Days had passed since the negotiations resulted in a somewhat forced peace, and Mikoto Misaka found herself in a secluded enclave surrounded by lush jungle. Sitting on a stone bench, she bowed her head, frustration etched across her face, while tears glistened in her eyes. As she listened to the tribes going about their daily routines, she longingly gazed at the rays of the twin suns, her chestnut hair catching the midday light, creating a radiant halo around her. Lost in her thoughts, Mikoto was taken aback when Rae, a priestess, queen, and dear friend, emerged from the dense jungle and appeared beside her, her expression filled with determination. Rae had run all the way there, her heart pounding and breath heavy with urgency. Mikoto hated the reason she had to be there.
"Goddess... I meaaaan, Mikoto," Rae began, her voice tinged with urgency, "I have to be with you on this journey. I never wanted to be queen." Disgust twisted her face as she thought of her brother, the one responsible for her undesired position.
(It was his fault she had to be queen. And, of course, her mother made sure to emphasize the fact. Mikoto Misaka had beaten her brother into a bloody pulp and taken Rae into her bed. "it wasn't like that!" Rae screamed loud enough for the entire village to hear. "you still shared her bed." Her mother dismissively waved her hand. She was biting the inside of her lip to hide the smile about to dance on her face.)
Mikoto's eyes widened with surprise, a hint of resistance in her voice. "Rae, I understand, but it's not as simple. The village needs you here."
Frustration bubbled to the surface within Rae, her voice growing more forceful. "Yes, I know my responsibilities, Mikoto! But what about my own dreams? Don't they matter? Haven't I earned the right to explore and experience the world?" She exhaled loudly, the weight of her suppressed desires evident. "I wanted to be a hunter, and so I became one. Aya, Gallum took me in and supported me. Even that jerk Nya helped me become part of the hunters' circle. I loved it. I still do! The freedom, the brash conversations, the lack of formality... I could just be who I wanted to be. It's so unfair. And finally when I can make it come true... I can't?" She bit her lip, her eyes filling with tears, but then she tilted her head, her eyes widening, and a soft smile followed. "Can't you please forgive him, and then he can rule? Pretty please?" Her smile grew wide, revealing all her teeth. Mikoto couldn't help but hold back a smile, knowing the truth.
Rae's mother had spoken to her, explaining that her brother would never rule. The villagers wouldn't allow it. They saw Rae as the closest connection to Mikoto Misaka, the goddess. "And, of course, you two have shared your bed?" her mother teased with a knowing smirk. "Perhaps you should call me Mother now."
Blushing, Mikoto quickly responded, "I hate Vita."
"she would be Terrifying for your mother-in-law," Little Misaka chimed in, an icy shiver running down her spine. Mikoto felt the goosebumps rise. Little Misaka, in her avatar form, was doing yoga, wearing a tight yoga outfit and a white headband, her hair pulled back into a long ponytail. Sweat trickled down her brow as she and an attractive woman moved through the poses, grunting and exerting themselves. "going into warrior one," followed by a few grunts, "and now warrior position two.." a few more grunts. "
"Why are you interfering?" Mikoto asked her avatar.
"Because I can," Little Misaka replied, transitioning into Warrior 3. "Feel! The! burn!" she barked.
Slowly crossing her arms, Mikoto maintained a firm tone. "Of course, your dreams matter, Rae. But you have a duty to the people. You can't just abandon them."
Rae's eyes flashed with determination, her voice laced with resolve. "This is not about selfishness. Mikoto! It's about reclaiming a part of myself that I've suppressed for over ten years while you slept. I want to be more than just a queen. I want to experience the thrill of adventure!"
"Wow! Talk about laying the guilt trip." Little Misaka interjected, " She took a sip of cool water, the attractive woman beside her holding a pitcher of ice water and a towel draped over her shoulder. The woman set the pitcher on a small table, wiped her face with the edge of the towel, and then dabbed it on Little Misaka's cheek, looking like a concerned mother. "Thanks, baby," Little Misaka smiled, appreciating the gesture.
Mikoto's expression softened, empathy replacing her resistance. "Rae, I understand what you're going through. But we need to find a balance. We can't leave the village. It's no longer just a village—it's expanding into a city. The entire garden is growing, and more and more people are arriving."
Rae took a step closer, her voice filled with earnestness. "Mikoto, I've thought about this. I've considered the consequences. I believe my absence can be managed, and the village can thrive without me. Please, trust me and let me prove myself."
Mikoto sighed, torn between her desire to support her friend and her concerns for the village's well-being. "Rae, I trust you, but this decision affects more than just us. We need to consider the potential consequences and the impact on the people's lives."
Just as Rae was about to respond, Mikoto interjected, her voice tinged with pride and responsibility. "But Rae, think about the young queen. She's just beginning her journey as a leader and will need guidance that only someone like you can provide. Someone who was born into royalty and understands the weight of the crown. You can help shape her into a compassionate and wise queen, drawing from your own experiences."
Little Misaka commented, "That one got her," with a hint of amusement. "She takes her responsibility like a real adult. Not like some people. I won't mention any names." She sighed. "Mik..."
"I really hope you're talking about yourself, miss 'I just got done doing yoga,'" Mikoto whispered inwardly.
Rae's gaze softened, her eyes shimmering with realization. The mention of the young queen struck a chord within her, reminding her of the importance of her role in the village. She sighed, finally accepting the truth she had been avoiding. She could not go on the journey with Mikoto Misaka.
A sense of calm washed over Rae as she nodded, her voice filled with a newfound resolve. "You're right. I cannot abandon the young queen; my responsibility is to guide her. She needs me, and I have to be the one to teach and help her become a good queen, just as I have tried to be." Puckering her mouth, "Maybe even a new hunter might be in the future." Her eyes gleamed.
Mikoto smiled, a mixture of understanding and admiration in her eyes. "Rae, you are an incredible queen and friend. The young queen will be fortunate to have you. And I promise I will see you again."
She hugged Rae.