บท 227: [227] A World Like This, I Don’t Want to Stay Here
Chapter 227: A World Like This, I Don't Want to Stay Here
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Ai Hoshino stirred slowly, her mind drifting up from the depths of unconsciousness, drawn by the muted sound of celebration outside. The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing along the walls as she blinked away the haze. Her body felt heavy as the lingering effects of sleep still clinged to her limbs.
Where…? The question formed sluggishly in her mind, but before she could fully grasp it, her eyes fell on a figure seated in the corner of the room. He was still, head bowed, his hand methodically wiping a sword, the soft scrape of metal against cloth the only sound in the room besides her breathing.
Her heart skipped a beat.
The sight of him, his golden hair falling forward to obscure his face, sent a pang of worry through her chest. It was Aqua—her son. There was something off about him, something that made her uneasy. From the sounds outside… it seemed that people were celebrating. That meant they had achieved victory. Aqua came in the end and turned the tables.
So if they had indeed won, why did he look like that?
Is he sad because Ranefer and the others died? The thought flickered through her mind, and she pushed herself up on trembling arms. The movement caught his attention, and Aqua's head snapped up, breaking free from whatever trance had held him. He shoved the sword aside, rushing to her side in an instant.
"Mom," he breathed, his voice low, as if afraid to disturb the silence that had settled over the room.
Ai smiled at him, a soft, reassuring smile that she hoped would ease the tension in his posture. "Hey," she said, her voice gentle, "I'm okay, Aqua. You don't need to look so worried."
He didn't respond immediately, his eyes searching her face for any signs of pain or discomfort. When he found none, he finally let out a breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. But the shadows in his eyes didn't fade, and Ai's heart twisted at the sight.
"How long…?" she asked, her voice still soft.
"Two weeks," Aqua replied, his tone clipped, as if he didn't want to linger on the subject. "The whole world's been celebrating, but there's still a lot to rebuild."
"I see," Ai murmured, her smile gentle, even as her mind raced. Two weeks…? "And what's this world's Hero doing in here, when everyone else is celebrating?"
Aqua's eyes met hers briefly, but he quickly looked away, his gaze drifting to the window. Ai scowled immediately. What? The silence that followed was thick, filled with unspoken words. Ai wanted to press him, to ask him what was wrong, but she knew better. Whatever was bothering him, he wasn't ready to talk about it yet.
He always was a stubborn one, she thought with a touch of fondness, though the worry gnawed at her. Instead of pushing, she forced herself to keep smiling, to keep her tone light.
"You know what?" she said, changing the tone in a playful note. "Why don't you bring me to the window? I want to see what's going on outside."
Aqua hesitated, but when he looked back at her, the corners of his lips twitched ever so slightly in a semblance of a smile. Without a word, he slipped an arm under her knees and lifted her effortlessly, cradling her against his chest like a princess.
Ai giggled, the sound was like music in the quiet room. "Oh, someone's having fun with me sick here," she teased, trying to coax a real smile from him.
"Nonsense," Aqua replied, though there was a hint of warmth in his voice now. "You shouldn't use that character again. You were out for weeks."
Her smile faltered slightly as memories flickered through her mind, blurry and disjointed. Ah… right… the demon, the Venerable One… Her cheeks warmed in embarrassment as she recalled her actions from that time. How embarrassing… But then she remembered something else, something that made her heart ache for her son.
But… Aqua took that character into himself at the end… Huh… I see… Understanding dawned on her, a quiet realization that settled heavily in her chest. That's why… She had a gist of why her son, the Hero of the world, was rotting in a room with his mother for weeks.
Aqua carried her to the window, his movements careful, as if she were made of glass. She giggled again at that carefulness, making him shake his head. When they reached the window, he gently lowered her to sit on the ledge, making sure she was comfortable before taking a step back to let her lookout.
Ai's eyes widened as she took in the scene before her. The city was vibrant, alive with energy, the celebrations in full swing. The buildings were pristine, almost too perfect, as if they had been rebuilt anew. The streets were packed with people, their cheers and laughter filling the air with a joyous buzz.
But this wasn't the Thyranais Empire. Ai's eyes narrowed slightly as she took in the distinct architecture, the layout of the streets, and the subtle differences that set this city apart. Erebia…? she realized, a frown tugging at her lips. The ruined Empire had been rebuilt, it seems. Why are we here, Aqua? Why aren't you in your home, your home city even?
But she didn't voice her thoughts. Instead, she kept her tone light, casual, as she chatted with Aqua, pointing out the different sights, trying to distract him from whatever was weighing on his mind.
