Chapter 1195 Reminiscing The Lost Ones
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FLAAASH!
I noticed that my Domain began glowing brightly everywhere, the bodies of the two druids were absorbed fully, and so were the pearls of the two little Fae I placed with them.
The enormous quantity of spiritual energy permeated the entire place, as the core of my Domain, which was underground and crystalized right below my house, quickly began growing stronger.
At the same time, I felt several presences emerge for a faint moment, I couldn't quite tell what they were for a brief moment.
But I quickly realized once Jannis touched my shoulder and somehow shared part of her powers with me.
Everything became clearer to me, I saw them, they were there.
Even after death, to Druids, who cultivate Nature Souls…
Death is nothing but just another step in their journey.
Even for the youngest, Emilio.
And the oldest, Jose.
I could see them.
And I couldn't stop crying.
Made of the spiritual energies that they gifted to my Domain, they appeared.
In their human forms.
A boy, not older than eighteen was standing there, smiling, he had long brown hair and brown skin, with beautiful emerald eyes.
His smile was so bright and cute.
And a very old man, with black skin and short white hair, his face, covered with wrinkles, showed a gentle, wise smile, his small body exuding an aura of knowledge and paternity.
And even them…
"Foo…"
"Foo!"
The two little Faes, they were there too, for a brief moment.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
The little guys…
"How is this possible?" I wondered. "This is… Is this because of the Nature Soul?"
"Yes," nodded Jannis. "We Druids cultivate within our bodies, since we begin our journey, a Nature Soul. It encompasses nature itself, the elements of nature and the connection with it. Our very souls become part of nature."
"I-I honestly had no idea this was how it worked…" Rudras muttered.
"M-Me neither…" Judith said. Explore more adventures at empire
The two young druids had no idea either, it seems that Jannis had kept this a secret, or had simply not revealed this to them.
"G-Grandpa? Emilio!"
They couldn't help but run towards their family members, who stayed there, glancing at them with a smile.
However, when they tried to hug them, they ended passing through them.
It was impossible to touch them.
"You make me all proud, my children…" Jose said with a gentle voice. "Especially you, Judith… Well done, thank you for avenging me, and slaying that man. Once he was slain, the Nature Soul he stole from me was freed."
"I-Is that so…" Judith was crying. "B-But why did you had to die… Why!"
"…He was stronger than me, a terrifying man that sold all of his humanity to become a monster," sighed Jose. "In fact, it felt like I wasn't even fighting a human, or a person… He was but the embodiment of his powers, and nothing else."
"Hah…" Rudras sighed. "I'm sorry for not being able to help… I'm sorry grandma, Emilio!" he continued crying.
"It's fine! Don't sweat the details bro!" Emilio smiled brightly. "This just means I'll stay with grandpa, so he doesn't feel so lonely!"
"Hohoho, thank you my child," Jose patted Emilio's head.
"A-Are you sure this is all you want to say?! A-After all… all of you…" muttered Rudras, breaking down.
"I mean, what else should we say?" Emilio wondered, tilting his head. "Remember what we promised when we become druids, big bro? To keep grudges, to fester hatred, to develop frustration… That's not the Druid's way! We're one with Nature! Right?"
Rudras gasped, nodding a bit.
"Yeah… I guess you're not wrong…" Rudras nodded. "Thank you… For being the little brother I never had… I love you little brother. I'm sorry for… for never telling you before."
"I love you too bro!" Emilio smiled. "Judith too! And grandma! Thank you for being my family…"
"Where will you go now?" Judith wondered.
"Is there an afterlife?" I wondered.
"Of course," nodded Jannis. "But not even us know in detail how it works… Their souls are one with nature. That, by itself, is the afterlife. The Nature Souls we cultivate, and then upon death, we merge with nature… This is how Druidic magic remains for generations. We feed forests, landscapes with life, when it dies off due to monsters or contamination.
But there are few of us now… we once covered the world with beautiful and lush greenery. Every plant in your garden, every flower, every tree… it'll have some of them within. So please, make sure to take care of it, lady goddess."
"Yes… I promise," I nodded. "I'm sorry… I wish I could have done something…"
Emilio and Jose noticed my voice, quickly smiling, the boy was happy, and the old man seemed very calm.
"Don't worry, goddess! We will be here for you and everyone!"
"Yes, there's nothing to be sorry about. Our fight, it was ours to take. The risks were there, and we took them."
"It's a bit frustrating but… I think I'm fine with it."
Emilio glanced at everyone else.
"Please, take care of my family…"
As everyone heard him, Jose glanced at Jannis.
"I'm leaving the rest to you, my old lady."
"Yes, you dummy… parting before me! who do you think you are… Sheesh!"
Although she was the strongest in mentality, she still shed a few tears as she saw her beloved in front of her.
"Please, wait until I come, alright? I still got to take care of these kids after all…"
"Of course… I'll always wait for you, my love."
For a moment, I saw a small vision, a momentary illusion, perhaps a memory.
The two of them looked younger than now, much younger.
Jannis was a beautiful and slender girl, with long black hair and pale skin.
And Jose was a tall young man, with black skin and white hair.
The two held hands, hugging as they glanced the sunset while in the middle of a beautiful forest.
They had shared so much together…
I wish I could have done the same with my husband.
Even after everything, after seeing this…
I started to miss him again.
I'm sorry for being so selfish and loving another man after you've been gone for so long…
But please, remember that I still love you.
And I'll always do.
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