Amin watched the scribe write down the discussion that went on without them when he suddenly asked. [Do you know Alarice?] 

Amara's expression darkened. [Oh, yes. The bitch.]

Amin’s eyes widened in surprise. Although he felt hesitant, curiosity soon got the better of him. [...Sounds like you don’t get along?]

Amara crossed her arms and snorted coldly. [Getting tortured and nearly killed off on a whim isn’t exactly what I’d call ‘getting along’.] 

Amin’s jaw dropped. [Alarice tortured her? I knew she was ruthless, but…] Amin closed his mouth as a wave of suspicion rose within him. [I’m sure there was a reason behind it, Amara?]

Amara snorted before she smiled wryly when she glanced at him through Farsight. [I suppose I ignored her threats and went ahead with seducing her little sister?]

Amin’s body jerked as he suppressed a cough. [Ezme is Alarice’s little sister!?]

Amara grinned. [Yup.]

[Then-] Amin’s eyes lit up in realization. [...Doesn’t that make Alarice your sister-in-law?]

Amara burst into laughter. I have to use that one next time I see her! It will definitely piss her off….

[...I think I understand why you were tortured.] (Amin)

Amara chuckled. [Why are you so curious about Alarice?]

Amin hesitated over something before his voice returned. [I’m from the Alarice Kingdom. We’re her followers. It’s natural we’re curious about her.]

Amara’s lips twisted as she raised an eyebrow. [I see...you’re fanboys.]

[Fanboys?] (Amin)

[...Nevermind.] Amara shook her head in amusement. [Well, let me tell you - being her followers isn’t going to get you anything. She doesn’t care about mortals - in fact, we disgust her.]

Amin smiled faintly. [We already suspected as much.]

Surprised by his response, Amara cocked her head in confusion. [And you’re still her followers?]

[Yes. Even if she doesn’t love us, we admire her.] Amin explained with a shrug. [She taught us not to rely on divine intervention to solve our problems, but on ourselves. We’re not like naive children, expecting to have our hands held through adversity...unlike most people.]

[Huh.] Amara snorted as the corner of her lips rose. [You know, that kind of pride and fanaticism tends to be unhealthy.]

Amin smiled wryly as he snorted. [Perhaps you’d think so, but our Kingdom has stood through the tests of time as a result, while other kingdoms have risen and fallen around us.] 

Amara shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose. Damn patriot...let’s avoid that subject in the future.

[...I can hear you.] Amin interjected in an amused tone.

[You were supposed to.] Amara replied with a sigh.

 

_______________

 

Once they were done writing down all the rules, the city lord who had stood silently with crossed arms since arriving suddenly spoke.

“So Amara is a human? Then isn’t that the same as saying the gods have abandoned us?” The city lord asked bitterly.

Touché.

“Andrew!” The pope retorted as he glowered at him. “The fact that they made Amara the champion is evidence that they haven’t abandoned us!” 

“Then why didn’t one of their own become our protector?” Andrew turned towards Amin before he continued. “I mean no offence to Amara, but...she can hear us, right? Since you’re mortal, aren’t you weaker than the gods?”

Amin seemed to feel uneasy as everyone’s tense expressions turned to him. [Damn it, why do they have to look at me every time?]

[Because you’re the only representation of me that they have.] Amara replied with amusement.

[You’re reading my mind again!] Amin retorted.

[Sorry.] Amara smiled wryly. [Tell him...]

Amin nodded as he finished listening. “She says that while she is currently indeed weaker compared to the other gods, there are other benefits to her being a mortal. Oh, and you can stop looking at me as if I’m her.”

Andrew crossed his arms. “Such as?”

“Andrew, you’re being rude!” The pope exclaimed and slammed his palm on the table. “Even if Amara was a mortal, she is now our goddess! And we will need her help to save us!”

