At the end where Destiny awaits: Book 6 of the Kinstone series

(Me)

Mom and I stroll through the Manor, with her holding my hand tightly. I blush softly, feeling much like the little five-year old girl she once turned me into. My tails swish softly yet happily behind with every step we take.

The halls are quiet and dark, save for the light coming from the windows. We’re in no real hurry, yet we each want to reach our destination quickly in a sense.

We finally arrive at her room and step inside. I smile, feeling the cool draft flowing through it as like much of my home, it’s dark and quiet. Granted it’s always like this, aside from the light skittering as the golem maids perform their duties or we always simply let the sun light the house during the day until evening.

I look around her room, seeing it really hasn’t changed much in the months since I left here. I pan over to her bureau and see something floating under a glass case. I smile, recognizing it as our Kinstone, the everlasting symbol of our being destined for each other.

It holds so much meaning for me. It brought us together after being apart from my old life and even saving me last summer. It shimmers softly, glowing as through it's happy that Mom and I are back together as we should be. I feel a slight tug as Mom directs us over to her bed.

I climb onto it, kicking off my shoes and lying at the head of it in the middle. Mom gently slides onto the bed, pulling me into her, cradling me like a baby and stroking my hair.

I smile, curling up into her, wrapping my tails around her and nuzzle her chest as she holds me. I slowly breathe in her scent, something I haven’t known for almost a year. Its warm aroma envelopes me, melting away all my defenses and tension as it always does.

I feel her stroking my ears, her fingers tenderly massaging the inner and outer parts of them. I blush softly, cooing like a child as I look into her violet eyes, which sparkle even in the gray darkness.

“You can’t even being to imagine how badly I’ve wanted to hold you in my arms again, my precious child,” she whispers. Her smile is warm and loving as it's always been since we first met. Her fingers glide over my furred ear, lulling me deeper into calmness and serenity.

She then leans down and plants a kiss on the top of my head, causing me to smile. Her hand then moves to my cheek, feeling her thumb glide over my soft cheek. I blush deeply with every pass as it smooths my skin.

“My girl,” she says softly. “I will admit to have wanted to turn you back into a child again.” She smiles, “To have you be a cute little girl to cradle in my arms again. Alas…I cannot.”

I grin, having had the same fantasy as she. “It’s okay, Mom.”

It’s something the both of us have often thought about since the first time she did it to me. When she did, it acted as a reset for my body and even my entire life in a way. I truly became a teenager in every sense of the word, going from a child, even dealing with puberty, thankfully extremely briefly. When I transformed into a kitsune for the first time, I regressed in age, allowing me to truly grow up in my new world.

Now as for the reason why she can’t do a second time is that the spell would leave me in that state and I’d have to actually grow up over the years as opposed to it simply wearing off. That would really suck as everyone would move on and I’d still be a little child.

Hell, I would have to say goodbye to any plans I might have with Kenji. That’s, something I really don’t want to think about.

We continue to stare into each other’s eyes. Seeing and being with her now is more than a simple photo could ever hope to accomplish.

I cling to her tightly, even though I’m not a small child in body, right now I am in heart. “You were always in my thoughts,” I whisper, “either it being in Japan or Dewloura. When I was at the Ranch, I would look at pictures of you on my phone, just to keep your face fresh in my mind.”

I curl up tighter into her, feeling some of me tails draping over us like a blanket. “I’m yours, Mom, yours entire.” I bite the inside of my lip, want to fight be the growing tears. “I felt my heart shatter that day as I watched the Estate vanish.”

She kisses my forehead, still holding me close to her. “I’m here now, my love.” Mom smiles softly, “I am so proud of how you remained safe through all of this, never once giving up hope.”

She then sighs softly, “My own heart nearly broke whenever I would walk past your room. I too felt this place was truly empty and cold without you in it.”

I smile softly. Ever since I first came here, I felt at peace, loving the Manor and the Estate so much. During the first year, this was my refuge from the world, to truly be who I had become. I never once felt restricted or confined here. Over time it became a part of me, feeling connected to it with every visit. It became my home even before I came to live here permanently.

I know everyone says my smile warms and lights up wherever I go, filling everyone with joy. So maybe it’s true. I love my home and the people here so much.

I grin softly. “Oh, I completed everything you assigned me, even my leftover work from school.”

She chuckles, shaking her head, “Forever the dutiful student.”

