Chapter Text
And, once again, the school year begins.
The alarm rings on time, Mother is working perfectly, Lucy and Ricky are up doing breakfast and Zadra, as always, is in the yard, training before breakfast. It's amazing that, even while being here, she's still as disciplined as she was back home. Not that we expected less of her, but she certainly makes justice to her title.
Anyway, while the pancakes are ready, I do a couple of test runs of not only the abductor, which had a little malfunction yesterday, but of the portable wormhole, which will be helpful once I'm at school since Aja, the all powerful Queen of Akiridon 5, decided she wanted to cruise one more school year with me, her friends and, of course, her King Consort, Steve Palchuk, otherwise known, as The Oaf.
For Seklos, I can't believe that just came out of my mouth...
I mean, I'm glad someone took the position, but him? Of all humans, she had to pick him! I know, even with all the fuss I throw his way, he's not bad, he's just...how do humans say it? Not the sharpest tool in the shed? Yeah, I believe that's the term, if not, you know what I mean, he isn't the brightest, but, as long as my sister is happy, I can't complain. Otherwise, she'll mock my choice of human.
Let me explain. After the War, and even during it, I may have grown close to a certain popular guy, who, in my opinion, is a superior option against the Palchuk. It all began as merely a coincidence brought by necesity, he wanted a time trap, which mixed my science with his magic, a real challenge after all. Turned out, we had more in common than we first thought, our genius, though directed to different topics, had an end goal: Help Arcadia and keep our loved ones safe.
Once the War arrived in full force, we began to work closer together, spending more time due to the new amulet. Even if we saved Jim, the previous one was way too damaged to work, so, we had to get creative. Mixing and matching pieces of the old amulet, some of my technology and Douxie's magic expertise, we managed to create a new piece of gear able to spun an armour as strong and flexible as Merlin's, it is also able to hold the other stones which can turn it into its dark version, though that mechanism is still in trial, given how volatile Gunmar's stones and Angor's eye are.
Nevertheless, the time spent in the lab proved...comfortable. Having the chance to speak to a kindred mind was fun, even with how much of a flirt he pretends to be. Slowly, our association became a friendship, and then...well, a partnership.
Aja, of course, paid me with the same jokes I did when she began dating Steve, and though it was annoying, it proved her point, so, we made a deal. As long as I didn't mock The Oaf, she won't mock The Wizard. When all was set and done, everything flowed smoothly.
And, I must admit, group outings, somehow, became better after it.
I just hope school suffers from the same feeling of contempt out vacations had.
Disguised and having done the test runs successfully, I finally arrive to the bar with a bit of time to spare. A pancake flops from the ceiling, as they usually do, falling on the dish, still warm to the touch and ready to eat.
-Good Mornin' Champ!- Ricky greets, looking up from his newspaper with his always wide smile. -Ready to go back to school?- As creepy as he may be, his heart or...rather, his programming is coded correctly. His kindness is sincere, though a bit loud for my liking, still, his enthusiasm gives me a little boost.
-As ready as I can be- the faint smile in my face says it all. -This whole exchange bussiness is keeping me on edge.- A certain uncertainty rushing through my body, not quite fear, but an anticipation to something unknown, something I can't visuallize neatly.
-Oh! C'mon, my boy!- Our fake parent comments, a hand on my shoulder, supportive, overeager. -You'll finally get to meet some queer good pals! And who knows? They might be like you and your dear old sis!- Ha! I highly doubt so! Arcadia might have grown acostumed to us, but Seklos knows it wasn't easy. Questions were made, millions, each one weirder than the last. Most came from our classmates but some strange individuals were stepping on our toes, stalking us in search of answers we didn't have! So imagine, if this town had a hard time dealing with it all, I can't imagine some place else.
Right as I was about to say something like that, refuting his notion, Zadra intervined. -As lovely as having more Akiridians around would be, or any other neighbor or ally from our quadrant for that matter it's highly unlikely- as he hears it, Ricky deflates, propping Lucy to walk on the scene and console him.
