The scene shifts to Ryznith, pacing in her dimly lit chamber within the Akira fort of the Ignis realm. The air around her feels tense, thick with the weight of her anger and frustration. Her face, usually poised and controlled, is now twisted with fury, and her sharp eyes glint with rage. She clenches her fists, speaking to herself, her words dripping with venom.

Ryznith: "I killed both Virgons. I survived the most phls underwater. I scored the highest in every training...and still..." Her voice rises, trembling with resentment. Suddenly, in a fit of rage, she grabs a nearby jug and hurls it at the mirror. The glass shatters, splintering into countless fragments, reflecting her distorted, enraged face.

Ryznith: ".... still they chose that weak, pathetic Emberis!" She seethes, her chest heaving with indignation. "Just because she loves him? The council has lost their minds. How in the world are they going to win over Z—" She cuts herself off, her breath hitching as if daring not to speak the full name of the one she’s avoided all her life. Zovrath, the name no fairy dared utter lightly.

But then something shifts in her eyes. Her lips curl into a cold, twisted smile. A thought—dangerous and dark—takes root in her mind. She stares at the shards of the broken mirror, seeing her reflection scattered across them like a fractured version of herself, each piece more sinister than the last.

Ryznith: "Now I see it." Her voice is a deadly whisper, laced with malice. "The name I’ve avoided my entire life... maybe it’s meant to be spoken." Her smile widens, her eyes flickering with an eerie excitement. "The name that changes a person into something else. Into something dark and powerful."

Her realization is like a spark igniting a wildfire. Her heart beats faster with each passing second, the thought of revenge fueling her every breath.

Ryznith: "Yes..." she says, almost giddy with the sinister revelation. "It will be my revenge. The council will suffer. Emberis...you and your pitiful little vermin Ethan... you’ll suffer." Her voice drops, filled with cold determination. "I’ll make sure of it."

And with that, she speaks the name she had sworn never to utter.

Ryznith: "Zovrath."

The moment the name escapes her lips, the room quakes. A dark, palpable energy courses through her body, twisting and warping her very essence. She staggers back, her limbs trembling uncontrollably as the transformation begins. Her once beautiful wings contort, growing larger, darker, more monstrous. Her eyes blaze a terrifying black and red, glowing with malevolent power. Her graceful figure becomes more savage, more beastly, as she loses all control to the dark magic taking over her.

Ryznith thrashes wildly, knocking over furniture and tearing through the room like a creature possessed. Her mind is a swirl of chaos, but through it all, one thing is clear: this power... this dark power... is what she needs.

And just before the transformation is complete, her instincts take over. Without a second thought, she spreads her now massive, deadly wings and crashes through the window, soaring into the sky. The wind howls around her, but Ryznith feels nothing but the exhilaration of her newfound power, her once fairylike grace now replaced with the raw, terrifying strength of a darkened creature. Zovrath’s power has consumed her, and there is no turning back now.

----------------------------------------

> Place : DIafh Aush ( Dlafh City)

> Realm : Ignis

> Ethan’s Status : 11 Zyk in Fairy age (21 yr in human age), 6’5’’ft, Adult.

> Time : 1041th Rev of Timestar.

> Population : 90.256946% (Astrylra Realm wiped completely, nine realms left)

Emberis and Ethan made their way down the winding streets of her home neighborhood, a place she had left long ago to become a Guardian. The houses around them stood in neat rows, neither grand nor humble, reflecting a peaceful, balanced life. Yet today, the quiet calm of this place was replaced by a wave of excited energy. Fairies began to step out of their homes, their towering figures casting long shadows over the streets as they watched the pair walking through.

Emberis had dreamt of this moment—coming back home with Ethan by her side, as his Guardian.

