God’s Judgement

Ghhuk, haaa, haaa.

Opening my eyes, I was greeted by a bright light that made me wince as I waited for my vision to adjust to the sunlight streaming into the room.

"U-uwah..."

'...?!'

Startled by the sound that escaped my throat, I tried to speak again. Similar noises came out instead of words. Concerned and confused, I did my best to sit up, but my body felt heavy and uncooperative, almost as though it was still paralyzed.

Thud!

"Euaggh...?!"

With a loud bang, the door flew open. Three people entered, each looking like gods in human form.

The first was a small child, no older than seven. The boy had short, messy jet-black hair with white tips and a single white strand falling perfectly over his left eye. His large, shiny ice-blue eyes sparkled against his plump, cloud-like cheeks. He wore a black ruffled blouse with a short red ribbon tie, navy blue shorts that stopped just above his knees, long white socks pulled up to his calves, and polished brown dress shoes.

He beamed and ran toward me with a huge, dopey smile, but behind him came a stunning woman with snowy, smooth skin and long white hair cascading over her right shoulder in a loose ponytail, tied with a black ribbon and adorned with a large, deep blue jewel the size of an egg.

The woman's golden eyes shimmered with concern, her long white lashes framing her worried gaze. A beauty mark under her left eye made her face all the more striking. She wore a dark blue dress that accentuated her graceful figure in an elegant, modest way, paired with matching blue heels and silver dangling earrings.

She scolded the boy in a firm yet gentle voice.

"Kieran! What did I tell you about running in the house—especially in your little brother's room? You'll startle him!"

The boy froze mid-step, his smile disappearing into a small pout. Bowing his head slightly, he fiddled with the hem of his blouse and mumbled.

"I'm sorry, brother. I didn't mean to scare you."

"Hmm... That's enough. You'll have plenty of time to get to know your brother, but right now, you have classes to attend, and your brother needs to rest."

The third person spoke—a man whose voice carried authority. As I watched the three interact, understanding began to dawn on me.

These people... They're my family.

The man stood tall, broad-shouldered, and imposing, with a physique that seemed impenetrable. He had short jet-black hair that fell neatly over his ears and piercing icy-white eyes that radiated sharpness. His stoic features and well-fitted black-and-white suit gave him a commanding presence. The red tie and navy-blue brooch he wore added a touch of regal authority.

He exuded a strong, intimidating aura, his gaze cold and unwavering as it bore into me.

A shiver ran down my spine, and my hands began trembling without me realizing it.

Puff.

The sound broke the silence as the woman lightly smacked the man's chest and glared at him.

"Stop glaring at our son! You're going to scare him. If you're worried, do something about it instead of just staring!"

She sighed before bending down and picking me up into her arms. Her expression softened as she turned to look at me, a warm smile spreading across her face—a stark contrast to the concern she'd worn since entering the room.

"Hello, Yuri, my precious baby. Mommy's so happy you're alright."

Her voice was gentle, filled with love as she gazed at me adoringly.

"Hmph. I told you he'd be fine. Did you think anyone would dare harm our youngest son while we're here?"

The man spoke matter-of-factly, turning his back as he began walking away.

"Oh, come on, Gideon," she replied, pouting. "You were worried too! That's why you rushed in here with me and Kieran. You're such a tsundere."

So his name is Gideon. I mentally took note of my father's name.

"What are you talking about? I merely came because—"

"—because you were worried," she interrupted, cutting him off.

Turning back to me, she carefully placed me in the crib, her expression growing sad as she tucked me in.

"I'm worried... We all are."

She gently caressed my cheek with her finger.

"It's been a month, and he hasn't cried once. He just sleeps or stares, barely moving. I was so happy to hear him make a noise for once, but—"

Gideon interrupted, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. His gaze rested on me as he spoke.

"Seraphina, we're Leonhearts. Our son is strong, calm, and healthy."

He sighed softly, leaning his head against her shoulder.

"We need to believe in ourselves as parents—and in our children. With our love, support, and guidance, they'll grow up strong."

'Who exactly is he talking about...?'

Curiosity swelled within me as I listened to their exchange. One thing was certain: these people truly loved and cared about me.

The thought warmed my heart, and I felt the corners of my lips curve upward involuntarily.

Pfft.

"..."

The room fell silent.

"H-Honey... D-Did you see that?"

Seraphina's voice shook as she covered her mouth with a trembling hand. Gideon, though stoic, stared at me in shock, his icy gaze softening ever so slightly.

"Well," he began, straightening his posture, "it seems our little Yuri has answered your concerns. He smiled—and even laughed. No need to worry anymore."

As he left the room, I caught the faintest hint of a smile at the corners of his lips and noticed his ears turning red.

Pfft.

'What a dishonest father. He should just admit he's happy.'

