- Heaven's Last Breath -

Fortune Telling

Not long after Hurakan arrived, both Jade and Ariel returned. They had changed into new clothes and each had a refreshing air about them, as if they had been relaxing this whole time.

Jade was wearing a scarlet red kimono, the outline of a yin-yang symbol across her back. A black obi belt had been tied around her waist and she was wearing her traditional zori.

The noirette's hair had been styled into a front layered pattern. I had to say it suited her perfectly and almost made me forget about the spell Circe had cast on me moments ago.

By her side, Ariel was wearing a long sleeve, baby blue crop top, traditional white patterns around the cuffs. Her lower half was covered in a white miniskirt, the trim matching the colour of her top. She was wearing a pair of black leather boots and a short white cape that stopped at the small of her back.

Hurakan stepped forward, bowing his head to the two girls, "It is my pleasure to meet the wives of my new brothers. Pleased to be of service."

I looked over to Death who didn't seem bothered by what was just said. But as I turned to the two girls, I felt a smile creep onto my lips.

Jade looked my way but once she realised I had nothing to do with this, she tried to hide her blushing cheeks. But all of the attention was on Ariel, who's eloquent tone had been replaced with an unusual stammer as her cheeks started to flush a little.

We laughed it off as the girls sat down on the sofa beside Death and I respectively. Then, Aetherea stood up as if to address the group.

"I understand you must prepare for what is coming but first, Jade, Ariel, Death and Aaron should come with me. This is something important."

The four of us exchanged uncertain looks as we stood to our feet. I waved goodbye to the others but as my eyes fell onto Circe, I felt my spine shudder. She would really eat me alive if I let her.

Ariel tugged at my arm, pulling me along as the five of us, led by Aetherea exited the mansion into the surrounding woods. The dark elf witch made her way toward the Elf KIngdom, entering the same way I had been doing for years.

An opening in the city walls allowed easy access and I was sure to make the most of it during my time here. We entered the city, seeing that it was busy. With the weather as it is, I couldn't exactly tell what time of day it was but the elves had no trouble with this.

"Where are we going Aetherea?" Death spoke up, following the dark elf closely.

She smiled warmly, looking directly ahead. We all followed where she was looking, our eyes turning to the huge Whitewood Tree in the centre of the city.

"There is someone for you to meet. This will help you greatly in your quest to destroy Heaven."

As always, Aetherea was there to provide a helping hand when needed. I knew for a fact I wouldn't have been able to get this far if she wasn't the one to mentor and train me. With her guidance, I was able to master my Celestial magic, gaining full control over the Five Heavenly Seals.

If I had to guess, this would have something to do with the fifth seal for which, I had no idea where to start looking.

Around ten minutes later, we were stood at the base of the giant tree and now that we were much closer, I was able to truly appreciate how massive this tree was. Even as I craned my neck upward, I couldn't see the top.

Aetherea didn't hesitate, approaching a large opening in the tree that appeared to be an entrance. On the inside, a carefuly made staircase spiralled around the edge of the tree's interior showing that it was almost completely hollow.