by J E Reed
“What if there’s more?”
“Then there’s more, but I can’t help you drag this back and I’m not leaving it.” She’d never viewed Kikyo as overly prideful, but right now she was considering punching him in the face and dragging him. “Kiuno.”
She sighed, feeling the pent-up frustration take its toll. “Can you still shoot with that arm?”
“I took this down, didn’t I?”
She paused, still considering the option of dragging him. “All right.” She placed both bows beside him and he leaned against the dead animal as she took off. Her legs felt like lead weight, but she pushed herself into a hard sprint. Rest would come when Kikyo was safe.
The guards regarded her oddly when she reached them. Kiuno bent over to catch her breath and explained the situation. One man informed another to send a wagon.
Four laid down anything unnecessary and jogged back with her. The thought of leaving Kikyo alone any longer than necessary left her anxious, and the men showed no objection to her urgency. They knew what was out there.
When the beast came into view, Kikyo moved to sit up and relief flooded through her core. He was fine, seated in the exact spot she’d left him.
“You took that down?” They stared in awe, each glancing between the two. Kiuno wondered if they thought she’d been exaggerating. Typical.
“Barely.” Kikyo gripped his arm tighter. The adrenaline must have worn off, giving rise to pain. He didn’t object when she helped him, wrapping one arm behind his back to keep him steady. Between magic, adrenaline, and pain, it was enough to make anyone a little unstable. The group of six waited until the cart arrived.
The approaching horses jerked their heads and pawed the ground when they smelled the predator. Kiuno envied their instincts.
Kikyo rode in the cart with her beside him as they made their way back. The men that ran with her spoke in hushed tones, but she could see the smile behind their eyes.
Elliott paced the gate when they arrived. Maybe someone told him what was happening, or maybe he saw the commotion and overheard. Either way, she could see the worried lines in his face and the relief when he saw them alive.
“Are you hurt?” His eyes swept over them before she could respond.
“We’ll live. Kikyo probably needs to see someone though.” Blood had soaked through the cloth around his arm, and Elliott’s eyes lingered in the wagon, the animal clearly visible.
He gaped slightly, but shook his head. “I’ll hear about it later, there’s a medical building just down from the inn.”
They followed him and watched relief spread across the faces of each who peered into the wagon, and a hard truth settled over her. Without magic, they’d be dead.
REALM: 2
DAY: 45
A doctor. She couldn’t believe how fortunate they were.
When the woman saw the two stagger in, she pushed those in her office out the door and set to work on Kikyo’s arm. She poured water over the wound to wash away the blood which revealed several puncture marks and a small tear. He needed stitches.
With little to stop the pain, Kikyo had to endure the process. Kiuno stayed for moral support. His arm had turned various shades of blue from bruising, but overall the woman declared him lucky. The creature could have easily removed it.
The doctor, Maria, wanted to watch his injury for the next week or two. Though he had been fortunate, there was still a risk of infection which would complicate matters. After stitching, Maria lightly wrapped his arm and placed it in a sling, giving him strict instructions to rest and keep the area clean.
If she’d been a second later…
“Sorry Kiuno, I guess we’re staying longer than intended.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re alive. We’d be dead without your quick thinking.”
“I could say the same, it wasn’t my magic that prevented that thing from tearing my arm off.” He paused. “Thank you.”
Heat rose to her cheeks. “You’re welcome.” He lingered a moment, making it seem as though he wanted to say more, but he turned instead, and they started back to the inn.
“I find it strange how you’ve been able to control the flames in unstable situations. I would have thought the rush would cause a loss in focus.”
She shrugged. “Maybe my brain is wired wrong.” At that he stopped, causing her pause. She stared at the strange way his face scrunched before he burst into a fit of laughter, something she had yet to see. Maybe it was a build up from the stress or perhaps what she said had indeed been funny, she wasn’t sure. Kiuno couldn’t resist the contagion of the act, however, and laughed along with him.
He tried to collect himself as they entered the inn. It was humming with people. The crowd appeared calmer today, but most already had drinks in their hands. Several pointed to them, raising their glasses in turn. The two acknowledged the gesture, waving back before escaping up the staircase where Elliott sat waiting.
“I cannot believe the amount of trouble you two manage. I let you out of my sight for one day.”
“Trouble?” she said. It wasn’t as if they’d intended to get attacked.
“While you were being treated, I asked around trying to get information, but no one will talk about anything except that beast you took down. It’s been killing hunting parties for weeks.” He leaned closer. “How’d you do it?”
She turned to Kikyo for an answer. His magic was a secret, but telling Elliott she’d killed something like that on her own didn’t seem plausible.
Kikyo sighed. “I suppose I can’t hide it forever.” He pulled back the cloth around his wrist.
Elliott furrowed his brow. “So, all the times you’ve been out with Kiuno?”
“You knew?”
“Of course I knew, I just thought—well, you probably don’t want to know what I thought.”
“Elliott!” she screamed, her face heating. “You know I’m married.”
