The Eternal Blue Sky
"Am I going to be a father?!" Avernus muttered in surprise, eyes starting to beam with hope as they clung onto Velvet. She blushed more as Avernus' eyes widened in excitement.
Medissa smiled amusingly at Avernus and Velvet. She finally took a glimpse of the real Lord of Calamity and the Shepherd. Velvet, as a simple soon-to-be-mom, and Avernus, just a hopeful father that his determination paved the way for a bright future.
"You're already a father," Medissa said to Avernus and turned to Velvet, which her cheeks crimsoned even more. "And you are a mother."
Velvet turned to Medissa before lowering her head in uncertainty.
Avernus walked to Velvet and raised her chin slowly to meet her gaze. Velvet blinked for a few seconds before escaping his eyes again. "Is this what you want? A-Are you happy?" Velvet asked unsurely in a low voice.
Avernus immediately pulled her into a tight embrace, making her pirate hat fall and smiled in satisfaction. "Of course I wanted this! What kind of question is that?!" He pressed his face against her silky hair and her head. "I never thought I could be this happy."
Velvet slowly hugged him back. "I just want to be sure."
Avernus kissed her forehead softly, looking into her eyes afterwards and whispering. "Let me be more clear; I wanted this, and I feel that I'm the happiest man alive."
Kamoana jumped up and down cheerfully, watching them before turning to Medissa. "That's awesome! Mom, I want a little sister or a brother too!"
"Not now, Kamoana!" Medissa mumbled, frowning at her daughter scoldingly.
Suddenly, Avernus pulled himself away from Velvet, looking strangely anxious and worked up as he remembered something. He became a ball of frenetic power, talking in pace. "I need to start building our new home. This calls for preparations-"
Medissa raised a hand to stop Avernus' rambling. "Slow down, Avernus, or you will freak out your wife."
Avernus exhaled deeply, calming himself. "You're right. But-" He turned to Velvet. "You need to stay here in Aball, where it is safer."
Velvet's brows knotted at his bossy tone. "Hold on! I'm in charge here, not you!"
"You are my wife, and you're pregnant, for goodness' sake! I can't let you go and endanger your life and our child!"
Medissa shook her head as her eyes flicked from Avernus to Velvet. She intervened before it turned into a full-blown argument. "Avernus is right, Velvet."
They both whipped her head at Medissa as she nodded at Velvet. "You're at least one month pregnant, and your therion powers are gone. You should let go of the dangerous adventures for now." Medissa smiled slightly, shifting the mood for the better as she tilted her to the side. "And prepare to be a mom!"
Velvet blushed and placed a hand on her belly. "I-" A burst of motherly emotions began to take over her soul and body. Velvet surrendered to Avernus and sighed. "Alright. I need to talk to Benwick about Van Eltia and give him the instructions along Eizen."
Avernus cucked his head and smiled proudly. "And I will need to make preparations for our new home. In the meantime, it is for the best you to stay here in Aball until I can finish our new house."
Velvet recalled that Maotelus advised Avernus to build their new home on the rim of a safe area called Elysia by the Seraphim. But he had to contact the "Guardian" Seraph first.
Velvet stepped closer. "How long do you think you will be away?"
"I will try to come back soon. But there are matters that I need to settle in the palace. The Platinum Knights need their final lessons and appointing their first captain. Zaveid and Theodora have dug out some ancient artes that can help the pacing construction process. If everything goes well, I can be here with you sooner than you think."
"When will you leave?"
"At once," Avernus said. "The sooner I'm done, the faster I can be with you and our child. And I trust Medissa to look after you."
Velvet paused a moment, gazing cravingly at him before forcefully pulling his head down for a hungry kiss.
Kamoana's eyes glittered at the scene, cupping her hands over her face. "How romantic!"
"Velvet, you need to be more considerate where you're doing that…" Medissa then moaned in disappointment at the futility of her complaint. "Who am I kidding. She does what she wants."
After a few moments, Velvet departed their lips with a pop. "Take care."
Avernus nodded gently. "Definitely."
Avernus left Velvet in the care of pirate families in the village and soon departed for the Empyrean's Throne. Velvet went back to her old house. She changed from her crimson pirate outfit to a casual short top exposed her midriff as usual with a skirt and leggings. Velvet began unpacking the old stuff that she hid away. Among them, there was Celica's old wardrobe that she never opened after her passing, not even when Arthur and Laphi were alive. Velvet would glimpse at it from time to time, but then it seemed someone encouraged her to go and open it. For a few days, she ignored the feeling but finally decided to go through it.
Velvet took a deep breath, sensing that the life she left was partially calling her back. Velvet felt the hidden calling again as an invisible gentle hand guided her. Velvet's hand fumbled with the knob, and the old olds opened with a creak. The smell of Celcia's perfume hit her senses. Velvet let the flood of nostalgic memories find their way back to her.
Among simple Celica's dresses, Velvet found small, hand-knitted baby clothes.
Suddenly, she remembered that her sister made a few for her child before her tragic fate. Velvet swallowed a lump in her throat and broke into a cry, hugging the cute small outfits. She finally found Celica's gift. "Thank you, sister!"
Abruptly, then the door to the house opened widely and hit the wall. Velvet protectively dashed out of the room. Her eyes widened immediately at the sight of Magilou and Eleanor. Magilou opened her arms dramatically. Eleanor was still at the door frame, having her hand near the door as she wanted to knock.
"There you are!" Magilou screamed in a fake worry. "Tell me, is this true, or Avernus was messing with our heads?!"
Velvet crossed her arms, scowling and groaning as usual. "It is true."
Eleanor gasped and cupped her hands, running into the house. "This is wonderful! You're going to be a-a…" The words somehow failed Eleanor.
"Mom." Magilou finished her sentence, grinning at Eleanor.
Velvet shook her head and went to close the door behind them. "Me as a mother? It is strange, I know. How does the Lord of Calamity know of nurturing kids when everything I did was killing and destroying lives?"
"I'm sorry," Eleanor shook her head and bowed apologetically. "That was rude of me."
"It's fine. Even I can't believe someone like me will be a good mother." Velvet shut the door and went to the small kitchen to find something for the girls.
"That's not true!" Eleanor said. "You'd make a good mother! We already know that. Everyone knows that!"
Magilou noticed Velvet's tears and smirked. "Yeah. Velvet's hormones are ramping up alright."
Velvet quickly tried to wipe her tears, but it was too late. She sniffed. "It's nothing. I just-"
"These are normal, Velvet. No need to play the tough girl in these times." Magilou interrupted her.
"Me a normal woman," Velvet repeated to Magilou. Eleanor came to her side to help her arrange some fresh fruits.
"Yes, normal," Eleanor said, placing apples on the dishes and then turned to Velvet, opening her arms. "Congratulations, big badass, mom!"
Velvet's eyes widened in surprise at Eleanor's praise, and she slowly hugged her in return.
