Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.

 

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Author's Note: This is an appendix for terms and lore for Alex in Wonderland, to help make sense of the Greylands. This may contain some spoilers. Thanks to my readers and to BCTS for giving their support of Transgendered authors and fiction. ~Amethyst.
 

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Appendix

Humans: Much like humans on earth.

Zenin (Cat people): Roughly the same size as humans but with cat-like features: Tails, fur, cat ears and noses, fangs, slight muzzle, claws, walk on the balls of their feet. Good balance, speed and agility.

Jiquar (Four armed bear people): Furred people with bear-like ears, four arms and can get up to 8 feet tall. Omnivorous, but largely meat-eaters. Very strong with a lot of stamina but a bit slow.

Cinole (small winged humans): Human-looking with large leathery wings, pointed ears and get up to 4 feet tall. They are quick in the air and have very good eyesight. Their bones are hollow and very brittle though.

Rokin (lizard people): They live mostly in the great sand and prefer hotter temperatures. Some are known to leave as traders though.

Kyran: (aquatic humanoids) Humanoid looking with long powerful legs and arms with large webbed hands and feet. Their skin is composed of very tiny scales ranging in shades of blue and grey. Hair is often in corals blues, greens and silvers. They have large eyes in purples, ambers and normal human eye colors with an inner transparent eyelid that acts as a protective membrane underwater and allows them to see well in the dark or underwater. They have flared fin-like ears that resemble clamshells and gills along their ribs. On average they are shorter than the human norm. They are mostly isolationist and rarely seen outside their home in the Dacotis Islands, nor do they let many outsiders in.

Drakans: Telepathic dragon like creatures native to Gaje and now an endangered species hunted down by the Lharusian Empire. Azure tries to preserve them and coexist with them. Very intelligent and form a lifelong bond with their Chosen. Most Chosen are Gifted. It is ritual for the Chosen to say that they consent to being Chosen, thereby accepting the responsibility. Drakans reach their full size by one pass they can mate at five passes and have a mating cycle every three passes.

Radiant Drakan (iridescent): Winged Drakan with highly reflective silver scales that reflect light in rainbow colors. They have the ability to bend light to make themselves or others invisible and to create illusions. It is easier for them to bend light around others if the person is wearing a suit of Radiant Drakan scales. Radiant are the largest Drakans and can grow up to 65 feet long from nose to the tips of their tails with wing spans of up to 48 feet

Shadow Drakan (black): They have the ability to blend into the shadows or darkness and not be seen. They can also teleport from shadow to shadow or in dark places. They can grow up to 60 feet long from nose to the tips of their tails with wing spans of up to 45 feet. Their scales help the wearer blend into shadows or darkness.

Storm Drakan (gold): Have two large horns atop their heads which can produce electricity and fire it as lightning. They can grow up to 45 feet long from nose to the tips of their tails with wing spans of up to 30 feet. Their scales also help insulate against electricity.

Flame Drakan (red): They breathe fire. They can grow up to 45 feet long from nose to the tips of their tails with wing spans of up to 30 feet. Their scales also protect from fire and heat.

Frost Drakan (white): They encase things in ice with their freezing breath. They can grow up to 45 feet long from nose to the tips of their tails with wing spans of up to 30 feet. Their scales also protect from the cold.

Earth Drakan (green): Wingless Drakans that help plants grow and stay healthy. Their saliva can heal most wounds and poisons and is often mixed with padith and loiku to make healing tonics. They can grow up to 55 feet long from nose to the tips of their tails.

Water Drakan (blue): Drakans that live mostly in the water and fire high pressure water blasts from their mouths. They are natural dowsers and their scales are extremely water resistant. They can grow up to 45 feet long from nose to the tips of their tails with wing spans of up to 30 feet.

Stone Drakan (grey): Heavy wingless Drakans that have very hard scales. They are incredibly good tunnelers and great at finding valuable ores and gemstones. Their scales are even better armor than that of other Drakans. They can grow up to 55 feet long from nose to the tips of their tails.

Kranth: A large tusked reptile the size of a small car, very fierce and found in the wilds in warmer climates.
Neetay: A floppy eared cat-like animal found in forests, easily domesticated and commonly kept as pets.
Scraw: A large predatory bird with a hooked beak, black and red plumage and a ten foot wingspan.
Jiccan: A songbird the size of a falcon. Very smart, often kept as pets and used to send messages and other simple errands.
Yink: Dogs the size of ponies, often run wild in packs and are white, red, or brown in color. Some have been domesticated and trained as guard dogs and beasts of burden.
Sadar: Yellow furred tri horned sheep, very gentle, used for food and raised for their wool.
Luarn: Cow-like creatures with dark blue fur raised for their naturally sweet milk and butchered for meat.
Baynard: A large black equine with a sharp long curved blade-like horn, fierce, intelligent and considered too wild for domestic use.
Machul: relative to the Banard, large black equines with no horns, domesticated and very fast.
Kythir: Large ferret like creature with thick white fur and roughly thirty feet in length that live in the frozen wastes. Hunted for their warm fur and meat. Have six legs and very sharp claws and teeth.
Kihr: Smaller and smarter relative of the Kythir. Get up to four feet in length and are considered exotic pets.
Vohm: Ten foot long poisonous snakes with mottled green and brown scales. Found in dry forests and the Great Sands.
Liddeck: A turkey sized bird with small stubby wings raised like chickens for their eggs and meat. They come in white and black but their tail feathers are very large and often come in bright blues, greens, and crimsons.
Gohl: A white freshwater creature similar in size and appearance to a crab.
Soku: Gigantic black turtle-like creatures found near the Dacotis Islands. Rougly fifteen to feet from head to tail and weighing up to 4000 pounds. Move very fast in water and the Kyran use them as beasts of burden
Cythirr: Whale-like dark purple creatures hunted for their meat and blubber which is used to make scented oils.

Stingweed: A plant with purple leaves and long sharp needles. Needles are used by Healers and the leaves contain an aloe-like gel used to treat burns and scrapes.
Shix: A course brown grain similar to wheat and grown by many farmers.
Loiku: A common plant whose fibers is used in making cotton-like cloth. The large roots are very sweet and are ground to make a pink sugar-like substance which is referred to by the same name as the plant.
Padith: An herb with many healing properties.
Yalk Trees: A very dense hardwood tree with white bark, black wood, and blue diamond shaped leaves. Often used when a sturdy wood is needed for building.
Shiide: A plant with gummy leaves that taste and smell very minty. Also, a mild relaxant.
Corrune: A blue flower native to Azure whose pollen induces sleep.
Gandir: A spicy herb.
Red Bonnets: Pretty red flowers whose pollen can act as a mild aphrodisiac.
Frostberries: found on shrubs with small almost triangular shaped leaves. Berries are pale blue, almost white and have a sweet taste.
Rillfruit: Very tart blue citrus fruit. When in bloom the flowers are lavender in color.
Brae Moss: A very absorbent blue moss that grows on yalk trees.
Vilae: A fern type plant. It’s roots are an anaesthetic.
Prickleberries: Purple berries that grow on catci in the Great Sands. Make a fine brandy.
Kala: An herb from the Dacotis Islands. The large leaves are incredibly good at preventing infection in wounds.
Battu: A sappy tree from the Dacotis islands, its bark grows very fast. The bark is ground into powder and mixed with the sap and ground loiku to make a chocolate like substance.
Piska: A rapidly growing from of seaweed found around the Dacotis Islands that the Cythirr feed on.
Bloodblossoms: Bright red flowers. Their leaves used in a teas can act as a contraceptive.

The Frozen Wastes: A large mountain range with expansive glaciers that borders the country of Azure at the north, separating it from the country of Syrnia. Alex first appears in the wastes.
The Great Sand: A large desert to the south and southeast of Azure and bordering the Ujard Ocean. A lawless area where might makes right. The Rokin tribes live there as do many outlaw bands. The sheer expanse of it as well as the dangers there are the only thing keeping the Lharusian Empire from invading Azure.
Azure: The country which Alex becomes Princess of. Most races coexist well there. Ruled by the Misalet family.
The Lharusian Empire: A vast empire covering most of the continent of Gaje. Ruled by humans and other races are enslaved and treated cruelly. Drakans have been almost completely eradicated by the empires armies.
Syrnia: A country to the north of Azure across the frozen wastes. A democratic commune.
Torma: An island nation west of Azure in the Ujard Ocean. Ruled by the Biord family. Cinole homeland.
Dacotis Islands: An island nation west of the Lharusian Empire and south of Torma in the Ujard Ocean. Home to the Kyran.
Hirn: Homeland of the Jiquar. On a peninsula west of Syrnia on the Ujard Ocean. Ruled by the Rhelik family.
The Ujard Ocean: The ocean which Azure sits on the west coast of.
The Brey Mountains: A mountain range which stretches from the frozen wastes to the great sand and separates Azure from the Lharusian Empire.
Velheim: Capital city of Azure.
Draden: Azure's largest port city and home to some very nice beaches .
Yalze River: A major river in Azure.
Misalet Lake: A lake north of Velheim. Misalet Castle sits on the island at its center to protect the crystal fountain of Itari.
Therune Forest: A large forest north of Velheim and bordering Misalet Lake
Pysis: The capital city of the Lharusian Empire.
Lojihn: The Drakan homeworld.