-Oh deary!- she hugs him, patting his shoulder. They're so dramatic, we should really update their databases to be more like...Doctor Lake. She received us with open arms, calm and sweet, no overreacting or uncomfortable scenarios. Just...kindness.
On the other hand, these two really came out of a soap opera. How he pouts, how she hugs him, huffing and puffing. They're funny...until they aren't. -Such a partypooper!- muttering loudly so we all could hear her, but pouting like a spoiled little kid. Then, her eyes, filled with the outmost offense darted right at Zadra. Accusing her. -He was just trying to cheer him up!- singing almost, like an entitled mother.
To all the drama, the Commander left to take care of me merely reacted, staying as composed as always. Calmly, her reply becomes a stark contrast to Lucy's act.
-Sorry but lying isn't the answer- her elegant accent remarking her statement.
-What makes you so sure of it, Miss knowitall?- Lucy clapped back, shaking her head in annoyance and clearly mocking Zadra. But is I know her well, which I think I do, she took none of it, as she often does.
-Earth isn't the first option for someone to come and live, Gaylen knows there are far more advanced and open planets than this one.-
A fact, laid simple and clean over the discussion, but not quite complete yet. So, she continues, laying her weapon at the side of the door, still composed and calm. -Most come here to escape, to hide or, in far and few cases, to hunt- everything experienced first hand, and everyone in this house knows it. Stuart escaped, so did we, searching sanctuary, hiding, and yet, found by those who wanted our voices to be silent. To it, Lucy could only nod, aware every word said is true. She had seen us struggle, as so did they.
We may forget it from time to time, given everyone knows who we are, or rather, what we are, and no fuss has been made ever since it became public knowledge, but it doesn't mean outsiders will be as easily pleased by it all. Thus, why this whole conversation began, how unusual would it be for these students to be like us. Their circunstances should be quite special for not only to seek haven here, but to be revealed once they hid. -Otherwise, there's no reason to come here.- hammering it home. Rendering Lucy silent, Ricky as well.
-I hate to say it but she's right. Unless they are bountyhunters or refugees, I don't think they are like us. Still, I'm just...curious on how they'll absorb it all- my nature gets the best of me, not by pointing the obvious, but by clearing my uneasiness upon the situation at hand, or rather, my eagerness at what the experience may bring.
Would they be hostile towards us? Guided by an unfair perspective made by media? Or will they be as curious as me? Unpatiently launching questions of how and why? I can't wait! Even if it's the first, it'll be...enriching, still, that doesn't erase the tingling sensation in the nape of my head.
The Commander seems to understand my plea. Holding her chin, thinking before agreeing, collected, as if a strategy was needed to approach it.
-Fair enough, maybe their brush with the unusual was quite tame, maybe not. One way or another, gauge the situation and act accordingly.- and, as expected, her tactical mind came with the best possible outcome for it all. I'm so glad Varvatos wasn't here, though I doubt he would've given a brash response, still, her approach gives me peace of mind.
-Thanks, Zadra- I sigh, before looking at the clock. Six thirty a.m. -Gotta go!- Not having a sekton to spare before finishing the pancakes and taking my board towards the door. Just enough time on the clock to arrive before the bell rang, beginning classes without Aja in them.
As I leave, Zadra's voice calls from behind. -Take care!- before I speed out of sight.
Using the board has been a life changer, not having to hide any longer is relieving. Not that walking was hard or exhausting, but just being what we are has taken a weight off my chest. Sure, I still use my human form but it's mostly out of habit, and also because I'm sure I would be way too distracting. Though I don't care for anyone's opinion, I would hate to hinder my classmates due to foolish entitlement, still, that doesn't stop me from arriving to school in a more efficent way and perfectly on time.
Fifteen mekrons before Seven in the morning! More than enough time for Aja to appear and to have everything in place for another school year. My mind races, planning all perfectly. I'll leave the board and portable wormhole in my locker, avoiding any accidents from happening; I'll have to check the schedule, just so I leave anything I don't really need in there as well. I'm so focused on everything that, suddenly, the greetings thrown my way catch me off guard.
