《Eternal Promise: Fragments Of Us》 「1」Awakening Arc: The Voice In My Dreams LEON WHY? Stay with me Where are you going? Dont leave me behind, (..)- My rm clock woke me up with a loud ring. I became aware that I was drenched in cold sweat and that my heart was racing rapidly. It happened once more. I looked around, relieved that it was still the same location. I was staring at my ceiling when I realized it was my room. If I had awoken in someone elses room, I would have been terrified. Despite my tiredness, I sat up and brought my trembling right hand to my face, covering half of it. Todays the third time, I said quietly to myself, terrified. What in the world is going on? I pondered as I leaned against the wall. It was the same dream as before. Ive been having strange and repetitive dreams that I couldnt exin. At first, I assumed they were the result of stress from work and everyday problems, but they got worse the more I tried to ignore them. It had already had an emotional and psychological impact on me. I tried talking it out with some friends and random people online, hoping to find something that would help me solve my problem, but none of them worked. ?If this continues, I might lose my mind, I sighed helplessly. I gathered my thoughts and set the idea aside for the time being. Today was another busy day for me, and I couldnt afford to ruin it by having a minor nightmare. LEON, you look frumpy, man, Derrick, the productions cameraman, observed. We were currently on a break. Do I look awful? I anxiously asked him as I grabbed a face mirror to check myplexion and facial appearance. Awful? Derrickughed. You look like a vampire to me, he sarcastically jokes, but it had an impact on me which made me feel ufortable. My stage name is Leon. During my adolescence, I worked as a model. People have alwaysplimented me on my good looks since I was a child. Adults and kids my age wanted my attention. People said my face was androgynous. Someone could tell I was a man by looking at my body, but they could mistake me for a woman due to my feminine facial features. Ive always had a slim build and couldnt get any bigger or more ripped, no matter how hard I tried. My mother almost mistook me for an albino when I was born with very light blonde hair, but I wasnt. I always dyed my hair darker shades of brown to ck to avoid drawing too much attention. My skin tone was also quite pale. When a talent manager discovered me, I was of average height, but I was taller than most of the guys in my ss. I modeled out of curiosity, not expecting it to dramatically change my life. At the age of 24, Im now a young, promising actor who has already appeared in a few indie films. People admired people who depicted a likable side when they became famous people. As a result, it forced me to keep my likable side in order to move ahead in the industry of make believe C a ce where fiction would be reality, and reality would be fiction. Saying it like that only makes me nervous. Are you aware of this, Derrick? I told the guy who was munching on his clubhouse with no care in the world. Derrick nodded in agreement, which irritated me. Im just telling the truth, he exined before taking another bite of his food. He didnt mind that the spread oozed from it. If you continue to have an unhealthy routine, the press would then dig in again, he alerted. Says the guy who eats a lot, I said, rolling my eyes. And what exactly do you mean by an unhealthy routine? I was irritated and snapped. Derrick, as usual, dismissed it with a sillyugh. Derrick has a point, Leon, my makeup artist, Alynna, interrupted. They wont shut up when ites to you, she said, holding a foundation brush in her right hand and pointing at me. You know how popr you are among teenagers? She also reminded me. Whats the deal with the sarcasm, you two? I raised an eyebrow at both of them, who simplyughed at my exaggerated reactions. Mr. Popr has no idea how attractive he is, Derrick attempted another joke. This time, however, Alynna joined him in hisughter. Pipe it down, Derrick. I, too, am a Leon fan, Alynna admitted. She shared onest ridiculousugh with Derrick before bing stoic. Jokes aside, Leon, I am deeply concerned about your physical and mental health. If something bothers you, tell us, she reassured, but then abruptly changed her mind. No, not us. Simply contact me. Derrick is a useless individual. Hell definitely tell you shits, she predicted. What exactly does that mean? Derrick responded. He was still preupied with his food. I couldnt help but chuckle at their shenanigans. Theyve both been with me since the beginning of my acting career. They were initially wary of me. However, as we spent more time together, the three of us became friends. Im fine, I assured the two as I clenched my fists. Its just that Ive been having the same dream over and over. And every time I wake up from it, Im drenched in cold sweats, I told them, and their jaws dropped. Its a message, man! Derrick finally put his clubhouse down on his te and leaned in closer to me, which surprised me. Alynna didnt say anything right away. Before she said anything, she tried to analyze what I said. Does Sheldon know already? she inquired right away. Withplete honesty, I shook my head. I didnt think Alynna would recall Sheldon in these circumstances. Then tell him when you get home tonight, she suggested. Once again, you can contact me if something is wrong. Okay? She then went back to the dressing room to prepare the makeup for my next scenes. My boyfriends name is Sheldon. We started dating before I became an indie actor. Apparently, if the public learned about my sexuality, our rtionship would likely cause amotion. So Sheldon and I agreed to keep our heads down for the time being. During my modeling career, I met Sheldon. We began with a model-fan rtionship. He was my biggest supporter. He always supported the show, no matter how small or simple it was. He told me how much he admired me. I assumed he was just mesmerized at first and would eventually grow tired of being a fanboy, but he didnt. My manager once nned a special event for my fans. If they won the game that my manager nned, one lucky fan would get to spend one night with me. I didnt think Sheldon would win. It was my first meeting with him in person. I was astounded by how fine and attractive he was. We ate dinner. We talked for a long time. I was surprised at how quickly I became ustomed to him. Sheldon was a nice, easy going guy. He was a little shypared to when we chatted, but I had a feeling I had already interacted with him. We had a few drinks, but I didnt get too tipsy. He felt the same way. Our conversation became more serious as time passed. He admitted his feelings to me. That was the first time I had been confessed to. I didnt respond to him because I didnt know what to say. To avoid breaking his heart, I suggested, Why dont we try going out? on a whim. He dly epted it. We kept in touch for a few days after that. He became more affectionate than he had ever been. Even though we couldnt see each other very often, hearing his voice made me happy. That was when I realized I was in love. But we were both men at the time. I became terrified and distanced myself from him,pletely oblivious to how he would react. Sheldon didnt give up on me. He waited no matter how much I ignored him. He waited and waited and waited some more. As a result, I confronted my own emotions and talked things through. I was the one who raised his expectations. I simply told him that everything between us was a first for me, and that I was terrified. He apologized and asked me to give him a chance to prove that he wasnt ying with me. That being said, he became my first man. Sheldon was still the same guy who always had my back. WELCOME back, Leon, Sheldon said warmly as I opened the door to his room. Sheldon, I said softly before closing the door behind me. As he approached, I dropped my bag on the floor. Sheldon encircled my waist with his massive arms. I wrapped my hands around his neck before kissing him passionately. Sheldon responded with longing and drew me in closer, purposefully bumping our lower halves against each other. I missed you, I pantedly whispered in his ear in a raspy voice. I missed you, Leon, he said, his voice deep and seductive. We continued to kiss each other. As Sheldon moved his hands lower, attempting to unzip my pants, I let out a soft moan. Unsatisfied, he abruptly lifted my legs and pushed me against the wall. Are we going to do it this way? I made fun of him. Sheldonughed. I always adored seeing his innocent smile. Despite his size, Sheldon had a gentle face and an aura around him. If youre okay with it, he rified. I kissed him again, assuring him that everything was fine. Sheldon was overjoyed, and we continued to relish the moment. I randomly remembered the voice from my dreams as we took our time feeling the heat of each others bodies. Please stay with me I tried to ignore that voice and concentrate on Sheldon. That night, I slept soundly in the arms of the man I loved.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ?to be continued 「2」Awakening Arc: Memories That Didn’t Belong To Me LEON CUT! yelled the director. My co-actor and I immediately broke the tension by smiling at each other. That was exhausting, she remarked,ughing. Tell me all about it, I said. Way to go, you two! The director rose from his seat and approached us. As he moved, his belly fat jiggled. He stood about 4 feet 8 inches tall and had a rounded body. Natasha, her stage name, said, Thank you, Director Kim. It was an honor for her to be praised. Director Kimughed and looked at me, saying, And you, Leon, youre getting better at this. I scratched the back of my head lightly with my left hand. Thank you, Director, I replied. Its also because of you. You really assisted me in bringing out my best, I added. My words of thanks made the middle-aged man blush. You, Leon! He then smacked my arm yfully to show his delight. Enough with the ttery. Now, I want you two to rehearse your next scene, he changed the subject and reverted to his director persona. Okay, see youter, Director, Natasha said immediately, and even kissed Director Kim goodbye. Sorry, Natasha. That wont work on me, the Director joked, but it was also true. Kim, the director, is gay. He was open about his sexuality from the moment I met him. He had worked on several indie films, the majority of which received positive feedback. We began filming his new film, Dont Lie To Me, My Love, two months ago. The plot revolved around two newlywed young couples. They werepletely engrossed in each other and rushed everything between them. They realized how much they disagreed with each others ideas as they spent more time together. Their rtionship deteriorated, and one of them fell out of love. Angelo (as portrayed by me) waspletely absorbed in his work. He ignored his wifes longing for him and left her wondering if it was worth it to marry him. Helen (yed by Natasha) attempted to solve their problem. When Angelo refused to let her speak, she took a break and went on a solo vacation. There, she would meet Nathaniel, a young, free-spirited man a few years her junior. I dont want to make this any longer. To be honest, it had a clear conflict and conclusion. However, Director Kim has always liked to spice up his works. During the first half of the film, the audience would most likely side with Helen and me Angelo for neglecting her. Theyd despise my character and everything. But things would take a turn, and it would be revealed that Helen was a serial cheater from the start. She had already cheated on Angelo with five different men before they married. She always started their argument, no matter how minor it was. Angelo turned cold towards her because he didnt want to say anything hurtful to Helen. Angelo went insane when he found out. Who wouldnt, after all? To summarize, Angelo would be involved in a car ident and die alone. Isnt it tragic? DOES he know yet? Alynna inquired abruptly. Huh? I replied, perplexed. I was prepping for our next shoot by reading the lines. Dummy, Sheldon! She borated. Does he know yet? she said again,pletely disregarding the fact that I was in the middle of a self-rehearsal. My head shook. No. I didnt get to speak with him about it, I admitted. I eximed in my head, Because we had sex all night! Alynna sat by my side, dismayed, and clicked her tongue. She still hadnt figured out that I wasnt avable to speak with. You guys had bettermunicate properly! Staying that way isnt good for you, Leon! Alynna sighed. I know, I agreed for the time being. Arguing with Alynna was like entering a battle unarmed. Youd die from her never-ending advice bullets. Dont misunderstand me, Leon, she defended. Im envious of people who can be intimate. But keeping things that bother you from your lover is much more difficult, you know? She began rambling. How will Sheldon react if he discovers that youre having repetitive nightmares and havent told him about it? Doesnt that seem unjust? ?What on earth is she on about? I was thinking to myself. If she puts it that way, it sounds like Ive been keeping secrets from Sheldon and not trying to make things right with him, which is not the case. I simply dont want to think about my nightmares. Its fine, Alynna. Im going- She interrupted me by shushing me.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g No way, Leon. It. Is. Not. All right, she insisted, and I sighed. She gasped when she noticed the script I was holding. Oh my! You were practicing? She half-screamed, stood up, and apologized to me immediately. Im sorry, Leon! I didnt realize you were in your script! Iughed. Its fine, I said, but she refused to budge. Oh shit! And here I am, yelling at the top of my lungs! she thought to herself. Sorry. Ill talk to youter, she said as she excused herself and scrambled away. I couldnt help but chuckle at her outbursts. Alynna was the type of person who would force you to talk about your problems with her, which some people might find repulsive. But she genuinely cared about her friends. Derrick, on the other hand Derrick would always be Derrick. I returned my attention to my script. Soon after, the production assistant summoned me and informed me that it was time for our next scene. HELEN, Im going on a business trip. Lets talk about it some other time, I said to my wife without looking her in the eyes. Im Angelo from the movie right now. Helen started another argument with me about spending quality time together and going somewhere. Really? Youre just going to cut us off like this? Helen scoffed in disbelief. How much do you despise me now, Angelo? She went on the offensive return. I paused from tying my tie and turned to face her. Hate? What gives you that impression? I responded with a question. Helen burst into tears. You dont say it, Angelo, but I can feel it. You despise me, she insisted. I clicked my tongue, annoyed that our rtionship was disintegrating. Stopplicating things, Helen, I said as calmly as I could. Complicating? she retorted, scoffing. So now Implicating things? Helen hugged herself and sobbed uncontrobly. Im attempting to mend our rtionship here, Angelo! she yelled. Are we going to do it again? Helen? I yelled angrily at her. I have a flight to catch in two hours. Do you really need to cause amotion right now? Helen screamed, as if she was cursing me for interfering with her ability to express her feelings about the situation. Angelo, how can you be so shallow?! Im extremely upset at you! she screamed. I didnt want to argue with her anymore, so I turned away from her. I finished tying my neck tie and took my luggage with me. Helen called out to me as I was about to leave our room. Dont leave me behind, Angelo, she pleaded. I told you- Dont leave me behind. ?Huh? What was that all about? I questioned myself. I suddenly remembered something. But it was too hazy to tell what it was. I tried to ignore the uneasy feeling and returned to the scene. I told you- Dont leave me behind, (..)! ?That happened yet again! I thought andpletely lost track of my next line. People around me were perplexed as to why I stuttered. I noticed some of the crew waving their hands at me, signaling me to keep acting. Director Kim was speaking to me, but I couldnt understand what he was saying. Natasha, like everyone else, was perplexed when I looked at her. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Stay with me ?Is it possible that Im recalling someone elses memory? I reconsidered. I had no idea I was acting strangely in front of everyone. I was holding my head with two hands and kneeling on the ground. Why are you leaving me behind, (..)?! (..),e back to me! These words rang in my head over and over. The voice was in excruciating pain. I lost my mind as it kept repeating. Cut! Cut! Cut! Director Kim finally eximed. I eximed and was yanked back into reality. Alynna and Derrick were running towards me. Derrick assisted me in standing while Alynna checked on me. Are you all right? Alynna inquired, concerned. I gave a weak nod. Pull yourself together, man, Derrick said as he carefully pulled me up and helped me maintain my bnce. Are you okay, Leon? Director Kim stepped in. I am. I apologize for the inconvenience, everyone, I said weakly. Its all right. You must be exhausted. For the time being, return home and rest. Send me a message when you arrive home safely, please. he said, and I agreed. Thank you, I said to Director Kim, who motioned for Alynnna and Derrick to send me off. DERRICK drove me home in his car, and Alynna apanied him. Would you mind telling us now? Derrick spoke up. Keep your eyes on the road, stupidhead, Alynna reprimanded. How do you feel now, Leon? she inquired. She apanied me to the cars back seat. Before responding, I took a deep breath. I saw someones vague memory. Huh?! Derrick reacted in exaggeration. Are you a medium, man? he remarked. I saw Alynna brandishing daggers at him. Derrick saw it through the rearview mirror and gulped. Whose memory is it, exactly? Alynna challenged me. I sighed softly. Im not sure, I said. Does it have anything to do with your recurring dreams? she inquired. Sort of, I admitted hesitantly. I cant tell whose memory it was, I said, staring out the window of the car next to me. The individual I paused. The guy who kept repeating those words It seemed like the words he kept saying were directed at me, I exined. Geez, Leon, thats creepy. To be honest, Derrick said. Shut up, Derrick! Alynna yelled. Derrick shivered. No. Derrick is correct, Alynna. Its creeping me out as well, I defended. Ill talk to Sheldon about it, I said. Make certain you do, Alynna advised. We arrived at Sheldons house not long after. It surprised my boyfriend to see them, so I told him they knew about us and that he could trust them not to spread rumors about our rtionship. Alynna informed Sheldon of what urred during the shooting. And, surprisingly, Sheldon remained calm throughout their conversation, until Alynna and Derrick took off. DRINK some water, Leon, Sheldon said as he handed me a half-full ss of water. I epted it and drank the entire ss of water. Sheldon was looking at me with a worried expression. He did it for a few seconds, as if he was waiting for me to say something. What? I said, breaking the awkward silence between us. Howe you didnt tell me anything? he began. He appeared disappointed, but I could tell he was more hurt than angry. I didnt want you to be concerned. I expected it to stop after a few days. I honestly didnt expect this to happen, I admitted. Lying to this man was pointless. It would only make things worse. Didnt? Sheldon dered. Im your boyfriend, Leon. What kind of boyfriend is unaware that his lover is suffering from something and is unable to console them because they are ignorant of the situation? he eximed. I see what youre saying. Im sorry for keeping quiet until now, I admitted. No. Dont give me that excuse, Leon, Sheldon said. ?What exactly is going on here? Whats the deal with Sheldons rage? Is he upset because I informed Alynna and Derrick before him? I thought as I stared at him, puzzled. Sheldon, are you m-? I am not, Leon, he interrupted. I am not, he said again, this time more calmly. And his expression had changed to one of sadness. I reached out my hand and caressed his left cheek. I apologize for causing you concern. I wont do it again, I apologized sincerely. Im sorry for raising my voice at you, too, he apologized. ?Oh, my boyfriend is so handsome, I suddenly thought. Even before we became lovers, Sheldon was appealing to me. I admired the way his eyes seemed to pierce right through you if he stared at you long enough. They were bluish gray in color. He once told me he was half-blood, but we never talked about it. His skin had be tanned. He had a good build for someone who didnt exercise. He had a seductive jawline. He was a truly lovely man. Id never dated a guy before, and Id never dated a girl either. Sheldon was the beginning of everything. He was the one who stood beside me when I waspletely lost and unable to find my way through this hostile world. And yet, I did something selfish that disappointed him. Sheldon I said. Yes? He replied sweetly. Its all about my dreams ?to be continued 「3」Awakening Arc: Seen LEON I DIDNT know where to begin at first. I had no idea how it all started. I had no recollection of any traumatic pasts that could have been the source of what was happening to me. Does something bother you, Leon? Sheldon inquired. I agreed by nodding. This may sound strange, but I had this vivid dream that kept repeating, I began. At first, I thought it was because of stress. I mean, were currently filming a movie, and Ive barely gotten any decent sleep, so I assumed After that, I exhaled. Yeah, I know, Sheldon said softly, implying that he understood what I was saying. What exactly is this dream youre talking about? Is it really that unusual? he inquired. Voice I almost said it in hushed tones. Voice? Sheldon arched his brow. There was a voice It was a mans voice. He was calling out for someone, but Im not sure who, I exined. If you put it this way, he seemed to be talking to me when he said those words. What did you hear in your dreams? Sheldon inquired once more. Something like I paused before continuing, Words like: Dont leave me behind. Why are you abandoning me? Stay with me And then hed say someones name, but Im not sure about the name part. After that, everything bes hazy, I exined. Sheldon became intrigued after hearing my story. He attempted to analyze it before making his observations. Did you have any previous rtionships that didnt work out before meeting me, Leon? Huh? No, I quickly replied. I mean, I dated a couple of girls in high school, but they all cheated on me, Sheldon. And do you know why they did it? You look like a model. I wouldnt be surprised if you dated five girls at once, they told me before ditching me, I defended. Thats pretty harsh, Sheldon observed as he rubbed the back of his neck. I couldnt agree with you more, I said before sighing. Leon, when did you start having bad dreams? he inquired abruptly. I wasnt expecting him to ask that, so I was surprised and frantic. Huh? Um I tried to recall when it all started, but couldnte up with a single date. In retrospect, I had never felt such strange emotions before. When I was younger, I had a few nightmares. But, after all, its only natural, right? Weve all had that dream that really freaked us out. That was it, though. Nothing was trivial about it; it was all a dream. That concludes the story. ?So, whats the big deal about this one? I thought helplessly as I was exhausted by both work and personal conflicts. When did it all begin? I couldnt recall the first time I dreamed about it. What I only remembered was that whenever I awoke from it, my chest tightened and my head felt light. Dont push yourself, Leon, Sheldon said. We can talk about this another time. Alynna said you almost passed out during the shoot. You should rest, he said, gently caressing my back. Youre right, I agreed, letting out a huge sigh. Im sorry, Sheldon, but I think I need some sleep. Sheldon gave a nod. We stared at each other for a few seconds before he kissed my lips lightly. I love you, Leon, he said softly, sending shivers down my spine. I love you, too, I replied, wrapping my arms around his neck. Sheldon had no choice but to carry me to his room like a princess. He carefully ced me on his bed. The next thing he did was remove my shoes. Then he took the nket. I casted a seductive nce at him as he was about to cover my waist with it. Sheldon pretended not to notice, but I caught a smirk on his face. What is it, Leon? Sheldon finally spoke after I stared at him for a long time. Nothing, I replied. I havent had the opportunity to spend time with you recently. I really miss you, I told him. But you stille here now and then. Thats enough for me, Sheldon said. Yeah, and then what? All I do is sleep and go to work the next day, I contended. We have sex, he blurted. About an hour? Please dont tell me youre happy with that. To be honest, Im not, I dered. Sheldonughed at what I said, and I smacked him on the arm for it. It cant be avoided, he admitted. Then he grabbed my hand and squeezed it. I wont ask for anything else as long as I get to see you, Leon. It was really sweet of him to say that. It was the kind of love deration that always caught me off guard, but gave me reassurance as well. I was really d that I let Sheldon in my life. If it werent for him, I would have been a goner by now. I slept well once more. Sheldon stayed by my side the entire night. LEON! I flinched as Director Kim appeared in front of me. Didnt I tell you to send me a message after you left? he remembered, pouting. Oh I suddenly remembered what he said the day before. I apologize, Director. Ipletely forgot, I exined. Kim, the director, pouted even more. Hmph! You saw my message, liar, but you didnt even respond. You know how worried I was? He said that and then left. ?I did? Confounded, I thought. I immediately began searching my bag for my phone. I didnt check for messages from yesterday when I woke up this morning. It quickly became a habit of mine. Alynna and Derrick were aware of this, so they preferred to ask me in person rather than via chats and phone calls. I quickly grabbed my phone and opened my messenger app. The name of Director Kim was among the most recent messages. When I opened our conversation, my eyes couldnt believe it. Director Kim: Leon, how are you? Did you get home safe? -seen- ?What the hell happened? Shivers ran up and down my spine. Who took my phone? I asked myself, horrified. Sheldon? I assumed, rocking my head. Idiot! Sheldon is not that type of person! We are considerate of one anothers privacy. He will not use my phone without my permission, and I will do the same, I told myself. If anyone saw me, they would think I was insane. I was talking to myself, after all. Because everything was hazyst night, I paid little attention to almost everything that happened around me. My conversation with my boyfriend was also a mystery to me. Id like to put this aside for the time being, but Excuse me, Mr. Leon, a female staff member said. When I turned my gaze to her, she was shy around me, saying, Director Kim is calling for you. I gave her permission, and she walked away. I went straight to Director Kim, and we talked briefly before continuing the shoot. Natasha and I then reenacted the unfinished scene from yesterday. So far, everything has gone swimmingly. I had forgotten about the message that Director Kim had mentioned for a few hours. LUNCH time, everyone! Well be back at 1:30 PM, said one male staff assistant. Finally, Natasha sighed, stretching her arms out. I walked right into my dressing room. I mmed the door shut and dragged the stic chair out, frantically sitting on it. I focused my attention on my ck sling bag, which I had left here this morning. I ced it on top of my dressing table, next to my makeup kits. ?Should I inquire with Sheldon about it? I debated whether I should suspect or not suspect my boyfriend.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Just to be certain I said quietly. Im just going to ask. Isnt that fine? I questioned myself. I returned my gaze to my back for a few seconds before whipping out my phone. It didnt take me long, but I started panting for no apparent reason. Shit, I hissed. Why am I so tense? I was perplexed. Someone knocked on the door just as I was about to enter my password to unlock my phone, almost sending my soul flying away. Leon? It was Derrick. Are you here, man? he inquired from the opposite side of the door. ?That frightened me! I screamed in my head while clutching my phone. Y-Yeah, I hesitantly replied. Geez, Alynnas been looking everywhere for you, Leon, Derrick said, and I heard him sigh in disappointment. Sorry. For the time being, Ill eat here. I need to practice, I lied. Are you sure? I bought some snacks for us, Derrick asked, his voice a little depressed. Yeah. Im sorry, I said, apologizing. I could then hear his footsteps as he walked away. ?Why am I so worried? Im just going to ask Sheldon. Is it preferable to call him? I pondered. I unlocked my phone and stared at it for maybe a minute before I actually opened the messenger application and searched for our conversation. Truth be told, Sheldon and I rarely exchanged messages. One reason was that I partly disliked chatting too much. I would rather tell him everything in person whenever we had the chance to see each other. I hated mimunication the most, and Sheldon knew that. Here goes nothing, I half whispered before I started typing. Thank goodness Sheldon was online. Leon: You there? -sent- I waited for a while before Sheldon noticed my message. Sheldon: Whats up? Done with the shooting? Leon: Yep. I missed you. Sheldon: Me, too. Are you in a good mood? Leon: Why? Sheldon: Because you suddenly messaged me. Leon: I actually wanted to ask something. Sheldon: What is it? Leon: Did you I mean, did you notice if I checked my phonest night before going to sleep? Sheldon: Yeah, you did. You dont remember? Leon: Oh haha. Totally forgot. Ill call youter. Sheldon: Okay. Take care -seen- Why cant I remember a thing? I asked myself in total disbelief. Nothing was making sense. I remembered talking to him before I slept, but I couldnt remember a damn thing that I checked on my phonest night. Later that day, I told Sheldon that I wouldnt be able toe to his house. I didnt want to lie about it, but I made my work schedule as my excuse. He didnt argue any further because he already knew that it was going to be like this, eventually. We did not know when the media paparazzi would start following me around. If they leaked at least one rumor about me while our movie was still filming, it could end my career in a sh. WHEN I got home, I threw myself on my bed right away. And to free myself from any stress, I checked my phone if there were unanswered messages. When I saw none, I messaged Sheldon beforehand. Leon: Going to sleep. Will turn off my phone. Love you -sent- I no longer waited for my boyfriends reply and immediately pushed the off button before putting my phone down just beside me. I quickly went to sleep in a matter of seconds. I was exhausted. While I was already in a slumber, I did not know that I didnt really turn off my phone, which I thought I did. It was in silent mode, and it viewed my conversation with Alynna. Alynna: Leon? Are you okay? Why didnt you eat with us earlier? Derrick told me you werent in your dressing room. Leon? Asleep? Message me when you see this, please? -seen- Later that night, I had that nightmare again. ?to be continued 「4」Awakening Arc: Who Did I Talk To? LEON THE next day, Alynna bombarded me with a lot of questions. Leon, are you okay? Why arent you answering my messages? I know you dont enjoy chatting that much, but I messaged you before it was toote in the evening. I was so worried about you, Alynna was totally haggard when she approached me. I frowned at her words. Messages? What messages? I asked, fully unaware of what she was trying to say. She clicked her tongue, then furiously took out her phone and showed it to me. You just read all of it. All of it, she said in an angered voice. It shocked me to see it, and read them one by one before I defended myself. Look, Alynna, I slept right awa- I paused, and took a second nce at Alynnas messages. I felt horrified when I noticed something suspicious. Alynna, Derrick went to my dressing room yesterday. He didnte inside, but he told me you were looking for me, I told her, and Alynnas jaw dropped. And I turned off my phonest night before going to sleep. I was already asleep when you sent all those messages. And when I woke up this morning, my phone was off. This time, it was me who had a gaping mouth out of shock. Tell me youre making a terrible joke right now, she pleaded in fear. Her hands trembled, and she looked like she wanted to throw her phone away. Why would I make a sick joke about this? I said to her, and she shed tears of disbelief. Okay, she sniffed, and calmed herself down. I will talk to Derrick about this. We need to hear his side on this. We cant assume too much, Leon, she said. Alright, I nodded in agreement. We parted ways after that. I tried to act normal around everyone. Director Kim no longer intrigued me about his unanswered message. I focused on our scene for today and tried not to think about the messages that Alynna sent me. I did just fine, but I couldnt hide the fact that I was bothered. I just hoped that no one aside from Alynna and Derrick would notice. I SWEAR, no one was in your room when I went there yesterday! Derrick eximed. It baffled him when we told him about the messages, and the incident that he and I got to talk yesterday! How sure are you? Alynna inquired. Derrick gasped in disbelief. You seriously think Im lying, arent you? No, Derrick, I intervened. Its just that I remember talking to you yesterday. I swear, we talked, I rified. What did I say exactly? Because I called you many times, but there wasnt a single response. I stood there in front of your effin dressing room, Leon, for like an entire minute. But not even the slightest word came from