After the doors closed behind her when she left Amara’s chambers, Ezme stopped as her wings drooped dejectedly. 

{“THAT DAMN BITCH!” (Amara)}

A shudder went through Ezme’s being. Though it wasn’t because being subjected to the force of Amara’s empowered voice was in any way traumatic. Rather, it was the side of Amara that had just revealed itself. A side she very well knew Amara had, but it had never manifested itself with such intensity. A side that frightened her.

Anger. Hatred. 

Another shudder went through Ezme as she recalled the eyes that had been glaring at her. Ezme wasn’t afraid of what Amara might do, but rather what the desire behind those eyes wanted to do. And Amara had, in that moment, submerged herself in that dark desire.

Everyone hates something…or someone. But allowing it to control you like that is never going to lead to anything good. 

How can she not realize? She’s seen more than enough of what happens when one is controlled by hatred! The demons are like living manifestations of hatred! Does she not realize that she is capable of the same kind of evil that they are, if she doesn’t control herself?!

“You seem distressed, sister.” (Sophelia)

Startled by the gentle voice that came from beside her, Ezme flinched as she turned to stare wide-eyed at the golden-haired angel that had suddenly appeared. Sophelia’s giant wings seemed to fill the corridor they were standing in, making Ezme think she was careless for not noticing her at all. 

“S-sister Sophelia.” Ezme stammered in surprise. 

Sophelia blinked with a soft smile on her face. “Trouble in paradise?”

Ezme hesitated for a moment before nodding. Sophelia might be able to help me. Taking a deep breath, Ezme started explaining how someone posing as Alarice had turned mortals on Teyrin against Amara. 

“Hmm.” Sophelia let out a faint sigh as she smiled at Ezme when she finished. “I doubt Alarice was responsible.”

Emze nodded, feeling a bit relieved that someone agreed with her despite the fact that she already knew that Alarice was innocent. “But who would pretend to be her?”

Sophelia averted her eyes as they grew distant. “The demons have attempted to incite rebellion in our domain in the past…but posing as one of us would be something new. And claiming that she is working with the demons would only work in the champion’s domain. In any other world we can easily prove through our actions that we’re enemies with the demons... which makes the demon lord she is going to face the most likely culprit.”

Feeling a bit relieved to have an answer, Ezme let out a sigh. “That makes sense.” Ezme knit her brow for a moment as she thought before looking up at the tall seraph. “But now, Amara believes it’s Alarice who did it. She’s...furious. She didn’t even consider that it could be an imposter.”

Sophelia smiled as she closed her eyes. “You should not be too hard on the champion. She does not know Alarice like we do. Given how Alarice has treated her thus far, it is not surprising she would assume something of the sort to be the truth.”

Ezme hung with her head dejectedly. “I know, but...how can I make her understand she’s wrong?”

Sophelia replied in a gentle tone. “If you told her she was wrong, she is likely already reconsidering. The champion places more weight on your words than you realize.”

“...Are you sure?” Ezme felt relieved, but also a bit doubtful as she met Sophelia’s warm gaze. “She was really angry. Like really, really, angry.”

Sophelia gave her a sympathetic smile. “I wouldn’t mind it. You can consider it…a survival instinct.”

Ezme frowned in confusion. “A survival instinct?”

“Consider what happened during the last meeting between those two.” Sophelia cocked her head as she studied Ezme’s reaction. “The champion now believes Alarice might come at any time to destroy her without just cause. Anything that Alarice does from now on which the champion could view as a threat to herself, is going to ignite an immediate response for the sake of her own survival. She no longer has the luxury to give Alarice the benefit of the doubt, nor to stop and consider things through like before.”

That…makes sense. Amara did start to practise a lot after their scuffle…probably to prepare for their next confrontation. Ezme lowered her gaze dejectedly. “Then…are they destined to be at odds with each other? To hate each other?”

Sophelia was silent for a moment. “Lest they both choose to reconcile, I suppose they will be.”

Ezme clenched her fists. Can I make them reconcile? Glancing at Sophelia, who held a faint, amused smile as she seemed to be studying her expression in order to figure out what she was thinking, Ezme suddenly felt embarrassed. “Thank you for your wisdom, sister Sophelia.”

“Your gratitude is unwarranted.” Sophelia said with a gentle smile as she tilted her head, making her golden locks sway. “Especially because I have a difficult task I’d like you to accomplish.”

Ezme’s eyes widened in surprise as she pointed at herself. “A task? Me?” 

