So, this is not the chapter you were expecting, yeah, I know. This chapter was written in Dia's perspective. So first person. I did say this was different from my norm. It is going to jump around a bit in terms of time, and since it is in the first person; a lot of details I normally would put in are not present. Anyway, the reason I am uploading this is that today is my birthday!
I have survived another revolution around the Sun! Huzzah! Anyway, here's another chapter. Once I finalize 36, that will be uploaded normally on Saturday! I'm just spoiling you guys aren't I?
...
Do you remember why you descended? The question that I have asked myself time and time again. Why did I descend from Tenkai? Why did I come down here for entertainment? Why did I leave my power behind? All of these questions swirled through my head as I watched my life on Gekai fade away. It would be a fond memory in a thousand or so years, but right now, all I felt was pain. The pain led to suffering and suffering led to remorse and regret.
Remorse. A fickle emotion, this. To feel deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed. So why do I feel this? Why do I, a Goddess feel this emotion? Why do I know what it is? I should be unchanging...right? The questions continued to pile on even as I watched them cry in agony at my ascension to Heaven, my...home. For a reason that I could barely comprehend, I didn't want to go home.
I wanted to stay, I wanted to be somewhere with them, my children, the ones who I helped raise...I don't want to go, but the rules we made were ironclad. There was no getting out of it. I had broken the rules, and now I must pay the price for it.
Should I be mad at Freya for what she's done? Yes. Should I hold it against her? That one is a little more difficult to explain. She has been searching for her Odr for over millennia and now she has finally had a chance. I was unaware of her attempt to go to a kingdom to the North because of some prince or princess...the details were vague. But she wanted genuine love, someone to hold her when she was weak.
Isaac, my first child, you have always looked out for her but you never realized that she was looking out for you. Irene, my second child, I hope you find someone who makes you happy. I did notice the glances at me, but I cannot be the one for you. If I am able to see your soul, I don't want to see it become a shadow of its former self.
Now, could Freya have at least talked to me? You're damn right she should have. She was always in one of three modes, War, Love, and Scheming. As she never really considered how others feel, she sat on top of a throne of greed and selfishness. It was the same look I saw in her eyes. She was consumed by it and it devoured her very divine being. She'll stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Wait...who's that?!
I could barely make it out, but there she was. The person...she's alive! Every time I've asked them, they've said she was dead! I checked every instance in my long life I've asked. They've told the truth. Is this a flaw in the God's ability to detect lies? They didn't lie to me because that was their version of the truth. Their truth was a lie, but not a lie to themselves. They believed the lie which became their truth. They didn't know of this and...damn it, why can't I be there for them?!
It was frustrating, truly.
Even so, I remember the first times I interacted with my children. It was a moment that I knew I had to protect them. I could never be upset with them.
Fifteen years ago, just after the Failure of the Expedition.
The Far West was one of those places that you'd find in a brochure of some kind. I like to think that I could have gotten better directions from a lamp than Zeus. He constantly pointed out things that were mostly for a perverted man like himself. "Oh, you should see the absolute beauties out there. They look like Amazons except they aren't! Their skin is just that tan. In comparison to the exotic beauties of the Far East, the Far West is a country man's dream!"
At least, that's what he said. What he didn't say was the fact that it was mountainous, coupled with deserts, and the fact that it was really freaking hot. I felt like I was dying and I was wearing my normal clothes. I am glad I brought a hat to cover from the sun. It was beating on my skin and I really didn't want to become a lobster.
Sunburn hurts in case you were wondering. Anyway, the reason I came to the Far East was at Zeus and Hera's behest. They wanted me to check in with a child of theirs that was alive still after...their failure. I never asked about it but it was enough for them to clam up and avoid my gaze. So, even though the deserts were there, there was a forest called Saumouth Grove. Of course, no one really knows about this place, except Zeus and this child I'm supposed to find. I've descended from Heaven around seven hundred and thirty...eight years ago or so. Time has blurred for me, much like it has for other Gods and Goddesses.
"We're here, Lady Goddess," a woman said. She was actually the driver of this caravan. Did I forget to mention that? I wasn't going to walk through this place. Ah, no matter.
"Really?" I asked in slight disbelief.
The woman with honey eyes nodded, "You can tell if I'm lying, and I've dropped off every person who needs a ride here in this exact spot. I dare not go further, if only because they don't like non-elves."
