The war ends with the death of the diablo princes,
defeat of the storms and the failure of the deadly sins.
Algaia's forces came out victorious.
Alistair finished off Hayven himself...
...ending the threat of reverting everything back to nothingness.
After surviving the collapse in the realm of zero,
Alistair was separated from Algaia.
She was lost for many years.
On the other hand..
The so-called death was defied by a certain life form.
Hayce awakens in the arms of his most loving brother, Hellios.
"Niisan..? Why are you..?" Hayce's voice was low and calm.
"Our mother ended her life by trading it with ours.
It was her power after all.
Breath of life and touch of death."
Hellios answers him.
"Our mother..?" Hayce slowly gets up.
"Oh that's right. I was dying.
A man came up to me and tried to kill me.
But then I saw her, our mother."
Hayce says. He still feels weak.
Hellios silently listens to him.
"I asked her, 'am I gone?' and got no response.
I thought I was. I was actually relieved.
That way, we can be together in death."
Hayce smiled bitterly.
"She was a beautiful mom.. minus her crazy side, that's all"
Hayce frowns.
"Yeah." Hellios nods in agreement.
"Now what? Eva and Shiva are no longer inside of us.
The curse of the diablo is gone."
Hayce wears a blank expression.
"We've been defeated. After all my boasting. I still lost again."
But then glowing white butterflies came towards
his way and swarmed him, they fluttered around Hayce.
"You are still nature's beloved son.
While I am still the one who controls ice."
Hellios says and Hayce stares at the butterflies.
"We were born diablos. In blood and soul..
it is what made us who we are now.
With or without mother, we are still what she has created."
Hellios explained to Hayce.
...That no matter what happens, they are still the same.
Nothing has really changed, only that they are defeated
and lost the curse their mother has given them.
Still, they are strong and alive.
While Alistair was searching for her,
he himself managed to recover all of his lost powers.
Making himself the miracle god again.
With that power, he found her and she was in a deep slumber.
Now that she has awakened..
She understood the situation.
Algaia's POV
"I knew it would be your wish..
so I brought her back to life.
Axel, Freesia, Daryl and Violet.
They are back too, like I promised.
Everyone else are safe and sound"
Alistair held my hand and smiled at me.
The way he looks at me has never changed.
His eyes always seemed loving.
"I'm happy.." I couldn't help it.
I let my tears fall again.
I must be so vulnerable.
But it's due to the happiness and relief.
Alistair made everything okay again.
He said that this time deserve a second chance
and promises to never become a king like his father.
He stated that there are still rules, but no more madness
like what Hayven, Hellisha and Hellios had.
Everyone accepted his decision.
Not only because he is the most powerful,
but also because it is what they had wanted.
A ceremony was held the day I awakened.
Iris told me to close my eyes while I was in my
room with her, preparing for the ceremony.
"What is it?"
I couldn't help but smile,
my thoughts run wild.
She said she has a surprise for me.
"No peeking!!" Iris says. "Okay now, open!!"
As she told me to, I opened my eyes.
Before me, stood the girl who sacrificed her life for me back then.
"V-V'anne?! It is you!" I gasped and instantly hugged her tight.
She was dressed so simply, yet her beauty still stands out.
"H-Hello.. future queen.." V'anne shyly smiles at me.
"Please, Algaia is fine! No more future stuff"
I told her as I giggle. I feel happy to see her again.
"Prince Alistair.. told me..
looks like you won the battle.
I'm proud of you" V'anne says.
Everything seems so perfect.
Like it was all just a dream.
But now it is all but reality.
End of Algaia's POV
Alistair's POV
Maybe I'm selfish.
Or maybe I'm a fool.
Maybe both.
Who knows?
To you..
It's a mystery.
If I only make miracles for her,
is that a bad thing?
I don't mind being bad then.
This power is out of ordinary.
That it should only be used for one purpose.
Mine is to make her happy. That is my purpose.
I've heard about how my brothers were saved by our mother.
I'm glad.
