by Tj Dixon
“Could you ask him?” Sherry asks. Neko goes silent so Sherry frowns and asks. “Would that be a problem?”
“No. Peter says he’ll explain.” Neko says.
“What?!” Sherry asks literally taking a step backwards.
“You asked me to ask him, didn’t you?” Neko asks with a puzzled expression.
“I was more asking whether… Oh, never mind. This is fine, but it’s actually Cherry not me that he needs to explain to.” Sherry says. A moment later though Sherry is ported away.
“Oh… Did I mess up?” Neko asks.
“Never mind, Sherry will clear things up with Peter. You’ve been a big help.” I tell her.
“Huh.” Aventurine says sounding really unhappy. Looking at her I can’t stay silent. I can’t stand how she keeps her feelings quiet, but still acts like this when her friend acts on her own feelings. Besides, Aventurine is the one that Peter asked first. I’m the one who should be jealous of her not the other way around.
“Aventurine, do you love Peter too?” I ask. Aventurine goes bright red.
“Lo, love?” Aventurine stutters.
“Yes, do you love Peter?” I ask my rival.
“Why, why do I have to tell you that?” Aventurine asks unsteadily.
“Because I do love him. Even in this form he is still the one I love, but do you love him? Or are your feelings half hearted?” I ask. Aventurine goes silent. Then she glares at me.
“Yes. I do love Peter. Do you have any idea how it felt when all of you went on a date with Peter, but I was left out? Just because I’m not good at flying and I’m not one of his very first friends? Do you have any idea how that felt?!” Aventurine almost screams at me.
I take a step back in shock, no, two steps back. Even Neko almost steps back. Almost the entire room was listening to us the whole time with only the occasional quiet conversation in the background. Now though there’s silence and whereas most of the people in the room were being discreet, now they are openly staring, many with mouth wide open.
“I, er, well. I’m sorry. I don’t know how that felt, but it must have been hard. There’s no way that I’d have refused a date with Peter though.” I tell Aventurine.
“I wouldn’t have either, but don’t you dare call my feelings half hearted.” Aventurine tells me.
“I’m sorry. They obviously aren’t half hearted. I almost didn’t recognise you just then. Peter being a god may complicate things, but we’re still rivals and I hope friends.” I tell her.
“Rivals and friends.” Aventurine says and nods with a fiery determination in her emerald green eyes.
I hold out my right hand to shake on it as a vow but as I do so my surroundings change. I’m in a far smaller empty grey stone room. I don’t even see a door. More importantly though, instead of Aventurine in front of me is Peter. He looks at my held out hand in confusion for a moment. Given the timing he must have ported me here to discuss becoming a miko. Sherry must have cleared up the confusion.
“Peter?” I ask hopefully.
“It seems that Neko misunderstood your sister earlier.” Peter tells me.
“She did. I’m the one who wants to become your miko, though I don’t really understand what it means yet. I need to know that before I can be sure.” I tell Peter clearly.
“Unfortunately it’s impossible.” Peter tells me. I blink in shock. What did he say?!
“Impossible?” I ask.
“To become a miko is to connect your soul to me, but your soul is already connected to Sherry’s soul. As twins your souls have a powerful connection. You could even say that they are two halves of the same soul. It is possible to connect your soul to someone else but doing so will also connect your sister’s soul to the same person.” Peter tells me.
“So making me your miko would also make Sherry your miko?” I ask.
“No. Making you my miko is impossible. The connection between a god and a miko must be a single direct connection between souls.” Peter tells me.
“So as long as we’re both alive neither of us can become your miko?” I ask.
“Even if one of you were to die it would still be impossible. Your souls would still be connected even after death.” Peter tells me.
“So it really is impossible?” I ask stupidly.
“Yes.” Peter tells me.
“Could you at least explain to me what a miko really is? What does it mean to become one, or not to be able to become one?” I ask.
