Jereva caught her with ease, letting out a chuckle as she twirled Zoey in the air.
"Ohhh, my cute little niece!" she cooed, squeezing Zoey tightly.
She finally put Zoey down, cupping her small cheeks.
"You get cuter every time I see you. I might just steal you away one day."
Zoey giggled, nuzzling into her touch.
"Where have you been?" she pouted. "You've been gone forever!"
Jereva smiled, brushing a strand of Zoey's hair behind her ear.
"I know, I know. I've been busy. I'm sorry."
"Too busy for your cute niece?" Zoey huffed, puffing out her cheeks.
"I thought you loved me."
Jereva laughed, pressing their foreheads together.
"Ohhh, my sassy little girl. What would I do without you?"
Zoey grinned.
"You'd be boring!"
Jereva threw her head back, laughing loudly.
"And she's proud too."
They laughed together, their laughter filling the room.
But then, Jereva's smile softened.
"So," she said, looking around. "What are you doing in your room at this time of day?"
Zoey's expression darkened.
"Nothing…" she muttered.
Jereva raised an eyebrow.
"You had another falling out with your mom, huh?"
Zoey frowned, crossing her arms.
"She's always complaining!"
"Always controlling me. Zoey, do this. Zoey, do that."
"What if I don't want to?"
Jereva laughed again.
"And did you tell her this?"
She smirked.
"How about I go help you tell her?"
Zoey froze.
Slowly, she turned to Jereva.
Her tiny hands grasped at her aunt's sleeves in panic.
"You wouldn't do that, would you, Aunty?"
Jereva chuckled, ruffling her hair.
"You're literally the cutest."
Then, she squeezed Zoey's cheeks.
"AH! HELP! HELP! ATTACK!!" Zoey giggled, squirming in her grasp.
Jereva finally let go, grinning as Zoey rubbed her cheeks with a fake glare.
But then her smile faded slightly.
"Zoey…" Jereva said softly.
"Celestial isn't the easiest person. But I promise you, she means well."
"She just wants what's best for you."
Zoey bit her lip.
"I know, Aunty…"
Her eyes hardened.
"But only I should decide what's best for me, right?"
Jereva's smile returned, and she tapped Zoey's nose.
"Oh, just look at my smart cutie."
"Tickle attack!"
Zoey shrieked.
"AHHHHH! NO! NOOO!!"
She collapsed, laughing uncontrollably, screaming for help.
As the moment passed, Jereva's expression turned somber.
"…Zoey," she said, her voice softer.
"I'll be heading to the military soon."
Zoey froze. Her joy faded instantly.
She looked up at Jereva with wide, sad eyes.
"Must you leave?" she whispered.
Jereva nodded.
"I must."
Her voice was gentle, but firm.
"Our planet is under attack, and we have to protect it."
Zoey's small hands clenched into fists.
"But there are billions of people on this planet. Why must you go?"
Jereva smiled sadly.
"Because, little star…"
"As those privileged with strength, it is our duty to defend it."
Her warm hand landed on Zoey's small shoulder.
Zoey's lower lip trembled.
"Then…" she hesitated.
"Can I come with you?"
Jereva chuckled softly. Her grip tightened.
"Not yet," she said gently.
"But soon."
She leaned down, brushing Zoey's tears away.
"One day, this will be you."
"With your determination and dedication, I have no doubt. You might be the hero our planet needs."
Jereva's eyes softened.
"So grow quickly, okay?"
"Save your beautiful aunt when the time comes, alright?"
Zoey sniffled.
Then, she nodded, clenching her fists.
"I will, Aunty!"
"I'll grow strong enough and save you!"
Her voice was filled with determination.
Jereva smiled.
And then, they hugged. A tight one.
A hug that Zoey would never forget.
A hug that, if Zoey had known it would be her last, she would have stayed longer, even if it was just a second more.
The Scene Shifted.
It a day Zoey would never forget in her entire life.
A dark day.
It was daytime, yet to Zoey, the world had lost its colors.
The somber notes of mourning music filled the air inside a vast ceremonial hall. The space was lined with the tiered, warriors, and high-ranking officials. Some whispered amongst themselves, others shed quiet tears.
But Zoey?
She stood alone.
Her small, seven-year-old frame leaned against the farthest wall, her wide eyes empty as they stared at the platform at the end of the hall.
A large portrait stood there.
A portrait of a beautiful woman with a warm smile and gentle eyes.
Jereva Starhaven.
Below it, a mountain of flowers, gifts from the grieving, arranged delicately in her honor.
She had gone to the military.
She had fought.
And now, she was gone.
Zoey's world had come crashing down.
She had just turned seven.
She had awakened a Tier 7 spirit, the highest in recorded history.
She was on her way to becoming stronger.
She was on her way to saving Eldoralth.
She was on her way to saving her.
And yet…
The tears fell.
Endless.
Silent.
Her heart ached so much that it was a mystery why it hadn't shattered yet.
Then, a sharp voice echoed.
"Wipe away those useless things."
Zoey flinched. Slowly, she turned.
Standing before her was a woman with long, purple hair, her presence as imposing as ever.
Celestial Starhaven.
Her mother.
Zoey didn't move.
Celestial's expression remained cold, her sharp eyes narrowing.
"This is reality," she said flatly.
"The world is a terrible place. The earlier you accept this, the better for you."
She took a step closer.
"This is why I have always been hard on you."
"You must be the best, so you don't end up like your aunt."
Zoey's fists clenched.
Her body trembled at the mention of Jereva. She wiped her tears quickly. But she said nothing.
Celestial stared at her for a moment, then turned.
"Come."
She didn't wait for Zoey to respond.
"This is a good opportunity to introduce you to some important people."
The ache in Zoey's heart grew. But she didn't protest.
She simply nodded.
"…Yes, Mother."
With small, obedient steps, she followed behind Celestial.
She was introduced to countless people, their hands cold, their words hollow.
But her mind never left the portrait of Jereva.
Her eyes were filled with grief.
Yet, there was something else.
Something stronger.
Determination.
She would complete what she had promised her aunt.
She would be the hero they needed.
She would save Eldoralth.
No matter what.