Chapter 3: The Savior
"H-Hi, Melisa?".
Melisa heard someone call her name and turned around.
She was surprised to see the person who had greeted her and a smile formed on her face. But her feelings immediately changed as she remembered the memories associated with him.
She widened her smile, trying to hide her discomfort. As they chatted, Dan brought up how much she had changed, and Melisa's smile faded. She didn't want to talk about her past or how she got to where she was today. After their brief conversation, Melisa hurriedly left, citing other commitments. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for leaving him like that but she had sacrificed a lot and she would never dwell on her past again.
She found her way through the crowd towards the group, her eyes locked on Brad. He was talking to Amber animatedly, while Ray and Evelyn were focused on their phones. But her attention was quickly drawn to Fiona who seemed to have a suspicious glint in her eye. Melisa still felt like an outsider as she'd only recently moved into town and had known this group of people for a short while. But there was no mistaking it; Fiona still harbored feelings towards Brad. The way they interacted with each other, Melisa suspected that they had dated and broken up previously although they seem to be on good terms now. Fiona seemed to not have given up completely and was quite likely trying to push Melisa away from the group. After all, Melisa had known Brad for longer and it was clear that time hadn't weaken their connection.
"Who was that?" Fiona asked.
"His name is Dan" Melisa said reluctantly and mentioned that they used to go to school together. When Fiona heard the name of the school, her face twisted into an expression of contempt and derision, understanding the stigma associated with their low income neighbourhood.
"Why don't you invite him over and introduce everyone?" Fiona said with a taunting smirk on her face.
It was obvious that she meant to demean him as a means of belittling Melisa by association. Not wanting to come off as hostile or destroy the atmosphere of the group, Melisa glanced at Brad. As if reading her mind, he stepped in before the tension could grow further.
"He used to hang out with us" he said casually as if unconcerned about Fiona's intentions. "I don't think he would like it. He is...different, kind of awkward in social situations".
"You were friends with him?" Fiona said finding it hard to believe. "I don't remember you even talking to him once".
"His father worked for my dad," Brad hesitated. "He was let go due to some complications. We just grew apart after that, I guess."
"Wait, is this related to the fraud incident? What happened to the guy after that?" Fiona seemed to remember something.
"It's not my place to say." Brad said firmly and changed the topic quickly in order to lighten the mood.
Melisa frowned; Dan's family situation was complicated and Brad disclosing it, even slightly, felt like a betrayal but she rationalized it by thinking he had good intentions. She looked at Brad lovingly, still thankful that he had interjected to keep Fiona from pushing further.
As the atmosphere changed, they talked about their classes, weekend plans, and rumours on campus as the others joyfully joined in the conversation. Melisa found herself starting to enjoy their company, even forgetting her earlier interaction with Dan altogether. She couldn't help but be drawn to Brad's charisma, just like all those years before. As the conversation began to wind down, she said her goodbyes and headed back to her room as she had no classes for the rest of the day.
It was short walk away so she reached it in no time. She still had a smile on her face – a contented smile mixed with happiness- when she approached the door to her room. She unlocked it and slowly pushed it open, feeling the weight of the air change immediately. The room was lit by a warm golden light, seemingly emanating from every surface, casting soft shadows on the walls. The air in the room had a hint of something sweet, like the scent of fresh flowers, and the sound of a soft humming filled her ears. It was a soothing melody that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Melisa was momentarily surprised by the strangeness of the room, but as she stepped inside, she recognized the place.
The ground was covered in an expensive and luxurious-looking carpet, soft and plush, walking on it felt like she was floating on a cloud. The walls were painted in a delicate shade of sky blue, adorned with intricate golden patterns that seemed to dance in the light. She looked up and saw that the ceiling was a mural of a serene sky with fluffy white clouds and golden rays of sun, it looked as if she could step right into it. The furniture in the room was ornate and seemed to have a religious significance. As she walked forward, she could feel gentle rustle of the curtains as they swayed in the soft breeze. She took a specific path which led her through a grand entrance hall, complete with a sweeping staircase that ascended to the upper levels of the building. She could now hear the sound of a grand piano playing softly in the distance, adding to the feeling of luxury and extravagance.
