บท 122: Saying Our Goodbyes

~~~(POV: Nathen Opel)~~~

~~~(Location: Opel Estate, Alderaan)~~~

I watch as Nella and Mary speak on the couch. It's good that Nella isn't sharing too much with her Mom. I doubt she'd allow Nella to remain my Padawan after how I've decided to teach her so far. But I'm looking forward to teaching her on our journeys together.

But my mind and attention are mostly on SCORPIO. She was the one given the coordinates for the location of The Maw and the machine that's imprisoning Abeloth. I still haven't decided what I'll do yet. But there is still time to make one.

"When are we leaving this world?"

SCORPIO makes her way to me as she asks a question, and I know that she's ready to get off Alderaan. She's been in a bad mood since we got here. The nobles didn't take to kindly to her.

"When Nella and Mary are done talking, we'll leave. Now tell me, why would The Hivemind only give you a partially complete map... Seems strange to me..."

The wrench that's been thrown into the plan to potentially free Abeloth has been delayed. Either by SCORPIO herself or The Hivemind.

"You're constant questioning and suspicion of me is getting in the way of us completing goals in an acceptable time frame. You need to get over your insecurities regarding me."

Easier said than done.

But before we can continue this conversation, I see Mary wave me over, and I make my way to her and Nella. Taking a seat next to my Padawan.

"Thank you again for taking in Nella as your Apprentice. It means a lot to me knowing she's in safe hands."

You wouldn't be saying that if you knew what I've put Nella through so far. But she's already much stronger due to that training.

"There is no need to thank me, Mary... We're family, and Nella is more than worthy of learning from me... But I want you to know that I won't be holding her hand through everything. That's not training. That's babysitting."

She nods her head knowingly but still has a look of slight worry, which makes sense. Her Daughter is about to leave and likely not return for years.

"I know... Just promise me that when she really needs you, you'll be there for her..."

That's an easy promise to keep.

"I'll be there for her best times and worst times. Her strong times and weak times. Times when she's full of life and close to death. I'll be there for all of them, Aunt. I promise."

A tear strays from her eye and falls down her cheek as she looks at her Daughter. She looks back at me and indicates she wants to talk with her alone again.

I oblige and leave back to SCORPIO.

~~~(POV: Marrisa Opel)~~~

~~~(Location: Opel Estate, Alderaan)~~~

My eyes rest upon my only Daughter and child... And a feeling of pain and sorrow enters my soul. Today is going to be the last time I can look upon my beautiful Daughter... I reach my hand out and run my finger along her cheek...

She lets me and closes her eyes to let me savor the moment.

"I couldn't have asked for a better child..."

She's smiling now, and I know what I need to say.

"Nate will always protect you, Nella... He'll go to the ends of the galaxy to make sure you're safe... But be careful... The power he wields attracts a lot of people... You'll be exposed to many things in the galaxy... Horrors you can't unsee or learn..."

I'm scared for my Daughter... But I know she's in safe hands...

~~~(POV: Abeloth, The Beloved Queen of The Stars)~~~

~~~(Location: Prison World, The Maw)~~~

"My Prince will be coming for me... I can feel it... But that machine blocks most of what I can see outside of the prison world anymore..."

My words echo through the world again, and I look to the stars above as I can feel the intentions of Amor. He's planning to come for me, and we'll finally be together again. I'll be reunited with my Son, and he'll have everything he desires and more.

"I'm waiting for you, Amor... And I know that you'll stop at nothing to set me free... We'll be a family... And I'll be free from my prison..."