After Lily’s mother finished her meal she gazed at Lily with deep gratitude her eyes shining with appreciation.
‘I always knew you would save me one day.’ She whispered her voice filled with unwavering certainty and her words were accompanied by a beautiful smile that lit up the room.
Taking a seat on the edge of the bed Lily took a moment to truly behold her mother.
With a complexion as delicate as porcelain and cascading ebony locks that framed her face flawlessly her beauty was undeniable. Yet Lily understood that her mother’s allure extended far beyond her physical appearance, and it was her extraordinary abilities that had captivated the heart of that man.
Turning to face the gathering she proudly introduced her mother her voice ringing with admiration.
‘This is my mother Maiko.’ she announced her words carrying a sense of reverence and she went on to share her mother’s rich background and her remarkable prowess as a priestess.
One by one each person extended their greetings to Maiko their smiles genuine and hearts open. As Maiko’s eyes swept across the room they settled on Ace and William and her heart swelled with a mixture of joy and contentment.
‘I am truly grateful that you have found someone who cherishes you for who you are.’ she expressed with a warm smile her voice carrying a hint of maternal pride.
However, as she expressed her desire to meet the rest of the family and ventured to leave her bed concern flickered in Lily’s eyes.
‘Mother I just saved you. Shouldn’t you rest?’ She inquired with a touch of apprehension her voice laced with genuine worry.
Gently shaking her head Maiko responded resolutely and her eyes gleaming with determination.
‘I want to meet your family.’ she declared her voice filled with a profound sense of longing.
And so, they descended the stairs and their footsteps echoing through the house as they made their way to the welcoming embrace of the living room. It was there that they discovered the return of Will and Celestia and their presence were like a gentle breeze breathing life into the room.
With Lily’s gentle guidance her mother settled into a plush sofa chair cocooned in a soft blanket and a steaming cup of fragrant tea was placed before her emanating warmth and comfort. Engaging in conversation they shared fragments of their lives unraveling the tapestry of their individual stories. As Maiko witnessed the true forms of Will and Celestia a knowing smile curved her lips revealing that she had foreseen the arrival of the portal in her dreams. However fear of divine retribution had silenced her warnings to others.
Suspecting the existence of parallel worlds she reflected on Lily’s father who was a mysterious figure with an enigmatic past. She recounted the tale of encountering him gravely injured in a desolate field nursing him back to health and eventually accepting his proposal. As Lily absorbed her mother’s words she couldn’t help but notice the striking resemblance between her own father and Ballard who was Gabrielle’s father. The realization washed over her like a tidal wave confirming that Gabrielle could be a long-lost sister.
Turning to her mother her eyes shimmered with a mixture of hope and disappointment. She poured her heart out sharing every detail she knew about Ballard. Maiko visibly taken aback and shook her head gently as if trying to make sense of the intricacies of parallel worlds.
‘If there are parallel worlds’ she began her voice tinged with a note of contemplation ‘then there are also two versions of your father.’
Lily’s hopeful longing for Ballard to be her father granting her the gift of a sister lingered in the air like a delicate whisper. Yet it was Celestia ever perceptive who interjected with a warm smile her voice brimming with kindness.
‘I can be your sister Lily.’ She chimed in her words carrying the weight of unspoken understanding.
A radiant smile bloomed across Lily’s face as gratitude filled her heart.
‘Thank you Celestia.’ She replied her voice infused with genuine joy.
In that moment the shadows of disappointment were chased away and replaced by a renewed sense of happiness.
However a sudden blush painted Maiko’s cheeks.
‘Um... Is it possible for me to meet Ballard and confirm that it’s not him?’ she murmured her words tinged with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.
‘Of course! I was planning to meet them today.’ she exclaimed her voice brimming with anticipation.
As the sun slowly began its descent casting a warm golden hue upon the world they prepared themselves and embarked on their journey to Labunagaan the place where Gabrielle resided. Upon their arrival a young girl with dark tresses elegantly dressed in black greeted them. With a graceful gesture she led them into a spacious living room where they met Gabrielle engrossed in conversation with Ballard.
Upon catching sight of Lily and the rest of the group Gabrielle’s eyes widened with gratitude and she hurriedly rose from her seat approaching them with open arms. With an embrace filled with heartfelt appreciation she expressed her gratitude.
‘Thank you for finding my father.’ she conveyed with sincerity her voice carrying the weight of genuine thankfulness.
Lily’s response was humble yet resolute. ‘I still have to save your friend so hold off on thanking me just yet.’
As Maiko and Ballard’s gazes locked a hint of bashfulness colored their cheeks as if the universe had conspired to bring them together in this serendipitous encounter. Lily took it upon herself to shed light on the intricacies of their connection explaining to everyone present that Ballard bore an uncanny resemblance to her late father who had tragically passed away before the emergence of the portal.
