Page 5 of Nyanine's Divide

I can’t sleep, something is calling me, so I need to find out what it is. I’ll be in my meditating cave to open myself to the message. We’ll speak when I’m done, I promise.

He stares at me for a long moment, his thumb rubbing my wrist before he pulls me close. Another hand rises to pull me down so our lips can meet in a tender kiss.I’ll be right here, waiting, for when you need me. Call for me when you come back, I’ll bring you a warm tea.

Thank you, my love.I kiss him one more time before turning and stepping out of the room. My feet carry me swiftly down the cave corridors as I take deep breaths to center myself and prepare for my task ahead. My gaze drifts up to the dim light coming in from the cracks above that I’ve added. As the planet begins to terraform once more, my powers bringing back the trees, flowers, and more water, the temperature cools, the sun less harsh, and many are planning to build homes on the surface to prepare for the day we can officially move out of the caves. I’m not sure I’ll leave the caves, I love them, but I’m excited to see what the surface will look like once it’s as plush as it can be.

Reaching my meditation cave, I light my candles quickly and settle beside the brook, listening to its gentle babbling as I sit cross-legged and breathe deep, letting my mind relax, my body relax, so that I can open to the signals of the universe. “Wakike Wonékano, please help me find that which seeks to reach me, allow me to open myself up to the universe and its calls, help me be the force of good you intended me to be.”

My words are whispered, but behind my lids, I can see the words glow and drift away. Something about that tells me they reach their intended target, and I smile as I sink further into my relaxation and breathing. As I relax, my shoulders dropping, my hands limply settling on my knees and thighs, my mind drifts. I see stars, planets, mist, and colors that make my heart sing.

Then I’m sitting in a forest by a river, one I’ve never seen, little colored lights flashing in the leaves of the trees. I slowly stand, turning in a circle as I take it all in. A small, pink, fairy creature flutters down from the trees, slowing to hover in front of my face. My lips curl up as I tilt my head, studying the tiny creature.

“High Priestess Tavionna, it is a pleasure to meet you at last. I’m sorry that it is under these circumstances, but you’re needed.”The little creature’s voice resonates within my mind, gentle and sweet, despite her size. I expected something wee and high-pitched, but it’s as gentle as my goddess’.

“Apologies, I’m not sure I know who you are. However, I’m happy to help those in need.”

“Forgive me for being so forward, we are the Guardians of Tumbilion Sayaris. We have been helping Kari in her quest to fix the damage inflicted on our planet, the segregation of the people. I’m afraid things are taking a dark turn, one we hoped wouldn’t come to fruition, but it is. Kari is in danger, the entire village is in danger. Those you love may be taken if you don’t step in and help. Kari will need more than you, I’m afraid, but you are a necessity in her journey. Will you aid your sister in her greatest time of need? Save her life?”

My eyes widen at her words, the serious and nervous expression on her tiny face sending fear skittering down my spine. Fear for my sister, my brother, my father. For the family I’ve only just begun to know and make amends with. I can’t lose them now. “Of course, I’ll help! Whatever I need to do. But leaving my people….”

Her smile is bright and encouraging, reminding me of my goddess more than I expected, and my heart flips in my chest. There’s a connection building with this tiny creature, one I did not expect, but she is wise and more connected to the universe than I. I’m eager to learn from her.“Do not fear for your people, Tavionna. This is what your mates were destined for. You are not alone anymore, and they will be safe and cared for, as will you.”

I nod once, bowing to the Guardian. “I accept my call, I will help my family and your world. Thank you for allowing me to be of assistance.”

As I rise, the Guardian returns the bow.“It is an honor to work with another enlightened individual such as yourself, Priestess. I look forward to more conversations in our future.”We both smile before her gaze snaps behind me.“Kari seeks you out, go to her, and make sure she knows all will be well. This is not the end for her, it is merely the beginning of her biggest hurdle yet.”

I nod once more as the Guardian flutters away, high into the trees. Crunching of leaves captures my attention, and I turn to see my blonde, human sister ambling through the woods toward me, her eyes on the ground beneath her. She pauses in the clearing before the river, her green eyes lifting and meeting mine as a smile spreads quickly across her face. She rushes across the clearing to me, arms wide, as she gathers me into a hug. Being smaller than me, her head rests against my collarbone, and I chuckle as my arms slip around her, hers squeezing my center tighter.

“I wasn’t sure it would work, I’m so glad it did. I need to update you, and I didn’t have time to pop in for a visit.” She pulls back, looking up at me with a bright smile. I gently tuck a curl behind her ear and gesture toward the river, suggesting we sit and talk. She follows me as I walk over and dip my feet in, sittingon the bank. Her tiny toes sink into the clear water as she sighs, her hands folding in her lap.