As her gaze roamed across the city, something else caught her eye. Standing tall in the center of a grand square were three statues, beautifully crafted and imposing in their presence. The first was of the Goddess Galaxara, her tranquil expression and flowing robes carved with exquisite detail. But what drew Ai's attention were the two statues beside her—Quetzalcoatl and Ranefer. The three statues stood together as if they were part of a unified whole, a Trinity Goddess of this new world, each one a symbol of the strength and sacrifice that had saved so many lives.
Quetzalcoatl… Ranefer… Ai's heart eased at the sight. These weren't just statues; they were tributes to those who risked their life and fought to protect this world. It seems they were well-rewarded for their help, having become Gods in this distant world.
As they watched the celebrations unfold, Ai's attention was drawn to a figure in the distance. A girl, her hand glowing with a vibrant green energy, was raising buildings from the ground as if reversing time to restore them to their former state. The green energy shimmered around her, and Ai's breath caught in her throat. No, not an illusion. She's… really reversing time…
She recognized the girl, despite the distance.
Mem-Cho… Ai's eyes followed the girl's movements, watching as the crowd cheered for her. Nearby, another figure, Ruby, her own daughter, was cleansing the newly raised structures with her Nine-Colored Qi. The buildings looked better than new ones. The two girls exchanged grins, basking in the applause of the crowd.
That was good. The girls were enjoying their time. But when she glanced at her son, standing silently by her side, his expression distant and cold, Ai Hoshino's heart clenched with anger. How dare they…?
How dare they celebrate without acknowledging Aqua, the one who had sacrificed the most to save this world?
Her jaw tightened, the smile slipping from her face as a simmering anger took its place. Ai's gaze hardened as she looked out at the celebrating city, her mind racing with thoughts of how to protect her son, how to make sure he received the recognition he deserved.
They won't ignore you, Aqua. I won't let them…
The scene outside blurred slightly as tears welled up in her eyes, not from sadness, but from the fierce love and rage she felt for her son. She would do anything to see him smile again, to see the warmth return to his eyes.
"Don't be silly," he suddenly said, facing the scene outside. "I'm here by my own choice.
"Impossible."
"Well someone said 'the hero died in battle' and moved on, so it'd be awkward if I showed myself to the crowd. That's why I decided to stay here, unwilling to paint that person as a liar."
"...Who?" she asked, and he looked at her with blankness in his eyes. "No way. Your wives? Which one?"
"Don't be hasty. She's just sad. I would be too if I was in her position," he said.
"Still! If she wants to say 'he's dead to me,' why's she bringing the entire world into this? The people want their Hero!"
"I am not their Hero, mother."
"...."
"…I am someone else."
"You saved their world this time."
"Doesn't matter. I was wearing a false mask, so it doesn't count."
"Aqua…"
Ai's heart ached as she listened to her son's words. He tried to hide it, but the weight of his burden couldn't be hidden from her. She was his mother. She could see the pain concealed within him. However, she also felt like he wasn't lying about one part. He doesn't see himself as a hero… The thought made her chest tighten with a mix of sorrow and frustration.
Without a word, Ai gently floated from her seat, rising with grace. His eyes followed her, but he didn't move, didn't speak. He only stared, slight confusion bubbling on his face.
Ai reached out, pulling his head gently into her chest, her arms wrapping around him in a warm, protective embrace. He blinked. She pressed a soft kiss to the top of his head, her lips lingering there as she closed her eyes.
"It's alright," she whispered, her voice trembling with the depth of her emotions. "It's alright, Aqua."
Her hand moved to his back, patting it in a soothing rhythm, trying to comfort him as she had done when he was a child. He stiffened at first, but it didn't take long for him to give in to the warmth of her embrace. The tension in his body melted away, and he slumped against her, his head buried in her chest. Ai held him tighter, her tears falling silently into his hair.
My poor boy… she thought, her heart breaking for him. She wished she could take away his pain, bear the burden for him, but she knew all she could do was be there, hold him, and remind him that he wasn't alone. He was stubborn like that, unwilling to let anyone else into his pain.
In a world where he was fated to be alone, leaving everything including his life to find another, that was a natural response. Why burden these poor people with his emotions, when they'd cease to exist one day? The curse of an immortal, except on a different degree.
"You've done so much, Aqua," she murmured, her voice tender as she continued to pat his back. "You've sacrificed so much, and you've saved so many people. You… you saved my life that day when you were a kid. Remember? You are a hero, even if you don't see it. To me, you will always be my Hero."
His grip on her tightened, and for a moment, Ai felt his body tremble against hers. She didn't know if it was from exhaustion, pain, or something else, but she held him all the same, her love for him bubbling out in every touch, every whispered word of comfort.
