"Ladies and gentleman, today on this fine brisk afternoon, I present a revolutionary enhancement not seen ever before," Cadize spoke on the small stage, presenting in front of nearly a hundred investors and curious bystanders, "those know the limitations of Oblivionists, a certain capacity of stamina, so to speak. With scientific study, I have created an elixir that stimulates the brain where Oblivion resides, surging it with energy. With repeated usage, exhaustion overwhelms the body. This will counteract that, making the individual capable of continuing to use his or her powers until the stamina eventually fades."

Kaid felt Jessamine grow close, watching alongside him.

"So this is what he's been working on these past several months?" Kaid leaned to whisper in her ear.

"Mhm. He looks rather proud, doesn't he? To be fair, it's genius. Imagine the capabilities. Someone with superior strength can work longer, harder, without needing breaks. A soldier with Oblivion can create more chaos on the battlefield without respite. If mass produced, it could cause trouble," she hummed, whispering in reply. By trouble, she meant Lungor. Should people get their hands on it, it certainly could cause chaos against the Empire arresting anyone of lower status not wielding such a power.

"It mimics that rejuvenation of taking a kill," Kaid observed, seeing her nod, "how did he manage to do that?"

"Something about chemicals in the mind, I asked once and left with more questions than answers. Feel free to ask, but I think it's beyond both of our understanding," she laughed, her voice sending a soft chill down his spine. There was just something about her whisper that when carried with the darkness of the wind created the sensation of being wrapped in snow, soft and comforting.

Although he found out this morning that snow was not as soft as he thought it would be. It only took a nice slip during a morning walk to embarrass himself in front of his Empress.

"Now, if I could use an Oblivionist volunteer..." Cadize's eyes scanned the crowd and Kaid noticed Jessamine's weary face, her body moving to hide behind Kaid's. She knew he probably wouldn't pick her, but she wasn't going to take that chance. She was already under a metaphorical spotlight being here in Arilla, she didn't need a physical one by standing on stage.

He felt her nudge him teasingly, his eyes darting back at her.

"I'm not going up there," he whispered at her, not wanting to embarrass himself either. He too preferred to not be the center of any unwanted attention. Instead, it seemed like Vrah walked up, wearing a simple tunic and pants rather than that costume he wore last night.

"Thank you, Lord Vrah. Now, please exert your Oblivion, and when you tire, drink this sample," Cadize smiled, handing over a small vial of red liquid, almost equating to blood with the color and thickness.

Vrah stood proudly with a simple smirk, nodding. And then in a blink of an eye, he was gone. The entire crowd gasped in delight, even Cadize showing a surprised expression. Jessamine bit the inside of her cheek gently, her blue eyes glancing at Kaid's, spelling slight trouble. Like Caladin, showcasing one's abilities was best untold, especially around potential enemies. Jessamine didn't know Vrah's capabilities, but she assumed from the bloodline alone he must've possessed something. The specifics, at the moment, were unclear.

And then Kaid sensed a breeze behind him, one as if someone was passing behind him, inches away from brushing by. He slowed time, not ending it entirely but watched in increments. And then he saw it, a glimmer of an illusion, the carpet beneath him bending slightly as if someone stepped behind him, and ultimately feeling the presence of someone he couldn't see. Invisibility. At least to an untrained eye not capable of seeing it, that's what it was. To Kaid, it was almost like he could still sense the shadow, a shadow of a clear nature.

Kaid noticed Vrah stepping closer to Jessamine. Given the circumstances, and their strained relationship, Kaid intervened as any Guardian should. His hand reached forward, feeling contact and gripped it tightly, finding it was Vrah's wrist. Gripping it tightly smacked him out of the Oblivion, the crowd gasping as Vrah had completely walked through the crowd all the way to Jessamine unnoticed, except by one person. Jessamine even stood back in surprise, seeing Kaid had caught him before anything could be done. Jessamine knew at that moment it was not a showcase of Cadize's elixir but Vrah purposefully showcasing his own ability. Only, his performance was cut short by Kaid's competence, letting everyone know exactly why Jessamine had allowed him to become her Guardian.

