The world above: Abigeal journey

"His condition isn't good." Said the middle-aged man wearing a cassock "It has been a year since the emperor became unwell."

"Is there something we can do to save my father! Please." Replied a young lady with striking red hair. "None of my healing spells are working! I have tried everything. What's this curse?"

The red-haired young lady tried to hold back her tears. She felt defeated by the fact that none of her magic or healing herbs were able to help cure her dearest father. She couldn't bear to see him in this state. The priest sighed while briefly looking at the window near him.

"Listen." He began looking at her with a solemn expression. "The emperor has indeed been cursed. Cursed by the world above."

The little girl gasped, amazed by the priest's statement. "The world above?" She repeated.

The priest gently nodded "The people above must be infuriated with your father... for what I don't know. Perhaps because of his sins. However, there is a church, The Holy Church, from Soyokaze continent. They'll be able to guide you on how to go to the other world."

Is that even possible? She thought to herself. Nonetheless, possible or not, her goal was to aid her ill father. In their Kingdom, Heavengelicberg: The kingdom of supercilious. They believe themselves to be the superior beings on this planet. Possibly descendant of angels from the Holy Spirit. Their kin are known as the Heavengelic. They all have long red-burning hair, porcelain skin tone, and gorgeous verdant green eyes.

"Do you think with our pure blood, I'll be able to travel to the other world? Where the angels are?!" The young lady asked with a determination.

The priest chuckled slightly at the girl's enthusiasm. He walked toward her, kneeling down to her level. "But of course, my child. We're the upper beings. And who knows, you might even make a friend with the wildcard." He explained.

"The wildcard? What do you mean by that?" She asked, intrigued.

The priest leisurely got up, looking at his watch. "My child, I must go. Should you choose the route of saving your father. Bear in mind, it might be the path of regret."

The little girl didn't say anything. All she could do was to watch the priest leave the room while reflecting on their conversation. What did he mean by the path of regret or the wildcard? It seemed to her that the priest might know more than what he was telling her.

"Abigeal... are you here?" Said a meek voice.

Abigeal, the young girl, jolted "Father! Y-yes, I'm still here," she said, running near him and holding his cold hand. Despite his weak state, hearing her father's voice brought her a glimpse of hope and strength.

"Abigeal... I'm so sorry to have been a terrible father to you. You didn't deserve my coldness or my stern tone." He explained between coughs.

"Please... don't apologize. I have always seen in your eyes that you were sad and unhappy. However, I never could figure out why. You seem regretful. Please don't stress about it! I don't hate you!"

Her father, Duke Celestial St-Crest, gave her a crooked smile while rummaging in his chest. He handed his daughter a key. "This key will open the door to my library. You'll find my legacy in a chest," he managed to said before falling into a deep slumber.

"Father, don't worry. I vow to cure you and see your true smiling face. Leave it to me." She whispered as she left the room.

She hastened her walk toward the library while passing by the maids and the butlers. As she arrived at the door, she took a deep breath. Her father never allowed anyone to enter this forbidden room, not even his wife. Abigeal was a bit nervous but excited to explored his library for the first time.

Once she unlocked the door. She glanced around the clean chamber, thought nothing looked special or secretive. Abigeal couldn't help but to think what was so special here that it needed to be kept lock at all time? Was it only for his legacy, or something else? Hence, she also knew she didn't have time to think before one of the workers sees her. While she was searching, she finally found the chest that was hidden under a desk filled with a pile of files. As she opened it, she saw a beautiful royal sword. She was amazed by it craftmanship, it was quite unique, but also strange. She could feel some kind of aura surrounding it.

"Wow! That's awesome! However, I don't know how to fight with it. What am I supposed to do with it?" She questioned. As she put the sword down, there were more stuff inside the chest: A diary, a flute, a map, some potions and a small box. Without thinking much, she took everything that was in there and locked the door while running to her room.

"Alright! Today will be my fateful day!" She exclaimed as she quickly prepared before nightfall. She hid her father's sword under her favorite blanket. The rest of the items were in her bag. After a few minutes, she was finally ready to leave the castle for the first time ever. Nevertheless, she knew that the guards won't let her leave because of her overprotective mother.

"Do not fright, my lady, for I am here to help you," said a calm, soothing voice.

