Time's Mistress

Return

The trip had been mostly silent since Iris had killed the demon. She had kept a distance from the group. She had been lost in thought about her feelings and her need to figure out who she had been. Night had already fallen on the group as they decided to stop and make camp. Iris sat away from them but close enough to the fire to breathe life into her confusion clouded mind. She felt herself being watched as she looked into the flames. She looked only for her eyes to be met with the inky blackness of Joel's stare. His eyes looked at her hard. She saw the want in them as they made contact. She felt her stomach turn in sickness as the feeling came over her. She didn't like this feeling and she didn't like this man.

An itching sensation touched her skin over the mark that that woman had left. Instead of scratching it, she placed her hand over it. She heard a throat clear. They both looked away to the person. Sae was looking between them. Cassie had already gone to sleep, leaning against her brother for support. His voice was soft so as not to wake her up.

"I remember Iris, before you were captured, how strong you were. You had a sense of self and were committed to our people. They worshipped you because of your ability to excel in everything with ease. And your knowledge of war strategies and intelligence in solving our people's problems was unmatched. Everyone wanted you or wanted to be with you. But you never cared for anyone. No one was of interest to you. It was Joel who pursued you without rest, day after day, until you finally gave him a chance."

"He is the best warrior in our city. He was on the path to becoming the top general before you disappeared. Somehow, you two had fallen in love and had become promised to each other. When you married, you were going to become the next ruler of our people, and Joel was going to be at your side. You were going to be the team that was going to bring peace back to the world once and for all."

She looked at Joel. She let herself be unintimidated by his black eyes as he stared back at her. She felt that uneasy feeling in her stomach return, and the itch on her neck came back. The hair on her arms started to stand on end. She knew from that moment that she didn't like him. She didn't know what it was, but there was something off about him, and it put her on edge. She broke her eye contact and looked at Sae.

"I know that you are trying to help me, but I remember nothing. But that man, Joel, whatever I felt for him before is no longer there. I feel nothing but dread. We will not return to how things were. I can already feel it. And my advice, Joel, would be to stay away from me. I don't know why, but something feels wrong about it, so keep your distance from me. And if you don't, then you will end up like that demon today. Only a memory." She looked at him with a glare before she turned back to the fire. She would have to keep a close eye on this man. She didn't trust him one bit.

*******************

The following day, they made their way to the outer walls of the city. The walls were a tall black granite that shined in the sun. Iris could feel the heat penetrating the walls as the rays were absorbed there. The wall had to be a hundred feet tall and went on for miles in both directions, it seemed. They stood in front of a giant draw bridge that was up and fitted into the wall. She looked to Cassidy in question.

"The wall absorbs heat. That is one of the ways that the city gets power. It was actually your idea to turn the wall into a giant generator as well as protect the city. You helped to design it and find the materials. You put a lot into its construction. It was one of the masterpieces of the start of your rule. You did that project just when you were 15. But it wasn't completed until after you disappeared. So this is your first time seeing your completed work." Cassidy smiled in pride. "You were already starting to take your rulers' duties at the age of 14, and you were going to take full control by the time you were 17. Everything was on track, and mom and dad were just waiting to officially step down when you went on your mission and never came back."

She cast her eyes down as she went back to the memories of when her sister first disappeared. She looked back up at her with watery eyes. She felt the sadness overwhelm her. In that moment, Cassidy couldn't stop herself. She was overwhelmed with emotion, and after their long ten year search, she hadn't even gotten to touch her sister. She jumped and hugged her little sister, letting out all of the emotions that she had been repressing inside for all of these years in regard to her. She needed her sister and, in this moment, more because she had to believe that she was real and she was really awake and alive to experience it. The return of her baby sister.