“Yes.” Sophelia made a slow nod. “You’re aware that Alarice has been in the demonic realms since the last time you saw her, yes?” When Ezme nodded hesitantly, Sophelia continued with a smile. “We need her to come back.”

Going to the demonic realms would be dangerous…maybe not for someone as strong as Alarice, but for me…

If I get caught…death would be a mercy. At the very least, I don’t want to become one of our fallen siblings. Ezme tilted her head as she realized something. “Can’t we simply call sister Alarice and tell her to come back?”

“Alarice is still…upset.” Sophelia replied with a faint smile. “She doesn’t respond to anyone right now. Someone has to fetch her in person, and you have the best chance of success.”

Ezme knit her brow anxiously. So she is still angry over how I chose to walk my own path.

But…I’m not going to change my mind. Though, maybe I can make her understand that mortals aren’t as bad as she believes? That Amara can be trusted?

Ezme nodded as she looked at Sophelia. “I’ll do it, but…why does she need to come back? Did something happen?”

Sophelia's smile dropped faintly as sympathy filled her eyes. “Her twin brother has revived.”

…Alaric. Realizing that the burden Alarice had to carry was far greater than she had thought growing up, she couldn’t help but pity her sister. She has to kill her brother, over and over again…and is unable to save him.

I wish I could help her somehow.

Once again, realizing that Sophelia was watching her, Ezme felt embarrassed. “Alarice has been suffering for a long time, hasn’t she?”

Sophelia closed her eyes and nodded. “Indeed.”

Ezme clenched her fists. I’ll find a way to help her.

“Good luck on your mission, sister.” Sophelia said with a gentle smile. 

Ezme nodded and smiled faintly. “Thank you, sister Sophelia.”

When Ezme left to depart for her mission, Sophelia called out to her. “Do be careful, sister. Alarice is still…on edge.”

Confused by the advice, Ezme turned to ask what it meant. Seeing the corridor behind her empty, she knit her brow anxiously. 

Alarice is on edge? What does it mean?

Well…she’s been fighting non-stop for years on hostile territory. I suppose it would be normal to assume anyone approaching her is an enemy.

 

_______________

 

 

Trying to contact Alarice telepathically turned out to be hopeless, just as Sophelia said. But following the trail made by her calls, she managed to pinpoint Alarice’s location, close to the border between their Father’s and the Devourer's domain. The world didn’t differ much from the worlds under their Father’s rule - with the exception of the blackened areas ravaged by wildfires, that laid out a clear trail for Ezme to follow.

As Ezme flew below the clouds, it didn’t take long before she heard the rumbling of explosions in the distance. Turning her eyes in that direction, she couldn’t see the source despite being several kilometers in the air; the epicenters of the explosions were somewhere below the horizon. 

Is that Alarice? Ezme slowed down her flight worriedly as she realized that she was about to witness her first battle between divine beings in person. As another series of explosions rocked the air, Ezme knit her brow. To create explosions that powerful…I could probably do one or two? Maybe three?

But Alarice always said it's inefficient when you’re fighting few and powerful enemies…

Continuing her flight cautiously, it didn’t take long until she closed in on the battle. Stopping at a safe distance, Ezme beat her wings to hover in the air as she empowered her sight. 

Alarice’s bright, white wings made her easy to spot, as they were only outshined by the occasional explosion. Soaring through the air, she was in an intense dogfight with several demon lords that were hurling spells at her. 

Alarice suddenly broke the pace of her flight with a sharp beat with her wings, leaving two condensation clouds behind that quickly evaporated moments before another explosion rocked the air. The sharp changes in direction combined with the fast pace of the fight made Ezme dizzy as she tried to follow Alarice with her eyes.

Sister Alarice is amazing. 

Watching her sister’s aerobatic performance, she recognized some of the twists and turns Alarice was making as the same ones that Alarice had taught her. Alarice had been strict with teaching Ezme how to fly, making her practise endlessly until she learnt how to correctly tense and empower her body in sharp twists and turns. Ezme had often had difficulty understanding why it was necessary, since none of their other siblings flew that way.

But watching the battle before her, she realized why Alarice had been so strict.

Fighting at supersonic speeds is different…it puts an entirely different kind of strain on one’s body. 

Even though I’m not someone strong enough to fight our fallen siblings…she still wanted to prepare me. So that in the event I’d be forced to face one of them, I’d be able to survive long enough to escape or get support. 