“I can’t explain with words, but I can share my mind with you. You’ll learn a lot more about me too though, and I can’t promise that you’ll still like me. You may even hate me. Do you still want to learn?” Peter asks.
“I could never hate you.” I tell Peter.
“I hope so.” Peter tells me.
“I won’t hate you. That’s a promise.” I tell Peter.
“Then prepare yourself.” Peter tells me and approaches closer to me.
“I am prepared.” I tell Peter with a determined smile.
Peter presses his forehead against mine. I blush for a moment but then a torrent of knowledge and memories rushes into my mind. As Peter pulls his head away from me tears roll down my cheeks. My legs shake but Peter gently holds my shoulders to steady me.
“It’s a lot to take in. Do you want some time to sort through your feelings?” Peter asks me.
“It is a lot, but there’s one thing I am entirely sure about.” I tell Peter though my voice shakes. “I love you even more now than I did before.”
“It might have been better if you didn’t. You should know now that I can’t return your feelings.” Peter tells me.
“I know, but that doesn’t stop them. I wish it did, but it doesn’t. Even though I know it’s impossible I won’t give up.” I tell Peter.
“There was a time I laughed at these human emotions and the foolish humans who were controlled by them. Now though I understand them all too well. Even though it’s impossible I won’t tell you to give up.” Peter tells me.
“I would tell you to give up, but I know you wouldn’t listen.” I tell Peter.
“Even though my giving up would mean all our deaths?” Peter asks.
“There must be another way.” I tell him.
“There isn’t.” Peter tells me with absolute certainty.
“Then I’ll make a way.” I tell Peter.
“There’s no point if you die.” Peter warns me.
“I won’t die.” I tell him firmly.
“Then vow not to die.” Peter says.
“I just did.” I say.
“For now return to the others. If you really do come up with something let me know through any of my miko.” Peter says.
“I’ll try not to keep you waiting too long.” I agree.
“I can’t afford to wait and I’m not really expecting anything, but it would be nice to be proven wrong.” Peter says. Then he shifts me back to the big room we’re using.
“I’m sorry!” Sherry tells me.
“For being born? Don’t worry about it. Even if I do love Peter there’s no way I’d ever wish you weren’t there.” I tell my idiot sister.
“But if it wasn’t for me…” Sherry starts to say but I cut her off.
“Enough!” I snap at her.
“I’ll shut up.” Sherry says quickly.
“Good idea. Actually bad idea. We need to come up with a plan.” I tell her.
“A plan?” Sherry asks in confusion.
“Didn’t Peter share his mind with you?” I ask.
“No. He just told me why we couldn’t be miko because we’re twins.” Sherry says.
“Well the first thing we need to do is convince Aventurine to become his miko.” I say.
“Why do you want to help your rival?” Sherry asks dubiously.
“I’ll explain later.” I tell Sherry.
(Aventurine)
“Can we talk?” Cherry asks me.
“Sure.” I answer. Why does she even need to ask?
&n
bsp; “Not here. Neko, can you take us somewhere private?” Cherry asks. As a miko Neko can take us anywhere she wants in the temple. As long as we stay with her there aren’t any problems. Why couldn’t Cherry have suggested that last time though? I still remember everyone’s shocked stares.
“Certainly, nya.” Neko says happily and ports us to a small room with a large comfy looking bed. It has a bright red duvet, red sheets and red pillows. “Peter gave me this room so nobody should disturb us here.”
“Do all miko get their own room?” I ask.
“Yes. There isn’t enough space to give everyone a room, but all miko get one.” Neko tells me.
“He could at least give his friends rooms. There aren’t that many of us.” I say.
“The Kuroneko has lots of followers. If we all had a personal room her followers would need to have one too. That’s what Peter said.” Neko explains.
“I suppose that makes sense. This is her temple after all. Anyway, Cherry, what did you need to talk about?” I ask.
“Peter asked you to be his miko, so why haven’t you accepted yet?” Cherry asks.
