376. Of farewells, attachments and a little plan

Cassandra Pendragon

"I never thought you'd turn out to be a sucker for children, considering how much you hated socialising with kids of your age when you were little," Arthur chuckled while he gently shooed the last tailed rascals away. I looked after them and breathed in their familiar scent one last time while they waved at me before allowing themselves to be shepherded towards the harbour, a squad of fox soldiers keeping them safe in their midst. I didn't even know how many of the kids, if any, had chosen to stay here but Arthur had decided to leave this very day and Reia, Archy and Estrella were tagging along with their friends as well to say their goodbyes. Melancholically I stared after the departing wave of multicoloured fur but they'd be back with my own personal troops shortly… unless I had gravely miscalculated how long it'd take the ugly worm to reach us.

"It's different when you're looking like an adult," I explained patiently and fanned out my tails. They had almost become numb. "Nobody expects me to actually act like them."

"And still… you do," he replied with a smile in his voice, his warm, strong hand landing on my shoulder. "I wish I could have seen that side of you more often. It's… refreshing."

"If you had been around more often, you would have," I mumbled.

"I never did apologise, did I? It's difficult for me. Showing weakness… it's not the best idea when you're expected to lead. I'm sorry. Not for running away, I think you know by now that I didn't have that many options without making everything worse, but for never coming back. My… disagreements with father shouldn't have mattered to us. That's on me. Still, do you think you'll be able to trust me again?"

"I already do. More or less." I placed my hands on the small of my back and stretched without facing him. The satisfying pop of my vertebrae sent a languorous shiver down my spine. "Come to think of it… you're just like mom and I've always been mommy's girl."

"If I'm like her and Mordred is turning out like dad… what does that make you?"

"Malcolm in the middle? Arthur… you do know that I'm old, right? I could have been raised on the streets of Free Land and I'd probably have turned out the same way."

"Who's Malcolm? Did you have a boyfriend I don't know about?" He sounded… curious.

"Seriously? A boyfriend? When? How? No, he's a fictional character from another world. You know everything there is to know about my love life, don't worry I'm not keeping anything a secret. Well, nothing that personal at least."

"But something else?"

"Of course. If I wanted to tell you every enigmatic experience I've ever lived through we'd be stuck here until the end of days. The whole immortal thing hasn't really dawned on you, yet, has it?"

"Can you blame me? It's not that easy to wrap my head around. I mean, who'd have thought that the clumsy, stubborn toddler I watched taking her first steps would turn out to be an… enigmatic existence from across the stars? It's a bit much to take in, isn't it?" I finally turned around smiling.

"Clumsy? I've never been clumsy. Overeager, maybe. You should try spending a few months in the body of a child. Frustrating doesn't even begin to cover it. Just ask mom."

"I think I will… as soon as she starts appreciating a glass of wine again. That's it, then? Time for our goodbyes?" A gust of wind rustled his silky hair and for a moment he seemed… sad, lonely. 

"Don't be so dramatic. This time it won't be for years. Which reminds. Here. That's to make sure you won't forget us. Do call, once in a while, will you?" I unceremoniously shoved one of the crystals into his hand. "You don't have to everyday but once a week wouldn't be so bad, would it?" Before I let go I squeezed his fingers and winked.

"Since when have you become an artificer," he asked as he inspected the glowing gem curiously.

"Immortal, remember?" I rolled my eyes. "Try to keep up, will you? Anyways, you know how that little gizmo works, do you?"

"It's a communication crystal, isn't it? I might not be a scholar but I can use a damned artefact. Thanks, Cassy. But… it's not enough." Before I could do more than raise an eyebrow questioningly he explained: "look… we haven't met each other in for ever and ever since, we've mostly been… arguing, to put it politely. Hardly surprising, with a family like ours, but still… you're an immortal and my little sister and I'm a king and your brother. We've pretty much acted like the former all the time. At least for today I'd like to simply be the latter. And as your brother, I'd like to ask you to turn some of your considerable talents towards bridging the gap between us."

"As in," I asked suspiciously. "I'm not going to iterate everything I've said before but as long as you and your wife are determined to make this about power, there isn't much to be done."

