Just as I was becoming overwhelmed and ready to call it a night, probably close to 1 am, Dance jumped onto our table without disturbing a thing and whistled for silence. Everyone heard his soft whistle, which would never be heard in a room full of noise like this. Slowly, much to the ire of the impatient Dance, the room came to a semblance of quiet. A stream of waiters and waitresses moved from the bars to bring everyone a champagne flute.

I listened to him as I took the offered drink.

"Drakes. Honoured guests," he nodded at Mike, Julie, and a couple of others. "As the current mentor appointed to oversee the induction and training of our new members, I would like to thank you for making an effort to be here to welcome not one but two new members." He paused while there was polite clapping. "Unlike the last time most of us met socially, tonight’s damage bill has been quite reasonable. Lame! Seriously, let us keep it that way!"

There were some laughs, and some beings shoved each other with a smile. "As you know, I take my role as mentor very seriously, " he paused again for the laughter to die down, with a good-natured scowl, " and I cannot tell you how proud I am of the journey that these two new rookies have made to be here. Luke Hammond, the luckiest man alive, literally, and I must say, the way the Empress is hanging off him, he will be the luckiest man tonight as well!".

Laughter and embarrassment from Luke and Rach didn’t disappoint. She smashed herself into him with a squeal. I felt my face flush and was happy for them, sad, confused, and jealous. There were a few speculative looks my way, to which I just shrugged. After all, she was the Empress and could do whatever she wanted. Luke was, well, an idiot.

Dance continued after the laughter and cheers died: "Luke Hammond, lu ckiest man alive, owner of Min Min, well founder, Mike here may as well be an owner for all Luke seems to care." More laughs, "and Pioneer, Forerunner of the Earth Human race. He needs our guidance as he becomes a potent being and earns his place in the history of this esteemed group. I fear for the wider universe if he gets loose without it! Welcome, Luke. Now you are a member, don’t forget to pay your dues."

"We aren’t the Mages Guild", a voice called from the back to some laughter.

He raised his drink, and we all drank. More came out for those who needed them.

Dance looked at me, "Sarah hates her middle name," and much to my embarrassment, he stage whispered it loud enough that everyone heard, "Portia, Owens. Zero to superhero. She is singlehandedly responsible for the most important events in our modern history— the saddest moment and, as you can see tonight, one that will be remembered for the next five thousand years. There are so many things that I cannot say. But I will anyway. Only a few of you here understand the importance of this. Sarah is also meeting with The Eldest of the Vitohydress, which even fewer of us have done." He paused. I noticed a murmur and even some angry muttering but could not see where it came from. "Again, she needs our help, support and guidance. I want to bastardise some famous Earth quote from a couple of scholars. Despite hating most of you more than I should and liking some of you because you owe me money, we must know that we are entering interesting times. A confluence of events is occurring that we cannot ignore. Sarah and Luke are heralds of change and are tied to the coming events." he winked at me. I felt it.

Title Received: Augury of Chance and Change (Epic)

You have been recognised as a bringer of change and disruption to the status quo. Some may liken you to a Sower of Chaos but remember that sometimes the winter comes, cyclones rage, and the ground breaks to create mountains. To live is to change.

Title Ability: Withstand Chaos:

You may sacrifice half your total health and mana to double your core stats for a short period.

Passive: When invoked by chance or power, you become a catalyst to events that may reverberate throughout history. You are The spark before a bushfire or the echo that creates the avalanche. +100 Focus, +100 Karma

"I ask not for direct aid or anything out of what you would normally do, but perhaps be the pebble that helps divert the stream or creates the avalanche. As this is a Drake party, I ask you to raise your glasses and drink, Sarah Portia Owens!"

I, too, got a kiss from the Empress. It was slightly longer than Luke’s. Not that I was competitive. Despite enjoying it and wanting more, I needed to get away. I could feel something at the edge of my consciousness that needed attention, and it was not here on Earth.

Fuck that title.

Fuck Dance and his games. Screw the Empress. I needed her complications like I needed a hole in the head.

I didn’t want to leave my home, knowing it would no longer resemble my home in a few short years, when I knew if I stayed, I could help shape its direction. I was torn.

