5

Queg traveled at arm s length, leading the way. After countless twists, turns, ups and downs, Aaron finally gave up on memorizing their path.

There s no point anyway, I was lost to begin with. Let s just trust the friendly Lovecraftian monstrosity.

He looked over at Queg as they went up the umpteenth slope. The guy seemed to know exactly where they were going. Not once had he stopped to consider the next turn.

Was Queg a he, even?

So, um, Aaron said. What exactly are you?

Queg gave a start and slowed down for a moment. Finding the one particular path they were supposed to follow seemed to take up a large chunk of his concentration.

A fair thing to ask, he said in lights and hums. You would answer such a question with a human being, yes?

The pause was just long enough for Aaron to interject a non-committal grunt.

In my home realm, my species is called Queg pronounced it as a deep, rather grandiose sound accompanied by an equally impressive display of colors. It didn t translate as a specific word in Aaron s mind, but as a conglomerate of concepts instead: pathway seeker, servant of the gods, fourteenth generation. He let it linger for a little while, then continued. We are mostly known as scouts and navigators among the Sapients, and we will carry information swiftly and reliably across great distances. Some of us actually broker this information, but it is too risky an enterprise, in my opinion. I belong to the mapping guild, as a matter of fact.

Humans will usually refer to my kind as Remoran, after the name they have given my home realm, Remora. I have also been called squid, floater, strobe, bleeper and similar descriptive terms like tentacled abomination. Dealing with your kind is challenging no offense intended, of course. It depends on faction and region, mostly.

Other Sapients, such as the Fermi, are far more diplomatic toward us, in general. They rely on denizens for long-range navigation, you understand. On the other extreme, the Petrichor will kill us on a proximity basis. My people remind them of a hated, monstrous species from Beyond, unfortunately.

Questions kept popping up in Aaron s head after Queg s every other word, so many that he could hardly keep track of them. He settled on the one thing that had been nagging at him the whole time.

How come I understand everything you say? I mean, I can even tell which words are capitalized. Somehow I don t think you re actually speaking English right now.

English. Queg mulled over the word for a few seconds, as if trying to figure out what it was supposed to stand for. Ah, yes, language. Another common question, I understand. I have been fortunate enough to be in good standing with a few human contacts, and one such was gracious enough to explain

Queg paused abruptly. The trail had taken them under a sinuous tunnel that had gradually narrowed to nearly all of Queg s considerable girth. Aaron had been so engrossed in the conversation that he had barely noticed they d gone underground.

The passage became so short that he had to bend down slightly in order to avoid hitting his head; Queg floated low enough to be almost crawling on his appendages. After a few claustrophobic bends, the tunnel gradually expanded towards an opening big enough to fit a small airliner.

Queg continued as if there had been no interruption, unfazed by the capricious nature of their path.

The mechanics of it are unknown to me, but you are understanding me because you wish to do so, and I can understand you because you want me to.

Aaron stopped walking. Um, what?

I suppose it is a difficult concept. It is unique to Sapients, obviously.

Obviously.

I presume your Human peers will explain in more detail, in due time. You could test it, if you wish. Say something that you do not want me to understand.

Aaron caught up to the alien, still wondering whether to take the explanation seriously. He would have been more willing to believe that a babelfish had been surreptitiously implanted in his ear.

Then again, Queg hadn t made any attempts at humor so far, and Aaron doubted that the creature had suddenly decided to start playing pranks. It didn t take him long to find something suitable to say.

I am scared shitless.

Queg s laughter made him reconsider: maybe it was a prank after all. He still found it unnerving, the way he could tell that the alien was indeed laughing.

You understood that, didn t you.

Why, yes, and I cannot say I blame you. You misunderstood me, I think, or perhaps I misspoke. You must make a conscious effort for me not to understand what you are saying. It s not enough to confess an embarrassing detail that you wouldn t want me to know. Do try again.

Ah. Well, alright then.

Aaron tried to do as he was told and fix in his head the notion of not being understood.

I do not want you to understand this sentence, he said, and raised a hopeful eyebrow at Queg. The alien was already shaking his head, which is to say uttering a quavering rumble while three of his light nodes lit up in different shades of blue.

I m afraid I understood that as well.

Well, it s not so easy! When I talk to somebody in my own language it s because I want to be understood. It s like going against instinct.

He d actually felt it, somehow the tug between the inertia of subconscious instinct and his will trying to go against it. It was as if he d become more aware of the inner workings of his psyche.

Queg nodded, thoughtful. You are a newborn. Although I can t claim previous experience in dealing with one such as you, I would not be surprised if it takes a certain amount of practice to learn all the abilities that a Human would normally command. It would explain why the protocol urges that I escort you to safety as soon as possible. Newborns are known to be utterly defenseless when they first appear.

To be described as utterly defenseless did nothing to improve Aaron s outlook.

Alright, he said, just so we re clear, now. You aren t dead, are you? That s just me, right?

A low-contrast shift let Aaron know that Queg nodded. You are a Sapient, sir. You exist here after having lived, as do all Sapients. I am a denizen, and very much alive.

That s an answer, I guess.

They had cleared the cave to continue down a wide path that sunk in a long downward spiral. Tall walls at both sides of the path prevented Aaron from seeing much else.

He made a vague gesture at the scenery before them. So what is this place, anyway?

We are in the Pathways, an ever-changing labyrinth that connects to most other realms. Its sheer size belies the amount of traffic it moves at any given time. You can go your entire trip sometimes without encountering any other travelers. Yet some routes are heavily traversed, while they last: Gorgers to Veal, for instance, or the way from the Spire to the Nexus.

Of course the answer would contain some twenty things to ask about. Aaron picked one almost at random. While they last?

The ways are alive, after a fashion. They shift constantly, slowly or abruptly. Sometimes in front of you. Sometimes all around you, unfortunately.

Aaron eyed the way ahead with renewed apprehension. Could everything cave in at any moment? He tried not to think about it and moved on to the next question.

When you say realms, he said, does that mean, like, kingdoms, other countries, or . . . .

Realms are . . . realms.

Noticing Aaron s befuddled expression, the Remoran made a rueful gesture with some of his appendages. Forgive me. It is easy to forget that the things I take for granted are ah! There it is.

Queg propelled himself toward what had caught his attention, veering closer to the left side of the path. With all the fluttering tentacles and the fleshy orb brightening beneath them, the bustling alien was a sight that Aaron continually struggled to get used to.

He trotted to catch up to his guide and peered at the section of the wall with which Queg was interacting. Protruding out of the inner wall of the descending spiral was a tight cluster of glossy black stalks, just about the length of his arm and half as thick. They had flat tips at the end of flexible stems, and swayed lazily back and forth, side to side as if stroked by a gentle breeze that couldn t decide which way to blow. They made a faint sound as they swayed, brief bleeps and hums ranging from rumbling to high-pitched. They rang atop one another and combined in a subdued tune of unpredictable patterns, and Aaron had to strain to hear them at all.

Queg leaned closer and wrapped one of his tentacles around a stalk with the sort of confidence that comes from extensive repetition. The previously supple stalk jolted straight to its full length, rigid under Queg s unconcerned touch. He didn t seem to be pulling on it; the thing had straightened by itself.

Aaron s face was a list of unspoken questions, and Queg must have noticed, because he made a polite quieting gesture with two of his many free appendages. The Remoran went on to concentrate intently on the writhing mass of stalks in front of him.

Nothing moved for a good while, and soon Aaron was unable to keep still. He shifted his weight from foot to foot for a moment, then walked over to the slanted wall and slowly leaned against it, half expecting to sink into the strange material even if he knew it to be as hard as granite.

He looked at Queg from time to time through the corner of his eye. He felt awkward and out of place, burdened so with such overwhelming ignorance. Was it like this for every person that died back on Earth? Was everyone destined to stumble blindly through this place, hoping for some stranger to show up and lend a helping hand? A part of him wanted to deny what he was seeing, chalk it up to a hallucination and patiently wait to get done dying already.

It was hard not to feel humbled by the experience. The Universe had decided to toss all the known laws out the window and throw him into some bizarre after-death adventure.

It s either that or I m in Sunnydale s mental asylum.

He thought about it for a while. Half the people he knew would be going crazy in this situation. Shouldn t he have been reduced to gibbering madness as well? Would a normal person be moderately cool with having a tentacle monster guide them through a labyrinth of flesh? Why wasn t he losing his sanity?

He d have loved to believe that it was due to an open mind, steadfast wits, courage and adaptability. It only took him a moment of consideration to know the truth of it: he was just glad to be alive.

Or being, at the very least. He d never been as aware of his will to exist as in those last moments, when the truth of what he was about to lose became clear. Alexandra s charcoal eyes and everything he d read in them were forever seared into his memory.

He leaned his head back so that it rested against the cool surface of the wall. His eyes idly scanned the myriad bridges and platforms that crowded above him. He did not see a single soul wandering those paths.

Aaron sighed. Alex had to be somewhere. If she d been right all along, she would be in Heaven, sipping wine while lounging on a cloud, or whatever Heaven was like. He chuckled at the image of muscle-bound angels in tight shorts, cooling her with long feathery fans while waiting on her every command.

His amusement didn t last long. Alexandra had dreaded the possibility of separation. She would be devastated.

And I made fun of it like a dumb-ass. I m in for one hell of an I told you so when I find her.

Perhaps she would forget all about life on Earth upon entering Heaven. Or maybe she was given a duplicate version of everything she loved. Possibly she would be held in drug-addled contentment for eternity. Who could tell anymore? None of it sounded any more outlandish than his current situation.

Most likely, however, she had simply shown up somewhere in this place, just as lost as he was. It was the logical assumption to make.

Is it really? Or is it just what I d like to believe?

Aaron shook his head. It was the only thing he could believe.

Hopefully she would get her very own guiding alien to take her to other humans. It stood to reason that his best chance for a reunion would be to comply with Queg and seek out his peers.

Queg s weird voice brought him out of his reverie. The realm interface hasn t moved. It s rare that they do, but it s always best to make sure.

He had released the stalk and looked pleased. I guess I don t need to see the light patterns to understand him, Aaron mused as Queg floated closer. I didn t think the humming was complex enough to carry so many words, but there you have it.

I do apologize for the wait, sir. It is necessary to attune with the terminal.

You know, you can call me Aaron if you like.

As you wish, sir. A small pause. Aaron.

Well, you don t have to. Whichever you re comfortable with, I mean.

I understand. Thank you, sir.

No problem. Aaron hooked a thumb at the strange tendrils Queg had been consulting. I guess you were asking directions?

After a fashion, yes. It will be a short trip. If you please? The guide gestured to continue their journey down the path.

Aaron pushed himself away from the wall and obliged. He stared at the sway of the stalks as he strode past them. Their whimsical beeping noises were almost a melody, like the random toll of a dozen wind chimes.

The tendrils run through the entirety of the Pathways, Queg explained. Some say they are the Pathways, but I beg to differ. You might glimpse them beneath the surface, if you look carefully. The terminal I just used is one of many thousands. You can locate them if you listen closely to the ripples.

Aaron internalized a sigh. Was he ever going to get an answer that didn t contain ten new concepts to puzzle out? So you were actually talking to those things? To this place?

Not quite talking. We tap into the Pathways extensive network, and find what we are looking for much the same way you would find the tip of your thirteenth tentacle. You know it s there, you see. The communion with the tendril that runs your desired path lingers for a time, allowing for continued navigation.

That s . . . wow. That s something, alright.

It s the current theory, in any case.

Aaron arched an eyebrow. Current theory? What do you mean, current theory?

It was Queg s turn to sound puzzled. Well, it is the best explanation available. It could be proven wrong, the way others have. And there are other plausible explanations that have not yet been discredited, such as the feedback theory. I can t say I ascribe any merit to that one, however.

He blinked a few times. But don t you just know? Like, the truth?

Queg frowned thoughtfully with a combination of high-contrast light nodes. He spoke in a tentative manner, not quite understanding. How could anyone simply know, sir? Aaron.

Well, you tell me! This is the afterlife, isn t it? I just thought . . . .

I thought the truth would no longer be a matter of speculation.

Aaron gave his guide a side-long look. Are you really saying there s scientific discourse here? What, there s this committee that peer-reviews submissions and makes pronouncements? Do arguments break out between crazy tentacled nerds about data gathering guidelines? He had transitioned from flippant to strident by the end of the sentence.

Queg answered without a trace of levity. Oh, nothing like that. These are Remoran theories. The Pathways are central to our existence, and so we strive to understand them as best we can. There is no pronounced consensus between the different Sapient communities, fractured and independent as they are.

Okay, sure. Awesome.

I understand Humans have an extensive body of research on these matters, however. Access is restricted, of course.

Of course.

There s theories now. And scientists, and research. What s next? Money? A job? A friggin mortgage?

The conversation lulled into thoughtful silence as Aaron readjusted his vision of the afterlife yet again. The path down the spiral had narrowed steadily while they talked, but was still wide enough to accommodate an entire football team. The walls on either side were shorter by then, and the view beyond revealed only more paths, platforms, amorphous structures without rhyme or reason. Queg had said that the trip would be short, but for Aaron there was no end in sight.

If I may ask, Queg suddenly spoke up, hesitant. You asked about realms earlier, as though they do not exist in the Beyond. Is it true that Sapients live on balls of soil floating in empty space?

Aaron barked a short laugh and then felt ashamed of it. Probably his every question had sounded just as silly to Queg. His guide didn t seem to mind his lack of finesse.

I m . . . not sure what you mean with Sapients, he responded. That would definitely be his next question. But I can tell you that humans inhabit a planet called Earth in, um, life.

It felt odd, talking as if he was no longer alive.

I guess you could say Earth is a ball of soil, he continued, but it s a gross oversimplification. A planet is a spherical body of matter in orbit around a star. A really huge sphere. Enormous. There s tons of them in the Universe, but relatively few can support life. Earth is one of them.

He went on to explain as best as he could water and land, rock and magma. It segued into oxygen, orbits, seasons, tides and the moon; the heat of the sun and the relative position of Earth in the solar system. Queg listened intently, openly disbelieving at times, asking brief questions wherever he needed further explanations. Aaron was only happy to oblige, admittedly feeling quite smug about it. It felt nice to be the one imparting knowledge after being stuck with the role of clueless simpleton for so long.

It was while explaining the sheer size of the Universe that he realized what all these questions meant. Queg found it all quite far-fetched, and some things outright preposterous. He wanted to know all about planets, moons, stars, seasons, day and night. Aaron had a hard time going into detail because the very concepts were completely alien to the creature. He had been so wrapped up explaining everything that the obvious implications hadn t dawned on him until then.

He interrupted the lecture and eyed Queg warily. Are you telling me that there is no such thing as day and night anywhere here?

I m afraid I did not even know what to make of those words until you explained. Entirely new concepts sound like a jumble, like when a Sapient obfuscates their speech. It is still hard to grasp, but you have been a great help.

Aaron took Queg s response quietly, fully intending to file it in the growing list of incongruities. Don t think about it too much, he told himself. It isn t even the strangest thing so far. Move on to the next question.

But he couldn t. The new knowledge dug a hole through his composure and burrowed deep into his psyche, and in its wake came a barrage of brand new, far more disturbing questions. If there were no day and night, no planets, no galaxies . . . what else was missing? Was there weather? An atmosphere? What exactly was he breathing, if not molecules made up of atoms made in stars? What medium carried words from his face to Queg s?

The questions carried on, challenging everything from the existence of gravity to the composition of his clothes. They hammered a simple truth into his head: all things, all things were different not just perception, architecture, customs or species, but the very structure of the Universe, of reality. The fact that he might no longer be made of atoms carved a lair into his thoughts, and this time the resulting migraine was entirely too painful to ignore.

He couldn t expect anything to follow real-world logic anymore. Every facet of causality was suspect. Every rule needed to be re-examined. It was time to throw away preconceptions, stop wasting time with disbelief and simply take what came at face value.

If nothing else, it would save him a great deal of frustration.

It seemed to help with the crippling pain in his temples, at least. That s what he needed to do: take things in stride. The talking tentacle monster wanted him to meet the Human Overlords? Super. The ground beneath his feet could shift and swallow him up at any moment? Fun times. He was actually breathing sublimated chocolate pudding? Awesome.

Aaron looked around, realizing he d completely lost track of his surroundings. He stood in the middle of the path, looking into nothingness, Queg patiently hovering in front of him. There was concern in its alien features.

Uh, sorry about that, Aaron said. I was . . . adjusting.

I apologize, Aaron. I did not intend to cause you discomfort. I shouldn t have asked.

No, man, it s fine, it s alright. I m glad you did. I m good now, we can keep going.

Of course. We are almost there.

They resumed their way down the clockwise spiral, which had narrowed considerably since Aaron had last bothered to check. The path they d already traveled sprawled above him by then. He hadn t realized they d gone so far down.

Queg motioned him toward a break in the outer wall. Aaron approached it, and had to do a double-take the moment he saw what lay beyond.

The exit turned out to be little more than a gnarled trail, barely wide enough for a sane man to walk on. It dove down in a dangerously steep incline mitigated only by irregularly spaced steps. There wasn t even a rail to hold on to. It twisted and turned whimsically, supported by a whole lot of nothing all the way to the next platform, which was a long, long way down. The platform it led to was a plateau that sprouted out of a larger formation reminiscent of a mountain range, with many more paths leading to it or its immediate vicinity.

The sense of depth was mind-boggling. He d never had problems with heights before, but the view underneath the trail was enough to make his head spin. He could see dozens, hundreds more platforms farther below, and a tangle of paths and bridges interconnecting them in labyrinthine ways. There was no bottom to it. Every feature kept on intertwining until it fell out of sight behind one shape or another.

Queg started on his way down without a hint of hesitation, easily banking this way and that. Aaron watched him for a time, then threw another wary look down the path ahead. Finally he squatted, planted his butt on the uneven surface, and used hands and feet to drag his ass down the slope.

Queg made his version of shaking his head and muttered something about newborns that Aaron didn t quite make out. He could tell the alien was chuckling.

Freakin hilarious! Wait til I fall a hundred stories and splat on the ground, we ll all laugh then!

Grumbling under his breath about floating comedians and how it d be easier if he were a flying octopus himself, he slowly dragged his behind down the treacherous path.

_________

There s people down there?

He d happened to peer over the edge of the trail at one of the numerous sharp turns halfway down the path. Aaron would have noticed them much earlier if he hadn t been so concentrated on not falling off a cliff.

Queg?

The Remoran turned to face him. Do you require assistance?

I m alright. Did you notice there are people down there?

He wasn t certain that they were actual people. They stood in pairs at opposite sides of the platform dark, bulky, motionless. They looked more like statues than guards.

Why, they are sentries, Queg said. Humans are selective about travelers going into most of their realms. Queg paused, lifting appendages in a placating gesture. Most of the Sapients are, for good reasons. There should oh.

Aaron looked down again to see what had captured Queg s attention. His breath caught. What the shit is that!

I don t know, Queg answered. I have not come across them before.

Is it a dinosaur?

I do not know what that is.

It s got too many legs to be a dinosaur.

I wouldn t know.

It was a giant lizard, more or less, as big as two buses side-by-side. Trudging on three sets of legs up the widest path leading to the plateau, it had an enormous head, a stocky neck and a long tail that lazily lashed from side to side when it moved. Its body kept low to the ground as it lumbered laboriously up the slope.

Oh man, there s more than one?

Another one had just made it around the bend. Its hide was a colorful gradient that went from dark brown at the tail, red and orange through their midsection, to bright yellow at the top of the head. Black stripes wrapped around the upper half of their back, while a mane of spine-like white hair covered their necks and patched the back of their legs.

The standard sample size to bring in is five, Queg helpfully contributed.

Third and fourth came into view. Stripes and colors varied subtly, as did the shape of their heads. Their unconcerned stare gave the creatures the dim-witted look of mindless cattle.

Five creatures in all were guided by a number of short figures equipped with long prodding sticks. They moved in quick, stop-start bursts of activity, like startled rodents.

This is cool, man. I m cool with this. There s no need to panic, just take it in stride.

What are those things? Aaron asked again, one hundred percent calm and collected and not intimidated in the slightest. What s their deal, I mean. Is this normal, or . . . .

As I mentioned, I haven t encountered these denizens before, but the Caretakers are always looking for new exotic pets for their zoos reservations, I mean. They could also be bound for research. One doesn t exclude the other.

Are the Caretakers those little fellows poking sticks at the things?

It took a moment for Queg to realize what Aaron was referring to. Oh, no. Those are just herders, likely hunters looking for favor, if it s a good find. He paused, wary. I m not supposed to talk to you about Human factions. They would not be pleased, and in any case everything I say would be inaccurate. Please forget I mentioned the Caretakers. You would do me a great kindness if you said that I did not give you any information about Humans, beyond how necessary it is for you to join them.

Aaron swallowed the questions at the tip of his tongue. Uh, sure. Don t worry about it, I won t say a word.

These people I m going to meet sound so very nice. Can t friggin wait.

He kept watching as the herd reached the plateau and advanced toward the space between the sentries. The group stopped, and one of the little herders went up to the bulky humanoid shapes. A minute or two went by without anything happening.

Abruptly the whole procession started moving again, past the sentries and toward the large mound of fleshy stone that connected to the platform. They kept going until they all disappeared under it. There must have been a large tunnel or passage that he wasn t able to see from above.

Queg patiently hovered by his side.

Shall we go, sir?

Aaron pursed his lips and wearily eyed the precarious way down. He sighed, nodded halfheartedly, and got ready to resume dragging his butt down the slope.

_________

The sentries were not human at all.

Oh, they had two arms, and two legs, and a head. That s as far as similarities went. Aaron kept on staring at the things that stood some twenty meters away, unwilling to move despite Queg s reassurances that there should be no trouble whatsoever.

They re supposed to be intimidating by design, Queg was saying. They remind visitors of the consequences of hostility toward Humans. These are definitely not the worst I ve encountered.

Aaron eyed the pitch-black, three-meter-tall armor sets; the jagged spikes and malevolent horns; the wicked hand weapons and the tower shields shaped in the image of contorted visages silently wailing in a perpetual snarl.

He turned to face his guide.

Queg. I know you re not supposed to tell me certain things, but these people have Chaos Warriors for doormen. I m not taking another step until you tell me what kind of people these humans are.

Queg wobbled uneasily. You need not fear. Nothing will harm you here. You must let me take you to them, sir.

The Remoran was almost squirming. The more Aaron learned, the less he wanted to go through with this whole plan.

There are no real options for you, sir, Queg went on. Fending for yourself would be all but impossible. Should you encounter other Sapients, they would know right away how defenseless you are, and the Truce of the Pathways is circumvented whenever it can be done quietly. Even denizens will not be as friendly as I have been. Far from it, if they can get away with it. Other friendly denizens like myself will only behave the same way I have, urging you to accompany them to Human realms. Even if you managed to avoid hostile encounters, in isolation you would be likely to lose yourself, or scatter by your own hand.

Queg hovered just a bit closer, and his appendages reached out in a pleading gesture. Please, Aaron. I cannot say I understand your apprehension. Humans are respected, feared or worshiped throughout the realms, it has always been so. Other lesser species resent their power, and the sentries are necessary to deter would-be attackers. I assure you that no harm will come to you, and I will be greatly rewarded for my service. Do allow me to take you to them.

Aaron just stared, indecision plain on his face.

It s impossible to make choices when I don t know my ass from a hole in the ground.

Nothing has really changed, though. No matter how bad they are, other humans are still my best chance to find her.

Don t chicken out now.

Alright, Queg, he said at the end of a sigh. Lead the way.

He had expected such fearsome guards to stand before some sort of grand display, like the massive iron doors of an ancient castle, or a shimmering portal into the unknown, magical and mysterious. A Stargate, perhaps. The plain downward tunnel beyond the sentries, while tall and spacious, was a sound disappointment.

Queg drifted forth without a hint of concern. Aaron followed at a distance. The emerging details considerably slowed his advance.

Two curved blades, a barbed flail and a massive mace came into view, each one of them full of sharp edges and elaborate engravings glowing red on black steel. They were poised low and ready to swing. The sentries had faces that might have been skulls or helmets, with rows of sharp teeth for mouths and smoldering blue fire for eyes. The eerie flames flickered and danced unnaturally, more like smoke than fire.

Those eyes followed Aaron s every move. He got the distinct impression that they disapproved of what they saw.

Always respectful, Queg turned as he moved and made a reassuring gesture, urging him to keep going. The guide stopped in front of the pair of sentries on the left hand side.

This is Queg Remora of the Fourteenth, he intoned. I request audience with the exalted Ming Xiu Thousand Rivers, may the Unbound honor and guard her. He waited for a heartbeat. I bring a newborn.

Queg s tone was such that Aaron expected to hear a gasp coming from the statues, or a flurry of activity at the announcement, or a trap door suddenly opening under his feet to whisk him away.

There was only silence as those burning eyes continued to bore into his skull.

A minute passed. Queg waited anxiously while Aaron kept a respectful distance, his imagination full of vivid images in which the sentries came to life, spilled his guts all over the floor and played a fine game of baseball with his head.

He was starting to wonder whether they would have to stand there forever when every one of the nightmarish statues bowed their head in unison. Then they arched their shields outwards in a motion that unequivocally granted passage into the tunnel ahead. No words, no other signs of acknowledgment.

Queg bounded ahead without hesitation. Aaron followed, skirting away from the immobile monsters like a kid hurrying out of a dark hallway and into the safe brightness of his bedroom.

Excellent! Queg said, visibly pleased with the exchange. We are almost at the end of our short journey. Such fortunate happenstance, to have come upon one another so close to Thousand Rivers. I did say there would be no difficulties at this gate. Thousand Rivers is a haven for denizens. The Caretakers are just and generous, and I am sure you will find them quite pleasant. Ah, again I mention things I shouldn t. Please forget I said that last part. Mistress Ming Xiu will be most pleased to meet you, of that I am sure. Why, I would wager

Catching up, Aaron cut into the alien s chatter. What happens when they refuse entry, Queg?

Ah, I wouldn t know from experience. He shifted around uncomfortably. They wouldn t invite you in the way they did, I suppose, and you would be expected to leave. If it is decided that you have brought harmful intentions, I have it in good authority that you will be hacked to pieces quite expediently. Of course, you would have to be mad to bring harmful intentions to a Human doorstep. It does happen, now and then. They all become cautionary tales.

More wonderful hints at how very friendly humans were in this place. Aaron tried not to dwell on it.

What will be your reward for helping me? Please don t say something like five million gold pieces. I don t know if I could handle that.

Why, I ll ah! We are about to enter Thousand Rivers. It will feel peculiar, but do not be alarmed.

Aaron looked around the tunnel for any signs that there was indeed a transition into somewhere else. The previously plain walls were giving way to increasingly frequent green streaks, populating random sections of the tunnel like open gashes in the flesh of the stone. There was a certain texture to them, like dense moss, and some had bits of dark brown, possibly the soil underneath. As they traveled farther, the floor of the cave gradually gave way to softer ground, earthy colors at times covered with short grass. Stepping on it was a definite improvement over the rock-solid path they d tread so far.

By the time they reached a point where there was an even distribution of greens and reds, Aaron became aware of the peculiar transition Queg had mentioned. It was as if they d gone through an invisible barrier beyond which everything felt lighter, colors grew brighter, the air became more fragrant. The most curious feeling was the new spring to his step, as if his feet were ready to leave the ground and send him gliding right next to his guide. Queg floated higher than usual, looking content.

A surge of jitters whirled in Aaron s belly. At last he would meet some fellow human beings. Hopefully they d have real answers to his one hundred questions starting with the one thing he couldn t stop thinking about.

What in the nine hells had happened to Alexandra?

6

Peering around one of the intricately engraved pillars, Alex watched as a group of gnarled creatures surveyed the area where she had fought for survival. Now that she could take a good look at them, she was certain that these things could be nothing but demons.

Giant slug monsters would have been grotesque enough. These creatures took it even further, with four sets of claw-clad arms sprouting from their torsos at asymmetrical intervals; a wide snout that came out of their underbelly and constantly snorted at the ground, like that of a hog searching for truffles; a cluster of antennae that probed and twitched in all directions atop their headless, faceless bodies. They stood just shy of shoulder-height, walking on four stout legs with right-angled toes that dug firmly into the gravel. Their hide, thick and coarse, was a blend of tan and deep blue.

Alexandra grimly watched the sway of their tail. Long and flexible, it looked like just the thing to wrap around somebody s neck.

She squatted with her back against the column, leaning her head against the cool stone as she listened to the crunch of their steps. There had been worse on the Nature channel, she told herself. Fleas were terrifying bugs when looked at under the microscope. Most insects were nightmarish beasts up-close. Countless creatures under the ocean could pass for horrendous aliens far scarier than these.

You can do this. Come on, you can do this, Alex. You did it before, you know how to fight, it s gonna work. They re just dummies at the gym. You can do it.

She glanced around the pillar again, noting their position. The closest one by the slime spatter on the floor. Three by the far side of the hall, next to the mangled corpse, their backs turned away from her. Two more, farther down the hallway, almost out of sight. And another in the middle, the big one, the one with dark chitinous plates and a tangible aura of menace. It seemed to be the one issuing orders.

Her breath quickened.

They ll kill you if they get the chance. Are you going to let them hunt you? Best to attack when they re distracted. Best to get the jump on them right now. You can do it, Alex, come on. If they re just as squishy as the others, they ll drop fast.

Coming up with this plan had been easy. Gathering the guts to carry it out, not so much. She felt ridiculous at that moment, hunched behind a pillar, goading herself to attack a group of Hellspawn monsters that surely had infinite numbers with which to hunt her. Maybe this was all part of her punishment: to struggle, to fight for survival, to build up her hopes just so they could be crushed later on. Any information she obtained would be specifically designed to get her nowhere.

Once more she forced herself to rein in self-doubt. Even if there truly was no hope, it made no difference. Everything came down to a simple choice: to remain idle, or to take action.

It was an easy choice.

Nothing to lose, Alex. Nothing to lose.

She kept her attention on the scene in front of her. The trio by the corpse went separate ways from the rest, a bit farther away. The lone creature by the pool of slime edged closer, seeming only interested in what lay in front of it, while the rest had gone out of her immediate sight and would not see her coming.

It was time. She took a few more quick breaths through gritted teeth.

Go now! Now, damn you, NOW!

Her toes scratched in the gravel to gain a firm footing, her every muscle tensed, her hands clenched against the pillar. With her insides tied up in knots, Alexandra sprang out of cover and dashed forward.

The thumping of her feet against the ground didn t go unnoticed. By the third stride the thing that was closest had turned to face her. The fourth stride had it backing away slightly, its appendages spread in what she could only interpret as shock. The fifth stride became a jump that contained every ounce of strength she could muster. She extended her leg at the apex, let out a howl that she couldn t have contained even if she had tried, and aimed her foot at the midsection of the wretched monster. All her anger and frustration were focused on that foot.

Her kick connected, and it was as if the creature wasn t even there. She plowed through it in an explosion of slime that surely would have blinded her, had she not looked away and shielded her eyes at the right moment. She landed at such speed that she skidded through the soiled gravel on foot and knee a full two yards before regaining control of her movement, her features twisted in a pained snarl. The grind against the sharp shards only added fuel to the fire.

She propelled herself at a full run towards the pair of creatures to her left, leaving the other four farther behind. Every one of them looked stunned by her sudden appearance.

Alexandra closed the distance to the two monsters before they were done turning. They screamed incoherently at her, and . . . were they trying to run away? The thought fleeted at the brink of awareness and was quickly banished. There were only the demons and the sequence of movements necessary to survive them. Nothing else could matter.

Fear rippled through her as she lunged between them without slowing down. She crouched under and past flailing claws and threw her entire body behind a wide swing of her right arm. The limb sliced messily through the creature s mid-section.

Alexandra s cry was half growl and half scream as she felt the alien flesh rip and tear against her skin. She wanted to recoil in disgust, curl into a ball and throw up; she wanted to escape from their voices, run away and keep running until she could no longer hear their agonizing wails.

She forced herself to dig hands and feet on the gravel, skidding as she spun around to face the other one. It had no face to decipher, no body language that she could understand, but in the split second that it took for her to throw herself at it, somehow she knew that the thing was terrified.

Her hand seized one of the gnarly arms clawing at her, and she pulled. She had only wanted to add momentum to the knee-thrust that should have caved in the thing s torso, but she fumbled as her hand crushed the appendage as if it was made of wet clay. Half the arm was severed from the beast with a gut-wrenching sound, the other half of it twisted into an oozing stump.

Her balance upset, she plunged without control shoulder-first into the bellowing beast. While the impact didn t carry enough force to maim the thing outright, it was enough to send it sprawling backwards and away at a disproportionate speed. It hit one of the pillars nearby with a wet crunch and collapsed, silent and motionless.

Alexandra didn t understand why her blows seemed to carry such incredible strength, but she was not about to start questioning it. There were four more to go.

She turned around to face the rest, expecting them to have spread out to surround her. She was surprised to find the trio of so-called demons cowering behind the large one, hardly twenty feet away. The big one regarded her with a mix of indignation, apprehension and hatred.

Mostly hatred.

Attack while they are weak.

She held back against the impulse. She could feel its hatred at a physical level, somehow, like waves emanating from it. This thing wanted her bound and tortured, and it looked capable of doing just that all by itself.

She bared her teeth in what she hoped was an intimidating snarl. Her fists, sickly juices dripping from them onto the ground, were clenched so hard that they were shaking.

You will tell me what I want to know, demon, or I will slaughter every last one of you.

Laughable empty threats, the voice of self-doubt came. How many before you tried to fight as well?

The cowering creatures whimpered pitifully and crowded even closer together. The hatred coming from the big one intensified. Was it protective of the smaller ones? Should Hellspawn care about one another?

She had only a second to ready herself before the thing let out a bloodcurdling screech and sprung toward her like a coiled viper. Alexandra threw herself out of the way, barely avoiding snapping claws and lashing tail. She strove to ignore the rough landing on the gravel and the new scrapes that came with it, rolling awkwardly on her side and springing to her feet as quickly as she could.

The beast skidded forward as it tried to change direction, its wits buried beneath an avalanche of rage. Without any time to lose, Alexandra ran and leaped after it, left hand frantically grabbing at its flailing tail, the other made into a fist and raised over her head. Her teeth were bared with enough ferocity to match the demon s.

She punched the monster s back with every ounce of her strength, hoping her new-found superpowers would make short work of it. The chitinous plate looked so solid, though. Too solid. She knew it the instant before her hand made contact.

Too solid.

It was like punching a slab of granite. Alexandra grunted in shock through gritted teeth, feeling knuckles give way and bones break past her wrist. Her vision blurred as the tide of pain crashed through her arm and flooded her senses.

Her legs went limp and she fell against the writhing creature, the thrust from her jump carrying over onto the landing and sending both bodies stumbling forward. Out of instinct she twisted to shield her injured arm before she came down hard against the ground, her shoulder bearing most of the impact as shards of gravel flew everywhere around them.

The demon kept its balance easily on its four legs. It turned and closed the short distance between them in a heartbeat.

What had been pained moans through a clenched jaw turned into an agonized scream as the demon s tail wrapped around her broken limb and jerked her upright. The chitinous monster dangled her in mid-air for an interminable moment, her screams becoming wailing sobs as shattered bones crushed together, ripping and grinding against her flesh. It pulled her even closer and let out another screech that she couldn t understand. Alexandra was barely aware of anything other than the unbearable throbs spreading through her entire body.

Can a soul have broken bones?

The thought came out of nowhere and vanished as quickly as it had come. She couldn t move, she couldn t think, she could only feel pain so intense that it clawed at her sanity.

It was the pincer that suddenly stabbed her just above the knee that sent her over the edge.

She had to make it stop. There was nothing else.

Her free hand darted around another claw and clamped around one of the demon s other arms: a thick, awry thing ending in a razor-sharp talon.

Alexandra pulled with strength born of desperation, pulled with the grim knowledge that her leverage rested on a mangled limb and an impaled thigh. Like a demented mantra, only one thought repeated in her head above the pain.

Nothing to lose.

The extremity twisted off the beast s body like a sapling being uprooted from the earth. The demon s shrieks became almost loud enough to match her own. Her leg was fire, her hand was a blinding ball of torment still clutched by the thing s tail, but she forced herself to keep pulling and twisting until the limb yanked free. Dark yellow fluids immediately sprayed and oozed from the ghastly wound.

She refused to relent even as the enraged creature shook her violently. She tossed aside the useless hunk of flesh and reached for the closest thing she could grab, determined to cause as much damage as she could. The beast whipped around in a frenzy, its tail flexing and extending, tossing her about in a wild fit that dislodged whatever was stabbing her thigh. She had thought it impossible for the pain to get any worse, but she had been terribly mistaken.

Blinded by the unbearable jolts traveling up her maimed limbs, she grabbed aimlessly with her free hand at anything at all that she could rip apart from this hideous thing that wouldn t let go of her wrist. Something landed on her extended palm, and her fingers clamped on it like talons on prey.

She twisted. She pulled.

This time the demon s screech far surpassed Alexandra s pained sobs. It released her in mid-motion, sending her sprawling across the ground. Her awful trip came to an abrupt halt when she thumped against a column. Even as she struggled to get air in her lungs, the agony in the beast s high-pitched wails gave her a modicum of satisfaction.

Her muscles refused to obey. She was unable to do anything but lie still, all her efforts concentrated on breathing in and out. It felt like hours, but it couldn t have been more than a few seconds.

She strained to sit upright, moans escaping through bloodied lips and gritted teeth. She d bitten her tongue at some point. A look at her good hand confirmed her suspicion: she d torn off a handful of those thick antennae that sprouted at the top of the monster. Judging by the ongoing screeches, these demons were quite attached to their antennae.

Not this one anymore, she thought with a mirthless chuckle that turned into a groan.

She tossed aside the disgusting things, and in doing so she caught sight of her injured leg. It was a clean puncture wound on her quad, right above the knee and on the outer side of her thigh. Blood already soaked her battered purple sweatpants, making the fabric cling uncomfortably to her skin. Hopefully she would be able to limp her way through this.

She didn t want to find out how her hand looked. She might truly empty her stomach at the sight of it, if it looked half as bad as it felt.

You re not done yet. Finish what you started.

Alexandra couldn t help crying out as she pushed herself upright against the pillar. She cast a quick glance around and was relieved to see that the remaining lesser demons were nowhere to be seen. Whether they d fled in terror or gone to seek help, she wouldn t have to deal with them for now.

The chitinous beast writhed on the ground, its agony subsiding into gurgled whimpers as it thrashed about. Slowly she limped toward it, jaw aching from how long she had clenched it. Shallow breaths that came in spurts were all that she could manage as she put one foot in front of the other, awkwardly trying to keep all the weight on her good leg.

By the time she got to the creature it twitched feebly on its side, uttering faint noises that Alexandra took as pained moans. That viscous liquid that was the demon s blood continued to pour from its wounded stumps.

Don t you die on me now, you son of a bitch. There s no way I can do this again.

The beast recoiled when she bent over and stretched her arm toward it, but went deathly still when her hand wrapped around and tugged at the remainder of the antennae.

You will answer my questions, she rasped. It was all that she could manage.

Alexandra could feel the creature s anger returning. When it spoke, the screeching sounds somehow translated into words she could understand, albeit crudely.

You no get anything, biped! I no give you anything!

Alexandra s scowl deepened.

Where are other humans kept? How can I reach them?

There was only a strangled trill for a response. The thing was laughing at her.

She gave the antennae a sharp tug that stopped the laughter dead.

You will answer, she said, and a different approach occurred to her then. Or I will hunt down the ones that fled and give them pain that will make your fate seem merciful.

A part of her was startled at the words coming out of her mouth. It wasn t just a threat, she knew. She would do it, if that s what it took to loosen the monster s tongue and get the information she sought.

It wasn t something a nice person would do.

You have nothing to lose, Alex. You are already damned.

Can t trust biped, the thing said. You go after, you kill anyway!

Her last shreds of patience vanished. She yanked again, hard enough for something to start ripping. She yelled over the demon s agonized cries. You are in no position to bargain, you worthless shit! I ll go get them right now!

The thing talked as soon as it could stop screaming. All defiance had evaporated. Not hurt them. Not hurt them, I beg. I answer all. I not know all, but I answer all.

What kind of demon was this? It didn t even seem very bright. The anguish in its alien voice was enough to make her determination falter.

It would kill you if it could. It tried to do just that. You can t afford guilt. You can t afford mercy.

She made a conscious effort to harden her resolve.

I have to find someone. His name is Aaron Gretchen. Do you know where he is?

The monster took a moment to respond. I not know names, it said. Its stump twitched and oozed.

Alexandra scowled and tried to organize her thoughts. The daunting scope of her task became clear as she searched for the right questions to ask.

I need to learn the lay of the land. Even the Pit of Damnation needs to have some sort of structure.

Might as well get the obvious question out of the way.

Where are non-believers kept, and how could I reach them?

The creature appeared uncertain. You look for more bipeds? Like you?

Not just anybody.

Her grip had begun to shake. Bending over the demon was torture, but she did not dare release it to get more comfortable.

This not good realm for you, the demon said. You only one here. Go other realms. Find more bipeds. I tell you way out!

So she d gotten her very own realm. Was that the way it went? A small pocket of warped reality for every soul?

What is this realm supposed to be? Why did I come here?

This realm, Carved Barrow. It paused. You, newborn. Newborn very weak, very dumb. Sever on sight. Not supposed to fight back. The alien s comment was deeply reproachful.

Why? What did I do to deserve that? Why did you attack me?

All bipeds evil! You newborn biped, easy to sever, easy to be rid of evil. You kill clan, you hunt clan! Clan fight back! No bipeds wanted in Carved

She cut the rant short with another sharp pull that sent the demon writhing and screaming in pain.

What the hell are you talking about? You re a goddamn demon! Do you think you can feed me bullshit like this? I swear I will make you regret

No hurt! No hurt! the creature responded in shrieks, trampling over her words. Alexandra realized that she had kept pulling without meaning to. I say truth! Clan keep stories, Clan say newborn all crazy like you!

This realm, one of many. Clan live in Carved Barrow. Clan proud of Carved Barrow! Clan not let bipeds take over, many deaths, much blood. Bipeds say, not worth fighting Clan. Many bipeds in other realms. You go Nexus, you go other realms, you leave Carved Barrow. This all I know, I beg.

Frustration swelled even further. None of it made sense. She d risked her neck to interrogate this wretched monster, and it made no damn sense! Was there even a point to it? Wasn t all this a simple illusion of freedom? Would she turn out to be a rat in a labyrinth, trapped to relive the same futile quest for eternity in her tiny little pocket of reality?

You re wasting time retreading pointless questions. It comes down to the same choice as before: you fight, or you give up.

Her captive took her thoughtful silence as an invitation to continue. Nexus gate out that way. It made a vague gesture with one of its remaining arms in the direction she d been running earlier. Go Mount-bound outside, turn Temple-bound upon crossing chasm. Gate five chasms Temple-bound. Cross gate, Nexus seven chasms Mount-bound.

Alexandra barked out a laugh that became a grimace. Somehow the distances had seamlessly translated into miles in her head.

Fifty-something miles, she said, hoarse and out of breath. I ll fall over before I walk fifty feet.

She was ready to fall over right there and then. The stab wound was becoming too much to bear in her current position. Her crushed hand got worse with every passing second.

What will you do once this interrogation is over? Will you leave this thing here, so it can recover and chase you down?

Will you kill it in cold blood?

She put the disturbing thoughts out of her mind.

You keep calling me a newborn. Why?

Stories say bipeds appear in realms, anywhere. Not common in Carved Barrow, but happens. Always crazy, always wild, like hatchlings, like you! Always afraid of Clan.

You attacked me first!

You always kill Clan! No friends, never friends, you always kill!

What the hell are you talking about! She pulled again, but it only fed the monster s anger.

Clan hunt newborn, sever newborn, Clan hate all bipeds, Clan hate you! Hate you! Suddenly it lunged at her, claws and talons all outstretched to rip her apart.

Alexandra didn t have time to think. She yanked as hard as she could while scrambling to get away.

She stumbled when her injured leg failed to bear her weight. She fell awkwardly on her backside, and the landing sent yet another jolt of pain through her limbs. She struggled to keep still, hoping for the worst of it to pass.

The beast s high-pitched howls reached new heights as it contorted and twisted where it lay, thrashing mindlessly, extremities flailing wildly. The whole handful of antennae was still in Alexandra s hand, yellowish blood oozing all over her skin. She tossed them aside with a disgusted shudder.

The screams died out abruptly before she had time to even shake off the dizziness. She looked up to see the demon lying almost motionless, twitching in its death throes. She would have put some more distance between the dying monster and herself, but she couldn t fathom the thought of moving even an inch.

Alexandra sat there, staring at the thing. A part of her couldn t help feeling sorry for the beast, despite it all. She stuffed that part of her into a chest, locked the lid, and threw the chest down a bottomless pit.

She d asked herself whether she could have killed it in cold blood. It was a great relief to leave that question unanswered.

Fifty miles. I need to walk over fifty miles to get out of here, if this thing can be trusted at all.

She labored to repeat the directions in her head, just in case she decided to follow them. The terrible pain from her injuries made it nearly impossible to concentrate. Its sharp edges had dulled slightly, but were still far from manageable. The throbbing was unrelenting, while her whole arm felt numb and limp at her side. She still dreaded taking a good look at it.

Lord, how am I going to get any of it fixed?

Alexandra pushed the worry out of her mind, with some effort. Maybe if she ignored the problem, it would solve itself. That s as good a plan as she could come up with at the moment.

A pool of blood had already formed on the ground under her knee. No wonder she was feeling dizzy. Suddenly the slight dullness overtaking the worst of the pain took on a new meaning. Between the puncture wound and the cuts and bruises from all the nosedives through gravel, how much blood had she lost already?

Does a soul bleed?

She dismissed the thought out of hand. It obviously did: she only needed to look at pretty much any part of her anatomy for proof. She strained to bend over and examine the wound closer, peering past the torn fabric clinging to her skin.

It looked awful. Deep enough to have done some serious damage to muscle tissue, wide enough to need a lot of stitches that she had no way to procure, even if she managed to get it cleaned somehow. She was afraid to even apply pressure on it for fear of getting even more filth in there. As she carefully touched the area around it, she noted with bitter disappointment that her engagement ring was as soiled as the rest of her hand.

She put the silly concern out of her mind. Maybe the back of her shirt would be clean enough to use, but taking off her shirt meant getting it around the misshapen mess that was her arm. Not a pleasant prospect. Still, if she didn t do something about it, it was going to get furiously infected.

Does a soul die of a fever? Does a soul bleed to death?

The questions stayed with her this time. Her injuries didn t make much sense. What would happen if she simply kept bleeding? Could she die twice? Die in the afterlife?

That s ridiculous. All this is ridiculous.

A soul was immortal by definition. How had she been maimed to begin with? She didn t even have a body anymore. How did a spirit get broken bones? How did a spirit feel dizzy from blood loss? It was simply absurd, it didn t make sense, it went against everything she d ever

The dizziness flared up in a flash, becoming a harrowing migraine that pounded across her whole brain. It occurred to her that her brain should be far beyond feeling pain, which in turn made the merciless stabs inside her skull even worse. She gasped for breath, eyes bulging, and for a brief moment she saw her skin flicker. Its contours became fuzzy, indefinite. Thick mist floated around her.

She squeezed her eyes shut, bringing up her good hand to cradle her forehead. It felt like her head was about to split open, swelling throbs pushing against her skull from the inside. Soon she couldn t think of where she was or what she d been doing as the bloating pain overtook every other concern. Her one and only desire became to make the pain stop.

She focused on drawing deep breaths. No questions, no puzzles. Just breathing.

Breathing. She had lungs that needed air. She had blood that needed oxygen to carry to her muscles and organs. She had a heart to pump that blood through arteries and veins. Nothing hurt, nothing was wrong, everything made perfect sense. She focused on her heartbeat, not letting any concerns come between her and that steady thumping as it slowly regained its normal rhythm.

The tides of pain that had drowned her receded bit by bit, becoming a dull ache after long, long minutes. She waited until it was completely gone before opening her eyes.

The first thing she noticed were the tattered rags that had replaced her clothes. A threadbare, long-sleeved cotton shirt, dyed in what might have been bright pink once, full of rips and torn in several places. A long denim skirt with a slit up one side and a highly irregular hem covered in so much dirt that there was more brown than blue to it.

What in Tartarus . . . .

She hadn t worn this outfit in over two decades. Alexandra touched the coarse fabric of the skirt with her fingertips, pinching and rubbing with her thumb. Shortly after her eyes widened at the fact that she was using her right hand to do it.

As she effortlessly flexed perfectly healthy fingers, it finally registered that not just the headache had vanished. All the pain was gone, from the hundred scrapes and cuts to the soreness in her feet. She hurriedly lifted the side of her skirt to find only smooth, dark skin where a gaping hole used to be. No blood remained, not even the blood that had pooled beneath her, not even the blood that didn t belong to her. Every inch of her was free of the filth that had covered her just a moment ago, her beloved ring included. And her feet . . . .

She bent a knee and grabbed her foot. She ran her fingers along the sole, traced the arches and poked at the toes. My, but it was one rough foot, full of calluses and tough scar tissue. The kind of foot that could walk on glass shards as if they were cotton balls. The kind of foot she used to have, and had wished for in a moment of weakness.

What the hell just happened?

Panic crept in, stirring the deeper dread that had never really left. For a brief time, just a minute ago, she would have done anything to make the pain go away. And then it was gone. Had she made a bargain without even knowing it? Had it all been an elaborate ruse for her to surrender her soul in exchange of relief?

She looked in all directions, expecting a triumphant laugh gloating at her demise. She began to feel silly after a minute of uneventful waiting.

Other explanations began to emerge. Maybe she was trapped in a nightmarish illusion where everything happened by design, without apparent reason. Maybe she had been shown a small mercy by whoever was watching. Most likely, she d done something that she did not understand at a time when her thoughts were wildly flailing about. It was not the first inexplicable thing that had happened, after all.

Don t ask too many questions. That s what brought on the headache in the first place.

Also, maybe you should get out of here before the others come back with help.

Alexandra chafed at the part of her that wouldn t let her just sit still for a while. She made an effort to tack miraculous healing on her growing list of unexplained mysteries, along with her ability to punch holes through aliens as if they were mounds of lard and pluck arms off bodies like picking petals off flowers. She pushed away bleak suspicions, stomped down on both dread and self-pity, and inhaled deeply. She got to her feet on the exhale, and it was delightfully painless.

She looked at the motionless beast one last time, a frown pursing the corner of her mouth.

Say for a moment I believe its story.

If these guys aren t here to torment me, what is really going on?

Hardly anything it had said or done was consistent with a demon s expected behavior. It had mostly wanted her gone, in fact. Considering what it had said about newborns and bipeds, Alexandra almost got the impression that her presence was no more than random chance.

The possibility was even worse than her fate being an isolated mistake. Random judgment, regardless of her deeds in life? She could barely suppress a shiver.

Stop standing still, she admonished herself. You re in danger no matter what these things are. Stay alert and see if you can avoid your special brand of diplomacy from now on.

Alexandra averted her eyes from the hapless mess surrounding her and started the long walk that would supposedly take her out of the realm.

Her feet felt the gravel under her steps no more than a rock feels the downpour in a rainstorm.

_________

The hallway stretched unwavering straight ahead, flanked on both sides by a forest of ornately engraved pillars. Reliefs and decorations covered the walls: primitive depictions of strange creatures, whimsical forms and geometrical shapes. Everything was blue, from the indigo-on-cobalt of the columns to the midnight blue of the vaulted ceiling.

She would have been fascinated, in different circumstances. She barely glanced at the patterns anymore, because nearly an hour of brisk-but-cautious walking had brought a different concern to her attention.

I hate these clothes.

The raggedy shirt, faded and filthy, was one rip away from falling apart. It clung to all the wrong places and constantly rubbed against sensitive areas. The skirt would shift on its own, flap about and be a general bother. Coarse and full of hard edges, it scraped her thighs with every step. And it felt too loose down there, too airy. She loathed skirts.

She would have stripped down to her underwear, but her underwear was gone. Alexandra was well aware that she had much bigger problems to worry about, but her mind kept coming back to her attire no matter how much she tried to focus on everything else.

She grabbed at the shirt and curtly adjusted its tattered hem for the hundredth time. One of the holes in the fabric ripped a bit further.

Ugh!

These clothes had no reason to exist, other than their connection to her new-found foot hardiness. They d been the only clothes she d owned, back when shoes were a coveted luxury.

Does a soul wear clothes?

Alexandra tried to shove the question away as soon as it formed, but she found the silliness of it impossible to ignore. She had hardly expected everyone to be naked in Heaven, but how could a spirit possibly wear actual clothes? Might as well say that she d have to shave her legs and trim her fingernails next. Or did the fabric have a soul too, so that it could transcend into the afterlife? It was a remote possibility, except she hadn t died in these clothes. These clothes had shown up out of nowhere.

Huh.

If they can pop out of thin air like that, could they also . . . .

As the possibility blossomed in her thoughts, the skirt she was dejectedly glaring at started rippling, its fabric sublimating into billows of mist. She stopped in mid-stride and stared as it blurred, melted and scattered before her eyes, leaving only bare skin behind.

She was stark naked.

No way!

Alexandra looked around in a panic, then jumped behind a nearby pillar. She felt silly for it almost immediately, but even then the prim and modest part of her wanted nothing more than to have those nasty clothes back. As soon as she acknowledged the thought, they coalesced back in place.

Whoa!

There was a certain elegance to how they materialized, fleeting gusts of smoke coming together to become solid. She feared the crippling headache would make a roaring come-back, but all she felt was a small stab in her temples that was gone almost before it began.

This is an interesting development.

Could she do it again? How much control did she have over it? Best to find out while there was relative calm. She wouldn t want a wardrobe malfunction in the middle of monster bashing.

Alexandra did as she had done before, believing that the clothes shouldn t be there at all. With hardly an effort they dissolved into nothingness. Another thought, and the clothes coalesced on demand.

It was beautiful. She found herself simply watching it happen, while working to assimilate that she was putting clothes on and off with her mind.

Wishing for them to be gone wasn t enough, she realized. She had to visualize it, apply her will for the change to happen. The tattered rags kept coming back without a hitch, on and off, on and off . . . .

Well then, this crap outfit better not be all there is to it.

This time, she visualized the clothes she d been wearing when she arrived. Her white top and beloved purple sweatpants materialized with a fascinating flourish, snug around her skin as if they had never gone away.

Whoop!

Alexandra covered her mouth with her hands and looked around, wary of passersby. Then she forgot about keeping watch altogether, because her thoughts swam in a pool of wonderful possibilities. Could she truly don any clothes she wanted, merely by willing them into being? The very idea was enough to make her giddy, which in turn filled her with shame at such frivolous thoughts, especially when she was neck-deep in a heaping mound of problems.

The shame didn t last long. She went through everything she could remember in her wardrobe, delighted every time a piece of clothing materialized. Then she ventured into items she had never worn herself, trying on clothes that belonged to friends, stores or celebrities. She even gave a few fancy gowns and dresses a go, although, as expected, they turned out not to be her thing.

Some of the pieces fell apart immediately, probably because she lacked the proper knowledge of seams, clasps and straps. Certain fabrics looked off upon closer inspection, as if the patterns that weaved the materials together weren t fully realized. Still, not too shabby, for someone that didn t know the first thing about making clothes. Who would have thought that Eternal Damnation could be so stylish?

Alexandra Gretchen, you are wasting way too much time with this.

She stubbornly disagreed with the nagging voice. All frivolity aside, this was a discovery worth exploring. She could alter certain things with her mind; she could control something, however small. It was a soothing thought.

When the demons come back for you, will you soothe them with a fashion show?

Alexandra sighed. The nagging voice had a point. Something nasty would catch her if she didn t keep moving.

She settled on comfortable clothes fit for running. First of all appropriate underwear: a sturdy sports bra and suitable panties. Then a long-sleeved shirt with a hood, along with yoga pants. The hood was wide and deep, while the shirt itself clung to her frame, the hem reaching down just barely above her hips. She made the sleeves long enough to hug her hands, and the pant legs long enough to graze her heels. She slashed the wide cuffs down the ankle seam for bit of a fluttery feel. Nothing wrong with remaining a little stylish.

She figured it would be best to blend in with the background and colored her shirt in a vertical pattern of sinuous shapes, all shades of clear blue that complimented the carvings in the pillars. Her pants were a subdued gradient that went from sapphire at the waist to azure at the ankles. She couldn t resist adding a deep violet cloth belt at the hip, knotted on one side so that the soft fabric would hang lightly down her thigh.

She eyed her feet pensively. Thirty minutes ago she would have murdered for a pair of trekking boots, worn sneakers or even flip-flops. Now she found herself reluctant to put on anything. She may have stolen that tattered skirt, and salvaged that pink shirt from a heap of garbage, but it had taken years to earn those feet. Unlike everything else, they felt like a badge of honor.

Why, where s the hurry? Try your hand at boots now. Let s see how many hours you can spend making the perfect pair of sneakers. Go nuts and try on some heels just for fun, why don t you!

Jeepers.

No longer able to ignore her cautious side, Alexandra figured she could work things out on the move.

She had no need for shoes, anyway.

_________

Alex stood motionless among the rows of pillars, well out of sight. She was staring at the pretty ring that had appeared on the palm of her hand.

Every detail was there, from the delicate pattern of vines wrapped around tiny amethysts to the engraving on the inside in the shape of an elongated infinity symbol. She d always appreciated how discreet and unobtrusive it was, without any points to get caught on fabric or large gemstones that could come off their setting. She could feel the tiny weight of it, the smooth texture of the shank on her skin.

She hesitated, then reached to pick it up with her other hand, afraid that it might disappear at the slightest disturbance. No more had she thought of the possibility that she perceived a small flicker to its substance, a slight attenuation of its solidity.

The ring is there, she admonished herself. It won t disappear no matter what I do, and that s that.

It felt real enough between her thumb and forefinger. It still did when she slipped it around her free ring finger. A little too real, she thought irritably as she struggled to get it past her bony joint. She stared at it some more, fascinated with her accomplishment.

It had started as a simple thought. There s nothing special about fabric, it had occurred to her. What else can I make?

Curiosity had taken over, and after some consideration she d set out to replicate the only Earthly possession still on her person. What could be simpler, she reasoned, than making a copy of a ring she knew in every detail?

Her first efforts had yielded nothing.

Her further, more involved, more doggedly stubborn efforts had yielded faint eddies of mist gravitating toward the center of her palm, shimmering brighter as they formed a dense band of smoke atop the lines of her hand. She d nearly fallen on her ass from surprise at the sight, which made all her progress vanish in an instant.

Forging her will into an indisputable certainty had produced a flow of swirling ethereal shapes that collapsed into one another, forming a ring of white mist that solidified and hardened in the space of seconds. The details that she held so clear in her mind sprung from thought into reality and coalesced upon the ring as if they had always been a part of it.

At first she could hardly believe it. Now, she could hardly stop there. What else could she do?

She looked around for the hundredth time, making sure there was nothing new in sight. Her surroundings proved to be as deserted as ever.

With hardly suppressed excitement, Alexandra put her mind to work. Some fifteen minutes later an assortment of disparate objects cluttered around her feet. She surveyed them with a furrowed brow:

A brown wooden stick, one foot long, smooth and featureless.

A simple wooden mallet. A claw hammer with a crude metal head. A large sledgehammer, almost too heavy to lift comfortably.

The blade of a curved sword, somewhat dull. An unadorned sword hilt without a slot for the nonexistent tang of the blade. A razor-sharp sabre with an ornate hilt and a wide, sinuous guard.

A thick-bristled hairbrush. A hand mirror that reflected nothing. A magnifying glass that did not magnify in the slightest.

A hunk of metal in the rough shape of a handgun. A hunk of metal that looked very much like a handgun, but not quite right. An honest-to-goodness 9mm. semi-automatic that did not work, surrounded by what very much looked like bullets, but weren t.

A two-inch-long wooden stick with a slightly bulbous head, painted red. Next to it, an empty matchbox. Next to it, a number of matches, most of them broken or beaten, but none used.

The scattered parts of a lighter, an unidentifiable liquid leaking from the top of the reservoir.

What she imagined a flamethrower should look like, complete with a heavy propane tank, a harness, and a long hose with a handle and a trigger. It didn t do a damn thing.

The semblance of a shortbow, strung too tight, discarded unceremoniously.

An extremely primitive bicycle, leaning against one of the columns. It had no brakes, no chain, deflated tires, uneven spokes and rigid pedals. Entirely useless.

A car tire.

Alexandra had reached a few conclusions through the process. The first was that she knew precious little about how machines actually worked. She d fired handguns thousands of times in online matches, but she had no idea how the bullets were loaded into the chamber from the magazine, or how the trigger mechanism made the gun go pow. She couldn t even figure out the simplest standard flamethrower, much to her disappointment.

Second, it was possible to alter things without having to make new ones, and it would require significantly less concentration. The sword turned out to be a fine piece of craftsmanship when she was done with it. Too bad she d never learned to wield one effectively.

Also, volume and weight mattered a great deal. A large stone wall that would have barred the hallway from end to end had refused to show up, no matter how much effort she put into it. A thick slab of granite the size of a mattress had lasted maybe a whole thirty seconds before it dissolved into shimmering fumes. The chassis of the first car she ever owned got as far as being outlined in faint smoke before disappearing, and with it her hopes of driving all the way to this Nexus place. She made the tire mostly out of spite after that.

Just as her thoughts were touching that accursed tire, she saw the sad excuse of a bike frame ripple, become translucent and break down in misty swirls. The tire followed almost immediately.

Well, guess I m stuck walking.

Things that she didn t care about vanished without warning. She stepped toward her latest and most prized creation as items kept dissolving all around her.

A beautiful staff leaned against one of the columns. Alexandra lifted it off the ground and held it in both hands, enjoying the solid feel of the carved hardwood in her palms. It was slightly longer than she was tall, with notched steel caps tipping both ends. Tightly wound leather straps braided a fifth of the staff s length at either side and center, to aid grip. The naked wood, varnished dark brown, displayed myriad curved lines of intricate carvings that glowed a faint turquoise, in keeping with the oh-so lovely blue theme of her environment. Creating that elegant vine-like pattern just by thinking of it had been one of the most wonderful things Alexandra had ever done.

There were a number of excellent reasons to justify crafting this weapon. Fighting would be much easier: she couldn t get guns to work, or use a bow with any semblance of proficiency; she wasn t able to throw a knife to save her life or even begin to figure out how to shoot a slingshot, but she had learned how to handle a staff at the gym. A long stick was her best available option.

It was a fashionable stick because the limits of her crafting skills were worth testing. She had feared that getting the glowing effect in the carvings would be problematic, but colors came easy as pie. The hardest part had been getting the leatherwork right so it wouldn t fall apart and dissipate.

And there were many miles yet to cover, if she could trust the monster she had questioned. A walking stick couldn t hurt.

All perfectly reasonable.

Her efforts had nothing to do with the fanciful idea of walking around with a kick-ass staff, looking cool and mysterious. She had absolutely not been tempted to add a cloak to her outfit, and Aaron s fantasy novels and their staff-wielding wizards had had nothing to do with her weapon of choice. Her decision had been purely functional.

Alexandra rested the staff in the nook of her shoulder, used both hands to very deliberately put up her hood, and resumed her long trek toward the exit.

The steady beat of steel on gravel set the pace of her footsteps.

January 7th, 2012

~War for New Earth II: Insurrection~ Private Channel Log - [January 7th, 2012] at [07:31PM(PDT)]

Users: [Saudanaishi] , [MoutHwasH]

[Saudanaishi][07:31:02PM]> Hey Mr M!

[MoutHwasH][07:31:03PM]> =D

[MoutHwasH][07:31:05PM]> I was hoping you'd log on

[MoutHwasH][07:31:09PM]> and jumping on my team to boot!

[Saudanaishi][07:31:13PM]> Yeah, I must be getting tired of kicking your sorry ass around.

[MoutHwasH][07:31:22PM]> I've gotten so much better!

[Saudanaishi][07:31:30PM]> not nearly good enough, I'm sorry to say. I very much fear you may be a lost cuase.

[Saudanaishi][07:31:33PM]> cuase*

[Saudanaishi][07:31:34PM]> CAUSE!

[MoutHwasH][07:31:36PM]> lol

[MoutHwasH][07:31:41PM]> well, forgiiiiive me for not measuring up, your majesty

[Saudanaishi][07:31:49PM]> good, good. I'm glad you know your place.

[MoutHwasH][07:31:56PM]> Harrumph

[Saudanaishi][07:33:10PM]> Hey, um.....

[MoutHwasH][07:33:12PM]> Yeah?

[Saudanaishi][07:33:16PM]> I was just wondering

[Saudanaishi][07:33:28PM]> you know I'm a girl, right?

[MoutHwasH][07:33:40PM]> I'd... kinda gathered, yeah

[Saudanaishi][07:33:51PM]> oh, really now? what gave me away?

[MoutHwasH][07:34:01PM]> well, can't really talk as much as we have and not know

[MoutHwasH][07:34:19PM]> even if you've been gender neutral in your speech to sometimes awkward extremes

[MoutHwasH][07:34:26PM]> it does say 'female' in your vMail profile :P

[Saudanaishi][07:34:30PM]> my vMail? I....don't recall giving it to you.

[MoutHwasH][07:34:35PM]> I, uh. So hows oyur day going anyway?

[Saudanaishi][07:34:47PM]> good grief M, not cool. How'd you even track that through the game ID? I wouldn't be surprised one bit if you already know my full name and address.

[MoutHwasH][07:34:59PM]> what can I say, I'm disturbingly obsessive

[MoutHwasH][07:35:08PM]> (its not that hard)

[Saudanaishi][07:35:08PM]> you're not helping your case any.

[MoutHwasH][07:35:13PM]> its your fault for being so fascinating. You're stalker bait

[MoutHwasH][07:35:18PM]> what brought this whole thing on anyway? *trying to change topic*

[Saudanaishi][07:35:18PM]> uh huh. right.

[Saudanaishi][07:35:40PM]> ....my friend was making comments about it. Saying you thought I was a dude and that you were hoping for some man on man action.

[Saudanaishi][07:35:57PM]> it made me feel uncomfortable and I needed to clear it up.

[MoutHwasH][07:36:12PM]> gays make you uncomfortable? No judegment implied

[MoutHwasH][07:36:14PM]> judgment*

[Saudanaishi][07:36:18PM]> no, you moron =P

[Saudanaishi][07:36:32PM]> ...I wanted you to know I'm a girl.

[Saudanaishi][07:36:41PM]> it made me uncomfortable to think that you thought I was a guy.

[Saudanaishi][07:36:43PM]> because

[Saudanaishi][07:36:46PM]> well

[Saudanaishi][07:36:57PM]> just in case, you know.

[MoutHwasH][07:37:12PM]> just in case..... what?

[Saudanaishi][07:37:25PM]> you can't seriously be this clueless.

[Saudanaishi][07:37:49PM]> Just in case I end up liking you, only to find out you're gay.

[Saudanaishi][07:38:08PM]> cause you're kinda charming in this dorky way and I've been thinking an awful lot about you. There you have it.

[MoutHwasH][07:38:31PM]> <-- totally not gay, for the record

[Saudanaishi][07:38:36PM]> glad to know.

[MoutHwasH][07:38:53PM]> of all the ways I fantasized of this subject coming up, this didn't even cross my mind :-P

[Saudanaishi][07:39:03PM]> "this subject"?

[Saudanaishi][07:39:41PM]> Still there?

[MoutHwasH][07:40:01PM]> The fact that I'm pretty sure I'll marry you one day.

[MoutHwasH][07:40:04PM]> No pressure.

[Saudanaishi][07:40:30PM]> Um, wow.

[MoutHwasH][07:40:36PM]> I know, really heavy isn't it.

[Saudanaishi][07:40:37PM]> You dont know anything about me! You don't even know what I look like!

[MoutHwasH][07:40:51PM]> Are you a bedridden 400 pound monstrosity?

[Saudanaishi][07:40:57PM]> Er, no.

[MoutHwasH][07:41:05PM]> Then we're good

[Saudanaishi][07:41:14PM]> Well, *I* don't know what you look like.

[MoutHwasH][07:41:31PM]> My, so terribly shallow. I'm having second thoughts on my marriage proposal, I must say

[Saudanaishi][07:41:53PM]> You KNOW what I mean, you damn creep. Just why am I still even talking to you? A normal person would have blacklisted you by now.

[MoutHwasH][07:42:37PM]> You're not a normal person. Everything I've seen about you makes me feel like I've been looking for you all my life. If I don't take this chance, what does that say about me?

[Saudanaishi][07:42:49PM]> we're barely more than strangers! you think that dropping bombs like "I'm totally gonna marry you" is just the way to win me over?

[MoutHwasH][07:43:03PM]> I wouldn't usually, but you value it, don't you? I'm actually getting massive brownie points as I speak

[MoutHwasH][07:43:06PM]> Type. Whatever.

[Saudanaishi][07:43:10PM]> you have me all figured out apparently =P

[MoutHwasH][07:43:22PM]> Not at all! I just get the feeling that you don't enjoy the whole, uh... dating thing. That you like being told everything upfront

[MoutHwasH][07:43:43PM]> I mean, just look at how you told me flat out that you are SO into me. Can't tell you how much that made my day, by the way :D

[Saudanaishi][07:43:51PM]> I never said such a thing!

[MoutHwasH][07:44:06PM]> not in so many words, but it's TOTALLY there. No wishful thinking whatsoever on my part.

[MoutHwasH][07:44:31PM]> In the interest of free flow of information, my name is Aaron Gretchen, I'm a healthy 23 year-old, and I live in Florida.

[MoutHwasH][07:44:52PM]> also, I'm so nervous I'm shaking. Just thought you should know.

[Saudanaishi][07:45:26PM]> ...

[Saudanaishi][07:45:31PM]> Mr. Gretchen?

[MoutHwasH][07:45:34PM]> Yeah?

[Saudanaishi][07:45:39PM]> this might be a prank but I'm gonna take you seriously and be really honest with you here.

[MoutHwasH][07:45:47PM]> good. I appreciate that

[Saudanaishi][07:45:49PM]> You are a dumbass.

[MoutHwasH][07:46:00PM]> uh, okay.

[Saudanaishi][07:46:22PM]> All you have is wild assumptions and a head full of air. I could be a huge bitch in person, for all you know. I could be a 60 year old slobbering cat lady just having some fun online. I could have an infectious disease. that you've put so much

[Saudanaishi][07:46:36PM]> hope into what will come out of our conversations is proof enough for me that you don't have much of a head on your shoulders.

[Saudanaishi][07:46:41PM]> it's also kind of sad.

[Saudanaishi][07:46:48PM]> Sorry if I'm being mean, but it's all true.

[Saudanaishi][07:47:11PM]> you can see my point, right?

[MoutHwasH][07:47:19PM]> . . .

[MoutHwasH][07:47:37PM]> I could try to save face by saying I was just kidding

[MoutHwasH][07:47:42PM]> but I wasn't. It IS pretty sad

[Saudanaishi][07:47:51PM]> Yeah. I'm glad we have it on record.

[Saudanaishi][07:47:56PM]> That being said

[Saudanaishi][07:48:30PM]> I do like you a lot. I know I shouldn't, but I do daydream like a teenage girl with a crush. If things work out the way I've been fantasizing, I'll be making sure to never let you forget this conversation.

[Saudanaishi][07:48:48PM]> But I've been assuming you'll turn out to be a real jerk eventually, or lose interest, and generally having low expectations.

[Saudanaishi][07:49:04PM]> because I am aware that we're just two strangers on opposite sides of the country that spend way too much time playing computer games.

[Saudanaishi][07:49:17PM]> I mean, we've been trading jabs off and on for what, a couple months?

[Saudanaishi][07:49:24PM]> Sure, we do talk a lot....

[Saudanaishi][07:49:31PM]> and you're really funny, though you try a bit too hard sometimes, which is adorable

[Saudanaishi][07:49:37PM]> and I'm disappointed whenever you're not online

[Saudanaishi][07:49:47PM]> but that doesn't mean we're living in a fairytale and we're gonna ride into the sunset holding hands.

[Saudanaishi][07:49:54PM]> I don't mean to shoot you down, even though I should

[Saudanaishi][07:50:01PM]> I just think that you're a dumbass.

[Saudanaishi][07:50:10PM]> that's all =)

[MoutHwasH][07:50:22PM]> well

[MoutHwasH][07:50:29PM]> I guess

[MoutHwasH][07:50:45PM]> hmm.

[MoutHwasH][07:51:17PM]> Will you be upset if I say that now I'm even more into you?

[Saudanaishi][07:51:30PM]> I think I'll just roll my eyes

[Saudanaishi][07:51:34PM]> and call you a weirdo =P

[MoutHwasH][07:51:40PM]> thank you for being honest with me

[MoutHwasH][07:51:49PM]> I have a head full of cliches and fantasy novels to keep me going though

[MoutHwasH][07:52:00PM]> you'll have to do far worse than that to shoot me down

[Saudanaishi][07:52:11PM]> I guess I'll have to keep that in mind.

[MoutHwasH][07:52:23PM]> how about a name? I'd really like to know your name.

[Saudanaishi][07:52:51PM]> Alexandra

[MoutHwasH][07:53:02PM]> wow

[MoutHwasH][07:53:04PM]> awesome

[Saudanaishi][07:53:25PM]> Alexandra Sanders. I live in Seattle. Please don't show up at my doorstep?

[MoutHwasH][07:53:31PM]> no promises

7

The cave opened up onto a grassy ledge jutting out the side of a cliff. Below the precipice, Thousand Rivers sprawled.

A spider web of watercourses skittered through the expansive valley, stems forking and tributaries merging in a tangle of bright blue lines. The liquid that flowed through them cascaded down the walls surrounding the valley, and one such fall thundered not far from their position. Though it almost looked the part, the liquid wasn t water.

It clung together, too viscous to flow naturally, too cohesive to mist up the way it should when traveling down such a drop as if the liquid itself was reluctant to move. The large stream fell without interruption, without breaking up in countless tiny droplets. Aaron s hands itched to find out how it felt to the touch.

Prying his eyes off the fall, he stared down the cliff in awe. Queg hovered quietly by his side.

The slope leveled out much farther down, eventually becoming a gentle descent all the way to the coast and the mass of blue beyond it. The only way down was a dirt road that hugged the steep mountain ridge surrounding the valley, and Aaron could see the group of almost-dinosaurs trudging on it with their lizard-like gait, puffs of dirt drifting about anywhere their feet landed. They were constantly goaded by the little herders that darted about them in stop-start motions, but the ponderous creatures didn t seem to care much about them.

Greens and browns covered most of the landscape wherever the rivers didn t flow: sparse trees in blooming fields, small forests, square patches of dark soil, weedy fields of light dirt. Herds of animals could be seen, their specific anatomy obscured by the distance. Every color and texture seemed more vibrant and tangible than he was used to it reminded him of a computer screen with color saturation set too high, and he found himself squinting even if there was no sun from which to shield his eyes. Nothing glinted. Nothing cast shadows.

The sky was a monotone expanse of electric blue, broken only by a smattering of small figures floating far above. They were shaped like . . . jellyfish, mostly. Aaron s eyes lingered on the curious sight.

They will report our arrival in detail, Queg said, anticipating his curiosity.

I guess security cameras are too high-tech for the afterlife.

Right on cue, one of them dropped from the sky and headed like a speeding bullet toward the part of the valley where a mosaic of clashing colors overtook the idyllic view. There was bright desert orange next to deep blue, mossy green next to straw yellow and blood red: a patchwork of walled-off plots separated by anything from tall granite barriers to a line of bushes. They were loosely organized in concentric rings delineated both by roads and the few rivers-become-canals that meandered into the area. Some plots were entirely covered by a dome, which could range from completely opaque to clear as glass. Things . . . floated . . . within those domes.

A crescent-shaped structure lay at the center, pristine white. At such a great distance, Aaron could only make out a great circular tower presiding over the compound.

He took a deep breath and stepped toward the edge of the cliff. The air smelled clean and crisp, the way a mountaintop would be expected to feel.

I suppose that s where we re headed? he asked, hands in his pockets as he pointed his chin at the massive structure.

Queg floated closer. Yes. I presume I shouldn t expect you to be able to fly with me there? It would make for a far shorter journey.

Um, what?

I didn t think so. You d have done it by now if you could, I gathered. The guide shifted height subtly while making a languid gesture with two of his appendages. A shrug, Aaron knew. It couldn t hurt to make certain.

You re telling me humans can fly here? You ve seen them? Take things in stride, take things in stride, take things in stride.

Queg made what could pass for a grimace. I should not have said anything. Once more I speak without thinking it through. Please, forget all about it. We will meet your peers soon, now. They can teach you all they know. Queg paused. You won t tell them I have been so careless, will you? You said you wouldn t. Not that I doubt your word, mind.

Aaron quirked an eyebrow at the alien. Just how bad are these people?

Don t worry, man, he said. Um, I mean, remoran . . . thing . . . . He trailed off, then tried again. I m really grateful for what you re doing, I wouldn t want to get you in trouble. I ve got your back.

Aaron caught himself as soon as he said it. Would idioms be understood as well?

You honor me, Aaron. Queg said. You have my thanks.

Deeming the guide s answer inconclusive, Aaron decided to test it. He wouldn t want to be caught in a hilarious misunderstanding while talking to the afterlife s version of a Klingon. He responded after a brief stretch of silence.

Don t sweat it, mate. We better wrap this up so we can call it a day. Hopefully we ll put this thing to bed in a jiffy.

He eyed the Remoran closely, secretly proud of his string of obnoxious expressions. Queg nodded in agreement and kept quiet.

You did understand what I just said, right? Aaron asked.

Why, yes, of course. You told me not to worry, and expressed your desire for haste, hoping to conclude our business successfully. That is what you said, yes?

Aaron simply nodded, then let out a sigh. He d have loved to know how in blazes the whole thing worked.

Looks to be a long way down, he said. We better get going.

He delayed turning toward the road, despite his own comment. There was something else about the walled-off area that kept nagging at his attention, and it had nothing to do with the cringe-worthy colors.

The whole region gave off a . . . feeling. A new kind of feeling, a certain quality that he was not familiar with. It was faint, almost imperceptible.

Aaron tried to concentrate on it. It felt like something pulling at him, only not in a physical way. Like the feeling he would get when someone entered the same room he was in: an awareness of difference. Of presence.

The sensation wasn t spread evenly through the region. He could feel distinct sources scattered through the patchwork area, and one of them was definitely moving. A little more focus, and Aaron understood that it was moving toward him.

He leaned forward and squinted, scanning the landscape. Movement caught his eye: a black dot, swiftly approaching.

Queg, Aaron said, pointing. The dot had already resolved into a disk the color of rock and fresh soil. A man stood atop it, wrapped in long white robes that incongruously hung still about him.

Should I be worried? Aaron asked, wide eyed. Just how fast is the guy going? He shouldn t even be able to stand upright!

Queg s lights flickered while he made an intermittent humming noise. Aaron barely saw the lights and noises anymore, he simply understood Queg gasped in awe.

You are worthy of a personal escort, sir, Queg said, both proud and fearful. Our journey is at an end.

The man had almost come upon them during their brief exchange. His elaborate white robes, accented with golden embroidery, made stark contrast against his olive skin and long black hair. His broad chest and shoulders bulged under the garments. He looked young, about Aaron s age.

The platform, made of rock and clumped up earth, came to rest at the edge of their perch. Its underside melded with the irregular surface of the cliff as it settled, the dark soil becoming one with the light brown of the mountain. The man stepped off immediately, movements measured, dignified. He stood there for a moment, regarding them the way a soaring falcon might regard a hapless hare.

Queg was already prostrated, the alien s tentacles chaotically spread over the ground. Under the man s impassive stare Aaron felt the urge to bow before the mighty wizard that had flown at ludicrous speed on his magical disk in order to meet with the intruders.

And then the wizard s stern face broke into a smile, pleased, warm, encouraging. His teeth were slightly uneven.

Welcome, brother, he said, spreading his arms in greeting. His wide sleeves were bound to his forearms with straps of white-and-gold cloth. I thought there was something different about you. A newborn, how momentous! I am glad we decided to come receive you immediately.

The man spoke, and Aaron understood it flawlessly, but lips and tongue formed sounds that did not match what he heard. The experience felt like watching a foreign movie with pitch-perfect English voice-over.

It is well that you have arrived at our doorstep safely, the man continued. I am sure we have our friend here to thank. He gazed at the prostrated Remoran. Ah, we have dealt with you before. Queg, do rise. You will be honored as you deserve for your service.

Queg did as he was told, plainly deferential. Aaron realized he d been staring at the man with his mouth open for quite a while.

Um, greetings, he said, and he offered his hand. I m Aaron Gretchen. Nice to meet you.

The robed man stepped forward and clasped Aaron s hand with both of his, shaking firmly. It was a good shake, Aaron thought. Confident, yet gentle.

I forget myself, the man said, his earnest smile giving his eyes an honest bearing. My name is Diego Hidalgo Santana, Steward of Thousand Rivers but call me Diego. Last names are for strangers, and you are among friends now, Aaron. We are always overjoyed He cut off with a small frown, his smile faltering, although not fading completely. Brown eyes stared at Aaron closely from behind bushy eyebrows.

He adjusted his glasses as casually as he could with his free hand, struggling to keep from fidgeting. Santana s eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to make out something in the distance that he couldn t see well except whatever he was trying to make out seemed to be within Aaron s skull.

He let go of Aaron s hand and turned to Queg abruptly, his frown deepening. What have you told this newborn, Fourteenth? Do you not know the protocol?

Sir, I

Santana cut Queg off with a wave of his hand.

Never mind. You have still performed a service, flawed as it may be. Ming Xiu will decide what to do about it. As far as I am concerned, you have done well, but she will determine your reward, not I. He turned back to Aaron, and much of his friendliness returned. Come. I will take you to her. She will be delighted to know of your arrival, and will want to see to your well-being personally.

Diego Hidalgo Santana, Steward of Thousand Rivers, stepped aside and held out his hand toward the platform, gesturing for Aaron to go ahead and step onto it. That inviting smile was as harmless as could be.

Um, Diego, Aaron said. I assure you, Queg did everything he could to stick to this protocol you mention. He only told me some things because I threatened not to follow if he didn t answer. Even then he was very tight-lipped it was quite frustrating, actually. If he told me anything he shouldn t, it really wasn t his fault.

Santana nodded, glancing at the Remoran. I see. Like I said, it s truly not up to me. We will have your testimony in mind, I promise. He gestured again, flowing robes rustling. If you will?

Aaron eyed the man for a brief moment. Alright, but only if you also promise not to throw a magic missile at my ass.

He did as he was told and walked to the other end of the platform, his step wary despite the unquestionable solidity of the disk. Queg floated right behind him. The Remoran looked less like a guide now and more like a prisoner.

I thought he d be more excited to be so close to the famous reward.

Santana climbed in last, moving in the same imperious way as before. Step or otherwise move away from the edges, please. I wouldn t want either of you to fall. He sounded mildly amused by the possibility. In fact, allow me to create a safer environment. He turned as he spoke and raised his hands before him, palms up.

Something happened to Santana s body. Although the shift was immediately noticeable, it was hard to say exactly what the difference was. He looked like the same white-robed wizard, but more corporeal, somehow. More dense. Where before he had been pumice, now he was granite.

Suddenly loose boulders and chunks of rock lifted from the face of the cliff and floated to the sides of the cone-shaped platform. They did so without resistance or audible protest: they hadn t been so much torn off as simply sliced effortlessly off their resting place. Before Aaron s befuddled gaze the mismatched pieces of mountain surrounded the circumference of the disk, each one lazily rotating in place.

Santana spread his arms in a slow arch from the front to the sides, palms face down. As he gestured, the rocks thinned and stretched into cylinders, some slightly curved, some straight. The straight cylinders became vertical posts that attached to the outside of the disk, while the arched ones rotated to a horizontal position and joined together to form a rail that came to rest atop the newly created supports.

The waist-length handrail looked as solid as if it had always been there.

Santana lowered his hands, his body shifting back to its former state. There was nothing visual to the transformation Aaron simply felt it. The man faced them with a friendly smile that had just a tiny bit of smugness thrown in. A smile that held the promise of wondrous things to come.

Do feel free to hold on to it as we travel, Santana said. The ride should be smooth enough, but there is no harm in taking precautions.

Too stunned for words, Aaron took the man s advice.

_________

The trees around the clearing stood tall and close together. They were straight and narrow, their trunks splitting only once in a Y-shaped pair of branches that continued to shoot straight up. Their bark was white and their long, feathery leaves a fiery orange. Filaments of the same color blanketed the ground.

A dark-haired woman stood in the clearing, with a group of small creatures crowding at her feet. They looked like bald, overgrown, obese rabbits. She was tossing gnarled little sticks at them, which the critters slurped up with a long proboscis that flexed and probed erratically. Stubby antennae twitched where their eyes should have been.

The woman turned to face the approaching transport. She was short and slender, with markedly Asian features. One of the sources for the strange mind-pull effect that Aaron had been able to sense from the very top of the cliff was embodied in this woman.

The platform landed smoothly, like sinking in thick molasses. Its arrival sent the whole group of fat rubbery creatures scrambling away among teeny buzzing noises; they burrowed underneath the mantle of filaments, hid behind trees, disappeared into the copse. The handrail fell to pieces shortly after, and Diego stepped off without preamble. Aaron would have followed, but his tumbled thoughts needed a moment to find their footing.