"I know," he sighed, "except we've come to realise that you neither want nor need the kind of strength we're squabbling over. Mordred and mother are another matter. Could you… I don't know, mediate?"

"Me? Chances are I'd end up bashing your skulls in when my temper gets the better of me."

"You've never had a problem controlling yourself when there was something you had to accomplish. I… now, don't get your tails in a twist but I know what happened with the two girls just now…"

"How? Aside from the quintet, you so considerately dumped on me, are there any more of your people keeping an eye on me?" I didn't sound half as aggressive as it might seem on a paper, which was probably the reason why he was still smiling.

"No… but we've both inherited mom's senses. I simply listened. And maybe helped with a spell or two. Does it really matter? What I'm getting at is this… Sera, mother and you, the three of you are more similar to forces of nature than you are to us. You know why Sylv, and me as well for that matter, think that's a problem. But it doesn't have to be. Do you remember father's plans to unite the families back on Boseiju?" I had to dig through my memories for a few moments before I did.

"Didn't he plan to implement something like martial law? The families would rule undisturbed unless we'd have to face a crisis. The most powerful members of each family would then take the reins as some kind of… united government until the situation could be resolved. In exchange, they'd renounce their entire claims in times of peace. Oh boy, it was a ludicrous idea back then and I don't think it's any better now. Unless there's something I'm missing?"

"Probably. We aren't different families but one. Look, am I wrong to assume that Mordred is going to become the leader of this enclave?"

"Probably not. Unless he fucks up and Greta beats him black and blue."

"Fair enough. Which leaves mother, Sera and you… doing what, exactly?"

"What we have to? I barely find the time to sleep once a week and I don't think it's any different for them. Arthur… just say it. What crazy idea have the two of you hatched?"

"In a single sentence… an exchange. Your power, the power of all three of you, for autonomy and a seat at the table." Aw, I appreciated the sentiment but until there was an actual idea there, aside from blowing smoke, it'd still remain a pipe dream. "How," I asked.

"Education. The three of you know more about magic than anyone alive." Not entirely true but for the sake of argument close enough. "Make your knowledge accessible to us. Teach our youngsters. You're going to the Emerald Island… pay attention how they've structured their academy. I want something similar. Not just for kitsune… but for anyone who'd be willing to learn. I'll pay, the three of you will take care of the rest. And if it becomes necessary… I won't interfere with how you lead your students, even the former ones."

"Let me get this straight. You want me to found a school in your name, more or less, attracting students from all around the world and in exchange you'll use them as cannon fodder, if it becomes necessary, and ensure that mom, Sera and I will march at the forefront as well?" He deflated and lowered his gaze.

"I wouldn't have phrased it quite like that, but… look, isn't that the best way to ensure that fabled alliance you've been clamouring on about will actually happen? It's much simpler to argue with someone whose child you've trained." He didn't sound like he expected me to agree and my first impulse had truly been to brush it off but the longer I thought about it, the more I saw the appeal. 

"I'll have to think about it. But, even if I agree, you'll most likely not like my conditions."

"Wouldn't have it any other way. I won't even insist on a place. Do it here, for all I care, as long as you get those portals to work." I nodded thoughtfully.

"And you and your wife would stay out of it, no matter what we decided to do?"

"Well, if you intended to organise a coup I imagine we wouldn't just sit by idly, but other than that… sure, as soon as someone graduates and becomes a soldier, for example, I'd expect them to be loyal to me, though, but you can always… call them back."

"And if your colony, or another place for that matter, comes under attack I could use the resources, people and tools alike, as I see fit?"

"No. As the three of you see fit. In exchange… I never again want to hear another word about succession, influence or political power. That'd be between our brother and me and you'll stay the hell out of it. Think of it as a… division. Mordred and I will keep ourselves busy with the politics you detest anyways and you can build relations and an army in peace… more or less."

"I see. Believe it or not, I'm tempted. But I can't make that decision on my own."

"Of course not. But will you talk to mother and Sera? I don't think they'd listen to me."

"I was actually thinking about Mordred and Ahri, but sure. I'll try."

"What's Ahri got to do with it?"

