Zara's incarnation stops laying the charm on Kouha after a bit and calls me up to walk with her. It's obvious that the others are doing their best to listen in on our conversation and trying way too hard to be inconspicuous. If I wasn't dead on my feet, I'd think it's funny. I mean, the Varangians have a party of three, two of whom are giant; and the Kou group is packing six. There's no quiet way to sidle up like "so, Ms. Dungeon Creature, whatchu talkin' bout?" without getting noticed. Still, as a precaution, we've taken to conversing in Niran. The language has been coming back to me the more I've used it. Previously, I would have been super leery about doing that in front of everyone else, but at this point, I don't even care. Let Koumei draw all the conclusions he wants. I'm honestly not afraid of him or his elder brother at this moment in time. I might regret that later, but right now I'm one of the children adopted into the Niran royal family, strolling through her granddad's house with her badass sister at her side. Bring it.

Zara doesn't waste any time getting to the point, which means that we must be getting close to the treasure room.

"I heard about your run-in with Ithnan in Balbadd," she says quietly in the fox-folk's lilting tongue, "I'm guessing that's what led to our little encounter today."

I nod once, forcing my tired brain to process this. I don't even question how Adar's fox-fire knows about that. With Adar, it's best to just roll with it.

"He did say Aswad would take interest when he defeated Salos and I...do you think Ithnan actually told him?"

She nods, humming in affirmation. Neither of us is super keen on talking about my creepy ex now, but it needs done. To be honest, I've been too tired to process him being in the dungeon until this moment. I've been through so much today that it was just kind of an 'oh, there's Aswad'. Now that things are coming back I know that he joined Arba in those last days, which means he's part of Al Tharmen now, like Ithnan.

My eyes tighten at the memory of Ithnan. I clearly recall him. We were children together, a pair of crybabies who often sought each other out for comfort. We'd been such a pathetic pair that Salos had only complained a little at letting a boy near me. We were friends- as much as we could be. We trained together, fought together...and then he betrayed us.

I remember how set on killing him I was back in Balbadd. I didn't know him then, not really. Now…? He was as much a part of Solomon's group as I was. I'd fight him, but kill him? Especially since he spared us. He'd said something about respecting Salos and I, but I wonder now if it wasn't because of our previous friendship. Aswad has showed me how much people can change, and I know not to underestimate Ithnan, but maybe there's a part of him…

That kind of thinking is dangerous. Salos flicks a thought of agreement from where he walks at my side, keeping me as a barrier between him and Zara. That kind of thinking could get us killed.

"Why strike now?" I ask, returning to the conversation, "I've been wandering that world for more than three years now, and I was far weaker then than I am now. Why miss the opportunity?"

Zara smiles- a secretive, mischievous smile.

"There are reasons that I won't share yet. Just remember, the Niran never abandon our own," she winks, "When you started gaining power and working in the grander schemes of the world, you definitely attracted their eye. Before, you were just wandering, like you said, training. You hadn't done anything to gain attention. Then you helped the princess take Sabnack, and that was probably what marked you. You followed that with going to Balbadd and forming an alliance between two kingdoms that Arba probably doesn't want aligned. Plus, you showed up when they were making a big move and openly challenged Ithnan. Not only have you confirmed that you're alive and ready to fight, but you've also shown that you're a fully functioning part of Solomon's Seventy-two Household Members. The only one in that world who isn't a djinn. That's a big threat."

I hadn't thought of that before. I feel my eyes widen as what she's saying sinks in.

The battle of Alma Torran was devastating not only because it ravaged our home world and rendered it uninhabitable, but because it had led to the end of Solomon's Household as it was. We'd either died or been transformed into Djinn, regulated to our metal vessels at the creation of the new world. When Al Tharmen took root in this world, they did so with minimal resistance. The Household wasn't there to oppose them. But now, with a fully realized Household member on the move and with so much sway over so many entities in the world...it was no wonder they had run the risk of entering a dungeon. And not just any dungeon, Adar's dungeon. That was like asking to die.

My immediate reaction slips out pretty quickly.

"That may be true, but I'm diminished without Salos. And, besides, one Household member against the entirety of Al Tharmen? Arba practically changed your diapers, Zara. Plus, if I'm remembering correctly, all of her followers are experienced mages. If I had Salos in full physical form, I'd feel better. With you there with us? Definitely."

Call me overconfident, but we were who we were on Alma Torran for a reason. The Church feared us because of our teamwork. With our combined powers and tactical skill, we were a force to be reckoned with. We wreaked havoc as a small team, hitting and running when necessary, or striking with the force of a bomb. The three of us against Al Tharmen? It would take time and calculation, but it would work. Just me? Even with my memory back and my powers mostly restored? I'm not feeling it. I remember the feeling of belonging I had with the Niran, when I first remembered them, but they haven't shown themselves in centuries...