People who previously dismissed me, now see me. My name, said correctly; funny replies, honest compliments, it's very strange but...I don't feel put off by it. How strange is it to feel like you belong after letting everyone know you are not like them? It's so odd but...so comforting. I could get used to this...
In between waves and handshakes, I arrive to my locker, ready to rewire my brain back towards my plans when...
-So...when will Aja arrive?- Unbelievable, not even seven am yet and Steve is already all over me. One would think he could ask her himself, but no, my dear sister prefered to spend the morning delegating responsabilities than answering his oaf of a boyfriend. And now, she'll probably be late since I have to stay outside to activate the wormhole. Didn't he had enough with having her almost all summer break?! For Gaylen's sake!
-Soon! She's busy- making sure each word was clear, as if speaking with a toddler, who responds with a little tantrum.
-Come on! She's a Queen!- nagging, really acting like a little kid who misses their favorite toy. Elongating the claim, making each nerve in my body itch.
Exasperated, I become sharp, less patient by the second.
-Exactly, she has responsabilities to attend to!- pleeding silently he'll see reason. -Once she's done, she'll let me know-
But instead, his face squirms in confusion. As if I had said something impossible to understand.
-Wait! I thought being Queen or King meant..-
-Being pampered all day long?- I interrupt him, my eyes shooting daggers at my sister's idiot of a boyfriend. The silence which followed, confirmed my ironic question. Really? What does she see in him?! -Steve...we have taken history together, you know that's not how it works- sarcasm dripping from the comment, still hoping he'll catch on to it all, but, instead, he doubles down as the dumbass he is.
-But you're aliens!-
-Akiridians! And that doesn't excuse us from not handling a goverment correctly.- the slur still gets on my nerves! I know he doesn't mean harm but it feels so disrespectful. Even worse, how daft do you have to be to think ruling a planet is all about waving around and looking pretty?! Has he really just seen princess movies and thought "Huh, that looks easy, I can rock the tiara as well!" FOR KLEB'S SAKE!
So, taking a deep breath, I look him in the eye, making sure he listens to me very carefully...
-Better check on your history books. One day, if you're lucky enough, you'll be Prince Consort of Akiridion 5, so please, get the fairy tales out of your head.- even as calm as I try to be, my anger boils to the surface, or rather, my frustration at how dense he can be.
I don't envy my sister, not by a long shot, having to deal with such a piece of work is not for the faint of heart or for more advanced minds. He's crude, plain, basic, but means well and will do anything to keep Aja safe, even if he's not as skillful as her...
And speaking of the devil... -She's ready...- as my phone beeps with her message, letting me know it's time.
So, here's how it works. The abductor is a bracelet on my hand which serves as a signal repeater, basically letting me keep some of Mother's energy with me at all times while giving more time as a human if I want to. The new wormhole connects to the bracelet, using some of its energy to power it and stabilize it. It will also help Aja become human as she walks through thanks to a symbiotic code Douxie helped me develop.
Having said all that, the only thing I need to do is place the teleporting gun on the bracelet and shoot. As soon as I do so, a portal appears in front of us. From it's blue and white light, my dear sister emerges in her human form. No glitches, no bugs, just like the test run.
-Lil' brother!- her smile visible for everyone once the portal closes on her back. -That was lively! It works perfectly!- prancing and twirling, admiring her human form as well. Without a second to spare, she hugs me tightly, making my feet leave the ground for a moment. -Thank you so much!- giggling, really happy to be back, even if she only left for 12 horvaths or so.
Still, her happiness, as unfounded as it may seem, makes me happy too, so I let her have her way. -Glad you liked it!-
-Of course I did! My smart little brother created a teleporting device for me!- and then, the babying starts. Somehow it is the only con of having her as Queen, it made it seem as if she is way older than me, when our difference is 300 delsons at most.
