Acacia's Affairs

Hello everyone.  All...five of you.  Anyway, I haven't updated this blog in a while, so I figured I should at least give a status update.  The latest chapter, 19.5, is up right now, so if you haven't read that, go do it.  Chapter 20 is getting revised as we speak.  I leave for China on September 9th so my fondest hope is that I can get it finished and posted before then.  Looking into wordpress to try and get another blog started for when I'm in China, but that is still up in the air.  Worse comes to worse, I can get a friend to post these chapters after I email them to her.

Life has taken its toll on me, as I'm dealing with a rather large amount of stress, due to the visa application process, and packing and moving.  Writing is not on my top priority list right now, but I still try to get some done, even if it's not terribly much.  I will continue this project until it's completion, at which point I'll probably go back for heavier revisions in the hopes of getting it published someday.

Will I keep writing in China?  I will try.  If wordpress works out, this and my video game blog may endure.  Otherwise, it may go on indefinite hiatus, like my etsy site.  I'll keep everyone informed.  Books 2-4 have already been plotted out, but writing won't commence until I'm satisfied with this one.  Might even need to break it into two separate stories, we'll see.

None of this should be new to anyone.  I just wanted to make sure we're all on the same page.  I hate that my writing has slowed to such a degree, because I do love it.  But...I mean, god's sake, I don't even have a writing desk anymore.  It got moved out last weekend by my family.

Anyway, not trying to make excuses, just trying to give people an idea of what's going on, hence the title, Acacia's Affairs.  For fans, I wanted to give a sneak peak of Agni, as he had previously been created by an artist I knew from convention, but...the print is already packed away and moved as well.  Yeah, I'm kind of an idiot.  Sorry guys -_-u

Anyone who wants to stay, you're welcome, I'll be here, on and off.  I don't plan to quit on this.

Chapter 19.5: Dreaming

Soooooo...I've been insanely busy.  Not just with getting ready for China, but with work, travel, and just trying to survive up to departure.  That's slowed down the writing process a bit.  A lot, actually.  It's frustrating, because I want to finish at least this half of my story before taking a break or going back for more revisions.  Anyway, this chapter is another cool down one, but has some important information, hints, and ideas that will be revisited later.  Plus, it also gives us a chance to see what it's like for people in Gesthal to just relax...anyway, I like it, but next time, if I get to it before my departure, we will have something big.

Also, I want people to know that do to Blogger being blocked by the Chinese Government, one of two things are going to have to happen.  I will either continue to update as I can, by emailing my posts to someone stateside who can update for me...or we will migrate to wordpress.  One or the other, we'll see how it goes.

Anyway, without further ado, please enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 19.5: Dreaming

            "Mmmmhhh..." Mina tossed back and forth in bed, sinking deeper and deeper into the mattress.  Her eyes fluttered and she tried to look out over her blankets.  All around her was a world of black glass, with violet lights cascading off the infinite darkness that spread out on all sides.  "Whaa...?" raising her head, she turned to face Celine, but her tan skinned friend was nowhere to be seen.  Her heart leapt into her throat as she began to sink further into her bed and pulled the covers back, revealing that her mattress had turned into something akin to bubbling bread dough.

            Mina's eyes widened, and she struggled against the dough, which clung to her skin and pulled her back down into the warm, soft mess.  Jerking a hand out from the bubbling mass, Mina tried to grab the air, as if it were a cloth, however she didn't feel any energy surging through her.  Lifting her head up, she gasped for breath but what entered her lungs felt strangely empty.  Then, as quickly as her mattress had pulled her down, it expelled her and Mina tumbled out of bed, the remnants of the dough clinging to her skin and night gown.

            Mina landed on a floor made of black glass, highlighted by the violet lights which seemed to be falling, like rain, around her.  The dough melted into her skin and it felt to her as if her nightgown dissolved underneath it, replaced by something much heavier.  "What in Shanadia's-" Mina grunted, looking herself over.  Her eyes widened as the dough fell away to reveal an emerald gown that curved around her neck and stopped just above her ankles, with a set of evening gloves running down her arms.

            Holding her hands to her mouth, she looked back at her bed, but it had vanished, leaving her floating, alone, on a slab of black crystal.  "What's with this dress?" she mumbled.  Rising from the ground, Mina flinched when she felt the cool glass floor under her bare feet.  Flexing her fingers, she closed her eyes and tried to envision a flame sparking to life in her hands, but when she squeezed her stomach muscles, she felt nothing.

            "I can't use my magic either.  This...this isn't Serano, is it?" Mina mused aloud.

            "Very observant, little Mina."

            Mina's head whipped around and she saw a path of black glass forming behind her, leading over to a violet spotlight where a white, crystalline table had been laid out.  Narrowing her eyes, Mina lifted the tresses of her dress and stomped over to the table. 

            Seated at the far end of the table, sipping a steaming cup, was Kinana, dressed in pink clothes similar to Mina's, but with the bottom of her dress stopping just above her knees.  Her leathery wingers were folded around her and the Goetian's golden eyes seemed to glow in the violet light.  "Take a seat," she said, gesturing to a chair across from her.  A second steaming cup rose out of the glass.

            Stopping just short of the chair, Mina crossed her arms and scowled at Kinana.  "This is a dream, isn't it?"

            "Hehe, what was your first clue?" Kinana giggled, flashing Mina a warm smile.

            "Daryl said succubi could enter and meddle with dreams.  It only makes sense," Mina frowned.

            "Smart girl," Kinana said, "I..." she hesitated for a moment, before lowering her drink and continuing, "Sorry about doing this, but with Yuka's departure...I figured this might be the only way I could speak with you," the succubus murmured, leaning forward on the glass table.

            A sigh escaped Mina's lips and she took a seat across from Kinana.  "Why did you come here, miss Kinana?"

            "Because I was worried, dummy," Kinana said, her smile vanishing as she spoke.  "This is the first time in over a week that you've slept soundly enough for me to enter your dreams and talk with you.  I wanted to visit you sooner, but your dreams have been too turbulent and your emotions too erratic for me to enter.  The best I could do was watch you during the few times you did sleep.  And what I saw wasn't very encouraging."

