Queen Of Adis

"Elior, you're here!" *Haru's eyes shone in delight and moved to give the pope a warm hug. However, her arms just went through his body with her current transparent form.

Elior chuckled at her cute effort, though he honestly wished that he could embrace her as well. He just ended up patting the mini Haru in her arms instead, totally glad that the child was no longer angry at him.

"Child, how are you since the last time we met? Did you... already greet my future self?"

Haru nodded vigorously. "Yes. And it seems that you are more of a crybaby in the future, but I like you, nonetheless."

The pope's smile widened and his captivating dimples deepened at the compliment. "How's your vision?"

That's when *Haru creased her forehead. "I've been having nightmares almost every night, but *Adis has always been attentive. Whenever he whispers sweet nothings in my sleep, everything becomes fine again. But most of my slumber time, I've been traveling in the past. I am just worried, though. I feel that my first ever vision was very crucial, but I no longer remember it."

"Oh my, don't worry about that, my dear. Even this old man forgets a lot, too. And even if you don't remember, I'm sure you'll still be fine once you encounter it. After all, you are supported by extraordinary people." He assured her as he looked at her husband and twins.

Then, his gaze turned earnest. "Child, promise me, that whatever happens, you will not give up. You will see more disturbing and heartrending scenes in the future, but you must not let the pain get the best of you... or you will lose, just like everyone else." He c.a.r.e.s.sed her cheeks softly as he added, "We are the only ones left of our kind. Once this chaos is done, I hope to still see your winsome smile."

With resolute eyes, she firmly nodded. "I promise."

Their touching conversation was suddenly disturbed by a jealous demon who hugged *Haru from behind and pulled her closer to him, reminding the pope that he's getting too close for his liking.

"Ah!" she suddenly exclaimed and angled her head sideways to look at him. Her next statement stopped the green-eyed monster from crawling out of his dark recesses. "Adis, let's think of a name for our babies. So I can call them properly during our adventure."

Her husband buried his face in her neck to calm his emotion and uttered his response with his lips against her skin. "Hmm, I'm not really good at naming someone. But I hope to name our son after the old wise men that witnessed and helped us fought for our love and marriage."

"Mn, I like that." She agreed while feeling ticklish due to his stubbles grazing on her neck. She raised her hand and started to enumerate the elders they knew. "Well, we have grandfather Camus, old man Triton and Elior. Did I miss anyone?"

*Adis gave a wistful smile and his eyes glinted as though we would like to say something, but in the end, he only shook his head gently.

"Eh? You will include me, too?" Elior pointed at himself with eyes wide open. He was really surprised to know that the mini demon king will be named after him. He suddenly felt giddy.

"Of course. You have always been there for me and my brothers." *Adis immediately replied. He even added, "As a matter of fact, you've been helping my entire clan since time immemorial. We may not show it all the time, but we are grateful to you. More than you ever know."

"W-wait!" The pope covered his face with his arms as his voice croaked from the overwhelming happiness. "Geez, today is really something. Let me go to the corner first to bawl my eyes out."

The couple just shook their heads at Elior's exaggeration.

Then, *Haru's eyes lit up as she declared. "Regis Cielton. It means, 'King of the sky.' We'll call him Ciel for short. What do you think?" she asked for his opinion about their son's name.

*Adis' eyes stung and swallowed the huge lump in his throat. "Y-you... remember my father's name."

"Why wouldn't I be? A king's name must never be forgotten by his people, more so by his own family. And despite the burden that comes with a crown, I can see in your eyes that you want your father to be part of our children. I know that you love and respect him, just as he loved his three wayward boys."

He firmly touched her lips with his for what seemed like an eternity. He only let go when she almost ran out of breath. Subsequently, with eyes filled with so much devotion and gratitude, he whispered, "Thank you."

She only giggled but she felt her heart swelled up by his sweet gestures. "Since I named our son. You should think of a name for our daughter."

His smile instantly turned into a frown. "I told you I'm not good with names. My little princess deserves the best, as it is for her name. No, I can't do that."

"Yes, you can. And you will. Your queen has already spoken. You have no choice but to obey." She held her head up and curled her lips into a mischievous smile. But her penetrating gaze was daring him to challenge her wish.

Even if he had to sell his soul to hell, he would never defy her. And she knew too well about it, damn it!

"Uh... uhm..." Beads of sweat instantly formed on his forehead as his brains went into overdrive.

He looked down at the golden-red flame of his daughter and he gritted his teeth in panic. Perhaps, by reciting a poem, he could come up with many extraordinary meanings that he could use as a name?

Fang once advised him to read some books about flowers and arts, or anything outside history and war strategies, as it may come in handy someday. F.u.c.k! If he only knew, he would have ransacked all the libraries in the realms and memorized every beautiful names and words just for his daughter.

*Haru bit her lower lips to prevent herself from laughing at her husband's uncomfortable situation.

"I... want to name her after the only women in my life," he cleared his throat as he started. "Amira, it symbolizes the trees, grains, and everything that you gave us when you brought back the spring. And Elize, it means 'the gods' promise'... and my mother's name."

Her eyes glistened with pride as she gazed at him. He rarely spoke of his mother's name as he became too emotional for losing her. But now, he was ready to face the truth by honoring her memories. Her lips slowly curved into a tender smile as she uttered softly, "Amira Elize, the gods' promise of spring. It's lovely!"

"Just as her mother," he emotionally exclaimed as he rested his forehead against hers.

Their hearts skipped a beat as the twin flames giggled softly and mumbled as though they liked what they heard. When they heard their steady breathing, they realized that the babies already fell asleep in their mother's warm embrace.

"Aww, aren't they the cutest? I bet Triton and Camus will be crazy about them." Elior gushed at their side. He sighed in gratification, "For the very first time, I am glad to have the vision, else I would miss this heartwarming moment. Thank you for gracing my eyes with such delight."

"What are you being sentimental all of a sudden? You speak like you won't have the chance to hold them in the future. You'll still see more of these kids, you know." *Adis teased him, but his smile slowly faded as he didn't miss the cloud of ambivalence in the wise man's all-knowing eyes. "...right, Elior?"