NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Mom?
Continuing the search on TanVien, there was still no trace of him after many years adrift on the sea and sky. She visited four specific places on the planet to carry out a familiar task. During the journey, the entity within her grew larger, from a sphere with two white wings to a sphere surrounded by all four wings, rendering the inside completely invisible. One day, the Radiant ship on the planet TanVien was gliding above the clouds, accompanied by the rising sun. Chi Phối stood at the bow of the ship, taking out a feather ball from her body. The ball was about the size of her abdomen, and after being extracted, it expanded to be larger than her entire body. The feather ball hovered in the air, gradually unfolding its wings to reveal a girl inside. She had the height and figure of a girl around 16 years old, with skin as white as snow, pale pink lips, and long golden hair flowing in the breeze. A delicate and beautiful face gradually appeared from behind the wings, with the early morning sun shining gently through her light golden hair and white wings, with the gigantic sun behind her adding to this stunning scene. The girl slowly opened her eyes, revealing light red irises, and stared intently at the woman standing before her. After a moment, the girl fell into the woman's embrace and fell asleep, her white wings folding in and disappearing, leaving only faint traces as if something had once been there. That early morning, apart from Chi Phối and one other person standing behind her, there was no one else; everyone except them was still sound asleep.
Assistant: What is that small girl? Your child, Hena?
Hena (Chi Phối): You could say that. This sleeping face is truly a treasure of the world. Yet… (She paused mid-sentence). Lin, take the girl to the prepared bedroom; I will go get clothes for her. (After saying this, she handed the girl to Lin)
Lin: You carry her; I'll go get the clothes. (Hena shook her head and walked into a room, leaving Lin behind)
In a spacious room, there was a cradle placed in the center at the end of the room. Behind the cradle, several spears were thrust upwards from below, gradually shortening towards the center. Inside the cradle was a soft mattress, large enough for two people to lie together. The entire room was a work of art, with exquisite decorative lines, soft lighting, curtains, and lamps swaying as if dancing to the melody of wind chimes. Lin gently laid the girl down in the cradle.
Lin: She's already so big and heavy at birth! Being born from a deity is quite special, huh? (She complained)
Hena (Chi Phối): What are you complaining about?
Lin: Huh? What's wrong? I'm just attracted by the cuteness of this little one! Haha!
Hena ignored that poor excuse and approached the girl lying in the cradle. She reached out to gently stroke the girl's cheek, taking out the outfit that had just been brought.
Hena (Chi Phối): Give me a hand! (Her tone was slightly blunt but also threatening)
Lin: Coming right up!
Hena (Chi Phối): Alright, you can go now. Inform everyone to gather in the square this afternoon.
Lin: Oh! I got it. (Lin left, not daring to look back)
Time flew by, and it was afternoon. The girl in the cradle slowly opened her eyes. Looking around, her gaze finally landed on the face of the woman beside her. The girl gently brushed aside the woman's hair, which was soft and fluffy like cotton. Suddenly, the woman also woke up.
Hena (Chi Phối): Welcome to this world, my beloved daughter. (A gentle and warm voice rang out)
The girl: Mother?
The atmosphere was interrupted as someone entered the room.
Lin: Huh! She can talk already?
Hena: Can you be a little quieter? Why the surprise? It's normal for her to talk; she has been awake while in my womb.
Lin: Is it really normal? Now that I think about it… it does make sense. Ever since I met you, these things have been happening so frequently. I should have been used to it by now. (Sighs)
Hena (Chi Phối): Ahem! Go gather everyone.
Lin: Alright! Alright! I'm on it.
Lin left.
Hena (Chi Phối): How do you feel? (She asked gently)
The girl: I'm fine! Are you my mother?
Hena (Chi Phối): Yes, I am your mother. (She confirmed)
Hena (Chi Phối): "I wonder if this girl has any connection to him? But perhaps everything is turning out well. I must arrange things for the future. That time is approaching." (She thought)
Hena (Chi Phối): When did you start perceiving everything?
The girl: I… don't remember. It's been… quite a while. I could only hear… people talking… to each other. (The innocent tone of a child)
Hena (Chi Phối): "The girl can speak quite fluently. Perhaps she has been able to hear for quite some time." (She thought)
Hena (Chi Phối): Are you hungry? Mother will go get you something to eat.
