Chapter 319 - Perun & Stribog

Tip-tap, tip-tap…

Footsteps echoed within the long, colorful tunnel that seemed to warp every quarter of a minute. The kaleidoscope of vibrant hues shifted, aiming to mesmerize unknowing visitors, right before the path would break into three directions, creating confusion. Those who wandered without permission, of course, would be lost, as none of those three pathways led to the other end.  

On the other hand, those who had permission could easily ascertain that the path broken into three parts was just an illusion. When the colors shifted, those who looked were instantly hypnotized and would stop moving. Those who were allowed access to the portal wouldn't be tricked and would continue to move.

Tip-tap, tip-tap…

The conduit within the portal seemed so long, but he was not bothered at all. In fact, he was thankful that it was like that. The lengthy walk towards the other end gave him more time to prepare himself from what was waiting for him out there. However, even if he thought like that, any journey would come to the finish line.

The bright light at the end of the tunnel soon came to view, as well as the forest beyond the portal's gate. A few more steps and he would be able to reach the other world.

A sigh escaped his lips. All the time he'd been trudging the corridor of the portal, he'd been trying to recite in his mind what he'd say to his child when he saw her next. However, there he was, arriving at the other world still not knowing what to say. There were so many things he'd like to tell her. A plethora of explanations and speeches when he begged her forgiveness repeated in his mind. Still, he was blank when he finally crossed the threshold.

WOOOOSH

A gentle breeze greeted him as soon as he stepped out. However, in contrast to the bright forest he'd seen from within the portal, the sight that welcomed him was a dark forest. It was night time in that world. His amethyst gaze scanned the area, and a subtle tilt at the corner of his lips indicated his amusement as he moved.

As soon as he took a step, torches that surround the area came alive one by one like perfectly timed spotlights, illuminating the path he'd taken.

"Come out now. There's no need to hide like a mischievous child, little brother," he spoke towards the darkness.

Indeed, just as what Alistair said, a smiling golden head which mirrored his face popped from behind a nearby tree where a torch was lit.  

"Oh, that was fast. I was hoping to hide a little bit longer," Kazehaya Gin said sheepishly as he scratched the side of his head.

"I told you, it's useless to hide from him," a voice grumbled as a taller man stepped out of another tree. He was grinning at Alistair with his jade eyes glinting with approval. "You took your time coming, Ritz."

As usual, Alistair didn't return the smile, but Ivan didn't mind. He's already used to his stoic expression and it didn't mean that he's angry or feeling anything negative. The Ritz King then turned to Gin who now shifted nervously on his feet.

The last time they'd been in each other's presence was when the younger twin struggled so hard to separate himself from the older on their way to the cycle of birth. Perun had been beyond livid then. It was why Gin was so nervous now. After all, he had failed to tell his brother what he discovered before he left, and when he left, he was born without his memories so it took time for him to do what he came to that world for.

He nearly failed too. If he was a bit later, Alencica would have been dead again, and everything's all for naught.

Alistair sighed. He totally knew how his little brother's brain worked. By the way, he moved and the way he looked, he's a hundred percent sure that he's blaming himself and was dreading this moment that they're finally reunited.

The Ritz King, however, did not blame him. Stribog tried his best. What happened was not solely his mistake. The bigger blame was Perun's. If he did not give in to Fanya's taunts and did not break Alencica's soul in the first place, they wouldn't have been through so much misery.

He stepped closer to his younger sibling and raised his hand as soon as he reached him. Stribog flinched, his body tensing as if he prepared himself to be hit, and Alistair finally smiled at the silly expression on his face. His raised hand grabbed his twin's arm and pulled him towards him in a tight embrace.

"Stribog, you did well…"

Kazehaya Gin was shocked. Ivan who had been watching the two chuckled at his ancestor's candied expression as Alistair hugged him tightly. Then, as if recovering his senses, the younger twin lifted his hands and slowly wrapped his arms around his brother, his face softening as he returned the hug. He was obviously relieved and didn't hesitate to show his real feelings now.   

"Perun!"

Gin started to cry openly like a child, and Alistair had to shake his head. He had forgotten what a baby Stribog could be. But he had to admit that he missed his silliness as well.

"You crybaby," the King teased, but it only made Stribog sob harder.

"I always cry, alright? That's normal," Gin sobbed.

The older brother had no choice but wait until Stribog was ready. When the younger one finished sobbing, Alistair couldn't help but shake his head again. He handed his brother a silk handkerchief from his pocket and watched as his twin wiped his face.

"Ah! That was nice! All the tension's finally gone," Gin declared with a shudder.

"Oh, so you were really ready for a scolding then?" Perun teased making his twin pout.

"You can't get angry anymore, alright? You already told me I did a good job. There's no taking that back." Gin bent so he could hug his older brother's waist.

"I won't," Alistair promised and patted him on the head. He then turned to Ivan. "I take it, you've met Ali?"

Ivan nodded.

"Have you… explained?" Alistair asked, a bit hopeful, but Ivan shook his head and his heart sank.

"Don't worry brother. Alencica doesn't hate you," Kazehaya Gin declared confidently. "Your daughter understands."

Alistair nodded as his smile saddened. "I hope so…"