father will not allow him to die. Not until Serestral is safe. He will surely save him. Just wait for it. For now, you should give me time to brew some potions¡­"


    "Potions for what?" Gust snapped at his master.


    "I am about to say it if you didn''t interrupt, my dearest disciple," Guardian Aika sighed before saying, "I will make potions to help you in reinstating the barriers."


    "I can do it without your help. I am the Twins House Leader."


    "No. You''re not," Guardian Aika was back to her serious tone. "Have you forgotten the truth?"


    "What does that mean?" Gale asked.


    Gust answered after a minute of silence and he stuttered a bit when he revealed, "I¡­ ah¡­ well... as Guardian Aika had said, I am not the House Leader. Uncle is still alive."


    "What?!" Gale was utterly bewildered and so was Aries "But our father¡­"


    "He tried but uncle survived and escaped from the mansion. He was hiding at the Southern Border. I found him when I was taking a stroll. But he was in a deep sleep and up until this moment, he is still unconscious."


    "You can kill him. That would be easier," Guardian Aika simply suggested then laughed, "You already found ways to kill most of your relatives and throw the rest out of your life."


    "I gave them an option and they chose to die. The others that picked survival had already thanked me for giving them a chance to live a life away from shedding the blood of their kin."


    "But the House of Twins is still not a safe place for anyone. Reinstating the barriers is the only solution to that. Am I right, Princess Pieffer?"


    "I know!" Gust snapped. "You don''t have to ask anyone. But I can''t kill my uncle. Let''s stick to your plan. How much time do you need? Can we return to the House of Goat and look for the soul of Aries?"


    "This will only take twenty-four hours. You should stay here and take care of the arena. Jodien is getting out of control."


    "My brother¡­"


    "Don''t worry, Princess. He and the rest of your allies are keeping an eye on the Celestial Knight but only Gust can tame him. You can leave now. I will call for you once the potions are done."


    Aries heard footsteps.


    "Oh, I have one more thing to remind you, Princess," Guardian Aika suddenly said. "Take care of the arm you are holding. That part of the ragdoll is still sheltering a part of your beloved''s soul. Aries will need that."


    "Thank you, Guardian Aika," Princess Pieffer sincerely said.


    "Why are you being grateful to that witch?!" Gust snapped. He was still annoyed at his master. "She tricked us."


    Aries heard the slamming of a stone door then everything went quiet.


    He wanted to see his comrades. But there was only darkness around him. And his soul still felt so weak that he could not struggle against the darkness cradling him. He was starting to get drowsy. He should take a rest even for just a few hours. His comrades were strong. They would be fine.


    ^##########^


    Aries attacked the possessed princess while wondering how the corrupted soul could hide its dark essence from him. That was the first time he encountered such a weird possessed person.


    When the princess grabbed and pulled his hand, they were both instantly covered by absolute darkness. He counted ten steps before they had been bathed by a blinding light. And instead of seeing the backyard at the House of Bull, Aries found himself in the middle of a forest.


    "How did you do that?" Aries asked as he yanked his hand away from the princess.


    "I can teach you that convenient way of traveling if you give me enough time to prove that I am not a bad person," the princess was always smiling beautifully at him.


    She was still trying to entice him.


    "Stop it," Aries waved his crimson claymore.


    The princess was calm as she jumped away from the enormous blade.


    "I am not doing anything," she said as soon as her feet touched the grass-covered ground.


    "You are trying to bewitch me," he had no intention of saying those words out loud but his mouth moved without his permission. "Are you a witch?"


    The princess laughed before saying, "I already told you who I am. You should stop your baseless accusations. Not all people with dark aura are bad. We can be good."


    "If you are not casting any spell on me then why am I feeling so lightheaded?" he began attacking the princess and his questions kept on pouring. "If you are not trying any charms on me then why do you look so¡­ beautiful? If you are not a witch then why can''t I control my mouth from speaking my thoughts out loud?"


    "Oh¡­ that," the princess easily dodged the crimson blade aimed at her head by swiftly bending her knees then she answered, "The water of truth must be starting to take effect."


    "What?" Aries waved his huge sword in the air and stabbed the edge of the blade on the ground. "Water of truth?"


    "I''m sorry," the witch princess looked apologetic. "While you were unconscious, Tauren made you drink a tiny amount of his experiment."


    "Experiment?" his fist trembled violently around the hilt of his crimson claymore. "You forced me to drink something like that and you expect me to trust you?!"


    "Tauren likes to conduct a lot of experiments especially when Quaria is actively helping him," the princess explained after dodging the crimson blade. She smiled timidly and blushed when she said, "Thanks for saying that I am beautiful."


    Aries also felt his face reddened and more so when the princess added, "You are stunning but that is not the only reason why I am attracted to you. It was all because my sole purpose is to be with you."


    "Stop bewitching me!" Aries struggled to slash his claymore against the princess.


    Instead of feeling threatened, the princess was always smiling sweetly and sometimes laughing softly at him. It was annoying but that emotion would only last for a few seconds and then his heart would start fluttering strangely.


    "I like you, Aries," her words hit him deeper than the sword she was wielding. "Do you like me?"


    ''No'' was the word that he wanted to say but he blurted out, "Yes!"


    The princess beamed widely at him and asked another question, "Do you want to kill me?"


    Instead of answering, Aries raised his crimson blade and slashed it at the throat of his strange opponent but his blade froze an inch away from the neck of the beautiful princess.


    He should kill all the dark essences within his sight but why could not he kill the lady in front of him?


    The princess walked closer to him, held his weapon hand, and gently put it down, "I promise you. I am not your enemy. We have a common goal here. We want to save Serestral. If you are still not convinced that we are your allies, we will drink the water of truth and you can ask us anything you want. Please, Aries."


    "Fine," he finally surrendered with a sigh and willed his weapon to vanish. "Let''s get out of this place."


    ^#######^

 Chapter 65 - Drifting

    The princess led him into the shadows and they were once again enveloped by absolute darkness. Even the princess had vanished from his sight and a voice called out to him.


    "For how long will you hide from me, Aries Del Luna?"


    That voice of a woman had a familiar ring to his ear but Aries could not remember where and when he had heard it.


    Curiosity had pulled him out of his dark sanctuary. When he opened his eyes, he found himself at an unfamiliar house where everything was painted white. For a second, he thought that he had finally reached heaven. But he instantly negated that thought. A man like him would never be permitted to step inside a holy ground.


    "You are finally awake."


    The person who said that was a stunning lady that was probably around the age of Aries.. She was tall and angelic. It must be because of the white robe she was wearing. It had an intricate design made out of tiny white crystals. Her hair looked as soft and white as snow. It was elegantly braided down to the back of her hips. Her eyes were also white and appeared as if it could see through Aries. If there truly was an angel, that beautiful lady looked like one but she was radiating an ominous aura that Aries could mostly sense from the corrupted souls.


    "Who are you?" Aries sat up and noticed that his vessel had changed.


    It was no longer made out of white cloth but from light-colored wood. At first glance, it could be mistaken as a human body. But as Aries looked closely at his hand, he could notice the carvings. He was wearing a white overcoat that was similar to the doll that had taken him. The only difference was the design formed by the white sparkling beads. A huge head of a ram was delicately woven at the chest of the overcoat.


    "Of course," the lady sighed and sat on the bed right next to Aries. "There is always a need for introductions. I am Cari, a Zodiac Knight. You can call me a House Leader even though the House of Goat is now the house of ghosts," she beamed at her words that she found funny. "I am your most reliable and loyal comrade. And¡­" she halted her speech for a few seconds then resumed with a frown, "I can go on and on, Aries. For years. It will be faster if you ask me things that you want to know."


    "Seeing that I am not tied or imprisoned can either mean you don''t want to hurt me or... you can simply kill me with a flick of your fingers. So, did you take me here to ask for my help, or... you just want to make things complicated for all of us?"


    "You''re getting funnier," Cari replied with a soft laugh. "I am the one who had saved you from those terrible people."


    "Terrible people?" Aries was confused. "The princess and the other Zodiac Knights?"


    "Yes," Cari suddenly became serious and she quickly shifted position. One second she was sitting right next to Aries and the next moment, she had settled at his lap. "The Zodiac Knights especially Gust. And that hateful Pieffer... I cannot believe that she will be reborn as a princess. It is extremely irritating."


    Aries could sense from the eyes of Cari that she was holding a deep resentment towards the princess.


    "We should be comrades," Aries tried to reason with the Goat House Leader.


    "Comrades," her voice was filled with sarcasm. "I don''t have any comrades. I only have you and my dolls."


    "If I am not a comrade, then what am I to you?" Aries was getting more confused.


    Cari furrowed her brows and leaned towards Aries. Her face was only inches away from him that he had to tilt his head to prevent their lips from touching.


    "I am your beloved," she whispered to his ear.


    "I''m not," Aries gently touched the shoulders of Cari and he was surprised that he could feel the warmth from her white and smooth skin.


    "You want to kiss me," she tenderly breathed in his ear and her voice had momentarily made Aries lightheaded and a strong desire to kiss her pinkish lips had overwhelmed him.


    He would have hungrily devoured her lips if not for the wet and heavy droplet that touched his right forearm.


    He failed to see what it was. He only felt it seep through his sleeve and darkness instantly enveloped his vision. Then he heard faint sobbing that gradually grew louder. As if someone was crying from above his head.


    "Hey, you are crying again."


    Aries was certain that it was the voice of Prince Sunrei and he sounded deeply concerned.


    "You know he will return to us safe and sound," the prince went on.


    Aries heard footsteps over a ground that was probably covered with grasses or leaves. He suddenly wanted to see what he was hearing but there was only pitch-black darkness around him.


    "I used to believe on it because of the things I read in that stupid Book of Legends."


    That was Princess Pieffer and she was the one who was sobbing.


    "He will not die unless his duty is fulfilled but¡­ I don''t know about our previous lives¡­ but in this lifetime¡­ since the first time I met him¡­ Aries¡­ he is always risking his life for the safety of this kingdom and its people¡­ even if it cost him not only his life but the purity of his soul. What if¡­ he ends up¡­ getting corrupted?"


    "After all these years, you will doubt him?"


    "He is still human," Princess Pieffer reminded her brother.


    "Have you forgotten what you told me when we were at the house of Tauren?"


    The princess remained quiet.


    "We both want the same thing. He only needs to see that we are truly his allies and not his enemies. He will not kill me. He will not kill the person dearest to him. He will not kill any of us."


    Princess Pieffer laughed softly then asked, "How can you say the exact same words I said ten years ago?"


    Aries was wondering the same thing. It was as if he heard those words from the princess instead of the prince. She had said those words while Aries was around. She was trying to convince her brother and Tauren to give him time to trust them. She wanted him to see her honesty.


    "I also want to trust him as much as you do. Even at that time when he had gotten out of control, your faith in him had never wavered. Just continue believing in him and he will return to us like the last time."


    Aries was confused. He had no idea what the siblings were talking about. He could absorb corrupted souls and remain as he was.


    What do they mean that I had gotten out of control? Was it because of rage? Or¡­ did I get possessed?


    "Aries!"


    Cari was repeatedly screaming his name until he had been pulled out of the pitch-black darkness.


    "Why is your consciousness drifting out of your vessel?" her brows were furrowed while searching for the answer to her own question. "Right," she moved out of the bed. "It must be because of that ripped arm. That guardian is always disrupting my plans for you."


    "Are you talking about Guardian Aika?"


    "Let''s not talk about that witch," Cari snapped at him. She seemed to hate a lot of people but Aries could not sense any corrupted soul within her.


    "You told me that I can ask you things that I want to know."


    The Goat House Leader glared at him for a few seconds then let out a deep breath. She was trying to be patient with Aries.


    "Fine," she sighed one more time. "I know that honesty is important for long lasting relationships. Well¡­ Guardian Aika was my master."


    "Was?"


    "Our paths had crossed centuries ago," Cari walked towards an open window that was partly covered by a thin white curtain. She looked up at the sky covered with white clouds. "I became her disciple and I learned a lot of things from her in my single lifetime. And that was it. We part ways because of our different goals in life. She wanted to rot in that boring dungeon. I want to explore the world with you, Aries," she sat on the bed and held Aries in both his cheek. "Forget this kingdom."


    "I can''t," Aries gently removed the hands on his cheeks and moved out of the bed. He was still surprised at how easily he could move with his new vessel. It felt like his original body. "I promised to help in saving this kingdom."


    "You had been doing this for centuries," Cari remained sitting on the bed. She was frustrated. "Aren''t you getting tired of this endless cycle? Our lives are getting worse. The people in it, our enemies, even us Zodiac Knights! Serestral is no longer the kingdom we know. This place is not worth saving. We should stop wasting our lifetime in this place. We should live for ourselves."


    "I understand. Everything sounds tiring," Aries looked out at the window and only saw white trees, bushes, flowers, vines, grasses, and soil. "Maybe that is the reason we are forgetting our past memories each time we are reborn."


    "I hate you," Cari blurted then sighed. "But I like you more than I hate you," she moved out of the bed and stood right next to him. "Stop that heroic act Aries," she seriously advised. "You will only die because of that and those ungrateful people will never remember. They don''t care if you save them or not. Why should we care for them?"


    "I don''t care about them either," Aries said. "I want to send someone to a better place. I can only do that if I save Serestral."


    "Right," Cari stared bitterly at Aries. "You will sacrifice yourself and your comrades just to save Pieffer. As always."


    ^#########^

 Chapter 66 - Eyesight

    Aries was silenced by the words of Cari. He was willing to do anything just to keep his promise to his beloved. Now that he had heard those words from another person, he felt guilty.


    Before he could remember some of his memories, he thought that Serestral had no connection to him and it was only a trial from both Heaven and Hell. When he began recalling his memories, he realized that the place and some of the people there were like family to him. A family he never had.


    "I don''t know about the things you can remember," Aries seriously told Cari. "But I will save all the people that I can save. And I will never sacrifice any of my comrades. This vicious cycle will end in this lifetime."


    Cari stifled her laughter and said, " I heard those words from you every time. But here we are, still living the same old life.."


    "I will do it this time," Aries was determined.


    "No," Cari was as serious as he was. "We will leave this place and enjoy a different life. We will be husband and wife."


    "I need to save Serestral. Help me and I will go wherever you want me to go."


    "You cannot use me as you did in our previous lifetimes. I am stronger now. You are under my spell. You don''t have the right to ask favors from me," her white eyes were ominous and Aries felt the wind around him become heavier.


    He had to lean on the windowsill to prevent his vessel from dropping on its knees.


    "What¡­" his voice had faded when Cari tenderly caressed his face.


    "Rest, my love," she gently placed his head over her right shoulder and Aries could not find the strength to struggle against her grip.


    It must be because of his new vessel. Cari gave it to him and she obviously had full control over it. As long as he was in that wooden body, he was only a tool for the crazy house leader.


    "Let''s talk again after we leave this place."


    Aries blacked out. His consciousness drifted away from the wooden vessel and found its way towards the princess.


    "That''s it?" Prince Sunrei asked and he sounded in awe.


    As usual, Aries could not perceive anything but sheer darkness.


    "What are you expecting?" Gust asked back with a yawn.


    "How can you calm Jodien just by talking to him?" Prince Sunrei put more details in his question.


    "Not all Celestial Knights are that bad," Gust answered with a sigh. "Look at Gani. Aries allowed him to occupy a vessel. They probably have an agreement like Jodien and me. As long as I can keep my side of the bargain, he will hold on to his pledge," he paused for a moment then asked, "Princess, did you return to the House of Goat?"


    "Not yet," Princess Pieffer replied in a dispirited tone. "I am worried about the situation here."


    "As you can see, there is nothing to worry about. My uncle already regained consciousness. He will resume leading the House of Goat after I reinstate the barriers. It will take four days and my magic will be fully spent every day. I cannot assist you in searching the House of Goat. But you can take Jodien with you."


    "You need to be protected while reinstating the barriers," Princess Pieffer reminded the stubborn Zodiac Knight. "I can survey that place on my own. The rest should stay with you. Even my brother."


    "Then Gale will come with you," Gust firmly stated. "Both of you can easily go in and out of that place. You can only accept that offer. You know that we cannot let you wander alone in that dangerous place. Aries will not be happy with it."


    "Deal," Princess Pieffer agreed with a sigh. "You should all get some rest. I''ll just take a walk in the backyard. I will see you all tomorrow."


    Aries heard faint footsteps. Princess Pieffer was already leaving the conference area. The stone floor became unpaved ground then Aries heard leaves crackling as the princess took more steps.