Zara scoffs with a small smile.

"Well, that self-doubting part of you hasn't changed," she rolls her head toward me, raising both brows, "Listen, Mina, even without Salos in physical form, he's still with you. And you aren't alone. You never have been," her eyes flicker pointedly toward the group of Varangians behind us, who still watch with open curiosity, "You've got people here, you know. It won't be like Alma Torran, but this isn't a battle you have to fight without help."

I look away, my heart heavy with both relief and the familiar sadness that comes with thinking about my home. I feel the twinge in my throat that comes with the sudden shift of potent emotion. Salos reaches up to catch my hand, his fingers twining with mine. That sensation is enough to push the tears to the front of my eyes. Holding my brother's hand like this while walking alongside Zara...it's so familiar that it's cruel. A reminder that we can never truly go back to this.

"You're right," I manage, "But, as much as I care about them...they aren't you."

Zara's expression softens and she slips closer, linking her elbow with mine. The tears spill over. This is what I've been wishing for. This fills the hole in my heart, but I can't feel more than a small bit of happiness. It won't last. I'll leave the dungeon and this will go away again.

"You know what's funny?" I ask, "I think that, if I would have known sooner that Adar's dungeon was around, I would have just come here and stayed."

Zara gives a soft huff of a laugh and I feel Salos's pain echo my own.

"I know, Mina-me, but we need you out there."

She's right. Al Tharmen took Alma Torran. As the last truly active Household member, it falls to me to stand in the fight for this world. Besides, if I'd locked myself away in Adar's dungeon, it still wouldn't have been like it was. I would only have been hiding from reality, clinging to a past that is out of reach. It wouldn't have been fair to the people I care about.

At my side, my sister hums thoughtfully.

"You know, if you really feel that alone- there are some places you need to visit."

I look at her, blinking quickly to clear my tears. She grins, fangs flashing, and holds up one finger.

"First- go back to Reim when you can. Say 'hi' to the Yambala."

My brows crease. While it's true that it's been a few years since I saw Master Rambal, and the Yambala are pretty clan-ish, they're kinda 'baby birds fly by getting thrown off high places' when it comes to sending their students out. I've occasionally sent some letters back just to let them know I haven't keeled over, and Master Rambal sometimes sends back a kind of 'glad to know', but other than that contact has been pretty limited.

"Second," she holds up another finger, "Go to the northernmost part of the Tenzan Plateau. The Rukh will guide you."

I wait for a moment before realizing that's all she's telling.

"...that's it?"

She sniffs, looking away smugly.

"If I laid it out, it wouldn't be much fun. Use that big, tactical brain of yours, Mina."

I forgot how much I hate the Nirans' riddling sometimes. They honestly do it at the worst possible times too. You ask a Niran where the bathroom is and they tell you some bullshit about how you have to 'seek out the great giver who takes life from the sun' and it all translates into 'you're gonna have to pee behind that tree'. As much as it annoys me, though, I can't actually be mad at Zara. We've been apart for too long. I also know that I'll never get more out of her.

"Fine…" I sigh.

She chuckles, tugging on my arm.

"Don't be so sour. I know you love a good riddle. Besides, we're getting close and you don't have time to pout. Any burning questions before we have to put on a show?"

I'm not actually sure what she means by 'putting on a show', but I do actually have one question.

"Just one," I bend my head to one side to let Salos wipe away my stray tears, "I've given Keary my word to tell her what's up. I'm not gonna break any cosmic laws when I do that, am I?"

Zara hums thoughtfully, ears flickering.

"Well….Ugo would rather you didn't talk about the truth, but you know the Niran stance on that," she shrugs, "I know you. You won't be stupid and give away things that shouldn't be told."

I nod, accepting this as permission. Honestly, I don't know if this dungeon creature incarnation of Zara would even know anything about cosmic laws, but I've always asked Zara the important questions like this one. Besides, I figure I can say 'Zara said' later and it'll still be true.

"Got it."

Salos' touch lingers on my cheek for a moment, warm and corporeal. Our time together is coming to an end soon. I can feel his calloused hand gripping mine tightly at our shared knowledge of this. Zara watches us for a moment.

"I like this grown-up Mina," she says, with a grin that doesn't quite reach her eyes, "Don't worry anymore. Adar's about to enter the world, so things will look up now."

I nod, squeezing my brother's hand tighter. With Adar out and about, even as a Djinn, things might turn in our favor. The fox had single-handedly wrecked many Church operations. His battle prowess and leadership ability had been legendary. Plus, he's my grandpa, which makes me a bit biased in my happiness. A smile touches my face, my previous sadness diminishing a bit. It won't be the same, but it will be different. Better, I hope.

