So...it's been...how long...since I reviewed...? I'm sorry! Spring break...y'know? I could've updated two days ago, but I had to help my sis move...
Mihara: (scoff) That's no excuse. Just admit you're lazy.
Me: No! I'm just at a block! It's hard to just do plot work! But I'm getting there...kinda...sorta...
Mihara: Maybe not really?
Me: Be quiet! You're lucky you're one of my favorite created characters...
Mihara: Who're the others?
Me: Well, there's Shoen...and then, there's Hikari (the...quote, "bitchy kick-ass demon" from Inuyasha)...and...Kisa (Inuyasha)...Scarlett (Tales of Symphonia)...Trinity and Tristen are gonna be some when I actually get going on Successor...
Mihara: All girls except Shoen and my uncle. Ha. Nice. Now get to it so that they can start reading this chapter!
Me: I'm getting there!! You're lucky you didn't get erased by that virus attack on my computer...
Predator Drone: According to my review box, you are first! Congrats! (throws confetti) Yes, Kyo has made a return! But the real question is...why was he asked to kill Irea? (dramatic music) Thanks for the encouragment on my dream of getting into the college I want! And good luck to you, too! Thanks for reviewing!
Iline: Awww, I didn't mean to make you cry! I was upset when I had to write that. This was the scenario: Me: sitting at home, typing like no tomorrow. I get to flashback. I found many different parts where he could've called her names...but I didn't wanna... (grabs phone and texts EGP) "Stini...I don't wanna make Tibarn call Zelena a bitch...!" Her: "Do it. In his eyes, she's no different than any other elite at the time!" Me: (sits sniffling at computer) ...Dang. Haha, that was pretty much it! And...we really DO update at the same time, don't we...? That's...kinda...creepy, haha. Thanks for reviewing!
Ethereal Thoughts: Okay, you know what?! (laughs at you in the seventy degree weather followed by snow) And the screename is awesome because it's true! Not to mention, you're the only one who thought it was confusion. (grumble) English majors...can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em... (innocent smile) And...GRAHHH! FINE! I'LL GO BACK AND CHANGE IT! I DON'T KNOW WHY I ALWAYS WANT TO PUT A SPRINT! IT SOUNDS BETTER! (sniffle) Meanie!
Chef Colette: I'm glad you liked the chapter and the flashback! It's a scene that'll be in Successor! Thanks for reviewing!
TheSilverHairedMaiden: Well, it's good that there weren't any other strange dreams. I told EGP about it during our biology class and we both started laughing REALLY LOUD in the middle of class. No lie. Have no fear, Ranulf is not being abandoned, since he's my favorite character! He just didn't...QUITE need to be mentioned in the last chapter. And you want a ShoenxSylvia pairing? Interesting... Thanks for reviewing! (steals a red Jolly Rancher)
Disclaimer: Woe is me. No ownage? Damn.
XxXxXxX
Chapter 27
Shoen slowly made his way back to the castle. Even when he had reached the cliffs and the port-in-the-making, there was no sign of life outside, for the snow was picking up even more. During the flight back, he kept talking to Irea, trying to keep her awake, as well as himself. The cold was causing his body to shudder violently, and he even had small patches of ice forming on his clothes and wings where the water had not dried. Shakily, he at last landed at the main doors.
He managed to open them and he stepped inside. Instantly, faces turned with shock and the people looked at their prince, holding a strange branded girl in his arms, both practically frozen. One of the faces just happened to be Mihara, who had gone to the kitchen and was returning to her room with snacks for herself and Sylvia. Upon seeing her brother, she quickly set the food down before she dropped it and she ran to Shoen's aid, ordering the bystanders to call some healers. With Shoen's weak command, one of the nearby men went and took Irea from his arms. Once Mihara was at Shoen's side, he fell to his knees, his body shaking. Mihara shrugged out of her coat and placed it on Shoen's shoulders.
"Shoen, what happened to you?!" she demanded, kneeling beside him.
