"Lina" In Twine (change:?page,
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This is an adaption of the short story "Lina". It has been augmented and expanded with the use of the application Twine.
The short story itself is a work of anthology closely based on the characters and world of a much larger work being produced by the same author.
Words, phrases, and sentences that appear bolded or in blue where others are not are links to either uncover more text or to dive deeper into the highlighted topic.
I hope you enjoy!
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(css: "font-size: 170%;")+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")+(color: red)[[[Lina->Preface to Chapter 1]]]
(color: orange)+(align:"<==")+(box:"=======XXX")[By W. Kaden Gicker]
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//Washington, D.C. February 14th, 2229//
She hadn't been there the last time he'd come over to their house. [[James->James]] was visiting his friend [[Elli->Elli]] at his parents' house so they could play and now Elli's little sister wanted to join them. James had known his best friend had a sister, but he'd never even seen her before, even though he had been over to their house before. Now that she was here he couldn't stop looking at her and he felt something strange in his chest.
"Go away", Elli said, turning back to the toy hover cars the boys were passing back and forth. James wanted to say she could stay but felt like he shouldn't.
For a second Elli's sister looked sad but then she looked at James and smiled. She waved and said, "Hi! I'm [[Lina->Lina]], you're James aren't you?"
"Yes", James mumbled, the strange feeling in his chest expanding.
Lina bounced over to him, crouched, and stuck out her hand.
"It"s nice to meet you", she beamed.
James gingerly took her hand and she vigorously shook his up and down.
"Ugh, go away Lina. We're playing!" Elli sent a car zooming over the floor to James.
James caught it as Lina stood up. "Fine!" Her light brown cheeks turned a little red and her almost black ponytail bounced with the movement.
"Bye James", she smiled again and bounced out of the room.
"Bye", James murmured, [[watching her go->Preface to Chapter 2]].
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(text-colour:#fecb3e)[//3 years later//
"Give me that", the boy pulled the book out of James's hand, shoving him to the ground. He hit the courtyard grass with a thud and caught himself with an outstretched hand.
"Wutcha readin", the boy sneered. "This looks stupid. Are you readin a stupid book?"
James didn't respond. Responding was never a good idea with an older kid, especially this one.
"Hey," the older boy kicked James's foot, "I'm talkin to you. Are you deaf or somethin?"
James knew the boy knew he wasn't, but there was no point in saying it.
"Hey", an indignant voice came from behind James. He turned to find Lina, marching up, fists clenched at her sides. She was coming from the direction of the front doors to the school. Elli was sick, so she was at school by herself. Not that James thought about her much. Only a little, every few minutes.
"What", the boy said, confused.
"Give him his book back", she yelled, cheeks pink.
"Who's this", the boy looked at James, "is she your little girlfriend or something."
James felt his cheeks and ears heat up and couldn't look at Lina. Instead, he got to his feet. The boy would definitely try to be mean to Lina, and James wasn't about to let that happen.
The boy took a step toward James as he rose and raised a fist, "What kid? I didn't tell you to get up."
"You don't tell him what to do", Lina declared, marching up beside James.
"What you gonna do about it tiny", the boy shoved Lina, and before James knew it his own hands were shoving the boy back.
The boy caught himself on the first step and fixed James with a death stare before smacking him across the face. James hit the ground hard, face stinging and hot, head spinning. As he looked back up, he saw the boy looming over him, drawing a foot back to kick him.
But before the oaf could hit him again a bird flitted in front of his face, sending him stumbling backward. A second later another bird flitted past his ear, sending him stumbling to the side. Then there were at least four small birds, swarming him, pecking at him, and tweeting incessantly. The boy yelled and ran off, the birds noisily chasing after him.
James watched in confusion, bewildered by what he was seeing. But before he could look around to see where the birds came from Lina was kneeling down beside him.
"Are you ok", she sounded worried. "He hit you so hard."
"Yeah", James said, head clearing. "It just stings a little. Did you see those birds?"
"Yeah", Lina nodded, offering him her hand. "I asked them to help."
James took her hand, heart skipping when they touched, "What?"
"Sometimes they understand me", she explained, standing up with him.
"Oh", James rubbed his aching cheek. "Cool, thanks."
Lina glanced at the ground and pushed her hair out of her face. "Sure."
There was a silent pause.
"Wanna walk home together", she pipped up suddenly.
James's heart pounded. "][[Sure->Preface to Chapter 3]](text-colour:#fecb3e)[."]
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//6 years later//
James and the fellas had had their last lunch. One more for the road, post-graduation. It had been good, if a little sad. Soon he'd be off to. But they'd see each other again sometime. Now just he and Elli were left on the polished granite sidewalk outside the restaurant. James questioned him about the university on [[Venus->Venus]] until a wheelless car silently pulled up. It was Lina.
"Hey boys", she said, opening the door and stepping around the front.
"How was lunch", Elli asked, grinning.
"Ugh", Lina rolled her eyes, "Mom couldn't keep herself from crying. And dad wasn't much better. Thanks again."
"Hey", Elli raised his hands in defense, "I'll chaperon them on your graduation day."
"Mhmm", Lina grimaced.
James smiled.
"How was lunch Jay?" Lina asked lightly.
Jay? Had she ever called him that before?
"It was, uh... good... fun." Nice, super smooth.
"Cool. I guess this is probably the last time I'll see you for a while", she shrugged.
"Yeah, probably. But I'll visit, you know." If he'd ever get a break from training.
"I'll send birds to come after you if don't", Lina said smirking, and before he knew it she was hugging him. His heart fluttered like a butterfly, his ears heating up.
"See you 'round I guess", she said quietly as she pulled away.
"Definitely", James said more confidently than he was comfortable with.
"Good", she said and walked back around to the other side of the car.
James looked at Elli, who was grinning at him.
"What", James asked, probably a little too defensively.
"Nothing", Elli breathed out a laugh.
They hugged with a few pats on the back.
"I'll see ya then", Elli said stiffly.
"Yeah, see ya", James said, holding down a rising feeling in his chest. He glanced at Lina and the feeling got stronger.
They pulled away and Elli turned to the car. Midway opening the door, he turned back around and pointed with a serious look.
"I'll talk to you later."
James smiled and nodded, "Yeah."
Elli winked and grinned as he retracted the finger.
As the car pulled away Lina waved at him. James waved back and felt like he was about to be pulled after the vehicle. But before the feeling in his chest could boil over he quickly slipped his ear buds in and turned on some music. The feeling of Lina hugging him stayed with him the whole way [[home->Preface to Chapter 4]].
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(text-colour:#831100)[//Venus//
It had taken three years, but James had finally realized that the Galactic Union had wiped the floor with them. Three years of occupation after a] [[brutal invasion->The First Galactic Invasion]](text-colour:#831100)[, and only now was it clear that they had barely been able to put up a fight.
It hadn't felt like that at the time of course. But now those same people he had lost with those years ago, wanted him back. Somehow, they thought they stood a chance. Because if they couldn't stop the invasion, then certainly they could undo it after the fact.
He had spent all this time trying to stay hidden, unrecognized, not using abilities. Universe knew the last thing he needed was to get sent to a camp like so many others. But those that were left from the first fight, those that hadn't been sent off to the camps themselves or been executed efficiently at the start of the occupation, wanted his help.
What good he could possibly be was beyond him. But what the hell. Why not? He would just be spotted by someone eventually, or arbitrarily picked off the street by some overzealous cop. Why not stay in good company until then?]
[[Dorian->Dorian]](text-colour:#831100)[, his old friend from the training days, led him through the base. Former U.N. soldiers, exiled politicians, and washed-up technicians swarmed around them, walking at high speeds every which way down the corridors made of black Venusian rock. Quite good company indeed, all very active, all very doomed. But so was he now, so there was no reason to judge.
Dorian had said they were going to talk with the leadership now that his recruitment had been successful. James had made it clear that the only reason he was here was because it was Dorian asking but his friend had prodded him to keep an open mind. Apparently, they were going to meet with the Secretary General of the United Nations. Not the executed one though, and not the puppet one the rest of the galaxy recognized. No, they were going to meet with the "real" Secretary General.
They reached the end of a hall, still swarming with very actively doomed people, where a gray metallic door swung open before them to reveal a command center. Stepping in after Dorian, James took in the room. There were maps of every planet in the solar system, stations where recognizable politicians and military officers were huddled, and projection screens filled with lists of names.
As James took in the sight, he was aware of a pair of people approaching. He glanced over at a Martian terrain map marked with red dots as he heard one of the pair say to Dorian, "We'll take you to the S.G."
He was looking more closely at the map when the person said, "Hi James."
James snapped his head around and found Lina looking back at him. It took a moment to process. She was part of this? She hadn't even been part of the U.N. forces during the invasion.
"Hi", he responded, cringing at how stupid he must have sounded and feeling heat flare up in his cheeks and ears. "I didn't realize you were here."
"Yep", she said, fixing him with her oaky eyes. Everything about her flooded back to him. His heart started racing. "So, you've decided to join us?" She sounded hopeful.
"I think so", he answered, despite the impulse to be snarky.
"Wow", Dorian grinned, "that's the most committal he's been so far."
James narrowly avoided telling him to shut the fuck up as he noticed the man standing next to Lina. He was tall, easily half a foot more than James, with a strong, lean build, rippling jaw, angular face, and thick brown hair.
