After finishing their blood packs, the three patiently explained the meaning of the name "Great Terror" to Lumina. Then, they led her back along the same path they had come, retracing their steps.
"Hmm... It was so lively just moments ago, but now it's suddenly so empty. It's a little hard to get used to."
Though the path remained the same, much of its most important scenery had vanished along the way.
After walking for some time, they returned to the initial gate. Surveying the now-vastly empty area, a mix of disappointment, confusion, and worry flickered in their eyes.
Disappointment that all the emotional Avatars had vanished before they could even properly introduce themselves to each other.
Confusion over how so many of Sister Lumina's emotional Avatars could disappear within mere minutes.
Worry that the Avatars' disappearance meant something had happened to Sister Lumina or Nahida...
"Hmm, don't worry, don't be sad, Mother... I'm here. I can comfort you all."
Just as these emotions were welling up in the three of them, a pair of warm hands gently brought their hands together, clasping them tightly.
Hmm... Although the warm hands were a bit small and couldn't completely envelop all three hands, the warmth still seeped through.
The next moment, a gentle voice reached their ears.
Turning their heads, they saw Lumina, the "Great Terror," her eyes filled with worry and care. Through her palms, she conveyed warmth to the trio, dispelling the negative emotions that had just begun to surface in their hearts.
Hmm... Although Lumina still didn't fully grasp the meanings of words like worry, disappointment, concern, and care, she sensed that using these words at this moment was fitting and would greatly increase the others' affection for her.
Huh? What's "affection," and why should I increase their affection for me?
As Lumina pondered this, she realized something puzzling and scratched her head in confusion.
Well, this action probably wasn't wrong, right...?
Although she didn't know what "Affection" meant, nor why she needed to increase March 7th's and the others' Affection, Lumina reasoned that actions stemming from her sincere feelings couldn't possibly be wrong.
With this thought, Lumina, the "Great Terror," tightened her grip on the three girls' hands.
"Stelle, my eldest daughter; March 7th, my second daughter; and Little Swarm, my third daughter—with Mother Lumina by your side, my embrace and my comfort will always be open to you!"
[Affection: Stelle +0, March 7th +0, Little Swarm +0]
[Their Affection is already maxed out. Why bother adding more?]
"Sister Lumina..."
Hearing these words, a crystalline glisten appeared in the eyes of March 7th, Little Swarm, and even Stelle. Their hearts were immediately flooded with emotion.
It was just as the Interastral Peace Corporation's slogan proclaimed:
[A mother is always her children's warm haven!]
And these three, who had no mother... or rather, who had never met their birth mother... no, that wasn't right.
These three children, who had never witnessed their own birth, now understood the true meaning of those words.
No matter what grievances they suffered, no matter what wounds they endured.
Lumina, you are our greatest Mother!
"Um... are you all alright?" Lumina asked hesitantly, clutching their small hands tightly as they remained silent. Are they not speaking because they dislike this?
A flicker of loneliness crossed Lumina's beautiful jade-green eyes as she slowly released their hands.
Lowering her head, she nervously clutched the hem of her pristine white dress, fearing her sudden gesture had displeased them.
"Lumina... no, revered Mother, please hold on a little longer!"
But just as Lumina withdrew her hands, Stelle reached out earnestly, her voice urgent and her eyes shining brightly.
Hmm...
Seeing Stelle's earnest expression, Lumina, though unsure of the emotions behind it, surmised that she wanted her hand held.
She probably wants me to hold her hand, Lumina thought to herself, complying with Stelle's wish by clasping her hand tightly between both of her own.
Hmm~
Basking in the warmth of her Mother's affection, Stelle couldn't help but wear a contented expression.
Just as I thought. No matter how powerful I am as the Galactic Baseballer, or how lofty my status may be, I'll always be her precious daughter, yearning for her warmth and love.
Stelle's mind began to race, conjuring up an entire screenplay in mere seconds:
[That Day, After Clawing My Way to the Top of the Cosmos, I Found My Only Sanctuary]
"She's at it again," her companion muttered, watching Stelle's ever-shifting expressions with exasperation.
Shaking her head, she dismissed the thought. Lumina, the Great Terror, belongs to all of us! What makes you think you can monopolize her?
"Mother, I want some too!"
Determined not to let her elder sister monopolize their Mother's affection, the second daughter launched her own offensive.
"Mm-hmm."
Without hesitation, Lumina reached out and took March 7th's hand in her own.
"Third Daughter, you too."
"Everyone is equal here."
Lumina, the "Great Terror," rolled her eyes, her gaze settling on Little Swarm. She whispered softly, "Angel!"
Angel!
Hearing this, the three girls mentally praised Lumina, the "Great Terror."
With a mother like this, what more could one ask for?!
The trio inwardly chanted, already transforming into the likeness of the "Great Terror" Lumina...
The "Great Terror" Lumina—terrifying to such a degree!