"She was...b-being att-attacked, and...I ha-had to j-j-jump into the wat-ter and help h-her..." Shoen managed to get out, his teeth chattering.
"Okay. Can you stand? You need to get warmed up..."
"Y-yeah..." Shoen slowly attempted at standing. Easily able to tell he wasn't about to make it on his own, Mihara propped one of his arms over her shoulder so she could help to support him. Slowly, they moved forward, heading towards the infirmary area, the raven man holding Irea following them.
Seeing the girl in the man's arms, Mihara ordered, "Take her to the healers, will you, please?"
"Of course, Lady Mihara," he replied, rushing past them and taking Irea to the infirmary. As he disappeared around the corner, two healers came rushing. They caught sight of Mihara supporting Shoen and immediately went to help. Carefully, they both supported Shoen, Mihara slipping away so that they could help him.
As the two took Shoen to the infirmary, Mihara's worried eyes watched after them. Now, she understood how to tell the difference between a beorc, laguz, and branded. Over the time she'd been there, she had learned the difference in the scent of beorc and laguz. However, the girl Shoen saved seemed like a strange mixture of the two...and yet, neither of the two. For some strange reason, Mihara then whispered, "Ulki, if you can hear me, please tell Dad that Shoen's with the healers and saved a branded girl from an attack and brought her here." Even though she was worried deeply for her brother, she knew he would be okay. So she wouldn't worry herself sick, she slowly moved back towards her and Sylvia's snacks, picked them up, and dragged her feet back to her room.
XxXxXxX
Ranulf, Lethe, Lyre, Zihark, and the Greil Mercenaries were sitting inside Gallia's castle, still having separate conversations with each other. Ranulf made this his time to pick on Soren once more, which he had done often during the wars...
"So, Soren..." Ranulf leaned Soren's direction while the tactician sat, silent and stone-faced as ever. "How's it been?"
"...Fine," he grunted out.
Ranulf's eyes widened with surprise. "Wow! You...spoke to me?!"
Soren glared at the cat warrior. "Yes. Do you have a problem with that?"
"No, no...usually you're just..." he trailed off.
Lethe, who had heard and had been sitting nearby, suggested, "A tightass?"
Those who heard snorted loudly, trying to hold in their laughter while Ranulf tried his hardest to keep a straight face. Soren turned to Lethe with a flame of fury in his eyes. "Do you want to go, cat?"
Lethe shrugged. "Ranulf was thinking it. I just voiced it since he was too scared to."
"Scared?" Ranulf scoffed.
Soren stood up and stalked away. Ranulf sighed. "He needs to learn how to take a joke."
"Yeah, he does..." Shinon agreed, nodding.
The others all turned to him with wide eyes. He narrowed his back at them. "What?"
"You can't take a joke, either," said Gatrie.
"You wanna bet?"
"Ten thousand gold, heck yeah!" Boyd put in.
"You don't have ten thousand gold, Boyd," chimed in Rolf.
"Shut up, twerp! I will soon! Shinon can't take a joke any better than Soren!" The middle green-haired brother pumped a fist. "Let's go! Someone make a joke!"
One could practically hear the crickets chirping in the background as everyone gave Boyd a blank look. He pouted. "Come on, really?! ...You guys just want me to lose, don't you?"
"Pretty much," Mia replied, chuckling.
Ranulf smirked and looked upward at the ceiling. "Life's so dull without you guys. Well, no, that's a lie..."
"Dull as in no laughs?" Titania clarified. "Because as I understand it, you've had more than enough close calls lately in battles and such."
"Yeah..." He cleared his throat in a joking manner before his eyes became serious. "But things won't be normal again until we deal with Ashera once more. Tibarn injured her and she's been quiet, but things aren't over...I can feel it."
"Where has Yune been?" Ike pondered aloud. "I haven't seen her in a while..."
There was a stretch of silence while everyone shrugged. Then, Ranulf said, "She's probably checking in on everyone. Who knows what Ashera's been up to..."
