Galen Vesa

Boop. Skid, skid. Crash. Plop. Scream.

My memory went a bit fuzzy somewhere around the initial ‘boop’ when my bum bounced against a roof. I’m not so sure what happened after that. If I consider the smell alone, I think cabbage arrested my fall. It also made me stink like a pot of kimchi. A minor detail if I consider logic sitting on her throne with her mouth wide open. She had this peculiar, what the hell just happened look on her face so, even the Jailer thought it prudent to leave her alone. I did the same and focused on the outside world.

On the screams I heard to be precise.

A woman kept tormenting her throat with an undulating howl as if she just saw a nightmarish beast. Given that the sound came from behind my back, I can hazard a guess what or who she saw.

But that’s a guess only. My stubborn memory kept refusing me any details. Also, going back for a quick look did not strike me as a clever idea.

Let me see. When I came to, I found myself skipping about the rooftops of the middle district with no destination in mind and the troublemakers draining my mana at an alarming rate. They were up to something. So was my twiggy. Her core gulped my mana as if there was no tomorrow.

Cora? What’s going on?

Busy. Hide.

She ordered and broke our contact. Whatever happened, made her keep a distance from me. Odd. Possessive weed-girl that goes berserk if something comes close to harming me just told me to stay away. I don’t like the sound of it. Same with the clingy spirits. They munched my mana at a rate that made me see my mana ball shrinking as I watched.

Come to think of it, I don’t spew out any mana. I can’t be tracked by normal means. At least that’s what Rooth told me. Without the dryad or the spirits around me, locating me should be near impossible.

My mind went to the bundle I held locked in my arms. Yep, hiding it is. You must be damn important for someone to risk an open war with the empire. Good thing those wings wrapped around us seemed to be blocking any mana escaping the child.

On the other hand, whoever organized this felt bloody confident. I can well imagine heads will roll after all this. Dying or not, that emperor is no wimp. Going just by the sensations I got from his mana, I think he’s around Erta’s level. Maybe? I’ve no idea what was the lizard’s real strength or what is his true power, but they felt almost the same.

And he kisses quite well.

After this revelation, a part of me experienced a sudden urge to bash my head against the nearest wall. I abstained since it would end badly. For the wall. Instead, I found myself a cozy hideout between three chimneys where darkness would mask my presence and I curled up there. My wings wrapped around me, forming a tent like structure when I squeezed myself into a corner.

Using both ‘my’ and ‘wings’ in the same sentence sent odd shivers through my spine. I have wings. Well, I sure would like to poke those things. Make sure I am not hallucinating.

No such luck there. My water ring took over my arms. They would stay where they were until it finished whatever it did to the girl I held. Oh well, at least my back no longer hurt.

Wings. Who knew I had something like that stuffed inside me? No wonder it hurt so much. I felt each, no matter how tiny mana vein running through them. An odd yet satisfying sensation. One I was familiar with.

I have soared under wings before. Whenever Erta’s dreams would leak into my mind I found myself sailing among the clouds. She could stay airborne for days at times. I enjoyed those dreams and I often found myself missing the experience. To think I would have a pair of my...

Stench of rotting fish and boiling garbage assaulted my senses way before I felt their presence or heard their footsteps on the roof.

“What now?”

“We bail.”

A dozen or so people choose my chimneys as a rally point while I clenched my teeth. Just their smell made my eyes water while their corrupted mana made me want to gag. It took me all the control I had to suppress the feeling.

“What about the others? Shouldn’t we wait for the signal?”

“There won’t be any signal. They’re all dead.”

A new, deep voice joined the group. Its tone felt oddly familiar. A male. Middle age? I heard him somewhere before.

“Go.”

He ordered and I felt them leave. Yet, his presence lingered. Did he notice? His footsteps came closer. For a moment it seemed as if he stood right in front of me. Searching.

I held my breath, not daring to blink.

And he lunged, his sword stabbing right through my wing and into the wall, right beside my head. An inch higher and it would take off my ear.

“Trouble?”

Another voice whose presence I could not sense, joined the one with the sword.

“No. Just shadows.”

He ripped the sword out of the wall, and they left. At least I hope they left. As the slit in my wing mended itself, my lantern, once more locked around my wrist, spread strange warmth through my body.

Stay.

It ordered. Not that I planned to move but a heartbeat later, a spear struck the wall just beside my left arm. A little bit more to the right and it would go through Carmina's head and my heart.

“Satisfied?”

The voices returned.

“I told you I felt something. In here.”

“There’s nothing there.”

“Then why did I miss if there’s nothing there?”

A cape rustled in the silence that followed and a beam of weak reddish light swept through the crevice I occupied and stopped shining directly at me.

“There’s nothing there. Let’s go, we wasted enough time.”

The light vanished alongside the one that cast it however the man with the spear waited. Waited as if knowing I was there. Whatever trick the lantern used to hide us might have fooled his eyes, but his gut made him wait.

Without a warning, his spear once more rammed into the wall behind me. This time, right underneath my chin. A hair breath more to the right and it would cut my neck.

I don’t know how long it took but the man left. I hope he did. His attack cut straight through my wings and through the spirits blessings. It felt like when that guy stabbed me with his knife on that island. Not painful but, hmm, disgusting? Repulsive? Just like when you try to pull your keys out of the gutter and something slimy crawls over your hand.

The body I cradled in my arms twitched under my water ring’s influence, causing my wings to shift. Ouchie. His spear remained lodged in the wall and poking through the membrane of my wing. Not the most comfortable arrangement but I did not move. No point calling his attention to my sorry ass.

Just in case he would use the same trick twice, I sat there unmoving until dawn came and brought my annoyed twiggy to my hideout. She pulled out the spear and my wings unfurled, exposing me to the morning sunlight and to a surprised dryad. She had an enormous scowl on her face while her outfit and her hair appeared singed. And she dripped blood. Quite a lot of it.

“I see you had a blast. What happened?”

“Some rats sneaked in after you left and tried to finish what that explosion failed to achieve. Your wolf spoiled their arrival. The baldy from before and his impolite mage friend did quite well at dispatching those rats. Then that annoying sun guy came and blew up everything. Ruined my uniform. Master, what are you?”

“Been asking myself that for a while. Anyway, you make it sound so simple. Where did all that mana go then? I’m drained.”

“There were complications.”

Missing an arm and most of her clothing, Cora number two appeared beside us. Her left side charred to the bone and smoking meat.

“No matter how many holes we poked or whatever we cut off, those rats kept getting up. Most inconvenient. We had to dice and burn each rat on the spot.”

Fascinated by my new appendage, Cora number one came closer and played with my wing, folding and unfolding it like a fan. She even rubbed her cheek against the inner side of my wing’s membrane. What an unusual experience.

“Does the wolf know, my flappy master?”

“If I won’t find a way to hide them, she will know. Like everybody else. Although, at this point I see no reason I should hide it from her. Let her know what kind of freak she employs.”

First horns now this. All that’s missing is a...

Boink.

If my arms weren’t stuck, I would facepalm myself. Not that it would do me any good, but I think I deserved it.

“Boink?”

The dryads asked in unison, proving that the sound of something springy bursting out of my behind wasn’t just my imagination. Eh, why am I even thinking about this?

I got up. My wings folded on my back, providing me with a counterbalance to my pillows. A welcome change. Can’t say the same about my spine suddenly becoming nine feet longer. Well, I did what I do best and ignored it.

“Is it’s safe now? There were cultists within the city as well. About a dozen or so passed me by... Stop touching that.”

My arms were still in use by my water ring, so I had no way to protect myself from her inquisitive fingers other than trying to twist away. It’s unnerving to suddenly sense something in a body part my brain wasn’t sure what to do with. It resulted with me feeling her hands all over my body.

“Yes, we noticed. Your spirits are chasing the remnants away as we speak although I would not expect any meaningful results. Those rats have found a way to disrupt their magic. One of the reasons, master, why it took us so long to deal with them.”

She paused and craned her head up to look at the palace.

“Master, the wolf is worried. Shall I pass on a message to her?”

A message, huh? Sorry boss that I bailed on you through the balcony and left you alone with all those people trying to kill you. I just had this sudden urge to go base jumping. And there was that princess falling out of the sky. And the lizard’s memories that overtook me for a while. Oh, and I’m now more of a freak than I was before. Hope you don’t mind?

It does sounds like something I would utter but let’s not go down that rabbit hole.

“No. I’ll talk with her when we get there. Is there any safe way back into the palace? Is the palace even safe again?”

If you won’t mind, my love, allow me to take you there.

Queen of gentle breeze and endless sky appeared sitting atop the nearest chimney. Her hairs ruffled, her perfect image a little disheveled. Even the fan she used to hide her inhuman face, had several rips and holes in it.

“You are wounded.”

That is so, my love.

Somehow, I knew that just by looking at her. Why did she go that far if she had not bound herself to me? Greed? Jealousy? Either way, what could harm a spirit queen?

“Why are you doing this? Well, how are you doing this? Aren’t you bound by your law? I did not order you to care for me. Nor can I do so without your name.”

Thoughtful, she gazed into the empty sky. Not a single cloud disturbed the deep blue.

That I wonder myself. Perhaps it is because you are my love I can do so? Or perhaps it is because you belong within my kingdom.

Her eyes focused on my wings. I could feel a gentle morning breeze tugging at their membranes.

I do not know, my love. But I know that for you, I can.

She folded her fan and gazed straight into my eyes.

I find it jarring to let you stay here, my love. Too many stares this place invites in broad daylight.

She tapped her fan against her palm and her power danced around me in a gust of wind, forcing my wings to envelop my body once more. My arms tightened around Carmina. Instincts I did not know I had, made me protect her. For a moment everything became unimportant. What mattered was her life and her life only. My purpose was one. To protect the daughter I never had.

That short slip in control cost me any chance to oppose the wind queen. When the wind stopped, I found myself standing on a stone balcony, bathed in morning sunlight. A familiar balcony. Quick glance over the balustrade at the flower combs below confirmed my guess. This was my room.

“Merciful Shamuu...”

Pained moan following a bout of sickness announced the wolf’s presence way before I could sense her faint mana. Seems like the dryad brought her here after the fight.

“Cora, be so kind and fetch me some water.”

Cora number three, dressed in fresh, impeccable maid suit, bowed her head and left us alone. Before she went, she also took the porcelain pot out of the wolf’s paws and made away with its sloshing contents.

“Rot you. How long do you plan to stand there? Get in before the guards will think up something outrageous.”

Propped against a mountain of pillows, a ghastly form summoned me. If I had not heard her voice myself, I would not recognize this emaciated sack of bones as my guild master. Even her magnificent, shining fur she put so much work to maintain, appeared dull, disheveled and fell out in patches every time she made the slightest motion. Her cheeks sunk so deep I could see the outline of her skull and her ribs swayed with each labored breath she took.

“Sah, do not mind the look. I had far worse before. Nothing some rest and a meal won’t fix. A meal I intend to have as soon as it would have a fighting chance...”

Dry cough snuffed out her voice. Abusing magic had a detrimental effect on a person’s health. That much I learned working at the guild. Abusing blood magic like the wolf did, literally ate her body away.

Water’s name came to my lips without me thinking, inching my mana ever closer towards exhaustion.

My love?

“You’re still inside this insane furball?”

As you per your order my love.

Altina’s loopy eyes turned into two big saucers when the inhuman voice resounded from within her body.

“Good. Keep her resting until she recovers. No work. Just rest.”

That shall be so.

“And you mother,”

I bend over the startled wolf.

“Do not overexert yourself to such degree. You have your years. Leave acting reckless for your monstrousdaughter. My skin is much thicker than yours.”

It took a good minute or two of silence before the wolf stopped staring at me, and relaxed. She even chuckled at my lame joke.

“Mother? Rot you. Rot you and your spirits. Rot the emperor. Rot all this place.”

