"What is this place?"
Tatsuya stood in an endless meadow that stretched infinitely in every direction. Vibrant green grass swayed beneath a gentle breeze, rippling like waves across a boundless emerald ocean.
"This is my domain—my plane of existence… where I am free to shape reality as I please."
A familiar voice echoed from behind him—the same voice that had once spoken in his head. But now, it carried warmth, more human than mechanical.
He turned sharply—and froze.
Before him stood an otherworldly woman of breathtaking beauty. Her skin was pale, almost luminous beneath the endless sky, and her long green hair, styled into twin faux braids, shimmered with vitality. A crown of crystal-like leaves rested elegantly atop her head.
"Are you the voice?" Tatsuya asked, though he was already certain. The woman before him—whose presence rivaled that of a Greek goddess—could only be her.
Her emerald eyes gleamed with unfathomable depth, and her presence radiated a serene, commanding grace. She drew in a soft breath before answering.
"Yes. I am the one."
"Is this how you actually look? No offense."
"Some taken," she said with a faint smile. "But yes—this is my true form. My human form, to be precise. I rarely use it unless for a great cause… or simply to show off my dress, like you see here."
She lifted her arms with pride, letting her gown catch the breeze. It was an ancient-style dress that flowed like water, layered with delicate, translucent veils. Golden embroidery traced intricate designs along the fabric, catching the light like stars scattered across the night sky.
It cinched gently at her waist, accentuating her slender figure, before cascading down to just above her ankles. Her shoulders were bare save for thin straps, and the modest dip of her neckline revealed the graceful curve of her collarbone.
She wore no sandals, standing barefoot upon the grass, her legs glowing faintly in the endless meadow's light.
"You truly look like a goddess, if I'm being honest," Tatsuya said quietly.
She smiled knowingly, her voice both playful and divine.
"Isn't it obvious? I am a goddess."
"A goddess… of what?"
The woman only smiled. With a graceful wave of her hand, the endless meadow transformed. Animals began to appear—deer grazing, elephants trumpeting, zebras darting between tall trees. Lions and tigers prowled with regal grace, yet none showed hostility. Above them, a rainbow arched across the sky, completing the vision of a living paradise.
"Of nature," she said softly.
Tatsuya blinked. "Gaia?"
She chuckled, shaking her head. "No, not her. I come from a far less-known civilization—one not yet discovered by mankind. Still, I share the same domain as she does."
Her emerald eyes gleamed as she placed a hand gently against her chest.
"My name… is Aiag."
"Aiag…" Tatsuya whispered, before raising his voice. "I hope you won't take offense, goddess, but… the way you're speaking to me now is very different from how you spoke in my head."
Aiag smiled faintly, her emerald eyes shimmering with calm understanding.
"Well," she said, "you could say I adjust my tone depending on the atmosphere. I only speak in a more mortal-like manner when I wish to foster intimacy—usually when disguised among humans. It helps mortals feel at ease, and sometimes makes it easier for them to understand the truths I choose to share. As for the questions swirling in your mind… I could answer them all. But I would prefer not to. Doing so would tarnish the divinity of this reflection of mine."
Tatsuya silently nodded.
Aiag stepped closer, her emerald eyes locking onto his. Then she began, her voice calm but carrying weight.
"Tatsuya, do you know what Magical Girls are?"
"…Magical Girls?" He blinked, startled by the question. "Well, yeah. I've seen some anime, so I have a decent grasp on the idea. But let me make this clear—I don't like magical girls, okay?! It's embarrassing. I only watched that stuff because of my sister…"
"Ah yes, anime… it makes things easier for me, much easier. However, I would like to make it clear that, unlike those girls in frilly outfits you see in such television series—fighting monsters, talking about the power of friendship or whatever—protecting humanity and all that… is total shi—" She stopped herself mid-sentence, pressing her lips together. "It would not be proper for a goddess to use such words."
"Okay…" Tatsuya muttered.
"Forgive me," she said, her voice softening. "Anyways, back to the topic. None of what you see in television is accurate or true—except perhaps the part about fighting monsters and protecting humanity. But even that is far more complicated than it appears. Their 'protection' is only in name… and forced."
As her words lingered, the illusion shifted, and the vibrant wilderness faded, returning to the vast expanse of green meadows once again.
"Wait—are you telling me Magical Girls are real?!" Tatsuya exclaimed, his eyes widening.
"Yes, they are. Now, don't interrupt me."
"Sorry…" he muttered, shrinking back a little.
The goddess let out a weary sigh before continuing, her voice heavy with disdain.
"As for what they truly are… in simple terms, I could say they are women who are broken—either born that way or made so by their circumstances. And their powers only twist them further, corrupting them until they become hollow. Depraved. Empty. In truth, they are often worse than the very monsters they fight in the name of 'protecting humanity.'"
She paused, her expression darkening. "All of it… is only to sustain their… no, I won't speak that word. But remember this, Tatsuya: the protection they offer is not genuine."
Tatsuya remained quiet, waiting.
"You may ask your questions now," the goddess said softly.
"Thank you. Then… if I may—how exactly are they broken, as you claim?"
"The reason they are that b—" She stopped mid-sentence, her lips pressing shut. A faint tension flickered across her serene face. "Forgive me. I cannot answer that. My other self refuses to allow it, apparently."
"…Your other self?" Tatsuya asked, frowning.
She nodded, her emerald eyes dimming for a moment. "The voice you once heard was not me as I stand before you, but another fragment of my essence. We are both remnants of the original Aiag—the true goddess—who was destroyed over a thousand years ago."
"Wait a moment—I'm confused. Who was speaking in my head, and who took control of my body against that monster? Was it you… or the other you?"
"It was both of us, technically," the goddess replied. "Though I was the one who seized control at that time." She paused briefly, then added, "Nevertheless, that is unimportant. I have done my part. The rest will be answered by my other half—tomorrow morning."
"Why not now?"
"She says she is… not in the mood anymore," the goddess admitted with a faint sigh.
Tatsuya nodded, quietly accepting it.
"Before I go, I will tell you this," she continued, her emerald gaze sharpening. "There are two great evils in Adachi—one dormant, the other active. Which one is worse, I do not know. Neither does she. That is something you will have to uncover yourself."
With a snap of her fingers, the meadow vanished. Tatsuya found himself back in his room, lying on his bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling in silence.
"I am back..." he said in a low tone. "I have to say I am still having a hard time believing that all of this is real."
[Why are you not immediately asleep, you dumbass? Don't you have school tomorrow?]
Okay, okay, chill.
He sighed.