Chapter 3: Stitches

{ Previously...}

Sigh, okay... let's do this. I sigh internally and prepare myself mentally. Although still unsure how to approach, or how to even begin preparing for this. I know I have to do my best, my family is my reason and that's all I need.

Chapter 3: Stitches

{4 Parts, Longer form}

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1 month ahead in the Sypsis

[Part: Settling in]

The days to return to Earth are slowly approaching, and I have gotten quite used to my new body.. I've learnt to survive in this place they call Sypsis, with the help of Penelope of course. Including a couple other unique creatures that have also been people and different creatures reincarnated into this dimension.

I've learnt a few interesting things in Sypsis, like how their moon is not white, atleast not entirely, it has a pinkish hue and they call it the Regent. Their sun also is drastically different from Earth, they call it Muse. I've heard a couple phrases like, Muse shines brighter today, doesn't it? Eventually I began to ask and realized they meant, their sun. It's even different In appearance, much like the moon. It's appears like a more prominent star in the sky during the day, apparently it's trillions or maybe even more light years away from this planet. I haven't asked anything about the astrological facts in this place. But these are only a couple of interesting things I've come to learn during my time here.

Another I have learnt is, Penelope is not a deer she is a Jude. Apparently it's similar to a deer, only difference is their spots glow in the dark and they can only speak during the night time. During the day, they talk through a mind link, them and other creatures. I've also learnt fish here is called a Pho, Birds here also looks unusual. Their larger predators, and they're also not called birds! I felt so out of place but now I've come to settle in.. So much so I think Earth might even end up seeming like the odd one once I return.

I've been thinking about how I should approach this unfortunate situation I got myself entangled in.. Thinking of how to even begin the procedure of this mission. I was merely a teacher during my past life, I used to hold the responsibility of my students' futures and now I hold the entire universes' future Including the lives of every single existing being! It's a lot to bear for one person like me..

But if as they say, I was chosen.. I'm sure it's for a reason, perhaps I'm more capable than I give myself credit for. Well I'm not too ecstatic about returning to Earth, I won't be there to see my son or my husband either.. All I wonder now is how they are.. and if their taking the grief atleast a little better.

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A month ago, while Reida was still in Roteris

[Part: Letting go]

{3rd Person POV}

The heart monitor continues to beep as John remains restless. Raya's mother watches over baby Hugo who's sleeping soundly beside his Raya's bed. John stares hopeful at Raya laying down in bed, tied to tubes and wires.

Please be okay, love.. Please try... He thought to himself as he fights his grieving heart who wishes for him to find a faster way to save her, no matter the risk. But he knows to stay rational, him knowing he can't possibly do anything to make the situation better. In his mental state, scattered an all, he might do more harm than good. And he'd rather bet on the expertise of medics and doctors than himself to save her as of now.

The heart monitor suddenly beeps rapidly, Raya's finger twitches and she shakes vigorously. John became highly alert and called for the nurses and doctor immediately. Raya's mother immediately rushes to Raya's bed unsure how to help, holding back her tears as she trembles, her hands reaching out wanting to hold her daughters hand and tell her it's okay, it's going to be okay.. even if she knew it won't.. a mother always knows don't they?

"PLEASE ITS MY WIFE, SHE'S HAVING A SEIZURE!" John pleads as he shouts for help. Nurses came rushing in and escorded John, Raya's mother and little Hugo out of the room. Raya's mother holds sleeping Hugo I'm her arms silently praying that she will be okay. John stands frozen, with his ruffled jet black hair and dark under eyes, trying to make sense of the situation, feeling hopeless. He slowly turns around and sits on one the row of steel chairs byInfront of the room, and stares at the tiles silently.

{John's POV}

Is this it?.. is this really how it's going to end.. I want to be there, hold her hand tell her it's okay now. It hurts but she no longer needs to try if she can't. Tell her we all love her a lot, and that I hope she can wait for me. Promise her to see her again after I've raised our son and made sure he grew up to be a dignified and respectful man with a good future and support. But, is it too late?