“Talk to me, sister. What is it that troubles you?” I study her sullen face, the way her eyes seem to unfocus and shift from one thing to another as if she’s bouncing from thought to thought mentally.

“First, I should tell you that Charlie has agreed to meet with you to discuss the children living with you. He’s getting comms for you and the guys so we can all stay in touch. He’s supposed to reach out to me soon with a time.”

“That’s great news! I’m so honored to be able to help such a noble cause, and by such youngsters at that.” I smile, the action genuine, but she simply huffs a small laugh, her smile barely lifting. My upper left hand reaches out to settle on her shoulder as the lower one grabs her hand. “Tell me what troubles you. Perhaps I can help.”

The sigh she releases is heavy, filled with the weight of an entire world, and it troubles me deeply. Had I known she was working toward this goal when I threatened her, I would have taken it back. She shouldn’t feel so weighed down. As I take a breath, I remember the vow I made to her little Guardian, that I would help and save her life, and I will, without a doubt, do just that and help her lift this weight however I can.

“I have this monumental task ahead of me, and I have no idea how I’m going to accomplish it. I’ve barely started my research into the issue, and I’m already feeling as if I’m being blocked somehow. The truth will not come easy with this endeavor, Tavi. I’m just feeling so lost and insecure. It’s not a way I like to feel.”

“Hmm.” I rub at her shoulder, letting her words sink in. My eyes catch on the pink light in the trees, and I realize the Guardians are watching, listening. Something tells me I shouldn’t alert her to the fact that I’ve been asked to join her cause, I should simply offer. I also need to assure her that thiswill be accomplished somehow, so I let my words flow with all the honesty I can give her. “Oh, Kari. You are such a strong and capable woman. You shouldn’t let this barrier stand in your way. I know without a doubt that you will find a way around it. You found a way around my barriers, got into my heart like a little worm, and now I’m stuck with you.” We both chuckle at that, and a true smile finally graces her face. “I don’t know what I can do to help, but I assure you I'm here for whatever you need. If there’s any way I can help you get to the truth or even just protect you, I will do that. You’re my family now, my sister, and I’ll offer you my life.”

Her green eyes lift to mine, the shock evident on her face. Her lips part and move for a moment before her words finally come out. “I wouldn’t ask you to die for me, Tavi. I don’t want to lose you, either.” She huffs before a small smile spreads her lips. “But I won’t say no to your offer of help. I could use all I can get at this point.” A self-deprecating sigh leaves her as she turns back to the water, her feet swinging absently.

“Have you come up with a plan so far as to how you want to go about this?” I tilt my head to the side, my hair sliding across my shoulder, as I study her.

Her head shakes slightly. “Not really. My plan thus far is to simply ferret out the truth, if I can, and then see where that leads. Once I know what’s really behind this issue, I can dig deep, get straight to the heart of it. But it’s all concealed in lies, and half-truths, and overly vague explanations. Every history book on this planet claims it’s nothing but a simple choice, and I know that can’t be right. A separation this massive doesn’t happen simply because people choose it. There’s a war coming, too. I’ve seen it on my own planet. Things only stay this segregated and quiet for so long before one side decides to wipe out the other or fight for change. I’m afraid the villages will fall, we’ll lose that natural heritage and way of life, and this planetwill become like mine. It might die. I can’t let that happen. I just don’t know how to get past the lies to find the truth.”

She leans back on her hands before lowering to lie in the grass, her hands behind her head. The simple skirt and matching tank top suit her well, the light colors complementing her pale skin. The weather here isn’t as warm as my own planet, but it’s warm enough to be comfortable in such little clothing. “Hmm, does this Charlie boy have anything that could help you?”

“I’ve asked if he could get me a secure laptop to do my research because Vahru seems to think that the tech itself is a problem. Apparently, those who use it regularly are more evil, somehow. I’m hoping if I can get a secure one with systems to block whatever ads and such may play a role, I can safely dig for the right information.”

“Sounds like you have a good start. Maybe I can use my powers somehow to dig into the history of this world, get past whatever barriers there are to see the truth. After the drop-off with Charlie, I’ll come to visit and help you, okay? You aren’t alone in this, I promise.”

She sits up and smiles at me, thanking me as she leans her head against my shoulder. We stay there, sitting quietly, enjoying the nature of her planet, until I must get home. As I glide back to my own mind, I call out for Seuke through our bond, and as my eyes open, he’s standing beside me with a steaming cup in his hands. “Welcome back, Priestess.”

I smile and stand, gently taking the cup from him and taking a sip. “Mmm, is Xenshay awake, my love?”

He nods and leads me back to our room, where Xenshay waits. He’s lying on his side, his head propped on his right arm, and I pause in the doorway to admire his muscles and seductive posture. I could go for some of that right now. The grin he greets me with has my body responding already, and Seuke clears histhroat, causing my gaze to bounce from shiny green orbs to glowing silver ones.

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