you, he retaliated. You told me that Alynna was looking for me, I replied.N?velDrama.Org owns this. Well, thats true. She was indeed looking for you Like always, Derrick seconded. You asked me if I was okay, I further said. I did, but like I told you- God, Derrick, will you let Leon finish talking first? Stop reacting to every goddamn thing hes saying! Alynna butted in, a little annoyed at Derricks heightened emotions. And just like that, the guy immediately behaved himself. I felt bad for Derrick, but he was overreacting, so Alynna had to shut him up like that. Derrick, what else did you say to me yesterday? I asked him. For a moment, he hesitated to speak. Alynna got irritated the more he refused to speak up, so he took a deep breath first before clearing his throat. Well You were acting kinda a little weird yesterday, Leon, he said, and stared at me like I did something that freaked him out. You looked like you were I dont know like you were scared of something? So what? Hes asking if theres anything else you said to him back in the dressing room, Alynna interrupted. Actually This time, Derrick was sweating as if he was nervous about something. It was really weak, but I think you said something to me yesterday, he told me, and both Alynna and I braced ourselves for what Derrick was about to say next. Stay away from me. What? I couldnt believe my ears. Did I mishear what he said? No. Stay away? Why? Are you sure it was really Leon who said that? Alynna asked consecutively. She, too, was confused by these. It was really Leon, Derrick insisted. How many times do you think Ive heard his voice? All the time! he eximed. During the shooting, breaks, and even when the scenes Ive filmed are being edited, I can hear his voice repeatedly. Im so used to it by now! Its actually creepy because even at my ce, I can hear his voice sometimes! Alynna and I were petrified. Why did ite to this? I only wanted to clear things up, and solve the misunderstandings that Ive caused to some people. Why did it be worse? Im getting goosebumps. Seriously Alynna admitted. So am I, Derrick strongly seconded. I took a deep breath before speaking out, Guys, about the messages, its not just Alynna that I ignored even though I saw their messages on our chats, I told them. What do you mean, Leon? Alynna asked. I could see that she was getting scared now. The same happened with Director Kim, I revealed. Remember when I almost fainted the other day? I asked, and both of them nodded in unison. Later that night, he sent me a message, asking me if I was okay and got home safe. Dont tell me you also just read it? Alynna guessed, and I just stared at her. She understood it was my way of saying yes, and that made the situation even moreplicated. Confusion and frustration were visible on Derrick and Alynnas faces. Why did it have to happen now? I needed to focus on the movie. I dont want to judge but, does Sheldon Alynna had second thoughts about blurting her attempted usation against my boyfriend just now. I had a feeling she was about to say that maybe Sheldon had something to do with the seen messages. She respected our rtionship from the very beginning, and didnt ask me why I dated a guy. Unlike Derrick, Alynna was a lot more mature and reasonable to talk with my problems. But sometimes, I felt like she was not in favor of Sheldon. My boyfriend was a shy person to begin with, so he rarely exchanged conversations with my friends. Are you doubting Sheldon? I asked her straightforwardly. Alynna didnt want to admit it, but she faintly nodded. Sheldon was not with me when the incident about your messages happened, Alynna, I rified with a calm tone, but I guess she could see right through me. My hurt gazes at her gave away my feelings. Im sorry, Leon, she sincerely apologized. Derrick, who couldnt read the atmosphere at all, asionally averted his stares at me and Alynna. Guys? he innocently called out, and looked like a clueless idiot. I will get my phone checked this weekend, I said to break the awkwardness between me and her. If we keep treating this like some sort of mystery, nothing will happen, I added. I get that your phone may be broken, but I dont think that C whoever it was C dude that sounded just like you was something you can ignore, Derrick said. Man, I dont believe in the supernatural paranormal, whatever you call that shit, but I think I do now, he dered with a terrified expression. He was right, and Alynna thought so too. If I didnt really talk to Derrick yesterday, then who did I talk to? Both of us didnt see each other, which made it more questionable. And if Derrick heard me speak in a very weak voice, what did Stay away from me. mean? Should I talk about this with Sheldon? Will he believe me? I argued within myself. ANOTHER day ended with so much going on. As days passed by, weird things began haunting me. I wonder if it has something to do with my dreams, as well? I helplessly thought while staring at the ceiling of my room. Everything around me seemed to warp as I stared at the ceiling for a few moments. I knew it was weird, but I didnt move an inch or speak a word. My eyes were fixated on the nothingness of the concrete hovering over me. The longer I stared at it, the more it appeared to close in on me. I felt fear and soon realized that I couldnt control my body anymore. What was happening to me?! Why are you leaving me, (..)? ?That voice again! I eximed inside my mind. You said you loved me. Why are you doing this, (..)? Please,e back! I could feel the intensity of his feelings inside my mind. It was so overwhelming that I felt like my head was going to split into two. I wont forgive you for leaving me behind, (..). I will find you AND I WILL KILL-! I finally went back to my senses and I shrieked like hell. Fuck! I cussed, and covered my face with my hands while trembling so badly. That was the scariest moment of my life. What did all of those mean? ?Im scared! Im scared! Im scared! As I coiled in fear, I thought to myself. After that, I didnt get to sleep a wink. I was so lost in my hurdling thoughts that I no longer noticed Sheldon was calling my phone multiple times. I did not put it in silent mode, but I never once heard it ring the whole time. ?to be continued 「5」Awakening Arc: You Are A Sinful Man (Part 1) LEON THE instant Sheldon answered his phone, I said, Its me. Hi. Whats up with the abrupt call, Leon? my boyfriend asked from the other line. Im going to have my phone checked today, Sheldon. Im telling you now in case you cant reach meter, I said to him. Oh, right. Did it malfunction in some way? he asked. Not really. Im not yet aware of whats wrong. Ill call you back when its done, I said, and overheard him sigh. It was subtle but loud enough for me to hear. Leon, do you have a moment to chat briefly? he begged, which surprised me. Go on, I concurred and perched on the edge of my bed, noting that I wasnt in a rush anyway. Well I get that you are busy and youre almost done shooting your movie, but can I ask why you didnt answer my calls the other day? he calmly asked. Huh? I was dumbfounded and confused. You called? What time? I asked him back. Around eight in the evening, maybe? I called many times, but you didnt pick up at all. Did you put it on silent? You didnt bother asking me the next day why I called, too. So I got worried, he exined. It shocked me. Hang on, Sheldon. Im going to put you on hold for a while and have a quick look in my call history. Okay? I said. He agreed then I immediately rummaged through my phone. I gasped when I found no records of Sheldon calling me at the time he told me that he did. I had no memory of deleting my call histories so it should register here. I put Sheldon back on the line again, and tried my very best not to panic. Sheldon? Are you still there? Yeah, he softly responded. Um I cant find any missed call history. I must have deleted them by ident. Sorry for worrying you, I lied to him, but my mouth trembled as I told him those lies. If possible, I didnt want to worry him more than he already was. Is that so? he sounded unsatisfied. Alright. If anything is bothering you, dont hesitate to tell me, Leon. I love you very much, Sheldonforted, and made me feel guilty for lying to him. He then ended our call. I am the worst boyfriend, I insulted myself. Soon after that, I left. I DIDNT expect the city to be this busy. Everywhere I went, I saw posters of our uing movie. It made me sick, to be honest. Director Kim told me that this movie would be my big break if we hit the highest views when the premiere started. Natasha, as an actress and co-worker, was indeed an excellent woman. She did her role well as Helena. She yed the victim role so perfectly that it would certainly blow the minds of the viewers in the future. This film would be a sess without a doubt. But I also expected that I might drag it down. Given the unusual circumstances that have been happening to me, and my overall mental state, I knew to myself that I was being held back at acting. I wish Director Kim would notice before I ruin the ending of the movie. Setting it aside, I made sure not to stand out in public. To hide my identity, I wore a ck face mask, tinted sunsses, and cap to cover most of my face. I didnt prep my hair too, and let down my natural wavy locks. I wore a in white t-shirt, and wore a in ck jacket with a hoodie over it. I wore faded blue jeans, and a pair of khaki colored slip-on shoes. ?I wonder if I look suspicious, I thought, and turned my head from left to right. I searched for a cellphone repair shop on my way. As much as possible, I would like to choose the one with less people, to minimize the chance of them recognizing me. I put my phone on silent again, to avoid distractions while I was out. After strolling for about fifteen minutes straight, I was able to find the right shop. I entered right away and wasted no time. I wanted to get this done, and hoped that it was all just a system error in my device that caused all that unintentional unanswered messages and missing call histories. Good morning, ady worker greeted me when I opened the door to their shop. Can I help you, Sir? she politely asked. I grabbed my sling bag and took out my phone, and showed it to her. Its my phone. Even though Im not using it, my chat conversations open by themselves. My friendsined that I keep seeing their messages, but never reply in return. My call histories are also disappearing without me deleting them, I exined, and handed her my phone. Thedy epted it and asked me, The storage is not yet full, or is it? I shook my head. No. I dont really use it that much, I told her. You didnt drop it or maybe identally submerged it into a container full of water, Sir? she inquired. All I did was shake my head sideways. Okay. Sir, I need you to remove the lock of your phone while I test it and find out whats wrong. But if you are worried about your privacy, you can watch me while I do it. Ill just hand you the phone if it needs to be unlocked, she informed. Will it take you too long to fix it? I asked. She then mentally calcted the estimated time before saying, About 5 to 10 minutes, Sir. But if I find an error in the system, it may take days. Is that alright with you? she said. ?What choice do I have? I just want this misunderstanding to end. I dont want to acknowledge that Im going insane because of something so trivial, I thought. Its fine. You can start now, I permitted her, and thedy went ahead. I kept checking on my wristwatch the whole time. As each minute passed by, my anxiety grew stronger. I just wanted to reassure myself, and avoid tainting my rtionship with the people around me. I didnt want them to think that maybe I hated them, and used my phone as an excuse to cut them off. Sir, its done, I felt relieved when she talked again. She handed the phone to me before giving me the results. Nothings wrong with your phone, Sir. Everything is working well. There were no bugs in the system. Its also safe from any malwares, she dered. It disheartened me. That wasnt the answer I was hoping to hear. I expected her to say that my phone had an issue or something. ?What do I do now? I helplessly thought. In the end, I paid thedy for her service and left the shop with a heavy heart. IT IS over. Im going crazy, I thought to myself as I walked in the corners of the street with an absent mind. I staggered, and didnt care about the judging eyes of the people that passed by me. Psst! Hey, you! I stopped in my tracks when I heard a voiceing from a guy, but I had no idea where he was. Over here! Look to your right, the guy instructed me, and I followed what he said. I weakly turned my head towards his direction, and before me was a weird looking man who was about my age, that wore a stupid looking hooded maroon cloak that had golden linings on the edge of its sleeves and bottom most part of the cloak. Found me! he happily eximed. ?What a weirdo, I instantly judged. What is he? A street performer? Magician? What do you want? I asked the cloaked man. Do you like fortune tellings? he asked in an excited tone. Nope, I turned down, and strutted my way out. Wait, wait, wait! he pleaded, and grabbed the edge of my jacket. That rmed me, and I unintentionally raised my voice at him. Dont touch me! I half shouted, but I quickly realized how rude I was and apologized, Im sorry. I didnt mean to yell at you. The guy just brushed it off with a sillyugh. Its fine. I shouldnt have grabbed you like that, too, he admitted. It will surely make people misunderstand, he added. Look, Im in a hurry so I think Ill pass on the fortune telling for now, I told him. ?I dont believe in them either. So, whats the point in getting a reading? I sarcastically thought. Thats unfortunate, the guy became a little sad. Nice talking to you. Im really sorry, then, I excused myself. When I was about to turn my back at him, he uttered words that rang a bell in my ear. You look really worn out. I can sense that something is weighing down on you. Its hard to tell what it is from this distance, but are you having nightmarestely? Perhaps hearing unfamiliar voices? All he said was on point, it creeped me out. Who are you?! I grabbed the guy by the cor with a very disturbed look on my face. He flinched and coiled in fear. I just told you that I was a fortune teller, he replied. No, you didnt! I yelled at him, and tightened my grip on him and that choked him a little bit. Yes, I did. He gasped when I pushed him against the alley wall. Please, dont hurt me. I was just trying to help you, he begged. Well, you are not. How did you know about my nightmares? I interrogated him. I was born with a gift. I can see peoples fortunes by touching them, he proimed.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g Why should I believe you? I asked, anger was written all over my face. Because I am telling the truth, he insisted. Let me prove it to you. If you think that Im a scam, Ill let you leave without paying me. He he, he added. I sighed in defeat. I bet this guy was running out of funds, so he became desperate. I gave him the chance to magically enthrall me with all his wishy-washy lies until he was satisfied. ?to be continued 「6」Awakening Arc: You Are A Sinful Man (Part 2) LEON THE guy led me back to a small space that he rented. It was shabby, and little to no light could reach the inside. The atmosphere, at least, was convincing. But the fortune-teller himself was skeptical all over. How long have you been doing this? I curiously asked while traveling my eyes around the whole area. It was so dark, I could barely see where I was going. For a while now, he simply replied before stopping in front of a small, circr desk that was covered in a ck sheet of cloth. Have a seat, he offered as he sat on the chair across mine. I took a quick nce at my own chair. It was painted in ck so it was really hard to tell if he put anything somewhere there that would likely make his clients think that they were indeed haunted, cursed, or whatever. I sat silently, but all of my senses were heightened. When did you realize that You know, that you were gifted? I asked. The nameless fortune teller took a deep breath before answering me, I was six when I identally held someones hand, and I saw how he died. You know how kids are. I told him, the guy sighed when I gave him that I-dont-believe-you look. He didnt believe me, of course. Everyone didnt Then, he paused for a moment before continuing, They only believed me when it happened. ?Oh, hes quite good at acting. Im starting to get shivers, I thought to myself. Why the hell am I wasting my time listening to a fraud? What did you see, anyway? I went along with him. The guy stared at me intently. I know that you dont believe me too, but, whatever! he scoffed. That guy died by drowning. But in reality, something was deliberately pulling him to his death because of hatred. It was the spirit of someone that was killed by the vigers for ounts of stealing. It was the man, who drowned, that falsely used that spirit. I was bbergasted. What was everyones reaction when the man actually died? They chased me out. I mean, who wants to see a cursed person walking freely, waiting to touch another victim and tell them how they were going to die? His voice was full of sarcasm and bitterness when he said these words. I felt bad for judging him just because he looked like a fake. I didnt even try to put myself in his shoes. Im sorry, I apologized. Nah, I get it a lot. I even dress like this to look like the real deal, but my appearance probably spoils the whole vibe, he said. I didnt ask for this gift. I saw how my parents died because of this ability, and it made me regret everything. I was on the verge of giving up, you know? But, I saw you! He pointed a finger at me. You knew that I experienced weird nightmares and heard voices. How can you tell? You havent touched my hand yet, I asked. The guy sitting across from me went silent for a while. He just stared, and stared. Then, he spoke softly, My name is Roark. Im a psychic, he revealed. This, he pointed his thumb at his cloak. And this, next, he pointed a finger at the table. All of these he traveled his eyes around the whole ce, and continued, are just for show. But, I am not lying about being a psychic! Why are you telling me this? I asked, confused and conflicted at the same time. Roark cleared his throat before answering, I just wanted you to know, he reasoned out. Lets get straight to the point, Roark. I want you to have a look at my problem, I uttered. The man hesitated for a second, but he tried to brush it off by acting cool. Alright, he agreed. I extended out my hand and rested it halfway on the table. I saw Roark gulped, took another deep breath and carefully touched that hand. In an instant, I saw shing lights before me, blinding my eyes so I had to close them, and looked away. The voice in my dreams and the whispers Ive been hearing sort of mixed together. It happened so fast that all I could hear were frustrated screams and deafening shrieks of several voices inside my head. In my mind, I shouted because of the pain that resonated within my whole being, but my voice wouldnte out. I could still see Roark, but he seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. His eyes were fixated on me, but I couldnt sense his presence in the room. Even though I couldnt understand what was wrong with me right now, I still tried to scream as hard as I could and called out to him, Roark! Roark, wake up! Roark! I repeatedly said. Finally, both he and I were able to go back to our senses. We caught our breaths. I became lightheaded while Roark coughed like crazy as if he was choked. Crap! What the hell was that?! Roark snapped at me. He was horrified down to his bones. Why are you asking me?! Youre the psychic here! I yelled back at him. Roark saw something. It was written all over his face. Whatever it was, it must have something to do with everything that had happened to me and the people around me. Jesus! Just who are you? he asked, fear was visible in his eyes. What did you see? I interrogated him. Roark had second thoughts, but he saw how much I wanted to unveil the truth, too. Somethings following you Uh Leon, I told him when he looked like he wanted to ask for my name. For a moment, I thought of giving him my real name but I kind of doubted in the end. All of these bizarre happenings gave me a hard time to process at once. Somethings following you, Leon, Roark repeated. My jaw dropped. W-What is it? Is it a vengeful spirit? I asked in horror. Did someone hold a grudge against you? he asked. He was still shaken by what just happened, but he still wanted to help me out. In the first ce, he was the one who called out to me earlier.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g I frowned. I dont recall having enemies, I uttered. I never had that many friends either. I did have a few bashers when I became a model, but I never once thought that someone would really hate me that much. The voices Dont leave me behind. Stay with me.. These sound like you broke someones heart, Leon. And somehow, this someone still cant ept the fact that youre no longer part of their life, Roark stated. I was the one being dumped all the time! I eximed. That was pretty embarrassing, but I had to rify that part. Can you please remove your sunsses? Roark asked. Excuse me? I was astounded. Just do it. Dont worry. I wont fall for your charms, he said, and inched closer to me. Im blind. That was when I realized everything. Why didnt I notice beforehand? He acted all goofy, walked effortlessly in the dark, and didnt act like he couldnt see me at all! I did what he asked me to do. To make it even, I also removed my face mask. There was no point in hiding my face from this guy. After blowing up my cover, Roark didnt even react. That put me at ease. If youre blind, then how can you be able to tell that something was following me? I asked, still shocked by what he said. Can you actually see them? Good question, Roark praised me. For a moment, he looked like he was a totally different person from earlier. People look like vessels to me. You know, youre shaped just like a typical human, but sort of like a vessel. Its really hard to exin this one. And the entities, spirits, or whatever you call them, are vividly visible to me. When I was a kid, I thought that humans were those entities and vice versa, he said. Werent you scared? I asked. My anxiety grew the more I spent time with this man. At first, his appearance could really turn you off. But he was more than just a man in a maroon cloak. You are a sinful man, Leon, Roark suddenly used. ?to be continued 「7」Awakening Arc: You Are A Sinful Man (Part 3) LEON I FROWNED at his words. Excuse me? I barely noticed that Roark was holding my hand again, but this time, he was unfazed. Youre an empty vessel, Leon. I can sense no life from you, he announced. What the hell are you talking about? I asked in confusion. This thing that is following you I think it wants you, he spected. His grip on my hand tightened a little bit, worry was present in his eyes. Everything that has been happening to youtely he paused for a while, slightly turned his head to my left and stared at something that I couldnt see. This thing is trying to keep you away from the people you know to this day. I cant fully understand its purpose, but it also means no harm against anyone, he revealed. Roark, the voice in my dreams said something like something like They are going to kill me! I panicked.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. No, Leon, Roark disagreed. Its a warning from someone who must be very close to you, he rified. Someone close? If youre referring to my family then I no longer have that! I half yelled. My mother died early, and I know nothing about my father. All I have now are my friends, Alynna and Derrick, and my boyfriend C Sheldon! The messages! Roark eximed, it made me flinch. One of your friends and some of your co-workers sent you messages on your phone, but you dont recall reading their messages but then, it registers on your phone that you did. Now, they think youre purposely ignoring them, he said. I know you cant process everything that Im telling you now, but you have to cooperate, Leon. This thing thats following you is very strong. Its literally eating your life away, he warned. Roark, can you see it? I asked him. The man gulped, he looked back again to my left before responding, Do you want me to describe him for you? Him? I frowned. Go ahead, I allowed. I was afraid, very afraid. But if I keep on holding on to this fear, I would never find out the truth. Roark took a deep breath before talking, He has the shape of a human. Hes tall, about 7 feet or more, and muscr. I cant really tell if its his natural color, but hes dark all over. He has some weird markings on his body, too, he paused for a while, cleared his throat then continued, He has two, big golden horns sticking out from both sides of his head. His eyes are glowing white. He looks expressionless, but his presence is very heavy. Hes inviting all sorts of negative aura, and that negativity resonates with you. Hey, Roark Am I cursed? I asked with a terrified look on my face. Cursed? Roark scoffed. You cant curse an empty vessel, Leon, he elucidated. Why do you keep calling me an empty vessel? I asked, a little bit annoyed. I am just stating the fact, Leon, he retorted in a sarcastic tone. I have no idea about all of these so say it in a way that I will understand! I retaliated. Roark sighed in dismay. This is not yet clear to me, but you have done something in the past, Leon. And when I say past, Im talking about your past life, he said. What did I do? I asked. I was starting to get impatient. How I wish I could tell you, but this giant entity here is blocking me, Leon, Roark informed. Right now, hes giving me a menacing look. He is telling me that if I keep sticking my nose any deeper than this, hell kill me. My jaw dropped. What will happen to me from now on? I helplessly thought. Please help me, Roark, I pleaded. Roark felt bad for turning me down after everything that he had told me. He let go of my hand and searched for something under his desk. I waited for him, then after a few seconds, he lifted a small wooden box. It had a lock, and Roark had to key to it. He threw quick nces at me, or rather at the entity beside me while he was at it. He carefully opened the box, pulled something from it, and handed it to me. A ne? I asked in disbelief. The cord was made out of ck leather. It had a dangling gold pendant that was shaped like a trumpet. Its not just any ordinary ne, Leon, Roark said. I found this ne buried deep in the mountains of Mount Madja-as. When I first took hold of that ne, I saw a vision of you, he revealed, and he secured the ne within my hands. I believe that I was meant to meet you, Leon. This ne might hold the answers to your questions. But, you have to find it out yourself. Even so, I dont know where to start, Roark. I have no idea about this past about me or anything, I said with a problematic expression. Listen to the voices in your head. Dont deny them, he advised. How? I asked. Roark looked at me in the eyes, and squeezed my hands. Listen to the voice in your heart, he said in a puzzling way. AFTER that, Roark sent me off. Now that I was aware that something was following me wherever I went, it felt like I no longer had my own privacy. It sounded a little weird, but it was like that for me. ?I wanna see Sheldon, I thought to myself, then I faced Roark to bid goodbye. I am sorry for doubting you. Thank you, and I hope I can see you again, Roark, I told him. Roark smiled. Its fine. I hope you find the answers as soon as possible, he said. Even though he tried to look positive, his eyes were clearly lying. They looked frightened and bothered. Bye, I uttered, and slowly turned my back to him. Be careful, Leon, I heard him whisper. He is not what you think he is. Due to the shock and amount of information that I absorbed today, I paid little attention to thest words that Roark stated. Never did I think that it held a big clue to unlocking the truth about my past. ?to be continued 「8」Awakening Arc: Suspicions and A Sad Memory (Part 1) LEON WHATS the meaning of this, Helen? I asked my wife. I just got back from a long day of work. When I came home earlier than expected, I caught Helen, lying butt naked next to a guy on our very own bed. Helen was horrified to see me. Angelo, please let me exin! she pleaded, and got up while covering her naked body with our nket. Whats there to exin? I scoffed and forced a smile. Helen tried to grab my arm, but I distanced myself in repulsion. She got hurt by that but still, she tried to lie her way out to this. Angelo, I can exin everything so please, dont leave me, she begged, and shed crocodile tears. The guy reacted, andughed sarcastically. Are you going to tell your husband how much you enjoyed my rod, dear Helen? Cmon, you can do better than that, baby. Tell him how many times youined about his lousy sex techniques and how bad he is in bed, honey! Shut your trap, you big oaf! This is my house! I shouted at him. He ignored my outburst, and continued mocking me byughing. Angelo, please! Helen insisted, and forcibly grabbed my arm to prevent me from leaving. Let go of me, Helen! I yelled at her, and pushed her away, but still made sure she wouldnt fall down. I dont want to hear your excuses for now. Im leaving. When Ie back, just make sure that this prick over here is no longer in my house, after that, I left the two. And~ Cut! Director Kim cued. Brilliant! he eximed with teary eyes. Thank you, Director, Natasha uttered. Ourdy staff members were already by her side, and gave her a robe to cover herself up. But. Leon here, really moved back there. I felt his rage, sheplimented. I chuckled, ttered by Natashas words. Thanks. But all I did was act, I defended. Director Kim agreed with Natashas statement. She was right, Leon. I saw the pain in your eyes. The pain of betrayal! he exaggerated. To cut our conversation short, I yed along with them for a while before excusing myself. It has been weeks since Ist saw Roark. I forgot to ask how I could contact him if I were to find any clues to my unending nightmares. I tried to act normal in front of everyone else. I still hung out with Alynna and Derrick from time to time, for them not to suspect anything different from me. Everyday, I also tried following Roarks advice to me; that I should listen to the voice of my heart. But every time I attempted to empty my mind from everything, a ck cloud of smoke would blind me, unabling me to even focus. I knew that thing had something to do with it, and it wouldnt give me a slight chance of figuring it out. Roark hasnt given me instructions on how to get rid of this ck entity. I had a feeling that maybe he didnt know either. Regarding the ne he gave me, I felt ufortable when I wore it so I hid somewhere in my room. I decided I would only hold it again if I found out what it was for. As for Sheldon, I noticed that he had be too ustomed to our hidden rtionship. He told me that he worked in a coffee shop, but we never really talked about it since we became lovers. I did say that Sheldon was always there when I had no one. He was my biggest fan. He adjusted to my lifestyle, my work, and to almost everything that I needed a safe distance for us to keep ourselves covered from the unweing society. But never did I ask him if it was all okay. Have you ever thought about his feelings, his opinions? ?Huh? Why am I hearing my own voice this time? I thought, and lifted my head to see if someone was around. Youve been too focused on yourself and forgot that you had someone waiting for you. ?Shut up! I shouted in my mind. You are just trying to mess up my feelings! Are you going to make the same mistake again? The same? I uttered to myself. Again? I ran to my dressing room, grabbed my things and requested to go home early. Director Kim tried to stop me, but I chose to avoid any argument with him and left anyway. SHELDON at least told me the name of the coffee shop that he worked for. I searched it up online and found its location. I just had the urge that I should talk to my boyfriend. I arrived at the said shop. It was quite small, but the ce was really nice and inviting. Before I came here, I went to my ce to change my clothes and wore a less showy outfit. I still wore the same tinted shades and ck mask, to disguise myself. Hello. Is your manager here today? I asked directly. The young man that I approached at the counter was surprised by my sudden appearance and question. Um, yes, the man said hesitantly. Can I speak to them, please? I politely said. May I know why, Sir? he asked back nervously. I want to speak to Sheldon for a moment. If thats okay, I told him. The young man frowned. Sheldon? Yes. He works here, I confirmed. Please wait a moment, Sir, he excused, and went to their staff room. I waited patiently back at the counter. Even though I wasnt looking, I could feel the eyes of the people around me, boring holes into me. It was ufortable, but was also expected. I looked suspicious, after all. I went all the way in here, but didnt even remove my sses and face mask. After a while, a woman in her thirties apanied the boy back. She stared at me intensely, so I had to look away for a moment. Hi, Sir! She greeted me. I was told that you were asking for a guy named Sheldon, am I right? she asked.N?velDrama.Org owns this. I nodded. Yes. With all due respect, we dont have a staff that goes by that name, Sir, she told me, and I was dumbfounded. Miss, are you sure? He told me that he worked here, I insisted. My anxiety began to build up, and I started to have these small palpitations. The woman nodded. Yes, Sir, she confirmed onest time. May I know whats your business with him? Are you a friend, Sir, or a rtive? she interviewed. I was forced to calm myself, and replied to her, Its nothing. Thank you for your time, I said, and hurriedly left the shop. I ran to a nearby dark alley and there, I staggered and panted. I cant breathe! I eximed in my mind. My vision started to get blurry, and I could feel my head spinning. It was way too early to doubt my boyfriend. We havent talked muchtely because I became busier at work, so he must have changed his job and didnt have the chance to tell me. That must be it, I convinced myself while trying to catch my breath. Sheldon was always the one who considered my situation and went along with my one-sided requests. And not once did I ask if he was really fine with all of it. Realizing all of these now scared me. What would I do if Sheldon grew tired of me? After that brief overthinking, I decided to go to his ce so I could talk to the person himself. Weve been lovers for more than 6 years! Howe only now I would realize that I knew so little about Sheldon?! I ARRIVED at his ce faster than I expected. Was it because of the adrenaline rush that I experienced earlier? Doesnt really matter. I needed to see my boyfriend. Sheldon had given me a spare key to his ce. d that I brought the key with me today. I took it out from my bag and unlocked the door. I low key hoped that I would see Sheldon casually lying on his bed, reading a random magazine, and would sh his loving smile at me the moment I entered his room. But, he wasnt there. Sheldon? I called out, but no one answered. ?He left his phone, I thought when I saw it left on his desk. I took it to see if it was on. It was. I was about to ignore the fact that he left his phone open the whole time, but didnt bother to answer my messages earlier this morning. I informed him ahead that I was nning toe over, so I assumed that he must be still at work. But as it turned out, he left it behind and left somewhere. Sheldon never left his ce without telling me. Its unlocked, I uttered to myself. I identally swiped Sheldons phone when I was about to put it down. I didnt want to assume anymore, but my head was filled with suspicions. Suppressing them was getting hard for me to ignore. I am just going to take a peek, I said while holding onto it with trembling hands. There was one notification. It wasnt from me. Apparently, he already read all of my messages, and he didnt reply on purpose. The name of the sender and message content didnt register on the notification banner. I had no choice but to open the message itself as it raised questions in my head. Alynna: We need to talk. Sheldon: Why should Ie? Alynna: I cant take this anymore, Sheldon. Seeing him suffer hurts me. Sheldon: Then stop interfering in our rtionship. Alynna: You dont understand. We must tell Leon the truth already. Sheldon: Dont you dare say a word to him! Alynna: Then meet me at the usual ce. Make sure you show up. -seen- ?to be continued 「9」Awakening Arc: Suspicions and A Sad Memory (Part 2) LEON WHAT kind of rtionship do you guys have? I asked while staring at my boyfriends phone screen. I wanted to leave right this instant, but where would I possibly go? Alynna said in the message that they would meet up at the usual ce. Just how many times did they see each other without me knowing?! Nothing woulde to mind. I could be wrong, but I could also be right. The best thing to do was talk to them both, and hopefully they wouldnt deny the evidence that I found. Just when I was about to leave, my phone beeped. I immediately picked it up to see who sent me a message and was surprised to see that it came from Derrick. I opened his message and read it. Derrick: Come to the studio tonight, 9 PM -seen- I frowned. Why the studio? Was there a change of schedule in our movie shooting? I thought. I went back to the messaging app and replied to Derrick. Leon: Why? Is there something wrong regarding the shooting this morning? Derrick: No. Juste. Cant tell you the details Leon: Whats that supposed to mean? Derrick: Trust me, Leon. Tonight, 9 PM. You will see them at the back of the studio -seen- Them? I uttered with my eyebrows furrowed. Who is he referring to? I asked in confusion. Ive known Derrick for a while now. He wouldnt make such a joke. He seemed serious and concerned. We already stopped talking about that encounter in my dressing room, but I knew that he was still bothered by it. But, he knew that he needed to cooperate because we had a movie to finish. I went back to my ce to get some rest. A lot had happened in a single day. Andtely, whenever I felt so down or stressed, I could feel the ck entity growing stronger. Why did it want me so badly? What did it see in me? ?FLASHBACK MOM, why do you have to die? I asked in a sad tone. ?Why am I remembering this moment? It was a memory that I locked somewhere in my heart. Will you be sad if Im already gone, (..)