XxXxXxX
Mihara was unable to sleep that night. She was too restless and worked up, and therefore, couldn't remain still. At last, she sighed heavily and stood up. She walked over to her balcony glass door and moved the curtains so she could see. It was beautiful outside – the moon was brightly shining and the undisturbed snow glittered in its light. A smile came to her lips. Surely it was midnight by now...it might not be the best time, but to her, it felt like just the right time for a night flight.
She walked over to her dresser and opened one of the drawers, mulling over her choices. She picked a thick, long sleeved black shirt and threw it on over her night shirt. Then, she slipped on her everyday white pants and her boots. She at last threw on her jacket and made her way to the door. It quietly creaked open and the laguz was met with a cold chill against her bare skin. Quickly, she stepped onto her balcony and closed the door. She then turned aroundand stared out at the landscape. She looked at her wing and stretched it – it felt more than healed to her. If it wasn't...well, she'd worry about that later.
Without another hesitation, she jumped off of her balcony and spread her wings, allowing them to catch the air. Indeed, her wing felt a little sore, but it felt good since she was working it. She flapped and flew higher into the air, inhaling the crisp air slowly. It all felt so refreshing and soothing... Mihara hoped she wouldn't be 'grounded' any time soon again. She turned in the air and faced the waxing moon, which was at its crescent stage. She never felt so close to the celestial object in her life...it seemed as though she could just extend her hand and grab it. Mihara then glanced downward and couldn't help but notice that there were recent footsteps leading towards the gardens. She frowned with confusion. Who else could possibly be out so late at night? Only one way to find out. She glided towards the gardens, following the footsteps.
Sitting on one of the benches was a figure that was hard to see against the white of the snow: Reyson. He had his head propped in his hands and was staring up at the clear, starry sky, drowned in thought. Why she did it, she wasn't sure, but Mihara began descending towards him. Her feet lightly crunched in the snow and Reyson turned around with alarm. Once he saw who it was, his face relaxed. "Mihara. What are you doing up?"
"I could ask you the same thing. Is something bothering you?" Mihara took a few more steps toward him before halting, her hands in her coat pockets so they could warm up.
"Not particularly... I'm just thinking. Something was...just suddenly dropped on me, and it was just a shock. I came here to think and let it sink in." Reyson turned back around, looking distantly forward.
"...What is it? If you don't me asking."
"It's..." He sighed. "Leanne's...pregnant."
Mihara's eyes widened with shock. "She is?! That's wonderful!" Remembering that Reyson said it was a shock, she added, "So...what's the matter with that?"
"The father is...Naesala."
Had a feeling... Mihara muttered in her mind.
"There's no real problem with it... We've just had such problems with Naesala over the last ten years or so. He's betrayed us and killed your people – before you returned – and...just so many other little things. All of it was done because of a...curse, you could say, but...it's still been hard for me to learn to trust him again." Reyson slouched over a little to rest his elbows on his knees. "I mean...I saw how they looked at each other during the last war, so it wasn't a complete surprise."
"Couldn't you have...looked into either of their hearts?" Mihara tilted her head.
"Both of them know how to shut their feelings inside away very well. I couldn't have possibly seen it from them."
"Oh..." Looking back up at the moon, Mihara added, "Y'know... I'm kind of surprised you're telling me this."
Reyson glanced back at her with puzzlement. "Why is that?"
"Well, you just...kind of seem like the kind of guy to not go and...dump your problems on others, for lack of a better description. I know that you trust Dad, for example, but you don't know me all that way." Mihara shrugged. "I guess I'm kind of just rambling. I'm not a very good person to sympathize others, but I think I'm a good listener."
Reyson gave her a gentle smile. "It's okay. Many people just need a listener. Besides, I can tell your intentions are good."
Mihara chuckled sheepishly at his words. "Yeah... So when are you going back to the forest?"
"Soon enough. I'm obviously going to head back and tell Leanne that I'm happy for her. I think she understood why I was so shocked, so...hopefully, she'll understand."
"I think she will."
