CHAPTER 18: PROVEN INNOCENT.

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Felix was on their bedroom. Rheyna was outside preparing everything she needs to fix and stitch his wounds. She took everything upstairs. When she got to the room she opened the door. She saw him already sitting on the bed with his head lowered. She cleared her throat. He heard it because he looked at her. She let out a soft smile and mouthed 'hi'. He looked away and lowered his head again. She went up to him but not forgetting to close the door. She placed the tray of things she needs to use to clean his wounds on the bed.

Rheyna: Take off your clothes.

She softly said. Felix obliged. He moved his hair to the side. She gasped softly when she saw his wounds. His back had a big scratch and it was still bloody. His biceps and and shoulders and arms were so dirty. His face had a cut and a bruise on his cheekbone. His back also had a few cuts. She softly signed and took the tiny cloth and dipped it in the water. She squeezed the excess water and slowly wiped his back but he hissed in pain.

Rheyna: Sorry.

She softly and gently wiped his back. She then placed the dirtied cloth on the water and took the disinfecting and the tools she needs. She proceeded with the work.

Rheyna: I was looking for you everywhere. But I couldn't find you, I thought you were still mad at me and that you were avoiding me.

Felix: I wasn't. And I'm not mad. I just went to Lazica for a while.

Rheyna: Lazica? You went to Lazica?

Felix: With the others.

Rheyna: Well... What happened there? And how did you guys end up like this?

Felix: What do you think?

Rheyna: You never should've went there.

Felix: I didn't know this was gonna happen.

Rheyna: Okay let's just cut this conversation off.

Felix: Gladly.

He said. Rheyna continued to clean his wounds.

Rheyna: Are you still mad?

Felix: No. I'm not. I'm just stressed.

Rheyna: Okay. Alright, it's done.

She bandaged the wound. She turned his face for him to face her. She grabbed the cotton and poured some kind of medicine he doesn't know. She dabbed it into his cheekbone and he felt it sting so he hissed.

Rheyna: Sorry.

She blew his cheekbone and dabbed the cotton. He watched her facial features. She looked so serious cleaning the wound on his face.

Rheyna: I can feel you looking at me. Is something bothering you?

Felix: Nothing.

Rheyna: Then what's the matter?

Felix: I....uhh... Nevermind. It's nothing you should be worrying about.

Rheyna: O...kay?

Felix sighed heavily. She continued to dab the cotton in his cheekbone.

Rheyna: There. You're all done.

She took the tray and placed it on the top drawer and signed heavily. Both maintained eye contact with each other. Their eyes hypnotizing them.

Felix: Why do I always feel like this when I'm around you?

He asked.

Rheyna: What do you mean?

Felix: I just...*chuckles dryly* I don't know too.

Rheyna: *Chuckles* I don't understand you.

Felix: I don't either.

They both laughed softly. They looked at each other's eyes again. They both felt their own heads leaning towards each other. They both fluttered their eyes closed, then he suddenly stopped. Rheyna opened her eyes. Felix signed and leaned away. She looked at confused. Felix signed and lowered his head. He placed both of his hands on his head. Rheyna placed her hand on his back.

Rheyna: Are you okay?

Felix: Yes I uhh... I'm okay.

Rheyna: Are you sure?

Felix: Yes.

Rheyna: Then why did you... Why did you stop?

Felix: I'm just tired okay?

Rheyna: Felix, look at me. You know you can tell me your problems right?

Felix: I know.

Rheyna: Then start speaking.

Felix: I'm okay Rheyna I'm just really tired. I don't wanna talk about this.

Rheyna: Okay.

She signed and leaned her chin on his shoulder and rubbed both of his arms soothingly.

Felix: I'm okay.

Rheyna: I know. I know.

She kissed his shoulder a few times. Felix relaxed under her touch and soft kisses. He turned to face her, she faced him and they looked at each other before clashing their lips against each other. Felix turned his body around to fully face her and pushed her down to the bed. They kissed each other as if there's no tomorrow. Felix pulled away for air. They both breathed heavily.

Felix: Your lips are so addicting.

