Chapter 1
CAELUM I stared. I couldn’t believe how a human can appear so perfect like a god, with no traces of faults. Her beauty is incomparable: Her supple lips, her glowing skin and her eyes that lure me closer. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. Her face held some kind of sweet innocence to them, I find it hard to believe. She looks serene and peaceful–I wanted to lie down and look at her all day. Her eyes caught light and I have to remind myself to breathe as I got lost in the deepest forest that held my entirety. “You are here again, ” I whispered, careful not to break this moment. My heart that was gone, seems to have jumped inside of my chest, thudding in a hopeful way. I felt like the ground was pulled under my feet. She smiles at me and held out her hand. I trembled, quite ashamed for I feel like I am not worthy to touch her. I look down and noticed that she was naked, holding a leaf over her private parts, merely covering her glorious body. She looks lovely. “How come you are here?” But my questions were cut short as I looked at the hooded figure. Hades drifted close and took off his cloak, his hair glowing bright blue. He smiles as he took her in his arms, swallowing, taking the life out of her. “No,” I tried to move but I couldn’t. I couldn’t save her. “No!” * I am shaking. I stared up at the ceiling and was startled as I notice the sharp sound. I angrily punch the alarm clock to silence it, my eyebrows drawn. I don’t understand. Why must I dream of the girl? It is already the twenty first century and I still have the same dream though a void kept on swallowing me every time I try to remember. Her face hunts me as soon as I close my eyes. I do not know who she is or where she is or if she is still alive. I wonder what connects me to her and why of all the memories I have, she matters the most. She is a thousand years old mystery to me yet her face fades into nothing when I try to recall and I found myself groping in the dark, wondering what she looks like. Even with all the portraits I have drawn of her– all unfinished and unsure...I keep forgetting her face, for it keeps on disappearing from my mind like vapor would to wind. Was it possible to forget someone you fought so hard to remember? Frowning, I sat up from the bed and ran my hands on my dark hair, clenching my jaw. I feel annoyed. This dreams always made me feel frustrated for as soon as I wake up, everything fades away. I used to draw her as soon as I wake up, keeping it all in a box before I forget but I grew tired eventually, hating the fact that no matter how much I look for her, she is nowhere to be found. Huffing, I swing my leg out of the bed and was surprised to feel the cold floor. Where is my carpet? Did I not place it here? I ran my hands on my face again and stood. I stretch my body and yawn, not caring that I am fully naked. It was my room, my house, my rules. Smirking, I made my way towards the bathroom, a bit disoriented. Glancing at my reflection, I noticed the hickeys covering my neck and that instantly made my little friend get excited. I have a good lay last night. Smiling to myself, I splashed a handful of water to my face, rumpling my already messy hair, my eyes gleaming with mischief. I took one last glace at my reflection before searching for my pair of boxers back at the room. I sighed at the smell that reach my nose as I slip it on. Yep, this is a perfect outfit to start this morning, a better way to start a day. I really did have a good lay last night Not bothering to put on a shirt, I padded down the stairs and was surprised to see an almost naked- wait, that was wrong. I should say, a very NAKED woman with her butt cheeks swinging as she flipped something on the pan. "What the hell?" I exhaled, trying my very best not to appear enticed at the blonde beauty who was now smirking at me. She was a beauty indeed. "Mon amour! Bonjour" (My love, Good morning) The blonde was French! Bloody hell... I cleared my throat and tried to even my breathing out as she slowly made her way to me. My eyes lowered down to her supple peaks, continuing down her south region. I gulped. Caressing my chest, she looked up at me with her blue doe like eyes, "Ça va?" (Are you okay?) I bit my lip. No words come to my rescue as I stayed there, glued on the spot as the little sphinx continue her slow seduction. She ran her hands from my shoulder and down to my chest, twirling her finger on the spatter of hair. I almost giggled right then and there for it tickles. "Je veux faire l'amour avec toi..." (I wanna make love to you) her whisper on my skin surprised me but that isn't comparable to her lips that had captured mine as she pulled me down. She cling unto me, pushing me down on a stool. My lips are frozen as she tried to push them apart trying to gain an entrance. Frowning, she said seductively, "Embrasse moi, Caelum." (Kiss me, Caelum) She don’t need to say it twice for