Reyson stood up and walked over to Mihara. He put his hand on her shoulder, Mihara just realy realizing how much taller Reyson was than her. He said, "I'm glad that you're friends with my sister."
"I am, too. She's a great person to have as a friend."
"Indeed. She needs someone like you, though." His hand slipped off her shoulder.
Mihara frowned. "Somelike like me?"
"With spunk." Reyson smirked.
"What's that's supposed to mean?" She raised an eyebrow while she narrowed her eyes at the White Prince.
"Interpret it as you wish. In the meantime, I would suggest heading back inside. You look rather cold."
"Humph! I feel fine out here! Maybe you're the one who's cold!"
Reyson grinned again and began walking back towards the castle. "Good night, Mihara."
With a pouty glare at Reyson, Mihara replied, "G'night, Reyson..."
XxXxXxX
The Hawk Princess woke early the next morning even though she had gone to sleep so late. The sun was barely up and she didn't hear any activity in the halls. Still, she slid out of bed and dressed herself before creeping out of her room. Quietly, so as not to disturb anyone still sleeping, she walked towards the infirmary to check on her little brother. When she got to the doors, she opened them slowly, flinching slightly every time the door made the slightly creak. Once they were opened wide enough so that she could slip inside, she did so, slowly closing the doors behind her. She turned and faced the beds for patients and saw her brother. He lay on a bed, his body shivering, his eyes open and weary-looking. He gave her a weak smile. "Hey."
"Hey..." Mihara walked towards him and sat on the empty bed beside him. "How are you feeling?"
"Super," he answered. "Now if only I could stop shaking. I don't even feel cold..."
Mihara frowned with worry. "That's not good. Should I wake someone up for you?"
"No, I'm fine. The healer looking after me just went to get me some food. Has...Irea-? woken up yet?"
Mihara glanced at the sleeping girl across the room. Now that Mihara could see her more clearly, she recognized the still-sleeping figure. "...No. But...she's the one who Ashera was controlling, isn't she?"
"Yeah."
Mihara nodded slowly, then asked, "Did Dad manage to come see you?"
Shoen groaned. "He managed just fine... Worried like hell, of course."
Mihara chuckled. "Of course. Now you know how I feel."
The doors suddenly creaked open. One of the healers – a young hawk woman, holding a tray of food – blinked with surprise. "Lady Mihara, you're up early."
"Yeah. I just couldn't sleep any longer, so..." she trailed off with a shrug and a grin.
"I see... I don't mean to sound rude, milady, but would you mind leaving? Lord Shoen needs to rest."
"Of course not-"
"I'm fine," Shoen grumbled grumpily.
Mihara rolled her eyes and tapped Shoen on the head while she stood up. "Oh, shut up. You know you need to rest."
Shoen glared up at her.
"I'll leave him to you," Mihara said to the healer. "He's your problem again."
The woman laughed at Mihara's humorous sisterly statement and nodded. As Mihara walked by her, she whispered, "Please inform me when she wakes up."
"Of course, milady," she replied.
"Thank you." Mihara raised her voice. "Rest up and feel better, bro!"
Shoen muttered something in return to her. ("Blessed goddess, I feel great...")
Mihara left the infirmary and saw that a few residents had woken up and were moving around, dragging themselves to the breakfast hall. She shrugged to herself. She wished she had gotten to stay a little longer with Shoen, but oh well. She didn't feel like eating, either. She felt like flying more. She wanted to soar...
Making up her mind, she walked out the front doors. Once she stepped outside, a chill washed over her body and brought goose bumps to her skin. However, it quickly faded. It wasn't anywhere near as cold as the night before. The snow, on the other hand, was much deeper. She crunched through the frozen crystals and walked over to a short wall used as a guardrail. She stuck her index finger down in it, making it tingle from the cold. It didn't even touch the stone. A smirk came to her face. The snow was wonderful material for snowballs. Oh, that's such a good idea...
She shifted to her full form with a flash of light. She opened her wings and flapped, sending snow in all directions. Once she was airborne, she decided that she probably shouldn't go too far. Someone might come looking for her or Irea may wake up or...something. So, she just hovered around the castle and its nearby area. She let her mind roam, not caring what she thought of...
