CHAPTER 17

Date: November 2nd through 4th, 110 P.A. / 2114 C.E.

The evening air was rich and intoxicating, permeated with cheers and shouts, which the explosion of fireworks in the firmament above. Upon the lantern-lit streets, strung with decoration, a vast parade filed down the main street, the procession gathering before the Temple. Some costumes groups dancing, a dragon train veering as it walked, music playing loudly, treats being thrown to the children who peered from the sidelines, with plumed headdresses to symbolize various other pokémon. Some beasts within the celebration itself shot off round of lightning, fire, and ice, aurora beams making the sky iridescent, falling snow glowing of various colors. Flower petals whirled in the wake of the procession, and the God and his Priestess watched silently as the celebration came to its climax, a high that would last well into the night. Arei had brought them up their dinner, a salad accompanied with a loaf of fresh bread and strips of dry, salted fish. A few bottles of sake stood at the ready to quench thirst, and they sat out on the roof, watching the parade.

After a time, Arei spoke, "They seem perfectly content with the lie, Abaddon."

"That is likely the reason behind the Rebels' lack of success. There are too few who believe this world is a horrid place. Yes, they do not agree on every verdict, but then, what government had people who fully support every law it has?"

She sipped her sake. "I suppose you're right. But…they believe so deeply, that if I didn't know better, I might think their views are the truth. They believe so, at least."

She poured him some of the rice wine. "Perhaps reality is in the eye of the beholder. A dream is only a dream as long as one is aware of the illusion. But if one is lost in it, then it becomes real, at least to them. And without enough people sharing the belief…who knows?"

His mouth crooked a bit in humor as he drained his cup. "I would have never believed you to be the philosophical type. It is…rather appealing. I must say, you are growing admirably, Arei."

"Am I?"

"Indeed…over the past few months, you've matured swiftly…."

Long minutes passed…they continued to drink, the fireworks casting varied lights upon them. Red, yellow, green, blue, white, violet…varied shades and shapes and mixtures. The lights fell like the branches of a willow with a sizzle after the explosion, sparkling, spiraling and swirling upwards. The noise of the explosion pounded their breastbones, thrumming deep in their chests. The firework whistled and shrieked, beginning to pop and fizzle in giant groups as the finale began. A garden of flowers made of stars and fire filled the sky, the crowd quieting to watch it with wide eyes. As at last it ended, the celebration began to wind down, though many events would continue into the lesser hours of the morning, within people own homes. Seeing this, the two picked up their trays and sake and went inside, to Abaddon's quarters.

Many candles lit the area, as did the moon through the open skylight. The fire pit with Abaddon's personal quarters burned low, the pale, light smoke filtering out the ceiling, a gentle breeze flowing through the open windows. Abaddon stirred the fine to a blaze, heating their chilled forms. They sat before it, the sounds and emotions from outside filtering in…they continued to drink, their minds growing pleasantly warm and fuzzy at time went on, encouraging bravery, loosening their tongues, relaxing any inhibitions the two might have. They began to merely talk, about various inconsequential matters, veering into philosophy and politics, into human nature and the scarcity of the Beast's interactions with humankind after the Apocalypse. Perhaps they preferred the new order and were frightened that interactions with humans would make them one again covetous. Or perhaps they simply preferred the wilds…who knew?

Arei rose after a time, the music of the festival drawing her into dance. She let her outer robes fall to the floor, and twirled and leapt about the fire, letting her soul and body soar near the fire, under Abaddon's eyes. He smiled slightly, gazing upon as she danced, her hands lifting into the air, her body swaying, her steps like the waves, melding into one another with natural grace, some cresting high, others sweeping across the shore. Her bare feet made little sound upon the floor, her face tranquil, her red-violet eyes aglow from the blaze. Her limbs caress the air, her robes swirling about her…she savored moving like this, time slowing down in clarity, with no thought, just feeling. The warmth of the fire, the way it caught her god in a beautiful mortal light, the cool stone, smooth beneath her feet, though not slick like glass. The beat of the drums in the symphonic band outside on the grounds…the slow pace of her heart and breathing. She was one with the night, the shroud of the world. And both her and Abaddon felt…wonder.