"Huh?! Who said that?" Abigeal asked as she cautiously looked around.

"It's I, the Holy Sword. I will shine your path with my power within. Furthermore, I will lead you to the chosen," It explained.

Abigeal was astonished "Incredible, a talking sword?! No wonder you were locked away! How would you be able to help me escape?"

"Just have faith in me," it said with confidence.

She nodded, knowing she had little choice but to put her trust in the so-called Holy Sword. As she walked toward the entrance door, she felt palpitation, knowing she might finally be able to leave her home. But what would the Holy Sword do?

"Okay my lady now all you have to do is to pass by them. Feel free to wave at them if you please" it explained

While getting near the two guards and the door. She took a deep breath and waved at them. However, neither of them reacted. She became a bit concerned.

"See," the Holy Sword said "Right now they're in a sea of dream for the time being"

"How thrilling!" She replied while hastily opened the door to her freedom. Leaving her castle, her unknown prison for years. Abigeal was mesmerized by the beauty of the kingdom. She touched everything she could: the grass, the flowers, the trees and so on. However, all this was new to her. She felt somehow overwhelmed by the masse, as she passed by them.

"Where should we go, Mister sword?" She asked.

"There is a shore near by. We will be able to find a boat, don't be scared." He replied to put her at ease.

"Okay... but I don't know where that is." She added slightly embarrassed.

"Not to worry. As I said, I'll be your shepherd... look in front of you." As she did as tell, she saw a glowing butterfly. "Now follow it, Abigeal" he continued "It can only be seen by you, now."

After a couple of minutes, the butterfly led them to the shore near a small wooden boat. Abigeal was flabbergasted by the view of the ocean and the sky. She loved the sounds of the crashing waves. The air was salty. While she touched the sand: it was soft and yields easily to pressure. The teal sky was slowly transitioning to a light dark blue. Above them was a large glamming crescent celestial shape, known as the world above.

"Abigeal," the sword began "Are you ready? Once we leave this Kingdom, there is no telling when we will be return."

She nodded with determination in her eyes, as she stared at her home from afar. "Yes, I am. My father needs to be cured! Our people need him! And besides, I want to learn about the other ethnicities and above all... I want to at least make one friend during this journey. There is no turning back... I'm quite aware of this." She responded while pulling the boat into the gelid water.

"..." the sword was briefly quiet. He wanted to choose his words scrupulously "If anything, I could be your first friend?" He asked.

"Would you?!" Abigeal replied almost in tears. Those word meant a lot to her. In her home, she had no one to call a friend. There were only adults, who had no time to play with her because they were busy working. "Alright! Let's be friends!"

Meanwhile, in Hirma: The town of the red moon. There resides an unknown boy, soon to be chosen by the sword arrived at home. Pleased with himself.

"Thank God school is finally over! I can relax! No more curriculums!" He yelled relieved. "Mom? Dad? Sis? I'm home."

"Heatden? Is that you?!" asked an angelic voice running out of the kitchen. It was his mother, Miranda Astaroth, a Fallen. A gorgeous woman with her piercing yellow eyes. Beautiful purple hair with faded white at the end. She might have a terrifying stared or demeanor, hence when it come to her family, she's quite a sweetheart.

"Awwwn! My baby boy is eventually got home. I missed you!" She said as she glued her cheek to his son robbing it none stop.

"Hahaha! Come on, honey let him go. He's too old for you to still do that," said a velvety voice. Coming down the stairs, it was his father, Neil Astaroth. He's a tall man with blonde, jade-colored hair with his striking yellow eyes "Welcome back, son," he said with a proud look.

Heatden smiled at his parents glad to be back. However, someone was missing. "Where is my sister?" he asked.

Both parents glanced at each other before responding. They both had an uncertainly look. "She isn't there," his dad replied.

"She went to see her best friend. She apparently mentioned something about a change in the air and something about an oracle," his mother added.

"Huh, is that so?" he replied.

His sister's best friend was always kind of weird and so cryptic. Though, she was always kind to him, since there are the same. "Come on foods is ready. Let go eat," his mother said, smiling.

While they ate, time flew by as they caught up with each other. It has been a year since they saw each other. Heatden suddenly had a headache, with a slight vision of someone with blazing red hair.

