Damn it.

Damn it, damn it, damn it!

Amara sighed and relaxed before she pushed herself off the bed and walked to her workshop. 

I need to busy myself with something. My poor bed hasn’t done anything wrong.

She sat down in front of her current project and slapped her cheeks.

Alright. Let’s do this.

Amara looked at the table and thought about what should be the next step in her projects. 

But before she had managed to recall what she did last and determined what she should do, images of a small angel’s dejected back entered her mind.

Amara groaned and banged her forehead against the table before her hands reached up and squeezed her hair. 

...I can’t do this either.

Damn it.

Amara let out a sigh as she rested with her cheek against the table when her vision was blurred. 

Ezme.

Maybe I should call-

Reminded about how the angel had stopped her from following, she stopped the line of thought in its tracks.

Damn it. I’d just make it worse.

Amara had discovered that heartache wasn’t just a word. The current heavy feeling in her chest was ever present, and made it feel like it was difficult to breathe.

“Champion.” (Sophelia)

Amara’s head shot up from the table when she sat back up. Looking at the angel she hadn’t seen for a long time, she suddenly felt a lot better. Although it couldn’t quite erase her distress, Amara smiled faintly. “Oh. It’s been a while, Sophelia.”

Sophelia blinked and smiled kindly at her. “Is everything alright?”

“Hah.” Amara laughed listlessly. “Yeah, not really.”

Amara noticed in the corner of her eye how Sophelia extended her large wing that soon was wrapped around her back. “Why don’t you tell me what’s troubling you?”

Amara sighed as she felt the warmth against her back. The comfort and kindness that Sophelia extended to her made it easy for the tears Amara had been holding in to spill.

“I…” Amara drew a shuddered breath. “I hurt her feelings. I just wanted her to stand up for herself, and…” 

Amara closed her eyes and wiped her cheeks as her voice thickened. 

“And now, you fear that you have broken the bond between you.” Sophelia finished for her in a serene tone.

Amara nodded as she let out a sigh. 

“Your fears are unfounded.” Sophelia said with a smile. “Ezme is stronger than you think. You should believe in her.”

Is she? 

Amara glanced at the angel. “She seemed pretty upset…”

“What you said likely came as a surprise and was unsettling to her. Once she calms down and ponders, she’ll see not only the words but also the intent that is their foundation.” Sophelia said mildly.

That’s...possible. But haven’t I tried telling her before?

Though she reacted differently this time...so maybe it will be different, as Sophelia says.

Amara sighed again as she wiped the corners of her eyes with her fingers. “I’m just worried about her. I’d call her, but...I’d just make it worse right now. I need to give her some space until she calms down.”

Sophelia smiled and as a few locks of hair swayed when she tilted her head. “I will speak with her.”

Amara looked up at and met the angel’s gaze. “You’d do that?”

“Certainly.” Sophelia replied calmly.

That’s nice of her. 

Amara scratched her head as she hesitated. “When you meet Ezme…”

Sophelia looked at her curiously. “Yes?”

“Could you let her know I’m sorry?” Amara looked up hopefully.

Sophelia kept a serene smile on her face. “No.”

Amara raised her eyebrows as the angel’s tone was so gentle that it didn’t sound like a refusal. “Why?”

“Because it’s better to hear it from you directly.” Sophelia sighed gently. “And because if I said it, she might believe your words are no longer intended.”

“I…” Amara looked down as she sank in thought. 

That’s possible, but what I said clearly upset her. Maybe that would be better? But...

“The reason the situation is what it is now is because you felt strongly about what you said.” Sophelia added in a considerate tone. “If you were to retract your words, will this situation not resurface again?”

...Yeah. This is something that we need to get through. What Ezme needs to get through.

I just...

Amara took a deep breath and sighed. “I’m just worried she isn’t going to want to come back anymore.” 

Sophelia blinked with her eyes and smiled. “She will return, worry not. ”

Amara closed her eyes as she thought. If you’re the one saying it, somehow I feel like I can believe it. 

Now that I think about it...all I ever do whenever I see Sophelia is complain.

Amara let out a self-deprecating laugh. “You know, I think I’m dumping my troubles on you whenever I see you. I'm sorry for making you have to deal with me.”

“Don’t be.” Sophelia smiled gently. “After all, comforting troubled siblings is one of my duties.”

The therapist of heaven, huh?

Amara let out an amused snort. “Sounds like a pretty depressing job.”

“It may seem so.” Sophelia smiled as she turned to look somewhere Amara couldn’t see. “With time and patience however, it is rewarding in its own way.”

Huh.

Yeah, I don’t get that. Sure, it’s a way of helping people, but...oh well. There’s all sorts of people.