Ezme’s eyes moistened as she continued watching the fight. I should have paid more attention to her lessons. I should have realized there was a purpose behind why she was teaching me those things, rather than calling them unnecessary. 

Alarice suddenly made a sharp turn as she made the blades on her bident ignite with bright, white flames. The demon lords that were following her seemingly realized what she was up to, as they immediately began to scatter. 

A torrent of white flames shot out filled the sky, engulfing the demon lords. It lasted only for a moment, but it was enough to set all but two of the demon lords ablaze. Ezme watched how one by one, the demon lords who had been ignited began to fly erratically, before falling out of the sky. 

Realizing that Alarice hadn’t used any divine power during the fight up to that point from when she had arrived, a proud smile spread on Ezme’s face. She can keep up with them even when she’s recharging her divine power.

Sister Alarice is amazing!

The two remaining demon lords were suddenly on the defensive, and it didn't take long for them to make the decision to flee. Alarice quickly began chasing one of them, while the other seemed more than happy to use its ally as a sacrifice to escape. 

Watching how the demon lord glanced back to see Alarice was chasing her, Ezme couldn’t help but feel a faint degree of pity for her. The demon lord beat her wings in a panic, and seemed to be preparing for dimensional flight.

But before the demon lord could escape, Alarice came crashing into her like a shooting star. Ezme heard the rumbling that shook the ground when they hit the ground, a shiver running down her spine. 

I’m glad sister Alarice is on our side.

With the battle concluded, Ezme made her approach. Spotting Alarice standing on the ground next to the charred remains of the demon lord, Ezme landed on the edge of the small crater that had been added to the landscape. 

Alarice’s platinum hair, that was normally set in a bun without a single strand of hair out of place, was dirty and flowed freely. Her wings and armor both had dirt and blood on them as well, clearly expressing that the years Alarice had spent in the demonic realm hadn’t been peaceful. 

Ezme knit her brow as Alarice hadn’t reacted to her arrival. There is no way she doesn’t know I’m here. Does she think I’m one of the demon lords?

I wonder if she’s still angry at me… 

“Sister Alarice?” Ezme called out hesitantly. “Are you-...”

A paralyzing chill went down Ezme’s spine, stopping her words from coming out as Alarice turned her head and set her glowing, blue eyes on her. Her face, that had always been emotionless, was twisted in anger as she glared at Ezme. 

Realizing that she was shaking, Ezme clenched her fists and took a deep breath.  

[Ding!]

Me? Afraid of Alarice? Ridiculous! She’s my sister!

It’s not as if she’s going to hurt me!

Ezme was about to call out to Alarice to prove the system message wrong, when a realization made her stop and knit her brows. Meeting her sister’s gaze, she realized what was wrong.

Alarice has always seemed to be holding back her anger, but…she’s never expressed it. Not like this.

She must be really mad at me.

As they both stood unmoving while staring at each other, Ezme grew increasingly anxious. “Sister Alarice? I…I know you’re angry with me, but-GUH!”

Ezme’s words were cut off when pain exploded in her stomach as Alarice closed the distance in an instant. Looking down in shock, Ezme saw that Alarice’s familiar bident had pierced through more than just her armor, with white flames traveling along the blades. 

[Ding!]

Ezme’s lips opened in a soundless scream as she gripped the bident, trying to pull it out. Realizing that Alarice was still gripping it, she turned her tear-filled eyes to her sister. 

Alarice was staring down at her, her eyes glowing intensely. As Ezme’s vision began to blur, she forced herself to speak against the pain. 

“S-sister-...!?” (Ezme)

Seeing the older sister that had always stood up for her completely unaffected by her agony, Ezme felt her heart break. Why? 

I thought she cared about me! Even if I’m a nuisance, she…she…

[Ding!]

As the pain grew in intensity with each passing moment, Ezme quickly realized that she was going to die. Even the cells in her body that were unaffected by the holy flames seemed to be shivering in fright, readying themselves for the inevitable.

Do I even know her? Why would she do this? 

Is she that angry over me and Amara-...!

Ezme paled for a reason that was unrelated to the pain. If I’m dead, I can’t be with Amara! It could take centuries or even millennia for Father to remake my body! Is that why?! 

Without me, she’ll lose!! She’ll end up-

Remembering the fate Amara would suffer if she lost, Ezme panicked and enhanced her body with divine power to try and endure the flames for longer - long enough to convince Alarice to stop. With the flames consuming her body, she screamed in her mind as she didn’t trust she’d be able to speak through the pain. [ALARICE!! PLEASE!]