I giggle softly. Hey, it’s still work that needed to be done. I should really be grateful to Evie and my time at the Outpost for allowing me to get everything done. My homework helped anchor my mind through all of this.

She holds me closer to her chest, stroking my hair. I smile, rolling my cheek onto it, listening to her heart beating. It’s rhythm is steady and calm, a beat that’s become an enduring comfort to me.

“My heart forever beats with yours, my most precious girl,” she whispers into my ear. “I shall forever cherish the moment you first came into my life.”

I grin, “You’re the one who gave me this new life. I wouldn’t be here without you.”

From the moment I first put on the necklace and was reborn, it was because of her. My mother, Rachel Rivenfeld. Through everything I’ve encountered or endured, she’s the one who brought me into this world. I’m her girl, her daughter.

Mom then brushes my bangs off of my face, revealing my eyes more to her. “May I please see your human eyes, my love?”

I smile, blinking them, changing them back. The sensation has always been a bit unique, like a soft swirling yet never once has it been uncomfortable.

She smiles brightly, staring into them. “Such lovely eyes. They seem to sparkle even more than the last time I saw them.”

I grin. Everyone seems to love my eyes, my human ones in particular. I’m told they shine like jewels in the soft light, echoing my ancestors. When in Dewloura, both Celes and Serasfall said they appeared to have been as if I born to their era and family.

They’re a symbol of the bond between Shyair and the wolves. Serasfall did tell me that the other Great Houses also possessed the same eyes. Yet over time, they lost the trait when they began to break their pact with the wolves.

I giggle, “Athena is like Fenris is to me. She sees me as her daughter.”

Mom looks to me and chuckles. “I noticed that in how she was nuzzling you.” She holds me closer to her.

I smile softly. “From the moment we met, she was always so incredibly affectionate towards me.” My cheeks then blush a cherry red. “She protected me, even treating me like I was her own pup.”

She nods, smiling and resumes stroking my hair.

“I have a lot more to show you,” I tell her. “I learned so much while in Dewloura. In fact a lot more than what I told you earlier.”

“Shhh,” she says, nodding. “You can show and tell me later, my love. For now, let us simply enjoy this moment between us.”

I nod, curling up into her. My hands cling tightly her top much like a child. I am her child, but I still have so many questions about my connection to the Estate, other than being her daughter.

We stay there for what seems like forever. Everything around us feels as though it were standing still or fading into gray. No words are spoken as we lay next to each other. Just the simple fact that we were is the only constant in this moment.

I then feel the pull of sleep as my eyes slowly become heavy. I fight to keep them open as I continue to look at my mother.

She smiles, caressing my cheek. She then softly kisses my forehead, feeling her breath on my face. “Sleep, my precious girl.”

I smile softly before closing my eyes completely and drifting off.

(Rachel)

I hold my girl, watching her for a few quiet moments as she falls asleep. I can’t help but smile at how she truly is home and in my arms. She’s always been small for a girl her age. Although, I suspect she might have a late growth spurt when she ages. I sure did after a fashion.

I caress her face, believing the world beyond the Estate doesn’t exist, that the war that has been raging for her is not happening. A simple, blissful ignorance of anything beyond our borders. Much as it was before the start of last summer. Oh how I wish it were all true.

I stroke her hair, unable to get over how much she has changed in these past few months. She has matured greatly, enduring hardship and tragedy. Yet through it all, she is still forever such a child. I grin proudly, thinking of how beautiful she has become. I know she will look more like me once she reaches adulthood, yet still much like herself.

I carefully slip from her, not wanting to rouse the sleeping kitsune before me. I watch as her tails instinctively cocoon around her to replace the lost warmth. Aria truly has become a kitsune, leaving behind her humanity yet her heart remains itself.

I cross my arms as I watch over her. I truly need to thank Yukari and Asharyume for watching over her while in Japan. I can only imagine their reaction upon hearing of her return to the village. Their sweet little niece had come home to them after so many months away.

I chuckle softly, wondering of her little boyfriend as well. I know I saw the pictures of them while there, but it were the ones of her and Kenji on New Year’s that truly took my breath away. She looked so mature and more like a grown woman that I couldn’t believe she is still only a teenager. I hope I will be able to meet him in person soon, the young man who stole the heart of my little girl.