One way or another, I begin to squirm on her wrasp as she squishes her cheek on mine, as if I was a baby of sorts or Luug. -Stop it!- I kick and move until she lets me go.
Even though I love her, sometimes she pushes her luck a bit too far. Nevertheless, she laughs it out before Steve's voice can be heard anew.
-Hey! I want cuddles too!- nagging again, like a spoiled kid, just to quickly be hugged and carried by Aja.
-My sweet oaf!- her lively cheer, alongside her carrying him like in one of those cheesy romantic movies, makes the scene so...corny...as humans would say. Sure, she got stronger, but it's so weird to see them like this...still... -I missed you so much!- she whispers to him, her eyes looking at him as if he was a new galaxy in the midnight sky.
In return, his stupid expression is stained red as he blushes, his arms around her neck, as he kicks his feet in the air, lovingly enjoying her attention. His gaze as well, looking at her as if she was the most beautiful thing in his small world.
-I missed you too, my butt kicking angel- he whispers, before a kiss happens, a dorky, giggly, and dumb mashing of their mouths.
-Oh for Gaylen's sake...Get a room!- Sorry! It's just too sweet for me. They're so corny! It's actually stomach-churning how over the top they can be sometimes.
As my eyes avoid the obscene scene beside me, a breeze of fresh air makes itself presence with a voice which makes me forget it all.
-Hi Krel...- his soft voice, deep and velvety suddenly make the nausea go away. As I turn around, I can see him, dark hair with blue, golden eyes, a charming smile.
-Douxie!- I leave my stuff on the locker before going his way. Relieved to see him.
-So you reunited the Lovebirds, huh?- his eyes locked on me, and mine in his as well.
How can he be like that? So smart, yet so smooth, so sweet and caring and yet, be such...how did humans say it? A bad boy? Anyway, it's so alluring and so...calming at the same time. Only he can bring my defenses down this fast.
-Yeah, can you believe it? They were on a date yesterday and still can't keep their hands off each other.- my reply, as honest as it can be, even if I wasn't aware I was being some sort of hypocrite.
-Sounds familiar...- as he says so, I turn around to complain, only to find our hands locked together, moved up so he could make his point. My tanned hand taking his pale one, the contrast was evident. To it, he added a kiss over my own appendage, finally making me blush as his eyes saw mine once more.
But his point, as clear as it may seem, isn't completely true, not in my eyes at least. -It's different, we were working with Jim, that hardly qualifies as a date-
-If you say so...- even with how dismissive his answer is, I know it isn't unfounded. Our dates hadn't been much different from yesterday's hang out. We could be walking around, talking, just to end up home, mine or his, a cup of tea or coffee at hand, made by him, as we talked about a thousand things. Ideas, inventions, the common ground of magic and science and how both can merge for the betterment of the world. Sooner or later, we would be in my lab, making schematics and, in an hour or two, a proyotype.
Though to some it could seem boring, there is romance to be found in common interests. Maybe, as I assemble a prototype, his hand would softly brush my waist as he leans in to see what I'm doing. Maybe, when the prototype works, he would hold my hand, letting me squish it without complain. Maybe, as I lose track of my rambling, he looks at me with those golden eyes, as if I was the most amazing thing he has seen...
For Gaylen's sake, now I'm making myself blush. Kleb!
Having said that, yesterday was close, but not quite, after all, Jim was there and we're both very serious when a third party is involved. His amulet is new territory for me and if something isn't done correctly he could even end up in another timeline, given the amulet itself bends the rules of physics to summon the armour. Though magic gives us some leeway, it is still a delicate balance to achieve, thus, why yesterday was nothing close to what we could call a date.
I'm about to state my case when our phones beep, a message from the school's influencer: @Queen_Mary or @TheOneandOnly_Mary, Miss Mary Wang. A reunion, one which was bound to happen sooner or later.