“It looks like you’re making progress.” Sophelia suddenly interrupted her thoughts with faint amusement in her voice.

Amara followed her gaze to the piles of enchanted steel ingots that she had practised on. She raised her hand to scratch her head awkwardly. “Well...since my options are limited without evolving my class, I’m just exploring what’s possible. But I haven’t come that far when it comes to enchanting with divine power…”

Reminded by a golden orb that was currently gathering dust on one of the shelves, Amara looked at Sophelia as she pointed to it. “I borrowed that to study before. I think Morpheus made it for you.”

Sophelia looked at the item before she blinked slowly with a smile. “So I heard.”

Is she mad that I took it? She doesn’t look mad. Not that she’s ever looked mad.

...Can she even get mad?

“Do you want it back?” Amara asked hesitantly.  

“It turns out I don’t need it anymore.” Sophelia’s eyes seemed to be looking at something distant as she replied. “I’ll come back for it when I find another purpose for it.”

“Oh. Thanks.” Amara said with a smile. “Lucky for me, I guess.”

“Luck is an illusion, champion.” Sophelia smiled as she turned her eyes to look at her. “And if it isn’t, would you not be better considered as unlucky? After all, you were the one selected as champion.”

Amara let out an amused snort. “Good point.”

The pair were silent for a while before Sophelia retracted her wing with a pleasant smile. “If the matter with Ezme bothers you, why not think of a way to make it up to her when she comes back?”

“That’s...a pretty damn good idea.” Amara admitted while nodding. 

Sophelia blinked her eyes. “Then I shall leave you to it.” 

The angel had only taken a few steps, before Amara turned and called after her. “Sophelia?”

Sophelia halted and looked back over her shoulder. “Yes, champion?” 

Amara smiled. “Thank you. If you want, you can come by for tea or coffee. Both Ezme and Morpheus have found them appealing.”

The curve of Sophelia’s lips rose slightly as her eyes turned distant. “I have many duties to attend to. But I shall keep your invitation in mind.”

Amara watched as the angel disappeared behind the corner before turning back to the table. 

Shame. But not a strict refusal. 

In any case, even if I haven’t met her much, Sophelia has helped me out. I should find a way to repay her.

...Maybe a bottle of wine?

[Ding-dong!]

Amara let out a sigh as she heard the doorbell, confirming that the Sophelia had left.

Now then. What could I make for Ezme as an apology?

 

_______________

If I say it myself, I'd call this another breakthrough, but...will she be happy with it?

Well, it might help her with her domain at least. However, maybe it's not really suitable as an apology. It doesn’t feel very personal-

[Ding-dong!]

...Fluffles?!

Amara shot up from the chair and jogged to the alcove, calling out as relief washed over her. “Ezme! I-”

Amara came to a stop when she saw that the new arrival wasn’t who she was expecting. Her brow settled into a frown as she voiced her unwelcome. “Ezme isn’t here.”

Alarice was wearing her silver armor and looked at her coldly, only moving her lips to voice a reply before they set in a flat line again. “I’m not here for her.”

Oh really? 

I don’t like her, and she obviously doesn’t like me. There’s no reason for us to see each other if Ezme isn’t here. Amara raised an eyebrow. “Then why are you here?”

Alarice closed her eyes as she let out a sigh. Amara thought she saw Alarice clenching her jaw, before the angel opened her icy, blue eyes that had started glowing. “You have become a nuisance I can no longer ignore.”

Amara felt a shiver run down her spine as the luminous eyes stared at her ominously. 

Nuisance? What did...ah. She’s angry I made Ezme upset?

Amara sighed and crossed her arms. “Is this about what happened to Ezme?” 

“Indeed.” Alarice replied icily.

Wow. Look at you, pretending to be a caring sister.

“What happened is between me and her.” Amara said as she met the angel’s glare. “I’m sorry for hurting her feelings, but she needs to stand up for herself.”

“Ignorant mortal. Do you really think this is a matter between just the two of you?” Alarice snarled. “Ezme is my sister, and you have interfered with her growth.”

“How can you call what you’re doing to her as something that helps her grow?!” Amara retorted. “You just want to control her! You don’t want her to act how she feels is right!” 

Alarice’s eyes glowed dangerously as she snorted. “So you believe yourself to be doing the right thing?”

“As a matter of fact, I do.” The corner of Amara’s mouth rose.

“I see.” Alarice looked at her icily. “Then you shall have no qualms if I do the same.”

Amara raised an eyebrow in confusion, before Alarice suddenly started walking towards her with a cold gaze. Realizing what was happening, she felt a shiver run down her spine.

...Crap.

[Ding!]

