The cool Karnian morning greeted the rising sun, with the desert still untouched by the heat of the day. I stood upon a platform, my regal red coat flowing in the breeze. Its shimmering fabric brought forth the enchantment woven into its very fibers.I glanced upwards, my amber eyes scanning the horizon in search of the train that would carry me towards the next chapter of my life.
"Andy!" I heard a voice call out, so sweet and inviting that it made me turn around immediately. "Empress Emerald," I responded with a respectful bow to the 22nd Wind Empress. As I lowered my head, my two-toned hair cascaded over my face, concealing the hint of sarcasm in my voice.
"Ugh, you never call me Emerald! It's Emmy!" she exclaimed, delivering a swift kick to my shin. Her ears, resembling those of a lynx, twitched in irritation as her vibrant emerald hair swayed in the morning breeze. Meanwhile, the Silverliner Express commenced its arrival at the station. "Really?" I retorted, rubbing my bruised shin. "You're still as abusive as ever," I muttered, reflecting a hint of annoyance in my voice.
"Well, if someone hadn't disappeared for the past two years, maybe I wouldn't be so annoyed with you. Can you imagine how you would feel if your partner completely lost it and abandoned you?" The halfling woman said, adjusting her dress and brushing down her hair, the friendly atmosphere fading quickly into one of cold business.
"I apologized for that Emmy!" I said, exasperated at the thought that I had hurt her feelings. "But you know how it was after mom died and dad went missing in the underworld," I reminded her. 5 years prior, I had lost my mother to the dwarven uprising and eventual Karnian Civil War and 5 years before that my father, the great knight of the adventurers guild was lost while stopping the Lich from reviving under Aurum. I was left as the sole heir to lead my people but I hadn't felt I deserved to be chief, so I ran, and for 2 years I made a name for myself as the Flame Saint, but even I couldn't ignore a summons from the king, even if they were family.
As the train pulled into the station, it let out a billow of steam as the magnetic plates disengaged to allow it to settle on the trackbed. Emerald had already handled the tickets as this was an official mission from the crown to recover me, so I could be officially granted my station in the court. I had been loosely given the freedom to act on my own but it had now become time to accept my destiny and rise to the noble station.
Despite being related to the crown I would never ascend to that position, but nonetheless my skills in magic were worthy of the official rank of Flame Emperor. Also King Regis was worried about me, his great-nephew as with the loss of my parents and grandmother, I had strayed away from the light and it was time to pull me back before I went too far into the shadows. Many good Magi had been lost to darkness.
"Alright time to set out Andy," Emerald said in a serious tone as she stepped on to the train with me following close behind her. I let out a giggle as I saw Emmy's tail wagging, betraying the serious air she held prior and I could only wonder what was in store for me in the Capitol. I had done some not so reputable things over the last 2 years and I knew I have to answer for my most recent actions in Acedia. I looked down at my right hand and remembered my mother when eyeing her ring, the silver band contrasting my dark skin and the emblem of my people emblazoned on its top. "Watch over me, mom, dad and grandmother, I am finally accepting my destiny," I whispered as I followed Emerald to their cabin. "Not like I have a choice though."
Finding their cabin, Emerald led me into it and closed the door behind her. The train's first class cabin was spacious and since it would take 3 full days to reach Aurum from the southern part of the Karnian Desert, I'd have time to catch up with Emerald and unfortunately fill out tedious paperwork for the last 2 years worth of missions I had undertaken.
Taking her seat on one side of a fold-out table Emerald lifted a regal looking bag and sat it on top. "Come sit, we have work to do before we reach the capitol," she said, continuing with the cold demeanor of business. "Fire Saint Andeus Izuna, I, Wind Empress Emerald Fall hereby impart your next mission directly from the crown," Emerald began as I rolled my eyes and slipped out of my red coat, laying it beside me on the bench.
"Excuse me, Emerald, we both know that you're a higher rank than I am but do we need all of this pomp and circumstance, just tell me the mission," I said, earning me a death glare from Emerald.
"Fine smartass, you are to report to the capitol in order to accept your promotion to Emperor Rank, you have been given more than enough time to operate outside of the capitol jurisdiction and we all saw where that led," Emerald said remembering how we faced off against 2 ocean guardians in Acedia.
"Angering Ocean Guardians, unauthorized Vampira hunting in Nassun, and all of this occult research into opening gates to the underworld, the King can no longer allow a Saint-class magius that much freedom, even if that magi is his nephew, you're stirring a pot that could shatter the fragile balance the council has maintained," she continued taking out the forms and documents each with the royal sigil notarized on them.
