Chapter Two

I cracked an eye open and stared blearily at the ceiling above me. Several moments of confusion passed before I recognized it as the ceiling in my apartment.

What was I doing…? I wracked my brain, finding only blank space for a long stretch of time. Then, I recalled the sight of Jysel swinging his sword down at me with full strength.

Alarmed, I sat up and hastily checked myself over for sign of injury or change. When I found nothing, I frowned and tried again to recall what happened after Jysel’s attack.

I…must have fallen into kuhir-dal? My stomach gurgled loudly, eliciting a grimace as I pulled myself out of bed. Glancing down I realized I wore nothing but the armlet that housed my wardrobe module. What happened?

After a quick shower, I made myself presentable and called the first outfit in my module’s storage. I checked my hair briefly, then paused at the dresser. Atop it sat the medallion Rel had given to me for practice.

Hopefully they’re alright… I gently plucked it off the dresser and slid my thumb along its outer edge. The strangely warm metal pulsed against my skin. For a moment, I considered putting it back down. But, after a moment, I closed my fist around it and returned to my bed.

After perching cross legged on the comforter, I sandwiched the medallion between my palms and concentrated, summoning lightning around my hands and attempting to direct it into the jewel set in the piece’s center. My head swam, and the next thing I knew, I was staring at the ceiling from the floor. The medallion crackled with energy and floated a few feet above me. When it fizzled out, it dropped and fell onto my stomach with a soft thud.

I picked it up in my fingers and turned it over a few times, unsure of what had just happened. Then, I caught the sound of hurried footsteps and a scent akin to pine filled my nose. When knuckles rapped against my door, I hurriedly pulled myself to my feet and called, “One moment!”

“Elara! Thank the ancestors!” Zafir pulled me into a tight hug the moment I opened the door, his arms trembling around me.

“Um…hi? How long have I been out?” I asked, a little taken aback by his behavior. And since when did he smell so good?

“A few weeks. You were kept sedated due to the extent of your injuries.” Zafir hesitated, then released me and adjusted his glasses nervously. “We need to talk.”

My stomach rumbled, tugging me between confusion and bodily necessity. Sighing, I chose to prioritize the latter first. Giving Zafir a pointed look, I asked, “Can we talk while I make breakfast?”

“Yes…yes, of course.” Zafir stepped out of my way, giving me room to close and lock my door. Once we began walking, he began speaking as if giving a report. “Several days ago, surveillance to your hospital room was cut. When the systems came back online, you were healed, and your bandages were gone. Several machines had suffered harmonic damage.

“We believe a Syldrari infiltrated HQ to heal you, but there’s no indication as to who or why. Officially or otherwise. I’m concerned this means more factions have taken an interest in you, but our bosses believe this is simply another opportunity. Your orders have changed.”

“Changed how?” I prompted, striding into the kitchen, and throwing the refrigerator doors wide.

“With some questionable convincing from Citomy,” Zafir began, wincing at the look I shot him, “the higher ups have decided to lift certain restrictions on you. Citomy has them convinced Jysel finds you to be an interesting opponent, and suggests you’ll be able to lure him in for arrest.

“She also gave them more information on queens and their abilities. They want you to begin trying to claim Syldrari with your power, thinking it will make them loyal to the empire. In other words…you have full permission to do as you like to or with the citizens of the Syldrari Sector.”

“…are you serious, or is your sense of humor just that poor?” I leaned backwards to peer around the refrigerator door at him.

Zafir fidgeted with his glasses again. “I assure you I’m not joking. You are…a much freer citizen of the empire now. The risks for poor performance or disobedience remain, but other than that…”

“Tch. Of course they do.” I refocused on the contents of the refrigerator, my attention to a familiar set of take-out boxes. “Food from Rel’s?”

“He…has been bringing breakfast by every day for you in case you wake up. You missed him by a few hours,” Zafir answered. Noting his uncomfortable tone and the sound of him fidgeting, I peered at him again. “I need to contact several people and let them know you’re awake. If you’ll excuse me…”

“What has you so nervous?” I asked, raising an eyebrow when he winced.

“I am concerned they will not let you continue to rest. Then there is the matter of your hands.” Zafir sighed heavily and pulled a data pad out of his lab coat. “Perhaps…hmmm.”

“What about my hands?” I frowned at him and glanced down at them briefly. “They look and feel like my hands, so I’m assuming Jysel didn’t chop them off. And I assume you didn’t have to replace them.”