I wonder what Ranulf's doing right now... was what Mihara caught herself thinking. She laughed at herself for thinking that. But I just can't help it... I haven't seen him since then...
XxXxXxX
"My lady...are you feeling better?" Ian, who had once been known as Vlas, bowed before Ashera, who sat on a thronely chair she had materialized.
"Humph. Better, I suppose." Ashera rubbed her shoulder. "Still...the Hawk King shall pay dearly. I had a true reason for targeting his family, but now, I will go after him for revenge. He will suffering slowly. For now, leave me, Ian."
"As you wish, milady." Ian bowed once more and left the room swiftly.
Once the doors were closed, Ashera grinned evilly. She stood up and waved her hand. One of the nearby pillars began glowing faintly. Inside the structure was a woman with long, fair brown hair and wings to match. She looked at Ashera with shock. The goddess chortled. "Well, now...not only do you need to fear for your children, wife of the Hawk King, but you also need to now fear for your husband."
"You demon!" Zelena spat. "Leave them alone! Let me out of here!"
"And where would you go, hmm? You have no physical body that you may return to. Only I may recreate your body, and I must say...after the way your family has treated me, I'm not feeling up to it. If I were to let you go, your soul would merely wander and become lost before vanishing."
Zelena narrowed her eyes. "You got what you deserved. If you lay one finger on any of them-"
"What could you possibly do?"
"I'm a smart girl. I'm sure I could figure something out. But why do you want to go after my family?! Don't you think that if I told Tibarn or left a sign for Mihara, one of them would have done something by now?!"
Ashera laughed once more. " That no longer matters. Tell me...what do you think of my idea of sending a vision to your beloved daughter?"
Zelena froze with horror.
"I hear that she has the same uncontrollable temper as her father...and his family. Can you just imagine what she would do if she saw you for the first time...in pain...and in captivity?"
"No... Don't you dare... You leave Mihara alone! Leave all of them alone!!"
"Yes...it is a good idea, isn't it?" Then, with another wave of Ashera's hand, Zelena was gone.
XxXxXxX
A member of the castle watch walked up to Skrimir and bowed. "Your Majesty, you have a request for an audience."
Skrimir, who had been talking with Ike and Ranulf, frowned. "Who is it?"
"King Xavier of the Otter tribe and his named successor, Lady Felicity," he reported.
"...They are here now?"
"Yes, my lord."
"They may come."
"Of course, my lord." The watch bowed once more and left to guide the named two over to the Lion King.
While they waited, Skrimir inquired to Ike, "Did you know they were coming?"
"No. I had no idea."
"Felicity is the one who helped you, right?" Ranulf asked, receiving a nod in return.
Xavier and Felicity were soon walking towards Skrimir and the Greil Mercenaries. Skrimir stood and nodded in acknowledgement. "Otter King."
"Lion King," Xavier returned.
"Is there a purpose for this visit?"
"There is, but," Xavier looked around at all the people in the area, "if you are busy, it can wait. It is not terribly important."
"It is fine. Does it need to be discussed in privacy?" Skrimir crossed his arms.
"Not particularly. I merely wanted to build a bond between our people, since you were kind enough to grant us some of your land for our new kingdom."
Skrimir nodded. "There is no better place to start since my friends are here."
"Is that so?" Xavier raised an eyebrow, grinning slightly.
"You'll not meet a more sarcastic group since you probably didn't interact much at their fort," said Skrimir with a sarcastic tone.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Mia demanded.
"Let's not even bother to deny it, Mia." Rhys chuckled.
The girl scoffed and sighed, shaking her head. Skrimir merely said, "I rest my case."
"Well, do I need to be here for this? I feel like getting out," Ranulf pondered aloud, standing to stretch.
"No. You may go," Skrimir answered.
"Thanks." Ranulf made his way to the doorway to leave the room.
