Bewilderment

[Alethia]

Light meandered around her home, bringing life back to it. The realm only maintained a slight glow, though, instead of the overwhelming brilliance it once did.

Illuminous walked beside her mother, and the two angels Light brought with her - Noel and Holiday - kept a respectful distance.

"Celesta is really gone?" Light asked again. Illuminous nodded sadly. "Fates, have I ruined this pantheon?"

Not one to blunt the truth, Illuminous answered, "You almost did. But... Don't feel too bad, Mother."

"Why not?" Light sighed. She really didn't feel too bad, though she suspected she would at the end of the week. "I drove away the glue that held the pantheon together."

"Maybe that could be construed as a good thing," Illuminous pointed out. "We've been relying on Celesta very much. She deserves a break as much as you claim you do."

Light winced. "Shadow's going to have so much more responsibility now, my poor sweet husband. I wonder where Celesta's gone."

"Either another pantheon, which I doubt, or the mortal realms," Illuminous reasoned. "I doubt she'd stay completely locked up in her own realm. Even gods get bored, speaking from experience."

Light pressed her lips together tightly. She couldn't criticize Celesta's moves after such a truly childish act of her own. She only hoped it would work out. "I hope we can handle Sombra without her."

Illuminous took on a haunted look as she stopped walking. Light paused and glanced back at her daughter.

"So do I," the light-shadow whispered ominously.

[Northen Light36]

"If you can't, I can," Shadow says as he appears, wincing. Closing his eyes, Shadow draws on the light side of his nature, taking on an aura almost, but not quite, like Illuminous in order to balance out what he had to do to find Darkness. Keeping track of the time until balance is restored, Shadow adds, "Well I spoke to Darkness. You can expect an apology tomorrow." Shadow's expression softens. "Be kind to him dearest. If I'm right, he's punishing himself far more then anything you or I could do to him."

[Alethia]

"Why?" Light asked, surprised. "I'd have expected he would have been gloating or angry. And how in the heavens did you get him to agree to an apology?"

"Lord Father, Shadow, Master of Diplomacy," Illuminous laughed.

[Northen Light36]

Shadow's eyes sparkle. "Let's just say I don't think Darkness thinks of Celesta in the way you and I see her."

[Alethia]

Illuminous had a blank look, not understanding.

"I knew it," Light said simply, smiling. "Very well, I will be on my best behavior. Although, I'm not sure what I'm going to do if things get out of hand and a fight starts."

"Maybe I should stay here for the occasion, just in case?" Illuminous suggested, and also feeling that Shadow could use a break from mediating.

[Northen Light36]

Shadow gives his daughter a greatful look before smiling at his wife. "Well I also managed to get him to promise to try and control his temper, so as long as both of you manage that much, I think things will go well." Shadow sags slightly as balance reasserts its self in him. "Light dear? Would you mind if I rest here for a bit? I'm too tired to go home and face Sombra right now..."

[Alethia]

"Of course!" Light remarks, putting her arms around him. "I insist. I missed you..." As the rest of what she says dissolves into whispers, Illuminous rolls her eyes and approaches the angels. Taking Noel's hand, she gives it a slight tug.

"Speaking of Sombra, I want to see what's up," she whispers to the angel. "Come with me?" Noel glances at Light and Shadow and smiles slightly, figuring he won't be needed anytime soon.

"Of course," he promises. Illuminous smiles and quietly teleports away with him, leaving Holiday to giggle and vacate the room.