"Apologies, Empress. I noticed the zipper to your dress not lodged all the way up and wanted to assist," he smiled, glancing back at Kaid. Jessamine touched behind to find it had been lowered an inch or two, nothing drastic. But for Vrah to notice that meant he had stood behind her for quite some time.

"Be my guest," Jessamine smiled in reply, glancing at Kaid to let him go before she turned her back to the both of them. She was showing her trust, that she entrusted Vrah not to do anything. If they were going to discuss truce, then this was the initial sign of her taking that step. Kaid let him go, watching as Vrah delicately zipped her up, avoiding the jealous burn in his core. But he stepped away soon upon completion, his fingers moving the small bottle before taking a sip. With just two swallows, Vrah could feel as if he hadn't used Oblivion in the past minute. And soon enough, he was gone again, shocking everyone in the crowd again.

Show off, Kaid thought.

Yet the entertaining show only seemed to spur investors, a group immediately walking up to Cadize, wondering about the patent, the recipes, the cost for mass production. Cadize got what he wanted, people lined up with full pockets to invest further into his science. He honestly looked overwhelmed, but gave a grateful smile to Jessamine and Kaid before discussing his business ventures.

"No need to be jealous, zip me up better next time," Jessamine teased.

"I did zip you up fine," Kaid whispered, "it must've gotten loose after." No doubt from their morning activities. Kaid didn't know why they even bothered getting dressed, although he wouldn't deny that her riding his face fully dressed this morning wasn't the slightest erotic. It was just the kind of stress relief both of them needed and Kaid was more than happy to do it every morning if she desired.

Jessamine looked like she wanted to reply, her face a bit blushed from her own recollection of this morning. But she didn't exactly know if Vrah was still around listening in so she refrained from teasing him further. She didn't want to admit it, but Kaid did look insanely attractive when he had that jealous gleam in his eyes. She wasn't one to want to make a man jealous, but she did like to make a man a bit ravenous, Kaid especially.

Vrah appeared back on the stage, nodding at one of his guards to walk up, holding a small box.

"And now, a presentation of Lungor technology at its finest. The world is fading away from Oblivion. Wars can be fought and won without it. As delightful as Cadize's presentation was, allow me to show a cheaper alternative," he opened the box, pulling out a very familiar contraption. The same thing that had wounded Kassandra, the weapon used against the three by the Confederation when trying to lure Kaid into the portal.

How the hell could they not connect the dots now? What further proof would they need? The same weapon being showcased as an investment was used against them in an act of tyranny. This was more than enough for Arilla to side with Vitross, was it not? Payne had to know about this, immediately.

"Kaid...what is it?" Jessamine asked, seeing his expression had changed.

"That's what hurt Kassandra, the weapon used against us."

"Are you serious?"

"I'm sure of it," Kaid revealed, seeing her bite her tongue. Fuck. Vrah was toying, more than just for political nature. Maybe he knew about the incident with Christine, maybe he didn't. Either way, Jessamine needed answers, needed to see what the terms were. If they weren't good enough, then she'd head straight to that Arillian council and denounce Lungor herself.

Vrah had showcased the weapon, a firearm of graphite, pulling the trigger and releasing a loud roaring bang into the crowd. He was shooting blanks, of course, but it still created the same sound that shook Kaid to his core, remembering the dark night in Skale, the way Kassandra's hands shook against his trying to cover that bloody wound.

"You see, there's no need for Oblivion with a weapon like this. It only needs a small portion of graphite, and can punch a nice hole into anyone regardless of their magic. What need is there for Oblivion when this can be given to anyone? A child could learn to use it within an hour, there's no need for long days of training or honing magical abilities. Every Lungor guard and soldier will be armed with such firepower, making them a proficient, marksman force. The old days of relying on people to wield wild, untamed Oblivion are no more, thanks to Empress Jessamine's grandfather. We can now finally look to the future."