Zara's arm slips out of mine as we come to the end of the hall, facing a giant set of gold-embossed double doors. Stamped into the huge surface is a depiction of Sana. I never met her personally, but I recognize her from the few depictions Adar created over the years- both visually and with words. I saw 'her' most often at the Niran festival of what roughly translates into "the day of memorial". It's a day to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on. The Niran will use their fox fires to give departed loved ones physical form and use their memories to make the depiction act realistically. It's unnerving the first time you go, but then you realize how important it is. It's their way of getting closure in their long lives. Adar once asked if he should recreate our parents, but Salos and I declined. We were too young when they passed to remember them properly. Our hearts had healed by the time we joined the Niran as part of Adar and Zara's tribe, and we were left only with the simmering anger of having lost our people. Our family was the one that took us in, and we spent the festival with them.

Sana's warm smile and open arms are familiar to me from those festival days when Adar or Zara had given Sana 'life'. I glance at Zara to see her looking up at the image for a brief moment with a strong emotion in her eyes. Another flag goes off on just how realistic this dungeon creature is, but I push it aside as the doors swing inward.

Zara flounces ahead and I follow at a slight distance. Our previous conversation is over, but it feels right for Salos and I to enter behind her. As I step into the room, I see that we've circumnavigated the traditional Necropolis and come straight to the Treasure Room. Interesting. Is it because it wouldn't be quite as dead as some of the other dungeons? The Niran seem alive and well here…

My thoughts cut off as our party assembles, the Varangians coming to stand with Salos and I off to one side of the treasure room. As always, the mounds of gold are impressive- even to someone who hails from Alma Torran- but I'm more concerned with the dais in the center. On it sits a gold box, much easier to find than in Sabnack's dungeon, when Keary and I had to search for the stupid vessel while suffering from blood loss. The Kou princes and their entourage stand a short distance away. No one moves to stop Zara as she climbs the dais and picks up the box. I half expect the lid to fly off and Adar to majestically appear in Djinn form right then, but it doesn't happen. She turns, smiling, the box in hand.

"Welcome, travelers. You have fought well, and at last your journey is nearly at an end. Only one more task remains."

She extends the box slightly. In response, Kouha takes a step forward. Zara shoots him a quick look and he stops. His expression is clear, but there's a wariness in his eyes as he takes in her sharp smile and the glint of fire in her gaze. He relaxes when her eyes move to me again.

"Lady Thamina and Lord Salos of Ifyli, you may not interfere in what is about to occur. What transpires next will be as Seere wills it."

I feel a rush of nostalgia at the title. That was what they called us when we spoke to the other peoples of Alma Torran. It was given in recognition of my bloodline as the last of our kind and my adoption into the Niran royal family, and the word "Ifyli" was the name the Dioscuri gave the Niran in our own language. It was the term that most encompassed who we were. Who we are, I suppose. The children of two peoples. Using it here is Zara's way of telling us that we are being viewed in that capacity in the proceedings, in accordance with the Niran way. And that, in this moment, dungeon creature or not, she's acting as our queen.

I straighten automatically, my expression turning into serene composure. I can feel the eyes of the others, but it doesn't matter. Zara nods.

"As you command," we speak in tandem, and for a moment, I can smell the wind of the Niran grasslands.

A number of startled murmurs break out among those who join us in the chamber. If there was any doubt as to our connection here, it is gone. Zara has completely smashed any secrecy we may have attempted. I was already in a 'fuck it' kind of mood, but she just cemented it permanently. Well, I guess that's that.

Salos's hand rests against my back in a protective gesture. While I focus on ignoring those around me, he glances over my head and surveys them with practiced nonchalance. Through his mind, I glimpse the frown on Keary's face, the open interest in Leif's, and the slightly raised brow on Lukas's. That dude...if he ever actually changes expression around me, I'm gonna be really freaked out because it'll mean that something serious is going down- like, the end of the world or something. He was just slapped with the fact that his princess's advisor has a familiar relationship with a dungeon creature and his brows went up like a millimeter.

Salos also glimpses the open interest in the Kou party. I realize just how alike the three royal brothers are when I see the sly glint in Koumei's eye and the excitement on Kouha's face. I have no doubt that they'll be going straight to Kouen about this particular tidbit. Before entering this dungeon, I would have worried a bit- even been afraid. Now...not so much. I tilt my head, re-glamoured antlers meeting Salos's in a near-silent click. I feel...excited. Almost as much as Kouha. One trait the Niran passed on to my brother and I is competitiveness. We enjoy challenges and worthy opponents. I prodded Kouen a bit before to shake things up, now I'm ready to truly match wits with him. There will be much at stake, but that only makes the match all the better.

Calm, Mina. There will be much to do when we depart. Your match with the prince must wait, Salos says with amusement.