Closing her eyes, Altina leaned back into her pillows. If my arms weren’t stuck, I’d fix her blanket for her. Thankfully, Cora returned with a crystal jug full of water and setting it aside, she tucked in the annoyed wolf.

Cora number four chose this moment to enter the room with a tray chock full of letters. Even now this furball... Was she trying to work herself to death? More so, how did all those people manage to find time to write to her hours after what happened?

“Guild master, what should I do with these letters? They just arrived.”

“Sah, give them here.”

“No. I said no work. Whatever they want, it can wait. You are recovering. You have bravely sacrificed yourself to protect the imperial family and the lives of noble people of this empire. In doing so you suffered gravely and must rest. If nothing else, play the part you damn furball. Beatrice will kill me if something happens to you.”

She huffed at me but did not protest any further. I’d say she seemed content I’d given her an excuse to ditch work and pacify her inner workaholic.

“What a smart daughter I have.”

On second thought, I can be wrong. The money-money grin the wolf mastered years ago, returned to her face.

“Sah, yes. Yes. I shall do that. Cora, if anyone else comes seeking me. Send them away. After her heroic fight, the duchess is in no state to accept any visitors. Pass the letters to Garla, she can oversee the guild work for a week or two.”

With eyes shining like two gold coins and the ‘Ka-Ching’ sound playing inside the wolf’s she shooed my puzzled twiggy away. Yep, she’ll be all right if she already came up with a way to milk this situation. What a shrewd mind the wolf has.

Altina motioned for a glass of water. Cora obliged and propped her up while the wolf drank. Her reinvigorated eyes examining me.

“A. What are you wearing? Where did you even get that weird cloak? Go change into something more presentable. I’m sure his majesty or lord magister may come looking for you at any moment. Your disappearance yesterday has many scrambling for explanation. An explanation I am too interested in hearing.”

“About that...”

I let my wings unfurl and a heartbeat later they once more wrapped about me, shielding my face from a spray of water that gushed from the wolf’s nose. I had no idea they could do things like that. Acting on their own that is. Whether it was due to the witch’s design or Erta’s memories mixing with mine, I had some control over the movement of my wings but much like a cat’s tail, they did the rest on their own.

Speaking of a tail, the infernal thing sticking out of my behind swished sideways ignoring all my attempts at subduing it. It had a mind of its own.

“You... You... What in the rotting, flea infested hell pit is that?!”

“That? Oh, that is the imperial princess, Carmina. The future sun of the empire. I caught her before she plunged to her death. Mother is quite rude referring to people as things.”

“Great mother of all light, I am not talking about her! Those... those, why in the blight do you have those!”

Her shaking paw kept aiming at my wings. Where are you roomie when I need you, eh? What do I do now? Well, let’s kick the ball somewhere towards truth and see where it rolls.

I asked Earth to undo whatever she did to hide my horns then, with my magical flame bobbing up and down between them, I spread my wings and shrugged in all the dolty glory I could muster.

“Those? I always had them. I never said I’m an elf. Did I? I have no idea why everyone keeps insisting on me being one. It is bothersome.”

The Wolf’s paw aimed at me switched from gentle shakes to violent tremors. Her ears went flat against her skull and her mouth twitched, stuck around a word that could not pass beyond her throat. Although, that did not last long. Overpowered by her fear, Altina’s eyes rolled up and her mind went into a happy place, leaving her slack body in the dryad’s arms. Opsie.

“She’ll be fine, right?”

I asked Water queen.

Do not fear my love. Her life is in no danger. Should I wake her?

“No. Let her rest and think everything through. Anyway, can you check this child too? I can’t keep holding her forever. Your ring has been working on her for a while now without any progress and I’d really like to get my hands back.”

Even though I could not see any wound on the child’s body, my arms held her tight against my chest as if my greed barred me from letting her go. To top it all off, a constant stream of mana gushed out of me and sank into her lithe body.

As you desire my love.

A tendril of water rose from the wolf’s body and came to rest on the girl’s forehead.

There is nothing wrong with this child’s body. Not anymore.

“What? Then why is she like that?”

Her core is about to evolve. How rare. Last human that reached this stage died more than a thousand years ago. My love, she is a precious existence to us. Please grant me this selfish request. Let me help her.

Huh?

“Why are you asking me that?”

My love, I cannot do so alone. It would be against the law. Either the child must ask this of me and bear the price of such request or someone in her stead must make the wish.

“You want me to stomach another insane spell? No thank you.”

She went silent for a moment while unsettling sparks jumped between their names etched inside my soul. Oy, that did not feel right.

“My love,”

Still connected with the sleeping wolf and the unconscious girl by tendrils of water, the queen’s body appeared beside me. In her hand, she held four cards with the elven girl from the decks I gave them.

“I have come to claim my date. As for my wish, order me to help princess Carmina evolve her core.”

“You know that’s cheating. It doesn’t count.”

“We did not cheat. The others forfeited this round. I have won by default.”

Oh. A loophole. Why have I not thought of that? Dolt you idiot.

“I’m already drained. I don’t think I can...”

Alien will crushed my hearts inside my chest. My vision went blank and cold, bloody sweat covered my naked body. Pain I had never before experienced nor could I describe, ravaged my entire being. Pain and fear, as if I would never again see light or feel warmth. Loneliness of an empty world trapped my mind inside a void from which I could find no escape. For a fraction of time so miniscule that there could be no smaller one, I shared in their punishment. I felt what would come to them had they disobey the law. The law I bound myself to the moment I promised them their wish.

“My love.”

Water’s gentle voice brought me back into reality. Slumped onto my knees and covered in cold sweat, I looked up into her calm eyes.

“The law of wish giving is absolute. You have given your word. We are bound by law. Do not test it. It does not yield.”

“Please, help the girl. That is my wish.”

Once I spoke it, Water pulled me into her embrace. Her tears dripping onto my back and sliding between my wings.

“My love, never before had someone grant me a wish!”

The joy that drowned me through her name could only be matched by the jealousy of the remaining spirits. Eh. I wonder, what would the wolf say? Pestilence and rot! Rot you! Yup. Something along those lines. Erta would add to that a few impressive words from her dragon tongue. At this pace, I wonder what else will go wrong?

“I’m glad that you like it but, may we move on?”

As you desire, my love.

At her words, my arms went slack, and the girl fell into Water’s embrace. Smiling, the queen of whispering creeks changed her appearance to that of a sphere of water and surrounded the child.

The only warning I got of what would come next was Cora’s face turning sour as she tried to position herself between me and the door. All but too late. The entire wall exploded within a flash of light. Another attack? Here? How?

Without a conscious thought on my part, my wings spread open shielding everyone from incoming shrapnel. As the dust settled, I saw these were no enemies. At least not yet. Either way, I wished to take no part in whatever they came here for. Well, let the spectacle begin.

“It’s been years since I had to deal with such mockery.”

Wind’s own irritation added a bone chilling growl to my voice while Fire’s anger burning inside my blood made me huff out puffs of smoke with each word I spoke.

“I have been polite. I have shown you my understanding. I ignored all the insults dealt to me or those under my care.”

My wings twitched shaking off dust and folded behind my back as I turned to face the invaders.

“I had even saved your miserable hides from a foe you could not handle yourself.”

My nails extended on its own as I stopped an inch before the emperor’s face.

“I have sworn to be nice. I have sworn not to kill either of you. “

My eyes were glowing red. I could see their reflection in the horrified gaze of the so-called sun of the empire.

“Excrements. Kneel. Kneel and beg. Beg for your lives for I no longer feel the need to keep my word.”

My giggling mana rushed out, smashing their knees into the stone floor. As one they fell. The lord magister, his servants, the guards they brough with them.

Not even the emperor could raise his head to look into my eyes.

“...f-forgive u-us oh mighty d-dragon.”

Gideon stuttered out through bloody tears and sweat. His mind fighting with all his might against the invisible force that tried to smash his head into the ground.

Child, enough.

Eart’s invisible hand closed around my arm.

If you’ll keep spreading this vile rage about, some of those guards will die.

A few began twitching on the floor, foam and blood dripping off their mouths.

“Leave.”

I ordered with a growl and reeled in my power while Earth fixed the wall dividing us.

I counted to ten.

“Did they leave?”

“Yes.”

Cora stopped beside me, gazing at the wall that just moments ago rebuilt itself.

“Good.”

I sighed and fell on my butt then sprawled on the floor. That went better than I hoped. At least for now. I have no idea what this may turn into. Nothing good for me, I think. I just upgraded my image an elven whore slash assassin that may or may not kill them to, oh hell that’s a pissed off dragon.

I am soo gonna need an exit strategy. There’s no way I can stay living here quietly after that little show I just did. Yeah, I’ll better scram before they include me as a potential target in some demon lord subjugation strategy.

“Master,”

Cora came to stand beside me and looked at me from above.

“Are we the baddies now?”

“Oh, shut up.”

I covered my eyes with my arm. I could see sparkles as my mana ball turned into fumes and then vanished while Water drained it away. Whatever she did with that girl made me lightheaded. The odd tree we planted back at the guild and the loads of mana it sent my way, was the only thing that kept me conscious at this moment.

“The furball’s going to kill me when she wakes up.”

“She sure will try, my roaring master. She sure will try. That or she may get yet another heart attack.”

My smirking dryad said then grabbed me by my ankle and dragged me to a corner where my limp body wouldn’t bother anyone. Eh, whatever.

I rolled to my side, my back facing the wolf and after a moment of fiddling I covered myself with my wing. To my surprise, it made for a good blanket.

“Master,”

Cora brought me a pillow.

“Should I wake you if...”

“I don’t care. I’m too tired for all this crap and my body is running on fumes. Go bother the wolf when she wakes up.”

And off I went like a blown-out candle. Off into the milky fog of the golden gate bridge. No dryads, dragons, wolfs, castles, wings or any other insanity in sight. That’s more like it. Good old fashion nightmare from the dolt’s past.

I leaned against the rail and gazed at the San Francisco Bay. Well, the fog made it impossible to see anything, but my memory substituted the view. What an oddly calm nightmare. No blood. No screams. No jungle. No victims. No horrified prey.

“You look tired. Did you get enough sleep?”

Hmm, that voice? Where did I hear it?

“You won’t tell me? Or you don’t know?”

Out of the fog in this cold Halloween’s night, tiptoeing in her favorite ballet boots of shiny black leather, a woman came.

“Oh gods, my butt has frost all over. This was a dumb idea. Let’s go back”

Dressed only in her handmaid replica of the rubber catwoman catsuit Michelle Pfeiffer once wore and made iconic, she shivered trying to rub some warmth back into her arms.

“There’s no way we can take any photos in this weather.”

She reached her arm to me. Just like in the movie, her fingers ended with her homemade claws.

“Hello? Earth to Gallen? I’m freezing here.”

I’ve been holding her fur coat for all this time. I unrolled it and held it up, helping her ease on the coat.

“Thank gods. For a moment I thought you’ll going to drop on me. There’s no way in hell I could carry you back to my car.”

She purred, enjoying the warmth of her coat.

That day she had her corset laced so tight I could almost cup her wait with my palms. She put so much effort into her costume. She even wore those big sclera lenses that made her eyes water, but the fog ruined everything, and we haven’t made a single photo.

This time though, it were my eyes that became watery. Not sure why, my arms closed around her and pulled her closer into a hug.

“Okay. Now you are scaring me. What’s going on?”

Perhaps I should stop lying to myself. I knew damn well why my eyes began to leak. I could have done so much back then but I didn’t. Now it was too late.

“Nothing. I thought I should at least give you a hug before this dream ends.”

“A dream you say?”

I felt her arms closing around my torso, her claws pricking my back.

“If this is a dream, then I hope it’s not a bad one?”

“No. It’s not.”

She pressed her head against my shoulder, her hot breath brushing my neck. Familiar smell of her cherry perfumes mixed with the scent of latex tickled my nose. It’s been such a long time since I felt that. Oh gods, all it took was getting spirited away and turned into a monster to realize how I missed her. How much I missed that funny girl that got interested in this broken me. How I couldn’t understand what she went through.