Despite calling out to her, Alarice remained unmoving. The last thing Ezme saw before the flames began consuming her face was her sister’s icy, glowing eyes that glared down at her.

No…Amara…

Losing her strength, Ezme’s legs collapsed and made her fall to the ground. She was faintly aware that the bident was pulled out of her stomach. 

When her body started convulsing, Ezme was unsure if it was because of the agonizing flames, her fear of dying and losing Amara, or the grief over how little her sister actually cared about her. 

With her consciousness dimming, the pain became duller and more distant. Amara…I’m sorry.

I shouldn’t have left angry. I should have said goodbye. 

Ezme suddenly felt a comfortable warmth, rather than the searing heat from the flames. With the pain quickly receding as the life in her body was slipping away, she imagined that the next time she would see Amara, she would have become a demon lord.  

No…please, if I have to see her as one of them when I’m revived, I’d rather-

“You fool!” (Alarice)

Eh?

Opening her eyes, Ezme saw Alarice standing over her with a horrified expression and tears in her eyes. “Are you stupid?! Why would you come here!” 

Ezme stared at Alarice in surprise as she was pulled into a tight embrace. Unable to process what had happened, other than the fact that she wasn’t going to die, tears emerged in her eyes. Before long, Ezme’s sobs were the only thing that could be heard as she clung to Alarice’s chestplate. 

“Enough of that. You’re fine now, aren’t you?” Alarice asked in a flat tone that made it seem more like a statement than an inquiry.

Ezme nodded, rubbing her forehead against Alarice’s armor. I know that, but-

A gentle weight was suddenly placed on Ezme’s head. When the hand patted her hair, her tears momentarily stopped before gushing out like a flood. As her wailing reached new heights, Ezme noticed how Alarice’s embrace seemed to stiffen before she clicked her tongue.

“S-s-sister…! W-why?!” Ezme sobbed, spreading her snot and saliva over the cold metal.

Alarice was silent for a while. “I didn’t recognize you.”

How does that make any sense! “But I-I-I’m y-your sister!” (Ezme)

“It’s one of the side effects of Vengeance Incarnate.” Alarice replied and let out a sigh. “It’s why I’ve told you to stay away while I’m in a battle.”

“T-then it-its a st-stupid title!” Ezme exclaimed.

Alarice didn’t reply, and merely continued patting Ezme’s head in response. Only after Ezme’s sobbing stopped did she speak. “Are you done?”

Ezme nodded and rubbed her eyes as she replied hoarsely. “Y-yes, sister.”

“Then get a hold of yourself.” Alarice rebuked her and parted from her. “Your title is still active.”

Ezme blinked in confusion. Title…? 

Having an inkling about what Alarice was talking about, Ezme turned her eyes to the blue screen she had ignored thus far. While reading it, a bell sounded in her head as a new line appeared at the bottom.

[Ding!]

  

Oh, so that’s what she was talking about.

“Took you long enough.” Alarice said flatly as she turned to look towards the setting sun while clenching her jaw. After a short silence, Alarice snarled without looking back at her. “You shouldn’t have come here.”

Her body feeling weak, Ezme struggled to get on her feet. “I…I know, but…we need you to come back. Alaric has returned.”

Alarice clenched her fists and stared silently at the horizon. “...I see.”

Ezme worriedly looked at her sister’s tense posture. There is no way having to kill what was once her brother doesn’t affect her. I don’t even want to think about having to fight and kill Amara if she were to fail. 

Ezme shook her head to drive the dark thoughts out of her mind. No, Amara won’t fail. As long as she grows strong enough, she’ll survive. Which I’ll make sure of.

And she is going to change how this war is fought. I’m certain of it.

Ezme raised her gaze to her sister, who stood watching the bright sunset. Only a few years ago, she had seen Alarice as an unshakable wall she could rely on. That somehow, Ezme could count on her to solve everything. But ever since Alarice disappeared after their last quarrel, she had been relying on Amara. 

Who…who does Alarice rely on? Realizing the obvious answer that Alarice was only relying on herself, like she always had during the time Ezme had known her, she felt a degree of pity for her. All this time…I’ve only been thinking about my problems. I never considered what she must be going through.

She must be feeling lonely.

Making up her mind, Ezme went to stand next to her. Glancing at her sister, whose lips were set in a flat line, she smiled faintly. “Don’t worry, sister. We’ll save him.”