    I want to see something. But how can I see? I need to tell them about Cari. But how can I talk to them? I need to ask Guardian Aika how to take control of that wooden vessel. I cannot let Cari do what she wants with my soul. I have to take control!


    "Ouch!"


    Darkness had been replaced with crimson and after a few seconds, that intense color had zoomed out of his sight until he could finally glimpse the princess.


    He was momentarily astounded at the fact that he could finally see. Then he realized that he was the one who made the princess gasp in pain. A tiny crimson needle had pricked her finger and it was attached to the ripped arm of the rag doll, his older vessel.


    Witnessing that, Aries could finally believe what Guardian Aika had said. A part of his soul remained in that ripped arm and it was the one pulling back his consciousness.


    "Aries?" the eyes of the princess brimmed with tears. She had totally forgotten the pain that crimson needle had caused her. She was crying with joy while gazing at the thing that pricked her finger. "You are safe, right? You will come back to us, right?"


    Aries wanted to answer but there was no mouth in that ripped arm. Aries wondered how he could see despite not having a pair of eyes in that vessel.


    Is it because I wanted to see things?


    He also wanted to speak but no voice was coming out of his vessel. Nonetheless, he had to be extra careful and avoid hurting the princess.


    "Pieffer, you should get some rest," Prince Sunrei approached him. "If you want to save Aries, you have to be at your strongest."


    "Brother!" Princess Pieffer showed the crimson needle at the prince. "You can see this, right?"


    Prince Sunrei nodded despite his confusion.


    "Though you look so happy¡­ uhm...I have to ask¡­ ahm¡­" Prince Sunrei pointed at the needle, "Does this mean something?"


    "Brother!" Princess Pieffer yelled impatiently. "This is a crimson blade. Only Aries can wield this. Guardian Aika was wrong. This arm doesn''t contain a part of his soul. Aries is inside this thing. His soul is with us. He probably wants to talk to us..."


    "Hey, calm down," Prince Sunrei quickly said. "We have to check that out with Guardian Aika. For now, you should get some rest. We have a lot of things to do tomorrow."


    "Okay," Princess Pieffer agreed with a sigh of disappointment.  "Let''s get some rest."


    ^#######^


    "Give me that ripped arm," Prince Sunrei said when Princess Pieffer was about to enter the bathroom inside their chamber.


    "Why?" the princess glared suspiciously at her brother.


    "You will take a hot bath, right?" the prince was glaring back at his sister. "Why do you have to take that ripped arm with you?"


    "I thought you don''t believe that the entire soul of Aries is within this thing?" she snapped at her brother and her grip tightened around the ripped arm in her right hand.


    "Entire soul or not, he is still in there," the prince extended his arm with palm wide open. "Give me that ripped arm. Don''t worry. I will take care of it as much as you do."


    "Fine," Princess Pieffer tossed the ripped arm at her brother.


    The sudden motion made Aries a little dizzy and he felt a little disappointed.


    Disappointed¡­ Wait! Why am I feeling disappointed? Do I really want to see her taking a bath? Her¡­ naked body¡­


    "Ouch!"


    That gasp of pain stopped Aries from imagining sinful things regarding the princess.


    "Hey, Aries!" Prince Sunrei was staring at his bleeding finger with annoyance. Another crimson needle came out of the ripped arm and pricked him. "Are you angry because I stopped you from peeking at my sister?!"


    Of course, not! I¡­ I can''t control Vermillion!


    "You should understand," the prince went on. "I am her brother. I should protect her from anyone. Even from you. A man is still a man in front of a bathing woman. I think from now on, I should be the one keeping you safe. I can only allow you to stay together at all times if you are already married but since that is not the case, you should stay with me at all times. You get my point, right?"


    Aries wanted to prick the prince but the needles remained unmoving. He wanted to stop the prince from saying senseless things but his blades were not cooperating. He was wondering if it was because his body was incomplete. He suddenly remembered the vessel Cari had provided to him and marveled at the thought of using his crimson blades to get out of that ominous white place.


    Should I leave or should I convince Cari to change? She is still a Zodiac Knight.


    Aries had his doubts. Cari was determined to abandon her responsibilities and run away with him. She would not be easily swayed.


    Then¡­ Should I use her feelings towards me?


    Aries shook his head. Killing was his expertise but not flirting.


    That''s right. If I defeat her then maybe she would listen to what I have to say. Maybe I can make her see that this kingdom is still worth saving.


    But defeating a powerful spellcaster would only be possible if he could take full control of his body.


    Aries was distracted by the sudden movement of his tiny vessel.


    The princess grabbed him from the grip of Prince Sunrei.


    "Hey!" the prince exclaimed.


    "Why are you suddenly doing this?" Princess Pieffer sat on the bed, a few feet away from the couch where Prince Sunrei had settled. "You know how much I wanted to protect Aries. That is why you let me take care of him."


    "I will still allow you to take care of him but you cannot take him with you to the bathroom or to your bed! You are not yet married!" Prince Sunrei strictly explained.


    "We used to sleep on the same bed ten years ago!" Princess Pieffer stubbornly yelled and rested her back on the bed with the ripped arm still in her hand. "I will not take him to the bathroom but he will sleep right next to me!"


    She had covered her entire body with a blanket and Aries had been shrouded with dimness. It took his vision a few moments to adjust against the darkness.


    "I know you can only remember a few memories between us," the princess had softly whispered and she was staring apologetically at him.


    Her lips were only a few inches away from Aries and it was making his heart, though he had no heart at the moment, something was definitely pounding hard and fast from within him.


    "I know a lot of things had changed between us," the princess went on and Aries could not help but feel more uncomfortable. He had no face but he felt something inside him was getting hotter. "You already have someone in your heart. I am aware of that. So, you don''t have to worry. I just feel that both of us are safe if we sleep near each other. There is nothing more to it. I promise. Just take a rest. Good Night, Aries."


    The princess closed her eyes and after a few minutes, she had already fallen asleep while Aries remained wide awake. He could not take his eyes away from the princess. The pounding within him was growing stronger. The burning sensation was intensifying. His desire was escalating.


    This woman¡­ did I really sleep with her ten years ago?


    ^########^

 Chapter 67 - Trapped

    The longer Aries stared at the sleeping princess, the less he felt awkward. The strange sensation within him had been replaced by a comfortable familiarity. Perhaps it was too relaxing that he eventually let his guard down and allow drowsiness to seep in.


    His vision began to blur until sleep had totally claimed him and once again, he dreamed back a few of his buried memories.


    Aries was back at the House of Bull. He was sitting at a dining table with delicious foods on it. That was the first time he experienced a feast for free. It was obviously suspicious.


    Princess Pieffer, Prince Sunrei, and Tauren sensed his wariness. To prove to him that nothing dangerous had been put on any of the dishes, those three tasted every dish right in front of him. They also promised to honestly answer all his questions after that scrumptious dinner.


    Though he had seen that all the food on the table was not poisoned, Aries should still refrain from being so trusting, especially to someone with a dark aura. But the delightful dishes were difficult to refuse. The more he stopped himself from eating, the more his stomach was growling and his mouth filled with saliva.


    He closed his eyes, pushed his wariness at the deepest part of his head, and swallowed the food placed at his plate by the strange princess. After trying a few dishes, his suspicions decreased significantly until he could enjoy the food he was eating.


    "I think all of us had already satisfied our stomach," Tauren stated after all the plates in the long table had been emptied.


    Aries was extremely satisfied that he felt a bit drowsy. He wanted to sleep but he struggled against it with a shake of his head.


    He should ask all the questions he had in mind. He did. But he failed to get answers that were suspicious enough to make him continuously doubt them.


    Despite that, he could not continue lowering his guard. He should keep observing them and maybe, in the long run, he could find what he was looking for. Maybe he could eventually prove that the princess was truly possessed by an elusive spirit.


    "If you don''t have any more questions to ask, I will take my leave. I want to sleep," Prince Sunrei got up on his feet and waved a hand before exiting the dining area.


    "Me too," the princess quickly followed her brother. "Tauren, please take care of Aries," she glanced at Aries and promised, "I''ll see you tomorrow."


    "Do you want to sleep or maybe you want to stretch your legs and get some fresh air before retiring to bed? Don''t worry. I will be here when you return."


    "I''ll take a walk," Aries got up from the chair and headed towards the backyard.


    A strange sensation had suddenly crept up to him. Something inside his head felt annoyingly itchy. Though his childhood memories were hazy, he was certain that he had no family or friends.


    Yet earlier, while he was enjoying that scrumptious dinner, the feeling of joy was awfully familiar to him. As if he had enjoyed dinners like that with people closest to him. He only ignored it because he was usually eating alone and only the cheapest dishes available. He must be imagining things. But now it was bothering him once more.


    Why am I feeling this way?


    He suddenly felt dizzy and his knees weakened. He would have collapsed on the ground if Tauren did not seize his arm.


    He leaned feebly towards the Bull House Leader.


    "You look pale. What''s wrong?"


    "I am trying... to remember¡­" Aries was seeing a thick haze in front of him and he was trying to peek through it, but the more steps he took, the dizzier he was becoming. "I can''t¡­ remember..."


    "You should take some rest. Try to remember things when your mind is at its best," Tauren led Aries inside the tower.


    They ascended a few rounded staircases before they reached the guest room Tauren had mentioned.


    He opened it and helped Aries rest his back on the queen-sized bed with thick curtains around it.


    "Sleep," Tauren said with firmness.


    Aries was too drained to argue that he just decided to quietly obey and the moment he closed his eyes, sleep had quickly claimed him.


    ^#########^


    When Aries opened his eyes, he was under a warm blanket. Princess Pieffer was still lying beside him, too close to him that he could see his crimson blades crossed over her breast.


    He immediately stopped himself from panicking. One wrong move and his tiny needles would prick the chest of the princess. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. He waited for the pounding of his invisible heart to subside before opening his eyes. He glanced once more at the princess and noticed that it was not her who had moved closer to him. It was the other way around.


    Fortunately for both of them, even when unconscious, his crimson blades remained at a safe position. He closed his eyes one more time and begged Vermillion to reveal its sharpness only when called or if needed. But the crimson weapon was not listening to him.


    He was starting to get frustrated and since his tiny vessel had no hands or feet, he could only roll away from the princess.


    "Aries?"


    The princess shoved the blanket away from their bodies when she suddenly sat up. She was staring at Aries with tears in her eyes.


    "You¡­ you can move?"


    Aries was in awe. He realized only then that he could freely move that ripped arm to wherever he wanted to. It was difficult but he could finally do it.


    He would have been overjoyed if not for the fact that he was still incapable of answering the princess out loud.


    Aries looked around the room and noticed the parchments lying on the shelf near the fireplace. That must be the reason Vermillion was not listening to him. He could use his crimson blades to write what he wanted to say.


    He quickly straightened up and hopped out of the bed but he bounced back as he hit an invisible barrier around the bed. Flashes of memories returned to him.


    That night when Tauren had taken him to one of the guest rooms in the House of Bull, Aries had no idea that he had been escorted to the room where Princess Pieffer was sleeping. He was too exhausted to notice his surroundings. He only realized it after waking up.


    Seeing the princess sleeping soundly right next to him made him jump out of the bed but he hit an invisible barrier that had thrown him over to the person he was trying to avoid.


    The princess woke up when Aries had fallen over to her. At first, Aries thought that she would kick him away but the princess remained as calm as she always had been.


    "What happened?" she asked without suspecting Aries.


    "There is a barrier," he quickly moved away from the princess without touching the edge of the bed.


    "Barrier?"


    Princess Pieffer carefully reached out at the edge of the bed and her hand had been slightly pushed back as it hit the invisible barrier.


    She furrowed her brows then yelled, "Tauren!"


    Aries was pulled out of his memory when the princess yelled the same name in the present.


    It was like rewatching the past.


    Tauren entered the room with a wide smile.


    "What are you doing here?" the princess glared suspiciously at the Bull House Leader. "And how did you put and activate your experiment in this bed without my knowledge?"


    "I helped," the prince flashed a smile similar to Tauren.


    Aries was annoyed at both of them.


    "I thought¡­"


    "Aries might remember something about you if we recreate things from the past," Prince Sunrei winked at his sister then glanced inquiringly at Tauren. "How long will this last?"


    "I improved that barrier," the Bull House Leader proudly replied. "It will last for twenty-four hours."


    "What?! Twenty-four hours?!" Princess Pieffer was furious. "You cannot confine us in this space for that long! We have to search the House of Goat! We need to eat and use the bathroom!"


    "Your main reason for going to the House of Goat is to search for Aries," Tauren explained. "He is now right next to you. There is no need to hurry. That place can wait. About Gust, we can protect him. I will help them out. So, stay there and sleep."


    He and Prince Sunrei waved goodbye to them before leaving the room.


    If Aries had eyes on that vessel, he would shoot a deadly glare at Prince Sunrei.


    Protect your sister? How can you say that last night and then leave her alone with me the next day?!


    Aries could survive without eating or going to the bathroom. He had no human vessel at that moment but Princess Pieffer was different.


    How can they be so heartless to her?


    "I''m sorry, Aries," Princess Pieffer sighed with shame then lay back down on the bed. "I promised that this will never happen again. But here we are¡­ stuck in this tiny space not just for twelve hours but twenty-four. I''m really sorry."


    Aries looked around and search for things where he could carve out letters.


    He hopped towards the wooden headboard and began to write with his crimson blades.


    I will be fine since I am only a spirit but you ¨C


    Princess Pieffer pulled him a few inches away from the headboard. A joyful smile curved on her lips.


    "I will also be okay," she assured him. "I''ve done this before. One day is nothing."


    What does that mean?


    "The headboard is not that big," she said. "Let''s talk about more important things."


    Okay then. We need to talk to Guardian Aika.


    "That was originally my plan. I want to ask her to give you a new vessel. But now we are trapped in this place."


    Destroying the bed was not an option. Aries remembered ten years ago that they tried to break the bed but nothing happened. If Tauren was confident at the improvement of his experiment, then tearing down the object would only result in wasted effort.


    "Aries, what happened to you?" Princess Pieffer suddenly became unnervingly serious. "Why did you return only now?"


    I can''t explain it. I am confused as well. Only Guardian Aika can enlighten us.


    "Right. She is the only one who knows a lot about spells."


    And Cari, the Goat House Leader, had a close connection to her.


    "What connection?" Princess Pieffer curiously asked.


    Guardian Aika should answer that question.


    The princess nodded and smiled with understanding.


    "You know the only way for us to pass time without getting hungry?"


    Aries carved the words that left Princess Pieffer in awe.


    Sleep. You can sleep all day. And that''s the same for me.


    "Aries¡­" tears filled her eyes once more. "You remembered?"


    A little.


    "Thank you," the princess sobbed.


    There it was again. From within Aries, there was a strange throbbing.


    Aries! Save me! Please!!!


    Aries collapsed on the bed and rolled limply over the sheet.


    That was Cari and her desperate cry for help had instantly paralyzed Aries. His vision blurred then there was a deafening silence. Blood splattered in front of him until it covered his entire sight. Then he blacked out.


    ^###########^

 Chapter 68 - Gingerbread

    Aries opened his eyes and found himself back in his wooden vessel. At first, he thought that it was because of his recent container that he felt as light as a feather. But when he became aware of his surroundings, he was alarmed.


    He never had the chance to walk around the House of Twins. But he was certainly standing in one of its borders. A few feet away from his right was a huge statue of two identical people facing each other. Their arms were raised and their palms were touching each other.


    In front of him were Gust, Gale, and Jodien. Gale was anxious. Gust was upset. Jodien was excited despite the shallow cut in his neck. And the three of them were wielding their weapons.


    "You''re lying!" Gale yelled not at Aries but to the person behind him.


    Cari was standing there, holding her bleeding right arm. There was frustration in her eyes.


    It was strangely confusing for Aries to feel enraged at seeing her like that. It was as if he deeply cared for her safety.


    Fear added to his confusion as he gazed back towards Gust, Gale, and Jodien. The three of them were probably working together to defeat Cari and it made him more furious.


    "That thing only looks like Aries but he is not Aries! You will not fool us!" Gale yelled in denial.


    "Aries, what are you waiting for?! Kill them!"


    That command instantly brought forth his crimson claymore. He went for the head of Gale. The latter was prepared but Gust pushed his twin out of the way and his jade sword deflected the crimson claymore.


    "Call Guardian Aika," Gust commanded his twin brother. "Quick!"


    Gale wanted to protest but decided against it. As he took a few steps backward, a wind vortex had formed behind him and sucked him in.


    "If you cannot fight him like before, you can leave him to me. I want a one-on-one with him," Jodien had excitedly offered to Gust after Gale had vanished.