me to do so as I take full control of the situation we are in. I slide my hand over the countertop making the pancake batter spill as the now broken bowl lay smashed on the floor together with the eggs. She ran her hands on my hair and tugged on it as I kiss her neck and suck, slowly. "Mon amour, mon amour, arrête!" (My love, my love, stop!) "Oui?" (Yes?) I stared down at her and she smiled, uttering the question I have despise for my entire existence. "Tu m'aimes?" (Do you love me?) My lips folded into a thin line as I let go of her, muttering, "Non" (No.) Worried, she straighten her clothes and hold my cheeks, forcing me to look at her, "Tu m'aimes?! Caelum, tell me..." "I don't lo--" the words I had to say were cut off as a slap momentarily left me dumb. I stared down at her, noticing her now wet cheeks. "Look, I told you before. I'm not the ideal man to love you and marry you." "But we’re perfe’t last night! You ‘ave me believe zhat you love me and I believe zhat, too." "Too bad, princess. Je ne sais pas un prince charmant (I am not a prince charming)." I wasn't given the chance to smirk anymore as a large pan hit the spot where I was standing before. Glad of my fast reflex, I turn and ran for the stairs though she caught me by my boxers, tugging at it. "Not zhat fast, Cunard! " I just smiled back at her wiggling my butt before I decided that I am delaying so much work by wasting it with this blonde. With a smirk, I clutch the banister tight with both my hands and sigh as my boxers from awhile ago now lay on the floor, shredded, leaving me butt naked. Again. "That was my favorite." But then she wasn't done throwing things at me. With a much exerted effort, she raised the antique vase from the end of the stairs and launched it at my direction. Ducking my head, I commented, "Mademoiselle, you don't need to break my things as I did to your heart." And with all her might, she took another vase and lunged it towards me, "Zis are not your zings! Zis are all mine. My ‘ouse, my zings, MINE!" Only then did I noticed that she was right. I don't possess any vases at my house, instead I have cherubs and books and stuffs. I also live on top of a building near the Eiffel tower where everything much grander than this. Oh well. I stared down at her and with a taunting tone, I voiced out my opinion, "Oh, possessive like a wolf, are we? But then, my heart will never be yours." I move quickly to the side as a vase now lay broken on my spot from awhile ago. Chuckling, I ran up the stairs and headed inside the room. I noticed that the room was too small for my liking, the ceiling too low. It is definitely not my room. Throwing my black cloak over my jeans and wearing my white shirt on–no need for boxers I just need my little friend covered–I opened up the window and jumped down, landing on the roof with a light thud, laughing as I had yet broken another heart. One down to my collection of thousands.Chapter 2CAELUMI watch as the little kid ran to his parents – He looks so vulnerable, so innocent for he is young.He isn’t corrupted by life yet, his innocence still intact.The sight of him made me reminisce the day I arrived here on Earth as a young child as I felt like it happened only yesterday. Oblivion is a blessing and it is the only thing I brought with me, along with a new identity–a new soul. I was crying even if it was a beautiful day after a storm, scared and lost, just as a little child should be. The mortals took pity on me and they took me in. They were kind and treated me like their own–they became my parents.They love me greatly only to die because of what I have done. I shouldn’t have changed those steel arrows into gold. If I knew that it will help Hades in tracking me down, I would’ve abandoned the thought of shooting arrows. I am not aware that I had the power to give love and that’s my greatest mistake. Love made me bitter, and love is the reason why I am
Chapter 3CAELUMI blew a sigh, deciding that I should let my feet lead the way. I sneaked at the couple who are fighting over diaper duty, and sniffed on the argument, puffing more chaos. Ha! Serves them right. They can fight all day for all I care. What matters is my beats and the arguments they have. I take my words back; I love this life.My next stop was the restaurants. Not here for the food for my body, but for my soul. They are the source of every heated argument, from jealousy to misunderstanding to chaos. Getting into work, I push the man who is holding his girlfriend on his arms so that they trip. It seems that the situation is not worse so I made a move with the girl’s hair and make it tangle over the foot of table of the couple nearby. This is getting heated! Couple A was bickering and it didn't help that couple B were also joining in, rapid French spouting from their mouth as they fought over whose fault it is. I took a plentiful of sniff before a puff of white f
