WMMAP - [S1] Shelter You - (愛)してる

Chapter 27: Tempered Fate

Dawn of light was nowhere to be found within the depth of abyss in her room, indicating that it was far too early for Helios to emit his power, yet her pair of glorious crystals bored into the obscure of her ceiling aimlessly.

In the preceding six days, Athanasia would still deny the fact that she was anxiously and impatiently idling for his return. For the foregoing six days, he would always hearten her of the certainty of his arrival from the vows he made.

She knew he was doing well in terms of his wellbeings over there and she didn't need to constantly keep checking on him. It was her subterfuge to listen to his voice that could help her slumber soundly each night.

She was devoided of the tangible proximity of his form, despite being connected by souls. She yearned for his presence. She missed him.

"He should be back today..." She soothed herself in the dark. "But why do I have this... Strange feeling clumping up inside me..." 

All she could do was closed her eyes and hope it would fasten time. Little did she know that it only triggered unwanted remembrance of her previous vision she had months ago. The last thing she wanted to see was him covered in shades of red in her arms, trying his best to utter promises, only to die along with his last breath.

She had no idea what was going on but was still grateful for the fact that she finally woke up from the nightmare by a faint stroke on her cheek. "It's way past noon." Said a familiar voice. 

With eyes still blurred with uninvited tears, Athanasia couldn't tell who that person was but her hand instinctively seized the hand tightly. "...Lu—?" She nictitated a few times and adjusted to the surroundings, and when she did, she saw the person in front of her smiling with empathy.

Athanasia went straight into her godmother's embrace when she saw Lilian extend her arms, nuzzling for comfort, and did not attempt to sprout lies anymore. "I thought... Him..." She whispered weakly. 

"I'm sorry I couldn't be who you wanted to be, Athy." She couldn't help but quietly caressed Athanasia's head before sailing her fingers through her golden locks, soothing her. "Why don't you give him a call?" Lilian suggested.

"I don't want to disturb him..."

"Then would you mind telling me how you are feeling inside?"

"It's a mixed feeling. I don't know how to explain..."

"And why is that?"

"That... dream... The bad one..."

Athanasia's voice failed her at the end, making Lilian tighten her hold. "Everything is going to be alright."

"I hope so..."

"He is going to be there for you."

"What if... he is not?"

"Athy. Have some faith in him. You always do. Right?"

"...Yes."

"He would be disappointed if he could hear the doubt in your voice."

"That jerk will be there! I know he will!" Athanasia raised her voice, encouraging her spirit and she may as well consoled herself.

"That is more like it. But is he a jerk?"

"He is! But at the same time, he is not..."

"From what I have learned so far, he may tease you from time to time but he likes to treat you like a princess."

"Still a jerk."

"Oh, Athy. Don't you know you know he can be both? As your best friend and a knight."