Chapter 13: Paradise Lost, part 2

The Devil appeared to be enjoying herself very much.

Ever since we got on the spaceship, Marianne had been acting like a kid in an amusement park.

Her eyes sparkle like stars whenever she gazes out the windows. Her red lips always widened into a smile with a cute tune leaking out like hummingbirds.

Her enthusiasm was so infectious, she was able to lure me and my siblings away from our precious mealtime to enjoy the view with her like country bumpkins who never flew before.

Well, we are country bumpkins, at least in the galactic sense.

And we are so poor, we never flew in a regular airplane, let alone a space vessel.

What does Mary like to say again?

Oh yeah, ‘Spaceships, so cool!’

Who knew the Devil has interests other than evil and corruption?

She almost seemed like an innocent woman whose lifelong dream just came true.

The dream of becoming a space-janitor.

Ha! Who is she trying to fool?

The great defiler cleaning toilets? Who would believe…

Oh, she does enjoy cleaning.

It’s her one hobby, other than training with a sword.

Huh.

And she has been busy cleaning the ship’s toilet, so much so that the actual janitorial staff has nothing to do but to play cards.

Huh.

Satan is a clean freak, who knew?

Technically, I do, since I grew up with her. But I’ve been trying my best to keep my distance, therefore, I haven’t noticed her little quirks.

Now that traveling forced me to be in close proximity to her, I learned that…

She’s a really good actress.

The way she pretends to be a kind big brother almost had me convinced.

The way she pretends to be in love with Master Jack almost had me convinced.

The way she pretends to be happy, content, and satisfied with her job as a butler almost had me convinced.

Shouldn’t the Devil be more ambitious?

Surely she’s planning something big right? To rule the universe? To make everyone suffer beneath her feet?

I can’t be wrong about her right!?

No, I couldn’t be!

No way, I’ve misunderstood her this whole time! Just no way!

She’s the Devil, for God’s sake!

Don’t you remember how scary she was when she murdered that Level Five Master in cold blood!?

The same Master who was a… total pervert who tried to hurt me…

Mary… Big bro… she almost died saving me.

She went up against a threat far beyond her league. She endured unimaginable pain. She created a miracle.

Just to save me.

Yet I… fear her for it. I hate her for her act of…

…Love…

No!

No! She’s messing with my head!

I know she’s the Devil! I’ve seen her true face! Her true nature!

That anger! That hatred! Her lack of mercy!

All for… me… the girl she raised.

I can’t be wrong about her.

Someone tell me, I’m not wrong about her.

Someone… please…

Justify my years of fear, hatred, and isolation.

Someone…

“Hey, hey, Mister! Mr. Kyle, I have a question!”

My youngest brother, Dave, walked over to the tall master, who looked like he was suffering from the worst motion sickness ever.

“Go away kid, I’m dying.”

“Come on, just one question! I wanna know what a Master is, and what’s the deal with Level and rank and all that!”

“Don’t they teach you that stuff in school?”

“I’m young! No one taught me shit!”

“Language!”

“Yeah, yeah, just answer the question, old man!”

“Kids these days. I swear… Fine! I’ll answer your question. But keep your voice down, you’re giving me a headache!”

Master Kyle used some healing spells on himself to fight off the dizziness just for a little while before picking Dave up to sit on his knees like a kind grandpa telling a story.

“Alright, let’s start with the basics. Most things in this universe process a magical substance called Mana. The more Mana you have, the more powerful you are, and the higher-level spell you can use.”

“Like flying!?”

“Yup, and so much more.”

“I wanna fly one day! Abbie can fly but she won’t let me ride her back. The stuck up-”

“Language!”

“Hmmm!”

“Now, let’s continue. Every person has a different Mana capacity and different levels of skills to utilize magic properly. Using these factors we could determine someone’s Level and growth potential. There are seven Levels in total, from Zero to Six.”

“Why not One to Seven? OR Ten! OR a Million!”

“Zero to Six. That’s all we have. Take it or leave it!”

“Lame.”

“Level Zero are Mana-less people, babies and cripples like your big sister Marianne.”