    "Don''t kill him," Gust strictly instructed.


    Jodien laughed then said, "How can he die when he is already dead?"


    "Don''t destroy his spirit!" Gust snapped at the battle-hungry knight.


    "I don''t think that I can. I haven''t seen anyone who had shattered his spirit. That woman is interesting. Maybe he can break Aries."


    "She is doing something nasty to his soul. She will pay for it," Gust tightened the grip on the handle of his jade sword. "Make sure he will not interrupt my fight with Cari."


    "I''ll try," Jodien grinned before attacking.


    Aries was getting more confused. His vessel was moving on its own as if it was on autopilot.


    Is there another soul in this vessel?


    Aries searched but he had found none.


    "I like this version of you," Jodien said after he was sent a few meters away with a powerful kick from Aries. "You''ve become¡­ heartless."


    "I am always like this. I will kill whoever it was that hurts my beloved Cari."


    Aries was deeply alarmed when he said those words out loud. For a moment, he felt lightheaded and he was overwhelmed by a strong desire to protect Cari.


    What did that Zodiac Knight do to my soul?


    Aries was violently attacking. Jodien was on the defensive. The Celestial Knight appeared to be struggling but it was not showing on his face. His excited grin was not leaving his face and with that, Aries was starting to enjoy the fight. He never thought that a fight could be pleasurable.


    His fights were all born out of fury. The people he was killing were all disgusting that he could not stand seeing them for a long time. He had to eliminate them as soon as possible. But Jodien was a different opponent. He was like Aries. They were both trying to protect their master.


    Wait!


    Aries cleared his head.


    What was that? Master? When did Cari become my master? Even Gust is not the Master of Jodien. What am I thinking? Something is definitely wrong with me. This has to stop!


    But his vessel was not listening to him. He could not believe that his wooden container was unaffected by the confusion in his mind as if it had a separate mind of its own.


    How did Cari do this? I can effectively multitask... but my mind... seemed to be breaking apart.


    "Aries! Finish your enemy right away and help me in here!"


    That commanding voice of Cari had an instantaneous effect in Aries. His mind went blank and a strong desire to kill just to protect Cari had overridden the rest of his emotions.


    "You''re getting more and more interesting," Jodien widened his grin when his arms trembled at the impact of the clashing black longsword and the crimson blade. "I thought you had a fragile vessel."


    Aries ignored those words and attacked more violently than before. With each parry, Jodien was being pushed backward and as soon as his back hit the statue of twins, his black longsword had shattered and he had been pierced in his shoulder blades.


    Aries hissed in fury. He was usually aiming for the neck. He would not miss the second time. He pulled his crimson blade.


    Jodien slumped on the ground, coughed out blood, then laughed, "You will kill me anyway."


    "Aries, no!" Gust noisily begged.


    That was probably the reason his aim became erratic and the blade only scratched the neck of Jodien.


    Aries pulled his crimson blade that got stuck at the statue then he repeatedly kicked Jodien hard on the face until that man dropped unconscious on the ground.


    He would annihilate that lucky Celestial Knight after killing the noisy man that hurt his master.


    "How can a Zodiac Knight befriend a Celestial Knight?" he spatted with disgust then rushed towards Gust.


    He aimed for the head but the Gust escaped through a wind vortex. He tried to pull Cari along with him that Aries quickly waved his sword and tried to sever the hand of the kidnapper. His crimson blade had suddenly been enveloped by a blazing flame that even though he failed to cut the wrist of his opponent, he managed to burn it and Cari had been freed.


    Gust vanished and reappeared right beside Jodien. He took the unconscious man in his arms and jumped back towards the wind vortex.


    "Aries, why did you let them go?" Cari was staring at him with annoyance. "Do you want me to get killed by those knights?"


    "I¡­ don''t know¡­" Aries winced as his head throbbed with intense pain.


    "Aries! What''s wrong?" her voice softened up as Aries dropped to his knees. "No! Don''t faint. You have to stay awake. Stay awake, Aries!"


    Aries failed to obey his master because his consciousness was already drifting away.


    There was darkness and then there was light. His vision was blurry and he had to wait for a few seconds for the fog to clear up.


    Then he had seen Princess Pieffer. Her shield was raised around her entire body and there was a cut on her left cheek.


    "What¡­" his voice faded when he looked down and saw that his body looked like a cactus. Crimson needles surrounded his ripped body.


    "Aries?"


    He looked up at the princess with guilt.


    "Did I¡­" his voice faded one more time when he realized that he could speak out loud.


    "Your body had a little transformation," the princess must have sensed his puzzlement. "You now have a head and a face."


    He wanted to have a look at the mirror but they were still stuck at the bed.


    "You look like gingerbread with crimson needles as arms and legs," Princess Pieffer was obviously stifling a smile.


    "How can you smile at me after I hurt you?" Aries stared at the princess with disbelief.


    "I know you didn''t mean it," she simply answered. "I''ll just put up a shield for myself. I hope you don''t mind."


    "You should protect yourself at all times!" Aries yelled and then sighed. "I had a terrible nightmare."


    "That was not a nightmare," Guardian Aika had entered the room. "You and Cari disrupted Gust in reinstating the barrier at the western border."


    "But Aries is with me all this time," Princess Pieffer defended Aries.


    "I told you, Princess. That ripped arm only contains a fragment of his soul. Most of it was with the bigger part of the rag doll. And Cari had already transferred it to another vessel," a smile curved on her lips as she continued, "I have to say that it is a powerful one. You even conjured a fire with your blade."


    "That¡­ happened?" his eyes widened with dread as he muttered, "Gust¡­"


    "He will live. Even Jodien. They are currently being treated by the house healers. You can see them later."


    "Why are you here?" Aries wondered. "Are you going to help us leave this bed?"


    "I created that rag doll vessel. I will know if something is happening to it," Guardian Aika evaded his last question. "Cari burned the part he had taken. The ripped arm, on the other hand, I sensed that it changed. Now I see that your consciousness is getting stronger. You learned to shape your vessel to something that is beneficial to you. I have to thank Cari for that."


    "Thank her for what?" Aries asked with sarcasm. "She only wants to control and use me to get what she wants. You are her master."


    "Correction. I was her master."


    "You should have taught her well," Aries glared at the beaming guardian.


    "I taught her well," Guardian Aika answered with a proud smile. "You saw her skills."


    "You came here just to say those things?" Aries was getting irritated.


    "I think she came here to check on you," Princess Pieffer said. "Can you make a better vessel for him?"


    "Vessels for souls cannot be created overnight. It will take a year or even years, depending on my mood. But don''t worry," the smile on her face had faded when she said, "The king will come after the barriers in this House are reinstated. Master Kiel came here to check on your body. You have one week to save your original vessel."


    "Just one week?" Princess Pieffer was worried.


    "We can only preserve your body for that long. If you cannot reinstate the barriers within that time, I''m afraid you will remain in that gingerbread vessel for the rest of your lifetime," the guardian beamed mockingly. "Or you can stay in that beautiful wooden body. The choice is yours, Aries. You have one week."


    ^#######^

 Chapter 69 - Way Out

    "Of course, I will choose that wooden vessel."


    "Aries!" the princess was obviously not agreeing with him. "You cannot return to Cari! Not until we convince her to work with us."


    "That is if all else fails. You know that I cannot fight well in this tiny vessel," Aries explained.


    "You can shoot needles at our enemies," Princess Pieffer stifled a smile. "Absorbing corrupted souls is already a big help to us."


    "Only his original body can contain those corrupted souls," Guardian Aika informed them. "Once your body rots away, the souls you absorbed will once again be freed."


    "Princess, why don''t you convince the king to come right away? He is your father. He will listen to you."


    "The king listens to no one," Princess Pieffer smiled without any trace of bitterness. "He will do what he thinks is right. He will save you."


    "The king believes that you can bring peace in the House of Twins within a week," Guardian Aika was also smiling.


    "If the king can save a dead body¡­"


    "The king takes care of his knights while his knights take care of his kingdom," Guardian Aika simply stated.


    "Then the king will stop taking care of the knights that no longer protect his kingdom?"


    "I don''t know," Guardian Aika shrugged her shoulders.


    "I believe so," Princess Pieffer defended her father. "The knights are still alive. Maybe Father is still protecting them.


    Guardian Aika only smiled suspiciously for a second then cleared her throat and told them, "I can free you from that surprisingly sturdy barrier."


    "Please, Guardian Aika," the eyes of the princess were sparkling with hope. "We need to plan with the rest of the knights."


    The powerful spellcaster approached the bed and carefully placed a hand on the invisible barrier.


    "This is truly a masterpiece," Guardian Aika was completely mesmerized. "Maybe I should start considering Tauren and Quaria as my new disciples."


    "Those two has a world of their own," Princess Pieffer informed the excited guardian. "They only want to learn from each other."


    "That''s a waste of their potential," Guardian Aika suddenly looked disappointed. She moved her hand away from the invisible barrier. "You can get out of there on your own."


    "Guardian Aika!" Princess Pieffer was suddenly blushing with embarrassment. "You can get us out of here with a wave of your hand, right?"


    "But that will be a waste of this wonderful barrier," the annoying guardian beamed teasingly at the princess then turned her back on them. "I will see you soon," she waved a hand not to free them from the barrier but to bid farewell to them.


    "Is there something you are not telling me?" Aries glared at the blushing princess. "Do you know a way to escape from this barrier?"


    Princess Pieffer only stared at him with hesitation and her cheeks were blushing further.


    "Princess, this is a matter of emergency," Aries was trying to stay calm and avoid shooting needles accidentally at her. "You need to tell me what it is."


    "If you truly want to get out of this place, then try to remember!" Princess Pieffer snapped at him then hide her flushing face under the blanket. "If you can''t then let''s wait until the barrier fades away. Guardian Aika said that they are still getting treated. They need to get some rest after that. We can wait here until they are well."


    "Fine!" Aries slumped on the bed with annoyance. "Let''s wait here!"


    But even though he had said those words and felt a little irritated, he could not help but wonder what it was that Princess Pieffer was too embarrassed to tell him.


    He closed his eyes and tried to remember.


    What was it? How did we escape this barrier?


    He already recalled getting trapped in there. He only had to remember a little further.


    Just¡­ a little further¡­


    ^########^


    Aries woke up with his arms over his mouth. He quickly noticed that the needles had finally transformed into harmless rag arms and legs. That was a relief for him but he also realized that his vessel had become tinier than before. He was probably twelve inches tall before his transformation but after that, he was nearly half of it.


    "Aries, what''s wrong?" Princess Pieffer removed the blanket over her face and gazed at him with worry. "Did you have a nightmare?"


    Instead of answering, he said, "You asked the same question back then."


    The princess bolted upright with eyes wide open.


    "You¡­ remembered more?"


    Aries felt his face flushed and wondered if rag containers could also blush.


    "I¡­ I remembered everything that happened on that day."


    "Everything?" Princess Pieffer quietly breathed while her cheeks blushed intensely.


    Aries only nodded.


    "It is better to wait, right?"


    Aries failed to reply. His memories of her on that day left him speechless. He could only stare at the princess with a pounding soul.


    Ten years ago, when they got stuck on a single bed for hours, they were strangers to each other. He was still suspicious of her. He kept on reminding himself that he had seen a dark aura around her. But the more time he spent alone with her, the more attracted he felt towards her.


    The more he stared at her sapphire blue eyes, the more he wanted to get close to her.


    He closed his eyes and remembered his beloved Pieffer. He might be feeling attracted because they had the same face.


    Or¡­ was it the other way around?


    "Aries, are you okay?" Princess Pieffer was getting more worried because he was violently shaking his head.


    "I''m okay," he quickly said because the princess was trying to close the distance between them. "Just stay where you are. Please."


    Princess Pieffer listened and remained on her spot. Aries moved a little further away from her. He was careful not to touch the invisible barrier. The least he wanted to happen was bounce on it and get thrown towards the princess just like what occurred ten years ago. It was all because of his impatience.


    Was it really because of my eagerness to break out of that barrier or¡­?


    No! There is no such thing as love at first sight. I just want to be free! That''s the only reason for it!


    "Let''s do it!" Aries yelled at the princess who blushed even more.


    "You mean¡­"


    "Yes!" he resolutely answered. "Let''s kiss!"


    The face of the princess was as red as an apple. She was left thunderstruck by his proposal.


    "I will kiss you now!" Aries jumped over to Princess Pieffer and kissed her lips.


    His tiny vessel could not feel a thing but as soon as their lips touched, his face felt the softness of her lips.


    It must be that his vessel had finally obtained the sense of touch or the memories of the past felt so strong that he was reliving the sensation.


    The barrier could only be broken by a passionate kiss.


    Aries remembered those words from Tauren.


    Ten years ago, they had to kiss three times to know how long their lips had to stay connected until the barrier fades away.


    Their first kiss was accidental. Both of them were stunned but they never failed to notice the momentary weakening of the barrier around them.


    Out of impulse, Aries jumped out of the bed but instead of touching the floor, he collided against the invisible barrier and had been tossed back to the princess.


    Out of frustration, Aries kissed the princess once again, a few seconds longer than the first. He was not wrong. The kiss was weakening the barrier. But once their lips parted, the barrier was quickly reconstructing.


    Getting more frustrated than before, Aries leaned towards the princess but before his lips could touch hers, a hand had slapped his face.


    Despite her blushing cheeks, she looked deeply offended. Aries was too absorbed with the barriers that he had failed to notice her hand coming for his face.


    "You should not kiss people without asking for their permission," the princess had strictly told him.


    "But¡­"


    "I know that you are doing this to get us out of this place. But you should still ask for permission," the princess firmly repeated.


    "Okay," Aries sighed and looked away. "I''m sorry."


    Both of them remained quiet for a few seconds before Aries heard the princess let out a deep breath.


    He glanced back at her and saw that she was staring at him with contemplation.


    "Think of it as a kiss of desperation," Aries reasoned. "We need to get out of this bed."


    "How many women have you kissed?" Princess Pieffer blurted out of curiosity.


    "Do you think I have time to kiss women?" Aries was taken aback. "I am busy fighting the corrupted souls, unlike you royalties. You must have kissed a lot of men in royal parties."


    Princess Pieffer stifled a smile and said, "Do you think royalties still have time to organize parties? I haven''t been to a party ever since the day I could remember. I think we are all busy fighting for Serestral."


    "Then let''s get out of here and resume with our responsibilities," Aries eagerly proposed. "Let me kiss you."


    "Okay," Princess Pieffer simply agreed. "I think we have to kiss for a longer time to fully destroy the barrier around the bed."


    "How long?" Aries was trying his best not to blush but he could already feel his face heating up.


    "A minute or so?" Princess Pieffer suggested despite her embarrassment.


    "Okay," Aries agreed, took a deep breath, and then kissed the princess for the third time.


    It was different than their first two kisses.


    The princess kissed him back.


    For someone who was busy defending a kingdom, she could kiss unexpectedly well. Aries was also surprised with his lips. Kissing someone felt natural to him.


    The heat he was feeling was rising up. A sudden desire to grab the princess closer to him and kiss her more passionately was threatening to overpower him.


    He tried his best to fight it off but his hands were moving on their own but the moment he wrapped his arms around the princess, he had been pushed away.


    "The barrier," Princess Pieffer shyly muttered. "I think it is already gone."


    Aries had been pulled back to the present as he heard Princess Pieffer say the same words.


    He could not believe that two minutes had already passed. He only remembered the past and could not enjoy the present moment. Maybe it was better since he was only in a tiny body and could not feel anything.


    "Let''s¡­" Aries froze as soon as he realized that his vessel was no longer a tiny gingerbread doll but the wooden container Cari had provided to him.


    ^##########^

 Chapter 70 - Possessed

    "Is that¡­ the vessel Cari had given you?"


    Aries noticed only then that Princess Pieffer was staring at him with awe and worry.


    "What happened?" he asked back, totally dumbfounded.


    "I¡­ don''t know¡­" the princess replied with a shake of her head. "My eyes were closed and I was too busy counting the seconds that I didn''t notice anything else. When I opened my eyes and told you that the barrier had probably faded, I was surprised to see you in that form. I thought your body had already been revived."


    "That vessel¡­" Guardian Aika stormed inside the room and reached out her hand towards the vessel.


    NO!!!


    Aries winced as that thundering voice of Cari reverberated inside his head.


    I WILL NEVER ALLOW YOU TO TAINT MY CREATION!!!


    Before Guardian Aika could grab the wooden vessel, darkness had shrouded the vision of Aries, and a powerful force had pulled him away.


