As the unknown entity held Hina's lifeless body, panic spread throughout the Ingrasya castle like wildfire. The king, realizing his grave mistake, fell to his knees before the entity, his voice trembling with remorse as he begged for forgiveness.
"Is that you, Goddess Carrion?" he stammered, his words barely audible over the din of the commotion.
Carrion, his heart heavy with grief, could only nod silently in response. "I am sorry that I did not recognize you sooner," the king continued, his voice thick with regret.
But Carrion paid no heed to the king's apologies. His attention was solely focused on his daughter, lying limp and lifeless in the arms of the unknown entity. Tears streamed down his face as he cradled her cold body, his sorrow echoing through the halls of the castle.
"Find a healer," Carrion commanded, his voice choked with emotion. "She is not breathing... her divine regeneration has failed her."
The healer, visibly shaken by the gravity of the situation, approached Hina's motionless form with trepidation. With a heavy heart, he examined her, his brow furrowed in concern.
"It is a case of severe overheating," the healer explained, his voice somber. "When one channels too much magical power, there is a risk of overheating... and in some cases, death."
Carrion's anguish was palpable as he clutched Hina's lifeless body to his chest. "But she is a divine being," he protested, his voice breaking with despair.
The healer could offer no solace, only the harsh truth. "I am sorry, Goddess," he said, his words heavy with regret. "This is the first time I have witnessed a divine being succumb to such a fate."
Throughout the castle, the air was thick with sorrow and despair. The once joyous atmosphere had been replaced by a solemn silence, broken only by the anguished cries of those who mourned the loss of their beloved princess.
And as Carrion cradled his daughter's lifeless form, his heart shattered into a million pieces, consumed by the overwhelming grief of a father who had lost his child.
Lefa's heart shattered as she gazed upon Hina's lifeless form lying in bed. Tears streamed down her cheeks unchecked, her sobs echoing softly in the somber room. She had lost not only her best friend but also a sister in arms, and the weight of the loss was almost unbearable.
Benimaru, known for his optimism and resilience, found himself unable to hold back the flood of emotions that overwhelmed him. Tears welled up in his eyes as he struggled to come to terms with the cruel twist of fate that had robbed them of Hina's light. His sobs were a testament to the depth of his grief, a silent cry for the loss of someone dear to his heart.
Flicker, typically the one to shy away from danger, could no longer contain her sorrow. Her tears fell freely, each one a silent tribute to the bravery and selflessness of her fallen comrade. Though her fear still lingered, it was overshadowed by the overwhelming sadness that enveloped her.
Kanade, the fierce warrior whose strength seemed unbreakable, found herself unable to hide her emotions any longer. Though she tried to maintain her stoic facade, her façade crumbled in the face of such profound loss. She shed silent tears, her grief a silent testament to the bond they shared and the pain of their separation.
Together, they mourned the loss of their friend and companion, each one grappling with their own feelings of sorrow and regret. In the quiet of the room, their tears mingled, a shared expression of grief for the one they had lost.
(Hina's heaven realm)
As Hina slowly awakened from her slumber, she found herself enveloped in the soft embrace of what seemed to be the most comfortable bed she had ever known. The gentle caress of a hand on her head brought her further into consciousness, and as she blinked her eyes open, she was greeted by the sight of her mother, Celestia, kneeling by her side.
"Hina, my dear," Celestia whispered softly, her voice a soothing melody in the silence of the room.
Confusion clouded Hina's mind as she struggled to make sense of her surroundings. "Where... where am I?" she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I was in the midst of battle... how did I end up here, in heaven?"
Celestia's laughter was like the tinkling of bells, light and joyous. "Calm yourself, child," she said, her touch gentle as she pressed a finger to Hina's lips. "You fret like a little boy. But worry not, for you are safe here with me."
Before Hina could voice any further questions, Celestia's gentle gaze silenced her. "Some things are best left unsaid, my dear," she said softly. "History has a way of fading into obscurity, becoming nothing more than whispers in the wind."
Hina's brow furrowed in confusion, but before she could inquire further, Celestia changed the subject. "But enough about that," she said, her tone light and airy. "You must be wondering about your recent battles, yes?"
Hina nodded, eager for answers. "What... what have I been fighting for, Mother?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
A knowing smile graced Celestia's lips as she reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from Hina's forehead. "You will find out soon enough, my daughter," she said cryptically.
Suddenly, a bright light enveloped Hina, bathing her in its warm glow. Celestia's form began to fade, her words echoing softly in Hina's mind. "You will be fine, my daughter," she whispered, her voice fading into the ether.
And as the light washed over her, Hina felt a sense of peace settle over her like a warm blanket, her mind finally at ease as she drifted back into the realm of dreams.
(Hina's wake up to reality)
As the heavenly light enveloped Hina's lifeless body, she began to glow with a radiant energy that filled the room with a sense of awe. Her wounds healed before their eyes, leaving behind only a faint trace of her recent battle.
When Hina opened her eyes, confusion clouded her expression as she looked around the room. Carrion, her father, rushed to her side, relief evident in his eyes as he embraced her. But Hina's reaction was unexpected—she pushed him away with a mixture of defiance and anger.
In the room, a wave of mixed emotions swept through those gathered. Benimaru, Flicker, Kanade, and Lefa watched in astonishment, their earlier sadness replaced by a sense of wonder at Hina's miraculous recovery. Even the king, Lefa's father, felt a surge of hope at the return of Carrion's daughter.
Carrion, realizing the gravity of his actions, vowed never to push his daughter to such extremes again, especially not at the risk of her life. His promise, made in the name of Hina's mother, Celistia, hung in the air—a solemn pledge born of regret and a deep desire to protect his daughter.
Throughout it all, Hina stood resolute, her spirit unbroken despite the challenges she had faced. Though her divine power had not fully returned, her determination remained unwavering, serving as a beacon of strength for all who beheld her.
*To be continue *