Amara immediately started backing away to keep her distance from the angel as she shouted. “What are you doing?!”

“I’m ending your interference.” Alarice said coldly while her long strides kept shortening the distance between them.   

Crap. It’s really happening.

I don’t stand a chance against her!

As Amara was about to reach the wall, she knew she couldn’t put off clashing with the angel for much longer. 

Divine Body Strengthening!

As her body started to heat up by the divine power, Amara lunged forward to get in the first strike. 

At the last moment, Alarice nimbly turned her body to dodge her attack. Before Amara could turn around to face her again, she felt a heavy impact, followed by sharp pain in her shoulder, back and hip as she was sent flying across the room. 

Divine Regeneration!

Amara groaned in pain as she struck the wall; her broken bones hadn’t finished healing. 

The stories never said that the fighting with the in-laws would involve literal fighting. 

I can’t even appraise her properly, but I can already tell she’s way out of my league.

The moment that Amara had attempted to strike Alarice, she could feel the intense heat the angel was emitting. As far as she could tell, there would only be two reasons for it - either Alarice was purposely heating herself up, or she was fueling a skill with divine power. And if it was the latter, then the heat she could feel at the short distance was enough to tell her that the angel was burning through a lot of divine power. Amara guessed that Alarice was using up more divine power than her entire pool, every second. Yet she couldn’t see her using any skills.

Body strengthening then?

As she was done healing her injuries, Amara pushed herself up and let out a self-deprecating laugh.

I really stand no chance of winning.

Alarice clicked her tongue as she strode towards her. “Mortals. It seems that even now, all is nothing but a joke to you. Never giving any thought to the damage you cause while absorbed in your arrogance.”

Amara smiled as she glared dangerously at the approaching angel and clenched her fists. So that’s how it is? I’ll show you the damage I can cause, bitch.

Divine Body Strengthening!

Amara leaned forward as she broke into a run. As she approached, she twisted her body when drawing her arm back. 

Divine Punch!

She flung her arm forward, certain that she wouldn’t miss. The sudden loss of divine power confirmed that the impact had struck with more than enough force to even send a dark troll flying. It probably wouldn’t even have ended with that, as her strike would have just gone straight through with the amount of divine power used.

But the strike had hit earlier than expected - Alarice had caught the blow in front of her face with her silver-clad palm. While holding her fist, Alarice brought her arm out so quickly that Amara was still carrying momentum towards her. 

And just as Amara realized her attack had failed and thought she was about to unintentionally headbutt the angel, she heard a loud smack as her vision turned before she felt a burning pain on her cheek. Amara staggered backwards while a sudden wave of dizziness came over her.

Divine Regeneration!

“Naive. Careless.” Alarice snorted disdainfully. “You can’t even tell your own weakness.”

Amara frowned in anger as she regained her focus. “I know I’m weaker than you. Doesn’t mean I’m not going to fight back.”

“And yet, you leave openings as if you’re asking for a quick end.” Alarice glared at her coldly as she started walking towards her. 

Amara grit her teeth and raised her arm towards the angel as she started backing away. Explosive Decompression!

Amara smiled as she watched the angel disappear in the white mist. And her smile immediately dropped when she saw Alarice appeared out of the mist, still walking towards her as if it hadn’t slowed her down at all.

...Crap.

“Don’t expect the same tricks to work twice.”  Alarice said icily with glowing blue eyes.

Amara came up with a desperate plan that was similar to what she had used in games; using a smokescreen for the opportunity to disappear.  

Explosive Decompression! Invisibility!

As soon as she had used the skills, she turned and ran towards the bedroom. Although, it was more accurate to call it wading than running, since the invisibility caused her to slow down significantly as she was met with a large resistance when moving through the air.

“Tsk....I see.” Amara could hear Alarice’s cold voice behind her as the angel spoke to herself. 

How about that! Amara grinned as she passed the alcove to the bedroom and rounded the corner.

“Don’t get complacent, mortal. I can still sense divine power.” Alarice added coldly.

...Crap! 

She can see that? ...Of course she can, why wouldn’t she if I have a skill for it too?!

What about...

Amara quickly imagined that Invisibility would also include hiding her divine power, and let out a sigh as she heard the bells in her head.

[Ding!]

[Ding!]

Amara leaned to peek behind the alcove and instantly recoiled as she saw Alarice had almost reached her. She immediately moved away from the wall and sneaked away from the alcove.

As she looked back, she saw that Alarice had stopped after entering the room with a frown on her face.

Looks like it worked.  

To not make it obvious, Amara didn’t cross the room directly to the opposite side, but instead went diagonally to get a decent distance. She let out a sigh of relief as she watched as Alarice looked around the room.