Seeing James's eyes turn to her companion Lina cleared her throat, "Jay, this is] [[Ed->Ed]](text-colour:#831100)[."
"Hey James", Ed said, leaning forward and shaking hands. His grip was firm, and his smile melted almost every defense James had built up over the years. His voice, a deep, rich baritone, was as smooth and his skin.
"Good to meet you", James responded, sagging at the contrast between his own voice and this specimen's.
"It's nice to meet you too", Ed smiled again, perfect teeth radiated from a strikingly symmetrical mouth. "I've heard so much about you."
"You have?" James couldn't help but furrow his brow.
Lina hit Ed softly in the stomach.
"We should take you to the S.G.", she said, ignoring James's question and turning to lead them away.
"Gentlemen", Ed prompted before following Lina, charm radiating.
James glanced at Dorian who returned his look with raised eyebrows.
"They're a thing", he whispered, "They're annoying sometimes, but you'll get used to it."
James nodded, trying not to let the sudden, inexplicable tightness in his chest] [[show->Preface to Chapter 5]](text-colour:#831100)[.]
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(text-colour:#4d22b3)[//Jupiter's moon Calisto, 2 years later//
Somehow the Allies had managed to do something James had thought impossible. Not overthrow the occupation, no, that was still a work in progress. The real surprise to James was his faith. He had it again. Even when he thought about it he cringed at how cliche it was. But it was true.
They had made him believe again, somehow. Maybe it was the missions they sent him on. The successful ones proving their mission possible and the unsuccessful ones demonstrating the tireless will of those he fought with. At first it had perplexed him. He had seen that kind of devotion before, but only during failure to stop the inevitable fall of their solar system. But now, now that it was gone and the battle had been lost, the devotion and the hope those of the Allies showed was nearly superhuman.
Now they enjoyed a moment of satisfaction. Another success had just befallen them and now a contingent of the Allies found refuge in Blayana, one of the safer cities in the solar system. There were few GU sympathizers lurking around the streets and even fewer in the local government. Plenty of citizens and officials knew who these unusual tourists were, and made no move to call the authorities, given that they were authorities unrecognized by the citizens of this domed Calistoan city.
James weaved his way through the crowd of politicians, citizens of rank, and Allied members smiling and nodding at the frequent greetings he received as he went. Dorian had told him she would be here, at the social function the members of Blayanan high society were throwing for the Allies. He wanted to talk to her and found it easy to tune out the formal music playing and gorgeous glowing light emanating down from the ceiling, bathing all those in attendance in magenta.
He made his way toward an opening to a balcony, organizing in his mind the things he planned to say to her. Maybe she was watching the fireworks popping off across the skyline of the glittering city. He slid past the last few people and finally reached the opening in the glass wall of the room the function inhabited halfway up a star-scraper.
James stopped on the threshold to the balcony. It was full of people, couples, talking quietly and watching the fireworks. She was there. Through the couples he saw her, eyes reflecting the fireworks, comfortable grin outshining them, quiet words drawing James closer. But James didn't get closer.
Her eyes, her grin, her words, were directed at her companion, not him. She and Ed were one of the couples. Talking quietly to each other, looking deep into each other's eyes, they were ignoring the fireworks. They had no interest in them. All plans, all words left James's mind like dust caught in a breeze. He felt a knot in his stomach.
Jupiter hung between them. Somehow it was perfectly aligned between their faces despite their height difference. But it was only for a moment as Ed leaned down toward her and kissed her. James looked away, feeling their privacy like an anchor around his neck and his chest aching as though hit by something.
He turned back and made his way back through the crowd by] [[himself->Preface to Chapter 6]](text-colour:#4d22b3)[.]
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//Pluto//
James stared out at the pine trees. The sky was dark of course, except for the artificial moon drifting through the sky, casting pale light down to the forest floor far beneath where he sat. He had found this quiet balcony walkway, far from where the night shift officers were working. The railing he was perched on stood high above the ground, so high he could almost look out over the tops of the massive trees. It was gracefully silent. Not birds. No people. No ships. Just quiet. The perfect place to dwell in his thoughts.
"Hey", a voice came from behind. Startled, he whipped his head around to find Lina, all possibility of irritation evaporating. There were no lights on in this part of the base, so she appeared like a wisp of the moonlight she was bathed in. How had she gotten so close without him hearing? The wood creaking underneath her feet should certainly have been enough to alert him.
"Hey", he said back. He could hear the mood in his voice. Damn it.
"You're brooding. What's wrong", she crossed her arms.
"No, I'm fine. Just brooding", he shrugged, looking back into the trees.
She sighed and walked forward, "You know, I used to think you were a bad liar." She leaned her elbows down on the railing next to him. Almost touching him. He would have given her some space if it weren't for the wood post beside him. "And then I realized you’re actually a pretty good liar. I can just read you like a book." She looked up.
"You can?" He met her eyes.
"Yeah", she rose and swung her legs over the railing to sit next to him. She was close. "So, what’s up?" Again, she looked into his eyes, and he looked out at the trees.
"It's nothing."
"Come on", she nudged him.
"Nah, you don't want to hear it. It's fine."
"Ugh", she huffed loudly, "I can sit here all night. One way or another you"re gonna spill."
He looked at her. She looked back, insistent.
"You really wanna hear it?"
"Something's bothering you. I wanna help." She shrugged. "So out with it."
"I walked in on Harry and Dorian." James turned back to the trees.
"Ah", she stifled a grin, "And it made you uncomfortable?"
James shook his head, "No. It just… made me feel a little alone." Ugh, why'd he tell her that?
"I know what you mean", she responded after a moment.
James glanced at her.
"You do", he asked, cringing at the sound of his voice.
She met his eye solemnly and nodded. She was so close.
"I get lonely too", she shrugged as if it was obvious.
James looked down at the forest floor far below and considered.
"I guess I meant specifically about relationship stuff", he rolled his eyes at himself internally. Why would he say that to her?
"I know what you meant", she said grinning with only her mouth.
"Oh", James looked down again. "You do?" Ugh, why would he ask that?
"Yeah."
But what about Ed, he almost asked, but by the grace of the universe he didn't.
"Sorry", he said instead, unsure what exactly what for, but feeling it was necessary.
"Don't be Jay." She sat up straighter. "I'm not feeling like that now. I'm with you."
James's heart hopped, and he wasn't sure what to say.
"You know", he murmured after a moment, "you're only the second person to ever call me that."
"What? Jay?"
"Yeah."
"Huh", she mused, "No one else calls to you that?"
"Nope, just you and my dad."
"Do you want me to stop", she sounded serious.
"No", he looked at her. She was so close. "I like it."
"Good", she grinned.
She looked out at the pines swaying in the artificial wind. James trained his eyes on the stars, wanting nothing more than for Lina to rest her head on his shoulder. For some reason, right there, right then, all he wanted was that; and the intensity of that wish unsettled him. But she didn't rest her head on his shoulder. Instead, she just sat with him, inexplicably close.
Thoughts of Ed flashed through his mind. His friend. [[James sagged->Preface to Chapter 7]].
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(text-colour:#00c7fc)[//Mars//
They had thrown the enemy off. The occupation had ended. The Galactic Union forces had fallen back and abandoned the solar system, leaving the Allies to puzzle their society back together. In the year and a half since the end of the occupation James had been accompanying special units, undermining would be dictators and warlords trying to fill the vacuum before the rightful governments returned to power.
Unfortunately, he was permitted to do nothing to help his friends in the Trident Alliance. The dictator they were fighting had been the rightful government before the invasion, and the new United Nations administration had none of the appetite, time, or resources to help the Neptunian Rebels, their former allies, in their renewed fight.
It had been months since James had taken a break. The sheer number of crises all around the Earth Sector had required constant action, and his power was useful, so he was especially active. As was Dorian, whose power James was sure the U.N. was putting to even greater use. But now they finally had a moment.
Their handlers had given them leave for just a week to one of the most stable parts of the Solar System. They were passing the days sitting by the water, on the lake, sun shining in the stark blue sky, palm trees swaying in the warm breeze, pink sand under their feet, and the top of Olympus Mons in the distance, cresting the horizon. And of course, Dorian wouldn't shut up. As James enjoyed the feeling of the sun emanating through his skin Dorian was having a nearly one-sided conversation.
"I think you should just tell her", Dorian sighed.
"Why would I do that", James tried to sound disinterested.
"Because you've been talking about how much you love her for years."
James opened his eyes, shielding them from the sun with a hand, letting himself sound defensive, "No I haven't. I've never said I love her, and I don't talk about it that much."
"Ok fine, but you do talk about her all the time", Dorian countered, leaning back in his chair.
"Oh", James rolled his eyes, "It's not like she's our friend and works with us every day."
"No no no", Dorian wagged his finger, "It's more than that, and don't even act like it isn't."
"Whatever", James waved Dorian's words away and closed his eyes again.
"I'm serious. You should tell her how you feel", Dorian insisted.
"I'm definitely not doing that", James scoffed.
"Why not", Dorian huffed back.
"Why would I", James threw his arms out, keeping his eyes closed. "What good would that do for anyone? She has a boyfriend and has for years. He's fucking awesome. It would just make her feel weird and it would be a distraction."
"Would it make her feel weird or make you feel afraid", Dorian challenged.