I think pained by my own thoughts. Entangled in my wave of thoughts, worry hits me like a tsunami and I feels a sense of warmth crawl down my body as I eventually accepts the worst possible outcome. While still managing to leave a bit of hope that maybe, if allowed by the gods, she will be okay. Fighting my own sorrow, and detaching myself from my own selfish wishes, I sat there blank with my head in my palms with a shakey breath.

"John.." Catherine, Raya's mother breaks the silence. With pain and worry laced in her words, she spoke. "She.. she won't leave us right? My daughter is a fighter, she's strong. She always has been.. She won't.." she trails off, choking on her own cries. "She won't give up that easily.. Right?.." she asks with a strained voice as she cradles baby Hugo in her arms.

"Auntie... Let's prepare for the worst-" I said, wanting to choke on my own words as it left my mouth. Catherine cuts me off, "You're giving up?! Just like that? John, do you even love my daughter? Because I'm doubting every ounce of that so called love you have for her. How can you just let go-" I clench my fist as I avoided her angry gaze, "I'M SAYING THIS BECAUSE THAT'S HOW MUCH I LOVE HER" I spoke aloud and cut her off, as every word that she lets out feels like a dagger being twisted on my chest. "HOW!-" she proceeds to shout, attempting to overlap my voice but I remain presistant. "BECAUSE I CAN'T BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HER IN PAIN CATHERINE, I'LL HANDLE THE PAIN, I'LL HANDLE RAISING HUGO, I'LL HANDLE THE BURN THAT I FEEL IN MY CHEST, IF IT MEANS SHE'LL BE FREE OF THE PAIN. SHE DOESN'T HAVE TO TRY, NOT FOR ME, NOT FOR US. I..." I trail off as I felt like I dropped boulders off my chest. "I.. just want the best for her Catherine... I can't bear the thought of her holding on to a thin thread just so we won't be hurt, so we won't have to mourn. I know she wants to be here with us, as much as we do, maybe even more. But if it's nearly impossible, painful for her, I want her to know she no longer needs to suffer like that just for us.. For once, just this once.. Let herself be selfish.. She's always been out to help others, walking on egg shells for other people. Just this once I hope she does what is best for her.. Because that's how much I love you daughter Auntie.. more than my own.." I continue as my voice strains, my throat feels like sand, dry as I continue to hold back my tears, and lower my tone of voice. Every word bleeds through my lips, and I resent the very selfish feeling of wishing she'd keep fighting, guessing the state she's in as of this moment.

We remain in the awkward silence, but once again broken by the tears of the now awoken Hugo. I sigh and massage my temple, I stood up drowsy, feeling my legs wishing to give out as the emotions overtake me. I walk over to Catherine pacing, humming, I offer my arms over keeping my gaze upon Hugo and daring not to look towards Catherine who's probably in much more pain that I am. She is her mother, she has every right to feel that way, probably more than I do..

I cradle our child, hoping, and praying to the gods to be strong enough. We hear a click, the doors open and the nurses walk out with a saddened expression. From then on, I knew what Raya had decided. I've prepared myself to accept it, but even then the pain washes over me. Feeling my chest tighten, I take a deep breath, I exhale a shakey breath as I feel my hands wish to give way, trembling. "I'm sorry.. Mr. Collin, Mrs. Kieth, her time of death 8:37 pm.", Catherine shoves herself through the door and the nurse and doctor gave way, knowing very well her pain and shock. I stay still standing outside the room, Catherine's painful scream echoes through the hall. "NO!.. no no no... R-Raya-" her voice, strained and pained. Her wails can be heard, and it feels like a bullet has been shot through chest. I knew very well she needed closure as of now, and I can't be the one to give that to her, atleast not now. She needs to handle this pain on her own, she's just that kind of person. She won't listen to anyone's advice, she's incredibly independent. Never taking it upon herself to depend on others, atleast not all the time.

I free an arm to grab my phone and call our relatives to unveil the news. I walk away from her room, feeling a sense of detachment as I walk away. Wanting to stop and stay, hold her hand, tell her how I'm proud of her for trying, how much I love her. But I won't interfere for now, she needs her family first.