"Your highness, a visitor.."
I turned around and fell speechless for a second.
"Hayce.." I looked at him, my brother whom I fought with a million times.
My brother whose love of his life was stolen by me.
"Look.. I didn't come here to make peace.
I just came here to tell you.. to forget about me!
I know full well the terror of the miracles.
But I am not afraid to fight you to death again.
I just want you to forget you have a brother like me"
Hayce starts talking angrily and points a finger at me.
I couldn't help but chuckle and then raise one
brow at him with a teasing smile.
"Is that you being tsundere again?"
"I refuse to make peace with you.
I don't ever want to speak to you again nor
do I want to see you once more.
From this day on, our bonds end."
Hayce became serious and turned around after talking.
"What can I do to make you accept everything..?"
I asked him in a low voice.
I knew that moment Hayce was too bitter to move on.
"I only came to tell you that.
And that to tell you for the last time..
Take care of my bride. Goodbye."
Hayce immediately walked away after leaving me those words.
I couldn't think of anything to say to stop him.
Out of all people, I am the one who knows best his
strong feelings for my beloved girl, Algaia.
I can only accept the fact that it can't be a perfect ending
where I get to be with her again and at the same time,
at peace with my brothers. You can't have it all.
But I'm glad. I'm thankful and content.
It is more than I could ever ask for.
I do not want to use my powers to make a perfect reality.
It will seem false. It's fine.. the way things ended.
I'm glad and content.
But I can't help but reminiscence about it.
Our memories as brothers..
Our endless fights..
"When it rains.. I will remember your greetings from hell"
I told my brother Hellios the first time I met them again
in the human realm..
When Deva was ravaging my mind when I lost my memories..
Hayce appeared and stopped him..
"Calm down there, demon."
"Who's there?"
"Hey, 'sup. I'm Hayce, by the way"
Even after forgetting.. I feel a connection.
"You, me, Hellios-nii, we're the best brothers"
Even though he might be acting..
Remembering that he said those words before..
..when my memories were lost..
It made me feel happy.
Indeed, Hayce.
We were.
We were the best brothers.
"We're just like each other, that's why"
No, we aren't. Hayce.
You are brighter than me.
You were the real sun, not me.
But you were devoured by madness.
Hayce's smile becomes empty everytime I spit out
words that proved I was unaware of the truth.
I realized that now. He was disappointed.
Even though you hated me, you loved me, didn't you, Hayce?
"Yo bro, how's it going?"
"Man, it's funny how we just started talking a while ago and
now we're the best of bro's."
You were her star. You were strong, Hayce.
When the storm, Lyvian Aqua came, you acted out for Algaia.
You tamed the sea beast she had summoned in an instant.
While I was helpless back then..
Therefore I must thank you, for all the times you had the
chance to kill me, you didn't. For all the times you had the
chance to take her away, you didn't. You waited for the
perfect time, the perfect opportunity. You wanted it to
be fair somehow, that's the kind of brother you were.
Even though you always tried to light the flame in everyone,
like intentionally attempting to trigger Juha's temper..
You were always excited about drawing blood.
You loved war. Just like our mother.
You were always where I was. Where she was.
"I go wherever my bride and my brother goes"
"Y'all look like fabulous disney princesses!"
"Get away from her!"
"Oh, you jelly?"
"if you want to know, hurry up and collect your memories"
We battled together against Belzeebub, the sin of Gluttony.
It was fun, I admit. It would've been more fun if I had my memories.
"Let's spar. On equal terms."
"Brothers always have each other's back"
In your realm.. I tried so hard to stop the wedding.
And we fought so hard as well.
"Yes, I'm mad. Aren't we all mad for love?"
"To love is to feel pain, to love is to bleed, blood is red,
red is love, red is war, love is war.. that's how it all be"
"For everyone to feel the pain I felt, for them to love me,
and hate me, until they understand me. A true king will
embrace his people and for him to become one with his
people, they must know how the king feels."
Hellios.. you talk less.. but your words, all of them..