? my mother asked me with a smile. ?That was odd. Why cant I hear her say my name? Why does it sound static? I was only ten when my mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer. It was already toote when we found out. I barely remember how long she stayed bedridden in the hospital. Despite the hardship that we were going through, she still urged me to focus on my studies. Everyday, after school, I woulde by at the hospital to visit her and tell her about how I did in school. My mother was really lively. I never saw her cry or get sad, thats why I also did my best to support her. I knew she only had little time left, but it only dawned at me when she slowly deteriorated. I didnt want to see her go through such pain, but there was nothing I could do. She was all I had. Ever since I was little, my mother had always had my back. She helped me face the challenges in life with a positive attitude. She was my source of strength. So instead of moping around, I made sure to make the most of it. Of course, Mom! I eximed, and became teary eyed. Aww~ I heard my mother say. Then, she patted my head. I have faith in you, (..). I know youll do just fine without me, she said. Thats not true! Im only ten! I reasoned out. For now, she uttered. Okay. (..), whenever you feel lonely, just look at the moon, she advised. The moon? I frowned. Why the moon, Mom? I asked. I dont know, she half joked, and chuckled when I pouted at her. I mean, just look at it, she encouraged, and pointed a finger at the moon. I stayed longer that day so it was already night time. The moon is so beautiful, dont you think? I stared at it for a while. Back then, I never understood what my Mom tried to imply. Who wouldve thought that it was her way of saying that she loved me all her life? Whats so special about the moon, Mom? I retorted, a little disinterested about it. You know I was told that I can never get pregnant. That was also the reason why your father left me because I couldnt give him a child, she revealed. That was the very first andst time that my mother ever mentioned my father. I didnt give up. Every night, I prayed to the moon. My grandmother used to tell me that long ago, there were 7 moons. One of them represented fertility. I prayed to that Moon Deity, and hoped they would hear me and grant me a beautiful child. And they did, (..). I gave birth to you, to a very beautiful son, she cried. Mom, why are you telling me this now? I began to cry, too. She sounded like she was about to leave me for good. I wasnt ready. I didnt want her to! Because I believe that you were given to me for a reason, (..), she replied. Be strong, my son. Follow whats in your heart. And if you ever feel like nothings making sense anymore, just look up to the sky and stare at the moon. The Moon Deity might give you answers, she said. I thought she was half joking with herst statement that time, so I didnt really take it to heart. The next day, my mother passed away at 11:11 PM C the same time that I was born. ?END OF FLASHBACK I WOKE up feeling a very familiar ache in my chest. I thought I had already forgotten about that time Ist saw my mother. Her death inflicted a very painful wound here in my heart. She was all I had, and yet she was taken away from me. I would admit that I was no longer the same Leon she hoped to be. I just couldnt pretend that I was okay, that I could face the whole world and wee each day with a smile on my face. I tried, but it wasnt enough. Moon Deity, huh? I softly uttered to myself while massaging my temples. I cant even remember the name of that Moon Deity she talked about, I scoffed. ?But that was really weird. Why cant I hear my mom say my name in that dream? She used to call me often by my given name because she loved it so much. She was the one who named me, after all, I thought, bewildered. Then, I suddenly remembered the ne. I almost forgot I had it! I rummaged through my things in the drawer. I stashed it at the farthest corner possible. After that, I piled some magazines and random stuff over it. I got nervous when I couldnt find it. ?It was just here! I panicked inside my mind, frustrated. My face brightened up when I saw a glimpse of the pendant. I pulled it out, and was relieved when I finally had it in my grasp. Roark said to listen to the voice in my heart, I mumbled while staring at the ne. I couldnt even have any peace of mind. The mere fact that something was by my side all this time would bring shivers down my spine. ?Are you really there? Why do you want me so much? You wont gain anything from me. Roark said I was an empty vessel, for fucks sake! Why would something like you take interest in me? My thoughts were in a hurdle. I want your life. For the very first time, it spoke. It had a very deep voice, like it came from the underground. And he sounded like a man. He spoke inside my head. It was weird, but I didnt find it disturbing. Why? Why me? I asked, and rested my back against the wall. Whats so special about me? I added. Youre more special than you think. So much Its worth risking my own life, the entity replied. His words didnt make any sense to me. I dont understand, I said. You dont have to, and you dont need to, he retorted. Why? I scoffed. Isnt it a little bit unfair? You attached yourself to me without my consent, and attracted all sorts of negative energies. And now youll tell me that I dont have the right to know the reason?! I half yelled. Then its alright if I do everything in my power to get rid of you, right?! I panted after that. Then stop messing around and get out of your prison, he replied in a very confusing way. You will never find out the truth if you keep denying your existence, he added.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. After that, his presence dispersed. I looked around, and hoped that I might be able to see him slowly take the form of a human, but it didnt happen. I was disappointed. I was disappointed? I asked myself, surprised by my own feelings. I looked at the ne onest time, and I gasped when I remembered what Derrick told me this afternoon. Shit! I cussed, and hurriedly got up to change my clothes. Its almost nine in the evening. I hope I make it in time, I said to myself. I was hungry and tired, but I couldnt waste my time lying inside my room forever. I had to take matters into my own hands if that was the only way to solve everything! ?The ne! I remembered, and grabbed it. I didnt know what came to my mind, but I decided to wear it as a choker. I wasnt a fan of any type of essories like this, but the moment I wore it, I felt a weird connection. I rode my big bike and sped up my way to the studio. I wasnt prepared. If Sheldon and my best friend Alynna were really in a secret rtionship, would I be able to ept it? As for Derrick, why did he sound like he was really concerned about something? Was he perhaps trying to tell me that Alynna and Sheldon were meeting up at the back of the studio? Please, let me be wrong, I said to myself while driving, and I sped up once more. ?to be continued 「10」Awakening Arc: Libulan Awakens LEON I BARELY made it in time. I parked my motorbike a little farther from the studio so they wouldnt notice that I was here. I hid myself in a dark corner, and decided to message Derrick before I proceeded. Leon: Where are you? Derrick: Doesnt matter. Where are you right now? Leon:Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. Still in front of the studio, but I hid in a dark corner. Where the hell are you?! Derrick: Dont mind me. Go at the back, but dont get yourself caught. Leon: Caught? By who? Derrick: Cant exin. Just do it. -seen- I clicked my tongue in annoyance. I had no idea why Derrick was acting weird. He was adamant about it. I was about to leave my spot when he sent me onest message saying: Derrick: Please be safe -seen- I attempted to reply as it bothered me. What was going on, really?! I made sure that my phone was put on silent before I walked my way to the other side of the building. I felt uneasy, but I still had to do it. IT WAS quiet, so I began to think that Derrick must have set me up and plotted to perform silly pranks on me. I took my phone to see the time and learned it was almost midnight. I put it back inside my bag and went on. I tried to be careful not to make any unnecessary noises. I looked to my left, then to my right. There was nothing unusual. Soon, I saw a glimpse of dim lighting from the farthest corner. I followed it. It led me to an abandoned garage. It was still part of the studio, but I had no idea that this existed. Im surprised Director Kim didnt use this ce for a horror set, I chuckled sarcastically, but I covered my mouth with my hand after that. After a while, I heard footsteps. It was hard to tell where it came from because the sound resonated in the whole building. Every step was heavy, and it felt like time slowed down. What do you want? It was Sheldons voice! I hid somewhere dark, but I wasnt a hundred percent sure if he would see me from here. Did youe alone? That one belonged to Alynna! ?Do they actually have a secret affair?! I eximed in my mind. Of course, Sheldon confirmed. He sounded disinterested. Now, what do you want? Didnt I tell you that we cant meet too often? Its risky, he said. I know, Alynna said. Derrick is starting to suspect me, she added. When did he start to notice? Sheldon asked. Im not certain. But, after what happened between him and Leon in the dressing room, he started acting weird. Derrick was always the loud type. Hes not someone who would bottle up his thoughts, she answered. We must tell Leon the truth, Sheldon. I cant keep lying to him forever! Then what?! Sheldon half yelled. It was the first time I heard him be upset. You have no idea how much it took me toe this far! I know, but is this how you want him to find out?! Are you just going to let things end this way, Sheldon?! Alynna eximed, then I heard her cry. Lets stop this. Please, I beg you! Ive already made up my mind, Alynna. I cant let him remember, no matter what, Sheldon insisted. ?Remember what?! I thought to myself. But that ck entity Alynna uttered, before sniffing. Its going to kill Leon. Are you okay with that? she asked. I am trying my best to keep it dormant, as much as I can, Sheldon replied. But its growing stronger everyday. Hes absorbing all of Leons anxiety. I feel sorry for him, Alynna said. ?Hold on a minute! Why do they know about that thing?! I never told them anything about it, or my unintentional meeting with Roark! I got caught up in the situation that I didnt notice my ne started to emit a faint glow. I felt an excruciating pain in my head, and it weighed down on me. My vision became fuzzy, and my chest tightened, making it hard for me to breathe. You know You cant lie forever to him. Or Do you intend to? It caught my attention when I heard Derricks voice from a distance. Where the heck was he all this time?! I heard whooshing sounds disperse in the area. Even if it was risky, I stole a quick peek to see what was going on. My eyes couldnt believe what they were seeing. A white smokey aura floated around Derrick. He looked more mature, and I couldnt see any trace of his goofiness. It was unsettling. Sheldons back was facing my direction so I couldnt see his facial expression. Alynna was standing in front of Sheldon, but a little farther away. She was still crying. Derrick had a brooding presence. It was as if he was trying to provoke Sheldon. But my boyfriend was unfazed. You think you can scare me with that murderous look on your face? My heart skipped a beat after hearing that.. For some reason, I couldnt breathe. I tried to grasp anything within my reach, but the dark blinded me slowly. ?My ne! Its tightening around my neck! I shouted in my mind. I opened my mouth to make a sound, but nothing wasing out. I heard a loud bang from their direction, and Alynna spouting indistinctive words. I felt my body going numb. I crawled my way out. I was scared! And just when I was about to let them know that I was here all the time, something exploded. It halted me as I coiled in mixed fear and shock. The explosion repeated two times before I opened my eyes and witnessed a scene that I never once imagined woulde true. Sheldon was pushed and half buried against the wall, and Derrick pinned him there by grabbing his neck with his bare hand. Alynna was crying her eyes out, trying to stop the two. But, she was not in good shape. She was wounded. She must have been caught in the explosion earlier. What the hell are you doing?! I finally got my voice back. The ne tightened again when I spoke, leaving a nasty mark on my neck. Both Sheldon and Derrick were surprised to see me. Alynna gasped, like she was frightened for my life. I told you to stay away! Derrick scolded me. No! You told me to stay safe, so I hid! I defended, and the ne tightened once again. I groaned in pain and they noticed it. Its the same! Derrick insisted. Alynna hurried to my side and helped me get up. Leon, are you alright? Whats this on your neck?! she asked in horror. I have no idea I said, before coughing. Its getting tight the more I talk, I continued, and coughed again. Let go of me, you bastard! I must cut that ne off! I heard Sheldon plead to Derrick. No way in hell! You cant fool me! Derrick declined, and pushed my boyfriend further against the wall. It made Sheldon cough out some blood. Derrick, dont hurt him! I shouted. But, I too, were in so much pain each time I spoke. Derrick was taken aback, but he didnt let go of Sheldon. Resentment and hatred was present in his eyes, and they were directed to my lover. The white aura around him still oozed out tremendous amounts of energy. It was overwhelming and scary. I continued to cough. Breathing became a struggle, and my body was hurting all over. But nothing couldpare to the excruciating pain in my head. It hurt so bad, it made me want to bang it until the pain went away. Leon, youre hurt. Dont move, Alynna said in concern. No, Alynna, I refused, and gently pushed her away from me. You, three I paused, because I could already feel the cord of the ne slowly burrow its way in my neck. Just who the hell are you?! I asked, a little irritated for not knowing a single thing that was going on with them. I felt outcasted, unwanted, and betrayed. What did I do wrong to deserve all of these? Just how much more was I not aware of? Was everything I knew about them all a lie? If not ?Then why does my heart ache so much? I thought, before my ears started to shed. Leon! I heard Sheldon call out. He sounded worried. It was his usual, calm voice C my lovers soothing voice! I looked up to him and saw his regretful expression. Sheldon I responded as my tears continued to trickle down. Just tell me the truth already. Im begging you! I saw a droplet of tear fall from Sheldons right eye. Judging from his hesitant reaction, he didnt want me to find out at all. He looked so terrified. You might not be able to forgive me after this, Leon, he said. What? I uttered in confusion. I attempted to run towards him despite the numbness of my feet, but I was stopped halfway when he spoke again. I, Sidapa, God of Death, lift up the curse of the thousand years of darkness and ignorance of the truth, Sheldon weakly lifted up a finger, and pointed it at me. In a wink, the ne broke and the pendant split into two. A tiny ball of light floated out from the broken pendant, and it crept its way to my forehead. Before I knew it, it already pushed itself inside. Wake up from your deep slumber, my Libn. Fast forwarded scenes shed before me. I even caught glimpses of my memorable moments with Sheldon, happy times with Derrick and Alynna, fun conversations with everyone at the studio, and even the day when my mother first held me in her arms. Then, another set of familiar scenes came to mind. They were a bit slower than the others. It featured two unusual beings who secretly shared passionate times with each other every night under a big tree. They looked happy and content. I love you, my Libn. Lets stay like this forever. ?That voice He sounded just like Sheldon. It was the same voice in my dreams. It was-! My beloved, Sidapa, I bawled. I got my memory back. ?to be continued 「11」Judgement Arc: The God of Death and The Moon Deity (Part 1) SIDAPA WHEN the world was created, several Gods were given important roles to keep the bnce between good and evil. Some became the Goddess of the Sea, some became the God of the Sun, and others chose to be a lot closer to humans and took many forms. Gods and Goddesses all had their true forms. In order to rte themselves to the mortals, a lot of us took the form of humans when they visited their realm. One of the few, who neither looked like a human nor a God, was me. Born from darkness and light itself, I became the God of Death. In the near future, humans would have known me as the Grim Reaper. When I came to the mortal realm, I took residence in the highest peak of the mountain called Madja-as, a ce that no humans dared to climb for it was known to send them to their early deaths. All I had with me was the giant, ck tree. There, I silently weed every new soul that was yet to be given a body to live in. I would measure its lifespan and carve it to the tree with the use of my machete made out of my horns. And when it was time for them to revert back to their original forms, I would put judgment upon them whether these souls deserved to be reborn again or remain in the afterlife. Souls with undecided fates would be delivered to Magwayen, the Goddess of the Underworld. She would then trap these souls in her *skab and let them wander the eternal void of nothingness. For thousands of years, I had witnessed all kinds of birth and passing of humans. Some of them asked for my forgiveness and promised to do something in return. While others thought calling out to me was the best choice when they wanted someone they resented to die a horrible death. Neither of them were right. I didnt be the God of Death to feed their egos. The more time I spent observing their actions, the more I concluded that humans were weak creatures. They would turn against themselves in order to get what they wanted. Taking away the life of another had transformed them into merciless killers. But the world was always changing. It was their way of surviving and adapting. If they didnt change, living would be meaningless. That part of them piqued my interest for some time. But one day I suddenly got bored of everything. THE night was young. I was immersed in carving another mark on my tree. A bunch of new souls just arrived and all of them were giving off such positive glows. A soul in its original form would look like a ball of lights the size of a droplet that would emit a very bright glow. Their white glow represented their purity. These glows would faint as they grew old. Some would change colors throughout their lifetime. Those who saw the beauty of the world had bright colored souls, and those who were exposed to the ugly side had faint colors of gray. Those who lived a chaotic life and did things beyond the imaginable had very dark souls. There, I said, before putting down my machete on the ground. These new arrivals all had long lives. I hope they cherish it properly, I said to myself while staring at the new carvings that I made. I briefly recalled the first time I carved someones lifeline on this very tree. This used to be pretty in and lifeless. Now, it had unique patterns that reminded me of all the lives that I watched until it was their time to leave the physical world. The tree had be rough to the touch, especially its trunk, but it gave me the feeling of fulfillment. It became my personal masterpiece. After sending all the souls to their respective human bodies, I decided to take a break. It was cold, but I didnt mind it. My tree was located at the center of the mountain, and it was surrounded by a forest. The vastness of the forest veiled me from the outside world. It was also one of the reasons why people refused to go here because they would likely lose their way. It took me a while to arrive at the cliff. I went closer to the edge, and slightly bent over. At the bottom of this mountain, just a mile away, rested a small vige. The people that lived there highly acknowledged my existence. Every year, they would hold a festival in celebration of me as their God. Ritual sacrifices were done, such as killing a goat while facing the mountain, and they hoped that I would be pleased and granted them longer lives. Humans are so interesting, I said to myself. If I was not mistaken, two weeks from now another festival would be held. I could see children ying in the open while their parents were busy putting up decorations. The hunters were out to take down some wild boars to serve in the festival. The elders, who stood as the viges leaders, were quietly watching their people. ?The old guy with a beard and long, wavy hair Hes about to die, I thought as I kept eyeing on them. Well, he lived a noble life and molded great hunters. But he is hiding something from all of his people, I further thought, before smiling faintly. After a while, I heard a loud thud, like something fell from above. It happened near my tree so I hurried back to see what it was. As I got closer to the center, I saw a glimpse of glowing light. A fire? I furrowed my eyebrows. Did Aguie by again to watch the bonfire? But the festival is not today! I grumbled in annoyance. Agui was the God of Fire. When he heard news about the small vige that held festivals for me, he got fascinated by it. The ritual became his favorite part as they would disy big bonfires during the sacrifice of one goat, and sometimes a deer. Agui was more attached to mortals, so he openly exposed himself to them many times. But my annoyance turned into suspicion when I realized that the glowing light wasnt Aguis doing. It was something else, and the only way to find out was to see it for myself. As I inched closer, the light got dimmer by each second. Soon, it died out. It halted me and heightened my awareness. What if a human actually made it to myir and decided to take it down? I never wanted to have anything to do with them. Aside from the fact that Gods were forbidden to meddle and get affiliated in their business, any human who would witness my true form would be terrified without doubt.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g I GOT back to my tree, but I saw no one. I looked around, searched every bush and tree, and still nothing. When I got tired, I walked back, disappointed. Um, excuse me? I panicked when I heard a voice speak behind me. I assumed it was hovering over me so I lifted my head up to the sky, but it turned out that it was standing right in front of me so I looked down. My eyes widened. Before me stood a being whom I had never seen before. It had long, silver white hair that stretched down to its waist. Its skin was so pale, and their icy blue eyes were gorgeous. It wore a silk robe that covered very little of its skin. I couldnt tell if it was a man or a woman, but one thing was for sure: (It was the most beautiful thing Ive ever seen in my entire life.) Who are you? I asked in a soft voice. But since I was in my true form, what was soft for me would sound very deep and scary for others, like talking to a creature that came straight from the underground. Can you please help me? he begged. I had to assume he was a man. I was surprised that he didnt flinch or cower in fear when he heard my voice, let alone saw my frightening appearance. Whats the matter? I asked. I wondered if he noticed that I was staring holes at him. I just couldnt take my eyes off him. He was dazzling. He looked around and seemed worried about something, before answering me. I fell down and hurt my leg, he said, and that was when I saw the nasty scratch on his right leg. Are you alright? I inquired, and bent over to have a closer look at his injury. I almost touched him, but I was quick enough to stop myself. I didnt want to scare him away. He faced the other side to hide his injury, then said, Im fine. Does it hurt? I asked, and tried to peek but he would just avoid my attempts. No, he denied, but it was written all over his face that he was hurting. Youre hurt, I insisted, but he just pouted at me. If its okay, you can rest underneath my tree. Just dont touch anything, I offered, a little embarrassed. His expression suddenly brightened up. You live inside that tree? he eximed in a fascinated tone. Underneath, I corrected. Well, mostly. But I dont technically live there, I rified. Juste, I told him, and he became gloomy again. Its actually hard to walk now. My leg started swelling, he said with a saddened expression. Then is it okay for you if I carry you back there? I asked. He became happy again. Funny how fast his mood changed every time. He stared at me for some time before noticing, Youre pretty big. How tall are you, Mister? he asked curiously. Seriously? You ask that now? I sarcastically replied. Enough with the questions. Hold on to my back, I told him. And dont fall down, I added. Can you carry me like a princess? he requested. What? I was dumbfounded. Im afraid of heights! he reasoned. I see, I said, and I carefully carried him in my arms. It scared me when I felt his delicate body. If I were some vicious killer, I could snap him in an instant. That was how delicate he appeared to me. The beautiful creature trembled when I slowly elevated him, but he tried to hide it by closing his eyes shut. ?Where did hee from? I thought as I silently threw nces at him. He still hasnt said anything about my appearance. I wonder if he has some eye problems? What was I thinking? It was unfair of me to think of him that way. Maybe he wasnt the type to judge someone by their looks. 「12」Judgement Arc: The God of Death and The Moon Deity (Part 2) SIDAPA WHEN we arrived, the creature was in awe when he saw my tree. The tree that I used to carve all the lifelines of every soul was about 20 feet tall. To someone elses perspective, it looked lifeless and ugly. It was all ck and had no single leaf growing on its branches. Even its glow was dim. I was the only one who appreciated its beauty.