I dial all the family members I could contact and asked to spread the news. Others can't arrive to he hospital but promised to fund for the funeral, I thank them for their generosity. I cradles Hugo in my arms, who is once again asleep soundly. I stroke his cheeks, feeling a tingle as I do. I Daydream of Raya standing infront of us, at the end of the empty hospital hall, smiling at us lovingly. I mouth the words I love you, before she disappears before me. Tears cloud my vision as I let my emotions seep through. I sob silently, standing in the middle of the hall, my fingers being held gently by our Hugo.

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The day when Demetris sent her to Sypsis

[Part: One last wish]

The light engulfs, and my thought became flooded with all my cherished memories, with my family my husband and my friends.

I thought of one last thing, I wish to see them.. just once

I find myself feeling a chill, I open my eyes and I see myself standing at the end of an empty hall. As I look forward, and my vision begins to adjust clearly, I see my husband holding a baby. Our baby, I feel a heavy pang of pain in my chest. Is that?.. I thought to myself, and I feel a sense of joy and contentedness. I smile lovingly towards my husband as I see his eyes look towards me. Hoping he sees me, for some reason no words came out of my mouth. Yet I just felt extremely happy, I smiled heart warmingly. I see his eyes turn red, he mouthed the words, I love you and I felt myself detach from him. The light once again takes me in, and I close my eyes.

As I open them, I find myself laying on grass.. Now elsewhere, physically feeling the surface. A new life to live.

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Earth's Lilith, Lady Killer, Zara Sphinx.

Lost immortal prince, Kaiden Withara.

[Part: Introduction]

{Other POV}

"Who shall I be, what can I change. What could be my destiny?.."

Curdling screams of War.. swords clashing onto each other... Under a foggy atmosphere, bodies laid all over the ground..

"Look what you have done! Look at the bodies, of those who suffered." A she, shouted. "These people, fought for their nation. Fought for survival. Yet.. Because of your pathetic need for vengeance. These lives that lay before us, paid the price." She once again, shouted.

"The lives of these people, would have not been wasted, if only you stood your ground and surrendered. If only you admitted you were wrong! This was all your fault." Another she, has answered. Emphasizing.

"I never did what you accused me of! Why would I? Don't you know me enough-" the other, cut her off. "No. No I dont.", coldly responding.

She clenched the handle of her sword, as she then threw it on the ground. It leaving a clanging sound as it hit the soil. "I.." she started off, "I surrender" she continued as her voice breaks through the very sentence she despises to ever say. She fell onto her knees, as a lone tear fall onto her cheek.

The other, lifted her sword onto the air and, she swung it downwards, but then-

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The piercing sound of an arrow through the wind, til it goes into a tree bark. The beautiful sounds of nature, the songs of the birds through the warm breeze. Along with slight rays of sun peaking through the leaves.

"Hey" a deep feminine voice interrupts. The archer flinched and aimed the bow where the sound came from. "Woah, it's just me!" They woman spoke with a chuckle. The archer sighed, "Gosh, thankfully it was only you Zara. I could've shot you! I thought I was some sort fo ambush" the archer then said.

"Relax, training again Jas?" Zara then spoke. "Yeah, I need to prove myself to our leader for him to choose me." Jas replied.

"Don't tell me this is about the annual Jaza festival?" Zara groaned. "Yes! It is the choosing of assassin's, warriors and archers from different clans to train. I've been longing to prove my Clan's strength. If I don't, I would end up being a disappointment" She utters as she emphasizies that she could be one of the chosen archers.

"No you will not! Just trust yourself and do your best. Even if you get chosen or not, never stop believing yourself." Zara then lectured Jasmine. "Well, I need to train as well. But most certainly not for the festival." Zara explained. "Yeah sure sure", Zara then walked through the path til she reached a training ground she made near an abandoned cabin which she made her own. She set up the decoys and proceeded to choose a weapon of her choice from a wooden table.

She picked up a pocket knife, and started to swiftly throwing it onto the target. She hit a head shot. She gave a cheeky grin as she picked up a dagger, she proceeded to activate her wooden mechanism of moving decoys. She swiftly ran through the field and grazed a part of the decoy. Her dagger left a mark onto the throat of the decoy.