-We have to be in the Gym by 8 am. Guess it'll be to meet the New Exchange Students- Hisirdoux summarizes it quickly, a faint smile is drawn as he notices the flirtatious tone of the overall post. His eyes roll, pretty much aware that's how she is and will always be.
And to it, I agree. If you don't catch her eye, she will ignore you or barely acknowledge you, but, if you stick out and something about you tickles her fancy, she'll be all over you. Guaranteed! And, unfortunately for Jim, he was now her favorite topic, at least, for now.
I giggle at his side, low key feeling sorry for the subject of her new fixation. -Most likely...- my soft reply to his statement, which Mary also confirmed on her post, which included to pictures. The half troll being pulled into an uncomfortable selfie with the original poster, just to soon be kissed in the cheek by her, as he blushes, still looking awkward while letting it be so.
-Poor Jim...- I whisper, feeling sorry for his predicament. -How could you handle Mary for the Battle of the Bands?- and without a second to spare, I ask the ineviteable but not relevant question which had danced in my mind since we recounted that day.
-It wasn't that troublesome- Doux follows through, liking the post before putting his phone back on his pocket. -I just was a good teacher and stood professional 'till the end.- his charismatic smile making everything seem easy. His gaze, selling the illusion. - I focused on the music while she dotted, that's all- then, his real age came through, ever so slightly.
Centuries of living, fighting and dealing with the best and worst of the world, and from it all, he just keeps moving foward, without fixating upon the absurd since he is a part of it. Despite his youth, he's wise, wiser than I thought when I saw him the day of the "Eternal Night", as he and the trollhunters call it.
I was so lost, so out of my mind during it all, I barely took notice on most stuff which happened, one of those things being how he handled the disaster. He protected as many as he could, while keeping his front alive, even for the members of the Band he was temporarily a part of, one of then, being Mary.
When most popular boys, according to movies and shows, would've taken advantage of his position, he sought to teach them how to make music and have fun instead of earning a reputation which might blow up in his face after.
It was smart, and the first sign he was more than he appeared to be. Maybe, if the week before that hadn't been as chaotic as it was, I would've met him sooner; but alas, it wasn't meant to be, not then at least.
Now that I had the oportunity to meet him, to see beyond the "bad boy" image he projects, there's a truth I must admit...
-You're indeed smarter than I had given you credit for- trying to flash a smile at him, alike the one he always throws my way, appearing confident, a bit too smooth for how I usually am, and soon enough, I lose the competition to his undeniable wit.
-Is that a compliment, my prince?- Seklos and Gaylen, give me strength! The slight headtilt, the rised eyebrow, the brief flash of a grin make my brain shortcircuit.
-What if it is?- even though I try my best to stay in the game, my mind has already accepted defeat as he corners me, trapping me between him, and the lockers on my back.
-Well, we might need to get a room as well...- Kleb...he heard me, and killed me with my own weapon. A rush of heat colors my face red, ironically freezing my thoughts. Tasciturn eyes, gleeming in the small, dark space between us, making my core fail at times, sending my mind into the infinity of space.
He raises our hands, still locked together, just to kiss mine, softly, sending chills through my spine. For Gaylen's sake, how can someone make me so dumb all of a sudden? How on all galaxies can I reply to something like that? Do I...kiss him? Do I...what? What do I do?
Before my mind has the ability to respond, the bell saves me, ringing just in time for me to react.
-The Bell!- I yell, fleeing quickly from the wizard's trap. -Let's Go!- or so I think...
With my hand still held, he pulls me in, making me spin before catching me gently with his free one. Before I know it, a soft kiss is placed on my lips. So warm, so sweet, and so brief...
-See you at the gym..- his voice making my core jump inside my chest, glitching and bugging all around. It drives me crazy!
With a shaky breath, I finally muster an answer... -You'll be the end of me...-
With a chuckle, he quickly rebuffs it...-Then so be it...-
For Kleb's sake...
Sektons go by before he lets me go, helping me stand up before heading towards his classroom. I see him go by, lost still in the moment we shared while I shake from how overwhelming it was. Sure, he had done stuff like that, but never publicly! Was he proving a point? Was he giving me a spoonful of my own medicine? It sure felt like so!