Whispers spread like wildfire. At first, it was just murmurs. A few curious glances here and there. But then the air buzzed with astonishment. The fairies' eyes locked onto Ethan, their gazes following every step he took beside Emberis, who is holding his hand in hers tightly, Not wanting him to lost. They couldn’t believe it—him, here, in their neighborhood. Most of them had heard the stories of this mysterious savior, but seeing him in person, half in size compared to them, was a sight that left them in hushed wonder. His head barely reached their abdomens, making him look almost childlike among the towering figures. Even some of the younger fairies, the ones closer to his height, stared in wide-eyed amazement.

"It’s him... Savior Ethan!" a fairy whispered loudly, barely containing her awe.

"Is that really him?" another asked, eyes wide with disbelief.

"Is that...? It can’t be... Is that the Savior?"

"Ethan? Here? With Emberis?"

"Oh stars, it's him! It's really him!"

A crowd was forming, fairies of all sizes and shapes gathering along the street, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the boy who had become more of a legend than reality. Ethan’s 6’6’’ft height, barely reaching the abdomen of most 10ft fairies, only made the sight more surreal. Surrounded by towering figures he looked as though he was walking through a forest of enormous trees.

Despite the attention, Ethan, ever light-hearted and humble, handled the moment with grace. He smiled brightly, waving at the fairies as they looked at him in awe, many unable to believe the sight before them.

Ethan: (grinning, raising his hands in a friendly gesture) *"Thank you, thank you! Really, it’s nothing."

Fairy : "Nothing? You stopped Tigath and Vith! Both!"

Fairy : "He’s so small... but he’s so powerful! How does he do it?"

Fairy : (giggling) *"I expected him to be taller!"

Fairy : (gasping): "Savior Ethan! He's real... he's not just a story!"

Fairy : "I thought the Council made up tales... but he’s actually here!"

Ethan: (laughing, pretending to look offended) "Hey, I’m full grown! It’s my maximum height." Which only made Emberis to laugh more.

Some younger fairies, closer to his height, shyly approached. They stared at him in wonder, as though seeing a mythical figure in the flesh.

"He’s so small," one young fairy muttered, staring wide-eyed at Ethan.

"But he’s the one who stopped Tigath and Vith!" another young fairy piped up.

Fairy : "Savior Ethan... he’s even more amazing in person."

Fairy : "I can’t believe someone so small did all that."

Fairy : "Maybe it’s not about size... but heart."

The older fairies were in deep conversation amongst themselves, their voices filled with admiration—and disbelief.

Older Fairy (with a snort): "He's just a myth, I tell you. A fable sent by the Phinixes. One day, he'll leave us too, just like they did."

Older Fairy (nodding in agreement): "Mark my words. This little creature won’t stay. He’ll fly off as soon as he gets what he wants. Just like those cursed Phinixes."

Older fairy (shaking her head in disbelief) : "Savior Ethan... stopping two major threats? I thought he was just a myth! He’s not even half our height..." he’ll leave us one day too. Mark my words."*

Emberis’ expression darkened at that comment. Her protective nature kicked in, and she started to bristle, ready to defend Ethan. But before she could even open her mouth, Ethan placed a calming hand on her arm, giving her a gentle shake of his head.

He knew the weight of rumors, the burden of expectations, but he didn’t want her to waste energy on them. Emberis exhaled, her muscles relaxing at his words, though her eyes still flicked sharply at the group of skeptics.

But the majority of the fairies weren’t skeptics. They were awestruck, some even beaming with joy at seeing Ethan in person.

Some of the younger fairies, nearly his height, approached Ethan with bright, curious eyes, giggling as they took in the sight of this figure—someone so different from their kind yet revered across their realm. They peeked around him, whispering excitedly amongst themselves.

Younger Fairy (wide-eyed): "You’re really the one who stopped Tigath? You're so brave!"

Ethan (laughing lightly): "Ah, it was nothing. I was just helping you guys..."

"I can’t believe it... he’s here!" a young mother fairy exclaimed, clutching her child close to her chest. "Our Savior."