Chapter 4 RUBIN“Don’t yeh mention this stupid selection ever ‘gain, George. I am warning yeh!” I paused, trying to strain my ear, not believing my ears of what I am hearing. Of those seventeen years I have spent living with them, I have never heard Aunt Lilia argue with my Uncle George like this–very unlikely for her to lash out so early considering that she was a morning person. “I am warning yeh, George, not a word of this to her!” “Lilia, dear, you don’t understand–”“What point do I need ter understand? Rubin stays ‘ere as long as she likes. I don’t care what yer mother says, or yer blasted brother–end of discussion.” Her paddling feet made me retreat back upstairs to my room but she saw me, a wrinkle in between her furrowed brows. “Rubin! Have yeh been eavesdropping?” Her solid blue eyes were freezing me on the spot that I have to avert my eyes and shake my head ‘no’. Aunt Lilia appeared in her fluttery pink apron that hug her rather plump body I’ve grown to love ever since
Chapter 5 RUBIN“Heather, Dew,”“Here, miss.”“Hearthrowe, Isabelle,”“Here, miss.” I rolled my eyes as I hear my cousin’s voice that resembles a poisoned honey. Ugh.I let go of the door silently, cringing as it creeks, while I hasten, proceeding up the middle row. “Hearthrowe, Rubin,” Professor Bow look up from her list and saw me halfway through the room. She reckoned me to a seat next to my cousin Belle and repeat my name, “Hearthrowe, Rubin?” “He-Here,” I cleared my throat and huffed, “Here, miss.” Professor Bow gave me a kind smile, mentioning the students on her list and finishing it with Zeal, Rose. “Good morning my dear students!" I glance at Professor Bow as she flew up the platform, her bright yellow wings trailing behind her along with her long white robe, resembling a wedding trail. "Today, we are going to have the Sagittis : focusing on the art of making arrows. Everyone, please bring out your sets." My fellow students shuffled on their seats as they took their twigs
Chapter 6RUBIN“Get a move now, George!”“But Lilia, she is still sleeping. I do not–”“What? Tell me more of yer lame reasons, aye? We know we cannot delay. She have a hard time alrigh’, but she has to prepare. Like righ’ now!” I could hear a set of feet shuffling across the floor and I hastily turn my back against the door, biting my lip as I hear it open. "Rubin, I know yer awake. Yeh don't sleep with yer mouth closed." Oh, okay then. I opened my mouth, and continue to pretend to be asleep. "Francesca Rubin--""Okay, okay. I'm up, already! Don't get your knickers twisted up your bottoms, Aunt Lilia." Well, that earned me a pillow zooming on my direction and hitting me on the head. I collapsed on the bed dramatically, snickering. “A-a-ouch!” I put both of my hands on my forehead, pretending to be hurt. Aunt Lilia shakes her head at me before throwing another pillow. Uncle George sat down on my bed and gave me a smile, “I’ve heard what happen, I can’t believe you finish as first.
Chapter 7RUBIN"Rubin, I know. I'm sorry, if I say that but we love you so much and we don't want you to end up with the same fate as your father. And if I might add," Uncle Cedric sigh, his hands still on my face. "Well, we do not know... we have not confirm it but," Uncle George’s voice trembled as he continued "we–I mean, I–think that your mother is still alive." That made me stare at my uncle, examining his eyes of any trace of tricks or maliciousness but I saw nothing. With a watery smile, I captured the both of them in my arms and cried. After a few moments, Aunt Lilia told my Uncle to go off since she is going to prepare me for the ceremony. I had my bath, consisting of precious oils and scents from the tree blossoms, allurements essential for my mission. After I had finished my bath, I help myself on some plain white cotton dress, the sleeves shrug down on my shoulder like wings as she hang the nets on my back.Oh wings! I'm going to have my wings today.I wiggled my shoul
Chapter 8RUBINLet me get this straight, the entrance to earth is through a door. I can’t believe it was just behind a door! I carefully put my foot down on the platform and was shocked when the crowd of people come bustling out of the door with me. They carried me out, muttering about clothes and businesses and how I’m so slow. Once I am down on my feet, I look back and see the door quickly closing. The arrow on the sides began moving upwards and I was momentarily struck with curiousity as I look at it.What a fascinating door it was! I wonder how humans master this locomotive magic that they have– I might be able to learn it as I settle here on earth. Shaking my wings on my back, I smiled and turn around, observing the humans as they talk so differently. They almost sound like bees, buzzing.It wasn't really annoying , in general, I find them very entertaining!“I can’t believe this,” I bounded towards them, delighted of what I am seeing. I lingered next to the hustle and bustl