Eventually, her dancing slowed…she gazed to Abaddon, silently beckoning him to join her. He shook his head, smiling somewhat. She gazed up at the stars, sighing, and said, "Why do you not join me, I wonder?"

He gazed at her, "…Perhaps I do not wish to sully the purity I see when I gaze at you. Have you thought of that?"

Her eyes glimmered. "Tell me, my Abaddon, how would you dirty me? You don't care about blood…you're drowning in it. And as for sin, only humans can commit it—not pokémon, nor gods."

"My" Abaddon, he thought. It…appealed to him, somehow.

"Perhaps you are correct, Arei. But I have my reasons."

"…Are they the same for why you didn't have me on Spirit's Eve?"

She was walking towards him now…he swirled his sake about in his cup, and drank. With Arei before him, he sighed, and gazed up at her. "Yes, they are."

His priestess sat beside him, drinking another cup of the sake, on a pleasant buzz, unbothered by worries. She asked him, "Tell me then, why did you take Christina? Are she and I so different?"

He glanced over at her…the firelight erased any flaws her skin might possess, her face a mix of light and shadow. "In ways, yes. However, these days, you are far more similar than otherwise."

He reached out, touching her jaw, turning her head so he could gaze into her face. "You, like her, are mature, accepting, wise…rather pleasant, in honesty. You do not run your life on ambition or spite, on the pursuit of personal pleasures. You are kind to others, if naïve and ignorant at times. You tend to be optimistic and honest…. She was older than you, a bit less of a dreamer and a poet, more realistic…but she was an excellent orator, whereas you prefer the arts. She was cautious—you are outgoing when you aren't uncertain or shy. She knew to be careful of where she lent her trust—you give yours freely if the initial meeting doesn't alienate you.

"She was quite tall and slender, if I recall correctly…blond hair, blue eyes. You are slim and petite…darker hair, exotic eyes. In your own different ways, both very beautiful. In different ways, you both could be sweet…though you have more moments of this than I remember her having."

His third finger, double-jointed, popped into a thumb-like position, stroking her cheek gently. "You and she would likely have gotten along…she would have warmed to you like a sister."

Her hand rested on his own against her face. "…The thought of her saddens you."

He smiled. "It is not so much sorrow than the reminiscence that, no matter what I tried, she was cold to me, whereas she was so sweet to others. Even to her enemies."

"So, it bothers you…not having anyone close to you."

He pulled away, tearing his eyes from her, staring into the fire. "…I am used to it, Arei. Besides, I know well enough that solitude is befitting for me…I prefer it, most of the time."

He smiled wryly. "But I suppose I am not immune to loneliness. Strange, that I can be surrounded by people, yet feel entirely alone. It's a maddening sensation. However, it is transient in a swift way. I prefer to be without a comparison. One can avoid many troubles that way."

"…True. But it sounds very empty, that existence. With people, life is dynamic. Without it, there is nothing save for yourself…and that would drive someone insane eventually. I would think, no matter how creative that person might be."

The analysis intrigued him…he toyed with the thought, and turned back to her. "And what of you, Arei? Are you lonely?"

She contemplated it, and sighed. "In ways, yes. My people are in awe of me, and treat me as superior, not as an equal. The imperial servants' humor and educate me, but still, it is not true, relaxed friendship, pretend if anything else. There are those who don't care for me in the least, the Priests included. Byron is a bit like a big brother, and…."

She trailed off, running out of words to say. "I guess that because there's no one on my level, neither is there anyone I can be truly myself with."

"What of me?"

She blinked, not understanding. "What do you mean?"

"What do you view me as that would deny you to be yourself?" he asked, again, a paw resting upon her…her arm this time.

She stared up at him…her brow furrowing as she thought on that, "I…am not sure. Sometimes you disturb me, but other times…."

She smiled faintly. "Well, I guess I can be myself around you. After all, it would be some feat to fool you. And obviously, I have nothing to hide from you…you know me too well by now for me to succeed in that."

