I slowly stir awake. I felt…comfortable, warm and safe. Like I could lay here forever and never have to fear anything ever again. I felt a hand slowly stroke my hair and I found a comfort in that hand that I have never felt before. Opening my eyes, I saw a scene that took my breath away. Before me I saw a grand sea of stars, most glowing warmly, as if welcoming me. A silver mist rolled through the stars slowly, one that I knew held power untold. Swimming amongst the stars were creatures of all different types, silently moving through the stars and mist.
I laid there, letting the hand silently and gently stroke my hair. I knew who it was that currently had me on their lap, and though part of me had wanted to confront Her and ask Her all sorts of questions, for now, I simply felt at peace. I didn’t know what to say, what does one say to a Goddess? I mean, I did speak to Gastron pretty normally, would it be like that?
“Child, speak freely, for I will not reject your words.”
A voice rang out. It reverberated throughout my mind, calming my nerves. Why did I feel this calm?
“I know you have many doubts, Child. Speak your mind, while I may not be able to answer all that you ask, I will give you guidance.”
Closing my eyes as I enjoyed the warmth, I thought of what to ask.
“Why me?” A question that I had been yearning to know.
“I can not tell you much, you must find the answer yourself. I will tell you this much. I made a promise. A promise to your mother.”
Feeling a shock go through my body, I didn’t know what to say for a moment as we sat there in silence once more.
“Who is my mother? An Angel?”
“No, Child. She was not a Divine being, nor are you a Divine being. I can not tell you anymore. Crater holds the answers you seek.”
I opened my eyes to see the sight once again. I had heard this answer before, and I had found I wasn’t as shocked about the words she spoke. I don’t remember Crater, so why was I born there to be a slave? I didn’t understand.
“I’m a Chosen because of my mother?”
“No. I can not tell you of my promise with her. You are a Chosen because you hold such potential within you. I have not provided you with any power, you have earned everything by your own strength. I am sorry, Child, I can not tell you more yet. When you have discovered your origins, you will know more.”
Didn’t She tell me my origins? I see, so there is more to it. Just who is my mother? I have never really thought of her, at least since arriving in Vale. Did that mean I wasn’t attached to her? I had asked Her because I didn’t remember, but did I not know before I lost my memories?
“My memories…”
“I can not recover them. Do not fear, they will return to you in time. They are not lost to you. Though it may take time, you need only to focus on those you love."
“Why did you want to see me?”
She didn’t answer and simply continued to slowly stroke my hair. I understood though. She has simply wanted to see me, there was no other reason but that.
“We do not have much time, Child.”
Closing my eyes once again, I enjoyed the feeling once again. I didn’t understand why I felt this way.
“What happens now?”
“Your path is yours to walk, Child. I will guide you, if you so seek it. I do not expect you to worship me, nor do I expect you to follow me. If you choose to walk another path then you may, I will not hold you. Do you wish to continue being my Chosen, Alisha?”
I hadn’t expected Her to ask me this. I didn’t know the answer, but as I thought about it I considered the past, of course of what I remembered. She had come to my rescue in that dungeon, sending Tessa to free me from the Darkness. She had helped me during my evolution too. Her Angels had helped me at times as well. I could only think of why those of the Church had hunted me while the Sisterhood did not help…
“Why did that Archbishop attack me, and why didn’t the Sisterhood help me?”
“I can not interfere in the affairs of mortals. I can only give them my guidance. The Sisterhood you speak of are powerful individuals who are not under my command, yet they worship me. I can only ever guide them so often, they have their own rules, I do not control them. I do not know why you were attacked, only that the one who attacked you had been misguided by another. Tread carefully, Child. There are those who want to bring you harm. Only you can protect yourself and those you love. Do not rely on Selenia, Astraea or I, we can not help you so freely.”
I felt like I had more questions than answers. I knew I had to find the answers myself.
Opening my eyes again, I wanted to turn to look at her but found I couldn’t. “I’m sorry, I can not allow you to see my face. Mortal eyes can not comprehend Greater Gods like I. One day you’ll become powerful enough that we may see each other face to face. Child, do you accept being my Chosen? Though I may not be able to help you directly, I will always answer your call, though there may be times I can not.”
Closing my eyes, I thought about it. I didn’t oppose it, only on one condition.
“As long as I’m not forced down a path that I do not wish to go.”
“Do not fear, you will never be forced against your will. While I will ask you to do tasks for me in the mortal realm, I will never force you. I will reward you for those tasks.”
“What are those tasks?”
“You will know when the time comes.”
“What if the Sisterhood or Church comes after me again?”
“Child, what have you done to all of your enemies you have crossed paths with? By my authority, you can continue to crush your enemies, regardless of their identities. If the Sisterhood attempts to interfere, you may crush them as well. I can not send Astraea to help again, we Gods are restricted by the System, I can only help you so much before I can no longer help.”
