In the two weeks after the remaining six searched for Anamai, unable to openly mourn the loss of Niara and Yuan as Natalia and Ian reported seeing Anamai attend every class. The natural disasters had stopped, darkness descending upon areas of the city leaving many casualties instead. At the same time Gregory, Mae's older brother who had always had issue with the Sadres brothers, began to harass Ryan due to suspicions he was involved with Auria, leading Aleos to ask Mae for help, though it was to little avail since she would do so only if he accepted betrothal. That same day Anthony finally caught sight of and confronted Anamai, but she attacked him before he could receive answers from her. As the darkness continued, Aleos realized the Sphere of Fire had become rebellious against him and he was forced to use it less, often taking the role of an affected bystander whenever he, Ian and Natalia would find themselves in situations where the Heirs began to combat monsters that accompanied the darkness. It was during one of these fights that they at last encountered Anamai again, fighting against Yuan's replacement among Ruby's fighters Takeyu, who showed special interest in her. The monsters that had accompanied him, however, were successful in leeching sachi from the Heirs and Anamai, leaving only Aleos awake enough to try to get them to safety. He was forced to contact Ms. Mareiyes for help, who was devastated that her children had been involved in the incidents of the last seven months. At the same time she admitted to having found the children separately in Orion fourteen years earlier, using illusions to make them pass off as siblings and Humans while admitting the family were naturally Auria, none of them turned as sometimes occurred. Now that Anamai was back, she admitted to Aleos that Yuan had been a childhood friend of hers before Ruby had taken over his will, and she believed it best to leave everyone and continue collecting the Spheres so they wouldn't be hurt. Though hurt, Aleos vowed he wouldn't let her run away again as the Auria continued to fight against Ruby's fighters, sometimes Ruby herself in order to protect the innocent. A night came when Miaka, Anamai and Aleos were confronted by Ruby directly who claimed the Sphere of Life was nearby, nearly sending them to the brink of death before an apparition of a green-haired woman came, driving off a distressed Ruby. The apparition spoke with Anamai and handed her the Sphere of Life before she and Miaka fell unconscious, leaving Aleos to get them to safety. He spent the night at Anamai's bedside, dreaming of the apparition who asked him if he wanted to help relieve Anamai of some of her pain and vice versa, tying their lives together. Just as he agreed he woke up, Anamai at last admitted she, too, was an Auria.
Weeks afterward Aleos, Miaka and Anamai were confronted by Ruby again, who focused specifically on him to play on his fears and insecurities, musing why 'they thought they could protect him.' As Aleos' confusion became too much the citrine pendant he had been gifted began to glow, becoming the Sphere of Earth as flame-like wings emerged from his back and his appearance changed, the girls realizing he was also a Heir. Satisfied, Ruby departed, leaving the berserk Aleos to strike down the two who trying to calm him. He poisoned Miaka and nearly burned through Anamai's arm using the Sphere of Fire before she struck him and passed out. Regaining his sense of self and horrified by what he had done, he got the two back to Aleana who fought to treat their injuries. Realizing a way to reverse Miaka's poison he went to the Sapphire River and instinctively called upon his Yaneila, Venu, to manifest before him. He begged his awakened power be reversed in order to save Miaka's life. Eventually Venu relented, but warned Aleos he would have to revert back to Human and that, in the event he accepted his duties and power as Heir again he would not return to being full-Auria; instead, he would become a Le'sachi. Aleos agreed, his power sealing even as he was left with his new appearance. Once Venu disappeared Aleana called him to tell him the girls would be all right, and while his appearance led to many questions the next day at school he only cared that his best friend was all right, even as he wallowed in guilt and self-hatred as the witch hunt began. The government had admitted that Auria were real and were responsible for the incidents of the last nine months, and rewards would be granted for every Auria turned in. Accusations happened left and right, especially in Arash-Meir where many of the students were already suspiciously gifted. Disappearances occurred, and the group of friends even witnessed officials chasing and capturing an Auria, an incident which deeply traumatized Anamai. The darkness attacks gave way to the group always looking over their shoulders and fearing they would be taken in, a fear that was realized one night when Aleos and Anamai were out on a date. Two of their classmates who suspected Anamai cornered them, beating Aleos so he was powerless to stop them from taking her away. Refusing to do nothing, he called back upon the power he had sealed away almost two months before, dealing their attackers into unconsciousness as a different set of wings, blue-yellow, emerged from his back. At first Anamai feared him, but realizing Aleos was in control of himself she apologized for forcing him into that choice, though he stated he didn't regret it. It was an answer he echoed later that evening to Ryan when he asked what happened to him, but he omitted no longer being Human.