Rheyna: I'll probably say the same thing about you.

Felix: *Chuckles* You can say that.

Both chuckled softly before kissing each other lovingly. This is gonna be a long night.

(Midnight)

Felix woke up to grab some water. Goodness they really need to already prepare the water in their room so they won't have to go down on the kitchen. He groaned sleepily and signed. He moved her arms off him and kissed her cheek a few times before standing up. He grabbed his robe and put it on and stood up and went to the door. He opened the door and closed it behind him. He went to the kitchen. He grabbed the cup and poured water in it. He drank the water peacefully.

???: My King.

Felix chocked and coughed. He turned around and saw Hailey. Holding a candle.

Felix: Hailey, what...what are you doing?

Hailey: I need to tell you something.

Felix: *Coughs* About what?

Hailey: I'll tell you everything you want to know.

Felix: What?

Hailey: But promise me one thing. You will stay calm.

Felix: What do you mean? What are exactly are you trying to say?

Hailey: Sit down.

Felix sat down. They were both sitting silently.

Hailey: I'm tired of staying silent. I'm tired of people hating Rheyna. She's my best friend. She has done so many good things for me and I can't let anyone step on her.

Felix: What are you talking about?

Hailey: Do you want to know the truth?

Felix: Truth? What truth? What exactly is going on here?

Hailey: I'll just ask. Are you ready to hear it? The whole story?

Felix furrowed his eyebrows. What is she trying to say? But nonetheless he nodded his head.

Hailey: I know this is hard. And I know this is hard to swallow. You'll probably be shocked when you hear this. But I think it's time for you to know the truth. I can't stay quiet anymore.

Felix: Tell me what you know.

Hailey: She's innocent.

Felix: Who?

Hailey: You know who.

Felix: Why do you all keep saying that? What proof do you have?

Hailey: Because I was there.

Felix: What?

Hailey: I was there. I saw everything. Now before you think that I am lying think again. Because you wouldn't be here sitting with me. But if you still think that I am just making this all up, I don't care. But all I want you to know is that Rheyna is innocent. That's why I'm telling you this.

Felix: Tell me exactly what you know.

Hailey: It all started...when he came back again.

(Flashback)

Rheyna was in Azkabhan. Zeke and Felix was away for a while. Hailey and Rheyna was in the garden, watering the flowers. Everything was okay. The flowers were blooming very beautifully. Hailey smiled fondly at Rheyna who was enjoying watering the flowers.

Hailey: They are beautiful aren't they?

Rheyna: They are. I love flowers.

Hailey: *Chuckles* We can't stop ourselves from loving flowers huh?

Rheyna: You're right.

Hailey: Whoo! I'm starving! Want some fruits Princess Rheyna?

Rheyna: Sure. And a lot of grapes.

Hailey: You know I can't promise that.

Rheyna: I doubt you won't disobey your friend hmm Hailey? You won't right?

Hailey: With that pouting face, how can I disobey?

Rheyna: Thank you! You're the best.

Hailey: Yeah yeah. I'll be back.

Rheyna laughed and continued to water the flower.

Hailey: Such a cute bummer.

She murmured under her breath. She went to the kitchen and grabbed some fruits. She washed them and cut them into pieces. She made sure to add a lot of grapes since that's what Rheyna likes.

*BOOM*

Screams were heard.

*BOOM*

Everybody started running. Hailey stood there confused and worried. She went outside where she heard the explosion.

Soldier: OUTSIDERS!!!

Everybody screamed and ran for their lives. Hailey saw the men in black starting to stab and fight the soldiers. Her breath hitched at the horrifying sight. She slowly backed away but her back hit something. She gasped and turned around and a hand harshly grabbed her neck.

Man: What a beauty.

He said. He ran his knife on her cheek and to her throat.

Man: It's a shame that you must die.

