Orion Saga
Part 2
Celestial Battle
Chapter 6: Mixed News
The seven women are gathered together in Atlas's house. Alcyone is thinking of a plan as she gazes out of the window. Her fiery orange eyes look up as she senses one of her sister Pleiades standing over her. It is Tygeta.
"You are worried."
"No. Just thinking."
The hazy charcoal eyes stare blankly ahead and she places a hand on her sister's brown shoulder. "I do not know what to tell you right now."
"You have no vision of battle?
The Pleiade of death shakes her head. "I do not." Feeling around for a spot, she sits next to Alcyone. "But...if it comes down to it-"
Alcyone glances at her from the corner of her eye, waiting. Impatiently, she drums her fingers against her cheek. "well?"
The deep milky voice finally greets her ears. "There will be a tough time of it. I do not see the outcome."
Alcyone nods to herself. "I see."
*~*~*~*~*
The hands are thrust deep into the pockets. The sneakers cross the sidewalk as the lone figure mingles among the crowds going through the city.
'What now?' The dreams and memories are blurring together now. Even though she is starting to better understand, there are still things, that are unclear. And in spite of it all, she is still unwilling to accept what she now knows to be true.
'How? It just doesn't make any sense...' Shaking her head, she takes a hand out of her pocket just long enough to push a few stands of hair out of her eyes.
*~*~*~*~*
Samaru is sitting in the living room on the couch. The long nimble fingers of his hands are deftly flicking the small object back and forth between the thumbs and first two fingers. Exhaling loudly he stops and holds it in his hands.
He places the ring on the table. 'I know. I know she's going to remember.' He looks out through the glass door with his chin propped up on his hand. "Maybe I should drop it for a while. Give her some time." He leans back and closes his eyes.
The sound of a key in the lock precedes the opening door. Matsume looks over to see the Prince. She notices the ring on the table and looks over at him. Assuming that he is asleep, she walks quietly to her room. The sound of his voice stops her.
"It's alright."
The black ponytail whips around her waist as she turns, her eyes taking on a questioning look. "Prince Diya?
The hazel eyes open, but he does not look at her. "I'm trying too hard aren't I?"
She is silent, thinking of the excitement that was felt on the night of Andromeda's defeat. Even she had believed then. As she looks at him, she can't help but wonder what has caused this change in him. "No. Not at all."
"Then what should I do? I just miss being with her. ...the way we used to be."
"I know." Matsume's voice softens and she sits next to him.
"I broke the news to her mother a few days ago."
"How did Empress Auria take it?"
"Pretty well. For the most part." He turns to Matsume. "It's just that I've been telling her as much about herself as I can bear without breaking down." He stares at the ring on the table. "And worse than that is in her eyes. When I look at her, sometimes I can see that her mind is working so that she can remember. Traces of Oriana. But she just won't let herself and that's the problem."
Matsume can only nod, unsure of what to say.
Standing, Samaru leans over the table to pick up the ring. Placing in his pocket, he goes to the door.
"Where are you going?"
"For a walk."