It had been a silent and extremely short ride, but every second of it had been instructive. His attention had been split between unsettling realizations and the white-knuckled effort of holding on to the rail.

They had accelerated at a constant rate for half of the trip, then decelerated during the second half. The world had seemed to blur at peak speed, and at that moment Aaron had realized that there was no drag against the wind. The disk had seemed to move through a completely alien medium, as if there was no air at all to displace.

It had felt ethereal, like wading through a substance that was neither solid, liquid nor gas; a smooth plasma that slid around him like water on grease. It was a subtle thing, and he wasn t surprised not to have noticed until then.

The woman s gestures brought him back to the present. She had tossed aside the rest of the sticks and was brushing flakes off of her high-collared red blouse and silky white skirt. Rebel wisps of hair curled free from the loose bun at the back of her head.

She regarded their arrival with a benevolent smile. Her face was long and narrow, a soft triangle with pleasant curves and high cheekbones. Like Santana, her age appeared to be somewhere between thirty and fifty. There was a certain agelessness to them, which Aaron found refreshingly logical. Why would anyone age in the afterlife?

She looked Santana up and down as he stepped off the disk, a twinkle in her almond-shaped eyes. Always such a show off, Diego. She gestured at Aaron with a tilt of her chin. Trying to impress a wide-eyed youth? Did you get all the awed deference you were hoping for?

Santana stopped mid-stride, eyebrows raised. He opened his mouth to protest, but the woman spoke again before he did. I m just teasing you, my friend, but do change into something less gaudy, will you? You ll have the child thinking we re all magicians.

Her voice was deep and smooth, defying Aaron s expectations. He looked back at Santana, anticipating irritation, but the man was simply shaking his head, smiling. There s nothing wrong with creating a sense of mystique, he said, glancing back at his charges as he casually walked over to her side. Might as well entertain while providing a service. But it will be as you say, Ming Xiu.

No sooner had he uttered the words than his clothing rippled and shifted, his frame becoming a blurred shape. A moment later his clothes had turned into an entirely different outfit.

Aaron stared at him, eyes wide but mouth carefully shut. Santana s attire now was a simple brown shirt and honest-to-goodness breeches, of the kind that had been out of fashion for at least two centuries. He showed no intention of offering an explanation or even making introductions.

The woman patted him on the shoulder, sparing only a warm glance at the Steward before returning her attention to Aaron. He got the clear impression that her eyes, dark and heavily tilted, did not miss a single one of his movements.

I understand your surprise, young man, she said. Don t worry, we will share everything we know with you, although you must be patient, for your own sake. I officially welcome you to Eternal. You may approach, if you wish.

Eternal. So that s how they call it.

Aaron stepped off the platform, doing his best not to look as apprehensive as he felt. Queg was already sprawling on the ground, bowing even lower than he had before.

Still smiling affably, the woman closed the distance in a few steps, her skirt flowing around her ankles in a curious fashion, like dancing with a breeze that was there only for her benefit. She offered a hand to him, palm down.

I am Ming Xiu, friend. I lead our small gathering here in Thousand Rivers. What is your name?

Aaron took her hand in his and wondered what to do with it. He felt the urge to kneel before this woman. For all her earthy demeanor, there was something regal about her, a certain aura of command. Did she expect him to kiss it? Make a leg? Maybe he should knuckle his forehead.

He settled for an apologetic smile and an awkward handshake. I m Aaron Gretchen, your uhm . . . ma am.

I almost called her your majesty. Way to look like an idiot in front of their boss.

She stared for a moment, her hand going limp in his grip, but soon her smile showed a hint of understanding. Ah, a modern one, I see. Western, yes? European? American? She nodded in satisfaction with Aaron s assent at the latter. Your clothes betray as much. You are exceptionally calm, Aaron Gretchen. It isn t common, for one as young as yourself.

Oh, I, um. I figured I might as well take things in stride.

Truly the best attitude to confront your situation. You must tell me your story, Aaron. Only then will I be able to help you, and hopefully instruct you in our ways.

She glanced at Queg, whose tentacles were still spread all over the floor. You may rise, Fourteenth Queg Remora. You will be dealt with shortly.

Aaron couldn t decide whether it was a promise or a threat.

Come, she said to him, withdrawing her hand and gesturing toward a path leading off the clearing. Let us walk as we speak. It will help you feel more at ease.

She started down the path at a leisurely pace, clearly expecting him to keep up. He hesitated a moment, then moved to follow. Queg and Diego kept apace not far behind, the man at a casual saunter, the alien nigh reverent in his demeanor.

Actually, Aaron said, doing his best to ignore the unease in his gut, I d like to ask something first, if you don t mind. I ve been trying to find my wife. Has anyone else showed up around here recently?

Ming Xiu cringed faintly, then gave him a sympathetic look. You died together, didn t you. An accident?

Aaron shook his head. Not really. An explosion, sort of. War, if it was what I think it was.

As he said it, he caught sight of a fat little pig-rabbit monster peeking from behind a tree trunk. It was gone in a blink.

Ming Xiu was studying him, thoughtful. You are the first newborn we have received in a very long time, I m afraid. Share your story with us. We will help you.

Aaron let out a deep breath, his brow furrowed. It couldn t be that easy, I guess.

Alright, he said. Should I start at showing up in this place, or . . . before that?

As far back as you feel comfortable with. The ever-present smile turned slightly wry. You will learn soon enough that we have nothing if not time. You may tell us of your journey here, starting at the moment of your arrival. If you don t object, we can also talk about your life, the world you come from, and the events that led to your departure.

Oh, okay. I don t mind, no. Though it s pretty boring stuff, honestly.

She nodded agreeably. Share with us what you will, Aaron.

Alright, well, let s see. I was born in Gainesville, Florida, 1990. Grew up there, graduated high school, pretty uneventful. Lost my parents to a car crash on my first year of college. It was no fun, but even then I knew it had been a long time coming. My father, you see. He made a halfhearted drinking gesture. Ming Xiu nodded in understanding.

Anyway. I got a degree in Physics, eventually. I met my wife online before graduating. No dating service or anything, we just stumbled upon one another.

You could say I stalked her for a while. A fond grin had made its way to Aaron s lips. Then I moved to Seattle to marry her, or trick her into marrying me, depending on who you ask. He shook his head at the thought. It worked out, somehow. She got lucky with an opening at the museum, I got a job with an insurance company and made it to claims manager. Would've rather worked in my field, but hey, it was pretty good money. We saved enough to get a nice little house, with a nice fenced back yard where she likes to practice her forms.

A small pause. His fond expression dropped into neutral bleakness. Liked, I guess. And then . . . well, then we blew up.

Aaron took a few more absent steps before realizing that Ming Xiu was no longer walking at his side. He turned his head to see her standing still, her eyes widened slightly, her fine eyebrows lifted just a bit. Queg and Santana stood quietly behind her, by all appearances entirely disengaged from the conversation. The feathery canopy above them rustled subtly, even in the complete absence of wind.

When she spoke again, Ming Xiu seemed to give thought to every word.

Did you die on the twenty-third of July, year 2021 of the Gregorian calendar?

Aaron eyed her in a state of bewilderment. Um, yeah, I think so. It was a Sunday, Friday had been the twenty-first . . . yeah, that s today s date.

She hesitated for a moment, mouth pressed down to a fine line. Then she gestured for them to resume their walk. This isn t normally discussed until much later, once your mind has had a chance to adapt and start to become free of the trappings that bind it. However, it is a common exception to be made, since about one in a hundred newborns share your circumstances. A significant portion of the modern population died that day. She studied his expression with mild interest. You don t seem as disturbed by the idea as would be expected.

Aaron looked away, pursing his lips. It looked bad. I hoped it was just Seattle.

Far from it. 2021 was the beginning of an irreversible path to extinction. You, my friend, were witness to the pinnacle of human civilization, and fell victim to the terrible first blow in the war that ended it all.

Wait, the whole world? You can t tell me eight billion people got exterminated just like that, new bombs or not.

After all the retaliations and countermeasures, the plasma destroyed two-thirds of the population. What it did to the weather, the soil and the water finished us off over the span of a miserable century. A few hardy survivors made it past that time in remote or sheltered areas, but they too succumbed, in the end. She shrugged, wistful. Another brief sigh of life expired from the Universe. All species meet that fate, sooner or later.

Aaron s frown deepened. It sounds more like myth than historical account, to be honest. Even the worst plasma bombs couldn t ignite more than a forty mile radius before running out. You d need one at every population center in the world to kill that many people at once I don t think there were enough bombs in the world to do that. They were barely just past testing stages, for goodness sake.

Ming Xiu was shaking her head. More conventional weapons were used as well. Events are well documented by thousands of different accounts, Aaron. You can debate motivation and methods at a later time, if you wish, with others that can claim deeper knowledge than I on the matter. She looked him in the eye and spoke in a taut voice that allowed for no contest. The outcome is still the same, regardless.

His frown remained, although he made an effort not to come off as contrary. You talk about it as if it s all in the past, but it can t be more than a day since I got here.

Her smile returned, slightly enigmatic, knowing. Past tense is mostly convention; space-time is a curious thing. But that will come later. Do tell me of your journey here, please.

But

She raised a forestalling hand. Have patience, Aaron. All the knowledge we can offer will be yours, in time. There is absolutely no hurry. In fact, too much at once is counterproductive, and often dangerous. She paused briefly to let it sink in. Now, if you please.

He wanted to be stubborn and keep pointing out the dubious likelihood of her tale, but then he remembered where he was and who these people were. They could refuse to answer any and all of his questions, if they felt like it. They could stuff him in a magic box made out of the rock beneath his feet and throw him into a river, for all he knew.

He was literally at their mercy.

Aaron swallowed his insistence and nodded.

Okay, so. After everything faded away, suddenly I was myself again, and I was falling.

He continued his story, telling her of his appearance in some random corner of the Pathways, his chance meeting with Queg and the trip to the realm interface. He praised Queg s flawless performance as a guide, mentioned the herd of massive monsters, which, oh, by the way, they re coming down the road, and the ordeal of getting past the horrifying sentries what the hell is that about, anyway?

Ming Xiu deflected every question that Aaron raised, displaying an impressive array of variations on the phrase we will talk about it later. Aaron took the woman at her word, for lack of a better choice.

Then we saw mister Santana um, Diego. We saw Diego approach. He took us on his rocky cone of marvels to meet you, and here we are.

The telling didn t take as long as he thought it would. He found it several orders of magnitude less awe-inspiring than he remembered it.

You are a fortunate man, Aaron Gretchen, Ming Xiu said. There are much worse places to integrate than the Pathways. She glanced over at where Queg was floating. Much worse creatures to encounter besides our good friend, here.

Ah, said Aaron. I . . . guess I should be glad. He pressed his lips together. Sorry if I seem insistent, but maybe you know what might have happened to my wife? Her name is Alexandra, if it helps any.

Ming Xiu briefly looked at him and kept a thoughtful silence. They continued walking through the forested path, her steps precise, her poise dignified. Their feet stirred the fluffy mantle underfoot like paddles making eddies in water.

The woman finally spoke, worry creasing her brow. I am sorry, child. I do not relish giving this news. It doesn t get any easier with experience.

She breathed a small sigh and looked up at him. Her expression alone brought a stab of dread to Aaron s gut.

I will tell you the simple truth, Aaron. I am sorry to say that there is little to no chance for a reunion. A scant few of those who transcend into the afterlife ever make it to Human domains. She could be anywhere in Eternal, or nowhere at all.

There was honest sorrow in her voice, as if she felt Aaron s loss in her bones. His step slowed bit by bit until he came to a full stop.

Wait, he said numbly. What?

I know it s difficult to accept. She placed a hand on his arm, fingertips lightly grazing his shoulder. Many of us have gone through similar grief. I am sorry, Aaron.

What?

Are you telling me . . . . His voice barely went past a whisper. Are you saying that she might not even be here?

Ming Xiu nodded solemnly, and her smooth voice felt like a soft blanket choking his throat. There are very few of us, taking into account the thousands of adult lives that expired every day on Earth. Theories abound, but it is certain that a significant percentage doesn t survive integration for a number of causes anything from a hostile environment to cohabitation with already existing matter. It is also conjectured that many, perhaps a majority, don t even come here at all. You are exceptionally fortunate to have come the way you did.

Her response rang hollow in his ears. He was lost in the memory of Alexandra s voice, a purring drawl in the black of night.

You re such a smartass. Her smile brushes against my chest. I m just saying there s a chance I could be wrong. Couldn t you be wrong?

Aaron squeezed his eyes shut. Everything was wrong.

You don t sound sure of anything. His voice was flat, somber. There s a good chance that she s out there, somewhere. Right?

There is a chance. And that s part of the problem, Aaron. Eternal is infinite, as far as we know, and she could be anywhere. At best, she is a single speck of dust in a storm. She might not even be there at all. You simply cannot fathom the breadth of this existence.

His hands balled into fists. His stomach felt about to sick up.

Why? How does that work? Why me and not her? Why you people and not her?

She shook her head. There are only theories. You d expect billions of us in the afterlife, but we re barely over a million, less than most other Sapients. Our numbers have grown with

I don t care about your numbers, I just want my wife back!

He didn t want to be angry, to raise his voice, but the words came out unbidden. Ming Xiu must have reacted in some way, but Aaron s mind couldn t be farther from the woman standing at his elbow.

I just want . . . .

Are you crying? The movie wasn t even good, you ve been griping about it the whole time! You re such a softy.

A void drained inside his chest, giving the memories a bitter taste, giving his longing a set of sharp teeth that sank deep into his neck.

We were in the same spot, Aaron said, mostly to himself. It makes no sense. Why didn t she show up with me?

She looks at me, amusement in her eyes. Maybe there is no explanation at all. Maybe some things simply are. Is it such a terrible thing for your big brain to swallow?

I stare for a moment, trying to decide whether she s serious. Sometimes she ll goad me into flustered ranting just for the fun of it, and I fall for it every single time.

She goes back to chopping up vegetables for the salad, a smile playing on her lips.

There is always a reason, I tell her, as if she doesn t know already. She expects me to get worked up, who am I to disappoint her? Even for the strangest things. We re just blind to it sometimes.

The sounds of conversation behind him banished the image of Alexandra leaning over the kitchen counter.

I can also grant you limited access to the Archives, Ming Xiu was saying, or sustenance for several portents in a Caretaker reservation of your choice.

I aspire to Risen status, your grace.

I see. Yet you have failed to preserve this mind from harm. Can you be counted on to adhere to the protocol?

He . . . has many questions, your grace. He required answers and would not follow without them. Queg glanced at Aaron in his peculiar eyeless way, all but wringing his tentacles with anxiety. I did my best to respect the protocol I was taught. I could not He cut off immediately at her peremptory hand gesture.

You spoke of us. Of the nature of Humanity. Do you deny this?

He didn t, Aaron butted in, remembering his promise. His voice wavered, but he managed to get it under control. I tried to pry things out of him, but he wouldn t budge. He managed to get me here with barely any information, just enough for me to trust him. If he said something he shouldn t, it s my fault.

Ming Xiu turned and eyed Aaron evenly for a moment, then went back to his former guide. Are his words true, Fourteenth Queg?

The Remoran hesitated. He divided his attention between Aaron and Ming Xiu, then bowed even lower. I did mention the Caretakers, your grace. I caught myself and made sure to let him know that nothing I said about Humans would be accurate. I did ask him to help me conceal my mistakes. I have shamed both him and myself for it.

He was just nervous, Aaron said. He got me here safely, isn t that what counts?

Ming Xiu took a step toward Queg, but not before giving Aaron a brief look of reproach.

Trust, Fourteenth, she said solemnly. You have proved that we have your loyalty. Are you worthy of our trust?

Queg didn t give an answer. She took another step and pointed at the left side of his chest, her finger hardly an inch away from touching him.

Do we have your trust?

The question was quiet, almost intimate. Her stare bore down on the prostrated creature with probing intensity.

A thundering bass rumble began in Queg s chest. It spread from his center and seeped into the bizarre woods, subtly shaking the feathery leaves above the path. His array of colorful glands grayed, then became the black of the deep sea.

Queg rose slightly, so that Ming Xiu s fingernail brushed the fleshy hide beneath his shoulder. The hypnotic sway of his appendages conveyed a single word.

Yes.

So it is done, Ming Xiu intoned. She moved her finger across Queg s skin, and flickering rivulets of mist sprouted from her hand and enveloped them both. The booming rumble was replaced with an agonized screech as the mist violently churned around them. Santana looked on, impassive hawk-like eyes watching everything unfold.

It was over as quickly as it had begun. The thick mist vanished, thinning to strands of smoke that floated away into nothingness. Ming Xiu withdrew her hand and waited. Queg remained where he had been, worn and restless, his appearance unaltered except for the patch of flesh where she d touched him. There, a small symbol glowed in gold and fiery orange.

Two oblong circles, flattened and joined at the side to resemble a tumbled number eight: a lemniscate of Bernoulli. It was a symbol that Aaron had traced hundreds of times, both in mathematical notation and as idle sketching on random pieces of paper. He was rather fond of it.

The lemniscate was seared onto Queg s body, shining in a way that transcended vision. Aaron could sense it in the same otherworldly way he sensed the other humans around him, albeit more faintly.

Rise, Queg Thousand Rivers, Ming Xiu said. You are no longer of the Fourteenth. You are a Human hand, part of a greater whole. You will not bow again.

Queg rose as told, the sphere beneath his tangle of tentacles brightening up with additional subtle hues. He reinstated a respectful distance between himself and Ming Xiu. Queg s fear was no more.

You have leave to get all of your former commitments in order, Ming Xiu said. You may depart at your leisure, but return swiftly. I will have a task ready for you.

The newly named Queg Thousand Rivers nodded agreement in his peculiar alien way. He turned to Aaron and nodded to him as well, and to Diego next. He then took off flying toward the exit of the realm, proud and puffed up like a rank-and-file infantryman that had just been promoted to Captain.

And that s it? Aaron wondered. When does he get the actual reward?

Their ritual apparently finished, Ming Xiu returned her attention to him.

It will not escape you that much is different in this existence, Aaron. She stood in a professorial stance, hands clasped before her as she addressed him in a calm and measured voice. Grieve not what you have lost, as there is so much more to gain. It will take time, however. Are you ready to learn?

Aaron gave her a blank look. Had she truly just told him to simply forget?

She must be kidding. Though they take themselves too seriously for it to have been a joke.

When do I get my lightsaber? he responded.

They didn t get the reference, but he didn t care to explain. He didn t care about a great many things at that moment.

He didn t care about odds. He didn t care about what Ming Xiu believed was the truth. He didn t care about the allegedly incomprehensible size of Eternal.

He would do what these people wanted him to do: study, train, practice, research, endure. Whichever was needed to learn how to travel through the afterlife, to visit every corner and turn every stone. He would learn everything as quickly as he could, to the very best of his ability.

He needed to. There was a lot of ground to cover, and Alexandra was out there, somewhere.

Somewhere.

May 23rd, 2014

Queen Anne neighborhood, Seattle

12:11PM

We ve talked about meeting in person many times by now. It s a fairly common topic nowadays, and we fantasize about what we ll do, the jokes we ll tell and the fun we ll have. It s always something distant, something that will eventually happen in an indeterminate future. She s got a job, I ve got a job, she s got a family, I ve got a cat. Maybe next vacation. There s this holiday-plus-weekend coming up, maybe then! Christmas, that would be awesome.

It doesn t happen, though. There s always something coming up, from her end or from mine, so we just put it off without much of a fuss. They re reasons with the ring of excuses, because the real reason is something that we don t want to say out loud.

The real reason is fear, of course. Can you blame us? We know the statistics. We know how internet relationships can and many times do turn out, and know how distance hides all those flaws that crop up the minute you start coexisting in the same living space.

We re not interested in a fling. We don t want this to flare up and then die out. We don t want to meet and be disappointed. We want to be together forever, and that s what makes it terrifying. We re in love with this relationship, the way it is, the way we imagine it will be. What if we re fooling ourselves? What if we do things for real, and we wind up hating each other within a month, within a week? I can t even bear the thought.

We re such idiots, and we re aware of it. There s no reason for delaying. As enjoyable as this is now, what s the point? What kind of life plan is it, to love through a web-cam, to long for the construct of a woman, instead of the woman herself? We both know it s time to do something, to stop testing the waters and just jump in and hope the current won t tear us apart.

She thinks these things too, I know she does. She must.

What if she doesn t? What if she s perfectly content with the way things are right now? What if she punches me in the nose? Man, if even just half of what she says is true, she could kick my ass without breaking a sweat.

My legs feel like gelatin. My stomach is doing somersaults. Cold sweat drips down my back.

I m smiling like a moron as my finger presses the doorbell.

8

Screaming demons were right on her heels.

Alexandra dashed up the ramp and went through the enormous archway leading outside. She could hear their steps somewhere behind her, a constant trot of dozens of legs on gravel. Avoiding them on their way in had only saved her some time: they found the corpses, eventually, and then her tracks, neither of which she had thought to hide.

They d caught up fast.

Please let no-one be out there, please, please . . . .

She came to a large square lined with tall, narrow arcades. A group of five slug-beasts entering through the road straight ahead spotted her almost immediately. Two of them were of the big and chitinous kind.

Shit!

Biped!

Alexandra turned left and ran between two of the fat pillars by the wall, going out of the square and into the scabrous badlands beyond. She quickly noted her surroundings as she fled, panicky eyes darting everywhere: miles of terrain ahead, cracked and jagged, slightly downhill; a vertical cliff far to her left, boxing her in on that side; a gravel road to the right, traversed by sparse traffic. They d soon be alerted to her presence, no doubt.

The chasm in the distance broke the view in half like a second horizon. A huge mount loomed far behind it, dwarfing every other feature in sight. Everything was colored in shades of blue under a cloudless sky without a definite source of light.

Go mount-bound and across the chasm.

Soon she was forced to plan a path for her feet to avoid all the clefts and rocky mounds. More voices had emerged behind her. After jumping over a narrow crevice, she skidded to a stop and risked a look up the slope.

Her original pursuers had arrived, getting together with the new group and presumably organizing hunting parties. Even in her frantic state of mind she was taken by the impressive entrance to the underground complex. Its walls, towering around a good portion of the square, were engraved in enough patterns and decorations to rival a baroque monument.

Alexandra took off running again, the terrain growing more difficult with every stride. She darted brief glances ahead, trying to formulate a plan for the near future that didn t involve fighting giant slug monsters.

Only one bridge across that chasm. They ll wait for me there, if they re smart at all.

Some of them were already on the chase. She tried to run even faster, but gave up after several almost-fatal stumbles. Her staff, carefully held off the ground, had become more of a hindrance than a boon.

Won t be able to run pretty soon. Hide and lose them, maybe. There s lots of cover.

Alex dropped into a wide crevice, hopefully disappearing into the landscape. After following a sinuous path, she came up behind a tall pile of stones only to go down into the next drop.

This could work.

She continued her meandering advance for a long while, always staying behind shelter. The increasingly narrow paths between rocks gave her a smidgen of hope. Those fat-asses will take forever to get through this maze.

She couldn t hear them anymore. Alexandra considered poking her head out for a peek, but decided against it.

It s safe as long as I don t show my face. They don t know where I m going. And if push comes to shove, I ll just find another way around that chasm.

She d much rather walk around it if doing so would keep her away from those things, even if it took her ten times as long than using the bridge. The pain from her previous injuries was still fresh in her mind.

She followed the bend of a narrow passage, then carefully kept out of sight by hugging a rock wall. While her path changed directions frequently, the towering Mount was a constant presence in the distance, pointing the way as indisputably as any compass. There was no danger of getting lost.

Alexandra hiked and prowled in equal measure, making headway toward the chasm. Like a rat in a wolf s den, she would scurry through the crevices and hope not to get eaten.

_________

She peered into the abyss. Fifty feet of emptiness separated her from the other side.

It wasn t just a chasm. If she looked far in either direction, Alexandra could see its dark outline turning at a right angle and disappearing behind the hill whence she came. The fissure was a bottomless moat that wrapped around the entire area.

The way through, the only way through, was a massive slab of stone wedged at a slight incline between the sides of the precipice.

Hardly twenty yards away, Alex studied it from a discreet perch at the edge of the cliff, ragged nails digging into her palms. The bridge was about as big as an eighteen wheeler flatbed, and it lacked even the crudest of safety rails.

They waited for her there. Large and chitin-clad, they moved around and twitched frequently, agitated. She couldn t hear what they were saying.

There d been only two just moments ago. Now there were three. More groups traveled the road in both directions, and some were bound to join if she dithered any longer. Those that searched through the badlands were closing in, no doubt perfectly aware that she had run out of places to hide.

Alexandra pressed her back against the short wall and wiped the tears off her cheeks. They d herded her there, she knew, and now it came down to the same choice as before.

She closed her eyes. She breathed deep.

I will not go quietly.

She clutched her staff in her hands, climbed to her feet and ran for the bridge.

High-pitched shrills rose behind her, much closer than she d expected. Two of the three beasts on the bridge let out a similar cry and started for her. The remaining monster grabbed one of the pair by its arms and held it back, while the other rushed toward her at full speed.

You kill brother! it bellowed. You torture brother!

Alexandra charged along the edge of the cliff, a guttural scream starting in her throat. She raised her staff over her head as she drew near, ready to bludgeon the monster s eyeless head. The beast hunkered down like a bull in response, claws and talons poised to lunge at her as soon as she came in range.

At the last possible moment she jumped to the side, lowered her weapon to hold it like a baseball bat, and put her whole body into a sideways swing. The demon s tail lashed out and opened a narrow gash on her shoulder just as the staff struck the monster s flank with a wet crack.

The blow staggered the beast and redirected its charge toward the pit. It tried to change course, skidding and scraping against the rocky floor, but it carried too much momentum. The monster went over the edge, its enraged screams fading into the depths.

Alexandra gritted her teeth against the pain and picked up speed. The other two stood arguing in the middle of the bridge.

Let pass, one said.

No let pass! said the other.

Biped newborn no more. We die. Let pass, others sever.

No let pass! We delay, we sever!

Alexandra glanced behind her. The hunting party was catching up. Looking ahead, several groups on the road beyond the bridge seemed to take interest in what was happening. It wouldn t be long before they joined the fray.

She leaped onto the stone slab and rushed forward.

Get the fuck out of the way!

Let pass!

No let pass! the aggressive one yelled, pushing the other one aside and facing its enemy.

Alexandra bared her teeth and sprinted toward the beast before it could steamroll her on the narrow passageway. She wielded the staff like a lance, anchoring it against her abdomen and aiming it high enough to upset the balance of the four-legged monstrosity. Her weapon met its target just as the creature braced for impact.

The demon held firm, but the steel tip of Alexandra s staff wedged itself between chitin plates and broke through. The beast writhed in pain and recoiled as the shaft sunk one, two feet into its flesh. The weapon stopped with an audible crack when it hit the plates on the demon s back, but Alexandra kept pushing, kept screaming as the thing s feet lifted off the ground, her face only inches away from its flailing claws and pincers. The tip pierced through the cracked exoskeleton and slid out the other side with a shrill grinding sound.

She changed direction and swung her improvised pike toward the precipice, getting the impaled creature over the lip of the bridge. Its legs tried to seek purchase, but she continued her relentless push until its last toe slipped off the platform s surface. The monster s enraged trills grew desperate as it tumbled, its body scraping against the side of the bridge, claws frantically holding on to the staff.

She tried to yank the weapon free, but it only helped the demon gain an inch of relief. As its tail darted out to grab at her, Alexandra let go.

The monster fell out of sight.

Suddenly free of the weight, she staggered a few steps back before turning around, fists clenched, legs ready to jump one way or the other.

No hurt! the remaining one said, cowering on the other side of the bridge. No kill more, I beg. Leave Carved Barrow.

She d already started moving, keeping an eye on the monster as she side-stepped toward the exit. She counted her pursuers at a glance. Seven, and more to come.

Tell them to stop chasing me!

They no listen! You go Nexus! Temple-bound, cross Gate, Mount-bound!

She took off as soon as it was clear that the thing wasn t attacking. Alexandra jumped out of the bridge just as the first of the hunters reached it. Their furious screams were close enough to blot out even the sound of her own footsteps, but she could hear the cowardly one beneath it all. Let go! it was telling the others. Let go to Nexus!

The road forked at a right angle straight ahead. One path went Mount-ward, directly in front of her. The other went somewhere else. Rocky hills rose in the space between paths as far as she could see.

Temple-bound s gotta be not Mount-bound.

She reached the bifurcation and turned right, running for the vast hillside to avoid further encounters on the road. The few groups that had noticed her remained hesitant, but surely their indecision wouldn t last long. The craggy slopes would be her only chance to lose the crazed demons.

Alexandra tried to force her legs to move faster. She had to put all of her concentration into finding steady ground for her feet as she climbed up the hill. Her body virtually flew over the jagged terrain.

There s always a little more to give, come on!

Alex jumped over a rocky crest and dropped into the wide cleft that opened behind it. The six foot fall barely touched her stride as she kept on running, pushing herself to the furthest limit of her endurance.

The high-pitched yells behind her faded gradually, steadily overtaken by the rock-solid thumping of her heart.

_________

She did not tire.

Hiking up and down the features of the rocky hillside, Alexandra felt like she should need to rest for a moment and quench her thirst. At least an hour had passed since leaving the last of the creatures behind, but the need to rest simply wasn t there. All basic needs and bodily functions remained in a neutral spot of adequate satisfaction.

Makes sense, she muttered to herself. No need to pee in the afterlife.

But you still breathe, the voice in her head pointed out. How does that make sense?

Unable to come up with an answer, Alexandra shrugged, then winced. The dried blood on her shoulder pulled on her skin with every movement.

Why do you bleed?

Maybe it s all symbolic, she mused as she climbed over yet another obstacle.

I m not flesh and blood anymore, but I m still made of something.

Soul-stuff.

Maybe I could fix it somehow, just like before.

It was worth a shot. Alexandra concentrated on the abrasive line that went from joint to shoulder-blade and wished for it to go away.

Nothing happened.

Okay.

She wished for it to go away really hard.

The wound was still there.

Picture a healed shoulder, just like with clothes?

She tried it as well, but her efforts yielded no results. Alexandra kept mulling it over, barely noticing where she stepped anymore. She reached a rend in the land and absentmindedly evaluated whether it was worth going around. It wasn t. She jumped down with hardly a second thought.

A wracking jolt of pain traveled from sole to hip as soon as her foot hit the ground. Caught completely off-guard, she crumpled inside the cleft and huddled against the irregular wall, trying not to cry out. She made a feeble attempt to crawl away from whatever had attacked her, but for long moments she could only moan quietly while sucking air through her teeth.

She looked at the culprit as soon as she was able, and found nothing but bare rock. Only upon closer inspection did she see an edge jutting out of the stone like the blade of a rusted knife, chipped, uneven, razor-sharp. The absence of shadows had concealed it until it was too late.

Alex glanced down at her foot, afraid to let her eyes linger for dread of what she might see, but nothing bled. Nothing was broken.

She sat cross-legged on the ground and ran her fingers along the fading imprint left on her sole. It felt tender, but the pain was almost gone already. Again she looked at the knife-like protrusion on which she had landed.

That thing should have split my foot in half.

Her feet had been tough back then, but not this tough. She had made them even more resilient than they used to be, somehow.

Alexandra frowned, biting her lip. Was she able to change her own anatomy at will, after all? Why couldn t she heal her shoulder, then?

Maybe they re not the same process. This seems important, I need to find out.

She let go of her foot and tried to think of a suitable test to perform.

Grow an extra arm! A juvenile voice jumped up inside her head. A centaur body! Elf ears! Wings!

Another, more masculine voice answered. It sounded exactly like Aaron.

Something easy to begin with, Alex. You always go and take on the biggest challenge. How about you start on something with small chances of going horribly wrong?

Alexandra smiled at the suggestion. It was exactly what he d say, calm, collected, eyebrows slightly raised as he looked at her over the rim of his glasses. He d been infuriating at times, especially when he spoke calm and collected sarcasm. Now, the memory of his voice was a treasure to savor.

Where d you go, Aaron?

All traces of her smile vanished. It was as if the whispered words had tightened around her chest, making it much harder to breathe. If only she could hear him talk again . . . .

Alexandra shut her eyes and pressed her lips together.

Stop it. Start thinking about him and you won t stop. You need to figure this out and then keep going.

She shook her head vigorously, banishing his memory but taking his suggestion. An easy change, then. Small. A haircut? Not without a mirror, which didn t seem to work right in this place. A tattoo? Too similar to clothing to be conclusive. Her wandering gaze fell on her hands, on the short, nibbled-at, almost nonexistent crescents that were the free edges of her fingernails.

Longer nails. Hard to find anything more harmless than that.

It sounded safe enough. Her mind made up and her focus restored, she concentrated on the fingernail of her left pinky and pictured it just a little longer. In fact, Alexandra put every mental resource into convincing herself that her pitiful fingernail was about a third of an inch long and perfectly smooth.

And lacquered a glossy dark orange. Orange went well with blue.

The tip of her finger rippled with the tiniest flicker, the faintest swirl of mist, and markedly unpleasant discomfort. Less than a second later, a beautifully manicured pinky stared back at her.

Hah! I knew it!

She concentrated on one finger at a time. She also imagined them harder, strong enough to provide reliable grip. It wouldn t do, having to worry about ruining them later.

It came easier with every iteration. She did the last two at once, just to see if she could. The mist was thicker, the discomfort more poignant, but they turned out fine.

Alexandra admired her work. She d never been able to endure the drudgery of making her nails look pretty, but she could definitely get behind this method. She prodded and pulled at them to make sure they were real.

Well, let s see how they do.

She tested their mettle against the hard rock at her side, gently. It felt uncomfortable, but no damage was done.

She firmly scraped the rock as if scratching a chalkboard, then brought her fingertips up to her eyes for inspection. Not a single chip, nor the slightest hint of imperfection.

Alex brought her hand back down and clawed the rock as hard as she could. Her fingers gouged four inch-deep tracks into the stone.

Whoa.

Not one dent on her nails. As she examined them in amazement, she winced at the scrapes all over her palms from climbing and keeping her balance.

Gloves would help.

A pair of tight-fitting gloves immediately coalesced around her hands, the bright mists coming together into one-piece garments of drab blue spandex. A few subtle swirls of smoke brought charcoal-colored leather padding to the palms and underside of the fingers, careful black stitching holding the seams and joints together. She turned her hands over, and the color shifted on the cloth, lines and shapes twisting and dancing to settle into a simple camouflage pattern of blue on dark blue. A flick of her mind, and the glove fingertips got sheared out of existence, dark-skinned fingers and polished nails peeking out freely. To aid grip, evidently.

It felt so natural, so effortless. Being able to make things happen with just a thought, a belief; it let her forget for a tiny moment that she was all but drifting aimlessly in a stormy sea.

What next?

After a moment of consideration, coming up with useful improvements proved to be a challenge. That extra arm would actually be quite gross. Wings were tempting, but felt silly and pointless after realizing they wouldn t provide enough lift to let her fly like a bird there was a reason hang-gliders took off running from mountainsides. A centaur body would be nasty, and she was mortified that elf ears had even come up in the first place.

Grow a pair of horns and a tail. Turn your staff into a pitchfork. Somebody decided you belong in this place, you might as well embrace it.

She dismissed the thought with a roll of her eyes, but the pitchfork idea reminded her of the tragic loss she d suffered at the bridge. Watching her beautiful weapon sink into an endless pit had been heartbreaking.

Stupid slug monsters, I loved that staff. It s probably vanished by now.

The realization dawned on her just as she said it.

Maybe I can dream it back into existence?

It had taken a good thirty minutes to create the original, an amount of time she couldn t afford to lose at the moment. Alexandra darted the thousandth look at the scarcely traversed road, about a quarter mile downhill. It had been quiet so far, but who knew when the monsters would catch up?

I already know everything about it, though. Maybe I only need to . . . .

She tentatively held out her hands and simply believed her staff to be resting on her palms. Right away the familiar swirls of mist came together in a faint cylindrical outline. Wide-eyed, she excitedly pictured its glowing patterns, laced together the leatherwork, felt the texture of the varnished hardwood on her skin. The mist wiggled and sharpened in intricate ways faster than ever before, plucking details from her memory into reality in a matter of seconds.

Sweet!

She eyed it closely, slightly incredulous. Can I just switch it off and on?

Alexandra willed it not to exist, and it dissipated with a fluttery flourish of shimmering smoke. She willed it back into existence, and it obliged promptly with a silent flash of mist.

This is the most awesome thing ever.

She hefted it appreciatively and winced once more at the twinge of pain from her shoulder.

Ugh.

Alex put down her weapon and pursed her lips. She dissolved the soiled top with a brush of willpower and craned her neck to take a good look at the wound. It was red and ugly, but shallow, and the cut had been fairly clean. Her bra strap was ruined, only held in place by virtue of being stuck to her skin. She made the garment vanish as well, then conjured up a length of white cloth and proceeded to clean up as best she could.

I got rid of blood and injuries before. Why can t I do it again?

Try as she might, picturing the wound closed and the blood gone did nothing at all. The bloodstains did seem to scrub off easier than she d expected, however. Done cleaning, she wrapped a newly created bandage around ribcage and shoulder, and then willed her clothes back in place.

She tested her arm s range of motion. Still painful, but much better.

Alexandra gathered up her staff and went up to a hunched over position, intent on immediately resuming her stealthy trek toward the mysterious Gate. She lurched to a halt after catching sight of her dark skin and orange fingernails against the blue background.

I stick out like a clown at a funeral. Maybe there s some changes I can make after all.

The demons might not even rely on eyesight to track her, but why take the risk? Changing her skin color couldn t be that much harder than dying her clothes.

Rather excited to see the results, she pictured her skin shifting, like a toad blending in with the background. More so, like an octopus, changing pigments in the blink of an eye to become one with the environment.

And then she believed it.

The pain flared up everywhere at once, like a thousand needles jabbing into every inch of her body. Alexandra slumped against the side of the cleft with a deep gasp, eyes widening in shock she could feel her eyeballs transforming along with everything else. A thick mist clouded her vision, and for interminable seconds she could do nothing but grit her teeth and hold on.

It ended as abruptly as it had begun. She was left panting on hands and knees, shaking. Sunken eyes stared at blue-tinged fingers.

She sat back wearily, trying to catch her breath.

It was unpleasant just doing your nails one at a time, the voice of hindsight came. What did you think would happen if you changed your whole body at once?

After her eyesight finally regained its focus, Alexandra looked down and rolled up her sleeve.

Her skin was no longer of Kenyan descent. Blue on blue covered every inch of her, a dynamic pattern that shifted with her movements to match the colors of the immediate surroundings. It would even adapt depending on the angle from which she looked.

She let out a smug chuckle. Damn, I m good.

Aware of having spent much longer experimenting than she had intended, Alexandra hurried to tie up loose ends. She colored her nails and staff a mix of subdued blue shades, then pulled up her hood and made sure it covered all of her hair. The thought struck her halfway through tucking her short curls under the cloth.

I could ve just put on more clothes, instead of becoming a smurf.

She blinked a few times. The realization brought a flush of heat to her goofy blue cheeks.

And you thought you were being so clever.

Oh, shut up.

Alexandra looked up toward the horizon, where tens of craggy hills met that cloudless cobalt sky with no sun in it. She could see an enormous structure far, far in the distance, peeking behind folds of scabrous terrain. Its pyramidal architecture looked . . . temple-like.

C mon, double-time it, genius. Gotta make up for all the faffing about you just did.

She resumed her trek, speeding up to a nimble trot that turned steps into strides, drops into leaps, climbs into jumps.

She did not tire.

_________

The archway stood about ten feet tall at its apex, a smooth and narrow half-circle that protruded from the ground as if a stone ring had been buried upright into the rocky soil. The road forked left from the main Temple-bound path and led straight through it.

So I guess that s the Gate. This place could use some damn signposts.

The Temple itself still appeared impossibly far away. Although she had no way to be certain this was the gate she sought, the stone arch was the only notable feature she had come across during her long trek. Twenty miles must have come and gone already.

Alexandra watched from a prudent distance behind the cover up-slope. The Gate looked . . . solid. She couldn t shake the feeling that, even if everything else decayed to dust in this realm, that stone ring would stay unmoved, unblemished. This arch was like shrapnel biting into bone: it had become part of the body, but it didn t belong there.

Most curious of all, the road didn t continue past the gate, but it did continue straight through the Gate, into a markedly different landscape where no mountains could be seen. She had gone to the trouble of finding out what the back of the half ring looked like, expecting something mystical a shimmering wall of light, a mirror-like liquid surface, a pool of blackness. On the other side the mysterious Gate was nothing but a simple stone arch where the road came to an abrupt end.

I probably should feel more put off by the prospect of going through a wormhole, Alexandra thought as she watched the deserted road for traffic. Shooting a portal gun for hours might have taken away the wow factor here.

Maybe I m just jaded. The cake was a lie, after all.

Once again she found herself in a position where she would have to run out into the open. While she hadn t seen any traffic, she couldn t get a good look at the area across the waygate. Anything might be waiting on the other side.

Does it even matter? Unless you want to start wandering aimlessly, you have to go through no matter what.

She sighed in resignation and gathered her courage. She said a prayer out of habit, hesitated mid-way, then put it out of her mind with a grimace. She took a couple deep breaths and looked around one last time.

Alexandra vaulted over the side of the shallow cleft and ran downhill, approaching the archway at an angle. More of the area beyond the portal became visible: a fortunate absence of guards, a couple forks in the road, a worrying lack of rugged terrain. Then she almost missed a step as the horizon came into view.

The shape of the huge mount in the distance was a mirror image of the one she was used to. It looked much smaller, but then again she was much farther from it. The mountain still towered over all others like a colossus among men. It might not have been the same Mount, but she very much doubted it.

Alexandra crossed her fingers and sprinted through the threshold.

_________

Nothing attacked her. No-one saw her. There was nowhere to hide, and so she ran.

Far from the road and straight toward the Mount, Alexandra imagined herself as little more than a shifting silhouette against the blue backdrop of unending plains and mountainous skyline. Ahead she could see a large cluster of structures, still nothing but dark geometrical shapes to her eyes.

This damn Nexus gate thing better be there. Hopefully as unguarded as the last.

Traffic on the road was increasing, however. Smaller trails joined it sporadically, coming from far-off features that she couldn t make out. If it kept up, there would be a crapload of creatures to deal with by the time she reached her destination.

We ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Keep going, don t think too hard.

It would be about two hours of running at breakneck speed, she figured. She d never gone this fast on the treadmill.

I d have barfed my heart out trying. Feel fine now, though. Could give Legolas a run for his money.

She snorted out a chuckle.

Damn fantasy novels, she muttered, one word for every stride. That man turned me into a nerd.

Aaron had been so ecstatic when she picked up one of his cheesy novels that she hadn t had the heart to disappoint him without giving it a try. It had felt silly at first, but then Raistlin had cast his sleep spell on the goblins and she just couldn t put the book down after that. It was only a matter of time before they ended up having the geekiest, most shameful conversations, daydreaming about learning spells, channeling weaves, visiting Seattle Below, trying to call the Name of Booze. And there was that one time when they d had an argument (my God, actual arguments!) on the finer points of staves and wizards.

I was right, too, she thought with a smug smile. Almighty know-it-all couldn t prove me wrong.

She remembered being overly stubborn on purpose, just to get him a little flustered. She couldn t resist giving him a hard time now and then.

The corner of her mouth quirked down. Alexandra s smile disappeared.

I miss you, Aaron.

She quickly shook her head and looked around for something else to think about.

Her eyes scanned the landscape. Why have such neat roads, if there were no vehicles to use them? There was pedestrian traffic, but they didn t seem to carry anything other than an unhurried pace. They definitely didn t have the look of patrols watching for the comings and goings of the condemned.

Alexandra frowned at the thought. Where was the eternal lake of fire? The weeping souls, the sadistic torment? This place was nothing like the Hell of scripture.

Not that I m complaining about it.

Could this truly be her designated punishment? What had she imagined Hell would be like?

She remembered trying to explain it to Aaron. It had always been more an idea than a specific place for her. A formless void where the soul was dumped to suffer for all eternity, if it was deemed corrupt beyond redemption. There didn t have to be demons poking people with pitchforks while the Devil gloated in the background.

He listens to me quietly, seriously. His arm shifts subtly under my head.

Why would the faithless go there then? he asks. It seems . . . petty.

Aaron . . . .

I m just curious, I swear.

It s not like that. Belief is like . . . like knowing the password. Or like knowing the way. Faith is the map to Heaven, and without it your soul doesn t know where the door is.

But why make it like that? Don t you think it s a bit unfair? I mean, talk about disproportionate punishment just for being misguided, or ignorant.

I keep silent. He ll hand-wave scripture if I mention it. And how to defend something on which I m conflicted myself?

I get an elbow under me and lean my chin on his chest.

Maybe you ll be the one that does the weeding at the Fields of Elysium. You ll fetch my drinks, arrange my cushions and be my servant forever.

He chuckles. I already do all those things.

The memory brought another smile to her lips that soon turned brittle.

What would he say now?

She d have laughed back then to know she d come to miss the awkward wariness of those delicate conversations. It had been impossible sometimes not to come off as confrontational, although they d managed to defuse things before they escalated into arguments. Mostly.

Now, those talks stood out as their most intimate moments, precious memories of heartfelt sincerity and nervous confessions, of trust and vulnerability. Treasures that she wouldn t have traded for anything in the world.

Her step had faltered to a leaden trot. When had she slowed down? Her eyes were glazed over, staring off into space.

Stop thinking about him. Stop it!

Had she ever told him how she felt about those moments? How she loved his mild temperament, the gentle way he voiced dissent, how firm he could be when necessary? She had secretly bugged him on purpose sometimes, just to see that set in his jaw, that look of determination and confidence.

She shouldn t have done that. She shouldn t have done many things.

Her legs stopped all on their own. She realized she could barely breathe by then. When had the tears started? They dropped off her chin, wetting her toes.

Alexandra squeezed her eyes shut and fought to get a hold of herself, push back against the vise that threatened to crush her lungs. She d been doing so well. Had she been hanging by a thread all along?

What s the point? What am I even doing?

It was all so foolish; her camouflage and clothes and gloves and tough feet. Her mad flight and stupid, pointless journey at the direction of some deranged creature.

He was forever lost to her, and she couldn t even remember her last words to him. She d always made fun of it, the melodrama over saying goodbye, over saying I love you, but now she understood. It was awful, a terrible sense of loose ends and unfinished business. It wasn t supposed to happen that way.

He s not gone. You went through this already. He s here too, he needs you. Get up and go on.

Alexandra shook her head. She had latched onto all the things she could do and fooled herself into believing she might have a chance. The small freedoms and distractions only served to let the underlying despair lurk deeper, out of sight, until it could catch her off-guard and clamp down on her throat.

She tried to shove it away, to get off the floor, to stop crying. When had she dropped on elbows and knees? When had the open-mouthed sobs started, the strangled gasps for air?

What s wrong with you? When did crying ever help? You re pissed off about this, it keeps you going!

What a load of bullshit. Everything so far had been an act, all posturing and bluster to cover up the truth: she was terrified inside, paralyzed by the unshakable belief, deep within her, that everything she did would be ultimately futile. Anger and defiance were nothing but a brittle wall of denial.

Her hands clawed at the ground, clenching and grabbing compulsively. The wrench twisting her insides wouldn t let go, and she found that she didn t even want it to. What was the point in fighting? Who cared about her outrage, her disappointment? She d been disposed of. She didn t matter anymore, and probably never did.

It would have been better to disappear, just like Aaron had believed. That s what had probably happened to him: he d ceased to exist, not caring about a thing. Couldn t she do that as well? Couldn t she join him in oblivion? It d be so much easier.

So much easier.

She felt it, then. A light-headedness, a hazy tugging in every direction. She felt it through the sobs and the suffocating sense of loss, a blurring of the edges of her mind, the enticing call of dissipating mists.

Alexandra recognized the feeling. She had felt it before, when she sat covered in blood, her hand and forearm twisted in a broken knot as she pondered in frustration why she had bones to break. There had been unbearable pain then, along with this sense of dissolution. The pain had been so intense that nothing else had registered.

But now the pain, though worse in its own way, didn t shock the senses. She could feel it, the possibility to end it all, close within reach, effortless, tempting. She could scatter herself into nothingness and vanish from existence, dissolve herself the same way she could dissolve clothes, items and fingernails. She would cease to be, if she wanted to.

If she dared to.

Do it. There s only suffering here. Just do it.

She reached for the hand of oblivion and took it. Through the tears she could see curls of smoke peeling off her body, dispersing into her surroundings. Alexandra let it happen.

As her thoughts began to blur, a question came through the haze.

Can a soul commit suicide?

The question planted a tiny seed in the darkness. It floated motionlessly in the midst of despair.

Then the answer came, gently; a faint thread of light piercing through the fog of her thoughts.

Not in Hell.

The words took hold slowly. Their meaning pushed against the overwhelming desolation, burrowing into the hopeless void.

And the seed blossomed.

This can t be Hell.

Understanding washed over her, and her gasp felt like the first breath of consciousness after nearly drowning. It was so delightfully simple. A way out existed, and that changed everything. How could she be in Hell, when she could escape her fate at any moment? It would defy the fundamental purpose of eternal torment.

Therefore, she was somewhere else.

Alexandra exhaled tremulously, and the truth shivered through her, rousing her skin with gooseflesh. The mists receded from her perception like seawater retreating after high tide.

I ve been so blind. I ve been an idiot.

She simply breathed for a long time, prostrate on the floor of an unknown place, surrounded by the alien features of an existence she hadn t begun to understand. The blue soil under her nostrils smelled of recently dredged mud.

There were questions about her beliefs that clamored for answers, but they appeared insignificant next to the overwhelming sense of relief. She could dare envision a future without inescapable defeat. Everything seemed to shift around her as the realization settled her situation wasn t as dire, doom was no longer around every corner. Though there were still hundreds of mysteries to solve, the uncertainty had suddenly become encouraging. Uplifting.

The crushing burden of hopelessness had unlatched from her shoulders, and so she could stand again.

Alexandra picked herself off the floor and wiped her face with the back of her glove. She looked around, embarrassed. The Mighty Alexandra, reduced to a blubbering wreck crawling on hands and knees. Her eyes continued to scan her surroundings as she worked to restore her dignity, making sure she remained unnoticed.

Everything was cast under a different light. This wasn t a hellish landscape, but some strange world that her soul had wandered to upon death. The monsters weren t demons at all, but the denizens of this land. She wasn t a soul to bind and torment, but a hostile intruder. That creature she had interrogated had been trying to get rid of her, nothing more.

And I pretty much tortured it, she thought with a pang of guilt. They don t seem the kind to accept apologies, either.

Most important of all, her husband wasn t being tormented in some other circle of the abyss, hopelessly beyond reach. They simply had been separated, somehow. He was out there, and all she needed to do was find him.

At least I ve been heading the right way. Maybe if I meet with other people I ll find out what s really going on.

Alexandra took off Mount-ward again, her long strides fueled by a renewed sense of purpose. A faint smile played on her lips as her feet glided over the desolate plains.

_________

The gate to the Nexus was a gargantuan slab of blackness framed in thick concrete. She had watched several small groups go through, their size dwarfed by a portal that was as tall as a five-story building, as wide as a four-lane interstate. The creatures had walked into it and simply disappeared. The surface of the gateway would remain undisturbed, as if it were nothing but an opaque sheet of the darkest shadow.

A long ramp led up to it, carved in the same elaborate line patterns she d seen before. In contrast, the featureless frame of the Nexus portal felt alien in this environment, a jarring intruder that stood out to her senses like a cube of tofu in a box of chocolates.

Alexandra squatted behind the closest vantage point she d been able to find: a dip in the ground with a few rocks for cover, about half a mile away from the gate. She had been watching for some time, noting details while trying to come up with a way to approach undetected.

Which was impossible, because there were many, many guards.

They formed a large perimeter around the gate, complete with irregular battlements in rock walls, squat conical towers, trenches a crude medieval fortification carved out of piled rocks. A few groups stood not ten feet away from the black surface, posted behind short bulwarks at the sides of the ramp. They bore no weapons that she could see, other than the sharp claws and talons on their multiple arms.

Everything was set up to guard from inbound traffic, which only reinforced what she had learned. These Clan weren t Hellspawn out to punish her, but a deeply territorial culture bent on defending its borders.

No wonder everything else is unguarded. The only way in is to sneak past a garrison of a thousand enraged monsters.

Rows upon rows of dwellings sprawled to one side of the main road: tiny rock buildings in the shape of upturned bowls with an arched opening on one side, like a doghouse door. About a fourth of them were occupied, judging by the twitching antennae peeking out. Beyond this war camp was a village, with beautifully carved buildings that were tall and angular, squat and round, big, small, and everything in-between. Most of the travelers that trickled in would bypass the gateway and go straight into Nexus Town, as she d started calling it in her head.

What do they even need buildings for?

Now that she saw them as more than evil tormentors, Alexandra wondered about the lives of these aliens. Was guarding the gate a simple job, after which they went home to their friends and families? Did they get paid? What did they do for fun? She didn t need to eat, drink, or sleep; did they? Would they have a government, an economy, a criminal code? She felt like a zoologist watching a band of gorillas, too afraid to approach them for fear of getting pummeled.

I ve got no clue how to go about this.

Every course of action she could think of was either foolish, counterproductive or outright disastrous. She had considered capturing another creature to interrogate or even use as hostage, but the thought of maiming yet another of these guys felt like stabbing a cashier to get the petty change in the register. The best plan she d come up with was to sneak in stark naked, trusting the shifting camouflage of her skin to get past the whole camp unnoticed. She had discarded that option as well after taking a good look at their numbers.

The longer you delay, the more chances for something terrible to happen.

Just then, a group of creatures grew agitated around one of the outer rows of doghouses. They went up to some other Clan that were closer to the gate, next to the outer layer of barricades, and seemed to engage in conversation. Then a few members from each group broke off the main garrison and started walking in her general direction.

Uh-oh.

There were nine of them, hulking masses of chitinous plates and twisted limbs, lumbering thighs and twitching antennae. Ahead of the pack marched a smaller one, also chitinous and horrendous, but whose antennae were longer, twitchier, more supple. The group went past the camp, across the road, and entered the half mile of flatlands that stretched between them and Alexandra s hiding spot.

Put off making a decision long enough and it will be made for you.

They re not coming here, she whispered. They can t. There s no way they saw me.

They meandered some, as if sniffing out something in the air, but their path remained true. The closer they got, the more confident their four-legged stride.

They would be upon her in a matter of minutes. She frantically considered her options, her back pressed against the pitiful rock that provided the only decent cover in a twenty yard radius. She could cower and hope that they would walk past her, run away as fast as she could, or confront them.

All the choices were terrible. They were hardly a hundred yards away, and gave no signs of slowing down.

Think of something, or you ll have another fight in your hands.

She almost groaned out loud. Maybe she could bargain. Intimidate. Reason. Plead, if all else failed.

Whatever you do, do it fast.

Alexandra clenched her jaw and stepped out into the open.

Clan! she spoke in a commanding voice, before they had a chance to take the initiative. You are not my enemy. I come in peace.

Good grief, how lame was that?

They froze for a second, stupefied.

They started screaming.

They charged, spreading out to surround her as they advanced.

Son of a bitch!

Her staff flashed into her hands as she assumed a defensive stance.

Stop! she yelled over their screams. I don t want to kill you!

The smaller guy held back, shock radiating from it. The bigger ones did not slow down, primal hatred pouring off them in waves.

Shit shit shit shit!

She swung her staff in a wide arch, trying to intimidate them into keeping away. At the same time, the smaller guy spoke.

Hold! it said in a short, discordant screech.

They skidded to a halt in unison, not even a foot out of range. Alexandra jumped back, ready to swing again and hoping she wouldn t have to.

I seek to leave your homeland! None of you need to die today. Allow me safe passage and you won t see me again.

She forced herself to relax her posture, look less threatened and more threatening. None of them moved an inch.

Stay in control, don t let them see you re scared!

Alexandra stared at their supposed leader and made her weapon vanish, purposefully willing the hazy swirls to be extra flashy.

The creatures took a step back at her display, moving as one. The leader appeared to be sizing her up, wary of what she might do.

Her gaze jumped from one alien to the next, trying to keep them all within her field of vision. Do we have an agreement? I bear no ill will toward your people. I pinky swear. No one needs to die today.

The creatures seemed to consult one another in silence. Finally, the scout leader spoke in their characteristic high-pitched screech.

You want come in camp? You come to Gate, go away, no hurt Clan?

Alexandra nodded solemnly. No hurt Clan. She felt inspired enough to add, can I trust the Clan s honor?

They looked at one another again in their unsettling eyeless way. Honor, said their presumed leader. Yes. You trust Clan. Clan trust you. Come with us?

With such reassurance, how could I refuse?

I ll be right behind you, she said as she gestured for them to lead the way.

She had expected them to demand that she walk ahead, but they complied without fuss. The search party formed a semi-circle around her, keeping their distance.

That asshole found me somehow. Probably they don t even need to face me to know what I m doing.

They advanced slowly toward the camp, each party remaining wary of the other. Alexandra maintained what she hoped was a dignified silence. She d have liked to probe them for information, but she was bound to undermine her already precarious position if she started asking questions.

Apprehension went on a steady rise as the outpost grew near. The place was abuzz with the din of high-pitched murmurs, hostile mutters directed at the biped that had dared enter their domain. It felt like walking into a human-sized beehive, with every one of those grotesque slug-lizards twitching their antennae at her, intent on her approach. Those inside their lairs had stirred out of their stupor, lining up with the rest.

Alexandra could hardly resist the sudden urge to turn tail and run for it. She gathered her resolve to look imposing and confident, and addressed the leader of the search party.

Tell them of our deal, she demanded loud enough to be heard throughout the masses. No harm will come to the Clan if you let me pass in peace.

She was met with louder mutters from the rabble and no response from the scout. They continued leading her deeper into the camp, coming close to the rudimentary fortifications where the bulk of the guards awaited her arrival. They would soon reach the passage between trenches where the road ended and the ramp leading to the gate began.

The intensity of their hatred washed over her like a rising tide, swelling with every step toward the massive gate. The sound of their voices quieted down, then disappeared altogether. A looming sense of dread settled in Alexandra s gut.

Run. Just run and jump through the gate. You might make it.

She looked at the myriad faceless monstrosities that crowded the outpost. This had been a terrible idea. Why wasn t that damned little creep speaking on her behalf?

I do not wish to harm any of you, she yelled at the crowd, trying not to sound as frenetic as she felt. Keep your word and I will keep mine.

The thing spoke then, a screeching sound that carried across the entire fortified area. Biped want go away. Biped want come with Clan, go to Nexus. Biped agree walk here.

About damn time you said something, Bubba!

The creature raised its arms dramatically. Biped agree walk here!

It must have been a grand joke, because the crowd erupted in the strangled trills that she recognized as laughter. Alexandra took a step toward the jester.

You will all die if you betray me. You know that, don t you? It will be a bloodbath!

The scout leader blatantly ignored her. Biped stupid. Hold biped. Sever biped.

What! Staff in hand, she was able to take three strides toward the treacherous heap of sewage in front of her. No-one moved in to interfere.

Her fourth step proved more difficult. Something pushed against her advance, as if her body had entered a much denser medium. By the time her foot left the ground for a fifth step, the chanting had begun in earnest, and she could move no more.

Alexandra stood frozen mid-stride, staff held aloft, ready to unleash a blow that never came to bear. As her mind raced to figure out what was happening to her, only one thing was doubtlessly clear.

She had made a terrible mistake.

May 23rd, 2014

Queen Anne neighborhood, Seattle

12:12PM

Man, if it s another damn salesman, I might punch them in the nose.

Bleary eyed and grumpy, I make my way to the door. Gabby can t be bothered to answer, apparently, even if she knows I stayed up late again. Probably because I stayed up late again, and she knows I ll get rid of unwanted visitors in no uncertain terms.

I peek through the peephole, fully expecting a generic clean-cut man in a suit. Instead . . . .

Eep!

I scramble away from the door as if I just realized that it is, in fact, a snake. I look at it for exactly one stupefied moment.

Then I break into a sprint, running wide eyed and holding my breath for some reason. I go up the stairs, taking two and three steps with each stride. The way to my roommate s door has never felt this long.

I try the doorknob, then bang on the locked door while yelling whispers at her. Gabbie! Gabbie, open up now!

She opens after a few more bangs. She looks even worse than I do. It s past noon, how can she still be sleeping?

Bloody cock and bollocks Alex, the house better be on fire gah!

I probably shouldn t have yanked her out so forcefully, or put my hand over her mouth like that, but I don t seem to have a great many options at the moment.

He s here. He s at our door. He s right there!

Whmm?

Who do you think? Him! Aaron freaking Gretchen!

Mmm, yrr in-trr-nit crsh.

She s even more irritating this way. I let go of her face so we can have a proper one-sided conversation.

You re going out to talk to him while I think of what the hell I m supposed to do about this!

Oh, no no no no. She wags her finger at me. I should have kept her immobilized. I m having none of that. You ve daydreamed about this for ages, and now you re hiding? You need to deal with him, girl.

Are you kidding he can t see me like this I don t know what to say I just got up are you serious what the hell is he even doing here!

You got yourself an online boyfriend, and I told you he d be a complete wanker. You re not going to dump him on my lap now. Suddenly she grins like this is the grandest joke in the world. Cheers! She scampers out of reach and slams the door.

Grargh! I kick the door and rattle the doorknob, mostly out of spite. I run to my bedroom, throw some sweatpants on. I run to the bathroom, splash some water on my face, rub the sleep out of my eyes, quickly towel off. I grimace at my reflection, head down the stairs, take slow, deep breaths.

It s no big deal, I can handle this. Just think, he s as nervous as me, probably more. What the hell is he doing here? I might punch him, if only out of principle. No wonder he was so vague on why he wouldn t be online for the weekend. Oh my god, I haven t told him. He s here and I haven t told him.

I exhale one long, quivering breath, quieting the butterflies in my stomach. It wasn t supposed to happen like this. He ll be hearing a few of my thoughts on the matter once the dust settles. He might hear a few of them right now!

I m smiling like a moron as I open the door.

He s not there.

I practically jump out onto the porch landing, looking everywhere in a panic. And there he is, talking to the neighbor across the street, showing her a piece of paper with some scribbles on it, gesturing mildly with his hands. You d think he would have tried the other unit in the duplex, just a few feet away.

Or maybe he did. I didn t take that long to answer, jeez.

Aaron.

It comes out as barely a croak. Good grief, get a hold of yourself! I clear my throat, straighten my ragged T-shirt as best as I can, then call out louder. You can t even tell I m trembling.

Aaron!

He turns around looking for my voice, and his face lights up when he sees me. I feel something bloom in my chest that I simply cannot describe.

I wave at him like a fool, doing giddy little jumps while I gesture for him to come over. I can t stop smiling.

I just can t stop smiling.

9

Aaron stood in the middle of the room, staring at Ming Xiu in disbelief.

There s a census. You are telling me now that there s a census.

Ming Xiu nodded without looking up from her project. We could hardly keep track of our numbers without it.

And if I hadn t asked, you were planning to tell me this when?

When it became pertinent, of course, she responded with a dismissive wave of her hand. You ll need to be on it, eventually.

It was pertinent the moment I walked in here! We could have checked it a hundred times over by now. She could be on it. You knew she could be on it! His raised voice was swallowed up by the pristine white stone of the circular room. No sound ever echoed against the walls of this place.

The woman set on the desk the piece she was working on a crystalline sphere the size of a bowling ball, exquisitely sculpted to look like swirling green, blue and black flames. She brushed her hands on her skirt as she stood, and only then did she turn to look Aaron in the eye.

We like you well enough around here, Aaron, and you have proven somewhat competent, but you will not use that tone with me. Do you understand?

Aaron stared from behind a frown. He noticed his fists were clenched and forced them to relax. Please tell me why you didn t let me know about this until now.

Ming Xiu s sigh was the essence of patience. You would have wanted to run off immediately, as I suspect you now do. You would have been stubborn enough to threaten with a solitary expedition if we didn t take you there, as I suspect that you now intend to do. She held his gaze with imperious aplomb. You are not ready, Aaron. You were not ready then and you are not ready now.

Aaron s frown only deepened. What does it take to be ready? I ve lost track of the time I ve spent here, learning whatever tiny bits of practical knowledge you decide to throw at me in-between history lessons.

I ve explained this at length.

You keep saying it s dangerous to learn too much too quickly, but I m starting to think you re just holding information hostage.

Ming Xiu broke into laughter, genuinely amused. Oh, Aaron, such an insightful theory. She put a hand to her chest in mock indignation. Do tell, why are we so intent in keeping an ignorant newborn from getting out of our hands?

Aaron hadn t figured it out so far, but he wasn t about to admit it. You know, the newborn thing is really getting old.

Her amusement remained, a smile playing on her lips. She rested one hand on the desk, the other on her hip. Perhaps toddler would be more to your liking? Or maybe teenager. You certainly are willful enough.

I m not trying to be a pain in the ass, I just have a wife missing and zero answers to explain it! Wouldn t you be impatient too?

She sniffed out a sharp breath. That s the only reason we endure your doggedness, Mr. Gretchen.

He went to adjust his glasses, only to realize for the thousandth time that they were not there. He pretended to scratch his nose instead, even if nothing ever itched anymore. The fact remains that if I m not ready, it s only because I m not being taught fast enough.

Ming Xiu had started shaking her head before he was even halfway through his sentence. This again? The protocol

Aaron made a placating gesture with his hands. I m grateful for your help, I really am, but you re stuck with this one-size-fits-all mentality, where the pace of practical learning is designed to fit the common denominator. I m not a farmer from the dark ages or some confederate army man out of the civil war. You yourself said that late humans like me adapt better.

Ming Xiu sighed impatiently. Fine, let s try this again. Yes, you ve done well with acceptance and adaptation, but there are several more stages to the psychological transition into this existence, at the end of which comes determination. Right now you re driven by an external cause a transient cause, whether you want to believe it or not and this cause pushes you to determination without progressing through discovery and ennui. Yours is what we call a residual determination: a reason to drive your existence that stems from life before Eternal. This happens often to those that die with a deep emotional attachment, and it s only after you let go that you ll be able to achieve true determination. In fact, the longer you pursue this residual cause, the less likely you are to determine positively.

Aaron squeezed his eyes shut. He d heard the lecture a few times before and it hadn t become any more palatable. There is nothing transient about this cause.

Ming Xiu kept silent for a moment. You re wrong, she finally said, but understanding of that fact will come in time I ll make sure of it. I ve never lost one of my students to despair or madness, Aaron, and you won t be the first.

I won t give in to despair, because I won t give up. I won t go mad, because I will succeed.

She simply shook her head. Aaron put out a hand in a conciliating motion. Look, just give me everything you ve got, I can handle it.

She pursed her lips, but a tiny smile curved them up. Falon said just that. The same beady-eyed look on her face, too.

Falon Trestail is a jackass. And she turned out just fine! If you could go faster with her

We didn t go faster, Ming Xiu cut in. I m only saying that she was just as foolish and impatient as you are. She didn t even have a residual cause; you would think that a thirteenth century Londoner would be scared witless of everything that is Eternal, but she couldn t get enough of it. And if I could hold her down and get her to go through everything the proper way, I don t believe you have much of a chance to persuade me.

But

I know you re unable to understand at this time, so I ll simply leave it at this: we will not go against procedure without a blighted good reason. Your being impatient does not constitute one. She quietly looked at him for a few more seconds, letting the finality of her statement sink in.

If Falon got frustrated too, maybe I can get enough sympathy out of her to

You won t have better luck with her, Ming Xiu added, hopefully because she d anticipated Aaron s budding plan and not because she could actually read his thoughts. And she won t refuse as kindly as I have, believe me.

Well, there goes that idea.

Look, Xiu, I just

She held up one admonishing finger. Ming Xiu, master Aaron. Be thankful I don t have you call me honorable teacher.

Heat rose to Aaron s cheeks. Ming Xiu. Alexandra could be out there, waiting for me while I slog through all this mind-numbing training. I need to check that census. If her name is in there . . . . Seeing the long-suffering expression on her face, he hurried to keep on talking. Please, Ming Xiu. I don t even need to go myself, it s okay if you send a messenger when you can. Just think how much less of a pain in the ass I ll be if I knew either way.

She raised an eyebrow. Is that so? If she is not there, we are back to your impatience. In the remote possibility that we find an entry for her, you will pester me to follow up on it, further neglecting real progress. I fail to see the gain, either way.

Aaron held her gaze for a moment, trying to come up with a truthful way to deny her argument. He finally looked down at the floor, shoulders hunched in defeat.

Ming Xiu, he said, softly. I m begging you. I don t know if you ever lost someone like this, but . . . I have this hole inside of me His voice cracked. He pressed his lips together and continued after a moment. It s killing me. Or severing me, or scattering me, or whatever you want to call it. I could deal in the beginning, when everything was new and confusing, but it s gotten so much worse since then. It s everything I think about.

He looked up at Ming Xiu, expecting a dismissive rebuke, or perhaps some encouraging words. The woman was simply staring ahead, not at him but through him, as though her mind was somewhere far away.

Her art piece suddenly vanished in a swirl of smoke, but she didn t even flinch.

You re right, Aaron continued, I couldn t let it go even if I tried. I knew it would be bad, but . . . the truth is, I m barely holding together, and I don t know if I can stand it much longer. If you do this for me . . . well, then at least I d know more. It s the uncertainty that s the worst.

She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. I know.

Ming Xiu opened her eyes again. It looked like she had reached a decision.

I ll take you there myself, she said.

You will?

Yes. Soon. At the very least, we ll get your name recorded. And I should catch up with a few friends while we re there, it has been a while since I ve left Thousand Rivers.

Oh, well, that s . . . that s just awesome, then. Thank you.

She walked up to him and took his hand in both of hers, looking up to meet his gaze. There was no trace of amusement or reproach left in those tilted dark eyes.

Don t get your hopes up, Aaron. She spoke with the soft voice that a mother would use to console a child. It makes it much worse when you finally realize the truth. You should get used to the idea that she s gone, instead.

The sincerity in her demeanor was enough to bring a knot to his throat.

I can t do that. I won t. I won t ever stop looking for her as long as there s a chance. Even if it takes all of eternity, I won t give her up.

She made a pained grimace that faded into a sympathetic smile. Ming Xiu patted his hand and calmly went back to her desk. She sat at the edge of her chair with a deep breath.

A burst of mist tendrils coalesced in front of her, and the sphere of crystal flames flashed into existence in her hands. Curling eddies of bright smoke steadily gravitated toward her art piece, following her command as they worked their way into the interlocking pattern of green, blue and black.

That s just what I said, she told him without looking away from her work.

Aaron stood motionless for a moment.

Did you ever

Falon is waiting for you outside, Ming Xiu said. She glanced at him. Let her know of our arrangement, please.

Aaron pursed his lips, getting the hint.

It will be as you say, honorable teacher.

She gave him a crooked smile. Call Falon that. She might not thump you so often.

I doubt it. Are you sure she s certified to teach anyone?

I believe she will teach you exactly what you need to know. Especially if you make her wait any longer.

Okay, alright, I m going. He waved and turned to leave. He stopped at the door-less archway leading into the corridor. Thank you, Ming Xiu.

She made a shooing gesture for a response. Aaron sighed and walked out of the room, following the spotless white hallways that would take him outdoors.

He had practice to get done, and the prospect of it was nothing short of dreadful.

_________

Falon Trestail was fast.

She was also strong, much stronger than her twig-like limbs would suggest.

Also, she was a snot.

Aaron parried as best as he could her precisely placed left swing, only to be struck on the side of his abdomen by a lightning-quick knee thrust.

First Portent, yer bad at this, she teased as they backed up and faced each other in a ready stance for the hundredth time. Enough of that, I think. You re still too terrible for sparring to help. Let s pick up where we left off.

He refrained from trying to punch her in the face. Partly because it wouldn t be a civilized thing to do, but mostly because she would easily dodge it and then somehow he would end up with his butt on the floor again.

Were you this good when you first started? he grunted. It was meant to be sarcastic, but she answered anyway.

Of course not.

The words shaped by her mouth matched without a hitch with the voice Aaron heard. The lack of foreign voice-over was oddly comforting, like a minute taste of home in a strange land. It was the only pleasure to be had while interacting with her.

I wasn t nearly this bad, on the other hand, she added. You might want to give up.

Aaron considered slugging that pale-skinned pixie face anyway. What an awful thing for a teacher to say.

You shouldn t be such a terrible student, then.

Her form-fitting red top and pants abruptly rippled into a chaotic pattern of light and shadow, only to become a loose outfit of the same color: a buttoned-up jacket with flowing sleeves, along with wide-cuff slacks. She tsked at Aaron s T-shirt and baggy pants, but somehow managed to stay silent on the matter.

They made contact at the wrist and started pushing hands slowly, like they had done several times before. The tall redhead yammered on all the way through.

You just don t get it. It s not about yer muscles anymore, Gretchen. You keep trying to be a big strong man, with big strong muscles to crush everything. You don t have those anymore well, you never did, by the looks of it. It s all in here. She tapped the side of her head with two fingers, while still managing to keep up with the hand pushing.

I know that. I ve understood it for a while.

No, you don t. You tell yourself you do. You think you do. But you don t. It s because you re so dim-witted, obviously. Probably you ll never get it, and remain a cripple for everyone else to take care of.

Aaron gritted his teeth, but said nothing. He concentrated on the motions instead, which were becoming more complicated over time. Left palm to wrist, push it down and across, grace the forearm, right palm to elbow, up and across, collapse the arm . . . .

You think this is all useless, dontcha. You could be spending your time on much more useful stuff, if only we d let you. What s the point of doing this, when you can just fly away? Her voice grew more taunting with every jab. You can make a club and throw it at someone s head, you can rip the ground from under their feet and smash their faces with it. Hand-to-hand, so pointless! Useless martial arts, what a waste of time, isn t it?

I m not letting you get to me this time.

I m sure there s a good reason.

But you can t see it, right? It doesn t matter that I ve told you a hundred times, you just don t agree with the dumb girl kicking your ass. Your mind is dull and it needs to be sharpened, Gretchen.

Aaron kept quiet, but couldn t stop himself from pushing a bit more aggressively than he should have.

Wanna push harder, lover boy? Boundless grace, yer like a flailing farstalk. That s why you don t get it. You have to control what you think, what you believe. Do you think I m pushing with my hand? Do you think you re touching my arm? Flesh and bones, that s all it is. We do this so you get stronger and faster muscles, obviously! Skies, you re hopeless.

Shut up. Just shut up already.

Oh, look at you frown, so fierce! Am I hurting your feelings, Gretchen? Why, do tell me all about it. I m sure there s some rock around here that hasn t yet heard about how very sad you are. Tell me all about how unfair the Universe

That s it. Aaron took hold of her arm and used her own momentum to give her a good shove, the way he d been taught.

A moment later he found himself flying forward and sideways, tumbling far past their sparring area and into the alien flowerbeds that lined the outside walls of the complex. It had only taken a flick of her wrist, a slight adjustment of her elbow.

Falon was by his side in a heartbeat, offering a helping hand for him to get up. Her huge smile was chock-full of mischief.

Aren t you cute. Didn t take long at all this time. When you find your precious Alexandra, will you tell her that a skinny waif of a girl beat you up repeatedly?

Aaron had to smile at the comment. It was the closest to an expression of optimism he had heard in a while. She wouldn t be too surprised, believe me. He took her outstretched hand.

Oh? She beat you often, I gather? She pulled him up with no effort whatsoever, then walked back to the white cobblestone of the sparring circle.

I m sure she could beat you with ease, Aaron said as he moved into position. She s pretty serious about her karate, and strong, and fast, and a total health nut too. She d laugh her ass off if she knew what I m doing right now. She could never get me into it.

Hah. Falon was clearly skeptical as they resumed their exercise. She must have taken pity on you, then. I feel a bit sorry for her, having to put up with your constant whining.

Me too, sometimes.

Bring her over when you find her, willya? We ll see who beats who.

Aaron chuckled. She will eat you alive.

You poor barbarian. She won t be doing any such thing. I died a very long time ago.

Their interlocked arms wobbled for a second, and then Aaron was traveling backwards through the air as if thrust at the end of a massive spring. He figured out what was happening mid-flight and just barely managed not to tumble on his ass upon landing.

She motioned him over with a mien of impatience. Aaron stayed where he was.

Let me guess. Your big mouth got you beaten to death in some way or another.

Yup. Called the jailor a rot-peckered trollop-born boy lover. He took a cane to my bones and broke them all.

Aaron stared, wide-eyed. Really?

No, dunderhead. It was disease, not clean and pretty like yours. London was a filthy place to live in. You moderns had it so easy.

I don t know if Alex would agree with that.

So how d you come to be a resident here? Or should I assume you ve been annoying Ming Xiu for all of eternity?

She snorted loudly, crossing her arms. What, lover boy, suddenly ya wanna get to know me? You re no longer a single-minded fool that can t spare a thought for anyone but himself and his impossible quest?

He frowned. I m not like that. You don t know how it feels to

I get it, I get it. She raised her hands in an exaggerated stalling gesture. You don t have to go on and on again about how much your poor little heart hurts and how you miss her so, so much. Her lower lip was thrust out in a mocking pout as she spoke.

And here I thought that you were being a bit supportive for a change.

She rolled her eyes, and her tone became more serious. I can see right through you, Gretchen. Yer just fishing for information that will get you ahead. I sympathize with the effort, but you won t be getting anything from me. The grand irony is that your single-mindedness is actually holding you back. You d realize it, if you weren t so thick.

I was just trying to have a conversation! Forget it. And will you please stop calling me by my last name?

And why should I, Gretchen? A girl s name suits you better.

Aaron glared. She blatantly ignored it. To answer your question, no, I haven t been here forever. And I don t annoy the sifu anymore, she s like a mother to me. Now, will you get over here so I can keep humiliating you properly?

Aaron complied reluctantly, walking up to make contact with her poised wrist and resuming the familiar swaying motion. He would learn everything they threw at him, even if a huge chunk of his training so far had consisted of the basics on several martial arts, of all things.

So where did you leave off with Ming Xiu? Falon asked.

You want to do this and give me history lessons?

It s acceptable to do both at the same time. I ll stop the moment your focus falters, so you might wanna pay extra attention. Unless you re full of shit and don t really want to get through your education as fast as possible, that is. She nudged his hand. Only stick to the wrist, don t grab.

Alright. Fair enough.

So answer my question then.

The liberation of the Furthest Reach leading up to the twenty-ninth portent.

Did she mention the thwarted severance attempt against the Unbound?

Both of them, yes.

That s right, there were two. Well then, the twenty-ninth portent marks the discovery of the Pathways, though of course they didn t realize how important it was until later. She stopped in mid-motion to tap his elbow, gesturing for him not to expose his center. As the humans of the Nexus explored the Pathways, they understood they d grossly underestimated the size of Eternal, especially after they encountered Washington s vagrants we ll get to that soon.

But they spent forever in the Nexus. Wasn t that place huge to begin with?

That s exactly the point, Gretchen. It s really not getting through to you, is it. The First War lasted thirty eight portents across scores of Nexus realms, and still it was nothing compared to our time in the Pathways the dispersal and exploration, founding of realms, hostile contact with other Sapients, the Grand Alliance, splinter wars and unification and so many other things happening. There were hundreds of portents recorded even before the Truce of the Pathways was enacted, each one with dozens of events in-between.

Are we seriously going to get through every portent one by one, all the way to seven hundred and something? This is all getting awful hard to memorize.

Falon huffed and sternly adjusted Aaron s posture. You re not supposed to memorize it, numbnuts. You only need to hear it. How else are you going to understand the way things are, or accept what we do as a nation? Do you think we re loyal to the Unbound because she s so very pretty? Do you think we keep sentries just because they re scary? History, Gretchen. Your very survival will depend on it.

Oh. I just, um. I thought there d be a test or something.

She stared and blinked, expressionless. Yes. There is a test, and you fail it every time you open your mouth. This is what I was talking about. You still don t get it. Sit and pay attention now. She casually twisted her wrist and pushed on his arm, sending Aaron stumbling to one side. He had to bring one knee to the ground in order to keep his balance.

I already know I m defenseless against any of you, he said, his cheeks flustered with heat. You don t have to rub it in by bullying me around.

I do need to rub it in, actually. Otherwise it won t stick. Now be quiet and learn, lover boy.

You do know that nobody says that anymore, right?

Aw, are you going to make fun of me cuz I don t get every bit of your modern speech right? Maybe we should continue our conversation in Imperial Aramaic, how d you like that?

It would be just as one-sided, wouldn t it?

Get your butt on the floor and listen, drama queen.

Aaron pressed his lips together and did as he was told. She watched and waited as he quietly got to a cross-legged position and faced her expectantly.

You have to drop this attitude, Falon said. You re treating all this as a chore to get through just so you can move on to more important things, but the search for your precious Alexandra starts right here. We re preparing a foundation for all your future skills to build upon, whatever they may be. You ll be crippled out there without proper knowledge and a sharp mind.

Aaron s mouth twisted in a frown. I understand that.

Do you really? Or are you just saying it so we can keep going? The sifu might be inclined to indulge your misguided urgency, but I m not sure you were even ready to begin training at all.

Okay, this is really bothering me. I keep hearing sifu when you refer to Ming Xiu. I thought everything translates subconsciously or whatever.

Seriously, Gretchen? Could you possibly phrase that with more apathy?

Aaron shrugged. I m sure I could.

Maybe you re translating Trestail as well. Do you maybe hear Jane Smith when I say Ming Xiu ?

That s different. They re unique names.

Her throaty sigh conveyed enough exasperation to make him blush. You know, it s not your ignorance that s infuriating, I m used to that it s the way you so proudly flaunt it. They re concepts, just like everything else. Haven t you learned anything?

I guess not. I m all fucking ears.

Falon stared for a moment, displeasure clear in her features. Alexandra s voice popped in Aaron s thoughts.

You re behaving like an insufferable brat, she said in a tone he d never expected to miss. You know that, don t you?

Aaron squeezed his eyes shut. He heard Falon sigh again. I can t believe I m considering this, she muttered to herself.

Considering what?

She looked at him a bit longer, lips pursed. Alright, just . . . listen.

She held up one finger.

Falon Trestail.

Aaron raised an eyebrow.

I just told you my name, but it s not just two words, is it? It s a person, or rather, the concept of the name of a person. It s like the rest of our vocabulary: if Ming Xiu s words were translated literally, half her meaning would be lost. You understand the concepts, the intent. We communicate at a deeper level now, and words are more a crutch than anything else. Do you get this far?

I guess.

She rested hands on hips. You guess what?

He made a placating gesture. It s hard to swallow, is all.

Falon shrugged. Doesn t make it any less true. Keep it up, you ll have a great time as a skeptic here.

Okay, alright, I believe you.

Fine. Now, individual letters and phonemes are concepts as well. You don t shape sound waves, your eardrums aren t really vibrating and sending electrical signals. When you speak

How do you even know about that? Aren t you from the thirteenth century? You still used leeches to treat a humor imbalance.

That s right, Gretchen, everyone stays at the same cultural level that they used to live in. Why, Ming Xiu s been trying to bind my feet since I met her. There s infinite time to go to the Archives and learn about scientific advances from modern times, but who cares about that? I could use a good bloodletting.

Stupid question, I get it.

About time you did. If you didn t have a brick for a head, you would understand that vocal chords have nothing to do with what you say. Your uninspired monkey drivel is a sequence of concepts, modified in different ways to give it a certain tone, a certain nuance. You do it subconsciously because you don t know any better, but you can exert more control once you learn how. she held up two fingers. Falon Trestail.

She pronounced it fae-lawn triss-toil, skewering the American pronunciation Aaron was used to.

That s why you hear sifu. That s why ya hear a bit of an accent here and there. That s why I can tell you, she continued her sentence, but in a completely different language that Aaron couldn t begin to grasp.

I probably don t want to know what you just said.

Well, at least yer learning something. I can call you a good for nothing dog s ass in twenty different languages. The point is, I convey these words and speech patterns intentionally, cause I can, and I like it. I have enough practice at it that it comes without thinking. And that s what learning a skill is about, isn t it? Understand, replicate, practice. You haven t gotten past the first stage with anything at all, and you want to move on to bigger things? Please.

What? I found out how to fly! I m way into practice with that.

Pfft, vector gravity. Congratulations on being capable of the shittiest kind of flight possible. It ll take you a dozen portents to get good at it, let alone master it. I hope Ming Xiu doesn t take you to the census too soon, or she ll have to babysit you all the way there.

You always have to crap on everything, don t you?

Her brow creased in an inverted V, a smile quirking the corner of her mouth. Only on what you say. Get over yourself, Gretchen. Maybe I m trying to do you a service. Maybe I m tryin to beat the hubris outta you, for your own good. For a damn newborn, you sure have one hell of an ego.

Ego? That s what you think it is? I just need to find my wife. Nothing more, nothing less.

She continued her train of thought as if he hadn t even spoken. I m inclined to blame your trip here as the cause. It s galling that you of all people should get such an easy stroll in the park. You have no idea how lucky you got, kid. No idea.

That s not even the point. Don t you understand? Alexandra could be anywhere, she could be suffering through any one of those things I was lucky to avoid. It s a terrifying thought. How can any of you expect me to sit still while my other half is missing?

Falon grimaced. Boundless vigilance, Gretchen. Are you always this dramatic?