"I'm not going to make her feel uncomfortable because I couldn't keep my own shit to myself", James tried to sound firm.
"Oh for the love of...", James heard Dorian throw up his hands. "James most people actually like when other people have crushes on them, you know that right?"
"Not when the person crushing isn't-", James cut himself off.
"Isn't what", Dorian prompted, sounding like a lawyer catching a witness on the stand. "Isn't what", he repeated when James didn't respond.
"I don't know", James almost yelled.
"Yes you do. What do you think you're not?"
"Well for one I'm not her boyfriend. So I'm not gonna disrupt that or make it weird. She's got enough going on without one of her friends telling her he wants to be more than friends."
Dorian sighed and went quiet. After a moment he calmly continued, "James you've liked her for years. You've always wanted to be something more than what you are with her. So just tell her. It doesn't have to be big pressure; you don't have to ask her to break it off with Ed. You just need to tell her, be honest with her, that your feelings for her are deeper than friendship. It doesn't have to be crazy, deep, intense shit, even though that's your specialty. It's just you being straight up with one of your best friends about how much you think of her. Because this shit isn't good for you. It just eats you up inside bro."
James was silent, and Dorian was experienced enough to let the silence stand. As James considered what he had said the reflexive recoil he had at the thought of a conversation with Lina waned. Just being honest. No expectations. Just honesty. Could he do that?
"Fine", James said flatly, his voice little more than a whisper, and after a moment, "Thanks Dorian."
"No problem bro", Dorian answered.
James's mind filled with thoughts of her as the sun filled him up and the lapping of the Martian waters] [[echoed->Preface to Chapter 8]] (text-colour:#00c7fc)[in his ears.]
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//Cleveland, The Moon//
James tried to comb through the data on his screen. The pad he had in hands was working perfectly fine, but the data just made no sense. It couldn't. He couldn't focus, so of course it couldn't. She was sitting across from him, absorbed in her own data.
It was deep into the night. Everyone else who had come to this place to study archives and do research had cleared out. But James had something he was looking for, so he had to stay, and for whatever reason Lina was staying too, even though they were the only ones left. When he had asked what she was looking for, she had shrugged and said she was seeing what there was to read.
James looked around now. Still there was no one. He glanced back down at the info-pad and realized nothing was going to stick until he said what he needed to say. He starred at the table for long moment. What should he say? He felt an invisible mass condense in his mind. He just had to say it. Say it. Just say it. That was all. He took a deep breath.
"Hey Lina", James blurted out across the table. His heart started thumping.
"Yeah?" Lina looked up.
"Can I tell you something?" He could hear the shake in his voice and figured she probably could too.
"Sure", she shut her pad off and set it down, looking him dead in the eye.
His heart pounded, "I just...uh...you know uh... I think you're uh... you know... you're uh... uh... you know uh I uh... I think...uh", damnit why couldn't he just speak for god's sake.
"Thanks", Lina said cutting him short with a grin.
"What", James asked, curdling at the stupid sound of his voice.
"Thanks, I am very 'uh'." She smiled at him.
James felt heat flush his face and ears and he breathed out a chuckle, looking down at the table. Suddenly Lina reached out and touched his ear. His heart skipped a beat.
"Your ear's hot", she grinned.
James gave her what must have been a wild look. "How'd you know?" God, he sounded dumb.
"Because you get hot when you're embarrassed", Lina looked him straight in the eye, like she knew every inch of what was inside.
"Sorry", he murmured, looking at the table again.
"Don't be", Lina took her hand away, "I like when you get embarrassed."
"No, it's not that. I'm sorry I can barely talk."
Lina chuckled, her eyes lighting up. But when she saw him look back down at the table, she moved her hand across and grabbed his.
"It's ok", she barely held back a laugh. "Just say it. No pressure. What's up?"
James took a deep breath. Alright. He could do this. Let's go. Just say it. Adrenaline rushed over him.
"I like you." Good god, had he just yelled in her face?
Lina said nothing for a second. Her face not shifting even a little. James's heart stopped dead. He felt like he was suspended in adrenaline for an agonizing moment. Then it seemed to hit her. Her eyes widened and her grin became a smile. "Oh."
For a moment the smile lingered on her lips, and her cheeks seemed shaded red. She looked down at the table and tucked her hair behind her ear. But something on her face changed, as if she was realizing something. James's began heart began to sink even before she began to speak.
"I'm sorry Jay", she looked up.
James felt a buzzing in his head.
"I… I'm", she searched for the words.
"I get it", James said before she could. "I got it." He nodded, lightheaded, and took his hand away from her's.
"I'm sorry", Lina repeated.
"No no no, it's fine. I totally get it", he tried not to let his head fall into his hands and looked away.
They were silent for a long moment.
"I should probably get some rest", her voice little more than a whisper.
James nodded, refusing to give an inch to what was welling up inside. Managing to glance back at her he felt his heart drop as she rapidly packed her bag. His hands were starting to shake, so he pulled them off the table and dropped them into his lap.
When she was finished Lina stood and looked at him again. "Good night", she said. James forced out a stiff "good night" in reply. She opened her mouth as if to speak again but only nodded and turned to leave.
James sat there, waiting for his hands to stop shaking and the pressure in his head to ease. It took some [[time->Preface to Chapter 9]].
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//Palace of the Queen, Uranus//
James and [[Tara->Tara]] sat at a high table talking, making plans for a game of strategy the next day and commenting on how boring the function was. The Princess, sister to Queen Lareena though she was, had no appetite for such things as dancing parties, even if it was the capstone to the Queen's wedding.
She made clear to James that the only solace she found in such appalling events were the military officers in attendance. But even they were dancing and so had no time to discuss battlefield strategies and recently instituted defensive regulations. In so doing they too became uninteresting to her.
For James's part he quite enjoyed her company. She was always game for some bantering and highly intricate discussions of policy and history, and among the dim lights and loud music of the dance a dashing young man or woman would occasionally come forward to request a dance from the stunning Princess. The looks on their faces were priceless as she offhandedly sent them away with the boredom of a benevolent ruler, though that she was certainly not. James would laugh once the poor suiters retreated and she would simply shrug.
During the first hour of the reception guests had poured in through the doors. Now the doors, though left open, presented only an occasional straggler. James was deep in thought with Tara when her eyes suddenly focused on the entry beyond James, and mouthed, "Wow."
He turned to see what she was staring at, a rare occurrence for her, and gawked himself. They were enrapturing. Lina and Ed. He in a velvety, dark blue blazer with black button-down and wine-red tie, her with a dress to match his blazer that draped down off her shoulders, coming together inches about her stomach, and most likely leaving all of her back exposed. The bottom was shorter in the front than the back, giving her more range of motion than a gown. Accompanying the dress was a silver neckless that seemed to emerge from between her neck and her long, straight hair, which flowed freely behind her. Both of their outfits fit them perfectly. Each of them could, and did, pull every available eye.
They immediately saw James and Tara sitting beside the dance floor and made their way over, arm in arm, weaving between the hoard on the dance floor and the columns of filled tables that permeated the rest of the room. Every eye followed them, every mouth whispered some admission of jealousy, amazement, or attraction. Ed acted as though it were nothing to him. His broad shoulders and tall form evincing all the confidence James had come to be drawn to and wished he had. Lina however, looked at the ground as she went, seeming unsure of what to do with all the eyes on her, and clearly aware of them.
When they reached the table, Ed took Tara's hand and kissed it politely, greeting her in his smooth baritone, "Your highness." She nodded back.
Lina turned to James and just barely made herself heard over the music, "Hey."
"Hi", he called back, noticing the discomfort on her face.
"What do you think", she asked, wincing and gesturing to her dress.
Not wanting to make her even more uncomfortable James didn't look her up and down. He instead told her what he had already figured, "You look amazing."
He realized it sounded pretty standard, but he meant it beyond words, and she seemed to understand. She smiled and looked down, but before she could say anything else Ed put his arm around her and leaned in.
"I know right", he said, jaw muscles rippling. "I keep telling her how beautiful she looks but I can't quite do her justice."
Lina looked back at James as if searching for something, but he wasn't sure what, or if he was even reading her correctly.
"Are you guys not dancing", Ed asked him and Tara.
"Hell no", Tara scoffed.
James just shook his head.
"Boooo", Ed called over the music.
Lina hit James's shoulder, "Come on, don't be a downer. Come dance."
James's heart skipped a beat, but before he could respond Ed leaned in again, "Ah don't pressure them. If they want to be boring let them." With that he pulled her away onto the dance floor and they were gone.
"She looked incredible", Tara called over the music.
"I know", James responded, eyes lingering on the spot where they had vanished.
"I wanted her to upstage my sister tonight, but I didn't realize she actually would. She probably wasn't even trying."
"She doesn't have to", James's mouth said despite his brain.
He looked at Tara in anticipation of a creeped-out look but instead found her smiling at him deviously.
"Go on", she grinned.
"What?"
"Tell me how much you goggle over her."
A knot formed in James's stomach.
"I don't know what you mean. Can we get back to planning the game?"
Tara narrowed her eyes. "Fine."
James and Tara sat talking for another hour. She wasn't allowed to leave yet, and he didn't mind sticking around. The crowd in front of them on the dance floor was gradually thinning out by the time James lost track of the number of blue sparkling waters they'd downed. No public alcohol for the Princess, much to her chagrin, and none for him in honor of that travesty. They were in the middle of a conversation about the pros and cons of the galactic drone army when Tara once again focused on something over James's shoulder.