"He’s more than just a myth. He’s real... he saved us!" an older fairy called out, her voice full of pride. "We should be thanking him!"

The crowd buzzed with excitement, with fairies eager to be near him, to see him with their own eyes. One by one, they came forward, some offering shy greetings, others bowing their heads in reverence, murmuring “Savior Ethan” as though the words carried holy weight.

Ethan, though small compared to them, didn’t let the overwhelming size or the growing crowd faze him. He grinned warmly at everyone, his hand still in Emberis' hand, keeping her close as they navigated through the adoring crowd.

Emberis could feel the pride swelling inside her. This was exactly what she had always dreamt of—coming back home, not just as a Guardian, but with Ethan by her side. The warmth of her neighbors’ gratitude, the excitement in their voices, and the wonder in their eyes—all of it felt right.

Fairy: “Savior Ethan, thank you for everything, You saved my Aul.” one fairy said, almost in tears, bowing before him.

Ethan: “Oh, please... really, there’s no need for all that. Take care of her” he said with a humble chuckle, his cheeks slightly reddening.

As Emberis and Ethan make their way through the crowd, her heart swells with pride at the warm reception he’s receiving. Laughter and chatter fill the air, and she can’t help but smile, knowing that Ethan’s bravery has made a significant impact on the fairy realm. Just then, a familiar voice breaks through the buzz of excitement.

Quvera: "Emberisssss!"

Emberis’s face lights up, her excitement bubbling over as she catches sight of her best friend pushing through the throng of fairies.

Emberis: "Quveraaaa!"

Without a second thought, Emberis releases Ethan’s hand and rushes toward Quvera, enveloping her in a warm hug. They hold each other tightly, sharing a moment of pure joy.

Emberis: "Oh, Quvera... I’m so happy to see you!"

Quvera: "I would say the same... but is that...?" She glances over at Ethan, her eyes widening in disbelief as Emberis nods knowingly. "Is that...." (Emberis nods again) "Pleaseeee, introduce me to him!"

Emberis: (chuckling) "Of course! I’ll be at my home in a few moments. Go there, and don’t tell Mum that I’m coming!"

Meanwhile, Ethan finds himself increasingly surrounded by the excited fairies, each one eager to interact with him. Their chatter fills the air, creating a lively atmosphere.

Fairy 1: "Do you eat fahu?"

Ethan: "Uu? What?"

Fairy 2: "You really saved Sylvir from Fez!"

Ethan: "Yeah. Sylvir is safe for now."

Fairy 3: "Can I touch you?"

Ethan: "What? You’re touching me already"

Suddenly, a younger fairy, smaller than Ethan, tugs at his clothing.

Younger Fairy: "Are you Ethan?"

Ethan: "Finally, a smaller one than me! Hello there, little fairy! Oh, I really wanted to say that!" He beams down at her, delighted by the encounter.

Emberis, noticing the overwhelming crowd, calls out for Ethan through the sea of fairies.

Emberis: "Ethan! Ethan!"

Ethan: "Emberis! I’m here!" He raises his hand, but it’s nearly useless against the towering fairy crowd.

After a few pushes , Emberis finally breaks through and reaches Ethan, grabbing his hand tightly.

Emberis: "Quiet! Quiet!" She raises her voice, calling for calm among the enthusiastic fairies.

As the crowd settles into a hush, all eyes turn to her.

Emberis: "I know you all are happy to see our savior here. But it’s not the right way. He will never say it himself, but I request you all to give him some space. He’s always so kind. But right now, I want you all to calm down."

Ethan: "Emberis, I’m fine. Look at them; they just want to express what they feel about me."

Emberis: "Look, as I told you all, he is always this kind. I request you, please cooperate."

Fairy : "It’s okay, Emberis. We understand."

Fairy : "Yes, he too needs some space."

Gradually, the fairies begin to calm down, forming a path for Emberis and Ethan. As they walk through the parted crowd, Ethan can’t shake the feeling of sadness for the fairies who just want to connect with him.

