IIKittyII

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

I wipe a bit of orange juice from Jaylen's mouth. How boys could be so messy never fails to impress me.

Enjoy it while you can, floats unbidden in my mind and the Dark Lotus has nothing to do with it. It comes from somewhere deeper. It truly unsettles me. So instead I focus on the questions still unsolved.

"Alright dear tell me all you know about the Soul Void. Do all the lords have one?"

I should probably check in with the group by now as well.

"Have you all finished your mission? I currently have turned the sphere over to Karnariel and am waiting to hear from an Admiral Ghat."The words whisper from my mind to the minds of the others.

The First Lotus-Blackout 482,004,911

My scythe is in my hands once I feel her power surging. Housing orphans, how noble.

"We were intending on settling this in a peaceful manner but if you want a fight you've got one. The choice is yours. Stand down child. This is your only warning."

Casually, I step in front of Lilianna. I can feel her unease with another Umbral Seal bearer. She's assessing the mark this leaves on reality. Truth be told I don't like it either. I've not dealt with these types yet. Unfortunately, it seems like we'll be seeing a lot more.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

I produce an orange and carefully start peeling the rind. My hands still for just a moment as I take in what he said.

I catch Karnariel's gaze again over Jaylen's small head. I wasn’t sure how he ended up getting Shadow to meet considering we didn’t have any information on Poe. The point seems moot now but I am curious nonetheless. Poe was a person of interest.

“Well let’s hear it then. Tell us about Poe.” I halve the orange and set the two pieces in front of Jaylen. He can’t very well be eating pastries all the time. He’s young and needs Vitamin C.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

While he’s talking I hold his hand, I also fuss over his hair, and dust crumbs off his mouth. A fierce protectiveness flares in me; as a large part of me is fixated on the fact that he would have been left to die. This dear child? Not on my watch.

My hand stills for a moment when he mentions the Hands’ creation. I know my eyes burn golden now as a thread of heat winds its way through my heart. Anger at the blasphemy in our enemy’s sanctity.

“Sanctimonious bigotry suits no one.” I speak softly but with firmness. “I have many questions as I’m sure Kar does as well.” I spare a small smile for the man before turning my attention back to Jaylen. “I’m going to start with possibly the most obvious. How do you know all this?” Several questions are lined up in my mind. I strongly dislike having a child at the core of our questioning. Worry also nestles against my heart. Absentmindedly, I run my fingers through Jaylen’s hair while I think.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

I had a carefully constructed list of things needing to be discussed with Karnariel. All of it dies when I see the child. This shouldn't surprise me. When I held him last, I could feel in his genetic code he was due for a growth spurt. I just didn't expect it to be seven years worth. He's no longer an infant and I feel an unexpected sadness about this loss.

I didn't get to experience this age with Lilianna. Toddler to Teen, I missed the in between. So did her father but she'd argue it was his fault to begin with. In reality it's on us both.

I smile gently,"Well hello there Jaylen." I scoot over to make room for him to sit. "What is it that you have for me?" I cast an uncertain look to Karnariel before settling on the child again.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

There's been a change with the ship. They're done loading. "It sounds like your Admiral is the kind of man I'd like to get to know. Hold that thought for a moment please. If you'll excuse me, I'll be right back." I vanish from the ship.

When I reappear to the pirates, the Command Sphere rests in my hand.

The Major and his Mystic Knights sleep soundly. They were suddenly overcome with exhaustion that I pushed into their limbs. When they wake they'll find themselves on the sandy shore. I'm sure they'll be confused and disoriented but I couldn't very well leave them on the ship with the troops. The troops, now have the order to regroup with the Sun Cloaks. I was going to update Karnariel but when I reached out to his mind it was in the deep black void state that often indicates dreamless slumber brought on by pure exhaustion. I'll let him sleep a little longer.

