Chapter 15: Arise
The soft, melodious chirping of birds filled the air, creating a gentle symphony that welcomed Elaine as she gradually stirred from her slumber. Their cheerful songs painted the dawn with hope and renewal, drawing her from the depths of sleep. The sun, climbing higher in the sky, wrapped her in its gentle warmth, a comforting embrace that chased away the lingering chill from the night before. Although the ground beneath her was rocky and rugged, more like a bed of stones than a cozy mattress, Elaine found an unexpected sense of comfort in her surroundings. In this harsh and unforgiving world, she had come to cherish every moment of rest, and this hard-packed earth felt better than any mattress she had ever known back on Earth. Sleep had always been her precious escape, a respite from the challenges of her existence, and she was grateful for it. With a satisfying stretch that ignited her muscles, she slowly sat up, blinking against the bright sunlight and releasing a long, delightful yawn that ended in a light, airy giggle.
"Ah, I see you have finally awakened, E'lain," Xin-ta remarked, her voice dripping with amusement, though a hint of fatigue lingered behind her words. She had been awake for quite some time, standing guard against the encroaching darkness of the woods and keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings. Had she been accompanied by her fellow seekers or hunters, the long night would have felt less daunting, as the burden of responsibility could have been shared.
Elaine blinked in surprise, her mind momentarily foggy as reality washed over her. Right, the harshness of this world had slipped her mind for a brief moment. With a slight hint of exasperation, she murmured, "Good morning, Xin-ta," punctuating her greeting with another gentle yawn, only to be slightly embarrassed as her stomach loudly growled in protest. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around her midsection, offering an apologetic smile that felt both sheepish and endearing.
Xin-ta tilted her head, curiosity dancing in her eyes. "What makes this morning so special? Is it truly better than any other morning?" she asked, rummaging through one of her well-worn satchels, her fingers brushing over numerous items packed within. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed a small cube in Elaine's direction. Surprised, Elaine caught it deftly and examined it with a puzzled expression, turning it over in her hands.
"It's food," Xin-ta stated matter-of-factly, taking a sizable bite out of her own two-inch cube without hesitation. Elaine's curiosity piqued as she inspected the snack; its appearance reminded her of those holiday fruitcakes that people often ridiculed back on Earth. Despite the gelatinous substance that held the colorful bits together, she brought it cautiously close to her nose, sniffing it but unable to identify any recognizable scent. Despite her reservations, she took a tentative nibble.
To her astonishment, the flavor exploded in her mouth, vibrant and delightful. It was a taste she had never experienced before, a unique blend that left her pleasantly surprised. Without realizing it, she found herself devouring the entire cube, feeling the nourishing energy coursing through her, reinvigorating her weary body.
"You know… I prefer just 'Elaine,'" she said, a hint of shyness creeping into her voice as she broke the ice, watching Xin-ta thoughtfully munch on her own treat.
"I know your name," Xin-ta replied playfully, tucking her half-eaten cube back into her satchel, which also housed the nearly empty med kit. She was carefully rationing her supplies, making sure that Elaine had enough to sustain her as well.
"Then why do you keep calling me 'The E'lain'?" Elaine countered, a playful frown wrinkling her brow as she tried to understand Xin-ta's reasoning.
Xin-ta paused for a moment, tapping her chin in thought. "Because you are the only E'lain I have ever met. It seems fitting to me that your kind is called the E'lain," she concluded with a nonchalant shrug, her demeanor carefree despite the context of their harsh surroundings.
Elaine took a moment to absorb this information, the idea swirling within her like a blend of wonder and amusement. "Well, I'm Elaine… E-Laine and my species is called Homo sapiens. In simpler terms, you can think of me as Elaine, the last human," she explained, her voice finding an unexpected confidence in sharing her identity.
Elaine found herself lost in thought as she recalled the extraordinary dream she had experienced the night before. Although her memory was hazy, fragments of the dream lingered vividly in her mind, leaving her in awe.
What stood out most was the powerful sensation that resonated within her, a feeling that transcended the ordinary. Alongside this powerful energy were the two archangels, Seraphion and Zeraphine, whose presence exuded both grace and strength. Ealine was struck by the realization that these celestial beings held not just their own power, but also an astonishing multitude of humanity's souls intertwined within their very essence.
The weight of this knowledge was unnerving, sparking a torrent of questions in her mind. How could these archangels possess such a profound connection to the souls of countless individuals? What did it mean for her own identity and purpose? The dream had left her with more questions than answers, compelling her to confront the mystery of her extraordinary reality.
A soft, almost imperceptible stirring echoed within her soul space, signaling a shift in the atmosphere. "Well, human," Zee began, her voice steady and infused with newfound confidence, "it seems that with your realization that Seraphion embodies Wrath, we have been granted permission to share more of this story—at least the fragments that remain clear in our memories."