"Uh-oh", she said, just loud enough to be heard over the music.
James turned to find her looking once more at Lina and Ed, but this time their demeanor was entirely different. They were standing inches apart, facing each other, and seemed to be in a heated conversation, just feet from the dance floor. James fought the urge to get involved as he realized they were arguing. A moment later he saw Ed bite off a hushed but snappy remark before turning and striding toward the entrance they had come through before. Lina watched him go, seemingly now unaware of all the eyes turned toward her. As Ed disappeared through the doors, she took a step backward and eased onto a recently vacated chair at another high table. She looked at the floor, her face unreadable.
"You should go talk to her", Tara called.
James turned to her and furrowed his brow, "I doubt she wants to talk to me. I think she'd rather talk to anyone else." His stomach tightened.
"Hundred bucks says your wrong", Tara fixed him with a devious smile.
He looked at her for another moment, trying to figure out whether she was serious.
"Go on", she waved her hand dismissively. "I'm done talking to you anyway. Go."
James watched her train her eyes defiantly on the dancing crowd and looked back over to Lina, who hadn't moved a muscle. Reluctantly, he slid off the chair and stood. Moving slowly toward her James felt his heart begin to pulse. What was he supposed to say? He pushed past the pressure building in his chest.
"Hey", he said.
She didn't respond, only kept her eyes on the floor in front of her.
For a moment James thought she was ignoring him, his heart falling, before realizing he had given little more than whisper.
"Hey", he said much louder.
Lina's head shot up, alert, face startled before realizing it was him.
"Hey", she responded, visibly relaxing.
"Are you ok", James braced for her to tell him to screw off.
"Yeah, I'm fine", she said instead. She clearly wasn't, but James wasn't going to say that.
James stood in front of her for a moment, unsure what to do or say to make her feel better. He couldn't press her any further, he was already being nosy, but maybe he could distract her.
"Do you wanna dance", he asked despite himself.
Lina looked up at him with a curious look that quickly dissolved into a smile.
"Sure", she said, standing.
James's heart skipped a beat, and he cursed his mouth. But as they stepped toward the diminishing crowd of dancing wedding guests the high-tempo, base-filled song ended, replaced by a slow, melodic one.
James stopped.
"Sorry", he told Lina, "I didn't realize they were about to do a slow dance." He felt panic rise from deep inside.
Lina turned to him, a confused look on her face. But as he spoke the look turned into a grin. She rolled her eyes and grabbed his hand.
(link:"As James's heart skipped, she chuckled, 'Come on', and led him onto the dance floor.")[=
As James's heart skipped, she chuckled, "Come on", and led him onto the dance floor.
They spun slowly. The light dim and music gentle. James's heartbeat was like a bunny thumping the ground. Their hands were still clasped even though the first song had ended and most of the couples had left the dancefloor. But instead of releasing and following the others Lina had dropped her hands to her waist and held onto his. Now they stepped in steady rhythm with the music, holding hands, one of the last pairs still out there. Her hands were smooth and her subtly sweet smell filled his head.
James felt hot as they moved. She was close, closer than usual, closer than she needed to be, and she was looking at him. He looked at her. Their eyes met. Though he thought she might, she didn't look away. Only held his gaze and didn't say a word. His heart pulsed in his chest.
He wondered if anyone was watching and hoped to the stars no one had noticed them dancing together, as if they were supposed to. He was acutely concerned Ed would somehow still be there if he looked. That maybe he had come back. James had watched him leave, but he couldn't keep from worrying. Every time he finished a glance around the room and returned to Lina's face the worry was replaced by the steady thrum of his heart. Every time she was still looking at him.
For the briefest of moments James thought his hands were getting sweaty and the heat in his ears flared. But as if she could read everything about him, Lina squeezed his hands so slightly he almost missed it.
He met her gaze again and the music ended. Without a word they stopped in unison, and stood there, wordless, still holding hands. He wasn't sure why she didn't let go and every muscle in his body kept him locked in place. His heart pounded. He starred into her oaky eyes, and she starred through his.
"I wish my hair wasn't down", Lina murmured to him.
"I think it looks nice", James breathed back, heart clenching.
She glanced from his eyes to his chin and back.
"I'm just tired of it", she shrugged, getting slightly closer.
His heart thumped.
"I can put it up for you if you want", he whispered.
Lina tilted her head and furrowed a brow, but a grin touched her lips. She nodded.
James, heart quickening, let go of her hands and brought his up, holding them behind either side of her head. She didn't flinch as he eased his fingers through the air and her straight, chocolate hair moved around behind her, as if caught in underwater movements. From her spot between his arms, she studied his face in the dim light. He wasn't sure what she saw. He focused his eyes on her hair, though he didn't need to.
Careful not to pull her hair too tight he wound it into groups and began weaving them with fluid movements of his hands. He repeated the motions over a dozen times, making sure the weave was firm enough to stay. Then, once the shape was complete, he glanced at her chest, where the silver necklace draped down from her neck. She had borrowed it from Tara no doubt.
He tugged his wrist upward and the necklace lifted from her skin and up, over her head. Her eyes tracked it as it passed in front of her face before they returned to his. Moving his fingers in the air thoughtfully, he tied off the end of the braid and wound the silver through the weave until it reached her head, where he tucked the other end underneath the taught hair.
He dropped his hands.
"There you go", he breathed.
"Thanks", she whispered, glancing down and smiling.
He wondered if she would take his hands again. She didn't. He felt a pang of disappointment but scolded himself with the thought of Ed.
She looked back into his eyes. She moved her lips and seemed to get closer.
"I should probably get some rest", James's mouth said. "For the meeting tomorrow."
Lina blinked and after a breath took a step back. James's heart slowed but tensed.
"Right", she said, looking at her feet then to the tables on the side of the dancefloor. "I should probably go too."
James's heart sunk despite himself. He had the urge to step forward, to take her hand and kiss her. But he didn't. The thought of Ed blinked through his mind, the image of her shoving him away, laughing, flickered over his eyes, and he fought his sagging shoulders.
She glanced back at him, almost looking disappointed, "Good night then."
"Good night", his voice was weak.
She lingered, looking at him for a moment longer before turning away. As she walked away in the dark golden-amber light he felt his heart strain. She was so...beautiful. So much more than that of course, but at that moment, the sight of her made his chest swell.
He forced himself to look away from her and noticed Tara still sitting at one of the high-top tables just off the dancefloor. She was giving him an annoyed stare. Had she watched the whole thing? She widened her eyes, raised her brows, and made a show of a sigh.
James furrowed his brow in question. Tara responded with a disapproving shake of her head before slipping out of her seat and walking after Lina. James stood alone on the dancefloor, heartbeat slowing, but the pain within it [[deepening->Preface to Chapter 10]].
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(text-colour:orange)[//Neptune//
They had broken up. James walked down a corridor in the government building, the orange art on the walls, designed to offset the blue of the outside atmosphere, filling his vision. They had broken up. Just two days ago.
James was heading to Lina's room. He hadn't seen her for three days. They had each been busy with their own assignments, like everyone was now. There were rumors that the GU forces were gathering for another invasion. So naturally James hadn't had time to talk to her.
Besides, he was the last person she would want to talk to after breaking up with Ed, right? What could he say? What could he possibly offer her? So no, he hadn't even tried to see her. There was no point. Plus, it wasn't that difficult. He had gotten used to ignoring the perennial pull he felt toward her. But somehow the pull got even easier to push aside when things like that happened. He could only make things worse by getting involved.
He was going to see her now for a different reason. Elli was gone. As of this morning he was missing. Not for the first time of course. Elli had gone missing before. But given what had happened the last time, everyone was concerned.
Now James had to talk to her. To see how she was. To give her what she needed, even if he didn't know how to yet. But his oldest friend was missing again, and his sister needed people. James was happy to be one, even if he was far from the most helpful.
As he approached her door it slid open and Harry stepped out. Turning toward James he solemnly curved his mouth in greeting. They hugged and patted each other's backs.
"How you doin", Harry asked quietly.
"Alright", James responded, "You?"
"Same", Harry looked at the ground. "She's in there if you're looking for her."
"Thanks." When Harry didn't look back up James hit his shoulder gently. "Hey, we'll get him back."
Harry looked up again, eyes hardened. "You think it was them?"
"What are the other options? The reports say they're getting ready to invade again and Elli just so happens to disappear again?"
Harry nodded, grimacing. "Fair enough."
"We got him back last time. Same thing this time."
"Right", Harry nodded with a self-convincing expression.
James patted him on the shoulder and stepped past toward Lina's door.
"Hey James", Harry said, continuing once James turned back, "Between the breakup and this it's been a hell of a week for her. It's you so I know you will, but just keep it in mind."
James bit his lip and nodded with understanding. As if that wasn't his constant thought. As Harry walked down the hall James turned and knocked on the metal door quietly. It slid open half a second after the small bang.
The room was dark. Lina hadn't turned on the lights. The sun wasn't all the way down yet, but it was getting there. He could see her silhouetted against the window, colored in the dark blue of the Neptunian atmosphere at sunset.
There was a bird sitting beside her as she stared out into the clouds. It turned and chirped once at James as he stepped onto the threshold. She had told him years ago he didn't need to ask to come into her room, but he did anyway, especially when she and Ed were dating.