“Campbell.” Andrew looked at him with a tired expression. “I’m being realistic. If Amara is too weak to stand against Ryc’zamul, then we will have no other choice than to rely on ourselves. Or more accurately, our descendants. You have said the gods need our prayers, but if they aren’t going to help us...then what’s the point? Why should we bother praying?”

Everyone fell into silence at the harsh stance that the city lord was taking. Alright, I kind of expected that...just not during first contact. Oh, well. 

I still need the prayers to have a supply of divine power. So I need him, and those like him, to see me as someone that has a chance against Ryc’zamul. But how can I make myself appear strong?

As Amara had an idea, she gave Amin an instruction. [Ask everyone how high they’ve heard or seen anyone’s stats be. Of any attribute.]  

Once Amin repeated her question, a few eyebrows were raised.

“Isn’t Feleron the Archmage said to have had a willpower of two-sixty?” Andrew asked as he looked at the pope.

[Two-six-seven.] (Amin)

“That’s what I’ve heard as well.” Campbell nodded before turning his eyes towards the elves.

The two female elves were both silent and suddenly looked at Vandelor. Once Andrew and Campbell also turned their eyes to him as well, he coughed into his fist. “I have a willpower of two hundred and seventy-eight.”

As the humans in the room had expressions of shock and awe, the elves had a proud look about them while Vandelor continued. “However, I’ve seen demons with attributes over three hundred with appraisal. The demon lords have blocked any appraisal attempts I’ve made, but I imagine their attributes are even higher.”

As the group fell into a grim silence, Amara spoke to Amin. [Please tell them this: I come from a peaceful world in which I was only a student, and would have been weaker than any of you. But after ten years, all my attributes are now over three hundred - some over four hundred. I can already take down archdemons one-on-one. And my growth thus far is thanks to the prayers you all have given me. Whether I continue to grow stronger, will depend on your help.]

While Amin was reciting her words, Amara fell into thought. Maybe all of that wasn’t entirely accurate, but it’s close enough. A little white-

[Amara. I can hear you.] Amin suddenly stopped with twitching lips. 

[Whoops. Sorry!] Amara glanced at Amin while suppressing her anxiety. [No need to tell them that! Just what I said before!]

[I figured as much.] Amin grinned and crossed his arms. [But your voice was distracting.]

[Right. I’ll be quiet!] Amara smiled wryly as Amin continued. He seems pretty reliable. Making him my mouthpiece wasn’t such a bad-

[Amara.] (Amin)

[Sorry!] (Amara)

Once Amin finished, there was a mixed reaction. Andrew let out a sigh and put his hands on his hips. “I guess we’ll have no option than to take your word for it. So what benefits did you say there were to you being a mortal?”

Amara smiled as she saw Andrew relent somewhat. [The first benefit is that I can wield both mana as well as divine power. I can read the angelic language, and therefore I can read magic circles. Because of that, I’m something of an expert at magic, and can create new spells at my leisure. Need a spell to get rid of that pesky itch between your toes that you just can’t find? Done!]

As soon as Amin finished repeating her words, Vandelor’s eyes lit up. “Really? You have made your own spells?”

Oh boy. Here we go. Amara’s lips twitched as she asked Amin in an amused tone. [I’m guessing he wants a demonstration?]

Amin coughed into his fist before looking at the elf. “Amara asks whether you’d like a demonstration.”

Although the suggestion piqued everybody’s interest, Vandelor’s and Aleesha’s excitement was the most prominent. Amara thought they looked like children about to receive presents and shook her head in amusement before she cancelled Farsight. [Borrow the scribe’s things. I’ll let you draw a magic circle for them.]

Finding her own sketches for the spells she had made, Amara stared at one of them to help Amin get a clear image of what to draw. 

[It’s done.] (Amin)

Amara activated Farsight again. Once she arrived at the conference hall, everyone was huddled together over the table that held the parchment with the magic circle for the spell.

Watching the scene, Amara smiled in amusement. [This is my first original spell. It’s the same as the Flame spell...except it's more efficient, and a lot cooler.]

