The Unprevailant | Book 2 | The Irangel arc

Chapter 4 ~ The Dance of Two Legends

Valerie sensed the alien darkness lurking in the shadows, like a storm about to pour heavy rain. The connection howled violently, threatening to break loose whatever was plaguing Demian. It was all Valerie could do to keep the storm at bay, away from herself and her connected.

Eager footsteps brought Valerie's attention to the Phoenix, his cheerful smile lighting up the hallway like a lamp. Valerie instantly felt her worries subside, relieved to see Raistin's familiar face.

"Hey, Black Rose! A pleasure to finally have you on our planet. You know, I sensed your presence on planet Earth just months before your arrival on planet Iredescent," Raistin said, unaware of the figure hiding in the shadows.

It was Demian. Ariel left with Cydtin while Demian went to find Valerie, concealing himself when he saw her with Raistin.

The shadows successfully hid Demian from view as he listened from a distance, the dark green sparkles on his black suit the only giveaway of his hidden presence. The dark green sparkles were subtle, not as vivid as the royal purple sparkles on Valerie's dress.

Ever since arriving on planet Iredescent, Valerie wore mostly ballgowns and fancy dresses befitting the Black Rose. Demian hadn't seen Valerie wear any of her former Earth clothing, having completely upgraded to sparkly Iredescent clothing.

Demian heard Valerie say in surprise, "You did?"

Raistin nodded in confirmation. "For some reason, a Phoenix can always sense the presence of a Black Rose, even light years away in the galaxy. I think it has something to do with being able to sense another great power, though I'm not exactly sure. But yeah, months before you crashed onto our planet, I sensed your presence from planet Earth. I was surprised because it was the first time a Black Rose came from another planet."

Demian continued watching and listening, seeing the perplexity on Valerie's face, before she asked, "What month was it that you sensed me?"

"October, during the autumn season," Raistin answered.

Glittering stars, Demian thought in realization. That was the month I turned Valerie, just a week after her birthday!

Demian looked up in astonishment, his heart picking up pace when he heard Valerie's voice mirror his thoughts.

"That was the month I turned into an irangel. You must've sensed me right after I turned into an irangel."

"That explains everything," Raistin said vocally while Demian said mentally, That explains everything.

Then Valerie asked a question that panged Demian: "Who was the Black Rose before me?"

Demian heard Raistin move a little, his voice somewhat somber as he said, "Asim Virani was the Black Rose before your time. I sensed his presence on planet Iredescent exactly ninety years ago. I was on planet Earth when I sensed his presence, so I took a trip back into outer space to see the next Black Rose.

"For many centuries and a thousand years, I sensed the presence of a Black Rose. I kept returning to planet Iredescent just to see the Black Rose. Sometimes I watched from afar. Sometimes I talked with them and gave advice. But the last time, I wasn't in a cheery mood, and I gave the latest Black Rose a cursory glance before returning to planet Earth."

Raistin sighed ruefully at the memory. "I wish I stayed on planet Iredescent. Asim's death could've been prevented had I stayed. But alas, the past cannot be changed, only the present and future. The past is there to make sure we do not repeat the same mistakes, we learn from those mistakes, and we gain experience from the knowledge."

Seeing the stunned look on Valerie's face, Raistin explained, "Asim connected with his wife Velisa. Things were good for the time being. Asim had no enemies, and Iredescent was in a state of peace before Tori's arrival set it in a state of mourning.