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Eternal Realities: Umbra

The First Lotus

I want to slap Zaakilo. I want to chase him down and make him see. The words I would say bubble up. They die in my throat. Because now I understand. Unfortunately it took Vincent's sacrifice but I see it now.

What a waste. Lilianna would be devastated and I suspect a little proud at Vincent's refusal to toe the line.

But Alistair stands in front of me now. He's shaking and I can't tell which emotion drives him. The Current Lotus would know. I search his earnest eyes and give him a curt nod.

I go through the portal with Omega. "None of you actually agree. " A statement, not a question. I don't know what their plan is because Zaakilo getting what he wants isn't an option.

" You must think me foolish. But I had to try. " Everyone gets a chance. One chance. Zaakilo got his. The Current Lotus likes to give many chances. She's an optimist. I am not her.

I turn to Omega and hesitate. I don't know Omega like I know Sin. I know how Sin's breath changes when he draws his sword. I know where he's going to step before he does. We fight well together because we're extentions of each other. I know the way his hands grip a hilt. I know the way they feel when they grip my hand instead.
Heat rushed to my cheeks. I swallow hard. Swallowing down the emotion that wants to spill out. It has no place here.

" You all can't do anything directly without risking assimilation but I'll assume you've been plotting. What have you planned? And why are we here?" I look to the tiny village next to the river and sigh. Places like these rarely mean a simple mission though they should. It's a pity how many times I've have to raze a village, usually due to fanatics or zealots of some kind.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

The First Lotus

I'm taken aback by Sin's cutting remarks. I lift my chin in deadly defiance. How dare he. Their logic is the ramblings of a megalomaniac.

I push past Omega in a flutter of skirts and lightning. Past Alistair who I can't stand to look at right now. Past Saedysm who makes my skin crawl. Past Sin who has my blood boiling. I fall in step with Vincent, who I can at least be civil with. For now.

I want to burn Zaakilo alive. We're walking a few steps behind him so I settle for glaring at his back.

I try to keep my voice even and calm as I pose my argument to Vincent. He's always been Lilianna's favorite "uncle". Surely he can see this is not the way for her to ascend.

"Galen's rule is far from perfect but he's never had to restart reality multiple times. He's never killed his wife." I practically spit the word at Zaakilo's back like the word and not my comments are the insult. " And his friends in the process. He's never abused his child with unspeakable pain and sleep by force to prove a point. So forgive me, but this seems less like it's for the good of reality and more like it's for pride's sake. Sounds to me like you all would rather a child rule than your rival. Envy is unbecoming and I fail to see the logic of a man who has ruined the universe thousands of times over."

I brush an imaginary piece of lint from my skirts to avoid setting Zaakilo on fire with my eyes.

I pitch my voice for Sin to hear, "I will do my duty to reality." I add softly, "Even if that means we're on opposite sides of the battle line."

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Li-Li
Before sleep claims me I wrestle with an uncomfortable feeling. Shame. Shame at the fact that his words made me proud. He called me strong. He foresaw my terrible victory and rule over reality. I will do these things. But not because he foresaw. Because I did. I will rule. It is my birthright. And I will obliterate him. This is the lullaby that ultimately sings me to sleep. I will kill the one I once called father.

The First Lotus~ Castle Sanctus War Room~

I wrench my shoulder away from Omega. Wondering if I should rip the entire appendage free to avoid contamination. How dare he be so familiar as to touch me. I seethe at Zaakilo's words. Doing this for our child he said. That thing was no love of mine.
My scythe is in my hand, called by my righteous rage. They've forgotten who they think they hold. I wonder if I should remind them.

I could cut them all down. Omega would be a problem but I'd deal with him first. It wouldn't be the first time this scenario played out,but as soon as the thought enters it starts to ebb. I know the truth. To take them all would cost me this form; and I'm unsure if I'd be able to be recalled, due to Lilianna's current state. And Zaakilo would be left unchecked.

Galen what have you left me with? I curse him and the ground he hides under. I think of Lilianna. She summoned me, so my duty is to her. What would she wish? Not this.

I narrow my eyes at each of the existences present, and practically hiss at a few. My eyes lock on Sin. Him being here both embolden and frightens me. He's the only one here who could make me follow my heart instead of lead with my head. Sin. My Sin. My One.

Instead I round on Alistair. My scythe disappears but there's a storm at my back and it builds with my wrath. I float on lightening and step gracefully down in front of him.

