A week after Saiyi had come to Hagoa she had settled in comfortably. Her routine was now a semblance of normality. Mostly she had been learning cultural norms and some basic language of the island. Sahgiw was much different than her home language, but she could make herself understood for some basic requests. The customs of the island were less alien to her. In many ways they reminded her of her father's mannerisms. This made sense to her, since she had learned that he was originally from the islands before she was born. She was no closer to an answer on why she had been sent to live with him. Shiwa didn't know. Saiyi had no reason to doubt her either. In the first week Shi had gone out of her way to not only make Saiyi comfortable but also had no reservations on answering any questions Saiyi might have had.
One the seventh day of Saiyi's stay on Hagoa she came down to the throne room after breakfast. Shiwa insisted they eat three meals a day to 'stay in touch with their humanity' as she put it. Saiyi had no qualms with this rule as island food was vastly superior to the Shadow Dweller's. She missed her father's shroom bread, but she kept that as motivation to go visit him as soon as she could. The throne room was lavish and ornate. It had a high vaulted ceiling with gold trim and murals on all the walls depicting the achievements of the Gods. Shiwa claimed that the throne room was a formality and she inherited it as it was. Saiyi suspected she liked the fancy room more than she claimed. It was beautiful and suited not only Shiwa's position but also her personality. Today she was sitting in the throne room casually drinking a dark bitter brew she called 'kofee', which Saiyi didn't care for. She was talking to man that seemed around Saiyi's age. He had messy black hair that hung off his head in random directions. His clothes were practical and he had ugly brown shoes. His face however was the perfect mix of soft and strong features. As Saiyi entered she greeted both.
"Yata Shiwa." Then to the newcomer. "Yata Lachoor"
The new man looked shocked. Shiwa however burst into laughter, leaving Saiyi flustered.
"I believe you mean Lachoa. You just called him a weirdo." Shi could barely contain herself. Saiyi and the dark haired man both looked flustered.
"Bewei… Ka Beik…" The man held up a hand. Then in a friendly tone.
"I speak Shadow Dweller. Not good. But enough to understand." Saiyi understood how she sounded. She could do little but smile awkwardly. The man bowed.
"Goddess. I am Wep. I will please be your slave." Saiyi's eyes went wide. Shiwa lost it and had to excuse herself. The two stood in silence for a while. Saiyi couldn't help but steal glances at Wep. She found him very easy on the eyes. She imagined that she saw him steal glances also. Shiwa returned before long having clearly composed herself.
"You'll have to forgive me my friend. You two are too adorable to not laugh. What this handsome young man was saying is that he is here as your personal assistant, at least until you choose your own confidant. Kez sent him over." Saiyi thought that this was the best news she had heard yet but said only:
"Thank you. I'm sure he will come in handy."
"Well that's up to you, I won't judge." They both giggled. Wep remained standing awkwardly.
After some pleasantries and getting to know Wep's responsibilities they moved to a lower floor. The entire floor was just a vast empty room with no discernible decoration.
"Today we begin your induction. It's about time you use your Goddess given power to do more than your hair."
"Right. At last. Am I going to learn flying?"
"Hold on. Let's start small." Then the older Goddess manifested a few stone spheres from the ground.
"Try moving these." She said nonchalantly to Saiyi. Saiyi eyed the rocks with apprehension.
"It's easy." Claimed Shiwa. She looked at one of the stones, then as if by its own will it lifted off the ground and was flung across the room.
"That's some serious shit Shi."
"How do you think the island stays up friend? I make that shit happen."
Saiyi was once again reminded of her friend's power, despite her casual exterior.
"I'll give it my level best."
"I never doubt you will Lachoor." Saiyi made a rude gesture. The Goddess retuned it sticking her tongue out.
Saiyi spent the next hour trying to just lift the stone with no success. Finally she threw up her hands.
"You're thinking about it too hard." Shiwa lifted a stone gain and made it float in a circular pattern in the air. Then with a motion of her hand it shattered.
"You have the power young one." Shiwa said with the inflection of an old man. "It's instinctual really."
Shiwa lifted the third stone high up, nearly touching the ceiling. Saiyi watched it float up and over her. Then it dropped. The young Goddess' eyes widened. Instinctively she put her hand out to stop the stone, despite knowing the stone would crush her regardless. The stone stopped mid-air and hung there calmly. Saiyi gestured and it followed through the air. She could feel the rock as if it was in her hand. Saiyi closed her eyes and the rock was there with her. The room empty except for her and the large stone. She practiced doing manoeuvres through the air. She opened her eyes and immediately lost connection. The stone dropped to the floor cracking the tiles. Saiyi pulled a face.
"Whoops."
"Whoo!" Shiwa clapped. "That was incredible baby girl!" Wep joined in the celebration clapping. Saiyi took a mock bow.
"Your father would be proud."
"Thank you. I wish I could bring him to see."
"One of these days you will."
Saiyi's mood turned dour.
"Shi, why can't my people live like the islanders." Shiwa stepped over to Saiyi and sat on the floor, gesturing for the younger Chosen to join her. Wep likewise took a seat. Shiwa took a deep breath as she collected her thoughts.
"Please bear in mind this was all before my time. Believe it or not I'm barely three-thousand years old." This drew a small smile from Saiyi but her expression remained serious overall.
"When the islands were first raised there were no Shadow Dwellers or Rebels. Those you call Sand Eaters. Everyone lived on the island. However, as island life became increasingly busy and populated factions arose. Some of these rebelled against the Twelve. They were cast out and became the resistance. There were still others who while not directly opposed to the Chosen, did not wish for life on the islands. They moved down to the ground. Initially there was little difference between the two people. Time however is a force that nothing can resist. When I was Chosen your people still had electricity and working air cars. As time went on their culture shifted to the tribalism it is now. While we do respect their choice, we don't leave them unguarded. The Tabake as you call them are guardians sent to defend the Shadow Dwellers. They aren't always successful, but without direct interference, we can only do so much. My own Shadow population has five Tabake for every hundred residence. I also send provisions on occasion. It does depend on the island on how much assistance is given. Some Chosen decided to reabsorb their Shadow Dwellers. My Kez built a large wall around your Town I believe." Shiwa nodded indicating she had finished. Saiyi was amazed. She had never considered it from that view point.
"I think I understand. I suppose my people would be very perplexed by island life."
"We do what we can and in a way that works. In time they would settle, but there would always be those that want for a simpler life."
"I was content there also. Thank you." Saiyi took the elder Goddess' hands. "You are a good friend."
"I try."
"Let me try some more rock slides."
"Very well. I think bigger this time."
Saiyi practiced tirelessly for hours and by the end she could at will lift great rocks at will. She retired satisfied with her day and the state of her people. Wep followed her. When they arrived at her door she turned to Wep.
"Thank you. I'm just going to get some rest."
"I'll be here if you need me mistress."
"Please call me Saiyi."
"Yes mam." Saiyi snickered, then gave him a sideways glance.
"You're really cute Wep." She entered her room before he had time to react.
That night she dreamt of flying again. There were no storms and no Mother Goddess. There was only clouds and trees beneath her. She felt free.