When the drinking and cheering died, Dance concluded, "Look, I know I got heavy there for a moment, but when The Hodaa tells you to say something, you sure as hell say it, " some more laughs, " so blame her not me. I had a script, but she thought it was crap. Well, it was, but that is beside the point. Hers was much better, almost like I planned for her to spend time writing something for me." He winked at The Hodaa, " But back to me. We welcome Luke and Sarah. Thank you for the party. It’s time to drink the place dry, and tomorrow, those with business …. Well, the day after tomorrow, those with business will meet. Everyone else, I don’t care. Look after this planet while you are here. Guest Rights remain in place until you leave. If you have something that needs sorting with something stronger than words, there is a lovely arena that I have yet to observe and make some money off. It’s time for the last and possibly best part of the evening, where I give them the gifts that you cheapskates all chipped in for."

"Luke, as the owner of this shithole, " he winked, " you need protection. Not the sort you will need tonight, lad, but some absolute protection. We all chipped in and got you something for here. "

Blueprint: Spaceport (Tier 3, Upgradable)

Blueprint: Shipyard (Tier 3)

Blueprint: Light Destroyer – Cataclysm Class (Tier 3)

Blueprint: Mayhem (medium) Fighter (Tier 2)

Blueprint: Planetary Shield (Tier 4, Upgradable)

While Luke was still processing it with a shocked look, Dance turned to me.

Dance smiled. “Maybe I should have just given them to Mike. He seems to be the brains behind this. "Sarah, because you are unique and don’t own a settlement, we all thought this would be more to your liking. It might cause trouble, make you some friends, and even be helpful.

Spell Scroll: Grand Portal (Tier 5)

Solace: What was that noise you made that is half pig and half joy? I’d make it now if I could. That is so cool. Squeee?

"Don’t get too excited; you won't be able to use it for quite some time. The only thing you need to do is undertake some massive training. Some things that no one here is smart enough to help you with, " some polite laughter, "But you knew that anyway."

He waited for absolute silence, "OK, so that’s the end of the formalities for now. Those who are meeting, two days. See Mike or Julie over there if you want to set up a base or buy a resort room. Finally, DRINK and enjoy your freedom where you are as weak as babies!"

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

That last DRINK was a command.

Everyone who heard it drank. Cheers and drinking ensued.

The bands and music picked up, and people went from polite attention to full party mode. Looking around, I noticed that Mike and Julie were swamped, Dance was nowhere to be seen, but he was difficult to track or see at the best of times, utter bastard that he was. There was no hope of finding him in a crowded room if he didn’t want to be found. Seeing Luke and Rach slowly dancing together, it was time for me to leave the place.

I found a quiet space away from everyone and tried to teleport.

SYSTEM: Teleportation and Gating are blocked in this area

Crap, I forgot there was a block on this kind of movement. I left with a sigh and a look back over my shoulder to the Empress. She seemed to be tracking me from across the room. She smiled, winked, blew me a kiss, and returned to her Dance with Luke.

With a confused head and heart, I realised I needed to be somewhere else to sort this out before it got out of control. Even though I was home, in a sense, this was not my place yet. I needed to find my footing, explore my powers and skills, settle into my class, and become who I wanted to be rather than what others needed me to become.

I made my way out of the Cantina and straight to my room. It was dim, quiet and very lonely.

Solace: I hope you didn’t take it wrong, but I spent the evening catching up with my sisters—Sprite, Saro, and Statia. The data we collected and provided to them will be instrumental. With more resources, we should be able to use it to our advantage. We are very concerned about Primus and what that means for AI bonds with humans, which is why Statia has bonded with The Empress. I am glad I can talk to you about this. Sometimes, it is easier to think slowly. I get a clarity of thought I do not get with my sisters.

I'm not sure if that is a compliment, but no problem, Sol. I don’t think I was terrific company anyway.

Solace: If you don’t mind, I will run simulations requiring most of my attention. I will be available for you, but it may be less than optimal for some things. While we are safe here, I will take advantage of the time. Although I learned from the last time, I have a dedicated subroutine that can raise alerts if certain events trigger it.

Events like me using skills?

Solace: Amongst other triggers.

Take the time. You don’t need my permission to be you and do what you want. You are not my parents, and I think I have learned my lesson, although I feel safer knowing you are watching me. Crap, that sounded creepy. But you know what I mean.

Solace: your trust and understanding are appreciated.

Night Sol.

I had a scorching and long shower. Then, I had a long soak in the bath. It was just what I needed. I let the water wash some of my concerns away, relaxing and strengthening my resolve. I was going to leave in the morning. I had a vague idea of where to go but could no longer wait. I needed to be going. Screw Dance and his meeting in two days.