    When the darkness had faded, Aries found himself back at the white house, right next to Cari.


    "Stop testing my patience," Cari was tightly grabbing his right arm. Anger was evident in her eyes. "I waited hundreds of years to finally have you. I will not let anyone take you away from me. You are mine, Aries!"


    "No one¡­ owns me¡­" Aries muttered with difficulty because his vessel was paralyzed from head to foot and he could barely move his mouth. "Please¡­ Cari¡­ stop this¡­"


    "No," Cari stubbornly replied. She was not letting go of his arm. "You are the one who should stop dreaming about worthless things," her expression soften up a bit when she said, "Don''t worry, after I take the remaining piece of your soul from that princess, we will immediately leave this place."


    "Cari..."


    "I am not doing this just for myself," the crazy Zodiac Knight gently touched his cheek. "This is for you, Aries. Please, just help me."


    "I can''t¡­ kill them¡­" Aries was quickly losing grip on his consciousness.


    "You can," Cari flashed a perturbing smile.


    Aries never wanted to lose his consciousness in front of Cari. He had this feeling that the crazy Zodiac Knight would use him again to fight his comrades.


    He had to stop that from happening.


    But Cari was too powerful for him.


    "That''s it, Aries. Sleep. Let darkness take away all your unpleasant memories. Forget those hateful people. Forget Serestral. You are my beloved. My knight. My goal is your goal. Fight for it. Fight for me. Protect me at all cost, Aries. Protect me, my dearest knight."


    Protect me, my dearest knight¡­


    ^########^


    Blood splattered at Aries as he slashed the throat of his latest target. He was only seven but he was already an experienced assassin.


    Aries tried his best not to kill anyone but since the time he can remember, whenever people important to him were in trouble, his body would instantly move to protect them at all cost.


    Everyone in their village feared him. His parents too.


    No one wants to befriend a violent person with a pair of frightening red eyes.


    In fairness to his parents, they endured for five years. They tried to keep him with them for that long before they decided to abandon him on an empty alleyway far from their village.


    Aries did as he was told. He quietly sat there and watch as his parents walk out of sight. He knew that it would eventually happen. He was prepared for it. He was a bad kid after all.


    He lay down on the cold pavement and closed his eyes. He would just sleep everything away.


    Days had passed before he heard someone speak to him.


    He weakly opened his eyes and found his uncle.


    That was the day he had been saved from the empty alleyway.


    His uncle gave him a new home, good food, and intensive training so he could control his gift.


    According to his uncle, he had a gift to protect. It only needs to be controlled.


    From that day onwards, Aries vowed to protect his uncle from any kind of threat.


    His uncle had many enemies and Aries had to clash with them almost every day of his life. Most were annihilated by his crimson blade while some were only badly beaten.


    He served his uncle for three years. He would probably stick with that man until the last day of his life if Cari did not come and pull him out of that place. She did it after killing his uncle.


    Aries was astonished by her strength. He was completely overpowered by her.


    Aries, you should stop killing for the benefit of this selfish person. He is only abusing your ability.


    Those were the words she had said to him.


    If you are to kill, it should be to protect more people, not just one. Save Serestral. Kill our true enemy. Live your life as you are destined to be. You are a Zodiac Knight.


    Zodiac Knight¡­


    Aries opened his eyes and saw that he was back at the house of his master.


    "Aries! You are back! At long last! You are here with me again!"


    Aries was confused by the excited behavior of his master. It was as if they had parted for a long time.


    "Master, what happened?" Aries asked when he noticed that his skin looked like wood then his eyes widened when he realized the probable answer to his question. "That witch! Did she put another curse on me?!"


    "Yes, Aries. That witch robbed your body," there was anger in the eyes of his master. "I only managed to save your soul and put it in one of my creations."


    Aries was getting confused but he could not keep asking his master. She was getting alarmingly impatient if he starts to ask a lot of questions.


    "My body¡­"


    "You cannot return to it," Cari quickly told him. "That wicked witch is too powerful. What we need to take is the remaining piece of your soul that she had given to her disciples."


    "The evil princess?"


    Aries had never seen her but his master kept on telling him that the most powerful disciple of the witch was an evil princess and she was the one bringing chaos to Serestral.


    "Yes, Aries. We need to take it now. We cannot let them have your soul for a longer time. They will definitely do something awful with it."


    Aries bolted upright and swayed. His knees were wobbly and his head was as heavy as a brick. He always felt awful whenever he comes across that witch.


    She was always erasing his memories of their encounter. All Aries could remember was a thick fog and the shadow of that evil witch.


    Now it was not only his memories that were taken but also his body. How that wicked witch did that, Aries would never know. Even if she was killed, Aries doubted that he would ever remember the memories that had been stolen from him.


    Even though he wanted to get even with that witch, declaring war against her could be dangerous for his master. He could never put his master in danger. He should be somehow grateful that it was him the evil witch was targeting.


    The safety of his master was his one and only responsibility.


    "Aries, they will try to trick you," Master Cari seriously warned him. "Do not listen to any word they will say."


    "Yes, Master," Aries promised.


    "Let''s go to the House of Twins," his master said with a smile of relief.


    ^##########^


    Aries and his master stepped into the southern border of the House of Twins. There was only a statue of twins standing near the high stone wall. Not a single soul could be sighted in the area.


    "Let''s wait," Master Cari was still beaming happily. "They are already on their way here."


    "Will the witch come?" Aries was a little nervous. He could take care of her allies but not the witch herself.


    "No," his master confidently answered and it made him at ease. "We will only be fighting her disciples."


    After a few minutes of waiting, their enemies had finally arrived.


    There were only three. Two men and a woman.


    That was the first time Aries had seen them but they felt strangely familiar to him.


    They were probably in the memories the witch had erased. He must have fought them each time he had an encounter with the witch.


    "You know what I want," Master Cari told the disciples.


    "We will not let you have it," the blue-haired woman had answered. "Aries is a human. Stop treating him like one of your dolls!"


    Her words made something inside Aries ache.


    "Kill them, Aries!" his master powerfully bellowed. "That woman is hiding a rag doll. You have to take it from her!"


    Ignoring the pain within him, Aries called out his crimson claymore and attacked the three disciples.


    The silver-haired man was a Zodiac Knight because of the way his weapon had materialized.


    The blonde man and the blue-haired woman both unsheathed their silver sword.


    But it was only the woman who deflected his crimson claymore.


    "Princess!" the silver-haired man yelled as the blonde exclaimed, "Pieffer! You don''t have to fight him."


    Both seemed deeply concerned with the blue-haired woman.


    "I want to fight him," Princess Pieffer had seriously said. "I will bring him back to us."


    Princess Pieffer.


    She was the evil princess. He had to be extra careful.


    "Don''t hold back," the blonde seriously advised.


    "Thanks, Sunrei."


    "If Aries hurts you¡­"


    "I know, Pines," Princess Pieffer had quickly interrupted. "I will not let him hurt me."


    Aries was annoyed by her words but when he attacked and the princess parried his crimson claymore with her tiny silver sword, he was completely mesmerized.


    She was a surprisingly excellent fighter. Aries fought a few women but not as good as she was. She could read his every movement and knew how to react accordingly. Her mind was calm. Her footsteps were swift. Her blades were enduring. She was like a graceful dancer, moving around with astounding elegance.


    Aries felt like he had seen that beautiful performance several times. He tried to remember his encounters with the witch but his head felt like shattering into pieces as he searched deeper into his mind.


    "I will never get tired, Aries," Princess Pieffer said those words with sincerity that confused Aries. "I will always be here to help you remember."


    The princess sidestepped, run her tiny silver blade against the crimson claymore, and slashed Aries in his left arm.


    Aries staggered as memories flashed in his mind. It was about Princess Pieffer, Prince Sunrei, and his home at the House of Ram.


    "Aries! Why are you only standing there?!" Master Cari yelled at him. "I told you to kill her! Kill them all!!!"


    Aries swayed as more pain shot in his mind. It was as if the voice of his master had thrown needles into his brain.


    "Yes¡­ Master¡­" Aries ignored the chaos in his mind with a shake of his head. He tightened the grip on his weapon and attacked the princess.


    He should avoid getting wounded by the tiny silver blade. The evil princess was probably trying to plant memories in his mind by slashing his wooden vessel.


    He should not let that happen again.


    "You are probably thinking that I am planting memories on you."


    Aries was spooked when the princess said those words after deflecting his crimson claymore.


    She was sending a spine-tingling sensation of d¨¦j¨¤ vu on him. It was as if he was reliving a thing in his past.


    Is this magic?


    "This is not magic."


    Aries caught the blade of the princess, shoved it away, and took a few steps backward. He had to distance himself from his creepy opponent.


    "You evil spirit!" Master Cari angrily bellowed and attacked Princess Pieffer but Prince Sunrei and Pines had stopped her.


    Cari was using magic but the two were doing well in repelling her spells.


    There were only three of them but they came prepared.


    "Master¡­" he stepped towards his master but Princess Pieffer had quickly intercepted.


    She slashed him on his right arm and he nearly dropped him crimson claymore as memories rushed in his mind.


    He remembered Leon and how they reinstated the barriers around the House of Lion.


    "What are you doing to me?!" Aries violently waved his claymore.


    "I am helping you remember," the princess sincerely replied as she evaded, parried, and deflected his attacks. "Look into those memories and ask yourself if you own them or not."


    The princess pierced his right leg and he instantly dropped on his knees. His crimson blade struck the ground and he had to lean on it for support.


    His head felt like imploding. That excruciating pain was not new to him. He was always enduring that intense pain whenever she encountered the witch.


    It was just that Aries never anticipated fighting someone nearly as powerful as the witch. He never imagined that remembering could be more agonizing than forgetting.


    Aries recalled Tauren and how they helped him in warding off some corrupted souls.


    Then there was Gin-Ren and the House of Maiden, Quaria and the House of Pitcher, Lira and the House of Scale.


    He also remembered being there in the House of Twins and his relationship with Gust and Gale.


    And finally, he reminisced getting stuck in the bed with Princess Pieffer. It happened not only once but twice. He also recalled how they broke out of it.


    He remembered their first kiss.


    "Princess¡­ Pieffer¡­" Aries was breathing unevenly and tears filled his eyes. "I''m sorry¡­ for forgetting¡­"


    "It is not your fault," the princess knelt in front of him and put a hand over his shoulder. "Cari is to blame."


    "Don''t¡­ hurt her," Aries glanced at Cari.


    She was struggling against Prince Sunrei and Pines. She already had cuts on her arms and face.


    "You have to remember more," the voice of Princess Pieffer suddenly became chilling. "You will want to kill her if you remember everything that she did to you."


    Aries nervously glanced back at the princess. The dark aura around her was back and her eyes were pitch-black.


    "Princess¡­" his words were halted by the tiny blade that pierced his chest.


    "I will no longer wait," she wickedly smiled. "You have to remember everything about me."


    Aries tried to stay awake but with the flooding of memories, he could not avoid drowning in them.


    ^####################^

 Chapter 71 - Rainfall

    Aries was done with the most recent mission from his uncle. He was ready to leave that bloody place when a man in a black hooded overcoat intercepted his path.


    He was a towering figure. Aries could not see the eyes of the stranger for it was well-covered with the hood. The place was also poorly illuminated.


    "Aries, you should stop killing for the benefit of one person."


    The deep voice of the stranger was riveting. Aries could not stop listening.


    "That man is only abusing your ability," the hooded man went on. "If you are to kill, it should be to protect more people, not just one. Save Serestral. Kill our true enemy. Live your life as you are destined to be. You are a Zodiac Knight."


    And with that, Aries left his uncle and followed the black-hooded stranger. It was a decision that he never once regretted.


    The black-hooded stranger taught him a few important things about Serestral. He became aware of the corrupted souls threatening the entire kingdom. He also learned how to perceive those dark essences.


    He was seeing faint traces of dark smoke from people around him since he was little and thought that he had a problem with his eyes. He understood only then that those dark smokes were his true enemy.


    From then onwards, he became a hunter of corrupted souls.


    It was in one of those hunts that he encountered the witch. It was a tall and angelic woman. Her eyes, hair, and clothes were as white as snow.


    She looked frail but her power was overwhelming. There was no need for her to move. With only a wave of her hand, Aries was paralyzed.


    She gracefully approached him and tenderly caressed his forehead.


    "I know how tired you are, Aries. I am here to save you from this hateful place."


    Aries was telling his body to move but to no avail. He was completely paralyzed and his vision was starting to get foggy.


    "I will help you forget," her melodic voice was making Aries drowsy. "Let me take away all your unpleasant memories. Forget those hateful people. Forget Serestral. You are no longer a Zodiac Knight but my beloved knight. You only have to love and protect me. Just stay right next to me and I will never give you a heavy burden."


    His memories were not erased. Cari could only lock them deep within his mind and replace them with temporary hallucinations.


    The lock was also not that durable. It was fading with the passing of days and, as soon as that happens, Aries was back to hunting corrupted souls. That was the reason Cari thought about mixing his memories with her hallucinations.


    Aries assumed that Cari was his master but he had no master. He wanted to treat the black-hooded stranger as his master. He even wanted that man to be his father, but he had been strictly told that they should remain strangers to one another. That black-hooded man never wanted any lifelong connections to him. He only wanted to share a few crucial pieces of information with Aries.


    At that time when Aries strayed far away from Cari and had been saved by Gust and Gale, it was because the spell cast on him greatly weakened, and his obsession to eliminate the corrupted souls led him outside Serestral.


    Cari could not find him back then because Gust surrounded their sanctuary with a powerful concealment spell. Fortunately for Aries, the twins were hiding against the world. Gust only allowed Guardian Aika to find them.


    But like the spell Cari had cast over him, the effectiveness of the concealment spell had faded over time. It was the reason a girl surrounded by a dark aura had breached the perimeter of the sanctuary. At that time, Aries was unaware of how a spell works. Now that everything was replaying on his mind, he understood a lot of things. Back then, he was too eager to hunt corrupted souls and could not analyze what was happening around him.


    He told Gust and Gale that he had to trail someone. He promised to return. It was a pledge that took a decade to be fulfilled.


    The girl he had seen at the sanctuary and decided to chase was no other than Pieffer. It was a short encounter. He tried to grab her hand but she escaped through the shadows.


    He had forgotten about it because Cari had caught up to him. Though she succeeded in locking his memories, it became difficult for her to control his urge to hunt corrupted souls all over Serestral.


    Cari could not do anything but let him do what he wanted to do, at least until she could find a way to restrain him for good.


    That momentary freedom gave him time to search the House of Maiden and he crossed paths with Gin-Ren. Once again, he made a promise that took a long time to be fulfilled.


    Cari could tolerate his need to save Serestral. What she hated was him making promises to anyone, especially to the other Zodiac Knights. And with that, his memories of Gin-Ren had been shoved to the deepest part of his mind.


    From time to time, Aries would encounter Pieffer. Their meetings would always feel like the first for him because of Cari meddling with his memories.


    Even though she was successfully locking his memories of Pieffer, her blood was still boiling from the fact that she could not stop their paths from intersecting.


    Cari created the story of the witch and her disciples. The woman covered in white fog whenever she arrives was Cari herself. She allowed Aries to remember the pain of getting his memories ''erased''. She wanted him to be cautious against a powerful foe and her subordinates.


    Since Cari was struggling to stop Aries in his knightly responsibility, she could only follow Aries in silence. But trailing him was also hard. There were those times that he was moving faster than her watchful eyes. And whenever Aries was slipping away from her sight, it could only mean that her spell on him had greatly weakened.


    When Aries got himself caught and confined at the House of Bull, he had completely forgotten about Cari. His memories getting tampered with a lot of times must have made him more forgetful.


    Hunting corrupted souls were the only thing he was not failing to remember. And the dark aura that surrounds Pieffer had become his new obsession, a strong fascination that brought him confusion and a lot more unfamiliar emotions.


    He thought she was an enemy that needs to be annihilated but his impulse to kill her was weakening the more time he spent with her.


    Aries thought that Pieffer was only trying to fool him when she said that saving Serestral was important to her, but she was as serious as Aries had ever been when it comes to the welfare of the kingdom.


    Her passion to help made Aries forget about the dark aura that once surrounded her entire being. He never even inquired about it again.


    From enemies, they became good friends.


    But not for long.


    Cari finally caught up to Aries. He and Pieffer were practicing shadow traversing in the middle of a forest just near the House of Bull.


    Aries felt chills run up his spine when a thick fog enveloped him. He tried to move but his arms and legs were paralyzed.


    "Why do you keep running away from me?" a cold breath touched the back of his neck and his vision started to blur. "And why are you with her again?!"