Satisfied, Zara proceeds, removing the top from the box. Smoke billows out, quickly covering the gold-ridden floor with copious amounts of red fog. Within moments, our vision is totally obscured. An immense shadow rises within the fog, towering over those gathered. Salos and I know that it's Adar, in all his djinn glory, making an appropriately dramatic entrance. I peer over at Keary, though, and realize that her expression is tense as she looks up at the shadow. She's afraid but hiding it well, just like in Sabnack's dungeon. Oh. Huh. I guess gramps really is intimidating when he means to be...I just can't separate who I know him as enough to understand what she's seeing. It's still odd. Yesterday, I barely remembered Zara, now I'm aware of the entirety of my extended adoptive family.

"Who will be king?"

His voice booms, young and ancient all at once. I feel it in my bones, reverberating through my chest. Then, with a mighty rush, the fog parts.

Adar hovers over us, long red hair spilling down his back. Like most of the Djinn I've encountered, he's shirtless, exposing all the rippling muscle gained through unknown decades of battle. His gold eyes flash with power as he regards the assembled nobles. His fox-like ears flicker to and fro, listening to whatever his impressive hearing is picking up. Behind him, nine tails weave around one another, a mass of seething red fur. With my memories returned, I know the significance of that number. Nine is the largest number of tails a Niran can have, accumulated over time as their power grows. Some never reach that point, simply not being powerful enough to do so. The nine tails are a testament to just how very old Adar is- despite his youthful face- and how strong.

He smirks, placing his hands on his hips. His claws glint wickedly in the light of the room, sharper and thicker than mine or Salos's ever have been. Gold jewelry decorates his blue skin, shimmering with emeralds, rubies, and yellow tourmaline. Our colors, I realize. The colors of his eldest grandchildren. Other gems mix in throughout, signifying other members of his enormous family. Still, there, at the forefront of his impressive necklace, hang the three seemingly mismatched gems. I can't help but smile at the sight.

"I am the 70th Djinn, Seere, spirit of Wisdom and Mischief. I commend you for passing my trials."

The tension drags on for a moment. Then it shatters as the two groups each set out to vie for the djinn's attention. What happens next is a lot of posturing from the nobles and tenseness between the representatives. And Adar really isn't helping.

He surveys the possible candidates and makes very obvious eyes at Keary while doing the whole 'oh, well, I just don't know' thing and smiling smugly at the restrained annoyance this causes. I have a feeling he chose Keary as soon as he realized she and I were friends. Wise he may be, Adar has never had any qualms about playing favorites. As is seen when he addresses Salos and I directly more than once with a familiarity that clearly had many minds spinning in confusion. I guess I'm not actually surprised. Adar's already pulled the 'proud grandpa' card by plastering our faces everywhere. It's not like it really matters at this point when he coos at us.

I'm reconsidering being excited about the next time I see Kouen. If last time we met, when I was just a wanderer, his attitude was that direct 'sit down, now' type of deal. For all I know, he'll bust out the ropes and make sure I stay put until he's gotten all the info he wants. Which sounds kinky but really isn't my style.

Salos sends me a mental jab, both to get me back on track and to make me stop thinking about Kouen and anything remotely sexual. What can I say? It's been a long, hard day and I just battled my creepy ex. I think I'm entitled to a little weirdness. Damn, I can't even make up my mind on anything at the moment. Is it good that the Niran just blasted secrecy out of the way? Is it not? Who knows! It is what it is, now.

I do tune back in, though, because Adar has finally stopped messing with everyone and is actually announcing his choice. I can't help but think it's because he saw me glazing over and swaying a bit in Salos's grasp. He'll have his fun, but never when it will cost his kits something.

"Princess Keary!" he says dramatically, "You showed cunning in my trials. Not quite like a fox but enough to be entertaining," he flashes a grin, "Princes, you are worthy warriors, but brute force is….not always the answer."

Hah.

That was a much more polite version of the long spiels Salos used to get when he'd just try to truck something instead of using his brain. Ever the teacher, Adar. Kouha looks displeased but doesn't challenge the ruling because…what the hell are you going to say to a giant blue man when he says 'nah, brah, I'm good'?

Grandfather returns his eyes to Keary, his smile turning a different sort of predatory. I feel the urge to gag. With eternal youthfulness came eternal, untempered flirtiness. He's literally old enough to be her many times great ancestor, but is that stopping him? Nope.

"Mm…Sabnack inhabits your ring. How like her to try for status without actually going all the way," he leans closer, voice a low purr, "That crown holds a lot of meaning to you…not of the usual sort, but meaning nonetheless. It will be more than suitable. When people look at you and see that symbol of power, they'll also see the symbol of my blessing. Wear it well, princess."

