CHAPTER 4

AILA

“LET ME OUT! I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Are you sure about that?” the police man raised an eyebrow at me, “You have trespassed a private property young lady and you don’t even feel any kind of remorse upon committing such crime.”

“But he knows me, he definitely do. Don’t I have the right to enter his home with that reason? Caelon has trapped me into this mess to ruin me. He probably—” I stopped as I saw a tall man walking inside the prison cell with a hat upon his head and a black coat. His hair was blond, his eyes full of anger and sadness like Caelon. There is no emotion plastered on his face and he kind of reminds me of someone.

I sigh.

“She is to stay here for a day to reflect upon her wrong doings. She needs to know how she can be severely punished the next time she repeats this.” The man turns at me and I glared at him, “It is definitely clear that she is lying about knowing my master. She is no more than a stranger to me and him.”

“Indeed, Mr. Newman.” The police snarled at me before waving at the man, “Would you care for some tea and biscuits? I have sugar free cakes, too. We can discuss her punishment while having a small break.” The man nodded at the police and followed him in the room.

I looked at their departing forms and licked my lips. Sugar free cakes? Why would Gaeans make sugar free cakes? How will they be able to enjoy that?

“Let me out.” I groaned, hugging the bars of my cell, sliding down so I could lie upon the cold floor. The rustle of coats made me look up to see  Caelon peering down at me–my heart pause for a minute before it angrily pump faster, being chased away by those freezing blue eyes Caelon possessed.

“I guess, you are fascinated of my face again?”

I stared at him, confused on why he was here. He opens the door with ease and out the hall. He stopped before we reach the street, shaking his head as he said, “I can’t believe I am doing this.” He pulls away his hand, his lips turning to a pout.

"I need you to be my wife."

"What?" Did I just hear him say that he wants, no, needs me to be his wife?

My ears tingle of what he just said for it is as absurd as saying that the moon above is split. Caelon sighs, "You heard me, I need you to be my wife. You do not know anything in this earth, I can be of assistance to you. In return, you repay me by being by my side."

But there are a lot of women around

could pretend with him if he wants. Caelon is the most good looking man I have ever seen and there is no doubt that anyone could resist being next to him. So, why would he ask me, specifically?

Is it because we kissed? Did he fell in love with me because of that?

Surely, life on earth is as confusing as it sounds.

Caelon squinted his eyes at me as though he is trying to read my mind. I bit my lip. "I don't understand."

"I know that you are confused why I am asking you but I just find it convenient because you know that I am not human. Though, it is easier to be with any woman I select, it is different when I am with you. I don't have to hide my identity." His words hit me like bricks and I take a step back. Caelon pursed his lips, scratching the back of his neck. "But it is okay if you feel conflicted. I know it is sudden and you were surprised. Even hearing myself now makes me doubt that it will work."

He started to step out to the pouring rain and I followed him. He stopped abruptly, turning back at me with his hands on his hips. I  remained standing next to him, now dripping  because of the not so gentle rain pouring down on us. His long black coat appears to be dry even though raindrops kept on pelting down on it, but his hair is as wet as mine. My fingers  are now tinged blue as I shivered, the blast of cold wind making it worst. I momentarily take the time to breathe in and could smell the weird scent coming off of him: the combination of  roses and other flowers radiated from the insides of his coat. I held out my hand to touch him but he pushed them back, glaring at me, “I have saved you from suffering what you deserve, you should be  thankful at least. You don't have to follow me."

He starts to walk again but I only followed him, making him stop. " The deal is off. I am crazy for thinking that marrying you will suffice my situation.  Remember my warning : stay away from me from now on if you refuse to be connected to me.  It seems that you don't want to be tangled up with the likes of us, banished cupids, but know that I hate you to. Do you understand what I mean?”

I tried to catch his gaze but he turn upon his heel and he started walking the other direction. "Why? I don’t understand why I should stay away."

I pulled at his hands, holding them tight only to be blasted–a flash blinding me for a while. I blinked my eyes to see his icy stare freezing me on the spot and making let go of his hand, “I get it that you are a banished cupid but why do you hate me so much as to not even want to touch me?"