            Mina felt her heartbeat quicken, but lowered her eyes.  Turning towards the drink in front of her, she picked it up with both hands.  The liquid was a murky, blackish brown, but a crisp, sweet smell wafted through her nostrils.  With a sigh, Mina took the cup and drank.  It tasted like honey, but went down silky smooth, filling her belly with warmth.  Lowering the cup, Mina looked up at Kinana and said, "It's been hard for all of us, miss Kinana."

            Rising from her seat, Kinana made her way over to Mina and wrapped her arms around the girl, pressing her cheek against Mina's.  "I know," she whispered, rubbing one of her horns against Mina's scalp, "And I'm sorry."

            Averting her eyes from the succubus's bushy mane of violet hair and her tanned skin, Mina returned Kinana's hug.  "I've missed you, miss Kinana."

            "I've missed you too," Kinana said, planting a kiss on Mina's forehead before pulling back.  She snapped her fingers and her chair scooted over to her side.  "I wanted to come in person, but-" she said, taking a seat next to Mina and crossing her legs.

            "No," Mina shook her head and took another drink.  "It's better that you didn't.  After having to say goodbye to Deminos, I...I don't think I could bear losing you too."

            "Mina..."

            "I'm used to goodbyes," Mina went on, rubbing at her eyes before downing the last of her drink and laying the cup down, "It's part of working at an inn.  Travelers come, go, and sometimes return.  But...this is one of the first times I've thought a goodbye might be...forever."  Mina felt Kinana's hand on her own and held it up to her cheek.

            "Are you scared, little Mina?" Kinana whispered.

            "Uh-huh," Mina nodded, "I knew you'd have to leave sometime, but...I guess I thought that...maybe we'd meet again..."

            "We still could, Mina..."

            "After what's happened, I don't know if I can..." Mina hesitated for a moment before looking into Kinana's eyes.  "Miss Kinana, how can you accept what he's done?!  Is it easier because you haven't seen it, or-?!"

            "I see everything Aeon does, little Mina," Kinana cut her off and closed her eyes for a moment.  "He may not need to sleep, but sometimes he will dream, so that we may enjoy a different kind of pleasure together.  Physical pleasure is nice, but when he dreams, we can open our hearts to one another and see everything.  We trust each other completely and when we connect like that, I can see all that he has done, all his worries...and all his sadness."

            "Sadness?" Mina croaked.

            "Yes," Kinana nodded, opening her eyes, "It may not look like it, but he carries the weight of every life he's taken.  He doesn't have time for doubt, though.  Since before we met, he's been taking lives so other people don't have to.  And so other people don't die."

            "How...how can you just accept that?" Mina sighed, rubbing her hand against her forehead.  "I mean, I think I understand why he does it, but..."

            "I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you, little Mina," Kinana said, ruffling Mina's hair and eliciting a weak smile from the girl, "I've been with Aeon for over 300 years.  During that time he's done some crazy things to keep the peace and protect those he cares about.  I, at least, know he's not as cruel or heartless as people say.  I know that he makes hard choices so others don't have to.  I can't speak for the rest of Acacia, but I choose to stand by him because...well, because he's always stood by me."

            "Miss Kinana..." Mina murmured, leaning closer to the succubus, so that Kinana could scratch the fourteen year old girl's ear, "What...what could he have done to warrant that level of trust?"

            "Hehe..." Kinana let out a nervous chuckle and pulled away from Mina.  Looking up, Mina saw Kinana's whole body flush red and a grin formed on her lips.  "That's...an embarrassing story," she said.

            "Why?" Mina said, wincing slightly as heat began radiating off of the Goetian in front of her, "Was it how you fell in love?"

            "Well...yes...but..." Kinana fidgeted in place and covered her face with her hands.  "I was...kind of a...I was nasty, back when Aeon first met me.  In fact, it was before he'd taken the name Aeon."

            "Hmm?"

            "Back then, he was training on a snowy mountain to try and master his magic and numb the pain in his chest...but he got lonely and...formed a contract with me," Kinana said, rubbing her burning cheeks with her hands.  "I actually thought he'd be weak and tried to take advantage of him.  We fought for a bit, but he eventually bested me.  He didn't treat me cruelly, though...he let me do what I wanted.  If I attacked him, he fought me off.  If I didn't, we'd talk together or eat together or train together."

            "Haha, that sounds sweet," Mina laughed, breathing a bit easier as Kinana squirmed in her chair.

            "If you'd seen it, you'd have been terrified, little Mina," Kinana wrinkled her nose.  "In spite of how vicious I could be though, he cherished our time together.  I don't know if he was lonely or just being friendly, but whenever I was around, there was a smile on his frozen lips.  Our time together couldn't last though.  Our contract required I drain him of his life force in exchange for my company.  At first I did it without hesitation, but after a while I...just couldn't."

            "Because you loved him?" Mina sat up and raised an eyebrow.

            "I dunno," Kinana shook her head.  "It just didn't seem right, after all that he'd done for me and all we'd been through.  It all came to a head when I saw his heart break for a second time.  After that, I...I just...I didn't want to hurt him further.  So, I broke our contract."

            "That's good though, isn't it?  That way, you could be together without restrictions," Mina said.

            "You don't understand, little Mina," Kinana let out a snicker.  "In Goetia, we tend to do as we please with no worries, but the contracts that allow us entrance into Serano are absolute.  Without them, we wouldn't be able to leave our own world.  Breaking them is one of the few punishable offenses there.  And, for breaking my contract, I was to be flayed until my skin was stained bright crimson."  Mina's eyes widened, but Kinana didn't seem to notice.  Her lips had curved into a wide smile and she stared into the distance dreamy, eyed.  "When Aeon found out, he forced open the gates of Goetia itself, stormed in, and pleaded with our lord on my behalf."

            Mina's mouth dropped open.  "He...he spoke with the lord of Goetia?!  But...but isn't his power on par with the father of the Dragons?!"