    "What is wrong with that?" Pieffer walked through the thick fog and grabbed Aries by his left hand.


    "What is wrong with that?!" Cari roared back and seized Aries by his right hand. "You should not be together!"


    Aries gasped as piercing pain shot through his brain. He collapsed on his knees.


    Cari let go while Pieffer knelt in front of him.


    "What did you do to him?" Pieffer asked without looking away from Aries.


    "What he should do a long time ago," Cari coldly replied. "Aries, kill her."


    Aries had no intention to obey but his body was moving on its own. He released his crimson blade and slashed it in front of him.


    Pieffer jumped and avoided the blade in time. She quickly unsheathed her silver sword and parried another attack from Aries.


    "Aries, stop this!" she loudly yelled after deflecting the crimson blade.


    Though Aries wanted to stop, his body was not listening to his aching mind. He kept on attacking Pieffer.


    Fortunately for both of them, Pieffer was good at evading.


    "He will not stop until you are dead," Cari exclaimed.


    Pieffer was furious. She swiftly evaded the crimson blade aimed at her neck, bent her knees that it almost touched the ground, and stabbed Aries in his left leg. She quickly followed it with a slash in his right foot.


    "I''m sorry," she whispered as Aries lost his balance and collapsed on the ground.


    Before he could regain his foothold, Pieffer rushed towards Cari. The dark aura was surrounding her again. It even enveloped her silver sword.


    Cari waved her hand and tried to repel the blade with her spells but Pieffer cut through everything and slashed her white overcoat.


    "Leave Aries alone or I will kill you," Pieffer threatened and the coldness in her voice sent chills towards Aries.


    The deadly glare in her eyes was alarming. She was ready to kill Cari without hesitation. She also made sure that there would be no interruptions from Aries by inflicting deep wounds on him.


    "Kill me. I don''t care," Cari replied just as coldly.


    Pieffer tightened her grip on the hilt of the silver sword that was covered with dark smoke.


    She attacked and Cari tried her best to dodge and counter but the dark smoke was repelling her spells.


    After a few missed slashes, Pieffer finally managed to hurl her opponent onto a tree.


    Cari hit her back hard on the trunk and she slumped on the ground, nearly unconscious. Pieffer was slowly approaching her.


    Despite the pain in his left leg and right foot, Aries bolted upright. And as Pieffer raised her silver sword to kill, Aries dashed towards the two women.


    He was planning to grab the silver blade but his last step sent paralyzing pain all throughout his body. He lost his balance and his hands missed the blade but he could not just give up. By quickly gathering all the strength remaining within him, he regained balance and jumped in front of Cari.


    He caught the sword just in the nick of time. But his weak hands were not enough to stop its momentum. The silver blade slid through his palms and pierced his chest. The stab wound burned with pain but he was grateful that the sword did not hurt Cari. And most important of all, Pieffer was back to her normal self. The dark aura around her had vanished.


    "Aries¡­" Pieffer quickly let go of her sword with tears in her eyes.


    "I told you¡­" Cari had weakly spoken. "In the end¡­ she will kill you..." she closed her eyes and disappeared through a thick fog.


    "I¡­ don''t care¡­" Aries coughed out blood as he pulled the sword from his chest.


    Pieffer quickly caught his falling body and healed his wound.


    "Why is it not closing up?" she was starting to panic and more tears were pouring from her eyes. "I should have studied more," she wiped the tears from her eyes and helped Aries up. "I will take you to the castle."


    "No need¡­" Aries whispered and coughed out more blood. He could already feel his own heartbeat fading. "I¡­ want to rest here¡­"


    He pulled away from Pieffer and lay down on the grass-covered ground.


    "This is¡­ perfect¡­" he glanced at Pieffer and asked her with a weak smile. "Can you¡­ accompany me?"


    Pieffer wiped her eyes once more before sitting right next to him. She put her hands over his bleeding wound and tried to heal him again.


    "Pieffer¡­" he held her hands. "Just lie here¡­ beside me¡­" he glanced up at the starless sky. "Let''s enjoy¡­ the rain¡­"


    Just as he had said that last word, a light rain had poured.


    Aries closed his eyes and took pleasure in the cold droplets that touched his skin. After a few seconds, he heard Pieffer lying down right next to him.


    "I love the rain," he whispered with a smile. "It washes away the blood¡­ the pain¡­ everything¡­" he opened his eyes and glanced back at Pieffer.


    The rain hid the tears pouring from her eyes.


    "I''m sorry¡­" Aries laughed weakly until he coughed out blood. "Your clothes had gotten dirty¡­"


    "I love you¡­" Pieffer tightened her grip on his hand and kissed it. "Believe me, Aries. I love you..."


    Aries wished he could say those words back to Pieffer, but everything went black before he could open his mouth.


    ^##########^

 Chapter 72 - Decision

    When Aries opened his eyes, it was like replaying a terrifying scene in his mind.


    Pieffer was dashing towards Cari. Her blade was aimed at the chest of her opponent.


    Aries touched his own chest. He remembered getting stabbed before losing consciousness but there was no wound in there or even a scar.


    The healing ability of Pieffer had truly improved. He quickly rose to his feet and rushed towards the princess. This time, he did not miss. His hand seized the weapon hand of Pieffer and pulled it away from Cari.


    Everyone stopped moving and all eyes had fallen on him. Sunrei and Pines were down on the ground, both have cuts on their feet.


    It was certainly inflicted by Pieffer. She had rendered them immobile to prevent them from interrupting.


    "Please, Piefffer. Don''t kill her," Aries begged.


    Pieffer instantly dropped her sword and cried.


    "You... didn''t call me Princess¡­"


    Aries smiled and tightened his grip on the hands of Pieffer as he said, "I remembered everything."


    "No!" Cari yelled as Pieffer shed more tears.


    "Let''s talk later," Aries grabbed Cari by her hand. "We should head back to Gust''s manor."


    Cari tried to escape using her magic but Aries was repelling every spell she was casting.


    "How can you do that?"


    "I think you already know the answer to that," Guardian Aika revealed herself at the entrance to the manor. "Aries is already aware of your mind tricks. He is already immune to all of it."


    "Why don''t you just kill me?" Cari stopped struggling against the strong grip of Aries.


    "You know how much I wanted to do it," Pieffer frowned in annoyance. "You should be grateful to Aries."


    "I am always grateful to him," Cari furiously snapped at her. "That is the reason I want to take him out of this place! He deserves something better!"


    Aries dragged Cari inside the manor and pushed her down on a couch at the entrance hall.


    "Where is Gust?" he asked Guardian Aika.


    "Reinstating the barrier at the Western Border," the guardian replied without looking away from Cari.


    "I will help them out."


    "No need," Guardian Aika stopped him from stepping out of the door. "Cari is the only threat in the House of Twins as of the moment. You should stay here and guard her or should I confine her to the dungeon?"


    "Cari will work with us," Aries seriously declared.


    "I don''t¡­"


    "I''m not asking you," he had firmly interrupted. "I am commanding you."


    His words silenced everyone in the room. The firmness in his voice probably made them anxious.


    "Do you¡­ remember our past lives?" Fear and excitement mixed in the eyes of the Goat House Leader.


    "No," he honestly answered. "Working with us is your punishment."


    "You cannot force me, Arie," she rejected the idea with a frown, "Even if you are our captain, you cannot make me do what I don''t want to do!"


    "I know how much you are suffering," Aries gazed seriously at Cari. "Remembering everything can be agonizing. I only heard things about this vicious cycle but those stories are already maddening. How much more with you who didn''t forget a single thing?"


    Cari was silenced and Aries went on with his speech, "We can only keep our sanity because we cannot remember our past lives. We can start all over again as if nothing bad had happened. Things will come to pass like it is the first time and because of that, we can still hope to change things if we just give it our all," he held out his hand to Cari and told her, "I want you to hope with us."


    The Goat House Leader shoved his hand away and seriously declared, "You can never stop this vicious cycle. What is about to happen will happen. You can never change anything!"


    "Through the centuries, did nothing really change?" Aries asked. "Do we keep on living the same life? Do you?"


    Cari refused to answer as tears filled her eyes.


    "It may be a subtle change but things are still changing," Aries believed. "I want to save Serestral. No matter how many times, I will never get tired."


    "You are always this foolish!" Cari cried in frustration.


    "And you are always so supportive with my foolishness," Aries smiled at his comrade.


    "I hate you!" Cari yelled at the top of her lungs. "I tried to change things for you! But it seems that I will witness your tragic ending all over again!"


    "Let''s hope for the best," Aries beamed wider.


    "You are hopeless," Cari could only sigh and wipe the tears in her eyes.


    "Sunrei, Pines, can you stay here with Cari? Pieffer and I need to talk."


    "Sure," the blonde prince answered as the Fish House Leader yelled, "What will you talk about?!"


    "Just let them be," Sunrei elbowed Pines.


    "Fine!" the Fish House Leader furiously yelled then settled beside Cari with arms crossed over his chest. "Talk all you want!"


    ^#########^


    Aries took Pieffer to the backyard. He wanted to tell her a lot of things but could not get the right words out of his mouth. He could only stare at her with longing. They had been together for only a month and he never expected any deep emotions to be formed between them.


    "I''m sorry," tears brimmed in the eyes of Pieffer. "It''s my fault that your soul wandered away from us."


    "Let''s not talk about that," Aries nervously smiled. "It''s already in the past. I''m¡­ I''m just glad that I recalled my memories. I''m¡­ I''m happy to have remembered you."


    Pieffer smiled and held his hands.


    "If you only knew how much I wanted to embrace you¡­" her voice faltered when Aries took her in his arms.


    "Let''s stop hesitating," he whispered to her ears and tightened his arms around her. "I miss you, Pieffer."


    "I miss you so much¡­" Pieffer buried her face in his chest and cried. "But¡­ how about Lady Pieffer?"


    She gently pushed Aries away from her.


    "Isn''t she¡­ still alive somewhere within you? We don''t want to anger her any further."


    Pieffer is right. I should never forget about¡­ my beloved¡­


    "I''m sorry," Aries apologized with a throbbing head. Confusion was starting to drain his mind.


    "You don''t have to apologize," Pieffer smiled. "We don''t have any relationship so there is nothing to be sorry about," she took a deep breath and stretched her hands up in the air. "This is a tiring day. We should rest."


    Aries nodded agreement and followed Pieffer back to the manor.


    ^########^


    Aries slept for an entire day. He dreamed again of the memories he already regained that when he opened his eyes, the feeling was still surreal. He could not believe he had forgotten so many things. It was still difficult to process that he lived as an assassin. He who dreamed of becoming a hero since he was a child had become a killer. Worst of all, he loved another person and hurt Pieffer.


    Aries placed his palm over his face. He was so disappointed with himself.


    "There is no use moping in this room!" he bolted upright and swore to himself, "I will never forget ever again!"


    He stormed out of his room and knocked at the door of Cari''s chamber.


    "Why do you keep on pestering me?" the Goat House Leader asked with a frown after letting Aries into the balcony of her room.


    "Me? Pestering you? Have you forgotten how you played with my memories?" Aries sat on the railings, crossed his arms, and glared at Cari.


    "I''m sorry," Cari muttered. "Pieffer came here an hour ago. She is such an annoying person."


    "Be grateful that she let you live."


    Cari rolled her eyes then asked, "What do you want?"


    "I need your help. I want to remember everything and never forget any detail," Aries seriously asked the Goat House Leader.


    "No," Cari looked away from him.


    "Why?"


    "Are you really that insensitive to my feelings for you?" Cari yelled angrily at Aries. "I love you! I only want what is best for you! How can you ask me to make you suffer?"


    "I know how you feel about me and I am grateful for it," Aries was sincere. "Thank you for choosing to remember everything even though the memories are more painful than not. If only I can repay all of it... but the only thing I can give you is my dedication to the Zodiac Knights and to Serestral. My heart... you know how who is in it. I''m sorry, Cari¡­ I know you will find happiness in another man."


    The Goat House Leader was deeply hurt that she had to look away and try to hide the tears brimming in her eyes.


    "I offered it before but you declined," she said after a few moments of silence. "You told me that you don''t want to remember your past lives because you want to enjoy the present. You even asked me to erase the resurging memories of your previous lifetimes. But I can only repress it."


    "I was a coward back then," Aries admitted. "And that must be the very reason we could not end this vicious cycle. I want to remember and understand everything, even our enemies. The Celestial Knights¡­ I want to try saving them."


    Cari looked back at Aries and cried.


    "Can they still be saved?"


    "Gani and Jodien are already working with us," Aries reminded the Goat House Leader. "This might be the start, right?"


    "You will eventually remember everything."


    "I want to remember everything as soon as I can. I don''t want to wait until things are too late to be stopped."


    "Do you really want to remember everything?" Cari was still hesitating and worrying about him.


    "I do," Aries seriously answered. "Please, Cari. Help me."


    The Goat House Leader stared at him for a long time before saying with a defeated sigh, "If that is what you want. Let me prepare for it. You should also ready your mind for it."


    "Thank you, Cari."


    "I don''t think you will be grateful after you remember everything," Cari looked away from him.


    "I will not regret this," Aries promised.


    "You never regretted anything," Cari laughed with bitterness. "Anyway, I think it is best to start once the barriers around Serestral are reinstated.


    "I thought it will take time for you to care again about this kingdom," Aries smiled.


    "I told you, I tried to change things but failed. Now that I cannot stop you from fulfilling your knightly duties, I might as well stick by your side. I want you to remember me as the girl who never left your side."


    "Thank you so much, Cari," he had given her a bow before heading towards the door.


    "There is one more thing," the Goat House Leader said when Aries touched the doorknob. "Pieffer wants the same thing."


    Aries glanced back at the balcony and anxiously asked, "Will it be bad for her?"


    "I think so," Cari replied with a shrug of her shoulders. "I don''t care if she suffers. It is you I am worried about."


    "I will try talking her out of it," Aries smiled and bowed one more time to the Goat House Leader.


    ^########^

 Chapter 73 - A Wish

    Aries knocked at the door of Pieffer''s room. No one answered. He searched for her in the dining area but she was not there either. Since he was already facing the table filled with aromatic dishes, he decided to satisfy his growling stomach before resuming his search.


    Delicious foods made him stay at the dining table for hours. When he stepped out to the front yard, the first thing that caught his eyes was the marvelous full moon. He used to hate it, the sparkling stars, and anything that gives light to the darkness of the night. It was Pieffer who had changed his view about that round and shining orb.


    For her, the moon was the most wonderful thing the night could give. It was the brightest light in the darkest night, a source of hope.


    Aries remembered one of his promises to her. If all the light around her would fade away, she asked him to be her brightest and unfading light.


    A smile curved on his lips as he finally found Pieffer.


    She was in the backyard, gazing intently at the radiant moon.


    Aries quietly approached her but froze halfway when Pieffer glanced in his direction with chilling pitch-black eyes.


    "Pieffer?" he cautiously called out her name.


    The princess blinked and her pitch-black eyes returned to sapphire blue.


    She blinked a few more times as if something irritated her eyes. She rubbed it before glancing back at Aries with confusion.


    "What¡­" her voice faltered as confusion turned into fear.


    "Don''t be scared. I''m here," Aries grabbed her hand and gripped it tight.


    Pieffer closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against the broad and firm chest of Aries.


    They stayed like that in silence for a few minutes.


    "Thank you, Aries," Pieffer had softly spoken. She looked up at him with a nervous smile and told him, "I thought moongazing would help me calm down."


    "You should have come to me."


    "I don''t want to disturb your rest," Pieffer moved away from him. "I know how exhausted you are. You''ve been through so much since you came back to us."


    "I just talked to Cari," Aries was staring seriously at the princess. "I asked her to help me remember my past lives. She told me that you asked the same thing from her."


    "You will not stop me, right?" Pieffer returned his gaze with the same seriousness.


    "You will remember unpleasant things."


    Pieffer smiled and told him, "I don''t think we ever experienced a lifetime with only happy memories in it. Sufferings are part of anyone''s life," she squinted before asking, "Are you doubtful of my endurance?"


    "I just¡­ don''t want you to suffer¡­" Aries looked away, feeling ashamed. "But I already made you endure so much pain."


    "Agony is part of what we signed up for. Either we give in or we endure until the end," Pieffer held his cheeks and made him look back at her. She was beaming courageously at him. "You said those words to me ten years ago."


    "I thought I can be a hero," Aries sighed with disappointment. "Instead I became an assassin."


    "We can still save Serestral and become heroes," Pieffer gazed up at the moon and her sapphire blue eyes glimmered with hope.


    "They say that we always do," Aries smiled.