Ethan: "I’m really sorry. But I promise, I’ll meet you all."

His gentle words only deepen their admiration for him, making him even more cherished among them.

With the crowd finally dispersed, Emberis leads Ethan to her home, their hands intertwined, filled with excitement for the adventure ahead. The moment feels magical, as if they are stepping into a new chapter of their lives, side by side.

As Emberis and Ethan finally stood before her home, Emberis couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of happiness and anxiety. She still held Ethan’s hand, almost unconsciously clinging to him for comfort.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Emberis (her voice tinged with both joy and nerves): "This is my home... but I’m so nervous. I haven’t been back in ten Erus."

Ethan (grinning mischievously as always): "Okay, I’ll knock for you!"

He raised his hand to knock, but Emberis quickly stopped him, her words rushing out in a panic.

Emberis: "No, no, no, no!"

Ethan (teasing): "Why? It’s your home. You shouldn’t be nervous here. Just open it!"

But before Emberis could muster a response, the door creaked open from inside. Standing at the threshold was her elder sister, Flisa. The two sisters stood frozen for a moment, as if the world had suddenly paused around them.

Flisa (softly, her voice trembling): "Emberis?"

Emberis (just as softly, tears welling up): "Nyna..."

Without another word, they rushed into each other’s arms, hugging tightly, both of them crying now.

Flisa (pulling back, still emotional): "You… you came back."

Emberis (wiping her tears, voice cracking): "I promised."

Flisa’s gaze then shifted to Ethan, standing quietly at Emberis’ side. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and her hands flew to cover her mouth.

Flisa (gasping): "Oh my stars... Is that…?" She could barely believe what she was seeing. "Savior..."

Confused about what to do next, Flisa panicked.

Flisa (awkwardly bowing): "Welcome, Savior…" She fumbled. "No, no… forgive me… I should kneel—"

Ethan (jumping in before she could kneel): "No, no, no! Please, don’t! I don’t want anyone kneeling to me." His voice was light and earnest, cutting through the awkwardness.

Emberis (smiling through her tears): "Nyna, he won’t let any fairy kneel before him. He doesn’t want us to over-respect him. He just wants us to be normal around him."

Flisa (still wide-eyed, stammering): "W-what? But he’s the savior... Emberis… you’re with the savior…"

Emberis (laughing now, trying to calm her sister): "I know, Nyna. Calm down. Aren’t you going to invite him in?"

Flisa: "S-sorry, my bad! Please, come in, Savior."

With that, they both entered the house, and the air inside was thick with emotion. As Emberis crossed the threshold, her eyes filled with tears again. The familiar warmth of her home after so long felt overwhelming.

From one of the rooms, her mother, Ely, emerged, humming to herself. When her eyes landed on Emberis, she froze, her breath catching in her throat.

Emberis (tears streaming down her cheeks): "Mum!" She rushed into her mother’s arms, sobbing into her shoulder.

Ely (hugging her daughter tightly, crying): "Emberis... Oh, my Aul... You came home."

Emberis (smiling through her tears): "Yes, Mum. I’m home now. And look, I brought someone special with me—our savior."

Ely, already overwhelmed by the reunion with her daughter, turned to see Ethan standing by the door. Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she couldn’t move.

Ethan (with a sweet, innocent smile): "Hello... Umm… Mum fairy?" His voice was soft and endearing, a bit nervous but warm.

Ely could hardly believe her eyes, her heart racing as she whispered his name, barely audible.

Ely (in a dazed voice): "Savior..."

----------------------------------------

The scene fades back in, revealing the cozy interior of the living room. Emberis and Ethan sit side by side on a plush couch, with Emberis tenderly holding Ethan’s small hand in hers. Across from them sit Ely and Flisa, both still grappling with the reality of what’s unfolding before them.

Ely (her voice full of disbelief): "I still can't believe it. You... you're really here, in our home."