            "Haha, yeah.  You know, I had that exact same expression on my face when he strode into the Court of Goet," Kinana giggled, "He amused our lord, so, on a whim, he granted Aeon's request.  We've had our current contract ever since.  Our lord modified it so that I could stay with Aeon for as long as I loved him," Kinana said, covering her grin with her hands.

            For a moment, Mina was silent.  She bowed her head and then let out a short sigh.  "He speaks with the king of Goetia and seals away Dragons for those he loves.  Heh...no wonder Yuka was harder on herself than she was on him," Mina let out a bitter chortle.  Crossing her arms, Kinana leaned over and gave Mina a peck on the cheek.  Immediately, her face turned bright red.  "W-what was that for?!"

            "To make you lighten up!" Kinana laughed, "I've been around Aeon long enough to know that what he does isn't all that special.  After all, wouldn't you do the same for Celine, Daryl, or that uncle of yours?"

            Rubbing her cheek, Mina allowed herself a tiny smile.  "Yeah...I would."

            "You trust them because they've earned that much," Kinana said, scooting her chair closer to Mina and putting her arm around the girl's shoulder.  "Some people might never earn that trust with you.  I know from experience that it's hard, especially if you've been hurt.  But that's okay.  Because we do have people we can believe in.  In the end, I'd say that makes us both pretty lucky, little Mina."

            Hesitating for a moment, Mina nodded and leaned into the succubus's chest.  The sweet scent of roses and honey washed over Mina and she had to resist the urge to hug her.  "Thank you, miss Kinana," she mumbled as Kinana stroked her hair, "I...I'm glad I got to speak with you one last time."

            "You sound a sad," Kinana said, tickling Mina's ear with her tail to elicit a giggle.  "Don't be.  This isn't goodbye yet.  We'll see each other again.  I promise."

            "I want to believe you, miss Kinana," Mina nodded before pulling away from the Goetian.  "But...this is a dream, right?  Will I remember any of this when I wake up?"

            Lifting her chin with one of her violet colored nails, Kinana nuzzled Mina's cheek.  "If you want to, you will."

            "Miss Kinana?"

            "Shhhhh," Kinana put a finger to Mina's lips.  "It's time to wake up, Mina."

            A squeak escaped Mina's lips as the chair she'd been sitting in dissolved into a long, winding slide, which carried her away from Kinana and her world of black glass and violet lights.  Her eyes grew heavy as she slid downward, however the deeper she went, the lighter the world around her became.  Eventually, she saw a bed at the end of the slide out of half closed eyes.  Her dress dissolved from her body until it was nothing but a thin night gown and she tumbled feet first into bed.  Turning over, she laid her head on her pillow and snuggled into the warm cocoon of blankets that was waiting for her.

            "Mina?" she felt something tugging at her arm and pulled away, wrapping herself deeper into her blankets.  "Ah, c'mon!  It's time to wake up, Mina!" she felt the blankets pulled off her and turned over to see Celine's tanned face looking down at her, an annoyed frown hovering at the edge of her lips.

            "Hah!" Mina sat bolt upright in bed and nearly rammed her forehead into Celine's.  "Celi!" Mina exclaimed, breathing hard and pressing a hand to her heart.  "Umm..." she swallowed hard and tried to slow her breathing as her friend's eyes twisted with worry.  "Is it time for work?"

            "Yeah...hey, are you feeling alright?" Celine cocked an eye at Mina and took a seat at the edge of her bed.

            Raising one hand, Mina rubbed her fingers together.  Feeling the heat they generated, she envisioned a tiny flame sparking to life in her palm.  Clenching her stomach muscles, Mina felt energy flowing through her, into her hand, and a tiny spark erupted out of her palm, rising to half a foot tall before dying down into a few embers.

            "Mina, what the-?!"

            "Phew..." Mina closed her hand around the flame and wiped her brow.  "Just checking."

            For a few seconds, Celine looked at her nonplussed before shaking her head and getting up.  "We're gonna have to talk about that later, but for now, get dressed."  She tossed Mina her work dress before putting her own dress on.

            A tiny smile hinged at the corner of Mina's lips as she put on her dress, but as quickly as it had appeared it vanished.  After she had fitted the dress over her shoulders, she let out a sigh and began to tidy her hair up in the mirror.

            "Celi, the mail came in yesterday, right?"

            "Yeah, but I think you were taking a nap when the postman came by," Celine mumbled.  "Why?"

            "Wrec's been expecting a letter.  I hope he got some good news."

            "Likewise," Celine nodded, pulling the attic door up.  "Did you know Yuka sent out a few letters yesterday too?"

            "No, I didn't," Mina said, grimacing as she pulled a knot out of her hair.  "What was in them?"

            "How should I know?" Celine shrugged, leading the way downstairs with Mina following close behind, "I just saw her hand them off.  I didn't ask her about it or anything."

            "Whatever it is, I hope she's feeling better.  It's been almost a week since she checked in."

            "Yeah, though you gotta know it's harder for her than it was for us," Celine sighed.

            "Uh-huh..."

            "Heh, on time for a change," Kano snickered, sticking his head out of the kitchen.  "Lucky for you two, I work so quickly," he added, handing out six trays to each of them.

            "Be right back, uncle!" Mina called so cheerfully that it surprised herself.

            "I'll take the priests and Daryl," Celine mumbled.  "You go check on Wrec."

            "Thanks," Mina whispered, as they separated in the middle of the tavern.

            Wrec was sitting alone at his table.  His white and blue uniform looking freshly cleaned, however his face was unshaven and there were rings under his eyes.  He didn't even look up when Mina dropped his tray of food down.  His face was buried in a crumpled letter in his hands.

            "Umm...Wrec?" Mina called out to him.  When the therian didn't response, she gave his shoulder a quick shake.  "Wrec!"

            "Eh?!  Wussit...oh..." he grunted, folding the letter up and tucking it down his collar, "Oh, it's you.  Sorry, I'm just a bit preoccupied."

            "I see you got your letter," Mina murmured, "Bad news?"