She practiced for a few minutes til she hears rusting of leaves. She grabbed an arrow from the table, once a silhouette was present she threw the arrow til it missed by a centimeter and pierced through the wind. The person froze, zara slowly realized who it was. "Dad!?" She exclaimed. "Wow... Honey, you almost killed your own father.." he stutters. She ran towards him and gave him a tight hug. "When did you come back? And I'm so sorry for that, you didn't have to scare me like that!" She then complained.

Her father hugged her in return as he placed his hand on her back patting it gently. "It seems you're working hard for the Jaza festival?" He mentions. "No, ofcourse not. I don't want to join some pathetic festival." She groans. "Oh, wait really?" The dad awkwardly says as he lets go of her and scratches the back of his head. "Dad??" Zara then proceeded to tease him. "What did you do?" She asked. "I.. might've signed you up for it-" , "What!?" She shouted in shock. "Dad are you serious?" She asked in shock. "Yes.. im sorry honey! You loved the idea of being an assassin since you were a kid so I figured you wouldn't mind" he explained with a warm expression. "I know dad. But I mean you should've told me first" Zara then proceeded to gradually lower her tone. She sighs, "guess I have no choice" she groans. "That's my daughter!" Her father exclaimed in joy. She sighed, with a grin as her father hugged her tight once again.

A few days later, she was walking along the forest path. Entering one of the villages, Jasmine pounced at her in excitement. Zara immediately flipped her over and almost twisting her arm as a threat. "WAIT" jas shouted in fear, "it's just me Zizi!" She shouted anxiously. Zara hit a realization and let go of jasmine. "You have to stop that, I almost hurt you" Zara proceeded to lecture jasmine, visibly worried. "Well.. I guess we are even now then?" Jasmine responded.

They both chuckled, they walked together roaming the village. "But seriously, you should sign up for the Jaza festival. You would seriously kill it! I'm sure you'd get picked somehow." Jasmine cheerfully explained. "I don't even have to, my dad already signed me up for it." She mentioned with a sound of disappointment. "Really!" Her friend exclaimed in joy.

"Okay seriously, how can you be the best Archer I have ever known yet also the most humblest and kindest person I have ever known. You seriously give off the vibe like you cant even kill a mosquito." Zara said with a grin. "Oh I know, it's my charm." Jasmine said in a cheeky way. While walking a random civilian bumped into jasmine, "oh

Sorry" jasmine said humbly. "Watch where you're going clown face." The guy said rudely. "That is the most mediocre insult I have ever heard." Zara said with laugh. "And who are you? You wouldn't wanna know what I can do to girls like you." He proceeds to respond with pride. Zara lost her smirk, "I just might be the one to break your jaw so you won't be able to talk so disrespectfully to us again." She threatens him with a cold glare.

"Like you petite girls can do any damage to a guy like me-" he was cut off by the swift movement in the air, all of a sudden his head was locked in Zara's arms as she holds a blade close to a vital spot. The guy fell silent, "can't we?.." she said coldy, slightly grazing the blade through his skin teasing him with a threat. "She said sorry, I think we better move on before it gets messy. Don't underestimate us." She says coldy as she shoved him forward. Zara nods onto jasmine and as jasmine walked towards Zara, she stopped midway and kicked the guy in the leg. "Trust me, you're lucky that is all we did." She says with a glare. She then follows Zara and they left, leaving the guy onto the ground as a crowd stares into the scene descending.

As they descend from the scene, Zara finally broke the silence. "Gosh, I hate men like him. So corrupted, such high ego and pride" she proceeded to speak with disgust tracing all over those very words. "Girl you were amazing there!" Jasmine finally grew a smile.

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{Other POV}

"Another part of you.. a person who also wishes for change. But together, what can we change?"

Sound of water dripping breaking a thin layer to the silence. Glimmering light shining from crystals, reflecting onto a beautifully crystal clear water. Reveals a silhouette of a tall man with quite long hair tied up into a low ponytail. A man with no weapon whatsoever standing silently as he emerges from the waterfall. He walks with barely any emotion, and walks into a sort of portal that leads into a forest.

