Chapter 9: Meet and Greet
-Amiti's Room
Amiti sat with Karis on the couch talking. Yet something was off. Karis was being unnaturally quiet, something that just didn't suit her. Amiti knew that Karis was only quiet if she was angry or upset, which meant that something must've been up with her to be this rattled. Though the Mercury Adept knew it was a bad idea to talk about feelings when a girl was upset, he decided to blaze that trail anyway.
"Karis, are you alright?" Amiti asked softly. "You aren't talking as much as normal."
Karis looked up like she had been in deep thought. "I'm fine." She replied after a moment's hesitation.
Her voice was different. Amiti realized that almost instantly. Instead of her normal light voice, Karis spoke with ice.
"Karis what's wrong? You can tell me." Amiti said.
"I told you, I'm FINE." Karis responded forcefully.
Despite his better judgment, Amiti couldn't drop the topic. "Karis, I can tell that something bothering you, what is it?"
Karis glared at Amiti to drop the subject, but Amiti kept her gaze. Finally, after a minute long staring contest, Karis groaned and leaned back. "Fine." She said simply.
"It's… it's bothering me that I couldn't stand with you when we came in." Karis replied.
"Karis, you know that's not my fault. If, if they saw us together, the nobles would freak! It'd cause some serious dissension." Amiti replied.
"What nobles? All I saw were Champans, and they definitely wouldn't have cared I was up there." Karis shouted.
"Rumor spreads Karis, don't you get that?" Amiti asked. "It's basic politics."
"No one would have cared that I stood with you, but you didn't let me stand there." Karis replied.
"How was I supposed to know that there wasn't a noble there? Even then how am I to know that the Ayuthan nobles don't have a spy hidden in my crew? Or in Eoleo's crew, or maybe just in the crowds wandering? What if you're a spy reporting back to my enemies? Maybe you're just saying that because you want dissension in Ayuthay." Amiti screamed back.
Karis stopped talking instantly and stared. "And what if I wanted to stand next to you because I love you?" She said quietly.
Then, wordlessly, Karis turned around and left the room. Leaving a stunned Amiti to analyze what he'd just said.
-Matthew's Room
Matthew lay on his bed unmoving. This journey, while significantly easier than his previous one, had worn him out and rest sounded oh so nice. And yet, Matthew knew that he couldn't rest. A Ball was starting up soon, and it needed guarding. Which was the only reason that Matthew and his friends were here.
Matthew's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Curiosity peaked, the Venus Adept stood and walked to his door, opening it. Before him stood Sveta, Queen of Morgal, and the object of Matthew's affections. Taking a step forward, Matthew took Sveta's hands in his and smiled.
"Hi." He said simply.
"Hi." She replied, a smile situated itself on her own face, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other.
It brought back memories. Memories, of the last time that Matthew had seen Sveta. Two years ago, on the doorstep of Belinsk.
Matthew had harbored feelings for Sveta for the entire six month journey across Angara. And yet he had been far too nervous to actually tell Sveta of his feelings. Instead, they became the best of friends. Always talking to each other and always around each other. Matthew had enjoyed it a ton! Little did he know that Sveta felt the exact same way as he did.
On the doorstep of the Apollo Ascent, Sveta had been wounded by one of the many monsters. Matthew's reaction had been brutal. He instantly opened a fissure in the earth, just beneath the monster, dropping them deep into the earth. Then quickly, Matthew closed it once again, crushing the dozen or so monsters that were attacking. It was unlike anything ever before. It was at that moment that Matthew realized that he didn't just like Sveta, he loved her.
After linking Souls at Apollo Sanctum, Matthew's feelings for Sveta had been made known… and hers for him. It was wonderful, those few days afterwards, the best of Matthew's life. He knew Sveta better than anyone ever had and better than anyone ever would, bar Sveta herself. And it was the same for him.
But when they had last seen each other, Matthew had taken it a step further than before. He didn't say anything, instead he kissed her. It was short, but passionate. Neither had said anything afterward, but Matthew knew that she had enjoyed it. Perhaps it was their Soul link, or perhaps something else, but Matthew knew that she was happy about it. Yet they hadn't spoken for two years since then.
But their connection, their Soul link, was still there, even now. Walking backwards, Matthew lead Sveta inside where they proceeded to talk about the previous two years for what felt like seconds but in actuality lasted hours.
"Do you have a date for the ball?" Sveta questioned, after three hours of talking.
Matthew shook his head. "No, I'm supposed to be guarding the very important people."
Sveta smiled coyly. "Aren't I important?"
Matthew flushed and then nodded quickly.
"Well then its settled, you'll go with me." Sveta said smiling.
"Uh, um okay. That's awesome!" Matthew replied, smiling.
"I have to go Matthew. Got to get ready for our date. I'll see you there." Sveta said, nodding and then turning and leaving the room.