"I don't specifically intend not to touch you or hate you.” He ran his hand upon his hair and sigh, “There is a damn well reason why I refuse to touch you and why I act like this,”  his expressive eyes startled me as he leaned down in front of my face as though he is scrutinizing my soul, "I hate all of you–Cupids, Erosians–all of your kind. I hate all of you for condemning me down here. Haven't you realize that when I push you through the window awhile ago that I hate you? It is my mistake that I propose a ridiculous idea after saving you." He pointed a finger at me and I take a step back, " Don't you dare try to meddle with my business again, Cupid, because I promise you that it is not an easy task. There will be no turning back. Consider this as my last warning.”

He started to walk away, his coat billowing about, carried by the non existent wind. I waited for a while before following him, shivering because of the cold. He is my only chance for survival in this peculiar world, I have no choice but to follow.

Caelum quickly went down an alley and I am taken by surprisewhen he appeared in front of me.  “Do you think I do not know you are following me?” 

“I am sorry but I am so hungry and cold. I am all alone here. I don’t have anyone I know besides you.” My face grow scarlet as my hair while my stomach rumbled as if trying to prove my point.

"I guess, I'd have to feed you first before hearing your answer to my proposal." He gave me an exasperated sigh before turning, continue to walk down the alley.

I am getting a little bit nervous as the walls grow dingy and dark. I was about to ask him why we are heading this way when he turn around–his breath is fanning my face and it intoxicated me, making me a little bit dizzy–his hands trapping me in between the wall and his body. I gulped. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything with you just yet,"He gave me a smirk before he  waved his hands and a gust of wind swallowed him.

“Wait!” I quickly ran towards the wind, my hands shaking as I closed my eyes.

*

“No, no, no, NO!”



He stands from his seat before huffing, placing a chair  next to me. He tucked a stray hair on my ear and take a napkin out of the pod next to me, “Are you from a jungle or a faraway island? I thought, cupids are sophisticated and highly regarded creatures–so what happen to you and your etiquette?” he pass the napkin at me which I quickly use to clean the sides of my mouth. “Should you have attended those classes instead of going down here on earth? I didn’t know that I will be so lucky to come across a barbaric cupid, not to mention an idiot one.” My face burned at his words and I avoided his gaze. “Hey–I am only saying this so that you will listen and learn, Aila.”

Aila, oh, I like how he say my name. I smiled at him and he cleared his throat, looking at the other direction.



“Okay Aila, watch how you should do it the proper way,” He took the fork and spoon, gently twirling the pasta on the fork over the spoon. After doing so, he pushed it towards my mouth and I swallowed it. He huffed, giving me the fork and spoon, “Now, you do it.” Shyly, I followed his example and got it right, earning a chuckle.

 “Good job, Aila!” He pat my head and watched me as I proceed with my pasta. His eyes widen at what he said and he cleared his throat, scratching his neck.

He ordered me food after food, giving me as much as I could handle. The food here on earth is undeniably delicious, specially the dessert but I love the pasta. I helped myself with the third serving of the chocolate mousse and stared at him when he stood. He glared at the black pad on his hand, his gaze seems like it is burning a hole through it.

“What’s the matter?”

“Huh?”

“Why are you staring at the black pad like you will chuck it off at the middle of the ocean?”

“Black pad?” my odd words startled him that he gave me a slight smile, shaking the black pad on his hand, “You mean this?” I nodded, focusing on the black pad. “It’s not called black pad, silly, this is a phone , you see,” He scrolled on the pad and I am surprise as the icons move, “a phone.”

“ A phone,” My eyes were glued on it. He gave me a slight smile before he sighs. I curiously peered up at him and was surprise to see him apologetic.  “I have to go, it’s urgent. I am so sorry…” He pat my head, awkwardly, before pulling some paper from his pocket. “Here’s a few euros,” He puts them on my hand before he draw back. “Keep it safe, and do survive, okay?”