"We need to find out what he wants, now," Jessamine whispered, seeing Kaid nod. They needed to know what they were truly up against and Jessamine knew she had to make a decision by tonight.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Let me get this straight, Vrah," Jessamine cupped her hand tightly around the wine glass, almost looking on the verge of snapping the stem in half, "you're proposing a truce, meeting in a foreign location, to discuss the potential to avoid war...but only if I refuse to meet with Arilla tonight with the evidence Payne and I provide?"

"That's correct," he sipped his wine, looking rather comfortable. The three all sat in an enclosed room, comfortable furnishings but a completely uncomfortable conversation.

"And there's no guarantee of peace? Just a discussion," Jessamine asked for clarification, seeing him nod once more.

"This is bullshit," Kaid spoke, mostly out of turn which surprised Vrah. Jessamine knew by now Kaid would voice his opinion, and she didn't mind that in a setting like this. The entire thing reeked of bullshit, sewage in the hot sun with no irrigation. Jessamine would agree with him on that, but most of politics was shaking hands people wiped their own assholes with.

"Why now?" Jessamine inquired, seeing Vrah sit up straight.

"Because you have your act together, and I think my father overestimated the threat of you coming to power. First couple years were rocky, but you've pulled through. Admit it, things have changed in the last couple of months. For the better, yes?" He smiled, seeing their silence, "Think about it, peace across the continent, hell, even a trade agreement. You want graphite? We have plenty to give, for a turbine or two."

"What of Caladin?" Kaid asked, this time causing Jessamine to glare across at her lover, almost shaking her head to let the subject drop.

"What about it, my brother?" Vrah looked confused.

"Shut it down, it's unethical, it's wrong...there's no need for it," Kaid answered, seeing Jessamine close her eyes briefly to collect her own thoughts, "add that to the deal."

"I didn't know Vitross was head of the Ethics Committee," Vrah laughed sarcastically, "Caladin is off limits, sorry. The last time someone from Vitross got involved, it got very very messy. That's a mess I'd like to avoid, again, right Jessamine?"

"Right," Jessamine replied, agreeing, to the surprise of Kaid. This was the same woman who promised she'd help burn that wretched place down, and she was agreeing with Vrah? The son of the man possibly, more than likely, responsible for sending her there in the first place! How could she agree with him on that?

"Kaid, would you give us a moment?"

Kaid was even more surprised at that question, Jessamine never dismissing him before in a political setting like this. Most of all, with someone Kaid would very well consider to be her enemy. This man was more dangerous than even Mattias, and she wanted a moment alone? That seemed completely out of character for her, and as her Guardian, it did not seem like a logical idea.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

"I do believe that was an order, not a suggestion," Vrah snapped him out of his disbelief. Jessamine glanced at him with reassuring, apologetic eyes, but also held a tone of authority. She wasn't asking. She needed a moment alone and would discuss this with Kaid later if she had the time. But right now they were running out of time.

Kaid felt frustration brewing, anger surging. It's been awhile since he felt this angry, not since Caladin. He felt discarded, tossed aside, like his opinion meant nothing. But he swallowed his pride, standing up and immediately leaving the room, closing the door behind him. Even behind the door, he couldn't hear their words. The anger alone almost made tears swell up his throat. Maybe Kaid didn't realize it until now, but he wanted Caladin dismantled, more than anything. He needed it to be desecrated. He was sick and tired of the memories, the trauma, the constant reminder of his pitiful thirty years thrown into a place worse than the Seven Hells.

And this felt like he would never get that.

His emotions washed away upon seeing Payne walk around, wearing his classic dark black robes, looking for his Empress. Kaid's presence alerted him, Payne walking over with a rushed walk, more than his usual gait. He looked beyond pissed.

"What the fuck is going on? Why are you out here alone? Where is she?" Payne asked, his own fury in his voice.

"She dismissed me. Vrah is with her, they're discussing terms-"

"Terms of what!?"

"A truce, ceasefire...alliance? It's all over the place right now," Kaid explained, "what's wrong? We weren't going to notify you until after the terms were known."