Kida: Spirit energy that exists in all things. Can be harnessed by the Gifted.

Kida Lamps: Bright lamps made by Enchanters. As with a lot of things made by Enchanters only the well-off can afford them outside of bartering for them. Most people make do with torches.

Gift: Magic in this world is referred to as the Gift. Those who can control and manipulate Kida (spirit energy) are the Gifted. Only about 15% of the population has any Gifts worth mentioning. Over half the population have no Gifts and the remaining 35% or less have only small Gifts that aren’t much use. There are various types of Gifted and some people can have multiple Gifts. Some have great control over their Gifts while others have very little. How much Kida they can access and use, and thus their power level also varies. People are taken to Diviners when they turn 18 to test for Gifts and to trigger those Gifts. The Gifting can result in varying physical and mental changes. The 18th birthsun is often referred to as one's Giftsun. The Giftsun is a rite of passage into adulthood whether one is Gifted or not and they set aside their childhood name for the name they will carry into adulthood.

Giftburn: When someone with a powerful Gift that hasn’t been triggered by a Gifting starts to burn up from the inside from the Kida that is building up inside them and not being used. Usually only happens when young in those with powerful Gifts as those with small Gifts wouldn’t build up enough Kida until they are middle-aged.

Healers: Can heal illnesses wounds or diseases, though the more serious the injury the more magic they need to use.
Enchanters: Can't use magic to do anything directly but can permanently enchant objects with a large variety of effect spells. Enchantments can be temporary or permanent, but permanent takes more power.
Diviners: Those whose Gifts are mind based, these abilities can include telepathy, telekinesis, precognition, sensing the history of objects or places, and empathy. They can also detect Gift potential. Most varied of the Gifted.
Wilders: Can communicate with and influence animals.
Thaumaturges: Can use their Gift directly for a wide variety of effects. Sorcerers who control the base elements.
Shifters: Use their Gift to change their shape, appearance, etc. More powerful Shifters can subtly reshape the bodies of other people and objects as well.
Wind Walkers: Can control the weather.
Dabblers: Gifted in more than one area.

Plarg: Roughly 1 mile
Tayr: 50 Lin (just over one foot).
Lin: About a 1/4 of an inch.
Zim: Roughly 3 pounds.
Zimtak: 100 zims
Candlemark: Roughly 1 hour.
Sun: A day (26 candlemarks). A sun begins and ends at sunbreak (dawn).
Pass: A solar year.
Sevensun: One week.
Tenth: Ten tenths in a Pass. Each tenth is five sevensuns. The tenths are named Learth, Quenta, Pol, Zynth, Juvan, Wharee, Guren, Patok, Yalad, and Shiyas.

Selune: Goddess of Gifts………………………………………………….......Gold
Tirrik: Horned God of the Hunt…………………………………………..........Brown
Kanae: Goddess of Fertility, the Harvest and Birth……………………….....Lavender
Gund: God of War………………………………………………………….........Red
Pallo: Goddess of Death……………………………………………………......Black
Yanis: The Sun God………………………………………………………..........Yellow
Jos: The Moon Goddess……………………………………………….......…...White
Orin: God of the Seas………………………………………………………........Turquoise
Mynde: The Goddess of Unions…………………………………………….......Silver
Drek: The God of Misfortune. His name is often used as a curse word…….Orange
Itari: The Goddess of the Earth…………………………………………….....…Green
Lharus: God of the Sky (The One God)…………………………………….......Blue

Zint: An insult similar to bitch on earth

Jikkune, Jikkun, Jikkara, and Jikkar: Jikkune means goddaughter in Zenin, with godson being Jikkun and godparent being Jikkara (female) or Jikkar (male) depending on the gender. It’s usually an oath sworn before one or more Gods within the first few days after a child is born to watch over and protect them should anything happen to their parents. It isn’t something that’s done often though, because since most Zenin families have multiple parent figures there is no need.

Alex: Former earth guy dying of Cancer and now Alexis Misalet, Zenin and heir to the throne of Azure.
Michelle: Alex’s twin on Earh, and now Alexis’ Radiant Drakan.
Jezz: Cinole Healer and Alex’s romantic interest and companion, 19 passes old.
Grayle: Earth Draken, Jezz is her Chosen.
Patar: brown-furred Jiquar scholar, advisor, and protector of the royal family of Azure.
Runne: Frost Drakan, Patar is his Chosen.
Felice: Personal Maidservant of Alexis.
Chrissy: A kihr and Alexis’ pet.
Yurin: Human miner and Chosen of Perrix.
Perrix: Stone Drakan, Yurin is his Chosen.
Alina Misalet: First Queen of Azure.
Nisa Misalet: Alexis’ Greylands mother and Queen of Azure.
Janis: Nisa’s husband, Alexis’ father, and King of Azure.
Larane: Palace Healer, Zenin.
Trevas: Larane’s son and apprentice Healer.
Mathan Biord: Cinole prince of Torma.
Galan: Human, royal Enchanter.
Kardis: grey Jiquar, royal blacksmith, Shifter.
Tarn: Zenin apprentice to Galan.
Kiryn: Human palace servant.
Duchess Yanesse: Zenin noblewoman.
Countess Nikola Tahrun: Zenin Noblewoman.
Count Leggund Tahrun: Zenin Noble.
Viscount Halan Tahrun: Zenin noble and son to Nikola.
Lannah: Human born on the same day as Alexis (Visanee). Long range telepath and shifter who can change her coloring. 18 passes old.
Snow: Frost Drakan, Lannah is her Chosen.
Rozia: White Jiquar, minor Thaumaturge, 19 passes old.
Thorza: Storm Drakan, his chosen is Rozia.
Jonth: Zenin, minor Wind Walker, 18 passes old.
Xuth: Water Drakan, Jonth is her Chosen.
Irric: powerful Zenin Shifter but stuck as a Rokin, 21 passes old.
Forte: Flame Drakan, his Chosen is Irric.
Pounce: Neetay and Jezz’s pet.
Mante: a palace squire in Misalet Castle.
Zarla: High Priestess of the Temple of Itari in Velheim, Human.
Alizia: High Priestess of the Temple of Selune in Velheim, Silver furred Zenin with auburn hair.
Gella: Chosen of Iriden.
Iriden: Radiant Drakan, Gella is his Chosen.
Kalem: Chosen of Parol.
Parol: Radiant Drakan, Kalem is his Chosen.
Nisa: Chosen of Toran.
Toran: Shadow Drakan, Nisa is his Chosen.
James O’Donnell: Precognitive from Earth during the 1600’s.
Kasmin: High Priestess in the temple of Kanae.
Girwen: High Priestess in the temple of Mynde.
Jade: Earth Drakan, Pharen is her Chosen.
Pharen: Chosen of Jade.
Naddim: Brother of Queen Nisa, the man behind the Shadow War.
Laila: A pure white Zenin with blue eyes and long curly hair blonde hair nearly as light as her fur. Runs the royal family’s summer home in Draden.
Manake: Head elder of the Kyran council of elders.
Tsinoda: The Kyran High Priestess of Itari.
Gerue: The Kyran High Priestess of Kanae.
Doran: The Kyran High Priest of Orin.
Isra Perewin: A diplomat and former vassal of the Misalet family and now the Ciuntess of Kamnis.
Carra: A palace seamstress.
Visanna and Arina: the first Drakan and Chosen pair, and it was Visanna who discovered that Drakans could bond to other species. They helped Nisa to reclaim her title of Heir and become Queen during the Shadow War twenty passes ago. And it was they who gathered all the remaining Drakans, led them to Azure, and convinced them to start the Choosings. Visanna has dark green hair and purple eyes and Arina is a Water Drakan.

 

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

 

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Author's Note: This is a rewrite of the original and unfinished Alex in Wonderland. I was hoping to post a chapter of Apocalypse Dawn this week, but it's not coming along as well as I hoped, so I decided to post this instead since it's sort of a prequel to AD and I intend to alternate between posting this and AD every other week going forward. Thanks to my readers and to BCTS for giving their support of Transgendered authors and fiction. ~Amethyst.
 

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Chapter 1: Down the Fishing Hole

Northern Minnesota
Ten years before the fall of the Veil…

“Alex, those things are going to kill you, you know,” my sister told me with a disapproving frown as I lit a cigarette. We were at a rest stop and despite the cold, we were sitting outside. It was clear and cold enough to see our breath, but I needed a nic fix and Michelle didn't want me smoking in the car.