He gave me another look, waving his hands as he walk at the gust of wind but I am not done following him, yet.

Not anytime soon.

계속

CHAPTER 5

CAELON

"WHO THE HELL DID YOU BRING HERE, CAELON?! Did I not warn you that my place is completely off limits?"

The piercing wind blinded and deafened me for seconds and I sigh when I spotted the bright red hair from the distance, a meter away from where I was standing.

She followed me, again.

The message that Emyr sent me a few minutes ago still burns in my mind. He assumes that Hades found me and is currently lurking around the city of Paris, spying. Hades is waiting for his time to attack and take what's due. Emyr has mentioned it before that when the time comes and the scroll finally makes its appearance, Hades will follow through with the plan and claim my soul as he should have done a thousand of years ago.

Emyr said that I have cheated Hades by dying but I don't believe him. Why else would Hades follow me for a thousand years when he could easily claim my soul the moment I died? Something must have happened. The appearance of the scroll and my encounter with a cupid is a clear indication to that.

I just can't remember what has transpired before.

Sighing, I wave my hand at her, "Get out of there, Aila and come here."

The wind picks up and Emyr lounged at her as soon as she makes an appearance, holding her upon her neck. Aila whimpered and I flicked my hand to throw Emyr off of her.

"Caelon! No other people or creature is allowed here besides you and me. Why did you bring such foul creature? I made it very clear- this house is located here for a reason. Why do you not take me seriously? And why are you choosing this cupid over me?"

I watch as Emyr swatted her with his hand and Aila was thrown off to the edge, overlooking the cliff. My heart jumped inside my chest and I found myself running to her and pull her back yet her reaction surprised me.

"Wow!"

"Wow? What do you mean wow?!" The wind picks up as Emyr began seething with anger. Emyr's threat did not work for Aila even though it gave me a scare. Aila stared back to Emyr while the marks on his face, glows.

"Why does he look like that, Caelon?" Though she have said it with a whisper I know Emyr caught wind of it for he began shaking.

"What did you say?" His eyes dangerously glinted as he reach out to take her. I stand next to Aila and hold her close, shielding her from Emyr.

"Look here, mate," I held up a hand against his direction as Aila hides behind me, "I didn't mean to bring her here, okay? She can follow me through the wind. Foolishly and unknowingly, I brought her here so I am sorry, okay? It won't happen again." I watched as Emyr's fist relaxed on his sides and the marks on his face, faded.

*

"Does it really looks odd?"

"What?" I turn around and see him stroking his face by the mirror, turning side by side.

"My marks," Emyr rolls his eyes before he took a silver flask inside his coat and take a long draw from it, waving his hand on his face. "There, I've sorted it out. I just don't bother with it since no one has to remind me of its existence except that certain foul creature downstairs. " Emyr checks his face once again on the mirror before he settled on the sofa, waving his hand for me to take the other one that is facing him. I rolled my eyes, and he chuckled.

"Is this your plan, Caelon? To take the cupid here and kill her?"

"No." I bit my lip and tried to diver the topic back to him. "The message you sent sounds impossible, Emyr. Hades can't be spying on me."

"Quit acting like a fool, Caelum." He waves his hand at the fireplace and produce a fire that made the room look less gloomy, sending out a bit of warmth.

I settled comfortably on the chair and commented, "Why bother lighting it? You are not affected by the cold, Emyr."

"I know. I did it for you, mon ami." He stared at the fire, his fingers weaved together. He looks like a statue carved upon a smooth marble, a thousand years masterpiece. "The news about Hades is not impossible for I have sensed him after I went to your flat to collect some information." His eyes darted to my direction and he sigh, raising his hands, "Hey, give me a break. I did try to understand you awhile ago even if you brought a foul creature to my home, right?"

"But must the mundane messages be of essential?"

"Well, it's my only means. Plus, if I appeared right there and then in front of all those humans, they'll go loco." He shakes his head, making his golden hair, bounce. "This crazy inventions restrict me more than ever, you shouldn't have funded them in the first place." Emyr puts his phone down on the table and gave it a remorseful look.