"I found Christine," Payne spoke, the words causing silence to reverberate in Kaid's mind. Gods, he found her. Was she alive? By the look in his eyes, it was an optimistic yes. Maybe he didn't know for sure but it seemed like he knew where she was, and that was the greatest news he could hear. Just knowing where she was, even if it was a broad location, was better than nothing.

"Where? Is she alive?"

"Uhkhtar."

The doors behind Kaid opened, Jessamine stepping out, eyes slightly wet. And then that expression faltered upon seeing Payne. She shut the doors, wondering what Payne was here so early for.

"You have a lot of explaining to do," Payne scowled, "Where the hell does Emperor Lungor want to meet? And why in a time like this?"

"We have aligned interests, supposedly. He wants to meet at Uhkhtar of all places," she answered, seeing both men in front of her grow stern with anguish. Ironic, wasn't it? Same place, same region. It all converged into one point, if Jessamine even decided to enlighten the idea.

"How long do we have?" Kaid asked, swallowing hard.

"Five hours. Vrah states the second we present evidence to the Arilla committee the deal is off the table," she exhaled a shaky breath. Fuck. Kaid covered his lips for a moment, having to dig his fingers into his jaw to grind the stress away. Five hours, for a decision that might not even result in what they want. If Vrah was giving them that little time, it meant he was scared at whatever evidence Payne would present.

This was going to be a long fucking five hours.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jessamine paced back and forth in the office, Payne sitting in the head chair, legs lifted on the table as he delicately indulged in surgically removing the shells from pistachios. Jessamine had to dismiss Kaid, again, to discuss this. It wasn't that she didn't want him here, but this was a discussion between her and Payne. Kaid knew little of the politics, of the schemes that went on behind closed doors. And the more he remained ignorant of that, the better, as much as it pained her.

"Let's just...discuss it for a moment, think about it-" Jessamine finally stopped pacing, glancing over at him.

"Discuss what? They have their tails tucked between their legs, on the verge of curling up their own tight asses," Payne shook his head, "there's nothing to discuss. We will continue with the committee, and I'm sure Arilla will side with us. All investments will end, their funding suspended. This is what we planned for, this is what I've worked all these months on."

"Payne, I've done everything you've asked of me to get here. I've played my role-"

"You haven't played your role, Jessamine. You've succumbed to it," he interrupted her, "You've lost sight since the very beginning. Yes, things have gone well, but it's not for the reason, the person you believe. We finally have everything to squeeze Lungor out of everything, the chance to maim them once and for all, and yet you hesitate."

"I'm tired, Payne," she swallowed hard, "I'm tired of pretending, I'm tired of playing this game. We can end it now, in a swift motion. We can go to Uhkhtar, urge for peace, get Christine back all in one act."

"Or..."

"Or what Payne?! Risk war!? Risk the lives of my people because of your decision making? You told me, told everyone going in there would give us all the leverage we'd need, that everything from there would be a downhill stroll into victory. Instead it has been nothing but shadows fighting shadows, truths stretched, and diplomacy built upon lies. I don't know if I can keep doing this to him."

"So that's who this is about? I should've known. Everything revolves around him," Payne rolled his eyes.

"Vrah knows. He told me Emperor Bashir shared it with him," Jessamine crossed her arms tightly across her chest.

"That was to be expected," he shrugged nonchalantly, "What's the issue?"

"His life is to be forfeit. Gods, Payne, it doesn't matter if they assassinate me, they don't need to do that anymore. All they need is him; to remove him from the scenery and the grand masterpiece painting is complete. His life is even in more danger than my own."

"Their ability to hold him hostage is not because of his worth, but because of what he means to you. I warned you of this the moment I saw that inkling in your eyes. You really thought, think, that he can give you what you want? That your life is somehow miraculously better with him in it?"

"Yes," she answered, without a doubt, "we can't choose who we love, Payne. You of all people should know that."

"He knows what he signed up for."