"How much do I owe you?" I asked, tilting my head.
The woman waved me off, "Consider this a token of my goodwill and me wishing you good luck. If you came here it must have been for a reason. They wouldn't dare turn away a Goddess unless they want to learn what it means to piss you off."
I accepted that statement as I knew they weren't lying. I couldn't tell what she was thinking though. I did hitch a ride in slight desperation. I gave my thanks and a small curtsy before turning and heading into the forest. The moment I stepped inside the treeline, I felt a wave of cold wash over me. "Is this some sort of magic?" In my defense, my Arcanum can do something like this, but the rule is to not use it. Just one of us is enough to cleanse the planet. Ouranos already had to banish five of us because they did not adhere to the rule.
Thwip!
An arrow lodged into the tree next to me, "Eep!" I yelped in shock.
"Who goes there?" A voice said from above me. I could barely hear the faintest sound of another arrow being knocked in place.
"My name is Dia, a Goddess. I am looking for someone," I said, marginally succeeding in keeping the shake out of my voice. When I received no response, "I came looking for one of Lord Zeus's children, a Sofia Vlahos?"
I didn't get a new answer because someone else entered the area, a female, judging by the voice. She was upset, "You disgrace this place, firing on a Goddess. Do you want your souls eternally damned?"
"Madame Elder, we-"
"That is no excuse!" she said. Seconds later, she was revealed to me and by my own namesake, she was beautiful. Long flowing dark green hair that reached her bottom, braided into what was elven tradition for an elder. The outfit she wore was not for an elder though, but of an adventurer. A smooth rounded face, dimples, and cool hazel eyes. Her hair and eyes matched some of the trees that lined the area.
Her outfit itself looked like it was crafted by a talented seamstress. Not a stitch out of place. When those eyes turned to me, I jumped a little in place, "A-Are you Sofia Vlahos?"
"I am, Goddess Dia, was it?" she asked. Her tone had shifted to a kind one. "Forgive my potential rudeness but why are you here?"
Remembering that I had a note in the confines of my outfit, I fished it out and approached slowly, holding it out. She was a few dozen celches taller than me, so me holding up the letter was like a child demanding to be picked up by her mother, given the height difference. "This is from Zeus, who demanded me to deliver this to you."
"What does that old perverted fart want?" there was a tone of curiosity in her voice, along with an undertone of fondness.
"I am unaware of the contents myself, but I owed him a favor and I wanted to meet a legendary adventurer," I said with barely concealed excitement. I could bet that my eyes were wide with child-like wonder.
It's a shame I often get called a child, but who could blame me? The lower world is full of excitement and wonderful sights. Except for deserts, the deserts are mean and they hurt my skin! I'm not a fan of Familia politics, and that's why I haven't started a Familia yet. I...haven't found the drive? I know it sounds like a weak excuse but I don't...want a Familia yet. I fear I wouldn't be good enough for them. Seriously, I have to give Zeus and Hera credit for having managed a Familia for almost a thousand years. I don't believe I could get over their deaths, the adventurers, not the Gods. They are still very much alive.
Sofia took the letter from my hands, opened it with swiftness, and read it over. "So, the old man heard the news and sent Hermes to confirm. Well, he would be the one to send you." She stuffed the parchment back into the envelope and stuffed it in her armor? Outfit? Robes? Her last statement confused me. What did they mean they were expecting me?
"Come along, Goddess, it seems like Zeus has a reason for everything. Tell me, has he tried to peep on you?"
Wha…? That question seems like something I should...know…"Once, and he failed. I almost killed him for it. It might just be that he sees me as a daughter of some sort?" This brought the elves in the area to pause.
"He doesn't try to peep at you naked?" Sofia asked, shocked as all hell, it seems.
I titled my head, "No. He hasn't." My face felt warm...feeling super awkward.
Sofia gently patted my head, "Then you have to meet my daughter." A few elves scowled in the background, something I missed completely. While she guided me forward, she sent a glare at each one and I felt an ominous presence. As soon as I turned, it was gone. I allowed them to lead me further into the forest. The trees were pretty at least and my eyesight was decent enough to look at.
"This is a pretty place. I know I'm not fully...welcome but I appreciate not getting skewered by an arrow," I said.
