Chapter 49: Horrid Meeting

Valentine Rillem-

Teleporting in front of the door inside our house. While Melluna was cradled in my arms, “m-mommy…I-I’m scared…” Melluna whimpered with a sniffle, burrowing her head on my chest.

“It’s ok, I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise.” I replied with a reassuring smile, kissing her forehead.

With haste, I walked through the long hall, coming to a sudden stop. Turning to my left, I faced the blue wall before me. I raised my arm, and exerted aura onto my hand, pressing my palm against the cold surface.

When I did, a rectangular, lavender rift appeared before me. Taking a step in, I entered a large room. Which basically looked like an extremely small house. Withholding a living room with a couple of cushioned couches. Then a kitchen on my left, a stove with granite counters encasing it. Plus a few white cabinets above.

In the living area, three separate rooms were side-by-side. Me and my husband’s, Sin’s, and Melluna’s. This is a small pocket dimension I created years ago, something Rellgis asked me to make. Just in case anything was to transpire. Like what’s happening now as example. Although it’s not the most luxurious or comfy, it’ll make do. Still, this isn’t the actual plan Rellgis has in mind. This place is only used for any unexpected crisis.

I’d rather not retreat into the dimensional highway, leaving Rellgis behind. But if it’s for the safety of my children, I’ll do whatever it takes.

Advancing to one of the couches, Melluna tugged the sleeve of my dress, “mommy, is Sin-Sin, Tenko, and Daddy gonna be ok?” She pondered, her plum-colored eyes staring at me with worry.

I sat her down on the couch and rubbed her head, “of course they will Luna. They’ll be back before you know it.”

“Ok!” She cheered.

For a strange reason, I’m happy she’s so innocent. Not grasping the dire situation at hand. I couldn’t bear to watch her cry about a war. Or the possibility of her coming into harm. I want her to grow a life different from my own – fighting and killing others when I was about her age…

“Do you want any food Luna?” I asked, tickling her neck.

“Yes please!”

I nodded and exited the small room. Doing so, I turned around and placed my hand on the portal. Using my spatial kinetics, I reinforced the entire area, just for extra precaution.

But honestly…I’m trying so hard to remain calm and keep a cool composure. All this anxiety feels like a paper-thin tower, with a giant boulder atop of it. The vexation of having to worry about my son and Tenko…

But I need to have hope…hope that Rellgis will save them, and they’ll come back to us. So our family won’t be separated from each other.

After I finished barricading the room, I discerned a knock from my door. Which caused me to become extremely perturbed. ‘Who would be knocking on my door at such a time??’ I warily asked myself.

Promptly, I lifted my hand and activated my spatial kinetics once more, creating a make-shift peek-hole of my own. Having full view of my entire front porch, my brows raised from this. Coming to see Savitra at my doorstep.

Instead of going to open the door, I made her body glow in lavender, teleporting her before me. Since she’s so used to it by now, Savitra wasn’t affected by my action.

Taking note of her facial expression, she looked troubled. “Savitra, what’s the matter? Did Crim already return? Where is he?” I hastily asked.

Savitra’s brows furrowed, her lips wriggling anxiously as her brown eyes continued to shift around me. “He’s fine…Val. Crim’s at home for now.”—She moved forward, setting her hands on my shoulders— “L-Listen Val, there’s something I need to tell you…” Savitra hesitantly expressed.

Just as I was about to question her, I perceived Melluna’s childish laughs, sounding from the safe room. Causing my mind to swirl in waters of puzzlement.

“Hehehe, Ni-Ni!”

“Hahaha, its Nitanz silly…Ni-Tanz.”

Clearly hearing that name…and that woman’s voice. My body began to hysterically shiver as I took meager steps towards the room.

Walking through the portal, my eyes caught sight of a pretty woman seated on the couch. Silver hair in two braids with watermelon-colored eyes, keeping a smile on her face. Having my daughter seated on her lap, combing her fingers through Melluna’s hair.

It felt as if something was wrenching my vocal cords from speaking a single word. I could only move forward slowly as my body continued to tremble in horror.

To put it simply, this woman is the epitome of a monstrosity. The pressure she’s emanating is anything but tranquil. Her power rival’s my own father…maybe stronger than he is. It seemed like I walked right into the gates of hell. I can’t raise a finger, or oppose her either, she has my daughter right in her grasp.

Nitanz’ piercing eyes focused onto me, releasing a welcoming wave. “~Hellooo Ms. Valentine. I must say, your daughter is the most precious thing I’ve ever encountered. She’s sooo adorable~” Nitanz merrily expressed, giving Melluna a hug.

“P-Please…” I faintly spoke. “Can I ha-have my daughter?” I pleaded, raising my arms to her.