"Hey", he said, trying not to be too loud.
"What", her voice was low and tight. James had heard it that way before. But never directed at him. He figured it was because of everything that was happening, but it debased his stomach, nevertheless.
"Uh, can I come in", he tried not to let the sudden anxiety seep into his voice. "How are you feeling", he followed up a second later, not liking the sound of the first question.
"How do you think I'm feeling James", she said without turning. James? She hadn't called him that in years. He felt uneasy.
"Probably not great", he tried to sound sympathetic.
She breathed out a sour laugh. The bird beside her chirped at him again.
"Yeah", she turned to look at him and stood. Her eyes were red, and her face was hard. "Why're you here", she threw her out her hands and let them smack her sides loudly.
James felt his stomach tighten, unsure what was happening. "I just...I wanted to talk to you."
"Well, what if I don't want to talk to you?" The bird hopped onto a sofa between them and chirped at him, it was a blue jay. She crossed her arms. James felt something in his chest he had never felt before and started to feel lightheaded. What had he done? Had he done something?
"What if I don't want to talk to you", she put an emphasis on the "you".
James opened his mouth to speak, but all that came out was a weak, "I'm sorry." He didn't know what for, but it was clearly necessary.
"I want you to leave", James thought he saw her cheek glisten a little with the hallway light. The feeling in his chest got stronger. The blue jay chirped loudly and fluttered its wings at him.
"Ok", he stammered. Desperately wanting to say something he had no words for.
"Leave", she repeated, louder.
The blue jay flitted toward his face and he stumbled back into the wall across the hall. Lina's door slammed shut.
James stood, slumped against the orange wall, shuttering and breathing] [[deeply->Preface to Chapter 11]](text-colour:orange)[.]
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//Washington, D.C.//
James starred at the sky through the blast hole that had once been the top of the Capitol dome. The dark storm clouds mingled with the columns of smoke rising from the city. His nostrils were filled with acidic burning.
The Galactic Union [[hadn't stopped at Mars->The Second Galactic Invasion]] this time. They had come straight for Earth, probably figuring the success of the resistance to the first occupation must have come from preserving so many cultural icons on humanity's birth planet. Not this go around.
They had barely given Mars and it's civilization preserving magnetosphere producing satellite a passing glance once the retreat of the U.N. forces had been ordered. They hadn't bothered threatened destroying the satellite or cutting the power to any of the space stations around the gas giants.
They had made a b-line for Earth, and now half the capitals across the planet burned. James cringed at the thought of what Gran Libreville and Beijing must have looked like at that moment.
For all the power that he had learned to harness from his mentors, for all the skills he had cultivated over a decade of learning, James had made little difference in the end. There were just too many of them. But even if there had been just one. That one. That one he was tasked with defeating. He would have failed. Even their leader alone, would have brushed him aside, and he had. [[The Grand Praeses->Gospodar]]. Everyone had looked to James to stem the tide, and he had failed. So now they stared down the barrel of occupation once more, even more brutal than the first, if for no other reason than his [[failure->Preface to Chapter 12]].
(text-colour:red)[//Kathmandu, Nepal//
The wood walls of James's room shook as the elevated train's electromagnetic pulses emanated out from its underbelly. Outside his crusted, blurred window he watched bleary-eyed as the train glided by, making no noise on the track, only shaking the husks of the buildings on either side. His room was dark. It was midday and the sun was out of course, but his room never got much light. He wasn't on the top floor of his landlord's building so his window existed in the cavernous space between the old wooden buildings of eastern Kathmandu.
He was seated at his small table, barely big enough for two. But in his cramped one room it was the perfect size, and besides, there was no one to visit him anyway. Which was a good thing given the broken stool he used as his chair's companion. Now he was slumped over his metal bowl of drying oatmeal, staring dully out the window. He didn't know how long he had been sitting and staring, but it's not like he had anywhere to be, so who cared. His shifts didn't start until well after sundown.
He scratched his shaggy cheek as the train, and its accompanying shuttering moved on. But there would be another in twenty minutes as always. His mind was blank, which was normal nowadays, but it still felt odd, even if just vaguely so. There was a knock on his wood door. His eyes drifted toward it.
He wasn't expecting anyone, and usually he would have heard the floorboards creaking with an approach. That meant one thing. Someone was here for him. Here to get him. There weren't many GU operatives in the city, but there weren't none either. He needed to get up. He needed to silently cross the room and open the door, ready for a fight. He needed to avoid getting caught, no way he'd survive the night if he was arrested.
But he did none of those things. Instead, he rose, mind fuzzy, and walked across the room, floorboards on his side of the door creaking loudly. He didn’t even take a breath before opening the door, distantly ready to be tackled to the ground.
Lina looked at him. The dim light from a window down the hall illuminated half her face. James's hand gripped the door tighter and he smothered the feeling rising in his chest. She looked surprised at his appearance, he suffocated his embarrassment and forced his face to stay still.
"Hi James", she said tentatively.
He looked at the door frame, his surprise fading into the ether, "Hey." His voice was horse and barely audible. But he didn't repeat himself.
"Can I come in", she asked.
"Yeah", he croaked and stepped aside. He did the mental math as she stepped in the door and figured it had been nine months since they'd seen each other.
She was wearing a gray, fur-hemmed coat and black jeans, her dark hair was draped down her back.
She pulled off the former to reveal a dull blue turtleneck underneath as she took in his room. He spotted a symbol of the old Allies sewn into the inside of the coat. Holding it she turned to look at James, who was still standing next to the now closed door. She looked at him for second and he looked at the ground before his manners flushed back into his system. Jumping into action he moved to the table and put his bowl into the nearby sink before pulling out the chair.
He turned back to her, looking at the table, "Y-you can sit if you want."
"Thanks", she hesitated before putting her coat on the back and sitting down.
James sat on the stool. He came down just a little too hard and one of the legs snapped completely in half, sending him to the floor, swearing, ears hot.
Lina let out a loud laugh, "James are you alright?"
But her smile disappeared as he stood up, face hard and turning away from her, toward the sink. His hip ached from the impact, but he ignored it. He had no idea what to say. His words just made things worse. There was silence for a long moment as James turned back around and leaned on the metal sink sticking out of the wall, arms crossed, eyes to the floor.
"James", Lina started, audibly uncomfortable. He felt a spike of shame before beating it down. "I'm sorry."
James furrowed his brow and looked at her, then looked down at the table when their eyes met. Sorry? Why the hell was she sorry? Sorry you fucked everything up, he answered himself.
He nodded a little.
"Me too", his voice was barely more than a whisper.
He glanced at her and saw a hurt look on her face. He averted his eyes. He'd seen plenty of those looks. He didn't need to see any more of those.
They were silent again, this time for what felt like a while. Every time something in his chest threatened to come up, he'd stomp it back down.
"James", Lina said again. "I wanted you to forgive me, but if that’s not possible I get that. I just came here to tell you I’m sorry."
She stood up abruptly and grabbed her coat. Forgive her for what?
Before he could stop it, James's mouth rasped, "What are you talking about?"
He was seized by shame again, at his tone. After all he'd done, now he was going to take a tone with her? But she stopped mid step, halfway through the room, and looked at him, the pained look still on her face.
"What do you mean", her voice was quiet.
"Forgive you for what", he cringed at his pissy tone. "You didn’t do anything."
Lina looked at him, eyes going from hurt to confusion to something in between.
"Yes I did", she insisted. "I was rude to you. I-"
"Rude to me", James couldn't stop himself from interrupting her. Everything crashed in. Every emotion, every moment, every failure, every death, everything erupted inside. But it all felt the same. It all felt like anger, and there was nothing to do but let it out.
"You're apologizing for being rude to me", he sneered at himself and her eyes widened. "Being rude? When have you ever been rude to me? I've fucked up everything. Lost every goddamn fight, fucked over everyone, and you're apologizing to me for being rude?"
He turned toward the window and pointed at it. "Everyone out there is suffering. Everyone out there has a fucking boot crushing their windpipe and I can't stop it. I couldn't stop it. They're suffering because I fucked up. I fucked up everything. I see people get arrested every day. I know where they're going, I've seen the camps. I dream about them every fucking night; I hear the screams every fucking night. Everyone trusted me to stop it. Everyone trusted be to defeat him and I fucked it up. But of course, I did. I fucked everything up. Half the capitols on the planet are husks, Elli is still missing, the Allies are shattered. I failed at everything, and now everything and everyone are fucked. And even after all that I abandoned everyone. I abandoned the Allies when I should have kept them together, I abandoned Elli when I should have been looking for him, I abandoned you when you needed me. And out of those three you were the only one who even got the chance to tell me what I fucking deserved to hear."
There were tears in his eyes and he slowed down. "Everything is fucked. I fucked everything up." His voice was a strained yawn as tears rolled down his face. He couldn't tell if Lina was even still there. It wouldn't have been surprising if she'd had enough. He found the floor through the tears and slumped down against the wall, body convulsing with sobs and head in hands.
Almost as soon as he hit the floor, he felt Lina press her body against his and her arm pass over his shoulders.
"Let it out", she whispered in his ear. He felt her fingernails run through the hair on the back of his head. "Just let it out."