'N-no, no, don't tell me…'

'Why am I back here again?'

'Did I die?'

'I just barely got to live… I- I just got a family that loves me!'

'I was healthy, so why…?'

"You're fine."

A familiar, soft, deep voice echoed throughout the darkness.

'G-god?'

"Pfft."

The voice let out a small laugh. Then it fell silent again, as if waiting for something. Time stretched, endless and still, before the voice returned again from behind me.

"God… is that what you're going to keep calling me?"

They spoke gently, as if amused. A touch, warm yet distant, brushed against me. It was like a weight lifting from my chest, allowing me to move again. Turning to face them, I saw the silhouette of a figure made of white light. No distinct face or features, just a slender, toned form—a body that seemed out of place in this abyss, light in a void. The figure moved like fluid, constantly shifting, their long limbs graceful and faintly glowing.

'W-what else… should I call you?'

'And… what happened to you?'

'Where are we?'

'Why did you—'

"Please…"

My barrage of questions was cut short by their soft sigh. They moved away from me, walking, their form barely visible in the dark. As I followed, a strange pull urged me on, as if their presence calmed the tumult of my thoughts.

"Hm… it's hard to decide what I should tell you first."

They spoke as if deep in thought, their voice smooth and steady, but with a hint of something deeper lurking beneath. I didn't know where we were going, nor did I know why. Yet, I felt calm, almost comforted, by their presence. The void around us faded into silence as I followed them.

"First, I'll answer where we are."

With a fluid motion of their hand, the darkness began to recede. Slowly, a garden appeared—a place of serene beauty, a striking contrast to the emptiness we had been in. The ground was lush with green grass, and pristine white roses bloomed everywhere. A smooth marble path stretched out, leading to a grand fountain that stood at the center. The water rippled, flowing with a quiet grace, the moon's reflection suspended above it as if the fountain held the very sky. Stars twinkled like scattered diamonds, surrounding the moon in a protective embrace.

'Gorgeous… it's all so beautiful… but—'

"It's lonely."

We walked further down the path, arriving at a small hill where a white gazebo stood. It looked untouched by time, sitting atop the grass as if it belonged here—eternal. A table was set within, teeming with delicate snacks and tea I had never tasted before but recognized instinctively. The sight alone made my mouth water. A soft breeze passed, cool against the warmth of the place. Without a word, the figure gestured for me to sit.

"Go ahead. You don't have to hold back."

We sat in silence for a moment. The wind played with the leaves, carrying a chill that contrasted with the warm surroundings.

"This place… is long gone now."

A melancholic tone lingered in their voice. They gazed into the vast expanse of darkness, as though searching for something lost. I noticed the sadness that enveloped their words.

'What happened to it?'

I asked, my voice barely a whisper, though curiosity gnawed at me.

'How could such a beautiful place disappear?'

"How… huh?"

Their words faltered, and a quiet breath escaped them.

"It was abandoned. Abandoned and forgotten."

The sadness deepened, suffusing the air around us.

"My people… my prophets… my followers, my power… and my family."

Each word held a weight, an emotional toll that hung heavily in the air. Anger, fear, resentment—they were all present, buried beneath the surface.

"I won't tell you what happened… not yet."

'Why not?'

"Because now is not the time. You will learn in due time. Then, I will tell you."

They sighed deeply and stood. The sorrow seemed to weigh on them, yet they pressed forward.

"I brought you here for something else. Yu-Bin Choi, no… Yuri Leonheart."

A single rose appeared in their hand, its petals delicate and white.

"I want you to live a life that will make you happy. Don't live for others. Don't bend or break for anyone. Live how you want to live. That's all I ask."

'Live… how I want?'

What did that even mean? Was this a test?

"You're overthinking it," they chuckled softly. "I meant my words literally. In this life, if you desire friendship, love, power—whatever you wish for, all you need is to ask, and it will be yours… though," they paused, a wry smile in their voice, "it wouldn't always be free. There are limits."

As they spoke, the rose in their hand began to wither. Its once-pristine petals shriveled and turned to dust, falling away. At that moment, the world around us began to fade, withering like the flower. The surroundings crumbled into nothingness, and I focused on the figure before me—only their shape remained, now fading into the darkness.

"I know you're full of questions, full of worries… in time, you'll understand. But for now, remember this."

They had almost disappeared, their presence slipping like sand through my fingers.

"Ah…"

Their voice cracked the stillness, as if they had remembered something important.

"I know you feel cheated. And… it's not wrong to feel that way."

A soft laugh escaped them, one that was bittersweet.

"I will give you two gifts. One for each time we've met. Something to make up for my silence. I'm sure… you won't be disappointed."

Before they could finish, they were gone. The garden had already faded into darkness, the stars dimming until they were nothing.