She didn't seem to be all that bothered by the cold. She was even wearing a mini-skirt and I had to immediately stifle the surge of jealousy and self-loathing that clenched my heart like a vice at that thought. God damn, how I envied her for it sometimes, for being able to wear whatever clothes she wanted and having a body that wouldn’t look ridiculous doing so.

At that moment, I deeply wished that I could be wearing a skirt too, not that I could tell my sister that. I could barely keep my face impassive and hold in that sudden spike of the depression, self-loathing, and disgust at the wrongness of my body that had been with me since we hit puberty. It was a small wonder that my jealousy over her body hadn’t made me resent her, but we had been very close since we were born, two halves of a whole, and we shared everything growing up… everything but this. Michelle was my twin sister and my best friend, but I couldn't even tell her who I was inside.

I had never told anybody that I felt like a girl trapped in a guy’s body, not my sister and not my parents, and I had always kept my dressing up private and secret, ashamed of my body and fearful of how they might react. You'd probably keep it secret and private too if you were six foot three and broad-shouldered, with a square jaw. I was a huge, grotesque slab of masculinity that tortured my soul every time I caught a glance of my reflection or looked down at my body.

My body might have been heart-shatteringly masculine, but other than that I was pretty unremarkable with dull brown hair and eyes and somewhat lanky since I refused to work out, bulky muscles would have made my body feel more incongruous. I was built so very differently than my twin sister, who was gorgeous in comparison, a reflection of what I should have been with her nice hourglass figure, feminine curves, bright green eyes, and auburn hair. The only things that we had in common physically were our age and that we were both on the slender side, but I suppose at that point I was getting to be more gaunt than slender. I quickly and carefully squashed another surge of jealousy and inadequacy.

“It’s probably better that I keep it secret, for as long as I have left,” I thought bitterly. It was just one more cross I had to bear on my own. I hadn't told anyone about the Cancer either, they would just worry or waste their time and mine by looking for ways to save me. Better to just try to enjoy the time I had left; two months, maybe three, if the doctors were right. I took a long drag on my death stick and gave Michelle my best fake smile as I told her, “It'll take more than cigarettes to take me down.”

As I finished my cigarette, I briefly considered once again telling my family everything once we got to the cabin. Hiding it from them, and everyone else, for my whole life had only made me miserable. Maybe I could enjoy the time I had left if I could at least live it as something close to the girl I wanted to be. Maybe then my last few months could bring me the happiness that I couldn't find in the first twenty-eight years of my sad existence. I extinguished both my cigarette and that train of thought viciously under my boot, and then we both climbed back into Michelle's beat-up old Camry to finish the long drive out to the family cabin and my final Christmas.

Elsewhere…

Visanee kept her cloak wrapped firmly around her and her cowl up to hide her features as she slipped along the halls of the Misalet Castle with the feline grace and silence that was a benefit of being a Zenin. Behind her, the guards for the room that had been her prison for almost 18 passes lay fast asleep. “I will have to thank Trevas for smuggling me in some corrune pollen if I ever get the chance. For now, though,” she thought, “I must focus on my escape.”

Making her way to the stables was easier than she first expected. It was very late after all, and the darkened halls, with only very few of the kida lamps lit, helped a lot. There were not many guards to be seen either, and what few there were seemed focused on what or who may try to enter rather than who might try to leave since no alarms had been tripped yet.

The Zenin’s ears twitched, and her fur stood on end at a distant sound as she approached the entrance hall. She swiftly and silently slipped into an alcove that would let her see her surroundings, and hopefully remain somewhat hidden in the shadows. Her feline nose wrinkled as she cautiously sniffed the air and smelled sweat, steel, and wine. The guard who turned the corner and entered the hall, sniffing suspiciously at the air, was large with brown fur and bear-like in appearance. If bears walked upright on their hind legs and had four arms.

“Just great,” she thought as her heart fluttered nervously in her chest, “a Jiquar, and he's close to 8 tayr tall. Oh well, at least his sensitive nose should work to my advantage.” Covering her nose with one hand, she slipped the other into her pouch and withdrew a handful of pollen. The Jiquar sniffed his way toward her and once he was almost at her alcove, she jumped out and blew the pollen up into his still sniffing nose.

“Surprise,” she whispered as the guard breathed in the pollen. Before he even had a chance to react with more than a shocked expression, he staggered, his eyes rolled back in his head, and he fell to the floor, fast asleep with Visanee only narrowly avoiding being pinned beneath him. A little corrune pollen just makes a person drowsy, but with as much as the guard just inhaled, even races with less sensitive noses like Humans and Cinoles would be knocked out for a few hours.

By the time Visanee arrived at the stables, she was almost out of pollen. She quickly saddled a machul and mounted it. There were plenty of horses available but she wanted speed and stamina in a mount and the large black equines were easily faster and stronger than their smaller cousin, the horse. The only thing on land faster than a machul was its other cousin, the baynard, but those were often too wild to be safely tamed, especially with their long, curved, and very sharp blade-like horns. Still, this was only one of three machuls in the stable so, with a head start, she figured that she should be able to make it deep into the city long before any pursuit was mobilized.

She rode through the courtyard to the castle gates where a lone Human stood guard. “Lower the drawbridge and raise the gates,” she said, trying to give it the air of an order while her heart raced. She was so close to escaping, she could not let herself be stopped here.

“I'm going to need to see your gate pass,” the guard replied, sounding bored.

“Oh yes, my gate pass, silly me.” Visanee barely managed to get the words free of her suddenly parched mouth as she opened her pouch, dumping the contents into her open hand.

At this point, the guard started looking intently at her cowled face then gasped in realization, “It's the pri...” was all he managed to call out before he started coughing from the handful of pollen she threw in his face. Moments later, he was on the ground fast asleep as she strained her muscles turning the wheel to raise the black portcullis. It took her longer than she wanted, but the massive gate was made of yalk wood, and that made it heavy and she was not used to such exertion.

She had not yet finished the task when the sound of the alarm rang out, signaling that she was running out of time and needed to hurry. Someone had either discovered that she was missing or found one of the guards she had knocked out. Once she finally had the portcullis raised high enough to ride through, she hit the lever to lower the drawbridge and tiredly climbed back on the machul's back to ride through the gates, across the great bridge, and into the capital city of Velheim with the sounds of the castle being roused behind her spurring her on.

It had taken almost an entire sun for Visanee to find an Enchanter who could do what she wanted, and she had been waiting for him to finish the enchantment in question for several candlemarks. She was beginning to get nervous, and rightly so. She had only narrowly evaded pursuit, and each moment that she spent in the city increased her chances of getting caught by the guards roaming the streets in search of her.

Her ears twitched and her tail swished nervously as she risked a glance out the window of the shop into the street. Her ears swiveled toward a noise behind her, and she adjusted her cowl and turned to see the shop's proprietor stepping out through the curtains that separated the storefront from his workshop. “Is it finished?” she asked.

The elderly Enchanter nodded, placing a rather plain-looking dagger on the counter as he replied, “It is. Use this to trace a circle where the veil between worlds is the thinnest, and it will allow you to change places with a compatible soul on the other side.”

Visanee nodded as she took up the dagger, her attention now laser-focused on what the Enchanter had to tell her. “And the back door that you mentioned?”

“The kida from the enchantment will linger in that spot until the passing of the full moon on the other side. The back door must be used by then, and it can only be used once. Gifts are not common in that world, if magic exists there at all, and you cannot take physical objects with you, so you must memorize the prayer that I taught you to use the back door. Only those words can trigger the kida for a trip back. Just like when you get to the other world, I cannot guarantee whose body you would inhabit upon your return...” He paused, his blind eyes turning in the direction of her breathing and his face a mask of concern. “Are you certain that you wish to do this, Miss?”

She placed three gold coins on the counter as she muttered, “Whatever happens cannot be worse than things are now.”

With a resigned sigh, the old man offered her a piece of parchment. “When you are ready, thrust the dagger through this parchment, it will take you to where the veil between worlds is the thinnest.”

Without another word, Visanee took the parchment and thrust the dagger through. Almost immediately, a blue mist began to rise from the parchment and encompassed the Zenin. Soon, all that she could see, feel or taste was the mist. It felt like the tingling sensation one feels when feeling returns to a limb after being numb and it tasted like old parchment. And then it was all gone, and she was surrounded by snow and ice. “Just wonderful,” she thought bitterly as she realized that she was in the Frozen Wastes.

Back in Minnesota…

We pulled up in front of the cabin in the early afternoon on Christmas Eve. Mom and Dad's car was already there and covered in several inches of snow. The snow had been really coming down on the last leg of our drive and a harsh wind bit into me as we stepped out of my sister’s car. I cursed as I tried to light a cigarette in the wind and snow, “Shit! It looks like we might be in for a snowstorm, Sis. A hell of a way to be spending Christmas Eve.” A shiver tore through my body as the cold wind whipped at me and I finally managed to take a drag of my cigarette.

