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Chapter 36 - V2-C2: Airship

"So, Lady Aqua, how does this thing even work?" Sheira tilted her head as she inspected the item.

For all intents and purposes, it was merely a small wooden carving; while the design was beautiful, it did not betray its usefulness.

"I don't get how something like this can become an Airship," Azure interjected, despite truly trusting Aqua; she still didn't know how something like a carving would help them reach the Elven Kingdom.

Aqua waved with her finger while making clicking noises, "That is the wonder of advanced mystic engineering, it can do things that defy the very laws of nature." She stopped for a moment, her hand clenching around the carving, "As long as the craftsman who built it is skilled enough."

Sheira stared at the item, her eyes wide as if he had seen something completely incredible.

Well, it was incredible; nobody had ever been able to stuff an entire airship inside a carving.

Azure had halfway expected Aqua to reveal it was all a joke; however, a punchline never came. She merely waved her hand, beckoning both girls to follow her.

Sheira used the opportunity to quickly attach herself to Aqua, who apparently didn't mind the girl's presence.

Such an act made Azure feel rather weird, but she couldn't put a finger on the emotion she felt at the scene.

Azure was hesitant for a moment, but seeing Sheira stick so close to her savior prompted her to quickly catch up. The trio made their way to the clearing, where Laura and Sun God were in a rather long-winded conversation.

"Sun God, everything alright here?" Aqua crossed her arms as she asked the phoenix.

The Phoenix flared for a moment, making Laura back out on instinct.

Its voice crackled as it spoke, "I was attempting to figure out information about this world's soul."

Aqua raised her brow, "And?"

"This human doesn't know anything about the world souls. Useless." Its statement made Laura drop to her knees and kowtow before the phoenix.

"Forgive me! It's just not knowledge that we possess. Please forgive me, don't turn me into ash!" Laura's body trembled as she pushed her forehead to the ground.

The Sun God's form flared for a moment.

However, Aqua was the one who decided to answer, "Laura, rise. I am well aware that this world doesn't know much."

"This world?" Laura tilted her head.

Shortly followed by an exaggerated gasp from Sheira.

She is adorable…

Aqua's eyes widened; she had revealed information that perhaps was best left hidden.

While Azure knew about it, she was hesitant to reveal it to Laura or even Sheira.

Damage is done, I guess…

Aqua sighed before explaining, "Don't let this spread." She raised her finger, "I have travelled from a different world, a world that was destroyed by my hand in fact."

Her words were met with deafening silence.

"What do you mean, Lady Aqua?" Azure's voice was shaken.

Aqua closed her eyes while bringing her hand to pinch her nose bridge.

"I will tell you in the future, however, all you need to know right now is that I'm not a native of this world."

Azure rubbed her chin. "That explains your power."

Azure fidgeted for a moment before closing her eyes and shouting, "Also, I am very sorry for attacking you when we first met! I had it on my heart the entire time; I just wanted to formally apologize. I should have used my head and understood that I would have been dead if you so wished."

Aqua placed her hand on her mouth before chuckling, "Azure, I told you already. I do not hold it against you in the slightest."

"But…" Azure's eyes teared up; however, Aqua quickly rushed towards her before embracing her into a tight hug.

"Azure, If I was offended by you in any way, do you think I would have stayed with you while rescuing Sheira?"

"No…" Her tear rolled down her face, making Aqua wonder just how long she had bottled up those feelings.

"Good… Now wipe off those tears, you are a great warrior, aren't you?"

Azure nodded before Aqua brought her sleeve to Azure's face and gently wiped away her tears, making Azure's lips curl into a smile.

"Good, you look much prettier when you smile." Aqua tilted her head as she smiled.

"I guess… You are right, Aqua." She giggled slightly, a slight blush appearing over her face.

"I see my Guard Captain's heart got conquered already? I didn't even get a chance to be a target?" Sheira's sheepish voice reached the pair.