Without waiting for a reply, because he's nothing if not over the top, he literally dissipates into a swirling mass of flame and whooshes into the circlet on Keary's head. The princess does herself credit when she stands firm, expression set. I hope that the Kou party doesn't notice the way her hands shake at her sides, the only sign that Adar's antics have rattled her. I just take it as further confirmation that Keary is metal AF because I definitely would have flinched if a giant-ass fire thing hurtled at my face.

Everything goes quiet. The dungeon creature Zara is left smiling where Adar had once stood. I feel a sense of relief and finality now that Adar's decision has been made and he's on our side. The nobles exchange glances again. I start thinking about the fact that I'm dead on my feet with no magoi and we have to haul all this shit out.

After a moment of silence, Keary approaches Kouha.

"You brought the larger force. I believe that the majority of the treasure is yours."

The youngest prince gives her the same sort of too-familiar grin he's been using.

"How generous of you, princess," he nearly croons, "Is this-"

Keary doesn't let him finish, turning on her heel and putting her back to him.

"I rescind my offer. Varang shall claim all of the treasure, as well as the djinn."

Zara snickers as she returns to Salos and I. Kouha follows after Keary as she walks away, attempting to bargain with her. The excited gleam in his eye tells me that he's well and truly amused by her continued reactions to him. A tired smile quirks my lips. They're cute. In another situation- where a relationship wouldn't mean the subjugation of her people- I'd ship it.

"It'd be a fun match," Zara says, as though reading my mind, "He would do well with the Niran, don't you think?"

I tilt my head as the prince laughs at Keary's scrunched look in response to something he's said. That he would. I have the sense that he's got just enough of a mischievous streak to have done well with our people. That, and his loyalty to his family, which was well respected by our kind. Maybe that's why I like him, despite myself.

"Speaking of treasure," Zara says, not waiting for me to answer her question, "I have something for you, Mina-me."

I look at her curiously. She grins before giving a shrill whistle. A small yip answers the sound. A moment later, a small creature with truly large ears comes bounding around the dais at the center of the room. My heart squeezes in my chest and my eyes widen. Despite my exhaustion, I drop down to my knees to receive the creature.

"JoJo!"

The fox diverts course from Zara and rushes to me with a series of excited greetings. Good Solomon, he's so cute. I'd forgotten how adorable he is, with his tiny fox body and those giant rabbit-like ears. Salos gives a small growl, never having been fond of my pet. He's always tolerated JoJo, who is the result of my one failed hunting attempt as a child, and who was named while I was still a child. I suppose 'JoJo' was just easy to say. The creature had been my pet of sorts ever since, though he usually just wandered free at our base and curled up with whoever would allow it. Still, when we moved to the palace, he stayed in mine and Salos's room with us.

I scoop the creature up, letting him nuzzle into my neck and rest there with a contented peep. His tail swishes back and forth rapidly, brushing over my arm.

"How is he here?" I ask, standing, "It's been…a long time."

Four thousand years, and this creature isn't meant to live more than a quarter of a human life span. Zara is smiling hugely, utterly pleased to have reunited JoJo and I. Then, looking exactly like her grandfather had when Salos and I had asked about how he was present with us in the dungeon, she waved her hands in an arc in front of herself.

"Magic."

I scoff, knowing that I won't get a straight answer out of her. She chuckles.

"Don't question it, Mina. Just be glad!"

I suppose that's fair. It's not often that I have a reason to just be happy. This is certainly a good one. Here I stand with my twin and our sister, holding my pet, Adar's scent still lingering in the air, my best friend nearby. I close my eyes for a moment and just breathe, relying on my sense of smell to create a memory of this moment. The smell of Salos, Zara, Adar, JoJo, and Keary together imprints in my mind. When I open my eyes again, Salos leans down to press his forehead to my hair, our antlers clacking together.

"Adar's coming with us," I murmur to him.

He hums in agreement, his grip on me tightening. His time like this will end soon. Holding JoJo in one arm, I cover his hand with my own, pressing it closer to my side. My eyes find Zara again. She watches us with a bittersweet smile.

"You should come, too."

Dungeon creature or not, I want her back. I want Zara beside me. I don't want to give her up again. Her eyes color with something like grief and she presses herself close, embracing both of us. Something dark flickers through Salos at the touch, again affirming that something happened between them, likely after my death. Something that he still hasn't recovered from.

"I wish I could, starshine," she says softly, "Remember- visit the Yambala, go to the Tenzan Plateau. You'll find answers there," Zara presses her lips to my forehead, "This won't be the last you see of me. Don't worry."

Then she's gone. Her warmth disappears and she vanishes in a whirl of foxfire. My heart threatens to break all over again, only that cryptic promise that I'll see her again keeping it from doing so. Distress floods Salos and I feel the pull of the metal vessel on him. My grip on him tightens, talons digging into his skin hard enough to draw purplish blood.

No!