Michelle chuckled good-naturedly. “I guess we'll save the snowball fight for another day then, and spend tonight in front of a warm fire sipping hot cocoa and talking. It could be worse.”

“True, hot cocoa does sound good, and I'm sure we can find something to talk about.” My mind wandered back to the thought of telling them everything as I absently puffed away. No, I couldn’t. I morosely finished my smoke, grabbed our bags from the trunk of the car, and Michelle and I left the snow and wind for the warm comfort of the cabin.

The Frozen Wastes…

Visanee shivered, despite her fur, as she used the dagger to draw a circle about one tayr in diameter in the ice at her feet. Once finished, she set the dagger aside and the light blue glow that had clung to the blade left it, and the dagger was just a dagger once more. The circle though took on an ethereal blue glow and, peering through it, she could see falling snow and a dark sky lit with a half-moon peeking between clouds. The deed was done. Now she just needed to wait.

She wondered whether someone compatible would arrive soon. If the area on the other side was as desolate as the wastes seemed to be, she could be waiting quite a while. She hoped not, she didn't have that kind of time. As she huddled in her cloak and tried to keep warm, the Zenin held on to hope that it would happen before she froze to death, or she was found by her pursuers or one of the waste's predators.

Her ears and nose twitched, and she carefully watched her surroundings. The howling wind was making it hard to hear anything else and since she'd never been in the wastes before the distant scents that she could pick up, other than snow, were unfamiliar. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched and it was making her tail bristle. She risked a glance back at the circle and offered a silent prayer to the Selune, the Goddess of Gifts, that something would happen soon.

Minnesota…

“The snow outside is getting worse,” I thought as I looked out the window after dinner. The wind was whipping furiously and shrieking like a banshee, and it seemed like a wall of white powder slammed into the side of the cabin with every howling gust. Inside though, the cabin was fairly warm thanks to the fire in the fireplace. The hot cocoa helped too, as did the fact that I was wearing wool socks under a comfortable pair of old sneakers and a warm sweater.

Mom had set out a platter of Christmas treats to go with the hot cocoa. There were sugar cookies, fudge, nanaimo bars, chocolate snowballs, and gingerbread. All this conspired to make me very relaxed, probably too relaxed. Or maybe I just wanted to have the truth out and get it over with. Maybe I was just tired of living the lie at long last. Either way, it doesn't matter as it all led up to me being in the wrong place at the wrong time that night, or perhaps the right place at the right time. I'm still not quite sure yet.

So, as I sat there staring out the window, comfortably full of hot cocoa and sweets, I came to a decision that would change my life. With a sigh, I turned from the window and faced my family. Michelle took after our Mom. She was a bit taller than Mom, but had those same green eyes and auburn hair, though Mom's hair was starting to go gray, and she had been granted a visit or two from the wrinkle fairy.

Dad was a big guy with black hair and brown eyes and he stood six feet four inches tall. Unlike me though, he was a wall of muscle, and he had played hockey semi-professionally before he blew out his knee and became a contractor for a construction company. In my heart, I knew that my father was going to be trouble, but I needed to get this out, it wasn’t like I would have to live long with his disapproval anyway.

“So...” I began, taking a deep breath before continuing, “I really need to talk to all of you about something.”

Mom smiled and reached across the table taking my hand. “What do you need to talk about, Alex?”

Dad looked at me sternly, his arms crossed, and his disapproval already evident. “Men don't hesitate, son. Say what ya gotta say and be done with it, otherwise you sound like a woman.” This earned him a dirty look from both my mother and Michelle.

I laughed nervously, but there was no mirth in my heart, only fear of what was to come. “Funny you should say that, Dad. I was going to ask how you and Mom would feel about having another daughter.”

Mom and Michelle looked a bit confused while Dad, as usual, heard it the way that he wanted to. “Why didn't you tell us you've found a girl, Alex? How long have you been seeing her? Why didn't you bring her for the holidays? It's about time you decided to man up and carry on the family name.”

I groaned, shaking my head at his excitement, my hands trembling and my heart tight as I cut in to say, “Dad, stop! That is not what I meant, there's no girl. I've been thinking about this a long time, and I've never been comfortable in my body.” I blushed as I looked towards my twin sister. “Michelle, I've always been jealous of you; the way you look, the way you dress.” Looking at her reaction, I was a bit taken aback by the look in her eyes. She already knew. “Sis?”

Michelle shrugged, giving me an encouraging smile. “I figured it out when we were in high school. I figured that you'd tell me when you were ready.”

Dad was not quite so understanding. “Mary! I told you we shouldn't have named him Alex! We should have named him Gordon like I wanted to, never heard of a faggot named Gordon!”

“Louis, I don't think his name is what...” my mother began before he cut her off.

“Alex, you're going to come to work with me, no more of this working with computers and hiding behind a desk all day. No son of mine is going to be a fairy. A man's work will make a real man out of you!” I looked from him to my mother and there was a cold ache in my heart as I knew there would be no convincing them. My father was never going to accept the idea, and my mother wouldn't go against him, I should have expected as much.

I stood up and glared at them. “I'm old enough to decide how I want to live the rest of my life! I wasn't asking for your fucking permission! I was telling you that this is what I've decided on!”

The arguing went back and forth for quite a while. Dad refused to give up his position while Mom silently sided with him, and I refused to give up my identity any longer while Michelle would try to get a word in edgewise to defuse the situation. Finally, things became too much when Dad shouted, “If you go through with this you are dead to me!”

I turned and stormed out of the cabin, but not before throwing back at him, “I already am dead, you just didn't know yet!”

I stomped through the snow, the wind behind me half pushing me along. The snow was close to a foot deep and even higher in some places where the wind had formed it into dunes. I was beginning to regret not getting a jacket or proper boots on before storming out of the cabin. My hands and feet were frozen, my sweater wasn't much protection from the elements, and my sneakers kept slipping on the lake ice beneath the snow. I seriously thought about turning back until something caught my attention.

Not far away, there was a circle in the snow and ice, and it seemed to be glowing. I made my way closer, thinking that maybe someone had been ice fishing and dropped their flashlight in the hole. There wasn’t any fishing equipment, but the circle was about the right size, being around a foot in diameter. I could hear Michelle's voice in the distance, calling my name, but at that moment the strange circle had my attention. I slowly reached out my hand to touch it and then everything went black.

I awoke freezing, and uncertain as to why I had fallen asleep in the first place and just what had woken me up. Maybe it was the sound of crunching snow or that strange smell, sort of like a mix between wet dog and nutmeg. I opened my eyes to see shifting movement, white on white. Something large was moving toward me and it took a moment before I could clearly make it out At first glance, I couldn't believe what I was seeing, so I shook my head to clear my vision. Sadly, this did not change the fact that approaching me was what appeared to be a large weasel-like creature roughly thirty feet in length with thick white fur.

The creature stalked forward slowly, each of its six legs moving with deliberate purpose as it watched me. I looked around and saw a knife close by, but everything was so surreal that I thought I must be dreaming. It was almost right on top of me by the time I thought of moving, on the off chance that I wasn't losing my mind, and in case the thing might think I was dinner.

I only narrowly avoided its leaping lunge as I rolled to the side and grabbed the knife, and the creature slammed into the snow and ice where I had been lying only seconds before. It recovered quickly, turning to snap at me with a muzzle full of really large and sharp-looking fangs. Delusion or not, I took off running.

I was running fast enough to keep ahead of the thing following me, just barely, but I knew that couldn't last long. My eyes darted around, and I caught sight of an ice cave not far away. It looked small, probably too small for my pursuer, but I might be able to get inside if I crouched. Once again, the creature's teeth snapped behind me and I could feel its hot breath upon me. Thirty feet... twenty feet... ten feet. I dove toward the little cave, hitting the ground in a slide that carried me inside just as the monster's jaws snapped shut behind me.

My slide carried me well into the entrance of the cave and I could see that it got bigger once further in. In fact, I could see surprisingly well in the dark cavern, though everything seemed to be in shades of grey. I crawled further inside until the ceiling was high enough for me to stand, and placed both the knife and a pouch I was wearing with some sort of coins inside on a small ice shelf. Then, worried about both my exposure to the cold and my close encounter with the strange beast, I set about going over a mental checklist.

“Okay, head? Check. Arms and hands? Check. Legs and feet? Check.” At this point, I felt something swishing against the back of my legs and saw something long, furry, and white with black stripes and tip. “Tail? Check.... wait, what the hell?!”

It was some time before I calmed down enough to think somewhat rationally. “Okay Alex, I don't think we're in Minnesota anymore,” I muttered. My hand flew to my mouth at the sound of my voice, it had a musical quality to it and was unmistakably soft and feminine.