“I see…” Vandelor said thoughtfully before raising an eyebrow in confusion. “But why would you want a cold flame? If you didn’t want the heat, wouldn’t a simple illusion spell do the trick?”

Amara facepalmed. What the hell. Another Morpheus?

As she uncovered her eyes and glanced at everyone else that were present however, she realized that none of them were looking at him strangely, but rather as if what he said made perfect sense.

Damn. Am I the weird one?

[I'll second that statement.] Amin replied with a grin.

[Hey! You! Shut your cakehole!] Amara snorted before shaking her head. [It’s just a language thing. Probably. So...on Earth, saying that something is cool doesn’t just mean it’s cold. It also means that you think something looks sick.] 

Amin smiled wryly after listening to her explanation. “...Cool, apparently is not only an expression to say something is cold in Amara's homeworld. It’s also used to say when something looks sick.”

Amara groaned and squeezed her hair. [...I hate you.] 

[I’m just repeating what you told me.] Amin replied innocently.

Amara let out a sigh as she released her hair. [Yeah, like a parrot. With the intelligence of one to boot.] 

Amin grinned. [Ouch.] 

[Next time I say something that doesn’t make sense, just say so rather than repeating it!] Amara retorted.

“...I see.” Vandelor glanced at the expression of everyone else present to make sure he wasn’t the only one confused. Seeing that he wasn’t, he shook his head and glanced at the parchment before he looked at everyone present. “Would anyone mind if I tried it here?”

As everyone shook their heads with curious gazes, Amara raised an eyebrow. Why even ask? I’d just gone ahead and tried it.

Amin’s internal voice suddenly replied. [It’s pretty common knowledge that tests of new spells are done in seclusion...in case things go wrong.]

Amara smiled wryly as she watched Vandelor conjure a magic circle. [Why would things go wrong? I already said I know exactly what it does.]

Amin shrugged. [That would be why nobody objected. He was just confirming everyone felt the same.]

Amara snorted before she came to realization and asked mockingly. [By the way, who’s reading whose mind now?]

[Oh, you didn’t ask me?] Amin asked in surprise.

[Nope.] Amara grinned. [Now you know what it’s like.]

[...I see.] Amin replied thoughtfully as Vandelor finished the magic circle.

Once the magic circle lit up a small, green flame appeared in its place. The eerie flame made the shadows on the walls flicker as Vandelor increased the flow of mana, making the flame grow. When it became as large as a regular Flame spell, those closest to Vandelor took a step back.

“Woah. That’s hot.” Aleesha said as she shielded her face that had been too close to the spell.

“It indeed seems to pack a punch.” Vandelor replied while studying the flame.

[Impressive.] Amin thought as he too was distracted.

Amara grinned triumphantly. [That’s what cool means. Or sick. Beyond their original meanings...anyway, compared to a regular Flame spell, only a tenth of the mana goes towards manifesting the flame. The rest is all going for heat. And the appearance of the flame is fixed, so there’s no increase in mana cost if you don’t produce a mental image.]

After Amin recited what she had said, Vandelor nodded. “I can confirm that what she said appears to be the case.”

“What’s the spell called?” Aleesha asked curiously without taking her eyes off the green flame.

“Flame of Amara.” Vandelor replied with amusement as he cancelled the spell. “So I don’t think we need to doubt who created it.”

Amin’s lips twitched. [Kind of pretentious to name it after yourself, don’t you think?]

[Hey!] Amara exclaimed. [I didn’t choose the name, okay! It did so by itself when I created it!]

[Right. Of course.] Amin replied with a grin.

[It’s true!] Amara shouted in her mind. 

[Alright, alright. No need to scream.] Amin chuckled while Amara pinched the bridge of her nose before she let out a sigh to calm herself.

“What did she say?” Aleesha asked curiously as Amin's laugh settled.

“Ahem.” Amin coughed with a wry smile. “Amara was just insisting fiercely that she didn’t choose the name of the spell herself.”

[What’s with that emphasis!?] Amara shouted. [You’re putting me in a bad light!]