Seizing the opportunity Ballard extended an invitation to Maiko with his voice carrying a hint of anticipation. They walked outside with their steps carrying them along the winding paths of the garden where they immersed themselves in heartfelt conversation. Meanwhile Lily and the others found solace in the comfort of the living room and their hearts brimming with curiosity and the need to share their own tales.
As the words spilled from Lily’s lips she recounted her extraordinary experiences in the other world where she had valiantly saved Ballard. A sense of unity filled the room with the air tinged with anticipation and a shared understanding. Through the window she caught a glimpse of her mother and her laughter ringing out like a chorus of joy an enchanting connection forming between her and Ballard.
With a deep sense of admiration Gabrielle broke the silence and her voice filled with awe. ‘My father is a good man.’ she expressed her words echoing with reverence and affection encapsulating the profound bond that was weaving itself between the two families.
With a tender heart Lily delved into the depths of her upbringing unveiling the intricate tapestry of her mother’s life. The words flowed from her lips carrying an undercurrent of emotion that resonated deeply with Gabrielle. A single tear escaped her eye tracing a glistening path down her cheek as she absorbed the profound account shared by Lily.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
She unveiled the grim reality of how deceitful fallen angels had infiltrated their world cunningly delivering a false message. Their realm teetered on the precipice of collapse only to be salvaged by the arrival of a man with a portal. Reluctantly she had made the fateful decision to sign a contract in order to save her people despite her reservations.
Lily’s thoughts danced with recollections of the angel and God she had previously captured a spark of inspiration guiding her actions. Retrieving the white summoning book, she summoned the angel once again with a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes.
As the angel respectfully bowed before her she shifted her attention to Gabrielle who began to discuss the fallen angels and the potential connection between them and the summoned angel. Anger ignited within the angel’s gaze and his voice brimming with righteous fury.
‘They were a plague in my world,’ he declared his words laced with an innate understanding. ‘it’s not surprising that they fooled your world. They thrive on human souls.’
With a sigh of acknowledgement Gabrielle affirmed that she had already deduced this disheartening revelation. Curiosity tugging at Lily who turned to the angel and posed a probing question.
‘I assume you have been captured by the system?’ She inquired and her voice tinged with a mixture of empathy and intrigue.
The angel with his lips sealed simply nodded in affirmation.
In that moment guided by Eco’s instructions Lily retrieved the black orb containing the trapped god. She followed Eco’s guidance placing her hand inside the orb and in an instant a mysterious force wrapped around her hand and as she withdrew it the ethereal head of the god materialized before their eyes swiftly taking form.
With grace and reverence the god greeted Lily bowing before to her in a display of utmost respect. Lily however shook her head.
‘I’m not your lady.’ She replied with her voice gentle yet firm recognizing the inherent power that resided within the god.
In that very moment the entrance drew their collective attention as Maiko and Ballard made their way into the room. Joining the group their eyes alight with curiosity they observed the angel and the god with a sense of wonder. Lily sensed the newfound vitality emanating from her mother who was yearning for a strong and protective partner qualities embodied by Ballard a gifted wizard unbound by the shackles of the system’s rules.
A smile graced her lips as she shared ‘Gabrielle and I have discussed this matter.’
Maiko and Ballard nodded in acknowledgment their attention shifting to Gabrielle who returned their gesture with a radiant smile her eyes shining with a newfound connection.
Lily activated the red stone enveloping the group within a protective crimson sphere. She proceeded to explain its purpose and initiated a deep discussion about the fallen angels that had infiltrated Ballard’s world after his passing and unraveling the intricate web of deceit and darkness that had plagued their lives.
Curiosity ignited within her urging her to seek understanding.
‘Who governs these angels?’ she inquired her voice carrying a sense of determination.
The god responded with a solemn tone.
‘One named Luca who was banished by the creator of our world.’ He explained revealing a shard of the intricate tapestry that wove their destinies together.
Lily’s fascination intensified as she delved further into the nature of the god’s world. It became clear that the four continents originated from his realm which was a land of magic where even the Sacred Land held significant importance.
In her mind’s eye the image of Azrael and his distinctive black star under his eye which also adorned Grimwald resurfaced leaving her perplexed. The existence of a creator beyond their own Creator baffled her but she learned that this higher entity was known as the Creator presiding over all life and creations while the Almighty held dominion over them. Determined to untangle the enigma before her she resolved to seek Wisely’s counsel hoping to gain insight into the unfolding events in her own world.
Suddenly the god interjected his voice filled with longing.
‘Is it possible for you to save my other angels?’ He beseeched his words laced with a desperate plea.
Lily nodded.
‘Where are they?’ she inquired her voice steady and resolute.