The next month Arash-Meir held a festival that coincided with Anamai's fourteenth birthday, the friends determined to celebrate. Aleos had been receiving calls from his twin that she would surprise him soon, but didn't expect Aaliya to appear at the festival. Their reunion filled him with conflict, because Lucius stated the day they were allowed to meet again would be the day he had to return to Regar. Aaliya assured him she was there for her and Anna's sake, wanting him to leave Rowaddon because it was dangerous to stay. He gave no answer, and was not aware Aleana and Anamai had been taken by Ruby's fighters until Ian came to him for help. When they found them they were shocked to see them before a portal similar to the one that appeared by Aleana when Yuan died, though while they were distracted Shirou appeared and extracted the Spheres of Wood and Fire from Aleos and Miaka. Proclaiming that the 'Final Heaven' now held nine of the twelve Spheres, Aleos noticed they also had Aaliya captive as Minako, Takeyu and Inaya walked through the gate with her and Anamai. Aleos called out to Aleana, waking her enough that she was able to throw them the Sphere of Light before Shirou closed the gate, leaving the remaining five distraught. Natalia stated the Heirs had the power to follow them and Anthony, realizing she was right, took charge when they met later that evening at the Sapphire River. Using the Spheres available they were able to open a portal similar to the one earlier in the day and asked Ian and Natalia to stay behind for their safety, because someone would have to inform Ryan and Ms. Mareiyes what happened in the event they didn't return. Ian handed Aleos his mobile, telling him he would have to be the one to tell Ryan goodbye. As soon as his brother answered Aleos apologized to him, stepping through the portal before Ryan could ask what was happening. When next he opened his eyes, Aleos found himself surrounded by forest in Orion. They began their search right away, remembering Niara was also in this world as they traveled. They were recognized as Heirs by Auria they encountered, who treated them hospitably despite their war-torn conditions. They asked that they bring the daughter of the 'Goddess Queen' to justice, because she had refused to take the throne eight years before and their current situation was a result of it. The Heirs eventually promised the dying people they would.
Eventually they found the two girls with only the Spheres of Life and Ice on them, and received shelter from a woman named Azera who once worked for Ruby, discovering she was a goddess seeking to kill all Auria. The Final Heaven were trying to circumvent this by working alongside her, and it was the duty of the Heirs to help them even though she wouldn't say how. They traveled to the Vaesthi region, where they were met by priestesses who recognized Aleana as their Heir, guardian of the Sorrows and a being created years before, informing the siblings the woman they called 'mother' was Janethra, the oldest Auria alive as Aleos admitted having known they weren't blood-related. They proclaimed themselves siblings anyway, helping Aleana select Setsuna as her new name. Suddenly hearing Anamai, who stayed outside, screaming for help they saw she had been seized by Takeyu, sending the priestesses into panic and begging for her safety. Surprised at the Heirs' confusion, Takeyu asked Anamai if they were ignorant of the truth, and as she begged he not say anything he told them Anamai was none other than absent queen, Anjyl. The monsters accompanying him went berserk and injured Anjyl, forcing him to leave and order them to treat the queen. But Anjyl refused treatment, becoming cold and almost opposite of the girl they knew as she shifted into her true form, bearing all the marks of a royal as she reminded them of the promise they now had to fulfill. Though Aleos stabbed her in confusion, she passed out and attempted to flee into a blizzard toward her death that night. Aleos went after her and brought her back, telling her he wouldn't allow her to die needlessly and before hearing her side of the story. She fell asleep crying in his arms, and they were entrusted to escort her to Areth'ella and find the other Heirs, leading them to the Saen region. While there they came across a child who saw Aleos and called him his father, catching them all off-guard because there was no way he could be. He noticed, however, that he had the same blue eyes as Ryan, and soon enough his mother appeared holding a baby girl, recognizing Aleos at once. Introducing herself as Natsuka, she led them to Zan'shoren, the stronghold of Saen, where Aleos was unexpectedly greeted by his fiancée. His confusion became anxiety when the Auria around him exclaimed praise and gratitude of having a Heir, shocked the 'Human son' had been it. Aleos was led to the clan's sanctuary by Natsuka, waiting until nighttime for 'Ryouhei.' He was shocked to see Ryan approaching him, accompanied by a woman who strongly resembled Aaliya and an eight-year-old boy who looked like a younger version of himself. Ryan wasted no time in embracing Aleos in relief, telling him everything he knew wasn't what it was.