Aleesha raised an eyebrow skeptically with an amused smile. “Oh? If the creator of the spell doesn’t name the spell, then who does?”

Amara’s eye twitched. Alright. That’s it.

I should let them see what I mean….there’s a Moisture spell, right? Yes. I think ‘Moisture of Aleesha’ would be a perfect spell to-

Amara’s thoughts were interrupted by Amin’s most violent fit of coughing yet. 

“Amin? What happened?” Aleesha asked with a frown. 

“N-nothing.” Amin avoided her gaze with a blushed face. “In any case, I believe her.”

Several people raised their eyebrows in curiosity. Aleesha tilted her head as she returned her eyes to him. “Why? Did she say something?” 

Amara crossed her arms with an evil smile. [Yes, Amin. Why do you suddenly believe? Do tell.] 

[...I have a feeling I will have to endure some of your evil pranks if I don’t.] Amin replied.

[Oh no. I’m afraid it’s too late for that. I’m already offended!] The curve of her lips grew. [But you’ll have to wait for your turn. I need you to copy another magic circle for me, and let Aleesha try it.] 

[I won’t!] (Amin)

[Why would you deny her the opportunity to have her name immortalized as the creator of an original spell?] Amara smiled sadistically. [You’re too cruel. Shame on you!]

[There are limits to-] (Amin)

“Amin?” Aleesha asked curiously. “What is Amara saying?”

Amin coughed before he replied seriously. “Please, don’t mind it. However, if Amara says she didn’t name the spell, I suggest we treat it as such.”

As everyone exchanged confused and curious glances, Amara shook her head while grinning. [You know, you get a title for creating an original spell. That you would deprive them of-] 

Amara’s eyes suddenly widened at the realization. The title...I can create a lot of original spells, as long as they are sufficiently different from existing ones. 

Doesn’t that mean I could buff every mage under me as long as I can keep making new spells?

Amin’s confused voice suddenly interjected. [What title are you talking about?]

[Spelldeveloper!] Amara squealed with excitement. [It grants a ten percent increase to willpower!]

[...That does sound like a significant improvement.] Amin scratched the back of his head. [Although, I suggest you don’t use it as an excuse for pranks.]

Amara’s lips twitched. [Why not? You mortals seem to enjoy making fun of me, so why can’t I have some fun as well?]

[I don’t think your role as our goddess is to play pranks on us.] Amin replied seriously.

[Maybe not, but damn if it doesn’t make it easier to cope with it.] Amara snorted and let out a sigh. [Whatever. Be a dear and tell them about the title part for me?] 

[...Dear?] Amin’s lips twitched before he shook his head. “Amara says that since she can create new spells, she can give them to us so we can see that she wasn’t lying...as well as help mages get the Spelldeveloper title.”

“Spelldeveloper?” Vandelor’s face lit up with curiosity. 

“Supposedly it grants a ten percent increase to willpower.” Amin explained.

Aleesha smiled brightly with excitement. “Really?! That’s great! Can we-”

“AHEM!” Andrew, who had mostly been forgotten, suddenly interrupted with his grumpy attitude. “Shouldn’t we get back on track? Are there any other benefits to our protector being a human, or is that it?”

...Party pooper. Amara let out a sigh. [Right. We’re not in a rush, I can prepare a few spells later...anyway! The angels have no understanding of mortals. With their high-and-mighty attitude, all you would get is commands for what to do - with no thought on whether they would be feasible to follow or not.] 

Amin snorted. [The gods are well known to be tyrannical.] 

[Is that supposed to be a good thing?] Amara raised an eyebrow as she looked at him. [Sure, they can get things done in the short term, but it’s not sustainable. Just look at them, they’re losing the war! You probably have your own history of tyrannical rulers - how did things end up with them in charge?] 

[...Fair enough.] Amin relented before repeating her words to the others.