A forest at the bottom of mount Idara. A mountain that mentioned to be a big part of a famous Clan's history, the Withara Clan. Yet it is still unclear why the clan seems to always keep their history a mystery. A tall young man walks out of the portal, the grass rustling as he walks mindlessly.

He walks through the forest til he reaches a house in the middle of it. It was made of wood, yet looked luxurious. He walked inside the empty house. The silence was agonizing. He sat flipping through the pages of books, all of a sudden a bright light shines behind him. A Mysterious woman came forth, " My son, your father is calling to you. It seems to be an urgent clan meeting, you must go" the lady spoke with elegancy. She walked as her steps broke the layer fo silence. He barely flinched all the while, unbothered. "Son, please. You have been living in this wretched place for a long time. You have never visited us." His mother pleaded.

"He is not my father Delilah." He finally responded, coldly. "How dare you? You know I don't like it when you call me by name. Have you lost respect for your mother Kaiden?" His mother spoke furiously. "Just go. I dont wish to go and you cannot force me" he once again spoke. "Was that supposed to be a threat?" His mother said frustrated.

She gave a heavy sigh, she sat down with her son on the couch. "Look honey, I know how much you love you father. But it's been. 90 years my son, he is long gone" his mother attempted to say soothingly. He clenched his teeth together, "well I'm sorry but in this family 90 years is like 5 years. It hasn't been that long, so to me it is still very much raw." He finally spoke, with a hint of frustration. "Kaiden my son..", "no mom, please. I need a rest." He responded coldy as he stood up and walked out the door silently.

* Just a normal day, wasn't it? *

"A special change, a new journey up the mountains."

"Good day civilians!" The echo of a man's voice vibrates around the air. "May I kindly call out to the Jaza festival's participants!".

Zara grungy, walked towards the host, she looks around the village's open area. Leaves from tress falling down slowly. She saw her dad, he was proudly smiling at her. It gave her courage and warmed her heart. "Only three of the 20 participants will be chosen for today's festival, so I sure hope you all are ready!" The host excitingly announces.

Let the festival begin, joyful music plays in the background as dancers came from behind the host and began a Grand opening dance for the festival. The music faded soon enough and the dancers descended. "Now! The first to receive a special training reward shall be.." the silence was agonizing for Jasmine and Zara. They held each other's hands squeezing it reassuringly as they faced the crowd. Afraid to disappoint their parents. "Keith Evergreen! From the Serpent Clan." The host announced as the man came forth and bowed with a big prideful grin. "Second to Keith is.. Jasmine Weaver! From the Pierce Clan." The anxiousness of all participants began to be more visible. "The last participant is... Guenther Orion! From the Vainer Clan." She grew disappointment in her heart. She saw her father lose the glimmer in his eyes. But gave a reassuringly sweet smile to her. When the participants finally came down, she walked to her father limping in disappointment. "Don't feel sad sweetheart, I know you're only doing this for me okay?" He said reassuringly as he kissed her forehead.

They walked away as her father placed a loving arm towards her. As they were walking back, Jasmine came running towards her. "Hey, I'm really sorry. I don't know how I even got in? Like you're much more efficient in this job than me." Jasmine said. "No, no. You deserve it! You can finally prove your clan leader your worth." Zara responded reassuring her friend. "All chosen participants follow me" the host announces. "Alright I got to go, stay safe bestie!" She then said.

While Zara and her father walked home. She was determined, she thought to herself,

what was I thinking? I don't need a festival to prove my strength or my worth. All I need is a little training..

She worked hard for months, til she became what can be known as the most skillful assassin. She, was a self made woman. And she was proud of it. Her best friend became an incredibly famous archer, her best friend fought alongside in battles. While Zara is one to fight off the rogues that enter the village. Eventually she build an image for herself. She disguises herself wearing a long dark blue cloak, and a cloth as mask. She was then on known as Lilith, the Devil Woman...