            "Wut?  N-No, nothing like that," Wrec stammered, shaking his head and grabbing his tray of food.  "It's nothing...just an update from home," he said through a mouthful of grits and egg.  "I'm just...homesick, I guess." He tried to smile, but Mina could see that the edges of his mouth twitched as he did so.

            "Maybe you should ask Morak for a raise?  Or maybe one of us could give you a loan.  We can-"

            "I said it was nothing, Mina," Wrec snorted, "So, don't worry about it.  Nothing's wrong."

            "Oh...sorry for butting in," Mina bowed her head and quickly stepped away from the therian as he tore into his food with frightening vigor.  She dropped four of the five trays of food off as she made her way to Nivtenc, sitting in his usual spot in the back of the tavern.

            "Hmmm?" Nivtenc looked down at her and took the tray Mina was holding.  "So, I take it you've noticed the storm clouds brewing over our friend?"

            "Yeah...he says nothing's wrong, but-"

            "Hmph...but we have eyes, don't we?" Nivtenc snickered, "Leave him be, Mina.  You cannot help someone who does not want to be helped."

            "I suppose you're right," Mina sighed, "Though that doesn't seem to stop others from trying, does it?"

            "Hmm?"

            "I got a visit from an old friend this morning, before work," Mina said, a hint of a smile forming on her lips.  "She loves to meddle and I hadn't asked her to stop by, but...well...I guess I was glad she did."

            "Oh?  I thought you had a bit of spring to your step when you first came in," Nivtenc chuckled.  Behind the white cloth hiding his face, Mina envisioned a smile on the Aridian's lips.

            "I guess I'm finally feeling a little better, Nivtenc.  I've even been able to sleep through the whole night, lately."

            "Did you make peace with the friend who hurt you?" Nivtenc pushed his food aside and propped his elbows up on his knees.

            "No...I doubt I can," Mina shook her head, "To be a friend takes trust and...even if you do something for a good reason, when that trust is lost..."

            "I understand," Nivtenc nodded.  "In that case, forget about him and treasure the friends that you can trust."

            Raising an eyebrow, Mina allowed a smirk to cross her lips.  "Like you, maybe?"

            "Hehe, I didn't say that..." Nivtenc laughed.  "You'd better get going.  Seems like another friend of yours has arrived." 

            The Aridian nodded towards the stairs next to the kitchen.  Trudging downstairs wearing a pair of stained sandals, a wrinkled burlap tunic and matching pants was Yuka, though her hair was unbraided and frizzy, sticking up in some places while hanging down her back or over her shoulder in others.  The neeg let out a large yawn and trudged over to a table next to the kitchen.

            "I guess you're right," Mina chuckled.  "See you later, Nivtenc," she waved to him as she headed back to the kitchen.  Before she could even step in, Kano thrust a tray out at her.

            "For our little layabout," he snickered, winking at Mina before turning back to his food.

            "Uncle!" Mina sighed as she turned away from him and trotted over to Yuka.  "Here.  Doesn't get much fresher than this."

            "Thanks," Yuka croaked, sipping a mug of water before clearing her throat.  "Ugh...didn't expect the old man's brandy ta be so hard..." she grunted, holding her head.

            "Brandy?" Mina cocked an eye at her.  "Were you...did you stay up drinking last night?!"

            "Don worry, I only do it when I'm critically exhausted an mentally broken.  That way, I don remember anythin stupid I did the next mornin," Yuka flashed Mina a sardonic smirk.

            Rolling her eyes, Mina laid the tray down in front of her.  "My uncle's brandy is used by the local doctors to knock people out, Yuka...I hope you didn't have too much.  Either way, eat something.  It'll help with the head ache."

            "Jeez, ya sound just like..." Yuka stopped before she finished that sentence and began to eat the cockatrice eggs and fried aurox meat in front of her. 

            She and Mina shared an awkward silence for a few seconds before Mina cleared her throat with a cough and leaned on a chair across from the neeg.  "So..." she stammered, averting her eyes from the neeg, "It's been a week.  Have you decided what you want to do?"

            "Tryin ta get ridda me?" Yuka chuckled.

            "Hey, I like having you here," Mina smiled and winked at Yuka, "You keep the border guards in line."

            "When I ain't drinkin with'em," Yuka laughed.  "I'm waitin, actually.  Tryin ta find some leads on Canak's sister an aunt."

            "So, will you go meet them?" Mina murmured, her gaze softening slightly as she did.

            Yuka stopped eating in the middle of her grits, swallowed hard, and sighed.  Pushing her food aside, she grabbed a handful of her frizzy brown hair and began to braid it.  "They probably don even know he's..." Yuka shook her head, "Anyway, they deserve ta hear bout what he was doin...an how he died."

            "That's...not going to be a happy meeting," Mina mumbled.

            "Nope," Yuka said matter-of-factly.  "Though, I bet ya know all about that, eh?"

            "I do.  But I was lucky," Mina mused, glancing back towards the kitchen.

            "We both were...fer a bit, at least," Yuka shrugged, "Anyway, back ta work with ya.  Less ya want the old man ta bring out that cleavera his."

            Mina giggled and shook her head.  "No, he only uses that for new arrivals.  He has a wooden spoon for the regulars," she snickered before heading back to the kitchen.  Leaning against the frame of the door, Mina crossed her arms and loudly cleared her throat.  Kano looked over his shoulder, then turned back to his cooking.

            "What'd I do this time?" he snorted.

            "What were you thinking giving Yuka some of that brandy?" she wrinkled her nose before picking up the six trays laid out for her.  "Morak's the last one crazy enough to try a swig and that nearly knocked him out!"

            "Heh," Kano snickered and scratched his nose.  "That woman ain't delicate, I'll tell ya that.  She'dve chugged my whole supply if I let her.  Even though she was payin full price, I had to cut her off after the first mug.  She wanted more.  I wanted a tenant with a pulse."

            "Oh..." Mina stammered, the anger rapidly dissipating from her face.

            "Anyway, now that that's settled," Kano said, scooping grits onto plates, "Take that to the border guards.  Celi's already come and gone with her portion."

            "Gotcha," Mina mumbled, casting a gaze over at Yuka, who still had her hand over her forehead.  Turning her attention back to the tavern, Mina headed over to the border guards, all of whom were nursing similar headaches.