"The thing is- I'm not sure if I'm prepared." Velvet said, looking unsurely. "I was not prepared to lose Laphi. But in a flash, he was taken from me-"
"But you pressed on, determined to live," Eleanor said. "I'm sure in the following days, this will change-"
"Of course, it will change!" Magilou joined them and circled Velvet. "Between the three of us, you always wanted to have a family, playing the bothersome-in-law for all of the crew. Telling us how to behave and whatnot." Magilou stopped behind Velvet and grinned maliciously. "So… tell me this." Magilou suddenly bent and grabbed Velvet's belly from behind, slowly brushing her hands on her exposed stomach. Velvet gasped in surprise and raised her arms, looking down in shock. "W-What are you doing?!"
"I want to know how it feels to have a royalty baby!" Magilou caressed her belly circulatory and smirked. "Tell me, how does it feel?"
"Royalty baby?!"
"Yes! You know Avernus is the direct descendant of Claudin Asgard. There is no such guy in like three generations at least! We can put a claim on the Midgand's throne with your baby, overthrow Percival and rule all the empire!"
Velvet quickly freed herself from Magilou with a violent yank of her hip. "It's my child, and I don't care if Avernus is royalty or not. I love him for who he is, not for what family he is from."
Magilou groaned in disappointment and slid beside Eleanor. "Oh, boring as always, Velvet. But somehow, with that attitude, you stole a king's son's heart. Shocking, I know." She chuckled at Velvet's blushing cheeks and leaned closer. "But remember this; that if Claudin Asgard were alive, you would be the bride of the king of Midgand."
"That is true," Eleanor said. "Your kids are Avernus' kids too. There are talks in the palace that Avernus is directly related to King Claudin."
Velvet tensed for a moment.
"But Avernus denied it openly," Magilou said. "Even though there are statues and busts of King Claudin throughout the palace that are exact copies of Avernus but with shorter hair."
Velvet sighed, ignoring Magilou as she put the plates on the table. "I don't care. If Avernus already denied it, then I trust him to handle those rumors."
"So you want him and the kids all for yourself, huh?" Magilou teased, and Velvet frowned defensively. "Tch. You're so possessive, Velvet."
"My kids, Magilou. Not the kids" Velvet frowned threateningly.
Eleanor abruptly gasped as she forgot their bag that they left outside the house. She opened the door and brought in a medium-sized bag. "Here. We've brought you this." Eleanor pulled out a dress, and Magilou helped her unfold it. Velvet eyes widened at the black, comfortable sundress. "Is this for me?"
"Of course it is," Magilou said. "Time to ditch that pirate outfit and get ready to be a mom."
Velvet came closer and brushed a hand over its soft and silky fabric.
"It's comfy when you're going to have your pregnant belly," Eleanor said.
"And it makes you more feminine," Magilou added, smirking.
Velvet accepted the dress and folded it back, sighing. "Thank you both. You didn't have to do this for me." She placed the dress besides the baby clothes. "Did Avernus tell where he was going?"
Magilou and Eleanor were seated, with Eleanor finding Celica's hand-knitted baby clothes.
"Oh my god! They are so cute!" Her eyes beamed with cheer as she stroked the soft texture of the clothes, giggling like a little girl and forgetting all about Velvet's question.
Magilou picked another one and inspected the fine-knitted colorful lines. "He was going to meet the head of the Seraphim clan that his domain is near Maotelus's throne to arrange preparation for your new home."
Velvet turned towards the window, gazing at a couple of birds that had their new nest built on the tree and perched together, waiting for their newborns to hatch.
Further down the Empyrean throne and into the vast jungle beneath the enormous mountain, Avernus wearing a long hooded coat walked into a clearing. He raised his cowl slightly to spot a carpet on the grass with a hookah setup and bottles of drinks on the stone beside it. "It seems I'm on time."
Suddenly, a thunderbolt hit the other side of the clearing. Even with a large amount of electricity, the ground was unchanged, and a lone, older man raised his head at Avernus.
"Zenrus." Avernus recognized, pulling back the cover, revealing his face.
"Pact keeper." Zenrus nodded and strolled to the carpet and took off his unique, high heel sandals.
Avernus joined the seraph of thunder and sat crossed legs in front of him, posing straight and respectful but with a stoic face, ready for negotiations.
Zenrus lit up the hookah, stirring the tobacco on the top of it. "Seraph Mason said you want to build your human house on the rim of Elysia."
Avernus poured some drinks for both of them. "That's correct."
A heavy but calm silence fell upon them as Avernus watched Zenrus patiently for his reaction.
"Why should I grant land to someone who nearly sent the world to its demise?" Zenrus's grumpy voice waved with contempt and scold.
Avernus swallowed his drink, and it burned his throat. He was ready to kill the storm before it truly began.
"That someone is your hero." Avernus calmly responded and poured more drinks. Negotiating with the ancient Seraph couldn't be done while being sober.
Zenrus raised his head a little bit more in interest, smoking his hookah.
"Velvet lost everything, and the world abandoned her, yet she chose to save it. You thought that the Lord of Calamity would be your darkest nightmare, but instead, she was your brightest hope."
Zenrus stayed silent, seemingly waiting for Avernus to continue.
"Velvet raised Maotelus. Without her, you wouldn't have the fifth Empyrean, and the Seraphim gate you so heavily guarding would easily fall to the claws of Tiamat. The best way you can show your gratitude is to ensure that at least she is protected." Avernus sipped his drink, looking confident at Zenrus. "And I believe Maotelus already vouched for his sister."
"He did." Zenrus broke his silence, acknowledging him. "And I suppose you joined her in what humans call marriage too?"
"Yes, and we are expecting our first child."
"Child, you say." Zenrus turned to the side and breathed out hookah's smoke. "Do you think it was a wise decision to have a child with someone that malevolence still nests in her heart?"
"I do. This was my best decision." Avernus demonstrated adamant confidence in his strong tone. "And I guess since you sensed my birth 26 years ago, you can sense that her heart for her family is a pure love and not endangered by malevolence."
Zenrus's wrinkled face seemed to brighten up with acknowledgment. Avernus had already covered all the topics to the last word. "Very well, I will grant you the sanctuary you want for your family. However, on one condition."
"I'm listening."
"As the last Shepherd, you have to rebuild the ancient temples of trials. If humans and seraphim are to coexist, the future Shepherds need proper guidance and places to test their might and wits. "
Avernus swallowed his last glass, head beginning to swirl. "Deal." And he put down the glass shot with a clink.
"That was a quick answer," Zenrus said. "Is your family that important to you? Your father, King Claudin and your great ancestor, King Meliodas, always strived for far more. Even sacrificing their families for their greater goal. "
"That's right, Zenrus." Avernus' cheeks heated up from all that drink. "I know about my father and my lineage. I, like them, longed for something bigger than anyone could offer. But what they wanted was far, far away. All I need now is right here, and it's my family."
Zenrus was surprised. Like before, his expectations were proved to be wrong; No thirst for power in the name of the greater good. Avernus' heart desired simpler things, yet he strived to be a great leader like his ancestors. But he put those after his family, unlike his father. Zenrus nodded to himself, knowing how showing care and love resulted in swaying back and saving the feared Lord of Calamity from the path of destruction.
Avernus chuckled. "You know, Zenrus, It's a shame that Seraphim can't bear children because if you had one, I know that you'd experience something far greater than you have done throughout the millennia."
Zenrus gazed over at Avernus from under his bushy eyebrows, and with a satisfied smile, he snapped his fingers, and two orbs flew from behind the trees. The lights transformed into two seraphim, and they bowed calmly.
