What is Left of Me

The days had passed in a haze of uncertainty and quiet tension. Sagittarius had taken time to heal, her mind and soul still clouded by the traumatic memories of her past life. Lee, despite his guilt and lingering fear, had tried to move forward. He knew he couldn't stay in this state forever, wallowing in what-ifs and self-doubt. Kuran had been a constant source of support, offering advice when Lee needed it most, but there was only so much solace the older man could provide.

Now, Lee found himself standing at the edge of the familiar unknown, walking side by side with Kuran. They were heading toward northern England, a place long scarred by war—a land haunted by the remnants of battles fought and lost, of lives torn apart. In the distance, dark clouds hung over the ruins of what was once a proud and thriving region.

Kuran had told Lee that they were going to meet someone who could teach him more about his power and his place in this chaotic world. Someone who held the key to understanding the greater picture. This person, however, was none other than Aries—the Judge of Heaven.

Lee's heart raced with each step they took toward their destination. The name alone filled him with dread. Judge of Heaven.

What did it mean? Who was this person who commanded such a title?

"Are you sure about this?" Lee asked, his voice quiet, tinged with both curiosity and fear. "The Judge of Heaven… what does that even mean?"

Kuran glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Aries is not someone you want to trifle with. His title is one earned through great strength, but also through a great responsibility. He is the keeper of balance between life and death, the one who weighs the souls of those who pass into the afterlife."

Lee furrowed his brow. "Wait, you're telling me he… judges souls?"

Kuran nodded. "Exactly. He's known for his impartiality, but don't be fooled. He is also fierce when it comes to maintaining order. Many believe he's the most difficult of the Zodiacs to understand."

Lee's feet slowed as they continued their approach, his thoughts swirling. Judge of Heaven. The name seemed almost mythical, as if this person held a power far beyond what he had imagined. He had already encountered the terrifying reality of the world, but what kind of man—or Zodiac—could command such a title?

"I've heard stories about Aries," Kuran continued, his voice low. "Some say he was once human, but transcended to become something more. Others say he was always this way, destined to be the judge from the very beginning. Whatever the truth is, he's seen countless souls pass before him. He's not someone who is easily impressed or swayed."

Lee swallowed, his throat dry. "What happens to people who fail his judgment?"

"Not many fail," Kuran replied gravely. "Aries' judgment is precise, but also merciful when it's needed. Those who fail don't live to tell the tale. They're either erased or lost in the endless abyss. It's why he's so feared."

Lee's pace quickened, now moving forward with urgency. "Wait, you're saying he kills people?"

Kuran's gaze turned serious, his eyes hard as stone. "Yes. But it's not just about power. Aries judges with the intention of preserving the greater balance, not out of malice. He chooses what's best for the world, no matter how painful it may be."

A shiver ran down Lee's spine, and he hesitated for a moment, suddenly unsure of whether he was ready to face such a figure. The idea of standing in front of someone who could erase him, without hesitation, filled him with dread.

But then, he remembered why they were here—why he was here. He had to continue his journey. He had to learn about his powers, to understand the path he was on, even if it led him to face such terrifying figures. He couldn't let fear control him, not now, not when the world's fate hung in the balance.

Kuran's voice interrupted his thoughts. "The house is just up ahead."

Lee looked up and saw the silhouette of a large, imposing structure emerging from the mist. It loomed over the landscape, a gothic mansion, dark and weathered by time and war. Its spires pierced the cloudy sky like skeletal fingers reaching toward the heavens.

"Aries lives there?" Lee asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Indeed," Kuran replied, his expression unreadable. "And don't let the eerie quiet fool you. Aries isn't just a title—it's a presence. You'll feel it the moment you step inside. Just remember to show respect. He may be harsh, but he values those who seek understanding."

Lee nodded, though his fear had not lessened. He stepped forward, his feet crunching against the cold earth as they drew closer to the mansion. The air grew heavy, thick with an energy he could almost taste. The sense of foreboding was palpable.

As they reached the entrance, Kuran knocked on the large, ornate doors, which opened after a moment to reveal an older man standing in the doorway. He was tall, with a stern expression and a face carved by time. His hair was silver, his eyes dark and cold, giving him an almost regal, otherworldly appearance.

"Ah," he said, his voice deep and resonant, carrying an authority that immediately commanded attention. "You've arrived."

Lee felt a chill run through him as Aries' gaze fell upon him, his eyes studying him as though he were an insect beneath a magnifying glass.

"You must be the Ophiuchus," Aries continued, his gaze unwavering. "I've been expecting you."

Lee's heart skipped a beat. How could he know who he was? But before he could ask, Aries stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter.

"The world is changing," Aries said cryptically as they stepped inside. "And your role in it has already been decided. It is time you learned what that truly means."

Lee braced himself for what was to come. This was it. The meeting with Aries. The Judge of Heaven.

And whatever came next, he would have to face it head-on.