Sofia was the one to answer, "You shouldn't have been ever fired at. Mortals can always detect if there is a divine entity around. But I'll overlook it if you overlook it, Goddess."
"Oh, don't worry," I waved my hands. "I know coming here was a slight risk but as I said, I wanted to meet a legendary adventurer."
She must have murmured something under her breath because I didn't hear her. We continued along where we eventually made it into the main village. The people, the elves, all stared at me like an artifact. I bristled slightly. "Don't mind them. You're not the first God to visit under special circumstances. Lyssa! I told you to stay in bed!"
"You know I'm not tired!" An elf, whose ears were slightly shorter than everyone else's, approached. Her hair was like a moosey ravenette and if my eyes deceived me, it also had a tinge of green mixed in. It was silky as well and it flowed just past her shoulders. Her eyes matched Sofia's. "Oh, am I interrupting?"
"Slightly, my daughter," Sofia said, "Goddess Dia, this is my daughter, Melissa Vlahos, or Lyssa, who should still be in bed."
"Mother, I gave birth over a year ago, and I don't plan on having more children, the twins are enough." She turned to me, "Goddess Dia, a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Lyssa said as she bowed to me.
"Please don't bow," I whined. I always found it awkward and really bordering on fanatical praise. We descended to be normal...at least we tried to be. "But...would I be able to see the twins?" I wrung my hands together nervously. I didn't know a lot of elven customs so I could be crossing a line.
Lyssa's expression is one that I would see plenty of in the near future. "Of course! My husband is watching them."
"What are their names?" I inquired.
Lyssa's smile shifted to a motherly one, and it would be that smile I would use later on. "Isaac and Irene Vlahos."
I remember that time well. I didn't know why, but I was drawn to them or maybe they were drawn to me. I could never figure that part out but when I met them for the first time, something clicked in me. Zeus would never answer me on this and I've tried to contact him. Hermes would stonewall me each time, saying the old man doesn't want to be bothered. That was until I threatened to expose a few of his secrets that he'd rather keep quiet. The best part is I knew only a few and it got him thinking of which ones they were.
Anyway, the twins. They were so small back then and I was really nervous. I was and am an all-powerful being. I could be the world's Armageddon if I was so inclined. It was strange of me to act that way and looking back, I would never change it.
Upon entering a really nice home, made of stone and lumber from the non-holy trees— yes, there was a difference—I felt something. I didn't know what it was and I paused after entering. Sofia and Lyssa turned to me, concern in their identical irises. "Are you alright, Lady Dia?"
Since I didn't really like being called a Goddess every five seconds, I told them to call me 'Lady' instead. It still carried a sense of hierarchy but not as much as 'Goddess', "They are pure...like I've walked into the Bathhouse in Orario…"
Sofia eyed me suspiciously, and my intuition was telling me that it wasn't exactly me she was eyeing. I could only guess Zeus. She said something in a completely different language and it must have been unfamiliar to Lyssa because she had the exact same look of confusion as I did.
"Mother, you know I don't speak that," Lyssa said as she called an unfamiliar name. I think it was Quinn, or something close to that. A young-looking man peeked out from a doorway, a human. He was slightly taller than Sofia, above-average build, and looked like a working man. A sharp jawline as well. His hair and eyes matched like an amber color-no wait, they were green. His eyes, not his hair. My eyes shot to Sofia who just smiled softly at her daughter and son-in-law. I even noticed a twinge of pain and longing in her eyes. So, don't bring up the spouse. I did notice the lack of a significant other with Sofia.
"Quinn, could you show Lady Dia to my grandkids? She would like to see them," Sofia said. Quinn was his name, I better remember that.
The patriarch of the home led me to a decently-sized room which is where the pureness was radiating from. I feel nervous. Why would I be nervous about meeting two babies of all people? I've stared down Incarnation of Talent unflinchingly. She was really scary when she wanted to be. Bringing myself out of my thoughts before they derailed, I followed along.
The babies' room was colored appropriately, and it was actually one color, a pale green. Quinn took this moment to explain, his voice slightly lower than I thought, "We didn't want to paint the room one color over the other in case we were wrong about the gender of our kids. So we picked a neutral color and good thing we did."
"If you don't mind my asking," I said as I approached the first crib, labeled 'Isaac', "How long have you been married?"
