Rise 27
Assassins
"Arius, the God of Darkness. The god that is shrouded with mystery. The one who rose to trample the light."
-Journal of Pope Vernal, Founder of the Three Divine Church
Somewhere in the scorching hot desert of the West, the Legion of Black Fire were busy..
.....sewing.
"Boss wanted this new batch of cloths delivered tomorrow!" Lagi, the second in command slash acting manager of Leona's clothing business, announce to everyone. They are the production team of Dawn's.
"This new batch of this season's Limited Edition set is gorgeous as always." Komento nilang lahat
"As expected of Boss, she's so good at everything." Tim, the obese subordinate, commented.
"She showed up yesterday to inform us that she'll be leaving school." Lagi
"Is she coming back here?" Tim
"Nope, she said she made a new friend and she's planning to travel in all parts of the continent." Lagi
Agad nakahinga ng maluwag ang lahat.
Aminin man nila o hindi, lahat sila ay may psychological trauma sa kanilang boss. She's just so scary.
All of them are Mortal Realm Spiritists, their combined combat power can be considered the strongest in the entire continent, they can rival the AI army of the Mechanic Empire. But despite that, they're just like obedient puppies when it comes to their boss.
"I wonder what is boss doing now?" Tim
"It's the Day of the Solstice, she's probably having fun." Lagi
***
Yes, today is the day of the Solstice.
The palace and the streets are decorated for the festivity. A circus arrived to perform.
Earlier that morning, the king along with the crown prince graced the kingdom with their presence through the annual parade.
The celebration last all day, and after sunset, its tradition for the entire family to gather and dine together as a thank you for the good harvest this year.
And today, Leona is going to the circus with her friends just like old times.
She wore some commoner clothes and a robe to hide her face. She's like a celebrity these days so she must be careful.
"Woah!" Leona gasped in amazement. The nostalgia of seeing the never-changing festive spirit of everyone during this time of the year is truly something. The streets are littered with decorations, everyone is in high spirits.
Booths of all kinds can be seen everywhere, attracting the attention of most people.
"It's still the same from when we were kids." Leona commented
"And you're still the same too. Close your mouth, you might really swallow a fly." Damon deadpanned
Leona rolled her eyes and chose to ignore Damon.
"Wifey, should we try those chocolate coated strawberries? It looks good." Arius asked, he's excited because it's been hundreds of years since the last time he went to a festival as an ordinary person. Besides, his wife is with him so it's like a date (with several wheels tagging along).
"I suggest you buy a bag of popcorn and share it with Leona later as we watch the circus performance." Damon to Arius
Arius nodded, "You're really the expert."
"Lord Arius, you should stop listening to his advise. He's a known player." Asher
"I'am the cupid who helped them. And look, aren't they a couple now?" Damon
A cupid? You don't look like an angel at all!
Before anyone could respond to Damon, Arius suddenly stopped walking.
"Is there a problem?" Leona asked
"I have to leave for a second, Wifey." Arius
"Did something happened?" Leona
"Something annoying showed up in this continent." Arius
"Do you need help?" Leona
"Are you worried about me?" Arius
"No." Leona
It's true, Leona trust him. Although he seems so unreliable, Leona is aware just how powerful her man is.
Arius smiled, "I'll be back before dinner."
"Okay, I'll wait for you." Leona
Arius vanished with the shadows, and for some reason, Leona have a bad feeling. It's as if she might never see him again.
But that's impossible since it's Arius. He's the Supreme God. Nothing could threaten him in this world.
"May problema ba? Why did he left?" Asher asked
"There's something he needs to take care of." Leona
"Will brother-in-law be alright?" Levinus
"He will be." Leona
"Let's buy some popcorn then. The circus will begin soon." Damon
Everyone agreed to that.
They just bought some popcorns when a familiar figure showed up in the crowd and approached them.
