“Reunion with loved ones is a very common thing people pray for and only one spirit listens to these types of requests. Her name is Kazebi. But be careful, for every bond Kazebi restores she breaks another. The cost of reunion is separation.”

~ Harold, Owner of Infinity Wares

Kouki

The arcana in the air hums and vibrates as Aida and I finish fine-tuning the golems. The marks from the glyphs, runes, and other markings disappear on each of them returning their pristine white appearance. The circle they’re on top of radiates power and light engulfing them completely. All that’s left is a couple of small cards with an intricate design printed on them. They’re finally done and right on time. I breathe a sigh of relief, this is one of the most intricate works of arcana manipulation I’ve ever done and it’s definitely a masterpiece.

“It’s finally finished.” I get up and start dressing myself. Now that I have what I came for it’s time to move on.

“You didn’t forget about my payment Kouki. Did you?” Aida stretches her hand out.

“I’m a man of my word, you know that better than most.” Riffling through my backpack I produce a sealed envelope and hand it to her. She precariously takes a peek inside and a mischievous smile forms on her lips.

“Sparrow!” she calls out. The young girl scurries into the study heeding the call of her master.

“Yes, my queen.” I gather up the two cards from the floor stuffing them behind the pocket square of my suit jacket.

“Our business has concluded, please escort Kouki out of my city.” Feigning surprise I drop my jaw and place my hands at the side of my face.

“After all we’ve been through you’re just gonna kick me out like that?” With a laugh I give Aida a bear hug and Sparrow walks with me as I exit the palace.

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“Godfather, what will you do next?” The look of surprise that crosses my face this time is genuine.

“I have unfinished business with a couple of old friends at a temple that’s further south. Are you worried I won’t come back with more Zakarin’s?” A small chuckle exits from my lips. She ponders my words for a second then speaks up.

“A little bit. The queen seemed like she was enjoying your company. That’s rare for her. She spends a lot of her time in that study by herself. I try to keep her company but sometimes I get the feeling that she’s a little lonely.”

“That’s cute. She’s surrounded by worshipers, subjects, and employees. She is a little lonely, we all are. Just kind of a thing you accept when you have the kind of power that we do. But, trust me it’s not too much better when we’re all together. For a while, it feels great because you’re standing around with your equals. But, after a while our powers and personalities clash. It’s best not to overstay welcomes.” She looks up at me clearly having thought up another question.

“Are you saying naturalists are destined to be alone?”

“No, well… not exactly. Aida’s not just another naturalist for one. She’s one of the sacred six and so her power and duty are far greater than normal. I got lucky and met Josephine. She’s basically my equal in every way. But, our responsibilities often cut our time together short. Aida never was able to build that kind of meaningful relationship outside of our friend group. Until now at least.” She tilts her head puzzled.

“You, the way she refers to you, nurtures you, and talks about you. She clearly loves you if you didn’t realize that. Which is a very rare occurrence.”

“I’m just a warrior of her court.” My laugh at that statement roars through the streets of Crota.

“Even if you meant nothing to her, no goddaughter of mine would “just” be anything. Aida may seem like an all-powerful queen. But she’s also a woman with needs and you’re very much like the little sister or daughter she never had. Just… take care of her. If you do, I promise I’ll bring more Zakarin gummies and anything else you want. You know what my word is worth.” That brings a smile to her face.

“Okay, but there’s something more important I want you to bring me.”

“What?”

“My mother and father.”

“Done.”

“Just like that?”

“Yep, just like that. Alright, now it’s really time for me to go. So, I’ll see you later, little Sparrow.”

With a head pat, I finally speed away disappearing with the last word. Outside of the city, my vehicle awaits to take me to the final destination of this journey or rather the location where I will summon the final destination of this journey. The temple of Kazebi.

~End