"Does he? Payne, what if we just tell him-"

"Are you fucking kidding me? Are you mad!? It will change nothing. If anything, the only person capable of keeping you alive, of keeping the peace, could very well become our enemy. That is not an option. You know that, you swore from the beginning. I do not care if you are in love with him or not, but that is not an option. It puts everything at risk, erases everything you've worked so hard to achieve. And for what? The feeling of honesty? Kaid knows how bloodstained your hands are, he doesn't need your truth. It's time he stains his own hands as well."

"We should have left him in Caladin, he should've stayed there and not known any of this. He doesn't deserve any of this. He was far better off there than here," Jessamine refused, shaking her head, "I never should have agreed-"

"Should have what?" a firm voice asked, Jessamine and Payne immediately glancing over to see the door ajar, Kaid standing there, a bottle of wine in his hands. He thought they had talked alone enough, and Jessamine probably wanted another glass of wine to talk this over. Instead, he walked in right into that sentence.

Payne glanced over at Jessamine with dark eyes, wondering how the hell she didn't sense his thoughts before he opened that door. How much did Kaid even hear and why didn't she shut up if she knew he was coming?

"Kaid," Jessamine swallowed, "I can explain-"

"I don't think there's any need. I can already see what an inconvenience I am," he shook his head, feeling those tears begin to form again. How could she say such a thing? Why would she want him to go back to Caladin? Who was she when Kaid wasn't there? What kind of things did she say behind his back when he wasn't paying attention? In that moment she disgusted him, because he honestly didn't know the truth. He didn't know the truth about anything. His whole life he had been fed lies, and he was sick and tired of being malnourished because of it, being used for his ignorance.

Kaid exhaled sharply, turning to return this bottle of wine. He wasn't needed, wasn't wanted. He could go retire for the evening and whatever decision Jessamine made would just have to be up to her. Kaid would discuss the consequences in the morning, but right now he was upset and pissed off. He wanted nothing to do with any of them tonight and he assumed neither of them wanted him as well.

"Kaid, wait," Jessamine chased him down the hallway, seeing him speed up.

"Make me," he spat, gripping the wine bottle tightly before stopping abruptly. When he turned, he could see Jessamine's eyes swelling as well.

"I have no excuse for those words, other than they were taken entirely out of context. You know that I would never want to send you back there. I would fight anyone who dared even wish to send you back there. I would fight all over again to rescue you-"

"Oh so now it's rescuing me? The only person in need of rescuing was you, and I was more than happy to oblige wasn't I?" Kaid scowled, seeing his words only upset her even more. He didn't know why he spoke to her like this. Part of him was screaming at him to stop, knowing he was hurting her, and the other part wanted to dig the blade even further.

"Kaid, please, I didn't mean it that way. You have no idea how much you mean to me, how much I need you..."

"And I'm starting to wonder how much I fucking need you!" Kaid threw the wine bottle to the ground. The shatter of glass removed him from his angry trance, his own words surprising him. It was just on the back of his mind, but he regretted the words the moment they left his lips. He saw the way it hurt her, deeply. Her eyes didn't know whether to succumb to the tears, or transform them into a swirling dark storm, to give into the temptation she had successfully avoided these past months.

"I...Jess, I didn't-" he stepped forward, seeing her step back, slight fear in her eyes. And that made him realize just how stupid he had been. What if it was just misheard? What if he just waited for her to finish her sentence instead of barraging in unannounced? This resulted in her being frightened of him, that she was almost afraid of him touching her. Did she think him to be Mattias? Her father? Kaid would never lay a hand on her, yet she was almost skeptical of how gentle his touch would be.

"I think...I think we just need a break for the evening. I...I have a lot to think about, a lot of decisions to make. I know I made a mistake not including you in everything...but if they believe you to know everything that I do, your life is in danger. That's why I said what I said, because there they couldn't harm you, not like they can here," she wiped the tears away, "just...I'll speak with you in the morning, when hopefully things calm down."

When both of them calmed down. Kaid felt guilt wash over him, knowing that Jessamine now had to make this decision without him, not knowing or having his support. Kaid honestly had no idea what she'd decide. One was a path of revenge, one she had worked hard to avoid. The other...well, it sounded like the other held consequences that could harm her, but avoid war entirely. And Kaid couldn't be there to help her, all because he selfishly overheard something he shouldn't have.

