Singularity

Kira must have dozed off. The next thing she recalled it was dark. She couldn’t open her eyes or move at all. But she could hear the hissing sound and a beeping. That’s when the fear set in. Her mind thrashed and her body failed to respond. It was as if there was a heavy weight on her chest. It only took a matter of seconds before her eyes snapped open and she was sitting straight up in bed. Michalei was holding her with a worried look on his face.

“Damn nightmares,” She said with her chest heaving.

“Everything alright now?” He asked. “For a moment it felt like you weren’t here.”

“Yes, I’m fine. I didn’t mean to doze off like that. Let’s get dressed and go into town.” She smiled.

“Of course,” He replied. “I’m sure your father is already pacing and waiting impatiently.”

Kira crawled out of bed and headed for the closet trying to shake off feelings the dream had left her with. Michalei pulled on his pants and gathered his other discarded clothes before following after her.

“My stuff is down the hall. You get absolutely beautiful, and I’ll be back before you know it.” He said as he kissed the top of her head.

“You should consider having your things relocated.” She smiled and kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”

As Michalei made his way down the hall he passed by Sephiroth. In his hands was a massive dress bag and he had a smile on his face.

“I took the liberty to pick up something more suitable for you to wear while you were indisposed. You’ll find it hanging in your room.” Sephiroth said as he passed by.

“Thank you sir,” Michalei replied with a smile and continued on to his room.

Sephiroth tapped twice on his daughters’ door and then let himself in. Kira was still hovering over the closet as he hung the bag on the door hook beside her. He turned his back to her and averted his eyes as she came to investigate.

“What’s this papa?” She asked as she unzipped the bag.

“Just a little something for today.” He replied. “I’ll let you get to it.”

“Thank you papa.” She replied as he made his way out the door.

Kira peeled away the dress bag and gasped. She had never seen something so beautiful. The white corset dress was embroidered with gold thread. It flowed out in a golden vine down the bust and along the open front of the gown. The lace underneath was dusted gold and reflected light off the satin. She stepped into it and zipped it up impressed by how well it hugged her tiny frame. She smoothed out the ruffled lace and stepped into a pair of white heels then went over to look at herself in the mirror.

As Kira turned around in front of the mirror inspecting her father’s gift, she giggled momentarily. She couldn’t help but think that the sheer volume of the gown made her look huge. She pushed away the giggles and with a wave of her hand, tied her hair up and made the royal circlet appear upon her brow. As she turned to make her way to the door it opened revealing that she was not the only one that received a gift.

Michalei stood before Kira dressed in a white satin suit. The jacket was adorned with the same gold vines on the sleeves and around the buttons. The sides of his pants had twin vines wrapping around each other from his hip down to his white boots. He held out his arms as he stepped into the room.

“Would you look at you?” He smiled.

“Me, look at you. I don’t think I’ve seen you in anything other than black.” She giggled and stepped into his embrace.

“You look stunning,” He said as he pressed his lips to her hair.

“So do you.” She replied softly. “Is it time?”

“I’m ready when you are.” He said holding out his arm.

Kira slipped her arm through Michalei’s arm. Together they stepped out into the hall and greeted Sephiroth with a nod. He smiled at the two of them with pride.

“Are you ready papa?” She asked as she held out her hand.

“Indeed, I am more than ready.” Sephiroth replied placing his hand in hers.

Kira closed her eyes and held onto Michalei and Sephiroth tightly. Her energy poured forth, transporting them directly into the center of town. The crowd gathered around the light as it faded away eager to hear what news they would bring. Sephiroth stepped forward, standing in front of Michalei and Kira and smiled.

“People of Avalon, I have much to say.” Sephiroth began. “Hear me now when I tell you that the threat to us is gone forever.”

“Domascus has been bound to the realm of Earth. He can torment us no more.” Kira replied.

The town erupted in applause as Sephiroth motioned once again for silence. “There is more to tell.”

“Michalei, sworn knight of Avalon, and your queen Kira have united.” He continued to the sound of more cheers.

“I bring them before you now to bear witness to their pledge of service to each other and to our beloved region.” Sephiroth smiled. “Come forward, my children, and speak your words. May they ring forever true.”

Kira raised her left hand and spoke clearly, “I, Kira, queen of Avalon, take you Michalei as mine. May we stand forever united, for each other, and for Avalon.”

Michalei smiled and placed his left hand in hers as he spoke, “I, Michalei, knight of Avalon, take you Kira as mine. I will stand with you forever, for us and for Avalon.”

Kira had to bite her lip to keep from giggling. She smiled and waved her right hand over Michalei’s face. The golden crown appeared on his head. He smiled back at her and took her hand in his as they turned to face the town.

“I present to you, your queen and king.” Sephiroth said proudly.

“A new day dawns over Avalon. It is a day where we will no longer know the feelings of fear, desperation, or anxiety. May the light forever shine upon you, our people, in peace and love, for now until eternity.” Kira called out as her hand began to glow.

“We will bring you a prosperous future full of hope and grace. One that we will be proud to pass onto our future generations.” Michalei replied as he placed his hand over hers.

“Together,” They spoke, smiled, and cast the orb of light into the sky.

Somewhere beyond the crowd music started to play. Sephiroth grinned and turned to his daughter. The crowd moved out of the way to show Kira and Michalei the feast they had prepared in their honor.

“You were busy papa,” She chuckled.

“Congratulations, both of you, I couldn’t be more proud.” Sephiroth replied as he hugged her tightly. “Enjoy your celebration. You two earned it.”

“Thank you sir,” Michalei replied as he shook his hand.

A young woman came to them and served them with drinks as the band continued to play. Kira could hardly believe the effort they went through for them. Michalei squeezed her hand tightly as he witnessed the tears in her eyes. He couldn’t imagine being more proud of her than he was in that moment.

“Your people adore you. It is not a day to be sad.” He chuckled.

“I am not sad.” She laughed. “I am honored to be their queen and your wife even if I did have to take the long way around.”

“You never did like to make things easy.” He commented.

Kira punched Michalei in the chest. He laughed and pulled her into a kiss. Then, he took their glasses, handed them to Sephiroth and dragged her out into the crowd. He danced her around in time with the music. All she could do was shake her head and laugh.

They celebrated beneath the light of hope in the sky until the sun broke on the horizon bringing with it the new day. As the light in the sky diminished Kira knew it was time to return to the castle. No one wanted to end the celebration, but there was always something that needed done. Michalei was exhausted and rest was on the menu. So they returned to the castle and as Sephiroth packed to go to Credos they retired to bed to sleep well into the afternoon hours.