Avernus immediately recognized the two seraphs; red-haired Mason and blue-haired Natalie.
"It's good to see you again, Avernus," Mason said. "We've received the ancient artes from Theodora and Zaveid. We can start working on the land whenever you're ready."
Avernus rose on his feet. "We can start now." He turned to Zenrus and bowed his head slightly in respect, and left with the seraphs. Avernus felt Zenrus's protective domain as soon as he stepped into the seraphim territory. It felt soothing and mysterious at once. After a few minutes of walking, they reached the place Maotelus mentioned. Avernus gandered the scene in awe: The site was straight out of a fairytale with a happy ending or a picture book for little kids. The colorful, untouched sanctuary had a levelled landscape, stretching near the side on the other side. They could've built a community with their own specialized dock for Van Eltia. Behind them, more seraphs began to appear and joined them to conjure their magic. Avernus turned them and nodded favorably. They opened their arms all at once, invoking an ancient arte that the soil and stone bent to their will, shifting to become the foundations.
Platinum Knight's Barrack, Loegres - Five months Later
In the following months that came, Avernus spent most of his time going back and forth between Loegres, Aball, and Elysia. It was the last day of his presence in the Platinum Knights as he was preparing to announce their captain.
In the courtyard, lines of people who were confident, standing firm and ready, waiting patiently. Avernus, wearing the white royal outfit with a purple cloak of the Hyland, marched at the front. They squared their feet and straightened their heads in respect. Avernus stopped at the show, sweeping a clear gaze over the group.
"You have all come a long way. Today, you're going to start your true journey toward greatness finally. Platinum Knights are the first line of defence that stands between the people and the extraordinary threats that lurk outside these walls. Even with Maotelus' protection, there are still dangers waiting to claim the peace we've worked so hard to achieve and destroy the land we worked so hard to rebuild."
Avernus' gaze turned to a young man with golden hair and violet eyes standing in the front row. He smiled confidently at their master's acknowledgment.
Avernus nodded at him. "Rodrick Heldalf, come forth."
Rodrick moved to Avernus and bowed.
"You have been promoted to the rank of Captain, Rodrick. From this point on, the lives of your knights and the people of the kingdom depend on you."
"It is my honor, Sir Avernus." He bowed again, "I shall bear the title with pride, and I swear to-"
Then the sound of a sudden clapping disrupted Rodrick's vows. Avernus and Rodrick turned toward the sound.
Avernus then frowned slightly at a large man in full-clad armor, dark brown hair and green eyes, before recognizing him. He was Lancelot Dragonia, the older brother of deceased Oscar Dragonia and Teresa Linares and heir to the Dragonia throne.
"Sir Avernus Diphda." He jeered and marched at him, opening his arm in a mocking welcome. "It is so refreshing that we have a captain that managed to train our soldiers in less than a year and expect them to be effective." Lancelot's condescending tone troubled the knights. They scowled defensively at his unwanted opinion, but Avernus remained stoic.
"Sir Lancelot Dragonia. What is the honor of having you here?"
Lancelot gazed over the knights, the corner of his lips twitching as if he was unimpressed. "I have some concerns about our trained knights." He walked over them and continued his callous impression. "It is strange that our king would entrust an outsider to train our most loyalist group." Lancelot turned back to Avernus. "I have heard stories about you, Avernus. Some good, some not comforting."
"I guess that can be said for everyone," Avernus replied, maintaining his composure.
Lancelot smirked and circled them. "That's true. However, I always wondered; what made you eligible to be the knight captain in the first place."
Rodrick's mouth twitched in anger as he gritted his teeth, wanting to come to the defense of Avernus, but he raised a hand, stopping him from saying anything.
"People say that you managed to rally the people of Hyland in the far continent amidst the insurmountable odds." Lancelot turned and scowled at Avernus. "I'm not sure that the Dragonia house can accept someone with a shady background like you. "
Rodrick stepped forward in anger, "How dare you talk like that to our-"
"That's enough, Rodrick," Avernus said. "What is it you want, Sir Lancelot?"
Lancelot sneered and marched at Avernus, jerking his chin, "I have no reason to believe that you are anything other than "the wrong person for the job" unless…" He stopped in a breath distance, gazing into Avernus' eyes. "You can show me how you fight."
"I accept your challenge," Avernus said.
Rodrick turned to him. "Please, sir, let me be your champion!"
"No, Rodrick. It's my fight."
Lancelot nodded in acknowledgment and stepped backward, his escort guard joining to help him take off his heavy armor.
Avernus walked to the training weapon racks. "What is your preferred weapon to duel? Shorts swords, staffs, pikes-"
Lancelot chuckled. "No. We fight hand to hand. No artificial weapon to hinder our true strengths!"
Lancelot dropped his last piece of armor and took off his shirt, revealing all that buffed up muscles flexing in the sunlight.
Avernus exhaled and removed his long coat and cloak, handing it to Rodrick.
"Are you sure you want to take on that brute, sir?" Rodrick wondered.
"I can take him." Avernus patted Rodrick's shoulder, and he smiled for the young captain. "Watch and learn."
Avernus walked to Lancelot and raised his guard, hands coiling into fists. Lancelot broke his knuckles in anticipation as he readied himself to settle his duel of ego.
Rodrick and the Platinum Knight focused on the two men in that frozen second between standoff and punching. Their faces were unreadable now, with no fear and no invitational smirk.
Lancelot pushed on his feet and threw his first punch. Avernus sidestepped as he backed up from his strike. Then Avernus threw his punch, and Lancelot countered it.
"You had the courtesy of using malakhim to fight like our exorcists. Now there is no way to make a pact with them. I want to know what you taught our knights!" Lancelot immediately countered and slammed a strong punch into Avernus' guard as he held it firm. The force pushed him back, sliding his feet on the ground.
Lancelot immediately followed up his attack, but Avernus dodged the blow quickly and kicked him in the side.
Lancelot backed up with a slight groan and leveled an astounding gaze. "This is going to be fun!" He raised his fist and then pounced right at Avernus with a long dash. "Gauntlet Blitz!"
Avernus dodged the incoming attack, but Lancelot pushed on, and he threw blows after blows at him. Avernus put his guard up as Lancelot hammered it with his strikes. Then with a final powered-up hook, he broke Avernus' defense. Avernus was thrown into the tree behind him, and his back slammed against it.
Lancelot charged at Avernus, winding his fist for his ultimate jab. "Spirit Rush!"
Rodrick and the Platinum Knight's eyes followed Lancelot's attack. Rodrick noticed Avernus was patiently leaning against the tree with his face looking down in total calm.
"Is he going to evade?!"
Then as soon as Lancelot's punch flew closer to Avernus' face, he moved his head to the side in a fluid movement, and it passed his ear, slamming into the tree bark.
Lancelot's eyes widened as he was caught off guard. Avernus's arm suddenly glowed, and he threw a gut punch. "Lion's Howl!"
Avernus' fist slammed into Lancelot's stomach and tossed him a few meters away. Lancelot gasped in pain and dropped on one knee.