No! I m a really calm guy! He realized he was raising his voice and made an effort to hold back. I m normally laid back and cool with things. But this . . . this thing inside of me, it barely lets me breathe. Aaron hunched over and leaned elbows on knees. I feel like I m . . . unraveling.

Unraveling. I see.

He shook his head. You re not much for sympathy, are you. I m probably the hundredth mopey newborn that you ve had to put up with. I m just another idiot to you.

Falon stayed silent for a moment. Not so many, she said softly.

Not so many! Alexandra s fingers are like skittering spider legs on the keyboard.

Aw, c mon, we can handle it!

We re dead in five seconds.

Oops.

You doofus. Don t open all the doors at once.

He clenched his jaw, trying to put Alex out of his mind. Even the most harmless of memories now came wrapped in barbed wire.

Falon let out another big sigh and sat down in front of him. She leaned forward, tilting her head to intercept Aaron s glazed sight. Her bright green eyes searched his for a moment.

She held up three fingers for him to see, and her casual look became a stare.

Falon Trestail.

The space between them blurred as the name escaped her lips. A wall of knowledge hit him all at once.

Falon had lost her baby brother to famine when she was little, and two elder sisters to the pox shortly after. Her remaining elder sister made fun of her constantly. Her other brothers beat her regularly, and sometimes worse. She d been a farmhand, going out to the fields at sunup and doing back-breaking work until sunset since the time she was strong enough to carry a bucket or lift a shovel. She had had three miscarriages, the first of them when she was more child than adult. She had succumbed to the plague amid feverish hallucinations, the sound of her muttered prayers being the last words that came out of her lips as her impending death became an inescapable certainty.

She had showed up in the great fields of Veal, and marveled at the majesty of the Lord s domain. Then she had fled the vicious gorgers, stumbled upon a route into the Pathways and roamed endlessly, confused and terrified. She barely avoided severance by a roving band of Brumal when she was found by the Unbound herself, who slaughtered the outlaws and brought Falon to the Beacon. Ming Xiu took her in, and Falon would eventually go on to become Thousand Rivers muscle.

The enormous chunk of new data was like a crazed mob trying to fit through a manhole. Beneath the blinding pain Aaron felt his mind struggling to keep up, expanding to accommodate the massive amount of information.

It would have been hard enough to assimilate a lifetime in a single instant, but it went far beyond that. Her time in Eternal stretched in a diffuse way, counted not in years but in terms of events: she had existed through one hundred and forty three portents. It was a very, very long time, and through it all Aaron could see her accomplishments and failures, strengths and weaknesses.

Falon Trestail had suddenly gone from stranger to ancient friend.

The pain eventually subsided, enough for his clenched fingers to let go of his legs. Squeezed-shut eyes squinted open.

Her gaze continued to be fixed on him. He still leaned on his elbows, entirely too close to her face. He pulled back abruptly, wheezing.

What the hell, Falon.

The woman kept staring, dead serious. It was rapidly going from baffling to awkward.

Are you

Listen to me.

Something in her voice made him shut his mouth right away.

Just like you can go smaller to fine-tune individual phonemes, you can go bigger and enrich spoken concepts. I could have shown it to you with simpler examples, but I decided to do it this way because I don t think I can get through to you otherwise. I wasn t planning on getting so personal.

Her slightly slurred accent was gone. The intensity of her stare was enough to hold him motionless.

I get your angst, I really do. There s nothing fake about it and everyone can see that. You even have Ming Xiu scrambling to help you, out of some deluded desire to redeem herself. She put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed hard. But you know nothing of Eternal. It s what I ve been trying to hammer into your head, and now you know it for sure.

She poked Aaron s forehead with her index finger. You do see it now, don t you? The immensity of it? The kind of time frames involved in this place? Trying to jump ahead will set you back. Trying to run when you can t crawl will only make you fall on your face. You could get lucky and get everything right, I guess. If I were to make a bet, I d say you ve already used up all of your luck.

Aaron saw Falon s words illustrated in her experiences. Her own impatience and eagerness, her arguments with Ming Xiu and some stern-looking man, her near-dissolution upon pushing herself too hard. The grueling practice sessions, the frustration and anger. Nothing had come to her without effort.

Rashid Jaleem featured through most of it. Scattered memories of him flashed past his perception. Their lukewarm meeting. The first time they d touched. Their numerous arguments. His departure for the Amber Crest campaign.

The sense of loss.

So you sing too? Aaron said, his mind still scrambling through all the new information.

She smiled with pride. I do more than sing. I ll put on a show some time, it s been a while.

You lied earlier.

I embellished the truth for effect.

You were terrible at hand-to-hand too.

I didn t say I wasn t terrible, just not as terrible.

You punched yourself.

Just once.

Aaron hesitated. Not that I don t appreciate what you re trying to do but . . . I feel you should ve asked permission before doing that.

I d never have done it if I hadn t been certain that you could handle it. I held back considerably, you should know.

No, I mean . . . no offense intended, but there s only one person I ve ever wanted to know everything about, and it isn t you.

Falon barked out a laugh. Oh, gross! She let go of his shoulder. Don t flatter yourself, Gretchen. You don t think I m . . . interested, do you?

No, no, it s just . . . I dunno, weird? It d be like me force-feeding you my life story. You probably would want a choice in the matter.

You always have something to complain about, don t you. It wasn t done lightly. I ve honored you with an amount of trust that I wouldn t normally give to anyone not from this realm.

But why?

Falon ticked off her fingertips as she listed the reasons. Because you wouldn t listen to me otherwise, and you d keep hitting that thick head of yours against a brick wall. Because I think you ll be an alright guy, once we scrub the stupid out of you. Because I want you to succeed, as dumb as that sounds, and I wish for Ming Xiu to have a happy ending, even if it s through you. And because you were really getting on my nerves, and I wanted to show you how damn easy you ve had it.

Aaron leaned back on his hands and kept quiet, mulling things over. She made entirely too much sense for comfort. Falon sighed and leaned back as well, blatantly mocking his pensiveness.

Have I really been that irritating? he finally asked.

Oh boy, and don t forget depressing. Look, like I said, we all get it, but you gotta stop moping already, especially now that Ming Xiu is going to indulge you with this silly trip to the census. Your Alexandra is either gone forever or she isn t, and nothing you do is going to change her fate.

Until I find her, at least.

I know that much. It s just been . . . difficult.

You don t say. Come on, I ve had enough therapy for now.

Falon stood up and stretched. Aaron followed suit, wondering why in blazes stretching still felt good.

So what s Ming Xiu s story, anyway?

She snorted. There s no story. She tried, just like you, and eventually gave up, just like everyone before you. But it s alright, you ll be different. Right Gretchen?

Aaron frowned and almost told her to go suck eggs, but all the knowledge that she had shared in the blink of an eye sat at the back of his head, telling him that this was no young woman. This wasn t even a medieval-era Londoner with mere centuries of experience on him.

This was an ancient being, and she wasn t even the oldest of them by far.

Suddenly it s like I m trading banter with a thousand-year-old Malkavian.

Aaron swallowed his retort and nodded. I guess I should thank you, then. So . . . thank you.

Wow, that s some heartfelt and sincere thanks if I ever heard any.

I am sincere! You ve just trained me to be an ass around you, it s your damn fault.

Ungrateful and whiny. Maybe I made a mistake after all.

Alright, okay, let me try again. He cleared his throat and squared his shoulders. Thank you for trusting me like this, Falon. I seriously appreciate it. And thanks for being honest, too. Alex always welcomed the bare truth, so maybe I should start doing the same.

Good, I like that answer much better. Yer growing up already, I m so proud of you! She went as far as messing up his hair as if he were a precocious tyke. Aaron stoically put up with it.

So . . . I guess this makes us friends now?

Falon burst out laughing as if it was the most ridiculous idea she d heard in a long time. Ancient skies, perish the thought! You re a child to me, Gretchen. Come back when you ve got a few portents in you, and maybe then we ll talk.

But you just said . . . .

You can tell when a kid s gonna grow up to be a decent person. You give this kid the best education you can so they can fulfill their potential, and that s what I m doing with you. But how many kids did you befriend in your adult life? I can t think of you as an equal. Yer a five-year-old, puffin up his chest and claiming to be a grown-up. She dulled the edge of her sharp tone just a little. It s really nothing personal. You re an okay kid.

So I spent life learning to be an adult, just to get to the afterlife and go back to first grade.

Just about.

Speaking of kids, are there

Ah, there it is, always comes up sooner or later. No, there are no children in Eternal, and no, no-one knows why. They either go elsewhere or just cease to exist.

Judging by her tone, she didn t care one way or the other.

What s the threshold, then? What s the youngest?

There have been some anomalies, and it depends on the culture of origin, but the minimum seems to be around seventeen years old. Even then, teenagers are extremely rare. The theory is that something needs to develop in the brain before it s possible to make it through to this place.

Aaron thought about it for a moment. I guess that s for the best, huh? It s fairly horrific to imagine kids randomly showing up out there. They wouldn t last long, if half what you guys say is true.

Death s a bitch. Falon shrugged a shoulder. It gets better, though.

He huffed out a chuckle. Does it really?

It does, if you let it. It s not a trial, or a chore. It s growth. Some people say that we become somebody else here, but that s not true we become who we really are, who we should be. Who s the real Falon? The sick and beaten farm girl, or the one that s talking to you right now? She smiled, and for once there was no mockery or cynicism in it. Didn t you ever wish you could go back and make better choices? Well, this is as close as it gets. You get to choose now. You get to forge exactly who you are, and that alone is enough to love . . . .

She trailed off and focused on something in the distance behind Aaron. He turned around to follow her gaze, but he couldn t see anything out of the ordinary: the usual packed-dirt road encircling the compound, the mismatched walls leading to one habitat or another, the odd dome here and there rising above the walls. The green and blue valley beyond, making its way up the slope, surrounded by cliff walls that narrowed toward the interface with the Pathways.

He looked back at her. She was tilting her head to one side, like a dog trying to figure out whether it had heard something worth investigating.

Our new friend is back, she declared. I have to ask Ming Xiu to make her touch a bit more potent. What s the point in having a Risen if you can t tell for sure where it s at?

How d you guys get by without Queg? He s been out on errands most of the time.

Oh, we managed. I d been bugging Ming Xiu for a while about ascending a suitable denizen, though. There s Tali Mah, but Diego is a little . . . conservative . . . with his Risen. Indulging, honestly. And the standard messengers are a bit lacking.

An aerial sentry was already plummeting from the sky, on its way to Santana s location within the Crescent compound.

He ll be going with you, Falon continued. He s as good as it gets with navigation, and since yer so intent on checking the census, Ming Xiu will take the chance to get both of you on it in one go.

Oh. Didn t know you had to register the, um . . . Risen.

Almost said slaves. That wouldn t have gone over well.

Falon rested hands on hips. I m gonna go meet with him, hear the news, pat him on the back. She looked at Aaron with eyes full of mischief. You keep asking for a challenge, drama queen. Race you to the top? Let s see how far you can push that fancy flying trick of yours. I ll even stop calling you names if you beat me.

He eyed her with suspicion. What do I have to do if you win?

You ll forever stop being such a whiny bitch, naturally. C mon, time s a wastin .

You can t expect me to believe I have a chance.

How s this: I ll stick to ground travel. You can fly and I can t. How much faster than you could I be?

Ah, screw it, what s there to lose.

I ll . . . need a moment to prepare.

You have five deep breaths.

Aaron hurried to concentrate on the space around and within him, exploring the texture of his immediate surroundings. His new-found awareness had developed over time, becoming something akin to a brand new sense with which to gather information about his environment.

He quickly found what he was looking for: a pattern that repeated throughout the realm, like a downward slant to the fabric of reality. He felt around this pattern, probing it with his mind the same way fingertips might explore the grain of woodwork. There was a certain height to its grooves, a definite slope that he was sure could be expressed in mathematical terms. He could almost feel the mysterious laws and rules of this reality interacting with his touch.

Okay, he said, I think I m ready, let s do this. But you can t change your . . . .

He could have finished his sentence, but there was no-one there to hear the end of it. Falon had taken off the moment he d voiced agreement, following one of the wheel-spoke roads away from the complex. A trail of turbulent mist chased in her wake.

That s cheating!

Aaron reached out to the weave of gravitational pull all around him. He d normally begin with a subtle push, but this time he exerted his mind s touch to shove as hard as he could toward the Pathways entrance. The wave-like pattern changed orientation and amplitude under his command, making his body lurch into the air at a vertiginous speed. The compound grounds shrunk beneath his feet, and soon he could see all of its pristine white architecture: gentle domes and sinuous lines, oval windows and slanted walls. They fell behind at a rate that couldn t be healthy.

He reached the zenith of a ten-story jump, scrambled to acquaint himself with the texture of his surroundings, braced himself and gave another massive push toward his destination. His traveling speed picked up even more, the land rushing below him in a way that was a mixture of exhilarating and terrifying.

Don t think about that, concentrate!

He found it much easier to channel the effect in small bursts, as opposed to maintaining a constant influence on the space that he happened to occupy at a certain moment. His path wasn t so much a straight line as it was an inelegant succession of intersecting parabolae.

Still better than ground travel. She ll have to zig-zag and cross rivers and follow roads.

He caught a glimpse of her, far in the distance below and ahead of him. She had become a formless blur, leaping from location to location like a crazed speed demon, gliding over the scenery as if it wasn t even there. There was an impossible grace to it, a fantastic level of speed and precision unlike anything he d ever seen. It felt as if everyone had been holding back for his benefit, and only now he d been allowed to witness a display of unrestrained power.

She d made it almost halfway there, when he had only started. There was absolutely no way he could catch up to her and, of course, Falon Trestail had known as much before they d begun.

This is how Wile E. Coyote must have felt.

Aaron struggled to make his way to the top anyway, trying to make as few mistakes as possible.

He d get there, eventually.

_________

Ming Xiu said her good-byes like a store manager taking off for the day. All five Sapient inhabitants of the Crescent Valley, as well as Queg and Aaron, stood at the entrance of the cave that would lead the travelers into the Pathways.

I want our new additions to be comfortable in their new home, Jeb, she was saying. Be very strict with acclimatization this time. Use strong force if you have to, although they should not be that great a hassle.

The man with the bushiest beard Aaron had ever been close to nodded succinctly. He wasn t much for words, and those few he had said to Aaron weren t particularly friendly.

Falon, do think of a name for them, will you? Ming Xiu reached over and fixed a collar that didn t need fixing. In case it truly is a new species and we get to make a submission, Diego s unfortunate sixlegsaurus just won t do.

I thought it quaint, the man said, a beatific smile on his lips. They do look like dinosaurs, but I m sure we can come up with something better. It s been a while since a new species turned up.

Falon said something in Mandarin (probably) that Aaron couldn t understand. She didn t look happy.

Neither did Ming Xiu. You well know I will deal with any danger expediently enough, remote as the possibility of danger is. I was traveling the realms without escort before you d ever cast your first shadow, so stop making faces.

Falon made another face and turned to stare at Aaron. She shot a wary glance at Ming Xiu before speaking. If you make trouble for her, Gretchen, I will find you.

It didn t sound like a promise to help at all. Aaron smiled his most innocent smile. I don t think I could even if I tried.

You already did, you

That s enough, Falon. Ming Xiu s tone was firm but kind. I appreciate your concern, but I need you to stay here. It ll keep my mind at ease knowing that my home and my closest friends are safe.

Falon pursed her lips and kept silent. Ming Xiu continued relaying last minute instructions, and Aaron tried to pay attention instead of gawking at that hirsute work of art that hung portentously on Jeb Habrim s face. Rama, I would be thankful if you check on the islands while I am gone. Make sure the farstalks are not tipping the vegetation balance again at Verdure, and the tremors keep to specified levels on Char, along with the routine survey. I was going to do it personally, but I m afraid I will be away for too long.

Rama Dhanawade bowed slightly, her obsidian braid swaying with her movement. No need to worry, Ming Xiu. It will be as you ask.

Everything was gracious about the copper-skinned woman, although Aaron hadn t seen her around much. As far as he understood, she spent all of her time elbow-deep in denizen dung and loving every moment of it.

Ming Xiu smiled at her crew, pride showing on her features. I know you are all aware of your tasks and responsibilities, and there s no real need for me to remind you. I don t plan to stay outside any longer than I have to. Her smile turned wistful. I must say, it gets a little harder to leave every time, even if it s not to be for long. This realm is our home, and it couldn t have happened without you.

Everyone kept a respectful silence for a moment, looking pleased. The stately woman nodded in satisfaction, then glanced at Aaron.

Let us depart.

She turned back to her people, and touched her index and middle finger to her heart in a formal-looking salute. The Unbound honor and guard you. Stay vigilant.

Unbound watch your path, they responded in a disorganized chorus, mirroring her salute.

Man, they sure take themselves seriously.

Aaron waved self-consciously, well aware that he was the reason for their beloved leader s impending absence.

See you guys soon, I hope!

He got a friendly wave from both Diego and Rama, a stiff nod from Falon, and a solemn May your steps cast a shadow from Jeb. At least they didn t look overjoyed to see him go, although perhaps they would ve been if he had left by himself.

Ming Xiu was already walking, with Queg leading the way. Aaron waved one last time and turned to follow.

_________

Queg hovered ahead of them as they walked through the tunnel out of Thousand Rivers, either as a forward scout or simply giving the humans privacy. The familiar colors of flesh were slowly taking over the greens and browns, like angry slashes in the pleasant earthy hues. It felt like years had passed since Aaron had made the trip in the other direction.

It might have been years, for all I know. Apparently running almost-water is no problem, but a water clock is too much to ask for. I m so looking into it when I settle down with Alex somewhere.

He could still estimate an hour s time, but thinking in terms of days, weeks and months was quickly becoming an impossible task. If he d been asked how long he had spent in Thousand Rivers, he would have guessed something between one month and seven. More or less.

Another step, and Aaron felt his body become heavier. He looked around absentmindedly, and noticed Queg floating a little closer to the ground.

How long will this take, anyway?

He was a little ashamed to realize that he hadn t bothered to learn anything about the journey.

You sounded back there like it would be a long trip, he said while looking in Ming Xiu s direction. She wore a simple cream-colored dress cut for easy travel, its long sleeves and throat-snug neckline adding to that stately aura of hers. Tall leather boots, laced up to beneath the knee, peeked out from under her long skirt with every step. He felt rather drab in comparison, with his Dungeons & Discourse black T-shirt, loose pants and worn sneakers.

It will be, if nothing has changed, was all she responded.

Are you saying, like, days?

She gave him an amused glance.

You know what I mean.

It s an eleven hundred and seventy seven kilometer trip on surface, last I knew. Much shorter mediumborne, but even if there have been shifts in the Pathways since then, we will be covering a great distance. Rearrangements in the ways are common, but large-scale shifts are quite rare.

Twelve hundred kilometers?

Please tell me we won t be traveling on foot.

Ming Xiu smiled patiently, still looking straight ahead. Well, that will depend on you, won t it? We ll find out how we will travel as soon as we reach the exit. Don t try anything until then.

Aaron didn t know what she was referring to, but decided to leave it at that. By then he knew better than to press her for more information.

So I guess metric finally managed to take over, huh?

What do you mean?

You know, kilometers versus miles? I always found imperial entirely senseless.

It was strange to see Ming Xiu s puzzled expression. Like a contrite banker or a smiling postal clerk, it was such an uncommon occurrence that it felt as if her face wasn t built for it.

It vanished soon enough with the dawn of understanding. Falon did explain this to you, yes?

The official system to measure distance? I don t think it ever came up.

No, no. Communication? Ideas and concepts that transcend language?

But . . . . This is different, it s a numeric value, he almost said, but the similar conversation he d had with Falon popped up in his head. If even idioms made it past the language barrier without a hitch, what was to stop different magnitude standards?

What do you use to measure distance?

Her expression was that of a mother indulging her overbearing child. One chi is almost exactly one foot. One b is five chi, or one and a half meters. One l is three hundred b , just under half a kilometer. I understand modern units square off better with the metric system, but you ll excuse me if I cling to Ming Dynasty standards when I can.

So if now I can hear wait, wait.

Ming Dynasty.

He stopped walking, blinking in disbelief.

Ming Xiu. Ming Dynasty.

She was looking back at him now, those very dark, very Chinese eyes peeking curiously over her shoulder.

His jaw dropped. Are you royalty?

She halted her advance and turned to face him, her expression blank. Then she spoke in a resigned tone. I knew you would ask, sooner or later. Most moderns do. She sighed theatrically and clasped her hands in front of her. I was daughter to the last Ming emperor, and yet I died in the battlefield. Do you wish to hear the story? We might as well get it out of the way.

Aaron could hardly find his tongue. S-sure, yeah.

I was meant to die with the rest of the household, the day the rebels attacked. Father gathered us all with the pretense of a feast and cut everyone down before the enemy could get to us. I used my arm to shield against his sword, lost the limb, and fainted. As she said this, her left arm rippled and vanished almost all the way up to the shoulder. Her sleeve rolled up and wrapped itself around the stump.

Whoa.

I survived, barely. My father had hung himself. The new emperor married me off, but I could not abide by it, the shame and anger were overwhelming. I arranged for my disappearance, became a nun and gave myself to martial arts, and eventually went on to lead the resistance. I hear they wrote songs about me, the One Armed Divine Nun of the vanquished Ming. A silvery sword flashed into her hand. She made a formal salute.

I died years later, in the glory of battle, doing what my father had been too weak to do. I was good at it.

Aaron s mouth was still hanging open. Holy crap, are you serious?

An emperor s daughter. Suddenly it made so much sense: the ever-present dignity, the almost preternatural grace. She d been trained for it since early childhood.

I felt inadequate before, now it s gonna be even

Ming Xiu burst out laughing, a good-natured sound that contrasted sharply with Falon s mocking crows. I m sorry, I m sorry, I couldn t resist, she said between giggles, one hand reaching out to him, the other suddenly there to cover her mouth. It never gets old.

Aaron stared for a moment, her contagious laughter bringing a smile to his lips. You were totally kidding, weren t you.

She closed the few paces between them so she could pat his shoulder. Come, let s keep going. Ming Xiu gently pulled at his elbow so he would resume his walk. I hope you ll forgive my little indulgence.

It s alright. I m pretty sure the only reason I exist is for women to make fun of me.

Oh, don t feel bad. That s the case for all men.

Aaron chuckled. That explains a lot, actually.

If it makes you feel better, Falon was too ignorant to even ask. Or rather, she wasn t the appropriate kind of ignorant.

The appropriate kind?

The name of the dynasty and the family name of the emperor are two different things. I did live during the Ming dynasty, but I certainly wasn t nobly born. I was a soldier, accomplished with both sword and bow, and back then you would sooner catch the Moon than get me off the back of my horse.

He raised an eyebrow. You are being serious now, right?

She nodded, a cheery twinkle still in her eyes.

So you were a female soldier? I thought women were terribly repressed back then.

A common belief, and true all too often, particularly in my time. I was fortunate to grow up in unorthodox circumstances, and was taught well enough to choose my own fate. I m sure you can imagine that it wasn t easy, but I ve always felt that none of it would have been as bad as bound feet. And if I d known then what I know now . . . . She left the thought unfinished, dismissing it with a shake of her head and a gesture of her hand. But it was not as bad as you might think through the rest of history. Many women were educated and held positions of power, although most did so through their husbands. There were entire companies composed of female warriors, once. And many women were well versed in martial arts as well.

Oh. Were you?

Well versed enough, though not as much as I d have liked. It didn t matter, in the end. I faced overwhelming odds that no amount of training could have surmounted. Ming Xiu glanced at him. But that s how all of us got here, isn t it?

Aaron nodded. Insurmountable odds.

They emerged from the tunnel and onto the large platform that served as a lobby to the realm. The two pairs of huge sentries were there, in all of their mind-bending awfulness. Queg was already hovering all around the perimeter, making sure no surprises would come upon his human charges. The mild-mannered creature wouldn t have struck Aaron as bodyguard material, but by the look of things Queg wouldn t hesitate to be the first line of defense.

I thought the Scare-A-Trons wouldn t be so bad anymore, but I was way wrong.

Those blue flames inside their eye sockets were already following his every move. He tried not to focus on them and looked over at his traveling companion. She stood at the center of the platform, waiting for Queg to be done.

Ming Xiu, I have to ask

Of course you do.

Well, I m just wondering, aren t they a little excessive? His upturned palm gestured at the sentries. I mean, it doesn t cast you in a very inviting light.

That s their purpose, Aaron. Reputation is a powerful asset. Anyone that comes to our door is reminded that Humans are not to be trifled with.

We re definitely not reputed for our subtlety, he thought while looking back at the towering nightmares.

That s what I m getting at, he said. I d have never come close to these monsters if Queg hadn t been there to goad me. Doesn t this kind of thing drive stranded newborns away?

She casually walked over to one of the sentries, its flaming eyes ominously drilling into her as she approached. She patted its spiked elbow plate as if it was a tame pooch.

I thought Falon had beaten into you just how rare a stranded newborn is, but I don t think she succeeded. She leaned against the construct with not a care in the world.

The Beauty and the Beastly Abomination.

New recruits are precious, Ming Xiu continued, and that is why the protocol exists, along with the Truce of the Pathways and the severe measures taken to enforce it. However, the chance of hostiles approaching Human domains in search of weakness is much greater than ignorant friendlies stumbling upon our doors. Also, traffic is not uncommon around more populated realms, which renders the point moot. They also serve to scare other fledgelings away, which are much more numerous. It s almost a gesture of good faith, as opposed to letting them walk in and be promptly severed.

The casual, matter-of-fact way in which she said it made his skin crawl.

So all aliens are killed on sight? No exceptions? Humans have absolutely no friends at all?

She was shaking her head already. There used to be, but not anymore. Too many betrayals, too many enemies made. Alliances always end badly, and so they are no longer pursued.

So then it s okay to kill everyone? You can t expect me to believe that every other civilization in the Universe deserves that kind of treatment.

Her expression hardened to a stern look. You lack the knowledge and perspective to engage these matters properly. You are quick to jump to judgments that stem from ignorance and Earthly bravado. It is not your fault, and I understand that. We will discuss this no further.

Aaron pressed his lips together, exhaling a deep breath through his nose.

The more I learn about the Human Empire, the more it sounds like a Reich.

He pointed with his chin at the sentry behind her.

So how do you control those things, anyway?

Ming Xiu glanced up at the creepy monster, and there was that familiar note of amusement in her voice again.

Control? Why would you think that I ve been controlling them?

Queg had finished his scouting and now hovered politely to her side. He d been waiting for the conversation to finish, but he seemed to take active interest in what Ming Xiu had just said.

Well, Aaron said, somebody did, is what I m saying. They reported our arrival and then granted us passage.

Did they? I had you pegged as a bit of a scientist, Aaron. What evidence did you see of this alleged report?

I don t know, I guess I just assumed. Queg talked to them, and after a pause they let us in.

As if they d gotten their cue, every one of the constructs bowed their heads and arched their shields outward, performing the same motion as before.

Um, just like that, yes. How d you do it?

She gave a soft laugh. It s all them, Aaron. They track movement, and when something is stationary for long enough, they do what they just did. These sentries are but elaborate scarecrows.

Truly?

The question was a combination of lights and hums, but its meaning was clear in Aaron s mind. Both humans turned their heads toward Queg, who looked like a kid that had just found out how Christmas really worked and didn t know just yet whether to laugh or cry about it.

I understand your dismay, friend, Ming Xiu said. These sentries never posed a threat to you. They re a special case, however. Rest assured that the sentries at many other realms are fully functional though much more lenient than they used to be. Either way, only the Unbound is capable of cross-realm communication. Talking to these is like talking to a corpse.

Queg floated up and down and around the enormous sentries, as if viewing them in a new light. As he circled them, the automatons adopted once more their neutral position.

Interesting, he said. It was both admiration and disillusion. Santa might not magically get down the chimney and leave presents all over the place, and believing that had been kind of stupid, anyway. Yet, on the other hand, it was quite a feat to uphold such appearances for so long.

Wait. Aaron was frowning incredulously at the monstrous statue. You can t make a simple clock, but you can make a robot? Where does it get its energy from? Does it run on triple A s?

Ming Xiu s eyebrows shot up briefly, and for a moment Aaron thought he was going to get chewed out for being a smart-ass.

Yes, you could say that, I suppose. We ve dallied for long enough, let s leave this matter for a different time.

I m never going to get a straight answer, I guess.

She stopped leaning against the sentry and took a step toward Aaron, assuming a more serious demeanor. Go ahead and reach out to the weave. See if you can feel the patterns here.

There s a reason I shouldn t be able to?

Go ahead and try. You ll see.

Aaron did as he was told. He quested out with his mind, feeling for the same pattern that he d already found hundreds of times in Thousand Rivers.

The mess he encountered was nothing like it. Everything was jumbled up in an amalgam of . . . something, a tangle of unknown qualities and properties intertwining in a maze that he couldn t begin to unravel.

Um, what the hell?

Every realm is different, Ming Xiu said, and the Pathways are unique. Can you make sense of it? Without straining yourself, of course.

Let me try . . . .

He frowned in concentration and cast his senses farther, trying to get a more general feel of the shapes and patterns, the wavelengths and amplitudes. It felt like cataloging blades of grass in a meadow, but he stubbornly applied himself to teasing out meaning from chaos.

A dull ache started in the back of his head, easy to ignore. It had to be there, there had to be some sort of downward slant to the shape of space, and it would have to be steeper in the Pathways. He only needed to try a bit harder, he was sure of it. What he was looking for was close within reach.

He thought he found it, but the familiar pattern wasn t well defined or easily malleable like it had been in Thousand Rivers. It rode on top of other entities, whatever they might be, and at the same time it was incorporated as part of a bigger whole. It reminded him of carrier waves and all the different modulations that might codify information in them.

Maybe there was a way to separate the gravitational component and make use of it. If only his head didn t hurt so much. Perhaps if he touched from this one angle, push it just so . . . .

Aaron. Ming Xiu s voice shattered his concentration, and the whole deck of cards collapsed. She had inched closer to him and was peering into his eyes. Concern shaped her features.

I almost had it, he told her, mildly irritated. He got the impression that a long time had passed.

You were spreading too thin and became translucent. You are not ready for that. I ve told you to stop immediately any time you experience head pains. How difficult is it to follow such an intuitive rule?

But . . . if I can do it, doesn t that mean I m ready for it?

Her eyes narrowed to thin slits, and all that he could see in them were ominous pools of blackness. Back on Earth, you could drive a knife between your ribs at any time you wanted. Surely that means you would have been fine after, yes?

But I m not doing that, though; I m just thinking. How could I possibly die from thinking too hard?

You re already dead, Aaron. You must understand this. The denizens live. We Sapients exist, we are. You might find this difference a matter of semantics, but it goes far beyond that. The life you knew is over. Knowledge is everything here, and your mind can stretch only so much before it breaks.

Alright, okay. I think I get that. I m sorry, Honorable Teacher.

She sniffed sharply, letting a smile show. If nothing else, keep it in mind just so you don t get odd looks from your fellow Humans. It will already look bad enough to be bringing you as uneducated as you are.

I, uh . . . you won t get in trouble, will you? For taking me out so green?

Ming Xiu chuckled. I don t have a boss, Aaron. Nobody is going to dock my pay. She exhaled a throaty sigh. Well then, it looks like you won t be flying there after all. We will resort to different means.

I m sure I can get it right, if you let me try a bit longer. He put out his hands to appease her stern look. Just kidding! So what is it about the Pathways, that I can t figure out gravity here?

Hmm. Like I said, the Pathways are one of a kind. The structure of its weave is the most elaborate ever found, and has several unique properties. They re also endemic to Eternal, while Thousand Rivers is Human-made. Many regard the Pathways as the largest denizen of Eternal, and we walk its twisting bowels unaware of its outside appearance. Poetic, but hardly credible, don t you think?

Wait, wait. Thousand Rivers is man-made. Humans can build entire realms.

Not everyone, and not easily. She casually dismissed the topic with a wave of her hand and looked at Queg. Guide us to the nearest terminal, if you please. Find the quickest path to the Beacon. We will follow.

Surface path? he asked.

Mediumborne.

The former Remoran took off, heading toward a ledge jutting out ahead and above. The gland beneath his tentacles lit up considerably as he ascended.

Ming Xiu looked back at Aaron, her lips pursed slightly. I was hoping to avoid having to carry you, though I knew it was an unrealistic expectation.

I could flap my arms and take off after him, if you want.

If only it were that easy. She kept looking at him appraisingly, and for a horrible moment Aaron pictured her hauling him over her shoulder as if he were a sack of potatoes.

Follow me.

She walked away from the sentries and toward the center of the plateau. Mist fluttered all around her, as if she had stepped out of a sauna into a cold winter evening. In the time it had taken her to advance three steps, the lazy dance of smoke had intensified and brightened as it swirled across her frame. Her entire body took on a fuzzy blurring-of-edges that made it look as though she was blending in with the background.

The mist curled away from her and toward a spot on the ground straight ahead, gathering faster than the eye could follow. She kept on walking as the scattered haze coalesced into a raised platform, some kind of podium. She stepped onto it just as its surface became solid.

Come on then, she urged him. We ve dallied long enough.

Aaron took a few hesitant steps toward the platform. The thing was a work of art. It was shaped as a disc, wide enough for two people to stand side-by-side without touching. The waist-length rail that encircled it was an arched wall of glossy white-green fire, a spiraling weave of flame-mimicking glass ornaments that curled and entwined with one another. It curved down in pleasant lines toward the back of the disc, where passengers could step in. Five sinuous legs, spaced to match the vertices of a pentagon, sprouted from the side of the frame and held it aloft about a foot from the ground.

Ming Xiu was looking at him, eyebrows slightly arched up. Aaron closed the distance, then stepped onto the platform with studied care. He gawked at the intricate patterns of flame-like sculpted glass.

I take this is your signature style?

Her smile took on a bit of pride, a little self-consciousness. You could say that, yes. Most mistshapers will develop one of their own. She ran appreciative fingertips across the surface of the artful railing. I find it most pleasing. Do you not?

They hadn t stood so close before, and Aaron noticed while she spoke that her canines were exceptionally sharp, sufficiently pointed to lend a hint of ferocity to any expression that bared her teeth.

It s beautiful, he responded a bit belatedly. I m kinda glad I couldn t figure things out. That was really cool, what you did.

Don t feel too glad, I might have to drop you if there s danger. It takes more effort to travel in this manner, particularly with a passenger. She rested her hands on the frame of the platform, closing her eyes. A non-trivial amount of concentration that I d rather not commit while traveling the Pathways, truce or no truce. Without as much as a warning, the whole thing lifted off the ground in a smooth motion.

Aaron held on to the railing, possibly a bit more tightly than was necessary. He watched the ground shrink through the translucent surface of the disc, and he could see the unending depth of the Pathways sprawling farther and farther down below. If he hadn t been accustomed to heights by then, he would have been gripping the rail with desperately clenched fists.

They continued ascending, heading toward the ledge behind which Queg had disappeared a minute ago. Aaron noticed for the first time that he couldn t get a feel for the Risen s general position anymore. The Pathways must have been muddling his senses. Even Ming Xiu s signal, barely a handspan away, came to him only as a faint presence.

You don t really need Queg to guide you, do you? he asked. You re just delegating.

Ming Xiu nodded good-naturedly. For the most part, yes. She gave a small shrug. Why perform menial tasks that others under your command are well equipped to handle? The Fourteenth are excellent navigators. He will do as good a job as I could have done, and in doing so he allows me to concentrate on other matters. She glanced at Aaron, looking pleased. He s a useful asset. We had already considered taking him as a Human hand even before he brought you to us.

You know, he was terrified of you guys before you took him in.

As he should have been, Ming Xiu responded. Aaron hoped for an explanation, but none was forthcoming.

They crested the ledge, and the view beyond left him speechless for a moment. It would have been right at home in M. C. Escher s work.

Well, that doesn t happen often, Ming Xiu said.

The nature of the scenery hadn t changed, but for a stretch that literally had no end in sight none of the formations ahead intersected one another. It created an irregular passageway in-between all the platforms, mounds, paths and tunnels, like a once-in-a-lifetime alignment of trees in a rainforest that allowed a person to see from one end to the other. In the Pathways, the other end was anchored in infinity.

It took Aaron a moment to locate Queg. He was down and to the left, halfway into the mouth of a gargantuan cavern that curved up into the flesh of the Pathways. One of his tentacles was firmly wrapped around the one straight stalk in a mass of swaying reeds.

Aaron glanced at Ming Xiu. I ve been wondering . . . .

Aren t you always.

What does he even get? Queg, I mean. He became your servant, to all effects at your beck and call.

He s no more a servant than a foot soldier is the servant of his general. She was looking at the Risen with benevolence in her features. What does he get? A great many things, I should say. Prestige. Relevance. Power. A dramatic pause. Immortality.

Really? You can do that?

Many of us can. You might develop the skill as well, eventually. The privileges I ve bestowed him will last for as long as I exist.

Oh. I thought you d just branded him.

Far from it. It s not done lightly, and it s not without its toll.

Still . . . look, don t take this the wrong way, but the whole system seems uncomfortably close to

She put out her hand, shaking her head in a clear deterring gesture. I can feel where this is going, and I m not about to argue over slavery, caste systems or denizen rights with you, Aaron. Moderns are notorious for their convictions on these issues when they start learning how things work. I didn t brand Queg. I have essentially gifted him with a part of me, and the symbol he carries will always distinguish him as one of the privileged. He is a step between denizen and Sapient, and that is as much as his kind can ever aspire to.

I m just saying

She shot out an admonishing finger that almost jabbed him in the nose. Save it. Just save it, understood?

Aaron pursed his lips and kept quiet. I guess I m really just a kid in their eyes.

Queg had released the stalk and was floating up to meet with them. He stopped when Ming Xiu looked at him and extended her arm forward.

Swiftly, she told him, loud and commanding. There is much ground to cover.

Queg immediately started on his path, heading in the opposite direction from the writhing terminal up and away toward a bulbous formation that looked like a huge beehive hanging under a gigantic arcade. The Humans took off after him without the slightest lurch.

Queg started accelerating as soon as the transport caught up, his gravity gland becoming even brighter. They reached the beehive-lookalike, went under the archway and headed for the next hurdle. Queg grew ever faster as he banked around the rising support of an exceedingly high platform, crested over an amorphous mound, dove into a humongous cave. The brightness coming from the sphere underneath his girth became intense enough to eclipse the rest of his frame.

Ming Xiu s stylized transport followed smoothly and precisely, keeping up without problems, banking and tilting when appropriate though less so than would have been necessary in true Earth-like conditions. Aaron felt like he should have been tumbling about the small enclosure, but he found that a gentle compensation on his grip now and then was all that was needed.

They went faster still, the scenery zooming past them in a blur. Aaron lost track of how many bridges they flew over, arches they went under, tunnels they traversed and bends they went around. He could only focus on that bright beacon ahead of them, speeding ever forward like a crazed firefly, unerringly navigating the maze of flesh with graceful ease.

There was no end to the Pathways.

_________

The nine sentries lay in pieces at the far end of the giant bridge. With some effort, Aaron could make out vaguely canine heads among the rubble.

The three travelers hovered close to the bridge s entrance. Ming Xiu looked uncertain on how to proceed, but Aaron wasn t about to start asking questions. The iron-chewing, nail-spitting seriousness that had come over her kept his mouth firmly shut.

She remained silent, staring at the entrance to the Beacon as if she had a personal vendetta against it. Queg floated by her side, just as intent. Aaron was left looking at his surroundings while trying to figure out what was going on.

The bridge dominated the scene. It truly was humongous, with irregular sets of supports as tall as skyscrapers, and a surface as wide as two international runways put together. If it had been made of steel and concrete instead of creepy stone-flesh material, it would have given the Sunshine Skyway Bridge a run for its money.

The end they remained close to connected to a platform that served as a hub node for several paths. A kilometer or two away, the other end entered an enormous cavern that became the entrance to the Beacon the realm where the census was kept, according to Ming Xiu. The walls of the cavern arched over the bridge in a wide parabola and continued their way down indefinitely, making the far end look like a gargantuan amphitheater with a semi-circle of dismembered sentries at its center stage. The bridge met the back wall of the cavern and sloped upward, out of sight.

Queg, Ming Xiu said. Get further ahead. Tell me if the ripples get stronger.

The Risen took off without a word, advancing cautiously. Though there was no visible threat, Aaron shared their apprehension. There was a sense of wrongness originating from where the constructs had been destroyed, like the area around them was . . . wounded. It reached him like the tactile version of a bad smell.

Queg got to about the mid-point of the bridge and made his way back. They become clearer, he said. They bear writhen signatures.

Cursed Void, Ming Xiu muttered. We ll go in immediately. Make your way to Trenches and ask for as many synergies as they can scramble in short notice, travel speed level three and above.

Queg spun around and shot away from them. Ming Xiu didn t spare the Risen a second glance. There ll be a rear guard. Stay within my reach at all times unless I tell you otherwise.

Um, what?

The transport had already started moving, drawing a tall arc that would take them to the apex of the cavern, as far from the broken sentries as possible. Ming Xiu s clothes rippled and morphed into a blood-red outfit: a silken robe with a high collar and white buttons running down one side of her bust, and long pants wrapped tight around her shins.

She glanced at him. I need you to do exactly as I say, the moment I say it. Don t ask any questions. Understood?

What s going on? he asked.

Her hand shot out as if spring-loaded and painfully clamped on his arm. You must be quiet. She fixed him with a glare that made Aaron draw back instinctively. Her eyes were a churning blaze of charcoal, fuming and smoldering. Her voice came as a hoarse growl through gritted teeth.

The Beacon is under attack for the first time in over two hundred portents. You will do as I tell you as soon as I tell you, or I ll rip you apart myself before I have to waste a single breath saving your from your own incompetence. Do you understand?

A few thousand years went by as Aaron looked into those seething pools of blackness. Then he nodded, wide-eyed.

Still holding his gaze, she pointed down at the pitiful remains of the sentries, where the sense of wrongness seemed to pulse and writhe in force. Don t look at it. Don t think of it. Don t smell it, touch it or taste it. Close your eyes, hold on to the rail, and think of the best night you ever spent with your wife.

Disobeying struck him as the most dangerous option available. Unbecoming as the request was, Aaron did as he was told unquestioningly. He squeezed his eyes shut and strove to banish everything from his mind, everything but Alexandra.

The best night . . . .

Ming Xiu had probably meant a certain kind of best night, but the night of the accident popped into his mind effortlessly, like an old friend he could always share a beer with.

He remembered the candle-lit dinner, the romantic music, all the intimate clich s in which they d indulged. The drive to the lot by the airport, the blanket on top of the car, the stargazing and airplane watching. She loved to watch airplanes land and take off, and in the dark of night there was a sort of mystical feel to it.

The drive back, the drunken bastard swerving into their lane, the screeching, the tumbling and crashing.

Waking up in a hospital bed from nightmares full of death and worry, recurrent terrors mired in an overwhelming sense of loss. Opening his eyes and seeing her face so full of concern at first, and then relief, so much relief at the sight of a conscious husband.

That moment when he realized that she was right there, breathing, smiling, with nothing but a band-aid on her forehead and a bruised shoulder. The moment when he understood that Alexandra wasn t hurt, wasn t gone. Alexandra was okay.

There was nothing he could compare to that moment.

He held on to the memory as they plunged down the arch of the cavern, their heads almost touching its smooth surface. He felt the angry influence quivering beneath them in a violent gale, lashing out to anything that would get close to it. In the periphery of his awareness, he could hear Ming Xiu recite a litany that had all the trappings of a prayer said by those about to enter a battlefield.

Everlasting vigilance, guide our steps to protect the watchful. May our thoughts prevail, may our blades strike true, may honor come to those who preserve our ways.

He paid no mind to any of it.

There was only Alexandra s smile, full of relief and gratitude. Her tears, wetting the cradle of his neck, mingling with his own. The warmth of her hand wrapped around his feeble fingers.

The best night of his life.

10

Alexandra tried to scream, but only a hoarse rasp came out.

She could look around only as far as her eyes would move. No visible barriers impeded her movement, but she could feel it, some sort of field warping the space that enclosed her. Struggling to keep panic from taking over, she focused on the wretched creatures.

There was nothing musical to their chanting. It wasn t even voices. Just a vibration, a certain frequency repeated ceaselessly, like a thousand tinny fire alarms going off at once. Its insistent monotone became loud only due to the addition of hundreds of different sources focused directly on her position.

Their antennae. Those damn antennae had been twitching from side to side all this time, every one of the chitinous stalks vibrating in unison. What had been inconspicuous twitching had become a blurred oscillation fast enough to produce the distortion rippling through her body.

It was grating at a level that surpassed mere aural discomfort. There was a wrongness to it that touched her every sense, as if reality itself was morphing where she stood. She could manage only small spasms of her fingers, laborious contractions of small muscles.

Let go! she tried to say. Release me or all of you will die!

Only a broken grunt escaped her throat.

Soon even the smallest movement became impossible. Her eyelids wouldn t blink, her lungs wouldn t expand, her heart could not beat. She thrashed against it, telling herself that her soul didn t have a body that could be restrained. She was a spirit, a being of pure energy that could not be caged, could not be controlled.

Go ahead, take my breath away. I don t need it.

And yet she couldn t escape. The grating discomfort had become a shattering rumble, straining her muscles to the brink of cramping. Only her thoughts remained free, and her feeble attempts at coming up with a solution were quickly giving way to mindless desperation.

The creatures closed in a few steps. She labored to back away from the ones she could see, but no part of her moved. Despite the burning desire to spit in their almost-faces and tell them to try their worst, the prospect of a brutal beating was enough to make a tiny whimper escape her constricted throat.

Then Alexandra began to feel light-headed. She saw eddies of mist curling away from her skin. Her extended left arm, still holding the staff poised for attack, slowly became translucent. Her vision blurred, as though shrouded behind a thin fog.

The truth of what they were doing crashed upon her.

They were tearing her apart.

No. No, it s not going to end like this, it can t.

Her thoughts became sluggish. Her awareness began to fade. She could feel her will falter, and a terrible, impotent rage bubbled up against it, pushing at their influence with her last shreds of defiance.

I ve gone through too much bullshit to end like this. I refuse to let you assholes take me!

Her outrage beat against the invisible constraints with the ferocity of a cornered beast. She d reclaimed her right to exist only hours ago, and these ridiculous slug-things couldn t have the last word. As the mist clouded her eyesight, Alexandra resolved not to give them the satisfaction.

I d sooner take my own life.

She held on to that choice through the fog in her mind. She d fight to the end and deny these monsters the privilege to undo her, even if it was the last thing she did. Her soul was hers alone to forfeit. Oblivion would come on her own terms.

Her last act of defiance was to cease all resistance and reach out to the endless void, willing her spirit to be scattered to the four winds. She wished not to exist, embracing the dissipating mists the way she d done in the depths of despair. Anger at her own failure burned away, overtaken by the sorrowful stillness of acceptance.

At that moment of surrender, a part of her looked forward to be free of worry. Free of pain.

I m sorry, Aaron.

He would be alright. He d find someone else. Aaron would be just fine.

The pain receded, became a numb ache, became a distant concern.

Her mind expanded without boundaries and seeped through the cracks in their prison.

Her dissolution efforts interfered with their vibration and resonated catastrophically.

Something ruptured. The unbearable pressure that constrained her lifted, and a shockwave spread out from her position like the crack of a whip, sudden and violent. It instantly rippled through her surroundings with such force that the ground beneath her cratered, the fortifications crumbled, the creatures standing closest to her exploded as they were hurled away. The rest of them tumbled backwards and into each other, shrill screams rising once more from the mass of alien bodies.

The fog that had shrouded Alexandra s thoughts vanished, and her mind snapped back to clarity. Her first thought was one of dismay.

What was I thinking? There s no way I d let some floozy steal Aaron away, even posthumously.

Then she realized that she was in several places at once.

A part of her was still on the ground, free of constraints and able to move at will. Her staff was gone, along with her body. In its place there was only a dense mist, twisting and churning around the vague outline of a human frame. Another piece of her floated a few feet above herself, a misty shape linked by hazy tendrils to Alexandra-below. Yet another part of her extended to her left, and another a few feet behind her, and another spread downwards, lying close to the ground. Each one of these parts was aware of one another, sentient, self-aware and capable of sharing their respective sensory input.

What just happened?

Her thoughts felt decentralized, as though her brain extended all the way to her toes. There were no toes. She was the mist, shapeless and ethereal.

This feels . . . liberating, somehow.

Her vision had become a mosaic of tens of different moving images that came together to paint a sphere of her surroundings. Alexandra could see the enormous portal, the guards right next to it finally taking notice of what was happening and leaving their post to help their brethren. She saw the Mount, far in the distance to the right of the black gate. She could see the entirety of Nexus Town, and the whole matrix of strange dwellings, as well as the long road behind her. Groups of travelers were rushing ahead to find out what was going on.

She imagined it was like seeing through the eyes of a bee, and it quickly became an overwhelming experience. She closed her eyes and the chaotic scene all around her vanished.

Did she even have eyelids anymore?

This is crazy. I should be scared. Why am I not scared?

What did they do to me?

She heard their screams turning from surprise and agony back to anger. Alexandra reopened her eyes to find the creatures clambering upright, fighting to recover and form loose ranks, pushing through the rows of destroyed corpses to get to her. They were getting closer, and those antennae had resumed their sway, twitching from side to side like fast-forward pendulums.

Panic spread through every part of her. She d only interrupted them half way, and they were about to finish the job.

I need to get out of here!

Alexandra focused on the portal, not a hundred feet away. How to run without legs? How to fight her way through without limbs to shove, punch and kick? Out of desperation she willed to move forward, imagined herself flying forth the same way she d pictured clothes and weapons.

Nothing happened. The monsters were closing in, their twitching becoming a vibration, the vibration reaching the audible threshold.

This should work! Why isn t it working?

She redoubled her efforts, believing with every part of her fragmented self that she could float over these monsters, toward the flat sheet of blackness that had become her only chance at salvation. What did running mean in this place, if not believing that her legs moved her forward? Had she really been standing on her own flesh and bone all this time? Was it really her fists that had maimed her enemies? She feverishly held on to these questions, even if she couldn t shake the fear that she was grasping at straws.

Her half-dispersed body remained in place, churning about with mounting agitation.

The frequency of the sound increased, approaching the pitch of a full-swing chant. She could feel the first signs of what was to come a faint numbness taking over, a certain reluctance in the fabric of space to accommodate her presence. It was all going to happen again.

A primal fear took hold of her as paralysis spread. It wasn t like before, when she had faced these creatures hyped up on the euphoria of her discoveries. Her concerns were no longer vague or theoretical she knew for a fact that she was about to be murdered.

Their invisible prison tightened around her again. It suffocated her thoughts. It cramped her will. This time there was no acceptance, no defiance, no violent fantasies of retribution only the most visceral, mindless brand of terror she had ever experienced.

Her perception of the world disconnected from the stream of events that followed. Just raw details got seared into her memory.

She wailed the way a tortured wraith might have, less a living creature than a spirit lamenting the dire fate befallen her.

Something stretched and bent all around her, within her. It complied with her demented demands, suffering strain to the brink of rupture. She was thrown through the air, flying like a wild gale in a violent path of destruction.

The creatures were tossed about with impossible force, rag dolls victim of a tantrum. Their bodies spun and twisted in awkward angles.

And then darkness, blessed darkness engulfing her every sense, washing away all lingering traces of their crushing constraints.

Full awareness returned much later. Alexandra felt like she d been floating for a very long time. Her thoughts still felt disjointed, her mind cracked in places, her physical self scattered in a hundred different pieces.

For those first few moments of regained coherence, none of it mattered to her. She could only focus on one simple, wonderful fact.

Anywhere she looked, there was not a hint of blue to be seen.

_________

Alexandra floated, semi-corporeal and sullen. The Nexus was nothing like she had pictured.

Nexus suggested a hub of sorts. She d thought of it as something like a subway transfer station, where she could follow signs to the realm that she might want to visit and take nice conveyer belts there. She d gone as far as picturing a large circular room, with mirror-like portals lining the walls, a map at the middle, and clear-cut signposts: here be dragons, here be aliens, here be humans.

There were no conveyer belts. Or signposts. Or any ground in which to bury a post.

There were only waygates like the one she had jumped through in her terror-fueled flight. They hovered in the midst of a bronze-colored haze that shrouded the featureless expanse while barely hampering viewing distance. Everything was colored in shades of ochre, gold, copper and teak, like a deciduous forest in summer twilight.

The gates faced every which way, darkest black on one side, a view of wherever they led to on the other. Sometimes there would be two or three together, but most often they would be hundreds of feet apart. They were all big, and most frames were rectangular, but there were also circles, ellipses, irregular geometrical shapes and more. She saw one shaped like a huge banana, far below her.

The frames enclosing the portals appeared to be uniquely patterned straight lines, oblong arches, repetitive symbols, jagged grooves, unassuming notches, barcode-like stripes. One had outlandish figures that gave off an obscene vibe, somehow. She clearly remembered the portal out of Carved Barrow: a frame covered in complicated patterns of straight lines and circular shapes.

Just thinking about it was enough to make her shudder. She had fled blindly after crossing the threshold between the two worlds. The creatures had floated around her, using their pliable bodies and long tails to swim about like eels. She d sped away from all moving objects, aimlessly wandering deeper into the void without even knowing how she was doing it.

It scared her, how far she d been pushed, the permanent damage that might have been caused. She d lost control. How much further to actual insanity?

That s not even the top concern right now. Look at yourself.

Her ethereal body was only a shadow of human form, and she dreaded trying to do something about it. What if she couldn t go back to normal? What if she had to exist in this state from now on? Could she even call herself a person anymore?

Look, either try to fix it or move on. Stop being such a chicken shit.

Alexandra frowned at the voice in her thoughts, if not with an actual brow.

Fine, she said out loud. Her voice came from nowhere in particular.

Freaky.

She decided to start with a familiar approach: belief. Considering what she d done in the past, it wasn t entirely crazy to expect it to work.

Alexandra strove to still her troubled mind. She figuratively closed her eyes and imagined her own body as it had been before death, trying to capture all the details that made her anatomy unique: a small birthmark on her left bicep; a sparse scattering of freckles on her face, collarbones and chest; one chipped tooth in her upper jaw, making it look like she had two canines in a row; slightly crooked pinky fingers; outie belly button.

Perhaps she was a tiny bit slimmer around the waist, her muscles more defined. Her butt might have been just a tad more firm. Her hair not so stubborn and unruly, her nose not so wide.

Seriously? You think this is the time to make cosmetic changes?

It just might work, some part of her thought back. It could be the chance of a lifetime, so stow it!

Alexandra pictured herself as being that body. As she hammered the idea into her mind, she braced herself for the undoubtedly painful transformation about to take place.

Only a tingling sensation washed over her, subtle and ephemeral. Once it became clear that nothing else would happen, she slowly opened her eyes.

Still she floated, semi-corporeal and sullen. Everything was the same.

Alright, don t panic. You knew it wouldn t be so easy. Something is broken, and you just need to fix it.

She could almost hear mom s voice, leaning over her shoulder as they stared into the computer tower. If you want to fix it, the first thing you always do is find out what s broken.

And how do I do that, mom? It s not like I can swap memory sticks now.

Her mother s voice grew ripe with that amused tone she d use so often. We paid for hundreds of hours of psychotherapy for you, darling. You re telling me you never learned to look inside yourself?

Oh my god, yes. It s all I did.

So get to it then. You might find something out of place.

Introspection. Alexandra found herself wary of it. Remembering her mother s advice was one thing, but she d transitioned into a conversation without even realizing it. She could be going crazy already.

Besides, how could she be at ease and concentrate while immersed in a completely foreign environment where any hostile creature could sneak up on her in the middle of meditation?

Stop being

Chicken shit, yes, fine.

Alexandra tried to relax and truly push aside all other concerns. She pretended that none of it existed there was no weird-ass Nexus with its random portals and funky fog, no inter-realm travelers ready to make her life miserable, and very definitely no murderous slug monsters with twitching antennae of doom.

There was only her living-room couch, a burbling table fountain and a glass of wine. Aaron was upstairs playing some RPG or another, the muffled sound of the cheesy voice-overs reaching her in a garbled murmur. She could hear Hammock playing in the stereo in front of her, soft guitar riffs and slow percussion gently rocking her to sleep. Viggo slept sprawled on her lap, purring loudly. It was Sunday afternoon, they d just indulged in Nino s pizza for lunch, and she was going to take a nap.

She d always had trouble disconnecting from her immediate surroundings, as if her paranoid mind refused to stop looking out for whatever might come. She knew it was the reason why she slept so lightly. Yet this time it worked like a dream: she could feel herself sinking in that couch, her head lolling back, breath calm and content. It truly felt as if, were she to open her eyes, she d be in her home again. The sensation of complete safety took the anxiety away in one gentle stroke.

She focused on her breathing within the illusion. It was hard to think of a more corporeal action than breathing, as it encompassed the most basic physicality of the human body the chest heaving, the flow of gases through the lungs, the renewal of blood and life itself. She breathed in her tiny pocket dream, deep and steady. Deep and steady.

Her psyche dove into itself, turning every sense inward, and Alexandra didn t even have to search. The problem was immediately obvious, staring her right in the face.

It wasn t what the monsters had done. She had stopped them with her attempt at self-destruction, creating a sort of . . . resonance, an overlap in the interference between the two effects that had set everything completely out of whack. It had interrupted her own dissolution, leaving her in a twilight zone halfway to complete non-existence. An unconscious part of her was still embracing the dissipating mists, holding on to a desperate last choice.

It was all right there, expressed in webs of textured patterns and waves that tangled throughout her being. She didn t feel them or see them or touch them, she simply . . . sensed them.

Alexandra didn t fully understand what she d just become aware of. It was like trying to read a foreign language and only knowing enough to get the gist of it. She felt like a caveman, staring at the flames in wonder, aware only of the broadest details of how fire worked.

As she delved deeper into this new awareness, she could see the signatures of the Clan in lingering traces of their influence, neutralized and innocuous. She felt touches of her own doing, alterations to her basic form that translated into tough-as-steel nails, a duplicated engagement ring or (yes!) a firmer tush. Snippets of knowledge, memories, emotions, dinner recipes. And the vagueness, the interspersed swathes of raw undoing. They were responsible for her diffuse, ethereal constitution.

It was fascinating. Had all this always been on display, ready to be seen if only she had taken the time to look?

No. No, something was different now. Something else had happened back there, when embracing oblivion was the last possible act of defiance. Something far more subtle than the shock wave, more profound than freedom from a makeshift prison. Some sort of barrier had been breached.

It s like my perception s been . . . enrichened. Dunno if it s a word, but it should be.

There was nothing to fix, she realized. Nothing was broken. Her permanent state of dissolution was the equivalent of sleeping face down with her face smothered by the pillow. Her unconscious self was too dumb to lift her head and let her breathe.

Alexandra made the conscious effort to let go of the void. She embraced reality with every part of her being.

There was nothing metaphorical about it. In her heightened state of awareness the concepts had attained a tangible component, a measure of availability and immediacy that allowed her to do these things in a literal sense. Like pushing away a concern or embracing an idea, she banished the tantalizing mists that clouded her mind while holding on to the weave-like patterns of the space that enclosed her.

She felt the vague streaks of not-being receding from her psyche, like thorny vines shrinking and shriveling into brittle husks. A moment later their touch was no longer noticeable.

The experience was like removing a blurry filter from a camera lens. The remnants of the sluggish fog that had seized her finally lifted, banishing apathy and apprehension alike. Her mind cleared. Her thoughts sharpened. Once more her will felt focused and driven by purpose.

Alexandra took a sip from her wine glass, taking a moment to relish its soft caress on her throat. She sighed, shooed the cat off her lap, stood up, and opened her awareness to the world around her.

The illusion crumbled to reveal the coppery stillness of the Nexus. Her body hadn t returned to normal, but she was no longer sullen about it. Everything felt slightly different, the way it should feel. The unfathomable vagueness was gone, and in its place remained a clear sense of malleability that she could seize as she pleased.

Pulling from the core and pushing from the outskirts, she brought together every tiny piece of herself. Slowly, deliberately, she directed the flow of consciousness toward the outlined shade of her frame. Attracted by the pull of her will, she came together like a cloud of dust that had suddenly become magnetized.

Alexandra pictured herself, whole and substantial. She didn t need to imagine all the details or place every strand of hair she knew all these things instinctively, just like the heart knew when to beat. What mattered was the concept of solidity, the belief of a definite, unbroken self.

The dust became mist, the mist wrapped around a human shape, the human shape coalesced and resolved into the naked body of Alexandra Gretchen.

With a not-so-wide nose, a slightly narrower waist, and a butt firm enough to crack walnut shells.

_________

Alexandra paddled like a fin-clad diver toward the neighborhood of Carved Barrow. Gravity was not an issue in this place, apparently. She had no idea still how she d flown about without legs to propel herself.

She constantly kept track of BananaGate s position, her improvised Star of the North. It had been a challenge to pick the right direction, but she d finally figured it out after fifteen minutes of sorting through fragmented memories of the landmarks she d passed. There was only one region within sight that could possibly match her recollection: a five-cluster with a pair of oval gates very close together at its center, plus three rectangular ones about half a mile away from the pair, each in a different direction. If her disjointed memories were to be trusted, Carved Barrow was beyond that cluster.

They better not be looking for me still.

The prospect of nearing that cursed realm wasn t all that intimidating anymore. Those damn creatures were mostly harmless at long range and low numbers, and she d bolt at the first sign of their presence. Other bipeds like her were supposed to roam their neighborhood, and she was determined to find them.

She d covered her nakedness with a black cotton tank-top and snug sweatpants in keeping with the whole blending-in-with-the-background theme. She d also conjured her staff and colored it in earthy tones and golden patterns. It was important to remain stylish while bashing heads.

She was considering the merits of donning a cape when movement caught her attention. A tiny dot had suddenly emerged from one of the oval waygates, traveled leisurely through space much the same way she was, and disappeared into the portal straight across.

Travelers.

She d forgotten about that.

Should I try to make contact?

Her own voice was a welcome change from the complete silence of the Nexus. Even Carved Barrow hadn t been like this, without even footsteps to keep her company.

What if there s other monsters around here besides those fugly lizard-slugs?

What if I get close enough to make out what they are, only to get chased by another nightmare?

I don t think I can handle a repeat of my social encounters so far.

What s the alternative? Roaming about until I stumble upon the one blessed portal to Human Heaven? Does such a place even exist?

Her legs stopped moving for a moment. She hadn t meant to ask that question. It turned her guts to realize that she could no longer answer it with any semblance of conviction.

Alexandra forcefully pushed the issue aside. There would be time for soul-searching later, when she wasn t floating around in hostile territory.

She made an effort to go faster, consciously burying all the grim thoughts under a layer of optimism. Maybe it would all be over soon. Maybe she d have to swim through this dense nothingness just a little longer, and then she d have a chance encounter with a helpful gentleman out on an inter-realm stroll. They d shake hands, exchange polite niceties, and laugh at the whacky adventures she d had.

Aaron Gretchen? he would say in a thick British accent. She did a pretty decent impression of it. Oh, but of course I know him. He s a fine ol chap, just go through that door over there!

Right-o! would be her response. Much obliged, good sir. Cheerio!

Easy as that, she d get through the portal and find Aaron sitting under a tree, reading the latest novel to fall into his hands. He would look up and smile that smile of his, put the book down and stand up. He would be wearing a white T-shirt, tight against his skin and a bit stained from yard-work. And those black jeans that made his butt look so . . . .

Another hint of movement brought her out of her daydreaming. A figure had emerged from the same gigantic oval-shaped gateways, followed by three more. She must have been going faster than she had estimated, because she d already gotten close enough to see

Oh.

Whatever those tendrils were, they were not legs. There would be no exploring this cluster.

Alexandra sighed and veered far to the left, more disappointed that she wanted to admit.

More weird-ass stuff. How many aliens will I have to deal with? Are they all aliens?

There s got to be humans somewhere, for crying out loud.

Another loose gathering of portals could be seen farther ahead, and something about it looked vaguely familiar. She looked around drearily, taking in the slow-moving, ever-present haze, the unfathomable distances, the gateways to a thousand somewheres.

It was all so quiet, so lonely.

So depressing.

Never mind that, the English gentleman will be straight ahead. He ll be traveling to a party in a different world, in fact.

She rolled her eyes at herself. And then monkeys will fly out of my

A strange signal suddenly reached Alexandra s awareness, a sensation that she d never felt before. She stopped moving and looked around, alarmed.

The signal reached her as a subtle thrumming, irregular and unpredictable. It bypassed her usual senses and touched her mind directly, like some kind of telepathy. She concentrated on in it, trying to puzzle it out.

It carried a wealth of information that she intuited more than understood. A point of origin. An approximate distance. A sense of weight, texture, temperament and several other patterns that she couldn t discern. It felt . . . soft, but with hard edges, like a raven s wing. And calm, yet purposeful.

Alexandra looked in the direction it was coming from and squinted. After a moment of searching, she finally saw it. Far in the distance, a speck of dust was steadily moving away from a circular gate.

Another traveler.

But what s different about this one?

Don t know. Could be important, though.

Only one way to find out.

Avoiding an encounter would only be postponing the inevitable. She d rather set the terms of the meeting, instead of being caught flat-footed.

Hope and curiosity propelled her forward.

_________

The silhouette had two clearly delineated legs.

It was little more than an elongated shadow advancing across her field of vision like a slow-moving torpedo. Alexandra couldn t tell whether it was a man or a woman, but she figured she would honor her British gentleman fantasy by settling on it being a he.

A mane of hair fluttered at his back and shoulders, and his clothes were tan and deep red. He traveled toward an as-yet unknown destination, limbs unmoving and held close to his body. She felt a brief twinge of envy at the man s know-how.

Though biped didn t necessarily mean human, Alex continued her cautious approach. She had a good feeling about this. Her gut told her she should take the risk.

I ll have to take a chance with a stranger at some point. I don t think it ll get much better than this.

The signal grew stronger and clearer the closer she got. That sensation, that uncanny thrumming . . . it called to her, in a way, pulling at her like the current of a river. This person was different to every other creature she had come across.

Maybe all humans give off that strange vibe. Maybe I have my own . . . undercurrent. Though if I did, the guy would ve noticed me already.

Her thoughts seemed to be the man s cue. He stopped abruptly and looked around. Then his head faced her way he was wearing some kind of hood.

Alexandra waved a timid hand and tried to smile. The man turned and began approaching. She prepared to greet him.

H . . . .

Only the breathy whisper made it out, because with the shrinking distance the he became an it.

Its features resolved into too-large round eyes, a beak of a nose, feathery scalp. The mane of hair was a plumed gown, or cloak, or a natural growth. The hands were four-fingered and too long, the feet were talons clad in shoes that could only be described as sandals for birds.

Aah!

Alexandra spun around and all but exploded away from the avian creature, a string of swear words pouring off her lips.

Human, the bird-man called out without slowing. Halt.

Halt my ass!

She d had her fill of monstrous encounters for a lifetime. Alexandra put every ounce of effort she had on getting the hell away from her pursuer. Her travel speed would ve been the envy of any Olympic swimmer.

She glanced back. The bird-man was gaining on her without moving a muscle.

Stay back! she yelled. The thing was no more than a hundred feet away, its expression an unreadable mask. Its face was like a mask, with its large owlish eyes, bony crests at the temples and angular jaw. Its wide beak, a squat, diamond-shaped dome, vibrated as it spoke.

No harm will come to you, Human. Cooperate.

Its voice was a series of rapid clicks and articulate squawks. Somehow Alexandra understood it flawlessly.

I ve heard that one before!

She tried her best to go faster without much success. How could it be getting closer? It wasn t even trying! She could almost see the way space was bending around it, or being altered, or manipulated. If only she could afford to stop and pay close attention.

Another panicked glance placed the thing at fifty feet away. The thrumming sensation was so close that she could feel it rattling inside her skull. There were no corners to turn, no obstacles to use as a way to slow it down. It was going to catch up and do whatever it planned to do.

She was left with her usual choice, this time in its most literal terms.

Fight or get caught.

She spun around, adopting a ready stance. Stop, or I ll hurt you! Go away!

Her momentum kept her drifting backwards as she positioned her fists. She could hardly assume an intimidating pose, as floating in mid-air deprived her legs of any reliable purchase.

The bird-man slowed and came to a stop thirty feet away. It hovered with natural ease, and for the first time Alexandra could see how very not human it looked.

Its skin was of a brown, muddy color, rugged and scaly, almost reptilian. Its arms, gangly and wiry, were long enough to dangle past its knees. The legs had knees indeed, but then bent at another joint at the calf, where a polished talon sprouted out of an ornate orifice in the fitted pants it was wearing. It also wore a tightly-clad, sleeveless red tunic with a collar that covered up to its neck, tailored to allow the feathered mantle sprouting from its shoulders to flow freely. The fluffy mane was a pristine arrangement of white and blue feathers in linear patterns, and white tufts of feathers also covered its elbows and forearms, temples, the top of its skull. They made it look . . . distinguished.

She made eye contact, trembling with equal parts apprehension and ferocity. The creature didn t look concerned. It stayed there, motionless, its head cocked to one side.

The fucker is sizing me up.

Don t come any closer. I don t want to fight, but I will, I swear it.

There was a slight change to its poise, along with a certain variation in the quality of its otherworldly thrumming. The impression Alexandra got was one of reassurance.

You are lost, it said, holding out a placating hand. You seek answers. Be calm. No harm will come to you. Its brow remained immobile, and there were no creases around its eyes or along its cheeks but the tufts of feathers at its temples quivered and oriented in subtle ways as it spoke, conveying that its demeanor was meant to be soothing, non-threatening.

Back off, Alexandra replied, doing her best to keep her voice steady. I m not taking chances with aliens again.

The avian creature drifted forward ever so slightly. I can answer your questions. I can take you to more of your kind. Be calm.

You can promise me the moon, but come any closer and you ll be seeing stars.

What if this is the helping hand you ve been hoping for?

She ignored the thought. It was the same inner voice that had advised to chase after this thing in the first place.

There is no reason to turn violent, the bird-man carried on. I am aware of your plight. Cooperate, and all will be well.

Twenty feet away.

Don t you understand what I m telling you? Talk if you want, but get the hell away from me! She emphasized her words by shaking her clenched fist. She realized a moment later how feeble it must have looked.

I understand what you say. It kept inching closer all the same. There is no reason to fight. You have endured much, but you need not worry any longer. Let me help you.

It wouldn t stop advancing. She fought the irrational urge to start fleeing again, knowing it would be pointless. The creature could outpace her with ease.

Attack before it jumps you. It d stop getting closer if it only wanted to help.

No more fighting. I m so sick of fighting.

Trust it. It s offering help. You re not alone anymore.

The jumble of different impulses paralyzed her with indecision.

It knows I m human.

She bit her lower lip. Just . . . what are you?

My species is called the word for it, a short click-chirp-click that had a grandiose sound to it, appeared to have no translation into Alexandra s language. The concept behind it loosely translated as a series of ideas in her mind: of the skies, pertaining to song, people of the wing. It painted the picture of a civilized society of avian origins.

The bird-man continued, getting a little closer with every sentence. You may refer to us as the Skyborn. We maintain a large presence in many Nexus realms, as well as gatherings beyond. I perceive traces of the Clan in you it is unfortunate that your first dealings were with them. I would be interested to know how you escaped their grasp.

Fifteen feet to go.

Please listen to me, Alexandra said. I m willing to talk, but only if you stay where you are.

You have nothing to fear, the creature responded, never breaking eye contact.

Another inch closer.

I m warning you.

Suddenly she perceived a second undercurrent. It popped into being far in the distance, roughly in the same direction from which the first one had originated. It was somewhat masked by the one she was receiving from this Skyborn in front of her, but she could sense it clearly. It was almost identical, yet subtly distinct.

Same species, different individual.

Her troubled frown became a scowl. You asshole, you called your friends, didn t you? You re just stalling for time!

It looked genuinely confused for a second or two. Then its feathers shifted to convey pleased surprise. A sensate, are you? Remarkable, for you to manifest such talent so early. You must let me help you. It edged closer still.

Ten feet.

Are you dense? What part of don t get any closer don t you understand?

A . . . halo . . . surrounded the bird-man, almost too faint to notice. It spread in tendrils of mist, blurring the alien s edges, making it hard to focus on any one feature of its anatomy. The tendrils fanned out toward her, drawing closer as subtly and harmlessly as the creature had. Alexandra watched them with wide-eyed alarm.

Don t be afraid, Human.

It was so tempting. Something in the way it said human didn t sound quite right, but suddenly she didn t want to care anymore. All this suspicion was exhausting. If the creature had wanted to hurt her, it would have done so by then. Why try to calm her down, get on her good graces, try to initiate a conversation, just to attack her at the last moment?

Stop being rude. This is your salvation. This is the solution to all your problems.

Yeah, she said, pleasantly surprised at how easily the anger and suspicion were dissipating. The Skyborn got even closer, but its approach wasn t nearly as worrisome as it had been just a moment ago.

In truth, the creature had been nothing but gentle. What was there to worry about? It was acting a bit stubborn, maybe, but that was understandable when she was behaving like a lunatic. The guy had treated her with care and patience, like one decent human being to another.

No, like she was a startled animal, clueless to the realities of civilized life. She didn t know how everything worked, and so couldn t be expected to be treated as an equal. She was a runaway kitten. An untamed horse.

Cattle.

It had said human the way a human might say slave.

She snapped out of it, by instinct repelling those weird tendrils that had started to wrap around her. She acted without planning, without thinking. Her staff flashed in her hands and forcefully struck the side of the alien s skull.

The Skyborn s head got blown off its neck like an over-sized golf ball on a tee.

She stared wide-eyed as a trail of bright red, almost orange blood followed the mauled head. The body rotated slightly with the impact, jerking with a few sudden spasms before going limp. An ear-splitting screech filled the area, the agonized shrill a parrot might scream if one were to drive nails through its wings.

The sights and sounds registered only marginally, because a far deeper disturbance assaulted her senses at the same time. The compounded sensation of throbs and thrums inherent to the alien became an unbearable mess, a flailing cacophony of forceful booms, sharp pops, creaking rumbles shaking the fabric of space itself like a monster writhing in its death throes, grasping for purchase, lashing out in desperation.

It struck her in a way she was in no way prepared to endure. She felt the sensation lodge deep within her, staining her insides.

The remnants of the body began to dissolve slowly, reluctantly, as if the creature consciously held on to its solid state. The blood spread in a humid fog that gradually became transparent. The body blurred, color draining from it in small increments until it was a dense fog that scattered before her eyes. The remains of the head became undone in curls of smoke before it disappeared into the distance. Even the ghastly remains that had stained her staff were gone in an eerie puff of bloody mist.

The strident undercurrent rift faded much more slowly, until only a quiet simulacrum remained. The stain stayed with her, foul and virulent.

I killed it. I just . . . killed it.

She let go of her staff, disgusted, horrified. It hadn t felt this way with the Clan. What she d done to them hardly weighted on her conscience; they d been demons, goblins, vortigaunts. Monsters to fight and vanquish so she could get to the next level. This . . . .

I just murdered someone.

She had acted on little more than a hunch. What if she d jumped to conclusions? What if she d gone from victim to criminal, ruining her one chance to set things right?

You can t worry about that now. Its buddy is still out there, and it s not going to be happy.

Run.

The other undercurrent pulsed in the outskirts of her sphere of awareness. It hadn t changed direction, and seemed oblivious to what had happened.

Running. It was the smart thing to do. She could try her luck in a completely different area and take up her chances with another stranger. At least one of them was bound to be friendly.

This one was friendly. Right up to the point when you killed it.

It was self-defense, she said out loud. She hadn t forgotten the feeling of being treated as potential property, of being regarded as less than human. She d been cornered, and she d given ample warning. What she d done had been the only choice left.

Right?

It promised answers. It promised help. It promised to take you to other humans. And you killed it.

It was doing something to me, I could feel it! It was going to . . . .

A dark cloud passed over her features as the dots connected in her head. It was going to capture me.

The thought gave definite form to her shapeless instincts. Yes, the thing would have taken her to other property like her. Other pets that knew their place and knew how to behave. Surely then she d have been taught exactly what she needed to know about her new situation.

It had promised the answers she sought, but never said they were the answers she wanted.

You don t know any of that. You re jumping to the conclusions you want because you don t dare contemplate the alternative.

Bullshit.

There was no other explanation for what she d felt that sudden docility, the incongruous carelessness. She never would ve surrendered so easily. What else could it be, but its subduing influence?

The thought was already making her sick. Human souls, taken as, what, trophies? Slaves? How fucked up was that? This was the afterlife. How fucked up was that?

And this humanoid bird, this Skyborn, it couldn t be further from a demon. Civilized, polite, gentle. Almost like . . . people. Like a nice, harmless slave owner from ancient Greece.

How many slaves? How many human souls taken as property? Judging by the thing s behavior, she was far from the first one.

And Aaron? Would Aaron have resisted? Would Aaron have blown their head off?

He would ve happily gone with them from the get-go, knowing him. He d have been taken in by their friendliness. He wouldn t even have batted an eyelash at the sight of a bird-man, probably.

The thought that her husband could be in their power at that very instant was enough to make her blood boil.

Not on my fucking watch.

She stirred into motion, racing furiously toward the circular portal. She d probably get discovered in no time, and be forced to run deeper into the unknown realm, and face the familiar fight or get caught not-choice many more times. So what? There were people in there. Her husband might be in there. Would she abandon them? In exchange for what, exactly? Taking a blind chance by fleeing somewhere else?

She gained speed, and as she did her resolve hardened. Running away would leave her fate entirely up to chance. She d eventually come across some other species that might or might not help her, or she d walk into some other realm and she might or might not find someone friendly. Judging by her experiences so far, hoping for someone friendly was a losing bet.

I m done with all that.

She would reach her fellow humans, and if she was plunging head-first into the maw of the beast, then so be it.

It would be her choice to do so.

_________

Just like all the others, the portal was huge. Its frame was a four-sided, perfectly circular ring as thick as her arm was long. The pattern on it drew countless zig-zagging lines at right angles, like superimposing triangle waves.

Alexandra hovered at the bottom of the portal, from where the view was nothing but a featureless sheet of pale blue. She had swam all around the perimeter in a wide circle, getting a complete visual of the landscape.

It was beautiful, she had to admit. The ground was mountainous and craggy, Grand Canyon-like. She d seen miles of it far below the exit of the portal, which must have been either wedged into a vertical cliff or floating in mid-air. The sky was blue, and it looked like a real sky, unlike the oppressive blue dome of Carved Barrow.

Large islands of land floated in that sky, supported by nothing at all. She stopped counting at thirty. The majority of them were home to enormous citadels, full of ornate towers and pointy minarets, colorful and majestic.

It was a realm full of castles in the sky. She would have called it magical, if she d been in that kind of mood. In her current state of mind, it didn t even faze her.

But of course there s flying fortresses. Where else would the advanced civilization of evil bird-people live?

A translucent platform jutted out at the other end of the gateway, round and smooth. Made of glass, maybe, or plastic, or solidified air, for all she knew. It would hopefully prevent her from plummeting to a head-on collision against those magnificent mountains when she stepped in.

And what do I do once I step in?

She couldn t expect to carve a path to wherever humans were being held. She didn t even know whether there would be humans in this particular realm. Stealth would be necessary, if she wanted to accomplish anything at all. Which meant, she thought with a grimace, that it was time to bust out her camouflage pattern.

She was already bracing herself for it when a better, more morbid alternative popped up in her head.

She d seen what these guys looked like. She d experienced a close encounter with one of them, and every detail of its strange appearance was still imprinted in her mind s eye. What better way to infiltrate their domain than impersonating one of their own?

Could she make herself look like the Skyborn she d killed?

You got over your murder incident awful quick. Go ahead and desecrate its remains now, why don t you.

It was self-defense! she whispered at her accusing thoughts.

I did what I had to. And now I ll do it again, and no irrational scruples are going to stop me.

Her mind made up, Alexandra pictured the bird-man as she had seen it up close. She could remember even the slightest details: the crests at the temples had six pointy features, tilted just so; the middle finger had been two and three-fourth inches longer than the index; the feathers at its elbows curved in such a peculiar way. She chalked up this freakish recollection to the hyper-awareness brought about by adrenaline, and didn t give it much thought beyond that.

Yet physical appearance wouldn t cut it, she knew. If she wanted to pass for one of these creatures, she needed to emulate that strange signal that had pulled at her from such great distances. She was still deeply aware of the other Skyborn floating around, getting farther and farther.

And the jackass I dealt with picked me out at a distance, too. I must have my own signal-thing.

Finding that signal would have to be the first step.

Alexandra sought deep within herself, reaching for that enhanced awareness she d recently discovered. After all, if she could hear her own voice and feel her own touch, she must be able to sense her own vibrating signal thingie. Sense her own . . . undercurrent.

She listened for anything even remotely similar to what she d felt coming from the bird-man. Now that she knew what to look for, she became aware of it almost instantly. It felt like picking out her own heartbeat without feeling for a pulse.

Her undercurrent was in fact like an overly creative heartbeat, quite distinct from Skyborn signatures. It had more of a wavy feel to it, a deep bass with valleys and peaks, a subdued snare wobbling erratically. There was a cyclical component to it that she could discern after a while, but there would be slight variations to cadence, or pitch, or amplitude, or all of the above. Alexandra marveled at it, wondering how could she have missed it until then.

The real question is, can I change this thing?

She d altered her feet and nails and nose and skin. Why not this? No reason to think the same method wouldn t work. The final product probably wouldn t be a perfect replica, but she d sensed enough of the Skyborn undercurrent to come up with a pretty damn good counterfeit. All the right notes would be there.

Alexandra gathered in her mind all the alterations and held them there. It was strangely effortless. She could think of a hundred different details to take care of at once, from tiny nuances in appearance to the exact tempo necessary for a credible avian thrumming, and still have room to keep an alert eye on the portal. She d never been a very good multitasker before.

The sense of anticipation was almost tangible as she readied the most ambitious shift she had attempted so far. Alexandra could feel the not-fully-understood forces she was tapping into swelling and crackling within, like pent-up energy aching to find release.

This is freaking nuts, Alex. You know that, right?

She nodded and let it happen.

The gap was bridged between intention and ability. The mist enveloped her, as did the pain she had anticipated along with a whole lot more that she hadn t known could even exist. Her skin was peeling and blistering and turning inside-out; her insides cramped, heaved, twisted. Bracing for it hadn t helped in the slightest.

Hold on, she repeated in her thoughts, breathless, feverish. It ll pass. Hold on!

It did, eventually. The worst of it might even have passed quickly. Alexandra allowed some time for her senses to settle, doing her best to remain as aware of her surroundings as she could. It was maybe another minute until she gathered the presence of mind to assess the situation.

She felt the same, inside, but the changes were immediately noticeable. Her skin felt tougher, her fingers sharper, her talons . . . like talons. Her nose was elsewhere, and trying to open her mouth only made her beak rattle a bit.

Funky.

She looked at her arm, and found brownish hide where smooth darkness should have been. One finger was missing from each hand, and the rest had become long and lanky, ending in points that were somewhere between nail and claw. Taken by the sight, she ran her sharp fingertips up her forearm, expecting the coarse toughness of cured pelts. Her new skin was soft and wrinkly, like a shaved cat or a leather purse.

Did I really get something right on the first try?

I bet there s whoa!

Instead of English, a complicated chirp had come out of her throat. Or was it her gullet?

Testing, testing, one, two, three.

She could hear her own tweets and squawks and understand them in English.

This is weird.

At least the language wouldn t be a problem, but how should she behave? Where should she go? How would she get there?

She held onto the frame of the portal with one four-fingered claw, surveying the landscape visible from her vantage point. Her talons clicked on the frame s surface as she settled on a crouch.

This was as good as it was going to get.

Alexandra the Skyborn-look-alike infiltrator took a deep breath, and she wondered whether her lungs still looked human beneath the plucked bird skin. Had the changes gone as deep as her internal organs?

You don t have lungs anymore, Alex.

She breathed out, in open defiance to her own thoughts.

Alexandra stepped through.

_________

Their names were Tami, Meli, Tish and Yuri. Short names, simple and easy to remember.

Names fit for pets and children s toys.

They were all dressed in colorful clothes, similar to what the bird-man had been wearing and that Alexandra now wore, but more festive, more frilly and ornate. Dolls dressed up to their owners liking.

They had followed her commands without question or hesitation. Come with me, follow, stop. Tell me your name, tell me where I can find others like you. Between their input and her ability to track distinct undercurrents, she d been able to gather a group of four sad little humans that quietly trailed behind her as she coursed through the air.

Tami was short and a little on the plump side. Her skin was fair and her cherry-red hair was shoulder-length and curly. Her lips were the deep crimson of bloodstained satin. She was quiet, demure and obedient.

Meli was a burly mass of a man, almost wider than he was tall, all of it muscle bulging under skin that was dark like pure chocolate. Broad was the word for Meli: broad shoulders, broad chest, broad nose and lips and jaw. He would have been the embodied ideal of a manly man, but for one problem. He was quiet, demure and obedient.

Tish was a wiry affair of long arms and legs, except for a rather generous bust. Her blond hair, pale as straw, made waves down to her middle back. Sharp blue eyes, cast down and timid, rounded up the Nordic Tribeswoman look, which was contradicted by her unassertive behavior. She was quiet, demure and obedient.

Yuri was the male counterpart to Tish. They could have passed for identical twins. He was thin bordering scrawny, with eyes like ice-shards and a strong nose. His close-crop hair was like a cap made of sunlight. Not to be the odd man out, he too was quiet, demure and obedient.