He did. He didn't know for how long, but sobbed, he cried, his nose ran. And all the while he felt Lina's fingers in his hair, nails softly scratching him. They sat there against the wall together, neither bothering with time. Eventually there wasn't much more to come. His sobs eased and the crying slowed.
"There you go", she murmured. "Do you have any tissues in here?"
"No", James responded.
"Jesus Jay", Lina laughed, "You don't even have tissues?"
James breathed a smile for the first time in a long time.
"Sorry", he said, frowning again, "I shouldn't have done that."
"Don't do that", she squeezed his arm. "Don't be sorry. For any of it. Don't feel sorry for crying, don't feel sorry for snotting, maybe feel a little sorry for not having tissues," they laughed, "and don't fucking feel sorry for feeling."
James met her eyes. Somehow, he could stand to again.
"Jay this is some fucked up shit, but don't put the whole world on your shoulders. These are rough times but beating yourself up for not being perfect gets you nowhere. Especially beating yourself up for not being able to do it alone."
"But everyone expected me to stop the GU", he rasped.
"You wrong, not everyone expected that. I didn't, Harry didn't, Dorian didn't, Tara didn't. There were some who did, but they were fucking morons, still are. Jay you didn't fail, we weren't successful. The odds were against us even more than last time, and that feels really really bad. But removing yourself just hurts everyone more, especially you. And I just want to say that I was shitty to you, on Neptune."
"You-"
"No. I was. You didn't deserve that. I know you were coming to help me, and I treated you like shit. So I'm sorry and I'd like you to forgive me."
"Done", James sniffed.
She smiled, "Awesome. Now forgive yourself."
He looked at her.
"You don't have to do it this instant. But for your sake you need to figure it out."
James nodded and looked at the floor.
"And as far as the Elli thing goes", she continued, "I think I might have figured out how to get him back."
James looked at her again, eyes wide.
"You wanna jump back in", she asked with a grin.
He hesitated.
"Oh come on, do you really wanna live in here any longer?"
"Fuck no", James croaked.
"Then come on", she squeezed his arm again. "Please."
Their eyes met. She held his look until he nodded. There was voice inside him that screamed against getting involved again. How many times did he have to lose to learn there was no hope? But for the first time in a long time there was another voice, louder, and a feeling rising in his chest, full and warm. Her smile was big.
"Great", she beamed, "Now let's get you wiped off, a shave, and a haircut."
"Haha", James droned] [[flatly->Preface to Chapter 13]](text-colour:red)[.]
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//East of Nablus//
The battle was won. He had won. James had thrown his opponent to the ground at last, the older man now unconscious, but alive. It had been a long slog, and by all measures his enemy had been more skilled and more powerful than him in every way. This hadn't been their first fight of course, but unlike the past times James had kept getting up, kept pushing the man without giving up or ceding his ground.
For all intents and purposes James should have lost, easily, even after all his preparing. But he had not. Somehow, he had not. The knowledge that after all these years and all he had done, his people were still behind him, that she was still behind him, had kept him from truly falling down. He had beaten the leader of the Galactic Union once and for all.
In the massive battle they had found each other, determined to grapple one more time, to end it. There was no prophecy, no ancient laws of honor or epic story. They each led the opposing armies, and that was that. James had succeeded, knocking the other unconscious despite the relentless, death portending onslaughts.
Now James laid in the matted, course, dull-green grass. He wouldn't move. Once the armies of the Galactic Union had seen their Grand Praeses fall they had fallen apart quickly, and what should have been yet another crushing blow to the Allied forces, was instead a route of the galaxy's finest. As he lay, James heard the fighting winding down around, so he lay in the grass, all muscles aching, mind blank with the effort of the now ended face-off.
He stared into the evening sky. It was a rich, darkening azure. Beautiful. Then she stepped into view, looking down on him with a look he didn't have the energy to interpret. But it was good. Birds soared past her as she knelt down above him. She had saved him more times than even Elli had during the fighting, asking her bird and canine friends to watch his back.
Lina bent over him and whispered, "We did it." She had a cut on her forehead, and some bruises here and there, but other than that she seemed fine.
James nodded as best he could. He tried to speak but couldn't get his mouth to move.
"You ok?" She furrowed her brows.
He tried to tell her. All of it. With his energy had gone his caring. He had to tell her. Not how he had before. He had to tell her the truth, be honest. Tell her what pulled his heart deep into the ground as he lay there looking into her eyes. He tried to speak, but he couldn't. She watched his eyes, and her expression changed from concern to soft amusement. She rested her hands on his trembling arms.
"We'll get someone over here", she said.
She looked around to find someone to help but James still couldn't find the energy to speak. So, he tried to move his arm, shift it, even a little, to get her attention. It worked. She looked back at him and met his eyes. She looked into him and he tried to say everything without a word.
Her eyes warmed and she leaned down, pressing her lips to his. Suddenly energy returned to him. But only in his heart and stomach, both fluttering.
She pulled back just enough to look him eyes and whisper, "I like you too."
[[The End->Post-Script]]
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Created by W. Kaden Gicker
Adapted from the short story "Lina" by W. Kaden Gicker
Written by W. Kaden Gicker
Researched by W. Kaden Gicker
Organized by W. Kaden Gicker
Edited by W. Kaden Gicker
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed.(change:?page,
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Leo James Raine
Born: April 29, 2220 at The Hill, Greenland
Status: Future [[elemental->Elementals]] and Member of the [[Tribe of Bright Mist->Bright Mist]]
Parents: Leonard Jason Raine Jr. and Nira Raine Barra
Elemental Affinity: Water
[[Back to story.->Chapter 1]](change:?page,
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(text-colour:#ff9300)[Mentolo Eliazer Reyes
Born: February 28, 2220 in Washington, [[Douglas Commonwealth->DC]], United States of America
Status: Non-elemental human
Parents: Juan August Reyes and Maya Angelica Martinez
]
[[Back to story.->Chapter 1]](change:?page,
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Lareena Angelica Reyes
Born: January 17, 2221 in Washington, Douglas Commonwealth, United States of America
Current Status: [[Whisperer->Whisperers]]
Parents: Juan August Reyes and Maya Angelica Martinez
Special Animal Affinity: Birds
[[Back to story.->Chapter 1]](change:?page,
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Brian Dorian Parker
Born: September 12, 2220 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Status: Elemental and estranged member of the Tribe of Bright Mist
Parent: Benjamin Brian Parker and Shonda Johnson
Elemental Affinity: Steel
[[Back to story.->Chapter 4]](change:?page,
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(text-colour:black)[Eduardo Ramirez Hernandez
Born: August 15, 2219 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Status: First Sergeant and Liason to the Secretary General of the United Nations
Parents: Anthony Juan Eduardo Hernandez and Shanon Bridger Ramirez]
[[Back to story.->Chapter 4]](change:?page,
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(text-colour:#ff9300)[Princess Tara Irini
Born: May 18, 2223 in Aurora, Uranus
Status: Non-elemental human
Parents: Queen Narina II of Uranus and Hereo Irini]
[[Back to story.->Chapter 9]]//Elementals are a sub-section of the human species, homo sapiens sapiens. The have no physical identifiers such abnormalities or defects, but rather appear as any other non-elemental human. They describe themselves as "beings more connected to the universe" *2341. This study has found emperical evidence to support the notion that these "elementals" indeed have the ability to control certain substances seemingly with their minds. Though they assert that each elemental can only control a single substance, this study found no provable evidence of such a limitation. All indications point to the viability of the theory that elementals have been among the human population for as long as humans have been in existance. However, though this theory is supported by a majority of this research team, there is no provable evidence other than the word of the living elementals and their oral and written traditions.
The elementals taking part in this study have so far rejected all requests for biological and physiological testing and have so far refused to give any explanation for how their abilities manifest. Though they do assert that they happen at random, are not necessarily heriditary, and can manifest in humans with no elemental relatives. Working with the current elemental authorities, this study estimates that the current elemental population ranges between 0.001% and 0.002% of the greater human population.//
From the first study on elementals commissioned by the United Nations. (2039)
[[Back.->James]]//The consulted elementals for this study cold not provide many details on the humans they call whisperers. The only information that the ambassadors from the Tribe of Bright Mist could provide this study is that the rumours of humans that can talk to animals has long been both proven and common knowledge for all of the tribes. It is unclear why they elected not to share this knowledge during previous studies on the elemental phenomanon. The ambassadors made it clear to us that not only could they not point the researchers in the direction of a whisperer, but that they were not in contact with any. From what they say it would seem elementals and whisperers do not identify with one another, and the elementals seem unaware of any organization in the whisperer community, if there is a recognizable "community" at all. Though we acknowledge the lack of trust some might have for the ambassadors' comments on the whisperer issue given their silence up until their hand was forced, this resesrch team has found none of Bright Mist's explanations untruthful over the course of the past five studies, once they've been comfortable enough to share.//
...
//Once contact was made with the suspected whisperer they agreed to consult with the researchers. The whisperer proved her ability by providing empirical evidence in the form of telling a squirrel exactly what to do and the squirrel following the directions. This experiment was repeated several times with various animals chosen by the researchers. It would appear that the elementals were correct in their assessment of whisperers being far fewer in number and more disconnected than the elemental population. When requested the whisperer in question did not consent to monitoring and biological and physiological testing. This study would recommend follow up projects with other rumoured whisperers.//
From the first study on Whisperers commissioned by the United Nations. (2051)
[[Back.->Lina]]//This study has identified the general structure of elemental society. As has been publically revealed most contemporary elementals live apart from non-elemental society for the self-proclaimed reason of safety. The elementals have organized themselves into groups called Tribes. This study has verified the existence of thirteen elemental tribes. Though they do interact and cooperate, each tribe has its own location and culture. What follows is a list of the names of each tribe as provided by those elementals contributing to this study.