Ethan (smiling politely, but with genuine warmth): "It’s my honor to be a guest in the house of my Guardian."

Flisa (raising an eyebrow in confusion): "Guardian?"

Emberis (nodding, her voice steady): "Yes, Nyna. The Council chose me as his Guardian."

Ely (utterly baffled): "What? His guardian?"

Flisa (leaning forward, eyes wide): "Em? Are you serious? His guardian? He was sent by the Phinixes! He doesn't need a guardian."

Ethan (calmly, shaking his head): "No, that's not true. I’m just a human. From Planet Earth. In the Gardim realm."

Ely (gasping, utterly shocked): "What? You’re... you’re what?"

Emberis (patiently): "A human, Mum. He doesn’t know how he got here, but he’s been helping us save our realms. From Zovrath."

At the mention of Zovrath, both Ely and Flisa instantly stiffened. Their faces went pale, and they leaned forward, hands instinctively raised as if to silence Emberis before she could say the name. But the shock came when they realized Emberis hadn’t changed at all.

Flisa (astonished): "You... you just said the name, but..."

Emberis (with quiet pride): "Yes, and I’m fine. It’s science, Ethan taught me. When you say it in a different tone, it has no effect . See? Nothing happened."

Ely (still concerned, her voice soft but firm): "I don't understand, but don't say that again"

Emberis (smiling and leaning toward her mother): "Oh, Mum, my sweet, innocent Mum. Don’t worry about me. I’m a Guardian now."

Ely (tears welling up in her eyes): "So what? You’re still my little Aul. Still my silly Emberis."

Emberis (laughing gently, her heart swelling with affection): "Oh, Mum, not again. Please don’t cry." She let go of Ethan’s hand to embrace her mother, pulling her into a warm hug.

As Emberis comforted Ely, Ethan watched the tender moment between mother and daughter. His eyes glistened, emotion swelling up inside him. He quickly wiped a tear away before it could fall. But Flisa noticed.

Flisa (surprised, her voice soft): "Savior... are you crying?"

Ethan (quickly trying to cover it up): "No, no… Me? When?." His voice was clear, but his face told another story.

Emberis, noticing Flisa’s remark, immediately returned to her place beside Ethan, concern etched across her face. She gently took his hand again, leaning in close.

Emberis (her voice full of care): "Ethan, are you okay? What’s wrong? Why are you crying?"

Ethan (trying to shrug it off): "No... Why will I cry....."

Flisa (tilting her head, still curious): "But I saw you wiping a tear."

Ethan (a weak smile tugging at his lips): "There was just something in my eye, that’s all."

Before Emberis could ask anything further, Ely spoke up, her voice soft and understanding.

Ely: "He must be missing his mum."

At those words, something shifted in Ethan. His brave façade crumbled, and he looked down, unable to speak for a moment. The room fell silent, everyone watching him with empathy.

Emberis (gently, leaning in closer to catch his eyes): "Ethan…"

Ethan (his voice barely a whisper, eyes still cast downward): "I miss her too..."

The weight of those simple words hung in the air. Emberis squeezed his hand tighter, her own heart aching for him.

Ethan’s mood shifted as quickly as he tried to change the topic. His voice brightened artificially as he stood up, almost too eager to leave the heaviness of the moment behind. “But it's okay," he said quickly. "She disappeared when I was so young. Can I see your house?” He flashed a smile, trying to divert attention.

Emberis froze for a moment, his words sinking into her heart. She thought - His mum had disappeared... when he was just a baby. This wasn’t something she knew. She had always thought he simply didn’t talk about his mother because she was from another realm. But losing a mother—no matter the world, no matter the realm—that pain was universal.

Still holding his small hand, Emberis gently pulled him back, guiding him to sit down. “Ethan…” she whispered, her voice soft, full of compassion. “I didn’t know. I’m so sorry about your Mum.”