His eyes shown. "Good."

He relaxed, gazing at the fire. "Do you intent to stay here all night, my Arei?"

She smirked, throwing back some more sake. "Would you let me?"

"Why now? At this point, it makes no difference."

Only in the morning would he realize he was mistaken. And the inkling began now.

Arei laughed, and leaned over, kissing his forehead. "You know, if I get you drunk enough, you could even be sweet, Abaddon."

His arm curled about her waist…as she pulled away, leaning down, she did not escape that grasp. Nor did she really care to…his other paw stroked at her hair…she felt quite soft. "Hm, I thank you for that…."

"Arei…if I may ask this: what precisely do you see, when you gazed at me?"

Her eyes widened. He knew she could give a number of answers to this question. Some had called him a mutation, a freak, a demon. Others a haughty, handsome seraph. It depended on the person. The same went for the gauging of his soul, his personality. For a time, Arei pondered this, and reached out, touching his face.

"I see…a pokémon who verges on being human in both body and soul. When you aren't being haughty, arrogant in your power, you can be caring…you are a poet in numerous ways. Your body mixes the best of both man and feline features. You…well, you're a piece of art, someone's masterpiece, in a whole. Your walk between the shadows and light, life and death, good and evil…you're unpredictable…and really, when you aren't being offensive, quite appealing to…."

"To who?" His stroking stopped.

Her face flushed with more than the drink. "…Me, I suppose."

This declaration…it pleased him immensely. "…I am glad to hear that, Arei."

The distance between them was closing…. "Abaddon, I…."

He kissed her, slow and gentle, hot and sweet, pulling her into his embrace…her tongue soon slipping past his lips…her arms surrounding his neck, her legs on either side of his hips. Their closeness, this act, shocked them both…but both had, by this time, become too drunk to both to think? And why do so? This…was very pleasant, and…they were both physically mature enough to do whatever they wished. It had been quite some time since Abaddon had felt a female's warmth…and as for Arei? Who knew?

They did not pull apart, break away. There was no reason to…not that mattered to them on a personal, intimate level. Their fingers stroked at each other's forms, their mouths exploring curiously, finding both soft fur and flesh. Later, it would surprise them both, Arei's willingness, the lack of awkwardness on her part. But her soul seemed to withdraw…leaving someone else in her place, someone who knew where and just how to touch to please and arouse the male who held her. Perhaps her name was libido, instinct. At any rate, Arei did not resist or question Abaddon's touch, welcoming it, taking joy in him. Soon breathless, hearts pounding, Abaddon leaned against her, pushing her down beneath him, nuzzling at her neck and chest, sighing with pleasure as her fingers dug into his back, the base of his tail. A fiery ache knotted below his stomach, his muscles rippling against her robes…he crouched above her, dazed, mind foggy with the alcohol and with craving, helping her to remove her remaining robes. He pulled her against him, the only think between them her bra and panties…he teleported them into his bed.

His back pressed to the headboard…his arm around her waist, his paws caught in her hair, stroking up her smooth back, his tail running up her legs. She smiled into his mouth, nipping gently at his lower lip, her mouth trailing down his face, to his chest…her fingers trailing along his tensed form, coming to rest at his hips. His head dipped down, nuzzling at her breasts…he undid her bra, tossing it aside, nipping and sucking at her hardened nipples…she tasted sweet and salty, sweat and natural flavor creating a varies result.

They both were burning, shivering…her hips ground teasingly into his, a hand reaching down, stroking at the pulsing bump that had formed between his legs. He moaned into her bosom, biting her neck, feeling himself unsheathe at the touch of her finger, his feathery length growing thick, hard, erect…it did not help how she had positioned herself, the slit of her sex beyond the fabric between them pressing to the tip of him. He jerked, but nothing occurred…she was hot and wet, however, the natural lubricant of arousal saturating the fabric between her legs. As he slipped at paw past it, feeling her private, she groaned and whimpered, her body throbbing and swollen.