Chapter 9RUBINI drift through the crowd, smiling at them. Though, as time pass by, I grew tired of smiling and my lips turned into pouts. Why are these people ignoring me? Am I invisible now? But how? I haven’t tried to put some enchantments on me, yet. I started crossing the street and stared at my reflection in the mirror. Well, I am pretty much visible still, so why are they ignoring me?Maybe they just do not care.This is what Gaeans do all the time: they live to work in order to survive. Not like us, Erosians, who are free to roam and do whatever we like. I pity them sometimes. Still feeling down, I decided that I should probably start taking my job, seriously. It is better if I get to finish my job earlier so I can have more time to search for my mom. I wonder if she is still alive. Would I recognize her even without remembering her face? I have to find her even though I am not certain of her whereabouts. I know it will be hard since I have no idea how and where to start bu
Chapter 99CAELUMRubin’s eyes were open but they are not seeing – it remains open, unblinking. Her face is contorted with sadness but her lips are slightly pulled in the sides as though she have tried to smile, knowing that it is futile. My vision became blurry all of a sudden before the sound of a wounded animal filled my ears, making it almost impossible for me to believe that the sound came from me. My heart felt so heavy as I cried over her, my hands caressing her face, “No, no, no!”Her body started shimmering until she started to fade away.“Rubin? Rubin, please, stay!” I hold unto her wrist, trying to stop her from fading away but I couldn’t. “No, please. Please!”Half of her body has already faded with the wind and as I blink, she was gone. “No! Rubin, no…no, please. Rubin!” I got to my feet and impatiently searched the field, calling out her name. Maybe she’s just hiding.“Rubin!” My throat is sore as I sobbed, crying my heart out. The sudden change of dawn to morning pr
Chapter 98CAELUMThe hike down the hill leading to the river is quite short and I easily reached the edge where I lay the basket on a rock. I decided to wander to the other side, spying on Rubin as she gathered the ivies. I sneaked at her, interrupting her as I said, “I think that’s more than enough for a bouquet.” Rubin frowns, turning so that she can glare at me, her wild ginger hair flying about as the wind blew. “Well, we have to make use of the flowers one way or another, don’t we? I am only going to be married once so, don’t spoil my fun, Caelum!”I let out a chuckle, walking back to the other side of the river. I waited for her by the riverbank with my feet growing colder as I skimmed the soft pebbles that lined the edges of the river. I took the rose basket, dipping my toes as soon as I see Rubin walking down the hill that leads to the river, golden veil now covering her face from me. She slowly waded through the water, giggling for she has stumbled a couple of times and by
Chapter 97CAELUMThe dome is only a dark shadow with a dim blue background, looming large and menacing from afar. Rubin tightened her hands on mine as I plunge a hand in the thick tangle of vines, smiling as the two of us was swallowed inside. I’m glad that Rubin can still access the dome with me even if she is a human now. I guess, she isn’t entirely human.She shivered next to me and I sigh, sitting down on one of the carousels and watching her as she puts her hand on top of it. “I’ll never light it up again,” she whispered while looking down at her hands as though she was talking to them and not me. “I can try,” I suggested, giving her a sad smile as I touched the carousel she previously held. It lit up and so did the rest of the dome. Some of the fireflies from outside has managed to enter the dome and I smiled, facing her before putting one of her hand on my waist as I held the other with my own. I gave her a little sway and her eyes widen while I twirled her around to a
Chapter 96CAELUMI licked my lips and stood next to her, wrapping my arms around her waist, pulling her close so that I can rest my head on her shoulders. “Hey, stop being a grumpy pants and relax. Nothing bad is going to happen. You are tired is all which is why I want you to sleep. Note that we can still do a lot more with those twelve hours left.”She abruptly turns at me, eyes wide and filled with fear, glistening because of her recently shredded tears. She pushed my hands away, crossing her hands over her chest which made them appear bigger than they should. “But if I did sleep, I’ll reduce my time with you – is that what you want? Less time to spend with me? Do you really hate me that much to make me sleep for the rest of my limited time?”“No, you are misunderstanding it all, Rubin. I don’t hate you – in fact, I love you so much that it hurts me when I see you suffering like this. I never wanted to hurt you in any way possible and would never wish for you to go.” I forceful