Amara smiled as she continued. [Me, on the other hand? I’m a mortal, like you guys. I atleast have an understanding of how your society operates and what you can implement with little effort, and what requires more. And I come from a world where there’s no magic - so all our problems had to be solved without it. The methods used on Earth to gain knowledge are pretty efficient, which have led to great advances in pretty much every field. Genetically engineered crops for increased food production. Transportation by horseless carriages and flight. Machines and methods for mass producing items. Near instant long-range communication, like telepathy. Effective medicine and treatment methods...you know how some illnesses make those afflicted worse if they are healed with magic? I can give you the knowledge so you can understand why that happens, and help you find a cure.

And weaponry. With the weapons from my homeworld, you will be able to kill demons in droves. The people of Earth have the power to destroy their own world several times over. How you conduct warfare will be completely turned on its head.

All of those benefits, aside from the military ones, would be available to everyone - not just the nobility. This is what the people of Earth achieved without magic - what could you all achieve with magic added to it?

By the time the armistice ends, the demonic army will no longer be a threat to you, no matter how many of them there are. All you’ll need to worry about is whether I lose to Ryc’zamul. And in order to win, I need to get stronger. 

And I can only get stronger with your support.] 

Amara smirked as Amin delivered her speech for her. Now that she knew that more than words were transmitted to him, she used her memory of the things she talked about to prove, at least to him, that she wasn’t lying. 

She had already expected skepticism over the fact that she was a mortal, and had considered hiding it at first. But eventually Amara judged that if the mortals thought that she wasn’t some all-powerful divine being, they might be more inclined to take the initiative to prepare themselves.

Although she didn’t like the idea of pleading for help, she knew that she would need the help of mortals. So in the end, she let the speech serve that purpose, as well as a carrot.

“...All of that sounds like a dream...which is pretty hard to believe.” Andrew said with a suspicious look when Amin finished.

“I saw it.” Amin replied and shook his head. “Through what I suspect is her memories. I can only say that she’s either crazy, or it's true.”

[Hey!] (Amara)

[Just telling it how I see it.] Amin shrugged with a grin.

Amara’s lips twitched as she crossed her arms. [Anyway, I can’t really prove what I’ve said is true. But those that choose to help me will get to see the benefits.]

Andrew’s expression darkened when Amin repeated her words. “Are you saying you’ll only give benefits to those that do what you say?”

[Correct.] Amara smiled faintly. [I might be your goddess, but I can’t enforce my rule. Nor do I have the patience to do so, even if I could. If you guys don’t help me by preparing yourselves for the eventual breakdown of the armistice, why should I bother helping you? It’s just going to be a waste of my time - time I could spend preparing myself.]

Amara felt a strange wave of satisfaction transmitted from Amin as she spoke. As she watched him repeat her reply, she noticed how he appeared to have a smug smile on his face. [You approve?]

[It coincides with Alarice’s teachings.] Amin replied as he continued grinning. [I thought you two might be similar, but when you said you were mortal, I believed that wouldn’t be the case.]

[We’re not similar.] Amara retorted seriously.

[Maybe not in personality, but at least in policy.] Amin shrugged with a smile.

Andrew had a displeased expression as he crossed his arms. “And what kind of help do you want? As a former human, you should know that there will be limits to what we will be willing to do.”

Amara smiled. [Make no mistake - I don’t have the slightest interest to gain power over you. And I don’t expect you to be willing to help me for free, so you can consider my requests as business transactions.

I’ll need you to set up a conference for the leaders of the world. I’d like to speak to them to make my proposals, and see who will get on board. But most of what I want is for a few policies to be introduced. The most important being general education. 

Besides that, I’ll be needing scribes to help Amin write down the knowledge I want to pass down to you.]

[...Sounds like I’ll be doing this a lot in the future.] Amin snorted.

Amara’s expression fell and looked at him as her guilt welled up in her. [...If you don’t want to, we can talk about your options for the future. But at least for tonight, I’ll need to rely on your help.] 