"Date?" Matthew questioned.
-Karis' room
Karis sat in her room, wearing the fancy dress that Himi had provided, and leaning against her bed, unsure of what to do. The opening ball was tonight, but Karis honestly had no idea what to do.
Karis' dress was beautiful, a spectacular green that complemented her hair beautifully. It ended just above her knees, and showed off her assets perfectly. Karis hadn't had any idea that Himi was incredibly good at picking out clothes and style. But Himi was, and Karis was grateful for that.
Karis was lost in thoughts, and nearly didn't hear the soft knock at the door. But luckily, she did. Standing up quickly, the Jupiter Adept made her way to the door and opened it up, revealing a well dress King of Ayuthay, holding a small box and looking nervous.
"Karis, I'm sorry." Amiti said instantly, before Karis could say a single word. "It's been two years since I've interacted with anyone worthwhile. Two years that I've spent being paranoid and surviving because of it. It's hard to let go of that."
Karis was stunned, and instantly felt guilty. Karis didn't understand why she was so bothered by… then it hit her. She had been afraid that Amiti wasn't proud of her, of them. And that thought was terrifying. And yet, that gave Karis peace. A peace, that allowed her to overcome her anger and terror. A peace, that would maybe, just maybe allow her to love the King of Ayuthay.
"I'm sorry Amiti. This whole issue isn't important, I was just scared." Karis felt a tear stray down her cheek, and she looked down, embarrassed.
Amiti stepped forward, wiping the tear from Karis' cheek and smiling at her. "So we're okay?" He asked.
Karis nodded wrapping her arms around Amiti and hugging him close. After a minute, Karis stopped and took a small step back. "What's in the box?" She asked, noticing it for the first time.
Amiti blushed a little. "I was worried that you wouldn't forgive me, so I brought you a gift." Amiti opened up the box and pulled out a large sapphire necklace. Stepping behind Karis, the Mercury Adept put it around his girlfriend's neck, tightening the necklace and then kissing Karis on the cheek.
"I love you." He said simply.
Karis didn't know what to say, so she didn't. Instead, Karis turned and kissed Amiti passionately on the lips.
-The Ballroom
Rief looked around at the impressive ballroom. It was huge and beautiful, easily able to fit the large number of guests. Rief had arrived along with Mia and the Imil entourage. Admittedly that entourage was Piers and Nowell, but still it counted as an entourage.
The Mercury Adept took a drink from a waitress, downing it quickly. While the young Adept wasn't excited for the party itself, he was except for the politics that would follow. Those were what had interested Rief about the peace summit.
The son of Mia walked across the room. He'd already talked to Ivan, Piers and Nowell; which left his conversational options limited to only Baghi, Eoleo, and Tyrell. Matthew and Sveta had arrived but it was clear even from a distance that they were to absorbed with each other. Baghi wasn't a bad option, but Rief had no desire to talk to him. Eoleo and Tyrell meanwhile, would likely make fun of Rief if he spoke with either of the Mars Adepts. Luckily, Rief noticed Amiti and Karis come into the ballroom through a side door.
The decision was easy
"Amiti, Karis!" Rief shouted. He hadn't seen either of them for almost two years, two years too long. "How are you doing?"
Amiti stepped forward and hugged Rief. "I'm good how're you Rief?"
Rief nodded and then hugged Karis. "I'm well. The journey was tedious, but look at this. Yamata is beautiful." Rief smiled.
"Good to see you." Karis said, grabbing Rief's arm and smiling.
"Thanks." Rief replied, smiling. "How was your journey?"
Karis paused. "It was… eventful, to say the least." She finally said.
"So how've you been these past two years?" Amiti interjected, obviously covering up whatever had happened on the journey… Rief would have to talk to Matthew later when no one else was around.
"They've been good enough. Kraden and I travelled around Bilibin for a while, and we made a journey to each of the Four Lighthouses. They are quite breath-taking when seen in person." Rief spoke quickly, probably too much, but that was his nature. "I especially loved the Mercury Lighthouse, the since of empowerment I got when I stood on the summit was magnificent. But enough about me, what of yourself?"
Amiti smiled. "It's been an interesting two years since I became King. I've had to play politics far more than I'd like, but that's to be expected. But thanks to this one I've managed to get pretty darned good at politics." Amiti paused and glanced at Karis, gave a wink, and then returned to the discussion.
"How're you doing Amiti?" Rief asked.
"Good, no better than good, I feel amazing. My life seems better than ever, things are really looking up, and I'm not sure how it could be better right now."
"Oh? What's so good?" Rief asked, quite curious.
"I've got a powerful wealthy nation that believes in me. We're at a peace conference for every nation in Angara, which will hopefully stop war in Angara forevermore. I get to see my friends once again after too long alone, and best of all…" Once again Amiti glanced at Karis and smiled. "Best of all I have the most beautiful woman in the world at my side."
