"You know what? I'll just take a step back..." Cyra said nervously, eyeing the Devils roaming around Hell. She had carefully concealed her Angel side, hiding her Halo and transforming her golden wing to match the deep red of her other wing. Her white hair remained unchanged, and she had disguised her Life eye, replacing its golden hue with a fiery red. Standing outside the palace's massive black gate, she felt the scorching heat emanating from the cracked, molten ground beneath her feet. The air was thick with the smell of brimstone and smoke.
As she hesitated, Lloyd's voice whispered in her ear, "What's holding you back?" Cyra's feet moved involuntarily, pushing her forward. She stumbled, regaining her balance with a huff. Turning around, she glared at Lloyd, who wore a mischievous grin.
"What're you so scared of, huh?" Lloyd teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Cyra's mouth opened, but words failed her. She managed a weak reply, "I... don't know." Her frown deepened as she gazed forward, avoiding Lloyd's gaze.
"Just go, Cyra," a faint whisper seemed to carry on the wind. She turned around, but Lloyd was gone, vanished into thin air. With a facepalm, she groaned and took a deep breath, moving forward into the unknown.
Less than five minutes passed before a Devil approached her. He had light brown hair, black horns, and a tail, with black wings indicating his low rank.
[A/N: Kinda like the Angel ranks but the names will be different, obviously. Except, where there's white for Angels, it's black for the Devils. Gold for Angels, red for Devils.]
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His eyes locked onto Cyra, and a curious expression crossed his face.
"Hello... Sorry, if I'm disturbing..." The stranger said nervously, his voice trailing off as he approached Cyra. His light brown hair was mussed, and his black horns seemed to droop slightly, giving him a endearingly awkward appearance.
Cyra turned to face him, her disguised Life eye gleaming with a hint of curiosity. "Oh, it's fine. What brings you to this lovely corner of Hell?" She asked, a wry smile playing on her lips.
The brunette gestured expansively, encompassing the fiery landscape. "The thing is, I'm kinda new here. I just got... redecorating my eternal fate, courtesy of the King of Hell." His eyes dropped, and a hint of sadness crept into his voice.
Cyra's thoughts fluttered to her father, realizing that his absence might be connected to Ryan's arrival. 'That's why I couldn't find father,' she mused inwardly.
Ryan looked up, his eyes locking onto Cyra's. "I'm Ryan, by the way." He introduced himself, a hint of hope in his voice.
Cyra's expression softened. "And I'm Cyra. Sorry, I'm not exactly a tour guide. I'm still getting used to this place myself." Her words were laced with a hint of wry humor.
Ryan's face fell, but he quickly recovered. "Then, can I follow you?" He asked, a desperate glint in his eyes.
Cyra raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Sure. But don't expect me to show you the hidden gems of Hell. Like I said, I'm still finding my way myself." She turned to walk away, then stopped, looking back at Ryan over her shoulder. "You're gonna have to keep up, though."
Ryan's face lit up with a wide grin, and he fell into step beside Cyra. The silence between them was slightly awkward, but it was a peaceful, companionable silence, like two strangers sharing a secret joke.
Cyra noticed a group of Devils watching her, their whispers and stares unwavering. She caught snippets of their conversation by reading their lips: 'Impossible', 'high', 'rank', 'wings', and 'Devil'. It didn't take long for her to realize they were discussing her unusually high rank, one that could take centuries to achieve – and she was only 55. She'd also noticed a few stares from passer-by Devils. 'Well, perks of having an ambitious father,' she thought wryly.
To distract herself from the attention, Cyra turned to Ryan and asked, "So, Ryan, what's your story? How did you end up here?" Her question came out more abrupt than intended, and Ryan's startled expression made her internally panic. 'Why did I have to be so straightforward?!'
Ryan's eyes widened, and Cyra quickly added, "You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I'm sorry, I'm just... curious." Her apology came out exasperated, and they both stopped walking, facing each other amidst the sweltering heat.