He walked out into the forest after leaving the castle. He wandered out, breathing in what was considered crisp air in Gallia. He made his way out deep into the forest before picking a suitable tree to perch himself in. Once he had, he leaned against the main body of the tree and sighed heavily. While he enjoyed having the mercenaries at the castle, he wished that he could simply go and visit Mihara. He couldn't stand not knowing what kind of state she was in at the moment... Sometimes, being the aide of a king had its heavy downsides.
Maybe he could use the mercenaries as an excuse? He could take them to visit Altiaire and check in on Mihara while he was there. He shrugged to himself. It was worth a shot.
XxXxXxX
Mihara had landed on the roof of the castle and had stayed there for a while, enjoying the wind and fresh air as well as the silence. It had been maybe two or three hours since she had started flying about. Since she had first gone outside, there was a lot of activity. Young laguz were rushing outside to play in the snow, their parents watching and some joining in. Janaff had wandered off with a small group of hawks and ravens – more than likely to train. Not too long after, Ulki followed after them. However, Mihara hadn't seen her father yet that day. Or Sylvia or Ginia, for that matter.
Finally deciding that she wanted some breakfast, or brunch – she wasn't sure what time it was -, Mihara headed down from where she had been. She gracefully landed before the main doors and shifted back to her half-form before walking inside. She shrugged out of her jacket and put it under her arm. She immediately began heading for the kitchen. However, she was suddenly stopped by Sylvia, who came running at her.
"Mihara! There you are! Finally, I found you!" she cried.
"Umm, what?" Mihara grinned and raised an eyebrow.
"I've been wanting to challenge you to a snowball fight since I woke up, but you weren't in your room." Sylvia gave her an accusing glare. "Can't believe you."
"Sorry. I felt like going outside early. I didn't eat any breakfast, sooo..." Mihara walked around Sylvia. "I'm heading to the kitchen."
"Wait, milady!" a voice called.
Mihara groaned quietly and turned only to see the healer that was tending to Shoen rushing her direction. "That girl is awake!"
Sighing inwardly, Mihara decided that breakfast would have to wait. Sylvia looked at Mihara, walking with her as she made her way to the infirmary. "That girl that Shoen brought?"
"Yeah... I asked her to tell me when she woke up."
"Oh..."
When the girls walked into the room, the three saw a very strange sight. Irea was knelt beside Shoen's bed, the Hawk Prince giving her a look like she was beyond mental help. His body was still slightly shaking, but whether or not it was from his incident or the girl, Mihara didn't know. Irea cried, "Lord Shoen, I cannot repay you for saving me! I possibly cannot!"
"It was...nothing..." Shoen barely scooted away from her. "You don't have to do anything..."
"But I simply must! I attacked the Hawk King and the former Raven King...! I helped abduct the princess...! And you turn around and save me! I must do something to repay this, Lord Shoen!" Irea insisted.
Sylvia and Mihara chuckled. "So, what's goin' on here, Shoen?"
He gave his sister a pleading look, as though begging to get Irea away from him. "She's insisting that she owes me her life..."
Irea turned to see who else came into the room. She got off the floor and went over to Mihara. She bowed her head. "Lady Mihara, I beg your forgiveness. Ashera had possessed me, and while I was conscious, I could not stop myself..."
"Umm...Irea, is it?"
"Yes, milady."
"It's no problem. You weren't the only one being possessed. She had actually possessed me, too, just not in the manner she had you."
"Are you sure, milady?"
"Yeah."
Irea raised her head and smiled at Mihara. "Thank you so much, milady." She turned back towards Shoen. "Lord Shoen, please at least allow me to heal your illness!"
"I'm fine, by the goddess! Do you people not listen to me?!" Shoen hissed.
"You could heal him?" The healer looked at Irea with interest. "How?"
"Oh, I have a heal staff-... Wait..." Irea's voice dropped depressingly. "It must've sank with the ship..."
"I have beorc staves here," the healer informed her. "Only, we laguz do not understand how to use them."
"Do you really?!" Irea's eyes lit up. "May I borrow one?"