"Eight years...in elven terms. In my terms, coming up on five, almost six, years," He said with a smile of remembrance.
"Good," I said, now distracted as I gazed upon the boy for the first time. I need to protect him, my mind all but screamed at me. His tiny adorable ears were slightly elongated but resembled more human than elven. "Wait, there were two dates?"
"Ah, that's not my place to tell. If anyone should tell you, it would be Lyssa or my mother-in-law," Quinn said, shrugging.
It wasn't a lie, but from the way his cheeks reddened, it must have been embarrassing. I left it at that. If it were anyone else, they would have teased the mortal. He wasn't lying either. If he had, it would've snapped me out of my gazing.
Once I managed to finally pull myself away from baby Isaac, cooing at how adorable he was. I turned to the other crib labeled 'Irene' and I saw the cutest little bean swaddled in a blanket. She had a little hat atop her tiny little head and she was sucking on something. A...pacifier...if I recalled right.
Inventors went crazy during the Age of the Gods. It's been a while since I've seen one of these inventions, more were being created every day and it was admittedly hard to keep track of. I am blameless in this situation. "They're so cute."
"Thank you," Lyssa's voice floated in the room, carrying that motherly smile. "Mom encouraged me to find the one who made me happy and I'm so glad I did."
I turned to the married couple, "Would it be possible for me to...hold them?" I looked away nervously, scratching my cheek with my finger. My other hand was bashfully behind my back.
"Of course, here, let me show you how to properly hold them, Lady Dia."
I caught Sofia eyeing me from the doorway with a soft smile. She gave me a 'shoo shoo' motion and continued to observe. I turned back to see Lyssa had picked up Isaac and she stood in front of me, "Make sure to support his head and cradle your arm. You'll basically be laying him in a makeshift cradle."
"I understand," I replied. Truthfully, I was so scared. I didn't want to hurt the precious little bean. "Who's older? You said they were twins, so who has the honor of being the elder sibling?"
"Isaac, by a mere six minutes," Quinn replied. "I thought Melissa must have gotten a blessing because she almost broke my hand."
"You try giving birth to two children in less than ten minutes," Lyssa snapped but there was no heat to it, I noticed.
I was directed to sit down in a chair and immediately baby Isaac was in my hands. He was squirming at first but he calmed down soon after. The look on my face must have been awe-inspiring because the parents looked at me with a familial smile. "Seems she likes them…"
"Aren't you just the cutest little baby I've ever seen," I said in a cutesy voice, like how one would talk to their pets. I just couldn't help myself. "You're going to be a big strong older brother."
At that moment, I heard crying from the other twin and gestured to the parents to let me hold both of them. They did so if only to see what would happen. I wouldn't know their thoughts. Irene was placed in the nook of my left arm, while Isaac nestled into my right. The crying had stopped after a few seconds.
"You two are going to have a strong future. I just know it," I whispered to the two sleeping children. They couldn't open their eyes but they squirmed in my hold like they wanted to be closer to me. Mou, they are going to be so spoiled...
"I see you've gotten along with them," Sofia's voice floated through the door.
"Was I too forward?" I asked nervously, realizing how selfish I was being.
A head shake, "No, this is the quietest they've been in two months. I swear they know when they're next to each other. Despite being almost two years old, they have sharp minds."
"Maybe it's this twin telepathy I've heard about," I said with a light laugh. It gained a few chuckles.
I turned to Sofia, "I assume these lovely little beans are the reason you left?" It was soft enough where her heightened senses could pick it up. I got a small stiff nod, unnoticed by the twin's parents.
Unfortunately, I did what I came here to do and reluctantly left the children with their parents.
It would not be the last time I'd see them grow. It filled me with a longing I had long thought impossible for me. If I was to start a Familia, it would be with them as my founding members.
Little did I know, that was exactly what Zeus had wanted.
I didn't get to see the twins after another four years. In that time, Orario had changed. I mean, it was obvious. The Loki and Freya Familias had risen to power. The city itself had fallen into a depressive state. I had also managed to meet up, by pure accident, with Alfia and Zald. The ones who landed the final blow on the Leviathan and Behemoth respectfully.
Our conversation was short but Alfia asked me where Sofia was. "Safe and away from this place, with her family," is what I said. Even though Alfia rarely opened her eyes, I knew she was upset about something. I didn't know the full specifications of the ex-top familias. I stopped by from time to time to check-in. I rarely made appearances in Orario, and if I did, it was to check in on the state of my business venture.