The fondling and caresses continued for a time, and soon enough, one of them, perhaps both, came to their sense enough to realize what was in the way of satisfaction, of gratification. The remaining clothing was pulled away fleetly, their now naked bodies flush against one another. Abaddon met her eyes, for one moment, feeling the tip of him prick into her sex…they shuddered, and Arei grasped his shoulder hard, kissing him hotly, urging….

He grabbed her and thrust…burying himself into her tight body with ease, grasping her, driving himself upwards all the way in. They both gasped at the blissful sensation, Arei's body immediately clutching at him, clasping onto his cock as he thrust himself, hot and hard, between her legs. Her limbs surrounded him, holding him to her, inside her…her body arching slightly, his face buried into the mounds of her chest. He did not mind in the least. He pulled slightly out, instinct reigning his mind with frenzied, mindless need…uncontrollable save for how violent this could potentially be…and thrust back in, shuddering at the feeling of her body around him, soft and wet.

She moved with him, panting along with him, and swiftly awkwardness was lost as the thrusting gained in number, a rhythm soon learned. She worked with him towards completion, sometime twisting around him in a way that pleased them both immensely. Each time became more difficult as their climaxes approached, sweat trickling down their forms. Growling, teeth grit, Abaddon clutched her tightly, going faster, more zealously, unable to cease now that they had come this far. Arei was no more in control of herself, soon being reduced to a convulsing, shrieking female who straddled him hard, riding on the waves of pleasure his penetration inside her invoked. She was well open for him…they were close now. Holding each other tightly, grasping, Abaddon thrust up inside her one final time, as hard and deep as he could…and the burning knot in his gut loosened, the sweetest type of relief taking hold of him at that final buck into her, releasing his seed rushing into her core. The force behind it made Arei's body peak…her body arching sharply, violently, a groan of sheer ecstasy leaving her…mimicked with his own low howl. Then, finally, at last, he withdrew fully, his sex sheathing back inside himself, the fiery desire that had clutched his body quenched. Arei's reaction was similar…the burn in her flesh left her, though echoes of his presence inside throbbed between her legs…her slickness saturating both of their fur as they gasped for breath, hearts calming….

They sank back onto the soft, welcoming fabrics of his bed…and after a few moments of touching, their lips cradled against one another, they fell into a physically exhausted sleep, their drinks fully helping to at last knock them out….

In a dead sleep, they lay naked against one another, their sex making their muscles tighten and ache…even as the gratification left them with a very pleasant high. No blood stained the sheets. Arei, it seemed, had not been a virgin….

When dawn arrived, she was the first to awake, a horrible headache seeming to split her head in two. She groaned, clutching at her head…and vaguely, she realized the sheets around her were touching her naked skin. An unsettling shock bolted through her. She tried to recall what had happened the night before…there were fireworks, talking, dancing, a LOT of sake and then…what happened? It went black! She'd totally blackened out…what the hell had happened?

Only then did she realize she was not alone in the bed. Her eyes opened as she reached over, touching fur…she turned over, rising onto her palm…she had to keep from screaming. Abaddon lay besides her…and then she felt the throbbing ache up between her legs. Oh, dear God, they hadn't…? Had they?

Her robes were on the floor, her bra and panties tangled on the sheets. She touched the later…it was stiff with some sort of dried fluid dampness. A bite mark was at her neck…her hair a mess. Her skin felt grimy.

The memories filtered in….

Oh, they HAD! She'd had sex with Abaddon.

As though sensing her distress, the psychic's eyes fluttered open…then his brow furrowed as he took in her naked form. Those eyes seemed to darken as he recalled the activities of last night…and he sat up abruptly, cringing at the stiffness of his muscles as he did. He did not look at her, but at the sheets, torn and sullied. The fur between his legs was mattered. Damn…damn, damn!

"…Abaddon."

Her voice came out as a whimper…she reached out to touch his arm, but he got out of bed, stranding before her hand could grace his fingers once more. He went over to the nearest window…gazing out into the morning, sensing around…. "Get dressed and go to your quarters, Priestess."

She stilled, her hand dropping to her side. "But Abaddon—"

"I said go."