“No, this has got to be a dream; I'm probably dying and having some sort of delusion,” I told myself firmly as I turned my head and gave my tail a good hard tug. “Ouch! Okay, that hurt too much for me to be dreaming and now I know that that tail is definitely attached, but how did I get it, and what else has changed?”

Using my hands and what reflection I could get from the knife I began to take another mental inventory, this one of a more exploratory nature. I was wearing a black hooded cloak and some sort of black bodysuit and, since that was all that I seemed to be wearing, I wasn't about to take it all off to get a better look at my body. I was cold enough already, despite seeming to have a full-body fur coat. Any further looking would have to wait until I was warmer, but my hands and the knife would do for now. “Right, on to the checklist,” I thought, taking a deep breath.

I was most definitely female, as some casual poking and touching in the right spots quickly confirmed, and I appeared to be humanoid in shape but had a lot of feline features. The fur on the exposed parts of my body seemed to match that of my tail, being predominately white with black stripes. White furred triangular cat ears rested atop my head, poking out from waist-length jet-black hair. I had a kitty nose and lips with a slight muzzle and fangs, and big green eyes with slit pupils which overall made me think of myself as pretty, if one has a taste for cat-girls. I was slim and muscular, and both my fingers and toes seemed to have claws. For some reason, I was more comfortable walking on the balls of my feet, though I would have been even more comfortable wearing some warm footwear.

With my self-discovery inventory done I turned my mind to how this could have happened and where I was. Did I die out there in that snowstorm and get Isekai’d? Could that kind of thing actually happen? I wasn't going to complain about my current situation, as going from a dying male body to the body of an apparently healthy female was a definite step up for me. I would have cried tears of joy if I wasn’t afraid of freezing to death right then. Still, it would be nice to know the where, how, and why of the matter.

As for the where, all that I knew was that I was someplace cold and most certainly no longer on Earth. That wasn’t too hard to suss out given my new body and the creature that had nearly eaten me. Well, I supposed that I could be on Earth, but it certainly wasn't my Earth. The how and why proved to be equally elusive.

With no answers forthcoming, I decided to take a good look around the small cave. The cave was just high enough that I wasn't bumping my head, and it got to about half my height at the entrance, though that didn’t really tell me much since I had no idea how tall this new body actually was. The room itself was vaguely round and about four times the height in diameter with a slight depression in the middle of the floor. I briefly considered trying to go back outside to look for some sort of civilization, or at the very least some firewood, but my newly heightened senses could still pick up my large friend prowling around outside the mouth of the cave. With a sigh, I lay down in the depression on the cavern floor and attempted to sleep.

Visanee was cold, so very cold. Her hands and feet were numb with it, in fact, this entire unfamiliar body was. She had been told that she could end up in a body very different from her own, and she had prepared herself to feel out any differences, but at the moment she was too cold to feel much of anything at all except for the shivers which seemed to wrack her body on a nearly continual basis. Someone beside her spoke to her, and her eyes briefly opened to take in the visage of a very concerned-looking Human woman with green eyes auburn hair, and a pretty face flushed from the cold. “Alex, try to stay awake, I've called search and rescue, and they’ve got a medivac on the way.”

The woman kept talking to her and occasionally shook her to keep her from falling asleep. She was so tired, why wouldn't this person just let her rest? It continued like this for some time, Visanee couldn't be sure how long, but after a time she heard something. The unfamiliar roaring sound kept getting closer, it sounded like some great beast, and the *whup whup* sound, like the rapid beating of some great wings, that accompanied it kept getting louder. Her blurry vision tried to focus as a large red blur emerged from the snowy skies, landing nearby where the deafening sound and the snow being whipped about by the beast's landing made what senses she had kept about her practically useless.

More humans approached, she could make out their outlines and they spoke strange words with many syllables that she could not understand. One opened her eye, shining a light of some sort in it as he spoke to the others. She was picked up and placed on something and then she felt herself being moved closer to the strange red beast and its odd noises. “Perhaps it is some sort of Drakan,” she thought. The last conscious thought she had as the Humans fed her to the beast was, “Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.”

I awoke on what I assumed to be Christmas Day comfortably warm, so warm in fact that I didn't want to move but just languish in the experience of not being frozen. It was with great reluctance that I finally opened my eyes to see that I was not sleeping alone. There were white-furred creatures all around me, all snuggled together sharing body heat in the cold of the cave. I wondered if perhaps this was some sort of communal den, as there were well over a dozen of the creatures ranging in size from one foot to four feet long snoozing contentedly around and on top of me.

The animals seemed to be similar to the big one that chased me in here and I pondered the possibility that they may be its children. I quickly dismissed that idea though for two reasons. Firstly, there was no way the larger creature could have made it into the small cave entrance to nest, and secondly, if they all were babies they likely would have been here when I entered the cave. I felt that it was far more likely that my idea that this was a communal den was more accurate and that these were some sort of smaller cousin to the creature from before.

I lay there comfortably for a time, feeling warm and secure as I pondered what I should be doing. My first priority would probably have to be finding some sort of food. I know that I probably could have eaten some of the creatures in the cave with me if I could have found a way to cook them but they were just too cute, it would be like eating a kitten.

Also, they had kept me warm when I would have otherwise frozen to death, so it only made sense not to since I may need that warmth again. Basically, to me, it was the same concept as not pissing in your drinking water. I probably needed them for survival and I couldn't risk screwing that up.

Honestly, they really were cute though, especially when they started to yawn and stretch as they awoke. They weren't nearly as fearsome as the larger model. As they awoke the smaller ones began to play, chasing and nipping at one another and I assumed that these must be kits. One, in particular, seemed to have taken a great interest in stalking my tail, which I was swishing about to get used to having it as an extension of my body. Okay, I admit it, I might have been playing a little, but there was nothing else to do. As I played, I considered looking for food or perhaps some trace of civilization since surely, I couldn't possibly be the only intelligent being here, wherever here was.

After a somewhat lazy morning, the creatures began to leave the cave. Trusting them to know whether it was safe to do so, I followed, hoping that they could lead me to food and water. Taking the knife and pouch, I crawled out of the entrance, where I was greeted by a beautiful day. The sky was a beautiful blue and the air, though cold, was fresh and clean.

I spent a moment taking it all in before my stomach decided to remind me of just why I was out there. With a sigh, I took a look around to find out where my little friends took off to, only to find that one of them seemed to be waiting for me. It just stood there watching me, balanced on its four rear legs until I began to make my way toward it, and then it took off, pausing only once more to make sure I was following.

My little friend, who I was almost certain was the same one I had been playing with earlier, led me to a valley that wasn't quite as barren as the rest of the landscape. The valley boasted some pine trees, shrubs, and a small glacier-fed lake. The water was cold and clear and I quickly drank my fill before sitting down to consider food. Watching the snow ferrets, I saw that they were standing on their four rear legs while using their forepaws to grab at the shrubs. Both curious and hungry, I made my way over to one of the bushes.

The shrubs had small, almost triangular-shaped leaves and some sort of pale blue, almost white, berries. Remembering my survival training from my scout days, I took one of the leaves and licked it experimentally. It wasn't bitter so I took one of the berries and popped it in my mouth. The berry had a slightly sweet taste to it and I smiled as I began to pick and eat more of them. Before long, my hunger was sated and I began putting as many of the berries as I could fit into the coin pouch.

I spent three days like that with my furry little companions; sleeping with them snuggled around me and leaving the cave whenever they did to forage food and water. Besides the berries, I also managed to catch some fish and some white creatures similar in size and appearance to a crab from the shallow parts of the lake. They tasted pretty good too, once I managed to start a small fire and cook them. Most of my furry friends preferred them raw, though the one I had taken to calling Chrissy would mostly eat whatever I did. She, yes I did manage to check her gender, seemed to have taken quite a liking to me and had become my constant companion, even while the others were off doing something else.

On the fourth day, Chrissy and I were sitting in the valley enjoying the heat of a fire and sharing a meal of berries, fish, and crab when it happened. My nose twitched as a familiar scent caught my attention, my ears twitched under my hood, and my fur stood on end at the sound of something large moving through the small valley. Chrissy seemed to sense it too, and her head swung around to the direction that both sound and smell were coming from as she hissed. Her large cousin had found us, and it was between us and the path back to the cave.

I quickly took my knife in one hand, and I used the other to grab a branch from the fire. The remnant of the branch was only maybe a foot and a half long but the end was aflame and I felt better with it between me and the approaching monster. As the beast came closer, I tried to make sure to keep the fire between it and myself. It tried to move around the fire to get to me but I quickly swung my torch at it, catching it with a glancing blow to the side of the head, and it recoiled with a squeal as it was burned. Chrissy scurried up my leg and back and hissed at the creature as she wrapped herself protectively around my neck.

