The lamplight flickered gently as Lily sat on the edge of her bed, eyes locked on the radiant figure standing before her.
Emrys—the myth, the legend, the primordial force bound to the very creation of Meeresboden—was right here in her room, arms folded behind his back as though he belonged.
LILY (narrowing her eyes):
Alright. You're apparently my ancestor. Why now? Why me?
EMRYS (smiling softly):
Because Shizuku wasn't the end of the legacy. You are. Or perhaps… the next beginning.
He walked slowly, inspecting the bookshelf at her wall. Several titles jumped out at him—"Advanced Yin Constructs", "The Spirit of Light and Dark", and "Journal of Alto Mezzanine."
EMRYS:
You've been studying. You already feel the pull of power, don't you?
LILY (guarded):
I've always felt it. But I don't know what it means.
EMRYS (turning):
It means your soul remembers things your body hasn't lived. And you've inherited a resonance that few beings can wield.
You and Shizuku both carry a splinter of my essence.
LILY:
Then why don't I feel like a goddess?
EMRYS (laughing softly):
Because being divine isn't about feeling powerful. It's about learning how not to be consumed by it. You're growing, Lily. You're fifteen. That's exactly when the resonance matures.
LILY (skeptical):
And what? I'm just going to ascend?
EMRYS:
Eventually. But first… you'll have to earn your place.
You'll face gods, demons, and doubts that will crawl into your bones.
He walked over and placed a hand on her head gently.
EMRYS:
But I'm here now. To guide you when the path splinters. I'm more than your ancestor, Lily. I'm your protector, too.
LILY (after a pause):
So you'll keep visiting?
EMRYS (with a smirk):
Whenever you're ready for a lesson, or a nightmare, or both.
He turned toward the sigil that floated in midair.
EMRYS:
One last thing.
LILY (lifting her head):
Yeah?
EMRYS:
In time, your true weapon's spirit will call to you. Don't chase it. Listen for it.
With that, he stepped back into the sigil, and the room fell still again—except for Lily's heart, pounding like a war drum.
She looked to the window, where distant stars blinked with purpose.
LILY (softly):
Guess I'm not just a kid in school anymore.