Urban Fantasy Homesteading

Eden didn’t feel like Salome had. She reminded me of someone else altogether, and it took me weeks to figure out it was Ka’ana herself. I naturally fell into orbit around her, just as I had to Ka’ana and to my muse before that.

I felt the need to check on her, just to make sure she was okay. Nine times out of ten, when I called out to her, she turned and smiled and announced that she’d just been thinking she needed me.

Today was that last time, when she scowled, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave. She folded the letter she’d been reading and stuffed it back into its envelope. It was as if there was a cord fastened tight inside my chest, and she held it tightly. Unlike Ka’ana, unlike my muse, she seemed to hold it unknowingly.

“What are you?” I asked her. She was already in a bad mood; surely I couldn’t upset her much more.

Mirrored from Jack-a-dreams.

My Dearest Master Feng,

For some time now you have been asking me to give up using my training in the service of governments, as your students did, and focus on loftier goals. While I cannot say that I’ve given up all government service, I do find myself in a position I think you will appreciate.

Mirrored from Jack-a-dreams.

Kether was busy sparring with one of Eden’s project kids when his father walked in with the men in suits.

“-so you see, they’re coming along nicely but they’re still a little young to actually see war.”

“The department doesn’t have time to fund flights of fancy, Dr. Saito.”

“Unless the department has found a means to speed up aging, I don’t see what you expect me to do about it.”

“We’re working on it.” The man paused. “I’m sure the principle could be applied to older soldiers.”

“The results would not be as dramatic.”

“Every weapon helps, doctor. All the intel we have says that this war is going to get ugly.” Both voices went silent, and Kether tried to keep his attention on the sparring match. He almost missed what the agent said next.

“What about that one? He’s about old enough for the draft, isn’t he?”

“That’s my son!” Kether did stop then, barely noticing as the younger boy dashed in for several quick jabs. “And not eighteen yet, for that matter.”

“It’s not up to you, doctor. It never has been. Expect a call in a week or so.”

After the man left, Kether went over to his father. He intended to say something, but he wasn’t sure if he should even show that he’d heard. He waited to see what his father would say instead.

Jin said nothing, only put his arm around the boy and held tight.

Mirrored from Jack-a-dreams.

“Dad? How will Tipha find us if we move?”

Jin stopped packing and looked down at his son. He needed to pick his words carefully.

“Tipha’s not going to find us, Kether. The nice men Victor works with are going to find her.”

“But she won’t know where we are!” Kether looked to be on the verge of tears.

He sighed. “I know you miss your sister… and I’m sure missing your mother has something to do with this too. But they want your sister back very, very badly, Kether. If any people can find her, these people can.”

“Is she… do you think she’s ok?”

Jin frowned, thinking about it. “I- if there’s anyone I’d trust with her, it’s Will and Iris. Even if they kidnapped her. They’d never hurt her.”

Kether nodded and started back toward his room, then paused. “Should I start packing her room? I already packed my books and my cars.”

Jin hadn’t even thought about it, and a stab of guilt cut through him. “Go ahead,” he told his son, trying to sound casual. “I’m almost done in here, her room was next.”

The boy ran off. Jin eyed the bottle and tumblers on the counter, but turned away instead. He swept through the rest of the books, dropping them neatly into a box, and then went to join his son.

Mirrored from Jack-a-dreams.