TBATE | Savior

Chapter 6: Moving on

AETHEL LEYWIN POV:

The trip through the dimensional rift invoked a very peculiar sensation. It felt as if I was trapped in the middle of a fast forwarded movie scene. My surroundings were whizzing by in an indistinct blur of colors as I sat on my ass, staring blankly off in the distance with no more tears left to cry.

The ground I landed on cushioned my fall with a pile of leaves and vines. It didn't matter, though. Even if I landed on jagged rocks, I probably wouldn't have noticed.

I remained in same, seated position I was in during the trip, not even bothering to take in my surroundings.

She was gone.

I expected this, I knew this would happen, I knew that she'd be gone, yet I didn't do anything to stop it, and add the fact that I even requested something so shameless.

These thoughts made me break into more sobs as I thought about what I could've done.

Essentially I planned to distance myself with her to not get too attached and not get effected by her loss, yet that plan was cancelled.

I began recalling the near four months we had spent together; how caring she was, treating me like her own blood. I didn't care that she had prolonged sending me home so that I would stay with her, I expected that. Through the short time I had been with Sylvia, she had given me so much, I've felt care from her more than anyone else I've met, counting my past life.

Succumbing to the faculty of my mind that desired sleep in order to cope with the pain, I curled up into a ball where I landed when a searing pain props me back up.

The burning sensation spread from my mana core throughout my body until a voice echoed in my head.

"Ahem! Testing, testing... Ah good! Hello Aeth, this is Sylvia."

My heart fluttered as I instantly remembered what this voice meant, making me lose hope that she might still be alive.

I looked at my brother, who seemed to also hear her voice as he looked at me while slowly nodding.

"If you're listening to this right now, it means I have shown you what I actually am..."

"... I already know that you know of the truth, it's quite obvious from the short conversation we had, the one where you requested something from me, making even me myself surprised. But as I've gotten to know about you, although you are smart and somewhat have control, you are calculating but you have one flaw. And that flaw is you being impatient, you unconsciously rush things to the point where you no longer enjoy your day as you always think of your plans. But even with all that, I will gratefully grant your request, by now you should see the difference in your physical appearance."

'I see,' I thought as I looked at strands of my hair which were were now white, losing the previous auburn color it had.

"The moment your mana core reaches a level past the white stage is when you will hear from me again. At that time, I will explain way more and what you do from there is your choice."

The stage after white core... I wonder when I'll get there..

"Lastly, Aeth... I know you may be in grief, but remember that you have your family to look out for and also look over the stone I gave to your brother, knowing you, you probably already know that she's my daughter. My only wish is for you to embrace the joys and innocence of childhood, I will not stop you from training hard and growing your strength, but always remember to make your parents and I proud. Do not rush everything and forget about the joys that you will not be able to feel in the upcoming future. Putting all the burdens on your shoulder and not enjoying your life will do no good for you, think about it like this, why go eliminating all the threats that pose no danger if you don't enjoy your life? I regret nothing and will be mad at you if you blame yourself for my death, I bid you and your brother fare well for now. My very last wish is for you to not burden yourself and enjoy your life."