Avernus walked toward his opponent and, as Lancelot raised his head. Avernus paused a moment before offering his hand. Lancelot's twisting face then loosened, and he burst into pained laughter. "God damn it, that hurt, Avernus!" He accepted his hand, and Avernus pulled him up and patted his shoulder, smiling.
"That argument lost its validation since you aimed your arte directly at my face."
"I knew you'd dodge it."Lancelot's haughty expression turned friendly, squeezing Avernus' hand. "If your student can fight with only half of that, I'd say we are good on the strength."
Avernus and Lancelot turned to the Platinum Knights and spotted their puzzled face.
"Don't worry, knights," Lancelot exhaled. "This was my friend's goodbye gift."
Rodrick scratched his head. "But we thought-"
"Enemies?" Lancelot interrupted him and gestured at one of his guards, and they brought glasses of drinks. He chuckled amusingly as he poured some drinks. "Never, but a friendly opponent that I can respect, that's damn right."
Avernus put on his shirt and coat and joined Lancelot as they distanced from the group. Lancelot gazed favorably at Platinum Knights as they began to share their drinks, cheering the first day of their work. "They ain't half bad. That Heldalf guy needs to cool down a bit."
Avernus clinked their glasses. "His heart is in the right place, and his tactics are exemplary. He just needs to work on his emotions, and you will have the best captain."
Lancelot shook his head slowly, and his beaming face darkened. "I think if Oscar was here, he could lead them better." He swallowed his sadness. "And he would've liked you."
Avernus sipped his drink calmly, letting Lancelot continue. "After supporting Artorius, Percival demoted Dragonia's house. We didn't make a good choice, but that choice cost us my brother, my sister, and Dragonia's honor." He nervously gulped his drink in misery. "There is not one day gone that I don't dream of finding their killers and delivering justice to them."
Avernus watched Lancelot as sorrow sipped from his words. He felt overwhelming guilt at his suffering. Then all of a sudden, Lancelot's face beamed again. "Look at me, talking about my problems when it is the last day that you're here. My apologies."
"It's fine. I've also experienced serious pain throughout my journey. It's not a bad thing for a man to open up to another man."
Lancelot smirked at Avernus, sizing him up and changing the topic for the better. "So, when you're expecting your child, dad?"
"In a few months."
"I have to say. You never brought your wife here again after that night. When I saw her on the dancing floor, she was beautiful and menacing in equal measures."
"She is a busy woman, and she doesn't like the intense atmosphere of the palace." Avernus drank the last of his champagne. "She is a fine wandering warrior. Free to come and go as she pleases."
Lancelot shook his head in surprise, eyes widening. "You have a very strange taste in women, my friend. When did you even meet her?"
"During my adventures, I met her on a fateful day. Since then, she has helped me a lot, and we're basically inseparable."
"Sounds like a good tale to tell. Maybe share it one day?" Lancelot chuckled and poured one last glass for both of them.
"I doubt it." Avernus chuckled. "It would further break the women's hearts in the castle if they hear it."
Lancelot raised a glass, nodding in acknowledgment. "Now that you mention it, you already broke so many hearts. Hyland and Midgand's relations could be so much more if you've chosen a girl from our nobility."
Avernus sighed. "There are still endless streams of Midgand nobility that keep pestering me about their eligible daughters. No one believes that I'm a married man now."
"When you are in the royal court, Avernus, your array of options of girls are wide as there is your hair."
"I understand, but my heart doesn't do politics like my head. It wants what it wants. Getting those kinds of girls is easy, and a life without risk is boring. I wanted love, and I fought for it." Avernus said and placed his glass back on the tray that one of the guards held up. Lancelot was still deep in thought, intrigued by Avernus' wife's identity.
"It's time for me to go, Lancelot."
Avernus offered his hand, and Lancelot gladly shook it. "Please send my congratulations to your wife too, and godspeed."
Avernus gave him a firm nod and joined the platinum knights for one final goodbye as they cheered for him, raising their fists in triumph.
Aball
Velvet packed a large basket of all kinds of foods. She craved them the entire time, nothing unhealthy, just many more meals than usual. When Velvet wouldn't usually have eaten after lunch, she was back for more bowls of mash potatoes and eggs, then lean meat. Even as she was packing, she decided to have two chicken legs from the package before moaning and replacing new ones in the basket.
"Turkey, sushi rolls, and a hot plate of mabo curry." Velvet secured the mabo curry in a steel food container. She sneaked one final leg as she surrendered to her bottomless appetite.
Her eyes fell on an old storybook that she found and quickly picked it up, and with the large basket in her other hand, she went out of the house.
Orthie and Ross were waiting for her and wiggled their tail as soon as they spotted their master. "Let's go, boys."
Wearing her sundress and a straw sun hat, she glanced down over her large stomach. It expanded to prove that not just one but two beings resided within her—three heartbeats within one body. Velvet giggled to herself and walked to Tranquil Woods along with her dogs, escorting her attentively. She took a deep breath and passed to the restored farming lands where the pirate's families were now growing crops. The whole land was recovered, and the breeze cooled down Velvet's skin. She found a large, lone tree and sat under its shadow. Orthie and Ross each relaxed around Velvet protectively.
Velvet opened the storybook. "Ok, I'm going to tell you a new story today." Velvet flipped the pages until she reached Food for the Vultures.
"Once upon a time, a lion and a wild boar arrived at a small spring together. There was only room for one at a time, and they argued so fiercely about who should drink first that they began to fight."
Velvet delved deep into the role of the storyteller and clawed her fingers, mimicking their fight. "The lion slashed the boar with his sharp claws, and the boar tossed the lion with his great tusks. The more they fought, the thirstier they became, but neither stopped to think how silly they were until they heard some vultures cackling in the sky above. They were waiting for one of them to kill the other so they could fly down and eat the loser.
"What fools we are to be fighting like this, '' said the lion. We'll only end up as food for villainous vultures and crows," said the boar. "Please drink it first, you beautiful boar," said the lion. "No. no, loveliest of lions, you drink it first," insisted the boar. And they became the best of friends. The End." Orthie and Ross both howled in response, signalling the conclusion.
As Velvet placed a hand over her belly, her heightened senses picked up two freshly arrived guests standing near her. The dogs wagged their tail playfully.
Maotelus and Lailah were standing a few meters away, watching her. Velvet beckoned them to come closer.
They both bowed at Velvet. "We're sorry, Velvet," Maotelus said. "We were busy during the past months." His eyes widened at Velvet's large belly. It was the first time for him to see a pregnant woman in her third trimester.
Velvet chuckled. "It's fine, Phi. I know you're a grown man, and you have responsibilities, staying vigilant and protecting us all day and night. I appreciated it and my kids too."
Lailah giggled into her cupped hand as Maotelus blushed. "I said it before, Velvet," He placed his fist on his chest, eyes glinting with confidence. "I made a promise to you, and I'll make sure you and your children are protected in a safe world!"
Maotelus' determined expression softened at the smell of Velvet's cooking. He sniffed and tracked the source to the large picnic basket.
Lailah helped her to set up blankets and the foods Velvet cooked. She placed the steel container in front of Maotelus and opened it. "Here's your mabo curry."
Maotelus smiled in anticipation and joined her. Even though Maotelus consumed his mabo curry at a rapid pace, Velvet caught up to him quickly, eating away like a real glutton.
