Jade walked along the street, looking at various shops. It was two weeks after forging the sword, and she still had it strapped to her back. Hsi had insisted she keep it with her at all times, for protection in case of attack from his siblings. She didn't like it. She didn't like the sword. She didn't like having to be afraid of the other demons. She...she hated the whole situation.
That was the real reason she was walking down the street alone today. As much as she loved Hsi Wu, she needed space from him.
...did she just admit to herself that she loved him?
She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She told Hsi that she needed to shop for some...femenine products, and he'd been happy to let her go alone when she insisted. Walking along, now, she sighed. Sometimes, she wished things were simple. Sometimes, what with everything that was happening...she wished she'd been consumed by those flames nearly three years ago.
That's right...her birthday was coming up. Not that she celebrated it anymore. Not since it became the anniversarry of the death of her family.
"Something bothering you?"
She spun, her hand instinctively reaching over her shoulder for the sword. An elderly man sttod there, bald and white bearded. His face was so wizzened you couldn't see his eyes. He was wearing a flowing white robe and carrying a staff. As he approached her, she noticed that while the hem of robe flowed around his movements, there was no sign he was moving his legs to walk.
She took her hand away from the sword, and smirked. "You know, if this were anywhere else but California, that disguise wouldn't cut it."
THe old man looked a trifle offended. "What's wrong with it?"
She rolled her eyes. "Most old men don't look like wizards these days. Also, you need to move your legs when you walk. So...do I call you Soren?"
The old man seemed to blur in her eyes. His beard was much shorter and he wore a black cap over his bald scalp. The wooden staff became a cane, and the white robe became a business suit. "That seems...suitable." He proceeded to walk along beside her as she continued down the street. "So, how is my brother, Seaver doing?"
"He's adjusting pretty well," she said, knowing this was yet another spy meet...and hating it. "School's out for summer, now, so we're gonna be finding some other ways to entertain ourselves. Schedule's pretty open."
Soren nodded. "I fear this may be your last summer, so you should enjoy it as much as you can."
"What do you mean?" she asked, surprised. "Tabitha said one a month!"
"The balance," he said, smiling at Jade's quick thinking regarding his sister's name. "As long as the world is balanced, transfer is impossible. But the world is no longer in balance. The strength of good has been amplified by three. Now, the bridge has been strengthened...and on the summer solstice, the gates will be opened completely."
Jade's eyes widened. "The youngest...he planned this. He knows where you and Tabitha stand. That's why the two of you came first."
"Indeed. He is unconscionably clever. He also has plans with his father that are most...upsetting."
"Once he has what he wants, he won't need anyone else."
Soren looked down at her, impressed. "So you and Seaver figured it out? Impressive. It was the spell, wasn't it?"
Jade nodded. "That's why..." She touched the sword gingerly. It was still wrapped. "That's why Seaver saw fit to craft a Wild Card for our final trump."
Soren stared at the sword, and his eyes widened. "He didn't...that working is forbidden!"
Jade nodded sadly. "He said...as it stands, the outcome was uncertain, and he couldn't bear to lose me..."
Soren nodded sadly. "I understand." He looked up at the sky and sighed. "Father will not be pleased if he hears of this."
"Father?" she asked, surprised.
"Mother wouldn't be either, if she were still around. For Seaver's sake, I hope Father does not learn of this." Soren nodded to Jade. "The summer solstice, Jade...that is the last day. Enjoy what time you have left, for you might not get anymore. I know what the youngest plans for you." He turned to leave, then paused. "Your family...they loved you very much, and wherever they are now, I'm sure they still do. I think, perhaps, they would prefer you celebrated your birthday as they once did, as a way of remembering the good times." With that, he walked off.
Jade stared after him for a time, lost in thought. Slowly, she smiled. He was right. Maybe it was time to move on. After all, if this was going to be her last birthday...it should be a big one. After all, it was her sweet 16. Turning, she entered a shop and got what she came out here for, then headed for home.
When she got there, she saw Hsi putting something away in the back of a high cupboard. When he heard her, he shut the door quickly, but not before she caught sight of several brightly colored boxes. "Jade! You're back sooner than anticipated!" he said nervously.
She smiled. *How many people did Tohru invite?*
Hsi ducked his head. The fact that they could communicate like this still embarrassed him a bit, given what it signified. He also knew he couldn't lie to her like this. *Everyone. Viper, El Toro, Paco, Captain Black, his mother...*
Jade chuckled. *Good.* She looked pensive. *Think you could sneak an invite out to Tabitha and Soren?*
Seeing the images in her mind that went with the names, Hsi grinned. *I think we could manage that...it is going to be a pool party.*
*My sister cannot maintain a full image shape change like that outside of her element.*
*Oh. Well, I like swimming.* She walked up to Hsi and surprised him by planting a kiss right on his mouth. *But I like flying better.*
Hsi Wu melted into her arms, and she giggled. It felt good to be truely happy again. If only she didn't know how short lived it would be...