Soon as he left my sight, Steve's and Aja's eyes were on me.
Their gazes full of surprise, of leashed jokes fighting to be let loose. I could feel them waiting to use my words against me, all because of Hisirdoux. So, before they could peep, I close the door of my locker, hard, letting my emotions win for a moment. -Oh shut it!- putting on the lock before going my way, avoiding the mocking looks thrown my way. -Let's go...-
I won't hear the end of it, I'm sure, and he'll pay for it!
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-Maya! Zatz! Hurry up, we'll be late!-
Here we are, at the airport's parking space. The van waiting for us to get in and go towards Arcadia, which, according to Lady Micté, is half an hour away. Though It seems like a fair distance, given the town doesn't have an airport of their own, getting late is probable due to the traffic around the city. To top it all off, security stopped us on our way out, curious about our Macahuitls. Of course we clarified they were historic pieces and weren't meant for actual use, otherwise, they would've been confiscated. That incident took some time off the schedule, and now, our dear director, lady of the death and mother to Maya, my princess, is stressing out with justified motif.
We have to arrive to Arcadia before eight to get our documents straight and leave our stuff in the residence the school figured out for all of us before presenting ourselves to our new classmates. Time's burning out, but we have an issue, one which could've been avoided.
-Mamá! Can't you give us a break?- Maya asks, tired, yawning. We slept a couple of hours last night. She was so nervous making her luggage she was barely able to sleep and, being who I am, I stood there making her company and trying to calm her down. All of this to say... -We haven't slept!-
-And whose fault is that?!- Lady Micté fires back, getting our stuff into the carrier as quickly as she can. I would help, but knowing her, she would rebuff me from how anxious she already is. So, it's better if we let her to her devices. -I told you both to go to sleep early, but the Gods know what you did instead!-
Not unfounded, but certainly not expected, the comment makes us blush like idiots. Sure! We have certainly done as she implies, but yesterday wasn't one of those days.
Maya was pacing all around her room, the one she let me share for the night. Clothes, accesories and other things on her hands, clutched nervously. A weird sight to behold, one I wish it never happens again. Her confident personality fading into uncertainty as a thousand scenarios run through her mind. It was fear, fear of not being able to handle a new ambient. I couldn't blame her, we had been in the City all our lives, where we were known, though not very highly amongst our classmates.
We were the children of the politians of the city, of the presidential candidates. The ones who spoke on their behalf, giving a thumbs up everytime a camera was pointed our way. Dancing monkeys, meant to be alienated due to the circunstances around our upbringing. Only, when things got out of hand, did we find our calling, our voice and will. Things changed so fast...and now we're here, about to start a new year far away from what we have known. Wouldn't that throw anyone up a loop?
Anyway, justifications aside, Lady Micte's implication left us frozen for a second before my dear's fiery temper came in clutch. -Mom!- though blushing and angry, she looks so cute. Of course I won't tell her so, a punch is expected just from the idea alone but it won't stop me from looking at her with awe, smiling as she frowns in embarrased rage. But, no matter how much he fumes over it, it won't change her Mother's mind.
-No dije nada! And I don't wanna know, just get in the van!- closing the carrier with one swift motion before jumping on the vehicle.
An exhasperated sigh leaves my beloved, grunting in frustration while red stains her beautiful copper like skin. As much as I would love to stare at it for hours, we gotta get moving and, luckily, I may know the key to it.
As she grunts beneath her breath, my hands softly guide her to me. Once she feels herself being pulled, her eyes lock on mine. Our hands, together, my tranquility vanishing her storm.
Dark obsidians framed in blood red fixate upon my mask of purple and crimson as her breath calms down. With soft voice, I'm able to completely ease her.
-Maya, take it easy, we can sleep a bit on our way there.- our breathing, at last, synchronized in peace. Her pupils dilating as silence brings back the sunlight of her smile.