Are Gods restricted by the System as well? “What is the System?”
“We do not know. Though we have some understanding of it, I can not tell you until you have awakened your Divinity. Now, Child, we don’t have any time left. I will not force you to continue down this path if it is against your will. I am sorry for the troubles I have brought you before now, I had been too cautious and made you my Blessed and Chosen in a hurry to protect you, even though that only brought more trouble. Truly, I am sorry, my Child. Do you wish to become my Chosen? I understand if you do not.”
Opening my eyes, I smiled softly. I had hesitated before, and I knew She had been trying Her best to answer my questions. There appeared to be a reason why she could not tell me more, I just did not understand why. She did tell me partly why She had been watching me and why I had become a Chosen. I made a decision, a decision to keep walking this path. While I may not ask for the guidance She offered often, and while I may not worship Her, I would continue being her Chosen.
“Okay.”
“Then, my Chosen, I will bestow upon you a gift. Henceforth, you shall be known as Alisha ‘Starcaller’ Nocturne. Those you know will know this as your true name, and those you deem enemies will know this as the last name they hear. I, Celestia, hereby declare your name with the night sky as my witness!”
Although soft, I could tell there was a power behind Her words. The stars before me shone brightly, as if celebrating Her words. A sleepiness came over me and as I closed my eyes, I heard Her words once more.
“Child, sleep well. Though we can not meet for a long time, know that I will always be watching. I will not be able to help you, nor can I interfere anymore. Please, stay safe. I will forever love you, Alisha ‘Starcaller’ Nocturne.”
***
Opening my eyes, I looked around. I was standing in the yard in Flowing River. I had been laying down before I fell asleep. Blinking, I turned my head and saw Tessa standing there, smiling at me.
“All done? How was it? Isn’t she nice?”
Blinking, confused on why Tessa was here, I simply just tilted my head.
“Ah. Confused. Never change that habit. Well, simply put, your physical body left the world. I should’ve told you that, sorry.”
“My…physical body? Wait, I was there in my physical body?”
“An Astral Body would collapse in the presence of a God or Goddess. Don’t worry, I’ve told Halone and Tael everything. So, how was it? Don’t worry, no one can hear us here.”
Sitting down, I felt my head and sure enough I could feel where I had my hair stroked. I looked up at Tessa and started telling her everything as she sat down, offering me snacks.
“I see. I didn’t get my hair patted when I met Her.” Smiling while eating from a pouch of snacks, Tessa looked up.
“You’ve met her?” Taking some snacks from my own pouch, I had become fond of eating snacks recently. Perhaps I should try making some myself?
“Of course. All Blessed will, at some point, meet Her. Though some are only through dreams, some like I have met her in person. Though, we just talked to Her, none of this Path of the Chosen for us. So, where is Coffee?!”
Frowning a bit, I wondered how to bring him out. With a thought, something shot out in front of me. Coffee looked around and upon seeing me ran over.
“Woof!”
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
“Oh my! He is cute!” Tessa smiled and picked Coffee up and offered him one of her snacks. Coffee at first looked at it before eating it.
“Ah, I’ll have to deal with Alice and Coffee when he evolves…” Feeling some dread, I wondered if I should just fill the basement at home with monster cores.
“Oh, Spirit Beasts don’t evolve like that. You have nothing to worry about. No need to prepare a mountain of monster cores, he’ll eat just about anything.”
“He doesn’t evolve?”
“Oh, he will. But not like Alice, nor your friend Aubrey. Spirit Beasts are different, they are not monsters. I don’t know the difference myself, only a small amount, but you don’t have anything to worry about.”
Putting Coffee down, Tessa looks at me and smiles softly.
“‘Starcaller’, it’s got quite the ring to it.” Tessa chuckles softly. “A last name as well. They don’t have an effect, before you ask. Some Blessed receive a last name by their God or Goddess as a formality. If you receive a name of power, like ‘Starcaller’, it usually will mean your strongest potential or just a really fancy name. How do you feel now? I know you’ve had doubts before…”
“Better. I don’t plan on worshipping Her, but I will keep going down this path.”
“Mm, that’s good. I will get going now. But Alisha, I want to give you a warning. She should’ve told you, but other than guidance they will not interfere unless it involves another God or Angel. From here, you’ll be on your own, which is why I must give you this warning. There is war coming to Vale.”
My eyes widen and I look at her serious expression. “When?”
“No idea. I’ve just been observing recently and noticed movement in the army of Vale. More patrols, more practising and weaponsmiths have started making a lot of orders. Telltale signs that a city is getting ready to defend itself. It could be in a year, it could be in ten. It might not even happen. Just be ready for the sound of that bell. Get stronger, have a plan of escape. I won’t be here for much longer, after our talk tonight I will be leaving Vale.”