“Of course we will.” Alarice replied coldly. “As long as Sophelia’s plans are going to be as good as she says.”

Realizing that they were placing their hopes on different people, Ezme knit her brow. She didn’t doubt that whatever Sophelia was planning was going to be effective, but since Ezme didn’t know what the plan was, it paled in comparison to the potential she saw in Amara. 

I need to somehow make them reconcile, but…how? Ezme bit her lip before she glanced at her sister. “And because of Amara. She has made great progress while you’ve been away.”

Alarice frowned, anger flashing in her eyes as she spoke with an icy tone. “You’re still with that mortal.”

Ezme clenched her fists and nodded seriously. “And I intend to keep being with her. Despite what you think of mortals, Amara isn’t like that.”

Alarice looked at her for a long time, her lips set in a flat, disapproving line. “Have you forgotten that the mortal attacked me once, without reason? It is selfish, with no concept of the greater good.”

Ezme’s fists began shaking when she started to feel frustrated by Alarice’s response. It was only when she recalled what Amara had said, that she realized why.

{“You mean to tell me that she didn’t do that because she was selfish and spiteful?” (Amara)}

“...You’re both wrong.” Ezme said as her frustration entered her voice. “If one of you is selfish, then both of you are! Amara can’t see the burden you carry, nor how much mortals like her owe you. How much you are needed. But you are also refusing to see what she is capable of! How she could help us!”

“It’s a mortal.” Alarice retorted, anger rising in her voice. “Even if she grows to the heights you believe, it will not escape the corruption that comes with that power. The mortal will betray you. Any help it has to offer is going to be a poison.”

Ezme shook her head with tears in her eyes. “You’re wrong.”

Anger flashed in Alarice’s eyes as she was about to reply, before she stopped herself. Turning her eyes towards the horizon, she clenched her jaw. After a long silence, she let out a long sigh. “Ezme. I won’t interfere with you and the mortal further, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Ezme momentarily felt delighted, before Alarice continued. 

“But I will warn you one last time. The present won’t last forever. One way or another, the mortal will one day no longer be by your side. I pray you find the wisdom to distance yourself from the mortal in time.” (Alarice)

Ezme clenched her fists. “You’re wrong. We will prove you wrong. And when we win this war, you’ll know that we owe it to Amara and the mortals helping us.”

When Alarice met her gaze, Ezme could see a faint sorrow flash in her sister’s eyes. As Ezme was trying to figure out what she was thinking, Alarice let out a sigh and spread her wings. “Let us return. It is unwise for us to stay in the demonic realms.” 

Remembering that they were in the middle of hostile territory, Ezme nodded and spread her own wings to prepare for dimensional flight.

One day, sister. One day, I’ll make you see that we need the mortals just as much as they need us.

 

 

_______________

 

 

Arriving in Amara’s chambers, the woman she came to find didn’t say a word. Instead, Amara merely brought Ezme into a warm, gentle embrace.

“I’m sorry, Ezme.” Amara said quietly. “I was wrong.”

Sophelia was right. A smile spread on Ezme’s face, that she kept hidden as she pressed her face against Amara’s shoulder. Pretending to be angry, she muttered moodily. “How were you wrong?”

“I let my judgement be clouded.” Amara said quietly as she stroked Ezme’s back. “Alarice wasn’t the one who said those things to Celene.”

Feeling a warmth spread inside her, Ezme returned the embrace and held Amara tightly. She isn’t afraid to admit she was wrong.

In a way…she’s wiser than Alarice, despite her youth. But she’s also stupid. 

Sometimes.

“Then, who do you think it is?” Ezme asked quietly.

“...Don’t know for sure.” Amara let out a sigh. “But it seems like it was someone hiding their identity, so it’s unlikely that the bitch was the one who did it.”

Ezme frowned. “My sister has a name.”

Amara was silent before she muttered grumpily. “Well, bitch suits her better. Besides, she always calls me it or mortal.”

Ezme pouted and pinched Amara’s side, making the woman flinch. “So you’re going to be childish and call her names? And you know angels have a hard time remembering names. Even Morpheus, who you’re friends with, doesn't remember your name.”

Amara snorted. “Well, mortal I can understand, even if it leaves a bad taste. But it? Really?”

Ezme let out a long, disapproving sigh. …Yeah. She isn't perfect.

Maybe she is a bitch. But she’s still my big sister.