Now then, what do I do? 

I can’t beat her. I can’t run forev-

Amara’s thoughts were interrupted as she saw how Alarice’s wings suddenly caught on fire. They burned with a white flame for a moment, before the flames surrounding her wings grew larger, expanding into the bedroom. 

...Crap. 

Now what do I do?!

Amara moved along the wall in a panic to get away from the flames as the flames caught up with her. She calmed herself with the thought that she knew she could heal and endure being burnt from her fight with the demon. 

Damn it! 

[Ding!]

Divine Regeneration!

As long as I can heal myself- DAMN! IT HURTS!!

[Ding!]

Amara fell on her hands and knees and opened her mouth for a soundless scream when the pain overcame her. She quickly closed her mouth and grit her teeth when the flames started licking her face.

[Ding!]

Divine Regeneration!

Why does it hurt so much?!

[Ding!]

Amara wasn’t able to focus on what was on the screen that appeared or why the bell in her head kept ringing - all her focus went to fighting the pain that kept increasing, despite that all her wounds should have been restored by healing herself. But she knew that the messages had to be connected to the white fire that was consuming her.

[Ding!]

Divine Regeneration!

Amara curled up and rolled on the floor in hopes to put out the flames, but her hopes were dashed as the sharp pain grew more intense.

Divine Regeneration!

[Ding!]

Divine Regeneration!

DAMMIT!!

Amara’s last attempt to heal herself was cancelled when she ran out of divine power. Although she knew that it would only take a few seconds for her divine power to refill, every moment felt excruciatingly slow. And during that time, her body started to feel more distant - as if she was seriously ill, with life slipping away from her.

[Ding!]

Why do I have to suffer like this?!

Those arrogant bastards made me champion against my will, and now I’m getting killed off! WHY?!

[Ding!]

Damn it all! 

Divine Regeneration!

[Ding!]

DAMN YOU!!

Amara clenched her fists as she fought the pain. She suspected that she was crying, but any tears she shed would immediately be boiled away by the fire. Though she wasn’t sure whether she was crying because of the pain, her anger or something else.

Suddenly, the sharp pain that the fire caused vanished. What remained was still the dull pain from her wounds, but as Amara opened her eyes to confirm it she saw that the fire was gone. And she was still alive.

It’s over?

The whole ordeal had been over in less than a dozen seconds, but it had felt must longer. Amara let out a relieved sigh as she was able to breathe again without having to worry about breathing in flames.

Divine Regeneration!

This time the process of healing herself went faster, as the fire was no longer interfering with the process. Amara let out a relieved sigh as the pain started to fade. 

Let's take a quick look at what the bells were for.

 

The messages kept on, giving warning about how her maximum vitality had been decreased.

...I guess that explains why I feel so weak. That Holy Fire is nasty.

And this damn title again. No!

Yes!

Shut up!

“Keep away from Ezme, mortal.” Alarice’s cold voice broke the silence, bringing Amara’s attention back to the situation. As the angel was appraising her with an icy glare, she was reminded that her Invisibility had cancelled when she ran out of divine power. 

Amara realized that she was shaking as she started to move, but she managed to stand up despite the feeling of weakness before she looked at the angel with a cold glare. Even if Amara had calmed down, what Alarice had put her through still had her fuming. 

“Go to hell.” Amara breathed out.

Alarice’s expression darkened. “So be it.”

As the angel’s wings lit up with white flames again, Amara clenched her fists. Hell no. I’m not experiencing that again.

Realm Gate!

Amara cast the skill the moment she saw the wave of fire approach her. Although she had never used it other than to move items through, she knew that in theory it should be able to allow passage for her as well. Not willing to take any chances of it failing however, she used the divine power she had available. 

Amara leaped through the portal just as the white flames were but moments away. As soon as she hit the floor with her feet, she cancelled the flow maintaining the skill while stumbling forward on her shaky legs. 

It worked!

She had used the portal to get out of the bedroom and into the main room. Although the distance wasn’t far, Amara thought it would throw Alarice off and buy her some time.

Now, if I could portal somewhere far enough away-

Just as she looked back towards the bedroom to confirm how much time she’d have, she saw that the angel had already leaped and was coming at her, arm drawn back to deliver a strike.

Crap-

Instinctively, Amara activated her body strengthening and raised her arms to shield her face, but Alarice was faster. 

Amara momentarily blacked out, before waking up to realize she was slumped on the floor by the wall when her vision was gradually restored. A feeling of hopelessness washed over her as her memories of the situation came back to her.

Damn it. I'm screwed-

“Sister! STOP IT!” (Ezme)

...Ezme?