I had been planning it for over a few centuries, and I finally got the property that I've been after. It was going to be great for those that needed a place to stay. I even wondered when I could visit the twins.
Even during this time during my ride through memory lane, I still wondered who would meet me back in Tenkai…
Only four years had passed since I last visited, and it was the same woman from before. "Going for another visit?"
I made the joke about visiting whenever I'm able. I've only been able to follow up on this declaration once. "Yeah…" I replied shyly. "The twins are almost six and I haven't seen them since they were almost two years old."
The woman gave me a smile, "That's cute, what are their names?"
"Isaac and Irene Vlahos," I said.
The woman choked on her spit, "Vlahos?! Like Hecate Vlahos?"
"Yep, her grandkids." The woman was silent. "Did I say something wrong?"
She shook her head, "No no, just processing." It felt like a lie but I didn't detect my intuition calling her out. "When the hell did she have a kid?" If it was meant to be a silent muse, then she did a horrible job. I left her alone with her thoughts.
The ride passed in silence, something I think we both appreciated. It wasn't often I had time alone to think to myself. I know she is a big deal but why was she so surprised?
Nevertheless, I arrived outside the forest once more and entered undeterred. Sofia had given me a pendant to wear, making me an honored guest of hers. The elves all had to adhere to that, even in the event of her death. She bestowed that honor on me and I will wear it with pride.
The elves recognized me and let me through. Some of them softened up to my presence while others remained impassive. A shame really. My only intent is to make sure the twins grow up fine. I can already tell tensions are high because they are not full High Elves. Sofia explained this to me before I departed when she handed me the pendant.
I entered the main part of the Grove and immediately I had two little bundles of energy attack my legs, "Ah!"
"Dee-Dee!" Two voices exclaimed. I stumbled a little and my arms windmilled comically as I managed to somehow stay upright.
Looking down to identical toothy grins, I smiled, "Little Isaac, Little Irene, how are you?"
"We missed you! I missed you the mostest!" Isaac said.
Irene immediately refuted, "No, I missed her the mostest!" She turned to me, hazel eyes meeting mine, "Tell me who you missed more!"
A small sigh, "This always happens." I turned to the voice and saw Melissa strolling toward me, Quinn behind her. "They argue over every little thing. I love them both equally," she stressed, looking pointedly at her children.
"Eep!" They both yelped before hiding behind me.
I couldn't help it and started giggling. "They're so adorable!"
"So, Lady Dia, what is the purpose of your visit?" Lyssa asked, then clarified, "Not that I'm not happy to see you."
My giggles subsided before I said with a smile, "This one is a little more selfish. You see, I missed the twins and wanted to see how much they've grown."
The parents smiled at me and I blushed under the look. "Does that mean she's Auntie Dee-Dee?!" Irene exclaimed with a gasp, her tiny little hands slapping her cheeks as she jumped in front of me. Isaac just peered up at me.
I finally got to take in their features. Irene's hair was braided lightly, going down her mid-back. Her face is clear of any blemishes. She looked like a little princess. Isaac had a more roguish appearance with his haphazard hair and small little freckles. Between the two, Irene looks more like an elf. I say looks. I don't mean anything else by it.
I swallowed, being out on the spot like this was a small difficulty of mine. It only comes up when I'm pressured into a decision. I would eventually get the hang of it…probably.
"Well…"
"Don't pressure her, you two. Come on, let's go back to the house. You'll come to visit later, right Lady Dia?"
I nodded, "Of course."
Once they were out of sight, waving bye all the while, I heard a voice, "Lady Dia!" I honestly didn't think I'd be able to answer without making them upset.
I turned to see Sofia walking towards me with a smile, but there was something unsettling about it that made me subconsciously raise my guard. She was upset.
"Y-Yes?" I asked.
"Could you come with me? I have something to discuss with you."
I shook nervously, having an adventurer bearing down on you would make anyone nervous. "Okay!"
With my consent given, Sofia guided me to a private cabin buried further in the woods. From there, I heard something but Sofia told me to lay it no mind.
"I needed to inform you in case you were unaware," Sofia stated seriously. I immediately honed in on her words. "Zeus had dropped by."