" You. All of you. I stand in the midst of weak ego and even weaker willed puppets of a corpse. I am Mother to the air you breath and the space you taint. I am Creation. I am Life. Goddess in the face of an overwhelming infection trying to call itself a father. What has he done and what is his plan?" The storm backbuilds and the room grows dark save for the lightning of my wrath singing through the room.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

The First Lotus

I gather the threads of my existence as quickly as I can. This would be done in seconds if Lilianna had her power but he’s sealed them away. This is disappointing but not surprising. My oldest friend has many characteristics. I wish betrayal wasn’t one of them. Lilianna stops screaming after that first stab and grits her teeth, opting to bear it all in silent resistance. I admire her strength but the admiration suddenly turns to cold dread as I watch the transformation in her eyes. Then she laughs and my heart sinks. I’ve seen that same look and heard that same laugh before. It’s not one of joy, it’s one that’s been pushed to near insanity. It’s the demeanor I’ve seen in Zaakielo when he’s become unstable, unhinged. It’s a look that’s difficult to return back from. I just hope I won’t be too late.

Li-Li ~The Oasis~

I don’t feel the pain. Not anymore. It fuels my rage and I focus solely on the fire of fury. The laugh is cold and yet hysterical. This is too funny, “You ancient idiotic perversion of air. Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Without my powers I can feel it, more than I ever have before. I let it breathe and feed on me, the way it was supposed to. The way it was designed to, for me. With each word my rage builds, “There was only one thing keeping me from eradicating your existence. Now…you’ve given me my license to kill.” Vengeance is the venom in my veins and Akuketsu comes alive. It transforms on me into a full body black leather suit with knee high combat boots. A length of cloth purple so dark it's nearly black wraps around my eyes like a blindfold. The back of the blindfold ties itself like a bow in my white hair. The Kamuey now sees for me as a dark purple hooded cloak, the same color as the blindfold, drapes around my shoulders; black clocks with vertical eyes in the center cover the entirety of the cloak.

It’s like experiencing my Kamuey anew and I know that this is only the start of its power. I shatter the Umbral bindings like glass, thanks to this living demon cloth. I feel it feeding on my need for vengeance and my rage. It’s perfect because I have plenty of both.

I have only two goals now. One retrieve my weapons. Two kill Zaak. There's no other option and zero hesitation. He is no longer allowed to contaminate this realm by existing. I will eradicate him like I should have when my father, Galen, told me to. I hold out my hand and my staff returns to me. I thank my mother for teaching me how to existence lock my weapon, though I never thought I'd need it. I'm not done though. His filthy hands took my father's weapons. I will collect them from his corpse if I must.

I charge forward. One hand grabs for the guns that are rightfully mine. The other swings right for his face with all the power this Kamuey now gives me. A punch just like Razz taught me.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Li-Li ~Meadow of Emergence~

I throw my hands up and flop back on the meadow floor, exasperated. Why must they always be so difficult? Still the note makes me smile. I stuff it in one of Akuketsu's pockets and plan.

There's only one course of action left. Fact: Zaak is hiding something. Fact: That is unacceptable. Outcome: Punishment. I stand with confidence, vengeance making me warm. It's been awhile since I've beaten something senseless. I can't think of a better punching bag.

~ The Oasis~
With Lucy in one hand and Cursed Vengeance in the other I return to the Oasis. I don't speak I just shoot. One round from Lucy to one kneecap. One round from Cursed Vengeance in the other. With Zaak on the ground, he's at perfect kicking height. I swiftly introduce his face to my boot. I'm aiming to crack a few teeth. The First Lotus says nothing. She doesn't even seem marginally surprised, instead she comes to stand a step behind me and to the side. She's ready should I need her. I decide I do.

"Lotus, bind him." That surprises her, my direct address. She doesn't hesitate though. Immediately light-stitch bindings wrap around his body. The tail end wraps around her wrist like a lasso. His position, laid out in front of me with his hands behind his back, somehow reminds me of a pig. He's just missing the apple. I put my boot on his throat and point Cursed Vengeance straight down at his head.

"It has come to my attention that you have forgotten your place. I shall now remind you. Your existence is forfeit. Your life is forfeit. That's the price for dragging my mother and your friends through hell to give you rest and then spitting on their sacrifices by wretchedly resurrecting. Everything you are belongs to me." I let that sit for a second before continuing. "I believe I told you, you were not to twitch without my knowledge. So imagine my surprise when I find out you are being quite active behind my back." I put my finger on the trigger of Cursed Vengeance. "Give me a reason not to send you straight back to the pit you crawled out of."

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

I'm warm. So so warm, and miracles of miracles I'm in my own bed. This isn't right. I'm dreaming. Does that mean I fainted? It wouldn't surprise me. Mortality is taxing, the endurance of the human body both miraculous and fragile. I know I need to wake up, but currently I can't remember why. I feel something next to me and when I turn to look the "why" of waking up is no longer important.