His voice was cold, harsh…it shocked her, and in the vulnerable state, naked in his bed, it struck out at her like a blow to the face. She trembled, grabbing her clothes…he teleported her out of his quarters before she could fully put on her robes, not allowing himself to take in her hurt tears, her outraged emotions, and in general would soul at the feeling of being used, then cast aside like a tool, her body nothing more than his toy.

In truth, he did not know how to respond to waking up with her in his bed…with the knowledge that he'd mated with her present in his mind. Oh yes, the joining had been VERY pleasurable, yet…that was not the main concern. The concern was the servants who were approaching their quarters, his concern was for how he was going to deal with the situation he had made with Arei. What was he to do now? How was he supposed to speak with her? With Christina, sex had been an experiment…not the passionate, zealous act he'd shared with Arei, completely unintentional and unexpected. Furthermore, though essentially, he knew he had harmed Arei's spirit in being so cold to her….

But what was he supposed to be? Warm and sweet? He laughed bitterly at himself…oh, he was confused. If he told her it had been a senseless mistake, an accident, which it had been, would it sooth the waters between them? Or would it make matters worse?

Why did he care?

He stared out at the rising sun…they needed to speak, and soon. But not just yet. Not yet….

"Arei….it may just be up to you how we go from here."

However, Arei was not psychic…she did not hear his thoughts.

Instead, the clutched her robes around her in her quarters, her eyes prickling with tears at the way Abaddon had treated her. Like an unwanted pet…her task, her trick complete, and now her presence an annoyance to her "master." He was a horrible, horrible bastard…he'd fucked her and then…and then…!

She rose swiftly and ran to her bathroom, turning on the shower at fully blast, the cold water making her scream before it warmed. She did not care though…it felt wonderful to shriek out the tightness of her throat…from there, she scrubbed her body. Afterwards, she leaned against the wall, the water pouring on her back, and sobbed long and hard….

She felt so sick…anger, sorrow, hatred, the feeling of being so pitiful clutching her heart and mind. She was just a little doll to him…he'd proven that by yelling at her as he had…first he'd gotten her drunk, said some pretty words, and then there she had been, bare against him, his body jerking against hers. And she'd let him do it, gladly…she'd moaned, and in her own mind, had been begging him for more. Arei soon became deeply repulsed with herself…she wanted to tear herself apart in distaste and loathing at how her body and heart for what it had felt and done. The salt of her tears stung her face…. She'd been so foolish…. Why? Why had he treated her so harshly after she'd let him in? Why…why? Why had she let him…?

Rage built up in her chest, so much safer, if rasher, than sorrow. She'd been used…and she hated that. She hated how he'd just thrown her out of his presence like an embarrassing whore, a mess to be clean up. It wasn't right…it wasn't fair! She didn't deserve to be treated like that! She was his priestess, damn it all, not his personal servant of carnal pleasure.

But she could not fight him. He could have her whenever he wished. Disgust pooling within her like a poison, tainting her heart, she went into her rooms, getting out her most plain, concealing cloak…she couldn't stand to be here! Who gave a damn if anyone missed her…she sure as hell didn't. Not leaving a note, not telling one person her intentions, she ran down the stairs, down, down, down out of the grand hall and out onto the grounds. And down, down, down into the city, anger fueled her limbs, the loathing for her own willingness to accommodate Abaddon and his taking advantage of that making her wish to put as much distance between them as possible.

Finally, her legs gave out. She collapsed, panting, heart racing, in an alley past the merchant's distinct. She was now, from her estimation, in the entertainment district. As well concealed as she was, and with people bus tearing down festival decorations, no one noticed her huddled form. When she'd gained some strength, her breath caught, she rose, keeping her hood low, beginning to wander around the back alleys. She was apathetic, and in her mood, had little caution or fear for where she was venturing into potentially dangerous territory. Like most cities, Nocturne had its gangs, its pervs, its twisted folks. The closer she got to the brothels and bars, the worse the people got. But she was unconcerned about all of that, and allowed her feet to lead her where they willed. They followed what seemed to be a familiar path, although she could not recall anything of the place where she tried. As she drew closer to a destination, she was unaware of, the sounds of harsh, shredding music reached her ears, like a siren's song drawing her forward. She came to stand outside a pub called "Lucario's Eyes." The god of peasants, of the poor.