The Tribe of Bright Mist
The Tribe of Umber Flint
The Tribe of Cerulean Inferno
The Tribe of Sunset Blaze
The Tribe of Scarlet Leaf
The Tribe of Green Ripple
The Tribe of Dim Stream
The Tribe of Silver Trunk
The Tribe of Gray Squall
The Tribe of Jade Branch
The Tribe of Golden Breeze
The Tribe of Russet Root
The Tribe of Red Sand
It should be noted that the elementals cooperating with the study were exclusively members of the Tribe of Bright Mist. The topics having to do with the state of elemental society were the ones on which they were least willing elaborate. Subsequent satalite imaging searches have found no evidence of elemental homes on any continent or island. We do not recommend pushing the cooperative elementals any further on these topics.//
From the first study on elementals commissioned by the United Nations. (2039)
[[Back.->James]](change:?page,
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(text-colour:black)[The Commonwealth of Douglas
Est. 2022
Capital: Washington
The 51st State
Governor (2229): Tonya Ramirez Jones (D-DC)]
[[Back.->Elli]](change:?page,
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The Galactic Union came back. Determined to subjigate Earth and eradicated the elementals. There leader was a secret elemental, and wanted to be the last elemental of them all. Even if he had to lay waste to his home planet to do it.
This invasion was more absolute and devastating than the first. None of the sparing lives and cultural sites like before. Just destroy everything, and kill everyone in your way.
[[Back to story.->Chapter 11]](change:?page,
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John Muil Gospodar
Born: Somewhere on Earth
Status: Secret Elemental
Parents: Unknown
Elemental Affinity: Everything
[[Back to story.->Chapter 11]](change:?page,
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The Galactic Union
The central government of the galaxy. Equiped with the largest armies and navies, and most advanced technology available. And headed up by one of the most hateful, cruel jackasses in history.
He hates elementals.
[[Back to story.->Chapter 4]](change:?page,
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(background:black)[Venus
Second Planet from the Sun
Capital: Aphrodite
First Human Landing: July 26, 2040 (As mandated by the Membership Charter of the Intra-Galactic Commonwealth of Planets)
First Human Colony: November 1, 2071 (As mandated by the Membership Charter of the IGC)
First Venusian Government: January 14, 2115
Current Planetary Status: Not Terraformed
Population: 869,428,034 sentient beings (Jan. 2238)]
Once dismissed as a barren volcanic wasteland, Venus is now home to a near-self sustaining planetary society of appraoching a billion sentient beings. Its colonization and inhabitation was originally and still is mandated by the Membership Charter of the (text-colour:white)[[[Intra-Galactic Commonwealth of Planets->Intra-Galactic Commonwealth of Planets]]] for the admission and continued membership of the Earth Sector of the Galaxy in the galactic parlaiment. This mandate required the inhabitation of every planet in the Earth System including Venus. The mandate of inhabitation is still in affect for another galactic standard seven decades as of 2238 Current Terrestrial Era or 11,349 Current Galactic Era.
[[Back.->Chapter 3]](change:?page,
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Intra-Galactic Commonwealth of Planets
The IGC, commonly refered to as the Galactic Union or GU is the central government of the planets of the galaxy known to humans as the Milkyway. It was founded out of the fall of the dynasty of the House Lorell of the Lorellian Empire.
Its capital is Catalaria, in the Lorell Sector, and its central governing body is Galactic Parlaiment and office of the Galactic Prime Minister.
[[Back.->Venus]]I'll start this little journal by admitting I have a tendancy to form narratives about my life more than might be helpful. I find through lines that might not actually be there, or hyperfocus of events and people.
That's what the doctor says. And my dad when he was still around. They're probably right.
Actually that's why I'm writing this. The doctor says it might be good to look through some old documents and memories and get some stories down. I know she wants me to write about the wars and all that. You know, dig up the shit. But I think I'd like to start by exploring a different story.
I'd rather think about her a little bit first.
I remember when I first met her. At least I think it was the first time. I don't remember much from before I was like eleven, but I remember this for some reason. I must have been eight or nine.
Anyway, whenever I think about her I usually start the through line [[here->Chapter 1]].
Oh, I'm James by the way.I still have this vivid image of her tiny face when Elli yelled at her.
It makes me smile. She still does it when she gets angry.
What's weirdest is that I can still feel the feeling in my chest. Even decades later. For years, whenever she walked into a room a knot would tangle up in my chest.
Speaking of still feeling things all this time later. I usually pinpoint the next step on my through line with her a few years later, when I got smacked harder than any other time I can remember.
I should probably mention for the record that I had literally know knowledge of what whisperers or elementals were at that point.
So imagine my surprise when this [[happened->Chapter 2]]."Suprise!!"
Life likes it's shockers doesn't it. People can talk to animals, like literally communicate with them. Didn't see that one coming did you kid.
Well, young James just wait until you start moving shit with your mind.
Moving shit with your mind...
Oh yeah, I can do that. You know that of course if your reading this. You're me. Who the fuck else would read this.
How can I do that? Well you know that too don't ya. Except the doc said to be thorough so fuck it.
Ready? Ok, here goes the bare bones.
I am an elemental (this is pointless). I am one with nature (so is everyone). I didn't think I was an elemental (would you?). But one day a strange man from an elemental tribe showed up and offered to teach me (Obi-wan vibes). I said, sounds dope (not really, I had no confidence, I just sort of got strung along). So we agreed to start training after I graduated high shcool (I didn't believe in myself).
Great, now I'm all caught up with myself. Thanks doc.
Anyway. So I'm about to go train, yeah? To become an elemental and shit. Had no confidence in myself, didn't think I was an elemental, but for some reason I went [[anyway->Chapter 3]].
I'm so happy to dredge all this back up. So much fun, yay.Ok, set up done.
In case you couldn't tell I always enjoy rolling down memory road. With all its dilapidated store fronts, ground up asphault, and shattered traffic lights. So many fun things to recall, like my crippling self doubt, months of training without moving a single drop of water, being isolated from all my friends, Elli and Lina included. Love it. And we haven't even got to the fucked up stuff yet.
But, sometimes on Memory Boulevard South you find a glimmer. A window not yet smashed, or a curb not yet crubbling. Like meeting Dorian, another elemental, and my best friend, still; or finally learning to use my ability to control water, and beginning the long process of unwinding the knot of my confidence.
But of course all this, the good and the bad is nothing compared to what happened at the end of my training.
Two years after saying goodbye to Elli and Lina the Galactic Union invaded the solar system. Earth, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, every damn planet. They tore through us like shredder through paper. Or a paper...through a shredder? Whatever. You get it. They fucked us up. And I was on the front lines naturally, fighting with Dorian and my elemental teacher by my side.
And we lost.
Big time.
So let me ask you. Self. I don't know why I keep saying "you", but it helps so I guess it's fine.
Let me ask you. If you lost as a war to a massive army that killed your mentors, demolished your governments, subjigated your people, and was hunting you down what would you do?
I'm an elemental. The Galactic Union was hunting elementals. They came for us, brushed the armies aside and started hunting us.
So I hid.
For three years.
And I'm not ashamed. Anymore. I've developed enough self-forgiveness to sympathize with myself.
I built up a quiet, safe life. Hadn't seen anyone from before the invasion for years. Until one day Dorian showed up. He had an invitation. To join the resistance against the Galactic Union.
And let me tell you something about saying yes to him.
I've never been more pissed remembering a [[great decision->Chapter 4]].
Wow doc, you successfully got me to write about the wars. I'm sarcastically clapping your acclaim.So yeah.
Ed.
Great guy, with even better timing.
Look, don't get me wrong. Ed became, and still is, a good friend after meeting him on Venus that day. But if you think that eased the jealousy you've clearly never had crush on someone dating your friend.
I mean this man was and is suave, ripped, genial. Just a catch and half.
And then there was me. Plain old James. Bitter from years on the run, probably scrawny and out of shape. Not a lot of gyms on the run by the way. And I was just me. Nothing exciting or interesting about me. So what chance did I have?
Actually, oh please. Even if I thought I had a chance, which I never did, I was never confident enough to tell her I liked her. Even as I got more confident with my abilities and literally everything else, every time I was around her it was like I was a nine year old watching my friend's pretty sister bounce into the room.
She was Lina. Nothing plain or boring about her to me. But we got along just like old times. We could talk easily for ridulous amounts of time, rely on each other for back up, and all the rest of the cleche shit.'
But Ed was always there.
I hated how much I liked him, and how much he seemed to like me.
We got along. Like, really well. The bastard.
Devilishly charming angel. Or angelically charming devil.
Even as my mood shifted toward the resistance. Even as I became less cynical, believing that maybe this group I had roled my eyes into joining might just beat the Galactic Union, the jealousy never stopped.
It was like this for years. And it never got easier.
Speaking of [[which->Chapter 5]].Ed was somehow cinematic.
Especially without trying.
"Oh Lina. Let me kiss you. With Jupiter hanging perfectly between us in the star studded night sky."