We stood faced off like that for a while, the creature becoming bolder as time passed and my fire began to go out. I kept swinging my knife and torch at it whenever it would lunge at me but with the flames starting to flicker out and me starting to tire, I knew it wouldn't be long before I made a mistake and went from eating dinner to becoming it. A large shadow passed over us but I ignored it except to curse under my breath about another monster, being far more concerned with staying alive against the one I was fighting now.

Suddenly, a brown and white blur dropped from the sky and landed on my opponent's back. Then everything kicked into high gear as the creature screamed and bucked, whatever was on its back stabbed at it, and its blood flew all over the place. I had to dive to the side to avoid being crushed beneath it as it spasmed and rolled, trying to dislodge the new threat.

I crouched in the snow, ready to move again as the beast finally breathed its last, and I made out a creature resembling a cross between a four-armed man and a grizzly bear wearing a pair of fur-lined boots and a white bodysuit that seemed to be made of something scaly. He watched me for a moment as he sat atop the dead predator, brandishing a bloody sword, then gave me what I hoped was meant to be a smile. “Trying to take on a Kythir alone, face to face, with little more than a dagger? You are either the bravest or the stupidest person that I have ever met.”

I merely shrugged under my cloak as I admitted, “Maybe I'm both. Thanks for the help.”

He laughed at my response as a large white creature landed behind him and the corpse. “The Drakan landing behind me is Runne, I'm Patar, his Chosen.” I took in both Patar and the creature he referred to as a Drakan and tried not to show my surprise and wonder.

The Drakan was covered in pearlescent white scales and stood on its hind legs, looking to be over twenty-five feet tall. It had a long tail stretching out behind it and I'd say that from nose to tail tip it would be over forty feet. Its forelegs resembled arms more than legs, which made sense since it stood upright, it had large wings with a wingspan of over thirty feet, and a slightly elongated neck was topped with a proud draconian head with jagged looking blue-white ridges atop the head which resembled an icy crown.

I felt that I was doing quite well at not showing my shock until the Drakan opened its carnivorous mouth and spoke in a gravelly and distinctly male voice, “You are fortunate that we saw your plight as we flew overhead. We are looking for someone, perhaps you could help us.”

I stood up, giving Chrissy an affectionate scratch as we both began to calm down and then approached the pair, lowering my hood as I shrugged. “I haven't seen anyone since I've been out here, wherever here is.”

Patar stared at me for a long moment before grinning and striding toward me. “We have found you.”

 

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

 

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Author's Note: Here's chapter 2 of the rewrite of Alex in Wonderland. Thanks to my readers and to BCTS for giving their support of Transgendered authors and fiction. ~Amethyst.
 

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Chapter 2: Knocking at the Back Door

I stared at Patar in confusion for a long moment before not so cleverly responding, “I'm the one you're looking for?”

Meanwhile, Patar got on one knee and bowed his head, giving me a sinking feeling in my stomach as he started to speak. “Your Highness, how did you manage to get this far out into the Frozen Wastes? What were you thinking, leaving the protection of the palace? What if assassins from the Lharusian Empire had found you? You know that you are too important to risk, you could have been killed out here. You must stay where it is safe until your Giftsun. If their Majesties had not sent out search riders to find you on the off chance you had gotten this far then I would not have been here to save you just now.”

There were so many questions, and I didn't know the answers to any of them. In fact, everything he said just brought up more questions of my own. In my confusion, I asked what I felt was the most important of these questions. “Excuse me, but you know who I am?”

It was his turn to stare at me, and he did so for several long seconds before recovering enough to ask hesitantly, “You… do not know who you are, Your Highness?”

I shook my head, frowning at the headache that I felt coming on. I was confused enough about my situation before he showed up. If I was Isekai’d then this was the worst Isekai experience ever. Two thumbs down, would not do it again. I had no idea where I was, only a vague idea of how I had probably died, and I didn’t even get any cool abilities, cheats, or a System. Believe me, I tried everything I could think of over the past few days, so I didn’t get desperate enough to talk to Chrissy and the other ferret-like critters to pass the time, but there was nothing.

I couldn’t even get a status screen, so after three days of nothing useful, I was beginning to think this Isekai thing might be a pipe dream. That could only mean that this was more of a standard Alice in Wonderland shwooped off to another world situation, except I was Alex, not Alice, and I apparently went down the fishing hole instead of the rabbit hole. Well, the weirdness of the situation certainly fit.

I could count three good things about this situation, and even those were weirding me out or worrying me in some way or another. The first was of course that I was a girl now, I totally confirmed that when I had to pee that first night. I wasn’t a human girl, but while getting used to being some sort of real-life catgirl was taking some getting used to, at least my dysphoria seemed to be gone, and I was pretty sure I could handle it in time.

I couldn’t even really enjoy the euphoria of being a girl and dysphoria-free right now, though, except maybe when I was snuggled with Chrissy and her kin at night. The rest of the time I was freezing my new furry ass off and trying to survive until I found help or it found me. Hopefully, that phase of my new life was over now, I might even let Patar drag me off to that palace he mentioned, so long as it was warm there.

Then there was Chrissy. It was nice to have company, I liked the little critter, she was adorable, and I probably would have frozen to death without her and her family, but I was a little worried about her growing up to be as big and nasty as her now dead cousin. It didn’t make sense, even to me, but I had no idea what natural or unnatural laws governed this new world I was in.

And then there was Patar and Runne showing up to save my ass, which I was very grateful for, but Patar recognizing me and calling me ‘Your Highness’ could not be a good thing. He had mentioned some sort of assassins too, which only worried me further. Ah well, if he truly did know who I was, then maybe I could leverage that into some information on the person I was now and the world I was probably stuck in.

“No. I know who I am, or at least who I was,” I finally replied after gathering my thoughts. “I just don't know who I seem to be now. One minute I was in a snowstorm in Minnesota, then I blacked out, and the next thing I knew I was waking up here in a strange place and an unfamiliar body. That was four days ago. I don’t mind getting Isekai’d, but could this at least make some sense?”

Patar gave me a look of utter confusion. “You use some strange words, Highness. You left the castle five suns ago. We found the machul you took but there was no sign of you in the city, so we decided to extend our search in case you somehow slipped out unnoticed by enchantment or some other means or were taken by spies of the empire.”

Runne's gravelly voice spoke from behind his Chosen. “There is one way to be sure that she is telling the truth, Patar.”

“I cannot do that, Runne,” Patar growled, his brow furrowing. “You know that I do not like using my Gift like that. And she is the Princess; it would not be right.”

“Perhaps we should let Princess Visanee decide,” the Drakan proposed reasonably.

I was very confused at this point. “Decide what exactly?” I was getting nervous and started absently petting Chrissy, who remained a comforting presence around my neck. She began to hum softly at the gentle stroking, comforting me further.

Patar sighed and forced himself to look me straight in the eyes as he said, “I am a Diviner, Your Highness. Part of my Gift is the ability to read minds. I do not like doing it without permission. Some things should remain private, and reading the mind of someone of your position would be wrong.”

I looked from Patar to Runne and then back to Patar again. “I'm the princess, right?”

“Yes, even if my senses did not confirm that it is so, my Gift tells me that you are by blood Visanee Misalet, Princess of Azure,” Patar offered, not a bit of doubt in his tone or on his bearlike face. “No matter who your mind belongs to, your body is that of the princess and that makes you Princess Visanee.”

I shook my head as I tried to wrap my mind around that theory. “Huh, I guess possession really is nine-tenths of the law,” I mused aloud before taking a deep breath. “Okay, then as the princess, I order you to read my mind to see if I'm telling the truth.”

Patar scowled, while his Drakan companion issued what sounded like a throaty laugh. “Fine,” he muttered, “but I am doing this against my better judgment.”

Visanee awoke in a strange bed in a white room with many odd tubes and objects connected to her new body. It wasn't the beeps and other strange sounds that caused her to awaken, but rather the powerful coughing fit that wracked her weary body. Long rasping coughs left her breathless and her lungs burning. “Drek!” she cursed as she tried to move and failed. She felt so tired and weak, unable to even summon the energy to sit up, and just the effort left her feeling weaker and light-headed.

The coughing fit and her curse brought someone straight to her bedside, and Visanee looked up into the green eyes of the auburn-haired Human who had been at her side when she was last awake. The eyes were bloodshot, either from crying or lack of sleep, possibly both. “How long...” she managed to get out before another coughing fit took her. Something about her voice sounded wrong, even aside from the raspy quality of it.

“They brought you in four days ago, Alex. It's nine o'clock in the morning on the twenty-eighth,” the woman answered in a voice that was choked with emotion. “They've been keeping you sedated, hoping it might help you recover. You got a mild case of frostbite, but it's the pneumonia that has us worried. They told me you may not last the day. Dr. Ryans said you'd be able to fight it better if it weren't for the...”