Together with Natsuka, his wife, he explained that this was where he disappeared to sometimes, his real identity being Ryouhei Zan'oe Neruyl and the official leader of the Saen after the Heir, having inherited the position from their father who passed two weeks before. He told Aleos why he was sent to Riosna, and the reason he wasn't allowed to contact his siblings because they were all Auria, introducing him to Masaji, who asked if Aleos would be his full brother anyway as the woman beside him admitted to being everyone's mother but Ryouhei's, conceiving in hopes of securing the Neruyl with a suitable successor. She apologized for his poor health and the life he'd had to endure as Ryouhei informed Aleos that as the Heir, his engagement had to be annulled. Aleos then ran away in confusion, eventually intercepted by his now ex-fiancée. He apologized to her, and she helped him to sort through his emotions. Knowing she was a Le'sachi like he, they spoke of their circumstances until Aleos was ready to return and speak with Ryouhei again. His brother told him more of their family and history, apologizing profusely for having to hide so many things from him and admitting to having worried himself sick since he had disappeared from Riosna. It took some time, but they eventually came to an understanding as Ryouhei handed him three letters, one from their deceased grandfather Hayasu and two from their father, which he wrote after he was taken at birth and when they realized he had rejected his duties as a Heir. In those words Aleos realized the love his father and grandfather had for him that he once sought from Lucius, the origin of his birth name and understood how much his biological mother had suffered for the clan. They spoke more, and that night Aleos slept in the company of his brothers and baby sister for the first time in his life. The peace it brought was short-lived when the next day Zan'shoren was attacked by someone working for Ruby, wielding lightning with ease. Aleos fought against her, attempting to fulfill his duties as the Heir before the young woman unmasked herself, besting him in battle and revealing herself to be none other than Aaliya. Realizing his sister was his enemy, Aleos demanded to know her reasons for attacking their family, to which she answered that she wanted to end their suffering before they had to endure more pain and departed, leaving Aleos struggling to accept he may have to eliminate his sister and fellow Heir.
