Singularity

Michalei bandaged his wounded rib cage. He cursed at himself for being so blind. He owed Kira an apology. He put on fresh clothes, strapped his sword to his hip, and slipped on his jacket. He then began searching the academy for her. It took several hours before he was approached by the master.

“Where is she?” He asked.

“Our Kira has quit the academy. She returned home.” The master replied.

“Permission to follow?” He asked.

“Granted, bring her back if you can.” The master stated.

Michalei bowed and headed for the portal. He didn’t want to waste any more time. He passed through the archway and entered Avalon castle. He quickly found the throne room and bowed as he approached.

“King Sephiroth, I am Michalei from the academy. I beg your permission for an audience with queen Kira.” He stated quickly.

“She is not here son. I have not seen her for days. She was supposed to be at the academy.” Sephiroth replied surprised.

“My king, she has been granted day passes. But I feel as if our argument today might have made her quit.” Michalei explained. “Is it possible that she is at the stables with the boy she spoke of?”

“Avalon has no stables.” Sephiroth stated confused.

Michalei’s heart leapt into his throat. “It cannot be.”

“It must be. I fear Domascus has her. Make haste Michalei. Find my daughter and bring her home safe.” Sephiroth begged.

“Yes my king.” Michalei bowed and left swiftly.

Once he was outside he looked around and whispered, “Great spirits, take me to her. She is in danger.”

The wind picked up, blowing toward the north. Michalei raced across the field and headed toward the woods. It didn’t take long before he found the stable. He drew his sword and followed the footsteps down the woodland path. He found Kira sitting beside the stream with the boy next to her, his arm gently wrapped around her waist.

“Kira,” He called out.

She turned around sharply, “Michalei.”

“Get away from him. He’s not who you think he is.” Michalei stated.

“What are you talking about?” She asked. “What are you even doing here?”

“I spoke to your father. Avalon has no stable. You’re being deceived.” Michalei explained.

“Ein, what’s he talking about?” She asked.

“I guess the rest of my secret is out Kira.” Ein stood, smiled and took her hand as the image of the boy faded away.

“It’s you.” She smiled as she ran her fingers through his long brown hair.

“I am Domascus, Kira.” He admitted.

“Why didn’t you just tell me?” She asked.

“I’ve done some terrible things Kira. I never wanted you to see me as that man. But, I guess the time has come for more terrible deeds.” He sighed.

“You get your hands off her!” Michalei commanded.

“I’m sorry Kira. But if I can’t have you, no one will.” He slid the dagger deep into her stomach.

A look of shock passed into Kira’s eyes and soon was replaced with understanding. She lifted her hand and touched his cheek softly.

“Run Domascus.” She smiled. “Just go.”

Domascus’ eyes went wide. He didn’t understand why, but Kira had just forgiven him. He stepped away as Michalei raced forward. The darkness flashed and he was gone. Kira held her stomach and slumped to the ground as Michalei wrapped his arms around her. He pulled the dagger free and tossed it to the ground.

“Kira, I am so sorry.” He wept. “Stay with me. Heal yourself please.” He begged.

“I can’t,” She smiled and reached up to touch his cheek with her blood soaked hand.

“What do you mean you can’t?” He shrieked. “I’ve seen you do it.”

She coughed, wincing as the taste of blood filled her mouth. “My magic, he bound it.” She wheezed.

“Tell me how to fix it. Please Kira I need you to stay.” He begged.

“Bracelet,” She whispered.

Kira’s eyes closed and her hand fell from Michalei’s face. He panicked, saw the copper band around her wrist and pulled it free. As it fell from his hand she went limp, all breath exited her body. He howled out in anguish as the wind howled out in response to his pain. He looked up to see Sephiroth on horseback, tears streaming down his face.

“I couldn’t stop it.” Michalei wept. “I was too late.”

Thunder rolled across the sky as the earth erupted at Michalei’s feet. He staggered back as the ground reached up to encompass Kira’s body. The vines grew around her, wrapping her in the sheltered embrace of the earth.

“You need to get back son.” Sephiroth called out as the horse danced around nervously.

Michalei staggered over to where he stood, “What is this?” He asked over the whipping wind.

“It’s the funeral pyre of the pagan queen.” He replied as the lightening split the sky before them.

Michalei watched in horror as the lightening ignited the earth beneath Kira’s body. As it went up in flames, rain poured down from the sky. Something was different. Sephiroth was the first to notice it. The flames were slowly dying and her body went untouched. Then the grass began to wilt and next, the trees lost their leaves, withered, and died. The flowers that had once bloomed from love wilted, lost their pedals and turned to dust. The creek dried up and turned into a dusty, cracked wasteland

As the life was sucked out of the surrounding land, a flash of light around Kira blinded Michalei and Sephiroth. When their eyes adjusted they couldn’t believe what they saw. Kira was sitting on the pyre, eyes wide, chest heaving. She looked around as if in shock.

“My goddess,” Sephiroth said as he flung himself from the horse and raced over to her.

“Papa,” She asked as he wrapped his arms around her.

“Yes, it’s me. I thought we had lost you.” He wept.

“Where is Domascus?” She asked as she pulled free.

“He’s gone for now but we’ll find him. He won’t get away with this I swear to you.” Michalei stated fiercely.

Flames burned in Kira’s eyes as she looked upon Michalei. It took all her strength to hold it back as she reached down and picked up the bracelet and dagger. She put the bracelet back on her wrist and let the calm wash over her.

“Let him go.” She stated and placed the dagger in her belt.

“What do you mean let him go? He just tried to kill you.” Michalei shouted.

“No, he did kill me. And it was your fault.” She shouted back as she got right up in his face.

“If he wanted me dead, he had plenty of opportunity before today to do it. There’s more to this story than anyone has been willing to tell me and I’m going to find out the truth.” She demanded.

“Furthermore, next time you decide to go all noble and rush into something stupid, remember to thank Domascus for this.” She waved the bracelet in his face.

“It’s the only thing standing in-between me and turning you into an exploding bag of shit right now.” She growled and stormed away across the field.

Michalei stood there with his mouth hanging open in shock. “Enchantment?”

“It’s got to be something of the sort. Give her time to calm down. I’m sure she will come to her senses.” Sephiroth replied politely.

“Yes, of course my king, send for me if something changes.” Michalei replied.

“Of course,” Sephiroth replied as he mounted his horse and made his way back to the castle.