I then smirk, thinking of another person I must thank for watching over my Aria. That would be the fae queen Titania. She’s always watched over her, even from afar. She has intervened on her behalf, aiding her, going so far as to grant her a powerful boon in the fairy roads.

So many people to thank.

I turn and walk over to my desk where I had laid the canister Aria had given me earlier. An artifact in of itself from Dewloura. It’s stark black, save for the inlaid silver around the seamline, stating my name and from its sender, Serasfall of Shyair.

I hold it up, stroking the names inscribed on it. I look it over for a moment before twisting it, hearing a soft pop as the lid comes off. Inside, I find a letter rolled up. I pull it out, resting its container back onto the desk.

I flip over the letter, seeing the back is sealed with the pressed wax crest of Shyair. I reach over and find a silver letter opener and slide it under the wax seal and slowly work the blade until it releases without waking Aria. I place the opener back onto my desk and open the letter and begin reading.

“To Countess Rachel Rivenfeld.

If you are reading this, then my greatest prayer for Aria has come true. I know something had happened to you, given her description, that did not result in your death. For that I am grateful.

I want you to know that I took it upon myself to shelter and take guardianship over your child. It was without a single hesitation that I brought into my home and cared for her. In our criminally brief time together, I came to love your child as if she were my own. Your daughter was a truly magnificent young lady while here with me. You should be proud in how she conducted herself while here.

I also took it upon myself to raise her as my own. Although I did notice your undeniable influence on her. She was studious, quick to learn and adapt to her new surroundings. I afforded her everything she could have possibly needed and she never once failed to exceed in anything placed before her.

Not once did she ever allow her vanity or ego shine, rather she was cautious and careful in everything she did. Each day I discovered something new about her, as you no doubt have done.

I wish I could have kept her longer, now this is my selfishness rearing itself. I wish I could have claimed her as own while I possessed her, to truly declare her my daughter. In the end I couldn’t, at least not in this life.

I have no doubt she has already spoken of how close we became, however never speaking of it aloud. I know how she viewed me and I her. Yet I knew she still thought of you. I am not offended or dismayed by this.

I had the highest of honors in loving and watching over your daughter. I am blessed beyond measure to have played a small part in her upbringing and wish I could be there see her grow into the woman I know she will become.

I leave much to her and her descendants, as any mother should.

I pray her a long and fruitful life. I still recall our time together, having thoroughly enjoyed it all. Be well, dear lady, and continue to love and watch over her, for her future is bright.

Your friend and fellow mother,

Serasfall.”

I smile, reading over the words from Aria’s ancestor. I can still hear Serasfall’s voice clearly in mind as though it was only yesterday. That and the recording Aria made of her while in the past. I know she was in the best capable of hands while there, having found and been inducted into a family.

I hold my hand over my mouth as I too can recall my time with Serasfall. Tears well up in my eyes, still remembering the beautiful friendship we created.

I peer up to Aria, feeling the influence of her ancestor within her. Serasfall was a powerful woman, not only in the martial or magical sense, but in personality and presence. That clearly rubbed off on her, seeing how more mature Aria has become. Yet she is still a teenager, which also comes bundled with its own little quirks.

I smile however, wondering what her life would have been if the Fall had not occurred. It’s not even a question she would have continued her schooling while there. I can only imagine the kind of woman she would have grown to be under Serasfall’s careful tutelage. I can already tell Aria has become Dewlouran in a sense.

I chuckle to myself, remembering Aria’s telling of her intervention at Court. I smile, agreeing that her yokai aunts would be proud of her.

Then there is Athena. I may need to have some time with her. We are two mothers who share a single daughter. Yet she is much how Fenris is her father. There is still someone I must see and know will in the near-future. One who will be Aria’s father as well.

I smile, placing Serasfall’s letter back into the canister and place it back onto my desk. I silently thank Serasfall for all she’s done for me. I only wish I could have done it in person.

I then hear a soft knocking on my door. I turn and walk to it, revealing Marron on the other side. I smile, slipping out and into the hallway.

She looks to me. “Aria asleep?”

I nod, keeping the door slightly ajar, just enough to still peek in on her. “Just a few minutes ago.”

Marron leans over and peaks in. “When Aria returned from the past,” she softly continues, “she slept for nearly half a day. I shouldn’t be that surprised, with all the exhaustion and emotional stress she endured.”

I nod, “I couldn’t possibly imagine having her deal with so much in span of a single day.”