Ethan hesitated, the brightness in his eyes fading for just a moment. “Nah,” he said, waving it off, though the bravado seemed more fragile now. “It’s fine. I just… never told you before, that’s all.”

Emberis held his hand tighter, her voice firmer, yet so tender. “Please, sit with me… You don’t have to hide your pain from me. You don’t have to pretend.”

He smiled again, but this time it didn’t reach his eyes. “What? Nooo,” he insisted lightly, forcing the playfulness back into his tone. “I really do want to see your house.”

But Ely, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke, her voice calm but filled with empathy. “Ethan… Please, sit. You can’t carry this weight alone. Sometimes you have to speak about it, let it out.”

Ethan looked between them both, hesitating. He respected Ely—all the fairies, really—especially when they spoke from their hearts. Reluctantly, he sat back down, his small body sinking into the seat beside Emberis. “No, really. I’m fine,” he said, the smile faltering slightly. “I just… miss her sometimes. That’s all.”

Ely’s expression softened even more, her heart aching for the child before her. “You’re still just a Aul, Ethan," she said gently. "Like Emberis. You don’t have to carry this alone. You can always come to us when you miss your Mum.”

There was a pause as Ethan’s eyes met Ely’s, something vulnerable shining through the cracks in his usual confidence. He opened his mouth, hesitated, then swallowed hard, his voice almost a whisper. “Can… can I call… you Mum?” His eyes were wide, almost unsure, as if he feared the question itself would be too much.

Ely’s breath caught in her throat. Her hand flew to her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes. She took a moment, gathering herself, overwhelmed by the simple but profound request. “Oh, Ethan…” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “Of course you can. I would be honored—no—happy, if you call me Mum.”

Emberis squeezed his hand even tighter, her voice thick with emotion as she leaned closer to him. “You have a family here, Ethan,” she said softly, her eyes misting over as she gazed at him. *“A family that loves you. A family you can always come back to. And you have a sweet Mum.”

For the first time, Ethan let his defenses fall completely. He leaned into Emberis, his small frame sinking into her embrace. She wrapped her arms around him protectively, cradling him as though he were the most precious thing in the world.

“Thank you…” Ethan whispered, his voice barely audible against the warmth of her chest.

Ely reached out, brushing a tear from her cheek as she watched the scene, her heart full of love. “You’ll never be alone, Ethan. Not as long as we’re here.”

The room grew quiet, filled only with the soft sound of Ethan’s breath as he clung to Emberis, her gentle embrace making him feel safe, loved.

Flisa, who had been silently wiping away her tears throughout the touching moment, finally found her voice, her emotions brimming over. “Ohhh… this is so emotional,” she sniffed, trying to hold back a sob but failing as tears kept falling. “And so honorable. We’re his family… Our Savior’s family! Mum, can you even believe it? I can’t!”

Her words broke the tension, and they all shared a soft laugh, the room filling with a bit of warmth after the weight of Ethan’s revelations.

Ethan, sitting up straight now, tried to brush it off with his usual humble charm. “Hey, what’s the big deal in this? I’m just a regular, normal human in your realm,” he said, his tone casual but sincere.

Flisa’s eyes went wide as if she couldn’t believe what she just heard. “Big deal?” she gasped dramatically, putting a hand to her chest. “A regular human? No way! You are our Savior, Savior,” she emphasized the word, making it sound almost holy.

Emberis, though touched, shook her head softly. “Nyna… stop,” she said, her voice gentle but firm, almost like a scolding. “He doesn’t like it when we call him that. I told you, he just wants us to be normal around him.”

Flisa threw her hands up in mock defeat. “Normal? Around our Savior? Sorry, I can’t do that!”

Their laughter grew again, a burst of lightness filling the room.

Ethan sighed playfully, rubbing the back of his neck. “Please, Flisa,” he said with mock exasperation. *“Just treat me like any other member of your family. Or else I’ll go back to fort.”