 

 

_______________

 

 

The meeting continued until the sky was painted pink with the sun’s rise. Although nobody really wanted to stop, it was taking its toll on them - especially Amin, who was exhausted both mentally and physically. He had trekked down the mountain with the elves prior to the meeting, on top of suddenly having Amara in his head and had to relay her words for her.

Through Farsight, Amara was following the group that consisted of the pope, the elves and Amin, as they were moving through the church to be assigned their own bedrooms. 

“You can sleep in here. Rest for as long as you need to.” Campbell said to Amin as he stopped by one of the doors in the corridor. Glancing at the elves with a conflicted expression, he added. “I suspect we all have more questions...but they can wait a little longer.”

Aleesha looked at Amin with her own conflicted expression before nodding at the pope. Amin watched how the four continued down the corridor before entering the room. As the room was tiny, it only held a bed, a chair and bedside table.

He immediately slumped down on the bed. While he was staring at the ceiling, Amara received the call. [Amara?]

[I’m here.] Amara replied and let out a sigh. [Time for that talk, eh?]

[Indeed.] Amin replied with a wry smile.

Amara crossed her arms. [Look. I know you’re probably not happy about suddenly becoming my mouthpiece without having anything to say about it. At least, I’m not happy that I was forced to become the champion.]

As Amin was silent, she continued. [So...I’m not going to do to you what the angels and God did to me. If you don’t want to act as my mouthpiece, I won’t make you. However, I’d at least like you to help me say what I need to say. Then you can be on your merry way, and act like it never happened.]

Amin frowned and twisted his lips. [I thought you said the whole thing is irreversible.]

[It is.] Amara replied. [But the others don’t know, right? So I’ll just need you to instruct them how to go about finding volunteers for me in the future, as well as tell them what I think is needed.]

Amin thought for a moment before he asked. [Didn’t you also say that you can only have one mouthpiece at any given time?]

Amara let out a dejected sigh. [Yes.]

[Then, if it’s both irreversible and unique, then how do you intend to get another mouthpiece?] Amin in a confused tone.

Amara shrugged. [I’ll just have to wait until you die. By natural means, of course.]

Amin smiled wryly. [That could take a while, you know?]

Amara smiled as she let out a sigh. [I’m not exactly short on time. Even if you live for a century...sure, it’ll delay my schedule significantly. But at the rate that civilization on Earth developed in the last few centuries, I think I can spare that much time.] 

[Hmm. I think doing that much just for the sake of one person’s emotions is a mistake.] Amin hummed thoughtfully.

[Maybe. But it’s a line I don’t intend to cross.] Amara replied.

They both fell into silence. Just as Amara started feeling awkward, he suddenly asked. [Why did you choose me?]  

Amara knit her brows anxiously as she recalled how she had ended up choosing him. Crap. Maybe I shouldn’t-

Amin suddenly burst into laughter. Once he settled, he asked in an amused tone. [You chose me because I was disposable?]

[I…] Amara tilted her head in confusion as she watched through Farsight. [Why doesn’t that upset you?]

[Amara.] Amin let out a chuckle. [I’ve been a disposable weapon my entire life. All you’ve done is increase my worth, and given me an additional master to serve.]

Amara raised an eyebrow. [You don’t mind considering yourself as a tool?]

Amin’s expression grew conflicted as he hesitated. [Is everyone on Earth like you?]

[What do you mean?] (Amara)

[Like…] Amin let out a sigh. [Obsessed with being free from responsibilities?]

Amara frowned. [People on Earth have plenty of responsibilities. We merely have the freedom to choose our own paths in life.]

[Is that so?] Amin let out another sigh. [Although I don’t know about other worlds with humans, it sounds like your world is an exception, yes?]

[...I suppose?] Amara tilted her head.

[Well then.] Amin smiled faintly. [Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like your homeworld is unaffected by the war with the demons, right? Isn’t that evidence that the people of your world are enjoying the benefits of safety that our efforts provide, without having to lift a finger?] 

...True, why hasn’t Earth been attacked by demons? If it’s abandoned, shouldn’t it have been ripe for the taking?

