If I Were To Be Given A Choice, I Would Save You Again; Ophelia

Beginning

Celestia’s (Luna) PoV

Where-

Where am I? How did I get here? Is this heaven? If so, why does darkness surround me? Is it because of my sins? Is this what the afterlife looks like for a sinner like me? I remember being in the throne room while protecting Ophelia from the nobles. Wait-

Ophelia?!

I wonder what happened to Ophelia after I was dead. Did she survive? Did my trusted aide manage to bring her away from harm’s way? I-

“Empress Celestia; the dragon slayer, white-haired ruin empress, empress of destruction, the b****y empress of death, Celestia the tyrant empress, the ruler of the combined four kingdoms- how many nicknames do you have, dearest Celestia?”

I looked around and wondered where did that voice coming from. I couldn’t see anything clearly, for I was surrounded by darkness.

“I’m here, dearest Celestia.” I turned to look at the person standing behind me and was in awe of her beauty. The woman smiled from ear to ear before she proceeded to hug me. Somehow my body refuses to act as this unknown woman approaches.

“When we first met, you were nothing but a rascal who refused to listen to your creator's words and created trouble even before you were born as a human. Now look at you- look at what you’ve done to yourself. I never thought you would take an extra step to protect another human being. You truly did change. And I’m sorry for doubting you, dearest Celestia.” I- I am confused.

Just who is this woman?

“Excuse me, but who are you?” I asked when this woman finally let go of me.

“My name is Grace. I am a goddess of reincarnation, the guardian of the afterlife, the goddess who cares for the grieving soul, and the goddess who leads lost soul back to where it belongs.” A goddess?! I am standing in front of a goddess?!

“I see you’re confused. Do you know what happened before you came here?” I nodded my head.

“I was killed while protecting someone I love.” Grace smiled.

“Do you regret it for protecting that person?” I shake my head no.

“I would do it again if I have to. That person is someone who changed me. If you truly are the goddess, tell me- how is Ophelia? Did she survive?” Grace smiled before nodding her head.

“Your trusted aide managed to get there in time to save the saint. Ophelia turned her back against the church and experimented on herself with the help of a dark witch and a necromancer.” Experiment?! What sort of experiment is Ophelia doing to herself?

“Ophelia asked the guards who were loyal to you to gather your corpse, and with the help of a dark witch and necromancer, she tried to revive you back to life. Of course, I must intervene and stop it because your soul wanders. But-“ but? I look at the goddess, who continues to smile at me.

“I did something that I shouldn’t, which made me get in huge trouble with God.” What did Grace do?

“May I ask what you did do?” Grace shook her head no.

“There’s no need for you to know. Now, do you know why you’re here?” I shake my head no.

“You are given a chance to be reborn, dearest Celestia. In the eyes of the Gods, you’re quite special, and they agreed to give you another chance to live your life. But this time, your sole mission is to atone for your sins. Do good deeds and, of course, get rid of evils in the world.” I- why did the Gods give me another chance? I should be on my way to the underworld by now.

But why?

“Grace, why would anyone give me another chance to live? I’ve done many bad deeds in my lifetime, and I killed countless innocent souls because I was greedy. I used the power the Gods gave me for evil. Why would they give me another chance to atone?” Grace smiled.

“Because they believe that you could do better if only someone raised you well. Dearest Celestia, you open your heart to a saint. That’s why the Gods think you’re capable of love. Take this chance, my child, and live your life as Luna. If you ever need to talk to someone, use this ring and pray. I will be there.” Grace gave me a ring which I took.

“Dearest Celestia- no. Dearest Luna, I will grant you the knowledge of your past. Use it well, and may you finally have the life you’ve always wanted.”

I didn’t even get to say anything as Grace placed her hand on my head. The next thing I knew, I was greeted by a disheveled woman who I believed to be my new mother.

“Juliet, you did it. You gave birth to our daughter. Oh, Juliet, thank you for doing this. This child is special; I know it.” Juliet- that must be my mother’s name. And that man next to her must be my father.

“No, Gunther. We did this. What shall we name her?” Gunther and Juliet- seem like kind people. Is this what the goddess meant when she said I will have the life I always wanted? When I was Celestia, I always wanted to have loving parents who would never use their children for their selfish gain.

“Luna. What do you think of that name, Juliet?” Juliet nodded before she kissed Gunther and smiled at me.

“Luna- do you like that name?” Juliet asked me. I responded with a small cry.

“She must be hungry,” Juliet said before she fed me. Somehow, my eyes became heavier as I continued being pampered by my mother. Is this what it feels like to be loved by your parents?

“It was a journey for her too. Look, Gunther. Our daughter is asleep.” I could hear the voices of my parents talking as I fell asleep.

“Sleep well, Luna.”

A FEW YEARS LATER,

It’s been four years since I was reborn as Luna. And in those four years, I find out that I am currently two hundred years in the future after the reign of the tyrannical empress, Celestia. Even though my past self was dubbed as a tyrant but the people of this kingdom praised me for my bravery in combining the four kingdoms.