Iris listened to her sister talk and was taken by surprise when she suddenly wrapped her up in her embrace. She stiffened from the contact. The only one you who had really touched her was that woman in the other realm. And she was a little more comfortable there because she was whole. Her arm was returned, and she felt the confidence that it gave her. But that woman also gave her the feeling of love and comfort and trust, even in the short time that she had been in such a place. It warmed her inside to her very core. But as her sister hugged her tightly like she was afraid to let go, she decided that she would try to help comfort her. Only because in that moment, she, too, felt the sense of comfort and warmth that she would think would be associated with family. She allowed her arm to wrap around her sister in an awkward embrace as she felt the tears getting caught on her shoulder. The silent cry of her sister turned to that of sobs, and she felt her hold tighten.

The weight of her sister was now fully on her as she supported them both with her strong body. "I I will ill nev ever let that hap happen a again to you. It al almost kil killed me when yo you never ca came home. I was de devastated when I found out th that you you were take taken." Cassidy sobbed out explaining to her sister.

Iris felt guilt and sadness overwhelm her as her sister continued crying into her shoulder. She felt the sudden need to comfort her like maybe only she could. She had no idea what to do, but she would let her body lead her along with her instincts. She hugged her sister closer to her, making their embrace firm as she started hushing her slowly.

"I may not know what exactly happened to fill in the gaps of everything, but I feel that you loved me very much and that you still do. I can feel your love and commitment to me, and for that, I am grateful that you have found me. I feel a deep connection with you, and it is comforting and trusting. And what happened before is all in the past. We are in the present and I am here, standing in front of you. And I will do everything in my power to make sure no one takes me away from you again, sister. That I can promise you." She pulls back and wipes her sister's tears. "I am in front of you, and together, Cassie, we will figure this out. It will take time, but we will figure it out, I can promise you that." On instinct, she kissed her sister's forehead to further provide comfort. Cassidy pulled her sister into another embrace with silent tears.

"You have remembered your nickname for me. You were ever the only one to call me such a name. You are already starting to remember, sister." Iris nodded and pulled back from her sister.

"Now we must go inside. That is the only way to continue moving forward, Cassie. We need to find this tree, and I need to know who I am. All of me." Cassidy sniffed a little before she wiped her nose and eyes. She laughed a little before speaking.

"You are more like yourself than you know. You were always the one comforting me even though I'm older than you. You were always protecting me, more than anyone. You would think that you were the big sister." She laughed a little then with a smile. Her heart was now lighter than before, and she felt that she could walk her sister into the city finally and handle it.

Cassidy grabbed Iris's hand and pulled her forward gently. Iris followed behind her by only a couple of steps, feeling strange at how things were turning out for her so far. But she will admit that so far, she isn't upset, she is just surprised with herself. It's like she wants to remember. Her body already does, but something is blocking her mind. That is what is bugging her so much. But before she can think further on it, she stops with Cassidy at that wall. They are next to the drawbridge, but instead of some kind of lever or something to signal the door to be opened, her sister puts her hand in a dark square next to it. She looks as a thin light traces her sister's hand before it lights up. She hears the sound of granite rubbing together before a doorway appears in front of them. It is dark inside with no light shining out. She looks at her sister, who only looks at her with a smile.

"What is happening exactly?"

"This is the entrance to the last grand city in the world and the capital of our people. On the other side of this tunnel is your kingdom and our home. It is Zenith because we are the last standing. If you made it here, then you can live at the top of the world."

They all step in, and the door closes behind them before lights cut on, and a series of stairs appear in front of them. The small group begins walking. The walls are pure granite just like the outside, and there is an elevation in temperature. That must be from the wall absorbing energy Iris thinks to herself. They walk for a few minutes going up until their is a door with light outlining it's frame. She breathes a sigh of relief. Being in that hall reminded her of the tube that she had broken out of not too long ago. It made her feel almost claustrophobic. Especially with the walls being the color that they were, but she would never admit that out loud to anyone.

Finally, they reach the door and push it open. The door swings effortlessly open, revealing a brightly lit room. The walls are white with golden designs decorating them. There are a couple of couches and a door on the opposite wall. But next to it is a man. He is wearing a grey suit and is reading a book. He was in the world of words without a care in the world as they all enter the room. His black hair is slicked back and shiny. His pale skin makes it look like he hasn't been outside ever. His eyes are completely black as he looks up at them. His face lights up as he sees them.