"The gold is yours to keep. As I said before I'll be taking the Sphere. However, I would very much like to set up a meeting with your Admiral." I motion to his arm with my free hand. "If I may?" I gently lift his arm out to the side then snap. A parrot dives down and lands on his outstretched arm. The bird squawks loudly right at Sea Wolf's face before shimmying up to his shoulder to perch. "This bird will give your Admiral a message from me. Please see him delivered safely." The bird nods its head twice before turning its head to squawk in Sea Wolf's face again. I smile. "I think he likes you. I don't know how it is on this world but a pirate is hardly complete without his parrot companion in my experience. Now, it's been a pleasure gentlemen. Until we meet again." I wave goodbye before vanishing.

When I arrive at the Rebel Camp I can feel Karnariel's energy again. I breeze in and present Karnariel with the Sphere. "Now I believe I left you in charge of a certain infant. I'll take the child and you take the Sphere. Also, quite a lot happened with a certain pirate group led by an Admiral Ghat. I think we ought to speak about that..."

The First Lotus-Blackout 482,004,911

Inwardly, I flinch when he introduces me as his wife. Everything the current Lotus ever wanted. I still consider him my oldest friend, turned rival, turned ex-friend when he killed me. It wouldn't be an understatement to say I hold a grudge. Not to mention he's the reason Lilianna has been robbed of her childhood.

From the corner of my eye I see her watching me intently. My face is completely composed though. I give nothing away. The child sees too much. Her eyes miss nothing. If she focuses. If she really looks. No. She turns away.

All this is still new to her. Unfortunately it's much of the same for me. I ignore the man who spoke before, that is until I see the pain written across his soul. Lilianna is in his mind, commanding him to kneel. I stop her with a look.

"There's plenty more work to do. Don't lose sight of the real objective." I speak into her mind as I grasp the knife in Zaakilio's back. I'm all too pleased to remove it for him. I rip the knife free. To his credit, he only slightly winces. I put my lips to his ear, "Leave the children alone. They're frightened enough."

Twirling the knife in a single hand, I make my way towards the hut. I've met many witches in my lives. Only two were actual witches intent on killing me where I stood for what I am. They were dead before they could scream. The others were cases of mistaken identity. I've even been accused of being a witch before. Let's see if this one and I have anything in common.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna-Pirate Ship

I frown ever so slightly as I watch the men scoop up their fallen comrade and prepare to throw his corpse overboard. Poor unfortunate soul. At least this way, he died quickly. Had it been The First, she would have cut out his tongue, before he finished his sentence, and let him choke on it. Such violence. I’m not sure why thoughts of how she would handle things have been creeping up so often but I push it out of my mind. Now, I’m a different person. So is this man who just succeeded the former captain. I give him my full attention.

“Apology accepted sir. Now I think you might have misunderstood me. I didn’t ask for you to give me the sphere. I intend to take it. You’ve piqued my interest though. Would you mind telling me of your Admiral and how you plan on gaining immortality?” I cast a look at the ship with the sphere. They seem to be taking their time loading all the soldiers. That means I should have all the time I need to convince these gentlemen.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Li-Li- Oasis

"I see you my knights. And raise you a queen." I stand and start descending the stairs with methodical steps. “We’ll all go. I'm not letting you out of my sight. Plus I need to know more about Umbra." The First looks like she wants to argue but bites back the rebuttal. “Also I advise you to not speak ill of the dead. You just recently rejoined the living."

“Had the current Lotus done her job properly there'd be no need of this." The First Lotus remarks.

I feel a spike of anger. I don't take criticism of my mother lightly, even from her past self. I turn, ready to demand of her an explanation but she immediately waves me off. " I haven't time to explain now we have a reality damning mess to clean up. Let's do this. After you, Zaakielo."

I'm thrown again by what I read in her features now. There's the slightest crack in her mask as she watches him, but it's gone just as quickly. Had I blinked I would've missed it. I'd like to know what's going on there but like she pointed out we haven't the time. I open a portal out.

Lexianna-Pirate ship

“I’d like to try and sway your thoughts on that. It's my understanding pirates are usually after lucrative payoff. Might you consider being mercenaries for hire?” I direct my question to both men. I reach out to the closest man’s mind to see what their currency looks like on this world. I’m able to fashion it quickly. I lean over the side of the boat and when I turn back to them I’m holding a bag. It’s overflowing with their currency. I set it on the floor.