I can do nothing but watch as my brother's form turns incorporeal, his green eyes locked on mine. We knew it was inevitable, but that doesn't dull the pain as he too disappears from my sight. He is again locked in the sword at my hip, his physical presence gone. My heart does break, then. Jojo whines in my arms as I squeeze him closer, eyes burning with unshed tears. This has all been a dream. A wonderful, lovely dream- and now I am waking. Waking with eyes wide open to a world where Arba still manipulates humans from the shadows- where I must stop her from destroying yet another home.

Solomon, give me strength.

"Lady Thamina?" I look up as Leif approaches, expression concerned, "Thamina, are you alright?"

I remember then that I must look a mess. I'm still just wearing my armor and pants, my hair unbound and my skin grimy with soot and ash. He doesn't look much better, but still. I take a step toward him and sway, my knees giving out without my brother there to support me. My eyes widen as I fall, Leif bolting forward to catch me. Salos's alarm joins my own.

"Thamina!"

He catches me, his massive hands supporting me JoJo yips again in distress. Then I am gone, my exhaustion and tumultuous emotions robbing me of consciousness.

I wake up in Sindria, pissed off and confused. The light hits my eyes and I groan. Immediately, a weight on my chest shifts and a small nose snuffles at my face. I make myself look and find JoJo looking back at me, big dark eyes shining happily. I manage to drag a stiff arm up to gently stroke him and he gives a soft, stuttering purr. I'm less pissed-off with him there. He's just so stupidly cute. Still, I'd passed out. Again.

I'm really hoping this doesn't become a thing- if it isn't already. Three dungeons, three times coming out unconscious. And am I ever actually going to get to see Sindria on the way there? The first time I came here, I'd been conked out below deck after fighting pirates. The second time, I had passed out before Salos fought Ithnan. This is now the third time for that, too. Is this some great, cosmic joke that Solomon and the others are playing on me from beyond? He would do that shit, don't let the 'mighty king' act fool you. That didn't come until later. Whatever the case, I seem to have a horrible habit of exhausting myself in dungeons to the point that I just pass out by the time we reach the end. Gonna need to work on that.

I push myself up, JoJo hopping down to the bed to avoid being displaced. Dragging myself to the edge of the bed, I realize I'm in the same room I've been staying in. My various wounds have been treated and my gear is- well, that's fancy. Someone got me an armor stand, complete with a holster for my weapons. I guess that beats just laying it next to my bed. Armor stands were one of those things I always thought would be nice to have but I move around too much to make use of. Given that I have no idea when the Rukh will drag me off to the next place, I'll make sure to enjoy it while it lasts.

That thought gives me pause. I find my memory the clearest it's been since I woke up in this world. Those sharpened Dioscuri senses ensure I can replay everything in detail in my mind. I take a long while to just…remember. Because I can. I remember the days of my childhood and the bittersweet joy of war-torn days of togetherness. I remember the battles. I remember the losses. I remember how I loved a man with everything I had and slowly lost him to the darkness Arba spread so quietly among our fellows. I remember the names of those who turned against us in that final battle, list them in my mind. So many. Too many. Every drop of blood spilled in that conflict is on her head, and with Al Tharmen active in this world, I'm willing to bet that she's still somewhere out there. A growl rumbles through me and JoJo butts his head against my stomach discouragingly, as though telling me not to be angry. I pet him again in response.

I finish my remembering by bidding goodbye to Aswad. I chased his memory for so long, and now that I know our story, it feels so distant. By the time he killed me, I had already known I'd lost him- that he no longer belonged to me alone. Still, those were good times, the best times, and I do miss our dream. It's still the dream I carry- to settle down one day. That would be ideal, but it will likely never happen. I will complete my duty here, then I will join Salos and finally rest.

My brother stirs from his restful state within the metal vessel, still tired from his extended manifestation, and I reach out to him. I've already forgiven him for his duplicity. After all, we'll need each other, without hurt standing in the way. He brushes a few mental caresses against me, and I return them without thought.

A knock at the door rouses me from introspection. Without thinking, I speak.

"Enter."

There's a brief pause, then the door swings in and Keary steps inside. Bodolf follows at her heels, talons clicking on the stone as his wings flutter. Judging from the way he's continuously on the verge of tripping her, I take it that he didn't appreciate being left behind on our little excursion. She lets the door fall shut behind her, regarding me a bit warily. Or maybe not warily. Curiously.

"You are healed," she comments.

I nod, still stroking JoJo's soft fur. My injuries were minor, given my background role in the fights against Zara's incarnations and the brevity of the battle against Aswad. If it could be called a battle to begin with. Any that I did receive, Salos had already tended to. He might no specialize in healing, but he was capable of doing at least a small amount. Keary's own injuries are bandaged and cared for. They were more numerous than my own, given the true trial the Niran gave her. Grandpa didn't exactly go easy on me, but he put Keary and the others through the wringer.