"I'm glad I did, though. If I haven't, how many golds would I have wasted buying every last bit I have lost for this year, can you imagine that?" I leaned back before focusing at him, " Back to the matter at hand, do you reckon that he is really after me even a thousand years had passed? I couldn't find Gaea no matter how much I scoured the deepest of the earth. I want to ask her about the scroll and Hades and her demands to marry me off. I've been to Peru and the lot of those stupid gnomes are telling me they haven't gone that deep on earth-doesn't even know what I am talking about and telling me stuff like I've gone psycho. You must see them sometime, your sarcasm will seem like a joke compared to them." I said, watching Emyr as he shakes his head.

"You know it's weird to think that though, cause Gaea's everywhere. Those gnomes you ask must have been the ones who've gone psycho." He frowns, "So, she still wants you to marry?"

"Yes. She confronted me earlier before and I almost had a heart attack after seeing him in the dark. She is creepy." The earth grumbles and I muttered a 'sorry'. Emyr smirked. "Your suggestion does not work though, the rented girl did not appear. I wasted my time waiting."

Emyr shrugged. He scratches the back of his neck before standing up. Emyr walks towards the table situated at the back of the room, taking a couple of scroll and books on top of it. I couldn't help but be curious as he set them down in front of me. "Though, there is much more pressing matter than you finding a wife right now, Caelon. I found this while I was passing by Italy the other day."

I took the scroll from him and read the message, frowning, " 'The council have decided to have Hades hunt down the first of the cupid who have failed his mission and fell for a human. Aphrodite was furious that she rejected the wayward cupid,  offering him the life imprisonment on earth,' I can't believe that you find this reliable. It got all the information wrong! "

"But as I said, you are here because of a punishment. Also, Hades is following you because of what Aphrodite said. What part of it was wrong? Do tell."

"It wasn't Aphrodite who gave me the chance to live again, you know. It wasn't her. It's Gaea." I rolled my eyes at him, pulling the scroll from him. "Though, it is true that Hades is after me, yes."

"Do you think, Hades has something to do with that cupid downstairs?"

"She-".

"The curious cuckoo cupid downstairs-it's most uncommon for creatures to draw so near and bother you, don't you think..." Emyr's voice trailed off as he tap his hand on his chin, looking like he was deep in thought.

"What do you mean? What has this got to do with that stupid cupid? She is just here because she followed me." Emyr squinted his eyes in suspicion but I ignored him.

"Everything has got to do with her, Caelon. Look, Gaea warned you about it, don't you remember? Caelum, this is exactly what she means!" I look at him, not getting it, "When you perceive love, Hades will see you again! You are falling for her, don't you? You didn't even realize it have you?"

"Falling for her? What kind of rubbish are you spouting, you sod? I just showed her some kindness. You know," I put the scroll down and focus my gaze on him, "burying your nose in this dusty old things would really catch up on you and make you a loony one day. Only then, will I come to your aid and whip you up with a memory glaze for we both know that I excel on that." I winked at him, making his frown deepen.

"Caelon, don't joke about this. Can't you see that I am trying to help?" I stand up, trying to tune out of his discussion. He is just being paranoid. "I saw you look at her, Caelum. Something happened between you and her and I do not want you to suffer because of that."

"I am making her my wife."

"What?"

"She knows who I am and I have kissed her. That might have awakened a bond between us or something but I am drawn to her like a moron. I need to keep her close if I want to monitor her activities plus

Gaea is urging me to find a wife and she is perfect for the job.."

"But making her your wife is extreme. I object to this plan." Emyr takes my arm and yanked me back, making me look at him. "I am preventing this because I want you to live forever with me! I couldn't afford to lose my one and only friend. You are like my brother and I think, this is for the best." He tugged me back on the seat and stuck his hand inside his cloak, pulling a phone and putting it on my hand.

"What am I to do with this? I've got a phone, you know, lots if you don't remember."