I treasure them all.
End of Alistair's POV Algaia's POV
The ceremony began. It was held in the realm of Infinity.
Nobody told me.. it was a wedding ceremony.
"Oh my gosh.. everyone knew except me.."
I couldn't help but say it out loud.
I stood at the end of the aisle,
my dress magically turned into a wedding dress.
I look around and found so many familiar faces.
"Yuha.. Juha.." The two boys who was the
first to help me and Alistair were present,
they look fine and healthy.
I call their names as I walk to them.
"Good job Algaia-nee!" Yuha smiles at me and cheerfully talks like usual.
And for some reason, Juha was silent and only
gave me that cool smile of his. But I didn't feel weird.
It was just like Juha to act like that. He bows his head
gently as a form of greeting to me.
I remember the things Juha and Yuha has told me..
Especially.. Juha..
"It looks like you need help"
When Andromeda took away Alistair's memories..
"Don't worry"
"Don't keep your boyfriend waiting"
"Let's go, Algaia."
"It's going to be okay, Algaia"
"Trust him. Believe in my twin."
"You made a good and wise decision, miss Algaia."
"Good morning, Ms.Algaia."
"What are you looking at?"
"This time I made sure to give you an advice."
"Don't be a fool, with me on your side,
you can do it. My twin is also doing his best to train your
boyfriend, so there's nothing to worry about."
"It's natural. When you're about to die, you do crazy things on impulse."
"Everyday we sin, so do they, we're only living our
damned lives, so what's wrong with a little blood stain in your hands
when you're only trying to pay them back for what they've done?"
"You did great."
"Too bad, she needs to come with me."
"Why would I strip in front of you?!"
"Did you have fun?"
"Welcome home."
"You're coming with me."
"If you believe me too much, you'll get in trouble."
"Well then, it's reassuring that you trust me."
"Relax, you'd look too lame for an MC."
"What's wrong?"
"Algaia-nee isn't weak anymore, she's strong.
She just needs a little training in combat, that's all."
It was fun when we played as the princess in the world of Entrata.
Although it ended bitterly way back there..
"You believe in heaven?"
"Are you really a human or an elephant?"
"You only have yourself to blame."
"What's with that gloom on your pretty face?"
"You and Alistair are already like family. So tell me what's wrong."
" I know the magic words."
"she'll be the number one model in the world."
"We must get going, shall we go, my Cinderella?"
"I'm scared of myself too"
"Well Algaia-nee! Are you enjoying the night?"
Even though I put Yuha in trouble because of me..
..you still forgave me. Even Yuha didn't get angry.
When we went to face the seven princes of hell..
Juha protected me. Even if he was still mad that time..
"Don't say anything"
"I was wrong."
"I was too afraid to lose my twin. I blamed you."
"I'm sorry for blaming you. Will you forgive me?"
"I won't die."
"So stop crying like a baby already, I'm not gonna treat you like one."
"Light them up. I've never done this, but I respect them. This is to
honor the departed."
"They are home now. Right?"
Until the very end.. Juha believed in me. In Alistair.
You and your twin.. the twin furies, supported me.
I couldn't thank them enough with words.
"Algaia-chaaan!!!" Freesia still looks sexy as ever,
she calls out to me excitedly.
"It's you guys!" I faced them with a bright smile.
"Yo!" Daryl is still the same cute boyish one and she salutes at me.
"Sup?" Axel waves with a smoking cigarette in hand.
"Thank you for your hard work." Violet bows her head to me.
"I'm so happy" I want to start crying again. Out of happiness.
"You didn't let me down." Alice came up to me and gently embraced me.
Followed by Freesia and Daryl and circled me for a group hug!
I was squeezed out of love.
"This time don't fool around, alright?"
Yin was also present with his lover, Killuna, who is Yang.
I giggled. "Definitely"
"Sis-in-laaaw~!" Aozora's back in one piece,
he approached me. "You so prettyyy!! You did your best!"
"Aww thank you Aozora! You did your best too!"