    "It will not end tragically for us this time," Pieffer positively declared.


    "ARIES!!!"


    It was Gale who had yelled excitedly. He was approaching Aries and Pieffer while supporting his twin brother.


    Gust was exhausted after reinstating the barrier in one of the borders around the House of Twins. But a smile of relief curved on his lips upon seeing Aries.


    The twins stopped in front of him then Gale asked with hesitation, "Is it true? Your memories are back?"


    Aries smiled before replying, "In this lifetime, yes."


    "Brother!" Gale exclaimed and jumped at Aries. "Don''t forget us again! Okay?!"


    "I''m glad that you''re back," Gust joined Gale in squeezing Aries.


    "Hey!" Jodien pulled the twins away from Aries. "You nearly killed me!"


    With his muscular arms, he seized Aries by the torso and lifted him a few feet from the ground.


    "You are already dead," Aries frowned.


    The Celestial Knight laughed and rudely ruffled the hair of Aries.


    "You''re right," he agreed then laughed a little louder. "I''m already dead!" he laughed again before clearing his previous statement, "What I mean is you nearly ruined this wonderful vessel!"


    "You will be reborn with a body of your own," Aries sincerely promised and everyone around him fell silent.


    Jodien broke it with laughter and he finally put Aries back on the ground.


    "Since Sunrei had been reborn with his original body, the rest of us are also hoping for it," he tapped Aries at the back and told him, "Best of luck."


    "Now that you mentioned it, what did Sunrei do to be reborn with a body?"


    "I didn''t notice anything special," the Celestial Knight answered with a shrug of his shoulders. "You can ask Gani."


    "Where is he?"


    "He went straight to the kitchen," Gale replied while helping Gust get up on his feet. "Sunrei, Pines, and Tauren accompanied him. Fighting humans that don''t want to let go of the corrupted souls possessing their bodies are exhausting."


    "Let me," Aries carried Gust on his back. "Jodien, you should go with Pieffer to the dining area. I will be there after taking Gust to his room."


    "Sure," the Celestial Knight agreed. "My vessel is getting hungry."


    "Gale, lead the way."


    "Okay!" Gale walked ahead of Aries. The wide smile on his face was not fading.


    Gust had already fallen asleep with his head resting on the left shoulder of Aries.


    It feels so good to finally see my family in one place without any complications. I hope this happiness lasts until the end of time.


    ^##########^


    Aries returned to the dining area right after tucking Gust on the bed. Gale decided to stay beside his twin brother since he was already a little drowsy.


    Sunrei, Pines, and Tauren were no longer there. Gani and Jodien were enjoying a scrumptious dinner while Pieffer observed them in silence.


    Aries settled on the empty chair near her and asked, "Where is your brother?"


    "He and Pines are already sleeping," she answered with a smile. "Tauren returned to the House of Bull."


    "You finally came around," Gani looked up from his plate for a second.


    "I have questions for you," Aries grabbed two empty plates, filled them with various dishes, and gave one to Pieffer.


    "You¡­" Pieffer faltered with a blush.


    "Sorry," Aries cleared his throat. "I can''t help myself but watch every time you eat."


    "Hey! Are you here to ask questions or flirt with the princess?" Gani glared. "I will leave if it is the latter."


    Pieffer smiled and told Aries, "I already asked him. He had the same answer as Jodien."


    "I''ll just ask Cari about it," Aries glared back at Gani. "You can leave and rest if you need to."


    "You can try asking that crazy Zodiac Knight," the axe-wielder sneered. "But I don''t think she can give your question a proper answer."


    "How can you be so sure?" Aries raised an eyebrow.


    "Well, back then, you and Sunrei were the only ones left fighting," Gani smiled. "Therefore, the only person who can answer your question is none other than you or," the Celestial Knight beamed wider before saying, "You can also try asking the real Sunrei."


    "Thanks," Aries flashed a sarcastic smile. "You are very helpful."


    "I am," Gani grinned. "Jodien and I will now take our leave. Feel free to flirt with the princess."


    The two Celestial Knights waved a hand at them before exiting the dining area.


    "I tried asking them more questions about our previous lifetimes," Pieffer sighed and leaned her head at the backrest. "Both replied that they could not remember things clearly. Only the feeling of rage remained lucid to them."


    "I think they are telling the truth," Aries also sighed and leaned his head at the backrest. "I will still ask Cari. She might remember something that could help us."


    "Let me talk to her," Pieffer offered.


    "We can ask her over dinner," Aries suggested.


    "Are you worried? Do you think that when left alone, we will only end up killing each other?" Pieffer smiled teasingly at him.


    "A little," Aries laughed while the princess frowned. "It''s getting late. We should get some sleep."


    "Fine," Pieffer snapped at him then walked out of the dining area as fast as she could.


    ^######^


    They were done reinstating the rest of the barriers within two days. They were just on time for the seven days deadline.


    "Tomorrow is the day that your body will be resurrected," Guardian Aika appeared in the dining area while Aries and his comrades were enjoying another delightful dinner. She blurted out those words without letting them finish eating. Spoiling their appetite was the least of her worries.


    "Be prepared," the annoying guardian added then blinked an eye at Aries.


    "Your vessel," Cari sighed with dismay. "I spent a century perfecting that."


    "Don''t worry," Guardian Aika tapped her disciple on the shoulder. "I will take good care of that vessel."


    "I''ll just burn it," Cari shoved the hand of her master away from her.


    "You might need it in the future," Guardian Aika smiled wickedly as she asked, "Don''t you agree?"


    "Fine! Keep it!" Cari impatiently yelled then walked out of the dining area.


    "Thank you, my dearest disciple!" the guardian exclaimed at the entrance then glanced seriously at Aries. "Be prepared."


    "You already said it," Aries was also getting impatient.


    "The souls inside your body are constantly fighting against each other to obtain ownership over it. They will try to stop you from returning. You have to be stronger than all of them."


    "I am ready for that."


    "Are you ready to defeat that soul?" Guardian Aika gave him a serious glare.


    "I am," Aries answered without hesitation.


    "We will see tomorrow," the guardian tapped him hard at his shoulders. "You should rest and gather all the strength and courage that you can. Good luck, Aries."


    Aries was nervous but he had already decided. Whatever happens, he would get his body back.


    ^##########^

 Chapter 74 - Original Vessel

    "Why can''t I come with him?" Pieffer retorted after Guardian Aika opened the door to the dungeon for Aries only.


    "You can ask your father about it later," the guardian replied then pulled Aries inside the dungeon. "See you later, Princess."


    She hurriedly closed the door and Aries found himself facing two towering figures.


    One was Beast Tamer Kiel and the other was probably the King of Serestral.


    His eyes were similar to the eyes of the royal siblings but his stare was more commanding. He was taller than Master Kiel by a few inches. His long black hair was neatly ponytailed. Instead of a crown, a golden band was tied around his forehead. It had a sapphire rose ornament in the middle. He was wearing a knee-length blue overcoat and black boots. His posture was graceful. And like Master Kiel, the king was probably older than he looks.


    Aries dropped to his knees and said, "Greetings, King Astra."


    "How can you be so reckless?" the king asked and his voice felt like it was thundering all over the dungeon. "This is my second time saving your body."


    "Second time?" Aries looked up at the king with confusion.


    "The first time was ten years ago," the king casually replied. "How do you think your body survived a fatal stab wound in your chest?"


    "W-Why me?" Aries was grateful but he could not stop himself from asking.


    "After all that you''ve been through, I thought the answer to that is already obvious," the king smiled.


    "But I¡­ already died twice¡­"


    "Are you trying to tell me that you are tired?" the king furrowed his brows. "Do you want me to stop resurrecting your body?"


    "I''m not!" Aries exclaimed. "I want to live! I want to save as many people as I can!"


    "Then why are you hesitating?" the king asked with a wider smile.


    "I''m¡­ I''m not hesitating!" Aries yelled with a blush. "Let''s get this ritual started!"


    "There is no ritual," the king reached out a hand to him. "Just take my hand and you will instantly return to your body."


    He pointed at the couch where the lifeless body of Aries was lying.


    Aries took a deep breath before grabbing the hand of King Astra and, as he had been told, his soul was instantly transported to the room filled with glass enclosures that contained all the corrupted souls he previously absorbed. But, unlike the last time, all the glass containers in there had been shattered and corrupted souls were trying to break out of that dark abyss. Except for two.


    Venera in the form of a whip and Alternate-World-Pieffer in the form of a dagger were waiting for his return. Of course, it was not to welcome him but to make sure that he would never reclaim his original body.


    "It''s been a long time, Aries."


    The silver dagger hovering in front of him transformed into Alternate-World-Pieffer. Her dark-brown hair was neatly ponytailed. She was wearing her favorite blouse, jeans, and sneakers. All had the same color. Black. She loved that color. It was one of the many things Aries liked about her.


    "You should stay in your current vessel," Alternate-World-Pieffer smiled. "Let me take care of this body."


    Her previous form, the silver dagger with an intricate hilt, had manifested in her right hand.


    "I''m sorry," he sincerely apologized as he called Vermillion in his hands. "I need this body."


    "Pursuing that stupid heroic act will get you killed."


    She was now talking like Cari.


    "Whatever it is that you heard from Sunrei, I will not let it come to pass. I will not die while saving Serestral."


    Alternate-World-Pieffer laughed and told him, "Your death is the salvation of this kingdom. You should listen to us. Run as far as you can from this cursed kingdom while there is still time."


    "This time will be different," Aries tightened the grip on his dual swords. "Please, Pieffer, just let me return to this body. We should not be fighting."


    "How can you make a difference in this lifetime if your choices remain the same?" Alternate-World-Pieffer attacked.


    Aries was astonished. It was his first time seeing her fight but her movements were awfully similar to the princess.


    "Surprised?" Alternate-World-Pieffer grazed his cheek but it felt like he had been deeply wounded. The pain made him stagger.


    "You still can''t get it?" she smiled ominously while relentlessly slashing her dagger at Aries. "Me and that princess have the same name, appearance, and movements. That could only mean one thing, right?"


    Aries dodged but his cheek had been slashed one more time. It was another shallow wound but the pain was excruciating. He swayed and nearly slumped on the dark ground.


    Alternate-World-Pieffer vanished in front of him and reappeared behind him.


    "The princess and I," she whispered to his ear. "We are one."


    Aries winced as the dagger cut the back of his right shoulder. He nearly dropped Vermillion as his wound burned with intense pain.


    "Believe me, Aries. I wanted to save you," Alternate-World-Pieffer knelt in front of him. "If at that time you made a different choice, we will not be suffering this hateful situation."


    "I deserve this for killing you," Aries dropped one of his dual swords to hold Alternate-World-Pieffer''s hand. "But as I said before, I cannot allow your soul to get tainted by my blood¡­"


    Alternate-World-Pieffer laughed and pricked his chest.


    "Your life ends with my blade," she coldly revealed. "It is always like that."


    "No," Aries tightened his grip on her hand. "You are not her. You are a different person."


    "I also wished for the same thing!" Alternate-World-Pieffer furiously slashed the silver blade at his wrist that it was nearly severed.


    Aries collapsed on the ground while writhing in pain. He never felt such agony. It was reverberating all throughout his body.


    "I am Pieffer Celestine! I am created by Darkness! My sole purpose is to kill you! This is my destiny!" she knelt over Aries and stabbed his left shoulder. "But why do you have to taint me?!" Tears poured from her eyes. "Why do you have to confuse me?! Why do I have to fall in love with you?! My soul had been ripped apart because of that stupid emotion! I had to hate a part of myself and cast it away just to protect you! But whatever I do, it will always end with your blood in my hands. If you will not defy your destiny, then I also won''t do it. Why prolong the agony? Let''s end it now."


    Alternate-World-Pieffer raised her silver dagger and stabbed it at Aries but the latter had grabbed the blade with his unscathed hand.


    "I will change everything," Aries promised. "You don''t have to hide here. Return to where you should be. This time, I will not die in your hands."


    "That''s a lie," Alternate-World-Pieffer cried. "YOU ARE SUCH A HATEFUL LIAR!!!"


    Her angry yelling shot paralyzing electricity all throughout that dark abyss. Even Aries had staggered.


    "I will kill you the next time we meet," she had coldly uttered before leaving.


    A deafening silence floated around the area. Everyone stopped moving and even though the corrupted souls had no eyes, Aries could feel them staring at him.


    After a few more heartbeats, the corrupted souls had swarmed in his direction.


    With great effort, Aries rose on his feet and slashed Vermillion at the dark essences gliding towards him.


    As his crimson blade hit the corrupted souls, they were instantly returning to the glass containers that were magically reforming.


    It took Aries an exhausting eternity before he contained all the corrupted souls inside his body. The last one he imprisoned was Venera. She put up a great fight. His gravely wounded wrist added to his struggle. But he managed to win his body back.


    Aries closed his eyes to rest even just for a little while but people had no intention of leaving him in peace.


    "Welcome back, Aries," Guardian Aika had spoken.


    When Aries opened his eyes, he was back at the dungeon. He was lying on the couch where he had seen his lifeless body. He quickly sat up and winced as intense pain burned in his wrist.


    "You should start taking care of your body," the king seriously told him. "There is a limit to my resurrection skill."


    "My wrist¡­"


    "When your soul is harmed, your body also suffers. There will be no physical wound but your wrist will hurt for at least a week and the rest of your body will feel weak for a few days. You should rest."


    "Pieffer¡­" Aries began but faltered. He shook his head and said, "A corrupted soul escaped from my body."


    "It happens once in a while since your soul left your body," Guardian Aika explained. "And if you don''t have any more questions, you should leave. Pieffer is waiting for so long outside this dungeon."


    "You will not see her?" Aries asked the king.


    "I will see her after all of this is over," King Astra answered so casually. "We both agreed on it."


    Aries feebly moved out of the bed. He swayed and nearly collapsed if the king did not grab his arms and help him stay up on his feet.


    It was creeping up on him again and stronger this time. The feeling that he had met the king before was making his head and chest throb with pain.


    "Maybe you should rest for a few more hours," King Astra suggested.


    "I can walk out of the door," Aries felt a little better after holding on to the king for a few minutes. "Thank you, King Astra."


    He bowed low to the king.


    "Thank you, Master Kiel," he bent over to the Beast Tamer that was standing quietly behind the king.


    "Thank you, Guardian Aika," he was about to bow but the spellcaster guardian put a hand on his forehead and stopped him from doing it.


    "Just leave," she impatiently waved a hand at the door that opened for him.


    Aries quietly walked out of the dungeon and, as Guardian Aika had said, Pieffer was patiently waiting for him.


    "Aries!"


    The princess was smiling so warmly that Aries could not stop himself from wrapping his arms around her. He even rested his forehead on her shoulder.


    "You should sleep," Pieffer put her arms around his torso and gently caressed his back.


    Aries only nodded.


    "Hey! Did you call me here to witness you flirt with one another?"


    Aries looked up and glanced behind Pieffer.


    "Gani?"


    The Celestial Knight waved a hand at him and said, "You finally noticed my presence."


    "I cannot carry you to the quadrangle," Pieffer said with a blush.


    "Quadrangle?"


    "Gust is receiving his verdict," Gani carried Aries in his back.


    "His uncle woke up?"


    "Yes," Pieffer replied. "Three days ago."


    "Three days ago?"


    "That''s how long you had been hiding in that dungeon," Gani answered while they were heading towards the quadrangle.


    Aries thought it was only for a few hours.


    "Brother!" Gale was running towards them. He looked excited. The verdict was probably not bad for Gust. "You finally returned to your body!"


    "What happened to your twin brother?" Pieffer curiously asked.


    "He and Jodien are waiting for us in our sanctuary," Gale had taken Aries from Gani. "We should hurry."


    "Why should we hurry?" Pieffer glared suspiciously at Gale. "Did you run away?"


    "Of course not!" Gale laughed then explained what happened at the quadrangle. "Gust had been exiled but Uncle had given him one more day to stay wherever he wants here in the House of Twins. He was grateful to my twin brother for saving him and reinstating the barriers but he cannot ignore the call of the people. Most of them are angry. Uncle had to appease them."


    "Ungrateful people," Gani shook his head with disappointment.


    "Gust wants to be exiled," Gale was smiling happily. "He never wanted to be a house leader. He only did it to preserve our sanctuary. It was mainly because of you Aries. You said that you will return. We have to wait for you. Now that you are back, we can finally let go of the sanctuary and go with you. We are ready. Gust is ready to help you in saving Serestral."


    Aries was speechless and he had to hide his watery eyes on the shoulder of Gale.