“If this is your new and convoluted way of asking to have some, I like it.”

She purred in my arms.

“It’s not.”

“Shame. I got zippers down there you know. We could have some right here, right now. Make the trip worth it.”

Her hands went to my butt. Her fake claw poked my skin when she squeezed.

“Weren’t you freezing just a second ago?”

“Freezing? What the hell are you talking about? It’s too darn hot in here. I’m melting inside. Clean up your plate and let’s get out of here before they notice the sweat puddle under me. I’m sure I’ve ruined the chair.”

Hmm? I blinked and the bridge was gone, and we were sitting inside a restaurant, eating a holiday special. A pumpkin dessert. I think I hated the taste yet went along to make her happy. She really like that fancy place. We paid a fortune for a so-so meal for two and the Halloween special.

“What? Where are you starring at? Oh gods, did it rip somewhere?”

Her polished catsuit reflected flickering candle lights. Plenty of fascinated stares followed us ever since we entered that restaurant. It’s been on her bucket list to go there for the special menu. And I think she got a kick out of wearing that fancy costume in public.

“No. Just enjoying the view.”

I smiled. She choked, spraying wine all over my face.

“What’s going on?! You’re sick or something?!”

She leaned over our table and her hand went to my forehead. She even checked my eyes to see if I wasn’t high.

“You’re acting quite bizarre tonight. You sure you haven’t banged your head or something? You may have a concussion. Smiling? It’s not like you at all!”

“I’m fine.”

I cupped her palm with my hand and brought it to my cheek. Was this true? Could I really live a different life?

“You’ve changed.”

The catwoman mused, gazing into my eyes.

“Don’t know. Did I?”

“You did.”

Several tables off to my left, I could see a familiar lizard’s face. Dressed up as a vampire from an old video game I once played, she sat deeply engrossed in a conversation with a man whose broad back covered half the table.

Her shining eyes and tiny black wings twitching behind her back told me she enjoyed herself. What a pleasant dream it is.

“But are you sure about that change?”

The latex kitten I held in my lap asked. My dilapidated couch groaned underneath us with its rusty springs with each move she made. The sound threatening us with imminent attack of sharp bits poking through the worn-out leather.

She was looking straight at me, her fake, cat’s eyes making it difficult to read her. I picked her up and carried to my bed where it was safer for her expensive, rubber suit.

“Are you sure you wish to change?”

She purred, sprawled on my bed. I could see she already went through the trouble of unzipping a crucial part of her attire.

“Don’t know. Should I change? Can I even change?”

I leaned over her and kissed her plump, red lips.

“Hmm, who knows. Maybe? Why don’t you come down here and convince me that it’s a good change?”

Her legs wrapped themselves around my torso, her fingers digging into my back.

“We may ruin your suit.”

I cautioned her.

“Don’t care. It’s a dream anyway.”

I managed one more kiss before she faded away.

That was indeed a nice dream. A pleasant change from the gore and screaming filled nightmares. An odd one at that but nice. Hmm? Did Cora cover me with a blanket? It felt so warm and cozy. And this pillow. So fluffy, soft and...

Squish-squish?

Odd. That felt familiar. Kind of smaller than my own pillows but still familiar.

“Sah. What am I to you now?! A bed warmer?! Get up. Your drool is all over my fur!”

Huh?

I blinked away my drowsiness only to discover Carmina’s face sharing with me the same fur covered pillow. A pillow that rose and fell in a steady manner.

Above me, a toothy grin encouraged my hand to find a less squishy place to rest. Although, with both mine and Altina’s cloths missing, that proved to be a difficult task.

“Get off. I can’t feel my arm.”

She huffed through clenched teeth. I obliged, untangling myself from around her body and got out of bed.

“Sah, merciful Shamuu...”

She moaned when I moved her numb arm to rest alongside her torso. Ah the funny sensation of returning blood flow. I haven’t felt that myself in years. A sensation I don’t miss all that much.

“Yesterday, I dreamt of you having wings, horns and a tail. Explain yourself. What is the meaning of all this?”

I had to pat my own butt to make sure. There was nothing there. Also, both my wings and horns were gone. Good. It prompted me to send some of my newly recovered mana towards Earth. It seems she went through the trouble of dealing with those troublesome new bits of mine.

“Well?”

The wolf’s gaze drilled me. I found it a good moment to shrug my arms. I think I got quite good at doing that.

“I said it before. I am not an elf. I may look like one and for a time I lived among them, but I am not of their kin.”

“A. That you said. The wings? What of those?”

“I have dragon blood flowing in my veins. People don’t like hearing about that, so I don’t advertise the fact. The rest you already know.”

“Sah, that is it? No other convoluted reasons?”

“Nope. That’s it.”

More or less the truth. Who would bother about the details?

“Oh, before I forget. Yesterday, I may have threatened to kill the emperor and destroy this empire...”

“You did what?! Merciful Shamuu...”

She fell back onto her pillow and cussed.

“A lot had been going on and they just barged in... It just happened.”

“Lord have mercy on me, It just happened?!”

Carmina stirred then sat up, rubbing her eyes. The Wolf’s raised voice awoke her.

“Litia, I’m up. Can you tell the maids...”

Her sleepy eyes fell on me. Then on the wolf. Then on the alien room she slept in.

“Litia...”

Her eyes turned red as memories of the previous night rushed through her mind and beads the size of black pepper began pouring out. Oh, I knew this look. The moment when the realization hits.

“Litia... S-She... She...”

Huh? So even a spoiled princess can cry like that?

She hid her face deep within the wolf’s fur and wept, clinging to her chest. Altina’s arms closed around the child. There was something in her embrace that could melt even my anger.

Did that knight die?

That she did.

Fire’s voice rung in my head.

She sacrificed herself for her liege.

She sacrificed herself? So, she was the source of the spell that still lingered about the child. Like a veil of brilliant dust, faint golden light shrouded the princess body. In time, that too would dissipate. Just like what Dosie did.

But that was not the only lingering thing I felt. Appearing right beside me, Fire did her best to suppress her blazing fury. Embers of contempt covered the thin surface of the boiling ocean of her silenced feelings. Underneath her unusual calm demeanor, her heart screamed murder at those that dared to cross her. Even the blood in my veins sang to the roar of her anger.

They have slain so many of my children. Erased their essence. Their crime shall not go unpunished.

Cold, cold hate rumbled in her voice while her pain echoed inside my dragon heart. Pain so deep. So familiar. Pain at her inability to prevent a tragedy that played out before her eyes. So human. Even though she had never acted the part, I knew she was the closest one to a human heart.

“Here.”

She tossed me an envelope and cut me off from her mind.

“The ass of the empire ordered me to give you that.”

Her body vanished along with her presence although her anger still boiled in my veins. She mourned. My dragon flame told me that.

Well, that’s a side of her I haven’t seen before. Either way, I shrugged and opened the singed and crumbling letter. So, what do we have here?

My dear...

The iron nuts this guy has. I just went and threatened to exterminate him, and his stinking empire and he goes and tires to ‘dear me.’ We might’ve been forced into a marriage, a paper marriage, mind you, but that doesn’t change the fact we are absolute strangers. And I have no love for this place.

On the other hand, he could have used quite a few, much more annoying words.

We had dealt you and your companions an insufferable discourtesy. For that I am ready to offer you my own blood as a compensation for our crimes and I beg thee on behalf of myself and all my subjects, have mercy on us and sooth your anger.

I will not offer you any excuses for our detestable behavior, but I must implore you to believe my actions were motivated by my care for my people and the safety of my daugh… blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.

Blah blah blah blah.

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah?

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah...

Every word on the page I held changed into a blah. Or so my mind kept telling me regardless of the rune I stared at. Sigh.

I let go of the letter and it turned into ash before its remains fell onto the carpet. Or tried to. With time frozen in place, the tiny flame sparkled in the air. Unmoving.

“Well, since you came to annoy me at least show yourself.”

I asked, expecting the odd one to gloat at me somewhere behind my back.

“Annoy you, a? It seems Rooth’s bad manners had rubbed onto you.”

The wolf spoke but the voice that left her maw could not belong to a mortal. Nor to the one I expected to see. No, this one made my mana shudder within me. This was the being that showed me what my own Rage did.

“Whoever you are and whatever you want from me, leave her out of it.”

I growled at yet another meddler playing with my life.

“Oh? Fear not. No harm shall come to this vessel.”

Altina, or rather the thing that trapped us in this space outside of time put her golden gaze on me. Seeing whatever she saw in me, her smile faded, and her eyes fell to the unmoving child. She caressed her head with a mother’s tenderness.

“What a mess this has become.”

Her paw pointed at me, and a bead of light escaped my chest. It formed a complicated shape in the air before me. A rune matrix. The one I received in exchange for taking part in that phony marriage. A spell designed to exchange my life for the one of the snoring dragon.

“Why are you showing me that?”

“Why indeed?”

She flicked her wrist and the runes spread out creating an identical copy... no. This was a different constellation. Similar in purpose but it contained a glowing portion its counterpart lacked.

“Since you were ready to go that far for your friend, I thought it fair to present you with this. If you do not mind sparing a rib or two for your dragon and suffering through unimaginable, excruciating pain, there is a way for both of you to survive. Kind of.”

Her eyes went to my wasp waist.

“However, since you appear to be lacking in the ribs department, I suggest offering a kidney or a part of your spleen. Not as good as using a rib but still should give you both a fighting chance.”

“A chance, you say? I don’t care for a chance. I am sick and tired of sucking up to hope and chance. You can take your chance and leave me be. I’m done making life miserable for those around me.”

“Interesting. Yes, yes... I will not stop you if that is your desire. Remember, if you use the original spell, you will die while the dragon shall take over your body. The spell I gave you, while not perfect, gives you a chance save both...”

A smile crept up on her face. Corners of her lips lifting exposing the wolf’s fangs. Although, her eyes... I looked over my shoulder but there in this frozen moment there was no one else here beside us. Odd. For a split second I thought she was gazing somewhere behind me.

“However, this child must be sent back to its parents. Fulfil your obligation. Return the child where she belongs. Take the princess and go, the emperor is waiting. Oh, and you may wish to put on something. An adult should set a good example for a child. Now, my fluffy friend, consider this a payment for me borrowing your body.”

Whoever or whatever that was, winked at me, before her suffocating presence vanished and before I could voice any complaint then the room filled with brightness emanating straight from within the wolf. In that sudden light, Altina’s body reformed, returning her to her plump and healthy self. Even her groomed fur, shined with renewed brightness. When the time returned to its rightful flow, all that remained was a confused stare of my wolf and the sobbing child.

Should I care? What for? It’s been years since I lost count of the voices pestering me. One more or one less, what’s the difference?

Although, if I were to be fair, Altina did look better. Whatever that outsider did to her body, her complexion improved by a wide margin. Huh? Were my eyes deceiving me? Those curves. I could swear they weren’t this big before. Well, must be my mind playing tricks on me again.

“Duchess... I... Please forgive me I...”

Carmina’s trembling voice fought with her sobs. She tried to dam her tears with her palms.

“Cry child. Cry as much as you need.”

A furry arm pulled the sobbing princess into the wolf’s bosom.

“Let the pain flow out. Cry until only the good remains. As lord Shamuu teaches us, cry. Cry but not for those that depart. No that would hold them back on their way. Cry until your heart cleanse itself of your pain. Cry until only the warmth remains. Cry until you can send her off with a smile and say, go! Go, I’ll be fine! Go, I shall remember all the good you gave me! Go, for I know that one day we shall meet again!”

Carmina did cry. She cried for the longest while. She cried and the wolf comforted her. I on the other hand found myself unfit for the occasion and like a proper fifth wheel, left for the other room.

“Cora?”