History pt. 2
Weeks afterward Aleos, Miaka and Anamai were confronted by Ruby again, who focused specifically on him to play on his fears and insecurities, musing why 'they thought they could protect him.' As Aleos' confusion became too much the citrine pendant he had been gifted began to glow, becoming the Sphere of Earth as flame-like wings emerged from his back and his appearance changed, the girls realizing he was also a Heir. Satisfied, Ruby departed, leaving the berserk Aleos to strike down the two who trying to calm him. He poisoned Miaka and nearly burned through Anamai's arm using the Sphere of Fire before she struck him and passed out. Regaining his sense of self and horrified by what he had done, he got the two back to Aleana who fought to treat their injuries. Realizing a way to reverse Miaka's poison he went to the Sapphire River and instinctively called upon his Yaneila, Venu, to manifest before him. He begged his awakened power be reversed in order to save Miaka's life. Eventually Venu relented, but warned Aleos he would have to revert back to Human and that, in the event he accepted his duties and power as Heir again he would not return to being full-Auria; instead, he would become a Le'sachi. Aleos agreed, his power sealing even as he was left with his new appearance. Once Venu disappeared Aleana called him to tell him the girls would be all right, and while his appearance led to many questions the next day at school he only cared that his best friend was all right, even as he wallowed in guilt and self-hatred as the witch hunt began. The government had admitted that Auria were real and were responsible for the incidents of the last nine months, and rewards would be granted for every Auria turned in. Accusations happened left and right, especially in Arash-Meir where many of the students were already suspiciously gifted. Disappearances occurred, and the group of friends even witnessed officials chasing and capturing an Auria, an incident which deeply traumatized Anamai. The darkness attacks gave way to the group always looking over their shoulders and fearing they would be taken in, a fear that was realized one night when Aleos and Anamai were out on a date. Two of their classmates who suspected Anamai cornered them, beating Aleos so he was powerless to stop them from taking her away. Refusing to do nothing, he called back upon the power he had sealed away almost two months before, dealing their attackers into unconsciousness as a different set of wings, blue-yellow, emerged from his back. At first Anamai feared him, but realizing Aleos was in control of himself she apologized for forcing him into that choice, though he stated he didn't regret it. It was an answer he echoed later that evening to Ryan when he asked what happened to him, but he omitted no longer being Human.
The next month Arash-Meir held a festival that coincided with Anamai's fourteenth birthday, the friends determined to celebrate. Aleos had been receiving calls from his twin that she would surprise him soon, but didn't expect Aaliya to appear at the festival. Their reunion filled him with conflict, because Lucius stated the day they were allowed to meet again would be the day he had to return to Regar. Aaliya assured him she was there for her and Anna's sake, wanting him to leave Rowaddon because it was dangerous to stay. He gave no answer, and was not aware Aleana and Anamai had been taken by Ruby's fighters until Ian came to him for help. When they found them they were shocked to see them before a portal similar to the one that appeared by Aleana when Yuan died, though while they were distracted Shirou appeared and extracted the Spheres of Wood and Fire from Aleos and Miaka. Proclaiming that the 'Final Heaven' now held nine of the twelve Spheres, Aleos noticed they also had Aaliya captive as Minako, Takeyu and Inaya walked through the gate with her and Anamai. Aleos called out to Aleana, waking her enough that she was able to throw them the Sphere of Light before Shirou closed the gate, leaving the remaining five distraught. Natalia stated the Heirs had the power to follow them and Anthony, realizing she was right, took charge when they met later that evening at the Sapphire River. Using the Spheres available they were able to open a portal similar to the one earlier in the day and asked Ian and Natalia to stay behind for their safety, because someone would have to inform Ryan and Ms. Mareiyes what happened in the event they didn't return. Ian handed Aleos his mobile, telling him he would have to be the one to tell Ryan goodbye. As soon as his brother answered Aleos apologized to him, stepping through the portal before Ryan could ask what was happening. When next he opened his eyes, Aleos found himself surrounded by forest in Orion. They began their search right away, remembering Niara was also in this world as they traveled. They were recognized as Heirs by Auria they encountered, who treated them hospitably despite their war-torn conditions. They asked that they bring the daughter of the 'Goddess Queen' to justice, because she had refused to take the throne eight years before and their current situation was a result of it. The Heirs eventually promised the dying people they would.