    "Let''s not waste more time," Pieffer smiled and grabbed Gani''s arm. "Let''s go to your sanctuary."


    "How about Sunrei, Pines, and Cari?" Aries weakly inquired.


    "I will bring them there," Pieffer promised. "We have the bracelet with us. We only have to move the crystal."


    "Right," Aries smiled then rested his forehead back to the shoulder of Gale. Lifting his head and blurting out a few words were already draining for him.


    "Let''s go," Gani nodded and jumped on the vortex that formed behind him and Aries.


    Pieffer, on the other hand, had pulled Gani into the shadows.


    ^#######^

 Chapter 75 - A Time To Relax

    Aries was surprised when he and Gale arrived inside the sanctuary. It no longer looked like a small hut but a cozy stone house. The single bed had been replaced by three double decks. The small dining table changed into a long one with benches around it. There were couches in front of a fireplace, thick curtains over the glass windows, and chandeliers on the high ceiling. Even the bathroom had improved. The door was wider. No one would feel suffocated in it. The wooden floor was shining as if it had been recently polished.


    Aries felt like they entered a different house.


    "What happened here?"


    "Magic happened," Gust beamed proudly at him.


    "This is all magic?"


    "I asked Master Aika and Cari to help me renovate this place. You don''t like it?"


    "I do," Aries sat on one of the double decks with the help of Gale. "I''m just surprised that Guardian Aika and Cari helped you renovate this place."


    "Master Aika was the one who asked Cari to help. I think she agreed on it because of you," Gust was obviously teasing him.


    "Stop that," Aries lay down on the bed. His head was starting to ache but he could not fall asleep.


    "Do you want to eat something?" Gale asked. "I will prepare it for you."


    "Grilled fish," Aries blushed.


    "I already asked Jodien to catch a lot of fish," Gust smiled.


    "I''ll help him out," Gale hurried outside the house.


    "I''ll wake you up when dinner is ready," Gust put a blanket over Aries.


    "I''m tired," Aries admitted. "But I can''t sleep."


    "Are you waiting for the princess?"


    As soon as he asked that question, Pieffer appeared from the shadows on the wall near the double-deck where Aries was resting. Gani was tightly holding on to her.


    "It was better when I am inside your body," Gani slumped on one of the empty double decks.


    "I''ll be right back," Pieffer blinked before stepping into the shadows.


    It took her an hour to bring Sunrei, Pines, and Cari to that place. And by that time, her strength was already depleted.


    Pines helped her lay down on the third double-deck. He also put a blanket over her.


    "Take a nap," Pines whispered and Pieffer only nodded.


    Aries was a little irritated but he could not do anything for Pieffer in his weak state. Since everyone was already in the sanctuary and Pieffer was already resting, he finally closed his eyes and let sleep claim him.


    ^##########^


    Aries was awakened by the smell of grilled fish. His eyes instantly opened and his body immediately hopped away from the bed.


    "Aries," someone tapped his shoulder and asked, "Are you sleepwalking?"


    He looked at the person who talked to him and realized that it was Cari.


    "Are you okay?" she asked with growing concern.


    "Yes, I am," he quickly replied and looked around him.


    His eyes widened when he realized that the interior of the house had changed again. There were more decorations. White paint, green leaves, and red flowers. There was also a small pine tree decorated with tiny light bulbs of different colors on both sides of the main door. The table was filled with both simple and elegant dishes.


    Tauren and Quaria were also in there.


    "Are we celebrating something?" Aries asked with confusion.


    "Yes. We are celebrating," Sunrei wrapped an arm over his shoulders. "We finally have the time to relax. Isn''t this worth celebrating?"


    "I can finally get drunk!" Gani raised a mug of beer and gulped its content.


    "Yes! Let''s get drunk!" Jodien tapped his mug against Gani''s and they sat on the couch drinking and eating.


    Sunrei had also joined them with a barrel of beer.


    "Aries," Tauren called. "This is for you."


    He had given Aries a necklace with a ram''s head pendant that was similar to one of the ornaments of the transport bracelets.


    "Wear it."


    Aries quietly obeyed.


    "Now answer all my questions," the Bull House Leader had instructed.


    "Who are you?"


    "Aries Del Luna?"


    Tauren shook his head and said, "You should start with I am then your name and don''t end it with a question mark. It should be a statement. Is that clear?"


    Aries was confused but he restrained himself from asking questions. His stomach was near to growling and the smell of the grilled fish was not helping. He only nodded to Tauren.


    "Let''s start again," the Bull House Leader had said.


    "Who are you?"


    "I am Aries Del Luna."


    As soon as he said those words, the pendant released a faint glow and a warm sensation that lasted for a few seconds.


    "Done," Tauren said. "You can start using that object to communicate with any of us."


    Aries realized only then that everyone was wearing the same necklace. Only the ornament was different. The pendants represent their Houses.


    "How can I communicate with this?" Aries could no longer stop his hunger. He took a plate and filled it with rice and grilled fish.


    "Just say the word contact then follow it with the name of the person you want to talk to," Tauren explained with a proud smile. He also grabbed a plate and filled it with steamed vegetables and freshly sliced fruits.


    Quaria also joined them. She also took a lot of fruits and vegetables.


    "Contact Princess Pieffer Celestine," the Pitcher House Leader muttered with a teasing smile.


    The pendant of her necklace glowed for a second then a faint voice had quickly responded.


    "Quaria?"


    It was truly Pieffer.


    "Aries is awake. Come here and eat with us."


    Aries glanced at the double-deck. None of the three was occupied.


    "Okay," Pieffer replied. "I''ll come right away."


    "How long did I sleep?"


    "Eight hours," Prince Sunrei answered while taking another barrel of beer. "You like to sleep a lot these days."


    "Of course, he needs a lot of sleep!" Pieffer entered at the main entrance with a platter of grilled fish in her hands. "And a lot of delicious food!" she placed the plate she was carrying in front of Aries. "Here. Eat all of these."


    "Thanks," Aries blushed.


    "End conversation," Quaria said more loudly and the pendant of her necklace glowed once more. "That''s how you end the effect of the necklace."


    "But there is also a time limit to this object," Tauren sipped some beer. "This stop working ten minutes after you start a conversation. And you have to wait for three hours before you can contact another person."


    "This is already a big improvement, Tauren," Pieffer tapped him on the shoulder. "The first time you introduced this thing to us, it can only work for a few seconds and the waiting period is an entire day."


    "This will be useful," Aries sincerely said. He was rarely using a phone but it was the most convenient thing a person could have. "Thank you, Tauren."


    The Bull House Leader only gave him a proud smile.


    "I''ll excuse myself," he got up on his feet with the platter of grilled fish and a mug of beer. "I want to eat outside."


    "Go ahead," Tauren said.


    "Pieffer," Aries cleared his throat before asking, "Do you want to eat outside?"


    He ignored the teasing smile that curved on the faces of his comrades.


    "Sure," Pieffer walked out of the house with him. Her cheeks were also blushing.


    Outside the house, near the river, was a bonfire. Sitting around it were Gust, Gale, and Pines.


    "I told you, Pieffer," Gale said while chewing on a fish. "He prefers eating here. This is our dining area."


    "What if he is still weak to move around?" Pieffer settled right next to Pines. "Let''s not forget that only hours had passed since his body had been resurrected."


    "Thanks for worrying," Aries sat between Gust and Gale. "But I''m really okay now."


    "Princess, I''ll take my leave now," Pines rose to his feet and stretched his arms and legs. "Siorre should also enjoy this relaxation time."


    "Thank you, Pines."


    "I''ll see you in a week," the Fish House Leader winked at Pieffer before shattering a transport bracelet.


    "I''ll get us a few mugs of beer," Gale bolted upright but his excitement quickly faded when the princess rushed to his side.


    She told him, "Only glasses of juice for Aries. He needs nutrition."


    "I have to agree with Pieffer. I just woke up. I don''t want to fall asleep any time soon. Let''s get drunk some other time."


    "Understood, Brother!" Gale smiled before rushing inside the house.


    "Is this really okay with you?" Aries asked Gust. "I remember that you don''t want any other people stepping here in your sanctuary."


    "These people are no longer strangers to us," Gust gazed at the bonfire with a satisfied smile. "They are family. This place will always welcome them."


    "Thank you, Gust," Aries was extremely grateful that he had been saved by the twins and they allowed him to enter that peaceful place. "Let''s return here once all of these is over."


    "We can always sneak back in this place," Gust beamed wider then stretched his legs. "Gale is taking so long. I''ll just check him out."


    He followed Gale inside the house, leaving Aries and Pieffer alone in front of the bonfire.


    "It''s also good to eat while walking," Aries handed Pieffer a stick of grilled fish. "Do you want to try it out?"


    Pieffer only nodded and they strolled around the perimeter of the house.


    "If I remember things correctly, this is the place where I first got a glimpse of you."


    "I was practicing shadow traversing," Pieffer smiled. "I don''t know why but every time I am practicing a new skill, I find myself crossing paths with you."


    "I''m sorry for trying to kill you many times," Aries bit at the grilled fish to hide his embarrassment.


    "It''s understandable," Pieffer also took a bite at the grilled fish she was holding. "I really am someone you should be wary about."


    "About that¡­" Aries faltered as a blunt object hit the back of his head.

 Chapter 76 - Couple

    Aries felt a little dizzy and swayed but he remained standing. He was somehow waiting for it to happen since they started walking around the perimeter of the sanctuary. However weak his body was at the moment, he could still rely on his senses.


    Two people were stalking them. They were radiating a faint aura that was not that threatening and, judging by the calm reaction of the princess after his head had been hit, the accuracy of his senses was probably correct.


    Aries turned to look at the person who had hit him. A man, probably in his mid-forties and an inch or two shorter than Aries, was holding a sturdy branch. A woman was standing beside him. They were both terrified because Aries was still on his feet despite getting hit at the back of his head.


    The man quickly dropped the branch he was holding, knelt in front of Aries, and cried, "Forgive me! I was wrong! I should not have done that! I¡­ I was just¡­"


    "We were afraid that you will notice our presence!" the woman also dropped on her knees. "We don''t want to kill you. We only want enough time to leave this area. Please, don''t kill us."


    The two lowered their head on the ground.


    "Aries!" Gust jumped out of a vortex right next to him while Cari appeared on his other side through a thick mist.


    "No one will move!" Aries yelled before Gust and Cari could hurt the couple kneeling in front of him. "It''s only a misunderstanding," he quickly explained.


    "Your head is bleeding," Cari was staring at the back of his head with concern.


    "I''m fine," Aries knelt in front of the couple. "Get up on your knees. I''m not angry."


    "Sir Aries?" the man looked up at Aries with a spark of hope in his eyes. "You are Sir Aries Del Luna? The Zodiac Knight?"


    Aries blushed and was too embarrassed to reply.


    The man grabbed his hands while the woman lowered her head on the ground.


    "Sir Aries!" the man cried. "Please, help us! The House of Goat is in grave danger!"


    Aries glanced at Cari who quietly stepped behind him. She was trying to hide from the couple as if the two had not already seen her.


    "Get up," Aries urged the couple. "Let''s talk by the bonfire."


    "Let me heal your wound, Sir Aries," the woman quickly rose to her feet.


    "Don''t worry about it," Pieffer smiled. "I can heal him."


    "Now that there is nothing to worry about, I''ll return inside the house," Cari stepped away from them.


    "Stay," Aries commanded. "You should also hear them out."


    Cari rolled her eyes and followed Aries.


    They settled around the bonfire in silence. Aries handed each of them a grilled fish.


    "We need a few glasses of juice. Where is Gale?" Aries inquired at Gust.


    "He is already drunk with the others," Gust got up on his feet and walked towards the house. "I''ll get the drinks."


    "Don''t get drunk," Aries teased.


    "I will only get drunk with you," Gust waved a hand before opening the main door.


    "I heard that everyone from the House of Goat is dead," Aries glanced briefly at Cari then asked the couple. "How did you escape?"


    "There are more people from the House of Goat that avoided being turned into a puppet," the man answered. "We are scattered all over Serestral. My wife and I entered this forest and decided to stay here for good."


    "What is wrong with living inside a wooden vessel?" Cari could not stop herself from talking. "You will live for a longer time. You will no longer be a vulnerable creation. You can stay up all day without getting hungry or sleepy. You will not bleed. You will not feel pain¡­"


    "That''s not true," the woman cried. "A soul can still feel pain. When those dolls took away the souls of our family and friends, most of them went crazy. Living like a puppet instead of a human gave them more agonizing pain. Though you won''t feel physical pain, their freedom had been taken away. And¡­ women¡­ cannot get pregnant¡­" more tears poured from her eyes when she added, "I¡­ I was pregnant at that time. My child... I don''t want my child to die like the other unborn children left in their soulless mother''s womb. My husband and I¡­ ran as fast as we can to escape those evil dolls. Our feet brought us to this place¡­ b-but I bled along the way and I¡­ I eventually lost my baby¡­" she cried harder and her husband put both arms around her with tears in his eyes.


    "Here," Gust returned and handed two cups of tea to the couple. "It will help you calm down."


    "Thank you," the husband took the cups and helped his wife sip some tea. "We''ve been living in this forest for years. We find this place peaceful. We don''t want to leave. Seeing you here¡­ threatened us¡­"


    "You don''t have to feel threatened," Gust reassured the couple. "We can co-exist in this forest. You can even live in this house."


    Aries was once again surprised.


    "This house will be empty for a long time," Gust explained with a smile upon seeing the shock in his eyes. "Someone needs to take care of this place."


    "Thank you for your kindness," the couple lowered their head on the ground.


    "Stop doing that," Aries tried his best not to sound commanding but failed entirely.


    "Forgive us, Sir Aries!" the couple straightened their back with fear.


    "What he wants to say is you should stop fearing us," Pieffer explained in his stead. "We are not going to harm you. We are a family here."


    "Thank you¡­" the couple cried once more.


    "Family? I don''t think so," Cari rose to her feet and finally gained the courage to admit the truth. "I created those dolls and put human souls into them. I am the one who caused you sufferings and grief. You lost your home and your child because of me. How can we be a family?"


    There was a deafening silence as the couple contemplated.


    "Hey, is that how you ask for forgiveness?" Aries decided to break that awful stillness.


    "We understand," the woman voiced out with a sad smile. "We also have our faults. House Leader Cari only wanted what is best for the House of Goat and its people. We had forgotten to take care of our home. We become selfish and, for that, we should be punished. I can accept death but not becoming a puppet."


    "I will reinstate the barriers around the House of Goat," Cari promised, surprising everyone. "I will destroy all my puppets and free the souls I imprisoned inside them. You can return there and live in peace. While waiting for it, you should stay here and guard this house."


    "Thank you, Lady Cari," the couple bowed to her.


    "There is no need for that," the Goat House Leader had said and glared at Aries. "This is how I ask for forgiveness."


    Everyone smiled.


    "Hello!" Siorre walked out of the house. Lira was right next to her. "Pines told me that you are having a great time here."


    The newly arrived couple settled near Pieffer.


    "I''m glad that I brought Lira with me. She can relax here for a while," she winked at the Scale House Leader.


    "This is Gust," Aries tapped his brother at the shoulder then he transferred his gaze at the Goat House Leader. "And this is Cari. They are both Zodiac Knights."


    "The couple here is Mr. and Mrs. Cole," Cari pointed at the couple they met in the forest.


    "Hi!" Siorre waved a hand at them. "I''m Siorre, Scorpio House Leader. And this is my girlfriend Lira. She is the Scale House Leader."


    Lira blushed as Siorre wrapped an arm around her shoulders.


    "Nice to meet you," Gust handed sticks of grilled fish and cups of tea to the two ladies. "Enjoy your stay here in our sanctuary."


    "We will," Siorre took a bite at the grilled fish with enthusiasm.


    Lira remained silent but her sparkling eyes and wide smile were enough to tell them that she was also enjoying the food, the place, and the time with her dearest companion.


    An hour later, Leon arrived. He sat by the bonfire, ate a few grilled fish, and drank a few glasses of juice. He had a few wonderful stories to tell about the House of Lion. He would have told them more but he suddenly stopped upon learning that Sunrei and some of the men were getting drunk inside the house. He quickly bid farewell to the bonfire group and rushed towards the drunken group.


    Not long after Leon had left, Gin-Ren and Shaman Mina arrived. They settled by the bonfire for only three hours. Shaman Mina was so strict with Gin-Ren''s training that she only allowed a short visit.


    "Dawn is already breaking," Gust got up on his feet. "I''ll sleep inside the house. Mr. and Mrs. Cole, you should also get some rest."


    The couple rose to their feet and followed Gust inside the house.