I was immediately angry, "And he didn't tell me?!" Zeus was supposed to tell me where he was going and after he went into hiding, he didn't tell me anything. Hermes is his little errand boy.
Sofia placed her hands on my tiny shoulders, "However, there was a reason for that. He had given my grandchildren something to help with the future. It was shortly after you left."
Four years ago? Did she follow me? How did I not see him? Zeus is pretty recognizable so if I missed him, then I either wasn't paying attention or he suddenly got a knack for stealth.
Once she told me what it was, I paled. I quickly asked multiple questions and Sofia took them like a champion. She answered every one of my questions with deft precision, and she cut no corners. "Why?"
"He wouldn't tell me, but he gave me the activation key for when the time is right. I won't know, but I will also know. Confusing, you see?" she said with a frustrated breath. "Unfortunately, you may have to cut this visit short. My apprentice seems to be struggling with something."
I nodded and left with the knowledge of something that I would ask about in the future and get no response. My intuition was raising its alarm. I only wished this was the time I was wrong.
I wasn't.
I just hope I can last and they let me see them. It'd break my heart if I couldn't at least keep an eye on them.
Still, that leads me from the time I recruited them…to save them. For such a fate to befall them. I cursed myself for months afterward. It was at that time I finally understood the mortal comprehension of time. I think there was a mortal saying about time and wounds. This one would be a large wound. I could only helplessly watch. The twins were strong yes, stronger together, but they needed a third piece. That was me.
The next time I visited, it was bad. Like really bad. I could see the smoke before I could smell it. I didn't bother making conversation with the woman, whose name I finally learned was Trista, because I was so worried. I knew the discrimination was bad but not this bad.
My search immediately took me to the cabin in the woods. Surprisingly, that was still standing. I didn't bother going inside but I tried to find someone I knew. I had to find Quinn and Melissa.
I knew breathing in smoke was bad, but it's not like I can be put in a hospital bed. I will heal faster than mortals. That's not the point. I needed to find someone.
It felt like years but was only mere minutes when I heard a shout. Not an adult's shout, but a child's shout, "Don't touch her!"
My eyes widened, that was Isaac. If I recall, the twins were seven, almost eight. I didn't hear the person's response. I scrambled towards the voice, hoping to see them alright.
What I did see made me feel like a part of me died. Isaac has plunged something into a man's chest. If there was one thing I knew, if Isaac was here, then Irene was not far away. "Don't touch my sister!"
My eyes widened even further still. She was inside the building. To make matters worse, it was on fire. I knew I shouldn't have risked it, but I wasn't going to let them die. It just felt numb right now. Personally, my life was immortal, that didn't mean I was selfish.
I went inside the building that slowly caught fire. "We need to go!"
"Not without my sister!" He shouted, surprisingly calm for seeing me. In any other case, he'd be happy to see me. He was eight if I did the mental math right. He got down to the floor and hauled up a small figure. I realized it was Irene. She has a few cuts and scrapes and superficial burns but she was relatively unharmed.
The building exploded in a burst of flames, making it even more difficult to breathe but it mattered not to me. I saw a burning pillar fall and I knew that it was going to fall on them.
I will swear to this until the day I die, I never used my Arcanum. I just ran. I needed to protect them, I may not know the reason, but I know they have to live.
Isaac had passed out from the smoke, so I carried both of the two almost eight-year-olds. No one else was around as the parts of the forest burned. So, I took them to a place where I knew that hadn't been touched. Sofia's little shack. When I finally got there, I was able to breathe better. The smell of smoke, ash, and blood permeated the air. "I will always watch over you two…"
A few minutes passed before Isaac began to stir, "L-Lady…" he coughed, "D-Dia?"
It worried me greatly that Irene hasn't woken up. I checked her pulse and found it was going strong. "Isaac…I…"
He just came right out with it, "Will you make us a part of your Familia?"
"Where did you hear this? What about your grandmother?" Internally, I was squealing but I knew the implications. I'd be giving an eight-year-old, two of them, a Falna. Life wouldn't be easy on them.
The growl in his voice surprised me, "She resented us for years! She never came around, and if she did, I don't remember."
I detected no lies which made me question it. I never questioned it enough though. "Fine, turn around and raise your shirt. I'd do you first, then…"
"She agreed already," Isaac said looking over his shoulder. "We already knew what we wanted."