“You called, my tactful master?”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

She appeared beside me. Her fresh body dressed in a maid uniform atop which she wore a breastplate. I Could also see a hilt of a sword and part of a shield hanging on her back.

“Charming as always.”

I poked her chest and against all logic my enchanted nails left no marks on it. Was she wearing one of the sets we appropriated back on that island?

“What’s up with the getup? Trouble? I can’t sense anyone nearby.”

“A Precaution. There is no one else here beside us and an army of blood thirsty spirits. Last time I checked a behemoth, and nine fire elementals were patrolling the corridors.”

Oh.

“Then there is the golem army stationed outside the palace and, I don’t know what humans call them, but an entire flock of screeching horrors is nesting on the roof. “

Ha, ha, not funny.

So, this is the famous moment when the main character of a story swallows hard and gets drenched in cold sweat? I could never understand that when I read those stories.

“What about the people?”

“All the humans left soon after your yesterday outburst, master.”

Another Cora appeared, an exact copy of the first one. This one came holding a bundle of cloths in her hands. Yay for undies. Less yay for hordes of spirits and monsters running around. Well, whatever. I don’t have any mental strength left to deal with those four right now.

“Eh, keep an eye on the wolf and that pipsqueak.”

I slid a cozy, silk boxers up my rump and let her lace me up. I’m not a fan of corsets but if there’s a chance of things going sour, I will not risk a fine bra. They’re so hard to come by. So were the boxers. Eh?

I gave the soft fabric a goodbye pat then forced myself to pull my undies down and let them fall to my ankles. Some other time sweeties but not today.

“Thongs?”

Cora read my thoughts.

“Yeah. Thongs. We got a surplus of those. I’m not going to waste any precious underwear on going boom. We have a finite stack of the good ones.”

And I had a sinking feeling my future may contain not one, not two but many such explosive events. Why waste good underwear if someone may once again try and set me on fire.

“Which flavor do you prefer my stylish master? Ass floss? I think it’s still there? Why bother?”

A silver tray appeared in her hands, bearing a representative of each type she named.

“I see you’re brimming with creativity this morning. You came up with that yourself?”

I picked at a pair that could pretend to cover something.

“I am but citing the words of a wise and powerful dragon...”

Nope. Not gonna bite that. I ignored her remarks with my usual deadpan face.

Cora readjusted my clothing based on least value and I found myself wrapped in a casual blue gown. One someone might wear to a posh bar or a high-class party. Not something I would consider for day-to-day use but it covered all the bases. And I won’t miss it if it suddenly combusts or turns into a string of confetti.

“Master, if I may ask. What will you do now?”

“Cupcakes.”

Her face did not carry any understanding. More so, she began to doubt the existence of whatever left of my sanity.

“Those two,”

I jabbed my thumb at the room behind me.

“They need time. One to rest the other to cope with her life. Neither of them needs my presence. Until either of them asks for me I think it’ll be best if I keep my distance. Thus, I’m going to find the kitchen and try to bake something. My mana control needs more practice.”

“Master, have you hit your head or something? Since when you have become so diligent?”

If she hadn’t put her palm on my forehead to check my temperature, I might have ignored that.

“Twiggy, lift your dress for a moment.”

“Right so, My perverter master.”

“I see that you are still missing a vital part of your wardrobe even after all the lectures I gave you. Good. Good.”

“I don’t think I understand, master.”

“Bend over.”

Still holding her dress up, Cora took the reviling pose while I faced her second body.

“Come here. See this pale ass? You’re going to slap it as hard as you can until it turns glowing red. Then you’ll swap and she’ll do the same to you. Repeat until you feel sufficiently punished. Is that understood?”

“I hate you master.”

The two spoke in unison.

“I imagine you are not alone in this sentiment. Now, off you go. I want to hear some good thwacks from you.”

Leaving that newly created thwacking metronome behind, I fired up my spirit compass and trotted to the palace kitchens. On the way there I improved my gown by giving it long cut reaching up to my tight. It made walking manageable but still kind of annoying.

Why do I even care? Not like there’s anyone in the palace right now.

Reassured by that though, my extended nails did away with my gowns puffy sleeves and removed all the fabric below my knees. Much better. Now this thing looked like a slutty cocktail dress a teenager might wear to a club, but it did improve my comfort by leaps and bounds.

Why do I see a pattern there? The less fabric I wear the better… nope. Bad thoughts.

Eh, this place needs a fashion revolution. I’ll have to slip few ideas to the wolf.

O-kay. What on the flying toasters is that?

I had to pause before a gargantuan thing staring at me and blocking the hall.

“That my love is a behemoth. One of the Fire’s toys. Please don’t stare at it. It does not like that.”

Wind used her fan to redirect my gaze to a safer place.

“And it is troublesome to contain it when it feels threatened.”

“Then why is it here?”

“Your safety. The vile magic which disturbs our abilities does not affect that creature.”

Ha, so reasonable. Why did I even though spirits would use common sense? Eh, not today. Today I will let somebody else worry about all this.

Right. Kitchen. Which way was it? The needle on my compass spun pointing me towards a door blocked by an enormous tail. The moment I thought about going there, the scaly appendage rose to allow me passage.

“Thank you.”

I waved my hand trying not to look back at the grinning behemoth and followed by the Wind I went into the dark staircase hidden behind the simple door.

“My love, will it bother you if I go with you?”

“Why ask now when you’re already following me?”

“I see.”

She hid her face behind her fan. Only her eyes were poking over its feathers. In total silence our heels clicked against the stone steps as we descended the staircase at the end of which we found the kitchen.

“Fascinating. So spacious. What do mortals do in this place?”

She floated between the rows of tables, pondering at the stacks of pots and pans. My gaze followed her until I noticed something. Spacious? That’s an understatement. This place was the size of a tennis court.

“They cook. Something I’m gonna be doing as well in a moment but first I must find my true destination.”

Once more my eyes went to the dial glowing over my palm.”

“So, where’s the pantry?”

At once it turned, guiding me to yet another door. A locked door. That is, the doors were locked until I pushed it without noticing how much strength I used. Sigh.

Well, let’s look at the upside. Now I have my first exercise laid out for me. Using my mana, I gathered the wooden remains of the door and dumped them into the nearest fireplace. So far so good. Now for something more difficult.

I went along the pantry shelves until I found a bag of flour. It sat atop a neat stack of similar, fifty-pound bags. Now up you go. The bag obeyed and followed behind me, hovering at about the height of my head. Next gonna be eggs, I think.

Here they are. I found several baskets of eggs and for a moment I thought about taking one such basket but that would be cheating. Instead, one by one, I picked up sixty eggs. What next? Butter? I couldn’t find any, but I noticed something that looked like milk containers. Enchanted milk containers. Well, up you go. If there’s anything fresh left in those, I may have butter and cream.

But first, I had a spirit to deal with.

Wind sat across me on an empty countertop and like a puppy, marveled at the inexplicable thigs its human master did.

“My body does not show any distress at your presence so, if you want to say something then say it. “

For a moment she fought with herself then folded her fan and blurted out something I expected.

“I came to offer you my name. My sisters urge me to do so.”

I had to pause what I did and lower into a bowl the dough I began mixing above my head. This moment, the one I dreaded for a while now, came earlier than I hoped.

My hands were trembling. This body still remembered.

“My love, I will not compel you to go against your desire but... please reconsider. Together we stand stronger. Cast aside, I cannot help.”

Deep inside I me knew this will have to take place whether I want it or not.

“Come closer.”

Under my weary gaze, the spirit queen of winds folded her fan then floated towards me. Taking her time, she went around the counter that separated us and landed about five feet before me.

“Please, stand still.”

She affirmed with a nod and her body ceased all motion. Even her floating gown froze as if glued in place.

And I got a nosebleed.

Why now of all times? Huh? I have goosebumps. I had to trace my finger over my skin to make sure but, there they were. Tiny little bumps all over my shaking arms. Oh. I know what this is. Placing my palm over my heart confirmed my guess.

Shortened breath. Increased heart rate. Goosebumps. Tremors within body and limbs.

I was horrified just by her being there. I think. Not the best way to approach this. Eh, what should I do? Take deep breaths and think happy thoughts? Okay, what the heck is a happy thought?

I drew a blank there. I have no idea what it is to be happy. Well, deep breaths it is.

It took me a while, but my hearts calmed enough for my nose to stop leaking. All the while the Wind waited.

Eh, let’s just get it done with. I forced myself to walk towards the queen, yet my body locked up and refused to go any closer than a foot away from her. I tried the breathing trick again and my limbs once more thawed out. This time though, it took me much, much longer. Although, in the end, I did succeed. I managed to put my palm on her inhuman cheek.

Warm. It surprised me. Even though her sparkly skin looked nothing like a human one, under my fingers it felt warm and soft.

“Tell me, why do you lot call me your love.”

Perhaps a mindless chitchat would help steady my rumbling hearts. The moment I touched her my blood pressure went through the roof. Or rather, through my dripping nose.

“My love is our love. To explain more I would need to show you what it means. No mortal’s language can describe what you are to us, my love. Love is but a flawed and flat approximation with no taste.”

“A. So, you’re saying I’m a snack too good ignore?”

Her eyes lit up with passion she fought to restrain.

“More. My love, you are incomprehensibly more.”

Um, well. Good to know. Although, I’m not sure what to do with this knowledge.

My hearts settled enough for me to take another step. Her presence felt nothing like the previous Wind. A small but reassuring fact. Or so I tried to impart on my trembling body.

“If this works, I think I’ll be fine with your name.”

I said as I made the biggest leap of faith in my recent life. I put my arms around her and pulled her into my embrace.

Perhaps I shouldn’t have done that. The moment our bodies pressed against each other a sort of spark went through her entire being. And through her name. A name I already had etched into my soul.

“You lied to me.”

The mystery why she could ignore their law solved itself. She couldn’t. While being bound to me for such a long while and not receiving any commands from me yet benefiting from my mana, she had incurred quite a debt. Should I get angry at her? Banish her for misleading her master?

Was her crime so grave? Was it worth going through all the effort?

“I would never do so, my love. And I had not. That name is no longer my true name. It was once mine when mother asked me to bind myself to you but, not anymore. My true power no longer answers to that name.”

“Yet it is still there.”

Odd. Even though she tried to trick me, my body seemed to be at ease with her.

“Hug me.”

With my eyes close, I waited for her arms to wrap around me. She did so like a gentlest breeze. Hmm, it seemed not bad. For sure my body did not complain.

“So,”

I graced her with my most practiced sigh.

“How should I call you?”

The joy that surged through the link that bound us made me no less lightheaded than four bottles of vodka in the old banana days.

Her lips moved and for a heartbeat I’ve been soaring through the clouds as her new name overwrote the one I already held.

“Okay, enough of the mushy stuff. Lemme go before the other three start demanding free hugs. “

Which they did, moaning in my head.

“Oh, shut up all of you. No hugs. No kisses. No free mana. Go find someone else to bother I am not in the mood.”

Oddly enough, they listened. The new queen of calm breeze released me from her embrace and after performing a splendid curtsey, vanished, taking the presence of other spirits with her.

Alone at last, I went back to my abandoned dough that by this time had already overgrown the bowl I left it in and spilled out over its edges. Bummer. Now I need to clean this up without destroying the counter. Eh.

And I did.

I’m not sure whether its Rooth’s teaching or the influence of the alien memories I imparted on my mind but I came to enjoy cooking. I’m not sure if using enjoy describing what happened with me while I cooked was the proper choice but It seemed beneficial. My hearts calmed. My breathing slowed. My tremors were gone, and my mind cleared. Maybe the last one wasn’t such a good thing. As I cooked, morning turned into late noon without me noticing and I’ve managed to clutter up six tables with myriads of steaming bowls and plates. Oops.

An elegant trolley abandoned underneath a wall caught my eye. Those two were probably hungry by now. At least some of the dishes I made should be safe to eat, right? Right?