Recalling my quest over the past few years, I chuckled to myself. Of course they were keeping tabs on me, why wouldn't the capitol keep eyes on me. Looking up at Emerald, my right amber eye flickered between its normal form and a rare piece of ancient magic sealed within it. Fighting my own emotions I let her finish.
"So as a candidate for the rank of 6th Flame Emperor you must submit the results of your quest, explain why you've been off grid for over a year and fill out your application for the Royal Court." She finished as she handed the forms to Andeus.
"So are you even happy to see me? Like you've been unreadable since we met in Acedia, one moment you want to kiss me and the next you want to castrate me, what's up?" I asked her, taking the papers but my question was ignored.
"Emerald, I am talking to you!" I said, allowing my aura to manifest into flames but it was quickly extinguished by a quick gust of winds.
"Mind your tone with me Andeus; you left me remember; I had to learn to live without you; this is your fault; now fulfill your duties and lets get this over with." Emerald said as coldly as she could muster.
The train sped along the rails and I held each form up, picturing the information in my mind's eye before speaking in an old tongue. Releasing the energy I had stored up within me from the Spirit Library, each form had text printed on it, in Aurunese.
"Show off, why waste your Spirit Magic on something this simple?" Emerald asked but I took her attitude from before and ignored her, laying back on the bench and covering my face with my crimson coat.
"That was Madame Narissa's cloak wasn't it?" She asked, remembering that the coat held many secrets. She unpinned her golden emblem, emblazoned with the image of a Saberwing's feather. While she ran her fingers along the etching, I spoke without looking up at her.
"Yes It was, this is the Chameleon cloak she enchanted, and it is the only thing I have left from her. I still don't know who took her from me and I will not stop until I find out," I said as I got up and stepped towards the door. Emerald felt the emotions cascade off of her lover and she was speechless when I left the cabin.
"I'm going to the dinner car, I'll be back later," I said as I vanished, the cloak changing from bright crimson to a white coat with blue trim and gold buttons.
In another part of the train, I sat staring at a cup of tea. I had altered my appearance to that of an alias I maintained in certain parts of the world, where my two toned red and silver hair became blonde, and my Izuna tattoos were covered up. I didn't want to be known, let alone recognized. Tapping me on the shoulder, Avra cleared her throat before speaking. "Is that you, teacher?" she asked, taking a seat opposite me. I shook my head, denying her claim.
"Teacher? I think you have mistaken me for someone else," I replied. Undeterred, Avra addressed me as Master Izuna and reminded me that I couldn't conceal my Aether, regardless of any changes or disguises I may employ. She then took out the medallion she had at one point stolen from me. "Plus this is still tied to your aether," she added.
"What do you want Ms. Caine?" I asked, looking at her, searching for any clue as to why my pupil was on this train.
"Well Master Izuna, I've been visiting our winged friend and she said to find you, she wouldn't tell me for what, but you may want to visit the library soon," Avra said as she got to her feet and fixed her outfit. "Now I have to return, I was in the middle of practice and we both know how Dimura can get," She said beaming at me. "Ciao, my dear Teacher." she said coyly and before I could reply she spoke a single word in a very ancient tongue, vanishing on the spot.
I remained in the Dining Car for a few hours longer after Avra vanished and thought about what she had said, why was everything coming to the front now, first Lord Villers and Genevieve, then Emerald and the Ocean Temple mess, now Avra and Dimura. This was utterly confusing. I had told Essun that I didn't want to be the hero of her tale anymore when I lost my parents, and now it would seem I was still trapped in the board game being played by Beings between worlds.
Walking back to my shared cabin, I stopped at the door and peered in. Emerald had converted the cabin to its sleeping arrangement and she was fast asleep. It was early afternoon by this point as the train hummed through the desert.
"Typical Emmy," I snickered as I went to fix her skirt which had ridden up due to her tail swishing back and forth. Sitting beside her on the bed I gently stroked her tail as she slept and I noticed she wore the ring on her tail that I had given to her in our childhood as a promise. I had broken that promise when I went off the grid, I had left her when I swore to never abandon her. Emerald had begun to purr under the light stroking of her tail and she sleepily opened her eyes and nearly jumped out of her skin. It had been years since I had caressed her tail like that and she didn't know how to respond. "What the hell were you doing?!" She hissed at me, still trying to bring herself back down from the emotions stirred up by the action. Her cheeks were flushed and she struggled to sit still while holding her tail far away from the Magi before her.
"Whoa Emmy, it's just me, it's not like it was the first time I've stroked your tail. What's different now?" I asked, eyeing her carefully.