Words cannot express how happy and thankful I am.
"My sister" Lyvian was also around.
My sister as Poseidon's daughters. She looked attractive.
"Lyvian..! Thank goodness you're alright"
I hugged her tightly.
Without realizing it.. I've made so many friends,
in this life, as a human. When back then,
nobody wanted to be with me.
It makes me feel special and extra loved.
My father was present too, along with many
more other gods who assisted in the war.
I can always feel Nile watching over me though,
he need not to live again.. it was his will, his wish
to die for me. He is in peace now. Thank you, Nile.
While I enjoy my friends' company, I caught glimpse
of someone I've been longing to see all this time.
My heart cannot be at rest if I won't lay my eyes on that someone.
"Wait please" I humbly excused myself as I
followed my feelings as the figure of that someone
has vanished in a blink of an eye, like a ghost.
In a secluded area..
I finally spotted that person.
I know in my heart that Alistair has seen him too.
"Hellios.." I whisper his name.
Everything he has told me before echoes in my head.
Our time together.. even the silent moments..
They were priceless.
"Where ever you are,
whatever time it is, even if I'm not there,
I'm always with you, I'll always be."
"I will always watch over you, like the moon
always stands with the stars. You're beautiful
like a star that always shines. When I'm gone,
I'm still there. In the morning, you just can't see
me. But I'm there, protecting you. That's why;
don't worry too much about me, because I'll
never leave your side."
"Is he precious to you?"
"it's best you stop hurting my precious little
brother's feelings."
You were the best brother anyone could ever ask for.
When it was a hot sunny day.. I was sweating..
You pointed a finger to the bright sky..
..and suddenly it turned icy blue and cold..
then, ice began to fall.
All just to prevent me from feeling the heat.
You're quite the caretaker, I say.
"If that happens, will you fight me if you had to?"
"..You can't kill me.. you already killed me long ago."
"For the last time, please kill me."
"I told you. Even if I'm not around, I'm always..
watching over you."
"We've come to take you.. back."
"I'm trying to prevent you from witnessing something painful,
why do you resist so much? I'm only protecting you, Algaia."
"This is what I didn't want you to see."
You were trying to stop me from witnessing what Hayce
was about to do to Nile, not because you want to protect
Hayce's image from me, but because you truly didn't want
me to see something so tragic.
"I.. can't hurt my brothers"
"I'm begging you.. take me.."
"End my misery.."
"But I hate myself the most"
Even though you never said anything..
..and our time together in my human life was short,
I loved all those moments.. you never hurt me at all..
Til the end, you chose to sacrifice yourself.
Like usual, I am staring at his wide back.
"I heard about what happened to you and Hayce.
I'm happy that your mother did the right thing."
I said with a shy smile.
"I only came here to watch over Hayce."
Hellios spoke, his words were far from mine.
"I'm happy to see you again. Can we be at peace now,
Hellios? You're going to be the king now instead of
Hayce right? He refused it now didn't he?"
Even though he is so distant, I kept on being persistent
about my own feelings and the things I wanted to say.
"I don't know."
Hellios sounded a bit frustrated.
I don't blame him though.
"I may be alive but I am still dead inside."
His words are always the same.
As cold as ever. But it doesn't sting me anymore.
But this time.. It sounded even more sad.
As I was silenced,
Hellios finally turned around and looked at me.
I look back into his cyan colored eyes.
"Farewell, Algaia Keehl."
Hellios said and immediately turned around to walk away.
I couldn't move away or answer him. It made me sad.
He didn't even touch me or stayed longer.
I already expected it, but it still made me sad.
I truly did have a wonderful bond with him and Hayce.
They were so precious and dear.
But I just couldn't love them the way they do for me.
I was meant for Alistair.
"Farewell.. Hellios.."
For the last time, I'm staring at his back.
Watching him walk away.
"(My beloved Algaia Keehl..)"
Hellios is gone.
Chapter 88
Bittersweet Farewells
THE END DRAWS NEAR