But… Amara’s expression darkened. [Are you claiming that there aren’t people like that in your own world? If all the people in your world felt like you did, you’d thrown the demons out the moment they stepped foot on Teyrin!]

[True.] Amin smiled. [But if humans in other worlds are more like us than those in your world, then it means that like us, they have their roles decided at our birth. Whether you’re born as a noble or a penniless farmer, your path in life has largely been chosen for you.]

Amara frowned. [So?]

Amin let out a sigh. [I’m saying you’ve taken that freedom of choice for granted, and now you’re acting like a spoiled child that had her toy taken from her.]

[HEY!] Amara snarled in anger. [Anyone from Earth would be angry to have their freedom taken! And I bet most of you people on Teyrin would have felt the same too, had one of you been chosen!]

[Maybe.] Amin blinked as he studied the ceiling. [I was about to be sent to fight the demons just as the armistice was declared, you know.]

Amara fell silent as she wasn’t sure how it was related.

[If I had gone, my death would have been certain. It would merely have been a question of time.] Amin continued. [But if I had been chosen as champion? I’d been given the chance to make a stand. Perhaps my chances to defeat the demon lord would be slim, but they wouldn’t be none. Right?]

[...Right.] Amara admitted.

[And what would that chance have cost me? A freedom I never had to begin with?] Amin snorted. [There are plenty who would have killed to be given the opportunity. And I’d been one of them. So I think you should grow up.]

Amara’s eye twitched. [...I’m older than you.] 

Amin let out a laugh. [The fact that you’re saying that makes one wonder.]

Amara fell into thought before she replied. [I get how it might seem like I’m just being dramatic. But once your civilization develops, your people will start thinking more like mine.]

Amin snorted with a smile. [I somehow find that hard to believe.]

[Well, we shall see.] Amara shrugged before she muttered. [Or at least, I will.]

[You know, it’s hard to think of you as a human when you say things like that.] Amin said with a wry smile.

[Well, I’m technically not a mortal anymore.] Amara snorted. 

Amin was silent for a while before he spoke. [I’ll act as your mouthpiece.]

Amara tilted her head and looked at him with surprise. [Really?]

[Yes.] Amin nodded and yawned. [I think I’ll go to sleep now.]

[Right. Good night, Amin. Call me when you need me tomorrow. And...thank you.] Amara replied.

After ending the call, Amara let out a sigh and fell into thought.

Although Sophelia, Amin and even Ezme are willing to be someone else’s tools...I don’t know if I can accept it myself. 

I’m not exactly going to kill myself just to mess with God’s and the angels’ plan. I still want to make them pay for it…but without dragging others into it.

...Am I really just acting spoiled? I’m not, right?

 

_______________

 

Once Ezme returned from patrol, Amara noticed how she once again had a tired expression.

“How did it go?” Amara asked.

“...Their numbers are increasing.” Ezme replied and waved her hand. “But it’s manageable.”

Amara gave her a worried look. “You know, I don’t think you should try to clear them out completely. Your workload would decrease if the mortals learn to look and take them out themselves.”

“I know that!” Ezme retorted angrily. “But if I do that, the demons will gain a foothold! And more people will die!”

Amara opened her mouth to respond before stopping herself. ...She must already know she can’t save everyone. She doesn’t need me to tell her that.

Wrapping her arms around the angel’s waist, she brought her closer as she muttered. “I don’t mean to argue. I’m just worried you’re taking on more than you can handle.”

“Hmm.” The tense angel slowly melted against her before she sighed. “I’m fine. I know my limits better than anyone.”

“Alright.” Amara smiled faintly as she hugged her, although her worries weren’t completely put at ease.

“Enough about that.” Ezme said and looked up at her. “What did you do while I was on patrol?”

Amara smiled wryly. “Oh, nothing much. I picked up a mouthpiece, I suppose.”

“Hmm, I see. That’s-” Ezme blinked a few times before her eyes widened in shock. “Wait, a mouthpiece?!”