Maotelus and Lailah glanced at each other in wonder. Velvet noticed their glances, eyes flicking between them both. "It's the craving some of us have during pregnancy. Celica didn't have that much. But she told me I would end up a pig when I'm pregnant."
"Is it because of the kids?" Maotelus asked.
"Yes." Velvet smiled proudly and extended her arm. "Give me your hand."
Maotelus obliged, and Velvet placed it on her belly. Maotelus' eyes beamed as his eyes stared into the distance, gasping. "I can feel them. They are… Happy."
Lailah joined him, and she exhaled sharply before melting into a beaming expression. "I can feel them too!"
"It's because I read a story for them." Velvet said.
"Can they understand and hear you?" Maotelus asked.
"They can. Celica told me that the first sound they hear is their mother's heartbeat and then her voice. I share my feelings and thoughts, reading a book or even singing to them."
"Can you sing, Velvet-san?" Lailah asked.
Velvet slowly caressed her belly, smiling in a way that the two seraphim never saw before. Her voice turned into a melody. "It will be alright, just take my hand. Hold it tight. I will protect you from all around you, I will be here, so don't you cry."
Maotelus and Lailah were witnessing her mother's side in all her glory. They sensed the tingles in the children's souls as Velvet sang for them.
"For ones so small, you seem so strong. My arms will hold you both, keep you safe and warm…"
Then they all heard a voice from afar, calling Velvet. They turned and spotted Avernus dashing at them through the fields.
"Velvet! Where have you been?!" Avernus stopped closer, exhaling deeply. "I have been looking for you all over the village!"
Avernus caught a glimpse of Maotelus and Lailah, having their hands on Velvet's belly. "Oh, hey, uncle and aunt."
"Uncle and aunt?!" Maotelus said, turning to Lailah.
"Yes, you are." Avernus seated beside Velvet, raising a brow at her enlarged belly. "It's the biggest belly I've ever seen."
"That's because we have two." Velvet said, raising a brow at Avernus' less thoughtful comment.
"Great, that means- Wait, what?! We have twins?!" Avernus crouched closer and caressed Velvet's belly. "Hello, kids," Avernus said, and Velvet felt a slight kick from the twins. Maotelus and Lailah sensed it as well.
"They are excited!" Lailah said.
"We're excited too," Avernus said and turned to Velvet. "I've wrapped up everything outside the village." He smiled. "Fully at your service, captain."
Velvet brushed a hand over his face. "Good to have you here, sailor." She kissed him softly on his lips.
Lailah cleared her throat and winked at Maotelus. He nodded, and they both stood up. "It's time for us to leave."
"Why? It's too soon." Velvet said.
"We may have a problem," Maotelus said, looking alert. "I have detected a breach from under the earth pulse in Mount Killaraus."
"The life spring?" Avernus asked. "What did you feel?"
"It was like three blighted shadows pierced the veil."
Avernus became wary. "Daemons?"
"That's one way to put it. I, along with all other Lords, are searching for them. Rokurou requested to aid us in the search as well.
"I would've helped, but Velvet and my kids need me."
"It's fine. I'll handle it." Maotelus said, and his body began to shine. "Take care, all of you."
With a nod, his body turned into a column of light that stretched to the skies. Then a large shadow of a dragon passed above the clouds. Lailah smiled and waved for them before turning into an orb, following Maotelus through the skies.
Avernus then turned to Velvet. He cocked a flirty eyebrow as a mischievous grin spread across his face. "I just got the best news ever from the most beautiful wife in the world that we have twins. Do you think it is too bad that I might want you all to myself?"
Velvet giggled and blushed. "You're not the only one. I want you all for myself too. But I don't question it."
"Then how about we celebrate? I'm so hungry." Avernus took a glimpse of the basket, and the excitement suddenly died. "It is… empty."
"Oh. I was hungry and-"
"It's fine. I think your metabolism and hormones are at their height."
Velvet glanced at him innocently. "I may want… more."
Avernus' fatherly instincts flared up, and he stood up. "Then what are we waiting for? let's get you something."
Velvet took his hand, and they both, along with their dogs, went for a stride back to the village.
"What do you want?" Avernus asked.
"Hmm… Ice cream."
"Do we have a shop here that sells ice cream?"
"Benwick's sister opened a new cafe. She said that they had just had their first ice boxes arrived from Hellawis. The amount of ice can store ice creams for a few weeks." Velvet explained.
They arrived at Benwick's sister's new store and bought a fresh strawberry ice cream. Velvet's eyes flashed as she had her share while Avernus watched his wife, looking happy and content, walking with him in a place that years ago they met. But in a totally different circumstance. Avernus cocked his head and looked up to the eternal blue sky. He was hoping that her mother would look at them with approval.
Avernus and Velvet headed inside the house, and as soon as the door closed behind them, Avernus spun Velvet around on her high heel sandals happily, practically vibrating with joy.
"With you, I went to the moon and back." Avernus alluringly whispered. "You are my wings."
"And you are my wings too." Velvet pulled him into her arms. Her belly bumped against him, and they both laughed before their lips met in a kiss that lasted for a few good minutes.
After that, Velvet held on to his face. "You being a dad is kind of hot."
"I've got loads of dad jokes at the ready." Avernus cleared his throat. "I would say something funny about quiche, but it's just too cheesy."
Velvet raised a brow at his attempt to land a dad joke. "Our sexy dad fantasies seem to be wildly different."
Avernus wrapped her in a bear hug as they both swayed from side to side slowly, like a cradle. Velvet curled her arms in and rested her cheek on his chest. After a while of holding each other, they went to the bedroom. Avernus sat on the edge of the bed. He leaned down to kiss Velvet's belly for a long, tender moment. With his mouth parallel to Velvet's belly, his warm breath sparked a familiar desire within her. Protection and to be with someone. The warmth of being close.
In the following days and weeks, Avernus shifted his mind into the parent and husband mode, dashing around the house and the village. Preparing different foods as Velvet carved them all the time. Sometimes during midnight, Velvet wanted sushi rolls, and sometimes in the morning, she wanted bento boxes. Avernus would go far and beyond to prepare seafood, cut avocados, cook beef, rice, and teriyaki chicken.
Then the big hero laid down beside her senselessly, joining the kids. Velvet sang lullabies for them and placed his head near her belly, watching him from close. At that moment, Velvet understood what she would've missed if she went with her plan to deal with Innominat;
Her reason to live.
As more time passed, Velvet experienced more of the rites of passage of pregnancy, like sleepless nights.
Velvet stroked her belly in wonder. "Hmm, that's strange. Babies usually kick me all night." Suddenly, she freaked out. "Avernus! Wake up!"
Avernus rolled in bed, mumbling and seemingly having a nightmare. "Mmm… Orthie, Ross, don't eat my arm…" He slowly opened his eyes."Huh? Velvet?" Avernus brushed a hand over his forehead. "Sorry, I was just..."
"Having a nightmare?"
"Not a nightmare. It is going to sound ridiculous, but I have a recurring dream recently; Lailah and I are eating your quiche..."
"Pretty normal." Velvet said.
"Then I turn into a quiche."
Velvet raised a brow. "There we go."