They weren t the first Alexandra had known of. They d simply been the only ones she could approach while avoiding the numerous bird-things that populated the realm. She had found her little humans in what she could only call voluntary confinement, standing in the corner of a stark room within the floating citadels behind a colorful line on the ground, their heads bowed, their eyes glazed over. Tami and Meli had each been by themselves, while she had found Yuri and Tish together. They d struck her as little more than cattle held in a rope-bound pen.

There was no curiosity when she barged into their quarters and ushered them outside. No surprise or suspicion when she demanded they tell her where to find the rest of their kind. No will to do anything but follow her orders.

They were the broken husks of former humans.

It had been a relief, at first. Then it had become worrisome, when she realized how thoroughly cowed they were. By the time Alexandra stopped her advance and turned to look at them, she seethed with barely contained rage.

Stop.

They did so immediately, taking care not to meet her eyes.

Is there a place where we can be alone and undisturbed?

They seemed to understand her chirrups and squawks without difficulty.

Tami spoke up. Your private quarters, Great One. She had a husky voice that sounded as if she had a permanent sore throat.

No. Somewhere else. Far from the islands.

Tami hesitated for a moment. The caves below ground level, Great One. I beg forgiveness if I offend.

That will do. I want you to take us to the nearest cave where you think no-one will find us. Not even your kind. She extended an arm and made a shooing gesture. Go!

The red-headed woman obeyed without delay, the other three trailing behind her with a blank expression. Alexandra hoped there was begrudging resignation behind those neutral faces, but she wouldn t bet a rotten fish head on the possibility.

She followed closely, a puff of mist spreading in her wake. They d been heading toward the next target, an isolated signal within one of the smaller flying fortresses, but it was foolish to keep finding more of these guys without having anywhere to take them. Once hidden and secluded, she could reveal her identity and hope there was still a shred of humanity left in them.

With luck it wouldn t be far. Her suicidally brazen charade had worked for now, but it was only a matter of time before someone took notice and approached to investigate. She could avoid all those avian signatures she d perceived only for so long.

This isn t going to end well. You have no exit strategy, no safe-house, no plan whatsoever. Do you think pretending to belong here will save you? You re in way over your head.

I m doing what I can, she muttered. It sounded like quiet clucking.

How does rescuing them help you find Aaron? Leave them behind and get out while you can.

She refused to even acknowledge the thought. What had these people done to deserve any of this? Were they all hideous criminals? Had they incurred in life the unforgivable sins that would grant them an existence so wretched?

I narrowly escaped their fate. They are as guilty as I ever was.

Aaron would want me to help them.

Looking at the broken state of these poor souls, perhaps she shouldn t hope to find him here.

They descended steadily until they were gliding close to the mountainous surface of the realm. Alexandra deftly spread her influence downward, creating a mantle of mist to hold her aloft while also projecting it behind her, effectively using it as propulsion. After stumbling off the translucent platform as soon as she had stepped into the realm, figuring out how to fly had become a matter of urgent necessity.

A few minutes of travel later, Tami pointed at a dip in one of the many steep slopes: the entrance to a tunnel the width of a compact car. Alexandra saw several other openings of various sizes scattered through the landscape.

There s a whole network of caves down there, I bet.

She took the lead to approach the entrance that Tami had suggested. Alex was no more than twenty feet away when she sensed the disturbance.

Genesis ripples, Great One. Meli rumbled, facing to one side of the cave they d been about to enter.

What?

The sensation was unpleasant enough to daze her for a moment. It reached her at the same level as an undercurrent, but while the usual signal would intrude no more than a radio station playing in the background, this was closer to the teeth-rattling blast of a hurricane warning system. It came in unpredictable spurts from the direction Meli was facing.

He said Genesis ripples, Great One, Tami put in.

Alexandra glanced at her.

Did you just make fun of me?

Explain yourself.

The confused look on Tami s face lasted less than a second. A newborn integrates nearby, Great One.

It s Human, Great One. Meli s deep voice carried enough disbelief to tell her that such a thing didn t happen often.

Really?

Somebody must have responded to her, but she was busy paying close attention to the weird signal, trying to ignore its intensity in favor of picking out details and nuances.

Even with the stark contrast in delivery, she could immediately perceive a certain familiarity. The capricious bass, the subdued snare. The thrum and wobble of an overly creative heartbeat.

It was . . . somebody else.

Somebody else!

Alexandra shot toward the cave nearest to the spot where the grating signal was coming from, rushing to be there before this whole integration deal took place.

About time someone got sent my way!

It couldn t be Aaron, since he must have shown up elsewhere at the same time she did but it d be someone just like her, lost and confused. She could help this person get their bearings. She could teach this person how to function, what to expect, what to fear. She could share her story and listen to theirs, and they could set out to fix everything together.

She wouldn t have to be alone in this terrible nightmare anymore.

You had high hopes as well for the souls already in the realm. Look how that turned out.

That s true, she admitted. She made a token effort to rein in her enthusiasm as she dashed into the cave and negotiated its winding passageways toward the tremulous crescendo.

The jarring signal led her to its point of origin within the tunnels. It pulsed and churned right in front of her, in a place that didn t look significant in any way a spot next to the wall, a few feet above the rocky ground, halfway through a tunnel that was just like any other.

The source itself didn t look like much, just a rippling distortion swirling in place like heat rising from sunbaked asphalt, but Alexandra couldn t have ignored it any more than she could ignore a grenade exploding next to her face. She felt its hammering throbs in every part of her, growing more intense, more urgent. Something was approaching, and it was ripping apart the weave of reality in order to get there.

Was it like this for me too? No wonder I got jumped.

The reality rift suddenly coalesced into a ball of dense smoke, only to flash alight and become a human form, two feet in mid-air. It immediately fell the distance and collapsed to its hands and knees with a metallic thud.

It was a woman clad in old-fashioned armor pieces, small rounded plates laced together over cured leather. White and blue cloth could be seen wherever no armor was strapped under the shoulders, one of the elbows, the back of her legs. She wore tall leather boots and must have been using a helmet at some point, because her tight bun, dark as night and soaked with sweat, was plastered to her skull.

The woman was drenched in blood, particularly the hand that was missing a glove.

She looked up from the ground, fully alert. She saw Alexandra and widened blood-shot eyes that were dark and heavily slanted. The stains on her face bore streaks down her cheeks, dirty paths carved by tears.

Demon! The woman jumped to her feet, looking around with mounting panic as she backed away. Stand back!

There was a wild cast around her eyes as they searched the confines of the small cave. Alexandra stared on, momentarily numb with shock.

Demon? Why in the world

Aw, shit!

She held up her hand-talons, taking a small step toward the woman out of reflex. I m a friend! she chirped. Everything s alright, I can help you!

The woman s sword was out of its scabbard and pointed straight at Alexandra s neck before she even completed her step. The fact that there hadn t been a sword just a moment ago didn t seem to faze the newcomer. I want nothing of what you have to offer, dark one. Her words quivered as they came out, the sound of them somehow disassociated from the shapes made by her mouth. Where is Yun?

Please . . . . Alexandra almost took another step forward, but she was stopped in her tracks by the image of the woman lopping off her head in a sudden lunge. She took two long steps back, hands spread out in a placating gesture.

Look, she said, things are really complicated, but you have to believe me. I am just like you, but I m wearing a disguise. I m going to take it off, alright? And then we can talk.

The woman s eyes kept darting looks all around the small tunnels. If you ve hurt Yun, demon, I will end you.

Alexandra took another step back. I ve hurt no-one, I swear. I m just like you! I ll show you, alright?

Alexandra shut her stupid, stupid beady eyes and hurried to figure out how to look normal again. She might have called it a disguise, but she knew the transformation went much deeper. There would be no simple changing clothes and taking off a mask.

She tapped into the enhanced self-awareness state she d used before, and concentrated on reverting every change she had made. She took all the psychological aspects and neatly put them aside, letting them remain untouched. She grabbed the fear, the anxiousness, the anger, and pushed them where they would not interfere. She gathered all those avian features scattered throughout her being and focused on altering them, trimming them, getting rid of them. She restored her lean curves, her skin, her features and imperfections, the process instinctive and automatic like the drying motions after a shower. She recalled her own thrumming signal, crystal-clear in her mind, and replaced the Skyborn s hard edges with her own erratic rhythm.

She put all these things in place like pieces on a chess board, ready to call check-mate. Once everything was prepared and hurting to become, she willed them loose.

A short ten years later the pain subsided, the mist departed, and she found herself on all fours on the ground, staring at her lovely human hands. The woman was in the exact same spot as before, still immerse in the process of flying right off the handle.

That was the time that Alexandra s group of unwitting rescuees chose to show up.

Great One? Tami asked, wary like a child finding a creepy stranger at her doorstep.

Shit, shit!

Alexandra clambered to her feet and turned to face them, still struggling to put coherent thoughts together after the strain of the transformation. All four of them were staring at her as if she was an Eldritch Abomination from Beyond.

Don t be afraid, okay? I

The tip of an awfully sharp sword pressed against her back. It prickled the skin to the left of her spine, the blade expertly placed to slide between her ribs and pierce right through her heart.

Not another step! the woman yelled at them over Alexandra s shoulder. Or I will dispose of your Great One before you can breathe another word.

Alexandra tensed her whole body, not daring twitch a muscle.

I don t know what you are, shape-changer, but I will not ask you again. The point of the sword dug a bit further. Where. Is. Yun.

A hundred times shit.

She had turned her back on an armed, unstable opponent. How many more stupid mistakes could she pile up on this mess? She feverishly scoured her brain for a solution, any solution that would get her out of the hole she d dug for herself. The droplets of blood trickling down her back and staining her shirt made it hard to concentrate.

Maybe she could command the thralls to help subdue her. Maybe if she lunged ahead in a forward crouch she could

Alexandra yelped out loud as the blade pressed harder into her flesh.

Speak!

Tears of frustration welled up in her eyes.

I . . . I don t . . . she said in a thready whisper, then swallowed and started over. I don t know who Yun is. She turned her head the tiniest fraction, eager to make eye contact. I swear I m not

The woman screamed through a clenched throat, her voice raw with hatred and maddened grief.

A stab of pain lanced through Alexandra s chest. Her gasp was harshly interrupted.

The blade of a sword appeared in front of her, slick with blood. She stared at it in shock, working to take in a breath that would not come.

When you get back to the Abyss, the unknown woman said close to Alexandra s ear, voice ragged and desperate, tell whichever demon-god you serve that Ming Xiu won t rest until Xiaoping Yun is returned to her.

Then she withdrew her blade, shoving her opponent away with her shoulder.

Alex struggled to take a few steps and remain upright, but her knees buckled. She tried to staunch the flow of blood, but her hands would not obey. She collapsed over an expanding pool of crimson, her eyes glazed over, her mind already drifting away.

As the world faded, Alexandra sent out her last thoughts in prayer.

She asked for Aaron to find better fortune. For him to be somewhere far away, safe, happy. Somewhere he would eventually forget that she ever existed.

She asked to maybe find peace at last. She was tired. So, so tired. Peaceful rest would be a welcome change.

She asked why. Not accusing or angry, just . . . curious. Why?

She asked forgiveness.

For the first time that she could remember, she wondered whether there was anyone listening.

June 15th, 2014

Alexandra s room, Queen Anne neighborhood, Seattle

8:37PM

They said they found me lying on the floor of the alley, beaten and bloodied.

Alexandra s voice drifts up from my chest, her cheek gently rubbing against my shirt as she speaks. She just got done telling me about the worst experience of her life, and I m having trouble breathing. She d already laid out the facts, but the actual tale is something else entirely.

She carries on in a detached voice, like telling a story that happened to a stranger. My friends had been looking for me, fearing the worst. So many pretty young girls disappear, you know? Even if they re covered in a bucketload of grime. Regular whores are not enough for some people. Some want them young. Some want them to struggle.

Heat enters her voice, a mixture of contempt and bitterness. Fucking sex trade. I still hope my sister got knifed and dumped somewhere I couldn t find back then. She does as if to shake her head, her movement somewhat impeded by my being there. I know it sounds awful, but it s the damn truth. Anything s better than being taken.

I squeeze her a bit tighter. She exhales a deep breath and grows quiet for some time. I don t press, I don t say anything. There s nothing to be said that she hasn t heard already.

A light rain starts pelting against the window, and she lazily lifts her head to glance at it. She settles back down, and when she carries on her voice has acquired again that dispassionate quality that she s maintained for most of the telling.

I woke up at the local doctor s, cleaner than I d been in ages. After that it was . . . difficult. You d think I d be used to the terrible things that happen in Kibera, but I don t think that s even possible. You never stop feeling pain, no matter how often you get hurt. No-one gets used to hunger, not really. You just cope with it because there s nothing else you can do. Her shoulders come up against me in a small shrug.

Then they told me the news, and that really did me in. It s a damn death sentence there. But I got my shit together as soon as I could. Since I was an idiot, I was terrified that I was in their files now, on top of everything else. Kids disappeared after getting tagged like that, you know? They said they went to foster homes, or got adopted and went off to live happily ever after, but I didn t believe one bit of that story. I mean, who in their right mind would adopt some unwashed orphan off the streets of Nairobi? People like that didn t exist. It had to be a front for a slavery racket or something. She half-shakes her head again.

It s hard to imagine now the way I used to see the world. It s all so far away, thank God. You d think that I d get all depressed and cry all day, but the world doesn t stop turning when bad things happen. You still need to eat, you still need to defend yourself and survive. So you tuck all that stuff inside and focus on getting meals and somewhere to sleep, and if you manage to get some fun out of the day while doing that, well, another shrug, that s cool.

Her hand is tucked under my shirt, absently caressing my belly. I wish I could say that her fingers brush up and down my chiseled abs, but all I ve got is a flat blob with a belly button in it. On the plus side, she seems to like it.

She rests her arm across my abdomen, and her next words come at the end of a long sigh. That just made it all worse later, of course. My head was such a mess that poor Jane didn t know where to begin. She chuckles mirthlessly. I ll betcha I ve gone through more hours of therapy than all of your extended family put together.

I ve got a grandaunt in a psych ward, but who the hell cares about that.

She goes quiet again for a little while. The only sounds in the room are the soft whispers of skin on skin and the patient rhythm of raindrops against glass.

Aaron . . . . She props herself up on her elbow. Her gaze is lost somewhere in the crawlspace, her finger draws absent lines on the fabric of my shirt. Back and forth, back and forth.

I m alright, now, but . . . you know how I never made a fuss about us meeting in person? She looks at me through her lashes for entirely too brief a moment.

(I don t drink a whole lot, but I ve gotten a happy buzz or two in my time. She has a way of looking at me that makes me feel exactly like that.)

Her voice comes with a lack of confidence and assertiveness unbecoming of her. I ve never been with anybody like this. It s not just what happened, it s . . . well, it turns out I m a chicken-shit when it comes to . . . relationships. The way she pronounces the word, you might think that she said poisonous spiders.

I m pretty sure I ll be just fine, and I ll never, ever put you at risk. I just . . . I don t want you to take it personal if I happen to freak out when . . . y know. She licks her lips, trying to coax the words out. When we get . . . intimate?

It s pretty hard to tell since her skin tone is so dark, but I m positive she s blushing.

Her use of when instead of if is . . . nice. A part of me is still waiting for her to realize that she s light years out of my league, but it doesn t look like it s ever going to dawn on her.

Her hand rests flat on my chest. She darts a glance at my face, and sees a smile that is as adoring as I can make it. She casts her eyes down, her lips curved in a sheepish smile of her own. I think she s embarrassed of feeling embarrassed.

I turn halfway to my side so I can face her and reach out with the hand that isn t at her back. I gently caress the curve of her neck, my thumb brushing a cheek so warm to the touch that I d be worried for her health in different circumstances. She looks at me that way again.

I swear I feel light-headed.

I promised I would be quiet until she was done. I m not sure if she is, but I can t hold it in any longer. I ve wanted to say it for so long, but until now it never felt like the actual need that grips me. There is only one way I can break my vow of silence, and consequences be damned.

I love you.

It comes out hoarse and quiet. I didn t mean it to be so, but I guess the words are laden with so much truth that they couldn t be made any louder.

Because I ve never spoken as much truth in so few words. The truth of it fills every part of me, and it is such a wonderful feeling that I don t know what to do with myself.

She keeps her eyes on me. I want to search them for a reaction, but I get lost somewhere along the way. We agreed not to say the L word until we got to know each other for real, until all the ugly secrets were out in the open. Well, I ve seen enough. It s been a long time since I saw enough, and I am a little surprised that I lasted this long.

I thought that I would worry over what she d say, but I don t. I feel so excited and so free of worry that I tell her again.

I love you.

It doesn t make it over a whisper, try as I might.

Aaron . . . . Her voice trembles. I haven t heard it like that before.

There s a tiny hesitation and then she edges closer, our bodies going from touching to entangled.

Then she kisses me.

We have kissed before. We were eager and excited and nervous and extremely careful. It was awkward and magical, a little weird and a lot of fun, we agreed. We got better at it with practice.

This kiss isn t like that.

I cannot explain in what way it s different. Her lips are as soft as ever, her breath as sweet, her skin as warm, but there s something more to it; it isn t chaste, but it isn t hungry. It isn t with reserve, but neither is it with abandon. I guess it is . . . pure. I don t have to believe in souls to call it soulful.

Her hand cups my jaw, fingertips lightly brushing the hair behind my ear. Her leg drapes over mine, which rests on her thigh. She pulls me closer.

Our lips part, but she remains as close as can be. Her forehead rests against mine, and I open my eyes to watch her mouth as she lets out a shallow breath. I don t hear it, but I see the words shape her lips.

I love you, she s telling me. I love you.

I don t think she s telling me, on second thought. I think she s allowing it to be true. Embracing it.

That works just as well, as far as I m concerned.

Alex. I lift her chin and look into her eyes, our mouths barely a breath apart. I just need you to know

She closes the distance and gently shuts me up.

Whatever I was going to say remains forgotten, lost to the wordless domain of unrestrained longing.

11

Ming Xiu s sword flashed in and out of existence in a blur, cleaving foes asunder in a perfect dance of martial prowess. None of her movements were gratuitous no unnecessary flourishes, no flashy spins or twirls. Curls of mist trailed behind her every step, imbuing her motions with a diffuse halo that quivered in her wake.

Her bow was there only for the fraction of a second it took to draw and loose, unleashing shot after shot in-between sword swings with unfailing accuracy, seamlessly transitioning from one weapon to the other. She had a preternatural ability to know exactly where the next target would be.

The woman was untouchable, moving with enough speed to defy plain eyesight. The few blows she didn t dodge or parry were turned away by a mystical shield of her creation. It came into being as a lightning-quick dancer s ribbon orbiting around her, soundlessly deflecting swipes and thrusts as surely as a steel bulwark.

A wide-eyed Aaron watched it all in mute shock from a crease in the clear gray walls of the cave his assigned hideout. He knew he d be nothing but a liability if he joined the fray, but still he felt like the useless sidekick in an action movie, merely tagging along while the protagonist took care of every problem.

Ming Xiu had shot headlong into the writhen rear guard without so much as a battle cry. Never mind that there were hundreds of them, swarming from one wall of the cave to the other. Never mind that each monster was the approximate size of a well-fed horse. Never mind that they looked like beasts pulled right out of a nightmare, with their scaly black skin, sinuous bodies and gleaming claws.

They slithered and writhed like snakes when they moved, giving the impression that they would twist free no matter how hard one tried to hold them down. Standing on two powerful legs and with a long, prehensile tail, they looked like elongated raptors with a bad case of comic-book-style radioactive mutation.

These guys make Queg look like a cuddle bunny.

Each one of them had two long antennae shaped like long-bladed scythes: they sprouted up from their receded foreheads and then bent down, pointy ends almost grazing the floor. Ming Xiu seemed to make it a point to slice them off at any chance she got.

As Aaron watched, she jumped and shot three arrows in three different directions in the blink of an eye, dodged a multitude of tail swipes, antennae stings and thorn-like projectiles by moving sideways while airborne, and dived back into the mass of monsters. Her silvery sword flashed to take the head off the nearest one. Viscous ichor sprayed from the ghastly remains, yet somehow not even that could touch her. Her clothes and skin remained unblemished in the midst of a hundred inhuman screams.

How much of a threat can these things be, when one of us is capable of this?

She moved constantly from one area to the next, using the piling corpses to her advantage. As their numbers dwindled she was no longer swarmed on all sides, and the writhen in the back ranks grew more daring with their projectiles. They spat thorns the size of knitting needles out of an orifice below the gullet, making an unpleasant sound that reminded Aaron of a cat choking on a furball.

The needles cut through the air like crossbow bolts, but most passed through the spot where Ming Xiu had been only a moment ago. Those that reached her got redirected into a monster of her choosing by both the ever-changing shield and near-instant swipes of her sword.

About half their numbers succumbed to her wrath before they began retreating. The monsters closest to her spread around and focused on bogging her down, while the rest scrambled toward the distant exit of the cave, shooting volleys of suppressive fire to keep her at bay. Ming Xiu disposed of those that stayed behind without slowing down, speeding from one to another in a blur, sword severing limbs, guts, necks. The shimmering blade sliced through their black flesh like a beam of daylight through darkness.

She shot through the air toward the receding tide of writhen, zig-zagging around the dead, arrows flying from her bow, ribbons of steel deflecting oncoming needles. She smashed into their ranks and vanished in their midst.

Ming Xiu had pushed them so far into the up-slope tunnel that Aaron couldn t keep track of the details anymore, but he could well imagine what was happening. Their formation got disrupted into chaos, the outer layers fled in both directions, the inner layers roared in agony. She emerged above the melee and shot the few trying to get away, a spinning beacon of red and white within the murky sea of black over black. Two of them managed to avoid getting shot and fled down the tunnel.

Alarmed, Aaron pressed himself against the rock of the cave s wall, burrowing as much as he could into the crease that served as his hideout. The fleeing pair stopped abruptly. They tilted their head this way and that, like picking out a heartbeat with their ears.

Then they focused on him.

Ah crap. Damn undercurrent.

Ming Xiu had probably gone too far and couldn t mask it for him anymore.

If they d taught me how to hide my signal, maybe I wouldn t have to worry about the snake-raptors preparing to chew on my face right now!

They squealed their wordless noises, as if consulting one another. Then they stopped preparing and started approaching.

Oh shit oh shit oh shit . . . .

If you can t escape, Alexandra s voice popped up in his head, all you got left is bluffing.

Her recollection of lively childhood memories filled his thoughts. The situation was terribly similar to one of the stories she d told him.

All pleading ever did was let them know you re helpless. If you act like you can t wait for them to come at you, they might change their minds. Or at least give you a chance to run for it.

They probably weren t the exact same words she d used, but the lesson was easy enough to remember: puff up your chest and hope for the best.

Aaron put on a fierce scowl, bared his teeth, and tried to look as threatening as possible for a six-foot man in a Dungeons & Discourse T-shirt and baggy jeans. He even snarled ferociously.

The monsters stopped. Then they roared and charged.

Aah!

He reached for the gravitational weave of the realm and almost pissed his pants with relief at finding that it was nearly identical to the one present in Thousand Rivers. He shoved at it desperately and found himself shooting up in a tall parabola that would land him right in front of the things, if he didn t alter his course. He channeled his inner ork and yelled at the top of his lungs.

WAAAGH!

The creatures roared in response, making a sound that was like the squeal of a pig taken down a couple of octaves. They skidded to a stop in unison, lined up their gullet-holes and spat.

Holy crap!

He pushed at the weave in a panic, inverting its orientation while amplifying the strength of its pull. Combined with the inertia he carried, his trajectory went from basketball to land-to-air missile, hurtling toward the ceiling of the enormous cave. The ugly needles missed him by a hairbreadth.

He corrected his suicidal climb with barely a moment to spare, but not without overcompensating. Aaron dropped directly toward the monsters at approximately a million times terminal speed. Now he was screaming at the top of his lungs.

The rattled writhen uttered another deep squeal and scattered in different directions away from where Aaron was about to land. They didn t wait to see what the crazed Human would do; they resumed their flight toward the Pathways as fast as their legs would take them.

Aaron scrambled not to splat against the ground. He did something not quite right and instead of landing smoothly he sent himself violently rolling and tumbling to one side. After a rough trip uphill, his ribcage thumped the wall of the cave at twenty miles an hour.

He lay there for a while, first busy seeing stars, then trying to figure out who he was and why he hurt. The knowledge came back to him eventually, and with it came a warm feeling of satisfaction.

Alex would be proud.

By the time Aaron finally got to his feet, Ming Xiu already strode toward him, sword still in hand. The section of cave behind her had become a carpet of corpses drenched in black blood.

He eyed the sword with curiosity, but there was nothing remarkable about it a straight length of double-edged steel, with an unassuming pommel and a guard like black horns. As she approached, the silvery weapon vanished with a burst of dancing mists.

Her brow was knit in a troubled expression. Not one part of her outfit was rumpled or disheveled. Not one hair was out of place. She didn t even look tired.

He looked back at her in silence for a few beats.

Are all Humans Super Saiyan? Aaron finally asked.

Ming Xiu rolled her eyes. Gibberish words. Another reference I have no way of understanding, isn t it.

I guess I shouldn t ask why the Zerg are attacking this place, then.

She sighed, then stared at him for a brief moment.

Did I actually offend her?

She shook her head. You got hurt.

He glanced at the small collection of scrapes on his arms. His cheek stung as well. I had to, uh. Improvise.

I apologize. I shouldn t have let them get to you.

Are you kidding? That was insane. You killed nearly all of them. You re all kinds of badass.

Ming Xiu shook her head again. We re far from done here. Follow.

Her feet lifted off the ground and she began sailing through the air toward the realm proper, slowly at first. Aaron wobbled toward her, mostly succeeding at keeping up with her speed. When they passed over the sea of mangled bodies, the rotten smell hit him square in the face.

Blegh!

The sight of it from above was just as delightful. Some of them still twitched, Aaron noticed.

Ming Xiu was saying something, but it took him a little while to focus on her words.

They d have fled in all directions, instead of concentrating on me. I made sure to shoot down those that broke off to give word of our disruption, but there could be more ahead expecting us. She paused before continuing. I ll do my best to keep you safe. If any spit at you, dodge randomly while you flee back down the tunnel. If they come at you, avoid their stalks at all costs. Both thorn and stalk will paralyze you and leave you at their mercy. I also guarantee it will be the most pain you ve ever experienced.

His eyes widened. Suddenly his daring bluff back there seemed much less daring and a lot more reckless.

Poison? he asked, barely able to keep up and talk at the same time.

Ming Xiu took a long moment to respond. Close enough. At the sight of hostiles, stay fifteen meters behind me and don t draw attention to yourself. Amusement crept into her tone. Unless you think you can scare them off again.

Doubt I ll get so lucky a second time.

Scary, he blurted out between aerial boosts.

I m afraid the worst is yet to come.

Marvelous, he tried to say, but only a grunt came out.

He could hear the roaring sounds of battle in the distance.

_________

The cave opened up to a beautiful twilight sky of purples and dark blues. No Sun could be seen, but a solitary star did shine up there a steady white dot halfway between zenith and horizon. Black thorns and white javelins littered the floor, and the wordless clamor of battle filled the air: hateful cries and monstrous bellows, violent whip-cracks and earth-rattling thunder.

The pair of travelers landed where tunnel became open ground, Ming Xiu like a dove, Aaron like a lump of lead. The exit of the cave was a large plateau that led to a sprawling vista of the realm, but the view was blocked by the corpses piling up everywhere.

Well over half the dead were the black shapes of the writhen. The rest were the mangled bodies of creatures Aaron had never seen before, but he soon took to calling them golems in his head. They looked like ponderous metal gorillas: thick limbs, hunched-over shoulders, heads like bowling balls. Their faces were diverse and surprisingly expressive, with big eyebrows and pronounced underbite. A long quiver was fused to their hip, no doubt used to carry the javelins jutting out of many writhen corpses.

Every one of them was marked with a black lemniscate over a silver sunburst on their left shoulder. The motif had slight variations from one creature to the next.

Looks like the golem defense force was overrun here.

How dare they do this, Ming Xiu said. She had taken a few steps into the mess, apparently unaffected by the rotten smell. Aaron could literally sense the anger radiating from her, cold and terrible.

He hesitated, then stepped closer.

They can t do that much harm, can they? I mean, if you can kill hundreds of them

He d gotten close enough to the cliff to see what she was seeing.

Holy crap.

The view beyond the plateau was an enormous crater tens of kilometers across, like a giant bowl buried in the landscape. A jagged mountain range ran its entire perimeter, blocking the view of whatever lay beyond. The bowl s surface was of white rock, with bluish tinges here and there that looked like linear growths of quartz. At the center of it rose a structure, huge, stylish, magnificent, and it surely would have dominated Aaron s attention if the crater hadn t been a battlefield worthy of Mordor versus Isengard.

A solid mass of black pushed against a half-circle of golem defenders, like a river of tar overflowing a dam. There were no fortifications surrounding the structure, and the forces trying to repel the writhen had to constantly stretch ever thinner to cover the flanking attackers. Projectiles streaked back and forth between the armies, white javelins falling where they may, black needles shot without much regard for a specific target. Along the battle line, Aaron could see the real driving force behind the resistance.

Some of the Humans moved like Ming Xiu had, gleaming weapon in hand, mist trailing behind them as they cut down opponents at blinding speed. Others used the ground beneath their feet as both shield and weapon, creating sudden growths of rock to scatter, maim and disrupt the creatures around them. A shirtless man down the middle threw sweeping kicks and hooks, each one projecting arcing waves of shimmering smoke that violently exploded on contact with the monsters.

On the left flank, a swirling ball of mist two stories tall churned and flowed to suddenly resolve into a gargantuan brass giant of smooth surfaces and sleek lines. It immediately rampaged into the mass of writhen, lumbering arms swinging from side to side and tossing the creatures about by the dozen. Its skin shrugged aside the deadly thorns shot at it as if they were pebbles.

Behind the battle lines, two women traveled along the outside of the large central structure, on a platform much like the one Ming Xiu had used to traverse the Pathways. One of the women looked as solid and corporeal as Diego had when creating his handrail, back in Thousand Rivers. The other was ethereal, as though her skin was about to break up in a puff of smoke. Together they focused on the ground beneath their transport, and as they moved an enormous spiked wall sprouted in their wake. At the rate they were going, they would not finish before the writhen tide crashed against it.

As Aaron looked on, a trailer-sized chunk of rock was pulled off the battleground, made to levitate high in the air, and then lobbed at the horde. A man back-flipped off it at the last moment and flew away before he could be targeted. The huge boulder landed with a shattering boom and rolled into the sea of black, crushing hundreds.

It barely made a dent in their numbers.

This shouldn t be happening, Ming Xiu said, her eyes intent on the field. There are too many.

It took Aaron a while to find his tongue. A sense of dread had been steadily creeping up his spine. Could we lose this realm?

She looked at him impassively. Not if the reinforcements arrive in time. Numbers is what makes any assault against us even remotely viable.

Why doesn t everyone just fly up and drop rocks on them? Just like the guy over there did?

She shook her head. That is Yuri Zharkiev, and he s one of a kind. So far, you ve been exposed only to those of us with a great deal of talent, but not everyone is like that.

Another teeth-rattling boom spread through the realm as the next boulder landed. Just then the horde closed up around one of the Humans fighting at the vanguard, every creature nearby swarming to the spot in a frenzy. The undercurrent coming from the area exploded in a jarring distortion that ground against Aaron s senses, like a sudden burst of feedback in the middle of a classical concert.

He cringed, eyes tightly shut for a moment. The signal died down slowly, until only a feeble residue remained.

Alarmed, Aaron looked at Ming Xiu. The woman had been angry before, but now she appeared ready to charge into combat and start killing everything in her path.

I m holding you back, Aaron heard himself saying. Don t worry about me, just go help them.

She wanted to. It was visible in her taut poise, her clenched jaw, the fire in her eyes.

She probably knows the name and story of every single person down there.

We re not invincible, Ming Xiu said in a hoarse whisper. She took a moment to regain her composure and continued in a clear voice. I cannot leave you here. And I would fall, eventually, and it wouldn t make a difference. Our best bet is to wait for Queg to arrive with help from Trenches. I ll be ready to quickly organize their efforts.

Ming Xiu glanced at him, long enough for Aaron to see her inner struggle. Contempt marked her words as she continued to watch the disaster unfolding below. The writhen are known thralls to several hostile species out there. They are far from mindless, but they wouldn t do this on their own. A Sapient race is behind this attack. They will be hunted down and purged from the face of Eternal.

Judging by the finality of her prediction, it sounded like Humans had substantial experience in the purging business.

Wonder how warranted this attack is. It really doesn t sound like we go out of our way to make friends.

A small gasp interrupted his grim thoughts. Ming Xiu s expression had changed entirely, from murderous intent to wide-eyed disbelief. She was watching the sky.

Aaron followed her gaze, and soon he noticed that the lone white spot in the otherwise featureless firmament was getting bigger, brighter. A swirling halo of mist surrounded it, darker tendrils furiously orbiting the star as it grew. Their erratic paths cast a dance of shadows upon its swelling surface.

The star had gone from distant light to a blazing white sun that illuminated the whole realm. Warmth washed over them, the long-departed heat of afternoon daylight.

What just happened? Aaron asked. He could stare straight into the sun without shielding his eyes.

Radiant light illuminated the battlefield. He wouldn t have thought twice about it on Earth, yet he found himself speechless for a moment. It was as if the sun had come out after endless months of overcast skies.

He looked at Ming Xiu and was taken by how different she appeared. Her features were a mask of contrasts under the white blaze. Everything in sight now cast a shadow, from his own hands to the distant cliffs.

The Silver Sun shines upon us, Ming Xiu said. Her voice trembled slightly. The Unbound is here.

_________

A bank of hazy clouds gathered over the crater. Although wispy at first, they condensed into a dense fog that steadily descended upon the battlefield. A kind of energy rippled through this fog that conferred it a sense of purpose, a bitter outrage that yearned for retribution.

Eerie silence came over the realm, as if the fog had swallowed every soul in the field. The view of the crater blurred, and then the screams began.

Aaron had thought the battle noisy and brutal, but it had been quiet compared to the agonized wails that rose from the churning sea of gray. They were screams that didn t belong to human throats, screams that told a story nobody would ever want to hear. Aaron covered his ears as they grew louder and louder, but it didn t seem to help in the slightest.

Falon s voice chimed in his thoughts. Do you really think that your eardrums are vibrating to airborne sound waves?

Ming

Ssh! The woman s admonishing finger flashed in front of his eyes, and she fixed him with a glare that quieted the rest of his protest.

The dreadful cries died abruptly. The silence that followed, absolute and sudden, provided no relief. It wasn t the peaceful quiet of mountain-top excursions or library studies. It was the stillness of the midnight mugger waiting behind the corner, the serial killer approaching his next victim. A silence that rung in his ears as loudly as the screams had.

The blurriness remained, a strange fluctuation of the area ahead that subtly distorted details and shapes. It felt as if they were watching behind a thin sheet of torrid steam. Aaron would have asked about it, but Ming Xiu s glare was still fresh in his thoughts.

The fog began whirling like a slow-moving cyclone, rolling over the landscape to flow inwards, spiraling toward its center. It left no trace of the writhen in its wake, no maimed corpses, no stains upon the pristine white rock. The Human forces were left untouched as the mists receded.

The cyclone converged in a rotating sphere as it moved upwards, tendrils of smoke drifting all around it. Hovering high above the field, the haze shimmered and came together to form a human frame.

The Unbound was tall and graceful, devoid of color, clothes or features. A mane of mist flowed like a halo around her face, capricious and insubstantial. More mist curled around her body, went through it, poured and drank from it. The mist was it.

Her voice spread across the realm, calm, imposing. It came from far above, and yet Aaron could hear it as if the Unbound were standing right in front of him.

Times of peace have made you complacent.

It was a woman s voice, smooth and feminine. It was a man s voice, deep and rugged. It was a child s voice, and an elder s voice, and a dozen other voices joined in an indeterminate blur.

You neglect your training. You grow careless in your surveillance, relying on a ruthless reputation that you no longer strive to maintain. You abandon the upkeep of fortifications and defensible positions in favor of lines and shapes better suited to please your tastes. This is the result.

A lone writhen materialized before the Unbound as she spoke. The beast looked like the real thing, twitching and turning its eyeless head in all directions. Then it noticed who had summoned it forth and went crazy, screaming and squealing in terror, its legs struggling in vain to paddle away.

The Unbound flicked a wrist. The creature was violently thrown from the sky and crushed against the floor, its dark blood spattering everywhere.

Must I remind you again of the dangers that surround us? Must I remind you of your past?

A succession of images flashed by the corpse-stain as they spoke, lifelike holograms of a variety of creatures. Unless they were all giants, they had been enlarged for the benefit of the audience.

The other Sapients resent Human dominance, and can strike anywhere, at any time.

The image of a sleek blue-skinned humanoid with marked fish-like features was replaced by a squat, hardy-looking biped covered in hair head-to-toe.

Humanity once cowered before those whose power couldn t match our own. We were forced to hide or serve simply because their numbers were greater.

What very much looked like a cyborg faded, followed by a bird-like alien with large beady eyes, taloned legs and a mantle of feathers on its back.

Even now they hold some of our numbers, hiding them through guile and cowardice, imposing their will on those who rightfully belong to our fold.

The last image was of a slender frame, dark skinned and elegant. It could have been easily mistaken for a particularly tall, wiry human. Once it billowed out of existence, something that Aaron couldn t explain compelled him to focus back on the unfathomable being in the sky.

You have grown to rely on my protection, the Unbound said. I am left to wonder, are you worthy of it? Will you let yourselves be vanquished by rabble, one ethereal arm gestured at the gruesome stain on the ground, because you grew too comfortable to defend yourselves?

The words lingered in the ensuing silence, searing hot in Aaron s thoughts.

Other matters require my attention. I ask you to take pride in the task I set before you. You will make this realm a bastion of Human ingenuity, an impregnable fortress that will be a testament to Humanity s resilience and permanence. You will spare no resource to erect a worthy stronghold to protect every name of our species.

The Unbound s form shifted in some way that Aaron couldn t quite explain. It became grander, more official, as if her audience had become greater by several orders of magnitude. The sun blazed with renewed strength.

Heed My Voice And Remember, My Brethren.

An Attack On The Beacon Has Been Thwarted. The Attack Has Claimed The Will Of Chae Sun Red Grove. We Remember And Mourn The End Of Chae Sun.

Let The Writhen Assault On The Beacon Be Known As The Seven Hundred And Fifty Second Portent. Let This Portent Mark The Onset Of The Beacon Stronghold. Let This Portent Mark The Genesis Of The Third Writhen Purge.

We Remain Vigilant.

The realm fell into a moment of silence. The Unbound s attention once more focused on the Humans present.

The Silver Sun will shine upon you again once your task is completed. Gusts of mist started swirling around the skyborne figure, enveloping it in a glimmering sphere of light and shadow. The Unbound rose even higher, until human shape and radiant star became indistinguishable from one another.

Always remain vigilant.

The entity collapsed upon itself in a burst of smoke that dispersed through the twilight sky. The Silver Sun winked out of existence, replaced by a tiny white star that was but a pale memory of the uplifting warmth that had come before it.

The Unbound had departed.

The blurriness distorting Aaron s sight finally lifted. Everything remained still, immersed in a silence pregnant with the lingering influence of the Unbound s presence.

Did all that really just happen?

Someone cheered, down in the crater a wordless yell of pride and triumph. A chorus of cheers ensued, followed by the jubilant bellows of thousands of golems. Ming Xiu didn t join in, but probably would have if she d been standing among them. She turned to look at Aaron, her stance much more relaxed.

The Unbound protects Humanity, Aaron. She brings light to our existence.

I didn t expect her to be such a douche, Aaron thought. His eyes widened when he realized he d muttered it out loud.

Oh shit.

Ming Xiu closed the few steps that separated them, a warning in her eyes. Aaron got the impression that he was a moment away from getting slapped across the face.

The Unbound is the sole reason you exist, she said in a harsh voice. Who do you think instated the protocol? Who do you think makes sure the Truce of the Pathways is enforced? The Unbound s guidance and strength keeps us safe from misery and persecution. To mock her is an insult to me and to all of us, and I will not abide it.

Sorry, it just came out! I m still shaken, you know, from all the screaming?

Ming Xiu s features softened slightly. I tried to shield you from the brunt of it. You might have noticed.

The blurriness?

She backed off, saying nothing.

Look, I m sorry, I didn t mean to offend. I thought she d be just another person, not some kind of deity.

Ming Xiu took in a hissing breath through her teeth, face wrinkled up in a cringe. Boundless grace, don t let anyone hear you say that. For all her power, The Unbound is every bit as human as you and me. It s terribly crass to say otherwise.

Oh. So . . . she s got an actual name?

She pursed her lips in displeasure. She had a name, given up after the First Shapeshifter s sacrifice. How do you not know this? I thought Falon covered ancient history with you.

Aaron blushed. It, um . . . it might have devolved into name-calling before she got very far. I wasn t at my most receptive.

Ming Xiu rolled her eyes. Remind her when we get back. Now, be polite to everyone and keep questions to yourself while we re here. Your ignorance will reflect poorly on Thousand Rivers, and I d rather avoid that. I will speak on your behalf, we ll fruitlessly search the census, do what we came here to do and then we ll go back to your training.

Her dismissive tone brought a bitter taste to Aaron s mouth. He resolved to bite his tongue and just look down into the crater.

The people had gathered a short distance from the Beacon, talking among each other next to the impromptu wall. Meanwhile, the golems had mobilized with quiet efficiency to take care of anything that remained out of place.

There were no writhen corpses to dispose of, but the number of golem bodies must have added up to at least one third the amount still standing. They organized themselves a pair to each corpse, carrying them off the battlefield and disappearing into caves that Aaron hadn t noticed until then, their entrances poking out of the slanted ground like squat Hobbit hovels. Others went around collecting white spears and black thorns, also carrying them underground, and a detachment was making its way up the slope, probably aiming to clean up the mess at the realm s entrance.

Remember this moment, Aaron. You are now reeling from your first portent. I had a feeling it would be deemed as such, it s been a while since the last one. The dark-haired woman stepped toward the edge of the plateau. You even witnessed it as it happened. Not many can claim that.

That s super, Aaron said. I ll blog about it later.

Ming Xiu shook her head again, studied patience in her expression. Let s get you introduced so we can take care of our business here.

She jumped off the edge of the crater without even checking if he would follow.

Of course, there was no reason why she should. What else was Aaron going to do?

_________

The Beacon looked like a palace pulled right out of a storybook, thick with elaborate towers that stretched upward as if competing with one another. Its walls were of the same white as the crater surrounding it, their surface broken at irregular intervals by capriciously shaped windows.

Some crenelations and portholes and freaking catapults would have come in handy just a moment ago, Aaron thought as he craned his neck. Maybe the Big Boss was right.

Its central tower reached twice as far as any other, ending at a point that was almost as tall as the sides of the crater. Its surface shifted near the top to form a vertical ring of white stone, at the center of which a large silvery sphere hovered. As far as Aaron could tell, its purpose was exclusively aesthetic.

They approached on foot at a leisurely pace that gave everyone plenty of time to prepare for their arrival. Ming Xiu s attire rippled and shifted as they drew near, back to her simple travel outfit of cream colored dress and tall boots.

The conversations died out well before the newcomers got close to the group. Feeling like he was approaching the popular clique back in high school, Aaron raised a hand as greeting and coaxed out a smile.

He might as well have been invisible, as all seventeen pairs of eyes were glued on Ming Xiu. They stood in groups of twos and threes, and were of wildly varying nationalities, facial features, skin colors, all beautiful or handsome in their own way. Most looked friendly, but reserved. Some showed signs of respectful deference. Three were openly welcoming. One regarded Ming Xiu with a hostile sneer. Aaron could sense nine other people inside the palace.

Sneer Man took a few steps toward them and made no effort to conceal his animosity.

Is it safe enough for you to come meet us, Ming Xiu? Or do you want to wait some more, just in case they return?

Ming Xiu kept every ounce of her composure. She gave him the smile of a long-suffering waitress putting up with a rude jackass of a customer.

It s been too long, Yuri. Meeting with you is always a pleasure. You made the Unbound proud.

Not thanks to you. If she hadn t intervened

Trenches would have come to the rescue. She made a vague gesture with her hand toward the entrance of the realm, her voice all pleasant politeness. Please send an emissary to the interface. They must be told when they arrive that the Silver Sun cast a shadow and danger is no more. Have a care, the outer sentries were unleashed.

Yuri Zharkiev, a wiry spindle of a man dressed in a simple T-shirt and fatigue pants, got in Ming Xiu s face before responding. You could have joined, he said in a low rasp. Just a little closer and their noses would have touched. You could have saved Chae Sun.

Ming Xiu s features turned somber, dropping all pretense of friendliness. I had no way to know. I would have led the reinforcements when

As far as I m concerned, Zharkiev butted into her sentence, his voice honed to cut deep, Chae Sun was severed because you held back when you shouldn t have. He glanced at Aaron, walked past them, and took off toward the realm entrance atop a small disk made of the rock beneath his feet.

Ming Xiu remained, eyes staring ahead, nostrils flared. The rest of the small crowd didn t seem to know how to proceed. Aaron imagined that not even they knew how to feel, with the joy and pride of cheering for an impossible victory paired with the need to mourn the loss of a comrade. Hopefully the cheers would prevail over the grief.

Eh, to hell with it. If I m gonna be the newbie, might as well own it.

Aaron put on his Friendly Insurance Man face and stepped forth, raising a hand as greeting.

You guys were amazing! He hooked a thumb over his shoulder. Especially that guy, I ve never seen anything like it. I don t think I could ever face an army of monsters like you guys did. He nodded into a brief pause, then brought up his hands in a mild placating gesture. Hey, I just wanted to let you know that it s my fault Ming Xiu couldn t help. She wanted to, but she had to babysit me. You should have seen how angry she was up there, I really can t explain.

No-one seemed to know what to make of him. He felt a hand rest on his shoulder-blade.

Aaron, Ming Xiu said. What are you doing?

Apologizing, and making friends, I hope. We ll spend eternity together, right? Might as well get started on the right foot.

He took another step forward, toward the nearest person in front of him: a tall, fair-skinned woman with wavy blond hair cascading down her back. She was dressed in an airy white gown fit for an elf maiden. He extended his hand as he closed in. My name s Aaron Gretchen. Nice to meet you.

The woman smiled after only the briefest pause. Ooo, a modern. She took his hand and gave it a dainty squeeze. I m Lianne. Nice to meet you too, Aaron.

Say, would you mind introducing me to your friends, Lianne? He glanced at the rest in a good-natured way. They were looking back at him with an assortment of fairly cordial dispositions. I don t know if you ve noticed, but I m new here.

The woman s smile broadened, but Ming Xiu s frown was clear in her voice. That ll be enough, Aaron.

That s alright, Ming Xiu, Lianne said, by all appearances enchanted with Aaron s efforts. Newborns are always so shy. A chatty one is quite refreshing. She turned her attention back to him. I ll get you introduced in a moment. I need to do something first, I ll be back in two steps.

Lianne side-stepped him, then almost tackled Ming Xiu to the ground with a hug. Two others, a man and a woman, broke off from the group and patiently waited for their turn to do the same, effectively burying the hardly-over-five-foot woman in a pile of affection.

Ming Xiu strove to keep her composure while doing her best to reciprocate. It went beyond a simple hug something passed between them that left the foursome looking a bit more relaxed after they were done with all the greetings.

Aaron, Ming Xiu said, her hand resting on Lianne s forearm. Juliana will be too busy helping design the Beacon Stronghold to be your guide, unfortunately. Lianne started to protest, but Ming Xiu spoke over her words, giving the three of them an intent look. So will Jan and Naomi. They will do the Unbound proud.

Jan a muscular thirty-something with blue eyes and tousled hair so light that it was almost white and Naomi a dark-skinned beauty with small mouth and nose, large eyes and a dark, curly mane that framed her face like spirited fireworks exchanged a look before turning their gaze back to Ming Xiu. They met her eyes for a while, seemed like they were going to refuse, then deflated and looked down. Their lips curved up even as they did so.

It will be as you say, Ming Xiu.

Off with the three of you then. You better have a few good ideas by the time Aaron and I are done down below. Ming Xiu made a shooing motion toward the palace as she spoke.

Lianne sighed and gave Ming Xiu another hug, far more reserved this time. Do come find us when you are done? she asked while making doe eyes.

Of course.

Apparently satisfied, the young woman turned to follow the other two.

Weird how she s the young woman and Ming Xiu is their senior, Aaron mused. They all look the same age.

Lianne walked by, regarding him with an impish grin and a wink. Always do what the sifu says. A pleasure to meet you, Aaron Gretchen.

She turned around and honored Ming Xiu with a playful curtsy, then scampered off to join the other two on their way inside. The three of them disappeared behind the ornate arch of the entryway.

Ming Xiu watched them go, sighed and stepped next to Aaron. Then she took another step to address the remainder of the crowd.

I am sorry I did not join you, she said to them, eyes cast down, shoulders slumped. I had good reasons to stay my hand, but Chae Sun is no more, and I could have prevented it. I hope you can forgive me.

She stood before them like a prisoner on trial. The thirteen Humans listened to her, then shared looks with one another. There was such variety among them, it was like a United Nations summit where most attendants also had a successful modeling career.

There is no need for you to do this, said a tall brunette with the most prominently aquiline nose Aaron had ever seen. He recognized her as one of the women that had been building the wall as the battle raged.

A Japanese man in honest-to-goodness ninja garb spoke right after her. You sent for help. You would have saved us if the Unbound hadn t.

Another person stepped forth, a sleek, clean-cut man of dark African features that would have looked most comfortable in a suit. The fact that he was bare-chested at the moment did nothing to detract from that impression. It is unlikely that you would have made a difference if you had joined by yourself, Ming Xiu. He closed the few steps between them as he spoke, his voice a deep bass that rumbled with every word. Yuri is only grieving in the only way he knows. I doubt he truly blames you. He shared another meaningful look with everyone else. I know that no-one here does.

Ming Xiu nodded and ran her gaze through the diverse group of people. Thank you, she said. After a small pause, she brought her index and middle finger to her heart, like she had done when leaving Thousand Rivers.

We remember Chae Sun.

Everyone mimicked her gesture, repeating her words in a widely staggered chorus.

After a moment of silence, the strong-nosed woman chimed in. Let s undo this wall, Joan. Clear the way for construction.

Maybe we should work it into the design, a petite woman responded, and Aaron knew her for the second of the pair that built the wall. Her flaxen pixie haircut and long-sleeved, skin-hugging clothes reinforced the slight-of-frame look.

The two women then carried on into an increasingly heated debate on the architectural intricacies of the future fortress. They walked off while pointing at several locations and arguing every step of the way.

The dark-skinned man in front of Ming Xiu followed them with his eyes. They ll eventually agree on something, he said with a smile, and it ll be worth the arguments. He looked directly at Aaron, features friendly and inviting. I hear you bring a new member to our midst, Ming Xiu. Excellent news, and sorely needed after what has happened. He stepped closer to Aaron and offered him a hand to shake. My name is Lesedi Zuma, friend.

He took Lesedi s hand and gave it a healthy squeeze. Pleasure. Aaron Gretchen, in case you didn t catch it.

Lesedi is the chief scribe here at the census, Ming Xiu put in. He will be recording your entry, as well as updating mine with Queg s information.

The man gave Aaron a funny look. A little inexperienced to be taking him out just yet, is he not?

Special circumstances. Don t ask or you ll get him started and he will never stop.

I resent that, Aaron said. I d probably stop at some point.

I d like to get him down to the census as soon as possible. When you have a moment?

Lesedi glanced across the small crowd behind him. They had lost interest in the new arrivals, and were gathered in small groups again, engrossed in conversations of disparate levity.

Give me some time to settle things up here. I d also like to talk to Yuri before doing anything else, if you don t mind. We re lucky he was here when this happened.

Of course. We will wait for you there. The woman gestured for Aaron to follow and started walking toward the gigantic structure.

Ming Xiu, Lesedi called out before Aaron had taken the first step. She looked at the man over her shoulder.

There was a hesitant pause.

It s good to see you again, he finished with a fond smile. She nodded in acknowledgment, smiling back. Then she tilted her head at Aaron so that he would get moving.

Aaron looked back and forth between them, waved a largely ignored see ya! in the group s general direction and followed in Ming Xiu s footsteps.

_________

They walked through the bowels of the Beacon, deep below ground. The structure stretched down just as far as it did up, possibly more. It also spread outwards, with each level expanding to cover a larger area the farther down they went. The census was at the very bottom, according to Ming Xiu.

For all its outward splendor and majestic needle-like towers, the inside was austere. Furniture was non-existent save for the odd table here and there, and decorations were limited to artful patterns in the white stone, elaborate motifs in doorways, the occasional statue. There were no lamps, as everything was illuminated in the usual diffuse, shadowless way; no windows, as there was nothing to see but naked rock; no helpful signs for ease of navigation, at least that Aaron had noticed. The layout of rooms and passageways didn t go as far as being a maze, but it was certainly complicated enough for a visitor to get lost after a mere ten minutes of exploration.

They followed a path that curved in a wide spiral around the perimeter of the building, sinking deeper underground at a lazy slope. The walls were several arm-spans apart, and the ceiling arched a full three meters over their heads.

So quite a lot of history between all of you guys, huh?

Ming Xiu gave Aaron a sidelong look. There is history between most Humans in Eternal. We exist for a very long time. We are bound to meet a lot of our peers.

Sounds like you ve more than just met some of the people here, though.

She nodded. Juliana, Naomi and Jan were my pupils many portents ago, as you might have gathered. Juliana is the oldest, then Jan and Naomi were brought up together. Normally there is more than one student at Thousand Rivers at any given time. The recent dearth of newborns has been worrying me, in fact. Hopefully you will buck the trend and herald the arrival of many more. An affectionate grin curved her lips. You might think you are quite the handful, but you ve got nothing on those three.

She glanced at him and seemed to hold back whatever else she had to say on the matter. I shouldn t tell you that. They are my equals now, and rightfully so. Make sure to treat them like you would treat me.

Aaron chuckled. I wouldn t worry about that. Falon made it quite clear that I m just a little kid in everyone s eyes. He couldn t keep the hint of bitterness out of his voice. I m not about to go ask them to hang out.

I m sorry, Aaron. I know it s hard to deal with. Everyone knows that you are in fact a grown man, but you ll understand how it is, with time. If it helps, think of us as wise octogenarians that know better than you on every subject.

You are all entirely too attractive for that to work.

She laughed softly. Yes, well. Don t let that take you in. Even if biology no longer dictates our outward flaws and limitations, there are some very ugly people out there, just like in every society. She made a vague cutting gesture with her hand. But that shouldn t concern you at the moment. I do want you to know that Yuri Zharkiev is a good man. We go a long way back longer than most and, if anything, he cares too much. Don t let what you saw earlier color your future dealings with him.

Aaron nodded, a bit uncertain. And Lesedi?

Lesedi is a close friend. He cares for the census like it s his offspring. A large part of it is his offspring, in a way. Another sidelong look. More amusement in her voice. Why would you ask me about him?

Oh, just curious.

Curious?

Just say it, you big gossip.

I don t mean to step out of line, but he seems to be way into you. I bet there s a pretty good story there.

She chuckled and shook her head. We would be talking from here to eternity if we were to trade stories on every single soul I ve met. And you do step out of line, newborn Gretchen. She hesitated a moment, then assumed a more serious tone. Don t be silly enough to bring up this matter with him. Understood?

Um, sure. The corner of his mouth twitched up. It s really none of my business, Honorable Teacher.

He got an unladylike snort for a reply.

They crossed an archway shaped like a rounded wedge and entered a circular courtyard with a vaulted ceiling and a big hole in the middle, like an elevator shaft. Three more doorways stood left, right and center. Concentric patterns adorned the dome, while the whole floor was covered with the silver sunburst and lemniscate motif.

Such a big room and not even some measly benches . . . .

This place is deserted, Aaron said as they walked toward the center of the room. How come there s only some thirty people here? The census sounds like such a big deal, I thought there would be more of us to protect it.

A smile played on Ming Xiu s lips. Tell me, what was the population of the city you died in? 2021 Seattle, was it?

Aaron raised an eyebrow at the seemingly unrelated question.

Uh, It was about six hundred and fifty thousand, I think.

I see. How many people do you think would remain in Seattle, if you spread its population through every city in your country of origin?

Aaron got an inkling of where she was going. Umm, not many? I don t know. If there s, like, two hundred cities, it d be about . . . three thousand per city.

Alright. Now, spread that population to every city on Earth. And then spread

Three thousand two hundred and fifty, actually.

Yes, fine. Take all those people and spread them all over the galaxy, and then a few more galaxies beyond that. How many people do you have left to manage every settlement in your empire?

He lifted a hand in surrender. Alright, I get it.

There are over one million active Humans registered in this census. The Beacon is heavily populated, especially for its size. With some exceptions, most Human realms are inhabited by about five to fifteen of us, and that s plenty to spare.

That s a crapload of settlements. Aren t we spread way too thin?

It is necessary. Her voice took on a steely inflection. The more areas in Eternal under our control, the less newborns get severed upon arrival. The more widespread our dominance, the less likely other races are of doing harm to our young.

There was true conviction behind her words, enough to hint at bitter past experiences of some kind. Aaron decided to veer from the topic.

And I guess all these settlements are realms just like Thousand Rivers?

There is as much diversity between realms as there are Humans. Many are simply homes, tailored to the tastes of its tenants. Some are but outposts, staging points for our advance. Thousand Rivers is a Caretaker reservation, but it functions as a teaching retreat as well. The protocol mentions it specifically as one of the realms to which newborns should be taken. I take pride in that, although maybe I shouldn t. That s part of the reason I don t want you to make a fool of yourself.

Aw, Aaron said. I ll have it in mind. The complete lack of sarcasm in his tone caught him a little by surprise.

Thirty Humans plus the golems would be a formidable defense force with the right infrastructure and support, but well . . . the Unbound spoke the truth, in short.

Huh, they really are called golems. How about that.

She carried on. We ve grown complacent. Overconfident. I would like to claim I m different, but you saw Thousand Rivers. It could hardly be defended against an army a tenth the size of the writhen force that attacked earlier.

Why didn t everyone just bunker up inside this place? You could hold out forever in this maze.

Not against creatures like the writhen. With enough numbers they are capable of undoing anything that bears our touch. They ve been specifically bred to be a threat to us.

The fun never stops in crazyland. Bred? By whom?

She seemed to find the question amusing. Our enemies, of course. The Unbound showed you some of them. But enough of that. Ming Xiu pointed palm-up at the round pit a few steps in front of them. This is the quick way down. I trust you would like to get your search over with?

Uh, sure. I thought we were already taking the quick way down.

She smiled kindly. I decided to take the longer route for a time, so we could put some of your dire questions at ease.

It was a startling contrast, the current amicable demeanor against her earlier harshness.

I . . . appreciate that, Aaron said. Not knowing what s going on gets really frustrating.

She nodded magnanimously, then gave a meaningful look at the big hole in the ground. Shall we?

Yeah, um. We just jump in, or . . . .

Indeed. She stepped up to the edge, her tone all business again. Control your descent carefully and try to make it as smooth as you can. Take your time. I will wait at the bottom.

She dropped in with a small jump. Aaron approached the edge and looked down.

Holy crap that s deep.

The woman traveled quickly down the shaft, feet first, arms slightly spread, the skirt of her cream dress oddly still. The white background and lack of shadows made it impossible to determine how far down the bottom was, but he could make out tens of floors to pass through.

Aaron took a deep breath and reached out to the medium. He felt around the familiar texture of space, getting reacquainted with it, and then he carefully manipulated the force pushing him down to lift him up instead.

After a measly seven tries and a moderate amount of struggle, he hovered perfectly still at the center of the pit. Then he allowed the downward push to slowly resurface where he was floating, while flattening the region that he was moving into so that it wouldn t alter his advance in any way.

He stopped short many times and over-compensated his influence often, but the trip grew steadier the further down he went. His every mental resource went into not embarrassing himself too much. He couldn t fathom how this could become second nature over time.

What he saw when passing every level only registered marginally: drab corridors, deserter courtyards, nondescript rooms. He did see a few golems, but the sight was too fleeting for him to figure out what they were doing.

Ming Xiu had become a dark dot waiting for him, far below. He tried not to think about the distance and just concentrate on not plummeting down.

About five minutes later, his feet touched the ground with a surprisingly quiet thump.

Your progress in non-standard travel is impressive, Ming Xiu said as he walked over, a hint of pride in her features. She gestured for them to keep going. Your version is relatively uncommon. Very few understand vector gravity as quickly as you have.

It took him a few seconds to comprehend that he d just gotten a compliment.

I, uh. I barely manage to keep afloat most of the time.

That you manage is enough.

Falon called it the crappiest way to travel.

One of the most involved, perhaps, and very dependent on your current medium, but it has great potential for additional uses. It is in truth a manifestation of greater abilities to come.

They reached a fork in the path and she pointed at the left corridor. It s not far now. We should be able to search for your wife s hypothetical entry before Lesedi gets here. Queg will come with him, most certainly.

Ming Xiu led the way through a maze of tunnels and hallways clearly designed to stave off invaders, with dozens of twists, turns and choke points along the way.

How do you even know where you re going?

I helped build this place.

Oh. Okay. Wow.

They arrived at a long hall that led to an archway hardly wide enough for a person to fit through. The walls of the hall were lined with rows of embrasures carved through the live rock. A hollowed-out area could be seen through the portholes.

Just needs a moat and a drawbridge.

An elven maiden stood at the arch. Aaron did a double-take that would have been right at home in a silent film, as she hadn t been there just a moment ago.

Ming Xiu of Aerie, the unknown woman called out in a clear soprano. And a man I have yet to meet. Born of the Pathways, and . . . . Her perfect mouth curled in distaste. Uneducated.

On closer inspection, there were no pointy ears to mark her as an elf of Tolkien lore. Everything else was there, however: large, almond-shaped blue eyes; hair like a cascade of molten gold that flowed down to her waistline; fair, immaculate skin; a vaporous dress to hug slender curves.

Sounds like she s got the snooty attitude too.

Unbound honor and guard you, keeper. Ming Xiu s voice was formal, detached. Thousand Rivers is my chosen home, as you well know. Aerie lies an eternity away.

Yet you keep it close to your thoughts. As well you should. The woman paused and glanced at Aaron. He couldn t help but feel like a bothersome fly under her intense scrutiny. You may enter.

She didn t step aside. She simply turned into a puff of mist that disappeared into the depths of the room. Ming Xiu looked at Aaron, then rolled her eyes for his benefit. Some of us have a penchant for the dramatic, as you can see. She tilted her head toward the archway. Between her and Diego, there s enough theatrics for a troupe of pretend magicians.

Aaron considered teasing her about the dramatic pauses and flamboyant speech in which she was prone to indulge.

Who is she? he asked instead.

Marion Baterich is the keeper of the census. She maintains its proper organization and carries out all entry manipulation. She sees this as her calling, and takes her mission very seriously, so you might want to keep your attempts at humor to yourself for the time being.

Attempts at humor. Ouch.

In fact, keep quiet unless spoken to, she continued. She is also one of the Oathsworn, excelling in both sensation and displacement, and will not go for long without reminding you of that fact.

An Oathsworn, uh . . . librarian?

Record-keeper. I would very much advise you to be respectful to her, Aaron.

I thought Lesedi was the chief something-other?

Lesedi is the main force behind the creation of new entries. He and other scribes update them with new information. Marion . . . well, Marion does everything else.

Aaron frowned, puzzled. All this fuss to take care of a list of names?

You d think the census would be in a simple file cabinet, but I guess that would make too much sense.

Ming Xiu noticed his expression and put out a forestalling hand. You will see. Come.

He followed her to the doorway and watched her go in. Feeling like he was about to step into a theme park s Crooked House, Aaron stepped through.

_________

The Census chamber was no file cabinet.

It was massive, large enough to dwarf the biggest auditoriums on Earth. The walls were so tall that Aaron found it hard to believe he was still underground.

After having traversed a mostly white-on-white structure, his attention was drawn first to the colorful symbols and patterns all over the room. They ran the whole range of visible light, from subdued purples to blazing oranges and everything in-between. They hovered above rows upon rows of upright slabs that were organized like stacked shelves in a library.

The slabs simply floated in mid-air without any visible support, each one as big as an open newspaper and as thick as his wrist. Most were a glossy pearl gray; some of them, about one in six, a much darker shade. Every one floated independently, but they were arrayed in sequences that could be as long as fifty or sixty or as scarce as a solitary slab under its colorful symbol. There must have been some forty rows from one side of the chamber to the other, stacked at least a couple dozen levels high. The room was much taller than the highest of them.

Upon crossing the threshold, thousands of tiny separate sensations prickled at his awareness like the psychic equivalent of a gentle summer drizzle, reaching him at the same level as the undercurrents he was used to. They seemed to emanate from the pearly slabs. The differences between signals were minuscule, but some felt slightly clearer than others.

Ming Xiu walked to the open space in the middle of the room, a reception of sorts. Aaron took a few slow steps after her, lingering by the entrance as he tried to puzzle out the myriad subtle signals.

There s probably one for each of those floaty things.

Your business here?

He gave a little start. Marion s voice came from somewhere above and to his left. She was examining a group of slabs lined up against the wall behind him.

We search for a name, Ming Xiu put in.

The keeper vanished into mist, drifted down in the blink of an eye, and reappeared at ground level.

And all that you know is a name, I see. Her tone was rather condescending.

She s my wife, Aaron said, carefully polite. I can tell you all sorts of things.

Marion arched an eyebrow at him. Can you, child? She traveled in the same manner to stand a few paces before him. It was the coolest way of taking a few steps that Aaron had ever seen. Can you tell me any specifics on her undercurrent, then? A realm of residence, past or present? A region? A point of integration?

Um, no, I guess not. Can t you just, you know, go up to the terminal, hit Control-F?

Both her eyebrows went up in an expression that asked did you really just say that?

Ming Xiu intervened before the keeper could respond. Entries are sorted by region and realm of residence, Aaron. For all the wonders of our existence, the technology you are used to is not possible here. Searching through hundreds of thousands of individuals is much simpler when you have a realm or an undercurrent trait. She looked at Marion. Which we do not have.

The keeper seemed about to respond, but Aaron butted in. Wait, what? Wouldn t it make more sense to sort it alphabetically?

Marion s eyes were not only imbued of breathtaking beauty, but were also remarkably expressive. At that moment, they were looking at Ming Xiu and saying your dog is barking again.

The dark-haired woman limited her admonition to the amused smile she d display when it was time for Aaron to feel stupid. Indeed, Aaron. If it were that way, it would be much simpler for you to conduct a search. And I presume you would use modern English characters?

That s a trick question, isn t it.

Yes. Do answer it.

Yeah, I suppose I would use English characters.

Ah, but what about cultures that do not use your set of characters, then? Should I submit to your imperfect rendition of my name, for instance?

Well . . . . He paused to think about it for a second or two. There could be a separate set for each different culture. There can t be that many.

Truly there are not that many, in your time. How about all the people that came before you? How will you accommodate the name of every human being from all the eras of Earth s history? The Phoenicians, the Sumerians, the Native Americans of yore. How will you accommodate those that come from a time when written language did not even exist?

I can imagine all the discrimination lawsuits.

You might opt then to sort everyone by nationality, she continued, but you ll run into different problems, just as you will with time zones, parallels, physical attributes, time of death. And even if such problems didn t exist, there s nothing we can do to verify the data. The system would simply fall apart.

You see, Aaron, the real issue at hand is that information from Earth is not only unreliable, but inconsequential. This census is not intended as a record of those who died on Earth. It s a record of the Humans that exist on this side of the divide. You may still consider yourself American. You might see me as Chinese, Diego as a Spaniard, Marion as whatever it is that she is supposed to be at this time. Aaron looked at the keeper. Her brow had knit with displeasure, but Ming Xiu didn t spare her a glance. But it s all become meaningless trivia, such as the color of your eyes or your lineage. It is but another remnant of our primitive origins. She gestured at the monumental chamber all around her. This record of our population breaks clean of that old mentality and embraces our existence in Eternal.

Silence stretched for a moment as Aaron processed her lecture. It might have been the longest answer she d ever given to one of his questions.

Truly, Ming Xiu, the keeper said a short while after, could you not have imparted this knowledge at an earlier time? Perhaps at a time when I would not have to suffer through it?

Aaron s education hasn t progressed as far as I d like. Ming Xiu walked over to his side as she spoke. He is distraught over his lost wife. I thought it best to put this matter to rest before delving deeper into the nature of our existence.

I see. The keeper turned to address Aaron. She was the kind of person that addressed instead of talked, regarded instead of looked. Shall we have her name then, so that we can get started? My duties languish while you dally.

Oh wow, are you for real? Aaron thought with a mental chuckle. It must have shown through, because Marion s eyes narrowed to thin slits.

He hurried to get his amusement under control. I apologize, I don t mean to be rude, I m just really nervous. Her name is Alexandra Gretchen. Her maiden name was Sanders.

The woman took a few seconds to respond, frowning lightly. There is no record of this name in the census. Yet I suspect my answer will not be enough for you.

Aaron blinked a few times, caught off-guard. I, uh . . . no? I mean, are you sure? Completely sure?

She quirked an exquisitely defined eyebrow. It is technically possible that I might have forgotten one of the one million, two hundred seventy three thousand, five hundred and four names in this chamber.

Are you . . . was that sarcasm? I honestly couldn t tell.

It wasn t sarcasm, Aaron, Ming Xiu said. Marion will search the census for you, just in case. Won t you, Marion?

They stared at one another for an almost imperceptible moment. Of course, the keeper replied. She looked back at Aaron. Pronounce it again for me, if you will. Try to remember the way she spoke it to you.

Uh, okay. Alexandra Gretchen.

Marion nodded. One more time. Don t slow it down.

He cleared his throat, eyeing her dubiously. Alexandra Gretchen.

She listened carefully and nodded again. Wait here. Eyes that were as blue and bright as a clear summer sky narrowed with suspicion. Do not touch anything.

Marion soundlessly vaporized, mist-traveled up and forward, and materialized at about the three-dimensional mid-point of the sparse reception.

Man, that s startling. I keep expecting to hear BAMF! whenever she does it.

She spread out her arms at a downward angle, her lush mane of golden strands flowing about her in a way that was too perfectly awesome to be anything but deliberate. Then she became slightly translucent. A shimmering halo wrapped around her figure, like an angelic aura ready to carry her off to Heaven. Alexandra would be bopping him across the head by then, so much staring Aaron was doing.

The halo grew and spread from every part of her to become a multilayered haze that extended in all directions, questing out into the room with hundreds of independent tendrils. She started moving forward between the two middle rows, ghostly halo tasting the air that surrounded her as she advanced. At the rate that she was going, she wouldn t reach the other end for a while.

Ming Xiu stood at his side, watching with him.

You sense the undercurrents in this room, I presume.

Aaron nodded. Yeah. I can t make sense of it, but I do feel them.

Every plate contains an entry. Any hypothesis as to why they are so large?

Um. A very large font? He hadn t considered their size one way or another.

Her lips drew half a smile. I suppose that would be the case, although not in the sense that you mean. She turned away from watching Marion and softly laid a hand on his forearm. Come. It takes a fair amount of time to perform this kind of search, even for one such as her. She took a step toward the door.

But she could find Alex at any moment . . . .

Ming Xiu looked at him over her shoulder. She will not stop until she has queried every entry. In the meanwhile, I can explain to you what it is that she s doing, among other things. You do want to learn, don t you?

She took a few more steps, then left the ground to approach an array of entries on the wall next to the entrance. She stopped on the third level, some five meters high.

After another fretful glance at the elf-angel hybrid, he followed Ming Xiu all the way to the wall, then concentrated on traveling up. He finally managed to hover right next to her after swinging past her up and down a mere four times. Once in position, keeping level with her required significantly less concentration.

Six plates floated in front of them under a green and blue pattern of squiggly lines that looked like a tangle of lightning against an emerald sky. Aaron got a strange feeling when looking closely at the symbols, as if their meaning was right at the tip of his tongue.

All plates but one were of the lighter shade. The fourth entry from the left was the color of ash.

This, Ming Xiu said as she gestured at it with both hands, is Thousand Rivers.

So that s what s so familiar about the signals.

He leaned closer to the slabs. Oh, cool, I can feel your duplicate right here. And is that, um. I guess that s Rashid? He pointed at the ashen slab.

Ming Xiu nodded, a hint of sadness entering her features. We loved him dearly. Losing him was hard on all of us, especially for Falon.

Sorry, I didn t mean to bring up bad memories, I wasn t thinking.

Don t worry about it.

Aaron concentrated on the entries before him, eager to change the topic. Isn t something missing, though? From your signal, I mean. It doesn t feel exactly the same.

Yes. Nice, Aaron. Quite perceptive. Upon creation of an entry, an imprint of the subject at hand is made, but only the static component is captured. She pulled out her own entry as she spoke, handling the plate as if it was weightless. A mistshaper and an architect must collaborate to create this plate, as well as a scribe to enter information in it. She glanced at him as she clarified, Diego is an architect, and Falon possesses the kind of talent that a scribe would need, though she d have to learn a few more languages before entering service. This entry contains a very small part of me, and that is the reason why they must be so large: it is a sizable amount of information that cannot be stored and used properly in a smaller vessel.

Ming Xiu turned the entry around so that he could take a look at it. It also contains the type of information that you would expect a census to keep.

The entry displayed two different sets of characters engraved on its surface. One was what looked like Chinese script. The second set of characters was both fascinating and frustrating enough to give him a headache.

Just like the symbols and patterns above the entries, each discrete character was a word that wanted to form on his lips, but wouldn t. The script looked as complex and dense as kanji, but the shapes and strokes were akin to Arabic, prone to curves and long lines. And then there was an extra element within the symbols that defied description, a component that wasn t necessarily visual. It didn t need to be read in order to be interpreted.

Do you understand what is written here, Aaron?

He frowned and stared at it until he went cross-eyed. He glanced at her, then back at the thing. Finally he pressed his lips together and shook his head in defeat.

It s conceptual script, she said. It can be queried at a distance, and that s what Marion is doing right now. You are trying too hard to read it. Don t worry about it, it will come with time.

She put the entry back in its place. Every other plate drifted slightly to accommodate it back into its proper slot. It simply lists name, current region and realm of residence, point of integration, portent of entry, and any exceptional talents. Then, in my native language, it lists my name, country of origin, time and place of death, and . . . . She paused briefly. Well, you are free to include any other information you see fit. We will be updating my entry shortly to list Queg as a Risen under my care.

So I could leave a message, if . . . .

Yes, of course. She briefly glanced at her own entry again, probably not even noticing that she did. For all the good that it will do.

Aaron did his best to ignore her depressing negativity and focus on more useful matters.

What kind of message would I leave?

A way to lead Alexandra to him, of course. A way for her to know unequivocally that he was the Aaron Gretchen she sought. And probably something goofy as well, just to make her laugh. It was a pleasant thought, to have her laugh after a long and frustrating Hunt for the Missing Husband.

He glanced at Marion again, checking on her progress. She was maybe three fourths of the way to the back wall, and presumably she would do a few more trips between different rows before she was done. From above, Aaron noticed for the first time that the floor was covered in large square tiles, alternating between the same sunburst and lemniscate he d seen before and another design of an arrow twisting in elaborate spirals. He found it strangely pleasant to look at.

Ming Xiu watched the keeper in silence, her expression serene, patient. Like she was watching the steady trickle of an hourglass toward a foregone conclusion.

She helped build this place.

If she left her own message back then . . . .

He had to know.

Ming Xiu, Aaron said quietly. For how long did you search?

He felt her stiffen at his words. She glanced at him, then went back to watching Marion. A few seconds later Ming Xiu drifted back to the middle of the chamber s reception.

After a moment of hesitation, Aaron followed in his clumsy way.

I shouldn t have asked.

It was one long minute before she spoke in a quiet voice that carried wounds as old as time itself.

I searched for far longer than I should have. Longer than you d consider reasonable. Or logical. Or sane.

Her eyes were lost in remembrance. More silence followed, and when she spoke again the wounds had closed into ugly scars. I defied all those who told me as much. I shunned friends and duty, and continued to search until there was nowhere else for me to go. I was foolish, and selfish. Her eyes met his. There was a mixture of feelings there that Aaron found hard to interpret. Remorse, sorrow. Determination. Kinship.

She reached out and placed her hand on his, her touch delicate like a beam of moonlight. It only gets worse, Aaron. You keep holding on, and it makes you shrink and embitter and rot. It withers your soul until only a husk remains, a shadow of what you used to be. And it s all for nothing. She shook her head lightly, her voice laden with regret. Less than nothing.

Aaron felt his stomach sink. There was a lump in his throat. Something inside of him threatened to collapse as he saw himself in her eyes, and he had to struggle not to fall apart completely.

I can t let her go, Ming Xiu. I m not going to. I can t.

His voice quavered. Her hand squeezed his. Do you think you are the first, Aaron? Do you think you ll be the last? We all learn to move on, to give up what we used to be so we can embrace what we will be. She let go of his hand and looked away. The alternative is nothing but suffering, until you lose yourself completely.

Aaron kept quiet, mouth quirked down as he fought back the tears. He couldn t falter just because everybody else had, just because they said it was impossible. He was not going to give up that easily, and especially not when he had barely started. His jaw clenched with stubborn resolve.

I do wish it weren t true, Ming Xiu carried on. She sounded reticent, like knowingly confiding something she shouldn t be saying. Even now, a part of me hopes that you will be different, that at least you will get to find the woman you left behind. I ve let myself hope for it, misguided as it is. There was a hint of surprise in her voice by the time she finished her sentence.

Will you take me to her if she s here, then?

She chuckled. Unless she s somewhere dangerous, you would have a hard time convincing me not to help you. You d be the first to ever reunite with a loved one. Seriousness returned to her features. Perhaps that should tell you how likely you are to find her.

You could help me find Alexandra, even if there s no trace of her in here. We can search for her everywhere. I know she s out there, I know it.

She frowned somberly. No. You do not.

But

Ming Xiu turned to face him, her gaze hard as iron. You will not repeat every mistake I made. If there is nothing here for you, you will agree to stop actively searching for her. I will not watch you hurt yourself for nothing, indulging your sorrow and guilt in an aimless chase after a memory.

You know I ll search on my own if I have to.

Without help? Without knowledge? You will be severed before you take two steps. Is that the fate she would have wanted for you?

What she wants is for me to get off my ass and find her already.

But not alone and unprepared. That s foolish. You are letting guilt dictate your choices, Aaron.

He remained silent, fighting a losing battle with frustration. Her steely gaze softened.

It s the only sensible choice. After you are done with your education, you may join a faction or do as you will, just like any other individual. If by then you still wish to waste your potential in a hopeless search, so be it. When you come back broken and empty-handed a hundred portents later, I ll be there to say I told you so.

He held her stare for a moment, then looked away. The original plan was to do exactly what she s saying. I just didn t know back then how long this education would take.

Aaron closed his eyes for a moment.

They re all wrong. She s got an entry here. She has to.

And if Ming Xiu doesn t help me, he suddenly realized, no-one else will.

Promise me, then. He looked at her. Promise that you ll take me to her if we find something. I ll do as you say if we don t.

Ming Xiu raised a dubious eyebrow at him. She shook her head once more. You realize I have nothing at stake. Marion already told you, there s no chance

I know all about the chances, but I ll go mad if we learn she s a thousand light-years away and suddenly it s too dangerous to go there.

She pursed her lips with displeasure, but didn t admonish his interruption. She spoke after an irked sigh. If that s what it takes for you to stop fighting the inevitable, so be it. She squared her shoulders and held her chin high. If you find anything in this census that might lead you to Alexandra, I will assist you in following up the lead in any way possible. You have my word that I will spare no resource to help you. She jabbed a finger at his chest, twice. But when Marion comes back with nothing, and it s time to return to Thousand Rivers, you must stay under my tutelage until I say you are ready. No complaints, no excuses. You will defer to my wisdom on this matter unquestioningly. Understood?

You could hold me forever if I agree to that!

You are asking me for an unconditional promise. I merely ask for common sense in return. Rest assured I ll only be too eager to release you.

I thought you said I wasn t a prisoner.

Indeed you are not, Ming Xiu said with a wry smile. Your commitment will be only as binding as your word. She held out a hand, business-like. I ve agreed to your terms. Do you agree to mine?

Aaron looked at the hand, then back at Ming Xiu. Her eyebrow was still slightly raised, her mouth quirked with a hint of amusement.

There are things worth lying for.

Fine. He took the hand and gave it one firm shake. There was nothing dainty about her grip.

Good. She turned to watch Marion once more, her eyes closely following the keeper s methodical query. Soon she was shaking her head. First Portent, Aaron, there must be someone out there who will reunite with their loved ones. For what it s worth, I sincerely wish it could be you.

Aaron s brow creased in mild surprise. She sounded as frustrated as he felt.

Me too, Ming Xiu. Thank you.

She nodded solemnly and continued watching the keeper s search. Marion had gone to the other end of the room and back twice, and was finishing a third pass on the far right side of the chamber.

They observed her progress quietly, each one occupied with their own thoughts. Aaron s fears had been far surpassed by impatience by the time she finally made it to the front of the room.

Marion s radiance receded, her spread arms came to rest at her thighs and her glazed-over eyes came back to their former focus. After a few seconds of perfect stillness, she suddenly burst into smoke and reappeared a few paces in front of them, her every movement shrouded in silence.

Marion Baterich stood before them, staring dramatically. As the tension built up Aaron felt as though he had stepped onto thin ice, a spiderweb of cracks spreading under his feet. He leaned forward expectantly, fully aware that the keeper s next words could fracture the brittle barrier that kept him from drowning.

Ming Xiu laid a mollifying hand on his forearm and stepped forth. What do you have for us, keeper?

The keeper of the census stared some more. The ice cracks grew longer, louder. She stuck out her lower lip in a displeased pout.

No matches.

There was a moment of numb silence as the words took hold, and then the ice shattered. The cold swept in as frigid waters swallowed him. He didn t try to surface.

There are six instances of Alexandra, Marion added, nine of Gretchen, seven of them first names. Eleven Sanders.

He heard her voice through the burbling freeze. The thousands of tiny undercurrents in the chamber seemed to prickle his awareness more intensely, as if determined to keep him engaged with his surroundings.

Just . . . six? he asked, expressionless.

Our population goes back to the beginning of civilization, Marion answered. Any given name is a minuscule portion of such a vast sample size.

What stops them from just lying to me?

The sudden question pushed at the cold, blowing a bubble of warm air around him. He breathed inside his fragile shelter and eyed the keeper evenly.

May I . . . see them?

Marion nodded at once, strands of her golden mane cascading over her shoulders. Of course. Follow. And be careful.

She traveled to the nearest Alexandra slowly, checking on Aaron s progress periodically and stopping to wait more than once. She couldn t have made any it more humiliating if she had held his hand and spoken baby-talk to him, but at that moment Aaron couldn t care. Ming Xiu followed close behind, probably curious, possibly even disappointed. Beneath the fractured floes, Aaron tried to figure out whether he was being misled.

Why in the world would she lie, other than petty malice?

They re working together to make me give up.

But they obviously can t stand each other. Even if they needed to resort to this, I just don t see them cooperating like that.

Unless it s all an act to fool me.

Aaron shook his head, feeling his spirits sink even deeper. Or maybe everything doesn t revolve around me, it s all exactly as it seems, and I m just looking for some way to deny what s happening.

Soon he was forced to abandon every thought on the matter, as all his concentration was needed to navigate through the rows of entries without crashing into them. Marion stopped next to an array of slabs four levels up, third from the left-hand wall and relatively close to the entrance, depth-wise. The symbol above it was a fiery affair that conjured the idea of heat in Aaron s mind.

She waited until he hovered still in front of her, then pulled an entry out of the array, brought it closer to him and flipped it so the text contained in it would face him. She did all this without laying a finger on the plate.

Aaron peered at it halfheartedly.

Am I giving up already? Didn t last long at all. One setback and that s it, let s drown in self-pity.

He frowned and exhorted himself to pay attention. Plain English words flowed in elegant handwriting before his eyes.

Alexandra Vermont

Augusta, Georgia, United States of America

3rd of December, 1923

I hope you re rotting in Hell, Ronald.

If you find this, do NOT look for me.

Alright.

On to the next one.

A trip to ground level brought them to another entry. There were neatly inscribed Slavic characters along with the headache-inducing script.

Next.

Nearly half a room away, almost to the back of the chamber, Aaron was shown what he could only guess was a Greek Alexandra. Where the date should have been, it was written what very much looked like,

K F , d

Whatever that meant.

Next.

He got through Gretchen Wyler, Gretchen Bratch, and Ferdinand Gretchen. American, German, British. Twenty-first, seventeenth and nineteenth century.

Four more Gretchens that he couldn t even decipher.

Another Alexandra. From somewhere in Eastern Europe, it looked like.

It carried on in a painful sequence of disappointments. None of the Sanders yielded anything useful, not even a name that might possibly be related to her adoptive family. By the time he reached the last of the entries, all the way to the top between the central rows, there was not a shred of faith left in him.

He read it with weary eyes:

Alexandra Rawlins

New York City, New York

July 1852

Not even a colorful message in this one. There had been a bit of hope left after all, because he felt it slip away as he read.

And as he dwelt on it, he got tickled again.

Maybe nudged would ve been more accurate. It wasn t as much as poked. And called would imply a much stronger signal than what he felt, a much stronger attraction.