    "I''ll bring Lira back to the House of Scale," Siorre waved a hand then broke a transport bracelet.


    "I''m also a bit drowsy," Pieffer yawned.


    "Me too," Aries held Pieffer''s hand. "Let''s sleep."


    Pieffer only smiled and they walked towards the house hand in hand.


    ^###########^

 Chapter 77 - House Of Goat

    Aries woke up with a smile on his face. He felt relaxed and rejuvenated.


    "You are finally awake, sleepyhead," Pieffer was carrying a tray. It had soup, rice, grilled fish, and milk.


    When they returned to the house last night, only one bed was left unoccupied. Aries told Pieffer that she could sleep on the bed but she was against the idea. According to the princess, he should have a comfortable sleep before they set off towards the House of Goat.


    Aries was too drowsy to argue. He only nodded and lay down on the bed right next to the princess. He quickly closed his eyes and repeatedly told himself not to move from his spot. After five minutes or so, Sunrei hopped on the bed and settled between him and Pieffer.


    "Good Night," the prince sleepily muttered and in the next second, he was already snoring.


    The bed should only be enough to accommodate two people hence, the three of them had to sleep while lying on their side. It was a good thing that Aries was already drowsy. He quickly fell into a deep slumber despite the tiny space he had in the bed.


    "Aries, are you alright?"


    That question of Pieffer pulled him out of his memories from last night. He sat up and looked around the house. It was not as crowded as yesterday. Gale and the Scorpio House Leader were the only ones left sleeping on the double-deck.


    "Siorre just returned," Pieffer placed the tray in front of Aries. "Leon left an hour ago. Gust and Jodien were sparring outside the house. Sunrei and Cari were helping Mr. and Mrs. Cole prepare our packed lunch. They don''t want to wake you up so they decided to cook outside. We will head out to the House of Goat in a few hours. You should eat first."


    "Thanks," Aries shyly spooned some grilled fish then asked Pieffer, "Have you eaten breakfast?"


    "Yes," the princess sat on the bed and watched him eat.


    Her gaze made him uneasy but only for a few seconds. The juiciness of the grilled fish, the perfectly cooked rice, the warm soup, and the delicious milk helped him forget the awkwardness he was feeling.


    It only took him half an hour to finish his breakfast in bed.


    "I''ll take this outside," Pieffer grabbed the tray but Aries seized it from her.


    "Let me," he said.


    "Are you already feeling well?" the princess was still worrying about his recently resurrected body.


    "I am feeling better than ever," Aries hopped out of the bed while balancing the tray in his hands. "Let''s go."


    Pieffer only smiled and followed him outside the house.


    As soon as Aries stepped out of the main door, water splattered in his face. Fortunately for Pieffer, she was right behind him.


    "I thought your brother is helping out with Mr. and Mrs. Cole?" Aries asked as he noticed the prince playing joyfully with Gust and Jodien by the river. "And I can''t see anyone sparring."


    The three men were merrily splashing water at each other using their blades.


    "Earlier they were," Pieffer answered while stifling a smile.


    "Why are you only standing here?" Gust appeared in front of Aries using his wind vortex. "Let''s spar!" He pulled Aries through the wind vortex and in the next second, they were dropping on the river.


    Aries plunged on the water while Gust gracefully sank on it.


    "Tag team!" Jodien roared. "Sunrei and I against Aries and Gust!"


    Aries glared at the childishness of the Celestial Knight. What made him frown even more were Gust and Sunrei riding with such silliness.


    The three of them began slashing the water, making it splatter all over the place and at Aries.


    "Hey, I thought we are in the same team?" he glowered at Gust.


    "I don''t want a team mate that will make things hard for me," his sworn brother laughed and splattered water at his face. "Come on, Aries! Help me win against our opponents."


    Aries sighed then straightened up. The water was only three feet deep and the current was not that strong. He called forth Vermillion in the shape of a claymore and smashed it against the water. The force created a wave that splashed against the opposing team.


    Sunrei and Jodien raised their swords and avoided getting swept away by slashing the wave. Though they evaded the first wave, the approaching second wave had caught them off guard. It hit them and they drifted a few feet away.


    Jodien dived and held on to a sturdy rock underneath. He quickly regained his footing, jumped out of the water, and attacked Aries but Gust swiftly dashed in between them and caught the longsword of Jodien with his jade blade.


    "You don''t have to do that," Aries said even though he jumped away from the two knights that began slashing ferociously against each other. The water was forcing them to move a little slower.


    "You still have an opponent," Gust told him after swirling against the water and sending a whirlwind against Jodien.


    His sworn brother was right. He still had to spar against Sunrei.


    The prince was cautiously moving forward while repeatedly waving his silver sword at the river and rapidly sending splashes of water towards Aries.


    The Ram House Leader swiftly replaced the claymore with dual swords and slashed at the splashes of water coming at him. He was moving his blades faster than Sunrei. With such swift movements,  he had quickly turned the tide around and rained water attacks at the prince.


    Sunrei dived to evade the splashes and emerged in front of Aries. He quickly waved his silver sword but Aries still caught it with one of the scarlet blades and slashed the other one at the prince.


    Sunrei evaded the blade then jumped away from his opponent. Aries attacked more aggressively but Sunrei was successfully parrying and dodging his violent blows.


    "You''re getting better," Aries was impressed.


    "I need to," the prince smiled and pointed his silver blade at the neck of Aries. "I should protect this body. That is the only way I can protect all of you."


    "Why do you have to be so dramatic?" Aries rolled his eyes and willed Vermillion to vanish.


    "I''m just stating a fact," Sunrei smiled and put his blade back to its sheath. "Jodien is a great sparring partner."


    The way Gust and Jodien were exchanging swift and powerful blows, Aries could only agree.


    "Gust, Jodien, you should stop sparring and get some rest. We will be leaving after our lunch," Aries advised.


    The two instantly stopped attacking each other and hopped out of the river.


    "I''ll eat on the way," Jodien waved a hand and headed inside the house.


    "That knight values sleep more than food," Gust sat around the bonfire and grabbed one grilled fish.


    "I will also take a nap," Sunrei followed Jodien inside the house.


    "I will eat a lot of grilled fish," Aries sat next to Gust and took two grilled fish.


    "Rice," Pieffer gave him and Gust four bowls of rice.


    "Eat with us," Aries said while carefully placing the bowls on the ground in front of him and his sworn brother.


    "I''m still full," the princess kindly declined.


    "How about you, Cari?" Aries glanced at the Goat House Leader. She was busy helping the couple prepare their packed lunch.


    "Same," she curtly replied. "Just eat. Don''t mind us here."


    "Okay," Aries shrugged his shoulders and focused on the food in front of him.


    ^##############^


    It was nearly sundown before everyone became ready for their trip towards the House of Goat.


    Entering one of its borders had been easy because Pieffer already placed a transport crystal in there. She did it a few weeks ago. When she was desperately searching for Aries.


    "You are truly commendable when it comes to searching for Aries," Cari remarked. "My place is only a kilometer away from here. But you will probably not see it because of the enchantments I cast around the area. Only my dolls can see it."


    "We should be careful," Aries felt terribly uneasy. It was probably because he had recalled his memories regarding that place but there could also be a possibility of impending danger.


    "Come out!" Cari yelled out of nowhere.


    From the shadows of the trees around their group, dolls with the same size as the previous vessel of Aries had stepped out. All of them had an ominous look in their eyes and daggers in their hands.


    Aries and the rest of the group held on to their weapon, except for Cari.


    "I know," the Goat House Leader had spoken to the dolls and instead of calling her weapon, she closed her eyes. "I made you suffer," she lifted both her hands that were covered by a faint white light. "It is time for you to be free."


    Cari opened her eyes and revealed her glowing pupils, "I hope that you can still find peace."


    She gracefully waved her hands upwards then downwards before powerfully slashing the air sideways. It released a shockwave of mist that hit all the dolls around them.


    Aries was somehow expecting the dolls to drop lifeless on the ground after being blasted by the shockwave of mist but they only swayed a little and remained standing.


    "They seemed unaffected, right?" Gale anxiously asked.


    "It didn''t work," Gust affirmed.


    "It worked," a voice that did not come from any of the dolls had contradicted Gust.


    "Who are you?!" Cari yelled in frustration. "What did you do to my precious dolls?!"

 Chapter 78 - Retreat

    "Yes. They are precious vessels," a woman that was probably in her early twenties stepped out from the shadow of an enormous tree. Five of the dolls stood right next to her as if guarding her.


    "I should thank you," the woman''s dark brown eyes glowed more ominously. "I will take care of them and the souls that you trapped within them."


    "You will never own my creations!" Cari was getting more frustrated. She raised her hands and was probably preparing to cast powerful spells.


    "I already owned them the moment you canceled your spell over them." Anger sparked in the ominous eyes of the woman. "You are certainly going to throw them away. I''m just picking them up."


    "I will not let you use my creations against me!" Cari touched her palms against each other for a second or two and when she pulled her palms away from one another, a white tome had formed in between them and floated in the air.


    The book opened on its own and shot a fireball against the despicable woman but it failed to hit her because one of the dolls closest to her had taken the blow. A wooden vessel should have been in flames but the fireball had been extinguished without leaving a tiny burn on the doll.


    "I even made a little enhancement on your creations," the woman with ominous eyes had smiled wickedly. "That''s how much I care about them. And obviously, I am already using them against you."


    "How dare you ruin my work of art?!" Cari furiously waved her hand and the tome shot more fireballs towards the enemy.


    This time, instead of catching the balls of flame with their body, the dolls used their weapons to parry perfectly and send those blazing spheres back to their creator.


    Nearly ten fireballs were heading towards Cari.


    Pieffer had quickly covered the group with a shield but Aries noticed that there was something wrong with the princess. Her hands were trembling.


    It was not only the princess but also Gale. He was pale and shaking while tightly holding on to the overcoat of his twin brother. Gust and Prince Sunrei also appeared a little dazed but not as much as their siblings.


    "We should retreat," Jodien advised even though he looked fine. "Ciara and I are not the only Celestial Knights in this area. Siren is also in here."


    Upon hearing that last name, Aries instantly understood what was happening to his comrades. He quickly nodded agreement at Jodien then glanced at the princess.


    Pieffer, despite her trembling hands, could still conjure a sturdy shield.


    "We should leave," Aries told her. "Take Jodien. Gust¡­"


    "I''ll take care of my twin and Sunrei," Gust finished for him. "But where should we go?"


    "Back to the sanctuary. Now!" He urgently yelled as the heat of the fireballs finally shattered the shield protecting them.


    Pieffer pulled Jodien into the shadows. Gust dragged his twin brother and the prince into the wind vortex.


    "Let''s go!" Aries grabbed Cari by her hands but she stubbornly pulled away from his grasp.


    She waved her hands and the tome released water balls that vaporized the flaming spheres.


    "Kill them," the Celestial Knight that Jodien had called Ciara finally gave an order to the dolls.


    Cari was enraged at seeing her creations follow the command of another person. She violently waved her hands and her tome fired more flaming spheres.


    The dolls repelled the fireballs with their daggers. Most of them were advancing towards Cari and only a few rushed at the Ram House Leader.


    Aries grabbed the arm of the stubborn Zodiac Knight and pulled her into the nearest shadow but she still managed to pull away from him and continuously blast fireballs at the dolls rushing towards her.


    "Do you want to die?!" Aries deflected a few daggers and kicked their wielders out of the way.


    "How can these dolls betray me?!" Cari was blinded by fury and oblivious of Aries. "I am your creator!!!"


    The Goat House Leader was now shooting fireballs in all directions. Even Aries had to evade them while deflecting daggers. Though Cari was surprisingly good at dodging daggers, her outburst of emotion was starting to frustrate the Ram House Leader.


    Aries was trying to close the gap between him and Cari but the dolls were preventing him from advancing. No matter how many times those wooden vessels were thrown on the ground, they kept on getting up. Their body felt like they were no longer made of wood but of something harder than the scarlet blade of Aries. He could only scratch them.


    "You cannot kill me!" Cari angrily yelled when one of the dolls finally grazed her skin and more of them were aiming daggers at her.


    Aries ran while frantically slashing his dual blades at the dolls blocking his way but he was too distant from the Goat House Leader. Reaching her on time was nearly impossible.


    "Cari, run!" Aries desperately screamed but the Goat House Leader was stubbornly ignoring him.


    "Fine!" Cari embraced the white tome. "Let''s die together!"


    "No!" Aries ran faster but slow down a little when he noticed a shield popped around Cari.


    "It will not hold out for long!" Pieffer yelled near a huge shadow of a tree. "You need to drag her here! Quick!"


    Aries nodded and as he grabbed Cari by her waist, the shield shattered.


    Pieffer tried to put up another shield but it was as fragile as glass and broke into pieces the moment it covered the two Zodiac Knights. Nonetheless, it had given Aries a little time to run ahead of the wooden vessels.


    "Let go of me!" Cari was still embracing her white tome while struggling against the strong grip of Aries.


    The Ram House Leader ignored her and focused on running. He was only a few feet away from Pieffer.


    "I SAID LET ME GO!!!"


    That roar caused the white tome to radiate and blast a shockwave that had thrown Aries a few inches away. It nearly knocked the breath out of him but he held on to his consciousness and to the waist of Cari. What he did not see coming was a dagger behind him. A doll had caught up to them when he staggered for a second. It pierced the back of his shoulder and passed through the front.


    Blood splattered in the face of Cari and it made her freeze with eyes wide open with dread.


    Aries wanted to say that he was okay. Getting stabbed was nothing new to him. But the pain each wound was inflicting kept getting more excruciating. He pulled away from the dagger. He wanted to keep on running for he was only a few steps away from the princess but his knees wobbled, his hands weakened, and his blades disappeared before hitting the ground, and he collapsed on top of Cari.


    Pieffer put up another barrier. It was a little stronger than the previous one she conjured and had given her enough time to rush towards Aries. She quickly pulled him up and grabbed Cari with her other hand.


    "Help me carry Aries," she urgently commanded at the Goat House Leader. "Hurry!"


    Cari scrambled on her feet and did as she was told but before they could reach the shadows, the dolls had blocked their way.


    As the shield shattered, Pieffer instantly conjured another one but it broke into pieces the moment it had been hit by too many daggers. Cari used her tome but her fireballs only hit a few dolls. There were still too many daggers aiming for their death.


    Pieffer was getting paler and her hands trembled more violently but she could still conjure a shield. Though it was not as strong as before, it helped them survive for a few more seconds. Cari, despite her uneven breathing, was continuously blasting fireballs and knocking a few wooden vessels a few feet away from them.


    Aries was ashamed. He should be the one protecting the women but his body was too weak to move around. He even failed to call Vermillion out.


    Move!!!


    He was trying to stand on his own.


    We cannot die here!


    He closed his hands into a fist.


    If I let Pieffer and Cari die like this, I can never make any difference in this lifetime.


    I need to fight...


    Please... come out now...


    He ignored the terrible pain in his head and focused on calling his scarlet blade.


    VERMILLION!!!


    Aries smiled as he finally called his dual swords out and he also summoned the strength to stand on his own. Without wasting a single second, he instantly waved the scarlet blades at the dolls nearest to the three of them. He triumphantly pushed two rows of wooden vessels circling around them.


    Pieffer unsheathed her silver dagger and Cari continuously fired blazing spheres.


    But the wooden dolls kept on coming and would not allow them to get any closer to the huge and dark shadows of a tree.


    The adrenaline rush that Aries felt was starting to fade. Pieffer was struggling to fight as the trembling of her hands grew more violently. Cari was also getting more exhausted. Some of her fireballs were starting to miss.


    Frustration began to build upon Aries as they were returning to square one.


    "Let''s end it here!" Cari furiously screamed and embraced her white tome once more. "We will die anyway! I will take everyone in here with me!"


    "NO!"


    It was not only Aries and Pieffer who yelled disagreement but someone who appeared right next to Cari through a cloud of mist.


    Aries remembered that perfectly white creation of Cari. It was the doll who had taken him to the Goat House Leader.


    "Nari?" Cari was utterly surprised. "You''re here?"


    "Sorry for being late, Master." If wooden vessels could blush, the cheeks of that white doll would be fully red by now. "But as I told you before, I will never desert you."


    Aries heard a familiar and comforting sound from behind him. It was a wind vortex.


    "I guess I''m not that late, huh?" Gust grabbed Aries and Pieffer.


    Aries seized the white doll while Pieffer clutched on the overcoat of Cari.


    "Hold on tight!"


    With great effort, Gust had pulled them inside of the wind vortex.


    ^##########^