"The royals have finally returned again to check up on their parents, I see." He smiles, and then his gaze changes to one of question. "And who have you brought back with you royals and guard? Have you managed to rescue someone out on the field?" Cassidy smiles then.

"Actually Blake, we are returning with someone a lot more interesting this time around." She smiled as they all walked over to him to get a closer look. His eyes look over the woman. He lingers at her arm for a moment before really inspecting her face.

"Hmmm, your face does seem oddly familiar, almost like a distant memory." He rubs his clean chin in thought. He looks between the siblings in thought before he smiles widely. His beady eyes hold an excited twinkle as the realization hits him over the head. "Your highness!" He nearly screams, his voice raises a few octaves in his yell. "You have finally returned to us!" He yells excitedly as tears start to stream down his face. "We never knew if you were going to make it back home. We have been waiting for your arrival. I remember the last time that you left from this very exit."

***************

Iris was leading a group of 15 soldiers on a mission outside of the city's walls. It had become more dangerous over the past few months as a new leader amongst the demons had emerged taking it upon himself to organize the demons and make them harder to kill but better at the act themselves. It had been frustrating, the more that they defeated, it seemed that the number almost always double in the next battle.

Iris was their leader and she was doing everything within her power to stop them. Today, she found the possible location of the leader that was causing even more mayhem than usual amongst everything. Her mission and that of her team was going to stop this demon and take him hostage to gather more information. And afterwards, they would get rid of him. She was dressed in tight black pants and a black long sleeved shirt. Her combat boots and golden vest completed her battle attire with her double axes on her back. Her hair was up in a messy bun that was covered with a beanie for the harsh winds and goggles for the wild storms that came unexpectedly.

She walked into the tiny room with her team in tow as she eyed Blake with a grin. "Still looking uptight in that suit Blake, you really need to live a little and dress down. We are the only ones that you see passing anyways." She smirked.

"I have and will always dress this way. It is who I am." He paused for a moment."And has for you running around with no protection throwing sharp objects around your highness, I believe that you just want a reason to swing it around. Just like a child throwing a tantrum." They both chuckled then.

"You'll see that these tantrums are good for something." She smirked at him before looking at her team with a serious expression, "Let's move out team." She looked at Blake with that charming smirk again, big enough to show some of her teeth. "I'll see you next time Blake."

*****************

"That was the last time. I thought that I would never see you again your highness." His tears continued to fall. He got up suddenly and hugged her to him. "You have no idea how worried everyone has been all of these years for you your highness." Iris stiffened again and then looked to her sister for guidance on what to do with this man. She smiled and shrugged before walking over to him and pulling Blake off of her sister.

"Calm down Blake, it's been a long time and my sister is very overwhelmed with everything and is very anxious to reunite and see them again. As you can see, she has had a lot happen to her in the time that she has been away from us." Blake nods his head in understanding and wipes his tears while backing away towards his desk.

"Yes, that is true royals. I'm just so happy to see you again your highness, I couldn't help myself." He bowed to her then. "Come and visit me anytime your highness, you are always welcome here. It always was your safe place." Iris looked him over slowly before nodding her head.

"Thank you Blake, for everything." He smiled warmly before sitting back down at his desk. His day had just been made. He hit the button that activated the locks on the door to open it to the city. He finally felt at peace, his highness was finally home.

****************

The city looked surprisingly bright when they left the room. The sun was standing directly over them as the crowds of people were moving. Canals of water lined the streets moving at a leisurely pace. The brick lined streets looked clean and even as carts pulled by people and horses alike were moving. Iris looked around and noticed that not a single plant was present in the area. Eventhough the water looked semi-clean. She thought to herself. For a place like this, I would imagine there would plants and people and smiles. But all I see are canals and sweaty faces. The building designs look nice and everything, but something doesn't feel right here. It's like everything is off, something isn't right here either.

Cassidy looked to the men behind them before speaking. "I think that we need to take some of the hidden paths to avoid the crowds. With Iris not remembering anything, I feel like all of the attention would overwhelm her."