As he had moved around the room, there was one undercurrent that kept making itself more noticeable than all the others. It was like one creased thread in an otherwise flawless weave, faint and subtle to the point that it had barely reached his awareness. He d been able to feel its nigh imperceptible tickle coming at him from the same spot as he went up and down the chamber.

The abnormal signal had seemed to surge in intensity with every disappointment, going from almost undetectable to a fleeting whisper. It drew him, queried his attention lightly, insistently.

He tried to locate it, his eyes searching through the rows of census entries. It was somewhere near the bottom, close to the right-hand wall.

He glanced at the women next to him. Then he headed for it, dropping to ground level first so he could navigate the shelves quickly without bumping into anything.

Aaron? Ming Xiu asked softly. She started following when he didn t respond.

Marion stayed where she was. Don t you dare touch a thing, child.

He reached the front of the chamber, turned a hard left and headed for the rightmost shelf.

Aaron. Ming Xiu s voice had gained in authority. What are you doing?

He kept going without a word, quickening his pace toward that tingling sensation that seemed to get clearer with each step. Ming Xiu s protests hardly registered.

She caught up to him without effort and laid a hand on his shoulder. Aaron, stop.

Aaron startled and whipped his head around to face her, half his mind staying focused on the signal for fear that he might lose it. Her contact wasn t rough or forceful, but he knew he d sooner move a crate-full of lead than Ming Xiu s delicate fingers from his shoulder. There was some reproach in her expression, but she appeared mostly curious.

There s . . . something, he said as he vaguely waved a hand in the direction he was heading.

Her face went from curious to puzzled. After a few seconds of consideration she let go of him and gestured for Aaron to lead the way. He turned to do so at once.

Once he reached the wall, the signal came from straight ahead. He hesitated a moment, then went down the rightmost corridor. Ming Xiu followed close behind, cream colored dress rustling behind his steps.

They traveled almost all the way to the back before Aaron slowed his advance. The source was somewhere among the entries lined by the wall. Even as close as he was, he could barely discern where it came from.

There it is.

A lone dark plate at ground level, tucked unobtrusively among all the rest. Above it, a symbol that glowed the color of turning leaves; a complicated pattern of straight lines and circular shapes. As Aaron got closer, he noticed the slab s edges were blurry, as though blending in with the background. He could see the wall through it.

He stood in front of it. Glanced at Ming Xiu, who wore the most puzzled expression he had ever seen on her face. Stepped toward it. Reached out to grab it.

The keeper coalesced and clamped her hand around Aaron s wrist, giving him a scare that would have sent him sprawling into a row of entries if her fingers hadn t held him in place with an iron grip.

Do. Not. Touch. Anything.

I just

What are you even doing? There is nothing here.

What?

Let him, Marion, Ming Xiu said. Her expression was a mixture of perplexity and awe, like a mother witnessing the talents of her savant child for the first time.

Aaron looked at both women for a moment, not as much asking permission as making his determination clear to them. Ming Xiu nodded. Marion furrowed her brow and let go of his wrist.

He reached for it again.

His fingers gripped the side of the plate and carefully brought it out of its slot. It glided weightlessly through space as he took hold of it with both hands and held it up like he would an open newspaper. The blurriness vanished.

Ming Xiu flinched and gasped. Marion gave a yelp and did a little jump.

Aaron looked from one to the other, alarmed. What, what s going on?

It just materialized in your hands, Ming Xiu said.

The keeper bristled after her initial surprise, fingers gripping Aaron s wrist once more. This isn t possible. What have you done? Tell me what you ve done!

Nothing! It just . . . it called me. You couldn t see it before?

Her eyes narrowed with suspicion, searching his. Then they went to the plate and widened. Marion released him as though burned on contact and stepped back in consternation.

What is it? Aaron looked at the entry. Script as black as soot filled its surface in a dim contrast against the dark gray of the plate s material. He saw the usual cryptic symbols from which he could almost glean meaning. Beneath them, he could read the plain, comforting characters of the English alphabet.

Saudanaishi, he whispered out loud.

Year 2021. Seattle.

There was a message as well. The shapes and strokes in the handwriting were simply unmistakable.

His racing heart thumped in his chest, pounded in his temples. His eyes welled with tears.

It s her.

You should hope this isn t who you are looking for, Marion s voice came, cold and tart.

The entry is dark.

I thought her name was Alexandra? Ming Xiu asked in the softest murmur.

He responded in a mental haze, his voice pushing to get past his constricted throat.

Her name was Sauda before she was adopted. She used Saudanaishi as her screen name. She said it stood for Sauda Lives. She picked it as a teenager and never had the heart to come up with a different one.

Are you . . . certain . . . this is her?

Something in her voice made him peel his eyes off the plate and look at the women. They were staring at him, Ming Xiu with worry, Marion with disgust.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Ming Xiu glanced at the entry, then back at him. She hesitated.

The entry is dark . . . .

Please tell me. He looked from one to the other. I need to know.

The keeper gestured at the plate with a flick of her hand, voice brimming with anger. This is the entry of a criminal and a traitor and you should hope

Ming Xiu grabbed the woman s arm and forcefully pulled her away from Aaron. Shut your mouth, Marion.

First shocked, then outraged, the livid keeper locked stares with Aaron s mentor. How dare

Have you forgotten what it is to be human? Have some blighted sympathy for the boy s pain.

Marion s frame rippled as if she was about to dissolve, then regained its solidity. She glared at the shorter woman as though she could burn a hole through her skull. Unhand me.

Ming Xiu let go. Leave us, she said. Now.

Marion fixed up the sleeve of her dress, oozing indignation. She shot one last glower at the dark-haired woman. Bring me the plate after you are done.

The keeper of the census vanished in a burst of smoke. Her signal disappeared from Aaron s perception.

Ming Xiu and Aaron looked at one another in silence. As sorrow took over her features, a new kind of despair sunk its teeth into Aaron s chest, biting down on that rekindled spark of hope and tearing it to shreds.

Alexandra is gone, isn t she.

The fractured whisper left his lips, and something broke inside of him.

Ming Xiu laid a hand on his shoulder. Aaron watched his tears hit the slab in his hands, run down its surface and then vanish into eddies.

The entry of a criminal. A traitor.

What did she mean? he croaked. Why d she call her a criminal?

Ming Xiu let out a long sigh. After a few more moments of hesitation, she took the plate from Aaron s limp fingers.

Entries are rendered ashen by the scribes when a recorded Human is scattered, she began, speaking softly. They become . . . gravestones . . . of sorts, where their memory will remain for posterity. This one . . . . She pointed at a series of marks set deep into the left margin of the plate, running from the corner in a short column. The angry symbols managed to appear even darker than the rest of the script. See this?

He made an effort to care about what she was showing him. Ming Xiu carried on. This is used to mark a criminal s entry. And this here . . . it marks her as a traitor to Humanity.

Criminal? Traitor?

He stared blankly at the symbols, failing to glean meaning. His thoughts felt muddled and sluggish.

It makes no difference. She s gone. Alex is gone.

I ll never see her again.

How. How did it happen. How did she get . . . severed.

Ming Xiu kept quiet. Aaron looked up and stared at her with bloodshot eyes. She averted her gaze.

Don t go down this path, Aaron. Let it go.

Tell me. I found her. You promised.

She pressed her lips together, then shook her head. It says here the Unbound executed this person. Only threats to all Humanity are sentenced to that fate.

Executed.

I ll never get to see her again.

Such executions are rare and always mark an event. It s not uncommon for them to mark portents as well. The problem is, I know there s no record of this Saudanaishi being one of them. This entry is . . . a mystery.

It took a while for what she was saying to sink in. His head felt as if it was stuffed with wool.

Alexandra, a criminal? A traitor?

She s the kindest, most law-abiding person I ever knew.

She stopped every time to help broken down cars, no matter where she was headed, no matter the hurry. She dumped clothes in Salvation Army containers routinely. She tipped most when service was worst. She d driven thirty miles to a complete stranger s house to return the man s lost wallet.

I d sooner picture her with two heads than committing a crime against her own people.

He had sit down at some point, shoulders hunched over, arms flopping onto his loosely crossed legs. He didn t remember doing it.

What did she do? he heard himself asking, his voice low and devoid of inflection.

A moment of silence. It doesn t say.

He looked up. She rolled a shoulder in an apologetic shrug. Treason.

I ll never get to see her again.

How long ago?

She simply shook her head again as a response.

Aaron narrowed his eyes. His tone became suspicious. Accusing. No realm of residence? No point of integration? No . . . portent ?

Ming Xiu grew terse. I do not stoop to speaking lies, Aaron, even if I had a reason to lie to you.

Aaron kept quiet. She continued in a businesslike manner, interpreting information off the entry as she went. Point of integration translates as Carved Barrow, but as far as I know such a realm doesn t exist. There is indeed no realm of residence, which is common for vagrants and criminals. Leading portent is blank.

Liar. My wife was no criminal. My wife was no traitor.

Aaron bared his teeth and struggled to rein in his emotions.

Is it common, he asked in a downbeat tone, for an entry to draw a certain person to it, like it just happened to me?

Some of Ming Xiu s previous puzzlement returned. I wasn t aware it was possible. Concealment is much more mundane, but . . . not for it to work on Marion.

More damn questions.

None of it makes any sense.

Why Saudanaishi, instead of her real name? Why was her entry hidden? How and why had he been drawn to it? What had Alexandra done for her entry to be marked so?

He d long drifted beyond the ice floes. Lost at open sea, these mysteries were the flotsam that kept his neck above the water. Even as desperation, denial and thirst for vengeance fought to take over his mind, he wanted, he needed to know what had truly happened to Alexandra.

You already know. She was executed. She is gone.

The thought fell on him like a tidal wave, pulling him under. His lungs threatened to collapse under the weight of abject despair, and he feverishly struggled to swim toward the surface.

He could crawl into a ball and weep until his eyes gave out. He could lose himself in frustration and anger. He could vow revenge, he could give in and surrender any desire to continue existing. None of it would yield the answers he craved.

Am I just going to stop here, after finally finding a trace of her existence? What would Alex do in my place?

The thought of her white-hot anger brought a dark smile to her lips.

She d raise hell on earth for a goddamn explanation.

Too many things didn t add up. If this was only the record of an executed traitor, why had it been concealed?

Because someone not meant to read it might have found it, otherwise.

Why would Alex be concerned about someone finding it?

Because she fell out with this crowd. She made enemies, and they might have tampered with it.

If it was meant to be a secret, why had it called to him?

Because it is me that the entry was made for. She found a way to call out to me, somehow.

If it was meant to be read by him, why leave nothing but a farewell on it?

Is it really a farewell? What did I say I d leave in my own entry?

Something goofy.

She was always more dramatic than goofy.

A way for her to know unequivocally who he was.

How many other Saudanaishis died in 2021 Seattle?

And a way to lead her where she d need to go.

Who is it that I want to strangle with my bare hands at this very moment?

The answer came to him effortlessly. His glazed-over eyes flew open, and he found himself sitting alone in-between the rows of entries. Ming Xiu must have left him to his misery and taken Alexandra s mysterious plate to Marion.

Aaron goaded himself back to his feet. He got it. He d figured it out, and he needed to start work on the next step.

That plate wasn t a census entry at all. He could almost hear Alexandra s voice within the tiny undercurrent embedded in the slab, like a crackling recording retrieved from a time-capsule.

It was a message. It said, The Unbound knows the answers you seek.

12

You don t have a heart.

Bleeding on the floor of the cave, Alexandra found that thoughts could still form after a stab through the heart. They insistently prodded her to stay conscious, like water drops flicking against her forehead whenever she tried to drift off to sleep.

You don t have a heart!

What a terrible thing to say. She had a heart. A big heart, a kind heart that bled when cut with a really sharp sword.

It s not really a heart, and it s not really a sword.

She had to disagree with that. She d seen the thing, it was definitely a real sword. The fact that she was bleeding out on the floor attested to the sheer realness of the blade.

What is it made of? What are you made of? Her sword is as real as your staff. As real as your nail-claws.

That was hardly any comfort. Hadn t she gouged inch-deep grooves into the rock of Carved Barrow with her nails? Had she not clubbed a bird-man to non-existence with her staff?

Which sprung from your thoughts. Do you think weapons are truly made of steel and wood anymore? Do you really think that blunt or piercing damage means anything in this place?

Sword of Mist +1 rolls to wound, 4x back-stab damage. Critical hit, all hit-points depleted.

Focus, damn you! You are a goddamned soul! A sword through the heart put you down? Are you kidding me?

Good grief, shush already. Her more raucous thoughts were harshing her mellow and giving her a terrible headache. She just wanted to lie there and wait for the end.

An end brought about by someone who could have been an Asian version of herself pissed off about showing up in Hell, losing her husband or whatever relation this Yun had been, and lashing out at the evil demons harassing her.

It was almost funny, put that way.

And a sword, no less. A sword. She d braved claws, chitinous beasts, a frenzied manhunt, treachery, impossible odds, an equally impossible escape and a bird-man slave driver. She d overcome despair, self-doubt, utter hopelessness and the loss of everything she held dear. And she hadn t just pulled through, but hatched her very own rickety plan to rescue other souls that hadn t made it as far as she had, and maybe find her husband in the process.

And then some n00b with a sword showed up literally out of nowhere and owned my ass.

At least she didn t teabag me.

The thought made her chuckle. It hurt to laugh, but she couldn t help it. The situation was so dumb, and it had all been her doing. This wouldn t have happened if she d thought things through instead of rushing in like a moron.

I m totally a friend, don t be afraid, chirped the bird monster to the terrified sword-wielding soul.

The image that the thought painted in her head made her laugh even more. The heaving sent terrible jolts of pain through her ribcage, but even that was somewhat funny. She d been stabbed through the heart from back to chest. She really, really should have been unconscious by then.

Alexandra felt the familiar dizziness come over her as soon as she thought of it, and a part of her, the part that was sick to her stomach of struggling against everything all the time, invited it in with open arms. She heard someone talk, back in the outside world, muffled and distant and angry. She didn t care.

Go ahead, take the easy way out. Deep inside you know what to do, you ve fixed yourself before. Instead you choose to be a coward.

She tried to get mad at such a baseless accusation, but suddenly it struck her as the funniest part yet. Getting pissed at the voice inside her head. Great to know that she d gone crazy just before signing out for good.

Body doesn t mean the same as flesh.

The idea blossomed in the midst of her uncontrolled giggling. It was concise wording for something she d already repeated to herself plenty of times: she was a spirit, a being of pure energy that could not be restrained by corporeal contact or injured by physical trauma. She d repeated it even as she continued to exert her muscles, crane her neck, expand and contract her chest. Whisper, moan and shout; jump, kick and punch. All these things worked, as if nothing had changed, as if death had been a mere illusion. Even the new abilities reinforced the sense of physicality, be it with novel appearances, disguises, tools, weapons or raw strength.

She d continued operating as if she was still an Earthly meatbag, and no wonder that she had. After spending thirty-four years as one, she was rather settled in her fleshy ways. Apparently old habits didn t just die hard, but were hardy enough to carry over into the afterlife.

The blood staining her fingers shifted in texture. Her nose, pressed against the rocky ground, picked up novel nuances in the scent of the soil, nuances that had no place in earth or stone. There was a background noise stirring beneath her usual perception, a white static traveling through reality in an almost articulate susurrus. She could see small details beyond her eyelids, beyond the rock, subtle hints that spoke of the true nature of things.

The differences at the most fundamental level of existence finally took root in her mind, and the experience brought with it an all-new brand of awful. She could feel the concept settling inside her head, and it conjured the image of a ping-pong ball squeezing its way in-between the folds of her brain, forcefully making room for itself. And at the same time she knew, she knew that the image was inherently flawed, because a small ball couldn t displace nonexistent flesh.

And, then, neither had a steel sword pierced through her skin, muscles and organs. Something sword-like indeed had gone through her, and something had been damaged in the process, no doubt. Just not steel, not flesh. Nothing as dimensional or permanent.

I don t have a heart.

Alexandra laughed in the wake of understanding, and let go of the self-imposed physical restraints that dictated such arbitrary limitations and weaknesses. She didn t know exactly why it had sunk in this time. Maybe it had been the constant nagging from that part of her that always seemed to know better. Or she d suffered one instance too many of harrowing trauma. It might have been a simple matter of time.

Perhaps it had been the laughter. How long had it been since she d last laughed?

No matter the reasons, the knowledge was hers at last, fully, wholeheartedly. Her body was fluid, malleable. It wasn t a matter of willing the wound to close that would have implied that there was blood to clot and tissue to mend. She merely needed to flow around the damage, let herself rush in to fill in the void, like freshwater pouring into a gash in the earth.

How could she not see it before? It was so natural, so simple. It had only taken a sword through the ribcage to realize it.

Her prone form turned diffuse and fluctuating. It shimmered faintly. The lance of pain that had burned from back to breast faded swiftly, as did the blood ha ha, blood, how silly and her new perspective on things slowly desisted trying to bend her mind in odd shapes.

Alexandra opened her eyes, shorthand for opening her perception to the scene around her. She was still lying face-down on the cave floor, head turned to one side. Everyone stood a few paces away, staring at her with varying degrees of dread.

Right. That must ve looked pretty creepy, coming back from the twice-dead laughing my ass off.

The thralls looked one step short of catatonic. The soldier, who by the look of things had been grilling the poor slaves to little effect, gawked at her with liberal amounts of shock and awe.

Their expressions were so damn funny that she had to laugh again. She slowly got back to her feet, putting some effort into taking a more definite form as she did, making all the misty blurriness go away. Cuff-slashed yoga pants and her shades-of-blue hoodie wrapped around her in a flash, while her skin darkened to its normal color. Her staff coalesced in her gloved hand shortly after.

Alexandra figured she might as well take advantage of the impression caused by her dramatic revival. She dug the butt of her staff on the ground and held onto the shaft with both hands, leaning on it in a casual fashion.

If you re done being difficult, she said with a patient smile, maybe now we could talk about helping each other.

The woman looked at her for a while longer, visibly agitated. She shot a nervous glance at the quartet of people standing in the only path that would take her away from the chuckling immortal. She took a step toward the wall of the tunnel, her eyes alternating back and forth as she tried to keep both parties in her field of vision.

I do not want your help, demon, she rasped out, keeping her sword raised in a defensive stance.

Is it because I m black? Alexandra thought with another chuckle.

I wish you d stop calling me that, she said, holding on to her cheerful disposition despite the woman s efforts to be a pain in the ass. Ming Xiu, was it? My name is Alexandra. Maybe if you calm down we can actually talk for a while. She made a vague gesture toward the uneasy foursome. You re scaring them, you know.

Her four rescuees seemed unable to make up their minds, torn between staying and bolting. A situation like this probably wasn t covered in How To Be a Good Slave 101.

What do I care about your minions, shape-changer? Go ahead, send them after me. They will get a taste of my blade as well.

Oh, for goodness sake! Resting her staff in the nook of her shoulder, Alexandra put her hands around her mouth in a mock-megaphone. No one is trying to hurt you! My god, seriously now.

The soldier scowled and began to respond through bared teeth, but someone else chimed in.

She is a newborn Human, Great One, Tami said, her voice so hesitant that it was barely audible. Both women turned to look at her in unison. The plump redhead cast her eyes down at once, greatly abashed.

She is to be subdued, she added in an even threadier whisper. Her words had the ring of doctrine.

The remainder of Alexandra s mirth went sour. She s one of you! Aren t you going to try and help her?

Tami s eyes went wide. I would never betray the rule of the Skyborn, Great One!

The three behind her echoed Tami s expression as if they d all been ordered to set their own hair on fire. Alexandra arched an eyebrow. Alright, that s it.

She let her staff go, its form dissolving into mist before it had a chance to clatter on the floor. She spread her hands in front of her where Ming Xiu could see them, walked over to the wall opposite the soldier, and looked at her as if to say I m unarmed, just want to get through. Then she confidently marched forth.

The woman s scowl deepened, her grip on the sword tense as she watched Alexandra s every step.

Stop, Ming Xiu demanded. She didn t go as far as blocking the way, but she was visibly ready to strike if the shape-shifting demon got too close.

The tunnel was barely wide enough for Alex to stay out of the weapon s immediate range, and a good lunge would close the distance in a hurry. She would have been concerned in the past, but Alexandra simply kept her eyes on her destination.

I said stop!

What if she lops off your head when you pass by? Will you recover then?

The blade will touch me only if I think it should. Want me to show you? I ll show you.

She slowed down and looked directly into Ming Xiu s dark eyes. Then she took two slow, measured steps toward the soldier, until her abdomen came to rest at the tip of the sword.

Do you not think, Alexandra asked quietly, still holding Ming Xiu s perplexed gaze, that if I intended to do you harm, I would have done so already? She leaned in just a tiny bit closer, and the blade simply sunk one, two inches, as if there was nothing in its way.

The woman looked down at it with a nervous twitch, then back at Alexandra s face.

Alex drew up her eyebrows self-assuredly, silently daring the soldier to attack. Then she leaned back upright, broke eye contact and strode away to plant herself in front of Tami and the others. Ming Xiu courteously refrained from stabbing her in the back a second time.

Hopefully that ll keep her mouth shut for a while.

Alexandra challenged the self-appointed spokesperson of the prisoners, stepping so close to her that she could see the pores of Tami s skin. You d turn in one of your own, just like that? What is wrong with you people? Is there really no fight left in you? Nothing at all?

She peered into the woman s eyes, waiting for her or any of the others to answer. They cowered from her advance as one, but she pressed on, staying in their collective face.

I cannot believe that none of you will step up to save this poor

Alexandra felt something change behind her. The hint of a smile curved the corner of her mouth.

I can sense you wherever you go, she said without looking back. I will rescue you from this hellhole whether you want me to or not, so do us both a favor and stay put, alright?

The undercurrent that had been steadily moving away from her froze in place. Alexandra could almost see the woman s frustration and indecision painted on her face. The thought made that hint of a smile widen into a mischievous grin.

She turned her attention back to the sorry group in front of her, and her smile faded into a thin line. She d expected some kind of reaction from them, like sullen contrariness or resigned fatalism. At least for them to question her authority, her identity. She was obviously not a bird-person-thing, couldn t they see that?

Maybe their masters impersonate humans all the time, just like I m impersonating the bird-man. Or they ve been beaten and abused to the point of never challenging authority.

They were simply looking at her, emotionless, eyes vacant, minds lost. Her scowl deepened. Or maybe their chains are much tighter than I thought.

A different picture formed in her mind to explain their extreme docility. Hadn t she almost fallen prey to mind control earlier? Why would a slave driver go to the trouble of breaking their will and indoctrinating them, when they could simply cast a Compulsion spell?

Her hand clenched around Tami s arm, just above the elbow. The human thrall flinched and met her gaze, and Alexandra delved deep into those eyes that were the cloudy green color of an evening sky leading up to a tornado.

Armed with her new awareness, Alexandra knew she wasn t staring into anyone s eyes. There were no eyeballs aligned with one another, no pupils dilating with wariness, no eyelids narrowing in concentration. Beneath the veil of misleading physicality there was just a soul peering inside another, touching, digging. Everything else were familiar constructs of the mind to find order in the abstract chaos of the incorporeal.

The truth of Tami s condition reached Alexandra s perception. They were complex concepts and ideas, harrowing wounds and scars interpreted and cataloged at a level that didn t quite reach her consciousness. As she set out to understand them, they were given a simpler representation that she could grasp. If the eyes were the windows of the soul, Alex had climbed into that window, set foot in the living room and taken a stroll through the place.

What she saw in that home brought a hint of nausea to the pit of her stomach.

Tami was a cheerful person, one of those people who always had a smile to spare and a laugh to offer. She loved every animal under the sun, eating her own baked goods and grinding dried flower petals under her pestle. She was a bit of a chatterbox and none too shy with anyone, particularly with men. Tami s home had color everywhere, and black-and-white pictures of family and friends, and old comfortable couches, a lovely fireplace, and flower pots in every corner, lush drapes in every window, and a multitude of rugs all through the floor. It was a comfortable, cozy place that oozed personality and attention to detail.

It had been, at least.

The home Alex saw had been defaced, corrupted into a twisted prison that told a chronicle of unending despair. Some of it was overt, like the contorted, spiny bars in the windows; the view of a stark, broken down courtyard outside, littered with the bodies of once beloved pets, emaciated from exposure and malnourishment; the heavy prison doors that separated every room, with rusted old locks which keys had been long lost and forgotten. Decay chocked the life out of everything: the plants were withered and barely hanging on, the rugs were ragged and stained, the drapes were torn and thready, the cushions were moldy and infested with pests. The smell of baking goods gone bad pervaded the ambiance, a mixture of spoiled milk, rotten eggs, fouled flour bloomed with the stench of decomposed flesh.

Other signs were more subtle. Some of the faces in the pictures were silently screaming, while others clawed at their cheeks with their fingers, dark blood staining the skin. All of them had their eyes burned out, staring out of empty sockets. There was script scratched in the walls, spidery and cryptic. Much of it was gouged deep, as if written in a fit of hatred or desperation and much more faded into bloodstains. Every seat in the house had either manacles or straps attached to it. The hearth burned in silence, providing no heat, and the shadows it created drew sinister figures that disappeared as soon as Alex tried to focus on them.

And despite the musty atmosphere, a wind could be heard but not felt. A moaning draft that carried the weeping of impotence, of one who wanted to fix things, but couldn t.

Alexandra reached out with her senses and her will, a boiling well of outrage bubbling up inside her as she went further into the vision.

Beyond the living room, down a long, dark hallway, a single door stood. It had the solid feel of granite, heavy as a mountain, its hinges and frame reinforced with extra bolts and sheets of metal. Both a lock and a set of heavy crossbars kept it firmly in place, but a tiny gap was left between the door and the ground. Quiet whimpers used to seep under that gap, a very long time ago, but they no longer did.

Behind the door, Tamira Keister sat on a cot. She stared at the floor, motionless, expressionless. The room was awash with light, which served to illuminate the only feature in it: winding script that covered every wall in the room from one side to the other, top to bottom, floor and ceiling included. The symbols described every rule and code of conduct that a Human thrall must follow at all times.

She looked at the pitiful image of the woman, at the ragged clothes, the hair, the emaciated skin. She took in the emptiness, the horrifying absence of a person behind those half-open eyes.

This might be Hell after all.

They had done this to her. Alexandra s fists clenched at the thought. Nobody, nobody deserved this fate. How could such hideous torture even exist?

There has to be a way to undo it.

She explored the vision of Tamira s soul. A less savvy Alexandra would have tried her hand at sawing off the bars in the windows, forcing the heavy doors, hammer down the walls. Yet she knew that all these images were but symbols, metaphors for what really had been done. Somewhere inside Tamira there was a foul Skyborn influence holding her mind in check, like a vicious skullclamp boring into her temples.

How to go about identifying it? How to remove it? She didn t even know what to look for. If only she could find a way to use her enhanced introspection on Tami s mind, just like she had done with her own back in the Nexus . . . .

I ve no idea how to do that, other than walking into her.

Alexandra blinked twice.

Try it. What s the worst that could happen?

She did it quickly, before she could change her mind, before she could realize how very stupid an idea it was. She wasn t walking into the woman like an idiot, she told herself. She was joining their souls together, entering Tamira s allegorical prison to stage a jailbreak from within. Alexandra took a step forward, the knowledge of her lack of actual flesh held firm in her thoughts.

The step that would have normally resulted in an entirely inappropriate chest-to-chin bump took her past personal space, through immediate contact and into spatial cohabitation. Mist had spread all around her before she even started moving, wrapping around the two that suddenly became one.

She concentrated on reaching out to Tamira as it happened, on mingling and making contact beyond the mere surface. She willed it and believed that it should work, shaping her form to better suit her purpose, not unlike the way she d bend and twist to fit through a narrow, oddly shaped passageway.

It worked, only too well. A sudden flood of information and memories and raw emotion assaulted Alexandra s senses as she was exposed to every word spoken, every surface touched, every taste, every smell, every joy and every loss in a lifetime and beyond all in the space of an instant. She could barely keep her own thoughts from unraveling completely, battered under the torrential inflow of information. Forget the ping-pong ball: a whole watermelon was trying to fit snugly into her skull, and there wasn t enough room.

My skull was vaporized on Earth. There s no actual brain to overburden.

If I need more room, I just need to make it.

Alexandra let go of gritting teeth and tensing muscles, stopped trying to fight it, and concentrated on simply adjusting, accommodating. There were no constraints, she told herself, no rigid structure to saturate. It helped to think of it as growing pains, her mind adapting to novel ways to do things, new perspectives to explore.

Soon she could see beyond the pain, and the entire experience just felt . . . weird. Disjointed and chaotic, as if everything inside her head had been moved to a slightly different spot. As her thoughts gradually settled around the new knowledge, Tamira s life came into focus, and Alex snooped into it with guilt-ridden pleasure. Who knew life in colonial India could be so rife with excitement?

My, but the woman had been sexually active. And not just with men, either. It was enough to make Alexandra blush, and she didn t consider herself much of a prude. She was sobered up rather quickly by the memory of being repeatedly bludgeoned to death by a jealous husband.

It went downhill from there. On the surface, there wasn t anything particularly traumatic. Nothing like what she had gone through. They d treated Tamira kindly after subduing her, recognizing her talent early and coaching her rigorously but without any gratuitous brutality. She was the favorite of one Steadfast Guardian (in) Swaying Treetop and she had been put to work countless times, but instances of overt mistreatment were close to non-existent. It was an upsetting story, but one that could have been much worse.

On the surface.

Tamira s long tale of suffering had unfolded entirely within her mind. They had numbed her, much the same way they had tried to numb Alexandra. The soothing was only a means to an end, the pre-op shot of anesthesia that enabled the Skyborn to work at their leisure while they clamped permanent bonds in place.

Once the numb docility had worn off and Tamira became aware of what had happened to her, she had begun a desperate fight for freedom. She d thrown herself at those bonds, thrashed and battered them with everything she had. She d explored them endlessly, trying to find a crack, a flaw to exploit. She d seethed and wept and waited and yelled, while the rest of her continued to obey without fail.

Eventually, she stopped fighting.

With time, she stopped caring.

How much of you is left, Tamira? Is there anything left to salvage?

She reviewed the struggle over and over, unable to turn her attention elsewhere. She could still feel those barriers, constricting her, smothering her will

They smother Tamira s will, numbnuts. Keep straight where she ends and where you begin or you ll become an inmate yourself.

The thought caught her off-guard. That couldn t happen, could it?

Keep farting around and you might find out. Focus on what you re looking for.

Barriers, smothering freedom of choice.

She searched those memories of impotence and hopelessness, trying to get a feel of what the prison walls looked like in their raw form. She poked and probed around Tami s mind for irregularities, non-human anomalies.

The process came to her naturally, somehow a feeling in her gut that kept nudging her in the right direction, discouraging what would probably lead her nowhere. She found herself comparing it to a virgin couple aflame with arousal, instinctively knowing what to do even though they d never done anything of the sort before.

Good grief. Her memories are rubbing off on me.

She trusted that instinctive gut feeling as she searched. It didn t take her long to sense a jarring alien entity unlike everything else, and as she explored its contours there was no doubt in her mind that she d found her target.

She d expected some form of localized malady, like the spiritual version of a head vise, but this thing spread through Tamira s mind like poison through her veins. It sunk deep in every part of her, a web of tendrils ingrained into every aspect of her psyche. It was easy to imagine it as a prickly network of angry reds and gangrenous blacks clutching at Tamira s soul like malevolent thorny vines, but Alex caught herself and avoided giving it a specific visualization. The whole point of what she was doing was to fully sense the entity as it really was, without letting her own preconceptions and illusions get in the way.

The parts of Tami that were in direct contact with the thing resonated with the distant echoes of her struggle. They were manifestly damaged, like flesh ground against physical bonds. By contrast, the lattice that imprisoned her had remained unyielding, unmarred. In different circumstances, Alexandra might have admired its elegant effectiveness.

She didn t have the first clue on how to deal with it.

The damn thing was entangled with everything that Tami was. Alex was certain that to remove it outright would prove as damaging as tearing off a net with hooks still biting into Tamira s flesh.

She gave it a mental poke, trying to come up with a way to free the poor woman without reducing her to a gibbering wreck, or worse. Alexandra s will slid off the Skyborn construct like water hosed onto a greased pig.

She tried a few more times, each attempt more forceful than the last, to no avail. It was as if the malignant influence was coated with Grade-A Human Repellent, preventing any form of interaction as it held the host firmly in place. No wonder Tamira had been unable to break free.

How do they put it in place to begin with, then? Could they touch this thing?

If they could make it, obviously they could alter it. All that she needed to do, then, was to capture one of these assholes and use her special kind of diplomacy until they agreed to do as she told them.

Or, you know, get caught and cowed into submission just like everyone else.

The more Alexandra saw of their methods, the more she understood just how lucky she d been. It d be foolish to think she could kidnap one of these avian demigods and get them to do her bidding. She wasn t some Superman knockoff, flying around freeing slaves and doling out comeuppance to villainous wrongdoers. If she wanted to make it through this nightmare in one piece, she would need to rely on stealth and resourcefulness.

Like Batman. Superman sucks, anyway.

The thought of pointy-eared disguises brought to mind an intriguing alternative. Had she not been a bird-man herself for all means and purposes just a minute ago? Hadn t she fooled thralls into obeying her, and gotten stabbed through the chest for looking like a monster? Maybe her ramshackle transformation would fool the nasty virus inside of Tami.

There s only one way to find out.

Oh, how she loved that thought. Alexandra sighed and braced herself.

After yet another fantastically painful eternity, she was back to her avian self. Alex didn t know how everything she was doing looked like from the outside, but she was willing to bet money on it looking creepy as all fuck. She could only hope that Ming Xiu wouldn t decide to make everyone into a kebab while she was busy dealing with Tamira.

She turned her attention back to the problem at hand. Everything felt different.

Tamira s mind was no longer a familiar entity, but an alien terrain hostile at its most fundamental level. In turn, the subjugating agent was no longer an indelible question mark. It had become a straightforward contraption, fascinating and crystal clear in its design and purpose. As she marveled at its ruthless efficacy, Alexandra saw the simple steps to disabling and unmaking it, nodes and threads and knots as clearly traced as road lines on a map. Whoever had put it in place had left unambiguous instructions for fellow slave owners to modify the mind-leash as they pleased.

She had been right about the harm of removing the construct abruptly. It would do irreparable damage to dissolve it, both by tearing at everything it was attached to and by Tamira s own inability to remain coherent without its influence. Fortunately, Alexandra soon derived a method to unravel the agent slowly, methodically, peeling it back from Tami s mind in a way that would let her heal the worst of it as the process took place.

Or she could just modify it. It wouldn t be complicated to get rid of most of the mind-leash while leaving in the inability to disobey her direct commands. Because these guys would be deathly afraid of the Skyborn, afterwards. Maybe too afraid. What if Tamira decided that she didn t want to help? What if, after all the effort to free these four, they decided to strike out on their own, refusing to risk themselves to aid her search, or even help rescue more? Could she risk leaving the choice to help up to the goodness of their hearts? Could she afford to argue about courses of action, to waste time convincing them to do things every step of the way? It wasn t like she couldn t free them at a later time. They wouldn t even know a damn thing, and it might turn out to be a small mercy not to burden them with

What.

The hell.

Are you thinking?

She did the mental equivalent of blinking a few times.

Keeping personal slaves. Forcing others to serve her, rationalizing it as the smart and practical thing to do. A tough but justifiable choice. A necessary evil.

It was chilling, how the idea had occurred to her so easily, so naturally. Even more so that she could still see the usefulness and convenience of it.

Alexandra put it out of her mind with a shudder, eagerly shutting the door on such an unnerving line of thought. The bulk of the work was still ahead of her.

With the same kind of effort that would conjure up a memory or push aside an unpleasant thought, she undid the knot at the very end of one of the hundreds of little tendrils in the construct. She held it in place, then pushed it and folded it unto itself, gently, deliberately. Its influence receded under her careful efforts, letting go of the tiny part of Tamira that it had held in check until that moment.

Much like Alexandra s spirit had rushed in to fill the void left in her chest by a spectral sword, Tami s soul avidly reclaimed the damaged areas that were freed up. Alex worked her way up the branch, pushing the tendril insistently until it collapsed against its parent node. Then she repeated the process at a different end, as far from the first as possible.

She kept doing this for what felt like a very long time, as mechanical as counting, as intuitive as breathing. The peripheral capillaries led to slightly thicker veins, which led to the next level, which led to the next, and the next. It was painstaking labor, and attention to every minute detail soon became a draining routine. Every step that took her farther up the ladder of complexity required a bit more effort than the last.

Alexandra continued the exacting process for a half-hour, a whole hour, hours on end. There was no outside world, no Ming Xiu or other thralls or bird-people only the cancerous vines of the mind-leash and the mind-numbing process to unfurl them.

Eventually she reduced the poisonous weave to a single, smooth entity. It became a filthy little sphere of nastiness at the center of it all; a clean and efficient, elegant and ruthless seed that could grow to be the solution to a difficult problem. There was an almost sentient component to it, pushing against her will as if it wanted to spread and once more perform the task it had been designed to do. She fought not to acknowledge the part of her that could see the beauty of such things.

How do they even make it in the first place? How do they latch it onto any given soul?

I ll need to look into it if I want to protect anyone against it.

She held it in place and contained it to the smallest form she could manage. Removing it straight out would have been simple at that point, but still a terrible idea. Were Tamira a gunshot victim, it would have been as bad as removing the bullet from her gut by using an industrial electro-magnet.

She needed to dismantle it completely, but her efforts had condensed all of the construct s energy back into the primordial seed. The pent-up energy would scatter everywhere if she ruptured it violently wrecking through Tami s being, or blowing up spectacularly. The energy might also spread out and dissipate innocuously, but given her luck, she placed the odds of such a harmless outcome around one in a billion.

Come on, there must be some way to get rid of it. Give me something, you stupid bird senses.

She searched the seed for answers, analyzing it in the hopes that she d missed more in-depth instructions. Probably the mind-leash wasn t even designed to be removed. Safe disposal had never been a concern.

Shouldn t you be worried about what s happening out there? How long have you been at it? How much longer until the Skyborn find you? Do you think Ming Xiu waited even a whole minute before taking off?

I can t leave it like this, she answered herself. It ll take over again.

Then you better do something quick, because if you take too much longer it isn t going to matter.

I d rather not kill this poor woman!

She s already dead. What s the worst that could happen?

Fine, whatever, screw it.

The mind-leash was supposed to work exclusively on humans. Technically, Alexandra was not human at that moment.

She wrapped her mind around the enslaving agent, gathering every part of her into its proximity and displacing as much of Tami s soul as she could. She shielded Tami s body with her own and made direct contact with the construct. Not stopping to think it twice, she gave the metaphysical sphere the nuanced push that would unravel it down to its core.

Alexandra felt the noxious seed dent and vibrate. It frayed. It collapsed.

The sudden burst of force that crashed into her was a violent shock-wave rumbling like earth tremors into the protective barriers she had created. It then rippled through her in the most intensely pleasurable experience she could remember since . . . well. Since entirely too long ago.

Caught wholly unguarded, her thoughts seized up in shuddering bliss. The sensation surpassed anything she could compare it to, and she lost herself in the bewitching complexity of what she was feeling, unaware until then of just how much she d craved a respite from the pain. It faded all too quickly into delightful aftershocks that steadily grew further apart.

Wow. That was . . . wow.

A deep sense of contentment soothed the transition back into reality. Alexandra s rattled thoughts regained most of their former focus.

Oh my god, what the hell was that?

She d expected this crapsack afterlife to dole out nothing but suffering. That such a sensation was even possible gave her a small glimmer of hope for the future. Perhaps not everything was as uniformly bleak as it seemed.

However, the memory of the experience already had her craving more. She could see how it might easily become . . . addictive. The task of freeing every other thrall they found didn t look so daunting anymore.

If it works, that is. Tamira might be a vegetable now thanks to what I just did.

Alexandra did her best to shake off the lingering tingles and concentrate back on Tamira. It was time to find out what new kind of disaster she d brewed.

She almost made the effort to step out without delay, but caught herself just in time. She then suffered through the awesomely unpleasant process of morphing back into her regular human self. If Ming Xiu was still out there, she might not have reacted favorably to seeing the bird face again.

Tamira s mind greeted her with warm familiarity after treating the Skyborn incarnation as if it were a hated mother-in-law. Alex wanted to believe that she could perceive the difference already an intangible cheer to it, an indefinite wakefulness. She might have imagined it, but Tamira was also politely eager for Alexandra to get out of her intra-personal space already.

She obliged, still feeling uncertain. Alex stepped out to come into her being once more, and her shape took form immediately, going from hazy frame to skin in hardly a moment. She grunted out a pained moan as a sudden wave of disorientation sent her head spinning, forcing her to close her eye shut.

Why does it always have to hurt? I could use more full-body orgasms and less shitty migraines.

It didn t last long, thankfully. Alexandra reluctantly opened one eye, dreading a situation that had surely degenerated into chaos during her absence.

Ming Xiu stood in front of her, exactly in the same position as before. Her stance was wary but from instinct alone, her sword limply pointing down and barely secure in her grip. The soldier was staring as if she d just seen Alexandra chew on rocks and spit diamonds. A quick glance over her shoulder placed all four rescuees standing where she d left them.

Huh. Weird.

Just as she looked, Tamira fell to her knees with a heart-wrenching moan. She braced her abdomen and bent forward, shaking, shuddering. Moans soon became open-mouthed sobs.

Alexandra looked on, paralyzed, terrified. Tamira wept with the unrestrained cries that come in the aftermath of disaster, cries borne of irreparable loss. After a fretted look at Ming Xiu, Alex knelt down by the red-headed woman, desperate to comfort her and not knowing how.

Her sobs became more arduous, reaching deeper into her chest. Each one of them heaped another brick of guilt in Alexandra s throat.

You shouldn t have tried to free her. She was too far gone. Too far gone . . . .

She gingerly placed a hand on Tamira s shoulder. Not getting a reaction, she awkwardly repositioned herself and drew an arm around her, softly encouraging Tami to lean on her. The woman threw her arms around Alexandra, grabbing desperately at the back of her shirt while bawling onto her chest.

Alex couldn t hold back her own tears as she gently stroke Tamira s curly mane.

_________

Tamira gave no sign of getting better. She wept without restraint, mindlessly, unresponsive to Alexandra s touch.

It s alright, Miss Keister, she said to her in a heavy whisper. I m so sorry. It s gonna be alright.

It continued for a long time, one woman sobbing openly, the other in whispers. A soldier staring on with equal parts wariness and awe, three thralls staring with blank faces. The only sounds to be heard were Tamira s moans and the soft rustle of Alexandra s voice, apologizing and reassuring in a lulling litany.

Then Tamira spoke.

Alexandra, she managed to wrench out between sobs.

Alex froze mid-stroke.

We ll find Aaron. Her voice was barely intelligible, raw and quavering. I swear I ll help you, I swear it.

Alexandra took a moment to react before gently pushing Tamira to arm s length, one hand on each shoulder. The woman looked up, tears overflowing her eyelids and streaming down her cheeks. Behind the redness and the blotchiness, a completely different woman returned Alexandra s gaze.

Tami. A smile started on Alexandra s lips. Did I . . . are you . . . ?

Tamira shuddered and broke eye contact, leaning back against Alexandra s support.

Don t call me that, she said between sobs and hiccups. Please.

Right. Right, sorry.

Tamira s arm tightened briefly around Alexandra s waist. Just . . . just give me some time, please.

Sure.

Thank you, Tamira whispered. Then she looked up again, earnest adoration in her eyes. Thank you, she repeated, this time with every ounce of meaning the words could carry. I can t tell you how much . . . I can t . . . . Her face scrounged up and she shook her head, more tears flowing down her cheeks. She gave up trying to control it and went back to crying against Alexandra s chest.

Alex patted her shoulder awkwardly, not really knowing what else to do. She simply knelt there, trying to enjoy the relief of not having screwed up, for once.

The relief was quickly soured by all the other problems on her lap, all of the questions that didn t have an answer. And how much had Tamira seen of her? A fair bit, judging by her promise. More than Alexandra would have cared to share with a person she d just met.

You sure enjoyed learning about her life. Not so much fun to snoop if it goes both ways, huh?

She pursed her lips. Maybe next time she could find a way to make the whole process only work one-way, or be selective with which parts of someone s intellect she touched. Tamira Keister might turn out to be a great friend and all that, but some boundaries would be nice. There had to be a better way to go about this whole liberation business.

So much to learn, so little time. Wish I could just stop fumbling in the dark.

Alexandra started drying her own face with the back of her hand, then realized what she was doing and stopped, mildly irritated. She got rid of the wetness with one clean sweep of willpower, but not before the motions made her catch sight of Ming Xiu through the corner of her eye.

Their gazes met. Alexandra gave her an apologetic look and a tiny shrug of one shoulder, as if to say, these things happen, what can you do?

The soldier didn t react. Her face, still covered in bloodied filth, was drawn up in a puzzled grimace. Alex could imagine the gears turning inside Ming Xiu s mind, trying to figure out her situation and coming up with nothing.

Maybe she ll be a little more willing to listen now.

At least she hadn t fled or gone stab-happy, although Alex couldn t give her much credit for that. It seemed as if only a few seconds had elapsed during her crazy merging experiment, despite her deliberate, almost leisurely pace. Yet another inexplicable mystery to puzzle out.

In-between musings, Alexandra realized that she was looking at a soldier clad in ancient Chinese armor and covered in blood. The senselessness of it hadn t quite registered until then.

Did you die while larping or something?

Ming Xiu startled and stared for a moment. I don t understand you.

The getup. She gestured up and down with her hand. Maybe a reenactment? I gotta say, it looks just like the real thing. It must ve taken a ton of work to put that together. I happen to know, I work at a museum.

The Chinese soldier looked down at herself with a frown of her own, then directed it at Alexandra, ice building in her tone. I ve bled twice as much as any man to earn my uniform. Are you implying I didn t?

No, I didn t mean . . . what?

You better not be, Ming Xiu continued as if Alexandra hadn t spoken. Her grip on the sword became resolute once more. I don t care what you are or what you can do, I ll prove you wrong just like I did all the others.

Look, I didn t mean that at all, please calm down. It s just strange to . . . .

She s an actual, real soldier.

With a jian, and a centuries-old Chinese armor.

Alexandra took in for the first time the telling details of the woman s fearsome appearance: the frayed and worn edges of her attire, the dirt marks where the helmet presumably hadn t covered her face, the practiced grip on her weapon, the blood that drenched a significant portion of her anatomy. Her glove-less right hand was painted red.

This woman had died in battle. No contemporary soldier would be equipped in the way that she was.

Which meant . . . .

Ming Xiu, Alexandra began, her words laced with dread. I know this question is strange, but . . . when did you die? As in, what period in history?

The woman s stare lost some of its iciness, letting puzzlement make a comeback. I . . . died . . . in the present.

No, I mean . . . you re from China, right?

Ming Xiu nodded slowly, adding a hint of suspicion into the mix.

Alexandra gestured at the sword the soldier was carrying. Who did you fight for?

There was a pause pregnant with Ming Xiu s indecision.

I fought under Commander-in-Chief Qin Liangyu, the response finally came.

Qin Liangyu.

The name rang a few bells, thought she couldn t place it on a time-line. Her voice dropped to a soft murmur. And . . . your Emperor?

Ming Xiu looked down with sudden abashment, then darted a look at Alexandra before answering.

We fought for the glory of His Imperial Majesty the Chongzhen Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty, Son of Heaven, Lord of Ten Thousand Years.

Son of a bitch.

The Ming Dynasty. The friggin Ming Dynasty, which had collapsed, oh, over four hundred years ago. And yet somehow Ming Xiu had shown up right in front of her not thirty minutes past, blood still fresh in her hands.

Alexandra s stomach sunk into a hole as the dreadful implications became clear.

You didn t wait anywhere, did you? she asked. You appeared here right away.

I . . . I didn t wait. It was fast. Very fast.

Just like me.

Alexandra s breath grew heavy, her chest tight with anxiety. People showed up at random times? How could that be? How could a system like this possibly work? She made a feeble attempt to deny it, to explain it away as an isolated mistake, but there was no arguing with the evidence right in front of her eyes. No wonder Tamira s experiences hadn t felt like they amounted to seven hundred years of servitude.

This isn t fair.

Aaron might not have shown up yet. Maybe he wouldn t arrive for years to come.

Maybe he d already been around, a thousand years ago.

There was no way to know.

What a load of bullshit.

She could imagine him searching for a hundred lifetimes, traveling everywhere, waiting for her, facing all sorts of adversities. Suffering and despairing just like she was.

The image it conjured brought a groan to her throat and a wet itch to her nose. He might have searched for eons. He might have given up, at some point.

He might have forgotten her.

Of every possibility that Alexandra had contemplated so far, this one struck her as the worst of them all.

A voice tip-toed into the dank bleakness of her thoughts.

Am I really dead?

Ming Xiu s belligerence was gone, leaving her voice small and vulnerable. She was looking at Alexandra as if she held every answer to every question.

This woman has come to you for a purpose.

She d have believed it, not so long ago. She would have seen intent behind apparent chance, the hand of providence guiding events to happen in a certain way, at a certain time.

Yet now she felt nothing but scorn at the idea. There was no purpose to this place. There was no overarching reason that would redeem all the darkness, all the undeserved suffering.

You re as dead as I am, Ming Xiu, Alexandra said in a somber voice.

But . . . Yun. The soldier s expression was rife with distress. You truly did not take Xiaoping Yun? We promised . . . we promised we would wait for each other . . . .

Lost your man? Join the damn club, she almost said. Yet looking at Ming Xiu s face was like looking into a mirror. She d have given anything to have someone to talk to when she first showed up. Someone to provide a modicum of guidance, or at least a few meager answers.

I don t think your Yun had a choice, Alexandra finally responded. I sure as hell didn t.

Choice, Tamira mumbled from Alexandra s lap. She seemed to savor the word.

A small stretch of silence followed. Ming Xiu had let her weapon drop at some point and was staring at her red-stained hands.

Yun s blood, she said, and Alexandra could see the woman growing numb by the moment. Why is it still here? Am I to carry my grief on my hands? Is this my punishment for the life we lived?

My god, it s worse than looking into a mirror.

I guess that depends on what kind of life you lived.

Ming Xiu kept silent, the numbness gradually becoming another frown over the course of a minute.

We did what we had to. I suffered enough in life for my mistakes.

You know, you stabbed me, Alexandra said. Through the heart. And I d done nothing to you. It doesn t speak very well of you, from where I m standing.

Was that a blush? It was hard to tell with all the grime on her face.

I apologize, dark one. I was I am . . . distraught. Not myself.

Dark one? Still she thinks I m some sort of demon? Or . . . .

Seventeenth century China. Plenty of dark-skinned slaves to go around, and blacks were no better than dogs back then.

Alexandra bit back her knee-jerk retort and spoke calmly. I m still willing to help you, but if I get even one hint of prejudice about the color of my skin, you and I are through. I know we come from different places, but I want that to be perfectly clear. Do you understand?

Ming Xiu blinked a few times, then nodded slowly. I am no stranger to prejudice. I would be a hypocrite to do unto you what I have suffered all my life.

I understand, Tamira s voice floated up.

Alexandra looked at her, then back at the soldier. Good. She gently patted Tamira s back. How are you doing, Miss Keister? You think I could maybe get my shirt back?

Tamira nodded, but it took a few more seconds for her hands to unclench and let go of the fabric. It looked like that was everything she was ready to do at the moment.

Alexandra turned her attention back to Ming Xiu. How about we start over? Believe me, this place is awful enough without fighting among ourselves.

Ming Xiu thought about it for a while. She took a look at herself, then ran her gaze through the drab tunnel in which they stood.

What is this place? she finally asked.

Alex snorted and brought up hands and shoulders in a shrug. The afterlife, I guess? That s all I ve got so far. It s no paradise, I ll tell you that much.

And . . . who are you?

My name is Alexandra Gretchen. You can call me Alex, Alexandra, or Mrs. Gretchen if you like. And I m sorry, I m no guiding spirit or guardian angel or whatever. A smaller shrug. I died, just like you. I ve been here a bit longer, is all.

Another thoughtful pause.

This isn t what I expected.

Yeah, well, you and me both.

How is it that you speak my language?

Huh. Good question. I could ask you the same thing.

Ming Xiu considered that over a puzzled frown. Then she shook her head, and her next words carried a lifetime of exhaustion with them. How do I know that I can trust you?

Alexandra smiled. Defeats the purpose to ask me that, doesn t it?

The woman simply kept looking at her. Alexandra s tone sobered. I can t prove anything to you. I can only hope you ll believe me when I say that if you strike out on your own, chances are you ll end up just like them. She hooked a thumb at the three as-yet to be freed thralls. I was almost caught myself, but I got lucky. Actually, if you listen to what I ve been through, you ll see just how damn lucky you got.

Yet another pause for Ming Xiu to consider her options. Her eyes were distant, her lips pressed together. She seemed to be taking deliberate deep breaths.

Eventually she slumped against the wall of the cave with a long, stormy sigh, brow knit in surrender. Her armor ground lightly against the rock as she slid down to a sitting position, feet flat on the floor and knees bent. She cradled her head in her hands.

I m listening.

Alexandra heaved her own sigh of relief. Maybe I can salvage this awful disaster after all.

It s a really weird story, she began, but I swear it s what happened to me, word for word.

She went on to tell Ming Xiu about her exploits up until that point, idiotic mistakes and all. Everything she d seen, found out or inferred, all the questions she still harbored. She left nothing out, not even the deeply personal crisis of faith still clutching her heart.

It was strange how she could remember every single detail, no matter how small.

I saw you drop to your hands and knees, she said to finish up, and that s when you looked up and saw me. You know the rest.

Ming Xiu had listened in silence, not showing much of a reaction to anything Alexandra said. She just sat there, in mostly the same position she d been for the last thirty minutes or so.

Alexandra s brow creased with worry. I know it sounds crazy and it s a lot to take in, and I m sorry if I rambled a bit. All I can say is, if I wanted to entrap you in some way, I d have made up a much more credible story.

Silence dragged on. Then Ming Xiu slowly lifted her head from her hands and leaned it against the wall behind her. She was crying openly, tears streaming down her cheeks and carrying away the dirt and blood on her face.

I am left to assume, she said in a voice that was surprisingly steady, that my Yun is as lost to me as your Aaron is lost to you.

It was hard to swallow past the sudden lump in Alexandra s throat. Not forever. Wherever he is, whatever it takes, I ll find him.

She d been afraid that she would falter after learning of the latest setback to her search. Hearing herself say it out loud made the concern vanish as if it had never existed.

We will find them, she said, her eyes intent on Ming Xiu.

The soldier returned her gaze. It felt like an eternity before her stare was followed by a solemn nod. We will find them, she repeated.

You believe me, then?

I have little choice, Ming Xiu said, shaking her head. I will remain suspicious of you, but you are offering help, and I can see no guile in you. If half what you say about this place is true, I would be a fool to turn help away.

Alexandra snorted. You got that right.

These abilities you have, Ming Xiu continued. The things you ve discovered you can do here. You must teach me.

Tamira spoke up before Alexandra could agree to anything. It doesn t work that way. The red-haired woman laboriously abandoned Alexandra s lap and knelt upright. She adjusted her hair and dried her face before laying hands primly on top of her thighs. She still looked shaken, but much more composed.

What you do depends on who you are, she continued. Everyone is different. It s like height, or eye color, or . . . or how well you can carry a tune.

Alexandra looked at her thoughtfully. But can t she just practice at it? Even if it doesn t come naturally?

Tamira was briskly shaking her head, but then she seemed to reconsider. Well, maybe. Sometimes. But sometimes it s just impossible. I . . . I don t know everything, only what I ve seen. The Great Ones she blanched slightly, then corrected herself. The Skyborn take those with strong useful abilities and get rid of the dangerous or useless ones. None of us can do what you can. You . . . you re dangerous. A threat. To them.

You bet your ass I am, Alexandra said with enough heat to give herself pause. She took a moment to push down the anger so she could keep learning things with a cool head.

What do you mean, you can t do what I can? she asked. You can t change clothes? You can t make stuff?

Tamira was shaking her head again. We can t change ourselves. Break their prisons. She shuddered. Wall our thoughts against them.

I kind of . . . winged it. I don t even know what I m doing half the time. She smiled ruefully. I know it isn t something you d want your savior to say.

Tamira shrugged. Sometimes it s like that, if . . . if you re talented enough. I did things like this without trying to. Three rock fragments the size of baseballs dislodged all by themselves from three different spots nearby. Alexandra s eyes widened slightly. Ming Xiu tensed visibly.

The rocks floated lazily around and above Tamira s head in whimsical patterns. You understand it, with time, she said while remaining perfectly still. You see what is truly happening. It allows you to exert much finer control. The fragments flew in more elaborate paths, speeding up and stopping unpredictably. And you can make the impossible happen. The three rocks suddenly came together in what should have been a violent collision. Instead, they all joined into one, vibrated and stretched into an up-right disk, then became translucent. The disk shattered a second later, dozens of shards spinning outward slowly, each one with its own deliberate momentum. They shattered again, and again, until there was nothing left but a cloud of fine glass dust that made all sorts of pretty eddies and spirals until it spread onto the ground in front of the woman.

As the dust settled, both Alexandra and Ming Xiu stared on with the exact same wide-eyed expression.

That, said Alexandra, was pretty bad-ass, Tamira.

She beamed at the compliment. She was about to continue explaining, but then noticed that something else had caught Alexandra s attention.

Tamira s display had made Alexandra s eyes land on the three hapless souls motionlessly watching the women. She could imagine their inner selves screaming to participate in the conversation, to give input or maybe jump up and down with glee, just because they felt like it. She immediately felt a pang of guilt.

Shoulda been working on freeing these poor bastards, instead of chatting over tea with my new girlfriends.

She exhaled a weary sigh as she got to her feet. It s about time I did something about your friends here.

I ve spent lifetimes with them, Tamira said while following Alexandra with her gaze. But I don t know them. Not in any meaningful way.

Alex glanced back at her, eyes full of pity. Tamira shrugged. You will find that they are even more restricted than I.

She nodded and stepped closer to Meli, Tish and Yuri. They lifted their eyes in unison to blankly return her stare.

You ve heard everything we ve said, right? Seen what s happened? she asked them.

Yes, Great One, they responded in a staggered chorus.

Alexandra raised an eyebrow and turned around. How come they haven t figured things out yet? Shouldn t they be attacking, or running to rat me out?

Our last command was to follow you here, Tamira answered. We witnessed the transformation, so you are still the Great One. It doesn t matter what we ve said since then. The doctrine dictates obedience to your commands.

Alexandra looked back at the thralls.

Unconditional obedience. Would it really be so bad

She banished the thought immediately, aghast that it could begin to form in the first place. With one last glance back at the onlooking women, she set out to do for them as she had done for Tamira.

_________

Meliwaze had been a terrible warrior. His fellow tribesmen couldn t understand why he couldn t swing a club or thrust a spear to save his life, but that hadn t stopped them from displaying him as the pinnacle of the tribe s superiority. He had been hardly more than an imposing scarecrow, making a show of growling and flexing his impressive bulk to intimidate rivals of the tribe into backing down. He d been an odd boy among the Muru, often quiet, often lost in thought. He d missed a step when traversing a tricky mountain trail, fallen down the cliff, and careened face-first into the rock that broke his neck.

He had spent the longest time among the Skyborn by far, and had eventually embraced his fate with a willingness born of resignation. Meli had simply stopped caring at some point, letting the Bird Spirits do with his will as they wished. Alexandra hoped he would genuinely fight for the common cause now, instead of just limply going with the flow like he had done for his entire existence.

The life of Yuri Zharkiev had been defined by the simple misery of deprivation. Lenin s Soviet Russia hadn t been terribly kind to its populace in general, but peasant farmers had it worse than most. He d hardly been able to reap from the land enough sustenance to survive, let alone provide for the local area. The man had doled out as much misery as he d received, both to family and to strangers. It hadn t been a good life, and Alexandra had genuinely wondered whether it was a mistake to free him.

Stoic, hardy and unbelieving of the existence of an afterlife, he had fought against domination the most and the longest of the four. He had been encountered in the Nexus, and thus his fate had been sealed.

Patrice Lefevre . . . well, Patrice was from the future. There could be no other explanation. She regarded the humongous explosions that went down as the beginning of the end, and could remember word by word the newscast that reported them. It had been abruptly interrupted, and the TV s signal had gone out soon after.

With big cities charred and the net pretty much disabled for good, the quiet Canadian town of Steinbach had descended into the kind of chaos that she d seen depicted dozens of times in post-apocalyptic fiction. Patrice had hoped to be part of the group of resolute survivors that would soldier through the catastrophe with grim resourcefulness, but fate hadn t been so kind. She d joined the ranks of the silent majority and starved in the dead of winter.

Everything that she d gone through before losing consciousness for the last time had pervaded her outlook with chronic fatalism. She might have lasted longer if she d tried harder, but the brutal environment and even more vicious compatriots had gradually sapped her will to fight. She hadn t been all that surprised upon finding herself surrounded by bird-like monsters after she gave up on living. It just figured.

Tamira hadn t been kidding. Their leashes weren t as much prisons as they were barbed wire biting into their figurative flesh and suffocating their every thought. It had taken much longer to unravel such twisted, tangled webs, especially the ones embedded in Yuri and Patrice.

Their rupture had been even more intense than the others, and Alexandra was still reeling from the aftermath. The mixture of completely disparate experiences was a nightmare to deal with: the horror of stepping into their private prisons, the never ending drudgery of painstaking deconstruction, the nagging admiration for the cleverness and elegance, the anger and outrage at the unwarranted torments, the staggering burst of mind-bending pleasure. Everything blended together in a bittersweet cocktail that seemed specifically designed to drive her insane.

At least I ll have company, she thought as she surveyed the result of her efforts. Not all was well with their minds.

Meliwaze might pull through yet. He was busy nursing a monster of a headache, heaving deep breaths while sitting in the middle of the tunnel.

Patrice and Yuri were a different matter. Their eyes darted wildly from one spot to the next, watching everything and nothing at once. They clutched at their clothes as if they couldn t decide whether to treasure them or rip them to shreds. They cowered against the wall, each one in their own spot, persecuted Gollums haunted by every movement and shadow.

Alexandra couldn t blame them. She d wept just by witnessing the nightmarish landscape of their minds. What she d seen of their suffering . . . she d rather forget it, even though she knew that she wouldn t. No one person could endure what they had and remain sane.

She turned away from those poor souls and looked at Tamira and Ming Xiu. Although Alex felt like she d spent a whole day away, it seemed hardly ten minutes had passed from their standpoint. Tamira still knelt on the floor, while Ming Xiu leaned against the wall.

Both women looked guarded, uncomfortable to have been left alone with one another. They d started talking quietly at some point, and Tamira was responding to something the soldier had asked.

Good person. I know I can t make you believe me . . . . She noticed Alexandra s attention. Tamira offered an encouraging smile that was frayed at the edges. Maybe they just need more time, she suggested. Meli is doing a little better already.

Meliwaze, rumbled a voice suffused with strain. The three women turned to look at him.

I . . . am . . . Meliwaze, he repeated slowly, in starts and spurts. Warrior . . . of . . . the Muru.

Alexandra looked at him with surprise. After exchanging glances with the other women, she took a few steps closer to the heaving giant and leaned hands on knees.

Meliwaze? She asked gently. Do you know where we are? Do you know who I am?

For a while, she got only heavy breathing and choked grunts as a response.

Yes, he finally said through gritted teeth. And . . . yes.

Are you . . . are you going to be okay?

It felt so strange, talking to this mountain of a man as if he were a child with a scraped knee.

Meliwaze grunted some more.

I . . . know . . . not, he managed. Even if . . . I am not . . . . He paused to catch his breath. I am . . . thankful.

His words brought a genuine smile to her lips.

I m really happy to hear that. She reached out with a hesitant hand and squeezed his shoulder. Hang in there, I know you can do it. I won t be far, alright?

Meliwaze nodded laboriously. Resisting the urge to pat him in the head, she stepped farther into the cave, where Tamira and Ming Xiu were.

I don t know how much time we can spare with this. She gave a small sigh and looked at Tamira. Are you sure we won t get jumped by the birds while we re here?

The woman nodded eagerly, her curly locks bobbing back and forth. They regard the bottom layer as uncouth. They wouldn t come near it by choice. Traversing it is like . . . like walking through communal latrines. Soil dweller is a strong insult in their culture.

Alex pursed the corner of her lips. But what if they sense all of us together? This can t be something that happens every day.

They ll figure we are performing some task or another, Tamira responded. At the most, they would send a minion to investigate, and even that would be unlikely. I d . . . worry more about my mast She interrupted herself, then drew a sharp sigh. Our former masters learning of our absence.

Alexandra blinked a couple times.

Oops.

But of course they would all be missed. While their abilities were shared among the avian community, every thrall belonged to one individual or another. It wouldn t take long before one of those former owners began to investigate. How long until the group was discovered? She could deal with one bird, maybe, but there was no way she could go up against four or five, much less a search party of fifty or a hundred.

They had to get moving. For all she knew, the enemy was searching for them at that very moment. Maybe she could take everyone farther down the mountains, to some uninhabited corner, or much deeper underground. Or out of the realm altogether escape and hope they would find sanctuary elsewhere. She needed to speed up everyone s recovery, get them all on the same page, erase their trail as best as she could . . . .

Or you could just hunt down their owners and kill them one by one.

The thought was so unexpected that she jerked her head back a little, startled. Such a ruthlessly practical course of action. It would definitely solve her immediate problems, if she could pull it off undetected. After what she d seen, it was obvious to her that the Human slaves would never be suspected of rebellion.

She was mildly disturbed that she could find no objection to the plan, other than the risk it might pose to her own well-being. When exactly had killing become an acceptable way to solve problems?

She scowled at the thought. When I saw what they ve done. What they still do. Killing them is a mercy, compared to what they actually deserve.

Just thinking of it was enough to bring her anger to a slow boil again. Maybe she should capture one of them and bring it back to the former prisoners. Let them go to town on it.

Alex?

Tamira s voice broke into the grim images of retribution. She was looking up from her kneeling position, lips pursed with uncertainty.

What . . . what do we do now?

It wasn t just Tamira. Ming Xiu had the same question in her eyes, although lacking all of Tamira s trust and admiration. Meliwaze had lifted his head, listening to what she had to say. Even Yuri and Patrice s ears had seemed to perk up, although that part might have been wishful thinking.

Running her gaze through the pitiful group of people, Alexandra wanted to tell them that she was just as lost as they were. More so, even. With the exception of Ming Xiu, their experience in dealing with this existence far surpassed hers. A part of her had hoped that one of them would take charge, like a reincarnated Spartacus rising from the ranks of slavery.

Of course they d turn to you for direction. How could you expect otherwise? You re their damn savior.

Their savior.

She d saved them, she really had. Maybe not purely for altruistic reasons, but she had saved them all the same.

It felt pretty damn good.

Alexandra took in a deep breath and let it go slowly. We ll have to get rid of your former masters, Miss Keister. She paused, both for effect and to consider her next words. Then we ll work on freeing everyone else. We ll be quiet, stealthy and resourceful, until the time comes to reveal ourselves. And then . . . .

She clenched her jaw and looked up as if the tunnels and mountains weren t there, toward the endlessly diverse floating citadels home to those that would enslave her kin. Could Aaron be somewhere up there?

She d never find him on her own. She was just one person searching alone in a sprawling corn field, and that would never be enough. She d need search parties, sniffing dogs, machinery, helicopters. A broadcasting system, a network, eyes everywhere.

An army of loyal friends.

Then, Alexandra said, we start the uprising.

Or maybe just an army.

_________

The bird s torso messily separated from the rest of its body as Alexandra s materialized blade completed its broad sweep. Her staff-turned-polearm became coated in orange-red blood, as did several parts of her own anatomy. She d much rather have gone for a cleaner move, but this was the one shot that she had before the mark became suspicious, and she didn t hesitate to take it.

She d rather have done without the blood altogether, but blunt damage was as effective in the long term as beating up a puddle of water. It was the separation of essence into several pieces that did the trick.

She quickly expanded her influence to shield the area around the dissolving Skyborn, effectively dampening the terrible disturbance caused by its expiring life-force. It wouldn t erase the rift completely, but it should be enough to reduce the usual two-mile radius to a couple dozen feet. Sometimes it would feel like they lashed against her specifically, clawing desperately at her shield. She found it rather poetic, when that happened. A taste of their own medicine.

This one didn t. She watched the bird impassively as it writhed and wailed, trying and failing to hold on to its cohesiveness. For all their mind-altering tricks, these creatures were hardly skilled when it came to dealing with disabling injuries.

Sixteen, she whispered to the vanishing creature, and already she was working at taking note of every detail pertaining her victim. She d done it often enough for it not to require a whole lot of concentration. It would have been even easier if they weren t all so damn different from one another.

Their plumage could be any of the colors of the rainbow, arranged in a wide variety of patterns. They could be short and stocky or tall and gangly or petite and cute; they could have a tough facial bone structure or a delicate and refined one, wide and plain or long and angular; some would wear beautiful jewelry, or vaporous gowns, or utilitarian vests; some would have their beaks adorned with notches and ridges, or their talons artfully trimmed and decorated. This one had worn an array of golden rings and tiny bells on its temples, and they had clinked and chimed with her every expression.

Her first three, the late owners of Tami, Meli, and Tish and Yuri, had been commanding and arrogant to a fault, and had not hesitated to approach her. They d swallowed her act hook, line and sinker and didn t suspect a thing to the very end. She d had a few more just like them since then.

Four of them had been cautious to different degrees. Two had seemed reluctant, as if they didn t want to do it. And some had looked nervous, almost . . . afraid.

She tried not to think about that too much. She didn t want to know their feelings. She didn t want to know their names. She didn t want to know where they came from, where they were going, their wants, their needs, the reasons for doing what they did, their personal opinions on what their species did to hers.

They were creatures. Things. And they all got close, eventually. They all attempted to subdue her. That s all she needed to know about them.

She quickly adopted the mental state necessary for a transformation and put to work all those details she d gathered, creating in her mind a perfect image of what she wanted to become with special attention to the myriad nuances specific to the undercurrent of this particular individual. She took every step with practiced swiftness, and gritted her teeth at the blistering pain that ensued. The remnants of her latest target had yet to dissipate completely by the time the mists of change receded.

Alexandra let go of the space around her, undoing her dampening sphere, and set out to locate the one human thrall in the floating island. She had to work quickly: he or she wasn t the only intelligent being in the area, and she d rather avoid any and all unplanned encounters with the rest of the citadel s inhabitants. Humans were a minute subset of a veritable throng of servants that was as diverse as the extended cast of Sesame Street.

She dreaded those other creatures more than she did the Skyborn. While the birds were a mostly predictable encounter, every one of those bizarre species was a question mark, an entirely unknown entity that she didn t want to mess with. Especially the humanoid ones, the biped ones, the ones that embodied an undercurrent of their own and seemed to serve an actual purpose. Every one of them would convey, one way or another, the same uninvolved expression that the human thralls wore.

She did not want to acknowledge what the presence of these non-human humanoids might mean in the grand scheme of things. They were questions best left unanswered, and so Alexandra ignored them as she navigated the arched hallways in search of the one room she was looking for.

There you are.

Her beak rattled in a glowering frown. Look at you.

He stood on a corner behind a multicolored line, wearing pretty clothes and a vacant stare. He was a tall man of medium build and his features were human enough, although she had learned not to always go by that. His undercurrent was unmistakable, and that s what really mattered. She barely noted the gorgeous hazel eyes, the long dark hair down his back or the near flawless proportions of his toned body. There was no time to waste.

The assortment of tiny jewels in her plumage chimed musically as she issued the same command that she had uttered twenty-one times so far.

Follow.

The man followed.

March 12th, 2015

Sanders Estate, Washington Park Neighborhood, Seattle

6:13PM

So I guess this is when I lean elbows on knees, look you in the eye and give my protective father speech. The truth is, there is no need for that. My girl will break your bones better than I could, if it comes down to it.

I won t give you the tired old if you hurt her, either. There s no doubt that you will hurt her, and she will hurt you. That s how relationships work. And you ll figure things out, or not, and that will be fine by me either way.

You seem to be a decent young man, and so I hope everything works out. But if you two go separate ways, well, that s the way things happen sometimes, and I won t hold it against you. Lord knows she can be as stubborn as they come when she wants to. In fact, I m here for you any time you need some advice, or even if you need somebody to drop a good word on your behalf now and then.

My girl says that you are a good man, and that s enough for me to treat you as family. She s even surprised that you stuck around, although I m not. I can see you re smart enough to bang two rocks together, so you must have noticed how special she is. It s not for me to say whether you re worth her time. I m just proud that she has taken this step with someone, and I m grateful to you for that. God bless you, son.

But now, she could be wrong, and I could be wrong in trusting her judgment of you. That s when we get to the protective father part.

So, if you do wrong by her. If you lie to her, steal from her, or take advantage of her. If you cheat on her, or intentionally betray her trust in any way. If you raise your hand to do harm against her, even once . . . then I will ruin you.

I will make sure that you never again hold a job, get a loan, or have a landlord. I will see you starved and destitute under some bridge before I am done. I want that to be perfectly clear, because I will spare no expense to see my daughter safe, and I will not let anyone ruin her chances at having a family. Do you understand?

Come on, boy. This is when you say, I understand, Mr. Sanders.

_________

I squeeze into the driver s seat of her car, pulling the lever to get a little more room for my slightly longer limbs. We planned this beforehand: arrive in the passenger s seat so it doesn t look like I m domineering, leave in the driver s seat to show that she trusts me. I decided not to question her logic and just go along with it.

She s soon climbing in, after some final kisses and goodbyes to her parents. They wave at us and we wave back as they close the front door.

Alex gives a huge sigh, turning to face me with a big, beautiful smile.

So, it wasn t so bad, huh? Mom was outright gushing. She told me to latch on and not let go. I ve a mind to listen to her.

I smile at that. Her mom had been nothing if not pleasant.

What did my dad say to you? Did he give you his speech? You have to tell me about it, he s been waiting for so long to use it.

I remain thoughtful for a moment. I settle for a neutral approach. Your father loves you more than I could say.

She cringes. Was it that bad?

No, no, he s just . . . . I gesture with my hand, looking for the word. Intense. He was affable, most of the way through.

She doesn t look appeased. He told you about the retribution fund, didn t he.

That s real? I thought he was being dramatic.

There s over a million dollars in there, specifically put away to exact revenge on potential wife-beaters.

What? You re shitting me now.

She shakes her head vehemently. He says it ll just be part of my inheritance if it never gets used. She frowns at the comment. She hates thinking about anything even remotely related to her parents mortality.

Ah. Well, I hope he s getting good interest on it.

At least I don t have to worry about her father s insanity being hereditary.

She looks at me with a small smile on her lips. So he really likes you?

It is then that I realize how nervous she is. She adores her parents. Their honest impression of me must matter to her a great deal, much more than I had imagined. Didn t they reassure her when saying goodbye? Our entire relationship might have been riding on this evening s outcome.

What . . . would you do, if he hated me?

She purses her lips and eyes me with reserve. He doesn t. He wouldn t, knowing that I love you.

My chest swells with very masculine joy just to hear her say that. But what if?

She keeps silent for a while. I know I should just leave it alone and be glad everything went well, but I can t help it. I have to know, I m stupid that way.

Her glance touches my eyes, then looks back down. I . . . I d be torn apart. I d stay with you, I know I would. She glances at me again. But I know I would resent you for it. She looks back at the hands on her lap. It s the truth. I m sorry.

Oh, please . . . . I put an arm around her, pulling her close despite the awkward position. Don t say you re sorry. I get it. There s nothing to worry about, he said I look like a decent young man. In fact, I managed to get an honest good laugh out of him at the end.

Oh?

Yeah. I thanked him for explaining so clearly that I had nothing to fear from him.

She pulls back a bit to give me a look. One of those looks.

You didn t.

I did! He burst out laughing and even clapped me on the shoulder. It was great male bonding, I tell you.

She still looks skeptical, but doesn t say anything else.

I start the car and put it in gear. We begin the long road-trip out of their driveway.

So anyway, I told him exactly how I feel about you. I know how important they are to you.

Aw, you didn t have to do that. Her hand squeezes mine.

He seemed to understand where I was coming from.

He fell head over heels for mom. He could probably tell I ve got you just as whipped.

I nod in agreement. So then I requested his approval to ask for your hand in marriage.

Her hand goes limp. Her eyes go as wide as saucers. The entire evening was worth it just for the look on her face.

I simply shrug. Call me old fashioned.

13

I should not be doing this, Ming Xiu said for the twentieth time.

She stood on the Pathways side of the Thousand Rivers entrance, at the spot where platform became cave. She was garbed in her usual field instructor outfit: oriental-cut white silks fit perfectly to her slender build. Coupled with her long, black-and-silver braid, she looked like a martial arts master straight out of the movies.

She alternated periodically between pacing back and forth and regarding Aaron with a concerned frown.

You said this could help me get ahead, Aaron reminded her, doing his best to keep calm. He stood not far from her, facing into the cave so he wouldn t have to see those horrid sentries every time he opened his eyes. He feared he might go crazy with frustration, but he was determined to figure out flight in the Pathways. He would figure it out or he would pass out from the pain, whichever came first.

His resolve had Ming Xiu all but wringing her hands in distress. It could, or it could cripple you. And then what? How will you join the purge then?

Aaron let go of the awful tangle that was space in the Pathways and opened his eyes. His slightly diffuse form went back to normal and some of the pounding migraine receded a bit.

Ming Xiu . . . you promised. I get that it freaks you out, but you promised.

She clenched her fists and glared for a few seconds, then let out an irked sigh and walked over to where he stood.

You are trying too hard, delving too deep, she said briskly. She looked into his eyes for a moment, then pursed her lips. Let go completely for a while. You ve reached a point where it s counterproductive to keep trying.

Aaron grunted, then relaxed and did as he was told. He immediately felt light headed and stumbled forward, and had Ming Xiu not been there he would have fallen flat on his face.

Despite her slight frame she only needed one hand to support him, and effortlessly at that. Aaron thought in his daze that such a thing shouldn t surprise him as much as it still did.

I shouldn t be letting you do this, she repeated as she shook her head.

Are you changing your mind? he rasped.

Ming Xiu looked up at him for a few beats, her somber expression betraying none of her thoughts. She gave him a slight push so that he would stand on his own again.

No, she said. No, I am not.

Then we should try what I told you about.

I will not throw rocks at you!

Baseballs.

I ll do it, sifu, Falon chimed in from her cross-legged position, her back against the wall of the cave. Please let me do it.

Aaron sighed. Do you really have nothing better to do?

Nope.

Ming Xiu threw an admonishing look in the girl s direction, then got back to Aaron. It would be senseless to do something like that without prior manifestation. Pointless.

It worked for Harry Dresden, Aaron responded doggedly.

Yes, you explained all about your fictional wizard. It doesn t work that way here. Unless you are brimming with talent, you don t suddenly grow the ability to shield yourself through instinct, out of sheer necessity or under controlled duress. No matter how much theory I explain to you, abilities aren t as much taught as they simply emerge over time. You are then guided to call forth and control what manifests in this way. Basic skills like limited flight or simple attire shifts can sometimes be taught to a predisposed student, she gave a pointed look at Aaron s t-shirt and worn jeans, but we ve all seen how very talented you are in that department.

Fine, fine, he brought up his hands in surrender. More of a reason to focus on the one thing I can do, then. They won t catch me if I can fly fast enough.

You speak as if there will only be writhen, and you ll only have to worry about claws and thorns. Ming Xiu s unusually sharp canines became rather prominent as she spoke. I already said there will be other Sapients there, our real enemies. Can you shield your mind from their influence? Can you let blades of thought pass through you and leave you unscathed? Can you craft a counter to a paralyzing resonance? The Unbound will be in the thickest of it all throughout the purge campaign. You might be able to avoid the real danger as a simple foot soldier, taking care of the chaff, but if you want to reach the true front-lines, you need these skills and more. Anything else is as good as suicide, even if I escort you.

I ve got no other choice.

None that would suit your infuriating impatience! Ming Xiu almost yelled as she jabbed a finger at his chest. The wise path to follow is much simpler. You have already chanced upon her, after all. It will happen again, if it s meant to happen.

No. There s no way I m going to just sit on my ass hoping for the Big Boss to show up where I m at. At least if she had a throne room or something, I could seek an audience like a sad little supplicant, but there s not even a way to leave a message! What kind of leadership is that?

Ming Xiu was shaking her head again, her composure frayed to tatters. The Unbound goes where she s needed most. You don t seek her out, Aaron. It s just not done.

For goodness sake, Ming Xiu! Your Dear Leader knows what happened to Alex. She destroyed her, if you believe the damn entry. I can t just twiddle my thumbs until I happen to have a chance encounter with that thing.

Ming Xiu s sword was out and prickling Aaron s throat in an instant. Her exasperation was gone, and in its place there was a terrible coldness that shrouded her eyes with chilling detachment.

The Unbound, she said with slow, clear enunciation, is not a thing.

Aaron froze, paralyzed with shock.

Falon was off the floor and beside Ming Xiu in a literal flash. One of her hands rested on the woman s shoulder. The fingertips of the other barely grazed her grip on the blade. Sifu. Sifu, please.

The swordmaster didn t move even a hairbreadth, her stern gaze fixed on an Aaron that didn t dare twitch a muscle.

Ming Xiu, Falon pleaded. He s just a child. An idiot from a life where everything happens right away. He doesn t know any better.

A frown creased Ming Xiu s brow. Then she looked at her extended sword arm as if it belonged to someone else. She let go of her weapon, and it would have clattered against the floor if it hadn t vanished into mist almost immediately.

She met Aaron s eyes, and for a brief moment he could clearly see the horror that gripped her.

I m sorry, she stammered as she took a few steps away. Falon remained as close to her as she could without actually touching her, arms extended, features knit in pained concern.

I m so sorry, Aaron, Ming Xiu repeated. She brought a hand to her forehead and closed her eyelids. Her fingers were trembling.

Aaron swallowed his apprehension and took a hesitant step toward her. I didn t

She drew in a sharp breath and put out her hands in an I can t deal with this gesture. Please forgive me, she said as she turned around and walked off at a brisk pace.

Falon extended a helpless hand toward her. But, Ming Xiu

Help him in every way you can, the woman said without looking back, voice raw.

They stared after her vanishing form in disbelief. After Ming Xiu had faded from view, Falon turned to face Aaron with a murderous glare.

What in the forsaken Void did you people find in the census.

Just my wife s entry! But it was all weird, like I said.

Are you lying to me, Gretchen? Are you all lying to me?

No! I . . . why? Why would I do that?

Ming Xiu is letting you call the shots. She jabbed a finger at his chest on every other word, much more aggressively than Ming Xiu had. She s breaking every rule with you. Cursed Void, she s losing her mind over this! Her anger faltered, showing the mountain of concern that loomed behind it. Do you have any idea how much she s been through? I couldn t begin to tell you how tough that woman is, yet she s crying over whatever it is you ve done to her!

I swear everything s just like I told you! She s been strange and absentminded since we picked up my wife s trail. At first I thought she was just put off by it, but . . . I don t know, maybe she regrets giving up? You know, on finding her own

She never gave up, you moron. Hope s a bitch that won t die even when you want it to. And now you come along, and find in two steps what she spent lifetimes searching for in vain. Anger made a comeback, and she shoved his shoulder hard enough to make him take a step back. I knew you d get her in trouble, I knew it! What did I tell you? Don t get her in trouble! Give me one good reason why I shouldn t punch your face in!

Aaron made a grand effort to keep his cool and not cower before the wiry redhead. He was well aware that she could easily tear his head off with a single right hook.

I, uh . . . Ming Xiu said to help me?

Ming Xiu is currently not here. She closed the remaining distance to stare Aaron in the face. She left, after you drove her insane.

Crap, is she serious about this?

Falon. He took another step back, putting his hands up, palms out. I get that you re frustrated, but you just stopped her from stabbing me. Maybe beating me up isn t such a great idea?

The girl took one look at him from head to toe and raised an eyebrow. She seemed genuinely taken aback by his reaction.

Do you really think I would beat you up?

You look pretty damn close to it!

Empty skies, Gretchen. She let out a dismayed breath. It might not seem like it after what just happened, but Ming Xiu taught me better than that. What kind of a thug do you think I am?

He relaxed slightly. Your temper is thuggish enough . . . .

Right. She gave him another shove for good measure, easily slipping past his hands. Maybe I should beat you up. If I make you disappear, she doesn t have to worry anymore about helping your self-absorbed ass.

Devoted, he corrected, finally lowering his arms. I am devoted to a rightful cause.

Falon snorted, making her opinion on the topic clear. Ming Xiu should have known better than to make you that promise. I don t know what she was thinking. She used to lecture me about the folly of absolute certainty.

She said she hoped I d be the one guy to get his girl back. You said it yourself, she wants somebody to have a happy ending. Maybe that s why she s so broken up now: the entry said Alex got severed by the Unbound. She thinks there s no chance for things to end well.

That s not it, she said, then looked at him inquisitively. But obviously you don t think your precious Alexandra is really gone, or you d be a blubbering wreck.

Aaron nodded solemnly. I have my own theory.

Of course you do.

But you can bet your ass that I would seek the Unbound for answers in any case. You never told me the whole origin story, by the way. Ming Xiu said to remind you of that.