"Zizi, you resemble Zephyr very much.." her father whispered with a smile. "Who is Zephyr dad?" She asked while sharpening her dagger. "She, is our Clan's founder.." her father then on explained.

"So, was it ever known why we're called The Sphinx? Or atleast where it came from" She asked curiously, as she put her sharpened dagger down the wooden table, and leaned over a bit prepping to listen to her dad's upcoming tale.

The story of Zephyr

"Well, you see. Many centuries ago, there was a woman. Named Clemente Judera, her name meant, mercy. She was an incredibly intellectual woman, and skillful and various fighting skills. She already admired her father, and secretly trained in their backyard every night. But when her father found out, he didn't approve of it. Apparently, her father claimed that it wasn't very lady like.

She hated that to her very core. She then worked harder, and very much like you, made something of herself. She became known as Zephyr, the merciless.

She fought rogues off, til she was noticed by her Clan's leader, Guseppe Judera. He forbid her to ever go outdoors again, she was frustrated. She felt restricted.

But that night, a tragedy occured. She was grumbling in her room, she felt incomplete. As of she lost a big part of herself that she worked hard for. She felt a tingle in her body as her anger grew when her parents locked her in her room. She felt a tingling sensation in her fingers..

All of a sudden lighting were at her fingertips. When she turned to the mirror, her eyes were bright light. She screamed in her horror. Her parents barged into her room, and out of fear accidentally released the lighting form her fingers and burnt her parents to death. She was horrified of her powers. She ran away into the forest outside their village. And never came back.

She stayed there for 2 whole years. She eventually got a hang of her powers. She found out that she could create items with her lighting. She was able to make a lighting sword, shield and dagger. Which took form in normal objects. But had extreme level of strength and durability. She built a small cabin in the middle of the forest near a cliff.

One day, she was exploring the forestt til she saw a really tall mountain. Unlike any mountain she has ever seen before. She came back to her cabin and packed some essentials as she knew it would be a long climb. She decided to climb the mountain, she spent atleast a week just climbing that one mountain. Stopping at safe destinations. Once she reached the tip, it was surprisingly bearably cold. The tip of the mountain had visible snow on it and strong wind. Later on she heard a whisper, "Evira..." Whispering again and again til it gradually got louder. She closed her ears, but the sounds remain. She shouted, "STOP!". All of a sudden, the silence came through. She looked around, and the voice was gone. A bright light showed up in the sky, "i sense your purity sister.. you must remember .." a female voice proceeded to speak as it echoes through the atmosphere. "Who are you?" Zephyr asks. "You must remember" the voice said before the light and it gradually faded away. "Wait!" Zephyr shouted, but it already disappeared.

Zephyr was said to avoid what ever had happened after that day. But it was said that she has strived to become stronger and wiser, she was given the name Sphinx as an honorable resemblance to her merciless ways to fight injustice and resilience. Then she forever became known, as Zephyr Sphinx, Clemente Judera forever left in the shadows of the past.

---------------------------------------------------------- "The present, where secrets that were buried crave to resurface"

"No one really knows what happens then, but all I know is that we of her bloodline are whom she hoped would carry glory in her name. And prove that strength do not only come from man, it also came from women. Both share incredibly different and unique attributes that should be appreciated by both sides. And so we, as she was, was called Sphinx as a Sphinx was known to be Merciless and treacherous much like her. As she wished we would bring justice to the injustice that was brought to her." Her father then ended the story. He smiled softly as he noticed that Zara was already sleeping peacefully on their wooden table. "Your mother very much hoped that you'd bring glory to us as well.. you never disappointed us Zizi. Me and your mother love you very much..

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{ End of Chapter }

*Zara and Kaiden POV's transfered*

For the next few chapters I'd be transferring texts from previous pre written chapters, from the book where Zara and Kaiden came from. If interested they came from the book Rose of a sphinx, unfinished left with only four published chapters. Rose of a Sphinx is my most recent book before Legacy of the Greats so it is the only book plot that won't be altered drastically. Otherwise, everything else would be modified.

Word count: 5078

Author: Hayven Averdine