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. It was purposely designed to look that way. Before I decided to live on this mountain, I was told by Kaptan-God of the Heavens and Skies-that human hearts were fragile. If they were to face something that was beyond what they could acquire in this world, they would do anything in their power to possess it. They were easily fooled by beauty and disregarded the hideous. In order to protect my tree and for me to continue guiding souls in the afterlife, the tree had to be something repulsive to the sight. You live here? the creature asked. He was still sittingfortably in my arms. He didnt really mind all the oozing darkness that surrounded me. My true form was something no one would want to see in their dreams. He is a veryrge creature standing 12 foot tall. He has 10 golden brass horns on his head that intertwine against each other, resembling a crown. He has a body that shouts death when somebody sees him, his spine protruding on his back. The graphite color of his skin is something you cant adore. A ck material is growing out of his arms and it extends up to his shoulders. From his waist down is the color of darkness. He has deep, ck eyes with white pupils, and sometimes they glow. Lastly, his face will haunt you in your dreams forever, I recited. Mypanion lifted his head up to meet my eyes. Are you referring to yourself, Mister? he asked. Not a hint of fear was shown on his face. Arent you afraid? I asked in a low voice. Please say that you are, I begged. Why? he asked in confusion. Then, he stretched out his arms and he gently cupped my cheeks with both of his hands. You are handsome, Mister, he uttered, before smiling earnestly. He wasnt lying. I could tell from the look in his eyes. That was the first time that someoneplimented me. It was unbelievable, but it warmed me up inside. Im going to drop you, I said, and I covered my face with ck smoke to hide my embarrassment. Huh?! Why?! he squealed. You meanie! He threw several punches on my chest, and it felt like I was getting hit by a tiny bird. I put him down on the ground. He still threw a fit but soon stopped when I no longer spoke and distanced myself a little. Um Do you have anything that I can use to disinfect my injury? he suddenly asked. He was calmer now. I gasped when I remembered about it, and I quickly left to find some herbal nts nearby. It didnt take me that long to find one. I handed over some leaves and vines to the guy, and he epted them. Wrap them around your leg. It will ease the swelling, I told him, and he just stared at the leaves. What? You dont know how? I raised an eyebrow. Iughed when he shook his head. Dontugh at me, Mister! I am not from here, so I really have no idea about these these things you gave me, he admitted. What are these for? he asked with teary eyes, before showing me the vines. Use that to tie the leaves together so they wont fall off when you move, I said, and he looked more confused. Please put the leaves for me, he pleaded. What? I eximed. My ws I might hurt you, I refused. He sat down and sighed. He felt hopeless. Can I ask you something? he opened up while trying to figure out how to apply the leaves on his injury at the same time. What is it? I said. Who are you, Mister? he asked. He got frustrated when some of the leaves kept falling off while he was trying to wrap the vine around them. Ouch. He flinched when he tied it too tight. Sidapa. Thats my name, I replied. He stopped what he was doing and faced me. looking amazed. Sidapa, the God of Death? he eximed. Y-Yes, I confirmed hesitantly. He didnt have to sound so excited about it. What happened to you, anyway? Where did youe from? I confronted him. I was hiding from Bakunawa, he simply replied. Bakunawa? The sea serpent? I reaffirmed. He nodded in return. Why were you hiding from him? I asked in curiosity. He tried to eat me! he half yelled. Bakunawa is a meanie! He also tried to eat my brothers but none of them were afraid of him, so he was unsessful everytime, he added. Eat? Why would Bakunawa eat you? And brothers? What are you talking about? Didnt you say you fell off? Bakunawa lives in the sea. Where were you anyway? I asked consecutively. He was giving me a headache. I live up there, he said, and casually pointed his finger to the sky. I looked up to the sky. The 7 moons I uttered to myself. Are you one of the 7 moons? I asked him, and he nodded. Yes. I am Libn, he confirmed. Everything makes sense now, I said, before sighing and sat next to him. No wonder you had such glow in you. Glow? he asked. I saw the leaves on his leg poorly positioned. Even the vine wasnt tied properly. I came closer to fix it. My ws were sharp so I was extra careful, and hoped that I wouldnt identally break his bone or something. Libn silently watched me and waited for me to finish. The moons illuminate the evening sky. Your light guides people that travel at night and helps them see where they are going, I said. Which one are you? I am the waning crescent, he shyly revealed. So you were that moon thats almost invisible! I eximed, then smiled faintly. I was always fascinated by your light. You emitted the least glow up there and I thought that somehow it was almost the same as the glow of my tree, I told him. He smirked yfully before saying, Were you stalking me, Mister? I got embarrassed right away and averted my eyes. Please, just call me Sidapa, I begged. I heard him chuckle. Then, he forced himself to stand up and walked towards my tree. I got nervous and asked him, Where are you going? He didnt respond and just kept walking. He stopped right in front of it. He stared at it for some time before asking me for permission to touch it. Can I? I was notfortable. It was the first time that someone took interest in my tree. But he looked like he really wanted to know what it felt like so I allowed him. Go ahead. Libn gently pressed his right palm on the trunk of the tree. I heard him inhale then he ran his fingers on the marks that I left on its surface, carefully tracing them while staring at them intently. While he took his time appreciating my tree, I found myself staring at him, mesmerized by his beauty and overwhelming presence. ?Whats this feeling? I thought to myself. I suddenly felt ticklish all over my body. These marks Libn softly uttered, and I was pulled back to reality. Did you make them? Yes, I confirmed. Those marks represent the lifeline of every human that was born. Each one of them leads to a branch. When its time for one to die, I cut that branch off. The branch will eventually grow back, I exined. Dont you feel sad? he asked with a hurt expression. Sad? I asked back in confusion. Libn traced the marks again before answering. Dont you think that death is such a sad thing? I saw a droplet of tear fall from the corner of his eyes. For thousands of years, I had never thought of such a thing. Sad? What was sad about it? Living was more cruel than death. A lot of mortals had suffered just by living alone. When I cut off their branches and sent them to their final destinations, I felt relieved that they didnt have to go through that kind of pain anymore. Those who wanted to correct their mistakes were given second chances to be reborn into another body. Some only took one chance to redeem themselves, but others took more than five reincarnations before they found their salvation. It was hard for me to watch it happen. For someone who never experienced death, I might sound like a hypocrite. But I saw how mortals evolved through time. I wouldnt be surprised if a mere human killed a God one of these days. I cant die so I dont think I understand what you mean, I said to him. Youre right, he chuckled. Us, Gods, cant die. Only a fellow God can kill us, he uttered. If you watched closely, Libn had a very sad look on his face, but I didnt notice it yet at that time. Sidapa, can Ie by again? That took me by surprise, but I was thrilled that I met someone who didnt fear me despite seeing my true form. I looked at the sky once more before facing Libn with a smile. Absolutely. I, Sidapa, God of Death, made a friend. *skab C hand woven basket used to store fish. In this story, the skab is used as storage for souls that have undecided fates ?to be continued 「13」Judgement Arc: My Unusual Visitor At Night (Part 1) SIDAPA SIDAPA, why are you swarmed by ck butterflies? Libn asked. He just arrived, and the first thing he noticed were these butterflies that have been fluttering all over the ce. Dont mind them, I said, and continued carving new lifeline marks again on the tree. Youre allowed to sit, I added when I saw him still staring at me, or rather the butterflies around me. I met Libn a week ago. He injured his leg when he fell down from the sky. He told me that he was hiding from the sea serpent, Bakunawa. For some reason, he asked if it was okay that we see each other again and I agreed without much argument. ?I admit, I was captivated by his beauty. He looked so perfect in so many ways. But again, I feel like Im breaking the rules for harboring such feelings towards another God. And hes a man, a very gorgeous one, I thought. I was almost done with thest mark when I heard something crack. It broke, I said in horror as I lifted the broken machete in an eye level position. Its handle gave up. Libn came running towards me and peeped from my back Thats a bad omen, Sidapa! he eximed. Rather than worried, he looked like he was amazed. Move aside, I said, but I already pushed him aside before he could even respond. I did it with the right amount of force, enough not to hurt him. Are you going to fix it? he asked curiously, casually following me. Stay put, Imanded, but Libn let it slide. Can I watch you fix your machete? he asked. No, I refused, but he just ignored what I said. Why cant Ie? He was disheartened, and stopped from his tracks. I halted and faced him, feeling guilty for mistreating him. Im sorry. Fixing my machete takes time, and I dont want to scare you, I reasoned out. He remained silent for a while. Then he stared at me before saying, Okay. Ill stay underneath the tree, he said, and strutted his way back. Sometimes, his mood swings scare me. But I cant let him take over my emotions. Ive been alone for all these years. I cant allow a mere stranger interfere with my job, I thought deeply, and went ahead. My machete is made out of my horn. If the machete got worn out overtime, I just had to rece it with a new one. Carving the lifelines with a broken machete could potentially mess up their entire life. In other words, they could get bad luck. So, Libn had a point earlier. But making a machete was also a painful process on my part. I had to cut off one of my horns. They would grow back but it took each horn a hundred years to regain its original shape. A machete couldst at least 500 years, depending on the quantity of souls that I would receive during that timeline-the more souls, the more I had to carve new lifelines, eventually wearing out my machete. Since the machete was once a part of me, that meant that my powers also flowed in it. Thats why I could tell how much longer it wouldst. But what happened tonight was unexpected. It broke out of nowhere. I estimated it couldst another 300 years or more. The bad omen that Libn mentioned could also have another meaning. I hope Libn doesnt freak out when he sees meter, I said to myself, before I focused my energy on the broken machete, sucking back the remaining power that was left in it. WHEN I came back, Libn was happily humming a calming tune. I bet it was some kind of luby that Moon Deities often sang when the night was solemn. These lubies brought peace to people who appreciated their existence. But not all Moon Deities were as calm as Libn. As far as Ive known, they were believed to be sky warriors. Some low ranked gods not only admired their unparalleled beauty, but also their powers. I have seen some of them on random asions, except for Libn. Who would have thought Id get to meet him in person? Libn, I called out. He stopped humming and looked my way, and his jaw dropped. Because of utter shock, he suddenly became wary of me. He trembled in fear as he slowly picked up a rock near him, and threw it at me. I got hit on the head, but I didnt flinch an inch. I just got annoyed. What are you doing? Who are you?! What did you do to Sidapa?! he scowled at me. Instead of being frightened by his menacing aura, I found it ridiculously cute. To calm Libn down, I mimicked one gesture that humans did when they surrendered in a fight or lost in a battle. I put my hands up in the air, but I totally forgot that I was still holding my machete. Fresh blood was still dripping from it. It was my own blood, and was necessary toplete its final shape. Libn was horrified when he saw the blood and misunderstood. Libn, its- You killed Sidapa?! he screamed, then he cried. A blinding light emerged on Libns hand, forcing me to close my eyes. When I recovered from its intense glow, I opened my eyes again and saw him holding a silver spear. He pointed the spear at me, ready to pierce me with it. Where is he?! Its me, I said calmly. Libn loosened up a bit. What? He was still crying as if he lost something very important to him. That moved me a little. Its me, Sidapa, I rified, and Libn was relieved and put the spear away. It kind of dispersed into thin air. Libn quickly ran towards me and gave me a tight hug. I thought you were killed. Im so relieved! he cried. Everytime I made a new machete, I would transform into my semi-human and semi-God form. My height would be reduced to half. Only two of my horns would remain, located on the sides of my head. I would have a much more human-like body, with a burnt tan skin tone and some unique, white tattoo patterns. The ck material growing out from my arms would still be there and my waist down, too. And I would grow out some thick, wavy ck hair that stretched out just below my waist. This was one of the effects of letting my energy flow into the machete. This form was disadvantageous for me if I were to face a high ranked God or Goddess in a petty fight for showing off on who was stronger. Reverting to my original form would take a while.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org. 「14」Judgement Arc: My Unusual Visitor At Night (Part 2) SIDAPA CANT breathe, I said, and Libn quickly released the hug. I lied. No one had ever hugged me before so it was an alien feeling. I couldnt tell if it wasfortable or something I would find displeasing. Libn wiped off his tears and sniffed, before shing a smile. Im d that youre alive! Sorry for scaring you like that, I apologized. Thats why I didnt want you to see me while I was making the machete. I had a feeling youd react like this, I told him. Libn pouted, and scoffed at me before stomping his foot. You should have told me beforehand! What if I actually stabbed you with my spear? Then I will just have to stop you, I sarcastically replied. He was still annoyed and relieved at the same time, but he chose to close the topic and he asked me something that would likely change the way I saw things until now. Hey, Sidapa Those souls that werent given a chance to be reborn or forever rest in the afterlife, what exactly happens to them? Ive heard that they are trapped inside Magwayens skab and there, they wander the eternal void of nothingness. It sounds worse than being transported to the afterlife, he said. Youre the first person to ask me that, so I really do not know how to answer, I honestly admitted, and Libn was in disbelief. Did you really spend thousands of years living alone? he asked in amazement. Well Aguies by every year because of the festival, but he never once considered me as his friend. He was only fond of humans, I said. Festival? Libn was intrigued. Oh. Theres a small vige down this mountain. They acknowledged me as their God and as a sign of respect, they held festivals for me annually, I exined. Libns eyes sparkled in awe. Thats so sweet of them! he eximed. You think so? I wondered, and he nodded. One week from now, the festival will happen again. Do you want to witness it? I asked him. Libn became ecstatic. Yes! he willingly agreed, but his expression quickly changed. I just remembered, I have to stay up there on that day, he said, feeling a little down. I looked up to the sky. Do you necessarily need to stay put when its your time to light up the night skies? I wondered. That sounded hypocritical of me. I always did the same, and would rarely leave the tree. No. We stay up there so we can watch the mortals from above. Sometimes, they pray to us, the Moons. Some ask for a good harvest, and others ask for blessings like granting them a child, Libn shared. Did you know that Im also known as the Moon Deity of fertility? Many women wish to have a child, but arent blessed with one. And they are the ones that suffer the most from it. They started praying to me because they knew that I was a softhearted Deity, and I dont want to see them hurting. So I used my powers to make them happy and fulfilled. Isnt it too overwhelming? I asked. I get loads of new souls and dead souls that need to be judged at the same time, and it can be stressful, I admitted. True, he smiled faintly. But I feel happy that they depend on me. And when I see the joy in their faces when the child theyve been wishing for is finally in their loving arms, is enough to fill my heart, Libn uttered. So, those souls that were given chances, you were the one who decided where they should be born again, huh? I said. Yes. Because I believe that every human deserves to be forgiven even if they didnt live their previous lives as good people, he uttered. Good and evil, huh? I said to myself while staring at the horizon. I wonder which of the two is true and which one is a lie? What? Libns eyes widened, not sure if he would frown or feel conflicted about what he heard.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. One only bes evil when they dont fit in the concept of what is good. Its the same to how mortals perceive me as the God of Death. When someone hears of the word death, whates to their mind is in cruelty. I am not ignorant of the fact that many perished in a horrible way. More than half of the living individuals in the whole world wish to die, Libn. But when they are faced with death itself, its ironic how much they would beg to let them live. I didnt know what expression I was making when I said these words, but Libn looked like he was about to cry. Sidapa, Im sorry, he apologized out of guilt. Dont, I told him. Hold onto what you believe. Dont change them just because you heard mine, I added. Both of us were silenced for a few seconds after that. Libn prevented himself from crying again. He secretly threw nces at me, but would immediately pretend that he was looking the other side when I tried to catch him off guard. Um, actually- He halted right before he could even finish what he wanted to say when our eyes met by chance. Never mind! he eximed, and swiftly turned his back against me. The back of his ears were beet red. It was hriously obvious because he had such pale skin. Libn, I called out to him. He almost turned his head towards my direction, but stopped at the right time. I chuckled. I saw Libn flinch. Then I spoke again, Do you want to see how I send the souls to the afterlife? I told him. Libns back was still facing me when he answered. Do you mean it? he asked in a very low voice. Yes, I reassured. You wille again tomorrow night, right? I asked him. He slowly faced me, and nodded. Of course, he said. Ill be waiting then, I said. He nodded again, but he was a little shy this time. Youre not mad? he asked. Of what? I asked back in confusion. Of what I said? he reaffirmed. Did I say too much? No, I reassured him. You were just expressing your own opinion, I said. Libn faintly smiled. Thank you, Sidapa, he uttered. After that, I apanied Libn at the edge of the cliff. It was time for him to go home because daylight was about toe. He got me so ustomed to his presence every night that it subconsciously became natural for me to wait for him until evening came again. I watched Libn gracefully ascend back to the heavens. He smiled at me all the way until he slowly vanished in the clouds. And when he was already nowhere to be seen, only then I would gently smile-happy that I spent time with him. ?to be continued 「15」Judgement Arc: Do Gods Have Souls? (Part 1) SIDAPA WHAT an odd one, I said to myself while staring at a soul that had just arrived moments ago. Its too tinypared to the others, I noticed, and gave it another stare. I was briefly distracted when the cold breeze of the wind brushed through my skin. I lifted my head up and realized that the skies were upset, and rain wasing. Libn told me he would be a littlete because he had a fight with his eldest brother, Likabutan. Yesterday, I promised him that I would show him how and where I sent those souls that already met their end. When Agui witnessed it one time, he was grossed out. Hemented that I had the most boring role and job as a God. I didnt feel upset, but I was not happy either. I just didnt feel anything about it. If I were to be asked, I didnt hate the idea of living, but death was also not something to be proud of. I just didnt want any kind of attachment to these two. Because if I did that, I wouldnt be able to let neither of them slip my hands. Am I toote? I turned my head to the back when I heard Libns voice. He sounded distressed. You really showed up, I joked, and he overreacted as always. What?! Because you promised me that you- Yes, yes. I was joking, I cut him off as I faced him. You always react to everything, dont you? I said. Libn became teary eyed. Do you not like it? he asked, obviously hurt by what I said. I didnt say that, I denied, then I threw a question back at him. What about you? Libn sniffed. I like spending time with you, though, he honestly admitted. ?What an unfair attack! I eximed in my mind. You I averted my eyes. You make it sound like you- I halted and gasped. ?Did I almost say out loud that maybe he liked me?! I screamed internally. What the hell was I even thinking?! How could I be such a nerve wracking jerk?! Sidapa? Libn softly called out when he noticed my petrified state. Yes? I absent-mindedly answered. Are you okay? You look like you froze out of nowhere, he pointed out. I shook my head violently, to shake the unnecessary thoughts away. Im fine, I reassured, and changed the topic. Follow me, I said. Libn frowned, and asked, To where? Im cutting off some branches tonight. Want to see? I entized, and he immediately followed suit. I HAD to cut several branches tonight. Most of them were located at the topmost part of the tree. Since my size was reduced by half, I needed to climb up while Libn waited underneath. Be careful! Libn shouted when I was already at the top. After cutting them off with my machete, I didnt go down right away. I stayed there for a few seconds as I watched the clouds go darker. Storm wasing. ?Libn and I should seek some shelter before it gets ugly, I thought to myself, and went on my way. Libn, a storm ising. Do you still want to wait for me? I asked him the moment I was on the ground again. He nodded in determination. Yes. I want to see it happen, he said. Alright? I sighed, then began. Can you see these marks that are giving off a very dim glow? I asked him as I pointed a finger at one of the marks that were etched near the trees protruding roots. Yes, he softly uttered, and he went closer to see them better. There are many of them glowing. Is that bad? he asked in worry. No, I said. Five of them died tonight, I informed, and Libn was shocked. Thats quite a lot, Libn said. I traced the marks with my fingers, breathed out then closed my eyes. Whenever I do this, I can feel their lifeforce slowly leaving these marks. Anger Pain Sorrow Regret All of their emotions are mixed up, and these emotions will soon die out when the branch is already cut off, I exined. But your tree is all ck. How do you know that you are cutting the right branch, Sidapa? he asked. I opened my eyes again, and showed Libn the branches that I collected earlier. Look carefully, I instructed him, and Libn leaned closer. Brown rots are starting to grow on the outside of these branches. Thats because these branches are no longer alive. A few moments from now, the souls of the people who died today wille out from these rotten branches. And then what? You send them to their final destinations just like that? Libn asked again. No, I replied. Lets wait for it and Ill show you, I told him, and then I rested my back against the tree. And so, we both waited for the deceased souls to crawl their way out from their branches. Libn was curious, but he was trying his best to suppress his excitement. He repeatedly looked up to the tree. Sometimes he would look at me, but would divert his attention to the tree again when our eyes met by ident. ?He is poor at pretending. If I told him that, hed probably cry, I thought to myself, and waited for him to look at me again.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. After a while, I noticed some of the branches started to crack. Its happening, I softly uttered, and Libn immediately closed in. He was in awe when he witnessed how each branch slowly cracked open, like he was watching an egg hatch. It was a magical moment. As the souls emerged, they glowed. Tonights batch had interesting colors. Sidapa, why do they have different colors? Is there a reason behind that? Libn asked. There is, I said. Their colors change overtime during the time that they spend in this physical world. Most of the time, it helps me determine where to send them, but there are special cases where you must look carefully to that soul because somewhere in there lies their true color, I said in a confusing way. As expected, Libn frowned. Just telling him wouldnt make him understand. Give me your hands, I told him, and he casually stretched out his hands to me. Cup them together, I instructed, and he did. I picked up one of the souls with the use of an invisible force and transported it into Libns cupped hands. This one is blue, Libn uttered. That one belonged to one of the elders of that small vige down there, I said. He was a great leader and former master of the hunters. His soul is blue because he was a wise man. He was intelligent and lived a noble life. All of his people look up to him like a God and wish to follow his footsteps. Do you think he should be reborn or die peacefully for good? I asked Libn. Libn was conflicted, but he still gave his opinion. I think he should be in the afterlife. 「16」Judgement Arc: Do Gods Have Souls? (Part 2) SIDAPA WHY is that? I asked. Because he already did enough. He died without regrets, he reasoned. Did I get it right? What you said is true, I uttered, before I opened a little portal just below us. Libn was rmed. Wait, whats that for? Thats the portal towards the afterlife, right? he reaffirmed. I just stared at him as I took back the soul with the use of the invisible force again and let it hover at the center of the portal. The size of the portal was a meter in diameter. Its center was pitch ck, and a deep purple smoke was circling around its outer area. Libn, look at it for thest time, I told him, and he stared at it and focused. He frowned. Its still blue, he said. Are you sure? I tried to shake his thoughts. Libn gave it another stare, and his expression slowly changed. I can see some shades of ck. Its concentrated in the center, he revealed. Thats the core of his soul, I rified. Although he did his role as a perfect leader, he hid the fact that he molested several young women in their vige during his reign. Most of them got pregnant at a very young age. If his people found out about it, they would surely banish him. Some might even kill him. What do you think he did to clear his crimes without getting caught? Libn was horrified when he grasped the situation. He got rid of them. He got rid of the evidence C the unborn babies! he realized, and tears streamed down his cheeks. Do you think thats enough to cover them up? I asked. What do you mean? he asked. There was no assurance that none of those women would stab him at the back. One or two would surely reveal his dreadful acts to the vigers. So to silence them, he poisoned those women after they had abortion. These people believed in the existence of evil spirits. He simply told them that the women he abused were possessed by a demon and that they eithermitted suicide or bled to death because the demons power was too strong. He even lied that they were impregnated by a demon, I revealed, and Libn cried hysterically. No! No! Why would he do that?! he sobbed. To protect his name C his selfish ego, I replied. The man beside me was shattered. He must be doubting his belief that every human deserves a second chance no matter what they did in the past. It wasnt wrong of him to think that way. This is the harsh reality of being a human, Libn, I uttered. When their resolve is weakened, they either face it and ept their fate. But some of them are gamblers. Thats what makes them human. But still-! He cried out once more as he trembled. It was clearly written on his face that he began to regret his perspective of mortals. I sighed, before reminding him, Like I said, dont change your belief just because you saw some of their ws. Even Gods are not perfect beings. How can you be so calm about it, Sidapa? he asked, before sniffing and wiping off his tears. Attachment, I responded. Huh? he said in confusion. Dont attach yourself to anything, or to anyone, I said. Physical attachments, emotional attachments, material attachments These things can turn even the purest human into a monster. This is why Gods were not allowed to meddle with the mortals, no matter what. We only exist to keep the bnce between good and evil in their borrowed lives. I just realized that Libn was a God who only wanted to see the good side in everything. He refused to acknowledge that good wouldnt exist without evil. Is that the portal to the eternal void of nothingness? Libn asked. He calmed down a bit, and had stopped crying. Yes, I simply replied. I flicked my hand, and the soul slowly descended into the portal. Libn watched silently until the soul disappeared from our sight. It will reach Magwayens skab and there, that mans soul will forever atone for his sins in that void. ?I do not know if the souls with undecided fates will retain their memories from when they were still alive. If they do, I bet they will only remember the reason why they were sent to the void, I thought to myself. It was basically an endless cycle of regret, and they couldnt do anything about it anymore. It was their own fault that they ended there in the first ce. All these years, I lied to myself, Libn suddenly uttered. He leaned against my tree, and looked up to the sky. I was the only one who insisted that evil had nothing to do to those humans who died without having the chance to redeem themselves. I thought you sent them there without a solid resolution. I didnt know it was this hard. Im sorry for underestimating you, Sidapa, he apologized. I smiled bitterly before asking, Libn Are you afraid of death? Yes he admitted. Is that a weird thing for a God like me, whos immortal, to say? He was ashamed, but he was honest at the same time. And that honesty scared me. No, I said. Its actually reassuring that youre honest. If I were you, hanging out with someone whos full of mysteries is scarier, dont you think? Libn chuckled. That was deep, hemented. Now that you mention it, I wonder if Gods also have souls?Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g We do, I dered. If a God died a noble death, he reincarnates multiple times as a human. The chance of that God to regain his original powers is slim, and his memories are erased. Those with stronger powers sometimes regain their memories and they be great human leaders, or influencers. Im talking about those humans that pass on our history from generation to generation, I exined. Why are our memories erased? he asked. Some of us die in a fight with another God. Some are sentenced to death formitting serious taboos like: a rtionship between a human and a God, having a child with a human, and having a romantic rtionship towards the same gender, I told him. Our memories are erased so that when we get the chance to live again as a mortal, we will be able to live honestly. Libn was speechless. I didnt expect that he knew so little about the gap between the Gods and the mortals. Those Gods thatmit a taboo Do they get reincarnated? You already know the answer to that, I retorted, and I closed the portal that led to Magwayens realm. Meanwhile, I sent the remaining four souls to the Realm of Rebirth. Those souls werent perfect individuals, but they should be given another shot at life. It was now up to them in their next life if they would be able to correct their mistakes and finally rest in peace. ?Gods and mortals We differ in so many ways, but were very much alike when ites to living and dying, I deeply thought. Later that night, it poured so hard and Libn stayed by my side until it was time for him to leave again. ?to be continued 「17」Judgement Arc: Weird Confession (Part 1) SIDAPA IT WAS burning hot. It was in the middle of the day and here I was flooded with new souls. Why did it have to happen now? I asked myself in exhaustion. Is it mating season or something? I tried cracking a joke, but it was awfullyme. I now found it awkward talking to myself like this since Libn became part of my life. At first, his presence was annoying. He was a pesky little one, too. I called him little because he was literally short for someone who was a God. He was only 5 feet and 5 inches tall, and a total klutz. I also discovered that he wasnt a fan of anything scary. He revealed to me that when we first met, he thought that I was going to eat him alive, or lock him up somewhere. Before, I felt offended by those kinds of first impressions, but Libn was so honest about it that it only proved how purehearted he was. It didnt stop him from interacting with me.