The girl: Crab soup… E… ta… tana. (The girl hesitated, struggling to recall)
Hena (Chi Phối): You mean Etta crab soup?
The girl: Yes! (She exclaimed joyfully)
Hena (Chi Phối): "I guess she heard Lin ask for crab each time. Every time we pass by the beach, she wants to jump down to catch crabs for soup." (She thought)
Hena (Chi Phối): Alright! You wait a moment.
In the past, when Chi Phối first set foot on this planet, the first person she encountered was Lin. A girl about 13-14 years old was playing by the beach, sitting on the sand and doodling with a stick. Chi Phối approached her to chat, hoping she would guide her to where the people lived. After some conversation, the girl still wouldn't give her directions. Noticing the girl's dirty clothes, Chi Phối gave her a new outfit. Upon seeing the beautiful clothes, the girl's eyes lit up, but then she turned away, pretending she didn't want them. Finally, when Chi Phối asked if she wanted anything, the girl replied that she wanted food, as she hadn't eaten all day due to playing away from home during mealtime. Chi Phối had no food on her, so she asked if the girl wanted to eat seafood. The girl replied that she did. Chi Phối walked onto the sea, and Lin was astonished, wide-eyed. A moment later, a large wave crashed onto the shore, and Chi Phối brought a giant crab and placed it before the girl, who was now drenched from the big wave. But ignoring any reproachful comments, the girl's gaze was glued to the crab, her mouth agape.
Lin: Are you a demon for being so strong?
Chi Phối: Little one! I'm a deity!!!
Chi Phối tapped her head, and then they both sat down beside each other, lighting a fire to roast the giant crab. They ate together until the afternoon, and even one claw was not finished. At this point, Lin finally agreed to guide Chi Phối. Chi Phối invited her to come home, but she stubbornly refused to leave, insisting on taking the remaining part of the crab back with her. Exasperated, Chi Phối had to take both the girl and the crab back to the village. When they arrived, the villagers all stared in amazement at the scene. Everyone knelt down, bowing their heads in fear. At this moment, Lin stood up to tell everyone what had happened. Everything was resolved peacefully, and Chi Phối stayed in that village.
Recalling these events, she felt a bit embarrassed but also happy. She thought of Lin; the girl had remained the same since that day. When all the residents had gathered in the square, Chi Phối and her daughter stepped forward.
Hena (Chi Phối): Attention all residents of the Radiant ship! This girl is my daughter! From now on, she will live on this ship; please treat her well! Do you all hear me?
Everyone: We hear you!
Suddenly, in the square, sounds of joy and praise were exchanged among the people. The girl felt very happy. Under the setting sun, everyone smiled brightly, welcoming her birth. After the announcement, Hena turned to speak to her daughter.
Hena (Chi Phối): From now on, your name will be Idalia.
Hena turned to the people and said:
Hena (Chi Phối): The name of this girl is Idalia! Everyone, please welcome her!
Everyone: Idalia! Idalia! Idaliaaaa! (The people cheered together)
After visiting all four locations that Chi Phối wanted to go to, it was time to leave. She informed everyone on the Radiant ship a month before departing. As with all previous occasions, she entrusted everything back to the residents to protect and operate the ship. The one in the highest position was Lin, the person Chi Phối trusted the most. Although her personality was always childish, she was very competent. At the farewell, everyone cried a lot. Idalia also wanted to leave with her mother.
Idalia: Mother, can I go with you?
Hena (Chi Phối): You must stay here! My beloved daughter, you will grow up to be a great girl, just like me.
Idalia: I want to go with you! I don't want to stay here!
Hena (Chi Phối): Mother will return to visit you soon! You are my daughter, and you will inherit everything I have, but only when you are ready.
Idalia: Ready? What do you mean?
Hena (Chi Phối): When you can fight for yourself and protect everyone, that's when you'll be ready!
Idalia did not understand and stayed quiet, while Hena slowly stepped onto the ship. The farewell party continued for a long time until she was fully gone.
Lin: Goodbye! I'll take good care of Idalia!
Everyone: Take good care of her!
And so, the Radiant ship slowly lifted off the ground, leaving behind the island. The villagers gathered at the beach to look up. The sun illuminated the Radiant ship, creating a striking picture. Chi Phối stood on the ship, looking back at the villagers. Her heart filled with hope.