"Are you okay, Heat?" his father asked concerned.

"Yes, I'm fine now." He replied while rubbing his head.

As the hours passed, the weather seemed ominous, the sky was filled with dark clouds, and a sudden downpour soaked the terrain. Heat looked out the window wondering if his sister was okay. Wherever she was with her best friend. The next morning, Heatden got up. He felt: great knowing that he didn't have to get prepare for school. As he got down, he saw a glimpse of something shining. As she followed it, his mother was cooking breakfast and his dad was reading the newspaper. The glowing thing, was a gold butterfly flying around them. However, they didn't seem to react to it. Entering the kitchen, the butterfly was immediately attracted to him. "What the heck?" he mumbled.

His father looked up from his newspaper. "What is the matter, son?" he asked curiously.

"Huh," he started, while the butterfly danced around him. "Hmmm... can't you see something wrong here?" he asked disturbed.

His mother stopped prepping her cooking to look at her child then both parents glanced at each other "No, we see nothing wrong. What is it?" she replied.

"Can't you see it? The golden butterfly flying around me?!" he added.

Both parents stared at their son concerned. By his claim they couldn't see. Heatden sighed his frustration away. He couldn't comprehend why couldn't they see it; he thought. The butterfly suddenly changed its direction toward the door. Perhaps it wanted to guide him somewhere.

"It wants to lead me somewhere. I'm going to follow it." Heatden said opening the door.

Following its lead, with his parents right behind. It guided them out of their town to a verdant lush plain field. From afar, they could see a small shore. Approaching it, was a little girl unconscious surrounded by strange black cloudy creatures.

"Heed my call, thy chosen," said the faint voice of the sword. "Help this child, I beg you, pick me up."

Heatden felt an odd pound within himself "Who said that?" he asked' at loss. Looking around, he glanced forward. He saw the butterfly landing on a pink blanket. Approaching it, he picked it up and it revealed itself to be a unique sword. "Damn! What a nice sword," he mumbled. As soon as Heatden touched the sword, he felt something odd, yet warm at the same time. He felt a bound to it. Without thinking much, Heatden swung the sword at the strange creatures. While throwing some fire spells at them. They all faded away slowly with the wind.

"Amazing power! It seemed to be enhancing my skills," he mumbled. "But what were those monsters? I never saw them."

Looking at the unconscious girl, he was astonished to see her hair color. It was his first time seeing an Heavengelic. His father held the little girl while his wife took the child's bag. Arriving at their home, Neil put the child and the guest room while Miranda took care of her small wounds. Heat sat on the couch in the leaving room, putting the sword next to him. He stared at it with wonder. The feeling he had when he held the sword was odd. He couldn't explain it.

"What's going on here?" Neil asked scratching the back of his head.

"Your guess is as good as mine," His wife replied as she left the guest room. "At the very least, she'll be fine. Her wounds aren't bad."

"That's good. However, why is an Heavengelic, especially a child, doing here?" he added. "Is she a runaway or something?"

They all had many questions with few answers to theirs. Miranda stared at the sword. "This feeling," she said under her breath. After a few hours. The child, Abigeal, finally got up. She looked around, a bit confused about where she was and how she got here. As she looked beside her, all she saw were her bag and blanket on her. She didn't see the Holy Sword. She got up out of the bed in a hurry to the leaving room. She suddenly stopped, seeing three strangers staring at her.

"Who are you?" she asked terrified.

"Huh? Excuse YOU! The question is, who are YOU" Heat responded "We are the people who saved you."

Abigeal gasped, embarrassed. "I'm so very sorry!" she said bowing her head to them. "I didn't mean to be rude."

"No need to apologize, love. More importantly, how are you feeling?" Miranda asked, giving her a warm, welcoming smiling.

Abigeal looked at Miranda bashfully. As she nodded, "actually, I'm quite fine thank you for asking. You people are... gracious."

"But of course," Neil added. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here?"

"I left my kingdom to find a cure to save my father, because of the world above has cursed him! I need to find the Holy Church," she briefly explained nervously. "And before my father fell into a deep slumber, he gave me a special sword, his legacy, that'll guide me to thy chosen."

Hearing that, Heatden gasped. That was the exact words of the sword had told him.