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“Big bro!”

“One and Two are your average citizens. And by ‘average’, I included soldiers, politicians, pilots, etc. There are plenty of examples where Level One individuals achieved great things in their lives and went down in history. When I was a boy, I grew up admiring the legendary Captain Edward, a man who rose through the ranks with his quick thinking and charisma.”

“Boring.”

“Tch, kids these days. Level Three are wizards, mages, witches, warlocks, or whatever you like to call them. People who are born with high Mana capacity and studied the art of spells.”

“Like Abbie?”

“Like Abbie and the other teenagers on this ship. Beyond Level Three, are Masters.”

“Okay, I get it now! Four is weaker than Five, and Five is weaker than Six!”

“Ha! Yes and no. You see, when you reach a certain point, quantifying someone’s power becomes very difficult. Magic is multifaceted, and so are the Masters that utilize it.

“Who’s more powerful, between a guy who could break a moon in half, or someone who could change a desolated desert into bountiful farmlands? Someone who could heal any sickness in an instant or someone who could change the course of meteorites?”

“Whoever wins in arm wrestling, duh!”

“Ha! If only things were that simple. No. In the real world, ranking tends to be determined by politics, achievements, connections, and other boring adult stuff. Some Level Four get passed on for a promotion, and some Level Five don't deserve their title. Take shorty Jack over there!”

“Watch it, four-eyes!”

The little man yapped at his friend, as he was busy looking at Marianne’s behind.

“Jack could’ve become a Level Five long ago if he hadn't wasted so much time chasing skirts!”

“Boo! Lame!”

“Yup, politics are lame. That’s why Level Four and Five tend to be interchangeable. But then there’s the final Level… Level Six.

“Level Six mages are… on a whole other plane of existence. They’re often called Lords, as they are the lords of all magic. They had mastered all there is to master and became something more. Far beyond the realm of mortals. Far beyond the realm of masters. They are, for a lack of a better term, living gods.”

“Cool! Finally something awesome!”

“They are awe-some. They are awe-inspiring. Those who are in their presence can’t help but be awe-struck by their absolute majesty. Their absolute power.

“Level Sixes are the supreme beings. They could create or destroy entire galaxies as they see fit. Their magic had reached the realm of miracles and bordered on the realm of god. Their might, unstoppable. Their will, undeniable. Their status, unchallengeable. For they are the true rulers of the cosmos.”

“Cool! When do they fight!? I wanna see! I wanna see!”

“Ha! Sorry kid, lords refuse to fight with one another. If they did, the damage would be unimaginable. The last time there was a battle between two Level Sixes was two hundred years ago. The result? Four billion people died, as a star went supernova!”

“Superno-what?”

“It went Ka-Boom!!!”

“Cool!”

“That’s it. That’s all there is to know about Levels. Rank is just a synonym we use sometimes. So run along kid. I’m going to… Oooffff!!!”

“Hey!!! Ewww, Gross!!!”

Thus the exposition came to a disgusting climax. Dave went crying to Marianne and the staff finally got something to do.

I who listened in on their conversation also learned something new.

Is the Devil’s new boy-toy truely that strong?

The little man who lost to a wooden stick?

The shorty who acts like a schoolboy in love?

He has the power of a Level Five?

I don’t believe it.

***

I don’t believe it.

But I’m seeing it with my own eyes.

That little man — no — Master Jack, he… What in the world is he!?

The entire ship looked out the windows in amazement at the scene of chaos and destruction that was caused by a single man.

A figure who moved so fast he became a shooting star. An angel of light who destroyed an armada in the blink of an eye!

He was like a valiant knight in shining armor. His mighty fist took down the giant serpent in one punch. His body shone like starlight as he danced in the night sky. Literally, dancing in the sky!

His aim is true. His cause is just. His power… is absolute.

“…A Level… Six? No… that’s Jack… it can’t be…”

Master Kyle muttered something as his eyes were captured by the majestic sight. We all were.

The knight in shining armor.

The light in the darkness.

The angel of justice.