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Sidapa! I flinched when I heard Aguis voice. His sudden visit only meant one thing. ?The festival! I eximed inside my mind. I totally forgot about Agui! Why are you here?! I half yelled at him. That came out wrong. Huh?! Agui raised an eyebrow, and arge vein protruded on his right temple. What do you mean by that?! Todays the festival, right?! So Im here, duh! It might sound that Agui was angry, but this was his normal way of speaking. He was always hyperactive and couldnt contain his emotions, so one would think that he was always shouting. I sighed, and continued sorting out the new arrivals. Right, I said in defeat, and let out another sigh. ?Wait! Why am I so disappointed that Agui is here?! I thought as I gasped in shock, shocked of myself. Agui walked around. I wasnt facing him so he must be busy eyeing the area. You still live on this mountain!? he asked. I could feel the disgust in his tone. This ce is pretty boring, Sidapa! hemented. You dont need to tell me, I retorted. Mortals donte here so its the perfect ce for me to do my job, I defended. Boring! he eximed, then I heard a crackling sound. He probably unleashed his fire powers. You should interact with the humans! They are fun creatures, Sidapa! He encouraged me, but I wasnt a bit interested. Leave me alone, Agui, I said in a low voice. Huh?! he reacted. Even if I was a little farther away from him, I could feel his temperature rise. He was agitated. Whats that supposed to mean?! Stop that. Theres a lot of trees here. Youre going to ignite a forest fire, I told him, but Agui was a short-tempered guy to begin with. Talking out to him was pointless and a waste of energy. Hey, has anyone told you that you have quite an attitude? Agui asked in an insulting tone. The sound of his fire got louder by each second, and he stopped shouting his words. That was a sign that he was pissed off already. No. And I dont care. If youre just going to create amotion, then get lost, I retaliated. I could imagine the veins on his temples protrude again. Sidapa! You insolent oaf! I challenge you to a fight! Agui dered. He was brimming with confidence. When I faced him, most of his body was already covered in fire. I found it so childish of Agui. If he disliked the likes of me then why did he bother talking to me all this time? He could have just headed out right to the vige if it was the festival he was after. ?And this is why I told Libn that Gods were not perfect beings. Agui is one perfect example, I sarcastically thought. Go home, Agui. I tried to stay calm, as much as possible. Violence would only bring chaos. Not until I beat you! he insisted. ?What a load of crap, I thought while giving Agui a bored look. Aguis fire grewrger. That amount of fire was enough to burn nts nearby. This forest was densely surrounded byrge trees. If he was to burn a single one of them, the fire could spread in no time C not to mention that the weather today was burning hot, too! Agui, stop it! Youre going to attract attention! I shouted at him, but he ignored me. Im going to burn down everything in my sight if you dont fight me head on! he threatened. And your tree is going down first! I snapped. Agui was taken aback when a clump of ck smoke swallowed both of us, trapping us inside. Fear slowly engulfed the raged God of Fire when he realized that he had nowhere to escape. I closed in towards him. My eyes glowed white and I released a brooding ck aura all around me. Agui knew it was me telling him that he was facing death itself. He cowered in fear as his glorious fire died out. What did you say? I asked him. I was still in my semi-human and semi-God form, but Agui could feel my tremendous power weighing down on him. It was suffocating him. Try burning it now and lets see whose head wille off first, I challenged him, but overflowing confidence already left his body. Agui backed a few meters away from me. He trembled, and his knees were shaking. I almostughed when I saw the look of fear on his face. It was hrious to think that another God cowered when they witnessed my true colors. Im going to get you for this, Sidapa! Agui said to me, pointed a finger at me before running like aplete coward. He jumped off the cliff to escape, but I had a feeling that he still nned to go to the vige. Theyre already cooking the boar, I said to myself when I smelled the aroma of the roasted meat. I went back to my tree and continued my disrupted progress. EVENING came. I finished just in time. A few died today, but most of them ended in the afterlife. Did I make it?! I almost fell off my tree when Libn popped out of nowhere, haggard and a little disoriented. Libn? What happened to you? I asked in awe, and came down by jumping directly to the ground. It created a loud thud, and small animals nearby ran in fear and hid somewhere safe when they saw me. ?Even animals can sense the danger in me. So why cant Libn? I wondered as I looked at the clueless Moon Deity. I didnt be the God of Death just to deliver some cringe nonsense to beughed at. In this physical world, I was the symbol of fear and the epitome of death. My looks werent just for show. I was meant to look hideous so I could bring out the negative sides of mortals. A human hearts desire was the most fragile thing to deal with. If you inflicted it with the tiniest bit of fear, they could transform into something unimaginable. But fear could also be a weapon. Humans that were exposed in years of fear sometimes developed a type of coping mechanism. It strengthened their will to live and fought for justice for those who couldnt acquire them. Is the festival already over? he asked and totally ignored my question earlier. It hasnt started yet but it will begin soon, I informed him, and Libn was relieved. What happened to you anyway? You look like you are in a hurry, I noticed, and he flinched. N-Nothing. It was obviously a lie. He didnt look in my eyes when he replied and he was anxious. Something definitely happened! I came closer to Libn then I gently lifted several strands of his hair and rubbed my thumb against it. Your hairs still wet. Did you fall into ake or something? I asked. My eyes went down on his clothes. They were dry. Did he perhaps take a bath beforeing here? Its Bakunawa, he softly uttered. He tried to eat me again. It was so close because he bit the tip of my robe and I fell into the sea, he exined. But your clothes are dry, I pointed out. I managed to escape and came home to change them, he said. I really thought I wont make it to the festival, he added. I see. But you look like you just cried, I noticed again. Libns eyes were swollen. Did you have a fight with someone? ?I knew it! I eximed in my mind when Libn flinched. How can you tell? he asked in a low voice, and slightly lowered his head. He probably felt shy when I saw him in this state. You said you were supposed to be up there tonight. Did one of your brothers scold you for skipping? I asked. Libn nodded faintly. Yes, he confirmed. It was Likabutan, our eldest, that gave me a good scolding for always going out without telling anyone. He was furious because they didnt know where I went for the past few days, he exined. Youre right. Today makes it two weeks in a row, I said. So you mean, youve been going here every night in secret? He nodded again and felt ashamed. I mean, even if I told them they wont believe me and they might even forbid me to go here. I dont want that, he defended. Why is that? I asked. Why?! he squealed in disbelief. Because I like being with you! he yelled. When Libn realized that his statement sounded more like a confession than a mere excuse, he gasped in regret and ran off in utter embarrassment. 「18」Judgement Arc: Weird Confession (Part 2) SIDAPA LIBULAN, wait! I called out and went after him. For his size and physique, he was quite agile. Libn! I called out again. He went into the thickets and vanished from my sight. ?Why? Why did it have to happen now? We were supposed to watch the festival together. But why did it turn out like this? I thought, disappointed at myself at the same time for being insensitive towards Libuans feelings. I could already hear the rumbling sound of drums from the vige. That was a sign that they were about to start. If Libn kept running through these trees, he might fall off the cliff! Libn! I shouted on the top of my lungs. It left me no choice but to use my powers. I unleashed the same ck smoke that I used against Agui this afternoon butpared to that, this one could affect not only nearby living creatures but also those that were a mile away. I disliked using it for something like this because Libn could also get hurt but I had no choice. Animals react differently when faced with fear. Most of them would go in defense mode. Aggressive ones were the ones I was worried about. Libn was afraid of anything that appeared scary to him. If an aggressive animal happened to be near him now, I would bet on the possibility that he would scream and that would help me locate him. But I couldnt guarantee that he wouldnt get hurt. I stopped on my tracks and listened to my surroundings. All I could hear was the loud chirping of birds and the screeching sound of small animals trying to find a shelter after they felt my presence. But from a distance, I could hear the sound of an angry bear, but there was no scream from Libn. I decided to go where the bear was. When I arrived at the ce, I saw arge brown bear growling at something. And there was Libn! Libn! I called out to him, and both Libn and the bear turned their heads toward my direction. The bear growled at me and turned its anger on me. It charged without second thoughts even though it was aware of my daunting power. The bear stood up on its two legs and was ready tounch its deadly blow at me. I was about to fight back when Libn halted the both of us. Dont! said Libn. The bear backed away a little but it didnt calm down fully. Please dont hurt her! Libn begged. What? I was confused then Libn pointed his finger to a bush nearby. When I looked carefully, I saw a small bear. It was frightened and trembled as it hid itself in a dark corner of the bush. That bear must be its mother. She was just trying to protect her young! Libn defended. That said, the bear that almost attacked Libn and me was very anxious. But she chose to disy a brave front in order to hide the presence of her little one. I stopped using my powers and didnt do anything that would agitate the mother bear anymore. When she realized that I was no longer a threat, she went back to her baby and they took off. After that, Libn came running to me and hugged me. I thought you were going to leave me alone for good, he cried. Huh? I frowned. Libn, youre- Do you hate me, Sidapa? he asked, and lifted his head up to me. He was teary eyed. I dont hate you, I replied but he wasnt convinced. Then why do you always try to push me away? Am I an eyesore to you? he added, and his tears fell down. I wasnt, I denied. You did! You always did! he insisted. I cant understand your actions. Youre a mystery to me, Sidapa. But even so, I liked being around you. I feel the safest when Im with you. Sounds weird, right? But its the truth! And Im sorry! he sniffed. Im sorry for saying all of these. And I lied about Bakunawa. I really took a bath beforeing here because I wanted to impress you by looking presentable. I- His face went beet red when he realized he said too much. I was speechless. I never expected Libn to harbor such feelings towards me. No one had ever said nice things to me, ever. I was so used to being misunderstood and feared all the time. And I had built a barrier between me and everything else to protect myself from any form of attachments. If I had one of these, I would definitely begin to question my existence and purpose as a God. Libn I couldnt even find the words to say. Libn wiped off his tears before speaking, Im sorry, Sidapa. It was selfish of me to confuse you like that. But you were the one who taught me to hold on to my beliefs. And thats what I wanted to believe-that youre someone special regardless of who you are or what you look like, he said. Why did you have to say that now? I almost said it in a whisper. What? Libn said in confusion. I grabbed both of his arms and squeezed them with little force. You are changing me, Libn! I eximed. I was nning to keep these credulous desires that I developed the moment I saw you, but you went ahead and said all of these now! I said with mixed emotions. And dont you dare misunderstand! I always looked forward to eveningsing because I was expecting to see you! When we first met, I thought that you were the most beautiful thing Ive ever seen. I, for thousands of years, prevented myself from being attached to anything. I dedicated my life to that tree because I saw myself in it. We both wanted life that we cant afford to have. Both of us are only alive and existing because we became the bridge for all those souls that were born and died. Without them, there is no need for a God of Death. Without fear, no one would ever think about me. I am nothing, and yet you I let go of his arms and brought my hands to his cheeks and cupped them. You made me feel like I existed in order for me to meet you. You Are you saying that you love me? Libn asked in a soft voice. Love? I asked, not sure on how to react to that. Yes. Love. It is the greatest kind of attachment one can ever have. But it can also be the most painful thing in this world. You cant see love for it doesnt have a physical body. But you can feel it in here, he exined, and he gently ced his right hand to the left side of my chest. You love everything around you, Sidapa. You say that you dont really care because you said that we only existed to keep the bnce between good and evil. But Ive seen how much you appreciated the birth of every soul, the way you carve their lifelines, the patience you put in watching their entire lifetime until the day that they be souls again. Even the way you put judgement upon them You judge them not by what you see from the outside, but from what they truly were from the inside. You are a wonderful person, Sidapa, he then smiled sweetly at me. I wouldnt mind dying in your arms someday. ?I love Libn? I thought deeply. That ticklish feeling I had back then Was it love? That irritation I felt earlier when Agui came because I didnt want him to see Libn Was that an act of possessiveness? Was I trying to keep Libn all to myself? I further wondered.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. When I realized I had such feelings within me, I turned my back away from Libn and crouched in utter embarrassment. I was the only one lying to myself all this time. But if I harbored such feelings towards him, knowing that we were both guys, then We aremitting a taboo, right? I whispered to myself. I stood up and faced Libn again. Libn Are you in love with me? I asked. He averted his eyes and blushed. Dont make me say it again, he said. I am not forcing you to reciprocate my feelings, Sidapa. I did n to tell you one of these days but I identally told you everything, he defended. The taboo I softly uttered. His expression became gloomy as he forced himself to meet my eyes despite the embarrassment. I know. But like I said- I love you, I cut him off, and he was surprised. I am not forcing myself now. In fact, I was holding back this whole time because I didnt want to soil your purity, I said. For you, I am willing to abandon everything. Sidapa Libn uttered in a low voice. I hugged him in my arms that moment. Libn remained silent and I listened to the loud beating of his heart. It matched mine. At that point, something in me was yet to awaken. ?to be continued 「19」Judgement Arc: Burning Passion Of A Forbidden Love (Part 1) SIDAPA BE careful! I told Libn. We descended at the foot of the mountain. I wanted Libn to see how lively the festival would be tonight. People in this vige would sing, dance, and eat all together. They would all gather near the bonfire. Wow~ Libn gaped in awe when he saw a few of them busy chattering using a distinctive dialect that they used tomunicate to each other. We concealed ourselves behind a very thick bush and arge tree that had huge branches and thick leaves. It was easier for me to hide but not for Libn. His hair and skin color would stand out. Amazing, isnt it? I said in a low voice. I still had a deep voice despite my current form. Yes! Libn agreed. Those kids over there, he pointed a finger at a group of kids gathered in a small circle. They were a mix of boys and girls. Theyre saying something but I cant understand it, Sidapa, he said. Oh. They are just talking about random stuff like what they want to be when they grow up, I told him. You can understand them? Wow, Libn was amazed. Sort of. I learned from observing them throughout the years like this, I casually said. So you do enjoy the festival? he teased. What? I am just here because you wanted to see it up close! I reasoned out. Libnughed at my excuse. Now that we both confessed our feelings to each other, I felt awkward for secretly staring at him. Libn didnt seem to change much even though the gap between us got this close. He was still his cheerful self, full of life and curiosity. After a few moments, the vigers started gathering around the huge bonfire. Tworge men took out a fully grown male goat and brought it to the direction of the mountain where they thought I lived. They tied the goats legs so it wouldnt struggle when the ritual began. What are they going to do with the goat? Libn asked in worry. Its part of their ritual. You dont have to watch this, I said to him. This part could gross him out. You mentioned that they do a sacrifice. How exactly do they do it? he asked again. His eyes were really fixated on the event. They slit the throat of that goat. The leaders will drink some of its blood and then they will leave its body somewhere near the foot of the mountain. The next morning, they will check if the goat is still there. If they dont see a body, that means I was pleased and epted the sacrifice. But if it remains there, it means I was upset, I exined. Do you get the goat? Libn asked curiously as he turned his head to my direction. No. In reality, only some stray predators took the dead goat. When there were none of them nearby then the goat stayed there, I said. If the goat is still there, these vigers will assume that some of their leaders will die in exchange for the goat. But the truth is, the leaders who drank the blood of that goat developed a disease for drinking its raw blood, I added. Libns jaw dropped. Why dont you just tell them the truth? If I do that, this vige will fall apart. Rebellion will rise and all of them will eventually perish, I defended. Mortals were really dependent on their beliefs that Gods always had something to do with everything that happened to them up to this day. Any form of doubt to that belief would raise a hugemotion among themselves and their unity would crumble in an instant. It was very ironic to think that it took them centuries to form amunity like this one. ?Theyre strong as one, but very fragile as an individual, I thought to myself. I see, Libn sighed. There are things that us, Gods, are not allowed to touch, Libn, I reminded the discouraged Libn.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. Yes. Im slowly getting it now. Theres a limit to everything, he said with a sad expression. That was what he said, but I knew that deep inside he hoped that all of these were mere lies to make himself feel better. Lets head back, I suggested when I saw the difort in Libns face. No, he refused. I want to see it until the end. Is that okay? he pleaded. I couldnt argue with him on that anymore and just went along with his request. We waited for the ritual to finish. Libn stayed focused but after that conversation, he went silent until it was time for us to go back. ARE you mad? I asked Libn when we arrived. He was in deep thought since earlier. He also stopped talking to me and pretended that he was immersed in the festival although I caught him stealing nces at me. Libn halted and abruptly faced me. No! he eximed immediately. Sidapa, am I too weak for a God? he suddenly asked. Why the sudden question? Physically, yes, I honestly stated. It was the truth. There was no use in feeding him ttering words that werent meant to tter him at all. I didnt mean that, he pouted and Iughed. That only annoyed Libn. I know, I said in between myughs before clearing my throat. Why do you ask? I asked in a stern voice. He might be thinking that I was not being serious. Libn took a deep breath before answering. I cant fight, Im too sensitive, I easily get scared, and Im gullible, he described, disheartened by his own weaknesses. Libn wasnt much of a fighter, yes. Even that time when he mistook me for someone else, the way he held his spear didnt show an ounce of a fighter spirit in him. He wasnt cut for killing. For me, he was more suited to make the mortals happy. Libn was a timid and shy but utterly honest guy. That was a cute side of him I would love to see more often. But that side of you shook my entire existence, I said, and lifted my head up to the sky. Have you ever thought about the future? I asked logically. Future, huh? Libn uttered, and lifted his head up high, too. Not really, but it must be something exciting and sad, too, he said. Sad? Why? I asked, and looked at Libns direction. Because not everyone can live to see the future, especially mortals. This world is constantly changing, and everything else adapts to that change. Humans, animals, and all living things evolve overtime, said Libn. He was right. I witnessed how humans changed throughout the years. They became more intelligent. They learned to make use of what was avable in their environment and invented things out of it. That helped them survive. Sooner orter, this vastnd would be filled with human technology that they would develop for the nexting years. Tonight is quite dark. Is it because youre not there? I suddenly said. Libn chuckled. About that he uttered before facing me. Did you know that there is a rumor that a Gods power weakens over the years? Never heard of it, I honestly admitted. I never really did. Apparently, Gods need love, too. Thats why some of us marry other fellow Gods or Goddesses, Libn informed. I am the offspring of *Lihangin and *Lidagat, he revealed. Some say that Gods were forbidden to have children with mortals because it might bring chaos between the existence of the two species. But I had no idea that having an intimate rtionship with the same sex was a taboo, he said with a sad expression. Sidapa Do you really think that its a sin for us to love each other? Because I see nothing wrong with it. I tucked some of Libns hair strands at the back of his left ear. It gave me a good view of his beautiful face. The delicate look in his eyes had a calming effect on me. His sweet demeanor was something I wanted to protect at all cost. His soft and silly expressions and his funny mood swings brightened up my evenings. He unlocked these desires that I never knew I had, and made me yearn for more. Libn, look into my eyes, I instructed him, and he did. He looked like he wanted to cry but he held it in. What do you see? I asked. My reflection, he simply replied. There is little light but I can clearly see myself in your eyes, he added. How is that possible? he asked in confusion. I faintly smiled. You are my light, Libn, I told him. When all I had was darkness, you became my light-my everything, I said, and it brought Libn into tears. Then I took his left hand and I gently kissed it before saying, Libn, will you spend your lifetime with me? Libn was moved, and he smiled wholeheartedly. Now and forever, Im all yours. Sidapa, my love, he proimed. I carried Libn back to the tree. SIDAPA, do you fear death? Libn asked out of the blue. We rested underneath an old Balete tree, just a few meters from where my tree stood. Most of the time, this was where I stayed when I was not carving lifelines on my tree. No, I simply replied. The Balete tree was known to the locals as home to unearthly entities such as ghosts or hostile spirits and were believed that they resided in this tree. Because of such rumors, people were afraid to get near it or even touch it for they thought they would be cursed. But in reality, its elevated roots that were tangled against each other were a group of strangler figs that would grow from another tree. Eventually, its host tree would die and it would be the Balete. To someone who didnt see this tree yet elsewhere, they would be terrified by its eerie appearance. To be honest, Im afraid of dying, Libn admitted, and he simply leaned his head to my right shoulder. I get scared when I try to imagine my own death, he added. Then just stop thinking about it too much. Wouldnt that be better? I retorted. Libn chuckled softly. Youre really straightforward, he said. Is that apliment or a sarcasticment? I asked with a smirk. He didnt answer and just remained still. He even went closer to me. He must be feeling cold. Do you feel cold? I asked, and Libn lifted his head up a bit to face me before he responded. A little, he admitted, and I noticed that his cheeks were a bit red. Not only that, his ears and some parts of his neck down to his cor bones were also feverish in color. Are you okay? I started to worry. What if he felt a little sick to the stomach after seeing the ritual? Libn chuckled softly. Sidapa, youre quite slow when ites to some things, huh? he retaliated and I frowned in confusion. Slow? I raised one eyebrow, a little annoyed. Why would you suddenly say that? Forget it. Just let me stay like this for a little longer, he said and sounded a bit disappointed. He coiled his frail arms around my right arm that was almost thrice the size of his own. He looked away and only then I noticed that the back of his ears became red as tomatoes. 「20」Judgement Arc: Burning Passion Of A Forbidden Love (Part 2) SIDAPA ?WAS he perhaps trying to flirt with me? I assumed inside my mind. That wouldnt be surprising. We both announced our mutual feelings for each other. But I never really had any romantic feelings towards someone else before except for Libn. How was I supposed to know things such as these at times like these?! Libn, I called out in a low voice, a little embarrassed of myself at the same time for not noticing Libns hints. It was only natural that he would start to be needy. I was the only one who didnt catch up to the situation. Hey, you went silent. Are you asleep? I asked and peeped at him, but he would avoid my stare as I did it. I almostughed at his stubbornness. If I did that, Libn would definitely lose his cool and run off, just like earlier. I didnt want to see him go through that fear again I pulled away my arm from his grip. It wasnt that hard because his grip was pretty loose and he was weak, too. Libn was forced to face me when I did that. As expected, his face was red all over. He reacted to my sudden movement and was confused about what I was about to do. Are you leaving? Libn asked with teary eyes. He was such a crybaby. No, I timidly replied. Sit here, I told him, and Libn gaped when I gestured to him to sit on myp. S-Sit there? he asked with hesitation, and his eyes went looking down onto something that he wasnt supposed to look at. Libn made a big gulp after that. A-Are you s-sure? He stuttered while talking. I couldnt help butugh at his cute reactions. Am I still slow? Or am I going too fast? I teased him and his face went poof like a boiled squid. Too fast! he eximed and hurriedly stood up. Im sorry for inviting you like that! He excused himself and tried to run away again, but I already had a hunch that he would so I stopped him beforehand. I grabbed Libn by the waist and pulled him towards me. He lost his bnce and ended up saddling on top of myp, with him facing the opposite side. Sidapa, let go, he shyly pleaded and lowered his head to hide his huge embarrassment. I cant see your face, I whispered into his left ear, and that made him gasp, a little shocked. Your voice, he uttered and scrammed to find a way to get away, but my arms were already wrapped around his waist. What about my voice? I asked, and simply leaned my chin on his left shoulder. His shoulder was a bit cold, but I felt relieved that I got to hold him like this. That tickles. I heard him chuckle. He still hid his face and the parts of his skin where I touched them slowly heated up. I could also hear the loud beating of his heart, and so was mine. I want to see your face, I half whispered again. I lightly squeezed my wrapped arms against him, afraid that he might try to run again or disappear from my sight without me knowing. Let me see your face, Libn, I pleaded. I look very stupid right now, Libn reasoned out. I guess both of us are, I seconded, then sighed. You know what? Im really insecure on what I look like, I suddenly opened up. I hated it when some mortals identally saw a glimpse of me whenever I went down this mountain to stroll around or the disgusted look on other Gods when they saw me in my true form. Why do I look like this? Why are they scared? Why do they all cower in fear when they see me?CThese questions haunted me for thousands of years that Ive been in this mortal world, I told Libn. I I also got scared of you. Libns voice trembled when he said that. He was guilty. I breathed out before answering him. Yes, but you didnt fear my appearance. You only feared the thought of being eaten alive by me, I rified. Libn faintly smiled. I was surprised by myself, too. I really do get scared so easily but when I saw you in your real form, I saw sadness, he pointed out. Sadness? I repeated. Yes, sadness, he confirmed. He made me loosen my grip on his waist a bit and Libn pulled his knees together as he faced on his left to have a better look at me when he talked again. Your eyes looked really sad, Sidapa. It almost felt like you wanted someone to love you, he said before leaning the upper part of his body against mine. But like I said, I feel the safest when Im around you. And I dont regret falling for you, he added with a very sweet smile on his face. I almost grabbed his chin to kiss him. Why did he have to attack me like that? Then Libn backed away a little while blushing. Sidapa, something hard is poking on my left side, he half whispered. ?Yeah, right. You just made me excited! I eximed in my mind. Dont mind it, I said to him, but Libn was the curious type. He would definitely talk about it! He slightly looked down to peep, but I abruptly stopped him. Leave it alone, Libn! I told him. Libn chuckled before answering. But it will hurtter on, he casually said. Im a man, too, he added. I averted my eyes from his curious and yful look at me. I couldnt help it. I had romantic feelings for him. Of course, I would feel like this! Please, stop staring, I begged. Im not, Libn denied but I could feel his intense stare down there. The more he did it, the more excited I got. It slowly became painful on my part. There was no use trying to suppress it. Nothing would happen if the both of us kept pushing on who should do the first move. Libn, can I kiss you? I asked in a low voice. He flinched, but he didnt back away this time. Libn shyly nodded his head. G-Go ahead, he said with permission. I stood up before carrying him in my arms. There was a low lying thick branch near us. I made Libn sit on top of it because he was lighter than me. He remained silent and patiently waited for my next move. When he wasfortable enough, I parted his legs as I slid myself in between so I could get closer to him. We had an eye level view of each other. Both of us were nervous, but I badly wanted to touch Libn. He felt the same way, too. Is this the part where I deliver a very long speech? I tried to crack a joke, but Libns longing look as he stared hard hinted to me that he wanted me to kiss him already. I might suck on kissing, I warned him. Libn blushed once more. He rested his right arm and hand on my left forearm as I wrapped it around his waist to support his back and weight. Ive never kissed anyone before, too, so were even, he said. He was highly conscious around me, but he didnt look away or hide his face anymore. He brought his other free hand on my right cheek and gently stroked it. Sidapa, my beloved. Sounds cute, he giggled. I answered him by iming his lips. At first, I just pressed my lips against his, stopped, and looked at him again. His face was now red all over. He started at me, too, matching my intense gazes mixed with passion and urge to make him mine. Libn probably noticed that I got ahead of myself earlier because I had a hard time hiding the lust that my body felt. It scared me a little, but it only proved that I acknowledged the fact that I wanted to make love to him. But I never did it with anyone before. I never felt this lustful or excited towards somebody else, not until I met him. He opened up a new world that I knew nothing of. It was mysterious, but it was the most beautiful world that someone had given me-a world filled with warm love. Libn, please close your eyes, I politely asked him, and he did. I traveled my eyes down and admired his beautiful body. Even though he acted calm, his lower body was also excited to feel my touch. I turned my gaze back to his face. His lips trembled as he anxiously waited for me to kiss him again. I brought my right hand to his left cheek and gently pressed my thumb against his soft lips. Sidapa Libn called out my name lovingly. I took that clumsy mistake of his and imed his lips again. It was a bit torrid than before. Libn wrapped his arms around my neck, and he pulled me closer. When he slightly opened his mouth, I slid my tongue in and invited Libn to y with mine. The way he would let out a restricted moan, the feel of his hot breath each time he opened his mouth to wee my hungry kisses, and even the way he took a peek to see my reactions made me want more than just kissing. ?Is it really fine? I dont want his first time to be painful. His entire body is so frail and Im afraid of soiling it, I argued within myself. I suddenly stopped and we both caught our breaths. Libn noticed the difort on my face so he asked me. Is something wrong?Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g Im actually afraid that I might break you, I admitted, guilt was written all over my face. You say that now? Libn giggled. Honestly, I dont mind you breaking me, Sidapa. How cunning of him to say such a bold thing. He then squeezed his thighs around my waist and used them to pull me closer. I gulped when I felt his hardness against mine. Can you feel it? This is the first time that I felt this very lustful over someone. I feel ashamed of myself and afraid that you might get turned off if you found out, but I really do love you, Sidapa, he announced. He made our foreheads bump before he continued talking. And I will be willing to love you forever. I love you, too more than my own life, Libn, I proimed. Id do anything for you. That was enough to put Libn at ease. Later that night, Libn and I did a morbid act and allegedly broke a rule meant for Gods. We repeatedly exchanged words of love as we drowned ourselves in the warmth of each others bodies. The Balete tree was the sole witness of our eternal vows. Or so I thought. When we were focused on the deed, there was one more witness lurking from the shadows. Their prying eyes saw everything. It was toote when I sensed its presence. When I tried to figure out who it was, all I saw was a remnant of a piece of leaf that was turned into ashes and got blown away by the wind. The skies started rumbling, and several shes of lightning lit up the dark clouds that brooded above us. A storm wasing. The following day, Libn didnte. *Lihangin C God of the Wind *Lidagat C Goddess of the Sea ?to be continued 「21」JUDGEMENT ARC: Act Of Treason SIDAPA I WAITED for two days, but still there was no sign of Libn evering back. I ought to trust him and his words. And I will still do until hees back, I thought to myself while I sent a group of souls that went to Magwayens realm. All of themmitted mass suicide this morning. Apparently, they were a little group of individuals that wanted to receive divine powers from the Gods and they thought that sacrificing their own lives would grant their wish. After I was done, I decided to go to the Balete tree. I touched some of its overgrown hanging branches as I recalled that night. This tree was where Libn and I made love. Until now, I could still vividly remember his sweet moans and loving voice each time he yearned for my name. Then I saw that piece of cloth from his robe that got torn apart when I undressed him. It got tangled on a twig with a sharp edge. We bothughed when that happened and after that he told me that he would leave that torn piece to me. I forgot that I left it hanging on the branch where I first tasted Libns lips. I picked up the white cloth and brought it near my nose and smelled it. My Libn, why are you noting back? I asked myself then my grip on the cloth tightened when I realized something. [Wasnt it me who told Libn not to get attached to anything so that his resolve wont weaken? What if he actually took that advice to heart?] I thought and when I discerned the possibility, I went numb. No. I must be overthinking. Libn wasnt such a coward. He wouldnt tell me all those endearing words if he were just to dump me this way. He wouldnt cry beneath me that night as he willingly epted all of me despite the pain he went through. He wouldnt be disheveled like that if he didnt have an ounce of feelings towards me. Then, I heard a whooshing sound just behind me and Agui appeared. Thinking back, I didnt see him during the festival. What are you doing here? I asked him with a disinterested tone. Sidapa, have you heard?! he began, purposely making it unclear to get my attention. Go away, Agui. Im not in the mood to talk, I said to him, and didnt bother facing him. I heard him click his tongue. What a letdown! Agui eximed. Why did that pale looking Moon God fall for someone like you whos heartless?! he said and I lost my temper. I grabbed Agui by the cor and mercilessly pinned him against the Balete tree with my brute force. The man groaned in pain, but tried to act cool despite being hurt from the back of his head down to his waist. Why do you know about Libn?! I growled at Agui and gave him a deadly re. I pushed him further into the tree and the pain he felt increased. Libn? That was his name? he uttered then coughed a little. For heavens sake, youre going to break my neck, he said in horror.