2.20

***

"I don't understand your claims, Erin. I just helped Lar avoid raping," Rohen justified himself.

"Are you in a relationship? I never noticed any friendship between you. How did you find out that Ramies kidnapped Lar?"

"Hmm... He called me, and I punished the rapist. Don't you think this is fair?"

"It turns out that my brother knew about your superpower, but I didn't? He didn't tell me about your power! Are you really destroying enemy ships in your own? It's strange that you hid your abilities from me - Commander!"

"There's nothing to worry about, Erin! Palien envies me and therefore is afraid that I might somehow harm the superpower. Complete nonsense! His speculation! I only tried to protect Zaria from a mortal enemy. That's all!"

"He thinks you are a possessed alien invader. Are you some kind of phoenix from a higher dimension? This is true?"

"I'm not possessed! Yes, I am the Phoenix Destroyer. After coming of age, my powers manifested themselves, just as they did with you. Nothing strange or scary. You, as a friend, should be happy for me."

"Sorry, I'm glad, of course! Just there was no need to hide your abilities. This is extremely suspicious! From now on, I ask you to coordinate your actions with me so that Palien does not express his concerns about you."

"You were going to kill me!" Rohen said tensely. "How should I treat you now?"

"Are you... omnipresent?" Erin was dumbfounded. "Do you know everything that is happening? Is that why you knew Lariel was in danger? You know everything in the world! Who are you really?"

Rohen suddenly soared upward without using his wings.

"Almighty Overlord, invincible, call it what you want!"

"You are crazy? Lord of what?" Erin raised his head, covering his eyes from the bright radiance emanating from the phoenix.

"The warrior Realm and I am not your enemy!"

He instantly disappeared, leaving Erin in deep confusion.

***

"What is your relationship with Rohen?" He asked his brother sternly.

Lariel perked up at Erin's unexpected visit to his room.

"Friendly, what? What's the matter? You stare at me wildly."

"Do you know who he is? When did he become your patron?"

"I can't seek help from a strong magician? If my brother is unable to protect me from the ancient vampires? Yes, I know who he is and am glad to find a powerful patron. He saved me from a lecherous officer."

"I know! I didn't know that you would be kidnapped."

"Did not know? Really? Ramies asked you about me, and you did not stop him from hunting me. Didn't stop him! How could you not warn me? I experienced horror, bound by paralysis. Because I'm, unfortunately, a herm and Kamily's lover? I irritate you, admit it. You wanted me to be taken away from this planet!"

"Don't go to extremes! I thought that the officer wanted to make friends with you... We talked a lot in nice tone on the ship..."

"He was going to force the conception! This is not friendship at all, it's a violence!"

Erin sighed in confusion.

"You are so vulnerable... more beautiful than a woman... everyone likes you. Xantarians are of a different type, they take whatever they want without asking too much. You are a treat for them."

"If your gentle Kalisio turned out to be a herm, would you give him to your superiors?"

"You're right, I couldn't do it on my own," Erin admitted, bowing his head. "But I must obey the orders of the Archons. Yes! Palien intends to capture you by any means. And what can I do about it? This is a management decision!"

"But I'm not going to obey, Erin! My mighty patron will not give me to anyone. I'm free from you. Rohen is my master!"

"Your love is strange! Are you under his command?"

"Think what you want! I feel very comfortable with him. Now I am not in danger."

"Until they find a way to lustrate your defender."

"That's how it is!" Lariel was furious. "Then only with me!"

"Don't go crazy, bro! I realized that you love him so much. Is he... that good?"

"Erin! You have no idea who he is!"

"I'm trying... Why did he only open now? He seemed so reserved and modest..."

"I have no right to say anything about him. His power cannot be expressed in words. I have long belonged to him, like a thing. Our Essences are connected by strong bonds, such that they cannot be broken. But he allows me a lot of things, shares powerful magic and it's much better than what the Xantarians offer."

"It's clear! Are you an alien too? You are too different from everyone else in your nature."

"I have lived among syrinxes for two thousand years," Lariel muttered quietly. "I was already born as a herm on Xantari... And became attached to the winged. I like this life in your Realm, but I can't stand Palien and his officers! I can't stand being pushed around!"