“You went to ask him to become one, so why haven’t you become one?” I ask back.
“It’s impossible for me. Twins can’t become miko.” Cherry tells me.
“They can’t? Why not?” I ask.
“It’s because our souls are linked to each other.” Cherry tells me.
“Oh. I’m sorry.” I tell her.
“So now that I’ve answered your question, will you answer mine?” Cherry asks.
“Did Peter share with you what a miko is?” I ask.
“Yes.” Cherry tells me.
“I love Peter, but I’m scared. I don’t know how Neko could so easily submit to Peter and become a miko without having time to even think about it.” I say.
“I trust Peter.” Neko says.
“Me too.” Cherry says.
“I do too, but it goes much further than merely marrying him. I prepared myself for the possibility of marriage as the lower partner a long time ago.” I tell Cherry.
“Surely your family would never have agreed to that.” Cherry says rather dubiously.
“My mother not only agreed to it but ordered it.” I tell Cherry.
“Seriously?” Cherry asks.
“Yes.” I answer.
“I understand that becoming a miko is a much bigger decision than marriage, but to save the life of the boy you love surely it’s an easy decision.” Cherry tells me.
“I trust Peter, but that means I also trust him to win and survive. I am absolutely certain that Peter will not die.” I tell Cherry.
“Are you crazy? He did share his mind with you, didn’t he?” Cherry asks.
“Yes, he did.” I answer.
“You did see his plans, didn’t you?” Cherry asks.
“Yes. If it was anyone else they would die for sure, but not Peter. I trust the man I love.” I tell Cherry with a confidence she just can’t seem to understand.
“Even if you really believe that, don’t you want to help him?” Cherry asks me.
“Of course I want to help him, but I’m not sure about becoming a miko. I need a little time to think about it.” I say.
“Neko, can’t you convince Aventurine?” Cherry asks.
“Peter ordered me not to interfere with or influence Aventurine’s decision.” Neko tells us. As a miko she has no choice but to obey.
“I see.” Cherry says unhappily.
“Just give me some time.” I tell Cherry.
“I will, but you know as well as I do that we don’t have much left. If you take too long it will be too late.” Cherry tells me.
“I know.” I tell her and I truly do. Time really is running out.
Chapter 11 (Multiple)
(Dairon)
We’re living in a large room underground like dwarves or perhaps a little like the time we lived with them for a while. There are more of us now than when we lived with the dwarves though. Sakura has her entire legion here and there are the five wind sisters. Then there’s Elucia, Jimmy and Jenny. It’s the same group that fought together to survive in the wild when Contractia was invaded.
The room we’re in has beds for everyone and a port boost crystal embedded in the wall near my bed. It’s very simple but it serves our needs. For now we are safe in the Kuroneko’s temple but we can’t stay here forever. I wouldn’t want to either. I am an elf after all, not a dwarf.
“They’ve decided.” Sakura tells me. As soon as she speaks she has everyone’s attention.
“So who do we have to kill next?” I ask.
“The leader of the empire’s assassins is next on the list. Their name is unknown but their orders are to kill Kai, that half dwarf friend of yours. She’s in Utopia Camerona. It seems the enemy have retreated most of their remaining forces from Contractia’s worlds thanks to Peter’s rampage, the loss of the emperor and Contractia’s recent counter attacks. So they’re cleaning up some unfinished business before withdrawing completely.” Sakura tells me.
“We should contact Peter at once.” I say.
“We can’t. If Peter is around the enemy isn’t going to show himself. Kai isn’t that important.” Sakura tells me.
“You’re right, but we could at least have him ready to port in.” I tell her.
“The enemy may be able to intercept our message to Peter.” Sakura warns me.
“I hope we don’t end up regretting this.” I say.
“Have more confidence your majesty. The enemy may be strong but he is only one person.” Sakura tells me.
“Do you know where in Utopia Camerona Kai is?” I ask.
“Not yet, but when we reach the city I’ll be able to sense her.” Sakura tells me.