Out of the few servings that remained after I discarder those oversaturated with my mana and those burned beyond recognition, I chose two bowls of thick chicken broth. I have no idea what that bird was, never seen one with two heads, but a bird it was, and it tasted like chicken so, chicken broth.

After a moment of deliberation, I also picked two servings of roasted potatoes and a chicken fillet from the two headed chicken for a second course.

As a dessert I chose two best cupcakes I made and a few chocolate chip cookies that appeared safe to eat. All that served with the lemon tea that I just made. Perfect.

Testing all that on Cora to make double sure it was safe to eat, I told the spirits to dispose of whatever left. Something they did with zeal. Can’t say the same about the slightly blueish dryad that played my test subject. She chose to unsummon herself before a bucket became necessary. I loaded the cart into the kitchen lift and left after I pulled it up to our floor.

On the way back, the behemoth thing accidentally blocked my path with its tail, and I had to bribe it with few leftover cookies I pocketed in my ring, which it swallowed in a flurry of fangs. A disturbing view my mind swiftly erased from my memory.

As I came closer to Altina’s room, I discovered that the thwack-thwacking duo still kept at it. And both had a perfect, scarlet handprint on their left butt cheek.

“You’re showing me that on purpose, aren’t you?”

I accused her.

“How could I, my perverted master.”

“Eh, go find yourself some better use. You may feed that thing by the stairway before it tries to eat someone.”

“Right so, my merciful master.”

They spoke in unison and as one, showed me a rude hand gesture the haggu loved to abuse when dealing with strangers. Something about sticking a shaft of a spear somewhere not designed to house such implements. I shrugged and pushed the food cart foreward.

“Come in.”

The wolf’s voice beckoned me as I knocked on the bedroom’s door.

“Sah, merciful lord. You, who did you kill or threaten to get that? It smells mighty good.”

Altina’s belly roared and rumbled in anticipation as I rolled in the packed trolley. She even ignored my scanty dress.

“No one. I made it.”

Offering her my fake smile number twenty-seven, the I’m up to no good, flirtatious smile, I put a tray with her meal before her. My smile had the instant effect on flattening her ears.

“You made this?”

She poked the broth with her spoon, half expecting it to explode in her face. Since no such thing happened, her hunger won over her caution, and she swallowed a mouthful. Then another one. Then she put down her spoon and proceed to chug the soup. She went as far as to lick the bowl clean before my very own eyes and began stuffing her face with baked potatoes.

“I take it is up to your taste?”

“A?”

The wolf burped and blinked herself back to reality as if breaking out of a spell.

“Sah, yes. Yes. It is exquisite. Where in the lord’s name did you learn to cook like that?”

“Met a tutor in a dungeon on an island that no longer exists. Long story. How is she?”

We both looked at the girl curled among pillows on the other side of my master bed.

“Hurting. The child will need time to sooth her pain.”

The wolf weighted her words before she spoke. We both knew the sobbing squirt lied there pretending to sleep. At least my eyes told me so. Sleeping or unconscious people have no halo around them. To my eyes, Carmina radiated deep grey smoke of pain.

“Should I wake her? She had not eaten anything since the ball. Come to think of it, I am not even sure of that.”

A muffled growl of a starving dragon coming from within the pillows answered that for me. There was no way we could pretend it did not happen. Even the windowpanes trembled in response.

“Good afternoon princess, the future sun of the empire.”

I went around the bed and greeted her with my slopy curtsey. Unable to keep her ruse any longer the child sat up but spoke of nothing. She kept her watery eyes low but at least they no longer leaked.

“Please eat. You’ll need strength.”

I put her tray before her and waited in silence. Carmina sat there unmoving until her hunger won some internal struggle. She cleaned up her bowl akin to the wolf but still managed to retain her superior manners.

“My parents?”

She meekly asked after she finished her last potato. I blinked and her meat was gone way before she chewed into her grilled potatoes. How terrifying. I never heard of a child that would eat this well.

“Are safe and awaiting your return. “

All that left for me was to pick up their empty plates and replaced them with the cupcakes that I made. I must admit that the whipped cream came out excellent. Even after this long it still held its shape. I put two of the three cupcakes before the princess and filled her cup with the lemon tea I brought.

Nine-inch-long drool hanged from the wolf’s muzzle when I presented her with the one remaining cupcake.

I don’t get it. I had one back in the kitchen and they seemed okay. Nothing to drool over though.

Master, you made these with your mana, and they contain trace amounts of it. Must I remind you how delicious your power is?

So that’s why you needed to eat four of those before you ’made sure’ they were safe?

To that the gluttonous dryad said nothing and cut our link.

“Sah, had I known you were this good of a cook I would have put you in the guild’s kitchen and none of this would happen.”

Out of the eye of others. Can’t say I wouldn’t want that.

“We can still work something out, guild master. I am by no means a people’s person.”

Awkward silence. Again. Carmina busied herself by munching on her dessert. Spoon by spoon her cupcakes vanished. Although, the less of it remained, the slower she ate. At first glance we could tell it was not caused by the taste.

“Princess,”

“I hate it.”

She put down her spoon. Her clenched fists trembling.

“I hate that name. I hate being called that! Why do I have to go through all those things!? Why do I need to become the sun of the empire?! I hate It! That cursed name took everything away from me! Do not call me that!”

Her tears were flowing again. This time caused not by pain but by her raging anger.

“How should I call you then, child?”

“Mina...”

Her body relaxed a little.

“Litia always called me Mina. “

“Well then Mina, would you listen to what I must tell you?”

She pondered for a moment then gave me a weak nod.

“Thank you. Now, what I’m about to say may be painful to you but, are you aware that your father…”

Fire clamped my mouth shut before I could say another word.

My love, You cannot. You have sworn…

“That the emperor is dying? Yes. I am aware.”

Oh… That’s fine then.

Fire took away her invisible hands.

“I see.”

I gazed at her. Carmina clenched her fists, showing more emotions than I thought she would. For some reason I imagined she wouldn’t be that close with her father.

“Knowing that he may not last until you come of age, he implored me to become your guardian. A request I agreed to fulfil until you come of age and your power manifests. As per our agreement, He shall announce our marriage in the next spring.”

Shock rolled over the child’s face. Her father, the emperor married... an elf?! Heh, let her wait and see my wings. Haa... I forgot about those. Another oddity to take care of.

“However, the news of our engagement will soon be made public.”

A halo of fear appeared around her body.

“Your fear is misplaced child. I care not for this empire or any titles it can grant me. I have vowed to protect your life until you can protect yourself and I shall do so. Nothing more.”

I refiled her teacup and put the cookies on her tray. Something the wolf reacted to with more drooling. I had to swat away her hand. The cookies were for the child only.

“That’s one thing. The other is, your core. I do not know if you can feel it yet, but your core has evolved. It is no longer that of a normal human being.”

I repeated words Water put in my mind.

“If you train it properly and learn how to use it with highest efficiency, you shall attain unimaginable power. Later I will introduce you to a teacher who can help you with that.”

Huh? What did I just said? A teacher?

My daughter shall train her. I have sent her to you. She will arrive in five days.

Fire’s voice burned in my mind. Eh, these four were scheming something again.

“Your words... How can I trust them?”

Sitting in bed, next to a wolf that’s been gaping speechless at us ever since I mentioner an evolved core, Carmina whispered inaudibly.

“Have I put poison in your food? Did I mix toxic grass with your tea?”

My rebuttal turned her face red.

“No. You did not.”

“Your teacher will arrive within next five days. Grant me your trust until then. If by that time you still find me unworthy of your trust, that is your choice. Know that regardless of your decision I shall uphold the word I gave.”

As if I had any choice in the matter.

“I... five days... I will honor your request... Lady Karin. ”

“Vera. Vera Karin von Hishgrew. That is my name now. You may hear it spoken quite often in the coming days.”

She offered me a puzzled look but before she could ask about anything I summoned my twiggy.

“Cora?”

“Yes Master?”

“This is Mina, you shall serve and protect her. Mina, this is Pellicora, my servant. She will take care of you whenever I’m not around. She is… special.”

Master, I understand the sentiment but there are some limitations to what I can do. You do remember this is not my true body?

We will worry about that later. Play along for now. I’m sure those four drooling troublemakers will take over as soon as they can.

“Why?”

“Hmm?”

“Why are you doing this?”

Such strong tone. If only she looked me in the eyes, I think even I would shudder.

“I understand why people may want to kill me because of the ability my blood carry but I cannot find a reason you, an outsider like you would help me. “

Well, darn.

“Money.”

I blurted out the simplest explanation I could think of.

“I am but a mercenary. I do what I am paid for. Although, while I don’t mind gold, I prefer artefacts.”

Imperial family had plenty of those so, maybe, just maybe she would believe me? If she did, I could not read that from her face.

“Your parents are waiting. Shall we go to them? There is also something I need to discuss with your father.”

Carmina did not answer. She just nod her head submitting herself to my dryad’s care. Although even that simple gesture lacked any conviction.

“Thank you, duchess. I shall remember your kindness.”

“May lord Shamuu protect you child. May light always shine upon your path.”

She bid goodbye to my wolf and left with Cora for the other room where the dryad dressed her.

“Sah, you’ll have a lot of explaining to do young lady.”

That almost made my lips curl up.

“About that. Boss, you think I can get few weeks of paid leave? There’s something I need to take care of. I’m sure you’ll be thrilled to get rid of me for a while.”

And maybe even forever if that spell fizzle out.

“Why might that be?”

She seethed trough her fangs, her squinting eyes turned into horizontal slits.

“I need to take care of some personal matters.”

Her eyes squinted even more.

“You’re not planning to kill anyone, are you?”

“Nope.”

I gave her my fake smile. I sure wasn’t planning anything like that. Although if that spell fails... well, regardless of what may happen to me, at least that snoring lizard and that annoying twiggy should be safe.

“Just some personal matters.”

Well, however I looked at her, Altina did not have eyebrows. She had fur. Although the face she made looked as if she just raised her eyebrow at me. Cute.

“Like what matters? Child, do not lie to me. Tell me what other trouble you are planning to stir?”

Oh come on, why can’t this wolf be fooled with a simple smile? Alright, time for heavy artillery.

“Personal womanly matters. Since my wings and horns were out, ~that time~ will soon come for me. Even dragons must live through that. It is a natural way of every living being. Just with scales and… must I describe the entire ordeal to a woman?”

Seems it worked this time. Altina’s eyes became large when she put two plus two together.

“Sah, forgive me. That was tactless. I thought... Lord... do you require anything? I mean...”

“Time alone will suffice. Thank you.”

The lies I keep on spewing. Thank gods my body is not designed to go through of those womanly matters.

“When will you leave?”

The wolf asked with concern in her eyes.

“I hoped to leave as soon as we plant Cora’s tree in the new guild house but now, I think I’ll stay until Hertia arrives.”

Wind said she outright refused to be brought by spirit magic so, we’ll have to wait for her.

Master, we are ready.

“Call Cora if you’ll need anything. Oh, and rest. If you won’t, I’ll ask Fire to supervise your recovery.”

“Pestilence and rot! Don’t you dare!”

What should I, oh, right. I winked at her and left without saying anything. That should keep her in bed. At least for a while.

Not really wanting to go through the maze of inner corridors, I made my exit through the nearest window and landed in the back yard. From there it took me a bit of skipping around the palace to arrive at the entrance. Just on time as it seemed. Carmina emerged from within the palace and Cora closed the door behind them.

An earie view I might say. Aside from us the place seemed deserted. That is if one would ignore the hordes of spirits strolling around. I don’t think normal people could see them.

Oh, right. Normal people. How the heck do we get to the upper palace without a carriage? Do I even want to go that way? Spend hours in a shaky wooden box traveling at snail’s pace?

And the answer to that is, nope.

“Is there no carriage?”

The little squirt creased her forehead. I don’t blame her. No matter the age, walking all that way would deter anyone.

“No. There is no carriage. Today we shall go fast and fun way.”