"Of course, but this one is not for you. You give it to that lass once you return to Paris, give her some money and part ways," His intense stare is making me a bit drowsy and unorganized. I shake my head, glaring at him for I know what he is trying to do with my brain. "It's not good to continue with this Caelon. You can't make her your wife. I know that Gaea required you to find one but she is out of the options. Let her be."

"You're crazy," I put the phone inside my cloak and stand up. "This is the best plan I've got to survive whatever Hades is planning. I can make her a bait and he will take her instead of me. I refuse to let her go."

"Caelon, listen. If you only consider-"

I stop walking, turning around to meet his curious gaze. "The last time you tried to warn me didn't turn up well, remember?"

"I-well, " he wrung his hands together and bowed his head. He let out a light chuckle making me huff.

"It is your fault why I ruined a family. You shouldn't have told that human at the playground. You should've let her believe that there are no gods. I have to wipe off her memory and you know how I do not want to do that if unnecessary. I am quite sure it addled her mind." My voice drop colder and he sigh.

"I know but it is different this time-this is serious, okay? I am not kidding!" Emyr huffs before trusting the book on my hand, "Think about it Caelon. You have to get rid of the girl. She-"

"Caelon!"

계속

CHAPTER 6

CAELON

“Faster,”

“Alright, alright!” She hastily slipped her toes on the shoes I bought for her and angrily push her hair to the sides, glaring at me. My lips quirked up but I bit them, so as to appear annoyed. I looked up to see Emyr smirking at me, mouthing the words ‘I told you so'.

 Gust, Emyr’s spoiled cat slinked its way towards Aila, who quickly ran to me. The incident of the fright a moment ago still burns in the back of my mind and I shake my head.

“I’m ready!”

Aila drew closer to me and we stand  side by side. I nodded once at Emyr and he gave me a knowing smile, pointing at Aila. Summoning the winds, I stepped towards it and pulled at her hand.

The wind caressed my cheeks , sweetly as we both arrived back in Paris. Aila was so fascinated she couldn’t help but laugh out loud as she tuck a hair beneath her ear and grinned. I let go of her hand and scratched the back of my neck. She gave me a foolish grin, making me glare at her.

 “Don’t act so coy, Cupid.” I muttered “Here.”

She looks at me as I took the phone out of my cloak. “Oh, a black pad!”

“How many times should I tell you, this is a phone, Aila. A phone!”

“I know. I just like to call it that for it sticks in my head better.” She watched me as I switch the phone on and enter some numbers.

 “You see, when you click the number one,” I leaned down and show her the screen and how it works, “My phone will ring and I will go to you, alright?” I showed her my phone and she cringed at the sound, her eyes still alight of curiousity.

“Why should you go to me when we are together? Is this how you communicate here on earth, through this black pad?”

I rolled my eyes and repeated, “ It’s a phone,” I sighed, taking a while to look at her confused face, “ I give you this because I will leave you on your own.”

“But, why?” I put some GPS tracker on her phone and closed it, taking her hand and putting the phone on them.

“Because I have to live my life.” Lie. I am testing you, cupid, and I have to convince Emyr that I am making the right decision. I bit my lip, suddenly guilty of lying to her. “Just because we met doesn’t mean that we have to be together. You have your mission and so continue with it. Don’t bother with me.”

Her face flushes as she looks at me. I bit back my tongue and sighed–I didn’t mean to be so harsh but it is the only way. “Use the phone and call me when you need me. Don’t call me with no purpose, do you understand?”

“Yes,” She bows her head and tightly clutched the phone with her hands, “Here,” I took some money from my coat and put it on her hand, “Take this and save it. Buy food when you’re hungry and find someone to take you in. I believe that this money will get you through the week,” She sighs, pocketing the money in the jacket I lend her.

We remain standing there for a while, her head bowed, while I look around, noticing the rest of the city waking up. I was about to walk away when she pulled at my coat, “ Why do I have to find someone if you are here? Why don’t you just take me in?

I let out a breath as I pries her hands from my coat. “No.”