Galen is sleeping soundly next to me. His face calm and gentle. His mouth ever so slightly upturned, like he's in on a joke you don't even know has been posed. His hair perfect even now. I have the urge to tousle it. I can hear Lilianna singing somewhere, there's a loud bang, a pause, and then a curse. Sounds like she's practicing blessing her bullets like I taught her. However, if she curses after each failed blessing it'll only serve to taint the bullets further. That can be a matter for later though. Instead I'll enjoy this rare perfect moment. I snuggle into the arms of Galen and sink deeper into this dream. Reality no longer compelling me to return.

The First Lotus ~ The Oasis~

I'm unsure of what I was hoping for. The breath I was holding, I slowly let out.

I understand better than anyone what it's like to be changed. Something akin to a familiar of the original. I just never thought I'd share this intimate understanding with Zaakielo of all people. He has his mission and I have mine. If he stays devoted to it, as my One would, we may get along better than we ever have. I know what it's like to be driven by purpose alone.

I had said answers but this one is enough. Something realigns inside of me. A reminder of what my duty is. This time isn't for us. It's not about us. It's about correcting reality and aiding Lilianna. Still...it's nice to have the privilege of being missed. We can leave the graveyard, it's time to let the ghosts be.

"Thank you, for your candor." I take a deep breath, let it out slowly, and admit something I told myself I wouldn't. "I've truly, missed you too." To hide my embarrassment I stand abruptly and start inspecting the large drooping ivy next to me. I shouldn't let that last statement sit heavily in the air too long, "The large blackout. The one the group went into. Can you tell if it's connected to the others in a significant way? Would its collapse have any affect on the others?"

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Li-Li ~Meadow of Emergence~

Uncle Alistair leaves before I have time to protest. I let out an exasperated huff and flop back on the meadow floor. I have so many more questions now. If he would have told me how Zaak is keeping track of them I might have found a way to disrupt or better yet redirect it. I slip another chocolate in my mouth while I think.

What do I know? Uncle Alastair told me not to trust Zaak. Old news there, I haven't trusted that ancient crusted waste dumb since he got here. Would have killed him if I didn't still need him. Will kill him if he presses me too much. What else? He said they're out searching for another existence. Who all is out? I narrow my eyes. For a tense moment I'm gripped with panic....surely he isn't out. Is he? I shudder in revulsion. This line of thinking is getting me nowhere. I have more questions than answers. Time for action.

I sit up and recenter, so I can focus my energy. My thumb and pointer of both hands together, fingers splayed out; arms resting at my sides. When my energy is clearer I bring my hands together and summon him. " The Heir Apparent: Pure Form: The Emperor." He appears directly in front of me, kneeling. He's resplendent in gold and purple. His sword shines so brightly he bathes the entirety of the meadow in light. I feel a hint of pride and allow myself a small smile. " I need you to find...well you. I have reason to believe Uncle Vincent is out somewhere. Bring him to me, drag him if you have to. It's urgent."

I reach out and touch the sword. I use its energy to locate Uncle Vincent's time thread. Once I detect it, I send a message along the thread, hidden between this second and the next: come out come out wherever you are, along with the coordinates. Uncle Alastair isn't the only one who can be sneaky. Hopefully this pincer attack of both mind and physical will get him here post haste. I do hate to be kept waiting. I wave the Pure Form off and suck on my last piece of chocolate.

The First Lotus ~ The Oasis~

His eyes feel as if they're boring into me, making my face heat in discomfort. I force the words out," I'm not going to lie, I still hold quite the grudge from how things were left between us. I'm aware that it was resolved between you and my future self; nevertheless, however petty it might seem, the resolution doesn't feel as if it was between you and I... per se. Still, I'm willing to overlook that if I can get a few answers from you." I take a deep breath. Just a little more.

I look directly into his eyes. Letting him see all the turmoil and vulnerability in mine, "Are you free of me? Do you hold zero affection for the form before you?"

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Li-Li ~Meadow of Emergence~

These eyes of mine. The eyes of the girl born out of time, daughter to cosmic eldritch beings of unspeakable and unknowable ability. These eternal eyes of mine that hold infinite power, pick now to play tricks on me. I blink once, twice, a third time slowly. Nope. He's still here, which means he's real. I examine his aura. It's definitely not an imposter. So it is definitely my Uncle Alistair. How am I going to explain any of this to my mother?

I set those thoughts aside for now, there's more pressing matters to deal with. "Uncle Alistair, glad you're not dead." I walk up to him and go straight for his jacket pocket, where I know he hides the chocolates. I grab a handful. After popping one in my mouth, I make myself comfortable on the meadow floor.