I extended my hand to her and picked her up when she gave me her palm.

“Lady Karin, what is the meaning of this? Please put...”

“You better hold on tight.”

Carmina’s eyes changed into large, excited saucers when she grasped the meaning of my warning. In the meantime, I asked Water to put some wards on the shrimp then send some mana into my eyes.

Power gathered around my feet.

I won’t lie. I like this part of being an elven freak.

With the screaming shrimp, locked in my arms and clutching my neck for her dear life, I zapped through the front yard and hooped over the wall then bouncing between buildings, we went up and up and up to where my compass guided me.

I think we arrived at the destination in about five to ten minutes. Quite the result given that I could not use my full speed while carrying a passenger.

“So, was it fun?”

I asked as I put her down on some balcony in the upper palace. The spirit compass brought us here so, I gather this would be the shortest way to get to that annoying bastard.

“Fun? I... I think I do not share your definition of fun, lady Karin.”

Cora chose this moment to land behind us.

“Regardless, we arrived. Come, let us find your father.”

The balcony on which we landed had open doors so no trouble there. The room attached was empty so that went fine as well. The corridor though, it lost me there. Wherever I looked I saw the same red carpet and green walls. Plus, an empty armor standing at regular intervals. What worse, due to some barrier applied to this place, my compass began spinning without purpose.

“I know this place. These are the rooms for visiting dignitaries. If we go right, we should reach the throne room. “

“Let’s go then.”

Passing by several shocked maids that after a good look at the princess run away to somewhere, we arrived at our first obstacle. An iron gate. Locked and guarded by ten knights.

“I have come to talk with the emperor.”

Carmina declared before anyone could question our presence.

“I am sorry princess. The sun of the empire is holding council and ordered not to disturbed. I cannot let you pass this time.”

If the golden chain round his neck was any indication, the man in charge of the guards denied our entry.

“Then please inform him that I must speak with him in an urgent manner.”

“Forgive me princess. I cannot do that.”

Eh, I have enough of this place. I called Earth’s name and asked.

Is there anyone standing behind this door or in its vicinity?

No, my love.

Good. Now all that’s left is... ah, here should be a good spot.

I bypassed the man and rammed my foot somewhere where I thought the lock might be. The impact broke whatever held the door shut and two massive wings smashed against and fused with the wall inside. Oddly enough, the hinges held.

I think I need more practice. But before I could do anything more, the guards charged me.

Hoo, he’s fast. The dust had yet to settle but the apparent guard commander already had his blade near my neck, his aura flaming with power. Not bad. Nothing compared to the level of skill I saw the cultists use but still blazing fast for a human.

Although, Wind’s blessings made me faster. While his body stood frozen in place I ducked underneath his sword and calling on Water’s name I went to stand by the princess side.

My love, what do you desire?

Can you put those guards to sleep? This dolt me don’t have the skill to deal with them without mauling them.

It shall be as you wish.

Like dominos, all the guards inside and outside the throne room clattered to the ground. Huh? Seems I overestimated my queen. There were a few knights left standing by the emperor. Interesting enough, I saw not even one of the fabled swords of the empire present in the room.

Forgive me my love. Their armors have charms woven into their fabric that hinders my magic. Should I overpower those?

No. For now leave them be. You already dealt with the small fries. That is enough. I don’t want this to escalate.

“Princess?”

I offered my hand to the horrified girl and held her as we crossed over a heap of unconscious bodies. Not the entrance I planned to make but still one worth of the future heir. Although if this continues, her flaky trust in me may vanish. Oh well, let it be her choice. I’ll just do my best.

Hmm, so this is how a throne room looks like? It’s kind of, bland if I dare say so. All those fantasy movies I’ve seen in the past imparted on me that I should be amazed and bedazzled by the splendor of the most amazing room in the palace. To gawk and marvel at the amazing architecture. Hmm, should I be disappointed?

I gave the room one more, long look as they stared at me, but I could not find anything interesting enough to sate my eyes with for more than a few seconds.

The place resembled a chapel, if I ever saw one designed by an overzealous fanatic of minimalism. Clean walls of black stone stretched up and joined above us in a blank ark, illuminated by a floating crystal. The most catching part of the place. As much as I hoped to at least see some pompous mosaic or a marvelous painting adorning the ceiling, I found nothing of such. Same with the walls. Their only adornments were the occasional coats of arms hanged throughout the room.

The floor did not wow me either. Same soulless, black stone as the walls and a red carpet stretching through the middle from the entrance and up over nine steps to the throne. Boring to say the least.

Even the throne itself failed to amaze me. Aside from its prominent position It was nothing but a simple wooden chair with a tall backrest. Comfortable looking chair but that’s about it. Oh, and there was that annoying punk sitting there with a content smirk on his mug while his stunned advisors were cycling through various stages of heart attack in their seats on both sides of the room. Were it not for the physical barrier of two long tables separating me from them, I’m sure a few would depart this earth.

As it was, this wooden divide gave them a semblance of courage to withstand the presence of my pointy ears. Eh, this shall be a bucket of fun, won’t it?

Either way, since no one made any attempt to communicate with this scantily clad dolt, I cleared my throat and addressed the smirking ass on the throne.

“Is this the fabled way humes court each other? You’ve promised me something about flowers and a feast yet instead of a feast all I see are scroungy old men and swords shoved in my face instead of flowers. Not that I have any use for those weeds, but I wouldn’t mind a roasted cow.”

My belly chose to play along and let out a voracious growl. That wiped the smirk off his face and puzzled the onlookers. All but the few guards that remained standing beside the emperor. Their weapons drawn. Their faces, sweating? That’s an epitome of a cold sweat if I ever saw one. Oh. Now that I think of it, I remember those guards. These are the same men that came with him to bother us at the flower palace. They saw my wings. Wings, huh? That should work.

“Or should I just go and hunt a few for myself? I do hate flying on an empty stomach. It makes me angry.”

I huffed letting out a puff of smoke. I wasn’t sure it would work but once more Erta’s memories came in handy. Seems that with the dragon flame in my blood I can even breath fire. Better not test that one though.

Jackpot. I have no idea what went through Gideon’s mind, but it drained all the blood from his face. It also did give one of the present advisors a real heart attack. Oh, did that one also saw my wings?

I searched for the familiar presence. Water still lingered unseen within the room.

You still here?

She affirmed my guess by leaning against me.

Good. Make sure none of them kicks the bucket because of me. Sems like meeting a ‘pointy ears’ is bad for their blood pressure.

As you wish my love.

Mana left me and by some miraculous happening the fallen advisor could breathe again. The emperor as well took this opportunity to act. He rushed up off his throne and a blink later, I found him kneeling before me with his lips smooching my left palm.

“My moon and jewel of the empire, I beg thee, forgive our discourtesy. If the actions of my people were not driven by their love and care for me and this empire, I would not dare to seek your mercy but rightful would be your wrath. My moon, you are free to take my life as a compensation for any slight we have served you. You who like your blessed ancestors, offered our people refuge safety in the shade of your wings, I beg your forgiveness!”

I think I felt something twitch in my face. That can’t be. I must be imagining things. Although, I had to agree with murmuring Logic. This guy is a pro.

“My child!”

As if only noticing her presence, the emperor exclaimed and still kneeling, pulled his daughter into his arms. After pause, as if counting to three, the man stood up and with Carmina hoisted up and sitting on his shoulder, he proclaimed.

“Rejoice! My blood, my precious child, my lesser moon and our future sun of the empire lives!”

Yup, the guy’s a pro.

“Blessed shall be the day when child I thought dead and perished returns to me unscathed! You there!”

He singled out one of the stupefied guards that still stood with his unsheathed sword.

“Go! Let the horns of A’Faroon roar! I decree today shall be knows as our day of victory as our hope returned to us! Today, what was lost has been found! Today we rejoice! Today, you shall have your feast my moon and mother of our empire!”

Okay. Now, I’m sure. My ears did twitch and if I wasn’t me, my face would show more than just a bored look. On the other hand, I have no idea how Cora could keep that deadpan expression all this time. Well, given what I felt through her core, somewhere out there might be her auxiliary body, rolling on the floor in tears and laughter.

Either way, holding the princess on his shoulder and squeezing my arm in his vice like grip, he dragged me out of the throne room. I did equip my charming smile number one hundred fifteen to complement his actions, but it still came out awkward. Who cares? They’ll blame it on my winged heritage.

Cora followed us brimming with dignity and closed the doors behind us. I’m sure she’s been laughing her ass off back in Fenira. I’ll deal with that later. Right now, my water ring showed me an image I hope I’ll never have to see again. Although, the longer he held my arm, the more I saw.

My body stopped on its own. Tears were streaking down my cheeks. How peculiar. I do not understand this. How? Why?

“Cora? Please wait here with princess Caramina. I need to speak with the emperor. In private. Now.”

Gideon put her down and motioned me towards one of the side doors in the corridor we used to escape the throne room.

“Out.”

Two surprised officials dropped whatever they did in this tiny office and scrambled out in a hurry as if his voice whipped them out of there. The emperor closed the doors behind them and waved a spell around the room.

“Will others notice?”

He collapsed underneath the door, panting as if even breathing proved difficult for his body. Beads of sweat the size of red beans dripped down his chin.

Asking me such questions? Who does he think I am? I’m no hero. Nor am I a saint and for sure I am not a dragon or an elf.

“I haven’t sense anything until you grabbed my arm.”

I knelt beside him. Tears were dripping in a steady stream from my eyes. These were not my tears. Deep, deep inside me, my mana wept. Ripples, storms, creases and waves formed all over that monstrous ball of sentient power. Why would... I stopped myself as Rooth’s words came to my mind. In mana we are one. There is no mine or your power. It is one and the same strength given to all of us. It binds us together in ways no living creature can understand. It is why you can feel my power. It is why I can see that monstrosity nuzzling inside you. Mana is one. In mana we all are one.

And mana, it wept after its friend. It could not stand what become of him.

“Well, it was bound to leak out at some point anyway. Please take good care of my daughter.”

He closed his eyes ready for what was to come.

“Gideon,”

I cupped his chin in my palms and lifted his head.

“You’re full of bullshit.”

And I wasn’t just speaking of his words. The stench coming off his body made bile gather in my throat. Whatever ravaged his body carried the all too familiar fetor of a shade clinging onto his heart.

“Ha, in my entire life I never though a dragon might weep for me. To shed her miraculous tears for this useless me...”

My nails, with no input on my side, extended and dug into his skin.

“Shut up you idiot and hold still.”

I have no idea how I knew what to do or why this would work but I felt adamant it will. Where did this alien knowledge come? As if I already did a similar thing in the past. How unusual. This sense of déjà vu, this confidence. Was it Rooth’s song whispering in my mind?

I exhaled and held my breath, letting my lungs fill with mana. It would not mend him. No. The opportunity to reverse damage to his heart had long passed. This would only give him little bit more time. But...

As I leaned over, a debate exploded among all the voiced squeezed inside my mind. Perhaps the choice would be easier if not for his handsome mug. Although, I’d never... Blushing Logic silenced all of us. Enough, you’ll be doing nothing more than a form of CPR.

Yeah, that and trying not to gag. He did smell like a rotting corpse.

I waited for the emperor to breath out then I sealed his lips with mine and pushed my mana into his lungs. My power rushed through his veins, diluting whatever was killing him. Pushing out the corruption lingering within his bones. At once, dark putrid gunk began oozing out of his pores and vaped into black suffocating smoke. How familiar and disgusting it felt. Even my dormant lantern decided to join in our fun. It detached itself from my wrist and reverting onto its true form, it cast its light over us, burning away the suffocating smoke.

We stayed like that until my body signaled it had had enough. I broke our kiss and with my eyes closed, waited for my world to stop spinning.

“I’ve never met a blood thirsty beast that could kiss that well.”

Wether it was his comment, or the lingering stench of shades expunged out of his body, my stomach revolted, sending a splashy rainbow all over his imperial uniform.