"I'm so proud of you," she continued, her voice soft but firm. "No matter what anyone says, no matter what you think… I am so proud of the man you've become. And even the man you once were, even that Venerable Demon."
Aqua didn't respond, but she felt the way he leaned into her, seeking the comfort only a mother could provide. The two of them remained like that, wrapped in each other's warmth, as the world outside celebrated a victory won by a hero who had chosen to remain in the shadows.
You're not alone, Aqua, Ai thought, her resolve strengthening with every passing second. I'll always be here for you. If they don't want you, they don't deserve you.
****
The streets of Thalindra pulsed with life, the heart of Thyranais beating to the rhythm of celebration. Aqua's home, the capital of the Duchy, was a spectacle of vibrant colors and sounds right now.
Lanterns of every hue hung from windows and street posts, casting a warm, festive glow over the cobblestone streets. Music filled the air, a harmonious blend of strings, drums, and voices, all coming together in a mix of joy that reverberated through the city. The scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and sweet confections wafted through the air, mingling with the perfume of blooming flowers that adorned the balconies and windowsills.
In the midst of it all, Quetzalcoatl danced.
Her eyes were closed, her lips curved into a satisfied smile as she swayed to the beat. The crowd around her was a sea of faces, all turned toward her with respect and reverence. She moved with the grace of a serpent, her body undulating in time with the music. Her hands traced the curves of her dancing partners, young women who laughed and giggled as they twirled around her. The mortal joy was infectious, and Quetzalcoatl allowed herself to be swept up in it, her heart light with the success they had achieved in this world.
Victory tasted sweet, especially in a realm not her own.
Her thoughts drifted as she danced, carried away by the rhythm and the memories of their triumph. The new gods who had risen in this world played across her mind—true gods, not demi-gods. Some Barolt had been the first, a warrior who had ascended to heaven, and Elara, Aqua's own wife, had followed. Even Goddess Galaxara herself earned an Icon from the prayers of the world's inhabitants, solidifying her place in this newly opened world.
Yet, despite some new local deities, it was Quetzalcoatl and Ranefer who had been honored with statues, raised by the grateful people of this world.
She could still see them in her mind's eye, those statues standing tall beside the image of Goddess Galaxara, forming a new Trinity of the world.
The Trinity Goddess—Goddess Galaxara, Quetzalcoatl, and Ranefer—forever immortalized in stone.
A small smirk tugged at her lips, though a flicker of irritation still lingered. Ranefer, that scaredy-cat phoenix, had received the same honor as she had. But then again, Ranefer had died in that final, glorious battle. In death, the phoenix had earned her place, and while it stung a bit, Quetzalcoatl accepted it with a wry smile.
As her hands brushed over the soft skin of the girls who danced beside her, her thoughts returned to the present. This world's girls were fine. They reminded her of the English girls from a few hundred years ago, except prettier. She loved that. The beat of the drums echoed in her chest, the music pulling her deeper into the rhythm.
"You're enjoying yourself, my Goddess."
"May I join in too?"
The girls giggled and danced around her, radiating with power when their skin touched hers. Mortals touched by Gods. These vixens would rise in this world as celebrities soon, as girls who danced with a God. Quetzalcoatl smirked.
She was ready to lose herself in the dance once more when, suddenly, her ears rang with a message that pulled her out of her reverie. "Hm?"
[It's me, Ai. I've woken up, so it's time we leave this world. I don't want to spend a single needless minute in a world that does not appreciate my son.]
Quetzalcoatl's eyes snapped open, the lightness in her heart replaced by a sharp edge of understanding. Ai's voice was calm, but the underlying anger was clear. The Serpent Goddess raised an eyebrow, a low whistle escaping her lips.
Drama always had a way of finding them, it seemed. Then again, this wasn't a funny drama—it was sad. She felt sympathetic for Aqua. Poor boy. So she understood the weight of Ai's words.
"Sorry girls, another time~" With a sigh, Quetzalcoatl gently extricated herself from the crowd, offering a quick smile and a graceful bow to her dance partners.
The girls pouted, disappointed to lose her company, but they let her go, understanding that even gods had their own matters to attend to. The music and laughter continued to fill the air as she stepped away, her mind already shifting gears, preparing for what was to come.
This new world. It was her dominion now, at least partially. This was the reward she was looking forward to, and she had received it. She'd frequent this world often, so it's not as if she was leaving for good.
As the sounds of the festival faded into the distance, Quetzalcoatl prepared herself to leave this fun world behind. It was a good vacation for her.
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Author Note: Not everyone got the short end of the stick in this arc, Quetzalcoatl and Ranefer enjoyed their trip. Even if one died once. Regardless, the arc is at its very end. Soon we'll return to DxD!! (And see what fucked up situation rose there)
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