“I think we can both agree that the sphere needn't stay with the ones who have it now.” My foot nudges the bag. Gold spills out towards the bow of the ship but the bag looks just as full as before.

I keep my face neutral, my voice light, and my eyes open and welcoming. Perhaps I can convince them to not be foes it'd be nice. “I think you’ll find this sufficient for your entire crew. This upfront, another bag after you’ve completed the tasks given. Or I can leave as you asked before taking this and the sphere with me.”

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Li-Li
Fear grips me in a way I’ve never felt before. I have to stop existing as me in a sense. I start to wonder if this is what that wretched vessel felt and immediately push the thought aside. My lips and hands tremble and this time I can’t stop it. I was born to this but I didn’t really understand until this moment.
The First Lotus climbs the steps and lays her hand atop mine. Her gaze holds my own. “Don’t force yourself child. It has to be welcomed. This is something that has to be done without reservation. If you’re not ready it’s okay. You have time.”

I break her gaze and mutter, “Not much.” She straightens and I feel her eyes on me, assessing me.
I think things through carefully. Why shouldn’t I become more than this? Trapped in this pathetic excuse for power when I could have a real undeniable type of power that my uncle would have coveted. That brings something else to mind.

I turn quickly to Zaak, "Your power, it’s obviously a threat to me. Is there anyone else who possesses this…Umbra?” It bothers me even now as I look at him. It looks wrong. Unnatural. How strange…

Lexianna
I look down at the gentlemen now shooting at me. I was sure I’d be properly hidden here among the turmoil in the clouds. It was careless of me. I honestly wanted to avoid involvement with the pirates at all but perhaps it’s actually a stroke of good fortune, that is, if they’ll cooperate. There’s only one way to tell.

I descend in a swirl of heavy fog, the clouds dipping slightly with me. Their gunfire never touches me and I actually have to reach out with my power in order to stop the ricochet from injuring one of them.

When I’ve alighted on their ship I wave. “Hello, would you please stop firing? I’d like to avoid startling the troops over there and if you cause such a ruckus they are bound to notice.” I turn to who I assume is the captain. “I’m Lexianna by the way. Am I right in assuming you are here for the Command Sphere?”

I feel the other ships in the waters. They’ve brought quite a crew. I start an undercurrent that pushes the ships farther out. I don’t need them being sighted. I take a seat on the edge of the boat. “Might I ask why? What your plan is?” I cross my legs modestly at the ankles and fold my hands demurely in my lap.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna –Rebel Camp-

My eyes flare golden, the only tell that he’s touched on my temper. He’s turned away but I won’t be dismissed. I’ve been called many a thing but to assume I do this for myself. When it’s cost me my soul and more on every encounter. He doesn’t know. He will.

“You speak to your young years presuming to know the reason behind my work. Rest assured it most certainly is not for my own gratification child, though it does bring me joy to see the smiles of people who had forgotten how."

I’m realizing now that these people need something different from many worlds I visit. They usually welcome my way of healing them-the people- before handling the problem. After all, the people are my reason and the ones suffering. These rebels however need the reverse and I do what’s needed. They want their problems fixed before they’ll welcome my help. If that’s their wish. Then I will protect their spark. I raise my voice to reach them.

“Brand me what you will I’m here to acknowledge and nurture that fire you have within. You all believed and hoped for miracles once. It’s time to remember the miracle of yourself. Look at what you’ve accomplished so far. You’ve made a positive change already. You all just need a final push. You were born into this world. So take it back. I’ll show you how.” I return attention to Karnariel.

Some people need help reconnecting to their humanity. Karnariel seems to have rejected his entirely for now. I have to fix that. Children often force another side out of us. Luckily I believe I have just the child for the job. I take Jalen from the safe place I’ve hid him all this time and cradle him in my arms. “Thank you for reaching a compromise with me about Lord Shadow. I’ll see about your sphere.” I come around to Karnariel and gently lay Jalen in his arms. I don’t give him the option of refusing.