“Thank you, Tessa.” As I stand, Tessa walks over and gently hugs me.
“You’ve grown so much, Alisha. I remember seeing you for the first time, the little girl who seemed so scared has become so beautiful and strong.” Releasing me, she smiled. “I’ll see you. Train well.”
Tessa disappears in a silver glow as I look at Coffee, who sat there panting with his tongue out. Sitting down while petting him, I looked at the System.
Celestia has given you a name of power and last name. Your name is now Alisha ‘Starcaller’ Nocturne.
You have become the Blessed of Gastron, the God of Cooking.
Subclass upgrade: Apprentice Chef -> Blessed Chef.
Your knives are sharper and your knowledge more refined. You may be rewarded with new recipes upon completing difficult tasks. The God of Cooking, Gastron, may provide you with additional quests or tasks and He will reward you.
You have bonded with Coffee, a Celestial Spirit Beast. He will grow with you, protect you and fight with you. Your level and experience are linked.
Pulling the sheet of metal out, there wasn’t anything special with it, nor did the System say anything. Is it like the golden ticket? Putting it back in my pocket, I heard footsteps and looking up I saw Tael.
“All done?”
“Mm, sorry for the confusion.”
“That is fine. I see you brought someone back.” Tael smiles gently while looking at Coffee. “Do you need some more time? You have only been gone for ten minutes.”
I see, so no time had passed here. Looking at the night sky, I thought about Olivia, Xia, Elizabeth and Alice. I knew that I shouldn’t have left without saying something to them, and now I felt guilt for doing so.
“Alisha, for tonight, our doors will be open. Go, speak to them, clear your mind. You can not be distracted during our training. Do not worry, we may be strict but we will allow you time to see those you care for if you’re this worried.”
Looking at Tael, I wondered why he knew what I had been thinking. As I blinked, I felt the tears in my eyes. Had I been crying? Smiling, I look at Tael and thank him. Picking up Coffee, I gently held him to my chest as Tael guided me out of Flowing River.
***
Standing in front of my house, I felt nervous once again. Perhaps a bit more nervous than I had been before meeting Her. Feeling Coffee nudge my hands, I smiled slightly as I moved to the door. I didn’t have a key since I gave mine to Aubrey, so I placed my hand on the magic circle and injected a bit of mana. I heard a chime ring through the house and footsteps.
The door opens, revealing Olivia who looked at me with eyes that only had a bit of a glaze to them. Upon seeing me, she smiled and hugged me.
“Alisha!”
Unable to hold back my smile, I let her hug me, my hands preoccupied with holding Coffee. I hadn’t expected her to answer the door and I felt happy she had hugged me like this. I could tell there was more life in her eyes and as she released me, she walked back inside. I followed her as she went into the lounge room.
In the lounge room, I saw everyone sitting around, a bit of gloominess filled the air. Xia stood in the corner, looking depressed. Elizabeth was looking at the fireplace, seemingly pondering something and Alice…she was playing, seemingly unaffected by the atmosphere. As soon as I entered the room, they turned to me.
“Mummy!” Alice jumped up and just before she leaped into me, she stopped and looked at Coffee, tilting her head.
“Woof!”
“Kraa!” Alice’s wings twitch slightly, her tone a bit confused. I hadn’t heard her raven cry for a while, and hearing it now made me slightly happy.
“Alice, this is Coffee. Want to play with him?”
“Alice ok!”
“Woof!”
Alice takes Coffee gently and starts playing with him as Xia and Elizabeth walk over. Xia looked relieved while Elizabeth looked furious. Before I could say anything, Elizabeth wordlessly pulled me into a hug.
“Idiot. Why didn’t you come back sooner? Do you have any idea how worried we’ve been?!” Feeling guilt at her words, I could only say sorry to her.
“I’m sorry, Elizabeth. I needed time, I didn’t know what to do.”
“I know, I know okay? Just let me be angry at you!” Hearing her voice, I knew she wasn’t angry, I had just caused her to worry. Elizabeth released me before leaving the lounge room. “I’ll make us some tea, you better tell us everything!”
Xia approached me next and dropped to her knees. “I have failed you, Madam. I should’ve gone with you to fight the Archbishop no matter what. You lost your memories because of me. Please, punish me.”
Kneeling down, I pulled Xia into a hug myself. “Mm, you’re not to blame, Xia. No one could’ve predicted what happened. I won’t punish you, so stop saying things like that, okay?” I helped Xia to her feet. “Besides, I’m healthy and good now.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re in good health.” Smiling at her, I went and sat down beside Olivia, who was currently weaving cloth together. I looked at this and was a bit amazed, she seemed to be naturally stitching the cloth together. I wasn’t sure what she was making, but looking at the floor near her, I could see a blanket there.
“Madam, tea is ready. Madam Elizabeth wishes to talk out the back.” Getting up, I left Coffee with Alice, who seemed to very quickly become friendly with each other as they played.