“Who’s coming?” I ask everyone.
“I am.” Elucia says right away.
“I will be bringing the legion, but against this enemy illusions will be useless. We should be able to counter his illusions and stealth magic though.” Sakura tells me.
“I’ll be coming.” Jenny tells me.
“Me too.” Jimmy says.
“You will not.” Jenny tells him with a glare.
“We don’t have time to argue.” I warn them.
“Then leave Jimmy here.” Jenny says.
“Fine, Jimmy stays here this time. We can’t afford to be distracted.” I say.
“Please take us too, your majesty.” Val Aer says. The other four Aer sisters nod vigorously.
“Ok, it’s everyone other than Jimmy then. Sakura, use the port boost and take us all there.” I say.
“Right away, your majesty.” Sakura says and floats quickly over to the port boost crystal. A moment later we’re all standing in Utopia Camerona hidden by the faeries. Their magic may not fool the enemy but it should avoid causing a panic among the people living here. “I’ve found Kai.”
“Port us to her.” I say.
We port into an almost empty street. Other than Sakura who is on my right shoulder and Elucia who is standing to my left, everyone is just behind me. In front of us is Kai wearing light brown trousers and a pale linen shirt just like the first time we met. I remember thinking back then that her short white hair and pale skin with a golden tint was just like Yu Kii, but having seen Yu Kii recently she reminds me of Yu Kii even more. Of course Kai is much taller and also a half dwarf so the differences are much greater than the similarities, but I still can’t help noticing the similarities.
“Dairon!” Kai exclaims.
“Kai, you’re in danger so we’re here to help protect you.” I tell her.
“What danger?” Kai asks not sounding too concerned.
“It seems an assassin is after you.” I tell her.
“There have always been assassins after me.” Kai says with a shrug.
“Well now the head of the empire’s assassins is after you.” I tell her.
“There’s no way he’d bother with me.” Kai says dubiously.
“We interc
epted his communication magic and his orders were to kill you.” I tell Kai.
“Why?” Kai asks.
“The empire is having to withdraw from Contractian territory so they want to finish some unfinished business apparently. I assume they must have a specific reason to kill you but I have no idea what it is. Sakura, they didn’t say did they?” I ask.
“No.” Sakura says shaking her head.
“It doesn’t really matter.” I say.
“We parted ways and you have no obligation to protect me, so why are you helping me?” Kai asks.
“You are still our comrade.” I point out.
“Former comrade.” Kai points out.
“I’d like to protect you, but I also need to kill the assassin who was sent after you.” I admit.
“I don’t want to die, but the enemy is too strong for you so there’s no point protecting me or trying to trap the enemy. I appreciate the warning but I have no intention of hanging around here. The mayor lifted restrictions on porting this morning. The port gate in Regalia to Portalis is not only restored, but accessible again now the empire has retreated. Even if they want to kill me, the empire isn’t going to pursue me to Portalis.” Kai says.
“Can you even afford to use the port gate?” Jenny asks dubiously.
“Yes, I’ve made enough money to get that far. I worked in the refugee camp creating water and I did other work before the siege. Anyway I don’t want to hang around and get killed whilst we talk.” Kai says.
“If we don’t kill the assassin, Portalis will fall. Going there won’t save you.” I tell Kai. It may not be entirely true, but it’s not entirely a lie either. If we can’t kill the assassin we can’t convince the faeries and elves to join our side. That failure could very well lead to the fall of Portalis, but it isn’t certain.
“He may be dangerous, but he isn’t a threat to Portalis.” Kai says dubiously. Unsure how to convince Kai I look to Sakura.
“The next target after you is the queen.” Sakura tells Kai.
“If his target was the queen there’s no way he’d waste time killing me.” Kai says with a glare. She’s obviously not fooled.
“Actually there’s no queen on the list, but there is a king on it.” Jenny says.
“What?” I ask turning to face Jenny. What is she thinking?