She entered, keeping close to the wall, watching as an electrabuzz powered the musical machines, the keyboards, the electric guitars, the bass drum bashing out a heavy beat. Above those sounds shrieked male vocals, in a language of a foreign form, the lyrics rushing over on another, the violent harsh sound of it, mixed with the angelic sound of the lead singer's voice, created a wonderful, soul-enticing and exciting sound, making it no surprise to before the stage a crowd of fans dancing and screaming with the music.

Of all the things that had been lost during the destruction of the industrial world, music had not been one of the things to regress. True, many of the technologies that had created the music of modern rock, of metal, had become scarce…but there had been shelves upon shelves of recordings of the disk and bands, and not only that, but Abaddon had savored the cruel melodies. He allowed them to be brought back, encouraging the music to pick up where it had left off.

And so, the harsh sound pounded in her soul, and as a slower song began, haunting in tone, Arei went to the bar, ordering a drink of red wine to herself, sipping at the sweet alcohol. The area soothed her nerves, synchronizing with her mood. She drank deeply, ordering another round. The bartender eyes her warily, but refilled her glass. Hours would come to pass, of music, of cards, or bets, and Arei drank it in, dismissing her wrong for any Temple servants and officials coming after her after noon had passed. Obviously, Abaddon had held them back. She wasn't certain to be offended or grateful for this. He must think her an ornery child for running away from her problems instead of facing them. Well, screw him!

Oh wait…she'd already done that!

She downed her drink again, but didn't bother to ask for another one. That bartender was keeping a sharp eye on her, and was now withholding the alcohol from her. She left a few iron pieces and a pebble of gold. It was payment enough. The bartender took it, and set a vat of water mixed with fruit essences before her. He wiped her glass clean, standing close to her as he did, and spoke in a rough, low voice…the bar was pretty much empty, save for her and him, the others having filtered out as the lunch rush departed, the remaining occupants only staying to listen to the music that had made "Lucario's Eyes" an infamous hangout for the slum residents.

"You drink much more wine, High Priestess, you're going to get sick at this bar. And while I could consider it a blessing, it'd be a mess all the same."

She smiled wryly. "So, I've been recognized. Wonderful."

He noted her sarcasm. "I take it even you have your bad days?"

"Yes. Being on top is not all its cracked up to be."

His eyes twinkled with amusement. "I suppose not. May I inquire as to what brought you here?"

She drank some of the flavored water, and then answered, "Abaddon can get a little overbearing at times. I needed to get away for a while. My feet brought me here."

He brought her a plate of fried fish with chips. "Well, you can relax here as long as you like. The meal's free. Enjoy."

Only then did Arei realize how famished she was. She attacked the meal ravenously, ignoring the nausea she felt as the wine mixed with food. She should have known better than to drink on an empty stomach, then provoke it with food. But she refused to vomit, and eventually curled up on a bench, facing away from the room. The bartender ensured that no one bothered her.

When she awoke, it was dark out. The bar was gaining its night crowd, and the bartender stood before her, whispering for her to awaken. Groggily, she sat up, grimacing at her headache…he helped her to stand, then led her into a back room where his wife waited. The woman escorted her to a bed to continue napping, a thing she gladly did. She vaguely heard them talking before she slipped out of consciousness again…the son had the night shift, and…something else….

It was around midnight when she awoke, to what sounded like a bar-fight. She vaguely wondered how she'd gotten into a bed, what she was doing there, but then recalled something of what the bartender had said—the district got dangerous at night. It would be best if she spent the night. She hadn't bothered to try and argue…it made sense, and she didn't want to go back just yet. A woman sat in a chair near her, reading what looked to be some romantic fictional trash. The only purpose, she remembered vaguely, was to arouse the reader at the erotic description. But she had to stare at the cover. It was about some God, Deoxys, and his Priestess. Oh, the parallel revolted her. Seeing her guest had woken up, the woman smiled, bowed after she had stood, and walked over to Arei, putting the novel away.