“Elara…what…” Zafir rubbed his temples and groaned from behind his hand, “Look closer.”

I prepared to sass him, then it clicked. Looking down at my hands, I paused briefly and then pulled my sleeves back. My hands and fingers were a vibrant, baby blue. Halfway to my elbow, the color faded to become my human skin. My fingernails were longer, thicker, pointed, and appeared to have an opalescent sheen.

Most strikingly, the top of my forearm and curving toward the outside, I had glowing, variegated splotches in a gradient of pale yellow-green-teal, the colors of confusion.

“…I know you just woke up, but…” Zafir cleared his throat and glanced away when I gave him a sharp look.

“I didn’t even register anything was different. I’m just…me.” I shoved the refrigerator door shut. “So, this, whole ‘what are we going to do about this’ issue…?”

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Gloves, I think. Perhaps I can have someone contact Lynir…” Zafir’s head drifted from side to side slowly as he thought, his expression inquisitive. “Ah… Erik? Perhaps Erik will do. You won’t be able to go out until you have a way to cover this development, I’m afraid.”

“How long have I been like this?” I studied my arms closely, taking in the subtle, opalescent sheen to my skin.

“Since you were healed by the intruder.” Zafir’s frown deepened, and his gaze fixed on my forearms. “I had hoped that the color would make your genetics easier to identify or trace, but I’ve found nothing in the Syldrari databases to indicate a clan with skin this color.”

I shifted my head slightly, listening to the change in his tone, then caught the sound of approaching footsteps. Reluctant to pursue the conversation if we had eavesdroppers, I instead turned my attention to finishing with preparing my breakfast.

“General Crowe, sir?” Zafir inquired worriedly. “What—”

“Does Elara have anything to cover herself?” Crowe asked abruptly. I glanced over at the stormy man when he continued, “We have orders to send her to the Syldrari Sector. I’ve been overruled. Elara, you are to go and question Rel.”

“I am? About what?” I gave him a blank stare.

Crowe grimaced and pulled out his data pad, then pulled something up to show me. “Here—a ‘formal’ request for you to try and reconnect mother with son. I see why he’s cut her off…that is my unofficial opinion, of course.”

“I can find her gloves, but she should be resting…” Zafir deflated. “I will be back shortly.”

Once Zafir was out of range, Crowe turned to me with a serious expression on his grizzled face and ordered, “Prioritize your relationship with Clan V’shir. I can use your friendship with them as leverage to delay these damned imbeciles. You have my permission to leak information if you have to.”

“Sir, isn’t that…” I hesitated.

“The more allies you have, the better my chances of stopping this pointless genocide Julien’s inner circle are calling for. You have your orders.” Crowe pivoted and stalked off toward the elevators, leaving me baffled and alone.

He can use my friendship with them as leverage? I repeated to myself. That seemed doubtful, but he seemed convinced. Frowning, I crossed my arms and contemplated the general’s demeanor. I still wasn’t sure whose side he was on, and I didn’t like the sound of using my friendships as leverage. Then…there was the fact that I hadn’t quite realized yet that was what I had. Friendships. The word felt more alien to me than anyone or anything I’d seen in the city.

“I found some gloves, if you wear a jacket… Elara?” Zafir’s hand came to rest on my shoulder, and I glanced at him in surprise. He frowned at me, a hint of concern showing in his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing…just… Should the concept of ‘friendship’ seem so strange to me?” I murmured distractedly. “Even with lost memory, shouldn’t ‘body memory’ or other knowledge I’ve picked up make it more…normal?”

“Put these on,” Zafir spoke softly, handing me a pair of leather gloves that would cover up to a little past my wrist. He glanced around before continuing, “Depending on your circumstances, friendship may have been something you couldn’t afford or never had the chance to form. We may never know. What we do know is that ‘friendship’ is a…shallow word, to Syldrari. Much like ‘acquaintance’ means very little.”

“So even friendship is complicated for Syldrari. Wonderful.” I shook my head, pulling my gloves on.

“Of course. Syldrari are complex creatures, capable of thoughts, emotions, and sensations humans don’t even have concepts or words for.” Zafir gave me a calm, warm smile. “You have many opportunities to build whatever manner of relationships you desire. Don’t be frightened of ‘friendship.’ Trust me. Drifting through the universe with companions you love and trust is infinitely better than going alone.”