"You are well?" I return.

There's an odd, stilted formality between us now. Something changed in the dungeon, with the realization of my being other. Keary had accepted me while knowing very little about me, taking only the assurance that I am her friend. I doubt that is enough for her now.

"I am."

She approaches me then, still confident even in the face of the newness. Her eyes flicker upward as she settles herself beside me and I realize that my glamor has come undone. Ah, right. Zara had said that I would have to take care of myself after the dungeon. It doesn't bother me like it did before. I am Ifyli, and I am proud to be so. Unless Ugo or someone equally knowledgeable comes down with some cosmic wisdom about how it would be better to look human, I really have no desire to hide any longer. I smile and she relaxes slightly.

"...this is what you truly look like?" she asks after a pause.

I nod, reaching up to feel my antlers. It's freeing to wear them openly again. She had been aware of my appearance and asked her maid to keep it quiet after we emerged from Sabnack's dungeon, but she's never seen me before.

"It is."

She nods slowly, taking that in as Bodulf snuffles around my room curiously.

"Will you tell me, now? About you? About how Sabnack knew you? Why you were in the murals and statues? Why the dungeon creature knew you and you deferred to her?"

There's something about her tone that I know means I could deny this request. I could keep my secrets. I sense, though, that this would create a rift between us. I don't want that. Keary is my friend, and the Varangians are still the only people I've felt truly at home with.

"I will," I agree.

So I tell her. I start at the beginning with the war on Alma Torran and the destruction of the Dioscuri. I tell her about Solomon, about the war effort. I tell her about Ugo and Sheba and Aswad and Arba. I tell her about Amon and Adar. I tell her about a hard-won peace that was all too short. I tell her about my death and rebirth I tell her about Zara, my sister in all but birth. I tell her about Salos, so that she understands as best a human can the connection we share and the pain we feel. I tell her about my amnesia from the memory seal. I tell her everything. For the first time, I share my story. It's not perfect. I ramble in some parts and gloss over others. Keary listens attentively, sometimes asking clarifying questions, sometimes just wearing the thunderous frown I know means she's contemplating what she's hearing.

By the time I finish, Bodulf is curled in her lap, head tucked under a wing as he sleeps. He and JoJo had gone nose to nose for a brief moment before huffing at each other and returning to their restful positions, apparently disinterested. She is careful not to jostle the pup as she shifts slightly, eyes moving to focus on some point. My throat is dry from talking. I hadn't expected to go through this as soon as I woke up, but the time had been right. Best to deal with her questions quickly than to let them stew in her mind any further.

The silence stretches between us as she ponders what she's heard, obviously processing quickly.

"Then you are one of the legendary Household members of Solomon's court. You and your twin."

She glances at my sword. Salos stirred while I spoke and now regards her through my eyes. He has no real opinion on sharing what I've shared. He's never been one for rules and he has always just gone along with my plans in this world. The fact that this is such a non-issue for him allows me to relax further. Whatever I choose, Salos stands with me, always.

"We are. It's a fantastical tale, isn't it?" I can't help but laugh a little.

She tilts her head in agreement.

"It is, but it accounts for much. You changed in that dungeon, Thamina. When I found you again, there was something different in your bearing. I believe you when you say you are a leader because of that alone. Before…you were content to walk alongside us- myself and Alibaba and Sinbad. Now…you are by far more commanding."

I get the sense that she approves and my smile widens.

"That's good. If I wasn't, I don't think I'd be of nearly as much use against Al Tharmen."

She frowns slightly and folds her arms thoughtfully.

"Mm, yes. I will count Varang fortunate that they have not sought to intervene in our affairs as of yet. Though…I think it will not be long now. Not with the path we have chosen to pursue."

I can agree with that. Varang wasn't anywhere near a major player in the games of politics until recently. The most Al Tharmen had done was direct Kou their way, which I'm fairly certain about. Those in Al Tharmen are masters of pulling strings from behind the curtain, and a major power like the Kou Empire is exactly the sort of puppet that would be useful to them. It won't be long now before they take a more vested interest, especially since I'm so directly involved. At the very least Aswad is still around, and the next time we meet I won't have Zara and my manifested brother with me.

"Will you remain?" Keary asks suddenly, snapping my attention back to her.

I consider that for a moment. Will I stay here with her? After that pause, I give a nod.

"I will, until the Rukh show me a different path. I am still me, Keary. My own path of following Destiny has not changed. I am just…a wiser version of myself, now," I frown slightly, then, "I do have something I need to do. A journey I need to make."

"It has to do with what happened in the dungeon," it isn't a question.

I nod again.

