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She took her steps slowly, as she rose up to the peak. The air itself seemed to crystalize, biting at every bit of exposed skin. The pillars of ice decorate what was once a battlefield that determined the fate of a fleeting world. The snowstorm, despite the time that has passed, never once faltered, nor did it plan to.
Yet still, she reached the top. And in front of her, were the remains of what was once a long battle.
She stood in silence as the memories slowly came back to her. The time her beloved nearly died if not for the will of preservation, and the hopelessness she felt when she couldn't save her.
She took a step forward towards the remains of what used to contain the Stellaron, now crumbled into a pile of rubble. She laid down the bouquet of flowers she had brought for her. The First Snowfall, symbolizing pure innocence, beautiful memories, and hearkening back to times of innocence.
"It's been a while, Mother. I'm not even sure if you can hear me, but I hope you're listening if you are."
Memories of her childhood began to trickle into her mind, and tears were threatening to fall from her eyes. Yet, she began talking.
"It's been rough, honestly. Being a Supreme Guardian is a lot of work. I've barely had any time to take a break, and there's still more to do when i head back. Of course, it's all for the sake of Belobog. Isn't that right, Mother?"
She talked about everything that she had gone through since becoming the new Supreme Guardian, from the run-in she had with the IPC, to her new beloved that had accompanied her through all of those rough times.
"Perhaps you would've said that it's too early for me to get into a relationship, but he's different. He's the reason I'm still here, alive and well. He's why I'm able to carry this burden..."
The face of her beloved flashed on her mind for a bit, before she continued.
"And, it's also thanks to you. Despite that, I never really got a chance to say thank you, did I? Despite all the things you did, you still raised me into the person I am. I'll never be grateful enough for all the memories you made with me.
Slowly, the tears that were seeping from her eyes began falling like an endless waterfall, and sobbing began to accompany the howling winds of the snowstorm.
"I-i just wish you were still here... I wish you were here to be proud of what I achieved..."
"I'm sorry I couldn't save you, Mother...."
The sobbing only grew louder and louder, the tears never showing any signs of stopping, and memories of the past continue to show themselves in her mind, intensifying her already unstable emotions.
Suddenly, she felt a presence behind her. She turned around, and saw a small horde of fragmentum monsters rushing towards her. Before she could react, one had already began leaping towards her. On instinct, she closed her eyes and braced for impact, but nothing ever touched her. When she opened her eyes, a figure was standing in front of her.
"Caelus?" She muttered out as she looked at her savior.
"Hello there, Bronya. I'd like to talk, but just let me finish this up real quick."
He raised his lance, the one he inherited from the will of preservation, and rushed towards the horde of monsters. She watched as he quickly made quick work of the horde, until there were none left.
"Well, now that that's out of the way..." He turned to look at her, and saw that her faced was mixed with a hint of confusion and bewilderment.
"How did you know I was here?" She asked him.
"I saw you walking towards the restricted zone alone, and i guess curiosity got the better of me." He answered while rubbing the back of his head. His eyes landed at the bouquet of First Snowfall flowers on the ground. Understanding the meaning of the flowers, it didn't take long for him to put the pieces together.
"So, you were talking to her." He observed. She nodded in response.
"Yeah, I never really had the time to do this since becoming the new Supreme Guardian." She said as she gazed back at the debris.
"Well, are you done? Or should i leave and let you finish?"
"No, you can stay. I could use the company."
"If you say so." He followed her gaze towards the debris as they stood in silence. That is, until Bronya broke the silence.
"You know, Caelus? Despite how my mother treated you, she used to be such a kind and gentle figure."
Caelus nodded. "I can believe that. She did raise such a kind and gentle girl after all."
Bronya chuckled softly at his words. "Always flattering me at every moment, are you?"
"Sorry, just a habit of mine." Caelus grinned in response. The exchange was then followed up by a long silence, before it was once again broken by Bronya.
"It's strange. I remember times of warmth, and moments where she was simply a mother. Yet there were always times where she wasn't herself, like she was consumed by something. And yet, despite everything that she's done, I still wish she was still here. To see what I've accomplished, to be here when I need her, to spend more time with her." Bronya confessed, her voice trembling slightly.
Caelus nodded in understanding. "I know."
He listened attentively, as she quite nearly broke down in tears.
"I don't even know if she was truly controlled. What if she did that out of her own free will? What if she was never manipulated in the first place?! I just wish I could've done something different, just for more time..." She fell on her knees, as the tears once again came down like a waterfall. Only this time, her sobbing was not just accompanied by the howling winds of the snowstorm, but also by the warmth of the person he loves.
"Caelus...?" He had hugged her. Seeing her like this didn't sit well with Caelus, and he couldn't stand seeing her like this.
"I'll never be able to relate to how you're feeling. Ever. But what I can tell you is this. The past has already gone by, and the memories you made will forever stay precious. We can't change the past, we can only make the present better than it. And know that when you think about the past again, I'll be here, ready to support you. Although I definitely won't be able to replace your mother again, I'll do my absolute best to be someone you can talk to." He said as he rubbed the back of her body. She listened to every single word that he said, and it reminded her that she's not alone in facing these emotions. Even if he doesn't understand what she's going through, he's ready to be someone she can lean on.
"Thank you, Caelus. For being here." Bronya said in between sobs.
In response, Caelus held her tighter. "Anytime."
The snowstorm would be accompanied by quiet sobbing for some while, until it was once again the sole thing that filled the atmosphere.
"Have you calmed down now?" Caelus asked.
"Yes... Again, thank you Caelus." She expressed her gratitude once again.
"Again, anytime you need it. Now, ready to head back?" He asked, but she stared once again at the debris.
"Hmmm, not yet. I still have to introduce my boyfriend to my mother."
"Wait, now?! I don't even have a speech ready! Or any formal attire!"
"You'll be fine. My mother doesn't like formal gatherings after all. Go on, start talking." Bronya said as she giggled, seemingly forgetting what had happened.
Caelus was a little taken aback by her sudden mood shift, but alas he turned to the debris.
"Uh, hello there. My name is Caelus. I'm uh, currently in a relationship with your daughter, who is the current supreme guardian. Despite how she may have been in her childhood, she's strong, and she's ready to face any challenge that comes her way. Even still, I hope you let me stand by her side, to support her every step of the way." Caelus finished, and he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in.
"Thank you, Caelus." She said, her voice filled with appreciation. "That was perfect."
"I'm glad you think so." He said as he took a step back, letting her say her final words.
"Well, that's him. I hope you accept him. Don't worry, i believe he can bring me happiness. You don't have to worry about me anymore. I'm sorry I can't stay longer, but you know, duty calls. I'll see you soon mother. I love you."
The two turned to leave, before Caelus took one final glance towards the remains. However, now he was met with a figure standing in front of the remains, a soft smile showing on her face. When he blinked however, she was gone.
"Caelus, is something wrong?"
He shook his head in response. "No, I just hope your mother wishes us happiness."
"I'm sure she will."
The two began their decent, as what just happened raced through her mind. Unconsciously, she reached out to hold his hand, interlocking her fingers with his.
"Once again, thank you Caelus. I love you."
The words lingered in the air, waiting for it's response.
"I know. I love you too."
And the two continued their decent, with happiness hopefully found on the surface.