Sae nodded his head. "I agree. She is not ready to address the people yet in her condition. She needs time to adjust and start to recover."

Iris turned to look when her sister grabbed her hand. Sae looked around and signaled for Joel to move. When the crowd cleared, they pulled her across the moveshift roadway and down an alley. They stopped at a brown door and moved through the archway after Joel opened it. Cassidy breathed a sigh as the door sounded behind them. They were in a white hallway with recessed lighting. There were doors with different color symbols and open paths leading to other hallways. Iris looked at them.

"Why are there so many hallways and doors?"

Cassidy smiled. "This place was designed to be like a maze. Our family made it a few generations back in case of an emergency, the royal family can always escape."

"Do you know what all of these symbols mean and where all of these halls lead to?"

"We do not. We were always instructed, even as children to not touch certain doors or go down certain halls. To ensure that we didn't, our parents only ever let us in here with guards to make sure we didn't venture and get lost." Sae spoke up then. "I remember when you were a child and discovered these passageways, you would sneak out and try to discover the secret of the labyrinth as you liked to call it. You and our parents would argue about it whenever you got caught." Sae laughed then. "You always used to think that our parents were hiding something from you. And you were so determined to find out. You used to promise that once you took over, you would explore every hall and door in this place. That's why we started using these passages. So you could start to memorize the paths and hide from the crowds when you went on missions." Sae shrugged with a small smile. "You were never one for attention, and the people of this city never let you go anywhere without notice."

She nodded her head in understanding. This place was getting a little more mysterious the longer that she was here. "And that man, Blake, who was he to me?" Iris asked with curiosity.

"Believe it or not, he was your best friend, as the keeper of the city, he is the man with all of the secrets. So you trusted him with all of yours. You used to go there and visit him quite often and stay for hours sometimes. I have no idea what you two were always discussing, but it made you closer. After you disappeared, he was more distraught than most. We tried to comfort him and afterwards even ask questions about you to him, but he never said a peep. I guess that he is your secret holder." She nodded then. I'll have to go and visit him alone at another time. I have a lot of questions for Blake.

After the series of traversing hallways, they finally arrived at a door with a golden square on it. Cassidy knocked three times before the sounds of bolts unlocking and the door switching open to reveal a man. He was in silver Armor with a golden crest. His helmet sported a blue feather like tail. He looked them over expectedly until his eyes met Iris. He lost his composure as his eyes grew wide and his mouth fell open. Cassidy smiled at him in a smug way.

"Close your mouth Chase and get over your shock. I need you to hurry and tell my parents that their children have returned. All three of them."

Sae smirked victoriously while Joel looked on with a quiet hidden anger. He would have his way and that woman would be his once again. Even if he had to kill whoever stood in his way. Iris felt a chill go down her spine as she sensed something. She looked out of the corner of her eye to see a seething Joel, failing at hiding his emotions. She narrowed her eyes in thought deciding to trust her intuition. She was going to watch him very closely. Something wasn't right. Iris turned her eyes back to the man now known as Chase as he shook out of his shock with tears threatening to fall. The small group excited the maze and he shut the door still staring at Iris in disbelief. He bowed deeply containing his tears as he looked at the floor. His queen was finally back. He stood up and looked at Iris before reaching for her hand. He came up with an empty sleeve as she eyed him expectedly. His eyes registered with shock as he looked at her face. The tears slowly starting to fall without him realizing it. He reached for the other arm and grabbed her hand as a few stray tears hit the back of her hand. Chase fell to his knees.

"Your majesty, my queen, you are alive, you are really alive. I thought that I would never live to see the day that you returned and almost fully intact." He chuckled in shock. "You have been missed, and I...." Cassidy cut him off.

"Chase, rise and go seek my parents. They need to know that Iris has returned alive." Chase nodded and stood. He wiped his face quickly and gave her one last look before taking off running in the opposite direction. He ran like his depended on it. The acting king and queen were going to fall to their knees in happiness. The royals were complete once again, and Iris was finally back to bring what the city was missing.