I saw it all in Aria’s eyes, the pain, the anguish and the loss of it all. She truly came to love Dewloura as her home. She truly allowed herself to become a Dewlouran, to feel the call of the city and its people.

Marron then lowers her head to me. “I truly am sorry for everything I’ve done, my Lady.”

I step back and smile to her. “You have nothing more to apologize for. Your debt to me has been settled and you can return to the Coven with a clean slate.” I step closer to her. “And you can call me ‘Rachel’ from now on. You’ve earned it many times over by now and it’s long overdue.”

She smiles, and then sighs, leaning against the wall. Her arms then cross over her chest as she appears deep in thought.

“Are you planning on leaving?”

She shakes her head. “No,” she replies. “I made a promise to stay by her side forever. To never leave her again.” She smiles, looking to me. “She’s my little sister, through love and lifetimes.”

I smile, still looking to her and then back to Aria. “She truly has a more unique family than she could have ever known to be.” I grin, “Three mothers, a wolf, myself, and her ancestor. A wolf for a father, a brother for a merman, sisters, both past and present. Not to mention an abundance of aunts and grandmothers.”

Marron chuckles softly. “She even has grandfathers, one we both share.”

I smile. I know Xiphos is very much like a grandfather to Aria, but now there’s a second? Plus this one is shared with Marron as well. Just who on earth did they meet?

We then hear the soft creaking of my balcony door opening. We lean in to watch as Fenris and Athena slip in, closing the door behind them. We watch as the pair carefully slip onto my bed and curl around Aria. Fenris gently nuzzles the sleeping kitsune in between the pair while Athena covers her in her tails.

We smile as they gently nuzzle her, being parents to a sleeping child.

“She truly has a numerous family,” I whisper. “Beings who love her dearly.”

Marron smiles as she watches, “She’s at her best when surrounded by family.”

I nod. Aria has always held that family is important to her. She clings so tightly to it, forging bonds with many she loves.

I then recall what she said about her sword. It’s a puzzle to me as how our why it happened and what she meant by it. I turn to Marron, “Do you understand what she meant when she referred to seeing the Estate in reference to the soil and water were from here? I don’t understand how that was possible.”

She smiles to me, “Where was Aria born?”

I tilt my head in confusion at her question. “Tennessee, of course.”

Marron shakes her head, “No, where was she born?”

I continue to stare puzzled at her. What could she possibly mean by that? I know where my little girl was born, having been reborn elsewhere is still of Tennessee. I close my eyes for moment to think.

It then hit like a lightning bolt, a truth I should have realized long ago. I stare at Aria and then beyond the balcony and what lies there.

“She was born here,” I reply.

Marron nods, “And I think you know why too.” She leans in and looks to her sister. “She was always meant to be with us from the start. Even in her past life it was drawing her here.” She glances to me, “You merely gave her the means to become who she truly is.”

She smiles softly. “She’s tied to the Estate because of you. The night she called out to you, her past self was sacrificed. When that happened, she was completely and entirely reborn as your daughter. Through you, her birthplace became here. So naturally, the soil and water merely transformed to reflect that truth.”

I stare at her with my mouth agape. I stare at my daughter while she sleeps amongst her wolves. I then glimpse our Kinstone. It was among the first links we shared, slowly forging the bond between us. The second was the mana bond through her necklace, another link forged.

Then upon her first visit, I was amazed at how quickly she came to love being here. It wasn’t merely the freedom it granted her. She truly felt at home here. I remember her deep longing to return, and the peace it granted her.

Another thing that comes to mind is that of her glen. In all the long years I’ve lived here, I never once knew of its existence. It wasn’t until she stumbled upon it that it became known to me. It was as though it responded to her need.

I smile proudly at my daughter. Aria, my Aria, is truly a miracle and so much more to me. So many mysteries have surrounded this little girl. Many have now been solved thanks to time and others.

I look to Marron, “Thank you again.”

She chuckles softly. She then looks seriously to me. “As Aria’s appointed guardian, I hereby formally return custody of your daughter to you.”

I chuckle softly, nodding. “Thank you, Marron.” I take a deep breath and center myself. “I would like a full report on her.”

She grins brightly. “Glad to. It’s been a long time since I have.”

I smile, slowly closing the door, knowing my girl is in good hands with her bonded wolves. Marron and I then turn and head down the hallway.