The woman sniffled as tears streamed down her cheeks, and she began to sob. Once she was sufficiently recovered, she looked into Visanee's eyes. “Alex, why didn't you tell me you have Cancer? I'm your twin sister! I had a right to know! I could have been there for you...”

Visanee watched the woman lose herself to tears again, uncertain how to react. She wanted to comfort this person, the twin to her current body. The news that she was dying weighed heavily upon her, though. This had not been her plan. She had planned to let someone else be the heir to Azure, and to return to help her replacement learn about her world and what would be expected of her before leaving to enjoy her hard-won freedom. It would seem that Pallo, the Goddess of Death, meant to claim her in this strange world. She had no idea how long before the kida from the enchantment could no longer be harnessed, even if she could live that long. “When... is... the... full moon?” she managed to get out between coughing.

The woman wiped her eyes before looking at her like she was one of the befuddled. “Alex! You're laying here dying and you ask me when the full moon is?!” She looked at Visanee in concern and moved to stand up. “I think that the drugs are making you loopy, maybe I should let them sedate you again.”

Visanee took the Human's hand. “I am not your sister; I have changed places with her. She is in my world, in my body, and she needs our help. She needs someone to stand beside her.”

“No, I'm Michelle and you're Alex, my brother, I know you wanted to be a girl but you're not.”

Visanee shook her head. “No, I am… was Visanee, heir to the throne of Azure. This body may be male, but Alex is your sister. The spell I used to travel between our worlds required that there must be an equal exchange. Female essence could only be exchanged for female essence. The kida that makes up male and female essences are too different.” Another coughing fit took her, and her hand gripped her twin's tightly as she recovered, “Now, when is the full moon?”

Michelle sighed but finally said, “The full moon is tonight.”

“Drek! It must be done tonight,” the former Zenin said with a sigh. Visanee could feel her strength waning with each breath. She would not make it back to the place of the exchange and, even if she could, the chances were slim that she could hold out long enough for the back door to open and a compatible body to be found. She had to prepare Michelle, but first, the Human needed to know everything. “Michelle, let me tell you the story of a spoiled princess who wanted freedom more than anything else.”

“This may be a little uncomfortable. There is a reason I do not like doing this,” Patar said as he placed two of his four hands on my head. “I will try not to look into anything too deeply, and to avoid anything personal. Please keep in mind that whatever I see, Runne will see as well. Our minds are linked.”

I took a deep breath and then nodded. “Okay, I'm ready when you are, let's get this mind meld over with.”

“Mind meld?” Patar asked, looking a bit confused.

“Sorry, I think I watched too much Star Trek on television as a kid,” I replied, probably blushing under my fur.

“I have no idea what you are talking about,” Patar muttered, shaking his head.

“Just read my mind please, it would take too long to explain,” I told him, stifling a groan. I just wanted this little mind-reading session over with. I may have asked for it, but that didn't mean I wasn't nervous as hell about it.

Patar nodded grimly and closed his eyes. Suddenly, I felt a presence in my mind, and then it was as if my life was being played through my brain in fast forward. It was too quick to make out much detail, but it was enough to get a sense of who I was. I opened my eyes, only realizing when I did that I had closed them. Runne and Patar were both giving me a strange look and the latter shook his head. “You were telling the truth. You come from a strange and frightening world, but if you are to survive here in the Greylands, and one day take your place as Queen of Azure, you will have much to learn.”

I held up my hands in front of me. “Whoa! Wait just a minute, Patar! I am in no way qualified to rule a country, I can't even balance my checkbook!”

Runne snorted at that. “You have time to learn; you are young yet. Their Majesties both still have a lot of life in them. You will learn all that you need to about the Greylands with help, and your parents will teach you about Azure, your people, and your future role.”

“Ummm… about that, how young am I exactly?” I asked as I absently petted Chrissy. Only being able to see my reflection in the blade of a knife or the surface of the lake didn’t exactly give me a very good look at myself, and I had no idea how catgirls aged. I could be anywhere between my mid-teens and mid-twenties by my best guess.

Patar smiled and replied, “In three suns you will be eighteen passes. This is a very important time for you.”

Chrissy nuzzled against my cheek, causing me to smile as I posed the question, “Why is it important?” Back home that was the age of majority, but I wouldn’t even be able to buy alcohol until I was twenty-one.

“For many reasons,” Patar responded. “The eighteenth birthsun is called the Giftsun. It is when your parents will take you to a Diviner, who will test you for Gifts and trigger any Gifts you may have. Triggering can result in mental or physical changes in you, sometimes both. The Giftsun is when you put aside your childhood name and take on the name that you will use in adulthood.” He paused a few seconds before continuing, “And for you, it is also the day you will be brought before your people and recognized as the heir to the throne of Azure.”

I sighed as I rolled my eyes. “So, no pressure, right?”

“There is much pressure for Patar and me, Princess,” Runne ventured. “We must get you home safely as soon as possible and present you to your parents. They are worried that you may have been killed or captured by Lharusian spies.”

“Patar mentioned these Lharusians before,” I said, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I take it they aren't people who I want to meet?”

Patar grunted with an expression that showed he held nothing but contempt for these Lharusians, whoever they were, before agreeing, “No, they are not. The Lharusian Empire covers most of the continent of Gaje. It is ruled by Krius Myttar and they believe that Humans are superior to all other races. Other races are enslaved and treated cruelly there. Drakans have been almost completely eradicated by the empire's armies. Twelve passes ago, Azure was offered as a safe haven for Drakans and other non-human races. The empire's armies can not reach us easily as to the west there is the Ujard Ocean, the Brey Mountains to the east, and the Great Sand to the south and southwest. They are natural barriers an army cannot easily cross.”

“What's to the north?” I wondered aloud.

A chuckle escaped Patar's lips. “To the north is the Frozen Wastes, where we are now. It is not exactly the most hospitable land. Beyond this is Syrnia, a country much like Azure but isolated on the tip of Gaje.”

“If this empire can't get an army to us, then why bother with us at all? I mean, why would they try to assassinate or kidnap me?” I asked.

“Azure is everything that they hate,” Runne offered with a disgusted snort. “It welcomed the Drakans they have tried to exterminate, all races are seen as equal, and the ruling family is Zenin. They would hope to kill your family to cause unrest and put a Human puppet on the throne. We have seen your mind, so we are certain that you are not a spy, I suspect that you are here in the princess' body due to some enchantment. Maybe it was something that she herself arranged, or it could just be a Lharusian Gifted trying to destabilize Azure's ruling family. Either way, until we know, we must not let on that anything has happened other than the princess wanting a few days of freedom before her Giftsun. When we return, you must begin your lessons immediately. Patar and I will help you however we can, so just try to act like a spoiled princess.”

Patar shook himself and stretched as he got to his feet. “That is enough talk for now, I think. We must get you back home, Your Highness. The flight back will take a few candlemarks.”

I removed Chrissy from around my neck with a sigh. “I guess this is goodbye then.” She chirruped sadly in response.

“Bring the kihr along if you wish, Your Highness. You would hardly be the first of noble blood to have an exotic pet, and kihr are harmless enough and quite clever. In fact, we could use your search for a kihr to have as a pet as your reason for leaving the castle and ending up out here,” Patar pensively pondered as he approached Runne. He clambered up the Drakan's back to where large straps were wrapped around his great white chest and underneath his wings at his back, then held out a hand to help me up to join him. “I have a secure pouch that she can ride in.”

“Thank you, Patar,” I replied with a smile. I had grown attached to my small companion and I really didn’t want to leave her behind. I felt more secure with that impulsive feeling now that Patar confirmed that she was relatively harmless.

“My pleasure, Princess.” He opened up a leather pouch secured to one of the straps and after a bit of coaxing on my part, he had Chrissy safely stashed away. “Now for you.” He gestured to what looked like a sturdy-looking leather belt with large buckles securely fastened to the larger straps. “Sit there and fasten the belt firmly about your waist. You do not want to fall off, so make sure that it is secure. Hold on to the main strap in front of you while in flight to keep yourself steady.”

I nodded and did as he had instructed, and he quickly checked my work before fastening his own belt ahead of me. Then Runne flapped his large wings several times as if testing the air and then, taking a few steps forward, he launched himself into the air, and then we were flying. I'm not quite sure how to describe it. I had flown in planes before, but this was nothing like flying inside what amounted to a metal box.

No, this was flying. I could feel the muscles of the Drakan flexing between my legs, the air rushing past me, caressing my face and whipping my hair behind me. This was exhilarating, almost as heady as the gender euphoria I sometimes felt since waking in this body, but with an added adrenaline rush as the icing on the cake. Being in a body that I didn’t hate was wonderful and it made me want to embrace everything this new life threw at me, but while flying I felt, perhaps for the first time, truly alive.