"Are you hungry, my lady? I daresay I can whip up something in the kitchens for you if that's so."

But Arei shook her head…she wasn't hungry. "No…but could you show me to where the bathroom is?"

The woman, her name being Tsasha, her husband's Fergus, led her to the toilet. Plumbing when concerning sewage and running water had been something Abaddon had been unwilling to sacrifice in the new order, knowing well the alternatives used in past millennium. At any rate, once finished, scrubbing her hand hard with the memory of where they had touched her god's anatomy, Arei joined the woman at her living room table for tea. Her family owned the upper floor of the building as their home, the bar their income. For some time, they spoke of that, and Arei learned that like Byron's family, this one did well for themselves. However, some nearby homes were not so fortunate, depressingly. Sensing the girl's mood was a pessimistic one currently, Tsasha described the crowds at the celebration, and so on, a couple of hours passing into early morning as they chatted. Then, weariness took Arei again, and she curled back up on the mat laid out for her, falling into dreams….

Fergus and his wife would come to watch her, sipping their tea. Time passed, and she did not stir…the bar closed, the son hitting his bed and sleeping heavily. Now that their distraction was taken care of, the morning in its dead hours, they spoke of the creature before them.

"I would not have thought she would have residual memories…but my god, what would have happened if she went to Madam Teresa's?"

Tsasha shivered. "I suspect she would have been driven away as fast as Teresa could manage…it would be very dangerous for Serenity to remember that part of her past, and even more so if any of Teresa's regular customers saw her. We lucked out. She came here, not to her old home…we should count our blessings."

Fergus sighed. "It's so unfortunate, this fate of hers. She had so many plans…just one more year, and think of what she might have done for our cause! She'd been preparing to be our infiltrator since childhood…I wonder, might she still, in her position—?"

His wife shook her head. "I don't think so. She's angry at the false god for some personal reason…but I do believe her loyalties are clearly to him. She cares for him…unlike Serenity, this Arei is fond of the creature whom she once hated."

Fergus smiled wryly. "How twisted is that? Serenity would be pissed, the rebellious, sly girl that she was."

Tsasha smiled. "Indeed…but that's not to say Arei won't be without her own use."

He cocked an eyebrow at his spouse. "…Sabrina's prophecy?"

"The timing would be right. We'll just have to wait and see, I suppose."

"Yes…I suppose we will."

A few hours later, false dawn, and the God arrived for his priestess. His eyes narrowed at the rebels, but as Arei seemed not to have regained any memories, to have gained any more of the rebels' knowledge, he was unconcerned with her presence in their company. Although he did not like it, he was far more worried about her own turmoil at their actions than anything else. Once he was announced, he entered the room she was staying within…she was awake, standing, and glaring at him. He cared little for her attitude, and expressed as much.

"Are you finished acting like a child, Arei?"

She bristled. "It's childish of me to get fed up with your damnable treatment of me?"

"No. But you are acting like a spoiled brat who hasn't gotten her way. You ran from the situation and sulked, refusing to return home and face the angry adult—"

"Damn you, I am not a little girl, Abaddon! You of all people should know that now, and furthermore, I am not your little toy to—"

"Don't let anyone fool you—you ARE mine! And right now, I am not facing an adult, for an adult wouldn't throw a tantrum; but accept what they know to be true! Now are you done arguing, or do I have to drag you back, kicking and screaming?"

She seethed. "I may be young, but there is no need for you to lecture me. You're bad at it, anyhow."

"Evidently. After all, if I had managed to teach you anything, it's that insults and curses do not work on me. Now come. We have a meeting to attend to, that had to be declined early while you were off on this self-serving trip of yours."

Her hands clenched into fists…she wanted to hit him.

But all she said was, "I am not the only one who needs to grow up some. You have a tendency to skirt responsibility…for me, and for your sins."

And with that, they vanished…to who knows what future ahead of them.