As she continued down the path, she passed by paintings that adorned the walls. They depicted strange places and worlds that she couldn't comprehend. One particular one showed a vast array of floating islands covered in lush forests and dotted with strange constructions. It looked eerily realistic. She also noticed the intricate decorations on display. There were armours and all sorts of strange weapons or at least that's how they looked to her. Despite the grandeur, Melisa felt a sense of comfort and familiarity in this opulent environment, as she had been here many times before.
As she continued walking ahead, her eyes finally settled on a figure engrossed in painting a landscape similar to the ones she had just seen. The person was breathtakingly beautiful, with long flowing golden hair that cascaded down her back in waves. Her skin a radiant, luminous white that seemed to glow with an inner light, and her features were delicate and perfectly symmetrical.
She wore a flowing white gown that draped elegantly around her slender frame, and she moved with a graceful, fluid motion that suggested she was almost weightless. She had large and majestic wings, with iridescent feathers that shimmered and sparkled in the light. They seem to be made of pure energy, and they radiated a warmth and power that filled the room.
As she painted, her movements were gentle and precise, as if she was carefully crafting every detail of the landscape with a delicate touch. Her focus was intense, and it was clear that she took great pride in her work. Despite her otherworldly beauty and power, there was a deep sense of peace and serenity that emanated from her, as if she was at one with the universe and everything in it. Melisa recognized her immediately, her heart fluttering with excitement as she approached the being.
"Celeste! It's so wonderful to see you again," Melisa exclaimed, a big smile on her face.
Celeste turned around, her wings rustling softly as she did so.
"Melisa, my dear. It's been far too long" she said, a warm smile gracing her delicate features. The sound of her voice was soft and melodious, like the tinkling of bells. She stopped her work and walked towards Melisa embracing her tightly.
Melisa felt a wave of comfort wash over her as she returned the embrace. Celeste had been her sole support when she was struggling in the past, offering guidance and support whenever she needed it. And more importantly she was the reason for her new life.
"Why have you kept this place like before?" Melisa asked, gesturing to the room. Celeste tilted her head in confusion. "But you loved it here, my dear. Why would you want to change it?".
Melisa hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond.
"I was way too young back then," she finally said, "and now that I see it, this all looks way too...much".
Celeste nodded, staring at Melisa as if understanding something. "I see," she said softly.
Melisa couldn't help but feel self-conscious.
Was she being judged for changing her tastes? Did Celeste think she was being frivolous or fickle?
Celeste's eyes shone with a warm light as she spoke, "I like the place as it is...It's a reminder of our first meeting and the promise you made."
Melisa felt a twinge of guilt for suggesting changes, and she quickly replied, "No, I like it. We should keep it as it is."
Celeste's smile widened, "I'm glad to hear that."
Melisa asked Celeste curiously, "You didn't contact me in so long, then you appear so suddenly?"
Celeste's gentle expression faltered for a moment before she replied, "I have been preparing for the work that you need to do, to fulfil the same promise you made."
Melisa nodded, understanding. "I remember my training," she said confidently. "I'm ready to do what needs to be done."
Celeste smiled, a glint of pride in her eyes. "I never doubted you" she said. "You are special and meant to be the one to save this world."
Melisa's expression turned serious as she replied "I will do my best and succeed. I won't let you down, Celeste"
"You should also get your affairs in order before you meet up with your family" Celeste continued. "Chaos will reign upon this place and you must be there to protect them".
"I had them relocated to a safe place before coming here, I will contact them and make sure everything is okay"
Celeste started to say something but Melisa continued.
"I am sorry Celeste, I know I made that promise myself but I also want to save as many people as possible." Melisa pleaded with determination on her face.
Celeste nodded in understanding and replied warmly "I will always support you in your decisions, you don't have to apologize."
Melisa was grateful and her smile returned. She thought about the ones who were dearest to her and an image of a boy came into her mind. Her smile deepened knowing that she would be able to stand beside him and live the life she always dreamed of.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Karthik_Kumar_5864
Karthik_Kumar_5864 It might feel like Melisa's personality revolves around Brad too much but her story will be explored in detail as we get closer to the first major event. So I would request you to not write it off just based on this.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone