16 You Are My Brother

Darnell initially thought if he couldn't gain the recognition that he deserved, then he shall create the chance himself. Therefore, he slowly prepared for 'Dozahr' to be born. While he lived as Darnell Serphent by the day, he became Dozahr at night.

He challenged whoever and did whatever he couldn't as an heir to the Serphent dukedom. He would join whichever coven and circle that could raise his strength or helped him gain honor as Dozahr. He continued to do so until he came of age and he decided to leave the Serphent's name.

At least now, compared to other people, Dozahr bested all of them and eventually, he got what he always wanted: recognition, honor, admiration - the feeling of being needed.

He, as Dozahr, one of the best sorcerers and a member of the high council. Finally, he was his own person with his own position and talent. No longer did he hear a comparison, and how he was lacking or a disgrace to the Serphent's name. He didn't have to answer to anyone but himself.

That was what he had believed for a few years… before everything fell apart.

No, there was no comparison, only a vast distance this time. Before Dozahr realized it himself, Valkyrie Serphent had gone so far above him with all his achievements and gallantry.

Yes, there was no comparison, because his name would never be spoken in the same breath as Valkyrie Serphent.

Thus, out of frustration, he once again appeared before his older brother but this time as Dozahr, a stranger. He issued a challenge and tried to beat Valkyrie in a one on one duel. This time, he wanted to face his older brother upfront. He believed he wouldn't be defeated and the worst case scenario would be a draw.

But, he was wrong. When the bell was rung and the battle commenced, it only took Valkyrie two moves to defeat Dozahr.

Dozahr didn't even have a chance to raise a finger before he was thrown back and landed with a loud crash, creating a huge pit on the ground. With that, all of his pride shattered. His beliefs were gone with the wind.

And came the last resort, black magic.

He took a leave from the council with an excuse to lay low when in reality, he went off in search of a devil's spawn. But, before he managed to get any result from his experiment, the witch hunt broke out on Earth.

The sorcerers were forced to escape to another realm. Yet, even amidst the chaos, Dozahr still didn't let go of his ambition to defeat Valkyrie.

'If I can't beat him, then the only thing left is to get rid of him,' he thought.

But, Dozahr would never imagine, before he could do anything, Valkyrie had made his first move and shoved the baby Kalliope into his arms. Dozahr was dumbstruck by the sudden soft feeling in his arms as his mind drew a blank.

He stared at Valkyrie dumbfoundedly, while the latter gave a weak smile with scars and blood on his face. He said it sadly and tenderly, "You were away when I got married, Brother. I wish you were there at the wedding and also when Alana gave birth to your niece a few hours ago."

Dozahr had never seen such a battered Valkyrie before. No one could ever hurt him yet, the humans easily did so because earth magic couldn't hurt them. So, Valkyrie had to defend against the humans purely as a knight while the others could only remain on a defensive stance.

But, what stunned him the most was how Valkyrie had addressed him with 'brother'. "H-How… When did you know?"

Valkyrie laughed gently as he ruffled Dozahr's hair like he always did in the past. "Since the beginning. Are you kidding, Darnell? You can change however you like, I will always recognize you."

"B-But how?!" Dozahr was sure that his disguise was foolproof.

"Darnell." Valkyrie's silver eyes looked straight into Dozahr's brown ones as he spoke warmly, " You are my brother."

In that moment, Dozahr's heart shook like never before. His pupils trembled while his blood ran cold. There was guilt, anger, sadness, and every bit of turmoil wrecking havoc within his soul.

"We are of the same blood. You can be Dozahr or Darnell or whoever you wish to be, but you will always be my brother. My family. This...will never change, Brother."

Valkyrie who was always expressionless, for once, bared his emotion clearly on his face. There was grief in his eyes. But, there were no tears, only a smile for his little brother.

"The only thing I regret now is to not stay by your side when you needed me the most. I thought letting you leave was the best solution. I thought maybe if you're no longer connected to the Serphent's name, you will be free from all the burden. You would be happier, but I was wrong."

"It's not our family. It's me who's causing you all that pain." Valkyrie pulled his brother into his arms and patted his back. "I'm sorry."

He understood completely, he no longer had a chance to make it up for his little brother. He could only apologize and to give him one last comfort for the last time.

"I'm sorry I let you face everything alone. But Darnell, know this, what I said that night remains the truth." Valkyrie chuckled with pride. "You have done well, Brother. In the past and present, you're the only rival I've ever acknowledged."

And finally, the true recognition without much praise but purely of a heartfelt acknowledgment from man to man, something that 'Darnell' had been waiting, wishing, and praying…. came from his brother.

The very person that 'Dozahr' hated. The one whom 'Dozahr' wished to kill.

A dear one for 'Darnell' who was too far off to return to the past.

All these years, his heart had closed off, corrupted by his desire for power and his obsession to be the best. Now… everything was too late. He couldn't see his brother anymore.

"I know this might not be enough but, brother, please…" Valkyrie tightened his grip on Dozahr's shoulder as he looked at him earnestly. "Please take care of my daughter, I beg you. Anything that happened between us doesn't concern her. She's innocent. She's your niece."

"You don't have to do anything special. Just…" Valkyrie looked down at the crying baby. While he caressed her little head, tears finally pooled in his eyes. "Just make sure she lives. Happy."

A smile crept into his lips as he continued, "That's all I ask."

Then, Valkyrie pushed away his little brother. He grinned with tears rolling down his dirty cheeks.

"Now, run brother. Go!"

After he said that, Dozahr watched as his brother turned his back and went towards the battlefield ahead. Then, he stood there with his eyes fixed on his brother. And that was how he saw Valkyrie suddenly turn on his feet and dashed towards a woman whose hair gleamed lustrously under the moonlight.

It was a shade that Dozahr had never beheld before. A rose-colored locks danced in his vision and were soon engulfed within his brother's arms. His eyes widened slightly when he witnessed the rain of arrows that came down on the two people.

The beautiful rose, then, withered with blood dying its glimmering locks crimson red. And a long sharp blade struck down to mark the final end.

As Dozahr watched the sword inched towards the two people, his brother and sister-in-law, his lips slowly turned up. His arms tightened around the baby. Excitement and bloodlust painted his eyes. But, all of the sudden, a cry came from beside him.

"NO!!!" A voice that he was too familiar with. Isadora Helliot came running, her hand reaching out to cast a protective spell.

Dozahr gritted his teeth and quickly controlled the wind around him to swiftly trip Helliot. Thus, struck the blade as Helliot collapsed onto the ground. Dozahr shifted to his brother at the exact time to witness the two people fall down.

At the moment Valkyrie and Alana were lost, the sorcerers broke out in panic. Their morals immediately took a step back and they fought no more. Instead, they ran helter-skelter towards the portal, leaving everything behind without a single care.

Meanwhile, Dozahr didn't move his eyes even a bit at the sight of his brother's death. Both joy and madness filled his heart. Even the baby's cry didn't faze him any more.

His tainted hand gently brushed over the baby's chubby cheek. A golden necklace made of mana crystal hung around her neck. Her name was carved on it.

"Kalliope Serphent," said Dozahr with a peculiar smile on his face.