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g Why do you know him?! I shouted and Agui flinched. Were you the one from that night?! I didnt know his name, alright?! I just saw him the other day! he defended. He groaned again when I banged his head on the trunk. And I dont know what youre talking about, you oaf! He defended himself. You-What did you do to him?! Im going to kill you if you try to hurt my Libn! I warned him, the look of death was painted on my brooding face. Agui shivered in fear but he didnt try to escape from my grip. Instead, he riled me up even more. Sidapa, dont tell me that you and that guy are actually he assumed. When I didnt respond, he grinned in disbelief. No way. Did you two really have that kind of rtionship? Have you gone mad? he retorted. What did you do to Libn? I asked again with a very angered voice. I gritted my teeth when Agui scoffed as if he was mocking me for having such an intense reaction. Calm down, Sidapa, he said, but it was futile to try and make my head cool. I didnt do anything to him, he defended before letting out a deep breath. I was pushing my knuckles on his neck so it became hard for Agui to breathe. Instead of wasting your time trying to use me of something I didnt do, get your butt out of this ce and rescue your precious lover or whatever, he said and my eyes widened. What are you talking about? I asked in confusion. What the heck? Agui raised an eyebrow at me. You didnt hear at all? All Gods are talking about it now, he uttered in a puzzling manner. I banged his head again and Agui was forced to spill the details. Alright! Alright! I get it so stop doing that or my head will crack open! he surrendered before grumbling in frustration because he couldnt fight back. He even clicked his tongue before he said it. Libn is going to be executed tonight by Kaptan. My senses went numb when I heard what Agui said. Executed? Tonight? But who could have told the higher ups about our rtionship? Was it you, Agui?! I used the man I was half strangling. How the hell would I know anything, Sidapa?! I only knew about itst night! I overheard the other Gods talking about it, goddamnit! Agui freaked out and I released him from my brutal grip. He was brought to his knees and coughed so hard. You dumb, oaf! Youre attacking the wrong person here! Damn! Im going to make you pay for this someday! he threatened and sounded like he was about to cry, but it had zero effect on me. Where did they put him? I asked in a very deep and low voice. I clenched my hands and gritted my teeth in anger for not noticing anything. Huh? Agui responded in a daze. He was still in pain and I had left a nasty mark on his neck. That would take time to heal. I grabbed Aguis neck with one hand and raised him up until his feet no longer touched the ground. The guy gagged and squirmed in pain, scratching my arm in hope of losing my grip on his poor neck but I didnt feel anything. Everything looked nk to me. Deep inside me, I suddenly had the urge to kill someone. One wrong move and I might actually snap Aguis neck. Tell me where they put Libn or Ill rampage the Heavens, I demanded to Agui. All he did was tap my arm because he couldnt speak due to suffocation. I loosened my grip a bit to give him enough strength to answer. Where is Libn? I asked in a stern voice. Right now they might h-have locked him up, Agui stuttered and coughed in between. After that, I casually tossed him somewhere. He groaned and coiled in agony. He even drooled in his own saliva. Curse you, Sidapa! You monster! he shrieked. I ignored him and walked away. Agui almost bit his tongue when he saw my ck smoke oozing everywhere. ? ? INTRUDER! We have an intruder! One man shouted when he heard themotion going on. I left Mount Madja-as and raided Kaptans castle. He had this ce built beyond the clouds. The castle rested on top of a floating rock ind that was about half a mile in diameter. Along with this huge structure that was made out of white marble and gold, other Gods also built their homes nearby. Kaptan always had his minions that served as his servants or knights. They were gods that also had divine powers but not as powerful as ours. Unlike us, they only had a hundred years to live and would reincarnate as ordinary humans in their next lives if they didntmit any crime during their godhood. Given the ces peaceful and almost all white hues, my dark demeanor contrasted its elegant presence. Everyone panicked when they saw me. The weaker gods backed off the moment they sensed meing. All I felt was rage that I barely saw them. My mind was filled with nothing but to retrieve Libn from all of them. He didnt deserve to live in this oppressive madness surrounded by foolish creatures. Then one runt bravely blocked my way. His knees were shaking and he wasnt even pointing his spear at me. I loomed on him and gave him the death res. That was enough to shock the life out of him. The man fainted and I went on my way inside. The knights closed the gigantic doors in order to slow me down, but it was useless. I punched the door with one hand. It cracked and broke into pieces. The men surrounding that area all ran for their lives. It is Sidapa! The God of Death is destroying Kaptans castle! One of them blurted to the others. Go get some help! he demanded, but everyone was preupied by my rampage. Die! A random knight attacked me from behind with his spear. The look of despair slowly devoured his face when he realized that his weapon didnt even prate my skin. I glouted at him and snapped his spear into two. Then I grabbed his neck and squeezed it until the bones around it cracked. The other men were horrified when their fellow knight went limp. Sidapa killed another god! Hes a murderer! Another dered. All of their bbering made me more annoyed than I already was. I took out my machete and transformed into a dark weapon. If it consumed too much bloodshed, it might be a threat to other Gods and they would be forced to take me down. And I intended to do just that. Give back Libn to me! I rumbled andshed out a massive blow. I swung my machete across and everyone nearby was cut into pieces. The white marble floor was painted red. Some of the castles foundations were already in rubles. Survivors evacuated the ce, but others didnt even make it to the exit. They were either smashed by falling debris or got caught in my destructive ambush. I, myself, began to lose my sanity. I was aware of my actions, but I couldnt stop. Someone must stop me! [Someone stop me!] I screamed inside my head. My body was doing the opposite. It kept taking innocent lives. Enough! I halted when I heard the voice of another man. When I lifted to see who it was, I gritted my teeth when I saw Kaptan hovering above me, looking at me with such disappointment. Kaptan! I snarled at him. Where is Libn?! Kaptan stared at me with insults. What are you doing, Sidapa? he asked in an authoritative voice. You are hurting my people, he added, and acted like all of this was some petty fight. Release Libn! I demanded, but the prideful God ignored my words. And what do you intend to do with him if I release him? Are you nning to continue your horrendous acts? he asked. I could see nothing but judgement in his eyes. I cannot allow that, Sidapa. You two are setting a bad example to other Gods, he added, and I caught him grin in secret. What needs to be done should be done. After that, a golden jail popped out of nowhere and inside it was Libn! [to be continued] 「22」JUDGEMENT ARC: Death’s Tears (Part 1) SIDAPA LIBULAN! I called out to him. It pricked my heart when I saw the bruises all over his body. My beloved, Sidapa! Libn cried out to me as he held onto the jail bars. He wont tell us the reason why you twomitted the crime. His mouth was shut the whole time and quietly epted all the beatings, Kaptan revealed. It made me feel sick to the stomach. He is quite serious about you. Given his weak state, he even sacrificed his own powers just to spare your life. I growled in mixed anger and pain because my beloved Libn suffered and I was not there. My Libn, why?! I yelled at him with my tears overflowing. [Ah, this is the very first time that I shed tears,] I thought to myself. [I thought crying can ease the pain but why? Why does it hurt so much, Libn?!] I asked inside my mind as I looked at my beloved who was also tormented when he saw my current state. Please, Kaptan! Dont hurt, Sidapa! Libn begged the God Kaptan and the man turned his head at him. He has nothing to do with any of this! I was the one who seduced him! he lied. What are you saying, Libn?! I reacted violently. But Libn just gave me one brief smile that was filled with loneliness before he blurted some crazy words. I got bored, Libn scoffed, and suddenly his attitude drastically changed. I wanted to try something new in the mortal realm and I saw you by ident, he said. I was just toying with you, my Sidapa. You looked so innocent and quite the dumb one, heughed like some kind of viin then he looked down at me with such disgust on his face. I mean look at you. Who would like someone as ugly as you? Everyone who heard him was dumbfounded. But I knew deep inside that everything he said were lies and it pained me that he had to take all the me and turn himself into the heartless devil just to spare my life from being punished by Kaptan, as well. [You are such a terrible liar, my dear Libn. Your voice and lips were trembling when you tried your hardest to insult me. Even when you called me ugly, your eyes said otherwise. You can lie to all of them but not to me,] I deeply thought as I fixated my gazes at him. He was crying and clearly regretted saying all of those things to me. But forgive me, my Libn. I cant hate you, I uttered with a smile before my ck smoke engulfed my whole body. Looks like youre about to show us who you really are, Kaptan uttered with a grin before shouting out my name. Sidapa, the God of Death! I scoffed. Im fed up, I said in a low voice, then slowly I reverted to my true form-that hideous side of me that Ive always hated but Libn didnt get scared of. I am going to take Libn away from this wretched prison and kill all of you! I threatened with my voice that now seemed to be speaking right from the underworld. Everyone except Kaptan ran off. I didnt want to involve anyone more than this so when I confirmed that not a single outsider was here, I unleashed my deep bellow of anguish. It sent piles of rock debris flying all over the ce. I kept screaming to release all my anger, but I made sure that Libn wouldnt get caught in anything that wasshed out directly to Kaptan. Sidapa! Please, stop this! I heard Libn beg, but I pretended not to hear him. The proud God didnt even flinch after seeing my true form. His expression was extremely boring, and he looked rather disappointed than overwhelmed. Look how low you have fallen, Sidapa, Kaptan said with degradation. Is this really what you want? Are you that desperate to throw those thousands of years of hard work just for one man? One man? He tried to disarray my thoughts and feelings by targeting my role as the God of Death. But no matter what he said, I would not allow him to take Libns life! I never feared death, nor wished for life. My earliest memory as a God was waking up one day underneath that tree that became my only attachment in that mortal world. When I first received a few souls on that same day, I instinctively knew what to do despite not really knowing anything that was going on around me. It was the same instinct that all living things had and imprinted in their memories the moment they were born. Subconsciously, I didnt realize that I worked hard and immersed myself in giving life and taking one at the same time. It was a very ironic job one could have. But it gave me a purpose. But I also grew tired of it. The darkness slowly ate me away. It began to corrupt my sanity. Whenever I had that feeling, I immediately detached myself from everything except for that tree. I survived a thousand years of solitude without wanting anything or needing anyone. It was supposed to be like that, until Libn came to my life. Upon his arrival, I developed the urge of wanting to protect everything about him. No matter how small or simple it was, Libn brought nothing but happiness to me. He filled my dark world with light. And slowly, he became my new world. The attachment I had with him was the same as the tree, but stronger. It drove me far from what I used to believe in. He led me astray but he made me see my reality. He saved me from my own prison of tenebrosity. And I wont let Libn slip from my hands! If killing you is the only way to retrieve whats mine, then be it! I dered while I stared at Kaptan, my eyes filled with determination and resolve. Kaptan sighed in dismay. I see. I am deeply appalled by your foolish actions, Sidapa. You were one of the few who took their roles perfectly without any mistakes, he said and gave Libn a quick nce of mortification. And you crumbled just like that because of some mere weakling. He was clearly disgusted with Libn at that point. Kaptan raised his right arm into the air and the clouds gradually umted until they got so dark, ready to drown the earth with heavy rains. The thunder roared and lightning lit up the night skies. Beneath us, mortals would have assumed by now that the Gods were upset and were about to end the world in a matter of hours. As Kaptan kept releasing his tremendous power that had brought hundreds of Gods before us to their end, I didnt feel afraid. It was overwhelming, but my reason for turning my back against him was to fulfill my own ego and that was to save the man I fell in love with! Sidapa! Dont fight him! Please, save yourself! I will be fine, I promise! Libn pleaded to me but I had no n of backing down. He tried to bang his hands to the bars but he wasnt strong enough, not to mention that he already lost his divine powers.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g My Libn, I will get you out of here! I shouted to him before I unleashed my greatest power yet. True to my name, I had this one ability where everything I touched would wither away. It was a power I never wanted to use ever again after I witnessed it for the first time. It was a part of me that I never wanted to acknowledge because it also frightened me. But now Ive never felt this excited to use it. What a waste, said Kaptan before attacking me head on. He went straight for one of my horns at the front. With the use of his bare hands, he forcefully pulled it until the base cracked and he sessfully broke it. I screamed and recoiled in agony as he casually threw the broken horn aside. I didnt even have the chance to touch any part of his body so they would rot away. 「23」JUDGEMENT ARC: Death’s Tears (Part 2) SIDAPA SIDAPA! Libn shouted and bawled his eyes out. I was in turmoil, but he was suffering the most. He reached his hand out between the bars and wailed when he couldnt even go by my side. Stop this, please! I beg you! Dont do this! You are not a bad person, my beloved! Stop punishing yourself! While I was distracted by Libn, Kaptan took that chance. It was already toote when I tried to block his attack. He had already pierced his right arm into my chest. Everything happened so fast that I wasnt able to even think about it. I coughed out some blood and gasped for air. When I looked at Libn again, he was screaming at the top of his lungs and crying so hard but I heard no sounding out from him. I gave you the chance to back out and I could have given you time to repent, but you chose this, Sidapa, Kaptan said to me in a low voice. There was no anger in his tone, just pure abhorrence. He was revolted at the fact that Libn and I chose to love each other despite the consequences of our actions. [Really, what was so wrong about loving another person?] I thought as I shed my tears again and looked back at my Libn who already lost his spirit when he saw me slowly sumb to defeat. [Was it because were both men? What was so wrong about that? Nothing is wrong] What was wrong were these people and their stupid rules. In truth, they only made such restrictions so rebellion amongst Gods wouldnt surface. And I made myself believe in that stupid lie. But I had no intention to waste another second of my life serving these selfish people anymore. While I still had my consciousness, I grasped Kaptans arm that was buried halfway through my chest. What are you nning to do, Sidapa?! He was rmed but he didnt pull his hand out. I wonder about that I pulled off a sarcastic smirk then the part of his arm that I touched began to rot. If he decided to pull it out now, it would split in half and he could lose a lot of blood and potentially die. Kaptan didnt back down. He flicked a finger and suddenly the jail and Libn were transported to the edge of this ind. What are you doing?! I asked in panic.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Kaptan mocked me by smirking too. With just a flick of my finger, I can make that jail disappear, he stated. Libn already lost his powers because of you. What do you think will happen if I dropped him from this height? he asked me, and Kaptan grinned maniacally when my face turned pale. You dirty-! I halted when he raised his other hand. Both of my hands were on his arm that had pierced my chest. If I let go and try to grab his other free hand, I might not make it. Libn was a hundred meters away from where we stood. I felt like I was going to pass out any moment but my mind was so fixated on my beloved that my body became numb from the torment I was going through. Now make a choice, Sidapa, Kaptan uttered. My eyes were already fuzzy and I was feeling lightheaded. I lost a lot of blood and was losing even more. I couldnt see Libns expression and it frustrated me. He must be very scared at this moment. There was no guarantee that Kaptan would let Libn live even if I chose to stop using my power. I was also ountable formitting the same crime they used Libn. Kaptan could either kill me first then get rid of my loverter, or he could drop Libn because he knew exactly that I wouldnt let it happen and he would stab me from behind. No matter what I would choose, death was still our end game. I promised to do anything for him and I was about to do just that. I bit down on my lip so hard and then I took out Kaptans arm that was inside my chest by force. It was already rotting but not rotten enough to fall apart. He groaned in pain and I pushed him away from me. Blood gushed out from his mutted forearm. He screamed in pain and I took that chance to run towards Libns location. It was only a matter of seconds until I made it to his side. But time wasnt on my side. Before my eyes, the jail that held Libn captive disappeared. Everything happened in slow motion. The look on Libns face as soon as he realized what was about to happen to him was imprinted in my mind. I reached out my hand to him in hope of feeling his warmth again, but it was toote. I was toote. Libn didnt take his eyes away from me until he dropped down. Reality kicked in and he was falling down, fast. Libn! I screamed. Without any thought, I jumped off after him. Our distance was an impossible case. I wouldnt catch him in time to wrap him around my arms to lessen the impact once we reached the ground. I was wounded and weakened but I wouldnt die from this fall, but Libn would! And when I was about to lose hope, a muscr man popped out of nowhere and caught Libn in time, but their descent was too fast for the man to prevent. They both plummeted to the ground, and I followed after them. A huge blow like something exploded echoed in the whole area. Trees were thrashed around, rocks were crushed, and big chunks of soil were dug out of their ce. Despite the injury I had, I forced myself to get up and searched for Libn. I panicked when I didnt see any trace of him. Then I saw a faint glow of light from a distance. I quickly sprinted but fell on my knees and wheezed. I barely had energy left to even go to where the light was. A few momentster, a maiden dressed in all white appeared before me. She was in a bad condition and her clothes were drenched in blood. Was she an enemy? An ally? I didnt know anymore. Then she left and went somewhere. Secondster, she came back. She brought back a white robe with her. Something was wrapped inside it. She made the robe float towards me and carefully put it on the ground. She then went closer to me without saying anything and unwrapped the robe. It revealed Libn. Libn! I eximed in mixed joy and relief. The maiden cried before she spoke to me softly. Im sorry if we didnt make it in time, she apologized. I am *Lisuga, Libns sister. We never knew that our precious brother fell in love and the next we heard was him getting scheduled for execution, she briefly introduced. I cant say that I trust you fully but Libn chose you for a reason, Sidapa, she uttered. And I will entrust my brothers life to you. My time is up as a God. My attempt to fight Kaptan was futile and I ended up getting stabbed from my back with his sword, she revealed, and then she coughed out a lot of blood. Our eldest, *Likabutan, also fought for our dear brother but he also failed and had just passed away. When she said that, I saw the body of the man that caught Libn earlier. Lisuga smiled at me onest time before she dropped dead. I was speechless. Now I finally understood why Libn was such an honest person. He was surrounded by good people and they loved him very much. That was why he saw the real me despite the way I looked. He was a man with the purest heart and intentions. I reverted to my semi-human form and fondled Libns cheek. I am about to die, I said to him in a weak voice. Using my remaining strength, I carried Libn back to my tree. *Lisuga C Goddess of the Stars *Likabutan C God of the Earth [to be continued] 「24」JUDGEMENT ARC: Good and Evil (Part 1) SIDAPA WERE here, my beloved, I told Libn. I made him lie down just beside the trees protruding roots. The tree was glowing from all sorts of directions. I left it unattended for a few hours and many souls had died during the time I was away. They must be so lost right now. And newborn sous were scattered everywhere, flickering like fireflies. A weak smile shed on my face as I watched them dance in midair. Whats the point of being born if we are just going to suffer? I asked myself, then I saw Libn move a little. I quickly moved to his side. A restricted groan escaped from my mouth when I felt a sting on my chest, the very spot where I was stabbed earlier by Kaptans bare hands. It hurt like hell, but Libn mattered more. Sidapa Libn called out so weakly. He raised his hand trying to figure out if I was there. I grabbed it and held it tight.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. I am here, my Libn, I reassured him, and Libn smiled in relief. I am d that youre safe, he said before shedding his tears. Please dont cry, I begged, and I gently kissed his hand that was in my grip. Are you okay? I asked him. I dont have much time left, my beloved, Libn revealed. After Kaptan took away my powers, I became a mortal, Sidapa. In this mortal body, I am more than 500 years old and should be dead by now, he exined. No! I cant let you die! We made a promise, Libn! I eximed. But as I closely looked at his hand, it already started to age rapidly. He was basically transforming into an old man. Libn sniffed. I am very scared, Sidapa, he admitted. I dont want to be separated from you, he added. But if this is our destiny I want you to know that I will forever love you. No! I growled and cried in despair. I cant ept this, Libn. And I wont! I refused, but Libn was determined. Werent you the one who taught me that I shouldnt change what I believe in just because I heard somebody elses ideals? he said softly, and it hit me so hard. I am doing just that but it doesnt mean that I will stop loving you, he added. There are some things in this world we cant change, my beloved. Maybe our time wasnt now. Maybe its in the near future. [Youre mistaken, my Libn! There is no longer a future for us!] I screamed in my mind. [Wemitted a formidable crime that was punishable by death and we are bound to go to Magwayens realm and wander the eternal void of nothingness for the rest of our damned lives!] You know ourst destination, dont you? I asked him with a pained expression. Libn just smiled sweetly. His eyes were already blind at this moment. Then why are you okay with it? I asked, then I cried. I need you, Libn. Dont leave me behind. Please stay with me. Dont leave me behind, Libn. My Sidapa My beloved, Sidapa, he called out my name so dearly. I want to be close to you, he requested. To lessen his worry, I mustered to hide the pain I was going through and I lifted Libn and made him sit next to me. I even rested his back against the tree so he would befortable. Are you okay? I reaffirmed as I removed some of his hair strands that were obstructing his beautiful face. Libn nodded, and he casuallyid his upper body on myp. I missed you, my Sidapa. His aging process was almost at itsplete stage. His corbone down to his feet were already dried out and even started to rot. There was no saving Libn at this moment, but I didnt want to give up just yet. Whatever happens, please dont do anything reckless, he said. There must be something I can do to save the both of us! I thought to myself while holding the delicate body of my lover that felt like if I squeezed it, his bones would literally break into pieces. I love you, my Libn, I uttered. My breathing became hoarse and the beating of my heart slowed down. I wish we can stay like this forever. When I checked on Libn, his soul had already separated from his body. The color of his soul was the most beautiful. It had different hues, but just like that leader from that vige, the core of Libns soul had ck shades. These ck taints represented his regret from dying and his hatred towards everyone else that judged us. Now that he was gone, I felt nothing but numbness and grudge. Why did they have to do this to us? Why did they have to torment Libn and make him take all the me? Why did they have to let me see him perish this way? Why did we have to die like this? Just why? If youre not here, then whats the point of me staying? I mumbled to myself as I clenched my fists until it bled. I gently moved Libns body to the side before I lifted myself up and staggered. My vision was no longer in good condition as my right eye was already blind. The blood in my chest that had a gaping hole had already dried up. Even if I healed overtime, the wound in my heart cannot be mended by time. I was just as good as dead. I faced the ck tree and stared at it for some time. The faint glow it emitted was still waiting for me to collect them. I pressed my blood tainted hand on its trunk before scoffing with sarcasm. I took out my machete that already became a weapon for killing after it absorbed the blood of all those innocent people that I have killed. I pointed the sharp edge at the tree, then I slowly prated the tree with it. As I did that with an expressionless face, the tree bled. All I heard was a gushing sound as I buried my machete deeper into it. I didnt care anymore. If this was the price for what we did, then I might as well use thest of my powers to cheat with our destiny. I wont let you die, Libn. I will forever protect you from anyone who tries to harm you. Id even kill them if I must, I uttered to myself while looking like a devil. I was aware that I already lost my sanity, but I was desperate to undo everything and start over again. After carving an opening, I brought my hands towards that hole and slid it in. The blood from the tree dripped on its trunk down to its roots as I forced my hand to fit in that small space. It was like I was robbing the tree of its life. I heard the pained shrieks of the dead souls that were still stuck inside the tree. They were asking me to stop tormenting them and just send them to the afterlife already. [Must find the core] I thought deeply, ignoring the pleading souls. This tree served as the boundary between life and death; a bridge no mortals or Gods should dare cross. If I took it down, everything would fall into chaos. The realm of the dead and the living would create an imbnce in both existence. And someone said that the future was already set. No one could alter what was destined to happen or prevent it from happening. What I am about to do now would be the solid proof that Sidapa and Libn was no myth. 「25」JUDGEMENT ARC: Good and Evil (Part 2) SIDAPA FOUND it! I eximed when I finally had the core in my grip. I sped it within my palm and carefully pulled it out. The screaming grew louder as the core was forcefully removed from its proper ce. I knew the consequences, the risks, but none of them mattered to me now. If I was a sinner from the very beginning, then I would continue being one for my Libn. The instant the core exited the trunk, the thousand year old tree began to deteriorate. All the lifelines I had carved on its magnificent surface shed a blinding light, causing me to shut my eyes. My machete that was still stuck to the trunk melted and became a ck substance. The tree absorbed that substance. The tree itself started to rot away. The dead branches fell off first, and the live ones were forced to detach from the wood. The ground made a rumbling sound, as if it was aching to open up and send everything from the above straight to hell. It was a horrifying sight to see. Then suddenly, the portal to Magwayens realm appeared. And before me, Magwayen herself showed up. What do you think youre doing, Sidapa? Magwayen asked in a stern voice. She didnt look hostile towards me, but she wasnt also on my side. Magwayen I uttered in a tired tone. Since the tree was already dead, its core began to absorb my powers to keep itself alive. Magwayen turned her attention to Libns body that was sitting next to the tree. Her eyes widened when she realized what I had done. You Dont tell me that you killed your tree just to bring this Deity back to life? she asked, horrified. What if I did? Are you here to stop me? I asked her a question, too. I was notified that two powerful Godsmitted a taboo. I didnt think that would be you and Libn, Magwayen exined. Damn the Heavens and damn all of them who hurt Libn. I will make them pay for what they did, Magwayen, I growled, hatred was reflected in my eyes. Magwayen took her skab out which alerted me. If she decided to fight me head on and take Libns soul by force, I wouldnt be able to fight back. I have no right to judge the two of you, Sidapa, she began. However, it is my duty to collect the souls of those who are destined to wander the endless void, she reminded me. You know that very well, Sidapa. You have sessfully sent countless souls to me for the past millennia. Why hesitate now? You wont understand, and you will never understand, Magwayen, I said. Only Libn and I who share these feelings are the only ones who know the joy and pain of what we went through. I dont regret fighting for him. And I dont mind sacrificing my own life to spare his. I can see where youreing from. That, I respect. But as Ive said, I am the Goddess of the Underworld, and I am here to collect your souls, Magwayen stated. Libns soul was still floating around his lifeless body. I had little strength left to stop her from taking it with ease. The core was still sucking everyst drop of my divine powers. The Goddess walked to Libns location and opened her skab, ready to trap my beloveds soul in there. My instincts were telling me to viciously attack Magwayen and kill her if she fought back, but my body no longer responded to my hearts desire. It was only then that I realized that I already began to die physically. So before I eventually lose my consciousness, I needed to resort to that! I, Sidapa, God of Death Magwayen halted in her tracks when she heard me start talking about something ominous. Sidapa, what are you doing? she tried to confront me, but a blinding lighting from the trees core and my own soul had sessfully fused together. She was pushed back by its overwhelming presence. My soul and Libns soul will be reincarnated many times over until we meet again! I began, and Magwayen gasped when she grasped what I was about to do. As the God of Death, I am going to guard Libns soul from anyone who tries to take him away from me. Then my beloveds body lit up and that light came out and hovered towards me. It slowly entered my body. My beloved, forgive me but I am going to put you into a deep slumber along with your original memory just so I can protect you from here onwards. This core, I uttered and stared at Magwayen who was petrified. This is where I will seal Libns memory. You must be wondering why Im telling you this, Goddess. This is proof that Sidapa isnt just some pitiful creature with no worth. Libn was the one who gave meaning to my existence and I dont mind sacrificing other peoples lives if thats the only way that I can keep him to myself, forever. With that said, Libns physical body disintegrated and was blown away by the wind. My soul separated from my body, leaving nothing but an empty shell of a hideous creature. But this creature once fell in love and that love would be his fuel to keep surviving through the odds of time. Until we found the bodies that would let us meet and be together again in the near future, I would make sure to protect what was mine. Magwayen silently watched as my soul attached itself in the trees core. The once pure white core became pitch ck when my tainted soulbined with it. The skies went dark and the ground shook. Next was the roaring of the thunder and angry shes of light from the lightning. The Gods and Goddesses felt the enormous power that was spreading all over the ce. But, it was always a strict rule for them to never meddle with their mortal affiliations no matter what. And this was the reason why I chose to do this in this very ce-the Mount of Madja-as. This would serve as our graveyard and the ce where I would hide the sealed memory of Libn. He would never remember this ce, ever. Momentster, everything that surrounded Mount Madja-as had died. The core that had be a crystal ball of darkness imnted itself to where the tree used to stand, bringing along my Libns precious memories. All Magwayen did was close her skab as she took a deep breath. She traveled her eyes and saw nothing but a deadnd. The mountain that used to be a home for varieties of nts, animals, and humans was now a barrennd that could be mistaken as hell that rose from the underground. She was horrified but it already happened. And when she turned her gaze at me, her jaw dropped. My body had fused with my tree and brought it back to life. She could hardly recognize me but she felt my presence from within. My unusual transformation wasnt the one that made her shiver down to the very bone. It was the undeniable truth that the core of my soul had split into two and created opposite versions of me: The one that had moved on and would get reincarnated along with Libn became the symbol of life. The other one that stayed beside the tree to guard its new core became a ck entity that became the epitome of death and this entity got most of my powers, making it a threat to anyone who came in contact with it. What have you done? she muttered in mixed horror and sympathy, before leaving the ce. The wind harshly blew away some dust in the area where the three of us had just been a while ago, a clear and cold reminder that the once lush forest no longer showed signs of life.