Zee's tone was markedly different; she was no longer hesitant or subdued. Instead, there was an air of authority in her words that hadn't been there before. Despite the weight of the revelations, she radiated a surprising energy. Throughout the hours when Elaine slipped into her own dreams, Zee had taken the opportunity to rest, rejuvenating herself. This left Seraphion in a solemn vigil, tasked with the responsibility of keeping watch. She was always prepared to rouse her the moment Elaine stirred from sleep, ensuring that no moment of insight or revelation was lost.
"And that is?" Elaine inquired, her voice cutting through the silence and drawing a curious glance from Xin-ta, who raised an eyebrow in puzzlement. As the words left her lips, Elaine felt a wave of memories flood back to her—the vivid scenes from the dream that had haunted her thoughts. The sensations, raw and intense, associated with Sera began to resurface.
She took a deep breath, recognizing the complex emotions swirling within her. The initial intrigue she felt towards the archangel now intertwined with a palpable fear. It wasn't the fear of physical harm; instead, it was a deep-seated apprehension of Sera's potential fury—a sense that the archangel's wrath could erupt unpredictably, like a storm ready to break. This realization left Elaine feeling both vulnerable and wary, acutely aware of the immense power Sera possessed.
"Is it okay if I come out?" Zee asked, her voice laced with a hint of excitement. She felt a wave of well-being wash over her and longed for the opportunity to stretch her limbs, to feel the freedom of movement again. "I've encountered some fascinating revelations that I can't wait to share with you. Also, I can't help but notice that woman you're with—she seems to have a peculiar habit of playing with her knife whenever that intense look crosses your face."
Zee's gaze shifted to the woman, apprehension flickering in her eyes for the first time. There was something about the alien that unsettled her. It stirred a protective instinct deep within her, a fierce desire to shield Elaine from any potential harm. While Seraphion would likely encourage confronting adversaries head-on, conquering them through sheer force of will and strength, Zee's heart urged her to take a different path. She wanted to envelop her human companion in a cocoon of safety, keeping all dangers at bay, allowing Elaine to revel in the wonders of this alien world. She wanted her to discover the planet's exotic creatures and savor every precious moment of the life she had left.
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Elaine nodded in agreement, her gaze shifting thoughtfully towards Xin-ta. A question flickered in her mind, nagging her: why did the archangels never use people's names? Was it a sign of their colossal superiority, a way to remind lesser beings of their place in a grand scheme crafted by creatures capable of reshaping entire landscapes? It was a contemplation that filled Elaine with a sense of unease.
In that moment, she recalled the raw fury that had emanated from Sera, a force so palpable that it sparked vivid imagery in her imagination. She envisioned an anime scene where the protagonist, bursting with unimaginable power, achieved overwhelming strength in mere moments, rendering the narrative hollow and unfulfilling. Elaine had always preferred the slow, steady ascent to power, the kind that allowed for growth and development.
But the energy radiating from Seraphion was something entirely different—a potent surge that eclipsed anything she had ever experienced with her own soul buddy. It was a staggering force, weighty like a storm cloud heavy with rain, leaving her both awestruck and a little intimidated.
With the agreement reached, Zeraphine gently extracted herself from the ethereal soul space they shared, her gaze settling on Seraphion. "Make sure to get some rest... There's no need to worry; I'll take care of everything with our human," she said soothingly, wrapping her arms around her in a warm embrace before giving him a tender pat on the head. It seemed that the archangel, Zee, had an endearing habit of petting people's heads. Within the vast tapestry of souls that inhabited her being, she sensed one tranquil and reserved soul that had always longed for this simple gesture. The moments when someone would stroke their hair sparked a flicker of excitement and relief within them, a comforting acknowledgment of their existence.
However, as she lingered in the soul space, Zeraphine noticed a transformation occurring within her. The individual souls that resided within her were beginning to condense, merging together to form a singular solid mass that would eventually become her essence. This unsettling phenomenon perplexed her; she had always found joy in exploring the diverse lives of the souls that made her whole. Yet now they seemed to be tranquil and subdued, accepting their fate and surrendering their identities, gradually becoming something altogether different. It felt as if they were slowly being erased, their individuality fading into the collective. Though that one soul, she felt a pang for and decided to keep her separate. She had modled herself after that one after all. With slight coaxing she made sure that the rest of the soul space that was now her own would take on the lonely humans soul, giving her soul a purpose in the very end.
This shift unnerved her, stirring a mixture of apprehension and an unexpected sense of empowerment within her. It was as if she was being reborn, surrounded by the comforting embrace of Elain's soul space, developing her own identity from the very core of her being. Yet as the familiar contours of her surroundings began to feel alien, she yearned for escape, craving the freedom that lay beyond her encroaching unity with real-space.
Xin-ta's heart raced as she lunged for the spear that lay abandoned on the ground, her eyes wide with disbelief. The illusion that had shielded them from the treacherous woods around them shattered like fragile glass, and she instinctively shifted into a defensive stance, prepared to strike at the ethereal mist that swirled away from the form of the 'human'—a term that suddenly felt inadequate.
As the silver mist began to materialize, each graceful step it took sent shivers through her spine. With each movement, the essence of Zeraphine drew closer, coalescing into a formidable figure. The air around her thickened with an otherworldly energy, igniting Xin-ta's own soul essence as it fought to comprehend the reality before her.
