Chapter 20
Kira left the room with Domascus right on her heels.
“That was amazing.” He said as she continued to walk.
“That was nothing.” She replied. “There is so much more that we can breathe life into.” She stopped abruptly and turned to face him.
“Tell me the worst place that suffered your wrath.” She stated.
He thought for a moment. “The villages south of here, I burned them to the ground.”
“Take me there” She said.
“Why would you want to do that?” He asked surprised.
“You’ll see when we get there.” She insisted.
“Alright, if you’re certain.” He said and wrapped his arms around her.
Kira leaned her head against Domascus’ chest. The darkness surrounded them and then faded away as they appeared in front of the devastated village. She looked around for a moment taking stock of all that she could see. Then she turned to him, took a deep breath, and forced a smile.
“What do you see when you look at this place?” She asked.
“Suffering,” He whispered softly.
“From what?” She prodded.
“Fires must have raged through this place for weeks. The ground suffers from decay. The wind blew the surface clean and the waters drenched the land beyond repair.” He said.
“The elements raged here. But, what is the one thing missing that’s required to bring it back to life?” She asked.
“Spirit,” He replied as his voice trailed off.
“Kneel with me and take my hand.” She said. He did so without question.
“Now place your hand on the ground, close your eyes, and feel it.” She said softly.
Domascus kneeled down on the ground beside Kira. As they placed their hands on the earth the power moved between them freely. It entered the scarred earth breathing life back into it. Grass, trees, flowers, and crops began to grow from the ruined soil. The contaminated river cleaned up from the waste that had washed through it. It ran crystal clear again past the wheat fields and away into the forest. When she let go of his hand he opened his eyes. At first he couldn’t believe what he was seeing and then it settled in as he looked around.
“It’s beautiful. My goddess Kira, you did it.” He smiled.
“We did it Domascus,” She smiled. “In time we can fix it all.
“I don’t know what to say.” He shook his head.
“Then don’t say anything. This is your second chance Domascus. Let’s do it right.” She replied.
“Thank you, for everything.” He tilted her chin up and kissed her softly.
“You’re welcome,” She smiled. “There’s a good man in there somewhere. It’s about time you let him out.”
“As long as I have you I’ll be alright. You bring out the best in me.” He replied.
“I guess we’ll both be alright then.” She leaned against his chest. “Let’s go back now.”
“As you wish.” He wrapped his arms around her.
The darkness embraced them taking them back to Credos castle. He let her get her bearings and then let his arms fall to his sides. She took a deep breath and then smiled.
“I feel like sparring.” She said.
Domascus looked up and saw his father in the door way. “You go warm up. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Ok,” She smiled and bounced away.
“She’s going to be quite the woman.” His father said as they walked down the hall.
“Yes sir she is.” Domascus replied.
“You’re not going to screw it up this time are you son?” He asked as they watched her from the door way.
“No sir. It’s different this time. She saw something in me that even I didn’t know was there.” He replied. “Even if we’re just friends, it’s good enough for me.”
“Well, look at you growing up.” His father smiled. “Go on then, best not to keep a lady waiting.”
“Thank you father.” Domascus bowed and made his way to her.
Domascus drew his sword and silently slinked across the room toward Kira. He raised it ready to strike and realized all too late that she had only pretended not to hear him coming. She turned swiftly and blasted him with wind sliding him backwards toward the wall.
“Is that how we’re going to play it?” He grinned wickedly.
“Bring it.” She smiled and drew her swords.
Flames flew from Domascus’ fingertips. Kira bent over backward as the fire skimmed over her doing little more than warming her cheeks. She kart wheeled sideways and landed close enough to lock swords with him. He easily dislodged his katana by putting his foot in her chest and shoving her back. She ducked as the sword whizzed past her ears and returned with an elbow to his rib cage.
The sweat began to roll from Kira’s forehead as she dodged another close call. She stumbled, threw up a quick barrier and watched as Domascus’ sword bounced off of it. The barrier dropped as he came in for a second swing that she blocked with the sword that covered her right arm. She spun around with the left and caught him in the cheek with the tip of her blade. His eyes flashed wild for a moment and then he reached out snagging her by the throat.
Domascus lifted Kira off her feet and slammed her into the floor. She couldn’t resist and pulled him into her kissing him deeply. He rolled taking her with him, the weapons cast aside as his arms wrapped around her. They kissed until they were breathless and then he pushed her away.
“Not yet Kira.” He said as his chest heaved and his body argued in contradiction.
“I know.” She huffed trying to force the emotions back inside her.
“You’ll be declared a woman soon enough. There’s no reason for us to rush into anything.” He stood and helped her up.
“You’re right,” She replied as she gathered her swords. “I had almost forgotten that day is approaching.”
“You should go back to Avalon, finish your ceremonies, and ascend to your throne. That place will die without its queen to hold the balance.” He said sadly.
“I remember the story.” She smiled.
“I lived the story.” He chuckled. “I know firsthand the damage that can be done.”
“I will go. But I swear to you I will not stay gone. We still have much that we can fix together. I will come back for you when this is done.” She kissed him again.
“I believe you.” He kissed her back. “You’ve already changed so much, including me. I have faith in you Kira. Come back to me soon.” He said as he brushed her hair away from her face.
“I will.” She touched his cheek and gently ran her fingers through his soft brown hair.
“Now go, I hate long goodbyes.” He smiled kissed her one last time and let her go.
Kira smiled, took a step back and then vanished into a flash of light. Domascus hit his knees. It had been so long since he had felt anything as strong and pure as what she offered him. Until she came back to him he would be engulfed with sadness. He missed her already and it left an aching hope that she would return soon and the joy would come back to him.