Chapter One

Revelation and Change


“Correction,” another voice called in Maerlota’s direction. “She would have.” A woman stepped out of the shadows, this time an exact replica of Maerlota’s form. The few differences were enough to let Illendia know that this person was not hostile. Rather, with her blue long hair in a braid, and wearing her mage robes, the woman looked real enough. The black locks of hair were gone, all one simple color. “There is trickery. We both know this. That is why we have come, at Puck’s summoned request.”

Illendia walked up to the other’s form and glared at her. “You dared to actually think I could have a conversation with Maerlota, Ti’Mae?! You—“

“Shut up, or the whole damn place will hear you!” Ti’Mae hissed.  “You are not to tell anyone about what you see now, Ill. There’s a reason we are doing it this way. We don't want people to know we can seperate.” Sighing, she glanced at Maerlota, who nodded. “I know Yuriva is fighting in the tournament in three days time. I also know you will participate.”

“Why,” Illendia asked, “are you not fighting? You’re the third place dancer from the tournament three years ago!”

Ti’Mae laughed. “Who said I wasn’t.” Suddenly her arms curled around her stomach. “…damn, that hurt.”

Maerlota walked over to Ti’Mae and sighed, shaking her head. “I told you you should have stayed at that temple, Mae. The babes’ll get stressed again.” She led Mae over to a chair that was in the corner and made the woman sit. “You do know, if anything happens, your dear old husband’ll have my head.”

“And mine,” Ti’Mae told her, then turned to Illendia. “Anyway, ‘lota’s going to fight in the tournament for me, if I decide to enter. But I had to come because of one of the outsiders that were entering. From what I understand, she’s dangerous.” Her emerald eyes looked grave as she yawned a moment. “Pardon me.”

“Well, I can see you’re clearly pregnant again, Ti’Mae.” Illendia made no attempt to hide her disgust. “So, I’ll overlook that they’re halfbreeds, but—“

Ti’Mae smiled. “So good that you put your grudge with him aside, ehh? And they’ll be Burmecians this time. Rest assured. I feel this.” Rubbing her stomach with one hand, she cocked her head. “But you want to know who it is?”

Illendia nodded, straightening out her dancer garb.  “Yes.”

“Rasputin’s daughter, Synodia. Apparently she has been quite the fighter, in the outer worlds. She was registered as an adult dancer and she’s only 15. Like my sister.”

Illendia saw the connection and gaped. “And Rasputin still wants revenge on Maerlota and you for ratting him out to the Council.”

“That old bat when insane when I was ensorcelled into Ti’Mae and he couldn’t have my power,” Maerlota snarled. “Much like that other Esper bastard—“

Ti’Mae grabbed Maerlota’s shoulder. “I thought we weren’t going there.”

“We’re not,” the Esper agreed. Then, changing the subject, she glanced at the Burmecian’s form. “You need rest. I should return and give you some strength. We did promise you would return in one piece.”

Ti’Mae smiled. “That I did, ‘lota. You may, if you wish.” Her hand remained on her shoulder. “Be gentle.”

Damn them!! They act like lesbian lovers! Illendia snarled softly at seeing the two so friendly with each other. “Cut it out and do it already!”

“Calm down, Priestess. It requires intense concentration.” Closing her eyes, the form shimmered and turned into a black cloud. “You would do well to heed our warnings, Priestess. If I wanted you dead, I wouldn’t have bothered talking to you as I did. Fare you well, till I next decide to choke you.” With that, the cloud had slammed into Ti’Mae’s chest, making the woman cough violently.

“Damn!” Illendia rushed over to her friend and helped her sit upright before she fell backwards in the chair. “You alright?”

It took Ti’Mae a moment to recover, but she nodded. “Yes, Ill. I’m fine.” She let her tired eyes rest a moment before opening them again. “In the meantime, I would wish to speak to Puck, with you present. May you take me to him?”

Illendia smiled. “Sure. You better not leave last time like you did. Otherwise I’ll have to kill you.”

“I came to watch the tournament, against my husband’s will. However, I only hope that the worst has not come to pass.” Standing, she allowed Illendia to lead her out of the temple. “Puck will know as much as I do, and inform you.”

“Then what do we do?” Illendia asked, confused.

“We plan. And then, we act.”





Illendia took a deep breath as she helped her pregnant friend walk to where Puck had suggested for a meeting place. Ironically, he had chosen a place outside the gates of Cleyra, so that they may not be overheard by any of the council. Illendia thought this as a move of paranoia, yet took another deep breath before swatting some more hair away from her eyes. “Should have cut those bangs last night.”

“Funny, didn’t think you the type for bangs, Illendia,” Ti’Mae quipped. “Sorry about that, back there, if it counts for anything.”

The black haired Priestess stopped and grabbed her arm, yanking her back. “You know how I feel about that bitch, and you allowed that to happen anyway. Why? What has come over you, to think you can overstep a Priestess’ authority, Ti’Mae?” Her eyes glared into emerald ones, which seemed fatigued.

“I’m not playing into your games, right now, Illendia. Let go of my arm. You’re going to leave a bruise if you grab much tighter.” The other spoke quite calmly, but gazed to the sky ahead, not paying any attention to her.

“I won’t let go, not until you tell me why the hell you think you’re controlling the situation!” Illendia pulled her toward her now, but noticed that Ti’Mae still looked away. “Damn you, say something! Do something other then look away from me!”

As Ti’Mae’s eyes glanced back to Illendia, the Priestess gasped in surprise as her eyes reflected sadness in them. “So, you really were intent on killing me then.”

“What the hell does that mean?!” Now furious, she pushed Ti’Mae away from her. “If I had wanted to do that, then—“ She stopped, looking at the harsh red mark on her friend’s arm. “…but…I would never intentionally kill you—“

Ti’Mae shook her head. “It is as I said. An evil force is at work here.” Her head turned around to spot Illendia’s horrified look. “It’s alright, Ill. I’m not angry. You think, in your mind, you’re doing me a favor. It might be a kindness, but—“

“Now you’re just being mortifying,” Illendia whispered.

“Yes. But you need to learn to let shit go.” Ti’Mae turned around to walk back towards where Illendia was directing her. “Look, we need to get to Puck soon. Otherwise, I’m turning back. I’m hungry.”

Illendia rolled her eyes. “You’re always hungry. Now, anyway.”

“I have three babes in my stomach. What’s your excuse?” Ti’Mae retorted as she walked away from her. “Hurry up! I don’t have all day!”

Since when did she know where Puck was? Or control the cards? ...I get the feeling this is going to be a long tournament. The funny thing is, it hasn’t even started yet.