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org. Well be together in no time, my Libn. I held on to these feelings throughout theing years until the day that I would be reunited with Libn once again. It became the very fuel of my soul. [to be continued] 「26」FINAL ARC: The Observer On The Sides (Part 1) ROARK THEst thing I remembered was giving a random reading for a guys money and love luck. It was just another ordinary day for me. Then I was transported to Mount Madja-as, where I discovered the ne that I had given to Leon. Leon was one of my customers, or rather, a rare one. Id spent my entire life pretending to be a clich fortune teller who duped people by giving them false readings. When I made contact with Leon, my true ability was reawakened. He was the only human I met whocked a soul. He was nothing more than a shell. But meeting him in that alley wasnt a coincidence. I was destined to find him and he was destined to know me. Right before I saw Leon in person, the ne that I found on Mount Madja-as gave me a premonition of the beginning and the end of someone. It was unclear to me who was being introduced to me in that vision I saw. It scared the hell out of me. It was far way more terrifying than all of those things I saw from when I was still a kid. At the same time, I was able to feel the emotions of that someone. They were overwhelming, heavy, and deep-seated. Whoever it was, even death couldnt put its soul in peace. And it was already dead for a very long time! ? ? WHAT are you doing here? Leon asked me in disbelief when I popped out of nowhere. A wave of unfamiliar energy brought me all the way here-at the very mountain where I found the ne that changed my life forever! I would like to ask you the same thing, Le-Who are you? I abruptly halted, and asked in horror when I realized that the man before me was not the same Leon that I met a few weeks ago. He sounded like Leon and looked exactly like him, but his presence was very alien to me. He didnt answer me back. Instead, he looked dazed and confused at the same time. I averted my attention to my surroundings. Even though my eyes couldnt see anything, I was very aware that I was taken back to Mount Madja-as without doubt. To outsiders, Mount Madja-as was nothing but a peacefulnd surrounded by a huge forest. To locals, it was cursed and a tragedy happened in this very ce thousands of years ago. They wouldnt tell me the exact details, but ording to some elders that I was able to talk with, a lot of lives perished when the tragedy happened, wiping almost everything out. And me being dragged down here once again would only mean one thing-it definitely had something to do with that tragedy! [This is odd. Apart from Leon, I can see three people present here, but why do they look like this? Two of them are almost the same as Leon. They have souls, but too weak for me to sense them in one nce. And the other one Hes human, but why is he shaped like that ck entity that followed Leon around?] I deeply thought to myself, disturbed by the eerie presence of the people that were with me right now, including Leon himself. It was you, wasnt it? You were the one who transported me-No. You transported everyone here, didnt you? I said to the man that was standing next to an old tree. He was half beaten to death, but he didnt seem like he was hurting at all. And then I realized something. Why can I see all of you now all of a sudden? I asked, shocked. And who the hell are you? One of them asked. When I looked at his direction, I felt this massive aura around him. It was so powerful. I could tell that he was no human. I should be the one asking everyone, you know? I retorted. Just who are you guys? I inquired once again. Everything was happening so fast, it was actually freaking me out. I am sorry for dragging you in this situation, Roark, I heard Leon say. It was him, but it was not him that talked to me. It was as if it was someone from the vision that I saw. I got back my memories, and I just found out who I really was, he revealed. Then he faced the man that was still standing next to the old tree. You dont have to involve him in this mess, Sidapa. This is not about them. Is that what you really think, Libn? the man Leon called Sidapa said in a rather upset voice. [Sidapa? Libn? Those were the names of the ancients Gods that the elders told me about!] I eximed in my mind. If these two were really the infamous Gods thatmitted a serious crime a long time ago, was I seeing their real forms or did they reincarnate? I beg you, Sidapa, please stop this fight. Also you, Likabutan, this is no time to pick a fight with Sidapa just because you were upset, the woman intervened. She looked so exhausted. Heh! I cant stand still and do nothing here when the opportunity is already at my feet. I must make that selfish God pay for putting Libns life at risk! The man called Likabutan defended. [Likabutan? Now who exactly is Likabutan, another God?] I thought to myself. The shock of seeing everything around me still didnt sink in, but each and everyone kept talking about things that I knew nothing of. It was starting to piss me off. I ended up being the outsider in this messed up situation. Likabutan? Leon eximed with a confused look on his face. What are you saying, Alynna? he asked the woman. The one he addressed as Alynna answered him. Leon, do you fully remember your past life as Libn, the Moon Deity who fell in love with the God of Death, Sidapa? she confirmed. Leon was at a loss of words so she continued rifying things. I am your sister. The mortals know me as Lisuga, the Goddess of the Stars. And Derrick is our eldest brother, the God of the Earth. You fell in love with Sidapa and the both of youmitted a serious crime that was punishable by death. You died trying to fight Kaptan, the God who ruled us all. Likabutan and I also died when we tried to fight for you too. These bodies are our incarnations. You and Sidapa were supposed to be sent to the underworld and wander the void of eternal nothingness, but Sidapa performed a forbidden act and reincarnated the both of you multiple times, she exined. Leon felt as if his entire life had been a game. He couldnt think of anything to say and couldnt decide what to feel. He just felt the need tosh out at everyone he trusted the most because they all betrayed him in some way. I remember that Sidapa and I shared vows of love to each other, Leon stated while looking dumbfounded. But he paused and went pale. I dont remember a single thing about such incidents. He looked at the man named Sidapa who went silent for a while now. Despair was imprinted on Leons face. Did you erase those memories of mine on purpose, Sidapa? he asked in horror. Leon hoped the man would deny it, but he rather waited for reality to dawn at Leon.From N?velDrama.Org. Libn Lisuga tried to butt in, but Leon spoke again. 「27」FINAL ARC: The Observer On The Sides (Part 2) ROARK WHY did you do it, Sidapa?! Leon asked his lover, sounding betrayed and hurt. Did I oppose the judgement that was passed on us? If we were supposed to die right here before, why did you change our fates?! Sidapa let out a sigh before answering, There is no point exining myself, is there? he said sarcastically. Then, a cloud of ck smoke started to disperse around him, giving all of us chills down to our very spines. You were not supposed to retrieve your memories. If this psychic here, he threw a quick re at me before talking back to Leon, didnt find the ne, none of these would have happened. We could have spent our lives happily. Leon, Lisuga, and Likabutan took small steps back. Sidapa was brewing with danger. He was serious about taking us on. Even I could feel his menacing power. He was no doubt the God of Death that people feared nowadays! [Seriously, am I going to get caught up in this mess? What am I now, some kind of eye witness?!] I panicked inside my head. My feet told me to run and hide from these people, but my body waspletely frozen. My guts were telling me that there was more to this trivial lovers quarrel. Whatever that was, I felt the urge to stay until the end. Likabutan smirked in mixed emotions before slowly releasing his divine powers and did a fighting mode stance. You disappoint me, God of Death! I didnt mind dying for my brother back then, but I am utterly disturbed by the fact that you are this selfish. You saw what Libn went through for your sake and you dare want to do exactly the same thing to him now? You will never understand I heard Sidapa murmur to himself. The smoke around him grewrger and darker. The clouds above us turned gray and the skies rumbled. An all out war was brewing. And I felt a malicious killing intent from the man. You two, please dont fight! Lisuga pleaded, but she was ignored. When I turned my gaze at Leon, he was stunned and just stared nkly at nowhere. He was lost in his own world. Leon! Snap out of it! I screamed at him, to call his attention, but it didnt even make him look my way. [This wont do! I must pull him back to reality by force, if necessary!] I thought and ran towards Leons direction. [This is the very time that I am finally seeing the world I was born in, but why do I have to experience something this intense right away?! Id rather be blind again!]Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. I forgot the danger in front of me the moment I moved my legs. Sidapa and Likabutan shed with each other. The impact of their unearthly strengths destroyed nearby nts and trees, sending them flying away in all directions. That made me instinctively crouch and cower in fear. I wouldnt be able to tell what kind of debris might fall or hit me. Both Gods were immersed in their anger and no longer cared what might happen around them. If anyone was to see all of us gathered here, they would definitely meet their end without ever knowing what was the reason behind this phenomenon. On the other side, Lisuga kept persuading the two hot-headed Gods to halt, but nothing would stop them. It was a now or never gamble for the both of them. She was a Goddess but her own strength was no match to the raging urges of Sidapa and Likabutan to kill each other. Likabutan found an opportunity to attack Sidapa in close range. He gave a good punch on Sidapas abdomen, pushing his opponent a few steps back. Sidapas back hit a huge rock, causing him to cough out some blood. Likabutan seemed fulfilled when his opponent showed signs of losing the battle. He didnt stop there. Unsatisfied, Likabutan attacked Sidapa once more by releasing a strong punch directly to the mans face. It happened so fast, I couldnt even tell if Sidapa was able to dodge it. All I saw was the heavy smokes that gushed out everywhere when Likabutans fist hit its target. When I looked at Leon, he was hugged by Lisuga. He still didnt show any rtive reaction after seeing his brother and lovers intensebat. Leon! I think only you can stop Sidapa! Dont let him go berserk! Dont make him repeat the same grave mistake! I yelled at the petrified Leon. I was utterly shocked at myself after saying those words. Why the hell did I know that Sidapa would go berserk? And what grave mistake? It felt like I knew what mistake it was but I just couldnt find the right words to say. As this mess was progressing, sorts of things started flooding my mind. They were in a hurdle, I couldnt make out what I was seeing. Then, I suddenly felt a sharp pain on both sides of my temples, bringing me to my knees. [Whats this?! My head feels like its gonna burst open!] I screamed inside my head. shes of memories that belonged to someone else forcefully invaded my thoughts. (ept me,) said a voice. ? ? WHAT? Where exactly am I? Before I knew it, I was already lost in a different dimension. I was neither dead nor alive. I couldnt tell if I was still with everyone on the mountain. Did time really stop? I looked around. It looked like I was floating in space. It was a little bit warped, but my body felt totally normal. This was the first time I experienced something like this that was actually frightening. I had no idea if I could escape this ce. (What are you waiting for? ept me already. Stop running in circles, damn it.) Again, that voice! Who are you? I asked him. The voice sounded like a man. I heard him click his tongue before answering me. (You, damned mortals! Why are you so hard to persuade?! Do you have any idea how long I waited for you to remember who I really was?!) he said with such disappointment in his tone. (Just stop overthinking and ept me already!) he demanded. ept? I raised an eyebrow. I dont understand a single thing you are babbling, I said back. (Shut it!) he eximed, which made me flinch. (You should be delighted that you were chosen by me!) he even bragged. Look, I dont have time to deal with your nonsense right now. Leon needs my help, I told him. (Then the more reason you should acknowledge me, mortal,) he insisted. Such a pushover! Like I told you-! He cut me off by saying something so intriguing. (Dont you think your meeting with Leon was not a mere coincidence?) What do you mean? I asked,pletely oblivious that I was still stuck in a dimension where I had no control. (If I told you that the two of you were destined to meet, will you believe me?) he asked in a puzzling way. Can you even prove it? I challenged him. His high and mighty attitude started to tick me off. The voice then slowly took form right in front of me, shocking the hell out of me. Within seconds, he became a man with a tall and slightly built stance. His style of clothing looked like he was from the early era of our country. Around him were three golf-sized fireballs dancing in midair. 「28」FINAL ARC: The Observer On The Sides (Part 3) ROARK RING a bell? The man smirked at me with full confidence. I stared at him for seconds and tried my hardest not to ruin his mood, but nothing woulde to mind. Are you a psychic like- Ah, damn! Im Agui! he growled angrily and threw childish tantrums, making the fire on the fireballs hotter andrger. How can you not tell?! I thought you were way better than Leon, who couldnt even remember the tiniest bit about his past life, but youre far more worse! he grumbled. How would I even know?! I snapped at him. But youre a psychic, right?! he retorted. Thats not how my psychic ability works, jerk! I retaliated. Jerk?! His eyes widened, and he was suddenly covered in fire but he didnt look like he was hurting. You dare call a God like me a jerk?! God?! I eximed, baffled. Dont tell me You are that kind of God? I just told you my name! he yelled. I am Agui, the God of Fire! What?! I gaped in disbelief. Thats impossible! What do you want from me? Nothing in particr. I just need you to ept my existence, he said. ept? In what way? I asked, confused and still dumbfounded. Agui clicked his tongue. I am you. what? You heard me. I hate repeating myself, he said. Thats absurd. I refused to believe him. I just couldnt. You being here and talking to me is proof enough. Normal mortals cant do this. When Gods reincarnate as humans and retain their past memories, they usually take over the body of that human, making it entirely their own. Yours is a different story. You have the power tomunicate to me in this state and still have control over your body and the life that you have lived until now, Agui exined. Then that means that you have been inside me ever since I was born? I asked in a low voice before clenching my fists. Yes, he simply replied. You remained dormant for years. Why appear now? I half whispered to myself and lowered my head, feeling a little disappointed at the man in front of me who casually appeared out of nowhere and suddenly told he was some kind of God. The disturbance that Sidapa is causing right now will likely kill all of you if you dont do something, mortal, Agui stated. You knew? I asked in awe, and looked up again. Of course. I witnessed everything. I just cantmunicate and warn you because you chose to disclose me years ago, he confirmed. I dont remember doing such a thing, I denied. I was not lying. I barely remembered any supernatural encounters during my childhood. When people drove me out because of my ability, I tried to ignore some of the frightful events that happened to me while I thrived to survive on my own. Living was hell to me. There was no way I would be able to remember everything vividly! When you became aware of your ability Agui started, you were supposed to awaken as me, but you denied my existence and chose to pretend that we never encountered each other before, he revealed. My hands trembled in fear as I asked him. When exactly did it happen? Agui gave me a dumbfounded look before scoffing in disbelief. Just how much of me did you try to get rid of? Did you hate me that much? I felt chills running down my spine. This man was stating the truth! In an instant, I could feel his heavy presence. He gave off a supernatural energy around him, but it was a lot different from those spiritual energies that I have dealt with. He was brimming with immense power! Agui, was it? I reaffirmed, and he became less hostile towards me. You said it, he agreed, and turned his back to me. So what now? Feel like epting me? I am aching to punch that bastard Sidapa for suspecting me of selling out Libn to Kaptan before, he said. Is that the reason why you wanted me to acknowledge you? I raised an eyebrow at him. I didnt know there were childish Gods like him. And what was even jaw dropping was that he cussed a lot. Agui faced me and defended himself. What?! No! You still have no choice, anyway! Dont get ahead of yourself, mortal! he eximed while iling his arms like a kid. Now, say it and lets get this over with! I hate dramatic fights! he demanded, and pointed a finger at me. I dont even know what to do! You appeared and dragged me here, so you do it! I yelled at him. Ah, damn! he cussed again and stomped his right foot. Look, mortal- Its Roark, I corrected him. Agui clicked his tongue. Whatever. Look time in this dimension is different from the physical world. The more we stay here, the lower the chances of stopping that humongous God from repeating his mistake from that time. We must also save Libn. Are you saying that Sidapa doesnt care if Libn gets caught up in this mess? I asked. Agui didnt respond right away and just gave me a look of disbelief. You his facial expression became annoyed. Do you even know Sidapas true form and power? Honestly, no, I admitted. I didnt get that fascinated by Gods from ancient times. I knew some people still believed that they existed, but there was little information about them. I didnt even know that Sidapa and Libn had a forbidden affair until this day came. Agui sighed in dismay before talking. Sidapas real form is the very epitome of death. He stands 12 foot tall with a nightmarish appearance. For thousands of years, he lived on this mountain alone. His task was to judge a passing soul before sending them in the afterlife, Agui revealed. I dont know the whole story about his love affair with Libn, but they were both punished for falling in love. Rtionships between the same gender was forbidden for Gods. They were bound to be sent to Magwayens Realm and let their souls wander the eternal void of nothingness. There, they were supposed to atone for their sins forever without having the chance to see each other again. In short, they were not allowed to reincarnate. And Sidapa did the impossible. To fulfill his desire to be with Libn, he sealed away his lovers memories to prevent him from hurting. Those two already reincarnated multiple times. Sidapa remembered everything up to this day and would stop at nothing to keep meeting his lover no matter what age and generation. Thats I couldnt say anything. Why did they have to suffer like this? So Sidapa only wanted to be with his beloved Libn, but ended up being the bad guy? Only Libn can end their suffering, Agui said. If we dont do it now, things could get ugly. Sidapa might subconsciously kill innocent lives just to get his lover back into his arms. I saw how Leon suffered from his dreams. I saw images inside his head that probably had something to do with all the unusual events that happened to him. And I vividly had a close look at the ck entity that had followed him around. Was it Sidapas doing? If he loved Libn this much, why would he drain his life away? Help me stop them, Agui, I pleaded to the God of Fire, and he smirked at my brave decision. Now were talking, Agui eximed. Ah, but before anything else After that, he told me the consequences of finally epting him and the fate that awaits Sidapa and Libn. I listened silently without interrupting Agui. I got goosebumps as he kept going. It made me realize that being born to this world was both a blessing and a curse.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g [to be continued] 「29」FINAL ARC: Divine Collision (Part 1) LEON/LIBULANContent ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. I SNAPPED back to reality when I heard a loud explosion a few meters away from me. Beside me was my crying sister, Lisuga, who clearly tried to shelter me from whatever that was going on around us. When I lifted my head, I saw two figures endlessly attacking each other without a care in the world. The two of them were badly wounded, but none of them gave a damn, not even the people around them. When I found the strength to speak up, I shouted at the top of my lungs and called out to the man I called beloved. Sidapa, please stop this! But he didnt even budge or bat an eye on me. He was simply lost in his urge to finish everything with his own hands. [Why are you doing this, Sidapa? What are you trying to prove by dragging everyone else in our problem? Shouldnt you talk it out with me instead of acting this way?] I thought to myself while clenching my fists in anger. Get away from here, Lisuga, I told my sister who was trembling by my side. She quickly refused to agree with me. No, Libn! I cant leave you here. Both Likabutan and Sidapa have no n on stopping. They will annihte this ce! she insisted. But my resolution was stronger than hers. Go. Take Roark with you. He has nothing to do with all of this, I said as I slowly stood up. I barely had the strength on my knees because I knew my own powers had no match against the two raging Gods. Compared to them, my body was frail and I couldnt even use my spear even when I was still a God. Even this body that I got today was in no condition to fight. Even if you say that Lisuga said softly before she turned her gaze behind her. Something is going on with that Roark guy. Huh? I frowned and followed her gazes. Whats he doing there? I asked her. Roark was standing still a few hundred meters away from us. His head was looking down on the ground and he showed no signs of activity. He was physically present with us but his mind was wandering somewhere else. You cant fight Sidapa, Libn. You will only hurt yourself, Lisuga tried to discourage me, but it had no effect. I remembered clearly how stubborn Sidapa was. He refused to change his beliefs despite being disliked by everyone else around him. He was always feared by many and no one really understood just how much of a good person he was. It was only me. I was the only one that saw through him before. All of his weaknesses, good points, shy moments everything. They all belonged to me, alone. Myst memory of us was when we made love on that Balete tree. It was a magical moment. I could still remember the feeling of his warmth lingering in every corner of my body. I could sense that it was somewhere around here. We exchanged vows of love and I offered my all to him, and he did the same. But sometimes, I would remember a brief moment of being locked up in a dark ce. I subconsciously searched for Sidapa but there was no sign of him evering to my aid. I couldnt tell why I ended up there. Time seemed to stop. All I had was a deafening silence that slowly ate my sanity away. If it was really true that wemitted a crime punishable by death and were destined to die, why did Sidapa choose to cheat destiny? What made him betray his own belief? Please step aside, Lisuga, I told her, and she flinched when she saw me draw out my divine spear. A second ago, it wasnt there. Maybe she didnt expect me to draw it out at all because she didnt have the slightest intention of drawing out her own. But, Libn-! she halted when I gave her a pained expression. Lisuga clearly refused to fight. I couldnt understand her reason for insisting but this had to stop. Let me stop him, I said with a faint smile. She quickly knew that I was prepared for the worst, so Lisuga stepped back and didnt argue with me anymore. After ensuring that she was at a safe distance, I shouted at Likabutan. Likabutan, keep holding him down like that! Likabutan didnt look my way but I could tell that he heard me. He sped up his attacks against Sidapa, giving him no chance of escaping. I gathered up my powers and flew towards their direction. I was aiming my spear at Sidapa. I was born a warrior but I had never defeated a single God with my spear before, let alone used it for killing someone else. I was the only Moon Deity who disagreed to use violence in solving any problems. And because of that, I became aughing stock. But I didnt care. Instead, I averted my attention to other things and that was when I became fond of helping infertile women grant their wishes of having children. I even roamed the mortal world to find something new. I slowly became interested in living and the idea of having a limited life span. And because of the same reason, I became afraid of the idea of dying. I only understood the meaning of it after meeting Sidapa. He was the exact opposite of me. I brimmed with the passion of living, and he lived a life full of darkness and death. It was like we were meant to meet each other. Through our differences, we learned to appreciate every little moment that happened to us. He taught me how to face my fears. And I gave meaning to his life in return. We were supposed to spend our lives existing for each other, but we were born in the wrong ce. Finish him, Libn! Likabutan yelled as I approached the two of them. He gave way and let me pass through, allowing me to directly stab my spear at Sidapas left shoulder. Sidapas eyes widened, but he didnt try to dodge my obvious attack. I was reluctant to do this in the first ce but I had no choice. I beg you. Lets stop this already, I pleaded as a droplet of tears fell down from my right eye. His stunned expression reflected on my eyes, leaving me feeling guilty for what I did. To my surprise, he grabbed onto the spears silver handle before taking a deep breath. Sidapa? The next thing that happened was the sound of my spear splitting into two. With its handle still within my grip, Sidapa pushed me away, making me fall freely in slow motion. For the first time, our eyes met. His eyes had no life. He was looking at me like a dead shell. The end of my spear was still pierced to his shoulder. He took it out with ease and tossed it somewhere. My chest ached when I saw the blood gush out from his wounded shoulder. I did it. I just deliberately attacked and tried to kill my lover without second thoughts. Libn! I heard Lisuga shout from below. She knew I was falling, fast. [Why are you looking at me like that, my beloved? Are you seriously nning to kill me and everyone with your own hands? If so, why let me live up to this day?] I thought as my tears overflowed. 「30」FINAL ARC: Divine Collision (Part 2) LEON/LIBULAN LIBULAN! It was Likabutans voice. He dashed out and caught me just in time. The impact of my fall greatly affected Likabutans body. Argh! He groaned and growled in intense pain as he became my cushion. He coughed out some blood after receiving my harsh fall. Libn! Likabutan! I could see Lisuga running towards our direction with a panicked voice. When she arrived, she quickly bent over and checked our condition. [This is not making any sense at all. Why is Sidapa doing this?] I asked myself inside my mind. I looked up to him one more time and he just remained unmoved in midair, waiting for us to beat him up again.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org. Why wont you talk to me?! I shouted at Sidapa. As expected, his mouth remained shut. Talk to me, damn it! Was the Sheldon that this body of mine met six years ago was nothing but a fraud?! All those passionate nights that we shared together, were all of them lies?! Did you really love me?! Answer me! Dont make me look like a clueless fool here! Give me back my real memories, including the ones that happened on the day that we both died! I beg you I fell to my knees as I hugged myself while trembling uncontrobly. I couldnt get myself to ept that this was actually happening. Deep inside, I hoped that this was all just a dream-a very bad dream-and I would wake up from it and I would see Sheldon lying beside me wearing his usual gentle smile. I failed I heard Sidapa say in a half whisper, and I quickly lifted up my head. I could have prevented all of these from happening if I didnt decide to rely on anyone other than myself, he said in a puzzling way. You were already in my grip. After patiently waiting for another thousand years, I finally found you and had you in my hands. We were finally reunited, he then clenched his fists and he started to give off a hostile vibe. but hindrances keep appearing. I shouldve killed all of them when I had the chance. [What the hell is he talking about?!] I thought, confused. Then Lisuga suddenly burst into tears. Lisuga? I uttered and stared at her with a confused look on my face. I am deeply sorry! she apologized, and it raised some rm. When I remembered who I was, I subconsciously went searching for you and Likabutan, dear little brother, she started. But Sidapa sensed me and warned me not to interfere. In exchange, I made a promise never to tell you who we really were and we continued acting as your colleagues and close friends. Likabutan was thest to realize who he was because some of his memories got damaged when we fought for you back then. That exins why he was so enraged the moment he knew about everything. He couldnt forgive Sidapa for breaking the divine rules and reincarnating the both of you using a forbidden spell, she revealed. