Chapter 30

'Kashmana,' his name was pronounced in such a sullen manner he half wonder what the point was in replying.

He knew exactly who was stood behind him and even though he was filled with curiosity over their intrusion, he still couldn't bring himself to turn round. Not yet anyway.

'Damnit Kashmana, I don't have time to mess about here, I need you to save her.'

'Save who?'

'Mai, the Dorsoma will kill her if you don't.'

'Why do I have to do it,' he shrugged, still not turning round to face her.

'Because I have other matters to attend to right now. And if I'm not back soon someone will notice I froze her.'

'Isn't freezing Helen a little extreme for someone just trying to stop a wedding?'

'How'd…?'

'Oh come on little bit, I know everything about you, remember?'

'Always with the arrogance and nothing to really back it up; you don't know me as well as you think Kashmana or as well as you'd like to. Now are you going to save Mai or not?'

'Do you really want me to become her knight in shining armour when she already has feelings for me?'

'Yes.'

The bluntness of the word finally forced Kashmana round to face her. Just like every time he encountered her she looked a little different from the time before. No, it was more specific than that. It was like she had three different faces she liked to show when she was around him. Something which was always reflected in the way she acted too; like she was three different people who all shared the same memories. Kashmana wasn't sure if that was possible or not and just the thought of it filled his mind with other more plausible possibilities.

'Surely you're not suggesting I steal the First's Win,' he smirked.

'I am suggesting exactly that.'

'But why?'

'I thought the answer should be obvious, even to you.'

'Jealousy,' Kashmana nodded in slow realisation, 'you're hoping to make the Teen jealous?'

'No, not the Teen, the First. I'm hoping jealousy will force the First back out.'

'No wonder you're the best,' he gave an amused half laugh, 'your plans always have a certain uniqueness to them.'

'Of course,' she tilted her head cockily, 'now hurry would you, before you're too late.'

'Fine, fine,' he slowly slinked his way towards her. 'But you would make for a very fine MacTay.'

'And you would make for a very fine line,' she met and held his gaze. 'Now go, so that I can.'

SK got the distinct feeling he was waiting for someone, long before he could sense their ever nearing presence. It half amused him to realise who it was, especially after their previous confrontation. Still he wasn't about to let curiosity give them the upper hand. For now at least he was just going to remain calm and allow himself to finish evolving. If they wanted something, then they could ask for it. For a long while then there was silence; clearly his guest was going to be just as stubborn as he was. Well they could be if that's what they wished.

Eventually the silence was broken by a nervous cough and a rather strained clearing of the throat. Figuring this meant his guest was about to start talking, he waited.

'She's up to a lot more than you think, you know.'

'Who is,' his voice almost lacked interest.

'You know who,' his guest's voice became tighter. 'She was with you earlier; I know you know who I'm talking about.'

'Oh her,' he smirked, 'I thought you'd washed your hands of me Dayena, what are you doing spying on me?'

'I wasn't spying on you.'

'You can't possibly tell me you were spying on her Dayena; she's definitely not in your jurisdiction.'

'I know, but it's my duty to…'

'Spy on her?'

'I was going to say keep an eye on her, but yes, if that's how you want to put it.'

'Why?'

'Why what?'

'Why have you made it your duty to spy on her? What's so special about her?'

'Her life is a lot more complicated than you realise… than anyone realises. I have to make sure… we have to make sure.'

'We? You mean yourself and Arrena? Or is there someone else involved here too?'

'You already know the answer, so why ask?'

'You're right, I do. But that doesn't mean I don't want you to humour me a little.'

'I'll do more than humour you a little SK; I'll give you a warning.'

'A warning? Don't you think she can be trusted?'

'That's not what I'm saying, I just want you to be careful around her.'

'You think she might betray me?'

'Again, that's not what I'm saying.'

'Then what are you saying?'

'I'm saying I know what both of you are like and I want you to be careful, understand?'

'I know from her reputation her methods can be a little unorthodox, but from our conversation earlier I figure we both have the same end game in mind here. You were listening in on that one, weren't you?'

'I figured she was just telling you of her plan to undermine Ni.'

'She did, but only to explain how she would be amusing herself whilst I finished evolving.'

'She discussed something else with you?'

'That's for me to know, isn't it?'

For a few moments Dayena was silent, then she made a strange, almost clucking type noise.

'I don't want you…' she cut herself off. 'She's dangerous you know.'

'Dangerous,' SK couldn't help but cock an eyebrow, 'in what way?'

'You must have heard the stories.'

'I've heard a lot of interesting things about her, that doesn't mean she's dangerous, it just means people like to talk.'

'I know, but she'll…'

'You can't even finish that statement Dayena,' SK cut her off, 'you know she's not dangerous. There's another reason why you want me to stay away from her. What is it you know that no one else does?'

'I can't tell you.'

'Then our conversation is over.'

'SK…?'

Without waiting for her to finish what she was saying, he closed his eyes and turned away from her. He had an evolution to concentrate on and he was done humouring the Lady of Death.

'You can't control her you know, no matter how hard you try.'

'Who said I wanted to control her Dayena.'

'Everyone wants to control her and it's not fair, she's just a child.'

'I know that Dee, just like I know I'm not everyone. I have no interest in controlling her, so get down from your high horse and leave.'