She seemed to shine with an otherworldly beauty that lit up the room as she sat down in front of a small wooden table that stood in the middle of Tristan's apartment. This woman who called herself a goddess and dressed like one to.
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"Um I'm sorry." Tristan said as he walked into the living room holding a wooden tray with two cups of green tea on top. "This is the only thing that I can offer you right now." He said with an awkward smile as he knelt down and placed the two cups down one in front of the mysterious woman, and the on the opposite area of the table where he would sit.
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"Thank you." The woman said with a smile. "That is very kind."
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Her smile seemed to have the ability to stop his heart, to create goosebumps on his skin, to blind his very eyes and yet reality struck with a powerful force of realization.
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"Sooo?" Tristan said rubbing his neck. "You said your a goddess huh?" He asked not knowing what to make out of this strange woman who appeared from his very dreams.
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"Yes." The woman said with a slight nod as she dug into her white and blue robes and pulled out a small white card that glisten in the sunlight and seemed to almost move like a liquid instead of a solid piece of thin paper.
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As Tristan delved into the golden words inscribed on the pristine parchment, he squinted at the unfamiliar language that sprawled across the paper. Initially indecipherable, the symbols underwent a mystical metamorphosis, gradually transforming into letters and words he could comprehend.
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"8th level Major Goddess, Laraura," Tristan articulated, carefully navigating the now readable sentences.
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Maintaining a firm grip on the card, Tristan continued to observe the woman seated across from him, her serene smile suggesting an acceptance of the extraordinary. Placing the card on the wooden table, he pondered the newfound information with a composed and collected mind.
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"So, um, what does a goddess like yourself want from me?" Tristan inquired, arms crossed, a blend of curiosity and skepticism etched across his face.
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Loraura extended a single finger, pointed upward toward the ceiling, signaling a connection to the ethereal.
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"From up in the Unfettered lands of the Gods," Loraura elucidated. "We gods and goddesses have a mission."
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"A mission?" Tristan inquired, raising a skeptical eyebrow. "What mission?"
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"To watch over mankind," Loraura continued, delving into the intricate tapestry of human existence. "Every deed, every action, and the underlying forces guiding those actions fall under the jurisdiction of the higher realm."
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"Uh huh?" Tristan replied, struggling to grasp the depth of her explanation.
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"I have come to you, Mr. Cunningham, to spare you from pain and distress," Loraura declared with a hint of solemnity.
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"I'm sorry?" Tristan voiced his confusion, a furrow forming on his forehead.
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"I am here to answer the call of your heart," Loraura clarified, her words seeking to bridge the gap of understanding.
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Tristan glanced down at his chest, imagining his heart ringing like a siren. Yet, there was no clear explanation for what the goddess spoke of.
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"I'm sorry, goddess," he said, looking up at Loraura. "But my heart is fine."
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Loraura's smile widened at Tristan's acknowledgment. "As I mentioned, we Gods and Goddesses monitor every life, including yours, Mr. Cunningham," she affirmed.
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"Uh huh," Tristan nodded in acknowledgment.
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"Despite facing a surplus of misfortune, your consistent displays of compassion, benevolence, and remarkable fortitude have earned you the highest praise," Loraura praised, intertwining her hands as if in prayer. "You are deemed worthy of divine grace."
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"Divine grace? Whats that suppose to mean?" Tristan queried.
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"In essence, your wish will be granted," Loraura declared with cheer, her words sparking awe and surprise in Tristan.
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"My wish?" Tristan exclaimed, a mix of awe and shock coloring his tone.
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"But heed this warning," Loraura cautioned, raising a single finger once again. "You will receive only one wish, and just one wish."
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Tristan hung on every word, captivated by the woman's enchanting tale. Peering into her blue eyes, he found himself drawn in, inexplicably believing this stranger with an unbelievable story and yet still Tristan, grappling with disbelief, couldn't suppress an awkward chuckle. "You can't really expect me to believe all of this," he remarked. "I mean, you could be some very talented scammer trying to trick me."
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Loraura's smile vanished, replaced by a solemn expression. "I would never attempt to mislead you in such a way," she assured with gentle words.
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"Really," Tristan raised an eyebrow skeptically.
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"Yes, you see, lying is highly looked down upon for gods," Loraura explained.
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"Uh huh," Tristan replied, still skeptical. "Look, I'm honored that you think I'm worthy of having my wish granted, but trust me, you have the wrong guy." He gazed down at his open hands. "There is no one more unworthy than me," he added, looking up with a sad smile.
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Loraura remained silent, standing at her full height. Closing her eyes and clasping her hands together, Tristan's eyes widened as her body began to radiate a bright blue light, accompanied by a pale fog filling the room.
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"What's happening?" Tristan asked, his curiosity tinged with a touch of anxiety. "What is this?"
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"This, this is truth," the goddess declared, opening her eyes. "Can't you see?" She gestured towards the thick fog.
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As Tristan peered into the fog, he discerned vivid images portraying his life, past experiences, and the faces of people he had encountered—some from distant memories and others from fleeting encounters.
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"I know these guys," Tristan remarked, studying the images closely.
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"You, of all people, should recognize these individuals. They are the people you have helped in some way," Loraura explained, her smile reflecting a deep understanding.
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Tristan felt his heart quicken with a sense of pride and joy as he observed the images. He smiled, genuinely happy with the realization.
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"When one finds their path in life, they must not be afraid to make mistakes. In truth, a person must have the courage to make those mistakes and bear all of the disappointment and despair," Loraura continued, gesturing to the multitude of images that played endlessly. "You, Mr. Cunningham, have had that courage and have even passed it on to others."
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Tristan, overwhelmed with emotion, struggled to find words to counter Loraura's sentiments. The images of his own benevolent deeds, the smiles he had brought to others, played before him.
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"You see, even though many of these people would be overlooked, mistreated, and underprivileged by most individuals, you have given their lives value by simply acknowledging their existence and lending a helping hand when necessary."
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Tears welled up in Tristan's eyes as he gazed at the radiant goddess. Unable to contain his emotions, he began to cry.
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"You are blessed more than any other, so do not fear," Loraura reassured with joy. She extended her arms forward, as if offering a comforting embrace. "Don't fear, for your wish will be granted."
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Time stood still as Tristan contemplated the glowing goddess before him.
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"She's telling me the truth," Tristan reassured himself. The repetition echoed in his mind as a dark image intruded—a shadowy figure, tall and imposing, sending chills down his spine.
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The dissipating fog revealed Loraura, now an ordinary woman standing in the middle of an apartment.
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"I think I'm ready to make my wish," Tristan declared, attempting to maintain composure.
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"That's great!" Loraura exclaimed, clapping her hands together and settling back down.
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Tristan met Loraura's face, filled with genuine excitement and joy, a happiness that seemed boundless.
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"My wish..." he began, deep in thought, his cheeks turning bright red.
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"Yes," Loraura encouraged.
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"I-I want..." Tristan hesitated, closing his eyes in embarrassment.
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"Yes," Loraura repeated, inching closer.
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"For you," Tristan continued, halting once again.
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"Uh huh," Loraura acknowledged, eagerly awaiting his words.
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"To stay by my side and be my Goddess."
***
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Author notes: Please support my work on Patreon for early access to new chapters. https://patreon.com/DarkMatteromniverse
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