Eventually they found the two girls with only the Spheres of Life and Ice on them, and received shelter from a woman named Azera who once worked for Ruby, discovering she was a goddess seeking to kill all Auria. The Final Heaven were trying to circumvent this by working alongside her, and it was the duty of the Heirs to help them even though she wouldn't say how. They traveled to the Vaesthi region, where they were met by priestesses who recognized Aleana as their Heir, guardian of the Sorrows and a being created years before, informing the siblings the woman they called 'mother' was Janethra, the oldest Auria alive as Aleos admitted having known they weren't blood-related. They proclaimed themselves siblings anyway, helping Aleana select Setsuna as her new name. Suddenly hearing Anamai, who stayed outside, screaming for help they saw she had been seized by Takeyu, sending the priestesses into panic and begging for her safety. Surprised at the Heirs' confusion, Takeyu asked Anamai if they were ignorant of the truth, and as she begged he not say anything he told them Anamai was none other than absent queen, Anjyl. The monsters accompanying him went berserk and injured Anjyl, forcing him to leave and order them to treat the queen. But Anjyl refused treatment, becoming cold and almost opposite of the girl they knew as she shifted into her true form, bearing all the marks of a royal as she reminded them of the promise they now had to fulfill. Though Aleos stabbed her in confusion, she passed out and attempted to flee into a blizzard toward her death that night. Aleos went after her and brought her back, telling her he wouldn't allow her to die needlessly and before hearing her side of the story. She fell asleep crying in his arms, and they were entrusted to escort her to Areth'ella and find the other Heirs, leading them to the Saen region. While there they came across a child who saw Aleos and called him his father, catching them all off-guard because there was no way he could be. He noticed, however, that he had the same blue eyes as Ryan, and soon enough his mother appeared holding a baby girl, recognizing Aleos at once. Introducing herself as Natsuka, she led them to Zan'shoren, the stronghold of Saen, where Aleos was unexpectedly greeted by his fiancée. His confusion became anxiety when the Auria around him exclaimed praise and gratitude of having a Heir, shocked the 'Human son' had been it. Aleos was led to the clan's sanctuary by Natsuka, waiting until nighttime for 'Ryouhei.' He was shocked to see Ryan approaching him, accompanied by a woman who strongly resembled Aaliya and an eight-year-old boy who looked like a younger version of himself. Ryan wasted no time in embracing Aleos in relief, telling him everything he knew wasn't what it was.
Together with Natsuka, his wife, he explained that this was where he disappeared to sometimes, his real identity being Ryouhei Zan'oe Neruyl and the official leader of the Saen after the Heir, having inherited the position from their father who passed two weeks before. He told Aleos why he was sent to Riosna, and the reason he wasn't allowed to contact his siblings because they were all Auria, introducing him to Masaji, who asked if Aleos would be his full brother anyway as the woman beside him admitted to being everyone's mother but Ryouhei's, conceiving in hopes of securing the Neruyl with a suitable successor. She apologized for his poor health and the life he'd had to endure as Ryouhei informed Aleos that as the Heir, his engagement had to be annulled. Aleos then ran away in confusion, eventually intercepted by his now ex-fiancée. He apologized to her, and she helped him to sort through his emotions. Knowing she was a Le'sachi like he, they spoke of their circumstances until Aleos was ready to return and speak with Ryouhei again. His brother told him more of their family and history, apologizing profusely for having to hide so many things from him and admitting to having worried himself sick since he had disappeared from Riosna. It took some time, but they eventually came to an understanding as Ryouhei handed him three letters, one from their deceased grandfather Hayasu and two from their father, which he wrote after he was taken at birth and when they realized he had rejected his duties as a Heir. In those words Aleos realized the love his father and grandfather had for him that he once sought from Lucius, the origin of his birth name and understood how much his biological mother had suffered for the clan. They spoke more, and that night Aleos slept in the company of his brothers and baby sister for the first time in his life. The peace it brought was short-lived when the next day Zan'shoren was attacked by someone working for Ruby, wielding lightning with ease. Aleos fought against her, attempting to fulfill his duties as the Heir before the young woman unmasked herself, besting him in battle and revealing herself to be none other than Aaliya. Realizing his sister was his enemy, Aleos demanded to know her reasons for attacking their family, to which she answered that she wanted to end their suffering before they had to endure more pain and departed, leaving Aleos struggling to accept he may have to eliminate his sister and fellow Heir.