NOVEL NEXT Chapter 57: The Mother's Concern
A quiet clearing in the mountains, where Ellen sits cross-legged on a soft patch of grass. The gentle rustle of leaves surrounds her, and the warm sun filters through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere. She rests her hands on her belly, a soft smile on her face as she speaks to her unborn child.
Ellen: (gently rubbing her belly) "You know, little one, your father was one of the bravest people I've ever known. He faced so many challenges, especially when he was quirkless. Most would have given up, but not him. He had this incredible strength inside him."
She closes her eyes for a moment, reminiscing about the countless battles Toshinori fought, his unwavering spirit shining through even in the darkest times.
Ellen: voice filled with warmth "I remember the way he would smile, no matter how hard things got."
Her expression turns somber as she thinks about the weight of her father's actions, the secrets she's yet to uncover. She places a hand on her chest, taking a deep breath.
Ellen: "But, oh, how I wish he were here now. You deserve to know your father—his bravery, his kindness, and how much he loved you before you were even born."
She leans back against a tree, her gaze drifting to the sky, the clouds drifting lazily above her.
Ellen: speaking softly to her baby "I promise to tell you all about him, how he fought not just for us but for everyone who couldn't fight for themselves. He believed in a better world, one where love and hope would conquer all."
Feeling a surge of Strength Ellen sits up straighter, her voice stronger now.
Ellen: "And I promise, no matter what happens, I will honor his legacy. I will make sure you grow up knowing how incredible your father was. I'll teach you to be brave, just like him. To stand up for what is right and to always fight against injustice."
She takes a moment, imagining the future, a future where her child could thrive, surrounded by love and warmth.
Ellen: smiling softly "When you're ready to enter this world, I'll be here to support you, to protect you. You'll have your father's spirit inside you, and together, we'll carry his strength forward."
As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the mountains, Ellen feels a wave of resolve wash over her. Despite the uncertainty and the fears she carries, her heart swells with hope for the future. She knows she must confront the truth about her father, but she also understands the importance of nurturing the love and strength she and Toshinori shared.
Ellen: whispering to her baby "I believe in us, and I believe in your father. We'll make it through this together."
Ellen stands on the balcony of her hidden mansion nestled deep in the mountains, gazing out at the serene yet isolated landscape. The mansion is a place of refuge, far from prying eyes, but her thoughts are far from peaceful. She gently places a hand on her belly, feeling her child move.
Ellen: (thinking) "What should I name you, my little one? A name with strength, like your father… but also with the light we carry within us."
Her thoughts are interrupted by the voices of Kaori and Shinwa, who have come to visit her at the mansion. They're always concerned about her well-being and curious about her plans.
Kaori: smiling as she watches Ellen "Have you thought of a name yet? We've been wondering what you'll call him."
Shinwa: (grinning) "Yeah, I bet you've got something special in mind. He's going to be someone amazing, after all."
Ellen turns to them, her expression softening as she sees their eager faces. A small smile plays on her lips.
Ellen: (chuckling softly) "I've thought about it… but his name will be decided once he's born. Until then, I'll keep it a secret, even from you two."
Kaori and Shinwa exchange a curious glance, but they respect Ellen's choice. Ellen's smile lingers as she turns back to the view, her thoughts still racing, but now with a sense of calm. The mansion, hidden from the world, provides her the quiet she needs, but she knows that soon, her child will be born, and with him, a new hope.
Ellen: (whispering to herself) "When he arrives, we'll be ready. And he'll carry a name worthy of everything we've been through."
As three friends settle on a rock formation overlooking the valley, the wind gently blowing around them. The atmosphere is serene, yet the weight of their conversation hangs in the air. Kaori and Shinwa exchange glances, their expressions turning serious as they discuss the future of Ellen's child.
Kaori: thoughtfully "You know, Ellen, your child will not only inherit Toshinori's incredible Devil powers but also your Divine powers. He'll be something truly special."
Shinwa: nodding "With both legacies combined, he could be incredibly powerful. Imagine the potential he'll have!"
Ellen's smile falters as she contemplates their words. The idea of her child being burdened by expectations fills her with unease.
Ellen: sighing, shaking her head "I understand that, but I want him to have a normal life. Being the successor to such a powerful legacy comes with its own set of challenges. I know how hard it is to carry someone's throne."
Kaori: frowning slightly "But wouldn't it be a gift? He could make a real difference in the world with those powers."
Ellen: looking out at the horizon, her voice firm "Yes, it could be a gift, but it could also be a curse. I've seen what it means to live in the shadows of greatness. I don't want him to be defined by his powers or pressured to live up to expectations. I want him to choose his own path."
Shinwa: softly "That's understandable. You want him to have the freedom to be himself, without the weight of a legacy holding him back."
Ellen: nodding, her heart heavy "Exactly. I want him to explore the world, make friends, and create his own destiny. If he wants to embrace his powers later, that's fine, but I hope he can experience life without the constant pressure of being a successor."
Kaori: supportively "You're a wonderful mother, Ellen. Just remember, no matter what, you'll be there to guide him. You can help him understand the balance between his abilities and living a fulfilling life."
Ellen: smiling faintly, reassured by her friends' words "Thank you. I just want him to know he's loved for who he is, not for what he can do. That's what truly matters."
As they sit together, the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over them. Ellen feels a renewed sense of hope and strength, knowing that with the support of Kaori and Shinwa, she can navigate the challenges ahead and provide a nurturing environment for her child.
Ellen's thoughts drift inward. Her hand rests on her belly as she reflects on the conversation with Kaori and Shinwa. A quiet realization settles over her.
Ellen: (thinking to herself, her expression tender) "Every mother must think like this when she carries a child. We all want the same thing—our children to be happy, to live free from burdens, and to know they are loved."
She smiles softly, feeling a deep connection not just to her child, but to mothers everywhere. Ellen's own struggles as the Goddess of Light, the weight of expectations, make her desire for her child's freedom even stronger. But she realizes that her feelings are part of a universal experience, one shared by all mothers across time and space.
Ellen: (thinking, feeling a sense of solidarity) "Whether we have divine powers or not, we all hope for the same thing... that our children can create their own paths. Maybe that's the most sacred duty of a mother, to let her child walk freely."
Her hand tightens protectively over her belly, as she gazes at the setting sun. The warmth of the moment fills her with a profound sense of purpose.
Ellen: whispering to her child "I will do everything I can to make sure you have that freedom. No matter what comes, you will always be loved for who you are, not for the powers you inherit or the throne you may one day claim."
In that moment, Ellen feels both vulnerable and powerful, like every mother who has ever wished the world for her child. And she knows, deep in her heart, that she will fight for that future.