A sigh finally makes her shoulders relax completely. Pressure coming her softly as she pulls a hand to her cheek, cuddling in my paleness as I hold her. Then, a whisper...-Yeah...you're right.- settles the discussion, before she closes the distance quickly, stealing a kiss while standing on her tippytoes, effectively making me blush once more.
-Love you- a soft affirmation, one I've heard a thousand times, but one I'll never get tired of. Her cheeky smile while saying it, the spark in her eyes, as her bronze like hand caresses my cheek. How can I not love her? How can I deny her? I can't...
-Love you too, princess- her giggle at the nickname is the signature at the foot of my death certificate. She rolls her eyes at it, making her even more adorable in my eyes. So, with no time to waste, I pull her in to kiss her once more, softly, tenderly, hoping I could stay like her forever in this eternal dance of looks and affections. Quickly, she embraces my neck, letting me know she wishes for the same fate.
A sun and moon dancing through the sky, kissing at the break of dawn, embracing once each couple of years as one darkens the other in jealousy. I wouldn't mind it, not at all...but...
-Hurry up, tortolos!- duty is calling, and it must not be ignored.
Maya deflates, buffing at her mother's scolding before screaming back.
-Si! Si! YA VAMOS!- and so, I'm dragged by the hand to the Van by my powerful and strong little dynamite gal, and honestly, I don't mind it either. If the smile on my face is any indicator of it, I would let her do anything to me and I wouldn't complain, not a peep, not a sound, just loving bliss.
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Five, Ten, Fifteen Minutes go by on our way towards Arcadia and Maya is restless in my arms. Her boot dances nervously on the floor of the van, stomping and kicking around, trying to gain some calm with no avail. As much as I would love to sleep, I can leave her alone while doing this, but I don't want her to worry I won't sleep again because of her so, I remain silent, waiting for her to give me a sign...
Sooner than later, I'm called into action. -Zatz?- softly, full with concern, thoughtful but without looking my way, still laying on my chest.
I want to ask out, be aggressive about it, but I know it won't do her any good, so, I keep my front. -Hmm?- as grogily as I can muster, making it seem as if she had waken me up. Given I'm a light sleeper by nature, it's believable.
As soon as I reply, her hand over my chest clutches my shirt, anxious, like last night. Her voice confirms it further. -How do you think this will go?- her heroic tone, always loud and unafraid, is now dimmed by the uncertain.
My hand, instantly reaches her hair, petting it softly, trying to give her some comfort. -What do you mean?- a whisper, kind, relaxed, but inquisitive nonetheless.
She sighs, cuddling further into my touch. -I mean...In the City, we are poster kids, even after the Mictlan thing. Here...no one knows about us...- I can see her mind wander, her eyes darting around, catching whatever glimpse of her doubts, all so she can verbalize her discomfort
I know the lack of popularity isn't what puts her off, it has never been her drive, but something which is quite the opposite.
-Do you fear they won't accept us?- Infamy, homebound to our upbringing. We were isolated for way too long, and when we finally got tp meet more people our age, things...didn't go out as planned.
-We both don't have the best record at making friends. I made mine in five minutes and almost lost them, and Mictlan had you under lock and key all your life.- she affirms, truth in each word. She only had her brothers before she was fifteen, and I only had my father...and Mictlan, who used me to push his campaign. As soon as I was 16 I was dropped into the Institute just so I could keep an eye on Maya, even if I didn't know why...So, I became a loner, a bad boy, and she was more or less the same...
Both, dropped into a new world, but one which knew us way too well and didn't accept us. Teenagers are cruel, and adults tend to forget it, making it all worse by being unaware of our hardships. Tangled in their problems, they forget ours, and that backfires often.
Even if that particular loophole became our advantage later, it doesn't erase the months of uncomfotable loneliness, forced unto us by problems which weren't ours...until they were.
We met, became allies, friends....and lovers. Though I don't regret it, I wish it didn't have to include the time we were enemies. Still, if it weren't for it, maybe I wouldn't have had a real reason to speak to her.
