Singularity

Kira looked back one more time and then raced away. She left the horse at the stable and ran across the field. Once at the castle she snuck through the kitchen entrance and up the back stairs. Quickly she brushed out her hair and pulled on a dress that was proper for supper. She then made her way down to the dining room. She sat down just in time for her father to walk through the door.

“Hello papa how was the meeting?” She asked as she stood and kissed his cheek.

“It went fine.” Sephiroth replied with a smile. “What did you get into this afternoon?” He asked as he sat down next to her.

“Not much really, I was just out walking and enjoying the open space. The academy is kind of stifling.” She replied.

“Oh I remember.” He smiled as the servant brought their plates.

“I’m making progress though papa.” She commented as they ate.

“That’s wonderful.” He replied.

“I’ve graduated from staff to weapon. I start class when I get back.” She added.

“I’m very proud of you.” He smiled.

“Thank you papa.” She beamed.

“Quite welcome daughter.” He chuckled.

“Next time you visit, I’ll have to arrange for more time.” He said.

“It’s alright papa. Supper was fine.” She replied as their plates were cleared.

“I have to get back though.” She said and hugged him tight.

“Go, get changed. I’ll walk you to the archway.” He kissed the top of her head and pushed her toward the door.

“Yes papa.” She giggled and raced off.

A few minutes later Kira walked down the stairs dressed the way she was when she had arrived. She hugged her father good bye as the portal opened to the darkness. She stepped through and continued down the hall to her room. She was still super charged from the surprise kiss Ein had given her. She didn’t think she could rest. So she put her jacket away and made her way down the hall to see if she could find someone to spar with.

It appeared to Kira that she was out of luck. She couldn’t find anyone in the empty rooms. She settled for the room with the practice dummy. It was just a log on a rope hanging from the ceiling but at least it was something to hit. She pulled her swords free of the sheath and flicked her wrists to open the blades. She poised herself ready to strike at the wood.

“Where did you get those?” Michalei asked.

Kira turned to see him standing in the door way. “Weapons room.”

“Strange,” He replied. “They’re not exactly standard issue.”

“I like them.” She shrugged.

“Yes, but can you use them?” He asked with a smirk.

“I guess we’re going to find out.” She replied sarcastically.

“Go to bed Kira.” He said as he unfolded his arms from his chest.

“Fine,” She replied and snapped her wrists to close the blades before replacing them in the sheath.

Michalei walked away leaving Kira alone. She took the hint and made her way across the room.

“I left them for you.” A voice said from the shadows.

“Master,” Kira said as she hit her knees.

“You need not bow to me.” The man said as he approached her. “I feel as if I should bow to you, pagan queen of Avalon.”

“I don’t understand.” She replied.

“You’re quite the legend.” He said kneeling beside her. “It’s alright to look at me.” He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes.

Kira gasped. The man was beautiful. He had long brown hair and a familiar look in his blue eyes. He did not look like the other masters. His clothes were simple, like that of a student. When he smiled at her it made her skin tingle.

“Who are you?” She asked.

“It doesn’t matter.” He smiled. “Use my gift to stand your ground. Follow what you feel and let the spirit guide you.”

“Thank you.” She replied with a shiver as the man disappeared.

Kira’s mind was reeling as she made her way back down the hall. So many things were changing. Her mind struggled to grasp it all. She lay in bed wide awake thinking about the strange man. The thought faded and was replaced by the memory of the afternoon spent with Ein. With a smile she settled in knowing she’d fight hard to go home and see him again. No one would stand in her way.