When I got out of the bathroom, with just a luxurious thick bathrobe on, I stopped to add the spare one to my outfits: Leaf of Broken Season: Bath Relax.

Min Min Tranquil Resort and Spa: Bathrobe (Stolen) (Tier 2) Self Cleaning, Self Repairing.

This luxurious bathrobe has mild relaxing properties and improves your health and mana regeneration. Built-in nanotech continually massages, hydrates and exfoliates your skin, giving you a +1 charisma while worn. Instant drying. Stay-Fresh. Authorities have been notified, and the price has been added to your bill.

I was surprised to see a figure lounging on my lounge, relaxing with a steaming cup of what smelt like coffee.

"Raechina, shouldn’t you be with Luke, " I tried not to sound too bitter but struggled to comprehend what she was doing here.

"Now, now, come here, I got you something," she said, standing and passing me a coffee, her hand brushing mine. I tried to ignore it.

"I was kicked out of the boys club and all that. That thing is going down. They got all excited. I was told to keep my nose out of it. I think someone will try to steal my father's engrams."

I spluttered. "We have to stop them. I didn’t go through all that …."

She was smiling, "Let them. The further away from me that thing is, the better." She said the word thing with such scorn.

She sipped her coffee. "Now it is time for secret women’s business. Luke is with Dance and The Hooda. I came to say goodbye ", she smiled a little too demurely. Alarm bells sounded in my head, and I tried to silence them "before you leave in the morning."

I just stared at her. "How did you know?". She was gorgeous.

She patted the seat next to her and sat down. I followed her direction under her spell. "I told you; you wear your heart on your sleeve. You have been wavering between going and not going. I felt your resolve and knew. If you left without saying goodbye, then there would be consequences. You need to sort out a few things."

"Are you and Luke…?" I asked.

"It’s complicated. Very complicated. My father had put his hooks into this from that stupid dimension."

I remembered he told me about the quests and an unknown champion. Damn, Luke, for being clueless.

She sighed and grabbed my hand, "Luke is tied to me. But he is like a beast in a cage. I need him, and I can’t let him go, yet he will rage against being controlled. Sound like someone else? Yet he will comply. As crude as it sounds, he is like that beast. I can and will train him; the Empire needs a hero." She looked at me. I could feel my heartbeat speed up, and I could sense the excitement from her, like a lion about to leap at a deer. "I wish I had your courage just to go."

I whispered, "You? Courage?"

Rach finished her coffee, looking at me over the mug, "I know you are going. Everyone thinks I am just twenty-two, but I spent over a decade in time-compressed training." Regret in her voice? "Then five thousand damn years in a stasis coffin. Dad was meant to rule forever! I know I keep saying that, but it was true. The damn Karass broke the truth of my universe."

She started to cry. I hugged her, crying, too. Hers was grief and anger. Mine was guilt.

"He was not meant to die.” She sobbed.

Yet I killed him. How could she ever forgive me?

He was meant to be immortal and …" her eyes flashed angrily. "It was not enough for me to live in his shadow. I wanted to live. I didn’t want to marry someone I could not love, someone who was not … Now… they will pay. A thousand times over."

I grabbed her hand and stroked it, "You don’t have to …." Not knowing what she didn’t have to do. Just hoped that there was some room for me somewhere.

She leaned forward, "I know you are leaving," staring at me, "In the morning."

My resolve locked in from ninety per cent to one hundred. I had to go. This was just too much.

With a sad smile, "Sarah," she grabbed both my hands. "So goodbye, and also to thank you for your rescue. I have a gift that won't compare to the treasury Rax gave you."

I started to say I would return it, but she put her finger on my lips to silence me.

"I don’t want it and don’t need it. It would be a lie if I said I wasn’t tempted to take you up on your offer, but it was a gift given in good faith. I want you to know that I think we will be friends. Excellent friends. I wanted to show you how grateful I am. One day, you will be beside me, not as a friend, but as more. You are the bravest person I know."

She started with a kiss.

She showed me just how grateful she was. She also told me her plan.

Rach’s plan was both dangerous and insane. It filled me with dread and desire and broke my heart, but I mended it all at once.

Rach left just before dawn as I teleported her back to her room.

I left moments later with a happy and sad smile but with a new determination. There was so much to do and learn, yet I wanted to be right back here, but at the same time, as far away as possible.

(Hidden) Title Awarded: CONSORT