Falon huffed out a displeased breath. She always dumps that on me. It s not my fault that it brings her bad memories.

Bad memories?

Ming Xiu was there, numbnuts. She hates talking about it.

Aaron s eyes widened. She s been around for that long?

What, you thought I was exaggerating just now? Ming Xiu is ancient. She s done everything and been through it all. So I really can t explain to you how damn creepy it was to see her like that.

I just thought . . . I assumed the Unbound was the only one left from that time. I figured that s the reason she s so powerful.

Falon briskly shook her head. The Unbound is one of a kind. Legend goes, she was just another slave within the Nexus realms, her powers dormant to the point of non-detection. Along came the First Shapeshifter, who managed to free

Wait, wait. Did you say legend goes ?

Falon s lips curled with distaste. That s why I don t like telling it. The whole period feels like some tale out of a storybook, full of mythical figures and vague accounts. It s intentionally so.

What do you mean?

You see, the Unbound used to have a regular name like you and I. She was second to the First Shapeshifter back then, who also I assume was just a regular person and not some grandiose heroine of legend. They had their personal goals and liabilities and weaknesses, and shared them a bit too liberally. When our alien allies betrayed us in the middle of the First War, they used that information to entrap our leadership and take control. They severed the Shifter, who sacrificed herself so that the Unbound could escape, which she barely did. She later made the traitors pay for it dearly, of course. The experience drove her to shed her given name and conceal who she used to be. She chose to embrace the name given to her by her fellow former slaves.

Ah, I see. Aaron raised his hand and curled his fingers dramatically. And so the Unbound was born!

Falon snorted. That s what I mean. It s almost a fable. The Unbound gathered the humans that were left and swore them to secrecy, leaving just this vague and frustrating tale for history to remember. Only the ancient Oathsworn know the actual details. And Ming Xiu, of course.

Oh. So that s what Oathsworn means.

She shrugged a shoulder. Not really. It s just where the title comes from; many more have become Oathsworn since then. Taking the oath now simply means entering the coven and devoting your existence to the preservation and advancement of Humanity.

It s so weird when you go full lecture mode. The way you usually speak makes me forget you are actually a huge nerd.

Falon gave him another shove. Look who s talking. I ve met plenty of know-it-all moderns, but you re the absolute worst.

It s a gift I have. The only thing I m good at, apparently.

Which brings us back to the current problem. She gestured with both hands to encompass their surroundings: the flesh and the stone, the twisted space and the foreboding sentries. You heard Ming Xiu. I m supposed to help you now. A crooked smirk curled one side of her mouth. Still want to try those baseballs?

Um. Aaron went to adjust his glasses. They weren t there, as usual. If you tell me what I m supposed to do first, yeah.

I ll tell ya all you want, drama queen. Apparently the rules don t apply to you anymore. I ll give you enough theory on shielding, deflection, dissolution and counter-shaping for me to be throwing objects atcha til the next portent rolls around.

Aaron nodded. Then he swallowed. Maybe this wasn t that great an idea, but there was only one way to find out. At the very least, he d get some juicy details on the technical side of Sapient skills.

You ve got a deal.

After all the angst she d shown just a moment ago, Falon s grin had no business being so bright and wide.

_________

Ming Xiu?

Her signal had led him to the same clearing where he had first met her. The scene was so similar that he had to do a double-take as he got nearer: a stately Asian woman surrounded by almost-trees, tossing food absentmindedly at the little creatures that crowded around her. Only her clothes were different, as she was still clad in her martial silks.

The chubby pig-rabbits she was feeding looked up at the sound of his voice, then scampered off in all directions. The woman didn t stir, remaining with her back turned and her arm bent at the elbow to hold a handful of the little sticks the creatures ate.

He stepped a bit closer, cautiously. Are you alright, Ming Xiu?

She kept silent a little longer. Her shoulders heaved a sigh before she turned around.

Aaron, I Her words died in her throat when she caught sight of him.

Boundless grace, she blurted out, wide-eyed. With two unnaturally long and quick steps she planted herself in front of him, misty fingers darting out to examine the multitude of bruises in motherly fashion.

Were you attacked? Did Falon leave you by yourself? She took a closer look, grabbed his chin and turned his head this way and that. Her eyes widened further. Did she do this to you?

Aaron grimaced and leaned back from her prodding hands. I guess you were right and baseballs won t be doing the trick for me. Or rocks, or any number of other projectiles.

It took her a few blinks to understand the meaning of his comment. She indulged your misguided fantasy?

I asked her to.

That s not reason enough. She knows better.

You and I both know I had it coming.

Ming Xiu continued examining welts with pursed lips and a furrowed brow. She clicked her tongue at the reds and blues on his left arm, and reserved a special frown for his split lip.

On second thought, she finally declared in a sour tone, I believe she taught you a very important lesson. Don t you agree?

If it s that I should stop being an idiot, I m sorry, I don t think it ll stick. Alex already tried.

Ming Xiu gave him an oblique look. Their eyes met for far too long, making the elephant in the room stand up from its corner and squeeze into the tiny space between them.

Aaron, she started, averting her gaze and letting her hands fall limply to her sides. What I did . . . it was not one of my best moments.

It felt strange to see her so vulnerable. It reminded him of his father s first apology.

Well, he said, dragging out the word. He shrugged. Was it the worst?

She chuckled despite herself. No. Not by far.

After another uncomfortable pause, she stepped back and gestured toward the trail leading out of the clearing, echoing the same movement she d made during their first meeting. Aaron wordlessly obliged.

They walked in silence for a minute or two, their steps rustling through the feathery leaves and undergrowth.

What I did is inexcusable, she finally said in a quiet voice. I am deeply ashamed.

He darted a glance at her. I, um. I was being kind of a jerk to you.

She shook her head. You don t understand. The trust between pupil and mentor is precious. By threatening you in a situation where you should always feel safe, I destroyed what trust I ve built between us. I let my own personal issues set back your training.

You d already threatened me, remember? Before we went into the Beacon. It was . . . well, it scared the crap out of me, to be honest.

That was different. She stopped walking and turned to address him directly. I needed you to do exactly as I said, with no delays. You don t know how much danger you were in. She resumed walking. What I did just a moment ago . . . . Ming Xiu made a mien of disgust. I lost control. I cannot remember the last time that happened.

So what s got you all riled up? I mean, I was hardly at my most annoying.

I contest that, she said with a teeny smile, but her heart wasn t in it. Her lips soon became a fine line, the way they would whenever she considered which words to say and how to say them.

She exhaled a deep sigh and stopped in the middle of the trail. She was looking up and ahead, through the thick feathery canopy and at the monochrome blue sky that filtered through it.

When you exist for as long as I have, she said a moment later, voice worn and tired, you start thinking that you know everything there is. There comes a point when nothing is new anymore nothing big, nothing of importance. You stop expecting things to be a certain way, and start knowing the way that they will be. Get too settled in this knowledge, and one runs the risk of . . . stagnation.

She turned to lean against a tree trunk, hands at the small or her back. This isn t much of an issue where we all come from. But here, knowledge is everything, and stagnation is a real danger. If you are not prepared to be flexible . . . well, you have experienced by now the effects of new knowledge that goes against everything you hold true.

No kidding.

You see, she continued. I knew, I knew you would not find anything. I ve seen it before and known of countless accounts, and not just with a spouse, but with siblings, friends, cousins, parents, offspring, distant relatives. Nobody that comes here is immediately related to anyone. It sounds odd at first, but not so much once you compare our numbers to the amount of humans that died on Earth every minute, every day.

Hmm.

But you didn t just find her, oh no. She brought up her hands to emphasize her dismay. Your Alexandra managed to do something that even the keeper of the blighted census hadn t seen before, and actually led you to her message. An entry that had been concealed even from Marion blighted Baterich. The woman can perceive hints of your thoughts from a shout s distance, but she couldn t sense something that had been two steps away from her for who knows how long. She wasn t pleased about that, let me tell you.

What were you arguing about? She looked like she d just swallowed a bug by the time Lesedi got there.

Ming Xiu made an oblique cutting movement with one hand, the way she d normally dismiss one of his questions. That s not She interrupted herself, then shook her head and puffed out a short breath, as if to say what s the point.

She questioned the wisdom of bringing you there. I disagreed. Emphatically.

Aaron felt another pang of guilt.

I ve been a real pain in the ass for you, haven t I.

She waved in a vague dismissive gesture. She was looking down and over to the side, a shoulder leaning against the tree trunk.

I must admit . . . . She trailed off, visibly searching for the right words to say. Her hands had taken hold of her braid and were undoing it, nimble fingers handling each strand with practiced accuracy.

I admit I ve been blaming you for bringing back emotions that I thought buried forever. Her voice was thready, lacking its usual confidence. For making me question my priorities and conviction, my loyalties. For giving me the illusion of hope where there is none, and then for proving wrong that absence.

Aaron stood in the middle of the trail, not quite knowing whether she was faulting him or expressing gratitude. She carried on, eyes still unfocused, braid completely undone and being remade in a different pattern that required five strands instead of three.

I resent and envy you, just for having the fortune of knowing what happened to your loved one. For having a path to follow, however winding and tortuous, so that you may learn more about her fate. Her hand movements became slower. Stopped. Started again. Slowed down. I cannot explain to you how precious that is. Even if in the end it turns out that you can t have her back, just . . . knowing? Just that alone.

Her voice had become choked, hoarse.

What wouldn t I give . . . there s nothing I wouldn t give

Ming Xiu forced herself to stop talking. She closed her eyes and took a few seconds to rein in the longing that would otherwise spill out. When she spoke again, much of her self-control had returned.

But I am wrong, she said. There was a small hint of surprise in her tone. I have been wrong to blame you, wrong to feel fear and anger in the face of change. And wrong to try steering you away from the path you must follow.

Her bearing shifted as she said it. Speaking her thoughts out loud seemed to give her a sort of catharsis, lending strength and conviction to her words.

It s, um. It s alright, Aaron said, then cringed.

Man, you can be so lame sometimes.

Ming Xiu looked at him in that amused way in which she so often did. She might have been tempted to comment on his rapier wit, but her subtle smile faded to become a stormy sigh.

This is hardly the image a teacher should present before her pupil, she said, looking down at herself as if she was dressed in rags and embarrassed for it.

That s alright, Aaron repeated. I mean, it s a bit weird, but it s nice to know that you re . . . y know, human. Without the capital H.

She chuckled softly and pushed off the pearly trunk with her shoulder. Don t let anyone fool you. Earthly biology might no longer constrain our existence, but all of us are still very much flawed. Some have learned better, some learn to pretend, and some have become even bigger idiots. Endless time means a wealth of wisdom for many, but not all. Not even a majority. You ve only seen a tiny fraction of the Human community.

So much to look forward to. You sure know how to be reassuring.

Ming Xiu graciously bowed her head, then frowned at the swaying of her half-done braid. Her hands set out to resume their intricate work.

I ve wasted enough of what little time we have to prepare you. I promised I d help you find out more about your wife. It is a choice that I made, and I will no longer try to circumvent it in cowardice. I will do everything in my power to teach you as much as possible, and to the Void with the protocol.

It was far from Aaron s intentions to discourage her resolution, but he couldn t help his curiosity. I thought the protocol was the only way to do things? You just got done saying out there . . . .

It is indeed the safest, most efficient way to educate and shape a mind properly, in the long run. Depending on the student, it might be the only method available. She glanced down to inspect her handiwork as she spoke. Apparently satisfied with it, a pretty red ribbon shimmered into being to tie off the end. She then casually tossed her braid over her shoulder and adjusted clothes that didn t need adjusting.

But it isn t the only way, she continued. There s basal exposures, delving, and strenuous practice. Technically there is also lethal duress, but it wouldn t work in a controlled environment and the risks far outweigh the potential gain.

Okay then. I m ready whenever

She took a step closer and spoke over his words. I can t simply teach you every skill. It doesn t work that way, as I ve said. But if we find something that s ready to manifest, it will hurt to bring it about ahead of its rightful time. It will hurt a lot, more than you ve ever experienced. Her gaze was intense, earnest. The sudden transition from her previous demure behavior was abrupt enough to startle him. Are you willing to accept that?

Aaron swallowed. Yes. Of course.

She placed one hand on his chest, over his heart. Or over where his heart was supposed to be. It made Aaron s wince there was a big fat baseball-shaped bruise right around there. It might also destroy you, partially or completely. It depends on how well you can cope. Can you accept that as well?

His eyes widened slightly. Won t you get in trouble if that happens?

She smiled mirthlessly. I already am. I will face the consequences, when they come. She paused for effect. And so will you.

Aaron couldn t help but chuckle. You know, you keep harping on Marion s dramatic flair, but all you re missing is a soundtrack.

Her weary expression faded behind self-conscious laughter. Marion is needlessly dramatic. I save it for when it counts. She placed a hand on his arm, and some of her gravity returned. You don t need to risk yourself. I still believe the wiser course of action is to wait for a better chance at meeting the Unbound.

She s right. Bide your time. Answers can wait.

He clenched his fists and punched the cowardly thoughts in the nose.

I m ready.

That got another chuckle out of her.

Oh, Aaron, she said with a small sigh. I wish you were.

_________

Nothing worked.

Aaron fidgeted with impotence as Jeb Habrim s undercurrent slowly drifted back to its more familiar state. The man stood with arms crossed, head down and eyes closed, his features furrowed in deep concentration.

You must have patience, Jeb said.

Aaron grunted dejectedly. That s three of you guys already. I might as well be trying to bite the wind.

You must have patience, Jeb repeated, adopting a more relaxed stance. Rama agreed to delve as deep as she s able. Diego might help expand your control over vector gravity, if Ming Xiu convinces him to help. And you are too young.

Aaron shook his head and leaned against the short wall to his side. He d never been so disappointed to avoid potentially fatal agony.

They stood on a parapet in the Crescent complex, overlooking the coast-bound side of the inner ring of habitats. The view would have shown the rest of the rings, if the dome for the fin worms hadn t been there to obscure everything behind it. Aaron didn t mind: usually watching those enormous tubular bodies as they wriggled their way through their medium was as relaxing as looking at an aquarium full of exotic fish.

It would ve been a lot more relaxing if he hadn t been fuming at his own incompetence. The pent-up desire for tangible progress felt like a bad case of mental constipation.

It s been such a waste of time so far. Shouldn t I have picked up something from at least one of you guys?

You should be glad. The resonance could be intense enough to scatter you. What we are doing is no longer permitted for a reason.

You aren t taking it easy on me, are you? Did Ming Xiu tell you to hold back?

Far from it. I exposed you to the five base frequencies I can distill, even the ones that take substantial effort to prepare. I modulated them all to the highest amplitude I can cover.

Aaron leaned elbows on the wall. Normally he would have found any mention of Sapient Skills Theory fascinating, but it only sounded like scientific gobbledygook at that moment.

The sad part is, they always told me I was a fast learner.

You must have patience.

You keep saying that.

It bears repeating. Nothing is the same here, young man. It looks to be, on the surface, but this is the afterlife, and we have left our bodies behind.

I m fairly aware of that by now.

And yet you continue trying to apply the same laws you knew. Gravity. Mechanics and dynamics. Conservation of energy.

Aaron let out an exasperated breath. I m not budging on that one. Everything needs energy to do anything, no matter how weird your Universe gets. There s gotta be something fueling what we do. Energy doesn t simply burst into existence out of nowhere.

Jeb Habrim was shaking his head, his coppery cascade of a beard swaying as he did.

You insist in clinging to obsolete knowledge. You are perhaps correct in an abstract sense, but the domain of the soul is not governed by thermodynamics.

Is soul the official name of what we are? Because it sounds just like dark matter to me. An answer made out of question marks.

You can call it energy, if it makes you feel safer.

Aaron waved his hand dismissively. Energy would be just another empty word. Energy is a measure of work capability, not a . . . a catch-all cloud of wonders that magically holds a sentient being. Do you see what I m getting at here? How does it all work? How do we sustain thoughts and affect reality? How do we survive without our bodies in the first place? Why does it even happen, and why does it happen the way it does? The more I see of this place, the more I suspect nobody really knows.

Why did the Universe we come from exist? Jeb countered, perfectly calm. Why was there something instead of nothing? How does matter begin? What is the fabric of space made of?

Oh, come on, that s different. I m not looking for the Theory of Everything here, just simple cause and effect. My thoughts used to be the product of a million synaptic firings. Now they are . . . what? He brought up his shoulders in a baffled shrug. Just talking about it boggles the mind.

Our existence is beyond such definitions. We are unable to dissect and analyze like we used to. In spite of the Tinkers attempts at science, there are still only unprovable conjectures. Philosophy. This is a hard truth, a difficult truth, one that the protocol strives to conceal from newcomers until they are ready. You should not dwell on it.

That s like telling me not to think of pancakes. The first thing I ll think about will be pancakes.

Jeb s chuckle was like an avalanche in slow motion. There were hundreds of mysteries in life concerning the self, and I d wager they never troubled you in any significant way. Modern science struggled to its very last day to explain how the brain worked.

Well, true, but it was kind of a given that the answers would come, eventually.

The man nodded. I understand what you feel. I used to be a pastor. The lack of answers upon coming here was challenging. He gave Aaron a sidelong glance. Take my advice. Don t dwell on it.

Aaron s brow creased in mild surprise. That must ve been rough.

Jeb shrugged. There is no point in asking how a god can be born. The answer is so far out of reach that it might as well not exist. He paused briefly. I m not trying to deter your pursuit of knowledge, but you exist, here, now. You are a sentient paradox, a mind without a brain. At least some of the things you knew are wrong. You must accept that in order to move on.

Jeb kept quiet for a while, letting Aaron ruminate on it. He couldn t really argue with the logic, as much as he tried.

The gruff man spoke again after a while.

If you are intent on asking such questions, Thousand Rivers is a poor place for it. Ming Xiu detests even the mention of it. I don t think Diego cares one way or the other, and you can t have a serious discussion with Falon. Rama might indulge you, but she finds it . . . . Jeb paused briefly, trying to find the appropriate word. Distasteful. Arguments are likely to break out. Opinionated people abound.

No joke, Aaron thought. Then he blinked.

Did he just throw a jab at me?

When you are done here, Jeb continued, you might want to travel to Tinkers Grotto. You will feel right at home. After a hesitant pause, he added, I am not trying to drive you away. We could use someone like you here.

Aaron laughed bitterly. Someone like me? You mean a useless lump of lead that can t even change his own underwear?

Jeb shrugged again, entirely unfazed. You must be patient. Everything takes time.

Time s what I don t have. They ll put out the call soon, and I m still worthless, and I have no idea how I ll make it to the Unbound in one piece, if half what Ming Xiu says is true. I feel ridiculous just talking about it.

Jeb was shaking his head. His smile was calm and knowing. Time is all you ve got, he responded.

They grew quiet after that, staring ahead in an uncommitted silence that was neither tense nor comfortable. A silence born of the simple absence of anything else to say.

Aaron s thoughts continued their grim march toward desperation. In front of him, the fin worms lazily floated this way and that, unconcerned about the world around them.

_________

The name of the island was Verdure, and they sat in a small clearing within a jungle of reds and blues. Bulbous plant-like formations surrounded them, rattling softly from time to time, snapping and bouncing at random among foliage that looked like bloated palm leaves. The constant rustle had become unexpectedly soothing after a while.

The pale blue mantle underfoot was a blanket of soft, squishable pebbles, flat and cushiony under Aaron s rear. Crimson farstalks swayed overhead like overgrown bamboo canes, almost completely obscuring the sky. Among the reedy branches, little stick-limbed creatures chattered and crinkled.

Sitting cross-legged immediately in front of him, Rama Dhanawade held Aaron s hand in a peculiar way. Only the tips of their fingers touched.

There s some innate resistance to a paralyzing resonance, she said, but not very significant.

Aaron could imagine Ming Xiu nodding in silence where she stood, over where clearing became jungle. His eyes were closed as he concentrated on not being a hindrance to Rama s progress. He could feel her in the outskirts of his awareness, inspecting him like he d inspect a cantaloupe at the store. The experience was mildly unpleasant.

Her soft voice reached him in an odd echo, as if it came from two places at once. Some very strong opposition to what we re doing, too.

I m really not trying to be difficult.

Oh, it s all subconscious, Rama reassured him. When you learn to tap into it and mold it to your purposes, your mind will be like a fortress. Quite useful, I m envious.

Ming Xiu spoke up. Rama . . . .

I know what you want, but I m uncomfortable with going so far. I couldn t bear damaging him permanently. He should progress at a natural pace.

How dangerous is this whole process? Aaron asked.

Not much, said Ming Xiu, but enough to be strongly discouraged. It s his choice, Rama. Be as gentle as you need to be.

Rama hesitated. It s not your hand that delves in his mind, Ming Xiu. With respect.

Would that I could.

You can t? Aaron asked.

Not for this purpose. You don t want me digging into your mind, believe me.

Um, okay. He peeked at the woman in front of him. She was dressed in a simple outfit of purple sleeveless shirt and white pants, an outfit Alexandra might have worn any day of the week. She was barefoot, which Alex was also fond of doing.

Everything reminds me of her one way or another.

Rama opened her eyes and met his gaze, and he tried to focus back on the present. Though she looked kindly upon him, the displeasure she felt with the task at hand was evident in the link they currently shared.

Would you mind explaining a bit more what you re trying to do? he asked. Ming Xiu loves to give me the bare-bones version of everything. The more you guys say, the more curious I get.

Rama smiled and exchanged a glance with Ming Xiu, who rolled her eyes and silently acquiesced.

Abilities you practice gradually compound into your undercurrent, the copper-skinned woman explained. It s one of the ways we can tell you are young and inexperienced. Every ability has a signature signal that a knowledgeable observer can identify and single out. She gently withdrew her hand and rested her arms on her lap. The otherworldly presence in Aaron s mind vanished, as did the strange echo to her voice.

Delving is essentially looking at someone s mind from the inside. If I delve deep enough, I may be able to tease out parts of your potential, hints of signals too faint to be perceived through normal means. With the right encouragement, they might rouse from dormancy and become available to your consciousness. They may begin touching your undercurrent in a sort of artificially boosted state. It could be unpleasant, until you master their power.

That s a lot of mays and mights.

She nodded. Alteration through delving is influenced by many factors. Just reaching the relevant areas is a great challenge, let alone making a significant impact. It s a very invasive process, Aaron. Hence my concern.

He gave her what he hoped was a charming smile. Ming Xiu said earlier that you re far too skilled to cause any lasting damage. She seems the trustworthy type.

Well, she is indeed, Rama responded good-naturedly, nodding in Ming Xiu s direction.

Aaron leaned elbows on knees, shoulders hunched over. I know you re not fond of this idea, but . . . we re pretty desperate. Please go ahead and do your thing. I ll be okay, I m a sturdy sucker. He showed the purplish mark on his arm and gave her an exaggerated smirk. The bruises are almost gone, see?

The welts had faded unnaturally quickly, but Aaron was well aware that they shouldn t have formed in the first place.

Rama looked at it with amusement. She indulged him with a pat on the knee, playing along. Then she let out a long sigh.

Close your eyes and be calm, Aaron.

Aaron nodded and did as he was told.

Place your hands in mine.

Her palms were soft and cool to the touch. He felt a strange ripple on his skin, and there was a pointed discomfort as her fingers sunk through his wrists.

Don t brace yourself. The echo had returned, more pronounced than before. Unwind.

He felt her again, a presence poking at the boundaries of his psyche. He resisted it by instinct for a brief moment, then caught himself and tried to relax.

Her presence grew closer, more immediate. The discomfort transitioned into a dull ache that spread to his whole body. It continued building up steadily, a sensation of pressure pushing against his thoughts as if he was diving farther and farther underwater.

Unwind.

The ache became unambiguous pain. She was no longer inspecting that cantaloupe. She was sliding a knife into it, carefully prying it open to look at the meat inside.

Aaron fought to unclench his jaws and stay put. He could sense Rama s determination tightening around him, pushing more forcefully against whatever was in the way. Her feelings of both apprehension and displeasure came to him clearly, mixed with mild excitement and a genuine desire to help. Her emotions mingled with his own unspoken fear.

The pain slowly transitioned into an intolerable pressure. Rama s claustrophobic hold brought to his mind the torturous confines of an iron maiden. He was unable to suppress the strained groan that began in his throat.

Then Rama s overbearing presence pulled back so quickly that it sent his head spinning. The pain vanished all at once, and he collapsed forward breathlessly, bending over his lap.

I can t, She said a moment later. I won t prod any further. I m sorry.

She let go of his hands and gently pushed on his shoulders, stabilizing him.

It s okay, Aaron rasped, I can take it.

No. It s not supposed to be nearly this painful for you. I apologize, Ming Xiu. I hate to disappoint you, but I can t do it.

Aaron heard Ming Xiu sigh. He shook his head as if to clear it and caught a glimpse of Rama s face. Her eyes were brimming with tears.

I m sorry, did I . . . this isn t painful for you, is it?

She looked down and made a dismissive gesture with her hand. That s not why I stopped. But yes. The tears were gone by the time she looked back up.

It didn t even occur to me. I wouldn t have asked you so lightly.

Don t you worry about it. She smiled and patted his cheek as if he were a ten-year-old boy. Aaron did his best to ignore it.

So what happened?

Ming Xiu chimed in. Your subconscious is too stubborn, I believe.

Rama nodded. You are too inexperienced to harness it. Forcing my way through might have damaged you, and I couldn t bear causing any more pain. Her brow creased with distress as she said it. If it s any consolation, you have an innate talent to resist unwanted intrusions.

Aaron made a resigned face and shrugged a shoulder. I ll take anything I can get. Thank you for trying.

She nodded again and suggested with an eloquent palms-up gesture that they stand up. She faced Ming Xiu once they got to their feet.

I m sorry I couldn t be much help. I hope you understand.

Ming Xiu shook her head, negating with her hand for emphasis. No need to apologize, Rama. Thank you for your time.

I ll get back to my work then. You should come by Feral Chasm when you have a moment, the sullen imps are fascinating.

I will. She smiled with amusement. Don t indulge them with too much attention, they ll get boisterous.

There was a twinkle in Rama s eye. We wouldn t want that, would we. She turned to Aaron. Good luck to you, young man. Seek me out whenever you like, if you wish to talk. You should enjoy the sights before you go.

Sorry for the headache.

Think nothing of it. Mist gathered at Rama s feet. I d normally step away a polite distance before taking off, but I d rather not disturb the rattles. She waved a hand and smiled kindly. Until next we meet.

Aaron waved back and watched the mist flow away from her in gusts, by all appearances propelling her up and through the opening on the crimson canopy.

Like she s wearing an invisible jet-pack. Haven t seen that one before.

Rama s figure disappeared behind the alien vegetation. Ming Xiu sighed again.

Aaron looked at her. What was that boisterous thing about?

She shrugged. Just a small running joke we have. I need to meet with Diego. Go find Falon. Can you sense her from here?

Yeah. Somewhere close to the Crescent?

Indeed. She ll be delighted to keep you company while you practice in the Pathways. She gave him a hard look. Listen to everything she says. Stop as soon as she tells you to stop. And for the sake of my sanity, don t get another collection of bruises.

That will depend on how mad I can make her.

Her look didn t change.

Alright, fine, okay. Maybe I could also find a way to . . . harness this resistance thing? How would I do that?

Not through practice, or I would have asked her to stay. Passive traits like that come to maturity with time. There isn t much that can be done about it.

Oh.

Ming Xiu s feet left the ground. Go, now. For extra training, see how high you can travel on your way to Falon before the downward pull is too steep for you to inhibit.

Yes ma am. Aaron got a hold of gravity and imitated her hovering.

I ll come find you when I m done, she said. Good fortune.

She shot up and was out of sight in the time it takes to draw a sharp breath.

And Ming Xiu flies Dragon Ball style. While I m stuck with gravity thingamabobbers.

Aaron heaved a sigh of his own. He fixed Falon s location in his head and rose to the skies.

Everything s so damn complicated.

_________

A decisive push, and his feet suddenly lifted off the flesh-colored granite.

Holy crap!

Aaron burst out laughing, which completely shattered his concentration. He followed the path of a weak basketball throw and then fell on his ass.

Ah-ha-ha-haa, yes!

Whoopee, Gretchen. You have now become slightly less useless, congratulations.

Aaron was so elated that Falon s mockery didn t even register. It had been such an incredible headache to figure it out, both literally and figuratively. He d finally solved the damn puzzle.

The secret was to pull back and go as far and wide with his otherworldly senses as he could, taking stock of the big, big picture of the Pathways around him. Once he managed to go far enough, visualizing the complex lattice he was immersed in had gone from impossible to improbable, and then all the way down to merely complicated. To touch what passed for gravity in this environment he had to push aside viscosity, shimmy under opacity and skirt around density and these were only the properties that he could identify. He felt as if he was tangling with string theory, operating in a bajillion dimensions at once.

Once he got hold of that spatial downward slant, he had to coax it into doing what he wanted. What was a clear vector in Thousand Rivers had become an unwieldy, plastic entity with a mind of its own. It seemed to fight his influence in unexpected ways, like an animated glob of silly putty that would only stretch if asked with good manners.

And yet there was something about the process that he found greatly comforting. It was precise, tangible, something that he could reliably replicate and practice. It felt deeply connected to the bizarre physicality of this universe, and he could sometimes glimpse the mountain of weird math behind it. His nerd-sense would tingle every time.

Even in Upside-down-landia, there s still plenty of math to spare.

Well, let s see ya do it again, Falon urged from her usual spot by the wall. She sounded supremely bored.

Aaron composed himself and sat up. Ain t no rest for the wicked, I guess.

Oh, please. You barely just started.

I must ve been at it for a solid hour!

My point exactly. Now quit stalling and get to work.

Work work, he grunted in his best Orcish voice. Falon raised an unimpressed eyebrow.

Ming Xiu was right. The references get pretty stale when nobody gets them.

Aaron got to his feet and let out a deep breath. He reached out to the bubble of space that enclosed him and once more worked to identify and isolate what he needed to tamper with. His terrible headache hadn t dissipated just yet, but it was no longer made worse by the effort.

Soon every concern flew out of his mind as more and more concentration was required to wrestle the Pathways into letting him get off the ground. He lurched upward suddenly, almost unexpectedly, and then he made every effort to become stationary in mid-air.

Woohoo!

We re all proud of you, Aaron. Falon said, unmoved. I m sure you can t wait for a treat and a pat on the head.

My goodness, if I didn t know better, he started saying, but he began drifting sideways. He continued once he d regained his balance. I d say you re jealous.

It got an honest laugh out of her. Suuure, sure, I m so very jealous. She clasped her hands together, then brought them to her cheek and looked at him adoringly. How will I ever be as skilled as you are, oh Mighty Master of the Currents!

In your whoa! He lost his grip for a small panicky moment, then regained it and lurched back up. In your dreams!

Stop goofing around already and start getting some serious practice, will ya? It can t be much longer til

It happened right then, exactly on cue, just like in the movies.

Falon turned her head toward some point beyond the Thousand Rivers platform, listening for something that only she could hear. With studied calm she moved closer to the sentries, between Aaron and whatever was coming. Her stance was attentive, but relaxed. Aaron carefully returned to ground level, watching expectantly.

The traveler appeared not long after, gliding around a bend at blinding speed.

Wow.

Aaron stared, wide-eyed. The creature was vaguely bird-like, with long, ethereal wings and a head shaped as an elongated, curved beak. Its serpentine lower body ended in numerous tails that swayed hypnotically, moving as if submerged underwater. The tails widened and gradually faded into the medium, becoming a translucent mist halo that encircled the creature like a silvery peacock s train.

It drifted gracefully toward them, reducing its speed from insane to placid in hardly a second. It stopped a few meters before Falon, hovering in mid-air like a slow-motion hummingbird.

Thousand Rivers kin, it spoke to her, respectful but visibly non-submissive. Greetings from Skyward Rim.

Aaron understood it without effort, yet its actual voice was a complex melody, amazingly close to a string quartet improvising brief compositions on the spot. Its sound wasn t as crisp as a violin or as full as a cello, but it carried the same multi-tonal synergy, the same textured musicality.

Well met, Risen, Falon responded, very official, very square-shouldered. Your message shall be passed along.

It tilted forward in a bow of conformity. Everything about the creature was liquid and seamless, as if its pearly shell was made of furnace-hot glass, supple enough to take any shape. Gawking at it, Aaron noted the one feature in an otherwise unmarred surface: a glowing lemniscate seared onto the left side of its wasp-like breast.

Preparations are complete, it sung, words stringing together to form nuanced harmonies and jarring discordance alike. It has been determined that an independent body of Daedal was responsible for the breeding and instigation of the recent writhen incursion launched against the Beacon. It has been declared that this group of individuals must be hunted down and severed. It has been declared that all writhen in existence must be destroyed. The call for able warriors has been pronounced.

All volunteers must meet the following requirements: level two martial training or equivalent destructive skill. Level three mediumborne travel or equivalent. Basic knowledge of cooperative combat. All willing individuals are to gather at Amber Crest, where they shall be further briefed. Should not enough volunteers answer the call, a summary draft will be enacted.

The Unbound urges all able individuals to join the fight, preserve our numbers and avenge the fallen. Those who prove their worth in this campaign will be held in consideration to become one of the Oathsworn.

The gorgeous glass-bird creature shifted its stance, signaling that its message was concluded.

Falon nodded once. Understood, Risen. You have accomplished your task at this location.

The creature made another elegant bow for her. Unbound honor and guard you, mistress. It acknowledged Aaron s presence with the same courteous gesture. He waved self-consciously. Then the Risen fluttered backward, turned, and flew off in a different direction, presumably on its way to the next minor realm in its itinerary.

Falon watched it disappear around the nearest bend. Looks like your time just about ran out, she said in a quiet voice.

There s levels now?

Yes. You don t qualify.

Ouch.

How long do we have until operation Infinite Justice?

The call will endure until an appropriate force is marshaled. If it s anything like the last purge, it ll be fifteen to twenty Oathsworn, at least a half-dozen synergies and two to three hundred able individuals with their Risen and loyal denizens. Her seriousness lifted without warning, a broad smile taking up half her face. And Ming Xiu gets to babysit you in the middle of that mess!

I thought you d, uh . . . maybe you ll come with us? I ve been meaning to ask.

On closer inspection, there were too many teeth for it to be a genuine smile. Yes, Aaron. I ll go and leave Jeb, Diego and Rama to fend for themselves, so when we get back we can have great fun looking at the ruins and mourning our friends.

Aaron blinked a few times, put off by her sudden change of mood. You really think they d attack here?

She sniffed with disdain. Not normally. We ve been left alone for ages, but with this whole purge going on, smaller targets can become vulnerable, especially notable places like Ming Xiu s home. You never know what might happen, especially with Daedal scum.

Daedal. You mentioned them during History class. Never really explained what they re like, though.

I never got to it, imagine that. You would know by now that they evolved from plant life in some other galaxy altogether, and have about the same integration spread as we do but of course you know next to nothing about our long history with those assholes, or any of the other Sapients, because you ve forgone your proper education in favor of this idiotic plan to get even. I d love to be there when the Unbound puts you in your place.

The exciting prospect of meeting other aliens from his own Universe faded from Aaron s mind. The possibility of a pissed off all-powerful being hadn t even occurred to him.

What could she do to me?

To you? Nothing worse than a lecture. She ll know you for the ignorant idiot that you are.

Well, there s a relief.

Her expression darkened. But Ming Xiu. She could lose her privileges. She could lose her status as one of the best instructors in all of existence. She could even be declared unfit to teach and unfit to lead. Her reputation will be forever tarnished by the fact that she willingly took a defenseless newborn into a battleground, and it wouldn t surprise me one bit if you haven t given it even a passing thought until now. You re a child bent on having his candy right now, and you don t care what happens to anybody as long as you get your way.

Falon didn t raise her voice or gesticulate. She delivered her words with a quiet intensity that infiltrated his thoughts in a way that no yelling could have managed. They clung to him like tiny leaden weights, compounding to drag down his resolve into a dark pit of guilt.

And she is honor-bound to indulge you, she continued in the same dreary inflection. I wouldn t give it a second thought to shut you up and refuse to do a single thing before you are through with your education, but Ming Xiu isn t like that. She s special. She is honorable like no other and will follow through with her promises no matter the cost. And you are taking that amazing quality of hers and turning it against her. You are taking something good and you re fouling it.

She shook her head, her demeanor devoid of anger. She appeared just . . . sad. Disappointed.

I hope it s worth it. Falon met his contrite stare. I hope you get what you want.

Falon, I

Don t say a blighted thing. Her temper surged forth suddenly, clipping her words as if the emotion itself was feeding on them. She told me not to be like this, but you don t deserve that. You don t deserve my restraint and you don t deserve her sympathy.

She pressed her mouth shut and took a deep breath. I need to go find Ming Xiu and tell her about the call. I said I d protect you, so just follow me and be quiet.

He was going to. She had every right to resent him for upending the status quo of their community and getting their beloved leader tangled up in his impossible quest. The least he could do was to take her scathing truths in meek silence.

He couldn t.

No, he heard himself say. In his gut stirred the same feeling he d get arguing with a moody Alexandra, the same tangle he d felt every time he had confronted his father. Nervous pangs, concern, a hurt self-worth, a righteous streak.

Her frown went from dissatisfied to dangerous. No? What do you mean, no ? I have to go in, and you re coming with me, and that s it.

That s fine. What I mean is that you don t get to judge me like this. You don t get to turn my good thing into something to be ashamed of.

I get to do whatever

Aaron spoke over her rebuke, and for once his voice prevailed over hers. Don t you think I feel like shit for doing this? I know I m taking advantage of her, and of you, and of everybody I can, and I feel awful about it. That doesn t change the fact that I ll do anything to find out what happened to Alexandra, and if there s the tiniest chance that I might find her again, I m going to go for it all in.

And she d have wanted you to get severed trying? Because that s what s gonna happen, you stupid idiot.

I very well know what she d want me to do, but I also know what she would do in my place. I m not trying to screw anyone over, but I care about my wife as much as you care about Ming Xiu, about Thousand Rivers or the Unbound as much you ever cared about Rashid. You can hate me for it if you want, but . . . I m not letting you take away the only thing that s keeping me sane.

Aaron was almost panting by the time he got to the end. Falon impassively stared at him, her face an unreadable mask. He hoped she d understand. Maybe she d glimpse how much of an effort it had become not to hate everything at all times. How deeply, deeply screwed up Alexandra s absence continued to make him feel.

Falon breathed out through her nose, once, her nostrils only slightly flared. Then she tilted her head toward Thousand Rivers.

Let s go, Gretchen, she said. She was stern, but not particularly irate. Don t bring up Rashid again.

Aaron suppressed a sigh of relief and nodded gravely. She pursed her lips, rolled her eyes and began walking toward the realm interface.

He trailed behind her as they headed into the realm.

_________

The pebble floated in front of him, oscillating up and down between the two opposite pulls of gravity.

Aaron increased the strength of his influence and the pebble bounced higher. He decreased it, and its path became like a fishing buoy bobbing on the ocean. If he fine-tuned it well enough, it would levitate perfectly in place, caught between equal forces.

Let us test your concentration, Diego said, hardly a second before a slightly bigger pebble took off from the ground and darted toward Aaron s forehead.

Wah!

Aaron dodged to one side, tumbled awkwardly in his cross-legged position and let his own pebble fall onto the surface of the walled-in dojo where Falon had kicked his ass so many times. His small rock hit the pristine white floor at about the same time the projectile clacked against the wall behind him.

Diego frowned with his lips. He lounged a short ways in front of Aaron, on a stone bench of his own making. Clad in his white-and-gold magician s robe, he looked every bit the hedonist Roman.

You were supposed to catch it and hold it, he said while tapping his own forehead with his index finger, a slightly haughty quirk to his tone.

Sorry, sorry. I panicked. Aaron readjusted himself into what he assumed was a Lotus pose, although probably he didn t get the leg position right. Try again?

Diego sighed audibly. Reach out to the weave, and pay attention for any changes. Try to sense it before you see anything move.

Aaron did as he was told. Soon he felt a ripple close by, altering a tiny sphere around yet another pebble. The small rock shot up as a result. Another ripple ahead of its path, and the pebble stopped in mid-air as soon as it reached the spot. A third wave of change, and the pebble became a slingshot flying toward Aaron s face.

He frantically grabbed the downward slant all around him and modified it to point directly away. Although his every instinct wanted to exert the influence on the space he occupied, he wrestled his focus to confine the change inside a cylindrical area in front of his head, intercepting the trajectory of the evil pebble of death.

Don t let it shoot away or he ll grill you again about control, control, control!

The pebble entered Aaron s dampening cylinder, sinking into it as if it had transitioned from air to water, to honey, to tar. Before it could turn around and pick up speed in the opposite direction, Aaron neutered the gravitational pull in the small area. He had wanted to time it so that the change happened exactly when all momentum left the rock, but he was slightly off, and the pebble slowly drifted backward within his zone of influence. He made the teensiest, briefest adjustment, and the former projectile was made to innocuously rotate in place as though suspended in a glass vial full of water.

This is freaking awesome.

As you can see, Diego said, neutering at the right moment is quite the challenge. It s near impossible without dilated perception, in fact. You will find that trapping the object between opposing influences is much more reliable, though not nearly as elegant.

Two pulls at the same time?

And three, and four, and a hundred. It sounds daunting, but just think of how many muscles are at work with something as simple as walking. With enough practice, you ll realize that it s all the same.

Okay.

Go ahead and try it. Make two identical fields around the rock, opposite one another. Wild gesticulation is unseemly, but for now you can aid your concentration by using your hands. He demonstrated as he said it, bringing his hands together as if holding an invisible basketball.

Aaron glanced at the man, then focused back on the pebble. He put his hands around it like grasping unseen cups, concentrating on the desired effect. The opposing pushes took place with hardly an effort; the pebble drifted slightly and centered itself between the fields.

Sweet, Aaron mumbled. Diego let out a brief chuff, unimpressed.

How hard can you push? he asked.

Uh . . . .

If you push hard enough, you will flatten or crush it, depending on the material. If you invert the fields and pull hard enough, you will tear it apart. Doing that is trickier, however. You ll likely just make it shoot in a random direction until you learn to effectively entangle the fields.

That s awesome.

Practice exerting more subtle control, like rotation and vibration. Expertise with vector gravity is in the details. I hope you are good at multitasking.

I m pretty awful at it.

That will change, then. Practice.

Aaron tried his hand at creating one more field to affect the pebble. Another rock clipped him on the side of the head with a loud puk.

Gah! His concentration went right out the window again, and everything fell apart.

You cannot invest all your focus in controlling one pebble, Diego said with a smirk. You must learn to split your mental resources. Here s another analogy for you: you must be like a drummer with twenty limbs, and each limb must play to a different beat.

Aaron was rubbing his temple. I couldn t do even one just a half hour ago. You already want me to stop a hundred bullets coming from multiple directions?

We are in a hurry, are we not? Diego looked around innocently as if consulting an invisible audience, then focused his searching gaze on Ming Xiu. She d been at shout s distance at all times ever since they put out the call.

Indeed we are, she said. There was no amusement in her voice.

I just don t get it, Aaron put in, welcoming a break from all the mental strain. Do you know how many times I ve tried to do something like this? Why can I make it happen now? I don t feel any different.

Ming Xiu began stepping closer, a tired smile managing to crack her stern exterior. But you do, Aaron. I could sense the subtle change in you myself, as you listened to Diego. The man nodded in silent agreement. She stopped by his side and laid a hand on his shoulder.

I would normally let you discover the spark on your own, without pointing it out for you. It s a beautiful thing, a feeling that will remain with you forever. The warmth of reminiscence touched her expression. Some stubborn part of your subconscious finally caved in, and admitted that it should be possible for you to do what you are doing.

He would have balked at everything she was saying, not that long ago. A part of him still wanted to dismiss the whole concept of subconscious belief as some vacuous idiocy straight out of a self-help book.

After everything that had happened, cramming a sock in the mouth of his inner skeptic was no trouble whatsoever. He nodded pensively. So you didn t do anything? No . . . basal exposure, no training wheels?

Diego shrugged. Just standard exposure. You only needed another nudge.

So basically I couldn t do this before because I didn t know that I could?

Ming Xiu looked pleased. She paced in front of him slowly, like a teacher during a lecture. More precisely, because you didn t truly believe that you could. It s the difference between knowing, she tapped her temple with two fingers, and being aware. She depressed her open hand against her chest as she said it. It s the same reason why you still need to breathe. You must know by now that breathing should be unnecessary here, and I know for a fact that you ve tried to hold your breath. What happened?

Aaron cleared his throat. I nearly passed out.

That you did. You ll stop needing to breathe, eventually, but chances are that you won t stop, like I haven t stopped. We still sigh, sniff, snort and take deep breaths. We still whisper, cry and tremble. She shrugged eloquently. It s built into the way we express ourselves, and you will never find a practical reason to do away with it.

Unless you re a showboating weirdo like Marion?

Ming Xiu burst into a short laugh that she hurried to restrain. She seemed slightly ashamed to have found his comment so funny. Yes, well. We re oversimplifying, of course. It goes much deeper than simple realizations. Yet belief is what moves all of us, Aaron. Belief shapes who we are, what we stand for. Everything we do.

Is that how you make things appear? Just by believing they re there?

She cringed slightly and bobbed her head in a more-or-less gesture. There s more to it than that, but essentially, yes.

What if someone else believes those things aren t there? Will they disappear? That s the counter-shaping that Falon told me about, right?

Yes. They could attenuate my creations or banish them altogether, if they come in direct contact and if their will and focus are stronger than mine. Her tone suggested that such a possibility was remote at best. It also depends on the object itself. You d sooner scatter all of Humanity than dissolve my sword from my hand.

He nodded sagely. Your Alar is the ocean in storm, while theirs might be a spring puddle.

She raised an eyebrow and gave him a tired look. She was about to continue when she immediately lifted her eyes toward the realm entrance.

Aaron had felt it too, an almost imperceptible tingle. He recognized it immediately.

Queg has come back, Ming Xiu said. Her brow was knit with worry. You haven t had enough time. So much of you still dwells on all the trappings of life.

I feel pretty dead . . . .

His attempt to lighten the mood fell flat. She stepped closer and took hold of his arm. I must ask you once more to reconsider, for your safety. There will be other chances to seek the Unbound.

Aw, come on, Ming Xiu . . . .

What difference does it make, to learn of Alexandra s fate now, instead of later? Why press on like this? Don t you see you are marching naked into a war zone?

Aaron closed his eyes and breathed through flared nostrils. The conversation had already played a hundred times in his head.

You say it like I have a choice, he answered quietly, conscious of Diego s presence.

The choice is entirely yours!

Is it? I ve endlessly asked myself the same, and every time it s the same conclusion. There s no crossroads. There s no choices. The path ahead is a receding tide, and there s no fighting against it.

That s nonsense, Aaron.

You know exactly why I have to do this. Some of the fire he constantly strove to contain seeped through, making his words hiss and crackle. Did you wait? Did you hesitate? What if you were in my place? What if you finally had a chance to know what happened

Enough. Ming Xiu looked away and let go of his arm, as pained as if he d just slapped her across the face. It took her a moment to regain her composure.

I shouldn t have told you, she said. You shouldn t be able to make me feel this way.

Way to be an asshole, Aaron.

I didn t mean to

She shook her head and met his eyes again. I understand. I ll protect you as best I can.

Queg landed just as she said it, smoothly coming to a stop after a particularly bright burst of his gravity gland. He d traveled fast enough to beat the floating guardians charged with warning the Steward of new arrivals.

One of the dull, rock-solid jellyfish arrived a moment later, went over to float in front of Diego, and produced under it a slightly distorted hologram of the Risen blowing past the entrance. Diego nodded and dismissed the creature with a wave of his hand, his frown never leaving his face. The thing took off without any further interaction, although Aaron could have sworn it directed a haughty eyeless glare at the impudent intruder.

Falon zoomed into view, moving at a speed that could have painted the Flash green with envy. She slowed down at the last minute and took her place close to Ming Xiu, leaving a whirlwind of mist in her wake. She was barefoot and clad in a bright red blouse and shorts.

Aaron sensed Jeb moving as well, quickly closing the distance from whichever habitat he happened to be at. He landed with a ponderous jog before stopping completely. It was no surprise to see him wearing the same unassuming farmstead clothes that he always wore. He nodded a greeting to everyone present and stood near the edge of the circular training ground, hands grabbing the front of his open vest in the most stereotypical way possible.

Only Rama did not seem all that interested. She must have been busy tending to some creature or another, and she simply couldn t be bothered with outside world drama.

I am pleased to find you well, Queg, Ming Xiu finally said. What news do you bring us?

The Risen looked uncharacteristically agitated. He chromatized, bleeped and hummed quickly and concisely, reciting the pent up report he d been no doubt playing over and over in his thoughts.

The purge force has mobilized. Individuals and loyals will strike simultaneously at known writhen dens: Spire Seven, Seventeen, Twenty-three and Twenty-eight; Twin Colossi Three and Five; Thrumming Canyon Four and Broken Peak Two. Forces bound for Spire Seventeen and Broken Peak are escorted by two Oathsworn each, as limited Daedal presence is anticipated. My brethren have traced the main force of the rebel faction to Spire Six, and The Unbound leads a group of fifteen Oathsworn, three complete synergies and a large contingent of loyals into the realm.

Ming Xiu nodded. The torrent of question-worthy statements seemed to make perfect sense to her. What are the names of the Oathsworn headed into Spire Six?

Queg rattled them off without the briefest pause. Frederick Hanz, Mwita Kunabe, Chang Gaonami, River Tam, Juan Carlos Maldonado, Yuri Zharkiev, Nayani Iroko, Camille Snow, Meliwaze Muru, Lin Zhu Huang, Xinyin Lee, Meenah Serket, Alexander Heimlich, Victoria The Lancer, Audrey Despana.

Was there a River Tam in there?

Aaron was going to comment on the more colorful names, but Ming Xiu s fearsome frown kept his mouth shut. Her expression had darkened considerably while hearing the list.

Did it come down to a draft? she asked in a voice grinding with the gears that turned beneath it.

No. All volunteers.

Of course. The words carried a vat-full of acid with them.

I was also instructed to relay a message to you in private, mistress. Should I comply?

Ming Xiu quickly concealed her surprise. Yes. Not now. Then she muttered something to herself that Aaron didn t quite catch.

Either that or she just called Marion Baterich a blighted stupid dog vomit gravel gobbler.

Empty skies, Falon said. I didn t think writhen or the Daedal were that much of a problem. And Chae Sun wasn t that popular.

It s a show of force, said Jeb. There hasn t been an attack like this for many portents. The Unbound wants to make an example out of them.

But fifteen ancients, though? It s already overkill with the Unbound alone. I can t even think of any other time

It is of no consequence, Ming Xiu interrupted. She had already managed to go from pissed off to a resigned can-do. It is possible that the Unbound requested their attendance, or perhaps Yuri contacted them. He was very distraught over Chae Sun s demise. It is well that we avoided the gathering at Amber Crest. Their presence would have been an insurmountable obstacle for you, Aaron.

Aaron raised his eyebrows in a silent question.

They would have discredited me right then and there for bringing you in, she explained. They re some of the few with the power and authority to see it done, and they could do it without ever involving the Unbound. They would have assigned you to a different realm shortly after.

I don t know if they would be wrong to do so, Ming Xiu.

Diego s words quietly cut into the conversation with their sharp, sheer edges. They lingered in silent suspension, tangible ghosts thickening the space that contained them.

He had sat up and was looking at pupil and mentor through his eyebrows, as if over the rim of invisible glasses.

I have no personal quarrel with you, Aaron. You do what you feel is your duty. But I feel like you have gone mad, Ming Xiu. What do you plan? Go up to the Unbound for a conversation in the midst of war?

I wish I could say. I have every hope that an opportunity will present itself.

That s the whole plan?

Echoing Aaron s thoughts, Diego lifted his hands and let them flop down on his thighs, as if to say, well, there you have it.

And why go to so much trouble to carry him with you? Does he trust you so little, that he must speak directly to the Unbound?

Ming Xiu shook her head with the air of someone who knows exactly what she s talking about. I believe it has nothing to do with trust. She turned to Aaron. Would you be satisfied if I were to relay to you what I learn from an audience with the Unbound?

He d considered this option at length. Maybe Ming Xiu would find out where they could look for Alexandra next, and they would carry on without a hitch but how likely was that? There were too many strange things going on.

I m investigating my wife s disappearance, he said. If I were a sleuth, letting Ming Xiu or anyone else be my go-between would be a poor way to conduct an investigation. And I d never be able to let matters be without challenging on my own the last person to see her.

The answer came out exactly as he had rehearsed it. Ming Xiu seemed to understand, wholeheartedly.

Diego wasn t as accepting.

And of course, satisfying Aaron is all that matters, because you are clearly indebted to him so. He briefly shook his head and gave a monumentally annoyed sigh. If you truly must do this, why not seek out the Unbound by yourself, then talk her into meeting with him? She has no reason to refuse you. Or better yet, send a swarm of messengers. Send Queg.

Ming Xiu negated with her head, holding Diego s gaze. That is not an option.

She didn t care to elaborate.

And that s it? The man said, his shoulders hunched down under a metric ton of frustration. Why are you risking so much at this man s whim? Is what we have built here worth so little to you? Your reputation, everything you have accomplished? For what gain? All you are going to achieve is getting him scattered! Blighted Void, help me understand.

Aaron listened in silence as Diego spoke, witnessing the scene unfold as if he had no part in it.

This is the part where I intervene. I tell Diego he s right. I tell Ming Xiu to forget about her promise.

He was aware by then that he wasn t rushing to help Alexandra anymore. There was no plea for help in her message. It had been a distant farewell, an epitaph to lead her distraught husband to the sour comfort of closure. At best she would be in exile, having fended for herself for who knows how long. At worst . . . .

You re fooling yourself, the voice of blame hammered in his ears. This isn t a noble quest.

All you want is someone to hate.

Aaron shut his eyes, fighting the sudden bout of guilt. His jaw clenched.

She s worth all of it, even if she s become nothing but a memory. She deserves this and more.

Aaron kept silent.

I ve made promises, Ming Xiu told Santana. What we are attempting is difficult, and we might need luck on our side, but it s not impossible. We must give it a chance.

She got a few steps closer to him. We depart immediately, old friend. She extended a hand toward him, a small offer of peace. I would rather not leave you in these terms.

He watched her, still shaking his head in disbelief. He made no effort to meet her hand.

This is ridiculous. Diego stood up, and as soon as he did the bench he had been sitting on morphed into a stone disk legs bent at invisible hinges and folded into the seat; white rock spread out and became a thin circular shape. He took a step back to get on it, stern eyes fixed on Ming Xiu. You are making a mistake.

He broke eye contact and took off seamlessly. Soon he had left the courtyard behind.

Ming Xiu s hand dropped to her side.

I know, she quietly told the shrinking figure. I am human, after all.

The silence that followed threatened to choke Aaron where he stood. Both Jeb and Falon were still watching Diego s diminishing frame, probably trying to figure out whether they should react similarly. Queg s focus seemed to be on Aaron, however.

He tried to share a complicit look. This sucks.

At first it looked like Queg wasn t paying attention. After a brief moment, a bunch of his nodes lit up noiselessly. I know.

Falon sighed soon after. Just so it s clear, I agree with everything he says.

Ming Xiu turned to look at her. Falon closed in one step the distance between the two women. But I m not gonna throw a fit about it, she concluded. It wrested a smile out Ming Xiu s pursed lips, and they came together in the embrace of two life-long friends saying good-bye. Aaron exhaled a breath of relief that he wasn t aware he d been holding.

Make sure you come back soon, sifu, Falon said after they pulled apart. Thousand Rivers will be waiting for you, I promise. She looked over her shoulder at Aaron, a crooked smirk making her cheek stand out. But if you lose Gretchen along the way, well . . . there ll be time to mourn that terrible, terrible tragedy once you re back.

I m sure you ll be all broken up about it, Aaron said.

She nodded earnestly. It would be dreadful. I might cry and everything.

Oh, I knew you were a big cream puff under that tough exterior.

And yet I can kick your ass on a whim, what does that say about you?

Enough, you two, Ming Xiu cut in. One thing I won t miss is your constant bickering.

I thought we were getting pretty close to witty banter, said Aaron.

Falon snorted. Dim-witted banter in your case.

Ming Xiu shot her pissed-off-mom glare at both of them in turn. That s enough.

She wasn t satisfied until they were begrudgingly looking at the ground. Then she looked in Jeb s direction, and they exchanged a long, silent stare.

What will it be, then? she said.

Jeb kept quiet for a while longer, expression inscrutable behind his lush facial mane. Then he gave a solemn nod in their general direction.

Remain vigilant, and may your steps cast a shadow.

A sizable amount of tension went out of Ming Xiu. That is what we are hoping for. Please tell Rama that I look forward to seeing the results of her project, and not to feel bad to have missed our departure. I have no doubt that the four of you will take care of our home during my absence.

Another circumspect nod. The man was full of them.

We have taken too long already, Ming Xiu said. It is time we move on. Queg, Aaron.

She watched her Risen as he silently traveled the distance to float by her side, then waited for Aaron to do the same. He obliged just as quietly.

Ming Xiu gave one last look at the people she cared about. She squared her shoulders and softly touched index and middle finger to her heart. Farewell.

They mirrored her gesture, Jeb with his usual conviction, Falon with undisguised worry.

Shoot, why the hell not.

Aaron did it as well. If anybody noticed, they didn t care to comment.

Ming Xiu started walking toward the wide arcade leading to the road outside. Aaron followed, trailing behind Queg. Taking off without stepping away first was considered uncouth.

Hey, Falon called out. Aaron turned around to see one of her almost-baseballs come into being in her hand. The stitching was a bit off and the ball was a little too perfectly spherical.

Good luck, she said, and tossed the ball underhand.

Aaron took a reflexive step back and caught it, but his foot tripped in one of the shallow potholes Diego had left behind. He yelped unintelligibly as he stumbled and flailed his arms around. At the last moment, he stopped the mortifying pratfall by quickly pushing at gravity to sustain him.

He got back upright after some maneuvering. Whew!

Aw. I was hoping to get a last laugh at your expense. Way to go, Gretchen.

You re not fooling me this time. You really were wishing me good luck.

You can think what you like.

They looked at one another for a few beats.

For what it s worth to you, Aaron finally said, I m sorry.

You will be sorry if anything happens to Ming Xiu. Stay alert, Aaron. I mean it.

He nodded and waved good-bye before turning around, more solemn than he d ever thought he could be. Ming Xiu and Queg were already in flight.

The group of three was almost all the way to the exit of the realm when the baseball finally dissolved in his hand.

Curls of mist drifted through Aaron s fingers.

14

The floor-plan of the citadel was a rebellion against rectangular design.

From the inside, the current room looked like a drunken imitation of the Roman Parthenon, with its kidney-shaped perimeter, arched walls and hole in the ceiling. The windows, round and bare, seemed to have been placed at random, while the archways leading into adjacent rooms one straight ahead, one on the left-hand side narrowed at the bottom and widened around the middle. The floor dropped and disappeared at unexpected places, as if having a flat surface to walk on was more aesthetic choice than a basic necessity.

The room was entirely barren of furniture. Rich textures covered the walls, like artful corrugated cardboard painted in a hundred different hues of brown and yellow. A blank expanse of blue filled every view of the outside, except for the hole in the ceiling. A small blot could be seen there, the underside of a distant castle suspended in the afternoon sky.

Shooting nervous glances everywhere, Alexandra made it to the tall archway leading into the next room and placed a trembling hand on its frame.

Is anybody in here? she called out with a shaky voice.

Hello?

Silence.

Can anybody help me?

After a hesitant wait, she walked into the room. It was slightly smaller, shaped as an oblong sphere flattened at the bottom. It dipped toward a gap in the floor that was surrounded with thick rugs imitating a mantle of leaves. A hole in the ceiling mirrored the one on the floor.

This room wasn t as bare. A small shelf protruded from the wall, supporting a sculptural approximation of a bonsai tree. There was a wide table straight across, but entirely too high up to be of any use. A ways to her left stood a pair of upright wooden sticks that very much looked like hat racks, or candle-less candleholders. five lengths of rope-y material hung down like vines from the rim of the hole in the ceiling. Each had a knot at the end that looked just like a hangman s noose.

She got a bit closer to the oval-shaped hole, risking a peek at the view. There was open sky below her, and then the ground much farther down, majestic cliffs and crags as far as the eye could see.

She took a hurried step away from it, trying to watch every door and window at once.

What is this place? Am I up in the sky? Is . . . is this Heaven?

A creature came in through the doorway ahead. Alexandra let out a startled yelp and jumped away.

It was humanoid, a close approximation to a slender girl in her late teens, but the similarities stopped there. Its skin was velvety plumage of an immaculate white, and feathers of a variety of sizes covered many parts of its anatomy: forearms to elbows, outside of the thighs to heels, shoulders, flanks, temples. Feathers like a mane piled atop its head where hair should have been, a windswept crest that became a long, cascading train. An elegant mantle of white sprouted from her shoulders and shoulder-blades and trailed behind her like a split cape.

Large aqueous eyes watched Alexandra with interest. If the creature hadn t been so alien, she might have found its features refined. Feminine, even if it lacked obvious female features like breasts or curvy hips. Its naked hands were long-fingered claws, colored in a gradient that went from white at the forearms to dark gray at the tips. Its bare feet were a bird s talons, and they did not touch the floor.

There is nothing to fear, young one, it said in a mellifluous string of bird-like chirrups. Its narrow beak vibrated slightly with each word.

Alexandra kept backing away in a stumbling shuffle. Her retreat was cut short when the back of her thighs ran into the shelf and little tree her buttocks bumped the tree off its place and it came down with a ceramic thud before rolling down the slant. It traveled in a top-wide arch into the leafy rug and stopped right before falling into the pit.

Alexandra spared it a frightened glance. Panic rode along with her every breath, the air colliding with her teeth as it rushed in and out of her lungs. Her hands grabbed at the little shelf as if it was the last remnant of reality in the midst of a waking nightmare.

The creature was slowly approaching her, effortlessly sailing through space. Its clothes flowed as it moved: a blouse that was more sleeves than anything, and an asymmetrical skirt that became fluttering ribbons at mid-thigh. The garments clung to it like spider silk.

Be calm. You have found peace at last.

Alexandra gaped in fear, grasping the table even harder. Her eyes darted longingly toward the exit, but then an idea occurred to her.

Are you . . . are you an angel?

Yes, young one, the angel said as it moved a little closer. Remain calm, so that I may take you to paradise.

It took Alexandra a moment to accept what the creature was saying. A relieved smile bloomed on her lips, and soon she was raising a hesitant hand toward the apparition.

It floated closer still, no more than five feet away. Alexandra could already feel a delightful wave of peace and contentment washing over her. The angel s presence, no doubt, soothing away all her worries.

It was then that Alexandra s face changed, from relief and cautious hope to the grim focus of a hardened soldier. Something else shifted along with it, at a much deeper level. She no longer needed to appear weak to her prey.

You will be perfect, she told the angel. Her upper lip curled up as she said it.

Then she surged forward, and Alexandra forcefully melded with the Skyborn.

It wasn t her first time. She tried not to think too much about what she had done to become proficient. Some memories were better left locked away, shoved into the Vault for the Greater Good.

She used the surprise caused by her deception to full advantage. Before the bird could recover from the shock and defend itself, Alexandra had already cast a net that would clamp down on the alien s behavioral patterns. Between that and the mind-bending barrage of her life story forcefully shoveled down its gullet, it was only a moderate challenge to keep the bird immobilized.

Take a look at what I ve been up to in your precious utopia, you little shit. Go ahead, pretend you are an angel now. I fucking dare you.

She caught her train of thought, and made an effort to regain a cool sense of detachment. Fighting down spite and resentment had become harder with every soul she liberated. A part of her reveled in the birds suffering, and she could feel it encroaching on her every thought, working to blot out every shade of gray. When did appreciation for poetic justice become mindless sadism? When did a righteous insurgence become bloodthirsty retribution? She thought of them as monsters, and yet she knew they weren t that much different from humans.

Alexandra set out to get what she was after, shunning the morbid temptation to watch her enemy squirm. She needed to learn everything concerning . . . Forest Song (of the) Turning Leaf. They had the silliest names.

With a mental sigh, she started to let the information reach her in large but manageable gulps. She explored the bird s mind like it was an interactive encyclopedia, clicking on each and every topic.

In this way she learned of Forest Song (of the) Turning Leaf s deep seated racism, that extended not only to every other species, but to several castes within her society as well. Leafy scoffed at how the short plumed and the bold beaked tried to erase who they had been in The Before once they came to True Life, and was dismayed at the leniency of the council in this matter. Even worse, some would act as if it was of no consequence at all, reportedly coming from a time when such differences were not discriminatory. Leafy couldn t even fathom such a period of history, let alone abide it.

On the other hand, she harbored no ill will toward any creature that knew their place. She enjoyed taking care of a number of pets, sentient or otherwise, and she wouldn t engage in the crude, pointless cruelty that some individuals very haughty emphasis were prone to exhibit. She d been ever so excited to find her first Human within her grasp.

Leafy was indeed a she. The birds were male, female or neutral, the latter of which akin to being born of noble blood, as far as Alexandra understood. The distinction wasn t nearly as relevant in their current society as it had been in life, and so she didn t care to find out more about it. Indulging her academic interest was the least of her motivations nowadays.

She learned of Leafy s proclivity to burst into song much more often than the average Skyborn, many times uncaring of who would hear. Of her often cheerful, happy-go-lucky attitude, when she felt safe and comfortable enough to let it show. Her lost hatch sisters, and the mate she never got to meet. She d been young when she died, only a hundred and two star-orbits. Leafy had been one of the many to succumb to the fungal epidemic during orbit seven hundred fifty-three of the twelfth era.

Alexandra learned of Leafy s love for eccentric architecture and her habit of perching atop her citadel, watching for hours the comings and goings of all her creatures. She learned speech patterns and mannerisms, friendships, enmities and acquaintances, holdings to her name, her role in society and the names of all her pets, along with hundreds of other details that would or might prove useful at some point the future.

The process itself continued to baffle her, particularly when compared to touching a human soul. While the human mind was a tangled mess of threads and strings, the avian landscape was like an ancient oak tree with thousands upon thousands of branches. And each branch was a function, an idiosyncrasy, an experience; each leaf a thought, a memory, an emotion. Although intricate to the point of absurdity, it was clearly defined, nicely structured.

Yet she knew this imagery to be nothing but interpretations tinged by her own expectations and biases, much like Tamira s twisted home or Patrice s scorched ruins. If she delved deep enough, it didn t matter who or what her target was. The building blocks were all the same.

Leafy s life and subsequent existence continued pouring onto her, coming in hundreds of little snippets, concepts of facts, emotions associated with faces associated with places; political opinions, rough sketches of magnificent vistas, the sight of her broken arm bent where there was no joint. It was a veritable treasure trove of information on alien culture.

Alexandra impatiently browsed through it all, eager to get it done and over with. Then she sensed an utterly terrified Forest Song (of the) Turning Leaf begin to seriously struggle.

She stomped down the ensuing needle of guilt with practiced swiftness. It might have been a crippling stab, once, but her feet were tougher than ever these days. The Skyborn s weeping was but a feeble sting to her resolve.

Only a moment longer, and it will all be over, Alex sent to her prisoner. The answer was a thick surge of distress and desperation.

Prisoner? the guilt seemed to ask, or victim?

Victims are innocent, she responded. The Skyborn are not.

Finally confident in her knowledge, Alexandra tightened her psychic version of a stranglehold before stepping out and coalescing directly in front of the creature. The bird s body language overflowed with fear, from the expressive feathers on her temples to the uneasy rattle of her beak. She desperately tried to pull away from this terrible Human, the very same Human that she had attempted to enslave just a moment ago.

I ve been lying to myself, the Human confessed to her prey. You are not a monster. I can t even say that you re evil. So many cultures in my own history were as bad or worse than your people. At least you don t enslave your own kind.

She could feel Leafy trying to scream. Alexandra maintained her unyielding grip.

But you are my enemy. There is no doubt about that.

The bird imbued her features with pleading disagreement. Alexandra s eyes narrowed.

You are not content to kill them anymore, the needle prickled again, despite her best efforts to be rid of it. How is this any different from rape?

She would have punched the thought in the mouth, if she could have.

It is nothing like that.

In one fluid motion, she took a step back, unsheathed her bladed staff into her outstretched hands, and cleaved Leafy from mid-section to shoulder. Red-orange blood drenched Alexandra as she quickly brought her weapon about and swept it sideways, slicing in half the Skyborn s drifting head.

Her dampening field was there to catch the brief shriek and the prolonged undercurrent rift that ensued.

And it s necessary.

Alexandra methodically reviewed her new knowledge while she waited for the blood to dissipate.

_________

Tamira looked down at the floor of the cave she herself had carved. The fourth hiding spot so far, it was so deep underground that Alexandra could sense the emptiness of the Void beyond the edges of the realm.

She regarded Tamira severely. The woman s faltering refusal had come as no surprise.

What do you mean, you can t do it?

Shame oozed from Tamira s every pore as she tucked her chin into her chest.

You can t ask me to face them, she said in a tiny voice. I can t go with you, I can t.

So you re saying I can t count on my most powerful ally for what really matters?

Tamira bit her lip, saying nothing.

That s too bad, Alexandra said, because I seem to recall you making me a promise.

She seemed to shrink under the unyielding stare, as if trying to hide within her green summer dress. I can t . . . .

You can t? Or you won t? Do they still own you?

Anger seeped into her voice, mixing with the shame. No.

I think they do. Alexandra took one step closer, relentless. Hood up and staff in hand, she hoped to cut an imposing figure. They still own you if you give them your fear. What good is it to be free, if you can t fight back?

They . . . they ll capture me again . . . . Tears welled up and started running down her cheeks. I can t go through that again. Please, please Alex . . . .

Alexandra almost dropped the hard-ass attitude. Making Tamira cry felt as awful as kicking a puppy.

It s for her own damn good.

So you will go on existing in fear. You ll continue to let them dictate your fate, because deep down you still think that they re your masters. They ve already captured you, Miss Keister. Only this time, it s you that s holding the keys to your prison.

She d been expecting to give this speech for a while. It was painfully obvious, the way so many of them avoided the birds as if they were nukes ready to go off. Tamira was one of the worst, and it was such a contradiction, because her thirst for retribution had no match among the former thralls.

If she could have afforded it, Alexandra would ve given the troubled ones plenty of time to get used to their freedom, time to sort out the dread from the hatred. Unfortunately, such extended group therapy would simply take too long.

She d have to beat a spine into every one of them starting with Tamira.

What do you plan to do? Flee for the rest of your existence? I can t see you leaving behind everybody that they still control. And even if you did, there would be nowhere safe to go. She leaned even closer. Or will you hide behind everyone else? Because no friend of mine gets away with being a coward.

You ve . . . you ve been doing fine . . . by yourself . . . .

You know I can t get rid of all of them like this. I m going to be found out eventually. I want everyone to be ready when that happens.

But

Don t you trust me?

Of course I do . . . .

Then you must trust what I say. There will be no peace for you until you stop letting fear control you. You will hate yourself and be miserable every day that you spend cowering. And . . . I can t do this alone. She put a hand on Tamira s arm, softening her voice at last. Tamira lifted her head and looked up through the tears.

There s only one choice, Alexandra continued. And for the first time in ages that choice is yours to make. She squeezed her grip, as if to lend the woman strength. I need you, Tamira. The others need you. Will you fight? Or will you stand still and get caught?

She could see the pride blooming within the turbulent green of Tamira s eyes. The former thrall and fledgling member of the resistance made an effort to compose herself, drying her tears, taking a deep breath. Then she met Alexandra s eyes and nodded slowly.

I will fight.

Alexandra nodded back, once. She held back a sigh and hoped she hadn t just condemned a close friend to oblivion.

_________

Alex probed the mind-leash with a mixture of satisfaction and disgust, checking it for the third and last time for any possible flaws or loopholes.

She still didn t know how to feel about it. They were nasty things, and at the same time so elegant, so pleasing and fulfilling to build. She wondered if being part of the Manhattan Project had felt like this.

Pleased/repulsed by her final inspection, she broke her delicate contact with Victoria and stepped back to wait for the girl to recover. She was a great pick for the job: tough, disciplined, deft sensing abilities, and seething with hatred for her former captors. A perfect skill set for what Alexandra wanted them to do.

She had thought it would be hard work to convince even one person to go back among the Skyborn, but there had been enough volunteers to force an actual selective process. Most of them would be assuming their previous role as pathetic wretches soon enough.

They didn t really go back as slaves, of course.

On the surface, it was impossible to tell her creations apart from the real thing. She d become so familiar with the mind-leashes that she could reproduce them with her eyes closed. She had literally done as much.

But if any one of the birds that could put them in place delved deeper, they d notice the slew of modifications and allowances that she had introduced. There was no more suffering. Undeniable mandates had become unequivocal suggestions. The construct could be pushed back and dissolved, if enough force of will was applied. And then there was the panic button, or process, or mechanism, the addition of which had been demanded unanimously by the group of volunteers. It would ensure that every one of them would get the all-important final choice in the case of being found out.

And, thanks to the time she d spent researching the controlled rupture of the construct, the panic button would result in an extremely violent outcome.

Freedom of choice was only part of it. They couldn t afford to be exposed by a captured spy: too much was at stake, too many souls depended on their secrecy. She d considered making it an automatic process upon compromise, but she couldn t bring herself to implement such a thing. There were lines she would not cross.

It s enough of a necessary evil as it is.

Victoria had opened her big round eyes and was staring at nowhere, her pale-as-snow face vacant of any expression.

Can you hear me? Alexandra asked her. The girl nodded mechanically, dark bangs swaying above her eyes.

Look at me.

Victoria did.

Should a Great One demand escort, what are you supposed to do?

I will maintain a distance from my master of no less than seven feet and no more than nineteen feet; I will provide all services and knowledge that is required of me; I will otherwise remain acquiescent and unobtrusive until given a direct command.

And what will you say if given a task you are not capable of fulfilling?

I will apologize while following the pertinent addressing guidelines, and suggest the names of any of my peers capable of fulfilling the task, should I know of any.

Alexandra carried on asking cursory questions, making sure there were no anomalous responses, even though she had yet to find a single problem with her work. Interaction protocol, obligations, exercise regimens, schedules. About ten minutes later, she had covered most major areas of inquiry.

Will you engage in any activities that would be unbecoming of a human thrall?

No.

And you will report to us how?

Only when contacted directly by someone loyal to our cause, never at any other time.

What if they send you on a joint task, and you meet with someone from our ranks? Will you take the chance to share intel?

No, interaction will adhere strictly to the needs of the task at hand.

And if I come around and tear your master apart, will you be alright with that?

The girl s lips parted in a wolfish smile. I will laugh while you do it, Alex.

Well.

One more spy, coming up.

_________

The name of the realm was Aerie, aptly enough. The name of the citadel and surrounding grounds was Still Pond (of) Plentiful Waters, although there was no water to be found anywhere. Even then, it was as pleasant and peaceful as its name would suggest, if one was the type of sentient being that could overlook rampant slavery.

Alexandra s first impulse had been to get rid of every single pet on the grounds. There wasn t even a point to most of them, as the great majority was there for the personal amusement of their master. The place felt more like a zoo than a floating fortress, sometimes.

But that would have been unbefitting of Forest Song (of the) Turning Leaf. Leafy felt great pride in her collection. She cared nothing for the freedom of lesser beings.

As fate would have it, Leafy was elated to have recently come into possession of her very first Human thrall. It had integrated inside her own nest, no less. Oh, how many times she had wished for something exactly like that to happen. Such a wonderful stroke of good fortune.

Leafy had even leashed it all by herself, ready and able as she was. Or she would have, if Ming Xiu would just get over it already.

It s for your own damn protection, Forest Song chirruped. If you want to stop being cooped up in a hole every time I can t be around you, there s no other way to go about it, Min.

The former soldier was scowling. Don t call me that. I would sooner die ten thousand deaths than be a slave.

But you won t be a slave, not really. You just need to pretend to be one, Min.

Don t call me that!

Every thrall gets a silly name, and I can t be flying about calling you Ming Xiu by mistake. The mistress expression was grave, even concerned. Not the slightest hint of her amusement showed. I have to get used to it, Min, just like I need to get used to existing like this. She gestured with upturned claws at the church-like chamber in which they stood.

You do not need to get used to it, because I will not go along with it.

A look of concentrated exertion was set on Ming Xiu s features. She stared at her own hands, which were extended in front of her at elbow level, as if holding up a sword that wasn t there.

Her actual sword hung in its scabbard from a leather strap around her hip. Her armor had been gone for a while, after she d physically taken it off and panicked when it eventually dissolved into misty wisps. She was now clad in the white shirt and trousers she d been wearing under the bulky armor pieces.

Her skin was free of grime, as were the locks of collarbone-length hair that framed her face. The dirt had simply vanished over time, as had the blood, although the red on her hands remained. The bloodstains covering her palms and fingers made it look as though she wore a pair of thin, crimson gloves.

Ming Xiu couldn t or wouldn t get rid of those bloodstains, and Alexandra had no trouble understanding why.

If you would let me concentrate on our lessons, Ming Xiu continued without looking up, instead of prattling on about this nonsense, I might eventually become more useful to you.

Alexandra didn t bother to keep the hint of annoyance from entering her voice. We wouldn t have to resort to this nonsense if you showed more progress. I don t want to carry you around forever.

I m doing everything I can. I just need more practice.

It barely took me a minute to figure this out, you know. Maybe you just don t have it in you, and we are wasting our time. And, if that s the case, beggars can t be choosers, Min.

Almond-shaped eyes darted in Leafy s direction. The look was dirty enough to make Alex smile.

Alexandra didn t know why she enjoyed so much getting on Ming Xiu s nerves, but the fact remained that she found great pleasure in it. Maybe it had to do with that one time when she had found the woman s sword sprouting from her chest.

Ming Xiu s intense glower returned to her hands. A long, narrow shimmer suddenly appeared above her palms, spanning the space between them. Flickering curls of mist flew in to fill the gaps, merged, danced around one another . . . then escaped and fizzled into nothingness.

Annoyed frustration entered Ming Xiu s features, but only for a moment. Soon she was back to full-on concentrated staring.

Think back to when you first appeared, Alexandra said into the silence, slipping into the patient tone she would use when trying to teach what she knew. It was curious, how it lengthened the squawks and chirps. You unsheathed your sword and pointed it at me, but that sword hadn t even been there before you did. You created it. Even then, right after showing up here, some part of you already knew how to do stuff like that. Try to remember what it was like.

Ming Xiu shook her head almost imperceptibly, as if afraid to let her stare deviate the slightest bit. I couldn t tell you what was going through my mind at that time. I had just lost Yun, and fought to my last breath. I can hardly remember much of what I said or did.

A wry smile showed on Alexandra s temple feathers. Would you like me to give you a play-by-play account?

Another darted glance. I said I was sorry. You are not going to let it go, are you.

Alexandra brought her claws up in a half-assed placating gesture. She felt perfectly entitled to tease Ming Xiu about her attempted murder.

I could . . . take a look inside, if you want? See if there s anything I can do to help you along? She didn t want to, but she d do it if it meant

No, Ming Xiu immediately responded. Alexandra could hardly conceal her relief.

I just want you to understand that you have already done this, she said, half talking, half thinking out loud. You already know how to do it, so . . . maybe the reason you can t do it again has nothing to do with how much you concentrate.

I don t know what that means.

You are trying too hard to do the impossible, is what I m saying.

Ming Xiu s glance turned into an impatient glare that stayed on Alexandra s big beady eyes. Stop being purposefully annoying, the look said.

I m serious! The avian mistress stepped closer, suddenly thoughtful. Ming Xiu leaned away from her. Stop doing that, you are supposed to revere and obey me. Alexandra continued before her exasperated pupil could resort to name-calling. I think we re going about this all wrong. Having the talent isn t enough, there s something else that needs to happen.

Something like what?

Isn t some part of you still convinced that you shouldn t be able to make things out of thin air?

I ve seen you do it a thousand times. You ve done things while training that make shaping the mist almost mundane.

Yeah, but still. Aren t you even a little skeptical? I mean, it shouldn t be possible, right? Maybe I didn t see your sword appear after all, maybe it had always been there and I was too wound up to notice. Right?

I don t doubt what you saw.

Not consciously, maybe, but it s like there s a tiny voice in your head, and as soon as you start getting it right, the voice says, this is impossible! and that s when you screw up.

Ming Xiu crossed her arms under her slight bust. You seem to be saying that I am stupid, or that I lack discipline.

No, no, it s not like that. Alexandra went to bite her lip while trying to figure out how to explain, but instead her beak did a subtle clock-wise rotation. Freaky.

It dawned on her that Ming Xiu hadn t benefited from decades of modern psychology pervading popular culture, or gone through a crap-ton of therapy like she had. Likely, the woman wasn t even literate. She could probably use some explaining.

Our minds . . . all of our minds, Alexandra began, they re a lot more complicated than we think. There s a lot going on under the surface that we re not even aware of. Like, when you parry with your sword, or sidestep just so. You are not consciously deciding to do these things. They re ingrained in you through practice, and you do them by instinct. Right?

Yes, of course.

She said it like indulging a small child in a deranged, long-winded speech.

Right, but instinct can be wrong too. Like just now: you recoiled from me, because I look weird, even though you know it s just me. There s something in there, Alexandra tapped Ming Xiu s temple with one sharp claw-tip, that works without you even thinking of it, making you twitch away from my finger. I m sure there s a definite term for it, but let s just call it your unconscious.

Ming Xiu looked mildly offended. I m truly not so ignorant that you have to explain this. You speak of the urge to break ranks and flee for safety in the face on the oncoming throng, even if you know that your only chance of survival is to stand and fight together. Uncontrollable emotions, or snap judgments, like the ones telling me that you are as mad as a box of dogs, even when I know that you are not.

Alexandra chuckled briefly, the sound resembling the soft clucking of a raven. I wouldn t be so sure.

Ming Xiu grimaced. Aren t you going to get back to normal? It s disturbing.

You gotta get

Get used to it, yes, but please. At least while you re trying to teach me. I can t concentrate with you looking like one of those things.

The mistress frowned. Or rather, tilted her head slightly to the right while her temple feathers inclined to a certain angle.

Fair enough.

There was no challenge to it anymore. The task itself hadn t become any easier, but she had practiced tirelessly, whenever there was downtime to be had. A burst of enveloping mists, and dark skin replaced pristine plumage, hooded outfit replaced mantles and spider silks, sooty eyes and full lips replaced avian features. It was still dreadfully painful, but at least it no longer felt like a swarm of wasps needling every inch of her body.

She made a sarcastic ta-da! gesture in Ming Xiu s general direction. The woman had taken a step away as the transformation took place and now sat cross-legged on the slightly slanted floor.

Good enough for Her Majesty? Alexandra asked.

Yes. Thank you.

Alexandra let out an irritated sigh. What was I even talking about?

Apparently I am too stupid and ignorant to understand what I m doing wrong.

You said that, not me. The reminder let her jump right back onto her train of thought. It s more like unconscious-you is sabotaging your conscious efforts to do the impossible.

Clearly.

Alexandra huffed out another breath. I wish you would stop being difficult for just a second and actually listen to me. I know what I m talking about.

Ming Xiu visibly wanted to be argumentative about it, but she managed to keep quiet. Alexandra took a few more seconds than necessary to settle down in front of the impatient woman, mirroring her cross-legged position. Noting that Ming Xiu was just as anal about keeping a straight back, Alex indolently slumped down to rest elbows on thighs. It wasn t like such things mattered anymore.

Alright. I want you to close your eyes.

Ming Xiu raised an eyebrow.

Stop second-guessing me, I m being serious now. I don t know how much this will help, but it doesn t hurt to try.

The woman pursed her lips lightly, then gave a small nod. She closed her eyes at the apex of a deep breath.

Try to relax, Alex said, and then she waited for a good while. She wanted Ming Xiu s thoughts to quiet down and wander on their own. She spoke after two, three long minutes.

Think back to some place where you have felt at peace, she said. A doubtful pause. Were you ever in a place like that?

Ming Xiu s mouth parted slightly as she searched her memories. Her lips curved in a faint smile. Yes.

Good. I want you to think of this place, and just let yourself unwind. It s alright if you can t at first. We ll be here as long as you need. Alexandra s voice had gradually softened. She tried to make it warm and calm and caring, the way Jane used to talk to her during their sessions. Imagine every detail around you. You can tell me about it if it helps, but you don t have to.

Only Ming Xiu s deep breathing could be heard for a while.

I guess she doesn t feel like sharing.

Picture everything in your mind as it used to be, Alexandra continued, leaving long pauses between sentences, letting her words leisurely drift into Ming Xiu s thoughts.

Smell the air that you breathed that day.

Listen to the sounds all around you, next to you, in the distant background.

Touch the fabric of the clothes you wore.

Ming Xiu s voice came a few beats later, drowsy and unfocused. I m not wearing anything . . . .

Um. Right.

A deeply content smile had crept onto Ming Xiu s lips. Her undercurrent was becoming more steady, almost languid. It touched Alexandra s otherworldly senses more crisply than usual, unfolding with new fine spun nuances.

Yun sleeps, Ming Xiu said quietly, and the words were as though uttered by a completely different person. The bleak rain clouds that seemed to constantly hang around the former soldier were gone, and in their place there was just . . . love. Profound, selfless love, unblemished by conformity or the slightest hint of doubt.