“Of course darling. I wouldn’t separate this child from her mommy.” Nitanz chuckled, erecting to her feet. Coming to find out that she wasn’t any taller than me. The same petite height as myself. Now that I’m thoroughly observing her too, she seems, younger than me…

Just how old is this woman?

Nitanz approached me, cradling Melluna in her arms. After she handed her to me, I firmly held my daughter closely. ‘How did she even manage to pinpoint exactly where we are? This place should be undetectable from others…’ I asked myself, until I noticed another presence behind me, which answered my question.

The only people who knows that this place exists are my closest friends. Khufu, Nefertiti, Raine, Audrey, and…Savitra, standing behind me.

Nitanz chuckled, “well hi Savitra…glad you could make it.”

I turned around, staring a Savitra. Her face drowning in cold sweat as she verted her gaze onto the wooden floor. My mouth gaped open, “…why…?” I quietly questioned.

But she only ignored my words, closing her eyes…

“Valentine.” Nitanz called me in a monotonous tone.

Rotating back to her, chills flowed through my back, deeming to make my spine rattle like a snake. Her vicious, keen eyes were more than enough to tell me what she intends to do. “Darling, I insist you come back with me. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to cause any unnecessary problems, correct?”

I fretfully nodded; I can’t allow anything to harm Melluna. But why is Nitanz targeting us specifically? What’s the reason behind this?

Nitanz smiled, coating all our bodies in purple. In an instant, we teleported into a giant throne room, inanimate objects sheathed in nothing but crimson.

“Welcome to the sixth planet, Maurve.” Nitanz expressed, sitting on her throne with her legs crossed, her hands placed on her thighs. But I noticed a man on his knees next to her, blindfolded with a cloth in his mouth. His hands and ankles chained together. Having short, ivory-colored hair that grazed his forehead. Wearing tattered clothes covered in blood, deep gashes all over his body.

All I could do was simply turn Melluna’s head from him, pulling her onto my chest.

Also, it’s just as we thought. She probably controls both fifth and sixth planets. But the name ‘Maurve’, it’s the same as the beings who lived on the four kingdoms millions of years ago…how did they manage to seek refuge here?

“Before I explain the situation to you sweetie. Do you know who this man is?” Nitanz questioned. “I believe this traitors name is Myer Gaeratt?”

If I recall correctly, that’s the nobleman Principal Zynsim had informed me and Rellgis about…the one who supposedly has a vendetta against Skysin.

Nitanz smiled, “good, judging by your face, it seems you do.”—She stood, descending the stairs with a graceful walk— “This man is the reason why the planet has been attacked. Giving me great information about the inside of Vaim, wonderful…right?”

Over something so small? Just because he hated my son after what his own had done to Nirvana. How simple minded could this man possibly be? Going to such lengths all for revenge, that simply can’t be the truth.

Nitanz continued, “well, that’s somewhat the truth…”—She shook her head— “To be honest, there were other traitors of your kingdom as well. Mr. Myer’s here only wanted to get rid of the, ‘commoners’, from that little school. I simply used his motivation to deceive him, including the other worthless idiots who basically had the same thought in mind. But…I’m sure they’re all having a beautiful afterlife, rotting in hell, just like Mr. Myer’s will later, hehehe.”

“W-Why are you telling me this information??” I pondered.

Nitanz merely giggled, advancing to me, standing only a foot from myself, our height practically the same. “Because…this brings me to my next question, Ms. Valentine.”—She tilted her head, tapping her cheek with her finger— “Do you have any idea why I brought you here?”

Truthfully, I didn’t know the purpose as to why. But it’s obvious that we’re going to be held hostage. The only person who really comes to mind is Savitra. In addition, this means Crim probably betrayed the kingdom as well. Still though, I don’t know anyone else who I could possibly figure.

Until a certain man appeared in my thoughts. He seemed bothered by something, after Skysin had returned home from his incident. Plus, the way he acted when Nirvana informed us about Vaim being attacked. “R-Rellgis…?” I answered in a questionable tone.

“Bingo!” Nitanz cheered. When she was about to explain, she pointed her finger at Melluna. I quickly recoiled, turning her away from Nitanz. But I came to notice she was in a deep slumber.

“Relax…I promise, I didn’t hurt her, I simply knocked her unconscious with my vital that I had placed on her earlier…I’m sure you don’t want her to hear this news, no?” Nitanz explained.

I grew perplexed from her explanation, a feeling of tension in my heart, a sensation like it was about to explode. “W-What do you mean?? What happened to my family?!”

“Rellgis is dead.”

