True Magician (FatexDxD)

The capital.

The group of wounded and exhausted gods couldn't get to me and have a conversation, because all I wanted to do at the moment was check on Tia. In a brief flash of light, the magic circle transported me to her, and what I saw made my eyebrow raise so high it could have reached the planet's stratosphere.

In the midst of once green fields and dusty roads stained scarlet with freshly spilled blood, thousands of dead animal and bird bodies showing the marks of fangs, claws, and festering wounds, arrows, swords, and spears stuck in the ground, hundreds and hundreds of people knelt and prayed to the lonely Tia.

They were not hindered by their clothes, their weapons, their armor, or the dirt; they paid no attention to anything but her. Their foreheads were pressed tightly against the ground, and their collective whispers echoed around the neighborhood. They were all whispering the same thing, putting into their words nothing but worship, reverence, and gratitude to the goddess of another world. Among them were both the inhabitants of this world and those who came from beyond the Gate. I even saw Itami and his group, as well as Princess Pina.

With their whole being, every person praying recognized Tia as their god. Not for fear of divine retribution or anything like that, but out of sincere gratitude for helping them in their hour of dire need. She, the goddess whom no one had ever seen, save those who came from beyond the Gate, had intervened in the conflict and saved their lives without the slightest expectation of benefit to herself.

And even if their gods had also tried to do something, they didn't see it or even know it. The only god that responded to their pleas was Tia. Well, and her beasts that came out of the Sea of Life, quickly spreading in all directions from the capital and mowing down the aggressive fauna of this world.

I grinned.

Perhaps the spirit had partially achieved its goal. Faith in the gods of this world had waned. And with the passage of time, this effect would only increase. Of course, it won't come to a complete disappearance, since every religion has its die-hard fanatics, but it will be more than enough to prepare the world for the Age of Fairies. It will all depend on the spirit what decision it makes.

Returning to the picture that had been painted, Tia felt uncomfortable. And that was putting it mildly. She fidgeted nervously, not knowing which way to look, because no matter where he went, nothing changed. Her body and lips trembled, and tears began to well up in her eyes from feelings of anxiety and confusion that no one could see, for their gazes were directed toward the ground.

Her emotions were more or less understandable. In the centuries of her existence, no one had ever prayed to her specifically. There is no doubt that Tia has never seen so many people bowing their heads before her. After all, Tia is the analog of Gaea from Greek mythology. She is unaccustomed and uncomfortable being surrounded by people who truly honor her. Especially not in such numbers.

I slowly lowered myself behind Tia's back and gently hugged her shoulders, nuzzling my nose into the back of her neck. Then I clearly felt a shiver go through her body, followed by a steady breathing.

- Calmly, I'm here with you. Our journey in this world is coming to an end, and we will be home again, where Ophis and the others are waiting for us. You shouldn't be nervous or scared, since it's unlikely we'll be here again," I whispered, leaning down to her ear and wiping away her tears with my finger, "But if you want, I can erase their memories to make you feel better.

- Aaaaaa~ - Tia sobbed and shook her head.

- Is there something you want to tell them? - I raised an eyebrow, to which she nodded faintly.

Well, if that's the way she wants it, then so be it.

I stepped aside slightly, standing behind her shoulder, and clapped my hands together. It sounded loud and clear in the deafening silence, catching the attention of the people praying and causing them to look up, and the small wave of force that accompanied the clap only added to the effect.

Thousands of pairs of eyes fixed on my figure standing next to Tia, which read an obvious mute question, to which I answered warningly.

- It doesn't matter who I am - only what my companion has to say. You will not be able to understand her, so I will translate what she says. - I began, creating a scene of sorts below us and amplifying Tia's voice. The people, hearing me, whispered a little to each other, but did not speak against me. After a few seconds, there was silence again, and the people present prepared to listen to Tia and me.

- Aaaaaaaa~.

- "Even if I don't belong to this world..."

- Aaaa~

- "You are still my children, whom I cherish and citizenship..."

- Aaaa~

- "Each of you is unique and worthy of living a happy and long life..."

Hearing every word, people's eyes filled with emotion. The beating of their hearts became faster and faster, and smiles appeared on their faces.