"Lihana?" Levinus asked in surprise
"Brothers! I finally found you!" Lihana exclaimed
"Why are you here?" Lorenzo
"Can I join you? You always take big sis with you but leave Lily behind." Nakapout na saad ni Lihana
Leona have a feeling that this lass followed them when they left earlier.
"Is she not tired of being ignored?" Bulong ni Damon kay Asher
Levinus could only heave a sigh, as the oldest, he can't just leave their youngest sibling wander around on this crowded place alone.
Seeing her brother's conflicted face, Leona pat his shoulder, "It's alright, let her join us."
"I'm not talking to you big sis." Lihana
"I'm not talking to you either." Leona
Damon cough to hide his laugh.
"Hey, I heard Lihana summoned a rain shower while performing the Sun Dance earlier today." Damon
"Isn't that a bad omen?" Asher
"It's not Lily's fault that the weather is bad today." Lihana said in defense.
"So is it the gods who's at fault?" Damon
".... why are you bullying Lily?" Lihana
"That's just how he usually is." Luciano
"Big sis probably asked them to bully Lily." Lihana complained
Leona's eyebrows twitch. Hey, why is it my fault if Damon is a bully?
"Don't say that, your big sister Leona was always tolerant towards you." Levinus
"That's not true brother! She's just a manipulative person! Can't you see that she's just playing nice to have all of you at the palm of her hands?" Lihana
"You think Leona is pretending to be a nice person?" Levinus
"When was she ever nice to us?" Asher
Natawa si Damon, "LEONA and NICE are words that must never be use on the same sentence."
"Lihana, I don't know what your problem is, but if you don't like me, just say it directly to my face." Leona
"Big sis, why are you making Lily the bad person?" Lihana
"I'm not. And Lihana, just a piece of advise, please stop talking in a third person's point of view. You're not a child anymore." Leona
"See? You're bullying me!"
"I'm not bullying you. Why would I do that?" Leona
"Because you're jealous of me!" Lihana
"Wait, I know you have fantasies but please keep them to yourself." Leona
"Huh! Stop denying it! You've been envious of me all your life!" Lihana
"And what exactly am I envious of you?" Leona
"Everyone loves me. I'm a Quadra elemental spiritist! I'm a blessing to this world and I'm obviously cooler than you!" Lihana
"I can't believe that you're this delusional. But the last part sounds about right. Because if you're cooler than me, doesn't that mean I'm hotter than you?" Leona
"W-what?" Lihana
Agad siniko ni Damon si Asher, "Mabuti na lang bumili tayo ng popcorn. It's the best snack when watching some drama. This show is even better than the circus."
Asher chuckled in agreement. The two munch on the popcorns as if watching a movie in a cinema.
Leona's expertise is punching people. Although she doesn't enjoy arguing with unreasonable people, that doesn't mean she's a pushover either.
"Let's be honest here Lihana. Aren't you the one who's jealous of me?"
Lihana can't respond immediately. She clenched her fist and stomp her feet.
"You must be dreaming!" Lihana
"How long did it took you to come up with that response?" Leona
"What do you mean?" Lihana
"Do I really have to spell it out for you? I can't believe that you're even stupider than you look." Leona
"Are you insulting me?" Lihana
"No need for insults, your face is one all by itself." Leona retorted
Hindi alam ng tatlong bibe kung aawat ba sila o sasali sa gulo para tulungan si Leona.
Pinagtitinginan na din sila ng mga tao.
When Lihana realized this, she lowered her head to hide her face.
"Just you wait, I will make sure that everyone will know your true color. I will take back my brothers. And even Arius will leave you!" banta ni Lihana
"Wag mong pagnasahan ang sakin. Arius is mine." Leona
"He will be mine soon!" Lihana
"Sorry to disappoint, but that will never happen. Don't worry, someday you'll meet someone who will accept you for who you are. Didn't they say that opposite attracts? I hope someday you'll meet someone who is good-looking, intelligent and well-mannered." Leona said sincerely
"Are you saying I'm not good-looking, intelligent or well-mannered?" Lihana
"Wow, so she's not that stupid afterall!" komento ni Damon sa gilid
Leona only smiled to Lihana as her response.