It seemed as if her words had grazed my brain and went out the other ear, trying to digest this information. My legs started to wobble, like my bones weren’t inside my body. I paused; my breathing had ceased. My lungs imprisoning air as I mindlessly stared at this woman’s emotionless face. “N-No…you’re lying…he couldn’t have died.”

“I have no reason to lie, Valentine. To tell the truth, I’ve conversated with your husband, approximately, three months ago. The night Skysin returned to your house. I asked the stubborn man to join me, along with your family being safe. But he denied, and instead, asked me to bring you and your daughter here, safe from harm. I must say, usually, maggots bend to my will without question. Quite the respectable man he is, to not betray his country, so I granted his wishes.”

I couldn’t help but fall to my knees. My husband…Rellgis, the man I loved with every fiber of my being, is dead? Unconsciously, I could feel tears drip from my chin, watching the clear liquid smack the crimson rug under me. “W-what about Skysin? Tenko? Where are they??”

“Skysin and my younger brother are alive, but- “Please! Bring them here! I-I beg you…please…” I desperately asked, tugging on the skirt of her vermillion dress.

Still keeping an indifferent expression, looking down on me with her hands clasped behind her back. “That’s the other information, Valentine. Rellgis told me to leave them to fend for their selves.”—She chuckled— “Apparently, your husband believes Skysin will be the one to kill me – like that’ll happen,” Nitanz rolled her eyes.

Just as I was about to rebut, Nitanz lifted her hand. “Savitra darling. Take Valentine and Melluna to their quarters. I have other business to finish.” She ordered, turning to stare at Myer’s with a sadistic grin.

A body of orange flames appeared beside me, phasing out to be Savitra. She took a deep bow and placed her hand on my shoulder.

As fire materialized, obstructing my vision, I came to meet a giant, luxurious living room. A leather sofa placed by the red wall. On my right, a large kitchen with black, marble counters and a stove. Behind me, a short hall with two separate rooms, parallel from each other.

Immediately, I stood and carried Melluna down the hall, making a right into a large room, with an elegant, canopy-like bed with red curtains draped on its side. I walked towards it and laid Melluna down, tucking her under the blanket.

After I did, I advanced through the hall once more, standing before Savitra…who was keeping her head down as her arms trembled.

When Savitra finally gazed up, staring at me, “V-Val, I-*SLAP*

I ran my palm across her face, resounding a brittle echo throughout the entire room. All this rage had finally constructed. Being held hostage against my wishes, my husband has died…and my own son must fend for his self, from whatever calamitous war will transpire in time.

“What is wrong with you Savitra?” I glowered with a venomous hiss. “Why would you betray us?? I cared for you as my own sister for all these years…Rellgis trusted you with his life. Skysin loved you as if you were his actual aunt… AND YOU DO THIS?!! What the hell possessed you to do such a thing?!”

Tears began to run down Savitra’s cheeks as her face cringed in sorrow. “I-I didn’t want to…it shattered me thinking about my parents disappearing. I thought they had abandoned me, just like Rellgis. Then, I lost Sedreen, my own husband, I was basically broken for so long…trying to stay strong for Crim. Until Sedreen appeared with Nitanz, o-our family could be back together…just how it was supposed to be. But it had grown into this…I didn’t want Rellgis to die, nor did I want to betray any of you. It was simply out of my power…”

Savitra lowered, sitting on her knees and bowed, “I-I know you won’t forgive me. But I’m sorry Valentine…I’m so sorry…”

I was caught in a daze from this…Sedreen’s alive? But Rellgis said he was killed. What type of kinetics does this woman Nitanz have? Was she the one Rellgis and Sedreen had fought before? Did Sedreen…kill Rellgis?

Quantities of questions need to be answered, but for now… “Savitra leave.” I uttered, turning myself away from her, walking into the kitchen. Without a word, Savitra altered into a body of flames, disappearing in a flash.

There’s just too much happening at once, my mind can’t handle it. I took a deep, feeble breath, and stared at the cabinets above me for a second. Eagerly, I began searching for the one thing, that could possibly help me alleviate myself at times like this.

As I continued, I found a cabinet on the left of me, withholding masses of bottles of luscious wine. Wildly, I began snatching a few as my hands continued to rapidly quiver, not even worried about a glass.

Popping a bottle open filled with grape colored alcohol. I neglected a sip, taking a long, yawning gulp, relishing the bitter, yet sweet acidic essence. Glancing at my reflection from the glass. I couldn’t help but finally bawl like a child.

The uselessness that I felt before, conjured in me once more. My husband is now deceased, and I couldn’t do a single thing to help him. I can’t embrace my own son anymore, kiss him goodnight, or tell him how much I love him.

I can only protect my daughter, praying that Skysin and Tenko can survive for what’s to come…

*****