            "Too much last night?" Celine smirked, handing Fak a tray of food and a mug of water.

            "Ugh...owww...talkin...baaaa..." he grunted, downing half the cup in a single gulp.

            "What's that girl made of?" another snorted, glancing over at Yuka.

            "Sterner stuff than any of us, that's for sure," Morak sighed, massaging his temples.

            "I-" Mina started to say before Morak held up a hand.

            "Not one word, missy!" he grunted before holding a hand over his mouth.  "Just...food and water please..."

            Stifling a giggle, Mina handed Morak the tray of food and water before giving the other guards their share.

            "You boys always look your best after a few good drinks," Celine had a wicked grin on her lips.  "Not a single raised hand."

            "Awww piss off, will ya...owwww," Fak groaned through a mouthful of eggs.

            The two girls exchanged a knowing glance and chuckled.  "Oh!" Mina exclaimed to herself.  "Morak?" she nudged the guard captain's shoulder.

            Lowering his hand from his temple to massage his scarred eye, Morak scowled at her.  "What did I just-?"

            "It's about Wrec," Mina whispered.

            Morak lowered his hand and glanced over at the guardsmen sitting with him.  They all averted their eyes from Mina.  With a sigh, Morak resumed rubbing his forehead and replied, "What about him?"

            "I was just wondering...he seems worried about money.  Maybe you could-"

            "We beat ya to the punch, Mina," the man sitting across from Morak sneered.  "Captain offered him a forward on his wages, but he kept on sayin nuthin was the matter."

            "When we get him from his room, he's always countin somethin an shoos us away after we knock," Another man mumbled.

            "Bastard snarled at me like a rabbid apocra last night..." Fak snorted.

            "Aright, enougha that!" Morak barked.  Turning back to Mina, he shook his head.  "Whatever's buggin him is his own business.  If he doesn't wanna tell us, then there's nothin we can do."

            Mina's shoulder's slumped and she nodded.  "Figured I'd at least ask," she sighed.  Turning back towards the kitchen, she felt a sharp jolt run through her back as Celine slapped it before wrapping her left arm around Mina's shoulders.

            "That was real smooth of you.  Maybe next you'd like to leave a bag of money under Wrec's pillow and say the fairies did it?"

            "Celi..." Mina growled.

            "Just let it go.  He's not the first one to have problems and he won't be the last.  Ya can't help'em all, Mina," Celine said, shaking her head.

            "I know, I know," Mina sighed, "So, is Daryl joining us for breakfast?"

            "Nope," Celine shook her head.  "Said she can't.  Apparently Angelo has some kinda special project for her today," the tan skinned girl shrugged.

            "Oh...well, I hope everything will be okay," Mina looked over at Daryl herself and saw her  picking at her food with her head hanging low, her hair obscuring her face.  "She's seemed pretty out of it lately."

            "Ya wanna help her too?" Celine sighed and ground her knuckles into Mina's scalp.

            "Ow!" Mina groaned, rubbing her sore head, "Celi?!"

            "You know I love you for caring so much, but you're trying a little too hard, Mina," Celine said, returning her arm to Mina's shoulder, "Especially after what happened with Aeon.  Look, Daryl's a big girl and Wrec'll work things out on his own.  Why don't you try being selfish for a few days?"

            Mina raised an eyebrow at Celine before shaking her head.  "I've lain about too much already.  I think I've been selfish enough, Celi," she said as they stepped into the kitchen.

            Kano handed them their breakfasts and began putting what food remained away and scrubbing his utensils.  The two girls took a seat at Yuka's table right as the neeg was getting up.  She let out a monstrous yawn and rubbed her eyes before trudging upstairs and disappearing.

            "See?  She's got the right idea," Celine smirked.

            "Noooooooooo!" Mina let out a long, droning sigh.

            "C'mon," Celine said, shoveling food down her mouth, "At least come with me to river today.  We can wipe some of the sweat and grime off our skin from the last week."

            Mina's shoulders slumped in defeat.  "Alright, Celi, fine," she grunted, before scooping up large portions of grits and eggs with her spoon.  The two ate so ravenously that they were done in practically no time.

            "You take care of the dishes, I'll take care of the clothes," Celine said, racing upstairs before Mina had time to protest.

            Shaking her head, Mina couldn't help but crack a smile.  "I guess I am pretty lucky, miss Kinana," she mused, taking up the trays and heading into the kitchen. 

            Kano was almost done scrubbing out his pots and barely turned towards Mina when she entered.  Submerging the dishes in a bucket of water that was now full of food scraps, Mina grabbed a rag and wiped the plates and utensils clean of any debris.

            "We're heading up to the river today, Uncle.  Should be back by dinner," Mina said offhandedly.

            "Ah, good.  You two've been staying in so much I was starting to get worried," Kano muttered, "And you're even doing your dishes.  What's the occassion?" Mina pursed her lips and playfully sneered at Kano before sticking out her tongue at him.  "Nothing.  Just feeling helpful today," she said before kissing the innkeeper on the cheek, through his wiry beard.

            After she was done, Mina headed out of the kitchen, only to have Celine run up to her, slowing down only to grab her by the arm, and pull her out of the tavern.  Mina managed to match Celine's pace once they were outside, running over Gesthal's cobbled streets.  They waved to a few people as they passed, but within minutes, they'd left the streets of the tiny border town behind them.

            "Someone's in a hurry," Mina said, panting slightly as she slowed her pace to a jog.

            "Just don't want you changing your mind on me!" Celine chuckled, as they passed Aegle and Devan's ranch.  The plump aurox shot them a few bored glances before returning to their grazing.

            The girls slowed to a halt near a large riverbed, easily ten yards wide, with a small wooden bridge over it.  The river flowed down from the Keval mountains, which loomed far to the left of them.  A few trees dotted the side of the river and to the right of them, in the distance, was a woman washing clothes.  Aside from that, they were alone.

