Chapter 13 - Awakening and Reconciliation

Suddenly, I regained consciousness. My hands felt weighed down, as though something—or someone—was holding them tightly on both sides.

Slowly, I opened my eyes. The first thing I saw was a rusted wooden ceiling, familiar yet distant. It seemed I had been brought back to her secluded wooden hut—an isolated haven nestled deep within the forest.

Why did she choose this place? I wondered silently. Perhaps it was safer here, away from prying eyes or lurking dangers. I decided to ask her later.

Turning my head slightly, I glanced at my hands. Fia lay asleep beside me, her delicate fingers intertwined with mine. Though I couldn't see Remia, I sensed her presence nearby—her energy lingering softly in the air.

They looked exhausted, their faces pale and weary. Guilt washed over me; they must have stayed awake for days, watching over me.

When I tried to sit up, Fia stirred awake. Her voice was low and groggy, still heavy with sleep. "…You're already awake?" She asked faintly, her words barely audible. I nodded gently, affirming that I was indeed conscious.

Her tears dampened my skin, warm droplets trailing down my cheek. When I turned to look at her, she avoided my gaze, shy or perhaps embarrassed by her vulnerability.

Fia moved closer, wrapping her arms around Remia to comfort her. Gently, I wiped away Remia's tears. "Don't cry," I murmured. "If there's anyone to blame, it's me. Please forgive me."

Remia took a shaky breath, her guilt evident in every word. "It's all my fault… I underestimated how much energy those swords would drain from you. You shouldn't have wielded them—not yet, at least. But I feared the Demons you'd face might overwhelm you. Without proper preparation, you could've been gravely injured—or worse. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you…"

Her confession struck a chord within me. Her sadness stemmed not from negligence but from her overwhelming care for me.

"I'll take responsibility for this," she continued. "From now on, let me protect you. I'll take those swords back and ensure you never suffer like this again…"

Before she could finish, I interrupted, urging her to calm down. "Please, let me speak first…"

"Don't take those swords away from me," I began earnestly. "If you say I'm important to you, then know that you are equally precious to me. How could I stand idly by while you risk your lives for my sake? If I can't protect you—if I allow harm to come to either of you—it would shame me deeply."

I paused, gathering my thoughts. "Rather than shielding me completely, teach me how to control my energy. Let me fight alongside you. Together, we can face whatever challenges lie ahead. Please… don't leave me behind."

My plea softened the tension in the room. Remia's sorrowful expression gradually transformed into a small, hesitant smile. She nodded, agreeing to my request.

"Very well," she said softly. "But for now, rest. Your body is still weak from expending so much energy. I'll prepare a meal while you recover."

As she rose from the bed, I attempted to offer help, but her stern glare silenced me instantly. "…Don't dare argue with me! Just stay put!"

I chuckled quietly, obeying her command. Turning my gaze toward the window, I noticed the sky transitioning into twilight. Rays of red, orange, and yellow bathed the room in a warm, golden glow, casting long shadows across the floor.

Remia vanished once more, leaving only her comforting presence behind. Though invisible, I could feel her embrace—a gentle reminder that she was still near.

The sweet aroma of flowers wafted through the air, filling the room with a calming fragrance. Rose, jasmine, sakura—all blended harmoniously, soothing my senses and easing my mind.

Moments later, Fia returned, carrying a tray laden with food. "…Enough with the lovey-dovey stuff. Let's eat first, shall we?" Her teasing tone carried a hint of jealousy, though her smile betrayed her playful demeanor.

We sat facing each other, sharing the same simple yet delicious meal as before. Between bites, I inquired about Remia's absence.

"Remia doesn't need to eat often," Fia explained casually. "After all, she's a Goddess… Wait, I mean an Angel." She corrected herself hastily, as if trying to conceal a slip of the tongue.

Her revelation intrigued me further. "…So, you're also a Goddess, Fia?"

At this, she froze mid-bite, lowering her bowl slowly onto the table. A shy, innocent smile graced her lips, but she remained silent. Perhaps revealing such truths was forbidden—or simply too complex to explain.

"If it's difficult for you to share, then don't worry about it," I reassured her, squeezing her hand gently. "Let's talk about something else. How long was I unconscious?"

She held up three fingers. "…Three days?" I guessed hesitantly.

She shook her head, correcting me. "Three weeks, honey. You were out cold for three whole weeks. I'm sorry I didn't properly guide you before letting you use those swords…"

Her apology caught me off guard. Three weeks—that was far longer than I'd anticipated. Yet, I understood it wasn't their fault. My eagerness to wield the swords had led to this outcome.

"What's next for us?" I asked, eager to shift the conversation.

Fia tapped her temple, signaling telepathic communication. Finish eating first, she urged. No good talking with a full mouth.

Once we finished our meal and cleaned up, Fia settled beside me on the bed. Her expression grew serious as she spoke.

"You need to prepare yourself. For at least one week, you'll undergo rigorous training. Meditation will be key—you must learn to control and harness your energy. Those swords aren't ordinary weapons; they're immortal artifacts designed for immortals. They consume vast amounts of energy, especially from humans. If you lose control, they'll drain you entirely."

"These swords recognize their owner—in this case, you. Only you can wield them without consequence. If another human tries, they'll collapse unconscious. And if a deity attempts to use them, the swords will vanish entirely."

Her explanation left me contemplative. These swords were far more than mere tools—they were extensions of my will, bound to my essence.

"Enough talk for now," she declared, pushing me gently back onto the bed. "Let's get some rest. Tomorrow will be tough, and you'll need your strength."

Though the bed seemed small at first glance, it proved surprisingly spacious when Fia joined me. She wrapped her arms around me, pulling me close. Her warmth enveloped me, lulling me into a state of tranquility.

Leaning in, she pressed her lips against mine. This time, I didn't resist. Through telepathy, she whispered, Let's continue what we started yesterday…

Her kiss was tender yet passionate, igniting a spark within me. Our connection deepened as our lips danced together, exchanging warmth and affection. Time seemed to blur as we lost ourselves in the moment.

When she finally pulled away, her cheeks flushed pink, and her smile radiated pure happiness. She closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep.

Just as I was about to follow suit, a gentle hand turned my face toward the opposite side. There, I found Remia gazing at me, her ethereal beauty breathtaking.

"Did you reveal yourself again?" I asked curiously.

Her lips parted, but no sound emerged. Instead, her voice echoed in my mind. No…

Her surprise stemmed not from my question but from my ability to perceive her presence. Slowly, she leaned in, mirroring Fia's earlier actions.

Before she could act, Fia's voice resonated in my thoughts. You must love us both equally, honey. It's not greed—it's necessity. In this world, and perhaps beyond, you'll need to cherish all of us. That's the path we've chosen.

With that, Remia kissed me softly, sealing her promise. Moments later, she urged me to sleep, her presence fading into the night.