The Legend Of The Fredclarlisis Dark Angel(8)...

" For all this time we were so busy saving Lord Icarus's creation that we totally forgot about Lady Arika's. " Lord Alexuis said with a self-deprecating laugh.

" LADY ARIKA'S CREATION, MY LORD?? " Dijin couldn't fathom what the map of Solaris had to do with Lady Arika and why it got Lord Alexuis so excited.

" Yes!! And it's all thanks to our angry young prince.." Lord Alexuis now had clear picture of what was going on in the creation as well as Prince Dai's motives.

" You see, Solaris is not only the realm of the seven suns. It is also home of the ' Sacred Texts ' that Lady Arika had created for us all. While Lady Arika is the goddess of knowledge, it is the Sacred Texts that's the source which spreads her knowledge through out the universes. It's one of the many duties assigned to them. It is them from whom both the Pharo's and Devil's bible have originated. And if my understanding is correct then, Prince Dai wanted to steel the Sacred Texts and destroy the Pharo's bible. By doing so, he would have been able to kill two birds with one stone.The gods will be powerless and no longer pose a threat while simultaneously increase the power of the demons. I have to admit it was a brilliant plan indeed. " Lord Alexuis chuckled, suddenly remembering King Hegor's statement from the court room.

" YOU'RE LAUGHING!! " Dijin didn't know what to say. I was utterly surprised as he heard Lord Alexuis's explanation. Going according to what he explained, if Prince Dai succeded in his plan then the whole of creation would've faced a serious crisis regarding balance of power. He now understood why Lord Alexuis went to such lengths that he did. His respect and admiration for him only escalated.

" MY LORD, HIS AIM WAS TO DISABLE YOU. HE BELIEVED THAT IF HIS PLAN SUCCEDED THAN NOT ONLY GODS BUT ALSO YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN POWERLESS. "

Sign...

Lord Alexuis let out a long exhausted sign. The pain was draining him.

" I'LL TAKE MY LEAVE. PLEASE EXCUSE ME. " Dijin said quickly and made an about turn only to be stopped by Lord Alexuis. " No!! Please don't leave.. "

" BUT MY LORD, MY PRESENCE IS CAUSING YOU SO MUCH PAIN AND BECAUSE YOU ARE ENDURING THE PAIN FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW, IT'S STARTED TO DRAIN YOUR SOUL. "

" No Dijin, your presence is neither the cause of my pain nor is it draining me. Don't worry. "

Lord Alexuis's kindness ripped Dijin's soul. To this day he had only heard of Lord Alexuis's bravery, mercy and wits from Lord Marvolio. Today, meeting him in person made him realize that Lord Marvolio was actually humble about praising friend.

" Anyways, Dijin can you take to where the map of Solaris is?? "

"..." By now Dijin had lost count of how many times Lord Alexuis had rendered him speechless.

" MY LORD, DONOT WORRY ABOUT THE MAP. WHEN PRINCE DAI HAD FIRST STEPPED INTO MY REALM LOOKING FOR THE MAP, I HAD REPLACED THE ORIGINAL ONE WITH THE FAKE BEFORE HANDING IT OVER TO HIM. THE ORIGINAL MAP IS IN LORD MARVOLIO'S REALM. " Dijin revealed his work, hoping Lord Alexuis would drop the idea of entering the gateway. He couldn't bare see his pain anymore.

" That's so like you, Lord Marvolio... " Lord Alexuis smiled, not knowing what else was he to do with himself. He was the preserver but, it seemed Lord Marvolio had taken up the job of preserving him. It was thanks to him that he could successfully accomplished his mission in one piece. Now he had a clear idea of his next course of action.

" No word of thanks is enough for me to express my gratitude, Dijin. I truly don't know what I would have done without your help and support. You have indebted me forever. "

" NO MY LORD, IT IS I WHO'S INDEBT TO BE A PART OF YOUR MISSION. " Dijin blushingly replied, not having used to such high praises. In fact, no one ever spoke with him for long moreover, express emotions to him as equal.

" My words may seem as an exaggeration but, the Almighty knows that each and every one of my words are from the depths of my heart. Therefore, from this day forth not only Lord Marvolio, even you'll be my dearest friend until my last breath. " With that said, Lord Alexuis hugged Dijin with all his heart.

No word had the power to explain what the two felt at that very moment. But, one thing was sure about them, the power of this union was unbreakable.

Unfortunately, not all friendship stories are epic novels. Some are short stories but, that doesn't make them anything less than an epic. The friendship between Lord Alexuis and Dijin was one such short story. They united at the moment of their separation.

This realisation brought a wave of bitter sweet sentiments, which made their goodbye even more difficult. Alas, time was known for being cruel as its was now slipping faster than ever.

Lord Alexuis had to return.

" I wish we met at least a day before, then I would have had the chance to spend some time with you. " Lord Alexuis muttered wistfully. Now that he had acquired what he came for, he had not a single reason that would justify him to stay back but, had a million reasons forcing him to return.

" I DON'T THINK SO, MY LORD. WE WERE DESTINED TO MEET ONLY TO BE SEPARATED. LORD MARVOLIO ONCE SAID TO ME THAT IT'S DOESN'T MATTER HOW LONG WE LIVE, WHAT MATTERS IS HOW WELL WE LIVE. AND IN MY HEART YOU'LL ALWAYS BE WITH ME. "

Dijin proved to be a true friend. His words erased all of Lord Alexuis's hesitation. Now he was even more determined to return and save the creation from annihilation, if it meant he would be able to save the life of his new found friend.

" Our meeting this time might be a short one but, next time I'm not letting you escape so easily. So you better be prepared for a good long chat. " Lord Alexuis said trying to lighten the overbearing sadness. " Until then, take care. " Last sentence was barely a whisper yet, Dijin managed to catch every word of it.

It was a painful moment for Dijin as well but, he was happy that Lord Alexuis didn't have to suffer anymore. With that thought he masked his sadness in relief as he bid his goodbye.

In a heartfelt embrace both friends bid their final goodbye. Lord Alexuis stepped away from the marking and watched as Dijin returned to depths where he belonged.

The moment he left, Lord Alexuis collapsed to the floor drenched in sweat. His pain was now gone, leaving him drained completely. No matter how hard he tried, Lord Alexuis just couldn't get back on his feet. He racked his pocket out searching for something because only his body was drained ; his soul burned with renewed determination and strength.

He soon found what he was looking for ; a sapphire gem stone which Lord Marvolio had given him in case he had to make an emergency exit from hell. The gem glittered at his touch and he was instantly transported back to Zenith.