            Laying two bundles of clothes and a pair of linen towels over the bridge's railing, Celine stripped out of her work dress, laid it down in the grass, and tiptoed into the water.  A shiver ran up her spine as she did so.

            "AH!  It's cold!" she squealed, letting her hands hang at her sides as she waded in up to her waist.  From where Mina was standing, she could see that Celine's skin was somewhat lighter where her dress usually covered, but still far darker than her own.  Pimples rose on her skin as she walked, until she stopped, waist deep in the water and looked back at Mina.

            "What did you expect?" Mina called back, laying her own dress next to Celine's and covering her apple bud breasts with her arms.

            "I-It's spring!  I thought it'd b-be warmer by now!  It feels j-just as cold as last month!"

            "Hehe, should I try and warm it for you?" Mina giggled, shivering herself as she waded in up to her chest.  Holding her hands above the water, Mina focused on her full belly and squeezed.  A burp escaped her throat and she turned beet red.

            "D-Dunno how that was supposed to help," Celine snickered.

            "No, I...I meant to do this!" Mina stammered through chattering teeth, rubbing her fingers together until a tiny spark formed in her palm.  Guiding energy into her hands, she made them rise into lantern sized flames and held one out to Celine.

            "Ooooo...that is nice," Celine cooed, the shivering in her body dying down as she warmed her hands around the flame.

            "Oi!  Room for one more?!"

            The girls turned but before they could respond, Yuka jumped into the air and curled herself into a ball.  She landed in front of them with a massive splash, drenching Mina and Celine's hair with water and dousing the flames in Mina's hands.

            Rising out of the water like a leviathan, Yuka spat out water as if she were a fountain before splashing the two girls.  Her braided brown ponytail was coiled around her neck and hung there, wet and heavy, like a bronze pendant.  "What's wrong with ya?  This river feels great!  Nothin like the dinky little thing we had back in..." she stopped herself before she finished.  "Anyway, have some fun!" she laughed, draping her arms around both girls.

            "Ummm..." Mina grunted, her eyes falling towards the shadow of Yuka's naked body, which was floating dangerously close to her own.  Blushing scarlet, Mina opened her mouth to speak, but a splash cut her off.

            "Ya know, if you're gonna ask, then at least wait for an answer!" Celine snorted, thrusting her palm in Yuka's direction and sending a wave of water towards her.

            "Details, details..." Yuka chuckled, ducking behind Mina for protection.

            Mina looked from Yuka, who had a smirk on her lips, to Celine, whose grin had turned malicious.  "Celi, no!" Mina ordered, right before another wave crashed over her.  The girl glared daggers at her two friends, who had taken a sudden interest in the clouds overhead.

            "Heh...I picked a good day ta need a bath, eh?"

            The three girls turned their heads to see Aegle sitting by the riverbank.  The lanky young man was bare chested and had only a thin set of work pants on below the waist.  His ruddy blond hair fell just short of his eyes which held nothing more than simple amusement.  Sweat gleamed off of his muscles in the late morning sun.

            "Oh boy..." Mina sighed, covering herself despite being submersed in the water.

            "Nothin beats a bash in the river.  Always love havin people ta splash about with.  So, how cold is it?" Aegle said, his eyes immediately leaving the girls and venturing towards the far end of the river.  "I don wanna get sick'r nothin."

            "Feels like ice goin in..." Celine hissed, "But it'll get warmer the longer ya stay in.  So why don't ya just head on over to the other side of the bridge an-"

            "Nah, I think I'll just warm it up here," Aegle nodded.  Holding out his hand, Mina's eyes widened as a plume of flame shot forth, headed straight for the middle of the water, right next to where she was standing.

            Celine and Yuka turned to her, as the tiny gout of flames surged forward, but Mina had already raised her hand.  Without thinking, she guided energy from her stomach to her fingers and dug them into the air, dragging it upwards.  Wind kicked up from the surface of the water, deflecting the flames into the air, where they dissipated.

            "Oi, idjit!  Watch where ya're aimin!  Ya nearly hit us!" Yuka snarled, halfway out of the water and cracking her knuckles.

            Aegle seemed to not notice her.  His eyes were fixed on Mina, whose wet hair was still rustling from the wind she'd created.  "When'd ya learn ta do that, eh?" he said, scooting down the edge of the water.

            "I-" Mina trembled, but before she could speak, Yuka's fist met Aegle's cheek, knocking the lanky young man flat on the riverbanks.

            "Ya damned fool..." she sneered, "What'dve happened if ya'd caught us on fire, eh?!"

            "You'd have dunked your heads under the water?" Aegle said matter-of-factly, seemingly unaware that he'd been struck.

            Yuka already had her hand around his throat, but stopped when she heard him speak.  Releasing the young man, she tapped her fingers against her bottom lip and only managed a, "Huh...guess ya have a point there..."

            "Oh geez..." Celine rubbed the bridge of her nose.  "That still doesn't explain why you thought'd be okay to shoot a fireball at us!"

            Climbing back to his feet, Aegle shrugged.  "Everythin worked out.  But where'd ya learn that, Mina?  Did my pops teach ya?  Or one of the clergy?  I didn think ya could use magic, but that was real smooth!" He said, unable to hide the glee in his voice.  "Lemme throw another one your way!"

            A scowl creased Mina's brow and she put her hand under the water.  Lifting it up, she focused the energy in her hand on keeping the water from spilling through her fingers.  Holding it in a tiny sphere, she chucked it at Aegle, hitting him square in the face.

            "Are you nuts?!" she snapped, "I only did that because I thought you'd hit me!  I'm not gonna let you through flames at me!"

            "What's his deal?" Yuka muttered to Celine, "He don't seem taa sharp..."

            "Aegle's just really easy going," Celine groaned, "Nothing seems to bother him too much.  Anyway..." she said, striding out of the water and getting between Aegle and Mina.  Crossing her arms, she frowned at the lanky young man.  "This's a secret, okay?  Ya can't tell anyone about Mina."

            "Huh?  But why?" Aegle scratched some stubble that was forming under his chin, "It's pretty cool, if you ask me."

