“A-maa-raa! Come out, come out, wherever you are!” Ezme cheerfully yelled.

Hell no. 

Amara shook as she held her knees, hiding behind the entrance to one of the empty rooms.

“A-maa-raa! Come out and play!” 

No way.

Ezme’s training programme had been ruthless. Amara hadn’t been allowed a moment’s rest for days. Keeping track of time had been hard enough without a sun to give an idea of the passage of time. And being forced to stay focused for days on end, made Amara's perception of time grow even more hazy.

Because the instant Amara tried to relax, another monster would show up out of nowhere and attack her.

“A-maa-raa! I have a new friend I want to introduce to you! Aren’t you being really unsociable right now?” Ezme cheerfully reproached.

Amara shuddered and hugged her legs tighter. She was reaching her limit. 

Although her body could retain its strength, her muscles were sore and complaining. But worse than that, was her mental fatigue. 

Amara felt that she had begun losing focus of where she was and what she was doing, even while she was in the middle of fighting for her life. As if she had forgotten who she was, yet remembering perfectly well the path that had led her to the situation.

“A-maa-raa! If you don’t come out, I’ll simply find you and make you come out!” Ezme shouted and laughed.

No. I need a break!

Amara racked her brain. I need to hide.

Amara drew a deep breath and focused on forming a mental image.

I need to bend all the light around me, not just the light I can see. Mute all sounds I make. Keep any of my scent from spreading. Stop my body heat from radiating. Dampen the movement of anything I come into contact to stop the vibrations from being transmitted. 

“There you are! Come on buddy, go in and say hello!” Ezme’s cheerful exclaim came from the room outside.

Invisibility!

[Ding!]

Amara instantaneously felt that the skill had worked. The divine power needed to maintain the skill was coursing through her, keeping her warm. 

The fierce training had made her begin to finally get used to using her divine power. The intense heat that had felt painful and discomforting when she strained herself, had slowly but surely started feeling pleasant when she wasn’t pushing her limits. The divine power required to fuel the new skill even felt soothing, like being in a warm bath.

Seeing her own arms and legs disappear from view was a little unnerving, even though she knew they were there. Amara chose to lean back against the wall and look away from her invisible limbs. 

As she moved, the heat grew stronger as more divine power was required to fuel the skill. Her idea to dampen the movements of anything she contacted included air, which made her feel like she was moving through water rather than air.

Leaning her head back against the wall she took a deep breath. Breathing required more effort as well, as the movement of air molecules was slowed down.

Don’t panic. You can still breathe, and you can breathe normally if you cancel the skill.

Amara saw something enter the room through the alcove next to her. It was a large snake, with scales that glistened like copper.

She watched as the snake passed her as it entered the room, its split tongue tasting the air. The snake turned its head towards Amara, while its tongue flew in and out of its mouth repeatedly. 

Amara flinched and stared back at the snake’s intimidating appearance. Can it see me?

After licking the air several times it turned away and continued entering the room, the body that was as wide as Amara’s following after the head.

Guess it could still find the scent from before I used Invisibility.

Amara let out a long sigh of relief and watched as the snake turned its head from side to side. After confirming the room was empty, the snake turned around and headed back out of the room. When it had almost left the room, Amara saw the tail of the snake rapidly follow after, as if someone had yanked the snake away. 

“Amara! I’m impressed!” Ezme yelled cheerfully as Amara heard her approach the alcove she was hiding behind. “How did you know it wouldn’t attack you?”

I had no idea. How was I supposed to know that?

The smiling angel appeared in the alcove, expecting to see Amara. When Ezme couldn’t spot her however, confusion became apparent on her face as her head flew left and right, her brows furrowed. “Amara?”

Wow, this invisibility skill is awesome.

“Amara! Are you here?!” Ezme yelled.

A smile spread on Amara’s face. I’m right behind you. Oh, this is good. 

Ezme turned around, and Amara could see the angel’s anxious expression as she ran out of the room. “AMARA!!”

Amara frowned. What’s with the panic? Is she acting?

Amara stood up slowly and peeked through the alcove. Ezme stood in the middle of the room, and appeared to be trembling.

Why is she acting so worried? I’m obviously just hiding.

“AMARA!!” Ezme screamed, her panic evident in her voice as she turned and ran into the bedroom. Seeing the anxiety that Ezme was exuding, Amara felt like someone had squeezed her heart.

Okay, Fluffles is seriously freaking out. 

Amara cancelled her invisibility and jogged towards the bedroom, calling to Ezme as she approached the alcove. “Ezme, I’m he-”

[Krrck!]

Before Amara knew what happened, she was lying flat on her back against the floor with Ezme on top of her, who was rubbing her forehead with her hand. Amara’s hand had reflexively flown to her face and was holding the painfully throbbing nose as warm liquid was running across her face.

Urgh. Divine Regeneration.

“Amara...I’m sorry!” (Ezme)

Looking up at the angel she lowered her hand, Amara saw that Ezme’s eyes were wet and red, with several tears rolling down her cheeks. 

Why did she get so upset?

“I-I’ll clean you up.” Ezme waved her fingers and Amara felt the blood that was drying on her skin disappear.

“Thanks, Fluffles.” Amara responded.

Amara pressed herself up on her elbows when she noticed the pressure on her chest, making them both aware of where Ezme’s other hand had ended up when she fell on top of Amara. While Ezme looked down and was processing the information, a smile spread on Amara’s face.

“If you wanted to have a feel, you could’ve just said so. You didn't have to push me down to do it.” Amara grinned.

Ezme’s began trembling before she burst into sobbing and wrapped her arms around Amara’s neck while pressing her face against her shoulder.

Amara sighed as she patted the angel’s hair. Another perfect moment ruined by weird circumstances.