Flisa’s eyes widened as she flailed her hands, laughing through her mock panic. “No, no, no! I’ll try. But… it’s hard. You are Savior Ethan,” she teased again, earning more laughter from the group.

Ely, once the laughter settled, spoke again, her voice returning to its tender tone. “Ethan, we are really sorry for your loss… But we are so honored that you’ve accepted us as your family.”

Ethan’s smile faltered slightly. He went silent for a second, his usual energy dimming. Emberis, always keenly aware of him, noticed immediately. “Hey… what happened?” she asked softly, her hand still gently holding his.

Ethan took a deep breath, staring at the floor for a moment. “Back on Earth, in Gardim,” he began, his voice quieter than before. “After my mother disappeared one day, I don’t know how, I had no one. No one to talk to, no one to love. And… nobody loved me. I was just… alone. All the time. I kept myself busy with science, trying to drown out the loneliness…” He looked up at Emberis, his eyes searching hers. “But when I came here, somehow—into your world, into your realm—and now sitting here with you, with you holding my hand…” Emberis squeezed his hand tighter, her heart aching for him. “It’s like I’ve become myself again. I’ve found something I didn’t even realize I’d lost long ago… I’ve found a family. A family I never thought I’d have. Thank you.”

For a moment, the room was completely silent, the weight of his words settling over them all like a heavy blanket. Even the rustling of the wind outside seemed to fade away.

Flisa wiped her eyes, shaking her head slowly in disbelief. “I can’t believe… you went through all that.” Her voice was thick with emotion. “We always thought you were sent by the Phinixes, but…”

Ethan gave her a soft smile, shaking his head. “No, I told you… I’m just a regular human who somehow ended up in your fairy realm. And now,” he added, that smile returning as if he were trying to shake off the heaviness again, “I’m helping you fairies to save your home, to save your loved ones, and your families. Because I know the value of family.”

Emberis felt her heart swell, not with pride because she was the Guardian of the Savior, but because in that moment, she knew without a doubt that Ethan—this boy who had come from another world—would always love her, just as she loved him. No matter what. She smiled, her heart full.

Ely, wiping away a tear, nodded at him gratefully. “Thank you, Ethan. For everything you’ve done for us.”

Ethan waved his hand dismissively, his charming, boyish smile returning. “Oh, come on. No thanks, please. I was just helping you fairies. That’s all I did.”

Flisa jumped in, grinning. *“Yes, and your just helping has saved our realm twice already! And I’m pretty sure you’ll be the one to end that monster lurking over us one day.”

Emberis smiled at her sister, then looked down at Ethan, her eyes twinkling. “I’m sure he will.”

Ethan chuckled, looking up at her. “Oh yeah? Well, with you always holding my hand, how could I not?”

Emberis burst into laughter, shaking her head. “You never get serious, do you?”

Ethan grinned, leaning back. “Told you, Emberis. That’s not my job.”

The front door suddenly swung open with a burst of energy, revealing two lively figures—Jiya and Quvera.

Jiya, full of excitement, bounded into the room. "Nynaaaa!!!" she squealed, her tiny voice carrying through the house.

Emberis' face instantly lit up at the sound, her heart swelling as she saw her little sister. Before she could even react, Jiya practically flew into her lap.

"Ahhh, my Firefly!" Emberis beamed, wrapping her arms around the little one. "Mwah!" She kissed her sister's forehead with such affection that Jiya giggled, her small body squirming happily in Emberis' embrace. "I missed you so much."

"Nyaa!" Jiya replied, her little voice making everyone’s heart melt.

Emberis pulled back just enough to look at her sister, holding her at arm's length with a smile. “Look at you. You’re growing up so fast... Mwah!” She kissed her again, her eyes full of pride.

Jiya, eyes wide with excitement, tugged on Emberis’ sleeve. "You read my letters?!"

"Read them?" Emberis gasped dramatically, her tone teasing. "I cherished them, every single scribble! I read every single line... multiple times."