"Look I have several questions, as I'm sure you know. So let's cut to the chase. Why doesn't he already know you're here to begin with? Shouldn't he sense you're not part of his whole?"

The First Lotus ~The Oasis~

His question surprises me, as much as mine must have surprised him.

"Technically speaking, dreams are memories. You have to know to dream. To know it, you must have the knowledge. To have the knowledge to beget the dream, you must recall it. You recall it from memory."

Slowly, I start to uncurl, coming out of myself.

"Then again I am a pragmatist, that sounds like the sort of question to ask the Current." After all, she's the dreamer. There it is. The twinge that accompanies me nearly each time I think of her. I feel it again. Resentment.

This isn't what I wanted. It's time to get to it. My voice comes out softer and quieter than I mean it to. That's also not what I wanted but for some reason I'm feeling shy, nervous even. It's ridiculous.

"I didn't want to get into anything while Lilianna was here. She summoned me for a job to do and I plan to do it. However while she's gone, I think this might be a good chance to..." I trail off a moment to glance at him. The feelings swell again inside me and I rush on, annoyance helping to push the words out," I think we need to clear the air." Perhaps we don't. "A moment of honesty." This will probably get ugly. "I'm going to sit right here and tell you all that comes to me and if you have something to say....please say it."

Now that the words have been released there's no going back. It's time to dig up the past and possibly nail a final nail in the coffin.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

She didn't listen which means my options are limited. As much as I want to save her I cannot risk the lives entrusted to me below. The best outcome I can fight for here, is destroying her arsenal to force her into retreat, earning a second try at a later date.

So be it. By force it is. When the armada fires, I launch the blazing projectiles I had afloat crashing into the ships. This next bit is going to take the rest of my fading energy. I land next to Baruss.

" Please Sir Baruss, lend me strength?" I extend my scythe to him.

For what comes next my scythe's waning power isn't enough, so I let it draw from my life force. Black spots wink in and out of my vision but I cannot stop yet. I draw on everything in me to stand firm and reach out. I feel it all. The large bombardment of shells being fired. I can feel each one and the air around it. The shells all freeze half way to the ground, turn and fire back on the ships which were also just hit by the previous projectiles. I sink slowly to the ground as chunks of ship start hailing down.

Li-Li

Rather serendipitous that we're back at The Oasis. It's exactly were I planned to leave them. "Alright pack listen up. I have some business to take care of alone. You two are to go nowhere while I'm gone." I point to The First Lotus. "You, keep an eye on him and stop him from being stupid by disobeying me." I don't wait for an answer. I open my timescape and warp to the coordinates that were whispered to me.

The First Lotus

I curl up on a rock and make myself small. Too much confusion on how I feel and the source is my charge.

Things use to be much simpler. He was the only one who could make me laugh. The only one who understood my duty-bound drive. Or...a part of him did. Sin.

I can't allow myself to start down that path...missing him. Instead I strike a compromise. Talk is decent distraction. "Do you miss her? The current Lotus?" I don't look at him. I look straight at the ground.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Lexianna

If this had happened during my first existence, I would have responded in kind. Enemies received one warning and then they were disposed of quickly. My first existence was rash and could hardly be called lenient. So self assured. Strangely, the urge to respond that way is so strong for a moment I lock my jaw to keep myself in check. Why could I feel my old self's rebuttal so clearly just now? It matters not. I am no longer that woman.

As I look at Karasviel however, I can see some of the same characteristics that defined my first existence. In so many ways she is similar. Complete and total confidence in herself and her power, she thinks her justice is absolute, her law inviolable. It's an unfortunate stance. It's due to the similarities though, that I think I know how to talk some sense into her. At the very least, I might be able to shake her resolve.

Just as I open my mouth to do just that I hear Gaul yell his challenge, his voice echoing from the slowly forming storm cloud. I retake control of the elements, vaporizing his presence in the sky, but the damage has already been done. Mortality is taking its toll, as my patience is starting to wane. For a King he's a poor negotiator. Then again that's a difference in cultures speaking. To a Viking fighting is negotiating and probably far quicker. The man is as combative as Razz.

Gaul will be our best bet if fighting is inevitable but I am bound and determined to not let this devolve. "Take his offer if you find it preferable but his gods and ideals are not yours.Though you share a namesake. He is a god forged of war and blood. Are you?" Intimidation didn't work on me and I doubt it works on her; so I forge on before she takes him on his challenge as a point of pride. "I implore you to listen to the reasons behind our actions before defending your Crown's offense."