Her hand searched for something in the back. The man lifted his knife up and she panicked. Her finger tips felt something she didn't hesitate to grab it and hit him in the head. He grunted in pain and let her neck go. He touched his head and hissed when he felt it sting. He looked at his fingers and saw blood. He glared at her angrily before running towards her. She panicked and ducked down. He missed his shot and she used this opportunity to kick him in the crotch. He yelled in pain and she crawled away but he grabbed her ankle. She kicked his face and he let her ankle go and she tried to stand up but she tripped when a hand grabbed her ankle again. She screamed and grunted. He crawled fastly and she looked for a weapon to use. She saw a utensil knife (pretty sure you know what I mean) and she reached out for it before grabbing it and stab him in the neck. He screamed out in pain and gurgled blood.

She pushed him off and she tried to stand up. He tried to grab her ankle but she kicked him and she ran away successfully. She ran in the garden to look for Rheyna. But when she got there she wasn't there anymore.

Hailey: Rheyna! Rheyna! Rheyna!
Princess Rheyna!

???: Looking for her?

She turned around saw Rheyna struggling with a man that was holding her.

Hailey: Who are you?! Let her go!

???: Where's the fun in that?

Rheyna: Let me go!

Hailey: What do you want?!

???: What do I want? Everything in front of you.

Hailey: Who are you?! Just who are you?!

???: Do you really want to know?

Hailey: Show me.

???: Very well.

The man took off his mask, her eyes widened. He laughed. It revealed Zardoz.

Zardoz: Surprise~!

Hailey: It's impossible! You...you died! Years ago!

Zardoz: Well unfortunately for you, I lived. And now... I'm here. For revenge.

Hailey: Leave us alone, just leave us alone! We are already living in peace so just leave us alone!

Zardoz: 'Peace'? You say 'peace'? *Chuckles* I don't think so.

Rheyna: What do you want?!

Zardoz: I want this place to be wrecked! I want this Kingdom to be broken! I want everything to be destroyed and I want to see it by my own very eyes!

Rheyna: Why?

Zardoz: You don't have to know. For now, just watch the show.

The both girls screamed when another explosion blasted. Zardoz laughed happily.

Zardoz: Yes! Destroy everything!

Rheyna: No!

Zardoz took Rheyna and Hailey tried to separate then but ended up being punched. Rheyna tried to pry him off but he gripped tighter and tighter and walked away. Another explosion blasted. Everybody's scream was everywhere. Zardoz took Rheyna to the top roof. Rheyna's eyes were wide. She watches as the whole village burns. The people crying and fighting for their lives. Some ended up being stabbed and dying. Nobody was surviving. Everything was chaos. Fire was everywhere, spreading everywhere the whole village and the Kingdom falls apart.

Rheyna: Stop! Stop this! This is misery! This is chaos! Stop this madness now!

She commanded but he just laughed.

Zardoz: That's the fun part! Look! Look at the fire! Look at everything in front of you! Isn't it beautiful?!

Rheyna: You're insane! You're insane!

Zardoz: *Laughs* Oh what? Am I supposed to be offended?!

Rheyna: There are children in that village! Stop this now!

Zardoz: You don't get to yell at me. You do not tell me what to do.

Rheyna: Please... Please stop this! Please!

Zardoz: That's it beg! Beg for me! *Laughs* I like it when you beg. Do it again.

Rheyna cried. Zardoz pointed his eyes on the ground. Rheyna looked at the village again. Before looking at Zardoz, then kneeling down on her knees.

Rheyna: I beg you... Stop this!

Zardoz: Mmm...what if I say 'no'?

Rheyna: I SAID STOP THIS!!!

Zardoz grabbed her hair tightly.

Zardoz: You don't yell at me. And you do not tell me what to do! You have no idea what they have done to me! What they have done to me! And this? This is all just the beginning.

He let her hair go and went to the railing. He watched the whole view.

Zardoz: The madness, has just begun!

He raised his arms from side to side and another explosion blasted. His whole evil laugh could be heard. Rheyna cried hopelessly.

???: Brother!

A voice yelled out. Making Rheyna turn her head. Zardoz didn't move for one bit as he already knew who it is. Rheyna saw Zeke panting. His eyes glowing in anger.

Zeke: Brother! How could you? How could you do this to our home?! How?!

Zardoz: Zeke...my younger brother. My beloved brother. What a very nice timing eh?