"Really?" Jiya’s eyes sparkled with awe.

Emberis nodded and hugged her tighter. "Yes, my little Firefly, and I’m so, so happy to see you."

Quvera stood at the entrance, absolutely frozen—her eyes locked on Ethan, who was sitting casually next to Emberis, waving a friendly hello.

Quvera, her voice a mixture of excitement and disbelief, stammered, “O-Oh my stars...Oh my stars...... Is this really you... our Savior?”

Ethan, amused by her reaction, stood up and offered his hand. “Just Ethan,” he said with an easygoing smile, “And you must be Quvera.”

Quvera’s eyes widened to the size of saucers, her mouth gaping. "He knows my name! He knows my name…Oh my.." she whispered to herself, but in her growing excitement, her feet tangled, and she stumbled sideways—right into Flisa, who was trying to hold back her laughter.

"Oh my stars! Oh my—Flisa, p-punch me! I must be dreaming—punch me, please!"

Flisa, grinning, gave her a playful nudge instead of a punch. "It’s real, Qu! He’s standing right in front of you. Flesh and bone."

Ely, sitting nearby, snorted into her hand as Quvera’s antics continued.”Calm down Quvera. Come here, sit with us”

But Quvera was still spiraling, her eyes darting from Ethan to the others, overwhelmed. “Oh no, no, no. This is not every day! I don’t meet the Savior every day! I’m not Emberis! How are you all so calm?!”

Ely, barely containing her laughter, patted the seat next to her. “Quvera, relax! Come sit. He’s here with us for the whole day!”

Quvera’s jaw practically hit the floor. "The whole day?! No, no, no. Nyna, please—wake me up! This is a dream, right?! He’s with us all day?"

Ethan chuckled, crossing his arms casually. “Yep. Today and tomorrow,” he added, sending her into another round of wide-eyed shock.

“Today and tomorrow?!” Quvera squealed, her voice rising with every word. She dramatically fanned herself, her eyes darting around like a giddy child. "Nyna, please! I’m going to faint—wake me up! Someone wake me up!"

By this point, Flisa and Ely were laughing so hard, tears streamed down their faces. Emberis couldn’t help but join in, shaking her head in disbelief.

Ethan, trying to calm Quvera down, raised a hand and grinned. “Quvera, it’s not that big of a deal.”

Quvera whirled toward him, eyes wide and wild. “Not that big of a deal?!” she repeated. “It’s the biggest deal! I’m not Emberis, okay?! She gets to hang out with you like it’s no biggie, but me? This is like... meeting a legend!”

Ely, wheezing with laughter at this point, gestured for Quvera to sit down. “Come on, Quvera, it’s fine. Just breathe. He’s not going to disappear if you blink!”

Quvera dramatically flopped into the chair beside Ely, her hands shaking. “This is insane. I’m having vahi with the Savior! Nyna, are we having vahi? I don’t even know what’s happening anymore.”

Ethan, his playful grin never fading, looked at her kindly. “You’re really making too much out of this, you know. I’m just Ethan.”

Quvera, flustered and excited, waved her hands in the air. “Just Ethan? Yeah, right! You saved us two times already. TWO TIMES. And now you’re here, in the flesh! I’m trying to act normal, but I’m spiraling!”

Emberis burst out laughing, wiping a tear from her eye. “You never change, Quvera.”

Quvera crossed her arms, a proud yet flustered look on her face. “Well, excuse me for freaking out a little. It’s not every day the Savior walks into your house and knows your name!”

Everyone erupted into another round of laughter, the room filled with joy and lightheartedness. Even Ethan, who had initially tried to keep things calm, was laughing now.

“Well, at least it’s never boring around here,” Ethan said, shaking his head as Quvera finally started to calm down, though her cheeks remained bright red with excitement.

Quvera huffed, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “I’m not gonna lie... This is the best day of my life.”

They all shared a laugh again, the room buzzing with the warmth of friendship and family.