"And then dogs try to eat my arms." He chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "I've faced worse. Now, that's wrong? What are you doing up at this hour?"
"Medissa said we were supposed to feel ten kicks within two hours from the kids. Celcia said the same thing."
"And how long has it been since you felt their kicks?"
Velvet became anxious. "I don't know, I've been asleep!"
"Hmm…" Avernus massaged his chin. "What can we do to encourage our babies to kick?"
Velvet glanced down to her big belly. "Kids! Mama is really worried here, so if you could get to your nightly acrobatics for once, I'd appreciate it."
Avernus crawled closer to her. "Your mother and I are right here, little darlings. Please let us know you're here."
Avernus rubbed Velvet's shoulders and then slid a hand onto her belly.
Velvet gasped. "Oh! There it is! I felt a kick… no two kicks!"
"I felt them too! Whoa, there's another one!"
"Thanks, Avernus. For being here."
Avernus planted a kiss on her cheek. "I'm here for you anytime you need me and for any reason."
Satisfied, Velvet snuggled back into bed next to Avernus, with his hand resting on her belly and their babies' kicks thrumming against Velvet's sides.
Days later, Avernus came back from his short trip to Taliesin. Velvet went to the door to greet her husband and saw him have his hands hidden behind him. Velvet glanced with anticipation, leaning to the side to take a glimpse.
"What's that?"
With a smile, Avernus presented a carefully wrapped gift. "This is just to celebrate you and our babies."
He held out the package, and Velvet started to unwrap it in excitement. Velvet suddenly blinked happy tears from her eyes as she laid her eyes on two baby blankets, one blue and one red, both adorned in golden seraphic insignias. She cradled the soft fabrics in her hands. There were gentle kicks from the babies like they were excited too.
"They have been made and blessed by the seraphs of Elysia. I wanted to turn something our children will need… that we'll need… into something worth cherishing."
Velvet pulled him into a hug. "I love you so much! And I can't wait to meet our babies!"
"Neither can I."
They shared a kiss… then Avernus bent down to kiss the curve of her belly too.
"I love you. All three of you. And I can't wait till I can hold you in my arms together."
Then Velvet remembered what day it was. "It's the baby shower. Time is just flying by, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is. You need to go back to bed. I can handle our guests…"
Then suddenly behind him, Magilou burst into the house like it was nobody's business. "I've finally arrived!"
Eleanor went behind her, correcting Magilou. "We've arrived."
Magilou rolled her eyes and peeked over Avernus' side at Velvet. "Wow, that belly is so big now."
Eleanor joined her and beamed. "Pregnancy clearly suits you, Velvet! But I don't know how it is when you're having twins."
"It's fine. They have their fun in there, kicking and all that once in a while. But I'm happy. And that's what matters to me."
Magilou, smiling wickedly, reached out to touch Velvet's belly. Surprised, Velvet stood there as Magilou patted the curve of her stomach. "Whoops! I think I felt a kick!"
Avernus pointedly cleared his throat, and Magilou removed her hand. "It's usually polite to ask before touching."
"Don't sweat it, darling. I was just trying to express my congratulations."
Eleanor slowly walked to Velvet. "Can I touch it?"
With a bright nod from Velvet, she put her hand on the bump, and tears watered her eyes. "It's so good to feel them. I never thought…"
Suddenly, Velvet's face twisted in pain and gasped.
Eleanor pulled her hand. "Did I do something?!"
Avernus stormed over and grabbed Velvet's hand. "What it is, love? What's wrong?"
"I- That was… a contraction!" Velvet said.
"Contraction…" Avernus' eyes widened instantly. "That means-!"
Velvet gazed into his eyes alarmingly. "Avernus, our babies are coming...now!"
Avernus' face beamed before shifting into a panic. "We need to get Medissa!"
Eleanor was already on her way to the door. "I'll get Medissa. You stay with Velvet."
As she exited the house, Velvet gasped again in a painful expression.
Avernus helped her to the bedroom, with Magilou following close behind. He put her on the edge of the bed. "Here, take my hand."
Velvet felt another contraction starting, and a wave of pain washed through her. She squeezed Avernus' hand with a bone-crushing grip.
Avernus recoiled a bit. "I take it that was a tough contraction."
Velvet's face began to sweat. "Let's just… do something to distract me."
"Do you want to change into something more comfortable?"
"I'm comfortable," Velvet heaved a heavy breath to focus. "Hmph! Let's have our babies!"
"But you said you need a distraction!" Magilou said, turning to Avernus. Velvet's eyes followed Magilou's gaze to her husband. The girls' thoughts were the same.
"Yes. I want Menagerie's performance. And only by you, Avernus. I want to hear you sing."
Looking baffled, his mouth remained half-opened at his wife's request. "Eh? That's what you want?!"
Velvet nodded, acknowledging with a resounding Yes.
Magilou smirked. "Even in labor, Velvet still goes for the throat."
Velvet groaned. "Always."
Avernus stood up and strengthened his shoulders. "If that's what my wife desires."
Magilou clapped her hands. "You heard Velvet. Get over there. Chop chop."
Avernus moved between the door frame and flexed his body.
"Today, I sing my song to Velvet, no ever so brave or bold! Her story is the greatest that's ever been told! She's the greatest, across the land! All hearing her tale will think it's just grand! She took down monsters and gods. Now, it's time to be mom against all odds!"
Velvet chuckled at his performance in satisfaction.
"So that helped?" Avernus asked.
"Watching you sing like that was a fun way to time the minutes between contractions, so...yes." Then Velvet spotted Eleanor standing behind Avernus as she wordlessly watched the Shepherd's performance.
"Did you find Medissa?" Velvet asked.
Eleanor blinked out of her reverie. "No. Kamoana said that she left the village to get some supplies from Van Elta. But she went to get her mom."
Another contraction hit. "Hhhhfff!" Velvet's face twisted in pain. Avernus ran to her side and clutched her hand, worry etching across his face. "Hang in there, Velvet. I'll think of something."
Before she can reply, another contraction came, more intense than the last.
"Can you use some magic to ease her pain?" Eleanor asked.
Magilou clicked her tongue. "No, we can't risk it. There've never been practical experiments of using healing magics on pregnant women before."
Velvet breathed in and out. "...Okay, it's over. They're getting stronger. A lot stronger."
Avernus began to massage her shoulders and then her back. "Feeling better?"
Another contraction hit Velvet, and this one took her breath away with how intense it was.
"Breath, Velvet!"
Velvet's teeth nearly locked. Magilou went through the drawers. "We need to make this place more soothing. Got any candles?"
"No, we don't have anymore. I used them all during previous months." Avernus said.
Magilou shut the drawers and gazed over the furniture. "Then maybe I can set something on fire."
Velvet frowned, yelling. "No one sets anything on FIRE!"
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Maotelus, Lailah, Rokurou, Eizen, Edna, and Medissa rushed in with her bag of medicine and supplies. She hurried to check Velvet over.
Maotelus came to their side. "I found Medissa running back to the village, so I thought you needed help, Velvet and I brought here as fast as I could."
Velvet gathered her energy to smile for him. "Thank you, Phi. You're the best." She then glared over to Medissa, nodding in pain. "I'm so ready for my kids."