“Yes, I’m aware.” She stared at him in disbelief then back at Kikyo who refused to meet her eyes. “Anyway.” He cleared his throat. “Tell me the details.”
“Well, Kikyo can control the wind, so he threw it, kind of.” She looked to him for help.
“You can throw things with air?”
“Somewhat, it’s difficult. I’d never tried it before, and it took more energy than I expected which resulted in this.” Kikyo lifted his arm.
“I see, so what happened next?”
“When the beast clamped down on me, Kiuno lost control, or rather, gained control over her magic. Honestly, it was perfect timing. She distracted it long enough for me to put a few arrows in.”
“I’m glad you two are all right, you didn’t get hurt Kiuno?” Elliott tried looking her over again.
“Just a few scrapes, the flames seemed to react faster than I could think.”
He nodded. “I thought you might like to know, I asked a few people about your husband.”
“Did you find anything?”
“Not much, they said two men were asking about you, but the villagers couldn’t remember what they looked like. They only remembered your name due to its uniqueness.”
“How long ago?”
“Over a week. The two were moving on to the third realm. The portal isn’t far off.”
“So, they are moving without her?” Kikyo said.
She took a moment to ponder. “They must think I’ve already gone ahead.”
“Are you known to be that reckless?”
“Well, we are out traveling on our own, so I would say yes,” Elliott said, laughing. “Once Kikyo is healed, we’ll just continue to the next realm, we’re bound to run into them eventually.”
She smiled. They were alive, still far away from her, yes, but alive. That was enough for now. She only hoped it was her husband, perhaps the other man was a traveling companion he’d run into, or someone they both knew like Scorpios.
“I’ll be fine. We can leave whenever you want.”
Kiuno glare
d at him. “And what happens if we get into trouble, what if I can’t use my magic and you can’t wield your weapon? It’s too risky, as much as I want to find them, I can’t risk either of you to do so.”
Elliott agreed. “She’s right, and we’ll be able to gather information from those returning from the third realm as well.”
“Returning?” she asked.
“They trade. This group is set up to welcome anyone from the first or second realm and prepare them for the third. They’ll join eventually but want to be sure no one is left behind.”
“Any more information on the creatures there?”
“Just stories, most probably fed by their own fear. They’re dangerous, which is why so many are still sitting here. Some have gone over, only to come back. They said it wasn’t worth it.”
Kikyo sighed. “We have to avoid the road because of people and the wilderness because of monsters. Is there anything good to look forward to?”
“Actually, yes,” Elliott said. “Since you kindly took out the creature causing a problem, the people here have decided to throw a little celebration in your honor.” Kikyo turned a few shades paler.
“Why, it’s not as if we did anything but get lucky,” she said.
“Times are uncertain, any cause for celebration is a good one. It helps lift their spirits. I believe the beast is already over a fire as we speak.
THEY WERE forced to stay inside and rest until nightfall. Elliott returned, leading them to the town center where things had taken quite a shift. Tables and logs lined several blazing fires, and it looked as though everyone in town had come to celebrate. This wasn’t just about taking down a beast, it was a memorial for those who’d lost their lives.
In a world where they’d been fighting for their survival, the celebration was a pleasant shift. People were dancing, singing and laughing as if this were part of their normal lives.
As honorary guests, they were seated and offered drinks, to which both declined. Neither felt safe enough to allow the indulgence, though Elliott didn’t seem to mind. He ran off with a group his own age, probably sharing stories from days long past.
They had to recount the details of their heroic deed, and Kikyo tied a cloth around her wrist to hide the stone. With all the commotion, he must have thought it necessary. She didn’t object.
A group of young women giggling in a corner drew her attention. It took her a minute to follow their darting eyes, the girls shifting focus whenever she looked their way. She almost burst out laughing to see them fawning over Kikyo.
Kiuno stood, instructing her oblivious friend to remain where he was and made her way toward them. They shifted uncomfortably when she leaned against their table.
“He’s a sight for the eyes, isn’t he?” Two of the girls blushed, making her laugh. Kikyo eyed her, comprehension sweeping over his features, she returned a wicked grin to his shaking head.
“He’s single if you’re curious.” The three looked at one another and then back at her.
“Aren’t you two a thing?” the brunette asked.
“No, no, we’re only friends. I’m actually married.” She waved her hand. “Why don’t you go talk to him?”
“Can we?” Seeing the way their eyes glinted almost had her feeling sorry for her friend…almost. She laughed, ushering them forward.
When they approached, he searched for an escape, but one didn’t come quick enough. They sat beside him, probably asking how he took out such a vicious creature. She giggled as he struggled to stay out of their reach, pulling his arm from their hands.
Kiuno watched for a few minutes before deciding she needed a quieter space. He’d be entertained for a while.
The noise faded to a blissful night as she walked between buildings. The dirt street was empty except for the few guards that sat on top of the wall. She wondered if they got to enjoy themselves, but perhaps they were like Kikyo and preferred it this way. None turned as she walked beneath them.