Ryan's expression turned bitter. "It's nothing, really. Just a gunshot. A stupid mistake." His eyes seemed to cloud over, lost in thought.
Cyra's curiosity got the better of her. "A gunshot? I've never heard of that happening here."
Ryan's gaze snapped back to hers, his expression puzzled. "Weren't you human before? I thought everyone here came from Earth."
Cyra's reply was matter-of-fact. "No, I was born here. In Hell."
Ryan's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow... I guess I have a lot to learn."
As they stood there, Ryan's expression changed, and he said, "I think I should leave. Get to know the place better on my own." He forced a smile, and Cyra sensed a hint of unease.
She smiled back, trying to reassure him. "It was nice meeting you, Ryan. Be careful out there."
Ryan waved and took off, leaving Cyra to continue her journey alone. She waved back, her gesture less enthusiastic, and resumed her walk, lost in thought amidst the fiery landscape.
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After a few minutes of walking, Cyra's impatience got the better of her, and she teleported to the entrance of Hell. Behind her stood the imposing Gates of Hell, a massive structure of twisted iron and burning embers, with flames dancing across its surface like living serpents. The gates seemed to loom over her, as if warning her to turn back. But Cyra was undeterred.
She noticed that the gates were unguarded, a rarity in the realm of Hell. A faint whisper in her mind hinted that the guards had been summoned by the King of Hell, perhaps in connection with Ryan's arrival. Whatever the reason, Cyra wasn't complaining.
As she turned around, her eyes widened in awe. Before her lay the Bridge of the Afterlife, a majestic arc of glittering silver that spanned the chasm between Heaven and Hell. The bridge shimmered with an ethereal light, as if forged from the very essence of the stars. The ground beneath her feet was a soothing brown, a welcome respite from the scorching heat of Hell.
As she approached the bridge, Cyra peered over the edge, and if she could breathe, her breath would gotten caught in her throat. The drop was seemingly bottomless, with sky blue depths that stretched out like an endless canvas. She felt a shiver run down her spine, but her curiosity propelled her forward.
Looking up, Cyra beheld the breathtaking vista of Heaven. The kingdom floated on a tapestry of clouds, its foundations hidden from mortal eyes. The architecture shimmered with a radiant glow, as if crafted from gold, diamonds, and the very essence of light. The air was alive with the sweet scent of ambrosia and the soft hum of angelic song.
A part of Cyra yearned to explore this mystical realm, while another part warned her to return to the safety of Hell. But her sense of adventure won out, and she carefully stepped onto the bridge. As she walked, the bridge seemed to hum in harmony with her footsteps.
At the midpoint, Cyra transformed, hiding her Devilish features and revealing her Angelic form. Her golden Halo shone brighter, and her wings transformed into majestic golden wings. Her Death Eye gleamed with a warm, golden light, and she donned a flowing white robe, adorned with intricate golden embroidery.
Upon reaching the other end of the bridge, Cyra encountered the golden Gates of Heaven. The gates radiated a warm, inviting light, and she felt an overwhelming sense of wonder. But what struck her as odd was the absence of guards. A gentle whisper in her mind suggested that the Angels had been distracted by a celestial celebration, one that occurred only once a millennium.
What it a coincidence that the guards of both Gates were absent at this very moment? She thought not.
Did she think of the consequences if she was to come back, only to find that the guards would've returned? Nope.
The Gates, sensing her pure intentions, remained open, beckoning her to enter.
Cyra stepped through the Gates, and her senses were overwhelmed by the beauty of Heaven. The sky was a brilliant blue, with not a cloud in sight, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the gentle song of Angels. The ground beneath her feet was like walking on clouds, soft and yielding.