“And here I lived convinced of the power of my personal charms. My moon what...”

Grabbing my floating lantern to support myself as I got up evolved into one of those mistakes I shouldn’t have done. A pulse of power rolled over my insides ejecting a fountain of blood out of my mouth. Dizzy. I got so dizzy.

Voices... lots of voices... each and everyone of them smelling so bad...

Out, I need to get out...

And then it got dark. Pitch dark.

I have no idea how long my mind wandered the paths of abyss but when I came to, I found myself sailing through the skies high above the endless plains.

There is so much wrong about this statement. Worse yet, as if a dream would burst like a bubble the moment you notice you’re dreaming, my wings folded and vanished without a trace. That’s not gonna end well. The gravity was of the same opinion and after experiencing the fall like a famous animated coyote, I made a tiny mushroom cloud during my impromptu landing.

“Have you come to your senses, my useless master?”

My very own, personal twiggy, poked me with her foot.

“Maybe?”

She helped me unpluck myself from the crater I made during my landing and held me until I found my balance.

“Depends on what you’re asking for.”

The bunch in my head appeared to be the usual crowd. At least I couldn’t sense any new presence.

“What happened? I think I tried to get out of that office. Might have hit a wall on the way out but... I get nothing more. The rest is blank. I just woke up. Where are we anyway?”

“We are about half a day of flight away from the capital, master. And you did manage to remodel a wall. Five of them, I think. Also, your nosebleed caused a fire on your way out.”

Oh. That may explain the scent of burned wood on me.

“What about...”

“Your hubby hushed it up. He invented a story of a lone rat still hiding in the palace and you foiling his ploy. Master, as much as I enjoy it here, we ought to go back soon. It is difficult for me to maintain my presence so far away from you. Also, I stand strong by what I told you earlier. Toss that thing away. It is evil.”

The lantern ignored her comments and hanged on my wrist as a dormant metal band.

“Yeah. About that. That won’t happen. The dolt got himself a deal. For better or worse we’re stuck with it. Anyway, what’s with you calling it evil? Sure, it’s annoying and inconvenient but so far, I haven’t seen it do anything evil.”

She gave me a look a parent would have while listening to a child arguing about something it has no idea about then spoke.

“The biggest darkness hides behind the one that holds the fake light.”

“Where did that come from?”

“Ask the wolf, master, if you need someone to point it out. Now it is time to go back.”

She lifted her arm pointing at something hidden in the distance. Go back huh? Should I fly back? Eh, how? What’s going on here? Ever since I woke up in this insane body my wings wanted out if the pain in my back is to be an indicator. But now? Gone. The wings were gone and nothing but a ginormous rip in my dress remained. Even the usual pain in my back vanished and left my back feeling hollow.

Then the ~fhwomp~ happened.

My mana ball decided it was the best moment to expand, tearing my insides out. I thought I had it over with since it’s been a while after last such stretching but here it came. For a single heartbeat, all my veins lit up like Christmas lights around a tree.

And my face landed in the grass when an unfathomable force once more cut my strings.

“You know, if you saw me falling, you could have caught me.”

I mumbled with my face in the dirt. Until my mana calms, I won’t be able to move.

“Whatever for, my droopy master? There is nothing out here that could harm you.”

Well, I couldn’t see her but I’m sure she had her ‘me monster not get humes’ expression plastered all over her face. What else would I expect?

She paced around my motionless body.

“How troublesome. This is much further than I thought. Master, may you ask your spirits to take us back? It is best if we return now. I’m burning too much mana at this distance.”

Can’t say I’m a fan of that solution. I’d rather walk all the way back.

“How much longer can you last there?”

I unpluck my face out of the dirt and stumbled back up as my body regained its balance.

“At most until sunset, my cheap master.”

“No time for a walk then. Eh. All right, which one of you perverts did I call the least?”

“That would be me, my love.”

Wind appeared beside us. Captain obvious, am I?

“You guys love to eavesdrop, don’t you?”

“How may I be of service my love?”

Ignoring me now, aren’t you? Eh.

“You may at least pretend you weren’t there. Just for my sanity. Either way, one ticket back to the castle please. Economy class, mind you. Oh, and a question. I want a truthful answer out of you lot.”

“Ask my love. Whatever you desire?”

“The lantern and those shades, what do you know about it?”

“It... is old.”

The queen spent the longest time trying not to say anything.

“I see. So, is it’s one of those things this poor dolt can’t know a?”

Wind remained silent. Not for the lack of trying though. I could sense her power raging inside her. This shall be fun.

“Okay. Since you can force a spirit queen to remain mum against her will, I gather one way or another you can hear me. Whoever you are, at least let her tell me why do I feel like tearing my guts out every time there are shades nearby. Pretty please?”

“Because that of which they are is opposite. One being the antithesis of another. One cannot exist where the other lingers. One will revolt at the other’s presence. By your own word you had chosen which side you stand on. That choice permeates you. That choice defines your existence. That choice you shall serve until you fulfil your purpose.”

She declared in a horror-stricken voice then added.

“My love, I beg of you, do not taunt what you...”

But I could not hear the rest of her answer. Whatever sounds came out of her lips died away in the silence that filled my mind when Cora’s body came ablaze and vaporized. At that moment, the spirit looked above my arm and the last I saw were her dilating pupils. She dropped to her knees and pressed her face into the ground, shivering at the presence that arrived.

Just presence.

No sound. No sight. No smell. All I felt was the unwavering certainty that for that single heartbeat something or someone chose to stand behind me. I also knew I was not worthy to turn around and look. I knew I would die had I put my eyes at the place where that presence stood.

“Take me to the palace.”

I asked when my voice returned.

“Sah, Karin? Merciful Shamuu, why cannot you use doors like a normal person?”

Altina welcomed me in her usual manner. For whatever reason, Wind chose to send me back to her bedroom. Perhaps it was a wise choice?

I tossed away my dirty dress and scrambled into the wolf’s bed.

“Child, what in the merciful’s name are you doing?!”

“Hiding.”

A shiver I could not control ravaged my body. It did not help that I could still feel the sensation of Cora’s body disintegrating. It was only a copy but...

I buried my face inside the warm fur. I had nowhere else to run to.

“Hiding? You? Stop this, this, whatever this is and tell me what you are plotting now.”

Even with my eyes closed I saw the horror in Wind’s eyes.

“Plotting? No. I am not plotting anything. It’s just that my body would use a hug.”

The wolf spoke of nothing but after a short while, her arm pulled me closer.

“And you have not come to ask me for permission to murder anyone?”

How odd. The way she raked her claws through my hair and over my scalp. I think my body liked that.

“Huh? What? No. Nothing like that.”

Just how on earth should I say that? Eh, there’s no proper way of admitting to what just happened to me so I went with the simplest way.

“Boss, I think I may have annoyed a god. I have no idea what to do with that.”

Altina paused her stroking for a moment. Then she chuckled.

“And?”

“It came and stood behind me for an entire heartbeat.”

“Sah, just that?”

Just that? I had to look into her eyes and see if she was serious about that. She flicked my nose with her paw.

“It either were not a god or you have met a merciful one to let you walk away.”

“You don’t believe me, do you?”

“Sah, I believe you. A. I am. You had experienced something that shook your worldview. At the same time, I think you need rest. Your body is… under a lot of stress. Perhaps you should leave early? You may not have as much time left as you think. When I was younger, I’d often got surprised by my own body.”

It took me a moment to puzzle out her meaning but, oh, right. I did allude something along those lines.

“Maybe.”

I let my face sink back into her fur.

“Maybe you’re right. Mind if I… just for a while.”

My body seemed to relax in her presence.

“Sah. Just keep your cursed charms away from me.”

I did just that and while I couldn’t force my mind to sleep, my heartrate went down and the shivers ravaging my body went away. It seemed nostalgic. I experienced something like this before. This unusual calmness. I would linger in it longer had it not been for the troublemaker pacing back and forth behind my back.

What news of malice do you bring me this time?

Not moving from my spot, I aimed my thought at Fire’s name smoldering in my soul. She too felt annoyed with her mission.

Well?

Well, what, my love? I have just come to feast my eyes on my love and my honeybun, locked in embrace…

You wish you pervert. That will never happen. Why are you here? Speak.

She bit into her own fist to stop her own mouth from following my order. Eh.

I untangled myself from within Altina’s sleepy arms and slid off her bed to face the cursing spirit. She now had both her fists shoved into her mouth and from what I could understand from her babble, she’s been forcing herself to repeat la-la-la over and over again.

As entertaining as it was, I grabbed her wrists and pulled her hands out of her mouth.

“Love, before you hear that. Please reconsider your plans.”

Wind, Water and Earth appeared sitting atop the wolf’s bed while Water cast a spell around us. A barrier?

“My plans?”

“Love do not pretend to be obtuse. We know what you intend.”

“You know, huh? So will you try to stop me?”

“We... cannot.”

“Then leave. I have made my mind. And you,”

Fire’s been trying to bite off her tongue for a while now.

“Why did you come to me uncalled?”

“Arrgh! The idiot had sent me. They have found the sword you asked for.”

She blurted out no longer able to hold herself.

“Oh, they did?”

It felt as if an invisible hand pulled a nail out of my side. The final mark left by the odd one lifted off my body. Gone was the power that bound me to this place. Aside from the promise I made with the emperor, nothing else held me here.

I let go of her hands and she grabbed me instead and pulled into a hug. Not something I would expect her do. I could feel her fingers greedily digging into my back. A queen of gluttony crying over her cookie.

“Oy, stop that. It doesn’t suit you.”

Against my wish she tightened her grip around me. Maybe if I wasn’t me and she wasn’t the queen of eternal flames this would work. Maybe then I would reconsider.

“All of you, listen. I have made my choice. Freeing Erta gets priority. What happens next? I don’t care about that. This dolt had run out of his usefulness.”

And then my butt hit the floor.

It happened so fast I have no idea what happened. I just sat on my butt and stared at Fire like an idiot I was. Her clenched and trembling fist was drenched in blood. My blood.

She vanished before I could say anything. Not that I could say anything. I think she crushed my jaw. If only. Half of my face began to swell and constant stream of blood dripped out of my nose and my broken lips. Does this also count as protecting me?

“Love,”

Water helped me up and tended to my jaw.

“We will not offer you any excuse for our sister. Had I not given you my word I would do the same. Ah, you may wish to hold on to me.”

Hmm? I was opening my mouth when more than half my mana drained out of me in an instant while even more continued to drain at an alarmin rate. Seeing stars before my eyes, my limp body hung in Water’s arms.

What happening now?!

I’m planting a seed in the guild house in the capital as requested by guild master. Try to hold on for a while more, my sensitive master. Our second daughter is maturing well. Her roots will take hold soon.

Wait, wait, wait! Why on earth would you do that? I don’t remember agreeing to it? And most of all, how come you are doing it on your own? Last time weren’t we...

Master, last time you were needed to build a conduit. A steppingstone for a foundation I made. Since it is already in place, your presence is no longer required. With one more child, I think I won’t need to relay so much on your mana as well. As for your permission, master, you have not forbidden me from doing so. Besides, was it not the purpose of this entire excursion to spread our daughters around the world?

If I wasn’t already hanging limp in Water’s arms, I think my jaw would drop.

Twiggy, you know what...

Not now master. You are disturbing my concentration.

Okay. Now I feel used. Used and dumped.

One more virtual limb connected itself to my core. I felt it stretch. I felt it reach out to its sister. Then I felt it dump truckloads of mana into my body. Whatever I lost while this new sprout formed, Pellicora replenished through a river of mana flowing into me from those trees.

It is done.

She announced while my body regained its composure. It also changed. Those two beings, trees or whatever the hell those things were, forced some change onto my body. How odd. It’s the same body yet it is not. Like tea brewed by a different person. The difference in taste was there.

Now, only if water wouldn’t be standing next to me with her mouth open and her drool hanging off the side of her mouth. Yep, dolt the cookie got even tastier.