            "D-Daryl's been teaching me and..." Mina stammered, keeping her eyes low, "And we want it to be a surprise!" she said, finding confidence as she spoke.

            "Haha, oh, I gotcha!" Aegle laughed, scratching the back of his head and nodding as he did.  "Bet you'll show old Kano at the summer festival, right?  Sure will surprise him," Aegle nodded to himself without even looking at Mina.  "Anywho, I'll just take a quick dip an-" he started to say, wading into the water up to his ankles before Yuka grabbed his head.

            "Other sidea the bridge, ya idjit," the neeg snorted.

            "Eh?  Why'sat?" Aegle raised an eyebrow.

            Yuka's mouth dropped open and she flashed an incredulous stare at Mina and Celine, who seemed unmoved by his words.  Celine was already wading back into the water and though Mina still covered herself, she wasn't surprised.  "Why do ya think?!" Yuka snarled.  Scratching his blonde hair, Aegle shrugged, much to Yuka's chagrin.

            "Aegle, we're kinda full over here," Mina said, smiling sweetly at him.  "So, can you please just do this for us?"

            "Eh?  Sure if it's that big a deal," Aegle mumbled.  He shrugged and headed over to the other side of the bridge.  The girls heard him let out a yip before splashing into the water and flailing about.

            "Does he really not understand why-" Yuka started to say

            "Nope," Mina and Celine said in unison.

            "Aegle's just like that," Mina shrugged, lifting her feet off the ground and floating amidst the current, "He hasn't shown interest in any of the girls in Gesthal yet."

            "Heh, Dem was..." Yuka stopped herself and let out a sigh.  "Dem was always a bit awkward around girls.  He probably wouldn be so bold."  Wading back into the water and laying back, Yuka let herself float, only occasionally fighting the river's current.  "Guess your friend's a late bloomer."

            "Dunno what to tell ya," Celine mumbled, walking towards the middle of the river.  She sank into the water until only her nose was above it and almost laid back.  Slowly, Celine began to drift downriver from Mina and Yuka.  When she noticed, she tried to walk back, but the ground underneath her gave way and her head bobbed under the water.  "Pblt?!" she tried to call out to Mina and Yuka, but swallowed a mouthful of water for her efforts.  She began to flail her arms about as she drifted further and further away from them.

            "Hmmm...this is nice.  It was a good idea coming out here, Celi," Mina said.  Turning towards Celine, Mina raised an eyebrow and saw her friend being pulled away.  "Celi?  Celi!" Mina cried, paddling towards her as fast as she could.

            "Where're you-" Yuka began, but stopped when she saw Mina and Celine floating away.  "Oi, get back!"

            Paddling into the current, Mina managed to catch Celine before she hit the bridge and grabbed her.  "Hold on, Celi," Mina panted, putting one of her friend's tan arms around her neck while trying to paddle against the current.  Upriver, she saw Yuka wading towards them as quickly as she could. 

            Concentrating on the water around her, Mina envisioned a rope in her mind and guided energy into her arms.  Water coiled around her arm and shot out of the river.  Yuka tried to grab it, but her hands only went through it.

            "Ya need ta freeze it!" Yuka called, "Otherwise, I can't pull ya in!"

            "I...can't...!" Mina panted, trying to both keep the water rope stable and keep hold of Celine while paddling.  "I never learned how!"

            Before either of them could say anymore, there was a splash next to Mina and Aegle's head surged out of the water.  He put Celine's other arm around his neck and grabbed onto Mina's rope of water.  Ice began to flow out of his fingertips, freezing the water solid.  It crystalized up to the end Yuka was holding and immediately, she began to reel them in, her muscles bulging out as she yanked them through the water.

            Dragging the three of them to the shallows, Yuka fell backwards onto the river bank, panting hard.  Aegle and Mina helped Celine onto the bank and flipped her onto her back.  She coughed up a little water, but sucked in a few shallow breaths and started to breathe normally.

            Putting her hand over her throbbing heart, Mina glanced over at Aegle, who was no longer wearing his work pants.  "Ya alright?" he grunted, looking from one girl to the other.

            "Y-yeah," Mina wheezed for air and nodded.  "Thanks."

            "Pretty dumb goin that deep if ya can't swim," Aegle snorted at Celine, "Ya were lucky Mina and I were here."

            "Oi, what about me?!" Yuka growled.

            "Bite me, Aegle," Celine sighed, putting her arm to her forehead.

            "She means thank you," Mina smiled and nodded at him.

            "Nah, no big deal...good thing I heard ya shoutin though," he shrugged.  "Surprised ya can't freeze water yet.  It's not that hard..."

            "Well I haven't had eight years of practice like some of us," she grunted at Aegle, but managed to keep her smile.

            "Eh, whatever.  Just ask Daryl to teach you.  It'll take some work, but you'll get it," he smiled.

            "Right..." Mina murmured, her shoulder drooping slightly as she spoke.

            "Anyway, if ya're alright, I'll head back," Aegle said, rising to his feet and stretching his arms over his head.

            "Did you bring a towel, Aegle?" Celine mumbled.

            The young man froze for a moment and scratched his head.  "Knew I was forgettin somethin."

            "Just take one of ours," Celine sighed, "It's the least we can do."

            "Ah, that's kind of ya," Aegle laughed and nodded his head.  "Alright, well, I'll see ya later!"  He snatched one of the towels they had laid on the bridge and headed to the other side where, presumably, he had left his pants.

            "Tch...he really is a straight arrow, huh?" Yuka chuckled.

            "Hmm?" Mina looked over at her.

            "Nothin.  Hold on," she said, getting to her feet and ambling over to where the girls had left their change of clothes and the remaining towel.  Yuka pulled her own clothes out of the tall grass near the bridge and tossed both her towel and the towel and clothes that Mina and Celine had brought to them.  "Ya better get dry or ya'll get sick," Yuka said, plopping down on the bank, still dripping wet.

            After handing one towel to Mina, Celine quickly dried herself off.  While she was drying her hair, she cast her eyes towards Yuka, who was squeezing excess water from her ponytail.  Smirking to herself, Celine handed Yuka the damp towel. "Here.  Ya ain't gonna get dry by doing that."