"Zara gave me two locations. I need to find out why…" I pause and look at her, "...I am not sure what I expected, but you are taking this all much better than I would have assumed."

Keary scoffs in something like amusement and the creature in her lap shifts.

"My maid came to me months ago to tell me that my traveling companion was not human-like. As fantastical as your story is, it does align more than the vague theories I had concocted," she gives me a sort of smirk, "Either you are raving and have constructed this to fit with your oddities, or you're telling the truth. I know you, though, Thamina. You are a genuine person, and so I also believe your story," she glances at my antlers and gives that curious head tilt again, "I take it that you wish this to remain a secret?"

There's something in her tone that tells me that she's asking if I want her to go make sure that those she has power over keep this quiet. I give her a brief smile of thanks.

"While I do not necessarily wish to see that everyone in the vicinity knows, I am not planning to be particularly secretive. I feel that the time for secrets is over. Al Tharmen knows I am alive- it is time to face them as myself."

Until this point, the ones who I know to have seen me were the Koga and the Yambala. Neither were the type to go running off to spread the word. Keary's maid hardly counted because she'd been ordered not to speak and anything she could possibly say would be disregarded as rumor. Running around with my antlers showing would cause more of a ruckus than I truly want in crowded areas but…I no longer feel the compunction to hide them like I used to. I am who I am, and I have never been one to hide from humans.

Depositing JoJo on the bed, I finally push myself up and stand. My back pops loudly and I wince. Then I pull at my shirt, sniffing delicately. Ew. This is not clean.

"What happened after I passed out?" I ask, stripping off the shirt and dropping it in the bag the laundresses will take later in the day.

My pants and undergarments follow. It's only when I turn back and see Keary's raised brow that I realize I've pretty much lost all sense of my previous modesty. Damn. Why had I cared so much? One of those weird human things I was doing, I guess. At my blank look, she shakes her head slightly and finally responds.

"Leif carried you and your pet out," her gaze drifts to where JoJo has curled up on my pillow and sleeps soundly, "Princes Kouha and Koumei were…kind enough to transport us back to Sindrean waters. There, we were transferred to a Sindrean patrol ship and returned here."

Hm. That was…short. I glance as her as I dig out some clothes. I skip the dresses hanging in my wardrobe and select something more similar to what I wore back home. A new set of undergarments, followed by a shirt that leaves my abdomen completely exposed and a pair of loose pants.

"How much of the treasure did they take?" I ask, going to the wash basin.

Her expression sours.

"The majority," a pause, and then she continues, "There was a moment where Prince Kouha actually offered to trade it back if we would allow you to return to Balbadd with them. Apparently, he was eager to present you to Prince Kouen. We refused, of course, and the matter was settled. Though, Prince Koumei did express that you are invited to speak with himself or his elder brother upon your return to the continent."

I can't help but chuckle at that. 'Invited', meaning that I am expected to present myself at the first opportunity. As expected, my next meeting with Kouen is going to be fun.

"I'm sure I'll run into one of them eventually," I reply, finishing a quick wash and pulling my clothes on. I'll visit the baths later for a more intensive round of scrubbing.

Her brows raise slightly in something of an unimpressed look.

"Only you would toy with the leaders of the Kou empire. You do realize that you might very well be pulling a tiger's tail?"

I snag comb from the vanity and drag it through my hair, smiling.

"I'm well aware. And I'm sure that Kouen is aware, too. That's part of what makes our little game enjoyable."

The man's too smart not to realize that I totally prodded him at our last meeting. Koumei, too, most likely. His inclusion of himself in that invitation is interesting, at the very least. Keary mutters something, nearly rolling her eyes. She stands, carrying Bodolf in her arms.

"Are you ready?"

I set the brush down and look at her, expression conveying my confusion.

"For what?"

She walks to the door, glancing back at me.

"King Sinbad returned while we were away. He wished to see you upon your awakening."

Something like adrenaline shoots through me. Sinbad's back. Shit. I was hoping for more time before needing to deal with him again. I know from Keary's amusement that my displeasure is showing. I put on the cuffs Yamuriha gave me, then a comfortable pair of shoes. Finally, I buckle on my sword and grab the staff from where it had rested on the armor stand. Damn, that thing is handy.

Keary pulls the door open and we step into the hall. JoJo opens one eye to watch us go before snuggling further into my pillow. I guess he won't be joining us, then. That might be for the best. I suspect that seeing the king again is going to be jarring enough without that addition.

Wooo, welcome back to SaS!

I can say for sure that I will be returning to this story in earnest. I'm finally at a place where I can write regularly and have the creativity to do so. Mina and Salos's adventures continue!

Up next:

Sinbad is back, Mina isn't fully the same person who went into Seere, Adar is now Keary's djinn, and the princess is about to find out that arranged marriages really aren't how they do things in the Seven Seas Alliance.