Sinking deeper into the cold ocean depths, Emilia might have died, or she was on the verge of death. No one knew for sure. However, the only thing we know is that the warrior's mind was no longer in the Antarctic.
In her hazy state, Emilia remembered the relatively peaceful days when she had just enlisted. She recalled that Christmas season when she and her adopted younger brother, Lumiere Wardenholf, wandered through the night city.
In the sparkling city of Wardenholf on Christmas night, the cold air blew through, bringing with it the breath of joy and hope, even though this place once bore the marks of war. The streets were adorned with bright LED lights, blending together like a symphony of lights, creating a scene of Christmas trees, snowmen, and a starry sky full of colors on the high-rise buildings. In the central square, a giant Christmas tree stood tall with transparent crystal balls, gently changing colors to the rhythm of Christmas songs. On large screens, virtual snow fell slowly, sparkling in the lights, creating a dreamlike scene.
Among the crowd, two children with platinum blonde hair from the Wardenholf family held hands, sipping hot cocoa from a roadside stall.
Immersed in the bustling crowd under the cold snowy sky of the capital, the two children were enjoying their childhood—one of the few memorable moments before facing the future as the pillars of the family, confronting burdens, and as warriors ready to risk their lives for world peace.
Emilia looked up at the sky and then glanced beside her, her eyes sparkling like morning stars. “Thanks to the climate change making this year colder, I get to hold your hand, Lumiere.” She playfully smiled.
“If I didn't agree, that wouldn’t be the case, sis. Let's finish the cocoa and head home; I don't want us to catch a cold and get scolded by dad. It's almost curfew time.” Lumiere gently pulled a white hood with the family's emblem over Emilia's hair to keep the snow off. Then, his delicate hands adjusted her coat for more warmth.
Emilia pouted, “Really, we rarely get such chances. A hot, delicious cup of cocoa is a small price to pay for being late tonight, silly. You should learn to enjoy life…”
Her cheerful face turned a bit melancholy, as if regretting something on this peaceful Christmas night. Noticing this, Lumiere quickly lightened the mood before it became awkward:
“N-Now, come on… who wouldn't want to enjoy a hot cup of cocoa with their beloved sister on Christmas night? I just worry about you, Emilia. If you get sick, I won't be able to see your happy, energetic face. You should take better care of yourself…” Lumiere said, wiping some cocoa from her lips with his gloves, full of care and understanding.
“T-This little charmer… so unfair…”
Surprised, Emilia blushed, but she quickly responded, wrapping her arms around Lumiere and giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek.
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“Let’s finish the cocoa, take a short walk, then head home. I might defy you, but I wouldn’t forgive myself for letting my loved one get sick because of me.”
Their giggles blended into the warm, prosperous atmosphere of the grand Wardenholf capital. The surrounding people weren't surprised to see the two platinum-haired children anymore, shaking their heads with a resigned smile:
“Hey, do you think there will be enemies on this one-of-a-kind Christmas night? Sipping hot cocoa while on duty seems too luxurious for the 'future seeds'…”
“Seek shelter! Accelerators are here again! And from the Wardenholf platinum siblings, this late at night, there must be something wrong. Protecting the capital doesn't mean blowing everything up like before, you two…”
Emilia pouted, her cheeks puffing up from the cold, clearly showing her displeasure at being teased by the nearby residents. Lumiere covered his mouth, barely holding back laughter at this 'special attention.'
“Hey! C-Can you stop? Accelerators are human too, and we need to relax and enjoy a full Christmas night like everyone else. Don't equate us to 'war machines' and a living threat!”
“N-Not to mention… we’ve learned from past battles… no more blowing up bases…” Emilia added, somewhat regretfully, looking away.
“Just kidding… the capital city of Wardenholf, bearing the name of a renowned family, its happy residents, and those who fought and died, becoming one of the stars lighting the fire of hope in our hearts, owe Lumiere Wardenholf and Emilia Wardenholf a great deal, along with immense gratitude. Seeing you two happy on Christmas night is a privilege and a blessing for every resident here, knowing that two Accelerators are silently protecting this place.”
Every pair of eyes around them sparkled with pride and admiration as one of them expressed their gratitude to the two future pillars of the Wardenholf family. Emilia's face, which had been sad, now turned slightly shy and embarrassed by the genuine compliments and gratitude. Lumiere said nothing more, just nodding with a sincere smile, glancing mischievously at his sister, hand in hand, like children - they giggled and ran off towards the boundary between the bustling streets and the quiet.
And then, returning to reality, amidst the icy water, Emilia's eyes slowly opened...
Atheria’s Mystique - Form II: Celestial Judgment
The cold, dark sea, mirroring the gray sky over Barza Bay, suddenly lit up with a column of light. Golden rays pierced through the thick clouds, shining brightly like beams from the heavens. From the middle of the sky, like an angel descending, Emilia appeared in her pure white armor and metal wings reflecting millions of dazzling rays.
Her pristine white armor was covered in a shimmering light, reflecting millions of rays, bringing the surrounding space to life. Her massive metal wings spread wide, each feather a brilliant mirror, collecting and dispersing radiant light across the battlefield. This light not only illuminated the space but also spread healing power, dispelling darkness and death.
"No way... You should be dead!" Across from her, Ios's eyes widened, his lips tight.
He recognized the threat, immediately making a series of swift dodges, but the light from Emilia's wings pursued him, each ray hitting his body like a burning blade, tearing through his protective layers. The light penetrated his electromagnetic shield, gradually destroying each cell in Ios's body.
"You will never win, Ios!" Emilia shouted, her wings trembling, billions of rays shooting from her wings, piercing Ios's body, forcing him into desperate defense.
From a distance, Rias knelt on the snow, her eyes red, unable to believe what she was witnessing. Tears streamed down again, but these were no longer tears of despair. Her lips quivered, trying to speak:
“Emilia... you're still alive?”