"Jess..." Kaid paused, wondering what he could say in this moment to make up for everything, "I love you."

"I know," she nodded, the words only making her tears worse, "goodnight, Kaid."

She could do what she knew was right, even if it risked the person she loved. Or she could make the choice to continue what she had wanted, what she thought she wanted all those months ago. She could be who she thought she was, or remove the mask and be who she always was meant to be. The cards were now in her hands but she knew now she should have folded a long time ago.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jessamine rubbed her sore cheek as she leaned against the door, wishing the slight pain would go away with the cold. She was grateful it hadn't bruised, but the temperature only enhanced it. She stood outside their adjacent door, not knowing what time it was but she knew it was well past midnight. Her breathing was rapid, her throat throbbing even though she knew no more tears would escape her eyes tonight. She had already exhausted them all. Kaid deserved the truth, she made up her mind right then and there, no matter the consequences of doing so. She loved him. Loved him more than she loved being cherished by him. And a love like that deserved the truth.

Jessamine walked in, finding the room blasting cold, howling wind coming in from the open balcony. Snow poured in from the ongoing storm, covering half of his guest bedroom floor with the white mess. The spectacle surprised her because Kaid would never leave the doors open and vulnerable, especially during a snowstorm. He was very firm on following Guardian standard protocol, which meant those doors locked unless being used. And it wasn't being used by him. She was surprised how he could be asleep in these freezing temperatures.

She stepped barefoot into the snow, moving to close that door shut and deal with the melted snow later. But as she moved towards the balcony, she froze in place despite her burning cold feet. Other bare footprints were visible, fresh into the snow coming from the balcony. But there were no prints heading towards the balcony. Jessamine sobered up immediately, realizing someone, or something given the oddity of the footprints, had come in. She immediately began to detect thoughts and found nothing, only silence over the screaming frigid wind.

That wasn't possible.

The slightest noise, an unearthly groan, revealed the truth of what she feared. She wasn't alone, and neither was Kaid. Her eyes blinked, trying to adjust to the darkness of the room and see whatever the fuck was in here with her. And then she saw it, a black silhouette standing at the bed, shaped as a humanoid. It was only confirmed when its head twitched, Jessamine capable of outlining a head, neck, and bony thin shoulders.

She immediately honed into its mind which was always easier when she could view her target, remaining silent where she was in fear it didn't know she stood there. Yet she came upon nothing, again. No thoughts. No emotions. Just...nothing. She had never experienced that before, ever. The noise, the figure, and this revelation was frightening Jessamine, as if she was living a nightmare. But she was wide awake. Its gaze held a visible bump into the bedding, soon moving closer. Jessamine quietly slid across the snow, ignoring the ache it caused as she tried to inch closer and not make a sound.

But it was too late. The figure withdrew a small curved blade, slicing across the rise in the bed. Jessamine immediately knew something had to be done, in fact she should have done something sooner. With no weapons at hand, she had to improvise. She found a candlestick and its handle upon his temporary dresser, gripping it tightly before throwing it. It nailed the intruder directly in the head, eliciting another foul deathly scream. Fuck, whatever it was, wasn't human. But as it stepped into the slight light, she realized it was human. Just not anymore.

Rotted flesh revealed the whites of bone despite the torn black attire. She could see the outlines of thin hairs on the skull, ligaments and tendons on his arms and ribs that just had not decomposed yet. It was a corpse. A walking, groaning, killing corpse. And throwing that candlestick didn't seem to phase it.

"Kaid?!" Jessamine shouted, not knowing if he was awake, hell, if he was even dead or alive. But she needed him to wake up, right now. She was powerless, her Oblivion useless against a being like this. If she had to kill this already undead being by clawing her fingers into it, so be it. She would do whatever it took to protect Kaid, and most of all, protect herself. There were no guards stationed outside their doors, not here in Arilla.

It was just her: Jessamine Alexis Kruzika, fighting in the shadows where she belonged.