Alexandra let her go deeper into whatever fantasy she had conjured. Soon tiny curls of mist were peeling off Ming Xiu s skin and clothes, subtly wrapping around her frame. Alex began speaking again, her voice like the murmur of a forest-bound breeze.

You must look inward now, Ming Xiu. Turn your attention to everything you feel, everything you think.

Become aware of all the things inside you, all those things that you never noticed before.

What hinders you, Ming Xiu? What fights you?

The smile faded in slow motion, leaving her lips first neutral, then slightly thinner. Her eyebrows transitioned from a pleased arch to a flattened V. After a very long minute, she spoke.

There is no reason to learn.

Alexandra considered the answer. She hadn t expected it. Why do you feel this way?

It s hopeless. They are gone, and we are in denial. Her voice was a droning mumble. We lost everything, and nothing matters anymore.

I feel like a wuss compared to how you re handling things, and you re just faking it?

That s not true, Alexandra said. It s not true, Ming Xiu. We have to assume they re somewhere, just like we are. What you feel is only the heartache of separation. The fear of failure. It s weakness, trying to convince you to give up. Don t let it control you. Don t let it defeat you.

Coming up with advice against despair was easy. She only needed to repeat everything she d told herself.

I try, Ming Xiu said, in the voice of someone who is tired of trying. I try to use it, turn it into anger to drive me. Or I try to push it down, as far as it will go. But it s always there, and it grows with every step we take, because none of it seems to get me any closer to where I want to be. Her brow knit with bated worry. More and more I feel like it will swallow me.

Alexandra frowned at the familiar story. She knew it didn t end well.

And then? she asked. What will happen then?

Ming Xiu s expression became guarded. I . . . don t know.

Of course you know. Don t think I didn t feel the way you do.

It was a long moment before the woman spoke again. I would seek a way to end this awful existence.

And you would leave Xiaoping Yun behind.

Xiaoping Yun is already gone.

Really? Was Tamira Keister gone as well? Although still warm and patient, her voice had become more resolved, earnest. And Daniel, and Victoria, and Ahmed, and all the others? Maybe their loved ones gave up on them, and forever lost their chance to find one another. Not me, Ming Xiu. And not you.

Ming Xiu was shaking her head in apologetic dissent, some of her hair un-tucking itself from behind her ears. You know that they are a grain of sand in the storm. The chances of

Chances? You will leave it up to chance? The odds don t even matter for something like this. Just imagine, Xiaoping Yun as a mindless drone following every command to come out of a bird s beak. Fighting for freedom every minute, trying to run without twitching a muscle, needing to scream without a mouth. Reduced to little more than a doll for their amusement.

They suffer terribly. I ve seen it. And those who no longer do have suffered the most. I want you to picture that in your head as if it were happening right in front of you, and then tell me again about chances.

Ming Xiu s breath had grown restless, her expression a fearful grimace. That s not what s happening, it can t be . . . .

Can t? The chance of it may be small, but that doesn t make it any less real. If you give up, you might be abandoning them to their suffering. Could you really take that risk? Because there s no way I could.

Something was happening directly in front of Ming Xiu. The faintest shimmer had begun to manifest as a vaguely human shape between the two women. Alexandra egged her on, repeating the same point she d already argued with herself.

If you don t do everything you can, you ll be leaving Xiaoping Yun to a fate worse than death. Even if they re not slaves to the birds, we still can t give up, because I have no idea what else is out there. I dread to find Aaron here, but it s even worse to think of the terrible things that might exist outside this realm.

The shimmer became a glowing cloud. Myriad wisps of smoke were arching into it from Ming Xiu s general direction, their path errant and fickle. Her face was ashen.

Alexandra carried on, her voice becoming one note more urgent.

But we can t do anything about that, can we. We can only deal with what we have in our hands right now, and keep going from there, and hope. So you might as well believe that your Yun is one of their prisoners, full of pain and longing and and holding on to the hope that somebody like you will come and make everything right. We very well may be their only chance. She leaned forward, brimming with conviction. You have to embrace it, Ming Xiu. Isn t it a chance worth fighting for?

What was happening came to an end in a sudden rush, the mist speeding inward to flash into a human shape. A tall woman, lean muscles, closely cropped dark hair. Her head was bowed down, her garish thrall attire torn to shreds. Welts covered her legs and angry lines of blood traveled across her back.

Ming Xiu let out a pained cry, and the figure dissolved in churning billows. She slumped forward, eyes tightly shut, posture full of strain. Her figure had become unambiguously translucent.

Alexandra felt a stab of alarm. She could clearly see the maroon textures of the floor beneath the woman s blurred-out features. Ming Xiu? Alex bolted from her cross-legged position to go kneel by the former soldier. Ming Xiu, are you alright?

She only groaned shallow breaths as a response. Hands on the ground, she was like a spent athlete having collapsed on the brink of exhaustion. Alexandra didn t dare touch her for fear that her hand might slip through.

Was this how she had looked, all those times she d been panting on all fours, reeling from self-induced migraines?

Hurts, Ming Xiu breathlessly blurted out after a while. It hurts . . . .

Substance was slowly returning to her. Loose outlines sharpened, blurry features came into focus. With a pitiful whimper, she slowly wrapped her arms around her abdomen, hugging herself, bending further down as if about to be sick. Alexandra gingerly placed a hand on Ming Xiu s shoulder and was glad to feel the coarse shirt under her fingertips.

You did it. Did you feel it? Did you actually feel it?

Feel . . . what.

The breakthrough! It feels like . . . like . . . .

Ming Xiu nodded laboriously. A barrier. Expanding. Breaching.

Yes! Alexandra s grip tightened with encouragement. I ve never made a person before! It never occurred to me, honestly. Who was that, though? I thought Yun . . . oh. Ming Xiu grunted. Alexandra blinked. Ooh. So, um. So that s what Yun looks like. A brief pause. I m sorry, I shouldn t have assumed. You could ve told me, you know. You never corrected me.

You can t . . . tell anyone . . . .

Oh, c mon, don t be silly, it s nothing to be ashamed of. Well, where I come from it isn t. I guess it wasn t easy for you. You probably had to sneak around and . . . stuff . . . .

Ming Xiu groaned.

Okay, fine, it s none of my business. In fact, I never saw a thing. But you ll have to eventually tell people if you want others looking out for her.

There was only heavy breathing as a response. Ming Xiu looked like she was running an awful fever, or like she was about to throw up, or both. The thought made Alex wonder what could possibly come out, if that happened.

You weren t even trying to show me, were you.

No, Ming Xiu said through gritted teeth. The image of her . . . the thought. Suddenly . . . something gave in . . . and it was there. It was real her thready voice broke, and it was only after another minute of gasping breaths and the occasional sniffle that she found the strength to speak again.

That vacant stare, she whispered, those lifeless eyes.

Ming Xiu shuddered. Alexandra let go of her shoulder. I m sorry, she said.

I was content to deny it. I was content to say, not Yun. Maybe everyone else, but my Yun is safe.

Alexandra s brow knit with sympathy. Of course Ming Xiu would feel that way. She had seen all those tortured human souls follow Alexandra into their hideout, completely deprived of will, of humanity. And then she had witnessed each one crumpling to the floor, broken in a hundred little pieces by what had been done to them.

Some had put themselves back together, with varying degrees of success. Some still remained unhinged. Patrice had never recovered, getting steadily worse until she d simply scattered before their eyes.

How afraid had Ming Xiu been, every time Alexandra brought in a new one?

Probably as terrified as I feel every time we find another.

Your delusions won t make her safe, Alexandra responded. Only your actions will.

The woman was shaking her head, still under visible strain. It took her another five minutes of gradually calmer breathing to recover. She finally sat back upright, blood-red hands self-consciously wiping tears away.

Alexandra had settled next to her, looking on with concern. Her fingers grazed Ming Xiu s shoulder.

I think it s time for you to try again.

Ming Xiu blinked a few times, then nodded. She breathed deeply and extended her hands as she had before.

Stop trying to do the impossible, Alexandra added, mainly because it sounded like something that a cool and awesome mentor would say.

Ming Xiu only glanced at her, then went on to stare at her own hands.

No appreciation.

At first there was only a hazy outline. Then it was a shimmering length of smoke, like a dull lightsaber. Then, one misty flash later, a perfect copy of Ming Xiu s unsheathed sword coalesced atop her palms.

It took all of five seconds.

Whoop! Alexandra cheered, pumping her fist while squeezing her pupil s shoulder. We ll have you flying in no time!

Ming Xiu simply kept on staring, perfectly serious. She carefully took hold of the grip, then slowly hefted the blade in one hand, turning it over for inspection.

The balance is off, she said. And the weight.

You gotta be kidding me.

Ming Xiu shrugged.

Okay, so fix it then.

She stared at it some more. It wasn t immediately clear whether she was trying to modify the sword or just studying it.

What s different? Ming Xiu asked, her tone as if she couldn t decide whether to be outraged or fascinated. Why can I do it now? What really happened?

You accepted for the first time where you are and what you can do.

The pain from seeing Yun enslaved gave you the will to let go of self-doubt.

You finally were able to relax, look inside yourself, and get rid of what was hindering you.

It s just a placebo effect: you were able to do this all along.

Honestly, I wish I knew, but I really have no idea.

She was about to admit her ignorance, but then it hit her. She knew the perfect thing to say.

You want to know what s different now? She moved to squat in front of Ming Xiu in as much a dignified manner as she could manage. Alexandra took a gentle hold of the woman s shoulders and pushed a little so she would look up.

Alex looked her in the eye and spoke solemnly. It s the difference between knowing, she tapped Ming Xiu s forehead, and being aware. She pressed index and middle finger over Ming Xiu s heart.

I m so telling Aaron about this. He s gonna geek out big time.

That makes no sense, Ming Xiu responded, ruining everything. She didn t even seem to be entirely engaged in the conversation.

It does too! Alex flopped down on her rear and leaned back on her hands. You think you re in control at all times, but you re not. It s what I was talking about earlier. Even now even in my time, people still dismiss the unconscious as hardly more than a funny curiosity, easily overpowered by rational thought, but most of the time it works the other way around. It affects all of our interactions, it makes most if not all decisions, one way or another. You could even go as far as saying we re surrogates to it, and you are not even listening to me, are you.

Ming Xiu stared into space, inexpressive. She didn t notice when the sword became a dense mist that vanished between her fingers. Her hands slowly dropped to her sides.

She spoke just as Alexandra was about to ask what was wrong. What did you expect this would be like?

It took her a moment to reply. This ?

This. Ming Xiu brought up her hands in a gesture that encompassed the walls, the high ceiling, the curved floor, themselves. Everything. After death.

Oh.

Alexandra needed a little longer to adapt to the shift in conversational gears. She wondered what Ming Xiu was getting at. The woman hardly ever asked personal questions.

I believed . . . . She trailed off. What had she believed? It seemed so long ago, so far away. And now? What did she believe now? She d been pushing the questions aside. They were too damn painful.

I believed that I would be carried off to Heaven.

There was a small pause. Ming Xiu nodded in understanding, but Alexandra wondered. Do you know anything about the Christian faith?

The former soldier shook her head absentmindedly, still lost in thought.

Alexandra almost started to explain, going as far as opening her mouth. She reconsidered at the last moment.

You?

It was a brief while before a response came. Yun and I had a hard life. We were supposed to be judged worthy of a stay in paradise before reincarnation. We talked of coming back together, when the time came. We would spend eternity falling in love with one another, over and over again.

I d have found that so romantic, once.

Now it s just depressing.

I was afraid that Aaron wouldn t be there, Alexandra said. Her tone had slowly matched Ming Xiu s dreary inflection. He didn t believe as I did.

Another nod. Another stretch of silence.

Do you still think we might go back, eventually? Alexandra quietly asked. She hadn t considered the possibility until then.

Ming Xiu thought about it. Maybe.

Their glances met for a second. Alex shook her head again.

I can t imagine how it could happen, she said.

Neither can I.

Would I even want to go back?

Would I get to fall in love again?

Would it be someone else?

I doesn t matter, does it, Ming Xiu finally said. What we used to believe?

Of course it matters. It s what matters the most. Entire civilizations revolved around these questions. There must be something else at work, something we don t or can t understand. There has to be.

No. Alexandra replied. I suppose it doesn t.

But it should.

Yeah. It should.

Ming Xiu slowly held out her hands. The sword flashed into existence after some effort. She let it dissolve, then made it appear once more. Dissolve. Appear. Dissolve. Appear.

Dissolve.

She traded a look with Alexandra. Could there be a purpose to it?

Alex pressed her lips together, feeling all the helplessness and frustration surge within her. The tide of bile that often beat against her insides never receded far.

I don t know, Ming Xiu. I have my purpose, and you have yours. Don t let this place take that away from you.

Ming Xiu nodded somberly, gaze still lost in the distance.

And if you never find him? Then what?

There will come a time when you will give up.

Then what?

The two women sat together in silence.

Their heads were slightly bowed, as though in mourning.

_________

Your name is Grak, correct?

Yes, Great One.

Its voice was like the crunch of dry leaves.

Do you know why I ve summoned you here?

No, Great One.

Tell me your full name. The name you used to have.

I apologize, Great One. I do not know.

Of course. How often are you loaned to my neighbors, Grak?

It has been a very long time, Great One. Not since Trim the Gorgon was acquired by Silent Tremor (upon) Furthest Branch.

Just like I thought. That s great. I m going to tell you some things, Grak. I don t know if the real you can hear me, but I hope so. I command you to be still.

Grak remained obediently silent. The mistress blurred and shimmered for a moment, shedding her avian skin in favor of her usual appearance.

My name is Alexandra. I m not Skyborn. I ve infiltrated their society and I plan to destroy them all. You are the first non-human I approach, and I very much hope I m not making a mistake.

Alexandra looked into eyes that were like violet pinheads embedded in tree bark. She carefully controlled her voice so it wouldn t betray how nervous she felt.

I could just use you, reprogram you to do my bidding and help my people. I m not going to do that. I m going to look inside you, and unless you are a monster I m going to free you completely. You don t have to help us. You won t have to do anything anymore.

She stepped closer. Her fingertips tentatively grazed the wood-like surface of its skin. The creature looked like a dryad pulled right out of fantastic lore.

But if you are anything like us, you ll want to. I have a feeling that revenge is a universal concept.

Her hands rested at the end of its upper limbs, on fingers like clawed branches. It was hard to suppress a shudder in anticipation for what she might see within its mind.

There s too many of them. We need you.

Her fingers melded through the bark.

I need you.

Alexandra made contact.

October 21st, 2015

Wallingford Neighborhood, Seattle

8:42PM

Man, the game looks so dated now.

It s a bit of a shock, honestly. I used to be so hooked on this one. There s a whole bunch of games out now better than this old thing, but he s feeling nostalgic today, he says. I d rather play the sequel s sequel, if we gotta play this stuff at all, but whatever. I m not as picky as he is.

His voice drifts in from the livingroom. It looks fine! It s only, what, five years old?

He heard me? This man has rabbit ears, I swear. No way, at least ten. It was already kinda old when we were playing it. I have to raise my voice to talk to him. We can t be bothered to get the mics on. My God, look at these textures. Just look at them!

You re such a high-end snob. Humor me, okay? You ll have fun, I promise. A little pause. I ll even let you kill me once or twice.

Aww, isn t he adorable. Just try not to blow yourself up before I get to shoot your ass.

Can t promise I won t!

The sad part is, he really can t.

We re logged in soon enough and I follow him into whatever server he joined. I kind of expected to find a ghost town, but there s a ton of people still playing this game. I guess I shouldn t be surprised, the first Starcraft still has a crapload of players even when two s been out for like half a decade.

Oh man, what s the word for that?

Hey sweety, what s the word for a five-year period?

What?

Ten years is a decade, but what s five years? It s at the tip of my tongue.

Yeah. Yeah, there s a word. Um . . . .

Starts with an L.

What does this have to do with anything?

Come on, starts with an L!

Are you asking, or are you quizzing me?

I can t think of it, it s driving me nuts!

Okay, okay! A few seconds go by, I rack up the first two kills. I still got it, baby. Check the score, notice his username has gone from green to blue. Ah, that s a neat new feature, keeping track of who s tabbed out.

Lustrum, comes his voice. Or quinquennium.

That s right! Thank you. Oh, nice, they finally made this rifle not completely worthless!

What s this all about?

Boom! That guy really shouldn t have been poking his head out like that.

Love? You there?

I have to admit, this is pretty sweet. It feels like returning from a long vacation, slipping back into all the wonderful comforts of home. And they ve really worked out the kinks since I last played it.

You re purposely ignoring me, aren t you.

Whoops, sorry sweetheart, didn t mean to put a bullet through your head. Only I did mean to lolololol.

Oh, come on! Where are you!

That s for me to know, and for you to agonize over!

I guess he was right. I d forgotten how much fun this game was. No wonder I got into it so much. Wait a minute, I m not max rank anymore? They must have patched in further progression. Well, I ll have to fix that now, won t I.

The match looks to be a long one. I haven t seen Mr M in a while, and he s gone kinda quiet, but I m too deep into this rivalry with some random stranger to notice. I guess I m a little rusty after all, but it won t last long.

Aaron s voice climbs over the gunfire. That s weird. Do you see that in the sky?

Say what?

Look at the sky!

What is it, more damn drop-pods? Those assholes! If someone got the gunship without oh, wait. What the hell is that?

I run behind cover. Is that a glitch? I yell at him. It looks like . . . .

Well, it looks like dead bodies stuck in the clouds. Heh. Never saw that before. They happen to be positioned so they spell a big fat letter A.

You see it? Aaron asks again.

Yeah! I thought they d fixed all the bugs by now!

More start showing up in quick succession, falling into place to spell other letters, dark fatigues against grey sky. I quirk an eyebrow at my monitor.

Huh. It says ALEX now. What s going on?

They keep showing up, all those poor dead soldiers orchestrated by some invisible electro-god. I blink at it for a while.

The line under my name says I LOVE YOU.

Aaron?

Is he doing this? Is this why he wanted to play? How do you even

My thoughts go blank when the next line shows up all at once.

Will you marry me?

No way.

I mean, no way this is happening now. No way isn t my answer. There s no way no way could be my answer. Right?

I realize I forgot to breathe so I decide to start doing that again. Looks like I m making lots of decisions today. Shouldn t I be saying something? Nobody else seems to have a problem saying things. The chat lines are scrolling up in an unreadable blur.

Aaaaaaand I m banned. Aaron s voice jolts me out of stasis. The jitters hit my stomach all at once. This is really happening is the only thought I m capable of, and it s stuck on replay.

Please tell me you saw it? he asks. He might sound abashed, he might sound amused, I have no idea.

Yeah.

You saw it?

Yes!

Yes, you saw it, or yes, that s your answer?

Yes!

. . . Okay.

Bloody bastard, doesn t say a damn thing since that dinner, keeps me guessing and daydreaming and just watching out for the old down-on-one-knee every time we go out. And now he goes and does this!

The question is still up there. With its irregular spacing and misshapen question mark (is the dot a severed head?) it keeps my eyes glued to the monitor and my butt glued to the seat.

Dead bodies never looked so magical.

His voice at the doorway, calm and gentle, makes me give a little start.

I just realized I m still yelling from the living room.

I rotate in my chair like I m doing the robot. Oh, so now he s on his knee, ring in hand. He s cute cute cute cute cute.

You are amazing, Alexandra. Please marry me.

I ve run this a hundred million billion times in my head. Why are none of my envisioned reactions happening? I find myself kneeling in front of him, and I have no clue why I m doing that.

You used corpses to ask me to marry you, I say for some stupid reason. Even as I say it, my hand is volunteering all by itself to receive that gorgeous ring. Is that white gold? Looks like white gold to me.

Uh. Yeah? He s just looking at me, still in that awkward position with both hands prying open a tiny box. He takes the ring from the plushy little slot and dubiously lines it up with my extended ring finger, keeping track of my stupid blank expression for any worrisome changes.

And you thought it d be romantic. My finger slides forward, accepting the ring without hesitation as if it s a foregone conclusion and there s no need to consult upper management.

Well, it s . . . it s unique, right? You might be the first person in history to say what you just said.

I sagely consider his words for a bit. He s holding my hand, and I don t think he knows what to do with it.

Yeah.

And I thought . . . you know, it s where we met. It s not the most romantic setting, but . . . it s where we met.

I think about that for another bit.

True.

It really is true. I smile at him like I just noticed him there and it s such a wonderful surprise to see him.

It s perfect.

He smiles right back. Cute cute cute cute cute cute . . . .

Are you sure? he asks me. I was getting ready to call for a do-over.

Aw, man, I got him all worried, I m such an idiot. My nose starts to tingle, and sure enough, there s the lump in my throat. Better talk fast, tears incoming.

You just . . . caught me off guard. This is so perfect . . . . The more I think about it, the more rose-colored everything gets. I lean into him and bury myself in his warmth. I love you.

I love you, Alexandra.

He s got his arms around me and right now I feel like no amount of tight squeezing would be too much. My thumb is already exploring the ring s surface, discovering all the tiny notches and ridges in its design. No stone sticking out, thank goodness. He knows me so well.

I m engaged. I m going to marry this man and we ll be making babies at some distant point in the future (very distant, please.) I mean, it s not that big a deal, right? I was already in a serious together forever mindset, and this doesn t change anything, really, but oh my God, I m getting married. I m getting married to the sweetest man in the whole world. Thank you, God, thank you.

His voice filters through all the blissful reverie.

So . . . .

So?

You never actually answered.

I un-nest myself to look up at his face. Isn t it pretty clear?

He dries off my cheek with the ball of his palm. His hands are always so warm. I d like to hear it, is all.

My smile broadens. His does too. I get closer, close enough for him to feel my breath on his lips. Yes. Yes, I will marry you, Aaron Gretchen.

We search each other s eyes, and it s like our souls wrap around one another. I never thought I could think something so corny and mean every last bit of it.

His fingers caress my cheek and run into my hair. A jolt of desire brings a few not-so-chaste thoughts to my mind.

I d decided I would marry you even before you pulled that stunt at my parents , I tell him. Maybe even as early as looking through the peephole.

His smile crooks slightly. Right. The peephole.

When you first rang my doorbell?

Ah. So you saw a tiny distorted image of my face and thought I m SO marrying that guy.

Yeah, that s exactly what happened. Is he going to kiss me or what?

I have no reason to doubt you. Was that before or after you panicked?

About the same time. You know girls and multitasking.

And of course you had to wait all this time

I run out of bantering willpower and deploy the all-powerful shut up kiss. Works every time.

I drag him onto the bed to the sound of engines and gunfire. The battle rages on through my speakers, and something tells me we re gonna win this one.

There ll be fireworks and everything.

15

The region s awe-inspiring namesake was on display before Aaron s eyes. The ridiculous scale of the scenery outdid everything he d seen so far.

The Spire was massive, easily a couple kilometers in diameter. It twisted in on itself like a piece of liquorice, going up, up, up beyond his eyesight, down and down and down with no discernible bottom. There were holes on its surface, some of them as wide as a cruise ship, leading into tunnels that presumably networked its core. They detracted nothing from the sheer solidity of the structure.

The Pathways opened up around the Spire as if the area had been carved by an explosion large enough to raze a sprawling metropolis. Floor and ceiling curved as they approached the gigantic column, funneling around it and out of view in asymptotic progression. The curious layout made him think of the plumes of superheated matter escaping through the poles of a black hole.

Every region is named after its local feature, Ming Xiu said, visibly amused by Aaron s mesmerized gawking. Their relative location never changes, making them a boon for navigation.

Are we going inside it? he asked, hopeful.

No. Spire Six is across, farther ahead. Queg?

That tunnel, left and down. Queg was pointing with one of his tentacles. It wasn t terribly helpful at the current distance.

Lead the way, Ming Xiu commanded.

The humans trailed behind the Risen atop their stylish transport. It had taken them hours to get there, roughly twice as long as the trip to the Beacon. Though Aaron had tried to travel without help, it had become obvious early on that his unpracticed jumps and jolts could not hope to keep up in such an unwieldy medium.

As they ventured farther in, Aaron began noticing the other travelers.

Look but don t gawk, Ming Xiu told him. Keep your awe to yourself while we re here.

He nodded, speechless. Following her advice, he attempted to downplay the bizarre sights by attaching familiar names to each species. There was a herd of wingless, eight-legged dragons trudging down a slope. Those airliner-ready tunnels weren t just for show, as demonstrated by the Zerg Overlord grazing the tunnel s floor with the innumerable legs that hung down from its bloated carapace. The multiple giant albino mantis with spiny fins and long bat wings seemed to enjoy ignoring the square-cube law as they lazily circled around the Spire.

Smaller aliens gradually came into view, mostly traveling in groups. A bank of bluish eel creatures snaked forth, straight down toward the lower funnel. A small crowd of squat figures, colored rocky shades of grey, gathered on the bottom layer, close to the Spire. Two man-sized membranous monstrosities taunted and circled one another, coming into contact now and then, either fighting or dancing. They were surrounded by others of their kind, watching in complete stillness. A lone Fourteenth leisurely ascended toward one of the ceiling passageways. Queg appeared uninterested.

There was something new to discover everywhere Aaron looked, and it felt like being underwater, skyborne and underground all at once. Among so much weirdness, it was comforting to see three bipedal creatures close to the bottom, greenish, long-limbed and rather elegant. They emerged from a tunnel and sped upward, then noticed the approaching Humans and abruptly changed direction.

Wonder what s their story.

Aaron thought he could feel the teensiest signal coming from them, but it might have been wishful thinking. The Pathways considerably muddled his perception of such things.

Ming Xiu made a displeased sound. Word must have gotten out already that Humans are on the move.

How so? Aaron asked. Those guys changing direction like that?

Oh, no. They would have avoided us anyway. She made a sweeping gesture at the scenery with one hand. Not enough traffic, hardly any tourists. She pointed at the rocky figures a ways ahead. A lot of iron chewers missing.

The little guys reminded Aaron of gargoyles not the stylized, humanoid kind from cartoons and movies, but the blocky kind found poking out of old European churches.

He gave her a sidelong look over the rim of his nonexistent glasses. Iron chewers. Really?

She chuckled softly. That s what you understood? I m not as good at this as Falon, but let me try again. She daintily cleared her throat. Ferrognaws, she said, more or less. It was more a concept than an actual word, and it painted in his mind a herd of stumpy creatures chewing away on a cud of red-brown filaments.

How . . . droll.

They worship the Spire. They normally crowd around the area in the hundreds, chanting and performing their rituals, being a general annoyance. She clicked her tongue. Hopefully the Daedal didn t learn about it before measures could be taken. It ll make for a much longer campaign if we need to dig the writhen out of hiding.

Well, won t that give us more time for an opportunity to present itself ?

She responded with mirthless amusement. The Unbound will not concern herself with the rabble. It s the Daedal cell she s after, and once they are taken care of, the Unbound will move on to wherever she s needed most. And then our current chance will have expired.

Ah.

Enough sightseeing. She raised her voice just a tad. Travel speed, Queg.

Warp nine, Mr. Tuvok.

They accelerated steadily in the weightless manner of the Pathways. Aaron held on to the rail mostly out of habit. Won t it be suspicious of us to rush about like this, then?

She shrugged. Whether anyone knows of the purge or not, it s now too late for such a concern, as it is already under way. A smug smile tugged at her lips. Besides, Humans always have somewhere important to be. There s nothing strange about us speeding past the area.

Aren t we full of ourselves.

Queg was already glowing like a magic missile. They hurtled through space recklessly, zig-zagging at times in long curves to get out of the path of some creature or another. There were no lanes or signs or traffic rules whatsoever, and Aaron dreaded to think of what would happen if they collided with another high-speed traveler. He trusted there was some sort of safeguard in place that he didn t know about.

The Spire started to look more like a curved wall than a tower as they approached it. The structure felt almost like a living creature, with its shifting tints, corrugated textures and the way it seemed to slowly flow up along the grooves of its spiral. Aaron managed to get a closer look at some of the creatures near it, much to his enjoyment and occasional horror.

They left the Spire behind, and with it most of the mystifying regional fauna. The passage they were heading for came into view: a vast, circular opening that bloated at its edges before sinking into the flesh of the wall, like a dried-out geyser, or (Aaron cringed) like a fat burst pimple.

Yugh. Is that the only way?

The shortest by far.

Gross.

At least the tunnel looked fairly spacious. It was particularly nerve-wracking when they d cruise at three billion meters per second through a winding passageway no wider than he was tall.

The change came after perhaps a minute of underground travel, without warning and in the blink of an eye. What had been a lightly bent tunnel ahead of them gruesomely constricted into a dead end. A deep, crackling sound rose from the walls, like the groan of an ancient tree-man rousing from its slumber.

Daaah!

Aaron desperately sought to grab a hold of the gravitational lattice and stop everyone from becoming dead insects on a windshield. Queg slowed down almost instantly, going from sixty to zero in no more than two seconds. His front tentacles flared forward to brace the newly formed wall, while the other half prepared to cushion the Human transport.

Ming Xiu applied the brakes with equal precision and finesse, sparing Queg from getting squished. Aaron felt how she took special care to prevent him from lurching forward, a full-body seat-belt uncomfortably pressing against him.

It was all over by the time he managed to alter the downward pull of the Pathways on his own.

What

Shh. Ming Xiu lifted her index finger at him, looking all around the tunnel. The groan continued to envelop them, a croaking rumble like grinding ice sheets.

Her eyes stopped roaming at some point behind them, and Aaron followed her gaze.

The ample tunnel was no more. It had collapsed unto itself, just like the path ahead.

They were trapped.

_________

Oh man, the Pathways shifted, didn t they. Aaron spoke in a whisper, wondering if he should worry about a cave-in. They shifted with us in the middle and now we re screwed.

Ming Xiu said nothing. She had resumed her search, her head tilted as though listening to something within that crackling groan.

No, she murmured. The transport that sustained them vanished, and she nimbly strode toward the center of their enclosure while Aaron scrambled to land on his feet. He managed to slow his fall just in time.

Jeez, a warning would ve been nice.

No, it isn t the Pathways, Ming Xiu mumbled to herself. She stopped walking in the middle of their prison, legs balanced on the curve of the floor, eyes darting in all directions. Her bright red robe and shin-strapped pants made her stand out against the dull colors of the Pathways like fresh blood on an old bruise.

I was wondering when you would show up, she told the ceiling arching overhead.

Only the snapping moans of the invisible ent responded.

Is this all you will do? For how long can you sustain it? She gave it a few seconds, ostensibly expecting an answer. None came.

This will not hold us back for long! It might be in your best interest to talk.

Another pause.

Obviously that s what you are here for! Enough with the theatrics already, you are as bad as Marion!

The pops and cracks intensified, as if the tree-man was lumbering through the woods, stomping on fell trunks, crushing branches and foliage. The blockade behind Queg and Aaron suddenly opened up, only to collapse shut farther down the tunnel.

Queg moved out of the way with moderate urgency. Aaron yelped and backed up in a hurry.

Four people stood in the newly added expanse. An enormous man, almost wider than he was tall, dark skinned, with a well-trimmed full beard and thick hair pulled back in a tail. A pale wraith of a woman, with long hair black as coal and huge eyes that pierced Aaron where he stood. A spindly man of Eastern European complexion, wearing utilitarian clothes and a flaxen buzz cut. Lastly, a tall muscular amazon with closely cropped, dark brown hair that framed even darker features. Her almost jet-black skin was covered in a variety of intricate white tattoos that wrapped around her whole body. She made no bones about showing off most of it.

Aaron recognized only one of the four, and Yuri Zharkiev looked positively pissed off.

Ming Xiu didn t wait a beat. Tampering with the Pathways! she said in a hushed scold. Have you gone insane? There s no reliable way to control the ripples!

Her chastising did nothing to improve his mood. Space itself seemed to seethe around the man.

What are you doing, Ming Xiu?

Aaron kept expecting him to speak with a Russian accent right out of a bad spy movie, but he didn t. He spoke in a neutral, generic American accent, just like everybody else that wasn t Falon Trestail. Yuri s voice struggled to contain the outrage thrumming inside of it.

Ming Xiu withstood his intense glower with aplomb. She subtly arched an eyebrow, as if to say, go on, let s get it over with.

Marion warned us, Yuri said, but I didn t want to believe. I wouldn t give credit to her suspicions, it was unthinkable. You would never do this, he gestured toward Aaron as he said it, briefly glancing in his direction.

She wanted us to go into your home and deal with this problem right there and then, but I refused. He took two steps toward her, as though talking wasn t enough to work out all the restrained anger. I stood up for you, even after you failed to use the writhen when you should have. I trusted you d do the right thing even after you sent your hand to attend the Amber Crest gathering. The message I gave him was only to appease Marion s worries.

Use the writhen? What the hell did that mean?

Yuri didn t wait for Aaron to wrap his mind around what he was saying. Something weird was happening to the ground around the man, as if buckling under the pressure of his presence, wobbling and fluctuating in his immediate vicinity.

Because Ming Xiu knows what needs to be done, Yuri continued, just like all of us, better than any of us. And Ming Xiu never goes back on her word. And yet here you are, carrying Aaron Gretchen to Spire Six as if you re doing nothing wrong. You didn t even bother to mask your presence!

Ming Xiu had maintained her stoic poise through his speech. She made a vague hand gesture toward the big man behind Yuri. With Meliwaze around? I didn t see much of a point.

The guy whose name must have been Meliwaze gave a reluctant nod, as if to say, what you re doing is terrible, but we agree on this particular issue.

Neither of the unnamed women made an effort to insert themselves in the conversation. The obsidian-and-silver amazon lounged against a wall, in the casual-alert way that confident and dangerous people would generally adopt. Ghost girl held her hands crossed at her lap, standing motionless in her long white gown, to the left of Meliwaze. Those pale green eyes stayed fixed on Aaron with bird-like intensity, which would have creeped him out spectacularly if he d been in a more receptive state of mind.

Yuri shook his head while staring straight at Ming Xiu, eyes narrowed, lips pressed together.

You may have ruined everything already, he said. I still haven t thought of how to truthfully explain our absence. If the Unbound starts asking the wrong questions, it all might unravel without even requiring your presence.

Perhaps that would be for the best.

She might as well have slapped him across the face. Seeing the man s reaction, a tiny pocket of comprehension opened up in Aaron s mind. Yuri Zharkiev wasn t just angry at Ming Xiu. His wasn t the predictable hatred one could throw at a declared enemy. It was far more bitter, more poisonous.

He d just found out that his most trusted ally was a traitor.

I ask you again, Ming Xiu. He made every word into a sentence. What are you doing?

Ming Xiu s posture cracked slightly. Her brow twitched. I ve decided to take him to the Unbound, Yuri.

The effect on Yuri s party was immediate. Everyone s face darkened as she confirmed their fears, snuffing out whatever benefit of the doubt she d been entitled to. The sense of dread that suddenly pervaded the tunnel was so thick that Aaron could taste it in the back of his tongue.

Yuri was about to speak again, his expression a mixture of outrage and disbelief, but he stopped at the last moment. His brow furrowed with thoughtfulness.

Is he . . . . A sudden realization widened his eyes, and he directed his accusing stare at Aaron. Have you leashed her mind? Is that it? You are as talented as she was, aren t you! Well, not talented enough yet. Boundless vigilance, if you have tampered with Ming Xiu s mind, I will end you right here and now! He took a step toward his quarry, suddenly protective of the person he d been about to strangle with his own bare hands. The ground moaned and seemed to shake beneath Aaron s feet.

Shit man, I have no idea what you re talking about, he blurted out with a defensive shrug, spreading his hands in front of him. I d love for you people to tell me what s going on here.

Ming Xiu was shaking her head. He has done nothing, Yuri. He remains nearly as powerless as a newborn. Woefully so.

Aaron glanced at her. That s a way to put it, I guess.

Yuri looked from one to the other, taking a moment to abandon the idea. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth.

When he looked at Ming Xiu again, the pain of her betrayal burned in his pupils. Why, Ming Xiu? Why? You need to have a reason for this. Tell me you have a good reason.

It was an honest appeal, but something dark and ugly lurked beneath his plea. A wordless acerbity that spoke of what would happen if no good reason was forthcoming.

Ming Xiu seemed to deflate under his scrutiny. Her voice made a small shift, from trying to command to trying to explain.

Eighty-four of us, she began. Dozens of other learning hubs that fall under your scrutiny. An infinity of other places where he could have integrated. Yet he came to me. Do you truly think it coincidence for him to arrive at my realm? To the ancient that would be most sympathetic to his cause? The only one that has not taken the oath?

Yuri stared at her with grave bewilderment. It took him a few seconds to understand her meaning. Providence, Ming Xiu? Are truly suggesting providence?

Don t think I didn t fight it. But how else can you explain this? She grew more confident as she spoke, gesticulating angrily as if displeased with fate itself. For him to integrate two steps from my home. For a denizen acquainted with my cause to find him. For me to be the one beside him when he found her message. For her to conceal such a message, letting only him find it through some kind of magic we ve never seen. Is that not evidence enough of something greater than ourselves at work? Wouldn t all this shake your own convictions as well?

You cannot be serious. Yuri s voice was full of stern disbelief. Is this what drove you here? Happenstance and circumstantial evidence? I can t believe

Ming Xiu quietly interrupted him. You haven t forgotten the kind of power Alexandra could wield, have you?

Aaron s world froze. He turned to look at Ming Xiu as if locked in slow motion.

What if we never knew the true extent of it? she continued. Her words were ice-cold water flooding Aaron s brain, locking his thoughts into frigid stillness. He could only stare as her lips kept moving, the sounds kept flowing, the icicles kept stabbing at the gaps between his ribs. What if she was far beyond anything we ever knew? Could she not have foreseen the circumstances of his arrival? Could she not have foreseen this very situation?

That s insane, Ming Xiu! Alex could do many things, but she could never predict the future!

Alex. He called her Alex.

And yet she knew we would remove her entry? And guided her husband to a message that would send him straight to the Unbound? And made me swear She shut her mouth, holding back what she d been about to say. She carried on in a more mindful tone. This isn t coincidence, Yuri. Maybe we are not meant to stop him from finding out. Maybe Aaron is here now because this is the time it must to happen.

Ming Xiu talked to her.

Listen to yourself! The frayed barrier holding back Zharkiev s temper gave way at last. You ask me if I remember, but you seem to have forgotten why the Unbound had to take over. He stabbed a finger in Aaron s direction. If she finds out he exists, it will be the first step to the end of our era. You used to agree with it. You convinced some of us of the danger, and promoted several plans yourself. And now you ve changed your mind because of fate?

Alexandra was their leader. Then the Unbound took over.

Ming Xiu s conviction didn t waver. How many have found their loved ones, Yuri? How many relatives does anybody ever find when they come here? It has never come to pass, and now he happens to be the very first one? How can this not be fate?

Understanding dawned behind Yuri s irate stare. It made his voice all the more scornful. That s what it s all about, isn t it. If Alexandra s husband can turn up, why couldn t it happen to you as well?

Ming Xiu appeared flustered, as if caught in a barefaced lie and not wanting to admit it. Aaron is the first. Who is to say that he will be the last?

Hundred skies, this I can believe least of all. You are still hanging on to your beloved Yun. We were fools to believe you d given it up.

I had! Ming Xiu clenched her fists, lips curled in teeth-baring anger. I d left her behind, and found peace, and then he came along and brought it all back by succeeding where I failed!

It took her a moment to regain self-control. Her voice dropped to seething moderation. What do you know of lost love? All you ever knew was misery.

In life, perhaps. I am not that same man. Much of Yuri s heat had dissipated. His anger had become cold, businesslike. I have people I care about, now, and people I care for. I have pride in my home, and in the Human nation. And I cannot allow you to risk any of them further.

You don t even know. You re so certain he s our doom, but he could be our savior. You don t even know.

Enough, Ming Xiu. You leave us no choice.

It was the cue for the others. They became active as one, walking up to stand by their spokesperson. Meliwaze appeared openly sorrowful. The black-and-white amazon was hard as steel. Ghost girl s big round eyes were full of grim self-loathing.

In the meantime, Queg had done his best to blend with the wall and become invisible.

Aaron stared on, feeling strangely vacant at a time when he knew he should be flooded with emotions. They were tossing around her name as if it was a sacred relic of a past long gone, and the more they did, the more he felt at a loss for words. For some reason he wondered what Queg felt at the moment. It must be awful, he thought, to so be at the mercy of human beings.

Don t. Ming Xiu told the Oathsworn. I m warning you, Yuri, everyone. You don t know what I m capable of.

Zharkiev s eyes narrowed. We know exactly what you are capable of, Ming Xiu.

Do you? Just like you knew all about Alexandra s hidden message? What else did she hide, Yuri? I knew her in a way none of you did. What other contingency plan did she leave behind that you don t know about? Do you truly want to find out?

The group of four traded uncertain glances. The implied threat was crystal clear to them.

You can t expect us to believe that she prepared you for this, Yuri said.

I never wanted to go this far, but so be it. Alexandra built her own fate. She knew this moment would come.

Yuri s frown became even deeper. You are actually serious. What are you suggesting? You want me to believe that you are some sort of double agent, hidden until now? It doesn t make sense even from her point of view. It was Alexandra s decision to have the Unbound take over. She would support what we re trying to do.

Ming Xiu let out a short, surprised laugh. That s how far you ve taken it now? You are not just saving Humanity, but doing her a favor? No, Yuri. I know for a fact that she would destroy all of you if she were here, but she knew she couldn t be. She knew that some would attempt to get their hands on Aaron, and so she trusted a few of us to protect him. I thought she was losing her mind at the time, to be honest. I never believed I d have to use it until now.

A few of us ? Yuri asked. There s other double agents now? And who would that be?

That s not for you to know.

Yuri was clearly skeptical, but his three friends showed increasing signs of indecision.

Meliwaze was the first to say it out loud. This is Ming Xiu, Yuri. Her word is as sound as ours.

Alexandra did always treat Ming Xiu in a different way, the amazon contributed. Her voice fit her bearing: low pitch, steady. And she did always seem to know more than she let on.

But it makes no sense! Yuri complained.

Look at him, Yuri, the ghost girl practically spoke over his protest in a soft murmur that somehow reached beyond its means. She hadn t stopped looking at Aaron since they arrived. He is so harmless. All this time, worrying that he would be as great as she, preparing to contain the wrath of Alexandra s lover. All to find out that we could snap him in two with a stray thought. She closed her eyes, subtly lifting her chin as if to pick out a smell. And he is so full of emotion. Such a sweet symphony you carry within you, Aaron Gretchen. I would be loathe to silence it.

Aaron looked back at her, betraying none of his glacial thoughts. Don t talk to me, he wanted to say. Who the hell are you? Who do you think you are, to speak of my wife as if you know her better than I?

None of it came out.

Yuri shot a displeased glance at the woman. Victoria . . . .

We ve been through too much together, Ming Xiu continued. This is why I ve tried to reason with you. I know your motives are noble. There might be forgiveness for you, if you don t take this any further. If you do . . . . The change in her posture was subtle, but it was felt at a level that went far deeper than flexed limbs or tense muscles. She was ready to act at a moment s notice. Do you truly want to be known to the Unbound as the ones that tried to sever Alexandra s husband? Isn t that what we planned endlessly for, to avoid the blame for such a horrible crime? It s not too late yet for you to turn back. The moment you make the first ripple, your fate will be sealed.

Only the groans of the Pathways broke the silence than ensued. Once again Meliwaze spoke first.

I have no desire to become sentrybound for just trying, Yuri.

The amazon seemed inclined to agree. She visibly abandoned her about-to-pounce stance. I believe her, Yuri. Alexandra outwitted us in this, scrying the future or not. She vested Ming Xiu with trust none of us could earn.

No. No, she has nothing, it is impossible. Yuri s intense gaze remained fastened on Ming Xiu, observing her every shift. Aaron Gretchen cannot reach the Unbound. If this is the sacrifice that must be made, so be it. I will take care of this, he told the others, and I alone will bear the consequences.

You will do neither, Ming Xiu said. A weapon flashed in her hands, curls of mist resolving into some kind of glaive. This I swear.

They froze for the span of an inward breath. Then Meliwaze and the as-yet nameless warrior took a step back in unison, clearly recognizing the weapon. Yuri s eyes widened with quickly concealed alarm. Victoria the ghost leaned forward in awe.

Is that . . . she began in a whisper.

It s her blade. The black-and-white amazon said, her voice taking on a heightened level of respect. She gave you her blade.

The weapon was a thick length of dark wood, taller than Ming Xiu by at least a head. Sinuous, glowing-blue patterns ran the length of it. The sharp edge of the blade seemed embedded into the wood, organically protruding out like a natural growth carved in the likeness of curved steel. Even in his bleak state of mind, Aaron recognized in it the kind of elegance that would appeal to Alexandra s taste.

Is it . . . real? Victoria asked.

Ming Xiu brandished it like she knew exactly how to use it. The weapon looked strangely weightless. She touched my mind and passed its every detail onto me. Did you never wonder why she stopped using it?

I figured

Yuri talked over Victoria s reply, impatient and frustrated in equal measure. You cannot expect us to believe it can do everything the original could. A weapon matters for nothing. It is the individual behind it that counts.

Ming Xiu smiled as if she could cram the blade down Yuri s throat with barely an effort. Come. Let us find out. She held the weapon almost casually in one hand, point tilting forward. It might yet save you the trouble of explaining why you are not currently present in Spire Six.

Yuri s eyes kept going from the weapon to Ming Xiu and back. For the first time since he appeared, real indecision took over his features.

The sense of immediate violence that charged the space between them eased slightly.

A compromise, he said, virtually grinding his teeth. There isn t a need to disperse him. We can go with the alternate plan and take him away from here. We ll hold him for as long as it s needed.

Victoria was shaking her head slowly. It might have been possible before, but he knows too much now, Yuri. He will never let go. Her gaze returned to Aaron, and she heaved a shuddering sigh that was full of pleasure. I wish you could sense him as I do. There s so much . . . so much everything. He burns as bright as the Silver Sun.

Aaron had heard enough. He looked the woman straight in the eye and spoke from the deepest recesses of his heart.

Go fuck yourself, Victoria.

He said it with outward calm, but it startled her regardless. He maintained eye contact for a few more seconds, then addressed the room in general.

You can all go fuck yourselves.

He felt himself thawing at last. The numbing chill left him, and its departure brought about the scalding burn of defrosting flesh.

You are wasting time, and I have someone to meet. Either kill me already, or get the hell out of the way.

Victoria had a smile on her lips. Brighter still, she said with hungry awe.

Aaron ignored her. You talk like the Universe will implode if I find out what happened to Alexandra. Well, I don t give half a damn what drives you assholes. I don t know for how long or how well you knew her, but I do know my wife. Ming Xiu is right. She would have killed you all for this. He glared at them, one by one. You can make of that what you will.

Aaron raises an excellent point, Ming Xiu said before they reacted one way or another. Let this go now. We will continue on our way and it will be as if we never encountered you. The Unbound s trust in you is implicit, she should have no reason to question you.

Yuri Zharkiev looked frustrated enough to start punching holes in walls. The crackling all around them grew louder, more urgent, and for a moment it felt like the man was going lose control and throw himself at Ming Xiu despite it all. Some bloodthirsty part of Aaron wished for it, just to see what would happen.

Suddenly the blockades came undone, quickly un-puckering in a ghastly display. The man spoke into the silence that followed.

I should not have trusted you.

With a final look of disappointment, Yuri turned his back on Ming Xiu and took off in one fluid motion. The others moved to go as well.

I trust Alexandra s wisdom, The amazon said. She quickly brought index and middle finger to her heart as farewell, then turned around to follow. Victoria and Meliwaze nodded at Ming Xiu, solemn, silent. The midnight-haired wraith made sure to wink at Aaron before leaving, as if they were the best of friends and she hadn t shown up with the intent to screw him over.

A full minute passed before Ming Xiu went from taut to lax. The weapon dissolved with none of her usual flare and she exhaled a deep breath that was a strung out moan. She all but collapsed where she stood.

Aaron was not at his most sympathetic. He felt like screaming, and yet the anger was tempered by the fact that she d just stuck up for him again. Ming Xiu had been tasked by his very own wife to save him, if he were to believe her impossible story.

He managed to hold his voice at a slow simmer.

You are . . . a contingency plan?

She looked up at him briefly. Her eyes were clouded with shame when she looked back down. I bluffed, Aaron. I lied to them. I can match Yuri, but together they could have easily destroyed us.

Aaron stared for a moment as he once more attempted to tell fact apart from fiction.

What?

I thought they might listen, at first, she quietly explained. But I got desperate when they started to move in. I had a feeling that playing to their fear of retribution might work, and thankfully it did. I don t think it would have if they hadn t been looking for a good reason not to go through with it. She glanced at him again. We could never find a good enough reason, you see.

Ten different questions formed in Aaron s mind. They drowned in the seething pool of his outrage.

You are a first-class bullshitter, aren t you.

She flinched as if he had physically struck her.

You knew her, he stated. I told you my wife s name when we first met, and you didn t even blink. You watched me going crazy over the whole thing, and you knew her all along. What the hell.

She was nodding slowly. I did know her, but before you say anything else, before you

You got pissed that I could suspect you of lying to me. You made me feel like a complete asshole about it. And you were bullshitting me all along!

I ve never lied to you. She sounded rueful, but a hint of her pride came through. Everything I ve ever told you is true, only not in the sense you chose to understand it. I know it s a small comfort

I m sorry, I m sorry. Aaron gestured with his hand for her to hold on, forceful, abrupt. Are you freakin kidding me? What, did you swear an oath not to speak a word that wasn t true? What are you, a goddamn Aes Sedai, bullshitting your way around lies? You know what that s called? Lying by omission! You re still lying, it s just as bad, only you get to feel good about yourself because you do it indirectly! Do you get that?

She was starting to show signs of indignation. I didn t

Dammit Ming Xiu! What about that talk we had in the grove? That was bullshit too, wasn t it. You really fooled me there, manipulating half-truths. I d rather you told straight lies from now on, at least you d be owning it that way.

I had no choice! Do you think I want to keep secrets? Do you think I ve enjoyed guiding you with one hand while keeping you from the truth with the other? It was not my place to decide!

Do I even want to listen to you? Or is this all going to turn out a lie too?

Her eyes widened at his insolence. Then her disposition shifted; a twitch of her brow, an insecure glance. It s a fair concern, she conveyed in an outward breath.

She took a few more seconds before speaking again, her voice much calmer, more bashful.

There was nothing dishonest about our conversation in the grove.

Another gap between sentences, dense with lingering blame.

I fought it for as long as I could, she said. I tested your resolve, I led you into danger, I asked every question, but you still came through. I challenged fate itself, and I lost. This is what you helped me accept at the grove.

More silence. Despite Aaron s base desire to continue yelling at her, he knew that time was running out while they argued. He struggled to rein in the anger, bottle it up for later.

Then her words sunk in.

Led me into danger. Tested me. Tested fate.

The stray writhen, Aaron murmured. The ones that escaped, and headed right for me. It was intentional, wasn t it. You actually tried to get me killed.

I spared you, Aaron. You were supposed to cease to exist in that tunnel. Yet I spared you.

You sent two bloodthirsty nightmares after me, and you spared me?

I still believed as they did at that point! I was supposed to let the horde take you, but I couldn t do it, I was already shaken by doubt. So I tested you I thought, if he is supposed to be here, he will remain. And you did.

He stared at Ming Xiu as if she was a raving lunatic. That is so messed up. Just . . . murder me, just like that? How could you ever be okay with it?

The weight of his disappointment in her caught Aaron unaware. She was shaking her head, features cringing in a pained grimace, as if she could feel his disillusionment and actually cared.

You are but one man. We were concerned with the fate of a nation.

But what kind of threat could I possibly be!

There was pity in her eyes. I cannot explain it to you. You already know more than you should. It is up to the Unbound now.

What? No. No, you are explaining everything to me, right here, right now.

Ming Xiu s expression hardened. Barriers that were almost tangible rose between them. I will do no such thing.

Oh yes you fucking will! He took a step toward her.

She faced him straight on, a dangerous note entering her voice. Or what? What will you do to me, child?

Aaron gritted his teeth, restraining the empty threats fighting to leave his lips. He could do nothing to her, and they both knew it.

I can t fucking believe you.

She simply stared until his clenched fists no longer shook. Only then did she speak, calm, assertive. I will not explain anything else, as I am bound by other oaths. There is nothing in your power to force me to do otherwise, and so you have two options. You can stop relying on my help and try to make it on your own. Or you can follow me for a chance to meet with the Unbound and perhaps, in the end, learn everything you wish to know.

He could feel the answers he sought slip through his fingers like so many grains of sand.

You won t even tell me what happened to her. Unbelievable.

Once more she shook her head, both regret and determination showing in her features. We are not too late to join the fighting, with luck. She faced the way out and started walking, motioning for Queg to take the lead. The Risen obediently complied.

Make your choice, Ming Xiu said without looking back.

It made him want to laugh. What choice? Was he going to turn back? Find the Unbound by himself? Ineffectually demand more answers? There were no crossroads, no reasonable alternatives. Just the one path, shrouded in darkness and paved with lies.

The receding tide pulled him in the one and only direction he could go.

16

The Grand Hall lived up to its name. Nested at the heart of Aerie s highest citadel, the chamber was grand in every sense of the word: enormous, opulent, and a vital part of Skyborn society.

It was shaped as a cylinder, like a massive grain silo with two domed roofs one at the top, one at the bottom. The curved walls were host to dozens of smaller chambers designated for every nest in the realm, each one marked with their respective sigil and adornments of the nest s choosing. Every square inch of the walls was covered in gorgeous artwork, some of it painted but mostly carved in relief. From top to bottom, all the way around, it was a tangle of branches and leaves of every variety imaginable, all of it rendered in painstaking detail. Depictions of all sorts of animals could be seen among the branches and trunks, most blending in with their habitat, some standing out in a dynamic pose; some eerily familiar to Earthly birds and mammals, others entirely alien but not necessarily unpleasant. It was all done in elegant patterns of gold, silver, ochre and black, creating textures that were a mixture between metalwork and wood carving. Going inside felt like stepping into a colossal, hollowed-out tree trunk.

There were only two ways in or out of the chamber. One was the access to the Council assembly, a set of gigantic double doors fitted into a circular frame easily twenty feet in diameter. The doors were closer to the top than to the bottom of the Hall, and colored a seamless gradient that went from black in the middle to gold on its edges.

The other exit was the way in from outside: a large circular opening at least ten yards across, centered between floor and ceiling. It was through this opening that Forest Song (of the) Turning Leaf made her entrance.

It wasn t the first time Alexandra had come into this magnificent feat of Skyborn architecture, but this time was special, and she had dressed for the occasion. She wore the most elegant and elaborate outfit that she could conjure, and although gowns weren t really her thing, she was pretty damn proud of the results.

It was an improvement over Leafy s best, certainly, though not so much that it could become suspicious. Leafy could never get it completely right, never subtle enough for the demanding standards of high society. Oh, how she would stew in thickly concealed envy as she watched those other females, with their perfectly artful gowns and not a feather out of place.

The dress was like silky vapor around her frame, flowing around her as if she was submerged underwater. It consisted of dozens of independent stoles that covered about two thirds of her plumage. Her bust was exposed, as was current fashion. The pointed lack of breasts in Skyborn physiology helped her a great deal not to feel like an exhibitionist.

The stoles clung to her and wrapped around her limbs and waist in a variety of ways, weaving in and out of her feathered mantle in contrast-rich braids. They spiraled around her legs in a complicated pattern, knotting here and there to extend far past her taloned feet, making it entirely impossible to walk while wearing it. It had a bit of an Arabian Nights flare, with fluttery weightless ribbons trailing like dancing veils behind her every movement.

It was colored the deep green of perennial pine leaves, the emerald green of sun-bathed shrubs, the pale green of newborn shoots. All a bold departure from Leafy s translucent whites and pearls, because Forest Song s ambition was no longer hindered by a want-but-can t attitude. She d gotten rid of conformity and resignation, emerged from her frivolous obscurity and championed a clamor for change, justice and retribution. A clamor that had been picked up by a small but swelling percentage of Aerie s population.

Forest Song entered the Great Hall, and she did it as if she was owner and proprietor, not even bothering to look defiantly at those that would scoff at her presence. She was far past that stage. At first they had treated her as an unwelcome guest barging in, but no more she had clawed her way into acceptance and notoriety, one rude, outraged or demagogic remark at a time. She was entitled to be there.

Everyone present turned their attention to her. There were some cordial greetings, a fair amount of respectful acknowledgments, a sneer or two, and a few openly hostile feather configurations. She didn t have to wait long for the predictable angry caw.

You are not fooling anyone, fear monger!

Ugh, not you again.

Forest Song eyed the heckler with studied indifference. Some people had no respect for etiquette.

Verdant Crag (under) High Peak emerged from his niche in the wall, fluffy red-and-green plumage and long, gangly limbs in full display. He made his ostentatious way across the chamber, a number of sycophants close in his wake.

Nobody could fail to notice the enthralled guards that shadowed him. Such sweet irony to exploit. He truly made it too easy.

Who needs straw-men with Mr. High Peak around?

The niche assigned to the nest of the High Peak was a bit lower than entryway-level, and almost directly opposite from her position. She d made it halfway to the waiting area in front of the double doors by the time Verdant Crag had strutted as close as he wanted to get.

Forest Song spoke loud enough for everyone to hear before the bird could start ranting.

It is not my intention to fool anyone, Crag. She used the least respectful form of address possible. Her posture made it perfectly clear that she was talking down at him.

Save your platitudes. He pointed at her with one sharp claw-finger, looking around at a mostly uncomfortable audience. This is nothing but an opportunistic power grab!

A chirping murmur of approval rose from his cadre. One of them went as far as to say you are not welcome here! in the manner of thuggish crowd-dwellers, without actually engaging her in any way.

Forest Song waved a hand at them dismissively, wide ribbons fluttering in their general direction. Go ahead and bury your head in the ground. In the meanwhile, I will endeavor to keep my kin safe. She smirked, her temple feathers expressing it as a widespread flush at an acute angle. Perhaps you would like to donate one of your personal escorts to the cause? Or is that too much a risk to take?

Crag glanced at one of his vaguely humanoid bodyguards before responding. The vacant stare in its three pairs of eyes was unmistakable. This is my usual retinue! Your deranged claims have had no effect on me.

I m sure that Steadfast Guardian and Hollow Branch would have called them deranged as well. Right up to the moment of their disappearance.

You still fail to present any proof of

Is that what you ll say if they come for you, Crag? That they should leave you alone because there s no proof of their existence?

One of his cronies, a plump female colored a deep burgundy, got a bit closer. Is that a threat? she said, feathers bristling.

The answer was a bout of laughter, the hollow crackle of a raven s purr. Is that an accusation? Forest Song asked in return. How entertaining.

The female s anger was flushed with a hint of embarrassment. You cannot deny that you have gained much from their disappearance!

I provided a home to orphans, Forest Song replied, her mirth evaporating. I strictly followed protocol to do so, once I took care of their needs. I ve been nothing but a well-meaning neighbor concerned for her own safety, and this is how you judge me? Wouldn t you be as worried as I am, if most of your neighbors and friends suddenly vanished without a trace?

Verdant Crag rose up to the bait. There could be any number of causes

She cut him off again, conscious that interrupting a Skyborn was akin to slapping them in the face. Something is out there, preying on our numbers, and I for one am tired of the Council s denial! There were several nods among the scattered audience. Her interview wasn t supposed to be public, but an awful lot of birds had shown up anyway. I only demand the right to feel safe in my own home. I only demand better protection for everyone, not just the privileged few. What of the rest of us? My dear friend Golden Crest would be here right now if only the nest of Valiant Perch had been protected with the proper sentries.

Forest Song moved closer to the group of dissenters, green billows of dress floating around her in a fluid halo. And yet you dare accuse me of treason. I am more loyal to this nation than any of you could ever be, and the only reason I am here is because I want to do everything in my power to protect it. So take your standard retinue and

Before she could suggest a number of orifices, a nearly subsonic bass vibration spread through the chamber. The gigantic double doors cracked open a few inches, opening up like upended eyelids. The gap was just wide enough for a messenger to squeeze through.

Under everyone s expectant stare, the little thing poked a tiny eyeless head out of the top of its squid-like body, swiveled it from side to side as if sniffing the air, and then traveled a bit farther into the chamber.

Alexandra was used to the sight by then. The lack of natural cycles and the complete absence of communications technology made the Critter Post a vital necessity. Messengers were the lifeblood of Skyborn administration, and she d have been hard pressed to come up with a better alternative.

Luckily, she didn t have to feel bad for them. They d be either mindless creatures that had been conditioned for the task, like trained pigeons, or somewhat intelligent beings that would often take great pride in their job, like the average postal worker. The little rosy squiddle currently flitting toward the edge of the waiting area was part of the latter group.

Your attention is requested. It spoke in wavy toop sounds reminiscent of Morse code. The Council announces that it is now ready for the hearing convened. One Forest Song of the nest of the Turning Leaf, come forth.

This was it. After all the preparations, it was finally going to happen. She suppressed a surge of nervousness and approached the little guy, feeling everyone s attention pressing against her. Verdant Crag made as if to object to her moving away, reconsidered at the last moment, and decided to stew in frustrated impotence instead.

In defiance to her unease, Alexandra turned to give some parting words for anyone that cared to listen.

Pay no heed to the naysayers. They will want you to remain as they are, mired in complacency and a pretense of security. They are wrong, and they ll be proven wrong if no measures are taken. If all goes well, the Council will act immediately. And if I join the Council, I will see to it that not one more of us will succumb to this invisible plague. We are K chuhrr K, and nothing will have us exist in fear.

The number of Ks and Rs and apostrophes in the name of the species shifted depending on how silly she happened to feel at any given moment. It was still a challenge to consciously coax the weird native speech through her beak.

There were many nods from the scattered crowd, even a whistled cheer or two. She saw a fair amount of skepticism still, but definitely much less than there used to be. Even the nest beyond Split Creek seemed to regard her with cautious approval.

Sometimes it felt surreal, the way she had fooled them so completely. A negligible minimum of suspicion had been cast upon the nest of the Turning Leaf. As far as she could tell, nobody even remotely suspected what she d really been up to.

Don t think them gullible, she told herself, not for the first time. They simply don t suspect one of their own to be a shape-shifting mass murderer. Back home, anyone that seriously suspected such a thing would be on their way to the loony bin. Or a reality show.

She made her parsimonious way to the squiddle and the double doors behind it. The ponderous bass thrummed again as she drew near, and the double doors started moving, folding and receding into themselves like actual eyelids. The messenger darted ahead of her and hovered to one side of the entryway.

Alexandra discreetly peered at the view beyond, expecting to see a tribunal stand of some sort. She could see nothing but an indistinct brownish texture, and enthralled guards on either side of the doorway members of particularly intimidating species suited quite well for the bodyguard stereotype.

Forest Song drifted forward solemnly, pristine white plumage gleaming, silky billows of fabric flowing in her wake. Her head was held high as the silent onlookers watched her cross the threshold into the Council chamber.

It was supposed to be her greatest triumph the culmination of all the role-playing, the near-misses, the lies, gambits and house-of-cards scheming. And yet, at that particular moment, she felt ridiculous in her overblown dress and avian skin, haughty indifference and dignified poise. If anyone had told her past self that this is what she would be doing in the afterlife . . . .

You know, it might be wise to save the awkward self-awareness for later.

The little guy followed her in, hovering behind her as it announced her entrance.

Forest Song, nest of the Turning Leaf, appears before the Council!

It then floated outside and took its place left of the entryway. The eyelid doors closed shut with a thundering rumble.

Alexandra was in.

_________

One of the four guards flanking the door used one of its miniature elephant trunks to test the air in her direction. None of the other guards moved, otherwise. Their undercurrents were a diverse conglomerate of curious peaks and valleys, each one radically different than the next.

Alexandra did her best not to look like a lost child as she scanned the Council chamber. She had expected something even more ostentatious than the Grand Hall, but the room was only an austere cylinder, considerably smaller. Close to the top, the walls jutted out and thickened into a fat half-ring with deep alcoves at regular intervals.

She saw them there, perching in their cubbyholes, looking down at her.

Subtle as a punch to the face.

There were fourteen Council members up there, each one occupying their own individual alcove. Five of the niches were empty: two absentees, three vacancies. She was well aware of this, as those vacancies were one of her alleged reasons to be there.

Their features and body shapes were as diverse as the color of their plumage, which went from the solid black of the female straight ahead, through the blend of tropical hues on a few of the neutrals, to the ivory white of the male in the far left. Five of them regarded her with varying degrees of contempt, but some acknowledged her presence politely, including the all-black female. Alexandra couldn t tell one way or the other with the rest.

Proceed to the center of the room, said the right-most Council member, a squat neutral whose guttural warble and rotund frame reminded Alexandra of a mother hen. It even had a crest and a bulging chin.

She d been getting closer already by the time the command came.

Don t go any higher, the voice came again, a tad miffed.

She stopped. Then she spread her arms out to the sides and took a deep bow, her legs straight and pointing in two different directions just so.

The large neutral intoned in official-sounding squawks. Forest Song, nest of the Turning Leaf. This Council has gathered to address the matter of missing peers and allegedly destroyed servants.

A second voice came from straight ahead. You will also be considered for a seat in this Council. The all-black female traded a defiant look with the others. Most showed anger or skepticism. Two were indifferent. One was approving.

Alexandra still found it curious, how she d be aware of details like these even when she wasn t looking.

I thank you all for bestowing this privilege upon me, she said, still bent over and looking straight down at the bottom of the room.

Come on already. Am I gonna have to actually go through this?

Has this Council stooped so low, that we would take this fear monger in our midst? It was one of the angry voices talking. Scrawny Miss Flatface, if Alexandra wasn t mistaken. A newcomer whose only merit is screaming the loudest at gatherings?

Yes, well, you re ugly and you smell, so . . . .

Aerie is already well represented in this Council, another scoffing voice put in. That must have been Scowls Sir Puffington. And even if that weren t the case, she s hardly of age to mate, let alone weigh in on matters of state. A young mind will never mature here, no matter how long it has existed.

Forest Song straightened up to look at them, fed up of waiting to be told to rise.

If age is your best argument against me, she said, then opposition to my appointment is much weaker than I thought.

You speak out of turn, admonished Mother Hen.

The audience has not yet begun, she replied. Even if she was technically right, some of the looks she got were as dark and filthy as city sewers.

Anytime now, Miss Keister.

Never before had she felt more pointedly the absence of her wristwatch. Behind a solemn exterior, Alexandra felt almost sick with anxiety. Everything rode on the outcome of this audience.

The sympathetic female raised a claw and spread her four pointy fingers, palm facing away from her. The fabric of her attire flowed with the movement; her dress was a subtler, much more nuanced version of Alexandra s own. Its near-black hues blended with her plumage in an almost mystical way. I call for the beginning of formal proceedings, the female said. A thready wisp of mist came together in front of her hand, gathering into a tiny white pinhead. It then fluctuated and grew to the size of a hockey puck, taking the shape of a black disk framed in white. Under Midnight Sun, it translated to Alexandra s perception.

I m so sick of pretending to care about all this dumb-ass protocol.

Others displayed their own sigil: an oblique brown tree trunk, flanked by two upright ("of the Fell Tree"); the image of a snow-capped mountain of peculiar shape ("beneath Frigid Peak"); a wide stone tower with three tall banners at the top ("in Stolid Rook"). Forest Song displayed hers for all to see: a round-ish two-pointed leaf, its light green tinted with the gold and dark brown of the turning season.

The image wobbled almost imperceptibly, matching Alexandra s fretfulness. It should have started by then. Could Tamira have been caught?

Miss Flatface despondently put her hand forward, the image of an undulating line with hues of brown beneath it materializing in front of her palm ("above Barren Plains").

Let this farce begin, she said.

The thunderous boom Alexandra was waiting for ruptured throughout the central citadel.

Yes. Let s.

She felt a rush of taut excitement, and the nervousness flowed out of her. Before they could understand what was happening, Alexandra sprang into action.

She summoned her weapon and surged up in a fluttering blur, toward the impertinent nit that kept looking down on her. She made it to the niche almost instantly, and her bladed staff sliced off the still extended arm, then seamlessly went on to cleave the head in half. She ignored the gruesome results and without pause moved on to the next target to her left. She quickly dispatched it with another swipe just as shock started to take over its features.

She inverted the dampening field that she d normally use to suppress the undercurrent rifts, amplifying the signal instead. The resulting cacophony was like a flashbang thrown in the middle of the assembly, making them recoil and cower instinctively. Not wasting a second, Alexandra moved to the left-most occupied alcove and tore apart a third Council member, still encountering no resistance whatsoever.

Eleven to go.

Stop! What are you doing? Guards!

Sympathetic Female (under) Midnight Sun was shrieking over the unbearable cascade of rupturing souls and the thunder that continued tearing through the structure. The alien guards roused from their stupor, but made no attempt to subdue the criminal attacking the Council. They darted away from the door in pairs and picked the most vulnerable target they had available.

Elephant Man and Pincer Monster went straight for the plump moderator in the rightmost niche. The alcove shifted and closed up around the Council member, swallowing up whole its considerable girth. Spike Guy had paralyzed an as yet un-nicknamed neutral through a highly focused resonance, while Rock-man hovered behind, protecting both of them in some esoteric way.

Only a small part of Alexandra s awareness kept track of their progress. Most of her mental resources were committed to blazing her way to the next target, brandishing her blade, and bringing it down on his head with every ounce of willpower she could muster.

Puffington let out a strident yell and raised a suddenly gauntlet-clad hand. Her weapon made contact and slowed down dramatically, as if it had entered a much denser medium. The Skyborn sustained it for barely a moment before her relentless push broke through.

The blade bit into his body and sliced from collarbone to inguen, gore and organs spilling out of each half in a stomach-turning jumble. Another flailing rift would begin soon.

She tried to disregard the daunting carnage and just focus on the next step, quickly scanning the situation. The remaining eight rulers had started to react to the chaos, coming out of their alcoves and grouping up. The raven-black female was yelling outrage at the treasonous guards.

Stop! I command you to stop!

She raised a claw at the guards and leaned forward. Forest Song could feel the bird s noxious influence extending in a wide arc toward the rebels, mollifying their aggression and sapping their will. It was far stronger than she had ever seen.

The guards seemed to respond to it, growing dull and sluggish. They didn t look entirely cowed yet, but the safeguards she had implanted in them were clearly inadequate to repel this female s talents.

Forest Song slammed her own influence onto them, flooding the former slaves with unfettered rage at their long-time captors. It was an emotion that took much less effort to bolster.

The guards faltered, then snapped out of it. They shook and screamed furiously in a discordant battle cry as they recklessly lunged at the female trying to control them.

Alexandra considered that she might have nudged them a bit too far.

The matriarch under Midnight Sun screeched in frustration, and presumably would try a different tactic, but Alex couldn t afford to keep all her attention on that side of the conflict. She had seven Council members starting to band together, and an eighth slowly coming out of stasis. They seemed dazed and uncertain, alternating their focus between her, the unleashed guards, and the terrible pandemonium of sound and sensation that surrounded them.

Time to bust out the BFG.

Alexandra burst into motion again, sweeping out of the alcove and speeding up along a wide arc. She felt another stab of nervous excitement as she approached at an angle, getting closer to the loose cluster of three straight ahead. She was about to find out whether all the strenuous practice had been worth it.

She propelled herself as fast as she could go, winding up her staff as if preparing to strike an oncoming baseball. The Skyborn screamed and braced for her charge.

Her body became a super-charged blur. A mere twenty feet away, Alexandra abruptly turned and put every bit of her momentum into a wild sweep of her blade.

Her mind s eye wrapped around the tip of that blade, feeling the sharp edge as it cut a gash through the space between her and the birds. She threw all her willpower behind that curved slash, pushing it forward, giving it shape.

Mist burst from her in waves, thick and violent like pyroclastic flows. They trailed behind a paper-thin crescent of shining steel that shot into the enemy faster than the eye could follow.

Alexandra s mind-blade sliced clean through her three targets and tore into the side of a fourth, severing half its limb. Strands of angry smoke spread in the wake of the crescent, obscuring the view for a time. She steeled herself against the sudden sense of drain and focused her amplifying field on the rifts emerging from the severed Council members, pouring so much of her will into it that she could barely stand the signals herself. It must have been torture for her unprotected foes.

Six to go.

The remaining birds shrunk away from the blaring signals, spreading out further. The group that had almost formed broke into a sparse collection of shocked individuals. After seeing seven of their colleagues torn to pieces in less time than it took to count them, their disposition was shifting from outraged to utterly terrified.

Alexandra threw herself at the nearest target, a tall, multi-colored neutral. It screamed incomprehensibly before succumbing to her blade. She went through the lingering smoke and up, driving her weapon into a long-beaked, long-feathered Council seat. A panicked attempt at soothing her aggression was all the resistance he offered.

She immediately flashed toward her next stop. She was half-way there when a completely different undercurrent exploded into her perception, a signal lacking the Skyborn signatures that she had blocked out. She let out a pained cry and released the amplifying field that was suddenly working against her.

The rift quieted down to a manageable level, letting her recognize the Pincer traces in it. She looked at the source, toward the center of the chamber.

The Midnight Sun matriarch fought in the midst of the disturbance. She wielded a pair of curved blades, broad sabers the color of bleached bone, currently stained with splashes of dark blue. Chunks of the Pincer guard drifted all around her as they reluctantly dissolved in a strident mess. She was in the process of hacking Elephant Man to pieces while deftly fending off the other two.

They re not supposed to do stuff like that!

At no point through her ramshackle masquerade had she met a Skyborn that would get their hands dirty. The freed thralls had confirmed it: the birds relied on servants for everything.

Apparently, there were exceptions.

Alexandra mentally kicked herself for half-assing her research. At least Spikes and his Brumal buddy were still standing, and still thoroughly enraged. They d keep the matriarch busy long enough, hopefully.

She shifted her attention back to the remaining Council members in time to see the edge of a large ivory-white cleaver rushing at her face.

Shit!

She blurred to one side and avoided the thing by a hairbreadth. She quickly grabbed the wrist that held the weapon, pulled down and toward herself, and slammed the ball of her other claw into her attacker s shoulder-blade. Something cracked, and the stocky male let out an agonized squawk.

Alexandra kicked him away, conjured up her staff and drove it into the side of her opponent s neck.

She ignored the drifting head and concentrated on locating the remaining two. Both were already halfway to the entrance, one of them missing the better part of an arm and leaving a trail of bright orange blood.

Forest Song circled around their path, rushing along the curved walls. She planted herself in front of the gateway before the two escapees could complete their mad dash to relative safety. They stopped in their tracks and stared, near-delirious dread clear in their avian features. She recognized the unwounded one as the Skyborn male that had approved of her presence.

Why are you he began to cry out, but his question was cut short by Alexandra s forward charge. She kept her extended weapon static as she passed through, letting it rend through the bird s gullet.

She turned and swung low at the other one, hacking into its undamaged side. The staff made it to the mind-blade gash and continued through. She aimed the back-swing at the head, and the screams were brought to an abrupt end.

The rifts that ensued were joined almost immediately by entirely different distortions. Alexandra turned toward the matriarch s general position in time to watch her close the distance to the last rebel, deflect its flailing attacks, and get a back-handed chop into its supple neck. The blow struck, but was too weak to make it to the other end. She swung hard with her other blade at the same location, getting all the way through the thick body part. Six furious limbs ceased their maddened attempts at getting a hold of their hated foe.

I probably should ve done something about over-stimulating the shit out of them.

Alexandra rushed in, drew up her blade-staff, and wielded it like a halberd to bring it down on the matriarch s turned back. The female, who d carried on spinning after her forceful blow, saw her coming at the last moment. One of her blades shot up and deflected the downward slash, while her other sword came in a wild swing that forced Alexandra to catch the blow with the shaft of her staff, barely avoiding a gash through her chest.

The matriarch made no effort to fly away. She pressed on with more controlled attacks, swinging and thrusting in a quick succession designed to overwhelm with finesse and speed rather than strength. Alexandra s awareness went into overdrive, working at capacity to intercept or dodge everything that came at her. She was forced to back away, her every resource invested in a frantic defense to counter the unrelenting barrage.

Fuck this!

Alexandra parried low, leaving her right arm crossed over her chest. A burst of mist condensed into an enormous tower shield strapped to her forearm, and she immediately threw all her strength into a brutal shield bash.

The blow caught the matriarch by surprise and connected head-on, hurling her backwards and slamming her against the back of the chamber. The sound of the impact drowned in the on-going chaos while the undercurrent rifts were gradually fading, the thunderous noises induced by Tamira s efforts had only increased in intensity.

Alexandra let go of the shield and shot after her opponent. Much to her chagrin, the female had already recovered.

You planned this, the matriarch stated.

Alexandra had no interest in a conversation, but she hadn t expected this level of resistance. Rushing in and trying to impale this damn female didn t seem like a viable strategy anymore.

She wants to play ninja, so let her. It s just swords. They won t touch you if you don t let them.

She couldn t risk it. Her weapon did plenty of damage, after all. She knew that none of it was literal there was no steel, no bone, no flesh but there were too many variables of which she wasn t aware. For all she knew, those bleached bone sabers could do what Ming Xiu s sword couldn t. She had no desire to be mangled into oblivion.

Forest Song nodded.

Why? Why are you betraying your own people? I worked to get you here! Why are you doing this!

Confusion and disbelief mixed with the Matriarch s terrible anger. Alexandra could plainly see how deep Forest Song s heinous betrayal had cut.

Don t you dare feel guilt now, you stupid bleeding heart idiot. Think of everything they do. They re all scum.

Alexandra clenched her jaw tightened her beak, flattened her feathers and stared back at the matriarch. Because you are my enemy, slave driver.

The female s feathers flattened as well. Then they rotated down slightly, and she tilted her head to the left.

Who are you?

To hell with it.

Alexandra shed her disguise like so much discarded garbage. The transformation was smooth and fluid, feathers melting into a haze that became clothes, plumage shimmering and then darkening into smooth African skin.

The matriarch looked as horrified as if she d just seen her closest friend melt in a pool of acid. Alexandra drifted closer, embers smoldering in her eyes.

I am the end of your species.

The female went from horror straight to hatred.

A filthy soil dweller!

Her fury far surpassed Alexandra s expectations. The matriarch s influence immediately assaulted Alexandra s mind in an almost physical tide.

She spent a few seconds dismissing it with smug disdain, confident in her immunity. Then she had some time to feel shocked, and then terribly alarmed at the fact that it was actually affecting her.

A little longer, and being alarmed didn t seem all that important anymore.

You and I will become the best of friends, the matriarch said. The way she said it was odd, as if in truth she didn t want to be friends at all, but something inside Alexandra s scrambled thoughts insisted that there was only honesty in the words. She felt an overwhelming desire to believe they were true, a heartwarming blanket of compassion and kinship.

Alexandra s lips curved in a little smile.

I ve been wondering what your name is, she said.

There was no real reason why they couldn t be friends. Different species aside, they were both strong women that could use some mutual support. And she was curious how to get her gown to flow so beautifully.

The matriarch drifted nearer, slowly. I am Windswept Feather (under) Midnight Sun. And you?

Alexandra Gretchen. It was only polite to say. She felt awfully polite. You can call me Alex, if you like.

I think I will. Thank you.

But she was so nice! Why hadn t she tried diplomacy first? Why had she brought all this violence and brutality to an otherwise peaceful conclave? She might have ruined every chance of a prosperous alliance between her people and the Skyborn. And yet Windswept Feather said they could still be friends . . . .

Alexandra looked around her, at the now empty Council chamber. I killed everyone. A frown broke her dazed expression. She found a trace of suspicion in some corner inside of her and attached it to her question. Could you really forgive me?

Of course, the female said, and with it came a warm surge of friendliness. Some part of Alexandra noticed that it clashed radically with an expression that was full of loathing, but surely she was just getting the signals mixed up. It was an alien, after all. Those frowning feathers probably meant that she was so very happy to have resolved this awful misunderstanding.

Tamira s wordless shriek suddenly pierced through the fog overtaking her, grating against her skull like glass-fracturing feedback.

Tamira Keister.

Why would she be in pain?

The woman s scream became full of rage, easily heard over the commotion outside.

It s unlike her to raise her voice. When I first met her, she was quiet, demure and obedient.

As she should be, an alien influence whispered in her head. As you should be.

Alexandra fought to hold on to Tamira s cry despite the influence s insistence to ignore it. Her clouded thoughts desperately latched onto the incongruity of her friend s suffering.

Tamira used to be in terrible pain. I stopped it.

Her name was different back then.

Simple and cheerful names, fit for pets and children s dolls.

Tami. Her name used to be Tami.

Tami, Feli, Tish, Yuri. Tori, Lin, Naya, Cal and all the rest.

Should we add Alex to the list?

The spark caught. Alexandra s wrath ignited like so much gasoline, burning in a flash the mollifying tendrils that had wrapped around her mind. Her thoughts became a white-hot blaze as they regained their former focus.

She immediately shot forward in a ravenous cloud, passing through the lightning-quick swings of bone-white blades as if they weren t there. Alexandra forcefully melded with the shrew that had just tried to enslave her.

She went in prepared for an excruciating battle of the wills, but all that met her was instinctive, undirected resistance against a foreign entity. Windswept Feather (under) Midnight Sun had been caught completely flat-footed.

After refining her methods on a long list of forty-seven humans, seven birds and a hundred-odd assorted aliens, the ordeal was old hat for Alexandra.

She established every one-way contact possible and flooded them with a full upload, pushing the jumbled mess of her personal experiences down Windswept Feather s throat. The massive overdose of information could be enough to cripple if she proved unable to adapt, but that wasn t its main purpose. The tactic was a tried and true distraction that would allow Alexandra to work unmolested for a good while.

Without hesitation she planted the fractal seed at the Skyborn s core and made it grow at record speed.

A filthy Human, aren t I.

You want to be my friend, don t you.

I ll give you friendship. We ll be best friends forever.

She had explored over a hundred constructs that were essentially the same as the one she was building. She d studied them in minute detail, taken them apart through painstaking labor, understood their principles thoroughly. She had logged countless hours reverse-engineering the damn things, modifying them in a dozen different ways to fit the needs of one particular infiltration or another.

They were all different on the surface, adapting to the permutations of personalities, dispositions, resistances, immunities. Yet these differences were only in the outermost layers, and could be inferred through iteration. They were all the same foundation at the core, the same concepts, and they applied to each and every individual she had liberated. Daedal, Brumal, Skyborn or Human, it made no difference. Everything was the same if she delved deep enough.

All the same.

I ll teach you to make slaves of us. I ll show you exactly what it s like.

Alexandra could sense the overwhelmed Windswept Feather desperately struggling to process the explosive sensory overload and regain a semblance of control. Soon she d start fighting back.

You won t control anyone, ever again, Alexandra sent over the information-induced madness, not much caring whether it got through or not. She methodically spread each segment of the leash for all the different aspects of self, thorny vines latching on and constricting the matriarch s thoughts. The procedure was much easier than she was used to, in part due to the easy-to-navigate structural clarity of the avian mind, but mostly because she didn t give half a damn about being gentle or maintaining the delicate balance between suggestions and commands. Alexandra allowed nothing but asphyxiating obedience.

She felt it then, the first conscious efforts to combat her advances. Though feeble and aimless at first, they quickly grew purposeful, focused.

Alexandra spread her influence to wrangle that purpose, enveloping the bird s will with her own. She wrapped her tendrils around the matriarch s mental pushing and shoving and choked the living hell out of it.

This is what it s like. This is what you do to them.

The attempt at rejecting Alexandra soon became a struggle, and the struggle soon went from frantic to desperate. The Skyborn knew what was happening to her. And as the construct took more definite shape, she knew how futile it was to fight against it.

Windswept Feather threw herself at it anyway, full of fear and anxiety. It was coupled with deeply shocked outrage, a scream that spelled this cannot be happening to me.

Karma is such a bitch, isn t she?

The Skyborn grew quiet. It felt like she was trying to focus on something in particular. It took a little while for Alexandra to realize that Windswept Feather was addressing her directly.

How? the matriarch asked in a disembodied voice that was no longer wrapped in bird-like speech. How?

Nothing good would come out of talking to her, Alexandra knew.

That s for me to know, and for you to agonize over, Alexandra said.

There was more outrage at her insolence, but the anger was dwarfed by a sinking sense of helplessness.

Windswept Feather reached out again, her voice-in-thoughts muffled through a wall of barbed wire.

Don t do this to me.

Alexandra s eyes would have narrowed. You are in no position to make demands.

What are you doing? she asked herself. Stop talking and finish what you started!

There was a long pause, cut short by Windswept Feather s mounting urgency.

Please.

Oh, don t you dare.

Alexandra, please.

Don t you fucking dare! How many of your slaves begged? How many did you ignore?

A few beats went by.

I did not know. I am sorry.

You are not sorry! Do you think I don t see it? I can see everything that makes you tick, just like I can see through your calculating bullshit lies! Do you think you can take advantage of what you just learned about me?

I am begging you

Alexandra slammed the last door to the matriarch s prison, abruptly silencing her plea. It wasn t much longer until the task was complete.

She grimly surveyed her work. There were hundreds of details that she couldn t take care of in such a short time, like behavioral protocols, redundancy safeguards or a long list of contingency measures. She would have to improvise on a lot of them, and the hours it would take to work them out would add up to precious minutes on the outside. The bare-bones mind-leash would do, for the time being.

She broke contact and let go. As she returned to a more definite state, the maelstrom of the outside world fought to rush back to the forefront of her perception, but she tuned it out for just a little longer. She immediately brought her blade to the matriarch s neck and watched closely. Just one suspicious gesture and Windswept Feather would be joining her Council peers in oblivion.