            "Tcch, or by usin this," Yuka snorted, accepting the towel nonetheless.

            "Right, right...anyway, thanks for saving me," Celine blushed.  "You too, Mina."

            "If only Aegle were still here..." Mina shook her head and laughed, patting down her tangled hair before laying her towel in the grass next to Yuka and dressing herself in a light emerald tunic with a white skirt.

            "Eh, I can tell him later," Celine shrugged and pulled on a set of burlap pants and a dark blue tunic of her own.

            "Heh..." Yuka flashed them a toothy grin and reclined in the grass with only the moist towel covering her body.  "Ya sure do have a great life here.  Family, friends, an kind people...s'like a dream," she murmured, looking off into the distance, as the sun hung high above them.

            "I would have said the same about your life, Yuka," Mina mused, feeling her heartbeat begin to race.  "Now that it's over, it all feels like..." she stopped herself and shook her head.  "Let's go back.  We can get some snacks before the dinner shift."

            "Nah, I think I'll stay here a bit," Yuka mumbled, laying down in the grass.  "Ya two go on.  I'll catch ya back at the inn."

            Mina and Celine exchanged glances.  Celine jerked her head back towards the village, while Mina lowered her eyes and nodded.  "Okay...see you later," Mina said, before gathering up their work dresses and walking back with Celine.

            They passed Aegle and Devan's ranch in silence, barely catching the wisp of snow that wafted out of the doors of their barn before it disappeared in the spring heat.  When the barn began to grow small in the distance, Mina let out a sigh and put her arms behind her head.

            "I guess we both still need more time," she mumbled aloud.

            "Sorry about almost gettin drowned," Celine grunted, as they passed some houses on the outskirts of Gesthal.  "Not exactly relaxin, huh?"

            "It was fun," Mina giggled, "Thanks for dragging me out here."

            "Hey!" the girls looked up and saw Daryl barreling towards them, her feet moving so fast that they nearly kicked up the cobblestones that lined the street.  Skidding to a halt in front of them, she dropped to her knees, holding her sides.  Her purple hair fell over her face in a tangled mess, but she quickly brushed it aside to look up at the two girls.  "I...I need your help!" Daryl panted.

            "Daryl, wait!" a cry echoed through the roads behind them.

            "Is that Angelo?" Mina raised an eyebrow.

            "Hide me!" Daryl grabbed Mina's skirt, her eyes wide. "Please!"

            Mina hesitated for only a second before nodding to Celine and grabbing her arm.  Without a second look, Celine hoisted Daryl over her shoulder and allowed Mina to guide the three of them away from the main street and through an alley.  As they walked, the three girls heard, "I'm sorry for pushing you!  Please, let's just try it again!  I'm sure you'll get it this time!"

            Without looking back, the three girls headed in the direction opposite the voice, working their way through the backstreets of Gesthal until they were in sight of the tavern.  They passed underneath the window next to the kitchen and Celine set Daryl down at the back of the tavern, next to a locked door.

            "Doubt they'll look back here," Mina said, squatting down next to Daryl, as the purple haired girl's legs gave out and she rested her back against the building's wooden wall.  "Now what happened?  Did Angelo hurt you?!"

            "N-No...no, " Daryl stammered, straightening her hair as she composed herself, even as Celine crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.

            "If he's stepped outta line, the border guard'll straighten him out.  C'mon, let's go get Morak."

            "Wait!" Daryl exclaimed.  The girls turned their gazes back to her and waited.  Taking a deep breath, Daryl put her hand over her heart.  "I...It's not what you think," she muttered, averting her eyes from their questing gazes.  "Rolf came back from Steadfall last night with the materials to try and bind a Metronian so I could summon it," Daryl said, all in one breath.  "My mom let them set it up in our basement and we performed the ritual today."

            Both Mina and Celine raised an eyebrow before exchanging glances.  "So what happened?" Celine grunted, "I thought you were excited about that, princess?"

            "Well, we knew you were a bit apprehensive, but-" Mina started to say.

            "I just..." tears began to well up in Daryl's eyes.  "I just choked, alright?!" she snapped.  "I memorized all the runes and Angelo and I drew out the summoning circle together, but..." clasping her heart, Daryl began to cry, "I felt it pulling on me!  I felt the Metronian pulling on me from its own world!  And...and I was scared..." she wept, curling her hands around her knees and hiding her face in them.  "It felt my heart was being crushed, like...like I was in some kind of wide awake nightmare!"

            Wordlessly, Mina knelt down next to Daryl and wrapped her arms around the purpled haired girl, resting her nose against her friend's shoulder and holding her tight.  Putting her back against the wall, Celine stood next to Daryl, reaching her hand down to touch the girl's fingers, which Daryl grasped in return.

            Lifting her head out of her knees, she continued to weep.  "I couldn't form a stable link...and the circle broke.  We...Angelo tried to comfort me...told me what I felt was normal," she sniffled, "And we tried again and again, but I couldn't do it...I thought..." looking down at her hands, she grabbed her sides, "I thought I'd end up like Deminos.  I told Angelo I didn't wanna try anymore and he got mad and started shouting and my mom came in and..." she put her hand over her mouth and descended into sobbing.

            "Daryl...if you don't want to, then-" Mina murmured.

            "But I should be able to!  I...I know I can, I just...I'm afraid, and...and...!" Daryl sniffled.

            "You've done enough for today at least, princess," Celine nodded at her.  "C'mon.  Let's get you inside."

            "N-No, I can't!" Daryl squirmed around, but Mina's hold on her kept her from rising.  "If I go home, I'll have to face my mom and-"

            "You don't have to go home right now," Mina whispered.  "Tonight, you'll stay with us."  She nodded to Celine who rapped her knuckles against the locked door next to them. 

            The sound of heavy footfalls reached the girls' ears before the a narrow hole near the top of the door was pulled back and a pair of eyes looked out at them.  As soon as the hole had appeared, it was filled in and the door opened.  Kano stood framed in the doorway and after surveying the situation, he stepped aside to allow them inside, jerking his head inward.