Aether Bardock: The God Of Destruction

Chapter 5: The Room of Spirit and Time

Die Hard Fan: eerrmm actually it's called the hyperbolic chamber 🤓☝️Get your shit right you monk—
Me: NO! I MEAN THE ROOM OF SPIRIT AND TIME!! Now shut up and enjoy!

The dawn broke gently over the horizon, casting soft, golden light over the peaceful village of Varana. Bardock, the future God of Destruction, stood at the village's exit, his hand intertwined with that of Asmoday, the angel who had captured his heart. The air was still, save for the soft rustle of leaves as the Aranara, the small tree-like beings who had grown fond of them, gathered to bid their farewells.

"Do you really have to leave so soon?" one of the tiny Aranara asked, its voice tinged with sadness. "You only stayed for one night..."

Bardock knelt down, his towering figure a gentle contrast to the delicate creature before him. He placed a large, calloused hand on the Aranara's head, ruffling the leaves that sprouted from it like hair. "I'm sorry, little one," Bardock said softly, his deep voice tender. "There are things we must take care of. But don't worry—we'll be back soon. I promise."

"Promise, Nara Bardock?" the little Aranara asked, looking up at him with wide, hopeful eyes that made Bardock's heart ache in a way he wasn't used to.

He smiled, a warmth filling his chest. "I promise, little one. Cross my heart."

Asmoday, standing beside him, chuckled softly at the sight. Her serene, ethereal presence was like a calming breeze in contrast to Bardock's strength. She knelt down too, her delicate wings shimmering faintly in the morning light. "We'll see you all again soon," she said, her voice light and musical, "so keep taking care of your forest while we're away, alright?"

The Aranara nodded eagerly, their tiny hands waving as they called out, "Goodbye, Nara Bardock! Goodbye, Lady Asmoday! Safe travels!"

As Bardock and Asmoday finally turned and began walking away, the sound of the Aranara's farewells echoed behind them, growing softer with each step. Bardock looked over his shoulder one last time to see the little tree creatures waving with all their might, their tiny arms raised high. He couldn't help but smile, though a bittersweet feeling lingered in his chest. He had faced countless battles, but there was something profoundly moving about the innocence of these creatures, their unconditional trust and affection.

"They're going to miss you, you know," Asmoday said, her voice light yet filled with a knowing warmth.

Bardock gave a small chuckle, though his eyes betrayed the softness he rarely showed. "Yeah, I'll miss them too. I never thought I'd be making promises like this," he admitted, his gruff voice betraying a hint of tenderness.

Asmoday looked up at him, her bright eyes gleaming with affection. "You're more than just a warrior, Bardock. You're someone who cares. It's why they trust you."

He stopped for a moment, turning to look at her. His gaze softened as he reached out, brushing a strand of her silver hair behind her ear. "And what about you, Asmoday? Do you trust me too?"

She smiled, her heart full. "With everything."

They stood in the morning light, the world quiet around them save for the distant rustling of the forest. Bardock squeezed her hand gently, his heart both heavy and light. He had always known even with this new profound destiny, his path would always be hard for the years of his life he had lived and suffered so much Yet here, in this quiet moment, surrounded by life and love, he felt something different—something that grounded him in the present not of all the worlds this particular place this particular nation gave him open arms.

"I'll come back," he murmured to no one in particular, his eyes fixed ahead. "No matter what happens."

Asmoday looked at him with a quiet understanding. "I know," she whispered. "And when we do, they'll be waiting. Just like today."