It took about six seconds for Rief to realize that the event that had transpired on the journey had been the beginning of a relationship between Amiti and Karis.
"Well good! I'm so happy for you two." Rief replied, beaming ear to ear. "I'll let you get back to the rest of the party."
Amiti nodded and smiled, before slipping his hand into Karis, and walking on further into the ballroom; leaving Rief very alone in a huge room with dozens of guests.
Sighing, Rief walked ahead towards one of several side entrances. The grand majority of the guests entered through the main doorway. A huge set of oak doors with an announcer, Amiti and Karis were one of few who hadn't entered there apparently. Rief figured that conclusion primarily because the announcer hadn't called their names out together.
Looking ahead, Rief noticed the beauty of Yamata, Himi herself, leaning against a wall watching the party. Rief felt something beat hard and quick in his stomach, something he'd only felt three other times in his life. Knowing that it meant that he was attracted to Himi, Rief made a decision that was bolder than he usually was; but hey, it was a time for being bold besides, Mia wanted grand kids at some-point.
"Himi?" Rief asked, primarily to make sure that she was okay.
The beautiful girl looked over and instantly beamed and stood up. "Rief!" She shouted, throwing her arms around the Mercury Adept and hugging him tightly. Rief returned the hug and held it, probably a little longer than he should have, but well, screw it, he was on the wild side tonight. Probably from that drink he'd had earlier…
"How are you?" Rief asked, smiling himself.
"I'm wonderful, especially now that you're here." Himi replied smiling.
The dress she was wearing, while of an obvious Yamatan origin, was stunningly beautiful to Rief. Sure it didn't really show her curves, and it flowed down past her knees, but somehow it was still beautiful. Her hair was down too, apparently she'd cut it as well, because it merely flowed to her shoulders as opposed to her butt.
"I've missed you Himi." Rief said, staring into her eyes.
"I missed you too, Rief." Himi said, a sad smile on her lips. "We'll have to make the most of our time here together."
Rief smiled. "I'd like that."
"I know that it's usually the guys job to ask, but Rief do you think we could…" Himi started to ask.
"Yes?"
"Could we dance?" Himi asked innocently.
"I'd love that. But I don't know how…"
"Just follow my lead Rief." Himi said, smiling.
Himi quickly reached out her hand, which Rief took gracefully. Together, they walked down to the middle of the ballroom and began to dance together. Rief wasn't sure how to describe the dance, but it was incredibly beautiful, and personal. He was closer now to Himi than he'd ever been for anyone else ever.
Unfortunately, the dance was interrupted by the loud slamming of the main entrance. Rief instantly stopped and withdrew his Vajra Mace. Looking around rapidly, Rief held his arm out on instinct to protect Himi.
But it was for naught. A powerful strike struck the back of Rief's head and he was sent flying to the ground. Rief stayed conscious however and unleashed a Tundra at his foe. Unfortunately the foe was quick, and dodged the strike with a backflip. The Tundra dissolved quickly, revealing Rief's assailant: Blados, General of the Tuaparang.
Author's Notes: BOOM I updated. Man, the Sparks and Sacrifice chapters are WAY easier to write than my Terminus chapters. Perhaps I know the characters better? Or maybe it helps that I plotted out what happens in every chapter. I don't know, but I'm glad I'm back. Hopefully updates will be quicker, but no promises. I'm alternating between Terminus and SaS for now, and I think that'll work. You know the only thing I hate about this chapter is that I introduce the fight between Karis and Amiti but then I instantly resolved it. I don't know why, but that bothers me somewhat. Anywho, next chapter is called First Fight, and features some action Now for Review Responses.
Mystery box: three ships? Spark, Storm and what was the other one? Eoleo-Abigail? I feel dumb that I don't remember. But anyway, SpiritShipping is pretty heavy in this chapter, and I love that, hopefully you do to!
Anti-viper: I'm glad you liked their interaction, I was worried that it'd come of badly. Glad it didn't. Yeah, I felt a bit bad making Maro a villain, but I like him having a jerky personality. Anywho, on Kraden, I'm glad he seemed cool because in all honesty I kinda hate him. Well, hate's a strong word. Dislike him, a lot. I feel like Him would end up being outgoing, so I'm glad you liked that. You'll find out about Takeru, eventually. I hate the last line with Meisa, because it needed to be there but for the life of me I couldn't figure out a way to say it the way I wanted to.
Grand-Lord: Carina for the name, and a spear or staff for a weapon, Unholy Tide perhaps?
That's all for the reviews, thanks goes to everyone who reviews, I appreciate it and hope that ya'll keep it up! Please keep reviewing, it's a HUGE encouragement to keep writing