Chapter 123. Pain and Emotion
A young girl with silver hair, no older than seven, sat on the edge of a large building that appeared to have been carved out of starlight in the divine realm, a vast area of bright mist and glowing silver clouds.
The massive structure, which seemed to have been constructed out of hope, sailed above a sea of clouds, its lofty arches and spires gleaming with a surreal light.
The girl let out a bored sigh as she gazed into the endless, glittering sky while swinging her tiny, bare feet and kicking at the misty clouds below. A warm, familiar voice broke the still silence. "You’re here, huh?"
The girl spun, her eyes flashing with mischief, seeing Celestia a few steps away, her glowing presence lighting the clouds like a sunrise. Celestia’s smile was soft but knowing, her golden eyes full of love. "Finally tracked you down, little one."
The girl giggled, bright but a bit guilty, her grin shy as she jumped up, darting through the misty pillars. "Sorry, Aunty!" she called, weaving with playful speed.
But Celestia flicked her hand, a gentle wave of magic catching the girl mid-run, lifting her into the air. Her legs kicked in fake protest, her laughter bubbling as she floated, weightless.
Celestia stepped closer, pinching the girl’s cheek with a mix of pretend sternness and deep care. "You dare skip my training?" she scolded, but her eyes twinkled, showing her fondness.
The girl pouted, crossing her arms stubbornly. "It’s boring! I want to meet that Ruler already!"
Celestia’s smile softened, her voice calm and soothing. "There’s still time for him, little star. Dimensional space-time flows differently here and in his world. Haven’t I taught you that?"