“I give up. Gods, spirits, cultists, dryads, dragons, insane people and who knows what.”

Even the voices in my head had enough. Several of those drew up picket signs and went on a strike.

“I need a break. All of you, get out of my sight and out of my head. I need time to think. I’m going for a walk. Don’t bother me unless its life-or-death kind of deal.”

I need a walk, is what I said but even my legs betrayed me and instead of a walk I came to rest atop one of the jutting palace towers. My pale, untannable ass undoubtedly glowing in the distance. Not that I cared. For once I flopped comfortably on my back and spread my limbs wide apart on the sloping roof. Let the sky stare all it wants. No idea what the sky my want with my womanly bits laid out wide in the open but this kind of pose seemed rebellious enough.

Rebellious, eh? Just whom was I rebelling against? Was flaunting my naked bum toward the empty sky even considered a rebellion? And this headache… what is wrong with me?

Ever since I told off those perverts and bolted out of that room I’ve been strolling through the gardens with no purpose nor any care for my surroundings. As such I walked into a maid. Poor thing bounced off my bumpers and fell on her butt with the statutory ‘kyah!’ sound maids often make around me. That’s not important though. For a single heartbeat I wanted nothing more but to rip that girl apart. I carved to see her blood. To feel its warmth on my hands. Make her pay for all… All what? Some fractured memories came and went. Were they even mine? Was this the price I paid for singing to all those souls? Going even more bonkers than I already am?

Traveling to that cursed island felt like wading through mud while lost in thick fog. Bits and pieces of my memory were so surreal I think my mind made it all up on the spot. Like that Dorothy. But then there were other parts so vivid I could not push them out of my mind no matter what I tried. Like those souls trapped in that underground. They dumped so much of their baggage on me. And there was that spoon wielding Hero. I had his entire life stuck in my head. Well, almost entire life. He spared me the moment they looped off his head as well as the reason why would they do so.

Eh, this would be easier without a certain twiggy and her mental carousel of emotions seeping into my mind. She hated me. She hated spirits. She hated humans. Most of all she hated herself. Then there was the pain and loneliness she felt. The anger she harbored in her heart. The constant fight against the orders I gave her. The fear for the people she warmed up to. She would deny it to anyone who might ask but I knew for a fact she would without a blink slaughter anyone posing a threat to those she liked. That list may not contain my name but by any means, it was not a short list. She even went as far as saving Vittoria and to this day she took care of her.

And yet, she still despised all human beings. Eh, why couldn’t she just stick to one choice instead of doing a lot of both. My head hurts just by thinking about it but experiencing whatever she felt... Why did I ever agree to her request.

“This isn’t working.”

No matter how long I sulked on that roof, my body felt at edge. Like a wound-up spring, itching to explode.

Another alien sensation I could do without. Life seemed much simpler when I was slaving from nine to five. An unimportant cog inside the belly of a beast my old company was. Although, there were some similarities. Back on earth, my little cog turned by the will of other bigger cogs. Turned for the sake of turning if nothing more. Pushed, pushed every day to turn.

Here? Am I still a cog being turned by others meddling with my life? Or am I just a bug stuck in a spiderweb? Dangling on the wind in wait for a bigger pray to come?

My body yearned for attention. It never did so before. It screamed and rattled at me to satisfy a need I did not understand.

“Then what are you waiting for? There are plenty of places in that city below for you to unload that stress of yours.”

Eh, Just what I needed. The odd one appeared and crouched beside me. As if whoever was up there wished to reassure me, I am fucked regardless of what I do. A punishment for sins I could not remember.

“Well, you can also rub one out here if that is your thing. I can...”

My foot met with her face, launching her body into space. A point for Rage, I think. Dragon strength is so awesome.

“That wasn’t nice mista whabbit. Not nice at all.”

Bearing red stamp of my foot on her face and a crooked, bleeding nose, my personal menace reappeared beside me.

“Who said I am nice? I can do polite. Nice? Not so much. I don’t get people enough to be nice.”

My arm moved on its own and grabbed her ankle. One twist and pull later had her body crashing into the roof and rolled off its edge.

“That wasn’t polite either, mista whabbit.”

Holding her bleeding nose, she reappeared once more.

“Does it matter? It’s not your true body anyway. Nor is this place real. There is no time within an illusion.”

I let my body go, sitting back and enjoying the show. The odd one turned to smoke as my foot cut through her midsection.

“Feisty, feisty whabbit you are today. Perhaps I should teach you a lesson.”

She stopped my fist with her palm and with the slightest pull, ripped off my entire arm. I had little time to marvel at the blood gushing out of my side when her kick sent me through another tower and embedded what left of my body inside a stone wall.

My respite did not last long. A cruel hand grabbed my hairs and dragged me out of the hole.

“My dear mista whabbit. It appears to me that you have forgotten quite a lot.“

A cobbled road welcomed my face after she tossed my body. I tried to lift myself up just to cough out blood and several tooths.

“Allow me to reeducate you.”

Her foot sent me rolling. I think I’ve flown through a building or two. I’m not sure. My eyes were full of blood.

“As first subject we shall tackle,”

She sat atop my chest. Her left had clutching my hairs. Her right arm raised above my head.

“Pain. Let me remind you just how much you are missing.”

Her first fell on my face. For a moment everything went dark.

“Tsk, tsk. No cheating mista whabbit. No more fainting for ya.”

Her hand once more made contact with my face. A blink later the back of my head hit the cobblestones underneath me and stars exploded before me. But true to her words, I did not faint this time.

“Ah, much better. We’re getting there.”

Time and time again her fist fell on my face sending jolts of electricity through my body. It quivered and whirled under her, whimpering after each hit.

“You are trespassing. Leave or I shall remove you.”

Calm and steady male voice broke my torment. The odd one paused her beating at this alien voice. Not because she wanted to but because she something compelled her.

“And who might you be to dare order me?”

“I am but a king of fools and that fool is mine. As is this place. Leave.”

Her fist once more made my head bounce before she got up and faced the newcomer.

“You have no power over me, king of fools.”

“Yet I have free will to govern what is mine. If that was not so, we would not be having this conversation. Leave this place and don’t come back.”

I could not see her face, well I couldn’t see shiet through blood, but I heard her knuckles crackling. Without another word, she left, and I felt my blood churn as her presence vanished.

“So, my fool.”

The King crouched above me and turned my mauled face towards him. His fingers wiped blood from my eyes. He had the gaze of Logic, Jailer’s strength, body of Rage and a face I had not seen in my mirror for the longest time.

“Have you had enough?”

It happened without me thinking. It happened without a warning. My body shuddered and wept. I cried like a little child.

“Pathetic.”

He let go of my chin and got up.

“You. What were you doing to let this happen?”

Logic appeared kneeling beside. Her head hung low, her arm pressed against her chest, saluting her master.

“There were, complications.”

She offered. For the first time ever, I saw her troubled.

“Complications?”

The King let out a deep sigh.

“Enough of this. How long do you intend to test my patience?”

Logic grabbed me by my remaining arm and heft me up. At once, the surrounding space shivered and changed like an image inside kaleidoscope. I blinked and we found ourselves groveling before a man sitting on Logic’s cold throne.

The King sat there drumming his fingers against the throne’s armrest.

“Leave us.”

He ordered after a pause that felt like whole eternity. Logic bowed even deeper and vanished into the mist. Without her, the entire pressure of his presence fell on my shoulders.

“Well? Speak. I’ve seen you a fool but not a mute.”

This voice. How long has it been since it served me? These days even within my mind I saw myself as the witch made me and spoke with the voice of wind.

“Who are you?”

“I am what we were. A reason why we are as we are. A fool that gave away its trust into wrong hands. You on the other hand are what we became. A mindless fool.”

He laughed and began to clap.

“I must commend you though. The mess you made is beyond what all other fools combined have managed so far. You had outdone us.”

His mood became sour as fast as it improved. So, the Rage was right?

“I was never the first?”

“No. Neither was I.”

“How come?”

“You do not wish to know that.”

Again, this worthless answer. Anger boiled within my mind as I gazed into his eyes. For once I could name what my body felt. For once my fists tightened of my own accord. He waved it away with his hand.

“Do not give me that look. I am tired of it. I had seen it all too many times. I know which memories you do not want. You beg me to take them away every time. To be born anew again. To forget what you left behind. Again.”

His eyes shared familiar resignation. As if indeed, we had done this before. As if…

Uncountable crowd of fools surrounded us. Each single one shared our dead eyes. Each resigned to its fate.

“I will ask again. Have you had enough?”

Simple words yet they struck me so hard. They choked the air out of my lungs. I have heard them countless times.

“How… how many?”

The fools stood arm in arm around us. A crowd I could neither count nor see the end of it. An endless see of dead eyes.

“I do not count.”

Bored. So bored his gaze was. So similar.

“I have question. Those memories...”

“Most are true. Most. Not all. We went to places. We passed through hands of many people. Some liked to poke and prod parts,”

He tapped the side of his skull.

“Parts that should not be fiddled with. It brought consequences. One day they pushed beyond a point they could control, repeating a mistake they once made.”

“Mother...”

“Yes.”

Heavy stench of gunpowder stung my eyes. Big boss, the stuffed rabbit I held in my arms fell into a pool of blood when I saw her. The monster rampaging in the dark tunnels. Strobe lights flashing everywhere enhanced her demonic appearance. Her fingers sunk into the eyes of a screaming man. Using his eye sockets as a handle she ripped off the top of his skull.

All the while I watched.

Even in this fake realm my body bend over and retched at the memory I just saw.

“Ah, yes. That one. True as well. A rare one. From what I know most of our childhood is fake. The man you remember as our father was a lab technician supervising our mother. And he is also the key by which our mind tells us what is fake. You do not believe yourself? Try to remember his face.”

Huh? What nonsense was this? What would a face of that drunkard...?

“It changes, does it?”

My father, I... that’s impossible. I was sure he...

I tried again and again but for all I tried his face seemed to shift all the time. Changing its shape, age, color. There were so many of them. So many.

Just hold its damn hand. It won’t notice...

The rain dripped all around us. The bus had not yet come.

How the hell he wouldn’t?! Fuck I don’t even look like Tom!

Shut the hell up and do your job! It has induced prosopagnosia. Just follow the fucking script until it imprints on you...

The fake rain dripped down my soaked body as the men haggled in hushed voices. I stared into the darkness beyond the fake facade of a building on the other side of the street. The darkness smiled back at me.

I blinked myself back into present. The king still sat on the throne. His gaze still bored. He had seen it so many times.

“Why are you telling me all this? Why now?”

“Our mind is about to crack. Fracture as it did so countless times. You do remember what happens when it does fracture?”

Blood. Blood spilled everywhere.

“Then what will happen to me?”

“If you were as those other fools?”

He shrugged.

“Well, you are not. Also, your plan intrigues me. Will you be able to see it to fruition? Or is it too much for you? A few tried that one already.”

Yeah, the scars on my old body were the testament to that. Yet, the more I looked into his bored eyes the less I felt sure of myself. If I were to believe his words, all it would take was to ask. Ask for the grace of king.

“I don’t know.”

I watched my own bloody hands. An ocean of blood seemed to drip right out of my palms.

“Good.”

Huh?

The king sat smiling on the throne.

“You’re the first one to speak truth under my gaze.”

He drummed his fingers for a final time before he got up.

“If you ever change your mind. Come and ask. Don’t be like the other schmucks. Ah, yes. Since you did amuse me. I believe you deserve a parting gift so let me take care of that baggage for you.”

Aimed at my chest, his palm opened up and I saw silver mist flake off my body and gather inside his hand. Stupefied, I watched him form and pocket a crystal out of whatever left me before he walked back into the mist. Pausing at the border where I still could see his silhouette, he once more turned to me.

“And for fuck’s sake, put on something on that scrawny ass! People will think we’re a pervert.”