“This child is under my care and though he’s perfectly safe with me, a battlefield is really no place for an infant. I’d like to reduce his exposure whenever possible so please do me the favor of looking after him while I reclaim the sphere for you.” I turn away to make my exit, but before I do I call over my shoulder. “His name is Jalen. He should stay asleep the entire time but if he does stir I suggest a lullaby. Oh, and Kar…” I lock my eyes with his. “You will not weaponize this child, I suggest you stop thinking about it.” With that I vanish.

Tip of South Point

I reappear in the eye of the storm and become one with it. I have a perfect vantage point from here. Not all the troops have made it on the ship yet so I’ll stay here among the storm until they’ve launched. I wouldn’t want to engage them and give them the advantage of calling in reinforcements from shore. If they’re out at sea it’ll give me more of a barrier. I stretch my influence out trying to locate the pirates Karnariel mentioned. I’ll need to make a move before they do so finding their position will tell me how long I can wait here in the unstable atmosphere. My eyes land on the sphere in a man’s hand. I watch him and wait.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna -Shadowhold-

With Shadow's concession I relax. My eyes lose their gold tint and return to their normal blue. I take his hand in mine. "Thank you. I think it'll be a good start. Also I do know the person who killed The Admiral is Poe of the Ravens. I haven't been able to locate him yet but I will. " Honestly I'm wondering why he's even here. I am looking forward to meeting the man due to Galen's affiliation with them. I haven't had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of any, save Nevermore. Considering Poe killed a lord, we could probably use his help. The winds are watching for me, if he shows I'll know.

I stand and prepare to leave but before I do, there's just one matter to clear up..."Lord Shadow." I look over my shoulder at him. "Your histories spoke of demons and angels as common place." I don't let my full Glory show, it would kill him. A fraction of it slips onto my skin illuminating the darkened room. My wings unfurl and their true form is also shielded but they are still radiant, "Suffice it to say, I'm far from a witch." With that, I vanish.

Li-Li

Zaak seems distressed. I take the opportunity to answer his non question. "Yes, it seems so...practical. If it makes you feel any better I can use guns just a well." I'm being a "brat" as Vincent would say and I know it. I glance at the First Lotus, honestly she's not doing much better. She's turned away, her hand covering her mouth. I'm certain she's trying to hide her smile. She catches me looking and quickly composes herself. Her eyes still dance with humor though. She clears her throat, "Come now, you must be fair not everyone can pull off edgy like you."

I nearly choke trying to keep in my laugh. I never thought I'd hear the First Lotus use the word "edgy." I distract myself by picking up the gun. Cursed Vengeance is beautiful in its hideousness. It fits to my hand perfectly, crafted for me as part of my inheritance. I repeat Galen's instructions under my breath. "Aim." I hear him like he's there whispering in my mind. Cursed Vengeance raises in my hand. "And shoot." I pull the trigger. The bullet launches out. I don't track it. I never miss.

I turn to claim my main prize from the box. Tyranny & Oppression sit beautifully arranged on a satin bed. Their intricate handles call to me. I pick the twin blades up and slam the hilts together. They connect smoothly with barely a click as I twist them into their locked position as my staff: Royal Submission. I slip the strap of the custom sheath over my shoulder. It fits snugly across my back. The staff slides in with a satisfying zip. The box has an inscription. The first father the first king, the first heir the next queen. I smile. I'm ready.

I snap us back into the Oasis. I land us in front of the massive tree but when we do I’m stricken. There’s been a change.

There’s a set of shallow wide set stairs leading up to the giant tree that binds reality. Atop the dais embedded into the tree, is a throne. My breath catches. I guess there was something I’d change after all. I take careful steps, each one echoing a pulse rippling through the stairs. I take my seat on the throne, and heave a heavy sigh. My hands shake. I grit my teeth. This is what I was born for, I don’t have time to be frightened now. I turn to Zaak and The First Lotus….my parents. They're not the parents I expected to be here. My voice is barely a whisper, any louder and I might break apart completely, “What do I do, to finish taking up the mantel?”