Medissa leaned to check Velvet. "You're fully affected, and the babies are coming now. I'm going to get you through this, but I need you to focus on pushing."
Velvet felt the tension in her body, and she knew that Medissa was right. It was now or never. Avernus held her hand tight. "Focus and push, Velvet!"
Velvet gazed into Avernus' eyes and pushed with all her might.
"Hrrrr!"
"That's it!"
Eizen frowned at Velvet's pained expression, and along with Rokurou, they stood far away in the corner of the room. "The pain seems too much."
Magilou punched her fist into the air. "Keep going! You're almost there!"
Velvet growled at her, pinning Magilou under a cold gaze of death. "Do you want to be the one who does the pushing, Magilou?!"
Magilou smirked, stepping back for fear of her life. "Nope."
"Thought so."
Velvet squeezed Avernus' hand.
"You can do it. You're almost done."
With one final glance at his bright eyes, Velvet gathered her strength and pushed again.
"That's it! They are coming!"
"Hrrr!"
Medissa kneeled at the foot of the bed, holding her arms out as Velvet pushed with all her might. Velvet nearly fainted, but she heard some shuffling and the snip of scissors as Medissa clamped and cut the umbilical cords. "Here are your babies!"
Then two warm, little bundles were put into Velvet's arms. She looked down and…
Two little faces turned to her, trying to open their eyes and glancing at their mother.
"We have a boy and a girl!" Avernus said. The girl had blonde hair and golden eyes, and the boy had dark raven hair and pale green eyes.
Velvet's tears of joy streaked on her cheeks as she kissed their heads. "They are really here. We brought two little lives into the world." She brought them closer to her face. "I can't believe it… I can't believe it. These are my babies." Avernus slid beside her and embraced her into his arms. "We did it."
The room fell into a total silence with Eleanor barely able to hold her tears of joy back. Magilou patted her shoulder, and along with Maotelus, Lailah, Eizen, Rokurou, and Edna, they nodded at each other. Medissa prepared a warm bowl of water. "Okay, mama, can I ask you to hand your babies to Avernus for a moment while I check you out?"
Velvet gently handed her babies over to Avernus, who looked down at them lovingly with a long pause. "Hello there, my little ones. Welcome to the world. Your father's got you."
"What names have you chosen for them?" Medissa asked.
"Alistair and Elaine." Velvet said.
Avernus moved to show the newborns to the rest of their friends. They couldn't resist smiling and waved cheeringly for Alistair and Elaine, with Eizen and Edna scrutinizing. Their eyes immediately recognized the seraphim, showing their capacity for high and intense resonance. "Little ones, these people are your uncle Maotelus, aunt Lailah, aunt Eleanor, uncle Eizen, uncle Rokurou, and Edna."
"Am I not this aunt you're saying?" Edna asked.
"Not yet."
Maotelus fingers swirled with soothing magic and waved it over the infants, and sparks of mana rained all over them, giving them his blessing. They laughed and giggled at Maotelus, and he continued to smile at them in return. "I wish you all that is required for a good way of life and for a good way of living. I will help Velvet and Avernus to protect you two as your guardians."
After Maotelus' baby prayers, Magilou poked Avernus' side. "Aren't you forgetting someone?!"
Avernus turned to her, showing her their kids. "And here is your auntie witch Magilou."
"Now I shall enchant you with my-"
Before she could finish, a pair of scissors passed her hat. She turned to see Velvet's hunter eyes locked onto her.
Medissa arranged her bags and beckoned. "Avernus, kids need their mom now."
Avernus brought the newborns to Velvet, and they rested in her embrace. Avernus and Velvet shared a kiss before leaving the room, letting Velvet breastfeed the little ones in peace.
Outside the house, Avernus breathed fresh air, having somewhat relieved his stress and fears.
"Congratulations, Avernus," Medissa said. "I have got to say, during these nine months, I have seen a face of Velvet that I would never think I would've seen in a lifetime. If this is what you saw all those years ago, then I must congratulate you on your foresight too."
"I think, after all, love is a remedy for most of the desperation. Especially a mother's love." Avernus acknowledged.
Rokurou slammed his chest in cheer. "So, Avernus, when you're sending your kids for training? I can teach them both the hard path of Rangetsu style."
Eizen moved beside him, "And I will show them how to ride the ocean and conquer the seas."
Magilou clenched her fist, and her eyes glinted with wickedness. "And I shall accept them as my apprentices, for they will be taught the dark secrets of the sorcery to rule over all that is humanity!"
Avernus smiled proudly as their friends had their back and their side, even though the possibility of him and Velvet letting them schooling their children would be near zero. "Thank you, everyone. For all your help that you've given us."
"It's all your influence, Avernus," Magilou said. "Or I can assure you none of us would even stay in contact if we haven't met you at all."
"Stop with the pleasantries and point me to the feast!" Rokurou disrupted her. "And I bet everyone here is too."
The team once again were as one. They spent that day together, free from all the struggles that darkened their path a few years ago. From one that the world feared her cruelty wrongfully, birthed a generation that would determine the world's fate against the storm that brewed on the horizon.
Pendragon Castle, Dragonia's Chamber of Gatherings
Lancelot Dragonia strode through the silent halls of the castle. Most of the corners were already sunk in darkness. His heart ached for a thousand times. Their support of Artorius Collbrande cost them greatly. Not only did he lose his younger brother and sister, but they also lost their position and aristocrats, demoting to the farthest nobility in Midgand.
Lancelot entered the large chamber that once housed Artorius' roundtable, where he met with his legates and praetors. Lancelot didn't join his circle of exorcists, but the Dragonia family gave Artorius their full support. Brushed his fingers over the dusty chair that Oscar once sat on it and clenched it in agony.
Amidst his thoughts, suddenly, the remaining lights extinguished altogether. His senses heightened, and he pulled his sword out of its sheath, gripping it with two hands.
"Daemons." He muttered and held his sword above his head. The corridor lights began to snuff out one by one until the whole castle sank into total darkness.
"Show yourselves!" He called, and the only reply was his echo.
He anxiously turned around in the darkness, ready for the strike. Then, a movement in the dark grabbed his attention. He squinted into the gloom, but a presence darted at him from behind. Lancelot turned on his boots and slashed away at the entity. "Got you!"
His sword struck the target, but it bounced off. "What-"
A bony, abnormal hand crawled from the dark and gripped his neck tightly. The force nearly choked him off, but it hurled him over into the side. Before Lancelot hit the ground, the area morphed into something else, and he crashed into the cold ground, rolling over dirt.
Lancelot scrambled to his feet as his head whipped around. "What the hell is this?!"
His wary eyes fell upon the underground area, with floating crystals and rocky islands levitating. Magic waved in its dark sky above. "Where the hell am I?!"
Then an otherworldly sinister voice answered him. "The vault of secrets."
Lancelot turned widely at the source, and a man, dressed in black and dark purple were marching at him. His eyes burned red, and his hair appeared to be oozing darkness before shaping into a regular, dark purple colored hair.
"What the hell are you?!" Lancelot gauged alarmingly.
"You can see supernatural entities. A strong resonance." The man scoffed, baring his fangs as he grinned.
"You're not human!"
"No, I'm not a pitiful creature like you."