And the tale of me protecting the saint until my last breath was spread across the kingdom, and it has been retold for centuries.

“Luna, I thought we told you to keep your books at home. Why would you bring them to the farm? You supposed to play around and have some fun.” My mother, Juliet, kneel beside me before wiping the corner of my mouth.

“Books- fun.” Juliet smiled.

“I guess it’s futile to tell you to have some other hobbies than studying. How did we get so lucky to have a genius child like you?” Juliet continues to shower me with words of praise. If only this woman knew that I have memories of my past, she would think I am crazy.

Well, I have been one odd child for being able to talk since I was two years old. Even the villagers were surprised and dubbed me a genius. The village chief even told my parents to enroll me into the kingdom’s best academy, but how could they? The fee itself is impossible for my parents to provide.

Gunther and Juliet have been working hard to raise me. But I never once heard them complaining about anything. Somehow, I feel much better now than when I was the empress.

“Papa,” I said while pointing at Gunther.

“Yes, papa. Luna, are you hungry?” I nodded while watching Juliet taking out multiple food containers from the basket we had brought earlier.

“Luna, you brought a book with you?“ I smiled at Gunther.

“I guess we can’t do anything about that. Juliet, how did we get so lucky to have a daughter who likes to study?” Juliet chuckled.

“Gunther, please don’t touch Luna with your dirty hands. I’m sure you haven’t cleaned your hands after dealing with the cow’s manure.” That explained this revolting smell. Gunther takes a few steps back.

“You’re right. I’ll be back.” Juliet shook her head as Gunther went to clean himself.

“Luna, say ah-,” I did as told as Juliet fed me. There is no doubt that this woman knows how to cook. I must say, I am lucky to inherit Juliet’s white hair. Sometimes I wonder if Juliet might be related to the ancient royal family. Because as far as I know, only the royal family has white hair.

Juliet- I want to know more about your ancestors.

“Luna? Is something wrong?” I shake my head no.

“Oh, Luna- I hope we can provide you with the best education you can get. It will be a waste of your talent if you remain here in this small village.“ I don’t mind if I have to live all my life in this small village. How should I comfort this woman?

I looked around at the food we had and decided to give a piece of apple to Juliet.

“Is that for me?” I nodded.

“How did I get lucky to be blessed with a child like you, Luna?” Because the goddess wants me to atone for my sins? But I can’t say that to Juliet.

“What a lovely picnic you have, Juliet. I thought I saw Gunther. Where is he?” Speak of the devil- well, she is a goddess.

“Grace! What a lovely surprise. What are you doing here?” If only Juliet knew that the woman was not a human being, I wonder how she would react.

“I was on my way home after visiting the chief’s son. That’s when I saw our dearest Luna here. I thought I should say hi.” Juliet smile.

“How is the chief’s son?” Grace shook her head no.

“There have been no significant changes. I’m afraid I have to go back and study more.” Grace smiled at me.

“Dearest Luna, what have you been reading?” Grace looked at the book I was reading and chuckled.

“The history of the ancient kingdom? Are you learning more about empress Celestia and her evil deeds?“ Excuse me? I’ve done many bad things, but I also did good deeds, including combining the four kingdoms.

Isn’t that a feat no other rulers have done before? And if I have to comment on the current rulers of this empire, they are by far the worst, in my opinion. Even my pet beast could lead its pack better.

“Curious. Celestia. History.” Grace smiled.

“It’s good that you have those senses. You’re only four years old, dearest Luna. Why don’t you play with your friends?” Friends? What is that even? Having friends requires courage and commitment; am I suitable to have friends?

“Grace is right, Luna. You should be able to make friends in this upcoming fiesta.” Fiesta?

“You’re right, Juliet. Why don’t you go out and have some fun, dearest Luna? Who knows, you might be able to find a friend to share your experience with.” Grace smiled before she excused herself.

What is that goddess planning to do? I’m not too fond of the sound of her words. Everything Grace said has its weight, and I don’t want to disappoint the person who gave me this second chance in life.

“I wonder what’s taking your father so long.” After a few minutes, Gunther came back with a smile.

“What happened to you?” Juliet asked.

“I might have found a friend for our little Luna. Remember Cyrus?” Juliet nodded.

“He said he has a daughter about the same age as Luna. Cyrus invited us to dinner tomorrow night. Cyrus said that his daughter, Gaia, refused to come out of the house after a bad experience with some kids in the neighborhood. Since our Luna is smart, I’m sure she will be able to talk to Gaia.” What makes Gunther think I could talk to a shut-in?

“Do you hear that, Luna? Your papa manages to find a friend for you! Are you happy?” Why are they worried that I might have no friends in the future? It’s so hard to understand how Juliet and Gunther think.

I guess I have to suck it up and meet Gaia.