Amara shrugged with a smile. “Yep.” 

Ezme frowned and gave Amara a glare. “Who?”

Amara ran her fingers over Ezme’s warm feathers. “His name is A-”

“Nevermind. Show me!” Ezme interrupted sternly while pulling away as she crossed her arms.

...What's up with her? Amara raised an eyebrow. “Alright...how, exactly?”

“Call him!” Ezme retorted, as if the answer should have been obvious.

Startled by her insistence, Amara couldn’t help but feel confused. Didn’t she say I had to choose a mouthpiece too?

“What are you waiting for?” Ezme asked quietly. “Are you trying to hide him from me?”

“What?” Amara suddenly understood and smiled wryly. “No, I-”

“Then show me!” Ezme exclaimed as her eyes started glowing.

Amara's lips twitched. Make A Call: Amin

Amin’s confused voice sounded in her head as the call connected. [Amara? I thought-] 

Amara cut him off with a grin. [Stand at attention, mortal! Fluffles, the goddess of jealousy, has come for an inspection!] 

As she watched how Ezme’s eyes grew distant, she felt the surprise and confusion emanating from Amin. [Goddess of...what?]

“Hmm.” Ezme tilted her head as her eyes moved, as if she was looking him up and down through Farsight. “He could be considered handsome.”

Through the call, Amara suspected that Amin had heard her and probably had another fit of coughing. Her lips rose in amusement at the thought when she replied. “I suppose he could. Maybe even a bit cute when he’s blushing.”

[I don't blush!!] Amin shouted through the call. [I don’t look like that when I blush!]

[Now, which one is it? And how would you know? Do you practise blushing in front of a mirror or something?] Amara teased.

Ezme’s expression darkened as her eyes regained focus. When she glared at Amara, she asked in a dangerous tone. “...Is that why you chose him?”

Amara smiled wryly as she leaned in closer. “Are you jealous?”

The light in the angel’s eyes changed in realization before she averted her eyes. “N-no!”

Adorable. Amara smiled as she put her hand on Ezme’s cheek. “I only want you, Fluffles.”

[Urgh, at least spare me-] (Amin)

Ezme’s lips curved slightly upwards as she clicked her tongue. “You better.”

[-Wait, what?! She really doesn’t mind being called that?!] (Amin) 

[Oh, you’re still here? Stop peeping!] (Amara)

[I’m not peeping! You’re the one who called-] (Amin)

[I’ll be exploring divinity for the next few hours, so don’t call me!] Amara grinned.

[Y-you...hey! What about the meet-] Amin shouted as Amara cut off the call with a wry smile. 

While she moved the pink hair behind the angel’s ear, she recalled her private conversation with Amin. “Hey, Fluffles.”

“Hmm?” Ezme tilted her head as she looked at her curiously.

Ah, too cute. I-

No. Get a hold of yourself! Amara smiled. “Why hasn’t Earth been attacked if it was abandoned?”

“Oh. Well...” Ezme tapped her chin with a finger as she spoke thoughtfully with a teasing smile. “This will be a a bit of an oversimplification so your mortal mind can comprehend it, but-”

Amara’s lips twitched at the casual insult as Ezme continued.

“-but the abandoned realms are sort of behind your domain? So the demons have to first capture your domain to get there.” Ezme cocked her head as she added. “Also, since time is slower on them, they could be considered low-priority targets. In the time you could conquer one of the abandoned worlds, you could conquer a bunch of other realms.”

“Alright.” Amara grinned as she moved her hand behind the angel’s neck. 

All too soon, Amara lost her patience while tasting her soft lips and picked her up. Ezme smiled playfully as she held on with her legs around Amara’s waist while getting carried. Realizing where they were headed, the angel blushed faintly and looked at Amara with fluttering eyelashes. “Tsk, as soon as I get back. Why am I not surprised?”

“Must be the limitations of a mortal mind.” Amara smiled wryly as she pecked her lips.