Chapter 95CAELUM My heart has never beat like this way before – so erratic and alive. I cannot fathom how such a small organ can beat so strong inside my chest without damaging my ribcage; thundering as though it were a hundred hooves barreling against my chest. It is a mystery; a wonderful one, to be able to commit into memory every sound she makes, every touch she delivers. It’s a wonder how I can feel every dip of her tongue, every caress of her fingers that are like feathers on my skin; I am absorbed by the very sigh that she lets out and her whimper, Oh! They sound so soft against my ear that it melts me. How can she sound so pretty like this? When every moan appears that she was begging for her life and every thrust felt like it was her last move. I have wondered for years how humans can be satisfied of this kind of loving when I always find myself disappointed. I thought they end up miserable for they only know one kind, yet I am wrong. Every time I drew closer, I felt lik
Chapter 94RUBINThe suspense I can handle; the sound that accompanies the moving pictures is bearable but when the lady pushed the little boy – I do one thing I am very good at, I screamed!“Will you stop it? Ugh – I shouldn’t have suggested movies in the first place if I have known.” Caelum avoided the slap I am directing on his face as he held my hands on his lap. “Caelum Bloody Rouen – Aaaah!”“Please! Stop screaming and bloody watch it quietly. La llorona isn’t going to bolt out and-““Aaah!”“Oh, Zeus! Mighty powerful god, help me. My eardrums isn’t going to survive if you kept tothis –““Turn it off, now. Turn it off, Caelum – I can’t – turn it off, NOW!” I reached out my hand and snatched the remote control from his, gritting my teeth as I directed the remote at the television. My eyes when the volume goes up and Caelum doubled over in laughter. I can’t help but scream as the movie goes on and I cannot even turn it off.Caelum finally stopped and I chucked the control at him
Chapter 93RUBINCold water bites my skin yet his warmth later envelopes me. He helps me up and steadied me above the water. I shivered, trying to tap my foot on the ground but it’s like a few feet deeper. “Breathe, okay? I am here. I won’t leave you.” Still afraid of answering him, I reached out for his neck and latched on, making him laugh. Caelum waves his hand and I observed him as he summons a driftwood from the depth of the cove. “Here, lean unto it. It will help you float.” “But I don’t want to let you go.” “No. You won’t let me go, you are just going to hold unto this wood and I will guide you.” I stared at Caelum’s eyes, whispering, “Caelum, I don’t want to let go.” His face fell as he realize the weight and true meaning of my words. He let me float next to him, his arm securely holding me in place so that I won’t sink, “Shh, shh.”“Can we stay there and not here? I don’t like water that much.” Caelum nodded in understanding and he guided me to the shallow part of the la
Chapter 92RUBINAutahvuwns Manor welcomed us with its red tiled roofs and ever glistening fountain. Caelum marched up to the front door with me following close behind, expecting that as the door opens, Aeon and Newman will be waiting for us by the threshold. My heart felt like it was being squeezed as we entered the empty manor, our footsteps echoing to what used to be a familiar haven for me, now a place of memories.“I know you felt disappointed not seeing them here but I do not know how I will deal with your divided attention. I want this remaining hours to be spent between the two of us. Call me selfish, alright, but I won’t have it in any other way.” Caelum shrugs, walking out of the parlour, heading inside the kitchen which is next to it. I shake my head at him, trailing behind with a small smile on my lips.“What would you like to have, ma moitié ?”“Anything that you can prepare for me.” Caelum gave me a serene smile as he started working by the knob, occasionally glancing
Chapter 91 RUBINI carefully caressed his cheek, running my hands on his beautiful curls that is currently framing his face, brushing his forehead tenderly. He is sleeping soundly, his mouth slightly opened. I smiled wistfully - I don’t want for him to wake up, yet. I tucked my hair beneath my ear and leaned down to kiss his forehead, pecking his lips and pulling away abruptly, for I do not want to be tempted of the idea of snogging him quite blatantly without his consent. Caelum looks so serene when he is like this – asleep on my lap, with no worries about what is going to happen; no worries about my limited time here with him. I huffed. How am I going to explain all of these to him?The question that popped inside my head appears to have alerted him as he shifted on my lap, his eyelids twitching before he finally opens his eyes. I braced myself for his hate and anger, for his wrath to dawn, instead, I am met with the warmest embrace I have yet to receive from him. “Rubin!” H