"Hmp! Sasabihin ko kay Daddy ang ginawa mo!" Banta ni Lihana bago umalis
"What a brat." Komento ni Damon
Leona looked at Damon and Asher, "Did you enjoyed the show?"
"Are you saying we just stood on the side as we watch you getting harass?" Asher
"That's exactly what you two were doing." Saad ni Leona sabay turo sa bag ng popcorn sa kamay nina Damon at Asher na malapit nang maubos. These two devils enjoyed watching the drama.
"Ehem, now that the brat is gone, shall we go watch the circus performance now?" Damon
***
The dinner became a war.
The dinning table once again turned into a battle field.
Of course, Lexus took Leona's side this time, making Lihana walked out of the room and Stella angry.
But Leona remained unbothered.
"Brothers, why are you here?" Leona asked
"We'll be staying in your mansion for a while." Levinus
"Knowing the queen, she'll probably do some underhanded method to harm you." Luciano
"Wala kayong dapat ipag-alala, I'm strong." Leona
"We will be staying in the guests rooms." Lorenzo declared as he ignored Leona's words.
Leona's home is a MANSION. There's plenty of rooms to house a large number of guests.
And since the brothers are worried, she just let them do as they please.
She can also protect them if they're this close to her.
"I wonder where Arius went." Leona mumbled as she sat up in her bed. She can't fall asleep.
Arius promised that he will come back for dinner, but he didn't.
Leona went to her balcony in the middle of the night.
She stares at the stars in the night sky.
Their beauty is not enough to distract her. She's worried.
She subconsciously touched her shoulder where Arius marked her when she was a kid.
The mark would always make her feel safe and warm.
But right now, it feels cold to the touch.
Something must have happened to Arius.
Where did he went?
Who did he met?
Is he safe?
She's worried because something like this has never happened before.
Arius never broke a promise.
Not once.
But then, a silvery light flashed pass her eyes.
She summoned Amethyst, the spirit of metal, and a dagger materials at her hand.
Leona parried the dagger aiming for her throat.
"Assassins, huh?" Leona is amused after seeing several masked men.
The assassins moved fast and once again attacked her.
Leona skilfully dodged them.
Suddenly, a crow landed on the balcony railing, catching the attention of everyone.
Leona casually received the piece of paper attached on the crow's legs.
"Third is good at her job huh." She commented before she pulled out a piece of paper and a quill and wrote a reply.
The assassins were dumbfounded. You still have the time to chat with your pen pal in this kind of situation?
Leona attached her reply to the crow's legs and then let it fly away.
"........" the assassins
Leona looked back at them and then asked, "Sorry for the interruption, where were we? Oh, right, you were about to stab me."
"......." the assassins
Just then, the door towards the balcony flew open.
"Leona!" the three princes rushed here wearing their pajamas.
"Huh? Brothers?" Leona wasn't expecting to see them.
Levinus was going downstairs to get some water when he felt the presence of some intruders.
Lorenzo was polishing his sword when he felt the danger.
Luciano was reading a book by the window when he saw Leona being attacked at the balcony.
The trio rushed to save their little sister.
"Are they assassins?" Levinus
"We must apprehend them." Luciano
"No! Let's kill them!" Lorenzo
"Hey, calm down Brothers. We're all civilized people here. Violence is never the answer." Said Leona
Her three brothers who knew how violent she is, looked at her weirdly.
Leona smirked, "Violence is never the answer because violence is a question. And the answer is YES."
Then the sound of bones being crash follows.
~~~~~~~~~
Mini Chapter:
Arius: Wait, we just got together. Why am I missing all of a sudden?
AUTHOR: Walang forever.
Arius: ..........