"Seriously? She's my wife. If she says no, it won't happen. But…," I tilted my head to the side and listened for a moment, "she won't. You do realise that something like that takes time, more than we probably have?"

"Does it? Let's assume for a moment that you actually want to. How long will it take, if you're prepared to give it your all? Elves, fey, dragons… I'm sure you'd have your first batch of teachers and students within half a year. That should be more than enough for your purposes. And as for mine… I'm not in rush. Whether it takes a decade or a century, I won't mind." I couldn't stop myself from grinning.

"So you actually expect me to poach the most promising casters from the Emerald Island?"

"Poach? No. Give them an alternative, if they want one. They're at war, or will be soon. I'm sure more than one family is thinking about a way to escape, to keep their children safe. And which place could possibly be safer than a school run by an angel, an ancient, shape shifting dragoness and a creature made of pure magic? Not to mention that it'll be backed up by a people who are all magicians in their own right, down to the last cub."

"Goddamn, you've really turned into a politician. When did you come up with that idea?"

"In the raw? As soon as Sylv described what you did to her when you first met. The school thing was her idea, though. I was thinking more along the lines of an actual council, similar to what father had planned for Boseiju. She convinced me that you'd never go for it, though."

"She was right. Like I said, I'll think about it. One more question, though, was that my brother or the king talking?"

"A bit of both. That's your brother." Before I could move he enveloped me in a bear hug. "Whatever you decide, I still want you in my life. You and mother and Mordred. If that's not the way, will figure out something else. I promise. I'm not going to run away again."

"You know," I chuckled into his shoulder, even though my voice sounded a bit hoarse, "if that had been the first words out of your mouth I don't think we'd have had even the slightest problem."

"What can I say? I'm just as impulsive as you. I can hide it better, most of the time, but family always gets under your skin, doesn't it? And if you're referring to how I treated Reia… that's even worse. Case and point. Are you… tearing up?"

"No," I mumbled, blinking rapidly, "the sun's too bright. Of course I am, you idiot. Don't you see, that's all I ever wanted? We don't have to see eye to eye, I just want you to act like we matter more to you than some silly notion of what you should be."

"You'll make a great teacher," he whispered in my ear. "Sometimes I do wonder whether we raised you or if it was the other way around." He pushed me to arm's length but didn't let go. "Do you… do you remember your other families?"

"You mean the ones I grew up with before?" I shook my head. "No… glimpses, from time to time. A bearded man laughing, a black haired woman singing me a lullaby. But I don't even know if it's real. Either way, they're long gone," I added sadly.

"Are you sure?"

"Very much so. Arthur, my last life lasted for millions of years. Millions. Not to mention that I think I was able to time travel, even though I rarely did. Chances are even the planet I was born on has turned to dust in the meantime. As for them… I'd like to remember them, but that's all they are now. Stardust and memories."

"Will we become the same," he asked quietly.

"To me? No. But I don't know how long I'll be able to stay like I am. This life… it could end much faster than I want it to. And after that… I fear you, mom, Mordred, even Ahri and me… we'll all become just another tale, another story, another memory. But, trust me, I won't go down without a fight. Never have, never will."

"Never expected you to. Cassy… can I ask you something?" "Always."

"Do you think you have a chance? You haven't properly explained what's going on with you yet, but I'd have to be a moron to not figure out how deep the shit you're stuck in actually is."

"Why? Because a whole race of immortals is after me? Seriously, though… Lucifer, my last incarnation, he didn't. I think that's why he failed. He was too old, too calloused… too cold. Me? I honestly don't care. There was this saying on another world… never tell me the odds. I don't know if I'll make it, I don't know if I'll even become powerful enough to think about fighting back but I'll try and that's all there is to it. The rest… we'll just have to see, won't we?"

"Aren't you… scared? Knowing where your life is headed?"

"All the time. But I'm not alone… and I think I'm right. That matters. To tell you the truth, I'm less scared of dying and more of embracing the war that awaits me. I don't want to become a butcher, a demon. I'd rather vanish than lose myself and I fear that's what's at stake. Which is why I need my family. And as much as I could wring your neck from time to time that includes you, too."