I mean honestly. The fuck? What were the odds the literal fucking stars would aline like that. I felt like I was in a movie. Still do when he's around.
I mean this sort of thing happened for years.
While we pushed the Galactic Union out of the solar system it was like I couldn't round a damn corner without the two of them snogging.
Dorian always had a good time giving me grief for it. He noticed how I looked at even when I didn't.
And Lina and Ed seemed perfect together. I know I sound like romance novel when I say that but I mean seriously. For those first few years, if they ever had any shit (which I now assume they did since that's relationships), they kept it under wraps. And they were both kind, and funny, and hot. To a rediculous degree for someone crushing on one of them.
But there were moments. Moments when things would settle down on the war front. Moments when Lina would open up to me more than usual.
We were still friends. Extremely close.
And we had [[moments->Chapter 6]].God, going back and writing this I can feel the HEARTACHE and LUST in my finger tips.
Such a romantic, good god.
So yeah. Their relationship was complicated. Shocker. Well, it was to me then. I was a kid. But now I get it. That's been every relationship I've ever had. Complex and multifaceted. They defy simplicity no matter how much you defy them to.
Actually, come to think of it this little moment we had wasn't too long before we succeeded in pushing the Galactic Union out of the solar system.
It took years, countless lives, countless dollars, countless sleepless nigts, but we did it. Kicked their dictatorial asses out of our sector of the galaxy.
God those were some fun parties in the following weeks. Real "Return of Jedi" time.
Unfortunately the partying had to stop pretty quickly. We kicked the Galactic Union out and so a power vaccuum remained. Which meant we had to fill it. We in this case being the rightful United Nations Secretary General we all served under.
It took years of sorting out border disputes new and old, stopping mass deportations, and reinstalling functioning governments. As an elemental, my abilities were quite useful for this work, and so I was busy.
But occassionally I got a [[week off->Chapter 7]] here and there.Dorian always had a way of getting in my head. Still does.
We piss each other off, but what a team we are.
So yeah, I was resolved to tell her about my feelings. No pressure. Just honesty.
Great.
How did that [[go->Chapter 8]] again? Oh yeah.
I'm already cringing.Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugggggggggghhhhhhh.
You know when you cringe so hard your skin tingles?
I've got that.
I hate that memory so much.
It sucks.
It sucked more in the moment of course. But holy shit, the look on her face.
Vivid in my mind.
God.
I had fought battle after battle, nearly died so many times, but I could barely get those words out and her reaction was somehow worse than the feeling of getting stabbed. Which I had experienced at that point, multiple times.
I feel so yucky remembering that.
Anyway, ok, shake it off. That isn't the end, that isn't the end. Pull it together.
So, we kept on rebuilding the solar system. But soon after this I started a new training. To expand my elemental abilities to be able to control not just water, but any form of matter, dirt, sand, steel, pizza. Name it and theoretically I could move it.
But learning that skill was even harder than overcoming my confidence issue with the water. Because this wasn't about confidence. It was about connecting with the universe like never before. Like really vibing with it.
But just as I was starting to make progress and control just a few more things than water I was called back to the fight, if only for to attend a very important wedding.
We had made friends with the Uranian Queen (I know, look at us) and her sister and so all the high-ranking people from the resistance days had to fly to Uranus for the wedding.
And [[guess->Chapter 9]] who was there.That's a cringy memory too. But it's more complicated than the other one.
The memory of how she looked, how she looked at me, how it felt to be close in the way that we were in that moment.
And her eyes.
The look in her eyes has stayed with me.
The total comfort she had with just looking at me endlessly was both unnerving and spellbinding at the same time.
But she was still with Ed, and she had made it clear to me she wasn't interested. But then she did stuff like that and threw me into me into a mental hurricane, unsure what was what and which way was which. I couldn't make sense of all the signals she was sending, and I don't even think she knew she was sending them all.
She was still with Ed.
But eventually she wasn't.
Eventually they broke up. Shocking. Genuinely. They were getting less discrete with their bickering but no one expected them to actually break up.
Unfortunately there was no time to absorb that before Elli, who had fought with us in the resistance on and off went missing.
I should mention that it wasn't the first time.
During the first invasion he had been fighting with us and went missing. He had been taken by Galactic Union agents for questioning, knowing he was close to some important resistance members like me and Lina. We had found him, eventually. But some bad stuff had happened before we did.
So when he went missing again...
Well, everyone was worried. Not just for his safety, but also beause we'd been hearing rumors the Galactic Union was preparing for another invasion, determined to take back what we had freed. Kidnapping Elli like before, for information, seemed like a logical first step in getting ready for invasion.
We were [[right->Chapter 10]].I didn't see Lina for months after that. I was too afraid of seeing her again, even while returning to the front lines to literally put my life on the line as the Galactic Union began its second invasion.
As it turned out I wouldn't her for well over a year.
I was up high in the resistance command. The top elemental fighting the Galactic Union. So everyone was looking to me for guidence and to be leading the fight.
I was only in my mid-twenties, so looking back at it now I'm horrified grown adults let me lead, but at the time it seemed obvious. There were few other elementals fighting the Galactic Union. But that's a story for a different time.
This invasion was like the first, with one major difference. If we had thought we'd lost everything possible the first time, the Galactic Union was determined to show us we were [[wrong->Chapter 11]].In those last days of fighting before the surrender soldiers and even top leaders had been looking to me.
They wanted me, the only visible elemental, to be some sort of savior. And I had lost.
I see now that I did everything I was capable of at 25 or however old I was then, but holy shit. At the time I felt like Atlas watching the whole world crumble in his hands, only to look down at himself and find a puny, weak body crumbling with it.
I wasn't surprised despite my horror. It was me. Of course I had let everyone down. Of course when I was asked to lead, everyone just fucking died. Of course.
That voice in my head had been right. I was worthless. People's faith in me hadn't been proof I was capable and worthy, but a sad mistake only I saw coming, but had somehow deluded myself into forgetting at some point.
It was a validation of all the abuse I had laid on myself when I was younger.
I ran. I hid. Again. No Dorian to shit talk me out of it, he was still desperately trying to hold the resistance together that I had let fall apart. No Elli to make me laugh, he was still missing because I had failed to find him. And no Lina to make me feel seen, I had driven her away. Somehow.
I hid in Kathmandu for months. Isolated in one of the densest cities on the planet.
If I had been haggered after the first invasion...woah. I was a veritable hermit after the second.
There was no one to help me get out of my circle of trauma and self hate, and I pushed anyone who might help away.
I spent months in that little shack of an appartment in [[Kathmandu->Chapter 12]], avoiding all of the authorities in the nicer parts of town.She would eventually explain all of the convergent reasons she had lashed out. But I'll let her tell that story if she ever feels the urge. It's her's not mine.
Actually, I'm kind of interested to see this story from her point of view.
Anyway.
She brought me back to the fight as only she could. It took some prodding and makeshift therapy, but eventually they got me leading again. I can't explain why. I don't think I'm a natural leader. But they insisted despite my insistant denials.
I jumped back in. Granted, after much time timidly pacing at the water's edge so to speak. But I was in, and the Galactic Union was going down.
At that time we didn't know their leader, Gospodar, was a secret elemental. But when we found out, and found out he, like me, could control anything, everyone was looking at me to take him down.
Who did we find out from you ask? Elli. That's right. We found him. Alive. Traumatized again, but alive and full of useful information.
And so with the knowledge I had a total Rocky training montage with my elemental abilities, and within weeks I was ready. Not as powerful as Gospodar. But I was scrappy and determined. Even if I still couldn't muster the courage to tell Lina I still felt something for her. By god, I was ready to face almost certain death.
And so [[we met on the battle feild->Chapter 13]].AAAAAHHHH. So cute.
Yeah it is, I'll admit it.
But let me be real crystal clear for a sec.
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT, wait twenty years for someone you're around every day.
If you think Lina was the only person I ever dated you are mistaken. Yes, we got married and yes we've known each other since childhood, and yes I was crushing on her for the entirety of the interim, but I was not sitting around every day waiting for her.
There were times like that, of course. But that's no way to live.
So take it from someone who has waited too long. Don't. Don't let the idea of someone burn your time, your energy, and your emotions away. Because then you're just letting an idea become a parasite in your sole.
There is always someone out there (cleche but true).
Lina just so happened to be that someone for me at multiple points in my life, and I love her.
But the only reason I was still able to love her twenty years after starting was because I didn't spend all those twenty years offering her love she didn't return.
I met other people, loved other people. I learned about myself and about others on the way. I just so happened to always come back to her. But that's just my individual experience.
And it's not because she's the magical one. But because our affection for and loyalty to one another aligned at a certain point.
But that doesn't make it any less special. She is still like no one else I know, and she says, though I can't understand why, that she feels the same way about me.
So why am I saying this? Because there are too many cutsie stories out there teaching the lesson of there is only a single, undeniable person forever.
I disagree. Lina is my solemate. Not because of "fate". But because we worked hard and built a strong relationship over time.
And yes I was stubbornly shy and reverted to my nine-year-old confidence level whenever she was around, but hey, that's me. That's how I be.
Anyhoozles.
That's my first story doc. You managed to get me to talk about the fucking wars. Nicely done. But jokes on you, I didn't even have a single panic attack. So ha.
-James
[[End->Credits]]