“Amara…” Ezme whimpered against her shoulder.

“Why are you upset?” Amara asked as she stroked Ezme’s hair.

“Hic! I-I thou - Hic! - ought you were gone!” Ezme sobbed as she squeezed Amara’s neck. 

Amara chuckled. “Don’t be silly, Fluffles. Where would I have gone?”

Ezme pulled away and grabbed Amara’s clothes, squeezing them in her fists as she looked down at Amara and exclaimed with a face covered in tears. “Don’t you dare do anything stupid or reckless! You hear me?!”

Amara felt like making a joke, but watching the desperation in Ezme’s eyes, she couldn’t come up with anything.

“Promise me!” Ezme exclaimed and shook Amara intensely, making her feel like she was a maraca.

“Okay! I promise!” Amara replied and sighed as she raised her hand, wiping the angel’s tears away. “What’s gotten into you?”

Ezme simply squeezed Amara’s clothes tighter and shook her head.

Did she think I got hurt for some reason?

“Fluffles, I’m right here.” Amara peered up at the angel and put her hand on Ezme’s cheek. “Look. I’m right here.”

Ezme opened her eyes and looked at Amara while a fresh tear rolled down her cheek. Looking up into the eyes that were filled with anxious concern for her, Amara got lost in the moment.

Amara moved her hand behind the angel’s neck and gently pulled Ezme towards her until their lips met. Amara felt Ezme twitch on top of her as she pressed her tongue past her lips, but she didn’t refuse. Amara was surprised when after a moment, Ezme’s tongue responded to hers.

When they reluctantly parted their lips, Amara realized she had a wide smile on her face. When Ezme opened her eyes, her already blushing cheeks grew redder after seeing Amara’s grin. Ezme averted her gaze and muttered. “Wipe that grin off your face, you look stupid.”

Amara burst into laughter and stroked Ezme’s cheek. “There’s no need to be shy, Fluffles.”

Ezme didn’t turn back to look at her and after a few moments she asked. “Was that how humans kiss?”

Amara smiled. “I suppose it was.”

Ezme contemplated for a while before she muttered. “Humans always describe it as something magical. How disappointing.”

Amara’s face flushed with embarrassment. Hey, it’s not like I’m an expert or anything.

“You didn’t like it, huh.”

Ezme quickly turned to look at Amara as she exclaimed. “I didn’t say that! I mean-” 

Ezme’s face grew beet red before she averted her eyes and shouted. “SHUT UP!”

Amara bit the inside of her cheek not to laugh. Guess it wasn’t that bad after all, huh. 

After calming down, Ezme sighed and looked straight at Amara. “Want to go to bed?”

Amara felt her face heat up and averted her gaze. Low blow! I’m totally unprepared!

“You’re rather forward, aren’t you Fluffles?” Amara joked as she glanced up at Ezme.

Ezme just looked blankly at Amara, before her face grew beet red again.

“Pervert! I meant to sleep!” (Ezme)

_____________

Upon waking up, Amara felt better than she had in a long time, after clearly having the best sleep since her ascension. Likely it had something to do with all the intense training that Ezme had put her through, for days on end. With having to keep her mind focused endlessly, falling asleep had been easier than ever before.

Amara looked up at the canopy as she opened her eyes and let out a sigh. 

Sleep really does wonders.

The soft snoring next to her, reminded her of the angel sleeping beside her. Looking at Ezme, she saw the angel sleeping curled up, with her face against Amara’s arm while at the same time clinging to it. 

Adorable. 

Feeling the soft breaths against her skin, Amara couldn’t stop the smile from spreading on her face.

Looking further down, she saw that Ezme’s other arm was intertwined with hers. And not just their arms, but their fingers as well. 

So she’s clingy in her sleep. 

Amara put her head back down on the pillow and watched the angel sleep. It was the first time they had slept next to one another. 

It would’ve been nice if she meant the other interpretation of sleeping together.

But I guess this wasn’t such a bad option either.

Amara sighed and moved a lock of hair out of Ezme’s sleeping face.

I could get used to this.

Amara felt Ezme’s face move against her arm and heard the angel’s muttered whisper. “Amara…” 

Amara looked intensely at the angel that smiled in her sleep before the soft snorting continued. Rolling her head Amara closed her eyes and clenched the fist that didn’t have its fingers intertwined with Ezme’s.

Victory. 

____________

 

ACT 1 EPILOGUE

 

_____________

 

Sophelia POV

 

Watching the champion and her younger sister enter the bedroom after their intimate moment on the floor, Sophelia prepared herself to leave Amara’s chambers. She activated a skill to pass through the bronze doors without opening them, and started walking down the corridors.

Surprising. The champion's skill to remove its presence was exceptional. Given enough time, it could even rival my own.

 

Reaching the near-empty throne room, she entered and crossed the vast distance until she stood before her father.

“Are things progressing as planned?” God asked as he opened his eyes when Sophelia approached the throne.

“Yes, Father. The mortal will have the potential to grow, once given motivation to do so.” Sophelia replied.

“Hmm. With the risks involved with choosing a mortal, I’d rather not see it fail.” (God)

“All shall fall in line, in accordance with my design, worry not.” Sopehlia smiled as she cocked her head.

“Hmm. Then what is the next part of your plan?” God asked as he supported his face with his palm.

Sophelia raised her hand and slowly combed her locks with her fingers as she explained. “For now, we shall give them time. The mortal must first be accustomed to its potential, and it must help Ezme find her true self. Once achieved and their relationship reaches its prime, we shall let the demons break our line and enter Ezme’s domain. Only then can Ezme find her true potential, and only then will the mortal become truly invested in the war, after seeing her heart’s suffering.”