The First Contact [1]

The rows of Angel, mixed with the 3rd and 2nd Sphere, stood ready. The golden portal shimmered around the window which showed the chalky wasteland. Cedric, Raguel, and Octavia stood ready with Fortuna.

This was the turning point. Once Chrunus was dead and the Divine Realm was cleansed, Christianity would finally have a real foothold in this Godless world. 

The Supreme trio would let the flood of Angels enter the divine realm, then Archangels would follow, and finally, Greater and Supreme Angels would make their presence known.

"Lord Cedric! I have fulfilled my promise. The way is open; once inside, you shall find yourself inside my domain, or at least what remains of it. I beg of you, once more. Please do not harm the goddesses... they are innocent."

Cedric stepped forward, his gaze strict. He peered into Fortuna's eyes.

"If they do not stand in my way, they will have a chance to embrace the truth. I have already shown restraint for letting you interact with us, did I not?" Cedric cracked a smile as he stepped forward with his escorts.

Fortuna reached out towards Cedric before she pulled back her hand; she had no choice but to trust him. She had already surrendered herself to this chance; it was not time to fail.

A gentle hand landed on Fortuna's shoulder. "Fortuna, Father is merciful to those who bend the knee. As long as your sisters know not to stand in his way... they will be safe." Sophia reassured her.

She knew that many would be terrified of Father's legions. Yet from her own experience, Father was truly kind and forgiving, as proven by his willingness not to eradicate Elise. She let go of Fortuna before she moved closer to Elise, her gaze snapped to her new 'girlfriend.'

Elise was a sweet girl, and now that she was redeemed, she truly beamed with light. However, she insisted that they should get into a relationship. While Sophia was unsure if it was wise, in the end, she had decided to indulge eager Angel.

Her gaze then traveled down Elise's wings. The bashful Angel tried to hide them, yet she could not hide from Sophia. They were stained white.

"Elise? What did you do to your wings?!" Sophia rushed to Elise before grabbing her by the shoulders. She then turned her around. Her hands caressed the edges of white, stained wings as her eyes widened.

"I... Wanted them to look like yours... but it seems the paint was not permanent... I am sorry!" Her wings tried to flutter, yet Sophia gripped them tightly as she inspected them. Her eyes widened as she rubbed the paint.

"Elise! You know you can't do it this way!" Her wings and hands wrapped around the girl.

"Not all Angels will invade the divine realm, Elise. I will be staying behind with Usiel, Ayil and two more principalities to guard the gate. Once Father enters, I will clean your wings. Please do not do it again, it hurts my heart..." Sophia wiped off her tears.

Elise's hands shook as she pounced into Sophia's embrace. "I promise... I won't, I just wanted to be pretty like you. I thought you would like me more."

Sophia stared at her with disbelief, "You are someone who was granted redemption by the Father, you are an Angel despite your wings being stained by sin."

"We could ask Father to cleanse you... But I know that process would hurt a lot." Sophia gripped Elise's wrist. "While you bear a stain of sin, it is merely surface level; inside, you are a kind and virtuous girl. It is not necessary to experience pain any more than you already did."

"You don't dislike my black wings?" Elise tilted her head slightly.

"Why would I? They merely show what you overcame." Sophia's lips curled into a thin smile as she continued.

"Tell me, Elise. Is it better to be born without sin or to overcome your vice with great effort?"

"I... don't know." The fallen Angel shyly looked away.

Sophia brought her fingers under Elise's chin and lifted her head slightly.

"In my eyes, one who overcomes the weight of sin is greater than even us Angels who are born without its burden. Father is forgiving after all. Those who seek salvation will find it, you are the proof of it." Sophia gently smiled.

Elise's wings fluttered. Her face turned as red as a tomato. "I'm so glad you agreed to be with me! I love you! You are the best!" Elise charged at Sophia, which almost made the Angel fall down, before wrapping her arms tightly around the fallen Angel.

Sophia's wings wrapped around the girl, hiding her from sight, "There, there, I love you too. Elise." The Angel's hand gently streaked through her black hair.

Sophia leaned closer as her lips connected to the Fallen Angel's forehead.

Mwah

"It seems you spoke truthfully when you said you were in love. I intended to give you time to truly think, yet I see you are content in your decision."

"You kidding me?! This is the best decision I will ever make! I don't even care if I won't be able to have kids, as long as I am with you."

Sophia's smile faded before she brought her hand close to Elise's forehead. Flick.

"Stop rushing."

"But..." She exhaled loudly, "Sure, I will wait. And..." She turned her head to the distant form of Cedric.

"I am sure your Father would be able to let us copulate with his infinite power!"

"Elise..." Sophia tilted her head, "Is this the sin of Lust speaking?"

The Harpy girl shook her head, "I have never experienced lust when with you, my wish is to have a family. I want to have a life with you. I do not care if it's just two of us until the end of days!"

Sophia cracked a smile. The girl before her was genuine. This was no lust; she was a chaste girl who merely wished to spend her days with the person she loved. Only a fool would condemn her for that wish.

"We will see what the future brings, dear." Sophia moved her hand above Elise's head and gently patted her.

Elise nodded excitedly, "I shall await the day." She leaned closer to Sophia before her gaze locked onto the gate.

"Let us watch the First Contact," Sophia stated as she used her wing to bring Elise closer.