Heading to the back yard, I sat next to Elizabeth who had prepared tea. Xia stood nearby until I told her to sit down.
“So, tell us what happened.” Elizabeth looked at me with a face that held only concern, a face that resounded within me. I felt something within my mind, as if something that had been dormant for the last three weeks crack through.
It was a few images. Elizabeth, with her back to us, stood with both arms holding a sword, a monstrosity before her that had four arms coming from its back. The new image was her, sitting next to me, in a dark cave with a lake nearby. We both had a bottle of some amber liquid, seemingly drinking it. Her face at that time was exactly like it was now, concern filled her face, seemingly not knowing what to do, but refusing not to look at me.
Wincing slightly, my head hurt for a moment as those images passed by. I could remember it clearly. I wasn’t alone when Elizabeth faced that monstrosity, but I couldn’t see who was beside me. Holding my head it took a few seconds for the pain to pass.
“-sha. Alisha!” Looking at Elizabeth, she looked at me in worry. “What happened? Are you okay?”
Nodding, I took a breath and told Elizabeth of what I had just seen.
“You remembered something?!” Elizabeth stood and placed her hands on my shoulders. “What about Sally and Grey?! Do you remember them?”
I shook my head. “I know two others were there, but I don’t know who they were, I couldn’t see them, only you.”
“Well, Grey had been knocked away by that thing, I only just saved you at that time. But I’m happy you actually remembered something.” Elizabeth pulled me into another hug. I didn’t know why I remembered, is it because of her face? As she released me and sat down, I told Xia and Elizabeth everything, including what happened tonight.
***
After I finished, a few hours had passed and dawn wasn’t too far away. Elizabeth and Xia had heard everything, with Xia seemingly filled with happiness that I had accepted being Celestia’s Chosen. Elizabeth had told me off for running off like I had. I felt guilty over doing so, and after we talked, I spent some time sitting with Alice on my lap and Olivia next to me.
As I watched Olivia, I saw a smile on her face. Every now and then she’d turn to face me then look back at the cloth she had been stitching. Elizabeth had told me Aubrey had been coming here every now and then and telling Olivia stories about me, and that Olivia had started opening the door whenever someone used the magic circle, seemingly in the hope of seeing me. Elizabeth had told me of a time when Olivia had opened the door and two Elf twins had been there. Olivia had been frightened, hiding behind the door, causing Elizabeth to calm her down while the twins seemed saddened that they had caused Olivia to be frightened. When I asked about the twins, Elizabeth had told me they were looking for me, and she had told them I was behind closed door training. They happily accepted that and Elizabeth told them I would let the Guild know when I had finished. I thanked Elizabeth, I had forgotten about them due to everything happening. Planning to see them once my training finished, I asked Xia to tell me once the time came.
Olivia turned to me, her eyes filled with excitement with a happy smile on her face, and when I saw that I saw more images flash in my mind.
Olivia sat before a campfire, under a night sky, seemingly listening to someone speak, an excited look in her eyes as she smiled. Another image flashed by, I could see her looking into the distance, seemingly yearning for something…her parents? I remember her home village, Ithil, where she had been so happy to see her parents. I hissed as the pain in my mind faded, with Elizabeth asking me in concern if I was alright. Nodding, I told her what I saw.
“I see, perhaps spending time with all of us might bring your memories back? You’re only getting flashes though, so I don’t know.” Nodding with uncertainty, I continued to sit with Olivia before getting up to leave.
“How long do you need?”
“About two or three more months then my training will be done. Xia, help Alice and Olivia pack and come to Flowing River. I’ll ask Halone and Tael to prepare a room for you all. I want you guys close by.”
“Hmph, what about me?” Elizabeth spoke with a smile. I giggle and put an arm around her.
“You want to head out and get back to requests right? I’ve held you up, sorry about that.”
“Don’t apologise for such a thing, I’ll be happy to do it anytime. And you’re right you know, I’ve got some cabin fever. Don’t worry, I’ll be here when you come out of training, we’ll head to the hunting zone together.”
“Mm, thank you, Elizabeth.”
Leaving ahead of Xia while she prepared Olivia and Alice, Coffee and I walked back to Flowing River where I asked Tael about letting everyone stay for a few days.
“We can do that, no problem. You can only see them once a fortnight for a few hours though. We want to ensure your foundation training is complete along with teaching you our techniques.”
“That’s ok, I don’t want to leave them behind.”
“Good! Very well, I will let Halone know and she’ll take care of the rest. Come, let us get back to our training.”
Nodding, I felt motivation well up in me strongly, more determined to get stronger as to protect everyone, and fight alongside them all. I wanted to go to Crater to find my origins, and to see if I could get my memories back as well. Taking a breath, I prepared myself for the next three months.