"The world above?" Miranda repeated. "Why would they curse your father? What are they gaining by doing so? We know nothing about them. Who is father? But first, what's your name?"

"That's what the priest told me! My name's Abigeal Celestial St-Crest, and my father's name is Duke Celestial St-crest."

"What?!" Miranda yelled, astounded by the answer. Neil and Heat looked at her, confused. "Isn't he the emperor to your kin?" she asked.

Abigeal shyly nodded. "Do you perhaps know him?"

"Hmmm... how long has he been sick" Miranda asked.

"He has been sick for a couple of years-like, four. However, he has been on bed rest for a year," she replied.

"I met your father long ago, before he became emperor."

"Really?! Are his friend?" Abigeal asked.

Miranda smiled with a grimace. "Not really, love. He was just an acquaintance from the past."

"Oh?" she responded sadly. "Hmmm...may I ask who you are?"

"I'm Miranda Astaroth. This is handsome fellow is my husband, Neil Astaroth, and this young man is our son, Heatden. We have a daughter, but she isn't home right now," she answered proudly.

Abigeal stared at Heatden, confused, then leisurely-glared at his parents. How could he be their son? Both parents' skin is a beige Ivory, with yellow eyes, while Heatden has caramel skin tone. His eyes and short hair are rose beige cream color, and his long mohawk is red with braided hair at the back. Heat parents are Fallen kin, with demon abilities, and Shinigami abilities too. They praise the shining star known as Lucypher. As for Heat, he's an ancient: they're known for their flavorful foods, gospel music and their odd magic with voodoo dolls.

Miranda's expression became sorrowful. Her throat became tightened. "Well, his mother..." she managed to said. "He's, my child! My precious boy. He... he's."

"You mentioned a Holy church. In this continent, we've never heard of a church name like that," Neil said to change the subject quickly.

"Hmmm... not to worry, I have the sword my father gave me. It has the power to shepherd me to the chosen one who'll help me find the church. Speaking of which, where is my father legacy?!" Abigeal explained, looking around.

"Oh, it's on the couch behind you. It can talk, right? It's pretty awesome," Heatden added.

While she took her sword, she heaved. "You heard talk to you?!"

"Well, yeah. There was even a butterfly that guided me to you while you were unconscious surrounded by strange creatures."

Abigeal ran toward Heatden, hugging him with joy. "Are you the chosen of the sword?! Amazing! That means you'll be able to help me during my journey."

Heatden stared at Abigeal, bewildered, while pushing her away. He didn't quite understand the gist of it yet. What could she possibly gain by him being the chosen? "Why would I be the chosen? To help your dad? To travel to the other world?"

She firmly nodded, "Yes! It's faith. Please I need your aid in order to go to the world above. I can't do it alone!"

Heatden took a couple of minutes before answered her. Though all this might be strange, he could understand her feelings, should it happen to him. He would've done the same thing as her. He sighed. "Why the hell not." He answered her "We'll figure out all this puzzle during our journey.

Abigael's eyes lightened up hearing those magic words. That's all she wanted to hear. She landed the sword to Heatden. As soon as he touched the sword, it began to glow.

"Thy soul is now bound with I. My power awaits thy command. Awaken your true light, and so, I shalt be your guardian angel. By accepting me... you accept full responsibility for your choices and actions," The sword recited "All I need is your blood for our contract."

Heatden glanced at his parents with hesitation. Why did it need his blood? His mother silently glared at the sword "Hmmm... this feeling, could it be?" she mumbled "If so, is that my cue. I did promise..." Miranda tsk-ed. She slowly approached her son. With a single nod, he understood.

"Alright, you shall have my blood." He said while biting his thumb, it began to bleed. He smeared his blood to the cold, sacred steel. An odd scripture suddenly appeared instead of his blood.

"The contract is now completed." The sword said at ease.

"You better keep your words, swordman. Should something happen to my boy... I'll annihilate you.... Don't fail. That's my contract to you. And..." She stopped mid conversation. She quietly left the room.

Heatden watched his mother leave. His father gently smiled at them "Don't worry, kids. Hmmm... by the by, Abigeal, was it? You're not dressed to go on a journey... and your hair... Follow me." He spoke.