The god provided the information they sought revealing the dire circumstances.
‘There’s a woman who is holding them captive and that Celestia woman has undoubtedly acquired a new angel from that person.’ He divulged his words igniting a fire of anger within Lily.
The system with its ruthless grip had ensnared them all and individuals like Celestia were exploiting the angels as nothing more than slaves.
Frustration welled up within her and annoyance was evident.
‘I can’t keep stealing summoning books from Celestia. I don’t have time for that.’ She said.
A glimmer of hope emerged as the god offered a solution his voice brimming with a newfound alliance.
‘You just have to find that woman. The goddesses can help you. She calls herself a goddess but she’s a fake. There’s a repulsive statue of her in a temple. If you can free my angels I am at your service.’ He proposed his words carrying the weight of a promise.
Lily’s eyes gleamed with recognition seeing the potential of having an army of angels and a god by her side in the battles that lay ahead. With unwavering resolve she made a solemn vow to save the captive angels with their liberation becoming a beacon of hope in the midst of darkness.
Interrupting the flow of the conversation Maiko’s voice cut through the air laden with an air of importance. Lily’s attention snapped to her mother her eyes fixated on the words that were about to be spoken.
‘I’m listening.’ She said.
Maiko’s revelation hung in the air leaving her stunned and taken aback. When Lily had visited her sister Maiko was seeking help from the gods but they had remained silent. In a moment of desperation, she had turned to the devil cursing that man to 10.000 years in the future.
Lily’s heart skipped a beat as she processed the weight of her mother’s words. The casual suggestion she had made to her mother never truly believing it would come to pass had brought about her own awakening precisely 10.000 years later. There seemed to be a purpose behind it all that which was a reason woven into the fabric of their lives. She wondered if she was being punished and made to bear the consequences of her mother’s actions.
Aaron’s voice broke the silence and his words were laden with gravity.
‘I said it was no coincidence that you woke up in the year of the Lord.’ He stated emphasizing the significance of the timing.
Lily’s mind raced as she contemplated the situation unfolding before her.
‘Are you saying I’m being punished because of you?’ She questioned her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Maiko’s reply was tinged with a hint of remorse and her words laced with uncertainty.
‘You play a role, but I don’t know which one. Every time I tried to look further into the future something blocked me’ She confessed with her eyes searching for any trace of anger or disappointment in her daughter’s expression. ‘are you angry with me?’
Lily’s head shook gently, her eyes reflecting love and understanding.
‘I could never be mad at you’ she reassured her mother her voice filled with sincerity. ‘I’m grateful that you prayed for me and that someone listened or else I would still be dead.’
The weight of gratitude and realization settled upon her. If she had remained in the realm of the dead she would never have encountered Ace William Eco and the others who had become a vital part of her life. It went beyond mere gratefulness and she found herself genuinely happy that her mother’s prayers had been answered. Yet the question lingered in the depths of her mind was it a god or a devil or perhaps both who had orchestrated her return?
Amid uncertainty she remained steadfast and her heart brimming with gratitude for the second chance at life and the bond she shared with her mother.
Curiosity burned within her as she sought a deeper understanding of her mother’s actions. Leaning closer she asked, ‘What exactly did you do mother?’
Maiko’s response carried a mix of remorse and honesty.
‘I prayed to God first but when I received no answer I turned to the devil where I felt a response.’ She confessed.
Kenta interjected with his perspective chuckled and offered his insight.
‘It’s possible that God got angry when he found out you prayed to the devil which is why he reacted slowly. He granted your wish and resurrected Lily so she could seek revenge on that man 10.000 years later. Unfortunately, as a punishment for your prayer to the devil he placed her in a unique body. Any idiot can figure it out.’ He added and mischievously his grin widened.
Lily couldn’t help but let out a sigh of understanding and realizing the logic behind Kenta’s words. Perhaps her mother’s unwavering faith had stemmed from daily prayers pleading for a lighter punishment. At least her plea had been heard and Lily had been given the precious gift of a second chance at life.
‘Mother it’s because of you that I am still alive. I can’t thank you enough.’ she expressed her voice filled with genuine happiness and gratitude.
Her gaze shifted to the red orb with its glow which was a constant reminder of the opportunity she couldn’t afford to waste and with determination she inquired about the whereabouts of the man they sought.
While Maiko didn’t possess precise information she pointed out the potential areas on a map where he could be found. As the group settled down to enjoy a meal together Lily observed her mother’s comfort and sense of belonging in their presence. A hesitancy lingered within her reluctant to separate her mother from Ballard. However, she found solace in the promise Ballard had made to protect Maiko trusting him wholeheartedly.
In a gesture of trust and open communication Lily handed a communication orb to both her mother and Gabrielle symbolizing their connection and the importance of their unity.