"YOU LEFT ME THAT'S WHY; WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO TOUCH MY TAIL ANYMORE!?" She shrieked at me as she stormed out the cabin and down the corridor. Stomping down the train, Emerald's head was in a daze still, and her internal instincts were in high gear, she had to leave because if she didn't she was probably going to pounce on me as if nothing had changed, like old times only this time we were adults, and she wasn't sure if she'd have the strength to pump those breaks if she lost control. "How dare he... Why would he do that knowing what it does to me?" she mumbled as she continued to pace the train, trying to calm down or else she was going to cross a boundary she could not uncross. "But it felt nice to have his touch again….. I missed how it made me feel…."she continued to mumble.
Back in the cabin, I was confused and I refused to deal with the constant mood swings of Emerald. Laying on the other bed, I weaved some spellwork into the air using ancient magic, and a triquetra sigil I retained from my time in the spirit library before casting a dissociation spell. This spell split my soul from my body rendering it in stasis while I traveled to the boundary of life and death. "I guess I'll go see what Dimura wants," I said to myself as I went to the spirit library. Arriving at the edge of the four-faced world, the boundary line of the Limit of Understanding, I spoke the words and a gate opened revealing a large majestic library with the combined knowledge of all creation. Walking inside I immediately cast a reflexive spell to block an attack. Catching the stone sword with one hand I threw the golem into the opposing wall. "What the hell was that about?" I wondered as I called for the Faerie. "Lady Dimura, I have answered your summons," I said as I awaited her reply.
Fluttering in was the youngest and smallest of the great faeries, resembling a small child with wings that easily dwarfed her in size. "Welcome back Hero," she said using the old tongue that Andeus used for Spirit Magic. "Thank you for coming to meet me,"
I bowed and went to sit in one of the chairs that adorned the great hall. "Why did your golem attack me?" he asked the great one.
"It didn't recognize your aether, it has grown dark as of late." She replied floating above the gilded chair as she always did. "The Allmother is disappointed in your actions Hero, why have you strayed from the path, your actions could put the world at risk for the end of times," she went on to say but I stopped her.
"I told Essun, I was done with her little game with the Archdaemons, I am not going to be a puppet for her crusade, if Edolas returns then so be it that is your problem not mine!" I snapped as I began to get up but felt my body get heavy as if the gravity was increased around me.
"Listen up, young man. Although I may be the youngest Faerie, it's important to remember that I am still a goddess of this world. Your selfishness has gone on long enough. Now, you will accept your destiny or face the consequences. When Edolas and his spawn reduce the world to ashes, you will be left crucified at his throne. This is not a threat, it is a simple reality," Dimura declared firmly, shattering the serene atmosphere. "I deeply apologize for the unfortunate loss of your parents in this life that has been bestowed upon you. However, it is important to acknowledge that life holds unforeseen circumstances beyond our control."
I had had enough and I simply spoke a single word and vanished from the library. When I returned to my body I saw Emmy had brought in dinner for the two of us.
"I am sorry for reacting so harshly earlier," Emmy murmured, her face hidden in embarrassment. Her cheeks still flushed, both from her own arousal and the realization that she had snapped at me for something I couldn't have known.
"It's okay," I reassured her, understanding her emotions. "It was my fault. I shouldn't have touched your tail without considering how it has become more sensitive for you since we lived together in Karna. I remember what you had told me about how it's a sensory spot for beastkin and halflings, and I should have been more mindful."
As I reached for the cup on the table and prepared to take a sip, a sudden warmth enveloped my lips, a sensation I hadn't experienced in four long years. It was the tender, loving kiss of my first and only love. In that moment, the longing and separation we had endured for so long melted away, replaced by an all-encompassing passion that left us both speechless.
For ten minutes, we clung to each other, our hands seeking the other's touch, as four years of yearning poured out in that passionate embrace. Time seemed to stand still as we lost ourselves in the intensity of our reunion.
Finally, as we reluctantly broke apart, our breaths heavy and labored, Emmy utilized her magic to clean up the spilled drink from the discarded cup. Panting slightly, I mustered the words, "Well... I love you too, Emmy dear," a mix of exhaustion and euphoria evident in my voice. I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to regain composure, while a smile spread across Emmy's face.
"You better have," she teased gently, her gaze fixed on the moonlit desert. "Because I never stopped loving you, even when my heart lay shattered." Adjusting her clothes, she turned to face me. "The Whirlwind Cat and the Black Flame Salamander, together again, forever and ever, right?"
Her words filled my heart with a sense of completeness, as if all the fragmented pieces had finally fused back together. I nodded, my eyes locked with hers. "Forever and ever," I affirmed, the weight of the past lifting off my shoulders. In that moment, we knew that no matter the challenges that lay ahead, we would face them together, bound by a love that had endured the test of time.