These words were unexpected and stunned Ophis. She closed her eyes gently, and for a moment, the atmosphere settled into calmness.
After a long pause, Ophis opened her eyes again and looked at Enkidu. To Enkidu's surprise, Ophis smiled—a smile she had never seen before. In fact, this was the first time Ophis had ever smiled since her existence began.
At first glance, Ophis's smile seemed indifferent and cute, but upon closer inspection, a faint sense of alienation became apparent. Unlike Enkidu's holy and gentle demeanor, Ophis's smile conveyed a sense of distance.
Yet, strangely, Enkidu found this distant smile understandable. Perhaps it was not a deliberate expression of distance but rather a smile influenced by Ophis's nature. Was it an attempt to express intimacy or imitate Enkidu's own smile? Enkidu couldn't be sure, but it was likely one of these reasons.
This version of Ophis seemed even more endearing to Enkidu.
"Enkidu, you're quite clever," Ophis said with a smile.
Ophis had always been independent and detached from the world. By asking her to love what Enkidu loved—namely, the world and humanity—Enkidu was asking her to cross boundaries she had set for herself.
Loving the world would mean engaging with it. Loving nature would involve maintaining its balance. Loving humanity would mean observing and protecting it.
Originally, this was Enkidu's love, not Ophis's. But now, it became the chain Enkidu wished to place around Ophis. Ophis understood this well.
Despite that...
"I agree."
Ophis continued to smile.
"Because Enkidu is a friend."
With that, Ophis took Enkidu's hand and placed it against her own face.
"Yes, you are my dearest friend whom I cherish."
Enkidu was momentarily stunned. She thought she understood Ophis well, but she hadn't expected such a proactive response. However, the next moment, Enkidu smiled—a smile more radiant and beautiful than ever before.
"That's wonderful..."
As a weapon, Enkidu's role was to fight, and weapons are eventually replaced. But Ophis gave her a value beyond that of a mere weapon.
This deepened Enkidu's resolve to become the lock for Ophis. Meeting Ophis had revealed the loneliness hidden within her. Enkidu realized she couldn't stay with Ophis forever, but she wanted to ensure that Ophis wouldn't suffer loneliness. By turning her death into a bond with the world, Enkidu hoped to provide Ophis with some companionship on her eternal journey.
Even if they couldn't be together forever, Enkidu wanted to ensure Ophis wouldn't be alone.
Enkidu was aware of her own willfulness—imposing her own sense of friendship and goodwill onto others. Perhaps she could be seen as selfish, but this was her Heavenly Chain. Despite understanding her flaws, Enkidu remained committed to her principles.
Ophis saw through Enkidu's intentions but chose to accept them willingly. Though she could isolate herself from the world, Ophis could give her all to those who entered her world.
Reaching into her chest, Enkidu pulled out one of her own ribs.
"That wreath was destroyed in battle, so use this as a replacement. I will protect you and bind you with it."
Ophis looked at the rib and took it without hesitation. As she did, the rib transformed into golden chains, wrapping around her body.
"Please don't forget... You must always hold onto this love that belongs to Enkidu, and the Heavenly Chain called Enkidu."
Perhaps others might one day sever the chains she had attached to herself. But when that time came, Enkidu wouldn't be angry or mournful. She would feel genuine joy because it would mean Ophis had found someone truly worthy of her love—a love strong enough to break the chains.
However, the love Enkidu gave Ophis would always remain with her, never fading.
"Will you always remember? I will love you forever."
Enkidu, who loved Ophis above all, felt her strength waning. Her body began to return to its original state—dirt and gravel scattered across the wilderness.
Before she completely faded, she had one last thing to do.
Standing up took all her remaining effort.
"Hey, Ophis."
"Yes?"
With the last of her strength, Enkidu leaned in and kissed Ophis on the forehead. Their lips touched briefly before parting.
Looking into Ophis's eyes, Enkidu gave her one final, familiar smile.
"Ophis, you like my smile, don't you? But you might not know... your smile is also very beautiful. From now on, please smile more often?"
Ophis's smile was rather plain, definitely not as beautiful as Enkidu's. But to Enkidu, it was the most beautiful thing.
"Okay, I promise."
Ophis's response was natural and reassuring.
"That's... really wonderful..."
Enkidu wished for Ophis to always love and protect the world she cherished.
A breeze swept by, and Ophis, left alone, looked up at the sky. For her, death was merely a new beginning. Enkidu would be transformed into a more perfect existence. Ophis should not mourn but bless her with a smile.
…But would it still feel a bit empty?
Feelings are truly amazing.
"Are dragon's tears really salty?"
This whisper, destined to be unheard by any living being, was left floating gently in the breez