The duo turned to the princess, Aqua's hand still gently holding Azure's head up.

"I…Shut it, Sheira!" Azure's face turned red.

"I didn't know my friend was into women~" Sheira placed her hand onto her mouth before bursting into laughter.

Aqua smiled warmly before letting go of Azure.

"You shouldn't tease her, you know." Aqua approached, making Sheira take a step back, causing her to fall down due to her heels.

Sheira rubbed her behind as she let out a small groan, "I know, but I can't help but find it hilarious even if I am a tiny bit jealous."

Aqua smiled as she stretched her arm forward, pulling Sheira up on her feet.

"Thank you…" Her lips stretched into a thin line as she looked over at Azure, who was still a blushing mess while desperately trying to hide it.

Sheira gained a mischievous smirk as she walked towards Azure.

"Azure… You never blushed like that when Father got you suitors~" She teased.

She dramatically turned her head away, ignoring the princess.

"And apparently, this entire time you were into women~" She giggled as she walked in front of Azure.

Her gaze wandered to Aqua, "But not like I can blame you. She is a hottie~"

"Sheira! Shut up!" Azure blurted out, her face a red mess.

Aqua turned towards them, her head tilting in confusion as she approached. 

Her taste in clothing didn't help either Azure or Sheira; she wore elegant crimson thigh-high boots, a short red and gold skirt, and her upper body was clad in what Sheira could assume was something resembling an officer-style coat.

Her way of clothing was incredibly exotic and would most certainly capture anyone's heart.

"Is everything alright?"

Azure averted her gaze as she slowly walked away, leaving behind confused Aqua and delighted Sheira. "I am ok!"

Sheira's eyes rolled, "Everything is alright. When should we head back to the Elven Kingdom?"

Aqua crossed her arms, her eyes closing as she plunged into thought, "Hmmm. I think we should head back as soon as possible. Preferably right away."

Sheira tilted her head before tapping her cheek, "Sure, and while we ride… that." 

Sheira pointed at the Airship carving in Aqua's hand.

"You will teach me about magic, right?" Her eyes sparkled.

Aqua smiled, "Of course, you are more or less my daughter now after all."

"You said you made me a goddess… I still can't believe it." Sheira looked around, finding a stump where she could sit.

She patted her dress before planting herself down.

Aqua shook her head, "It's unfortunate, but it was truly the only way to save you."

"But why? Wouldn't making someone a goddess be an amazing reward?" Sheira cutely placed her face onto her palm before leaning into it.

Aqua raised her brow before shaking her head, "Divinity is a curse; it will corrupt you. Make you into a monster."

Aqua clenched her fist, her Aura flaring just enough to send flaming sparks out of her body.

Sheira, upon seeing this, backed off slightly before the what subsided.

Aqua looked at her with an apologetic look on her face, "Sorry, Sheira. It is a sore subject."

The elven girl nodded, while scared, she deeply respected Aqua, "It's okay… I shouldn't have asked."

"No, it's your right to know. I cursed you with Divinity, and so I have decided to look at you like my own daughter." Aqua raised her head, her lips stretching into a warm smile.

Sheira smiled, her face carrying signs of confusion, "I do not mind calling you mommy~"

Aqua looked at her with an oblivious face, "I promise you will become powerful, Sheira. But let's leave this for later, we must head out."

Sheira giggled before turning and walking towards the clearing where Azure headed.

Under her breath, she muttered, "Ha! My tease didn't work on her."

"What's wrong, Sheira?" Aqua asked with a worried tone.

Sheira giggled once again. This girl was adorable despite being so much older than her, "Nothing at all, Mommy~"

Aqua adjusted her clothing as she followed after the princess.

She seems to be in good health. I am glad.

"So, once my lesson is over, would you tell me something about your ol…" She stopped immediately as she saw Aqua's sour expression.

"Tell me more about the fiery bird you talked with." She smiled.

The moment the topic was switched, Aqua's mood visibly improved, "Of course!"

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