Lancet let out a battle cry and dashed at him, preparing to punch him.
As he threw his fist, the daemon quickly caught his hand and with a squeeze, he crushed Lancelot's wrist.
Lancelot cried in pain and dropped to his knees, holding his broken hand.
"See? You have no power. You are nothing. And you think you can avenge your brother and sister with that?"
Lancelot raised his head, shaking as sweat streaked from his forehead. "W-What… did you-"
The daemon gestured his hand over Lancelot, and suddenly, his broken wrist was healed, and the pain was no more. "Stand up."
Subdued, Lancelot struggled to his feet. "If you think I will bow down to a daemon like you, you are sorely mistaken, fiend. The likes of you killed my brother and sister. You have no right to talk about them!"
Stubborn, Lancelot prepared to strike again. Then tendrils of dark erupted from the ground and twirled over his arms and legs, pulling him down to his knees again.
Lancelot groaned in defiance as he saw another figure emerging from the dark; a short girl, with green and dark hair, and red slit eyes, gesturing a clawed hand at him, seemingly controlling the magic that bound him. Her dark, revealing robe flowed around her like waves of malevolence. "Sit down like a good boy."
The first daemon nodded and came to Lancelot's side, pulling his chin up. "We are not your enemies. But we are not your friends either." The daemon's long nail scratched Lancelot's face. "We are your salvation."
"Spare me your nonsense and kill me!"
The daemon released his chin and laughed maniacally. "Do you really want to die when you are this close to finding those responsible for Oscar and Teresa's death?"
Lancelot yelped in desperation. "How do you know?!"
The daemon raised his hand, signalling toward something in the dark. The smoke streamed into the light and swirled, shifting into another man, with eyes like his siblings and concise, grey hair. He nodded and coiled his fist, slamming it forcefully into the ground as the area rumbled wildly.
An orb of light sprouted from the ground in front of Lancelot and stretched into a scene; the plains of Braid Marsh. He watched Oscar and Teresa's death scene in horror as the Earthen Hystoria clearly showed who the killers were.
"Avernus…No, no! Lies! Illusions! You daemons are playing with my head!" He violently yanked against the holds to no use.
The first daemon kneeled near him. "They were murdered." He whispered. "Their lives snuffed out by the one who now is the favorite of your king. Your family cast out in favor of a murderer. That woman that butchered your brother is still alive. Living under the protection of the kingdom."
Lancelot cried into the dark with a painful scream.
"Do you want to let those corrupted people get away with it and took hold of the kingdom your family worked so hard over centuries to protect?" The daemon muttered and opened his hand near Lancelot's face. A flame of dark flicked and illuminated his face with a dark violet hue. "Don't you see? In virtue, there is only weakness. Only failure. Only death." The flame burned brighter. "But, where the honor takes, the malevolence gives. No longer will you be a pawn to a weak king. No longer will you watch the lives of those you care for be lost. Remember, in malevolence, there is only strength. Only victory. Only life." The daemon closed his fist, and Lancelot's sweating face turned to him. "I will grant the power you need to take your revenge and, in turn, kill them and bury their kin. Leave none alive."
Lancelot finally succumbed, and with a nod from the daemon, the girl let go of her magic. The tendrils retracted back to the ground, releasing Lancelot.
"Who are you?" Lancelot whispered.
The daemon rose on his feet. "I'm Qingu, son of Tiamat."
Lancelot struggled to his feet, his head down in misery and defeat. Malevolence began to spill from his heart, and the daemon smirked in satisfaction.
Qingu turned to the other two. "Vassan, Kayda, accompany him to the surface. I will stay here and prepare the gate for the opening before Maotelus finds us."
The other two stood shoulder to shoulder on each side of Lancelot. A sigil stretched beneath their feet, and all three disappeared into the light.
Qingu turned to the infinite dark and walked to the edge, staring into the blackness. He opened his arms. "Bless me, mother, for soon I will deliver unto you the treacherous wolves! They will face your godlike judgment. May it extend eternally."
A few Days Later, Aball
Velvet stepped out of the house. She held Alistair and Elaine close to her chest as they were asleep. Velvet walked to the memorial stones of Arthur, Celica, their child, and Laphi. She tried to hold onto her emotions, smiling. "They're finally here. My children." She swallowed a gulp and tilted them to show their peaceful faces. "I never pictured myself to be here. Especially not as a mother. But we did it. Against all odds, he made it happen." Her eyes finally let go of all that pent up tears. "Celica! Arthur! Laphi! I finally found my reasons to live. Thank you. For all the great memories. I will cherish them till the end of time, and I will make new ones with my family!"
Far away, Avernus and Medissa were watching her.
"So, Avernus, when you're planning to go to your new place?" Medissa asked.
"In a month is Percival's formal inauguration. Until then, we will stay in Aball. But we have to start a new life, away from old memories."
Medissa glanced over at Velvet once again. "She is so happy. I don't think she hasn't stopped smiling since the twins have been born."
"That's the real Velvet," Avernus said proudly. "My mind at ease when she's with the babies. I haven't seen anyone being so attentive and protective towards their children."
Medissa handed Avernus a basket of natural medicines. "Velvet probably already knows but brew this and have her drink before a meal. It should boost her metabolism and enrich her milk."
"Thank you, Medissa. I will never forget how much you helped us."
"It's nothing. You did way more. We owe our lives to you and Velvet. It was the least I could do."
With a respectful nod, Medissa parted, and Avernus came back to Velvet. She wiped her tears and gave Alistair to Avernus. He turned to the memorial stones and nodded with Velvet resting her head against his chest.
The clouds parted above them and revealed the eternal blue sky, stretching and drawing an endless dream to infinity.
Author's Note:
And with this chapter, the Alternative Berseria saga comes to an end. It was an incredible journey that I have beside you. And with the end of one story, another begins. Because of your requests, I'm announcing a follow-up series: Calamity Wars. I have decided to continue Velvet and Avernus' adventures as they face off against the new army of draconic monsters, diving into politics, and awakening their potential as the Era of Maotelus begins.
Some of you may already know these points, but I will add them again for those who weren't aware.
I have Tumblr, Twitter, Deviantart, and Pixiv accounts with the same username: Kaiser Dracon. I frequently release arts for this story. You can follow my account on all these sites and enjoy Avernus and Velvet's illustrations that I made for them.
I have a journal about why, how, and why I write this story in Wattpad. If you have any questions, you can reach out to me or refer to that journal in Wattpad, and you may find your answers there.
Chapters 1 until 15 has been entirely rewritten at this point. I will revise chapters 16 to 24 with a new format, new plots, and fixing the mistakes I made a long time ago.
One last Bonus chapter remains that happens before the final fight: Lord of Calamity versus Lord of Spirits. It is a wrap up of all side quests that weren't explained in the main story.
At last, I wanted to thank all of you that wrote reviews for my stories. I have a very busy life, and because most didn't want a follow up to their reviews, I didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable. That's why I left some unanswered. But I will try to reply to all of you and I again, very much appreciate those words. If you want to talk about Berseria, Zestiria, or even anything, in particular, there is a discord channel. If you want to join, send me a message here, and I will send you the invitation link.
Thank you all, and I will see you in Alternative Zestiria The X and Calamity Wars soon.