As she looked up, Cyra saw Angels flitting about, their wings shimmering with iridescent colors. Some sat on clouds, playing lyres or singing with voices like honey and gold. Others tended to gardens of breathtaking beauty, where flowers bloomed in every color of the rainbow. The atmosphere was alive with joy, love, and an unshakeable sense of peace.
Cyra wandered through the kingdom, drinking in the wonders of Heaven. Every step revealed a new marvel, every glance a new beauty. She felt her heart fill with a sense of belonging, as if she had finally found a place where she truly belonged.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
Cyra's stay in Heaven was a blissful haven, albeit a brief one. She spent a few hours basking in the realm's radiance, exploring its wonders, and forming unforgettable bonds. Her new friends, Lillie and Skyler, welcomed her with open arms, and together they soared through the skies, laughing and sharing stories.
Lillie, a Virtue Angel with delicate features and pale skin, shone with a gentle light, while Skyler, an Archangel with dark blue hair, radiated a powerful aura. Both were impressed by Cyra's remarkable level, a feat achieved by few Angels at such a young age. As a Cherubim, Cyra's status commanded respect, and she felt a sense of pride and belonging among her new friends.
During her stay, Cyra visited the Gardens of Elyria, where flowers bloomed in every color of the rainbow, and their fragrance filled the air. She strolled through the Halls of Harmony, where Angels sang with voices like honey and gold, creating a symphony of pure joy. She even caught a glimpse of the Imperial Palace, where Queen Zoya usually resided, but was currently absent, attending to her duties at the Realm of Eternal Reckoning, judging the spirits of the departed. The palace's grandeur and beauty left Cyra in awe, and she felt a sense of reverence for the wise and just Queen.
As the hours passed, Cyra knew she had to depart, but she wanted to keep her visit a secret. With a whispered farewell, she vanished into thin air, teleporting to the Gates of Heaven. Her friends, unaware of her sudden departure, continued to enjoy the celestial beauty, none the wiser.
Upon reappearing near the Gates of Heaven, Cyra gazed down at Hell, her expression tinged with a hint of reluctance. She almost didn't want to leave, but duty and curiosity beckoned her back to the underworld. As she walked down the bridge, she savored the sensation, aware that this might be her last time crossing the celestial span.
Noticing the continued absence of guards at their posts, Cyra raised an eyebrow. It was as if the realm itself was allowing her to move freely, without hindrance or scrutiny. The bridge, sensing her thoughts, seemed to hum in gentle agreement, its silver surface glinting with an otherworldly light. With a heavy heart, Cyra continued her descent, leaving the wonders of Heaven behind, but carrying their memory deep within her heart.
As Cyra teleported back to Hell, the scorching heat enveloped her, a stark contrast to Heaven's ethereal beauty. She made her way to her palace, passing through the large black gates that seemed to loom over her like sentinels. The compound's twisted iron pathways and burning torches cast eerie shadows on the ground, while the misty guards, shrouded in a perpetual veil of smoke, nodded in silent greeting.
As she walked through the labyrinthine corridors, the sound of her footsteps echoed off the dark stone walls. She approached her father's Chamber, the door adorned with intricate carvings of serpents and flames. Suddenly, a thunderous shout reverberated from within, making her hesitate.
Curiosity got the better of her, and Cyra returned to the door, placing her ear against the cold metal. The voice within grew clearer, and what she heard sent a shiver down her spine.
"BY WHAT DARK MIRACLE DID SHE BREACH THE GATES OF HEAVEN?!"
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»»—————- ♔ —————-««
Cyra: "I've never seen anything like this before. It's beautiful."
Lillie: "Yes, the Gardens of Elyria are a wonder. The flowers bloom in harmony with the music of the spheres."
Skyler: "And the fragrance is intoxicating. It's said to have healing properties."
Cyra: "I can see why. It's like a symphony for the senses. But if I start singing, please shoot me."
Lillie: "Don't worry, we'll provide the earplugs."
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[A/N]: Stuff's about to go down.
Thanks for reading! ^^
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