- Aaaa~

- "I know how unfair the world can be. I know the trials it brings, but..."

Tia smiled softly and put her hands to her chest as if she was holding the world's most precious treasure.

- Aaaaaa~.

- "All troubles will recede if you have someone by your side who truly cherishes you... " "

She turned to me, giving me the most beautiful smile I've ever seen.

- Aaaaaa~

- "Someone who listens to you. Someone who supports you. Someone who is willing to share the burden with you, no matter how heavy it may be..."

Tia looked around at everyone present, tears glistening on their faces in the light of the night moon, and then smiled warmly and cheerfully.

- Aaaaaaaaaaaa~.

- "Well, if you don't have such a person, I'm always willing to take his place. After all, that's a mother's duty, isn't it? To give warmth and care to your children, no matter what they are."

The sound of thousands upon thousands of crying and squelching filled the neighborhood. It didn't matter if the person listening was a child, an adult, or an old man, Tia's speech touched everyone and reached the deepest part of their hearts.

The meaning of her words that they cared made even the most frowning, rude and cold people shed a tear. A tear of happiness, because when someone needs you, life immediately makes sense.

The battle-hardened soldiers, gritting their teeth and keeping their eyes open, crinkled their faces as wet traces of bittersweet tears formed on their cheeks. Children hugged the adults, crying to their hearts' content and shouting their love for them. Women rubbed their faces with their hands to stop the endless flow of tears, and men covered their faces with their hands to keep the others from seeing them.

- You're doing great. - I whispered while she smiled and watched the tears of happiness and joy spilling out, "Did I tell you that I love you?

- Aaaaaa~" she hummed merrily and giggled as she stroked my hair.

And who in their right mind would want to hurt Tia?

- C-can I ask you a question, milord?

A young, timid girl's voice suddenly sounded. I turned toward the source and saw a girl of about ten years old with tearful eyes raising her thin hand. The people around her were throwing incomprehensible glances at her. However, the girl didn't care much, and her eyes showed courage and determination.

- What's the question, little girl? - I asked with a smile.

- I-I heard what the men in green were saying about the goddess, but I didn't get to hear her name. Good sir, can you tell me her name? I beg of you," she said with all her courage in her fist and lowered her head as if she feared punishment.

- You are very brave. What is your name, little one?

- A-aliya, good lord....

I approached Aliya, after which, taking her by the hand, I led her to Tia and squatted down. The latter gave the girl a motherly smile and stroked her head, at which she blushed thickly, and then threw herself on Tia and, embracing her, cried.

- Are you alone? - I asked, noticing that no one was giving the girl anything resembling a parental look.

- Y-yes. I-I'm an orphan," Aliya whispered, sniffling, "The goddess reminded me of my mom, who disappeared a long time ago. Kind and warm like the sun, I miss her.

To take her away would be irresponsible, though I wish I could. DxD is more or less a safe world, but not for the likes of this girl. It would be very difficult for an ordinary person.

- So that's how... - I muttered, frowning my eyebrows - Aliya.

- Yes, good milord? - Turning her head to me, she asked.

- A small gift. I hope you find your mother," I touched her forehead and said, 'And the goddess' name is Tiamat. Tiamat, the goddess of beginnings and life. Do you remember?

Aliya nodded in response, then gave Tia a parting glance and broke the embrace, then walked back into the crowd. At the same time, I found the signatures of the surviving Anma villagers and erased their memories of me. After-all, I don't want to be a god. Uh-huh.

- Well, I guess our business here is done, huh? - I muttered and looked at Tia, then looked straight ahead, "Zelretch, we're ready.

In the next second, both Tia and I fell through the gap that opened beneath us, and we were back in the void of a kaleidoscope of colors. And in the middle of it stood a toothy grinning Zelretch, who didn't hide his amusement.

- How was your trip, Romani? Was it fun?

- Not as much as you, I guess," I replied with a shrug, "How's the house? I hope it still exists?

- You'll find out for yourself," he grinned, then added, "And by the way, I suggest you add a room or two, and be ready for something.

When I heard his words, I stared at him with an incomprehensible look.

- What?

-0-

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