Zeke: Why...? How could you, do this to our people?! To our Kingdom? To Azkabhan?! To our home?!

Zardoz: 'Home'? *Chuckles* Since when did I feel at home in this place? Since when did I felt like a respected prince? We grew up together, so you know damn well what my childhood was like.

Zeke: But that doesn't have to anything to do with this-

Zardoz: It does! It does little brother. You see, ever since from the start, mother and father always loved you more than me. They thought of you as a precious little thing. Their little 'angel'. Tch...while I... Had nothing. You saw everything. My whole life I was never respected. I was rather treated like a trash. They celebrated your birthday, but they have forgotten about me. That's painful don't you think?

Zeke: Brother...this is our home. We were born in Azkabhan. We were born in this place! Why would you destroy it?! It's our Kingdom-

Zardoz: Your Kingdom. Not mine. It was supposed to be mine but because of you, I didn't.

Zeke: Why...?

Zardoz: 'Why'? The answer is simple. Because I want everyone to know my name and know who they have underestimated.

He said. He didn't know that Rheyna was already backing away slowly and sneakily. He didn't noticed that she was already behind him and her eyes searched for something she could use to knock him out. Her eyes landed on the wood on the ground. She looked back at them, they both were busy talking to each other. She sneakily took it with shaky hands and she stood up, she held the wood tightly. Zeke looked at her with a shocked face. He slightly shook his head but she just can't watch them all die.

Zardoz: We're both the same Zeke. After all we're brothers. I know you and you know me. You know what I'm capable of. And whether innocent or not...

She raised the wood and tried to hit his head but he moved faster and grabbed the wood. She gasped when he grabbed the wood. He smirked evilly.

Zardoz: I shall shed blood.

He took out his sword and tried to stab her.

Zeke: No!

He yelled and jumped on his back. Zardoz let go of the wood and tried to pry him off his back. Zeke held tightly on his neck. Zardoz banged Zeke on the ground by dropping himself to the ground. Zeke's lungs wheezed. His breath was cut off for a moment. The sudden movement made him loosen his grip on Zardoz's neck. Zardoz stood up and chuckled, amused by the tough act.

Zardoz: You have the guts do to that!

Zardoz yelled and stepped on Zeke's chest making him yelp in pain.

Zardoz: From the very start you always were such a spoiled brat!

He yelled out and added pressure on his chest making him scream in pain. Zeke tried to scratch his feet or tried to pry his feet off. But Zardoz just kept pushing further into his chest making it harder for Zeke to breathe.

Zardoz: You don't know how to respect your older brother! Such a very disrespecting brother I have! You never should've been born! It should've been me who had the respect I wanted and deserved!

Zeke: We...respected you! It was you who thought you were left out! Mother and father loved you! I loved you! You are my brother. My older sibling who took care of me when I was young. Your anger got the best of you and you have gone berserk-argh!

Zardoz: Don't try to flip me around! Your words aren't going to affect me! They won't at all! No matter how much you try to flip me around with your words, they never will! They won't and will not go through my head!

Zeke: Tell me...what does it cost in you?

Zardoz: What does it cost in me?!

He asked confused.

Zeke: You were far different from this! Where's your...soul? Where's your happiness? Your humanity? Your...where is the real you? Where's my brother? Who is the person am I talking to now? Where's the person that I know?!

Zardoz: He's gone! He's dead! Zardoz is gone! This is the real me! Your brother is long gone! He was dead years ago! And he will never come back! Never!

Zeke: Why...? What did we do to you, to make you like this? Why did you suddenly become a monster? When you were far from being a  monster?

Zardoz: You wanna know? It's because of you. You and this whole wrecked place that we call 'home'. You made me become this 'monster'. *Chuckles* And I am grateful. Being evil, sure does feel so good. I feel powerful and strong.

Zeke: You're not.

Zardoz: What?

Zeke: You're not. Because you don't play fair. And you are scared to admit that no matter what you try to do, you will always lose. That's the truth.

Zardoz: How dare you?!

He drawn out his sword and pointed the tip of the sword in front of him. Just an inches away from Zeke's eyes.

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