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. [Why would they go to such lengths?] Sidapas soul split into two after performing the forbidden spell, Libn, Lisuga continued. The ck version of him became the life source of his tree that had died after he used its core to perform his deed. It soon became the ck entity that had followed you around ever since you were born as (). His white version was reincarnated in Sheldons body, she exined. [Again. Lisuga just mentioned my real name but as soon as she mouthed it, I couldnt hear it. Why is that?] I thought, both horrified and shocked at the revtion that I was told. How the hell did she know my real name, in the first ce? All of them only knew me as Leon. And if she and Likabutan died right before Sidapa did the forbidden spell, how did she know all of these? Did Sidapa tell her? Aly-I mean, Lisuga, how did you know about my real name? I asked her, and she was surprised that she was able to know. Huh? Lisuga went nk after that and looked away from me. Im not really sure why, she said. [How long has it been since Ist heard someone call me by my given name? When mom died, it greatly affected me. My whole personality changed entirely. I started to act as someone whom I didnt recognize, too,] I deeply thought. I just remembered everything now. It was me who created Leon. It was for the sake of protecting my feelings from being deeply attached to anyone or anything in this world. When I lived as Leon, I promised myself that I only had myself until the day I died. That way, I wouldnt get sad whenever someone went in and out of my life. I only forgot about that promise when I met Sheldon. Luan. My whole body shivered when I heard Sidapa call my real name using his deep voice. Your mother couldnt bear a child so her husband left her. Despite that, she remained positive and didnt stop asking for a child. She asked for the Moon Deity to bless her with fertility. You, Libn, heard her prayers and granted her wish. Your soul had chosen her offspring to be your reincarnation after wandering for thousands of years, he revealed. In Portuguese, your name means moon. In Vietnamese, it means justice and in Gaelic, it means warrior. It was a very fitting name for you. How do you know all of these? I asked him while shedding tears of pain. Why am I the only one who seemed to be running in circles this whole time? Our souls are connected, Libn. That is the reason why I was able to find you after all these years, he answered. Why did you cheat destiny? We were supposed to die here, right?! I remember having a conversation with you about life and death. I used to fear the idea of death before but you were the one who taught me to hold on to what I believed no matter what. I held on until the end. If I epted our fate, why didnt you?! I yelled at him. Why? he uttered, and ck smoke started umting again around him. This time, they felt heavier. And Sidapas current human form slowly transformed into something straight out of a fantasy book. Before my very eyes, the body that once belonged to Sheldon grew twice his size. He already had tanned skin, but it became darker. His ck, wavy hair also grew out down to his waist. He growled and groaned like a wild animal as he started to grow tworge horns on the sides of his head. The smoke that smothered him unleashed a menacing warning to everyone around us. I held up my hand, as if trying to reach out to him as I shed more tears. Sidapa? You leave me no choice, Libn. If I cant have you even after everything that Ive done then be it. I have to kill you for myself if that is the only way that we can be together, forever. After that, my whole world stopped. [to be continued] 「31」FINAL ARC: Divine Collision (Part 3) SHELDON/SIDAPA I MADE a huge mistake. I had not intended for things to end in this manner. All I ever wanted was to see my beloved Libn again. But I messed everything up. All I wanted was for us to have another opportunity to be together. Our story was brief, and we didnt even get to savor the moments we did have. I was well aware of the consequences from the start, but I chose to disregard them. Inparison to Libn, I should have been able to ept our fate with ease, but the tables have turned. Death, which had always been a normal urrence for me, became my greatest fear and weakness. I was terrified of losing Libn forever. It drove me insane. But my desperation only exacerbated the situation. Time slowed down as Libn stood up and confronted me bravely. He was looking down, but I could see that he was enraged at me. This was not how I intended for him to feel. And I was certain he would be disappointed in me, which is why I sealed his memories away. Part of me was hurt because he seemed to ept our fate so easily. But it was I who taught him to stand his ground, whether it was right or wrong. That was one of the reasons why I decided to take the chance. But there was one more reason I couldnt tell Libn what Id done. And I had no intention of telling him because he would almost certainly refuse to fight me. Libn, finish him off! Likabutan said something. Despite being in a bad shape, he found the strength to pull himself together. Throughout this revtion, he acted with hatred and hostility toward me. Libn reluctantly activated his warrior mode. He drew another spear and pointed it at me, telling me tly that he was going to pierce me again. He looked at me with a troubled expression. He was on the verge of tears, but he kept a straight face. Sidapa! Dont do it! Are you serious about fighting Libn? Lisuga stepped in, her eyes welling up. Whatever your reason, I am willing to listen to you, so please-! Libn eximed, tears streaming down his feverish cheeks. He was still as beautiful as ever, regardless of form or era. Youre not going to beat me if you fight me in that pitiful form, Libn, I said coldly. Reim your true God form by unleashing your true powers. He hid his hurt feelings by acting tough. Does it bother you that I no longer resemble the Libn you once knew? he retorted. Well Before responding, I gave him a sarcastic smile. Werent Leon and Sheldon just full of lies? So whats the point of resembling them? It hit Libn. It ought to have. When he was lost, Sheldon was all he had. I knew who I really was the moment I was born as Sheldon. Even though I couldnt find Libn, I was itching to see him. And when we finally met as regr people and began a typical model-fan rtionship, my heart ached tovish him with affection. But having no recollection of anything and everything would shock him. So I resisted.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. I yed the ideal boyfriend he could have. Every time I made love to him, I made him feel wanted and loved. I kept my cool throughout, even though I wanted to keep him to myself at times. There were times when I considered locking him up, but that would only make him hate me and possibly trigger his memory. So I kept pretending to be someone who would always be there for him. That way, hed learn to rely on me. But when he told me his name was Leon, I should have realized it sooner. I failed to gain his trust right from the start. He was terrified of everyone the entire time, just like he was when he was a God. My desire to dominate him had negative consequences, and I was about to face the consequences of my actions. I had faith in you Libn muttered to himself before gripping the spears handle tighter. I was very fond of Sheldon. I adored you! He yelled at me, frowning and saddened that he no longer had an excuse to avoid this fight. Dont be shy. Kill me with that spear of yours and show me that you are a true warrior, I said. I pounced on him without waiting for his response. Libn obstructed my path with his spear. He almost copsed, but he kept going and tried to match my aggression. Sidapa! Libn yelled and shoved me away. He barely seeded, but he made me step back a few inches. Not bad, my Libn, I said with a smile before going on the offensive. All of my blows were blocked, albeit reluctantly, by Libn. His current state and resolve were frail. He was still trying not to hurt me any further. I could tell because he kept looking at the wound he had inflicted earlier on my left shoulder. He felt bad about it. [Libn, what are you thinking right now? Did your affection for Sheldon fade along with your hatred?] I was thinking while continuously attacking. I wasnt yet giving it my all, but Libn was struggling to keep up. Any more and hed be defeated without even putting up a fight. I couldnt possibly go all out. Whats the matter? Your attacks are ineffective. Let the God within you shine! I tried to provoke him, but it was pointless. He was far too softhearted. Shut up! he retorted, but his expression suggested otherwise. [Youve given me no choice,] I reasoned, and I escted my hostility to elicit his rage. You havent changed at all. Youre still far too frail! I insulted him, which distracted him for a moment and slowed his pace. Your indecision is the reason you cant make a decision for yourself, and you end up hurting everyone who loves you! I yelled, and he snapped and stiffenedpletely. Thats not true, he grumbled. Suddenly, the air around him spun around. It was his warrior vigor. It was bursting at the seams with power! [Thats it! Release your true power and listen to me!] I eximed excitedly in my head. My adrenaline was pumping and I could feel my blood boiling. What are you looking forward to?! Combat me! I grumbled. My smoke dispersed, covering the entire area around me. If you dont take me seriously, Libn, Ill kill everyone here! You-! Libn gritted his teeth until he decided to break the seal and take over the human body he was born with. We were all blinded by a bright light. The force of Libns divine transformation blew off some low-lying branches and destroyed the majority of the ground nts nearby. I wasnt expecting his presence to be so strong. He had never shown me this side of him before, so I was perplexed. If he went all out, he might actually kill me. Stop it right now, you two! From afar, Lisuga yelled. Regardless of how many tears she shed, her attempts were always ignored. She couldnt persuade a single person in this room to put their desires aside. I held my ground while waiting for Libns light to reach me. I could feel its immense power as soon as it touched my bare skin. It was enough to scratch my skin deeply. If I stayed any longer, I might end up with serious wounds all over my body. But it was time to stop staring. I dashed for his abdomen just as Libn was about to fully transform. A huge ball of fire was about to rush in my direction when I transformed my own right arm into a sword to pierce Libn with it. It was toote to flee, and before I knew it I was already engulfed by the raging madness of that fire. 「32」FINAL ARC: Divine Collision (Part 4) SHELDON/SIDAPA [WHAT is this? These fires are very familiar,] I thought as I stared at the mes that tried but failed to burn me alive. It didnt, however, leave me unscathed. Sidapa! eximed a familiar voice. The fortune teller appeared in front of me when I looked up to see who it was. Who is that pathetic fortune teller? No. Youre not the fortune teller, I told myself, and when I realized who he was, he grinned maniacally. Agui?! I eximed, perplexed. It was the fortune tellers body that appeared just now, but his voice and mannerisms were unmistakably simr to Aguis. Ill never forget his arrogant demeanor. He was a particrly vexing God. The fortune teller (Agui) jumped to his feet and boasted the moment he spoke to me. Behold my grand presence, you arrogant God of Death! he eximed, pointing at me. I dare you to a fight! Because I hadnt felt your presence before, I didnt think much of that guy. If only I had known, I would have killed you back then, I admitted. My face was smeared with malice. Agui then struck a confident pose. Well, thanks to this guys hesitancy, I wasnt able topletely take over his body. And, Sidapa, admit it. Are we not simr? His words made me frown. What exactly do you mean? Humans born with the ability to see things that others cannot are likely to be the ones who canmunicate with their own second conscience. Isnt that correct? And when I say second, Im referring to us. This enables them to lead two lives. When we reincarnate, the body we inhabit forgets who they are once we awaken. Our new bodies have simr abilities in my case and yours. My host was born blind, but he can see the true form of a supernatural being. Remember how he could see your dark side? Your human can see into peoples pasts, he revealed. At a certain age, his sixth sense was activated, and he was exposed to your flood of memories. Since then, youve been able to live with both Sheldon and Sidapa, he added. And here I thought you were aplete idiot, Agui, I retorted. But everything he said was true. Aguiughed at me. He was clearly pleased with himself for thinking he said something so cool back there. Please understand, Sidapa. Im here to tell you to put an end to this nonsense right now. His silly demeanor abruptly vanished. Im sorry to disappoint you, but I need to kill Libn, I said before turning away. For what?! Because you didnt take him all for yourself?! What nonsense! Agui yelled. You gave up everything to aplish what no God has ever done before! You defied Kaptan and the entire Heavens, betrayed everyone, and murdered thousands of innocent people, including those who adored you, all for the sake of saving your and Libns lives! Why would you waste all of your efforts?! Arent you a little self-centered? It was Libn, not you, who bore the brunt of the consequences of your actions! So stop acting as if youve lost when you havent even begun to fight! Sidapa, youre a moron! In rage, I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth. Youll never understand what Ive been through, you jerk Agui! I stood up for myself. You were constantly surrounded by people. I, on the other hand, have spent my entire life alone. I didnt have anyone. The only living thing that kept me sane was the tree. I never desired anything to be mine! Youll never know what its like to be me! After releasing my suppressed emotions, I panted. Do you really want this? Do you think Libn will ept it this time? he inquired. He sounded moreposed. What exactly do you mean? I inquired of him. Why are you acting as if you understand what Im going through? You were the one who sold us out, I retorted. It wasnt my fault, okay? He denied it. Everyone heard the rumors. Minokawa, the damned firebird, witnessed your deed and informed Kaptan. When Libn realized what was about to happen to you both, he surrendered himself and his divine powers to save your lives. Sidapa, he wanted you to live. But you went and wreaked havoc on the Heavens. You should have informed me sooner! I screamed at him. I tried! But you went on a rampage and became engulfed in your own insanity! Magwayen also told me everything that happened on this mountain. Did you truly believe that giving up your godhood was the right thing to do? I understand how much you loved Libn, but he epted your fates because he didnt want you to be a true monster, Agui exined. Please save him, Magwayen told me it was what Libn said to her before his soul died. But Magwayen obviously failed. Then I felt a sharp pain in my chest. My thoughts were invaded by my overflowing emotions. My head pulsated, and the vibration spread throughout my body. From the inside, it was driving me insane. Agui noticed the sudden change in my behavior and stepped back. (Kill Kill them all) What is going on with me?! As I coiled in agony, I thought. (Murder them all!)Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org. What was that voice I was hearing? It sounded like it came from beneath the ground. It was full of venom and hatred. At the same time, it screamed and begged to be let go. My eyes widened as I sensed a tremendous amount of energy emanating from the tree. I hadpletely forgotten about it! Agui, get everybody out of here! In a panicked tone, I said to him. What? he asked, perplexed. That thing will fuse with me! Go now! I insisted. What is it? Are you referring to your dark version, Sidapa? Cant you keep it under control? he inquired. This isnt the time for that! I exined, but Agui was a stubborn God. What exactly is going on here, you big oaf? he inquired impatiently. My dark version has 90% of my destructive power! It will go out of its way to kill anything and everything in its path! It was the unintended consequence of casting the forbidden spell! My white half cannot stand up to the darkness that my other half possesses. And its trying to resurface and take over my entire existence! I came clean. Agui bolted as soon as he learned about it. When Libn regained his God form, all I wanted to do was hug him again. Ive waited and endured another thousand years for this opportunity. I wanted Leon to see the real me every time he looked at me. But I never got him to truly fall in love with me again, despite the fact that I had been looking for him for a long time. My Libn, I failed. [to be continued] 「33」FINAL ARC: My Promise To You (Part 1) LEON/LIBULANUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g SIDAPA was about to stab me when a massive ball of fire crashed into him, trapping him inside and separating him from the rest of us. Only then did I realize Roark had vanished. What happened to Roark? In a panic, I inquired. He was only here a short time ago, Lisuga confirmed. She, too, began to be concerned. I could feel my entire God power flowing through me. Despite regaining my true form, I was not satisfied. I feltpelled to return just to end something else. Instead, it made me feel terrible on the inside. Libn, please stay here. Sidapa is dead set on killing you. Hespletely insane! Likabutan tried to persuade me. I knew he had good intentions and was only concerned about my safety. But would anything change if I continued to flee? I couldnt stand to do nothing and watch everyone die in front of me. Please forgive me, brother. I will face Sidapa and stop him no matter what, I dered emphatically. You and Lisuga must find a safe ce to hide. You cant fight any longer. But youre not a true fighter, Libn! Likabutan was adamant. Im aware of it. But Im not going to use it as an excuse to avoid this fight. I am the sole cause of Sidapas current state. I quickly abandoned us and left him to suffer alone. He has every right to be angry, I exined. Likabutan finally realized that arguing with me was pointless. So he took off and dragged Lisuga along with him, far enough away from here for their wounds to heal. After that, I went in search of Roark. He, too, needed to leave. He would not be able to survive a battle between two Gods. [What happened to him?] I thought to myself as I walked through areas where I hadst seen Roark. I couldnt figure out why Sidapa had dragged him here. They had never met before. I never told Sheldon about him or my visit to a fortune teller. My gaze went back to the raging fire that was still aze not far from where I was. It was extremely hot. Im curious if Sidapa was still inside. How could anyone stand the heat of that thing? Roark? Where have you gone, Roark? I inquired, but no one responded. My concern grew. Roark, respond! All I could hear was the crackling of the fires. It set fire to everything in its path. If I left it alone for too long, the entire forest would be burned to the ground! I attempted to breach the firewall in front of me with my spear. I was unsessful. My spear only melted when it came into contact with its surface. I moved closer to see if I could get inside, but there was no way in. It just kept growing bigger. I was about to leave when I heard two faint voices. It came from the inside of this fire wall! I stayed and waited a little longer. After a few minutes, a figure emerged from the ze. I thought he was on fire, but the person who arrived shocked the hell out of me. Roark?! I couldnt believe it. Leon! We have to get out of here right away! When he got out, he said in a panicked voice and shoved me away from the fire. My brow furrowed. What are you on about? How did you get inside that thing?! I asked, confused and baffled at the same time. Ill exin everythingter. We have to get away from here! he insisted. I became irritated and shoved him aside. What the hell is wrong with you these days? Where have you gone? Roark gulped and tried to rx. Do you know who Agui is? he inquired. I mean, do you remember Agui at all? He corrected himself. Agui? I said it again, and yet another set of memories shed before my eyes. I couldnt recall much about him, but Sidapa had mentioned him before. Was it Agui, the God of Fire? In a daze, I said. Roark gave a nod. Yes. Apparently, he and I exist in the same body, he revealed abruptly, leaving me with a gaping mouth. Am I still dreaming? I inquired out of curiosity. No! Roark was adamant. Its veryplicated, but my psychic ability allowed me tomunicate with my other side-Agui-while still remembering who I am, he exined. Its funny, Sheldon was the same as me. But right now, Sidapas dark side is attempting to takeplete control of his body and mind. Hell annihte Sheldons entire existence and use his body to reawaken his full powers and kill us all. What? I was shocked and turned pale. Would Sidapa get rid of Sheldon? Which of him and Sheldon was with me the entire time if they were two different people in one body? Leon, hurry up! There is no more time. Roark yanked me by the arm and yanked me away from the fire. My gaze was suddenly drawn to the raging mes. Isnt Sidapa going to suffocate inside that thing? Wouldnt he feel abandoned and alone? What if all he wanted was for me to notice him? Sidapa I called out softly. At the back of my mind, I hoped to hear him respond to me. Roark came to a halt and looked at me, puzzled. Leon? He requires my assistance, Roark, I exined. However, Leon- When he saw the concern in my eyes, he couldnt say anything. Instead, he released my arm. Are you certain about this? He might no longer recognize you. Theres no telling how long Aguis fire will be able to keep him at bay, he wondered. I gave a reassuring nod. I couldnt even guarantee that Id make it out alive. But if I left Sidapa in that state, many people would perish. Who would stop him if I didnt? Believe in me, Roark. Ill entrust Likabutan and Lisuga to your care, I said, and Roark couldnt help but agree. Agui has no chance against Sidapa. He admitted it to me when we stepped out of that fire, Roark said. He cares about you, Le-Libn. He simply went too far. Your presence had a significant impact on his life, which is why he turned into a monster. Please save him, he begged. You are the only one he requires. I know, I admitted softly. I appreciate everything youve done. Having said that, I made my way inside the fire. ? ? AS SOON as I stepped inside, I went in search of Sidapa. When I saw his current situation, I was terrified. He was on his knees, writhing in pain. He shrank to human size, but remained in his half-human, half-God form. Half of his face was already crumbling and oozing a ck slimy liquid. He was clearly in pain, but he tried to keep himself from going insane. Sidapa? As I walked slowly towards him, I called out to him in hushed tones. This is me, Libn. I have fully recovered my true form, I informed him. 「34」FINAL ARC: My Promise To You (Part 2) LEON/LIBULAN PLEASE dont get any closer! He growled and fixed his gaze on me. But I insisted on walking forward rather than back. Its fine. This time, Im not going to leave you behind, I assured him. I told you not to get any closer! he growled again. His lower body began to wither and shrivel. Whatever was causing it had to be rted to his overwhelming power. From where I was, I could feel its heaviness. It was sucking my life away. You dont have to bear it all to yourself. If you want tosh out, you can do so with me, I told him. Sidapa began panting and shaking his head violently. No, he refused, but he was clearly holding back. I told Agui to get you out of here! He did, but I chose to stay, I said, a faint smile formed on my face. Its all right, Sidapa. Im sorry for abandoning you. I shouldve fought alongside you until the bitter end. Im truly sorry. No! he denied. Get the hell out! I came to aplete stop in front of him and was about to touch his face when he snapped. Dont touch me! Sidapa- You will rot away if you touch me, he said. Your human body will perish, he continued. He wasnt trying to scare me away. The hand I had tried to ce on his left cheek earlier gradually turned ck. Sidapas true power was the ability to take the life of any living thing he came into contact with. It was such a terrifying power indeed. [Is this Sidapas own doing or did he lose control?] I pondered. Then, one by one, my memories from when we were sentenced to death returned to me. I burst into tears when I saw how Sidapa sacrificed himself to save me from Kaptan. I also saw Lisuga and Likabutans deaths trying to save me. And I finally remembered myst moments with Sidapa before he made the life-altering decision to switch our fates. (There are some things in this world we cant change, my beloved. Maybe our time wasnt now. Maybe its in the near future.) Im truly sorry. That was all I had to say. It was my fault. I was the one who raised his expectations and pushed him to do the unthinkable. There was clearly no future for us, but I urged him to reconsider. He was blinded by the foolish belief I instilled in him, and it became Sidapas sole reason for surviving this long. Its not your fault. I was frail. I couldnt ept your death, so I convinced myself that there was still hope, Sidapa exined. I dont deserve your purity. In the end, I just proved who I was-a monster from within. Hearing him say those words pricked my heart. I had no intention of things ending this way. All I wanted to do was see you and love you again, Libn. Sidapa. My tears began to fall. I put both of my hands on his cheeks while he was distracted. Sidapa tried to pull away from me, but I wouldnt let him. Libn, raise your hands! He squirmed in fear. The more he moved, the worse the crumbling on his face became. Its okay, I reassured him, softly smiling. I continued to cry while bumping our brows. Ive been missing you, my beloved. Stop Sidapa pleaded, breaking down in silent tears. Your hand My hands quickly went through a rotting stage. It was slow and painful, but nothingpared to the agony I felt when I decided to abandon him before. Please, beloved, stay still, I begged. He was still struggling to get me to let go of him. Use your spear to kill me, Libn. I can no longermand my dark version. It is the result of my actions. This hideous monster will ughter everything in its path, he dered. Is it impossible to save your white version? Even if your memories fade, I am willing to stay by your side and remind you how much you mean to me. Please? I said. My soul, which had split in two, had already fused. Libn, there is no saving me. The only way to end this turmoil is for me to die, he admitted. Id rather die in your arms this time. No! I eximed, hugging him. When our bodies came into contact, blood sttered. The pain intensified. It was agonizing. I cant murder you! I declined. I overheard him sniffling. Please he pleaded weakly. However, my beloved When I started having trouble breathing, I gasped for air. He begged, Kill me before I hurt you. This is just so unfair, I said, hugging him tighter. How did we get to this point? Why do we have to suffer like this? They just cant ept that we chose to pursue our love despite knowing that it was illegal in most peoples eyes. To them, people like us increase the likelihood of Gods rebelling. I did not disappoint Kaptan. He can take my ce at any time. He was horrified that other Gods might begin to question his power, and he feared that they would attempt to overthrow his reign. He despised your guts as well. He made fun of you because you appeared weak to him, which is why he used you to defeat me, he exined. Thats ridiculous, I said. Gods are not perfect beings, said Sidapa. Ive never thought of myself as perfect. I even thought I was cursed because I possessed this power. I never asked for it, but I had to live my life with it and bear the consequences he added, his face hurt. I couldnt agree with him more. He and I were identical. We both questioned our abilities and existence because we felt we didnt perform well in our roles. This brought us together, and our differences aided our inquiries. Im prepared for the worst, beloved, I said, hugging him even tighter. My body was gradually breaking down. My soul would lose its vessel if this body died. And without Sidapas power, it may vanish for good. Sidapa gently cradled me in his arms. He sniffed me and breathed on my skin. Libn, I adore you. I looked up at him and looked him in the eyes before saying, I love you, Sidapa. You finally looked at me, Sidapa said relievedly. He appeared to be a young child with that expression of his.. I can feel it, Libn. The demon inside me is looking for blood, he said abruptly, rming me. Are you still in pain? I inquired. Yes, he admitted quickly. I dont want you to die because of this thing. I understand, I said, cuddling closer to him.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g What are you up to? he inquired. Sidapa tried to push me away from him, but he no longer had the strength. Get off me, Libn! No, I said tly. Kill me now while you still have the opportunity! he urged. 「35」FINAL ARC: My Promise To You (Part 3) LEON/LIBULAN I WILL. Sidapa was taken aback by my quick response. I was very disappointed when you told me that what Leon and Sheldon had were all lies, I began. My spear reappeared, and I let it float up. Because, as far as I know, I loved you both, whether it was you or Sheldon. You may be two different people, but I spent so much of my life as Leon. I treasured everyone who had been a part of my life. I value each and every one of you. In terms of my real name, Im not sure why I didnt tell you I was Luan. But I did hear someones voice whisper in my ear for a brief moment. This is not the time, the voice said. I apologize for keeping you waiting for so long, my beloved, I said. Im also sorry for not listening to you at the time, he added. Its all right. I now understand why you did it. Sidapa, you kept your promise to me that night, I said. (I love you, too more than my own life, Libn. Id do anything for you.) You really exceeded my expectations, I chuckled, trying to hide the ache in my chest. And Id be willing to do it over and over again if it meant I could see you, he said and it astounded me.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org. Sidapa I cried myst tears before kissing him passionately. We savored the timeless moment we had left as he responded with love. This time, Im not going to leave you behind. This is my promise to you Sidapa. After that, I made the spear pierce Sidapas chest, exactly where Kaptan had struck him before. Sidapas eyes widened, not because he was in pain, but because I had also been struck by my own weapon. Libn?! He couldnt believe what he saw. He tried to push me away, but I had already focused all of my divine powers on the spear. Why? he eximed. Before responding, I gave him a sweet, gentle smile. I cant live in a world without you, as expected. But youre going to die, he insisted. Its fine, my beloved, I said as I coughed up some blood. I still believe that the two of us have a ce where we truly belong. We are the only ones who exist. There is no such thing as night and day. Well have time on our side. Nobody is going to interrupt us. Ill be there for you, and youll be there for me. Doesnt it sound lovely? After that, I let out a soft chuckle. Youre correct, he said. And he, too, chuckled slightly. If thats what you believe in, Libn, Ill believe in it as well. He then seized my lips once more. My spear dispersed gradually. It ripped a huge hole in our hearts. The pain was excruciating, but our burning love for each other overcame it. Sidapa and I spent our final moments making love to each other while being burned alive in Aguis mes for the first time in a thousand years. The fire took hours to extinguish. Mount Madja-as was relegated to the annals of time. Lisuga, Likabutan, and Roark all survived. All that remained of Sidapa and me on the spot where we werest seen were our ashes. Lisuga cried out for us. Likabutan decided to forgive Sidapa and wished us all the best. Roark, who could now see both the beautiful and ugly sides of the world, took advantage of his newfound ability and traveled from one location to another. The three continued on with their normal lives. When Director Kim announced my untimely death, moviegoers were devastated. Alynna (Lisuga) and Derrick (Likabutan) made up a story about it so that no one would discover our true identities. And, like fire, the rumors died out quickly. Leon and Sheldons identities remained unknown until the very end. ? ? [WHERE is this ce? Is this the afterlife? No, it isnt. But its very quiet here. The atmosphere is weing and soothing.] [Huh? What was it? Is there anyone out there? Thats strange. I believe I heard something. Was it all in my head?] [Im starting to wonder if Im already dead. I cant see my own body, but Im awake. Its very strange. Is there nobody else around?] (Libn.) [Is anyone there?! Huh? What the? Who was it just now? What made me turn my head? Libn? Is that my name?] (Libn.) [That voice, again! Its definitely referring to me!] Is anyone there? When I suddenly took physical form, I gasped. I appeared to be transparent, but I had a body. What is going on with me? As I looked around, I wondered. For some reason, I began to feel scared. What is happening here? This is a ce where only Libn and I exist. When a man with a deep voice spoke behind my back, I felt my heart leap out of my chest. Wait, who are you? While stuttering, I inquired. The manughed at my outburst. Youre adorable, Libn, he says. The man appeared to berge and had tanned skin. Despite his menacing demeanor, he appeared gentle. And, like me, he was open and honest. [Why is he speaking to me in such a familiar tone? Befuddled,] I thought to myself. Do I know you? I inquired, hesitantly. Yes, he said with a smile. I focused my attention on him. His face looked familiar to me. I just couldnt remember if Id seen him before. He also looked good. Could it be that we were rted in some way? You look familiar to me, I said, and he simply nodded. Are you the Grim Reaper? Technically, I am, he concluded, and it astounded me. Seriously?! I eximed, and the manughed once more. [Hes clearly a happy person,] I thought. I became nervous around him all of a sudden. You referred to me as Libn earlier. Is that my name? I inquired innocently. When I regained consciousness in this ce with no beginning or end, my head was foggy. Yes, he replied simply, and he waited for me to ask another question. I took another look around. It was very quiet in here, but it felt good. Everything in here was amorphous. I had no idea what time it was or whether it was day or night. But the guy in front of me didnt seem bothered by it. [What is this warm sensation inside my chest? Its as if Ive forgotten something crucial.] Wait a second When I finally realized what was going on, I let out a loud gasp. Sidapa? My tears fell like rain in an instant. I wasted no time in jumping into Sidapas arms. He dly caught me in return. It really is you! Finally, I remembered! It was my wish that we would meet again somewhere where only he and I existed. Libn. My beloved, Libn, he eximed passionately, hugging me even tighter. I apologized for beingte, I said. I snatched some of his curly, outgrown hair and drew him closer to my face so I could kiss him on the cheek. That hurt, Sidapained, but heughed afterward. Im back, my beloved Sidapa, I announced. Wee home, my Libn, he said, kissing my forehead lovingly. Our transparent bodies dispersed together with the gentle breeze of the solemn winds. As this happened, Sidapasst words faded along with the wind. (Now and forever, I am all yours. I will always love you, and will only yearn for you. We may forget each other, but my heart will forever remember your name. This is my eternal promise to you. Goodnight, my love.) THE END The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!