I once more I find myself surrounded by the ethereal ocean of darkness, embraced by the cold shadows that make up my magical affinity. That fight was too exhausting, Void was right… but never has a victory felt so good. Perhaps with time my veins would expand enough to output a level even higher of frin.
Within that vast realm of darkness, where everything had been corrupted by the all-encompassing shadows, I could feel everything like an extension of my touch. Though I don't know how far it reached, the attack landed on Zeraf.
(''Hello boy..'')
A misty figure hovered just in front of me. It lacked facial features but the body structure was all too familiar. Her emotions seeped into my heart, without hearing what she has to say next I already knew.
(''That was reckless. You are lucky that your veins are just bruised. Refrain from using frin for the next little while. It shouldn't take more than a few days. I'll try speed up the healing process so you can get back to training.'')
I understand, it was reckless and you were right. I'm sorry for making you worry. No magic for a few days huh. No consuming the frin orb I suppose.
(''Mhm. Just focus on resting. At least Zeraf is awake now to protect you from that woman. Though I don't know how she would react to hearing that you are dating Lucet.'')
Don't remind me about that. I'll have to make up a proper excuse after waking up. Can you wake me up now please?
The world of darkness dissipated by the blinding overhead lights, Lucet had been flashing a light straight into my eyes. It was warm and gentle, almost like healing magic. My exhausted muscles screamed in agony, seemingly pushing themselves towards her divine arts.
My head sqreeched like an un-oiled doorhinge while it turned towards the opposite end of the cart where Zeraf and Ghost were chatting to Alia. Unlike before they seem to have been caught up with the situation and be understanding.
(''Lucet, what did you tell them?'')
She looked at me with a soft smile, her eyes glistening from the healing lights. I could almost make out a encompassing halo representing her authority as a goddess. Slowly the distance between our two faces lessened, my face growing redder until her lips parted. (''Don't worry Abby, I'm not so cruel to my boyfriend that I would ruin a friendship.'')
A slender hand tucked long locks of hair behind a pinkish ear. A finger slid across her lips like a zipper, for once I can rest easy because of her. But I can't let my guard down, there are still things I need to learn.
Though sore, my muscles healed enough to support small amounts of my weight at a time. My elbows dug down into the softened wood of the cart, pulling myself toward the three sitting at the front.
My grunting must've caught their attention because they twisted their heads to see me crawling around. They smiled directly at me, Zeraf even laughing and gripping her stomach. Why did I have to fall in love with this girl?
(''Haha. Well I'm glad you are awake Abby. Congratulations on winning your first duel!'') Normally she would be peeved by losing in anything but this time it seemed genuine. Well as genuine as laughing in your face is.
(''Good job Abby, that fight was amazing. I would've never expected you to grow so much since last time we spoke.'')
I grew a little yes, but I am much more curious about the hell that made Zeraf grow so much more than before. What challenge did she have to face in the realm of creation. That's my first priority, while the second is to ascertain if Ghost received any special powers too.
With minutes passing by Ghost and Zeraf sat down beside me after posting me against the side of the cart. Though they talked between eachother for quite a bit, an occasional question flew in my direction. Somehow it felt difficult to ask about their trials...but I have to.
Here it goes…(''Zeraf?'')
Her smile beamed brightly at me, clogging up my throat more with the words that refuse to flow out.
(''What trial did you have to face while you were in the realm of creation?'')
In the instance that my sentence left my lips her face grew dark, a deep frown formed across her face with a matching pair of eyebrows that displayed something foreign. An emotion that Zeraf has never expressed before, it was one of…pity.
Tears dripped down like droplets from a dark cloud, sliding before forming a large buildup at the bottom of her chin. She struggled to keep in her ragged breaths. What the fuck did I do?
I darted my eyes from everyone in the cart, trying to gauge the different reaction between the other occupants. Alia had his back turned. Ghost was rather gloomy, but not on Zeraf's level. And Lucet…she seemed confused while jotting things down in that journal of hers.
(''I'm sor-'')
A pair of toned arms threw themselves around my neck, pulling me closer into a tight hug. I could feel her legs shifting around trying to latch onto me harder.
(''It's because I couldn-'')
She couldn't what? What could make her cry like this, to make her show that expression?
(''I couldn't protect you. Hic. I was too weak. Hic-'')
Ah…
(''My trial was to redo the fight against Void after you asked us to protect you.'')
(''I repeated that fight… one hundred and thirty seven times…hic'')
That many times?!?! No way that anyone should be put through so much-
(''But that wasn't the worst part…'')
(''I watched you…helplessly…get torn to pieces. Your blood, your guts splattering everywhere. You were eaten countless times. I failed to protect you. I-I'm sorry Abby. Hic'')
Her sobbing was heartbreaking. Like an axe had created a wedge in my chest to claw out my heart. Each breathy hiccup digging another fang into my already pained heart. But her pain was much greater, so for now I'll suck it up and comfort her however I can.
(''You did your best Zeraf. The reason you are awake now is because you succeeded, and you have grown so much through it. I know I can always depend on you to protect me.'')
Hic. (''R-really?'') She stumbled over her only word, though I can't blame her. I honestly don't know what to say in this situation, never have I seen her act like this.
(''Yes, so no need to cry. I'm here safe and sound because you gave me enough time to create weapons to fight against Void. So hold your head high because you didn't fail to protect me.'')
I wiped the tears from her red puffy eyes as she weakly attempted a smile, she is trying her best. Despite the years we've been together I still manage to learn new things about her, is this the wonders of love?
Despite the touching scene, a certain goddess drilled her gaze into my back. Whether she loved me or was trying to kill me, that's become very blurry in this moment. She flashed a dishonest smile as the bloodlust leaked only to me. Yup…I'm screwed.
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Some time passed before Zeraf eventually calmed down and merily chatted to Alia and Ghost. I'm actually a little jealous that Alia would be this chatty with Zeraf but not with me…altough he is only speaking about ten words per minute. No one can compare to the chatter box that is Zeraf.
I had scooched my way back to Lucet who started healing me again. She explained that while my body would be fine to use again by tomorrow, my veins will need more rest, though I knew that from Void.
What I need to know is why she looked so surprised earlier. Well, Lucet is very transparent so asking her might give me the answer.
(''Lucet?'')
She leaned in really close and whispered in my ear. (''Yes dear?'')
I can't get used to this, though I signed up to it with my own volition.
(''Why did you appear so surprised earlier when I mentioned the trial?'')
She hesitated for a second before reverting to the smiling goddess she had always been. Pointer finger stuck onto her cheek and an eye closed. (''I don't know~'')
This is why she gets on my nerves. Just because she is a goddess she that makes her better than me?
….
Now that I think about it, that makes sense. But whatever, I will not succumb to this lady or any of her petty tricks that she might deploy.
(''So you want me to be honest Abby? After you've been so dishonest about what's going on? How hypocritic.'')
What?! What does she mean by that? I have been a little secretive about somethings but she shouldn't be able to pick up on that!
(''Void is helping you grow isn't she?'')