Is fighting in the name of the Devil?

No… he fights for Marianne.

Marianne… my big sister… my big bro… the woman who raised me…

My mother.

That man fought tooth and nail to protect my mother.

But in the end, it was all for naught.

That shining shooting star was eventually overwhelmed and disappeared into the dark abyss.

“Jack, no! Goddammit!

Master Kyle banged on the window in frustration but Mary brought him back to reality.

“Focused, you four-eyed giraffe! Protect the children at all costs!”

Mary said before cocking her gun. Somehow she procured a busload of blasters, which she distributed to the crew and the masters-to-be.

Mary was angry. As angry as that fateful day. But the angrier she is, the calmer she gets. Like a hunter waiting for her prey. Waiting for the kill.

Her brow cast a shadow over her amber eyes. Her red lips pressed together as she’s trying her best to contain her cries.

She was shaking.

Anger. Fear. Sadness. Worries. Determination.

“Is there a way for us to defend ourselves!? Answer me, Kyle!”

“I- y-yes… I’ve already surrounded this ship with a strong barrier. It should keep us safe for a time. The security team is manning the gun turrets. They could take out any approaching enemies!”

“But sir, don’t they have blind spots!? With this many enemies swarming us…”

The teenager, Henry, asked the master who seemed to have regained his senses.

And just as he said, two ships reached our position and attempted to break in!

“Don’t underestimate me too much kid. Even if I’m like this… I’m still a Level Four!!!”

Kyle put up his hands and a few moments later the enemy's oxygen tank became poisonous! The Vampires cried out, only to suck in more poison into their lungs. They eventually stopped squirming as their insides rotted!

“How long can we keep this up?”

Asked Marianne, as she’s thinking something.

“Thanks to the saplings giving me their Mana, I can do this until we reach safety. Problem is…”

“Jack…”

“Yes. And whoever took him out is a massive threat. Perhaps a Level Five Vampire count is leading our enemies. No matter how strong Jack is…”

“He’s alive! I can feel him!”

“Marianne…”

“Master Kyle, please believe me! I know Jack is still alive. But he’s frightened. He… he needs me!”

“Calm down, Annie! What can you do!? What can any of us do!? Didn’t you say it yourself? Our first and foremost priority is to keep these children safe!”

“…”

“You’re weak Annie. Weak. Powerless. Helpless. You’re a cripple, so please… know your place!”

Mary went silent at the master’s insult. She knew he was right. The last time she beat an opponent beyond her weight class was thanks to the element of surprise and a whole lot of luck.

Now, she could only cry at her own helplessness.

I watched as the Devil shed tears.

Who knew that even a Devil may cry.

Who knew…

…Satan… wasn’t the universe supposed to dance on the palm of your hand?

…Big bro… aren’t you the biggest and meanest one around?

…Mommy… don’t cry, mommy…

Abigail will grow up into a good girl, promise!

Have I ever been a good girl?

Have I ever thanked her for saving me? For raising me? For giving me all I have?

No.

No.

I was a really bad girl. Foolish. Cowardice. Selfish.

I somehow believed that my own mother was my greatest enemy. A monster.

What a fool I was. A great big fool.

I walked over to the crying woman and hugged her. The body that was always so rough and sturdy felt weak in my arms.

She is weak. Always has been. Weak as a bug. Even a child could crush her with their bare hands.

“[Hic!]…Abbie?”

“You really are a crybaby aren’t you… big bro. I’m almost embarrassed to call you my m-mother.”

With Mary’s weak body in my arms, I took her out of the bridge to find a private place to talk. Away from the earshot of others.

“Abbie… what’s this about this… mother business?”

“What? Does referring to you by that name make you feel old? OR do you prefer being a father? You big brute.”

“N-No… I… I don’t know what to say. I thought you…”

Seeing the woman who I believed to be pure evil, act all embarrassed with tears and snot running down her face does feel weird.

It gives my heart this weird ticklish feeling.

I asked my tall parental figure to lean down to clean her face with magic and whispered something into her ears.

“Tell me, mommy, can you fly a ship?”

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