Alexandra delved into those lifeless eyes and kept staring. A hearty dose of poetic justice was looking back at her.

She slowly pulled back her weapon, and Windswept Feather didn t so much as twitch.

You will address me as Alexandra, unless I say otherwise.

She had entertained the thought of making her do something humiliating, just to show who was boss. The idea didn t seem nearly as fulfilling now that the bout of righteous wrath had mostly subsided.

You will follow my commands only. You will never harm a Human, for any reason. A tiny pause. Unless I tell you to. Do you understand?

Yes, Alexandra.

The difference in inflection was unmistakable. Try as she might, Alex found it difficult to derive much satisfaction from it.

This is bullshit. They re freaking slave-drivers, I m not supposed to feel guilty.

I ll give you a way out, she said out loud. I won t make it easy, but it ll be more than you ever gave anyone. For now, there s still a lot for us to do.

She turned around to face the entryway, finally returning to the chaos she had helped create. Every outside stimulus that she d been ignoring came thrashing against her senses.

The booming noises had become deafening, like the wails of a submarine s hull about to buckle under pressure. Tamira had gone quiet, and it felt as if a whole hour had gone by since she screamed. Hopefully no more than a minute had passed.

Follow me, Alexandra commanded.

She launched herself at the eyelid doors and tore through them like a hurled spear.

_________

The once majestic walls looked like a puzzle halfway to completion. The missing pieces floated all over the room, some of them stationary, the rest of them zipping dangerously one way or another. It was a mess of sheared ornaments, indistinct shapes and actual chunks of building, the removal of which had left a number of blue pockmarks on the walls of the chamber.

Alexandra looked at the very bottom and saw a huge hole where the inverted dome had been. She had expected something closer to a mine shaft, not the vertical subway tunnel that had been forcibly blown in. It must have been quite the entrance.

The crowd was mostly gone, with the exception of one terrified straggler that she vaguely recognized and about a dozen individuals half-guarding, half-cowering at the regular entryway. The rippling residues tingling Alexandra s senses told her that not everyone that was missing had fled. Hardly anyone had, in fact.

As if to illustrate the fact, a cluster of high-speed ornaments that had been shaped into razor-edged disks finally caught up to the Skyborn straggler, bit into its body and thoroughly dismembered it. The projectiles then continued on their way, forcing those at the exit to get behind cover as the improvised weapons flew out of the Grand Hall.

Most debris concentrated in the middle of the room, where they followed a hundred different orbits around the figure at the center of it all. Tamira Keister hovered in her dark green blouse and fluttering knee-length skirt, curly mane dancing on her shoulders as she kept close watch on the entrance. Her arms were loosely spread, her head bowed down, and although she was facing away from Alex, it was easy to picture the fierce snarl curling her lips. Hatred and trepidation emanated from the woman so intensely that it was hard for Alexandra to sense anything else.

Tamira s right leg was blurry from mid-shin down, hanging at an unnatural distance from the rest of her body. A sheet of red covered her hazy pale skin from calf to toes. Going barefoot had become a trend, apparently.

At least it looks like the firewalls held for her.

Alexandra unnecessarily put her hands around her mouth in a mock-megaphone. It s done!

Tamira whipped her head in Alexandra s direction. About time, the woman seemed to say.

Her arms tensed. The mourning howls thrashing through the walls gave way to a terrible cracking boom, and Grand Hall broke in two.

The gap ran straight from top to bottom of the chamber. As both halves started to separate in the midst of skull-pounding groans, Alexandra could see that it wasn t just the Grand Hall that had been split. The whole island was slowly drifting apart.

Holy hell, Tamira.

She d said she could do it, but seeing it in action was pretty damn impressive all the same. The enormous fracture went straight through the middle of the entrance to the Grand Hall, and the dozen or so individuals that had remained there now fled in panic.

Alexandra approached the former thrall, Windswept Feather right at her heels. The elaborate dance of spinning debris seemed to open up to grant them passage.

What is that? Tamira asked right away, voice grim and strained.

Alex cast a glance behind herself. This is Windswept She hesitated. This is Heather, she amended. Heather is with me. With us. She let it sink in along with an intent look.

Tamira blinked a few times. Are you daft?

As an answer, Alexandra turned to her raven-feathered new friend. Heather, this is Tamira. Destroy anyone that poses a threat to her. You must keep her safe.

Yes, Alexandra.

She probably should have used the matriarch in a more nuanced way, but screw it. There would be time for finesse later.

Tamira was grimacing with disgust. You didn t mention that thing as part of the plan!

I had to improvise! Your leg.

It s still there.

Don t you remember what I taught you?

Yes, that s the only reason why it s still there. The bastards sliced it clean off. Care to do something about it?

Alexandra got closer and grumbled as she took Tamira s hand. It s not like you need a leg to walk in this place.

Her fingertips passed through the woman s skin. Alexandra neatly made the appropriate contact and gathered Tamira s flow of self, as she d come to refer to it in her head. She directed it and poured it into the bright-red gap throbbing where Tamira thought her leg should ve been. The mist flowed at her command, and soon the leg had regained its normal position, consistency and milky white skin tone.

Tamira appeared only slightly more drained than she d been. Thank you.

Where s Grakne? What happened to everyone else?

Tamira shook her head. Most perished. Grakne took the rest and pursued a bunch of escapees like an idiot. They might still be around, who knows.

Alexandra s expression darkened. She d have never expected tree-men to be so damn hot-headed. At least the plan didn t go to crap altogether.

Just barely.

Alex gestured at the two halves of real estate slowly drifting apart. So what s the hold up?

Tamira frowned a bit more. Do you want to do it?

Just sayin .

With a petulant sniff, Tamira faced away from Alexandra and back toward the entrance. She bent forward and concentrated. Soon she was gritting her teeth, shaking; her fingers curled, a groan started deep in her throat. Her arms slowly spread apart, as if struggling to pry open elevator doors with her forearms.

Her strained pose reminded Alexandra of one of those way-over-the-top, yellow-haired anime characters, charging up power levels or whatever it was that they did. She covered her mouth to hide a smile, hoping to pass off her amusement as disbelieving awe. Tamira could be sensitive sometimes.

Then the two halves started moving again, and the awe grew sincere. The Grand Hall split open before her eyes, widening the view of a perfectly clear blue sky and a couple hundred floating citadels. Craggy brown landscape spread in all directions at ground level, far below them.

They were visible from everywhere inside the central region of the realm and most of the periphery. Everyone would be able to see the broken Grand Hall falling out of the sky.

Keep going! Alexandra shouted over the thundering noise, a slightly maniacal smile on her face. Triple points if you get two bull s-eyes!

Tamira didn t acknowledge her, concentrating instead on directing the island halves at two very specific spots. Alexandra put the woman out of her mind and spread her awareness past the immediate chaos, listening for the dozens of signals that were supposed to emerge momentarily.

She didn t have to wait long. The faint traces of Skyborn rupture reached her from several locations: four almost at the same time, then one, then two more. The count was up to thirteen when a signal exploded a handful of yards away, and she opened her eyes to see Heather chopping up a threesome of shocked hero-wannabes. By the look of things, the birds had lingered behind and attempted to rescue the almighty Windswept Feather (under) Midnight Sun, unaware of her new-found allegiance.

Good luck with that, fellas.

Alexandra tuned out the other two rifts that soon flooded the area and continued listening to the progress of the uprising. The first Human rift came through.

It was immediately followed by seven others of diverse origin, two of them Skyborn.

Shit.

What, Tamira rasped.

Alexandra lurched forward, peering over the expanding gap between walls. She could see Unkempt Garden down there or the blackened husk that remained in its place. Chiyo went nuclear! she yelled over the noise.

The news made Tamira s groan turn into a growl, and the two drifting halves started accelerating at a visible rate. The spinning debris that had served as both her shield and weapon followed after, speeding up or scattering at random in the wake of the half-citadels. Alexandra sensed the shift in the woman s undercurrent and frowned in her direction.

Don t overdo it!

Tamira didn t listen. The signs of dangerous over-exertion started to show. She became more definite, more solid. Her undercurrent slowed down and got less erratic. Her foot resumed bleeding, blurring and becoming translucent again.

Soon the island nesting the Grand Hall was descending in two different directions, leaving the group of three floating in the middle of an empty sky. The immense citadel fragments continued picking up speed to become architectural meteorites barreling toward their respective targets.

Alexandra got closer to the furious woman, intent on stopping her before the strain became too much to bear. The Skyborn themselves forbade such a level of exertion, going as far as punishing masters who pushed their pets too far.

Heather got there first and unceremoniously shook the woman s shoulder.

Stop, disgusting dirt-feeder!

Get away from me! Tamira s arm shot up in a sweeping motion to slap the thrall s claw away. She pushed with her other hand, shoving at Heather s chest and causing them to drift apart. She looked ready to scratch out the bird s eyes.

Settle down, Tamira, Alexandra said.

The woman only spared her a glance before going back to the Skyborn female. Tell your mouthy pet it s never to touch me again.

Heather spoke up, plenty of attitude in her voice. You became a threat to your own integrity, fool.

I did order her to keep you safe, said Alexandra. She did what I was about to do. Though she could use better manners.

I had it well under Tamira was interrupted by yet another humongous explosion that made all three flinch in unison. It felt like space itself was shaking around them. Ogh! And now we missed the impact!

The couple dozen resulting rifts reached Alexandra quickly. The half island had hit Proud Spire (amidst) Enduring Wind and sent a large cloud of pulverized material in all directions, blocking the view of anything else that might be happening.

Tamira s voice climbed over the noise. The other one is about to hit!

Alexandra looked in time to see the other palace-sized cannonball explode against the Archives, blowing it apart spectacularly. The blaring thunder resulting from the impact instantly added to the ongoing insanity, making it awfully difficult to tune it down to a manageable level.

Ha! How many? Tamira shouted.

The rifts came just as quickly as the others had. Forty-one in total, plus guards.

Yes! Tamira pumped her fist. Alexandra didn t miss the vindictive shine in her eyes, the vicious curl to her lips. Revenge had been a long time coming.

The impact had happened slightly to one side of the fat structure, sending most of the debris in largely the same direction. It enabled the high-up spectators to watch the huge remains of the improvised meteorite continue on a slightly altered path and slam into Ancient Grove (of) Still Thoughts.

The excitement gradually drained off Tamira s face as the elaborate citadel grounds were obliterated. The entire island had violently collapsed in a matter of seconds.

She eyed Alexandra nervously. Uh, there was no-one there, right?

Just pets. Looks like no triple points for you.

What? But I did it on purpose! More chaos, and so on?

Alexandra gave her a sidelong look. Tamira averted her eyes, suddenly dour.

It would have been perfect, if that thing hadn t interrupted me.

And whose fault is that? She s a damn automaton.

The only response was an inarticulate grunt.

The sounds of the apocalypse transitioned into the din of distant thunderstorms, letting them dial down the conversational volume. Alexandra heaved a brief sigh, displeased at the nervous jitters restarting in her belly. Things are working out so far. I expected more casualties by now, to be honest.

You underestimate our hatred.

Another sidelong glance. A moment of silence.

You know, Alexandra said, you can be a bit creepy sometimes.

Tamira raised her eyebrows, giving her a dubious smile. Look who s talking, she all but said.

Alexandra glossed over it. All the escapees will look for outside help sooner or later. I ll go make sure no-one gets out, Ming Xiu s squad could get overwhelmed at the gate.

Ask her if she enjoyed the show. She had the gall to suggest I couldn t pull it off.

Just trying to motivate you, I m sure.

Tamira let out an uncouth snort. Right, because she s so full of positive feelings. I don t think I ve seen her smile once.

Alexandra shrugged. Not a lot to smile about in this place. I m going. I want you to get down there and make sure every refuge is safe. If they are, go help somewhere nearby. If they re not, you know what to do.

Tamira dropped the casual attitude and nodded. Understood.

Alexandra turned to Heather, who was quietly hovering to the side. You have your orders. Follow Tamira s lead until I come back for you. Treat with respect every Human you encounter.

Yes, Alexandra.

You re leaving it with me? Tamira asked with dismay.

She already saved you twice, Alexandra responded dryly. She almost shot away to her next destination, but reconsidered at the last moment.

Heather is on our side now, she said. Treat her as an ally under your command. Not a slave. Understood?

Tamira glanced at Heather, then back at Alexandra. After some thought, she gave another, very tiny nod.

Alexandra nodded in return. A smile crept onto her lips. Hey.

Yes?

You kicked ass back there. I was really impressed.

The sullen redhead swelled with hurriedly concealed pride, though she couldn t hide the pleased blush on her usually pale cheeks. Alexandra still felt inadequate doling out praise as if it was a precious gift, but she d come to understand the importance of it.

She gave the woman s arm a squeeze. Keep your guard up.

Alex turned around, surveyed her surroundings to get her bearings straight, and took off toward the Nexus gate.

Be careful! Tamira called after her.

She waved a hand without looking back and picked up speed. Rifts kept erupting everywhere below her, the great majority of them not Human, thankfully. The realm-wide backstab appeared to have mostly succeeded, taking away the daunting numerical advantage that would ve made an up-front rebellion suicide. Assassinating most of their ruling body ensured an almost complete lack of leadership throughout the Skyborn realms, hopefully delaying a united front. Alexandra could let herself hope that they were no longer grossly outmatched.

Actually, that depends on how many Windswept Feathers there are out there.

With luck, the matriarch would be an exception in a decadent culture of servant over-reliance. It was too late to change course, in any case.

She started to notice other friendlies scattered here and there, heading in the same direction as she was. They would join in any fights they came across, wiping out what opposition they could, herding deserters toward Ming Xiu s group at the exit. They d make sure nothing escaped and nothing got in: no other realms could catch wind of what was happening before the insurgency was ready to move on.

They d need to strike again quickly, but her knowledge of the Skyborn domains outside of Aerie was dreadfully limited. Heather should fill in the blanks in no time, however. Alexandra realized that she should have listened to Ming Xiu and made capturing an official a priority, instead of doing it as an afterthought brought about by her temper.

Her eyes continued to survey the battlefield below, noting all the little pockets of guerrilla war that had sprung up. They saw her up there, her comrades, her troops and allies. She could imagine, with a mixture of pride and embarrassment, how their spirits were lifted by the sight of their savior as she approached the exit of the realm like a shooting star across the firmament.

She put some extra effort into a powerful burst of speed, letting the resulting swirls of mist trail in her wake and draw a hazy aura around her frame. There was nothing wrong with inspiring people, she told herself. They could use something to believe in after all the hardship.

She could see the Nexus gate straight ahead, a flurry of activity spreading around it. They seemed to be holding their ground so far. Her arrival should tip the scales in their favor.

Alexandra had felt like she was finally close to being done, back in the Grand Hall. Like there was only one more big thing to do, and then it would be smooth sailing from there. She d obviously been fooling herself.

The war had just begun.

March 29th, 2016

Wallingford Neighborhood, Seattle

11:58PM

Aaron.

He stirs.

Aaron.

Mm.

I m getting cold feet.

His leg moves toward mine. Scoot closer, he slurs.

No, I mean . . . I m getting doubts. About . . . you know.

He goes still for a moment.

Is it something I did? He sounds wide awake now.

No.

Okay.

Time passes.

Lay it on me then.

I m just . . . I m lying here, just . . . thinking.

It s so hard to put it in words he ll understand. We talked about it before, but the issue has never gone away from my mind. How could it?

It s not fair for you, I finally say.

What s not fair?

I keep silent, trying to push it out without sounding like a repetitive moron. He makes no attempt at prying.

I m sick. It s not fair to you.

Alex . . . .

I can t get it out my head. I couldn t live with myself if I got you sick.

We re careful all the time.

Oh yeah? What about the night you proposed?

We, uh . . . we did use

We didn t check for sores. Didn t even cross my mind.

No.

We got lucky.

He chuckles. I sure got lucky.

Aaron, I m so serious right now, you have no idea.

Okay, sorry. But I thought we dealt with this, love.

Me too, but it s just terrifying. Five, ten years down the line, we get stupid again and it finally happens. And then what?

I d be surprised if there isn t a cure by then. And you know your dad will get his hands on it way before it s out for the public.

They ve been trying to find a cure forever now. We can t bank on that.

Then we ll just deal with it. Don t think I haven t thought about it too, but you talk about it like I d just keel over on the spot, when . . . when all I d have to do is what you ve been doing for over fifteen years now. Hell, it d probably make me healthier overall. It s such a small price to pay, honestly.

How can you say that? Just the thought makes me feel all gross. Like I m this . . . this infectious time bomb.

Aw, come on, that s just silly.

It s not. It s killing me.

The virus? At this rate you ll be latent til you hit eighty.

The worry!

Oh. Well, I think if it were really killing you, you d have pushed me away a long time ago. Pretty sure you re just getting wedding jitters.

Wow. Nice job patronizing me about it.

It s a gift I have.

I keep quiet. He picks up on it much more quickly than he used to.

I m sorry. I know how hard it gets sometimes. I didn t mean to belittle it.

I can t believe you re not taking me seriously.

Well, it s just . . . I don t think you realize how pointless this conversation is.

I lift my head from the pillow. I m sorry, are you trying to piss me off on purpose now?

No, no. He shifts around to face me. His breath is still mouthwash-minty. What I mean is . . . I don t think you ve truly realized how hopelessly smitten I am with you.

I blink a few times. He can t see it.

I ve been nervous about saying too much because I didn t wanna freak you out, but this thing we have? It goes far beyond anything I imagined. I think about you constantly. The thought of losing you makes me seize up, I mean, I . . . I literally feel tight in my chest. I thought it would mellow down over time, but it hasn t. It s . . . kind of scary, honestly. I don t think it s healthy to feel this way about someone. But I can t help it.

I stare in the darkness. My lips part, but nothing comes out.

I ve known for a while now that you re the rest of my life, he continues. There s nothing more important to me. So we can be as safe as you think it s necessary, we can stop having sex, we can do anything you want, but I m way beyond the point where I could simply stay away from you. His hand seeks mine. Our fingers entangle. I know it sounds corny as hell, but . . . I d rather die with you than live without you.

Aaron . . . .

What does one say to something like that? I get an elbow under me so I can face him.

So . . . that s why you shouldn t feel bad, he tells me. My lips are so far up your ass I can kiss the inside of your teeth.

Ew, Aaron, gross! I swat at him. Way to ruin it!

He bursts out in laughter. I m just saying. I m so in love with you, future-missus-Gretchen. You don t even know. I m still holding back the creep factor a bit.

Really?

You thought I was joking back then, but I honestly can t get enough of you. I really am disturbingly obsessive.

I laugh softly. Somehow I don t have a problem with that.

Well, I just didn t want to . . . you know, drown you in it. I can see how it could become suffocating.

Are you kidding? I eat it up like it s candy. I might be addicted to the way you make me feel.

I guess we re both hopeless junkies then.

I scoot closer. His feet are so warm. There s nothing we can do about it, I suppose.

He puts his arms around me. I wouldn t want to, anyway.

I nestle my head under his chin and breathe deep. I guess I ll have to marry you.

He kisses the top of my head. You have no alternative, he whispers.

I smile.

We fall asleep.

17

After ten minutes of tense silence, Aaron couldn t keep the anger boiling.

It wasn t for lack of trying. The entire incident played over and over in his head, the obsessive tread and retread usually reserved for social slights and marital arguments. As he d boarded the newly created transport Ming Xiu s proximity had felt repulsive, as if she d been a fondly remembered high-school teacher who later turned out to be a violent criminal. The extent of her deception rendered her reasons simply irrelevant.

He held on to his anger, stoked it and nursed it as if it could somehow burn all other feelings away. As bends and tunnels passed by without leaving a lasting imprint on his awareness, he couldn t keep it going at a full blaze.

She s still sticking her neck out for you, the conciliatory voice in his head kept repeating. Would you still be around without her?

They might have been valid points, but he was not yet ready to acknowledge them. He wouldn t have heard them at all if it weren t for the latest bits and pieces that he d learned about Alexandra s fate.

They d talked about her as if she were a hero of an era long past. A myth. How long ago had she met these people who loved and defied her in the same sentence? How long had she gone at it alone in this abominable place, looking for a husband that never turned up?

Long enough to surrender, no doubt. Long enough to forget. He fueled the anger, because the wet blanket of dysphoria waited in the sidelines, ready to choke down the flames and everything else with them.

And then there were the questions, always the questions. The need to know gnawed at his insides more viciously than ever. Ming Xiu had known her. How much could he learn about Alexandra s fate, if he asked carefully? How much truth could he tease out of the answers?

He looked at Ming Xiu through the corner of his eye. She was staring straight ahead, studiously ignoring him as she tailed Queg through the winding route to Spire Six.

Is everyone at Thousand Rivers in on this conspiracy to keep me away? Aaron asked, his tone carefully neutral. Is that why Diego was so mad, and Falon doesn t like me?

She glanced at him, looking pleasantly surprised that he was speaking to her again. They don t know, Aaron. No-one knows, except us. And Falon likes you plenty. I had to advise her not to get too attached.

Ah, because of the whole planning to murder me thing. Of course.

She winced. I didn t She pressed her lips together and changed what she was going to say. You didn t seem like Caretaker material, and Falon is very committed to Thousand Rivers. I let her know that you probably wouldn t be staying for long.

You re just pretending again, aren t you. You don t care if I m friendly to you. You don t give a damn whether I m mad or I follow quietly.

You should keep being a jerk to her. It will definitely bring Alex back.

Ming Xiu kept her composure, her eyes fixed on Queg s movements. I care, Aaron.

Her bearing was suddenly familiar. She looked just like in the Beacon, after the battle had ended and Yuri blamed her for the demise of Chae Sun. Hurt and ashamed, too proud to show it.

It s just an act, like everything else.

Had Yuri been talking about that, even? Everything these people had said opened up to different interpretations. Aaron made an effort not to dwell on it for the moment, telling himself that nothing good would come out of getting outraged all over again.

Their transport cleared a particularly sharp bend and entered a landscape of tall, mushroom-like platforms. He pushed himself to break the silence.

At least tell me this. How long ago did you meet her?

Ming Xiu glanced at him again. She visibly fought to settle on an answer as they zig-zagged through the sparse forest of artificial mushroom stalks.

She was there to see me integrate, she said at last, almost timidly.

He stared briefly, suppressing the impulse to call her a liar.

Falon called her ancient.

He gripped the hand-rail even harder. Closed his eyes, breathed for a moment.

Did she . . . . Did she tell you about me? Did she ever stop looking? Did she forget me? Did she suffer, did she like you, did she hate you? Did she ever . . . .

Did she manage to find happiness? Did she ever find peace?

He swallowed.

Did she really use a staff?

She smiled faintly at the unexpected question. She was very attached to her staff. She modified it shortly after we met, into the guan dao that you saw. She kept working on it, over time.

Aaron imagined Alex bent over her toy, making sure every little detail was in place just right. He had to chuckle at it. She had this thing about wizards and staves. Said that a character couldn t be a real wizard without a cool staff. I kept telling her that they were this way overplayed clich , and an obvious phallic symbol on top of that. She d have none of it, saying how a wizard without a staff was just a magic user. They could be mages, arcanists, magicians, warlocks, whatever you want but if you want to be a wizard, you have to own a staff. She was super anal about it, which was the weirdest thing, because she wasn t even a fantasy fan before we met. He traded an amused look with Ming Xiu. The eye contact reminded him whom he was talking to. The amusement faded quickly, awkwardly.

Ming Xiu continued as if she didn t notice, offering up information apparently deemed safe for disclosure.

She placed great stock in her weapon for a long time, even after discovering she didn t really need it for anything. She told me that she just enjoyed the concept of it. And that it made her look bad-ass, in her words.

Sounds like her.

She gave up using it, eventually. It was a gradual shift as her abilities progressed. She stopped seeing the point to it, I believe.

Her undisguised affection for the woman he loved was making it difficult for Aaron to maintain his animosity. Perhaps she d truly had no choice. More and more Ming Xiu came across as a prisoner of circumstance, as opposed to the vile con artist he d made her out to be.

Either I misjudged her again, or I m stupidly easy to manipulate.

He didn t discard either option.

Queg suddenly shot up through a gap between mushroom-platforms, and the transport followed as if on rails. The ceiling above them was crowded with enormous stalactite structures, each one hollowed out to allow passage. The travelers rose to enter one of the tunnels.

Maybe you can show it to me? Aaron asked.

Ming Xiu nodded gravely and obliged. The transport lurched the slightest bit as the weapon materialized in her upturned hands, mist flying artfully around shaft and embedded blade. She looked at it with admiration for a moment, then offered it to Aaron.

It was as long as he, which made it slightly taller than Alex. Elegant, rather flashy, designed to create an impression. Aaron imagined her poring over it, working out the exact pattern of the leather-like grips, the exact shape of a blade honed to perfection.

Later on, Ming Xiu said, the edge would come to shift and fluctuate when she wielded it.

She placed a hand on the shaft. The edge within the staff began to ripple and fume, black and blue flames warping lines and dancing around shapes. Her touch looked better.

What a show-off.

My thoughts exactly.

The giant cone of a stalactite swallowed them up, and they continued traveling upward as his fingers traced the glowing grooves on the dark wood.

Was she really your friend, Ming Xiu?

The question came out almost on its own. It appeared to catch her off-guard, and once more she seemed to weigh the possible harm done by answering. Conflict was still evident in her expression when she spoke.

She was more than a friend. She saved me, several times, in different ways. She was a mentor to me, although I taught her some things as well. I admired her, maybe more so than others, because . . . . She trailed off briefly. Her voice was that of a repentant parishioner taking confession. Well, they knew her differently.

Aaron pursed his lips at the obvious self-censorship, but refrained from pointing it out.

There was also a bit of rivalry, she continued, visibly amused by the thought. We fought often. She was stubborn, and liked things done her way, which admittedly was best most of the time. I d frequently challenge her on principle alone, truth be told. Then . . . we parted ways, on not the best of terms. We had a . . . disagreement on methodology, and I was obsessed . . . . She shook her head.

More censorship.

You went off on your own to find the person you loved, Aaron said. You were a leader among your people, but you didn t care.

She raised her eyebrows at him, confirming with her surprise that he d guessed correctly. Aaron was mildly offended at her low expectations it wasn t that hard to infer, with Yuri s resentment and the hundred times she d warned him not to make her same mistakes.

Alex later confessed that a part of her wanted me to go, Ming Xiu continued. She envied what I did. When I sought her out in defeat, hoping that maybe she had found Yun in my absence, she was dreadfully disappointed on my failure. She had put her hopes on me coming across you, since she hadn t had any luck in her own search. The difference between us was that she hadn t abandoned those who depended on her, just to fail anyway.

Their ascent leaned left as the long, cone-shaped tunnel began narrowing and tilting to the side. Ming Xiu went quiet for a while, then shook her head again at some thought or memory. She looked at him solemnly.

She was a friend and a kindred spirit to me, Aaron.

He was at Alexandra s funeral, and Ming Xiu was giving condolence. I was proud to call her my friend, I loved her dearly, I m very sorry for your loss.

The thought brought him to the verge of tears. I wish you didn t talk about her in the past tense.

Aaron . . . .

What happened to her, Ming Xiu? Tell me. Please, please tell me.

All his careful skirting around the topic vanished. If he d had room to get on his knees, he would have. He would have clutched at her clothes and wept, if he d thought it would help.

I cannot say.

Did she really betray everyone? Was that entry she left for me true, or was it just a way to get us here?

Aaron, I want to tell you what I know, but I can t, I can t.

But you can! Who cares what you swore?

I care, and she cared! Now please stop asking me, because you have no idea how painful it is to deny you.

Frustration. Torrents of frustration, cascades and showers of it. He wanted to get mad at Ming Xiu, but it wasn t even her fault. She didn t behave like this out of malice, or haughtiness, or stubbornness. She was doing right by Alexandra and by her own principles, and he was the one trying to go against everyone s plan.

You d think Alex would ve wanted me to know everything straight away. She planned like crazy for me to show up at some point, but not to let me know what s going on.

Why?

Can you at least tell me what you swore to her? Or is that still too much to ask?

She simply stared at him, contrite and determined and sympathetic and tight-lipped. She looked away without another word, watching Queg s path and adjusting trajectories accordingly.

Aaron debated strangling her. Then he considered that maybe she was debating to strangle him. He was certain of one thing, at least: when he found Alexandra, he was going to have a few words about vows of secrecy and bullshit conspiracies.

Tunnels gave way to caves which turned into landscapes that veered into tunnels, all of it flashing by in circumspect silence and environmental stillness. The once unnerving quietude of the afterlife proved to be a soothing influence for Aaron s turbulent thoughts.

About ten minutes had gone by when Ming Xiu s voice broke the spell.

We are drawing near. I don t know how far along the incursion is. Remember everything you ve learned, be quick of mind, and we might stand a chance.

Aaron s awareness returned, and he took in his surroundings: a relatively open vista of platforms, tunnels, ledges and bridges, similar to most any other place in the Pathways.

Will there be fighting even before we go in? he asked.

Unlikely. There is a well-established procedure for this type of incursion. Getting past the synergy guarding the interface should be our biggest challenge going in.

Aren t you an almighty ancient? Just say you want to join up and massacre those evil Daedal and whatnot.

I see. And what shall I tell them about you?

I m your nephew, from out of town.

Brilliant plan.

Well, you could

You misunderstood, Ming Xiu cut him off. I am quite certain I can simply go in and dare them to question me. I only meant that going in should be the easy part.

Oh.

They crested a large mound, and behind it the landscape funneled down in interlocked spirals like an oceanic maelstrom frozen in place.

The twisting slopes were littered with corpses.

_________

They must have been thousands, so many that in some areas they became an uninterrupted blanket of mangled bodies. Most of them were writhen, but there were others as well: vaguely feline beasts, with long, thick manes and wide mouths; colorful creatures like tall crustaceans, complete with several claws and pincers; many of those bulky, strangely emotive golems that he d seen at the Beacon. A beautiful bird-like being was strewn awkwardly on the ground, and it looked very similar to the one that had brought word of the purge to Thousand Rivers. This one was missing its head and a number of extremities.

So I guess they already started, Aaron said in a somber voice.

Ming Xiu nodded, surveying the inert battlefield with clear displeasure. They headed for the large opening at the bottom, where all the spirals converged.

Be ready.

They followed Queg as he plunged down the funnel and disappeared into the ten-meter-wide drain. It was a long cylinder with rugged walls, deep and straight like an ample water well. Pitch black churned at the bottom, a bubbling pool of tar that covered the whole passageway.

Mist preserve us, Ming Xiu breathed. They came to a hard stop, Queg s bright guiding beacon becoming a subdued glow.

A tide of writhen steadily devoured the tunnel, their advance going from a sideways run to an upward climb as they transitioned through the realm s interface. There were so many that they rode atop one another, advancing more like a liquid rising under pressure than a body of individual creatures. Human rifts rippled through the lattice of the Pathways.

Ming Xiu s eyes caught fire. How are there so many still? Where is that blighted synergy!

In pieces? Aaron suggested uneasily.

Sustain yourself, keep away. Queg, guard him with your life!

The transport dissipated into smoke, and Aaron fell for a panicked second before he managed to wrestle the Pathways into keeping him afloat. Queg hurried to move under him, willingly becoming a trusty tentacled shield.

Ming Xiu s clothes shifted to her red and white battle garb. She glowered down at the approaching beasts as if she could set them ablaze with her thoughts.

Aaron floated closer. You can t seriously be thinking about

I will not back down this time.

You can t even see through them, they ll tear you apart!

The first hurled thorn thunked against Ming Xiu s dynamic shield and jammed itself into the nearby wall.

I was holding back before. Ming Xiu flicked her arm as if unsheathing a concealed dagger from her wrist, and her sword flashed into being. She gave him the kindest of teeth-baring smiles, even while her eyes smoldered. I was trying to get rid of you, remember?

Then she dove down toward the mass of monsters.

It does ring a motherfucking bell! he yelled after her.

Ming Xiu s sword grew ever brighter as she neared the oncoming throng, her voice rising above their slobbering screeches.

Everlasting vigilance, guide my steps to protect the watchful! Our thoughts will prevail!

She might have said more, but Aaron couldn t hear it. As she came in contact with the angry sea of black, Ming Xiu s form became a vaguely human frame within a whirlwind of silver blades.

There was nothing metaphorical about it. Long blades of light extended far past arm-length and sheared anything unfortunate enough to draw near, two, three simultaneous strikes hitting home at any given time. The writhen lunged with their claws and needles, spat their paralyzing thorns, swarmed around their enemy to overwhelm with numbers and brute force and were felled, every one of them, split in half, mutilated, decapitated. All the while the frame in the fog danced, a fast-forward ballerina immersed in a routine full of spins and angry strokes that was glimpsed in flashes of red and white.

She traveled through the mist from one place to the next, dissolving and reappearing in consecutive puffs of smoke connected by lightning. She switched targets and locations in quick succession, catching groups unaware, dispersing united fronts, swiftly taking care of anything that seemed about to spit in Queg and Aaron s direction. Mangled bodies and body parts rained down the tunnel and were swallowed by the rising flood.

Their advance slowed dramatically, but the shaft was as wide as a refinery oil depot, and their wall-to-wall numbers in the thousands. The creatures overflowed around the storm and kept going, climbing all around the cylindrical wall by way of claw, tail and pick-like antennae.

The storm swelled in response. Lances of pure white shot from the heart of the tempest and impaled the climbers, only to vanish in hazy swirls a moment later. The mist became tangible smoke, bright and crackling with power. Tendrils stretched out and condensed into sharp edges that sliced through several monsters at a time.

Still it wasn t enough. The few writhen that made it through drew closer to Aaron s position at the center of the tunnel. They would surround him soon, if he didn t move.

We re going up, Queg!

He felt surprisingly reluctant to leave Ming Xiu behind, but there was little he could do to help. With painfully slow care he struggled to manipulate the Pathways into pushing him up, his concentration shaken by the approaching monsters. He finally got it right and lurched along the axis of the cylindrical pit, not nearly as far as he wished to go. Queg followed literally at his heels.

The first choke-spit aimed at him passed a handspan from his ear. The second hit Queg s extended appendage and got deflected away before it went through Aaron s calf the Risen s hide seemed impervious to them. A third and fourth were caught in a hastily configured redirection/augmentation of the gravitational pull around him, which made him slow down and wobble dangerously. There was only so much he could do at the same time.

A fortunate touch on the weave of space and he shot up farther, leaving a stream of deadly thorns in his wake. He strove to look everywhere at once: down to see Queg spreading as much as he could to shield him; up to see how far the lip of the pit was; inward for yet another jump. He picked up speed, and just then he saw the two writhen that had climbed further, leaped with their mighty hindlegs, and were currently sailing through the air with open maws and sharp needles aimed directly at his face.

Blagh!

Queg was there like a flying linebacker, sacking one and sending it away ass over teakettle. Aaron desperately coaxed gravity to push the other aside, and his unreliable touch nudged the creature just enough to avoid a head-on encounter. He twisted out of the way and shoved at it with one hand, its poised antennae barely missing Aaron s skull. Its flailing claw raked across his forearm before Queg barreled around and tackled the fiend back into the pit.

Aaron sucked the air through his teeth as he followed their path with his gaze. Queg s tentacles were doing interesting things to the monster, but there was no time to watch the morbid show. He focused on deflecting all those projectiles that the Risen had been blocking and were now shooting straight at him, while at the same time managing to climb up instead of down. Through the chaos he saw the furious cyclone that continued boring down on the writhen tide, but he couldn t tell at a glance whether it was gaining or losing ground.

He avoided the next hail of black thorns with a particularly lackluster boost as Queg launched himself at yet another leaper. Aaron s grip on gravity faltered for an instant and his next jump jostled him diagonally a bounding writhen flew right through the spot he d have occupied if he d gone straight up. He began to flee in a zig-zag pattern after that, using his arms as somatic aid the way Diego had suggested, even if every movement brought another stab of pain from his wound. Droplets of blood dripped off his fingers.

He cleared the lip of the pit at last, relief washing over the fear. The overflow around Ming Xiu had stopped altogether, and only those that had already gotten through remained. The frustrated monsters made a last-ditch effort to reach their hated Human prey, shooting scattered volleys from the wall while others gathered themselves up and leaped with as much power as they could put in their raptor-like legs. They would have easily caught him if Queg hadn t been there, shining as he flew at top speed and head-butted the creatures out of the sky in all directions. Their single-mindedness worked against them, making them blind to the tentacled air-to-writhen missile that constantly thwarted their efforts.

Aaron struggled to keep gaining altitude in starts and spurts, closely watching the creatures coming out of the tunnel. He didn t notice the three writhen already outside, waiting among the corpses of their fallen brethren. They lined up their gullets and spat with the power of ballistae.

The first thorn went through his thigh in a mind-bending burst of pain, the force of the impact making him spin in place and narrowly avoid the other two shots. The shock crowded out every thought in his head, and he immediately dropped like a stone back into the pit.

Paralysis spread from his leg in a spider web of torment. All that he could think of as he fell was the burning venom that flooded every corner of his mind: none of his injuries in life could compare to the torture blistering through his core. The numbness came as a reprieve, a lack of awareness that extended from his leg to his gut and nimbly skittered to the rest of his body. He screamed, and then the scream was choked out of him, the walls of the tunnel dimmed and disappeared altogether, the sounds and smells and consciousness of battle became a remote din that he could no longer decipher.

The blackness came up to meet him, and he fell into the blackness, through the blackness.

A wave of tar swallowed him.

_________

Aaron!

Ming Xiu s voice was submerged in a sea of cotton.

Aaron, listen to me!

Go away, Ming Xiu. You re so full of it.

There s more coming! I can t move you without you being aware!

Her voice bore the deep-seated exhaustion of a chronic insomniac.

There s a platform under you, do you understand?

I don t feel anything.

You are in my transport, and I am moving you away! Do you understand me?

I do, but I don t feel anything!

He tried to tell her as much, but his mouth wouldn t make shapes. Not even a grunt of acknowledgment would leave his throat.

She said something that he couldn t understand. It sounded very angry and very urgent.

Alexandra! Ming Xiu yelled then. Aaron s despondency faded immediately. Alexandra, he won t listen to me, he won t focus!

There was a low murmur that he couldn t grasp, no matter how much he strained.

Aaron, please! Alexandra needs you! I can take you to her, but you have to help me!

It might have been the first time he ever perceived fear in Ming Xiu s voice.

He reached out with his senses in search of outside stimuli, trying to do as he was told. It was all gray static and numb ether out there, and Ming Xiu came through it as a vague warble.

Feel the transport under you. I m taking you to Alexandra. Focus, damn you!

Alexandra.

The thought floated in the currents of his mind, a bubble of specificity in the midst of vagueness. Aaron chased the thought and grabbed at it. Alexandra. What happened to her? We were hanging out by the flowerbed in the back yard, and then . . . .

Curse your blighted name! he heard Ming Xiu say. Curse you to the Void! I shouldn t have brought you here!

And then everything went to shit.

He thought he felt something. Yes, a thumping, pressure against his chest. And down in his thigh, it hurt there, it hurt really bad. Aaron held on to the sensations, tips of icebergs poking above the ocean of static.

I know that! Ming Xiu screamed at someone. I m not leaving him here!

She was bent over him, he could tell. Her fingers pressed very uncomfortably against his chest. Everything smelled terrible. It was so damn hard to muster the will to care about any of these things.

He s gone, Alex. Her voice was somehow crisp in-between the crashing ocean waves. He can t help you.

The fuck I can t!

Aaron rose, a flame-wreathed phoenix reborn from the ashes of despair. He searched for Alexandra in that filthy tunnel full of death and found her standing there, trapped in a cage made of black flesh. He ran to her no, he flew to her, and tore the cage apart with his bare hands. Alexandra yelled his name, waiting for him to reach out and take her in his arms. He drew her to his chest and they embraced each other in an overwhelming flood of relief and joy.

In the reality he shared with Ming Xiu, Aaron s foot twitched. His worn sneaker bumped against the elaborate flame-like patterns of her transport.

Go, Queg, go!

Even through his numb haze he felt himself get plastered against the platform.

An indeterminate amount of time later, he was no longer inside a corpse-laden tunnel. A searing rod of pain was lodged through his upper thigh.

Alexandra, he might have said.

More time passed. It could have been a minute or twelve. Slowly he became aware, and then aware of being aware, returning to consciousness and all the terrible things that came with it.

You need to recover quickly, Aaron. The uncomfortable pressure of Ming Xiu s fingers was around that white-hot blade being tempered inside his leg.

Alexandra . . . where s Alexandra . . . . He was positive that it actually came out this time.

I m sorry, Aaron. I needed to get through to you. I was running out of things to say.

Of course.

Such . . . bull . . . shit . . . .

You re welcome.

More details about his surroundings came through. His immediate vicinity was a hard world of obsidian, tall chunks of angular rocks looming everywhere. His narrow view of the ceiling, high above, looked just as dark and jagged. It was like the bowels of a recently deceased volcano.

What . . . happened . . . .

You were injured. You fell through me and into what was left of the first wave of writhen, which wasn t much by then. Queg dove after you and kept you safe. I had to resort to driving the rest out of the tunnel and into the Pathways, which is where they wanted to go anyway. It was . . . difficult.

It proved a challenge to follow everything she said. The fog that had wrapped around his senses was lifting slowly, and as the numbness faded the pain in his leg became more and more of a problem. His peripheral vision told him that he lay prostrate on rocky floor, nested behind a cover of rubble.

Is Queg . . . .

He s fine. Or he will be.

And my leg?

Queg removed the thorn. She showed it to him, waving the thick length of black chitin in front of his field of vision as if it was a candy cane. It s inert now. You should regain full awareness momentarily, which will make the pain unbearable.

Her voice still sounded feeble and strained, like coming from the other end of a string telephone. He made the supreme effort of looking down toward his hip, and saw Ming Xiu bent over his wound, staring at it intently.

Or what was left of her, anyway. She was barely there, hardly more than the outline of a ghost. Mist swirled all around her, inside of her.

Ming Xiu, he began, more aghast than he cared to admit. Are you alright?

She looked up at him, then at herself. I ll replenish shortly, although I will feel it for a while. I was fine until you fell in. She shook her head. I was stupid. This is my fault. I should have stayed closer, guarding you. I ve been holding a grudge against those filthy creatures since the Beacon, and I let it cloud my judgment.

Aaron gritted his teeth, only half-listening to her. The throbbing kept getting worse.

Where s Queg? How bad is he?

See for yourself, Ming Xiu answered, pointing.

In a mighty display of raw strength, Aaron turned his head. His eyes fell upon a bloodied mound of flesh and tangled appendages.

Fear and guilt clenched his gut. You said he was fine!

I said he will be. It s not as bad as it looks. I ll make sure he recovers.

You needn t worry, the injured Risen said in weak bleeps and subdued colors. Queg was lying on his back. I ve lost extremities before.

Most of Queg s surface was covered in the black ichor spilled by his writhen victims. Relatively few wounds oozed purplish-red blood.

Aaron tried to prop himself on one elbow and failed. I m sorry I got you in this mess.

Queg responded in sincere confusion. Why would you be sorry?

Calm down already, Ming Xiu cut in. He doesn t experience pain the same way we do, and my influence shields him from most of it. Worry about yourself.

He yelped when Ming Xiu let go of his leg. The pain continued climbing steadily, spreading farther. Aaron glanced at her dejectedly.

Maybe you can . . . reach the Unbound? Bring her here? I . . . I don t think I can . . . . Holy crap. It hurts like a motherfucker.

You will be a wraith by the time I get back, if the writhen don t get to you first. And taking you further while you re like this will get us both severed. I don t have the ability to restore you, but I can do something else.

What . . . .

She slipped an arm around his shoulders and helped him sit up. He couldn t contain an agonized groan at a movement that felt like scrubbing sandpaper through his insides.

I need you to look at your wound.

Aaron was in no hurry to see through his thigh. There had to be so much blood down there, if it was half as bad as it felt. He wasn t very good with blood.

He looked anyway.

Well, fuck.

Blackened flesh could be seen under the rip in his bloodied jeans. The gaping wound oozed dark ichor.

Fuck, he repeated, breathless.

It s not poison. Think of the thorns as anchors. They chain you to Eternal, taking away everything that makes us Sapients. Remove the anchor, and you stop sinking.

He wheezed for a while, unable to push the words through the pain. It looks . . . pretty damn sunk . . . to me . . . .

Exactly. It was too late, and you are too far gone. You are too young to recover from this naturally.

What . . . are you saying . . . .

I m saying your mind won t cope. Your sanity will unravel. You ll become a wraith, too close to Eternal to remain a Sapient, too coherent to scatter completely. A mindless entity driven entirely by tortured instincts, like the spirits we encountered at the entrance of the Beacon.

Mounting anxiety added to Aaron s ordeal. Do something. Anything!

I already said I can t restore you. Ming Xiu s voice remained calm, though tinged with sadness. The power to heal your own integrity is within you, as it is in all of us, but you must first understand that your body is no longer flesh. You must know it. Become aware of it. And there s no time for that anymore.

Aaron clutched at his leg, barely restraining a scream.

Remember the fourth method I listed in Thousand Rivers? The one where risk far outweighs potential gain?

He nodded slowly.

The risk has now become irrelevant.

Do it, Aaron rasped.

I also told you that you don t want me digging in your head. That s because my talents in delving lie elsewhere.

Stop . . . explaining . . . and do it!

I m not making conversation, Aaron. I must wait until you are fully aware.

My mind s . . . crystal . . . fucking . . . clear!

Almost. Ming Xiu tenderly brushed Aaron s hair off his forehead. In case you don t survive, she whispered, farewell.

He looked up at her. In her eyes he saw a hundred lifetimes of grief.

Forgive me.

Her fingers went back to the wound. They dug.

The pain exploded through his body. He screamed and thrashed wildly, but her other hand grabbed his skull as if it was a bowling ball and held him in place, fingers stabbing through bones that weren t, jabbing gray matter that was only an illusion of Earthbound cognition. Her touch brought the brutal scorch of searing heat, like pressing his head to the broiling metal coils inside an oven. He fruitlessly tried to pull away as the heat engulfed his thoughts, ruthless, relentless, all-consuming in its blistering journey.

The pain in his leg became a tale of its own, far beyond what digging through an open wound could bring. Her influence turned it into a violent torrent that poured through his flesh and pumped deeper into his bloodstream, spreading like a blast filmed in super-slow motion where every tiny particle was excruciatingly recorded, each one following an intricate path of highly detailed agony.

Every thought ceased to be, and soon there was no Ming Xiu, no writhen, no obsidian wasteland nothing but the pain, the bloated, gorging, pulsating, world-devouring pain that obliterated everything it touched. It grew until there could be no more, until additional pain simply overflowed out of him. His existence became a zero-sum entity of homogeneous torment.

It happened at that moment, when sanity touched the edge of the abyss and the need to make the pain stop flooded the deepest recesses of his mind. Some remote part of him witnessed the pieces fall into place, saw the cogs become aligned with each other to kick-start machinery that he wasn t even aware existed.

The rest of him remained submerged in the river of flames, oblivious to everything but the currents of suffering.

_________

Ming Xiu unlatched her fingers. Though new input ceased, the pain didn t. Wracked by convulsions and shudders, Aaron began the long descent from the mind-breaking peak.

He climbed down the atrocious cliffs, passed through the tolerable plains and arrived at the reasonable valley. Eventually he gathered the presence of mind to accept the existence of other stimuli.

He opened his eyes to see a spent Ming Xiu kneeling by his side, face gaunt and harrowed.

Be calm, Aaron.

Saying stuff like that never works, he tried to say, but he only uttered a drawn out grunt.

You made it. I didn t think you would.

That was terrible, Aaron said in a coarse whisper.

I know. You ll recover quickly from the worst of it. She put an arm around his shoulders, helping him up. We need to go. We re running out of time.

Whoa, wait, wait a moment . . . .

No. Stand up. You ll feel better.

Even with her help, it took him a few tries to get to his feet. He ached all over. Only a shadow of the pain lingered, but the memory of it was enough to keep him shaking. He felt weary from core to skin.

What . . . what happened?

Your subconscious responded at the brink of stress overload.

He eyed her dubiously, then looked down at his right leg. His jeans were whole and free of blood. He felt around with a tremulous hand, expecting the skin to be at least a little tender. It was as good as new.

Ming Xiu spoke again. If I believed in such things, I d count good fortune among your talents.

You have a strange definition of good fortune.

His voice grew steadier by the minute.

Do you feel strong enough to carry on?

Just . . . give me a second . . . .

The shock of what he d just gone through hadn t left him. It couldn t have lasted more than a couple minutes, but he felt like he d been thrashing on the rocky floor for interminable hours. He tentatively flexed his legs a few times, took deep breaths, jumped in place.

Ming Xiu watched in grim silence. Their eyes met.

You saved me again, Aaron said, between baffled and grudging.

You saved yourself.

Well . . . thank you anyway.

She gave him a tired smile. I never had anyone thank me for doing that. I thought you d be deathly afraid of me right now.

Aaron considered it for a moment. He shrugged.

It s obvious you can destroy me any time you please, or torture me into submission, but you haven t. Makes me want to trust you, dumb as that sounds.

Ming Xiu sighed. I m sorry I had to hurt you.

I don t feel any different. Any more . . . capable, I mean.

It ll come, with time. Time that we don t have. She looked at Queg, who lit up and got off the ground. He wobbled before stabilizing himself, oozing moderately.

Aaron was beginning to feel surprisingly refreshed. How you holding up, bud? he asked.

I am well. A short pause. I could use a cleansing.

There s no point, said Ming Xiu. We ll all get soiled again before we re done. She turned to Aaron. We must go. You will find this realm simple to navigate. Follow, and remain vigilant.

Her feet left the ground, and she waited for him to do the same. It was indeed remarkably easy to manipulate gravity.

The red-clad woman nodded at him and took off immediately. Aaron filed behind her, feeling strangely calm about his recent ordeal and miraculous recovery. Aware that dwelling on it would probably be counterproductive, he concentrated on finally getting acquainted with the new realm.

The cave that enclosed them was dark, scabrous and huge. Its surface was a landscape of tall obsidian rocks with occasional silvery veins, and he couldn t have told up from down if gravity hadn t pushed him in one particular direction. All of it was illuminated in flat, caught-in-the-clouds light that was tinged a subtle shade of orange, making the background eventually fade into a tinted haze.

The way ahead curved slightly up, while behind them lay the realm interface. It was horizontal on this side, forcing the throng of writhen that continued pouring out to transition from a run into a climb. They came out from a multitude of man-sized tunnels all around the exit, mobbing up to push one another onto the Pathways.

Paying closer attention, he noticed hundreds of these smaller tunnels all over the cave, like countless pipes feeding into a giant main sewer. They ended abruptly, as if the main pipe was the product of a demolition crew or a gigantic thresher maw that had plowed through the network.

Aaron found it delightfully simple to catch up to Ming Xiu. Though his flight was still a far cry from second-nature grace, it was the smoothest he d ever managed.

There s a shitload of them. I thought we came here to purge those things?

Forming complete sentences while mediumborne filled him with an entirely inappropriate sense of euphoria. Able to keep level with her, he didn t even need to raise his voice as they traveled.

There should be none. None of this should be happening. Manipulating the Daedal was a terrible mistake.

Her tone was somewhere between chagrined and mournful. She also spoke very quietly, which prompted Aaron to mimic her. The tunnel became deathly still as they ventured further into the realm.

How come my yelling didn t attract their attention?

Dampening field, was her terse response.

Oh. He paused briefly. So are you going to explain what you guys did to cause this, or . . . .

She darted a dark glance at him. I d like to think it wouldn t have gotten out of control if I d been more involved. I ve distanced myself from their schemes over time, since I began finding them unsavory. I merely gave a perfunctory approval to this one.

So that s a no, then.

She pursed her lips.

Hey, it s alright, no need to tell me. You have your reasons, I guess.

Ming Xiu exhaled a heavy sigh. Fine, here s the truth, why do I even try anymore? We ve dreaded your arrival for most of recorded history. There s always been something in place to get rid of you through indirect means, because we were too cowardly to face consequences. Many times we would use these plots to advance a certain agenda as well, more so as time passed and you became little more than a distant concern. This disaster is happening because we planted an agent in a radical cell of Daedal and instigated them from within to breed enough writhen to make them a credible threat. They d attack the Beacon, be thwarted at the price of a wounded pride, and prompt measures to make Human realms safer.

Um. Holy shit.

Indeed. Her voice grew bitter. As you can see, this is more than a credible threat. It s a blighted plague upon the region. Either they discovered Gareth and played it against us, or we simply did too much of a good job manipulating them. I m leaning toward the former. The Daedal are fervent and cunning, and we have yet to hear from Gareth s fate.

It s pointless to ask you again why you wanted to get rid of me, isn t it?

Ming Xiu didn t answer. Aaron shrugged. Gareth is your plant, I guess?

Yes.

Heh.

What?

Nothing, it s just . . . you had a plant among tree-people. You kinda had it coming with such an awful pun.

She let out an exasperated breath. Double meanings in your language are lost on me. Boundless grace, I think I liked the angry Aaron better. He was much quieter.

Aaron s protest died on his lips. He d perceived a Human undercurrent straight ahead.

Many more followed, signals too distant and mingled together to distinguish one from the other. They were about five kilometers away.

Then he sensed the other undercurrents. Where the Human signal was wavy and erratically rhythmic, this kind was hard and narrow, with short, repetitive cycles. It shifted abruptly, its edges were crisper. He d become so accustomed to the Human version that these signals reached him as a completely alien entity.

The Daedal, I guess.

There s way more of them than of us, Aaron said.

Ming Xiu nodded. We re drawing near. We ll speed up soon. Stay alert and do exactly as I say.

Understood.

Corpses started littering the floor of the cave, a concerning amount of them not writhen. He was startled to see a black figure ghost over a gray torso, only to disappear once more into the dark background. Alarmed, Aaron paid closer attention to the surface of the cave.

Something stirred among the crevices.

The writhen moved on the ground, along the walls, on the ceiling, black over black slithering soundlessly. They emerged from the tunnels and headed toward the distant signals.

They were everywhere. Further ahead they merged in ever expanding throngs, crawling all around the cave with the help of their claws and scythe-like antennae, their movement smooth and spidery as their limbs dug into the rock. The creatures were almost as fast on the uneven surfaces as they were on flat ground, like Xenomorphs sprinting through vents as if they were six-lane expressways.

He squinted, trying to see as far as possible. Beneath the orange haze the writhen became an uninterrupted flow of bodies. Suddenly the distance from walls to axis didn t seem so great.

This is crazy, Aaron said breathlessly. How can there be so many?

That s a good question, Ming Xiu said, as grim as the view ahead. I would very much like to know the answer to that.

They must breed like rabbits!

She exhaled a mirthless sniff. They don t reproduce sexually. They are closer to a disease than to a creature.

So they . . . divide, like bacteria?

They hatch. Like parasites.

Ew.

Stay close. Be ready to sprint when I tell you.

She sped up, hewing close to the center of the tunnel. Aaron kept up comfortably. A quick glance placed Queg just a few meters behind, silently guarding their rear. He looked somewhat better.

Aaron saw the two writhen plummeting toward them just in time.

Look out! He barreled into Ming Xiu to get her out of the monsters path, but she d already flown up, sword in hand. She cleaved one in half with an upward sweep, gore raining down and spattering on Aaron s clothes. Queg tackled the other and sent it away in a mess of flailing limbs.

She was back at his side in an instant. Worry about yourself! Go now, as fast as you can!

A chorus of hacking spits heralded the hail of thorns that followed. Some passed Aaron s field of vision so close to his nose that he could smell them; others, the ones that would have impaled him in a dozen different places, got deflected by Ming Xiu s dynamic steel ribbons.

He wasted no time obeying. Aaron grabbed a figurative fistful of the gravitational field and manhandled it into propelling him forward. The world blurred around him as he shot away faster than ever, fast enough to lurch far ahead of the rest.

Queg caught up quickly and began orbiting Aaron s position to intercept anything that came close, slapping away needles, ramming oncoming monsters. Aaron covered the gaps with hasty deflection fields, his new-found ease allowing him to take care of several fronts while maintaining a mad succession of warp-speed bursts. He tried to assist Queg by force-pushing away some of the leaping writhen, but after a few close calls he concentrated his attention on repelling the thorns as consistently as possible.

Meanwhile, Ming Xiu darted all around them in a feverish blur, bearing the brunt of the writhen assault with bow and silver sword. Tens of bodies dropped onto the horde below, some of them whole, most in several pieces.

The attacks tapered off gradually as the assortment of distant undercurrents drew near. By the time the sources of the signals came into view, the writhen forces were wholly focused on the battle straight ahead.

The ever-growing black tide swelled against the rear ranks of a large contingent of loyals. Their predominantly bright colors clashed with terrain and foes alike; there were Beacon golems, eight-legged mammoths, purplish lobster-things, all sorts of creatures that might have started in neat formations but by then had become a chaotic blend of combatants. Hundreds more flew above them, be it bird-shaped, jellyfish-based, snake-like or something in-between, and nimble insectoid beasts dominated the upside-down loyal battlefront. Their combined cries, roars and challenges mixed with the writhen squeals in an ever louder cacophony.

Though the Human front was vastly outnumbered, their line held steady against the writhen assault, and even drove them back in places. Two groups of Humans carved bloody paths into the mob on opposite sides of the enormous main pipe, and Aaron figured that these were the other two synergies that had gone into the realm.

It seemed that the stalemate was maintained by sudden disruptions within loyal ranks. It took him a moment to understand what was happening: writhen packs would unpredictably burst out of the ground in violent geysers, forcing the Human forces to divert their efforts into quelling the incursions.

As horrifically fascinating as it was, Aaron s attention quickly turned to the Daedal shaping up ahead. They darted and dove constantly, intent on harassing the relatively few Humans present, picking at whatever target appeared vulnerable. Most wielded scythes or poleaxes twice as long as the creatures were tall, and mist coiled around their frames with every bout of stunning speed.

The rapidly diminishing distance revealed stylized dryads whose skin was like bark carved in a thousand intricate ways. They didn t seem to wear clothes, their dense hide either painted or naturally tinted in gemstone colors. Their limbs were long and spindly, their heads curled into horns that resembled branches, or stumpy antlers. Horn and bark were adorned with colorful rings, precious stones embedded in sockets, dangling chains. Their elongated faces had features that jutted out at sharp angles.

Mediumborne skirmishes moved all over the battlefield, too many for Aaron to follow. As he focused on them one at a time, he gathered first-hand evidence of how dreadfully unprepared he was for a direct confrontation.

Two large groups of Daedal hassled the synergies on either flank, lobbing conjured projectiles from several directions, darting away and diving for cover into the writhen mass whenever they became exposed. Their thrown knives or quills followed unpredictable paths that curved and rebounded capriciously.

A lone dryad cut a bloody swathe through the loyals in flight, only to be intercepted by a Human-shaped lightning and dragged toward the ground in a spinning tangle. They hit the floor of the cave with a thundering boom and hollowed out a messy crater where a clump of writhen used to be. Aaron recognized the black-and-white amazon as she pounded the Daedal into the ground and ripped it apart with her bare hands.

A man-sized comet chased after a pair of retreating foes, speeding well into enemy lines. The aliens dodged madly, but the churning ball of energy caught up with one of them and swallowed it whole. The comet then morphed into a man that looked as if he d been dipped in silver, his skin shrugging off the rain of thorns that ensued as he flew back to relative safety. Nothing but a Daedal rift was left in his wake.

You re slowing down, Ming Xiu said in a harsh tone. Stop gawking and stay alert! This lull won t last long.

The once-distant skirmishes grew uncomfortably near as the three travelers sped through the path of least activity, weaving around the crossfire of thorns and loyal projectiles. Aaron s heart climbed into his throat when the Unbound came into view, far beyond the battlefront, but he exhorted himself to concentrate on his immediate surroundings.

Among the frenzied activity of complete strangers he noticed Yuri Zharkiev in mid-air atop his flat disk, lobbing huge chunks of cave at cannonball speeds, crushing his foes in shrinking obsidian prisons. He saw Victoria, dark hair trailing behind her as she flowed meticulously around her five assailants, putting up barriers, shoving light-waves at their limbs, yelling like a banshee at times. Meliwaze mist-traveled between locations in rapid succession, stopping by this or that individual for a few seconds. Wounds closed and limbs reappeared under his touch.

The renewed hail of thorns actively targeting their advance soon prevented Aaron from keeping track of the conflict ahead. Queg spread beneath him, while Ming Xiu took care of any threats from above. He diverted some of his focus to help, slowing noticeably.

No, don t worry about them! Ming Xiu shouted over the din of battle. Keep going, we just need to break through this!

No more had she uttered her sentence than, completely out of nowhere, four Daedal undercurrents irrupted into their vicinity. Aaron couldn t even see the aliens before something plunged into his shoulder.

He let out a hoarse yell, losing his grasp on gravity. Ming Xiu s hand instantly wrapped around whatever had wounded him, yanked it free and tossed it as if seared on contact. Her arm was around his waist, supporting him.

Keep going, no matter what! she yelled in his ear. He could barely understand her through the sudden bout of agony.

Aaron!

Something made her arm go stiff and his mid-section go completely numb. He slid off her grip, falling toward the black mass of monsters. Queg appeared under him and forcefully pushed him upwards. The pain peeled back just enough for Aaron to utter a string of frantic swearing through gritted teeth.

Get your shit together! The coherent part of his mind screamed. This is nothing compared to what you already went through!

He struggled to reassert control of his thoughts, fighting back the shock. He reached for the gravitational slant and managed to keep himself steady. The Daedal was in front of him in a flash, coppery bark gleaming, horns like naked branches; its long scythe was drawn and ready to swing. And then it vanished, overtaken by a red haze and a silver sword.

The red haze that had saved him became a violent mist, and the Daedal that had almost cleaved him retreated in a flurry of thrown daggers. The mist coalesced around Aaron, creating solid blades that deflected every oncoming projectile. Queg wrapped around him and continued to push him forward.

Ming Xiu s voice emerged from the mist. Get out of here!

Aaron clutched at the space around him and pushed, taking off just as a second alien swooped in from above. Queg let go and rose to meet it.

No, Queg! he yelled. A thick wave of numbness washed over him before he could alter his trajectory, a vibration that coursed through him like a manic cadence through a drum skin. He latched on to his grip on gravity, desperately clinging to the one shred of control he had left. Queg bleeped in pain. Ming Xiu screamed in rage.

Inertia carried him farther, away from the Daedal s influence. The numbness vanished just in time for him to sense a fourth signal zooming up from below, impossibly fast. Through the corner of his eye he saw Ming Xiu s blurry form as she fended off number two and three, Queg s bloodied shape sputtering behind her, oozing.

Aaron didn t think. He dropped in free-fall, then shot in a collision course toward the fourth Daedal. When he was hardly an arm-span away, he threw all his willpower into the strongest repelling force he d ever wielded.

FAAAH! he yelled, pushing out with his hands. The white-with-dark-streaks dryad was hit head-on and sent away spinning, its birch-like skin breaching in subtle ways. It ululated more than screamed and recovered in a swift motion three daggers came out of nowhere and sped toward Aaron s face. He avoided them as narrowly as one of Falon s punches, a combination of a sideways drift and a change in orientation.

The Daedal closed the distance before Aaron was even done turning, poleaxe wound up for an oblique swing. He desperately pushed himself upwards while bringing up his knees; instead of tearing through his midsection, the blade sheared the tip of his left sneaker. The Daedal compensated swiftly, and faster than the eye could follow the weapon came back around for a swing that would not miss its mark.

I m fucked.

Ming Xiu rushed from above and cleaved through Aaron s attacker, splitting it in half.

Holy Aaron began saying, but she immediately mist-traveled to his position and viciously grabbed his wounded shoulder.

You fool! She shoved him away, and her push was enough to send him flying in the direction she wanted him to go. Keep going forward! she yelled after him. Queg!

The Risen glided to Aaron s side, his flight steady despite the numerous misshapen or altogether missing appendages. A fat chunk of flesh had been torn off his shoulder.

Too stunned to argue, Aaron did his best to ignore the angry stabs from his own wound as he carried on toward the Unbound. They went as fast as they could, their advance hampered by their joint efforts at deflecting projectiles and leaping writhen. A fleeting glance back placed Ming Xiu in a diffuse cloud of silver and red, chasing after the harassers in ebbs and flows. A torrent of writhen rained upon her.

They reached the battlefront and sped through, passing a few Humans relatively close by. Everyone seemed too preoccupied with their own problems to care. Queg lagged behind as the immediate threats waned, the lemniscate on his breast glowing particularly bright.

Aaron went back and awkwardly put an arm around Queg s middle back, doing his best to brace his support under the alien s appendages. All the different fluids soiling the Risen made his normally coarse hide feel slippery to the touch.

Maybe I should have listened to everyone, Aaron said.

You needn t help. I ll recover.

I won t just watch you struggle. You ve saved me a million times.

Even if it weren t my duty, I d still owe it to you. It was I who alerted the ancients to your existence. I didn t know the significance of the message at the time.

Aaron shook his head. Dude, I don t want to hear it. You ve got nothing to apologize for. Is that why you ve been so distant?

In part.

Man, I d be long gone without your help. I owe you, as far as I m concerned. So forget about it, alright?

Ming Xiu s signal grew closer, and then the woman herself materialized by Aaron s side. Aaron could see the battlefield straight through her.

They exchanged glances.

Protecting you is taxing.

You didn t have to shove me.

Yes, she said, I did.

Yeah, she probably did.

Did you get them?

One fled.

Is Queg gonna make it?

She glided to Queg s other side and laid a hand on him. You can let go now. Queg will be fine.

He complied, grateful for the reprieve. Though the pain in his shoulder had subsided enough to be manageable, it was far from gone.

Will you be fine? he asked.

We will find out soon enough, she said, staring straight ahead. Aaron followed her gaze, a new kind of unease seizing his guts.

The Unbound comprised the entire vanguard of the Human forces. Her vague mist-bound frame traveled along the axis of the tunnel, arms that extended into vaporous tendrils loosely spread to the sides, a hazy trail enveloping her shape like flowing robes. It was her advance alone that carved a path into the enemy s lair.

The black depths cracked, parted and crumbled before her, sending scores of writhen crashing and tumbling. Thorns were instantly turned around and shot in the opposite direction, while creatures that got too close to her sphere of influence simply keeled over and perished. The few monsters left fell prey to the contingent of loyals in the Unbound s wake.

A frustrating cocktail of emotions weighed down on Aaron as he watched the fabled leader of Humanity in her path of destruction. Anxiety and uncertainty, hope and relief, fear, resentful anger, vengeful anger. He clenched his jaw and pushed to go faster, steeling himself to face a god s wrath.

Wait, stop. Ming Xiu got closer and gently held him back. She s about to breach the lair. You don t want to get close yet.

They drifted to a stop over the loyal forces, watching from a distance as the mist-wreathed being advanced unrivaled toward the heart of the realm. And then the crumbling stopped.

The Unbound became deathly still.

She turned around.

She focused on Aaron.

Who are you? he heard in his mind. There was shock, even horror in her voice.

He gasped deep, eyes wide open.

Her voice.

Her voice.

Alexandra?

Ming Xiu looked at him as if he d spoken in tongues. At the same time, the solid obsidian wall behind the Unbound fell, revealing a large hollow chamber behind it. A tightly packed front of Daedal sprung to strike as several more darted out of the writhen tunnels nearby.

The Unbound ignored them.

Who are you! Alexandra s voice demanded.

The Daedal scythes bit into the Unbound s swirling flesh and tore her to pieces.

Reeling from thirty-sixth portent

Nexus-Pathways interface

I can t do this anymore.

I thought I d eventually find you. There could only be so many places to look, so many people to meet. You had to be one of them, you had to. How else could our story end? We should be together by now. It s the way it should have been, what was supposed to happen.

Now every new realm is a disappointment in waiting, every new human we find an unwanted burden. It gets a little worse every time. I find myself loathing every one of them, simply because they aren t you.

How can I hold out hope anymore? The more we explore this grotesque labyrinth, the more we realize we ve barely gotten started. I can t shake the daunting suspicion that these Pathways are the true realm of realms, and the Nexus is but a small portion within it. I think of all the places you could be, of all the ways you might have suffered, and I just . . . .

I can t do it.

It s supposed to be the other way around, isn t it? Time is supposed to dull this kind of pain, but it s become so much worse. Time has only let the poison spread through me, taking hold of my every thought. It isn t time that makes things better. It s forgetting that does.

But I don t forget. I never forget.

What would you want me to do? Tell me, Aaron. The grief is defeating me. It s destroying me. I would give up everything just to see you, to touch you, to hear your voice. I don t think I ll ever stop feeling this way.

But I can t fight it anymore. I will never see you again. It twists my heart to say it out loud, to be so certain of it. I know it for truth, and I hate it, I hate it because saying it somehow brings me peace.

I know beyond doubt that I will never forget you. But so many depend on me, and I can t keep looking. I can t.

I have to let you go.

Forgive me.

18

Their scythes swept through Alexandra in wide arches. Her essence receded from their blades on instinct, becoming insubstantial enough to thwart their crude attempt at severance. Superficial separation was irrelevant, so long as the link through the ether remained.

She tore her attention off the inexplicable apparition next to Ming Xiu and regained control. The world outside her thoughts slowed to a near-standstill as her mind splintered five-fold to handle every concurrent problem.

The first splinter maintained coherence among all the scattered fragments of her soul, orchestrating the symphony of her existence. It dealt with the mundane as well: her outward appearance, the nature of her voice, perception and logical thinking.

Though the thorns had stopped flying in her direction, writhen still poured from the tunnels nearby. Another part of her mind chased after the monsters and cracked their heads with concussive blows, leaving nothing but a lifeless carcass behind.

The pain of sudden separation clamored for her attention. The third splinter was locked away to suffer in silence.

Grakne s disciples had finally tipped their hand. Her fourth facet spun a web of paralyzing resonance, specifically crafted for their unique physiology. She felt compelled to admire their courage as she bypassed what little countermeasures they improvised.

Down the tunnel, a face she d never dared forget stared in horror. The ghost wore his clothes. It had spoken her ancient name and recognized her private voice. Its undercurrent was everything she knew it should be. It was impossible.

The fifth splinter gaped at the apparition. Alexandra confined all the shock and nervous fear to that portion of her mind and left it to its own devices. It would adapt, eventually. It would come up with an explanation.

She slipped out of introspection and prepared to deal with her assailants.

Alex!

The apparition sprung forward. Ming Xiu attempted to restrain him.

Let go of me!

Her oldest friend got buffeted away by an angry gravitational shove, shock clear in her features. The fifth splinter panicked, while a sixth quickly reached out to his position and held him in place. Ghost or not, no-one could be near what she was about to do.

Still disjointed in several misty blurs, Alexandra tore the gnarled scythes out of Daedal hands with a flick of willpower, shattering the weapons in several pieces. The gunshot cracks of snapping wood spread across the area, the sound purposefully amplified to be particularly loud.

Grakne s disciples watched it happen, unmoving, helpless, perhaps beginning to realize the terrible mistake they d made.

The fifth splinter began suggesting desperate explanations that got quickly discarded. It might have been a perfectly timed distraction, but the Daedal couldn t have known how to replicate him so faithfully. Ming Xiu might have developed a sense of humor in that petting zoo of hers, but she d never jest with something like this, or bring to her presence a simple look-alike. It might have been a madness-induced hallucination, but it would be the first she d suffered.

Only one explanation made sense, but she refused to acknowledge it. Part of her was genuinely surprised that she could even entertain the thought after all the time that had passed.

Alexandra mist-traveled a small distance so that every Daedal would be in front of her. She tapped into the flow of her being and bridged the recently created gaps, regaining a mostly humanoid frame. She lifted her arm smoothly, theatrically, giving her aggressors a breathspan to understand that their existence was forfeit.

Don t let him watch, the fifth splinter pleaded.

She ignored it. There was no hiding what she had become.

Tendrils of light shot from her extended hand, branching and multiplying into ethereal whips that coiled around every one of her opponents. The Daedal were numerous, many more than she had planned for. Intel gathering clearly had been rushed. She d have to remedy that in the future.

Though she made sure it would appear effortless, every ounce of her available effort went into overcoming their joint opposition. Their will snapped like twigs under her grasp, and the whips tightened, biting into their bark as if made of serrated wire.

They lingered in place for a moment, long enough for every one of the aliens to regret their terrible crime against the Human nation. The Unbound s anger flooded the realm, broadcast far and wide to every Silver Star in existence.

Alexandra lowered her arm in a savage pull.

The coils contracted far past skin-deep and tore off diagonally. Limbs and body-parts drifted amidst a shower of clear, viscous fluids. Sixty-eight rifts soon rippled through the tunnel.

She took care to shield Ming Xiu, her Risen and her . . . companion . . . from the brunt of it, but let the rest of the cave feel a greatly amplified version. Several of the Daedal harassing her troops wailed in agony and lost their focus, while others turned tail and fled in horror toward the writhen tunnels.

Seal the exit, the Unbound commanded. Let none escape this realm.

Yuri, Meliwaze and Camille took off toward the realm interface. The tide would turn soon. The battle was over, and the purge could begin.

Alexandra let her barrier drop, allowing the apparition to move freely once more. He remained in place, wide-eyed and slack-jawed.

It could really be him.

She angrily dismissed the thought and reached out to Ming Xiu so that only she could hear.

Please come closer.

Ming Xiu complied, her demeanor timid, almost demure. Her Risen trailed behind her. She neared Aaron (the image of Aaron, the illusion, the falsehood) and gently nudged his elbow toward Alexandra. They entered her impregnable bubble, shielding them from stray attacks and unwelcome ears.

What are you doing here? Who is this impostor?

She sensed Ming Xiu become overwhelmed with emotion.

I must ask your forgiveness, she said, voice hoarse, eyes cast down. The Aaron double looked at Ming Xiu in confusion.

What are you talking about?

I betrayed you. Tears already streamed down her cheeks. I was a fool.

You re worrying me, Ming Xiu. Explain yourself before I have to read your damn mind.

I hid him from you. At the Beacon. I took your choice in my hands. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I was wrong. I was just afraid.

You did what? Aaron asked.

His voice. Blessed shadows, his voice.

Alexandra fought to steady her thoughts. Raw fear coursed through every part of her, too intense to contain. How long had it been since she d experienced anything like it?

Who is this, Ming Xiu? Tell me who this is.

Ming Xiu glanced at him.

I tried to deny it as well, but there is no doubt left. This is Aaron Gretchen.

Alexandra stared. Her thoughts sung and wailed at the same time. Quieting them took every bit of self-control she could muster.

That is impossible. You are mistaken.

The doppelganger looked back and forth between the two, brow furrowed in thought.

You re . . . talking to her?

He edged closer by way of his clumsy gravitational bends. Ask me the questions. Let me hear your voice again, your real voice. Please.

Alexandra felt herself sink as he spoke. Every nuance in his tone cracked open doors long rusted shut. Cherished memories flourished with his every expression. She remained in stunned silence, as though paralyzed by the intensity of his gaze.

The census message said you executed her, but that s not true. It s not true, is it? My Alex was no traitor.

He d triggered one of her messages.

He d understood it.

A long-extinguished spark came to life within her. She desperately tried to snuff it out, banish it back to where it wouldn t harm her again. Hope had never brought anything but pain.

The spark persisted, fanned ablaze by soft-spoken words and earnest brown eyes. It whispered with the breathless thirst of unfulfilled longing.

It could be him, the whisper said.

What if?

There was only one way to be certain.

She quickly surveyed the small realm, assessing the situation. The few Daedal that were left wouldn t escape. The writhen throng might take a long time to eradicate, but several of the Oathsworn could take her place turning their hatching grounds into rubble. Loyal casualties had been high, but not enough to be significant.

Though they could use her, they didn t need her anymore. Her lieutenants could handle the rest.

The Unbound stilled her fears and gave hope one last chance.

She spoke to Aaron.

May 25th, 2016

Sanders Estate, Washington Park Neighborhood, Seattle

5:42PM

I, Alexandra Sanders,

take you, Aaron Gretchen,

to be my lawful wedded husband,

to have and to hold,

from this day forward,

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

until death do us part.

19

The Unbound was even more of a sight to behold up close. Her body shifted and transformed, as if it didn t want to settle for only one form or shape. What was a hand suddenly was swirling mist, what were bare legs turned into flowing robes, turned into billows of smoke and light. Her entire frame pulsed in constant change, grayscale skin bathed in both radiance and darkness.

A diffuse halo surrounded her, occasionally becoming long sleeves, a shifting cloak, a stole or a cape fluttering in intangible wind. The halo blurred features and softened edges, giving the impression that the Unbound could dissolve at a moment s notice.

Her eyes were most mesmerizing of all, shining beacons in an otherwise featureless face. They were made of white light wreathed in ethereal flames, as inviting as a crackling hearth, as implacable as a windswept blaze.

Those eyes regarded Aaron intently, giving nothing away.

This creature can t be Alex, the thought barged into his head, unbidden.

Then the Unbound spoke, her composite voice gentle like calming murmurs after night terrors.

You crave answers. I do as well.

The hazy figure extended an ethereal hand that resolved in long, feminine fingers, airy and colorless. There was a ring on one of them.

Come with me.

Even if it was woven in light and mist, he easily recognized that ring.

Aaron hesitated only a moment before taking her hand. Fingers closed around his, softly. The bubble of silence that enveloped them suddenly vanished, and the Unbound s voice spread through the realm.

Victory is within your reach. Eradicate this plague once and for all. Let none survive.

She looked at Ming Xiu. Something appeared to pass between them. The woman smiled and nodded, her composure mostly restored.

Thank you, she said. They ll learn their lesson.

The Unbound called to the realm once more. Ming Xiu of Thousand Rivers will lead the purge in my absence. Her words are my own.

Ming Xiu approached Aaron while the pronouncement was made.

Watch what you say from now on, she said with a small smile. You don t want to incur the Unbound s wrath.

I must go. I hope our paths cross again. I ll need retribution for the way you pushed me aside. She squeezed his arm. Don t worry about Queg, no harm will come to him.

The Risen got closer as she spoke. He hastily bowed to the Unbound, then turned to Aaron and extended an appendage, its tip folded as though bent at a wrist joint.

I believe this is what s appropriate?

Aaron glanced at the grimy tentacle, then at Queg. Though injured and filthy, his bearing was steady. Aaron clasped the alien s limb with his free hand, finding its grasp surprisingly solid.

Thank you, he said, then looked at Ming Xiu. Both of you.

Queg did his version of a nod. Ming Xiu gave him an amused smile and a wink, of all things. They d flown off toward the battlefront before he could say a proper farewell.

Aaron looked to his side and found the Unbound staring at him.

This will feel uncomfortable, she said with gentle kindness. But the pain will only be passing. Nothing will happen to you.

We re leaving, I guess?

Their schemes got them into this cesspit. Now they can fight their way out of it on their own. My presence isn t needed anymore.

It was hard to pay attention to the words. He found himself spellbound by the dancing blaze of her eyes.

You knew about their plans?

Of course.

The Unbound drifted closer. Entranced in her ever-changing gaze, Aaron barely noticed when the mist enveloped him and blotted out every sight and sound.

_________

Aaron opened his eyes at last. White over white filled his vision.

His bones still rattled from the trip, but the worst of it had passed. The experience only ranked as slightly awful in his new frame of reference for pain. On the upside, the wound in his shoulder appeared to have vanished. Whatever mojo the Unbound had worked, Aaron could shrug again without wincing.

It took him a moment to understand that the enveloping mist had already cleared, and the all-encompassing whiteness was his present location. He stood side by side with the Unbound on a pure white floor that lacked substance, texture or solidity. If he looked straight ahead, he could see a scarcely darker line stretching across his field of vision. It marked a perfectly flat horizon that separated two homogeneous hemispheres of white.

Aaron realized he still clutched her fingers as if he intended to crush them and self-consciously let go. He looked at the Unbound to find her intently focused on him, her diffuse body fluid and weightless as if submerged underwater. After a short while, her hand reached out to touch him, then hesitated.

There was that ring again. She noticed him looking at it.

I need to make sure, she began. It was the conglomerate voice, yet soft and sweet and almost bashful. I need to look.

His eyes went to her extended hand, then to her, then back to the hand. What?

He perceived the hint of a frustrated frown. She inched closer, then stopped again. Her hand lowered slightly.

I m not used to asking permission, she confided, looking at him as if he was purposefully trying to annoy her. May I . . . .

The Unbound, unfathomable leader of Humanity, mighty godlike entity of ancient lore and ruthless destruction, blushed before him.

May I look?

Her fingers gestured toward his temples, patently wishing to make contact.

She wants to read your thoughts, moron.

Aaron instinctively recoiled at the idea of a mind probe. He hesitated for a moment, fully aware that the Unbound might still turn out to be Alexandra s executioner.

I came here ready to hate you, he said at last, but nothing makes sense anymore.

I brought you here prepared to destroy you, should you be part of a plot to deceive me.

Her hand was a wink away from touch. Tiny eddies of mist coiled between her fingers.

Will it be as unpleasant as delving?

She appeared amused by the question. My touch is to delving as neuroscience was to trepanning.

He looked at the hand.

He looked at her.

His shoulders hunched in surrender.

Is it . . . is it really you, Alex? Just tell me.

Her fingers clenched as if she d been struck. The Unbound s entire frame subtly darkened. Her otherworldly voice lowered to a plea.

I need to make sure.

Alright. Okay.

Her hand neared his face. She waited.

He nodded.

The mist surrounding her slowly condensed and expanded toward him. It was hard not to flinch away as the tendrils engulfed his limbs and fused with his skin.

It won t hurt you.

Her fingertips grazed the side of his face, the underside of his jaw. He sensed her presence as he had felt Rama s, a different mind bumping at the borders of his own. Yet where Rama had felt like an invader, the Unbound s touch was sunlight through glass.

The presence was tentative at first, as if afraid to go in all the way. Then it began searching, probing. It became more frantic and thorough as it progressed, rummaging through every dresser and drawer, touching every corner of his psyche. And he let it, he consciously allowed this presence into the innermost recesses of his being, willingly offering up for inspection everything that he was.

Because he could feel her mind in return. Her emotions wrapped around his awareness without a hint of guile or malice. They overflowed with wonder, and amusement, and fear, and a deep, deep hunger a longing buried beneath layer upon layer of bitterness and disillusion. A thick blanket of disbelief covered it all, and he sensed it peeling back slowly, reluctantly.

As he explored the nature of these feelings, the naked sincerity in her yearning, his own doubts lifted.

It s her.

Like a boulder cast into a pond, the certainty sent shuddering waves rippling through his mind, stirring every part of him. The Unbound broke away, as though overwhelmed by the sudden intensity of his thoughts.

She backed up a few steps, looking at him in the speechless twilight where suspicion becomes truth.

Aaron . . . Aaron, it s you, it really is you . . . .

His heart kicked into overdrive. A dozen conflicting emotions vied for control as one question took over his thoughts.

What happened to you, Alex?

He wanted to be rid of it, discard it as momentarily unimportant, but it wouldn t go away. The question fed upon the worry for a loved one, a husband s protectiveness, his memories of what was, the image of her as he d hoped she would be. All these things screamed in pain at the sight of what she had become.

Meanwhile, the mists fluctuating about the Unbound ebbed and collapsed upon her frame. They embraced a different color, a different shape. A Human undercurrent flourished, a signal that was strangely familiar. Her feet touched the immaterial ground softly, gracefully.

His stupor dissolved the way the mists had, replaced by a nascent sense of wonder.

Short curly locks framed a face he knew in every detail. Full lips, pronounced cheekbones, eyes dark as soot. Tiny freckles scattered over skin the color of dark chocolate. Delicately arched eyebrows, their symmetry marred by the path of an old scar. Her nose was narrower than he remembered it, oddly enough.

Her wiry frame, toned through years of training, was covered in a plain white top tight against her slight bust, and baggy purple sweatpants that fluttered freely around her ankles. She smiled at him, an impish, bashful smile that plucked at his heart like fingers on harp strings.

Alexandra . . . .

His awed whisper barely made it past his lips. She took a step closer, still hesitant, still searching his face timidly, hopefully.

Aaron lifted a tentative hand to her. His fingers brushed her cheek, and she closed her eyes, leaning against his touch. Her smile went from nervous to blissful.

What The unwieldy questions in his head wouldn t fit into words. How . . . ?

Alexandra cupped his hand with hers. Laughter danced in her eyes. You re crazy. You shouldn t have risked yourself like you did, that was stupid. I should punch you in the nose for doing that.

Never had the threat of violence made him grin so much. Can t say I regret it.

Oh I ll make you regret it. Just you wait.

Her huge smile made every question vanish. He didn t care. His other hand sought hers and pulled on it, bringing her into his arms in a motion that came as naturally as drawing air into his lungs. And it felt just like that, as if he d been out of breath for a long time, parched, famished. She was the air that broke the vacuum, the water that he drank in gulps, the nourishment he so ravenously craved.

Answers could wait. He had found her.

Alexandra squeezed him back just as hard. As he pressed her against his chest, he sensed hints of her own emotions, as if the boundaries delineating their minds were overlapping and mingling with one another. Aaron reveled in her relief and incredulous joy.

I missed you, she whispered. I missed you.

He kissed her hair, her forehead. His lips brushed her cheek as their mouths sought one another almost by instinct, retracing the paths within their shared memories. He lost himself in the texture of her lips, the taste of her breath. He d never felt so alive.

His arm was wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. Her fingers were tangled in the back of his head, clutching at him as though afraid to let go.

She smelled of lavender soap, like she d just stepped out of the shower.