Bringing down Mictlan was what brought us together, what gave us friends, what awoke on us something long lost by our people. It is amazing, but the cost we paid for it...was worth it? Would we be willing to pay it again?
-Maybe...I don't know..- her hesitation is fair, given what we know. But there's an advantage here she's not quite seeing: Anonimity, simple and pure. How we can, for a lack of a better way of saying it, blend in where we are not known by TV ads and political posters.
Having a coherent solution I didn't have the night before, I hold her chin up, looking into her eyes, making sure she listens to me.
-Hey, look at it this way. Here we can have a new start.- my words, soft, caring. My only want is to help her see beyond her fears, so, I keep going. -No one knows who we are, what we represent or have done. Maybe...by being no ones, we can actually fit in.- a smile, as warm as my words, adorns my face while anxious eyes see me from below. Her gaze lowers, thinking, processing what I've said before sighing.
Suddenly, something beyond the van catches her attention, not fully, but enough for her to sit upright on my lap. My guess? The city fades from view, letting her know there is no going back. Her exhale, full of reluctant acceptance tells me as much.
Wanting to soothe her, my hands, now over her thighs, rub small circles over the harden muscles beneath them. The gesture beacons back her obsidian eyes, and, for a flicker, her smirk. She's still there, the demigod turned princess, turned hero. The one who wields a macahuitl of golden blades. She just needs some time to see beyond her insecurities, to let them out, so the warrior may prevail.
Suddenly, a thought crosses her mind, or rather, a memory.
-Lady Micté told me these guys have been through similar stuff than us, so they might understand.- her eyes, refusing to look my way again, now reminisce on the comment, processing it like what was said before it. As if she doesn't think it probable for something like that to happen anywhere else. After all, it is Mexico. The land of surrealism, of magic realism, of the improbable. The land were the dead dwell and sing with us two nights a year, where gods of old still breath air and call the shots when their voices seem to be forgotten. Where streets vibrate with music, where people of bronze skin open their hearts to those who need it.
How can this town compare to our México Mágico? I'm not sure, and Maya seems even less sure of such.
-And you don't believe so?- my question, being as dumb as it is just by looking at her, is made even more useless when she looks my way, laughing at it's stupidity.
-Come on! How often do you hear of a presidential candidate turning into a giant snake and being defeated by a bunch of Highschoolers? It would be insane to think someone else has gone through something so mindblowing!- her laughter being music to my ears, even if it was a sarcastic one. I chuckle beside her, but not accepting defeat over my point. That even if it seem impossible, there's always a chance it isn't.
-True, but let's not take credit from them, they might have faced something alike, or worse. Otherwise, Lady Micté wouldn't have accepted the Exchange Program, would she?- my comment makes her smile settle in, like her gaze, now thrown my way, loving, unsure, but eased by our conversation. She sighs, relaxing her stance on top of me, letting her weight fall and her arms grab onto my neck, embracing it gently.
-Yeah, that's fair...- a kiss, short, but sweet, catches me off guard. Curse the gods for how pale I am, since the blush, which instantly stains my cheeks red, makes her giggle again. Such a sweet sound which comes from such a mischevious little act. Nevertheless, as much as I may curse my vain, if it makes her happy, I can't mind less.
Soon after, she nuzzles in the crook of my neck, her hands playing with my hair, making chills run down my spine.
As she twirls my silvery curls with dark, skilled fingers, a yawn makes itself known. Finally, fatigue comes in, letting her rest, even if it is for a little while.
Sleepy, at the verge of being unconscious, a whisper brushes my neck like a soft warm breeze. -I just hope...everything will be ok...-
My hands now rub gently her back, small circles which make her eyes flutter in exhaustion, making her slumber arrive earlier than expected. As soon as her lids close, I place a soft kiss on her head, whispering in hopes my reasoning about it all is right.
Hoping it will be a new beginning for us...-Me too...-