After a few more words of encouragement, Zafir and I parted ways. Me to shrug on a jacket and find a car to the Syldrari Sector, and him to…do whatever it was he did. Research something, someone, or some sample, I assumed.

* * *

Thankfully, I got the car to take me straight to Rel’s establishment. Not so thankfully, jaws dropped and so did a few glasses. Rel was not going to be happy about that.

“Elara!” Ciheri exclaimed, quickly darting over to me, wearing what looked like a human shirt, double-breasted vest, and a tie. “Come with me. They need to see you!”

“Uh—” Before I could form any manner of response, Ciheri grabbed me by the sleeve and pulled me up the closest set of stairs. Not quite sure what to say or do, I blurted the first thing that came to mind, “Ciheri? What are you wearing? It’s cute on you, but aren’t human clothes… uncomfortable?”

Ciheri promptly rounded on me, eyes wide, pupils dilated, and his hands clasped in front of his chest. He peered at me hopefully, his skin flushing blue and his patterns glowing pink. “You think I’m cute? Really? That makes me so happy!”

“I-is this so surprising?” I leaned back as he leaned closer, his eyes sparkling with joy. “Um, where were we going?”

“We’re trying new uniforms for the cafe!” Ciheri informed me brightly. He took a step back and did a little spin for me. “We thought maybe we should mix cultures more to make humans realize we’re friendly!” Then, he motioned for me to follow him. “Come on, they really need to see you’ve woken up.”

Why is he so insistent on… Oh. Even I could sense the wall of moodiness surrounding Rel’s apartment. Ciheri didn’t even knock before unlocking the door and waltzing right in, so I followed.

Upon entering, I caught the sound of Rel and Jysel arguing furiously in Syldran. I hesitated in the doorway, checked again that the blinds and door were closed, then pulled off my jacket and gloves. Ciheri’s eyes went wide and he put his hands over his mouth as I raised a finger to my lips.

I didn’t know how to stop fights without violence, usually, but I had a good feeling I could shock them into silence—figuratively. Literally too, if they pushed me to it.

“Well, now I understand why Ciheri was handling the cafe by himself!” I spoke up, entering the living room, hands on my hips. The twins froze in place before slowly turning to look at me. Jysel looked like a scolded puppy, while Rel had a much fiercer look to him—until they noticed my arms.

“Elara? Why hadn’t I heard of this change?” Rel demanded, his tone one of concern. He hurried over to me and took my left hand in his, gently lifting my arm so he could study it. His fingers running across my Syldrari skin felt unlike anything I’d felt before. I jolted so hard I nearly pulled my arm out of his hand, bringing a mischievous smile to his lips. It was many times more intense than what my human skin had felt, and somehow seemed more…intimate.

I decided to try and act like it hadn’t happened.

“Which part? Me being awake, or the spreading change?” I asked sarcastically, before giving him a small smile. “I’ve been awake for an hour or three at most, so I really couldn’t answer that question.”

Jysel hesitated, taking my right hand, then knelt and bowed his head, his expression pained. “I will accept any punishment you deem fitting.”

“Huh? Punishment?” I stared down at him blankly, watching a faint flinch twitch through him.

“I never should have injured a queen so gravely. Salaith-daiyr, I must pay for—” Jysel went silent when I pulled my hand from his, and instead placed it on top of his head, ruffling his hair.

“You did what it took for both of us to survive as ourselves from that mess. Right?”

“Yes, but….” he hesitated, his glow flickering through multiple emotions. “A single Lun’iri’s life is worth much less than a queen’s, and if I left any scarring, I—”

“Jysel. I’m fine. If you’re going to worry, then you should figure out why the cult also wants me to live,” I stated, ruffling his hair again before withdrawing my hand to my side.

“Is…that an order?” Jysel glanced up, his expression unreadable.

“No, it’s redirection because I’m not comfortable with people acting subservient to me,” I answered, giving him a smile. “Besides, I looked through my files on my way here. It looks to me like you mostly healed me before anyone else got to me.”

Jysel flushed and looked away, rising to his feet. He retreated to a plush chair and sunk into it, crossing his arms defensively.

“We have much we need to discuss with you,” Rel murmured, bringing a hand up to my cheek and running his knuckles down it. “Ciheri, can you handle the cafe by yourself for a short while longer?”

“Of course! Aldiner should be back soon too!” Ciheri gave me an excited wave, then pranced back out of the apartment.

“You should be resting.” Rel led me over to a sofa and pointed at it insistently. “Sit. I will fetch us drinks.”