*

The vinyl recording played a melancholy song, a wine glass stood on the table, half full as the fire merrily crackled on the fireplace. I paced next to it, a bit twitchy and anxious. I am waiting for her to call, to ask for me and beg for me to take her back.

Yet she didn’t.

I wonder how she is doing outside in the real world. Will she be able to adapt?

It’s a good thing that she has taken my advice and not call me when it is not necessary. Though, I wonder if she’s not using it because she has no purpose of calling me, or because she doesn’t know how to use the phone. Oh well, it doesn’t matter now. She is not a responsibility to me. We just brushed at each other’s existence, merely touching each other’s lives–I am nothing to her and she is nothing to me.

I proceed inside my room, got myself an arrow and searched for my bow. I quickly spotted it by the sofa. I slung my quiver on my back and took the bow before stopping short as I felt my palm burning. 

With shaking hands, I let go of the bow and stared at it. The intricate gold have fooled me of thinking that it was my own. Red burns appeared on my palm and I huffed, kicking the bow.

It was hers.

Before I could even think about going outside, the wind rustled my coat and I look behind me to see Emyr.

“Fancy burn you got there.” I flexed my hand and gritted my teeth, wanting nothing but to wring his neck. Emyr pointed at something behind me and I notice her quiver lying on my table, next to the set of books. Curious, I touched the arrows and take a step back, surprised when it didn’t burn me. Instead, the golden arrows changed back into steel and clatter to the ground as it falls.

“Same thing that will happen if you ever tried to be with her, Caelon. What you were planning is definitely wrong. You can’t make her your wife.”

“Yes I could and I will make her my wife. She is an easy one, though I am still calculating her moves, evaluating her actions. She is an asset that I have yet to possess.”

Emyr glared at me, huffing as he headed to the sofa. He scanned the books, frowning, “Did you know that making her your wife can lead to another step to the prophecy? You are building bridges, you are making it happen. Do you really want to die that much that you are willing to take a cupid as your wife?”

“Yes.”

My answer shocked Emyr that the book fell on his lap while he stared at me. There is no trace of hesitance or doubt in my voice, making him realize that I am serious of my decision.

Yes. Cupids annoy me the most. There’s nothing that could make my blood boil easier as a cupid would. I consider them as bad luck yet meeting her makes a game changer. I found a hole on the prophecy and I cannot turn a blind eye to it.

I have to tie the knot with her as soon as possible.

“It couldn’t be that you already fell for the cupid, did you? You mentioned something about kissing her. Have you really developed some feelings for her as to not think this through?”

Do I have feelings for her? No. Of course not. But the words won’t come out of my mouth. I averted my gaze in shame as I look at the burn on my hand. It is painful and I refuse to acknowledge the fact that my heart also aches while I continue to stay away from her.

It must be the kiss. Some bond must have formed after we ended up kissing for three times.

Emyr continue to stare at me, giving me a suspicious gaze. He ran his hand upon his golden blonde hair and sigh, “Well, I guess I cannot stop you from proceeding with the plan. You have been my friend for a thousand of years. I won’t let a little spite like this to break us.” He stood from the sofa and tapped my shoulder, “Although I cannot understand how you’ve come to arrive to a decision like this, I would like you to really think it through. Give it a few more days, Caelon. I can’t make you regret it once it is all too late. Please think it through.”

He flicked his hand and I watch as he is swallowed by the wind. A few minutes passed and I was left on my own. My hand tingles and I sigh, looking down on it.

This won’t do. I can’t go on hunting like this. My victims won’t calm my mind and my heart – I touched my chest and realize how my heart beats faster than before.

I flicked my hand and the smell of camellias in bloom calmed me down. I gingerly sat upon the dirt before lying down on my back, gazing at the sky. I could clearly remember the day I came on earth with the embodiment of a young boy,  no memory of who I am or what I am here for. I was just given a warning, nothing more.

Now as I take a step closer to my fate, I was left wondering about my past. Does it have something to do with the prophecy? Or is the prophecy a continuation of what has transpired before?

The earth shifted from under me and I gasped when I am transported back to my place, facing someone whom I have known for a very long time.