It was the last day of June, and they were planning for Marco to go to the hospital and prepare for their first birth. For female nephalems, it was twice as hard to deliver a child. It was a delicate process that needed those who are specialized in such a field.

Marco wasn’t even nervous as she rubbed her pregnant stomach. She couldn’t wait to see her baby for the first time. But Alphonse was walking on eggshells. As a first-time father, he had a lot to prepare for.

Even had an action item list for every step of the way: the trip to the hospital, when she goes into labor, when she’s in labor, when the baby is born… It was a bit tedious. But it just showed that he cared and wanted to make sure that his son or daughter was taken care of.

In the living room, Alphonse is on his smartphone, planning ahead of time to get the safest route to the hospital… Which is only five blocks away. Marco sees this as she sneaks up behind him, kissing his soft neck. She giggled.

“Oh, dear God! A witch in my house?! And a smoking hot one at that--! How the world did that happen?!” Alphonse teased as she laughed. He tried his best to calm himself down with a joke but having his fiancée giving him hugs and kisses did the trick.

Looking over his shoulder, Marco saw the list, “that is very impressive?”

“Indeed, it is, sweetheart,” he confirmed as he kissed her. “I just called your obstetrician, and she is already there waiting for us. Also, it will take us at least five minutes in 22 seconds to get to the hospital!”

Marco nodded, “good…” She lets go of the embrace as he went over to get his house keys. “You know, I’m so happy this is happening,” she reminisced. “I mean, I learned so much about myself in so little time.”

Alphonse stayed silent, but not for long as he chimed in, “yeah… To think someone who was first a representative of heaven became so dark-hearted in the end.” He shook his head in disbelief.

With a sad smile, Marco went up to him and hugged him from behind, resting her head on Alphonse’s back as he continued, “for thousands of years, it seems like we have never learned our lesson. And how many times are we going to say to ourselves that we are lucky. We have got to stop saying stuff like that… It was not luck that saved us all that December. It was faith. I just hope people can understand that now…”

Then, Marco loosened her grip as Alphonse turned around, wrapping his arms around Marco’s pregnant frame, “in the past year, you helped me grow as a woman.”

Alphonse smiled, going in for several passionate kisses, “I’m glad to hear that. Sometimes we need to… Become better… And you did just that, Marco. I love you.”

“I love you too, Alfie,” Marco said. Letting go of the embrace, the couple made their way to the front door leaving their home. As they made their way to the driveway, they were greeted by Lydia and her one-year-old daughter now named Miracle.

Marco was indeed happy to see her best friend, but it was a complete surprise, “Lydia! You’re here! I mean, I didn’t know you’re going to come--!”

“And miss this? You must be out of your mind!” Lydia said with excitement. “You know I was their wetnurse for the longest, and I still am in our village.”

This puts a blank expression on Alphonse, “you’re going to interfere with the birth, are you?”

“No, Alfie! Although I am wearing my medieval wetnurse gown…” Lydia said with a smile.

“Marco?” Alphonse whined.

“She won’t, Alfie. She promises!” Marco reassures while kissing Alphonse on the cheek.

“Yes, little guy. I am only here for moral support. And to take a video of her being in excruciating pain.” Lydia said with a mischievous smile, holding her camera.

“I could turn you into a frog now, Lydia. Literally!” Marco threatens.

Miracle was a happy baby as she giggled at the banter between the three of them.

“Remember, your blood pressure! It has to be regulated,” Alphonse reminded as Marco walked towards their car. Of course, riding a shotgun was dangerous, so Marco had to drive in the backseat. It was a good thing that Alphonse packed her luggage, and it was put in the trunk ahead of time.

Lydia got into her car as well, but not before strapping her baby into her seat. Then she followed them both to the hospital.

Alphonse’s instructions were amazing as they were on time. However, they were met with those who were in the village. They were playing instruments and burning sage for good luck. Not that he didn’t mind the encouragement and good luck, but they were blocking the entranceway as they were losing time. To Marco, it was heartwarming to see all the villagers coming out to show their support.

And so, my beloved Alphonse and I are off to venture out into a brave new world together as parents. And although the curse has been lifted on this world, Maria is still suffering a great deal and will be suffering a great deal the moment she wakes up and faces reality. But the beautiful part is… that I intend to keep it that way.

I intend to let people like Maria all suffer as we all have suffered. The only sad part about this entire situation is that it should have been a lot worse than it was, but no. She had to be the best magical in her generation and could have been the greatest still. She just became a typical reminder of overreaching and living beyond her limits. A modern-day Icarus, now wallowing in a mental health facility.

So, someone, I had to pay for her crimes of being such a good little pet dog for her master. The same master who was ready, willing, and able to sacrifice one of his loyal subjects for someone who isn’t even worth protecting. Makes you wonder if she got off with the thrill of having her creations fuck and kill each other for the sake of doing it.

If I were a God, I would do no such thing. Sadly, Maria, you live because somebody sacrifices their time for you. And when that time comes, I will come back and take it away from you. You think for a second that since I have found the true happiness with all the monsters I have saved from you; I would be done? You are very sadly mistaken.

I took care of Father Raphael; he is dead to the world. That only leaves three.

Father Brutus, the holy surgeon who enjoys cutting others into works of art.

Lady Firefly, the faceless cosplaying influencer who spends time spinning the truth.

Lord Caliber, the disenfranchised war hero who wants to see the world burn.

My hatred holds no bounds for your master and your little three subordinates who truly take the cake of being very loyal, meek, and obedient. I’m going to have so much fun hunting you all down and watching all of you suffer. You think because since you were empowered by “God,” that you can never be broken? But instead, you are all weak, and I have just proven that. Right. In front. Of your faces.

Do you think this is over since your holy war has ended? It will never be over. As long as you are still breathing, we can never be truly free. Our true freedom will be realized. And I haven’t begun taking everything you have.

(END OF STORY)