Biting my finger, I dripped my blood onto Isaac, my first child. His status lit up before my eyes, the hieroglyphics pulsing before my eyes. He already has a magic spell? Hmm…it's inactive? I thought only skills can do that. Wait...what's this...a skill? Then...this abnormality is...
I turned to Irene and raised her shirt and smeared the last few droplets on her back. Her back lit up and the same magic spell appeared. This time, it showed it as active. Checking Isaac again, I saw it was also active. Upon further inspection, which only took five seconds, I noticed that they both had a development ability at level one. It was called Immunity. The skill was something called Liaris Freese. I don't know how else to say but this was like a cheat skill. The description was something akin to a boon. Then, I looked to the bottom of their Falna and saw the one thing that Sofia warned me of.
They got the same spell, skill, and ability, and I think this is the first time I've ever seen this and will probably be the only one to ever see this. With a small huff of satisfaction, I closed their statuses and pushed them into their backs. Both twins shivered.
I heard that acquiring a Falna is like getting an all-body massage, and every pressure point is pressed gently at the same time. No wonder why they shuddered.
Groggily, Irene set herself up and Isaac quickly supported her. "Now, we gotta get you in some shelter." They weren't paying attention to me, more worried about each other. I heard a small sniffle and my heart seized. The twins were hugging each other with all they had.
I couldn't help myself, I joined their hug, customs be damned. Their arms opened and landed on my back. I was being included.
That night they cried their little hearts out and I was there to support them.
It's kinda been a long ride with them. For the first time in my life, the past decade actually felt like a decade. I enjoyed every moment with my two children and I wouldn't change a single thing, even up to this point. However, I do have a single regret, and hopefully, they will forgive me...
Please stay safe, Issac, Irene. Please watch over them, Sofia. Please accept her into your lives. I don't have to even be there to see that she regrets not being a part of your lives in the first place. The events that led up to that prevented her from doing so. I imagine your lives would have been different if she was there.
I can see the entrance to Tenkai. Thank you, Ouranos, for letting me have this time. Thank you for allowing me to experience this life, and thank you for granting me my small request. Please ensure that they live, love, and prosper.
I finally turned around and looked onward, to my old home. I paused in my ascension, seeing something. Two people, two souls, were waiting for me. They were greeting me with open arms. If I could cry right now, I'd be an aqueduct system.
My voice slightly echoed in the vast reaches of Tenkai, "Melissa…Quinn…did I do a good job?"
Isaac Vlahos
Level 1
Power = I0
Endurance = I0
Dexterity = I0
Agility = I0
Magic = I0
Immunity = I*
{Magic}
Futago's Maindosukēpu: This allows the user to speak with their twin, an exceptionally rare spell, only works on blood-related twins. Fraternal or Identical, there is no difference. Uses very little Mind, and can be used for long-distance. No chant required; like flexing a muscle, the user thinks, and it activates, helpful in stressful situations.**
{Skills}
Liaris Freese: Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings. As a side effect, it makes the user immune to charms.
{Hidden Section}***
[Redacted]
...
Irene Vlahos
Level 1
Power = I0
Endurance = I0
Dexterity = I0
Agility = I0
Magic = I0
Immunity = I*
{Magic}
Futago's Maindosukēpu: This allows the user to speak with their twin, an exceptionally rare spell, only works on blood-related twins. Fraternal or Identical, there is no difference. Uses very little Mind, and can be used for long-distance. No chant required; like flexing a muscle, the user thinks, and it activates, helpful in stressful situations.**
{Skills}
Liaris Freese: Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings. As a side effect, it makes the user immune to charms.
{Hidden Section}***
[Redacted]
(Sides notes that Dia would eventually write.)
*Immunity seems to be like Abnormal Resistance. Isaac noted that he normally gets sick around this time, so possibly an immune system boost? I have no idea what they are actually immune to. Hopefully, I never find out.
**They told me that it was twin telepathy. It works exactly as one would think. My description is as best as I can do. No identical twins to test on, since I believe that this is a brand new spell. The distance hasn't been tested, but I'd guess around the distance of a small village or most of Orario...
***Never let them know unless the secret cannot be kept. If I get my hands on you Zeus...why would you do this to them? They haven't been used since the beginning of the Age of the Gods.