Without a destination, Kiuno watched the stars until she came upon the line of houses they’d skipped yesterday. The street was empty, and she followed it to satisfy her curiosity.
A low wooden fence drew her attention. It sat at the end of the road and was only a few feet tall. She thought perhaps the villagers had planted a garden.
Then she saw them.
Crosses dotted the area with several bracelets hanging from each, the night breeze moving through them as if afraid to disturb the dead. Her heart skipped as reality hit her.
Not everyone had made it.
Her legs moved forward automatically, needing to know, yet not wanting to find out. With shaking fingers, she picked up the first gray stone, turning it so she could read the name.
It wasn’t one she recognized. Her throat went dry as she turned over the second.
Another unfamiliar name.
Had they known one another? Is that why they hung on the same cross, or maybe there simply wasn’t enough room.
Crawling between each cross, she turned the stones to read the names, her heart pounding the whole while. She thought back to the record book and the names that were crossed out. She knew people had been lost, or maybe she’d been denying it this whole time. How many had died before anyone figured out what was happening? This was only the second realm—
A soft hand rested on her shoulder making her start. “I didn’t expect you to find this on your own.”
“Kikyo?” His gaze swept over the area. A grim expression on his face.
“Elliott told me about it. We were going to look through them before—”
“You mean for Elite.” She choked, a burning sensation forming in her throat.
He nodded, and she gazed back over the crosses. Some graves were still fresh, and flowers had been planted along the fence line, but the center was barren.
“I’ll start at the other end.” Kikyo knelt at the back, taking his time to turn over each stone. Kiuno was torn between watching him for signs of recognition and looking through her own.
Someone was searching for her, but how did she know if it was Elite? It could be anyone. What if he never left this place?
Kiuno shook her head, trying to rid the thought from her mind. That wasn’t possible, they were stronger than that, stronger than her. If she could survive, so could they.
She lingered on the colored stones, wondering if the people had discovered their abilities and whether the knowledge could have saved them. Maybe groups like Eldridge had been too late.
Kikyo met her in the center, allowing her to look over the last few names.
“He’s not here.” Relief flooded her body, but she couldn’t stop yet. It wasn’t just Elite, there were so many others…
He didn’t complain as she made her way through. Did every town have something like this? What about the towns they’d passed up? What if he were sitting in some unmarked grave and she was left to—
Her heart skipped and knees buckled.
Not her.
Rena.
She wasn’t a big part of their alliance, but she was part of it nonetheless. She was too young. Maybe not much older than fourteen if Kiuno remembered right.
“Kiuno?”
Tears spilled over as she gazed at the name. Rena had magic. She had a way to defend herself yet not even that had saved her. What happened? Did she suffer? Did the creature they took down kill her?
“I knew her,” she whispered. Did she want to look at the rest of the names if this was the heartache she’d feel? What did it matter if there was nothing she could do about it? Kiuno didn’t even know the girl’s real name or where she lived. It wasn’t as if she could tell her parents when they got back to the real world.
With aching slowness, Kiuno made her way through the rest and was thankful to come up empty.
“I’m sorry,” Kikyo said. She didn’t respond. There was nothing to say. Even if she’d found Rena sooner, she couldn’t be sure the situation would have turned out different. They couldn’t be sure of an
ything.
Kiuno followed him back to the inn, but her mind wandered beyond the walls. Beyond this world and what her life should have been like.
When they got back the room was empty. Kikyo lit the fire, and she curled into bed, her mind exhausted. She didn’t want to think, she just wanted to fade away and wake up from this nightmare.
WITH MORNING, Kiuno found herself surprised to have slept soundly. Perhaps yesterday’s encounter had been enough to force her body to rest. Rolling over, she found Kikyo staring at the ceiling. “Didn’t sleep?”
“I did, just not well.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “I rested a little after he came in.” She looked over Kikyo to find Elliott sprawled across the floor.
“Was he out long?”
“He staggered in about two hours after you fell asleep. Sank to the floor without a word.”
She smiled. “I’m sure he had fun.”
Kikyo suddenly turned to her, his face mere inches away. “Speaking of, don’t think you’re getting away with what you did.”
She feigned innocence. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
“They almost drove me to the brink of insanity.”
“Don’t act like it was bad, you got away fine.”
He glared. “It was horrible, and if you ever do anything of the sort again I will make you shoot at a target until you’re able to hit the exact mark with Every. Single. Shot.” She cringed, knowing it would take a lifetime to shoot as he did.
“Sorry, I thought you might enjoy the entertainment. Most guys would love that kind of attention.”
“And most guys are idiots.”
Kiuno covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter for Elliott’s sake.
REALM: 2
DAY: 47
Where are we going?” Kiuno asked as she tried to keep up with Elliott’s pace.
“After what I’ve heard about the third realm, we need a better way to defend ourselves.”
“Kikyo isn’t joining us?” He was already gone when she woke, but Elliott pushed her out the door before she could ask.