"Of course. Just a moment." She ran over to a closet in the side of the room.
"Am I just being ignored here?" Shoen muttered to himself.
The healer quickly returned with a mend staff and handed it to Irea, who accepted it with gratitude. She moved back to Shoen's side and held it over him. The prince sighed and gave in. The staff began to glow, and within seconds, Shoen's body relaxed and stopped shuddering. His eyes widened, ever so slightly, in amazement. "...Thank you," he grunted out.
"Still, this does not repay my debt, Lord Shoen!"
"What?! You gotta be kidding me!"
Mihara suddenly swayed from her spot, a hand rushing to her head. Sylvia steadied her friend. "Hey, whoa, Mihara! Are you okay?"
The other three in the room silenced and looked at the princess. She lowered herself onto a bed. "Yeah, I'm fine...I just got dizzy for a minute. Probably because I haven't eaten anything..."
"I'll go get you something, Lady Mihara," the healer said, rushing out of the room.
Mihara opened her mouth and took deep breaths. Shoen got out of his bed and he and Irea walked over to her side. Shoen placed a hand on Mihara's shoulder. "Are you sure that's it?"
"Yeah. I just suddenly feel...really..." Mihara trailed off, her eyes drooping. She then collasped on the bed.
XxXxXxX
Mihara opened her eyes, her head still light-feeling. She pushed herself off the...floor? She looked around. Everywhere she looked, it was white... Yet, there was a calming effect it was having.
"My little Mihara..."
She turned around, not recognizing the voice. She faced a woman with hazel eyes, dark brown hair, and matching wings. Mihara's eyes widened. This woman...she looked so much like herself...she had portraits in the castle...with Tibarn...
"...M...Mom...?" Mihara whispered.
"It's me, Mihara." Zelena smiled at her daughter. She took a few steps towards her. "You've grown... You're such a beautiful lady now..."
"How is this...possible...? Mom...aren't you...?" Mihara trailed off, feeling unbelieveably confused.
"No, sweetie. I'm not dead. Physically, I am, but before I passed on, Ashera stole my soul. I have been her prisoner for many years."
"What...? Why would she do that?" In the pit of Mihara's stomach bubbled anger. That damned goddess had hidden her mother from her as well?
"I learned information that could have merged her and the goddess Yune back into Ashunera."
If it was possible, Mihara's eyes widened even more. "What? How?"
"I wish I could tell you, sweetie, but Ashera is cautious. She knew that the day would come when I would be able to contact you, your father, or Shoen, so she placed a curse on me that prevents me from saying."
"Oh... But how is it that you can talk to me now?"
"You were in direct contact with Ashera. You were in the room that I have been held in."
"Can you not talk to Dad or Shoen, then?"
"No. For some reason, I can only speak with you. Maybe because you were first. I'm not sure. Either way, it's okay." She smiled again.
Mihara felt like crying. She had never met her biological mother, and the only time she heard her sweet, gentle voice is to be told that she was a prisoner. "Is there any way that we can save you?"
"I'm only a soul, sweetie. Ashera – or maybe even Yune – would have to reconstruct my body."
"But there is a way?" There was faint hope in Mihara's voice.
"Yes. And now, young one, I have to leave you."
Mihara's stomach plummeted. "What? Why? Can't you stay?"
"I can only speak to you for so long at a time...and my time is up for now. You need to go back, sweetie."
"But, Mom...!"
"Let your father know, okay? And tell him...he didn't fail me. You, Shoen, and he are all together again. Tell him, okay?"
"...Okay..."
"Thank you, Mihara. I love you, sweetie. And I'm sorry if you feel exhausted when you wake up...for speaking like this will take a small toll on both of us."
XxXxXxX
Well, I hope that it was a fair size...obviously not long enough to justify how long it was before I updated, but...hopefully the next chapter won't take as long. I think things are about to get goin' again. Sooo, we'll all just have to wait and see, hmm? (mwahahahaaa!)
Please review! Let's hit the hundred mark this chapter! Make an author happy and get chapters faster!