Standing before her was a creature of breathtaking beauty, both terrifying and magnificent, exuding an aura of power that made her instincts scream for survival. In that moment, a cold realization took hold: she would need to flee to gather the hunters from her clan—and perhaps even seek the aid of neighboring clans—if there was any hope of confronting this being.
But then, what transpired next left Xin-ta reeling backward in utter disbelief, her mind struggling to process the sight unfolding before her.
"Elaine!" The archangel squealed with vibrant excitement, her voice ringing like a chime in the air. Without a moment's hesitation, she propelled herself toward Elaine, a whirlwind of energy and light, disregarding the dirt that clung to the human's skin. The archangel's need to restore her image in Elaine's eyes eclipsed any concern for tidiness. "Oh, how I've missed you, you filthy creature!" she exclaimed, her laughter mingling with the warmth of their reunion as she enveloped Elaine in a fierce embrace. Though she was shorter than the human, she managed to lift Elaine off the ground, burying her face into the softness of the girl's chest. With a flourish, she wrapped her magnificent wings around them both, a protective cocoon shimmering with iridescence. In this gesture, she shot a defiant glare at the alien creature nearby, her eyes sparking with challenge as if to say: dare you to interfere with this moment.
"OH, hi... Zee. It's truly wonderful to see you again," Elaine responded, her voice tinged with surprise as she found herself lifted by the archangel's delicate frame. As she gazed down at the ethereal wings that enveloped her, a sense of awe consumed her. They were breathtakingly beautiful, soft as silk, their feathers catching the light and casting dazzling reflections. Elaine was drawn to touch them, the urge bubbling within her, but a stark reminder held her back. Her palms were thickly calloused, a testament to her encounters with the harshness of the world, and she knew that those resilient layers could easily mar the beauty of the wings she longed to feel. Instead, she cautiously brushed her fingertips along the back of the archangel's plumes, savoring the sensation of silken feathers under her touch, while the protective caul of her own skin kept her at bay.
The alien who had meticulously tended to the wounds, maintaining vigilance throughout the long, restless night, found herself grappling with uncertainty. As dawn's light began to filter through the trees, a chilling realization washed over her: if the winged human chose to attack, she would have no chance of escape. She had encountered this formidable being before, its power unmistakable as it had flung the very spear she now held in a gesture of wary submission. Yet the creature before her was unmistakably transformed; it radiated strength and an aura that sent a shiver down her spine.
With trembling hands, she placed the spear carefully onto the hard earth, allowing it to rest on a patch of soft moss to avoid damaging the elegant blade perched atop its shaft. She raised her hands in a gesture of peace, her posture betraying a desperate yearning to flee. The essence within her quaked with anxiety, as if the sheer weight of the winged being's presence threatened to suffocate her own spirit. Sweat began to bead on her skin, slipping down as the brisk morning air wrapped itself around her, amplifying her discomfort.
Despite her reputation as a formidable hunter, even she felt dwarfed by this creature's presence. It was an entity that could put even the most daunting of guardians to the test, leaving her acutely aware of her vulnerability in this moment of high tension. The air was charged with an electric anticipation, and she knew she stood at a precipice—one wrong move could tip the balance between confrontation and escape.
"You may stay," Zee declared, her voice firm yet carrying a hint of warmth. As she gently pulled away from Elaine, a flicker of irritation crossed her features—her once pristine clothing was now marred by unsightly streaks of dried blood and gritty flecks of dirt. The sight was bothersome, but she pushed the thought aside; there would be time to tend to her attire later. Right now, her focus was on the two of them. A radiant smile broke across her face, illuminating her expression as she turned towards the alien, eager to convey her message clearly and ensure her intentions were unmistakable.
"I am Zeraphine, the Archangel of the planet Earth, a divine being fashioned by the One True God of our universe. I am the embodiment of the myriad souls who have ever grappled with the dual forces of Sloth and Diligence, each essence woven into the very fabric of my being. As the guardian of Elaine Willow, I pledge to guide her unwaveringly through the trials that lie ahead, with the fervent hope of dismantling the Kul'tecka and their vile misdeeds that threaten the balance of our galaxy.
With a resolute step towards the alien figure known as Xin-ta, an ethereal flicker of her essence swirled around her, shimmering with energy as she willingly sacrificed a mere fragment of her soul. In that moment, Zeraphine felt the weight of her purpose—a powerful aura enveloping her as she prepared for the confrontation that could alter the fate of their very existence.
"If you touch your weapon again while looking upon my human, I will end your race on this planet, and make her the rightful owner of this world." She said with a warm smile as she heard Seraphion laughing her ass off inside of Elaine. Even though she was separated from her human, she knew that if she depleted enough energy, she would go back into her human to incubate and gather up her energy once again. However, the more her soul she used as fuel, the longer it would take to regain such power. Though outside of Elaine... which was odd, to say the least, she couldn't recuperate any expended power.