Chapter 122: Arc 1 Finale: A Night to Cherish (2)
Lionel entered the back garden with Ignis and Leila.
"Leila, it’s been wonderful getting to know you and dating you but I think it’s time I step aside and let you enjoy your life."
Leila frowned. "Lionel..."
"Please don’t. Honestly it’s ok! I know Athena gave you that hint and I don’t think I’m the right soul. I was silly enough to believe it for a while, but look at who you’re standing with. His flames don’t affect anyone but you! It couldn’t be more obvious!"
Leila sighed. She looked at Ingis and looked back at Lionel.
"Thank you Lionel. I’m sorry if I’ve caused you any heartache. I can’t help how I feel about her." Ignis said politely, with a smile.
"Please don’t apologize or treat me differently. I don’t want to lose two of my closest friends over something as stupid as a lovers quarrel. I’m 127 years old. I’m sure I’ll find someone. Even my goof of a brother has Sasha."
Leila and Ignis laughed. "Ok. Thanks Lionel. I had fun with you too. We’ll still hang out and do stuff together if you want?" Leila said merrily.
"Yes I’d like that very much. Same goes for you Ignis, I’d still love to help you find answers about your planet."
The three walked back inside, where Brie just finished telling Xander the story.
"That’s amazing!" Xander said with a huge smile. "I can’t believe you were a human!"
"Yup, she was the most beautiful person I’d ever seen in either of my lives," Sora whispered in Xander’s ear after he and Levi returned to the party. ’Release Lockheart’s Whisper.’
"It amazes me how we always know where everyone is. I thought it’d be confusing but it’s super easy. It was fun when we scared Sasha that one time, though!"
Sasha laughed. "Yeah for you two. I think my payback was fair."
"You mean when we totally interrupted their first kiss..." Levi started to say before getting whacked in the shoulder with a playful smack.
"Totally fair I agree" Levi laughed.
Sora finally teleported to his security room and made an announcement that tonight would be his family’s last night in Exteria for 16 days and Xander saved the planet by speeding up time by a year and four months.
It was easier than explaining the truth and the party smiled.
"My goodness! So they’re going to be 16 years older and it’ll be like no time has passed for us!" Dorian explained.
"Dorian, we’ve been alive for over 2500 years. What’s 16 years?" Camilla joked.
Sora, Brie and Xander gathered everyone in the giant ballroom for music and dancing.
Everyone was enjoying themselves and Sora decided to sit with Brie and Xander in case anyone wanted to talk to them.
Several of them took pictures with the family. They wanted to remember their time with Xander as a toddler. They wouldn’t get to watch him grow up.
Celeste joined them at the table.
"Are you nervous?"
"Not really. I think what concerns me most is how they will view Xander once they find out he’s the one responsible for Athena’s judgement on the people betraying her. What do you think she’ll do?"
"Hard to be certain. She isn’t quick to shatter souls. A lot of people thought she should’ve shattered Hades, but she didn’t. She’s very kind hearted and believes that her followers throughout this universe and the others will be enough if war ever comes." Celeste said calmly.
"What do you mean, others?" Sora asked, surprised.
"Sora, I think this trip is very important. You’ve grown so much since coming to Exteria to complete your soul but you’re a god and there are things all gods know. You, Brie and Xander need to learn to become actual gods and goddesses." Celeste said emphatically.
They listened carefully, as aside from Xander, neither Sora nor Brie were born a full fledged god.
"When your Father passed the trial of the gods, even as an Uthra he knew of the four universes. Granted, your mother loved him dearly and had permission to tell him more than mortal should know, but you’re very behind."
"I know and it’s been causing nothing but pain and heartache for us. Visiting Nexus opened our eyes quite a bit but that’s just a fraction of what we need to know." Sora admitted, sounding a bit defeated.
"Stop with this dejected attitude, Sora. A god and goddess are meant to be the beacon of hope for all the races of people. Not once has anyone in this party ever looked down on you. You don’t think Levi and his family know of the other planets and universes?"
Sora paused for a second before speaking.
"Why wouldn’t he tell me then?"
"It’s not his place too babe. Even though he’s your best friend he’s an Uthra. He has rules and promises he’s made too." Brie said while grabbing Sora’s hand.
"It’s okay dada. The important part is you were chosen and you found mama. Then you found a bunch of other really amazing people who all have shiny green in their bodies."
"I thought you said mine was a faint gold the day I turned dark purple. So is gold for gods, purple for truly evil people and green is for good people. What other colors do you see?"
"Black is for Helen and Eris. Zaza and titans dark purple. People go from dark purple to green. The brighter the color, the more good or bad they are. Unless they’re maroon, red, or yellow. The brighter yellow means close to green. The darker maroon means close to purple but if it’s light, they’re almost red. Same for red."
Celeste smiled. "No god or goddess I know has this power. Nor any member of any race across any universe. This is what a true god is. You and Brie both have the qualities, but need to educate yourselves on it practically and how to use them. Xander’s purpose and path are much easier to see. Athena knows this and that’s why you’re going to Paradise. That way you and Brie learn your purposes."
"I thought my purpose was to save or destroy this planet?" Sora said with an eyebrow raised.
"As a hybrid, yes. None of us know what it is as a god. Bries changed the second she passed the trial of the gods. You two have soul searching to do and I’m glad you’re going to be together to do it. You won’t be the same when you come back."
Sora and Brie squeezed each other’s hands. This is what they feared most. They didn’t want to be completely different people their party didn’t know.
"What if the party doesn’t like the new versions of us?" Xander asked.
"Don’t worry about that. No matter who you are, we will always be there for you. No one left after Sora almost lost himself. I sense only growth in our future." Celeste said while hugging Xander.
"Hey... sorry to randomly ask but why was Levi with Sasha’s parents for so long?" Brie asked.
Sora smiled and wanted to cover for his best friend. "I mean Levi and Soren are both talkers."
"Yeah ok, but now he’s walking toward Bishop. What the heck is going on?" Brie asked while turning to Celeste for backup.
"No idea," Celeste said with a large smile.
"Ok, Miss can hear everyone telepathically." Brie teased.
*****
Levi asked Bishop, who was DJing to please cut the music and make an announcement.
"Sure buddy. What do you want me to say?"
Levi whispered into his ear while the music played so no one could hear.
Bishop’s smile widened and he laughed. He cut the music and turned on the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen I apologize for the interruption, but may I please have Sasha Valencia meet Levi in the center of the ballroom for a dance."
Sasha turned from Leila and Ignis as she dropped her drink.
"What the hell! He knows I hate being the center of attention."
