After that they spend one month together touring the world. As the strongest man in the world there is no place in this world that he did not dare travels.
They dangle on the steep Grand Canyon as they picnic on the ledge while laughing and talking about many things.
Below them, on the canyon bottom was hordes of monster's nest and full with horse like monster but they treated it like nothing as they saw the sunset there and it was beautiful.
Then they went to Plitvice Lakes in Croatia as he kisses her slow when the night came as they slept on a makeshift hanging house surrounded by ancient forest and waterfalls.
They swim on the Great Barrier Reef near Pandemonium, and enjoy each other body like there was no tomorrow.
Even as they are monster of the Deep Sea, they did not dare near her since the aura emanated by Azief repel them away.
They dance on the vast steppe of Mongolia, their bare foot on the grass as the wind blows over them and stars dotted the skies at night.
It was the most magical one month in their life.
In that one month, Azief forget about everything else. As he for the first time enjoy the feeling of being in love.
They disguise themselves while travelling the world like carefree immortals and listen to the song of the nomads in the Arabian deserts that sound like poems, dance with the many tribes on the African wilderness.
In that one month, they experience beauty, life and love like every day was their last. They sing song, dance, kiss and live like they never before.
It was a magical one month.
Then he returned to his seclusion and Sofia knows that he would leave. And she accepted it. She has grown up and things have changed and like her Azief also matures.
She too knows that on the long path of journeying to the peak of power momentary happiness is just that…momentary happiness.
Yet, it was that momentary happiness that keep them going.
Without it what is the point of chasing power?
Azief wanted to realize his grand Path because he wanted to be able to save himself and the people he loves
He did not want to be under the mercy of others. He saw what happen when you rely on the mercy of others.
Other people might have a way to be content with it but since Azief had the chance to embark on a great adventure and there is nothing stopping him, why should he stop?
He would go to the top.
He wanted to be free and unconstrained in the Vast Universe, to see the beginning of the Universe and it end and live to tell its tale.
He did not want a momentary happiness. He wanted an eternal happiness. It is because of that reason he keeps seeking power.
He wanted happiness. He wanted to make sure that the people he loves is safe and happy. It sounds like a simple wish.
But nothing is simple in a Universe filled with godlike being and demonic monsters.
To protect the people, he loved. That intention did not change even after all this time. She also did not want to be left behind.
After he left Sofia has decided to enter into seclusion herself. But her path is different than Azief.
She takes her time slowly, solidifying her foundation. Just because she did not walk the Path of Perfection does not mean she is weak.
Her arrows could pierce anything.
In Loki future, the Divine Archer was not only capable of shooting down planets she was able to pierce through space time and send her arrows to the past to kill people incarnations.
She could even pierce the Heavenly Palace of the Jade Empire if she desires to.
While she was Half Sovereign even until after the last battle, the reason she could not take that last step is because of her affection.
The Saints are heartless.
In ancient text it is recorded as such. Certain affection must be thrown away if one had to take that last step.
Becoming Sovereign does not only mean the changing of some title.
It also means to shedding of the mortal part about oneself. Being heartless does not mean one become devoid of emotion. It is to view all creation as equals.
That is one of the reason why she did not become a Sovereign and the other reason was because the energy of that world was scarce at that time.
Even the World Orb needed time and each time a Sovereign is born, it sometimes takes a little longer time to produce another one.
They look at each other and they both didn't want to touch upon the topic of leaving. He kisses her on the cheek and he hug her a little closer and pull her closer.
She pushed him away and said
'Wait for it. I promise it would be tasty.'
Azief only shakes his head.
He did not find what Sofia did meaningless. He knows what she is trying to do. She is just trying to make this little time they have to be not so painful.
Azief wanted to say something and Sofia could see that Azief was about to say something and she put her finger on top of Azief lips and said
'Let us leave each other with a smile. That would be better right? Then seeing me crying again?'
Azief was silenced for a while and then he said
'Don't you think it is quite unfair?' He asks, his hand is still on her waist. She smiles and said
'Why would I feel unfair? You were everything I ever wanted' And her hand moves to his chest and she tap it with her palm and said
'And this is mine. I ask you not to feel regret choosing me. How is it fair if I feel regret now?' Azief eyes turns a little sad.
'You could ask me to stay' he offered, she shakes her head slowly and smile bitterly
'Do you want to stay? Why would I ask you of that when I know that is not what you wanted? Azief'
Then she put her hand behind his neck and clasp her finger together, her face is so close to him that he could feel the warmth of her body on his and with a smile she said
'I could be possessive. I could be jealous. I could be one hell of a bitchy woman. But that doesn't mean that I don't know what you want. You see I know what kind of a guy you are after all these years' She then sigh and there is a smile on her face but it was more like a smile of resignation and she added
'You love me…and you love her too. You want to stay and you want to leave too. I always know that you were an indecisive kind of guy. It is not something that I like. But…. I try to learn to accept it. At least I hope you don't meet any other girls while you are exploring the world outside this Universe' She tries to make a joke but Azief is not laughing.
He come closer to her and his eyes stared deep at her hazel eyes and he smiles as he said
'Did you know?'
'Hmm. What?' she asks
****************************************************************************
Not much to say on this chapter. Azief gushing on Sophia. Things are getting heated. Anyway, please voet and leave some comments below