Michelle watched Visanee become progressively weaker from the telling of her strange tale and the coughing fits which wracked Alex's body. The tale really was strange but somehow, she knew it was the truth, even as her common sense tried to insist it was some drug-induced delusion of her twin. There were little things that told her this was not her twin, the way she held herself and the way she spoke were too different as well. When the tale was done Visanee looked to be hanging on by a thread, but she insisted that there was information that Michelle needed to know.

“Michelle, I won't live long enough to… help your sister as I had planned. You must go in my place. She is in an unfamiliar world, surrounded by unfamiliar things. If I can not guide her as I had intended, then she needs something… familiar and close to help her through. She needs the love and support of her twin sister.”

“Whoa! Wait a minute! It was one thing when you were talking about having switched bodies with Alex and her being in a different world, but you want me to go after her?! I have a life here! I have a job and a boyfriend!”

“What is more important to you, your twin or your life here? You can find a new life in the Greylands, possibly a better one… Can you find a new sister here?” Visanee got out before another coughing fit took her.

Michelle thought a moment before sighing and answering, “Well my job does suck, damn I hate working retail. I guess my boyfriend and I aren't that serious either, but I know nothing about your world besides what you mentioned in your story. How would I even find Alex?”

Visanee spoke again, her voice raspy from the coughing. “Once you have opened the back door, all the kida will be released and your… essence will be placed in a body near the original focus of the enchantment.”

“The dagger?” Michelle asked uncertainly.

Visanee shook her head. “No, the dagger was the medium used to activate the enchantment, the focus of the enchantment was my body. You should find yourself near your sister. Look for a white Zenin with black stripes and black hair. You are twins, so your essences are similar, you should be drawn to one another.”

Michelle nodded, though she still had her doubts. “So, once this back door is open, I'll switch places with the first person to come along, like you did with Alex?”

“No,” was Visanee's reply before she started coughing again. Once she recovered from the fit, she elaborated. “The Enchanter made the original enchantment work that way to save time. He said that normally an enchantment like this would seek out the most compatible essence to yours in the area of the focus… Unless there is already an empty shell. The enchantment seeks out the path of least resistance. The back door is supposed to work that way.”

“What do you mean by an empty shell?” Michelle asked, her brows furrowing in concern.

Visanee thought briefly about how to explain it before her raspy voice offered, “I mean a body whose essence is fading or has left the body altogether while the body itself still lives. Like someone who has lost the will to live or whose essence just was not strong enough to endure. If the body is an empty shell, then the compatibility of the essence is not important since there is no essence to switch with.”

“How is something like this even possible?” Michelle asked. “How can people travel from one world to another? For that matter, how can you even speak my language?”

“It is not truly travel since there is nothing physically moving from one world to another,” the former princess wearily explained. “It is just one form of energy being exchanged for a similar one. Even that was difficult to manage though, it took me a while to find an Enchanter powerful enough and with enough knowledge to do it. Language is learned and stored in the mind; this is… a ghost of your sister’s memories. It would fade in time if… I did not try to learn the language myself. If I had… time.”

“But how did you even know it was possible?” Michelle pressed in fascination.

Visanee coughed hard and was a few minutes recovering before replying, her voice barely audible. “One of my tutors told me how our world was once connected to others. There used to be gates linking our worlds and then people could… go physically from one to another. That is how Humans came to live in the Greylands… and why we have some of the same plants and animals. A few hundred passes ago… the last gate stopped working and nobody knows why.”

Michelle nodded thoughtfully. “That could explain a lot of our myths and legends. I wonder why the gate stopped working.”

“I have no idea, but our worlds are still loosely connected,” she replied. “But without the gate, travel between is impossible, only energy can get through, and it takes powerful use of kida to do even that.”

Michelle then spent the next half hour listening as Visanee explained what she needed to do. She needed to go as close to the spot where she had found Visanee in Alex's body as she could manage and then speak a specific phrase. Michelle tried to commit it to memory but ended up writing it down on a piece of paper, just in case. Visanee was getting weaker with every breath and it broke Michelle's heart to see her brother's body that way. Visanee didn't deserve it either.

Finally, Visanee could hold out no longer, and she breathed her last as Michelle held her hand tightly, trying to reassure her that it would be alright, though in her own heart, she didn't believe it. She was sobbing as she left the room and made her way down the hallway, where her parents were walking in the opposite direction. She leveled a hateful glare at them as she passed and said coldly, “You needn't bother, she's already dead.” Then she left the stunned pair behind and left the hospital. She had a sister to find.

Flying didn't get old, not even after a couple of hours of it. We flew over countless miles of icy wasteland before the land began getting rocky and then gave way to the more hospitable-looking green of forest and farmlands. They were mostly crops, though there looked to be some that were devoted to the raising of some forms of livestock. The passing of the land beneath us and the wind in my face was a constant rush that was over all too soon in the late afternoon as we approached a large city and began to lower our altitude.

To the north of the city, on an island in the center of a lake, was a huge castle. A black wooden drawbridge was lowered and connected to an amazing stonework bridge that spanned the lake from the island to the city and bore a wide cobblestone road. It looked like we were headed to the castle, but Runne suddenly banked to the right and crossed the rest of the lake to land us just outside the city on the lakeshore. As we settled onto the ground I asked, “What's up? I thought that you were taking me to meet my parents.”

Patar turned to face me. “I am. I was speaking with another Diviner, and he said that there is a nest-breaking.”

I shook my head, not quite understanding. “How were you talking to someone from way up there? And what is a nest-breaking?”

Patar chuckled and pointed at his head. “I may not like using my gift to read minds but using it to speak mind to mind with others can be very useful. My range is not very far, maybe half the city, but it is better than some whose range is less or who can only use it with physical contact.” He paused to give me a hand with my belt and lower me to the ground. As he handed me Chrissy, who was very happy to be out in the open again, he continued speaking. “As for your second question, a nest-breaking is when Drakan eggs hatch. Your parents will be here to witness the breaking and see who gets Chosen.”

I settled Chrissy back on my shoulder, where she wrapped herself once more around my neck, humming happily. “So, is this a big event then?” I inquired.

Runne's gravelly voice responded, “When your family offered our kind sanctuary twelve passes ago there were barely more than a dozen of us left. We now number close to two hundred. We reach breeding age at five passes and have a breeding cycle every three passes. Each cycle produces, on average, three to ten eggs. Our kind imprints on the first sentient being they see after hatching. Usually, that is their mother, but since coming here we have been letting Diviners find the perfect match for the Draklings amongst the various races living here. The Chosen become lifelong partners to their Drakans, and the Diviners have not made an incompatible match yet. Given how few of us there still are, and how many wish to become Chosen, nest-breakings are always well attended.”

“So, what?” I asked. “They just randomly select people from a crowd and match them to a Drakling?”

“No,” Patar insisted with a shake of his head. “Diviners with precognitive abilities look to see who is destined to be the best match for a Drakan and place them in front of the proper egg, there is nothing random about it. Most chosen are Gifted, and often the type of Drakan they are matched to compliment either their Gifts or their personalities in some way.”

“Okay, so it's only partly random,” I conceded with a shrug. Then I caught on to what he said. “There are different kinds of Drakans? Runne isn't the only kind?”

Patar began leading me to a large crowd gathered by the lakeshore as he explained, “Runne is a Frost Drakan, there are also Radiant, Shadow, Storm, Flame, Water, Earth, and Stone Drakans. They all are attuned to a force of nature and have abilities that reflect that. The mother to this nest is a Water Drakan, but all the eggs have the potential to be any of the eight types. This is a good-sized nest too, there are nine eggs.”

I nodded as I took in all that information. “What happens to the Draklings and their Chosen after the breaking?”

Patar smiled, seeming pleased that I was trying to learn more. “After the breaking, each new Drakan and Chosen pair will be matched to an older pair, who will teach them what they need to know and help take care of the Drakling. Draklings are smart and can communicate well enough with their Chosen mind-to-mind, but they are still physically infants and need a lot of care. Their bodies take a while to catch up to their minds and it will take an entire pass before they reach their full growth.”

I tried to process all this information as we began to make our way through the crowd. I kept my cowl covering my face in shadow to avoid anyone who might know the princess from recognizing me. People could still see that I was a white Zenin with black stripes, but I was hoping that wasn't too uncommon. Patar seemed unconcerned as he held my hand in one of his huge ones and led me toward the front of the crowd.

Then, as we managed to make our way through, I saw the nest. Dirt, sand, and branches of trees had been piled up in a rough circle about two feet high. Inside the nest were nine huge eggs, each of them easily bigger than me and lavender in color. Watching the eggs intently was a blue Drakan easily as large as Runne with a similar wingspan. I later learned that Drakans may look reptilian, but they are actually warm-blooded, and the parents take turns sitting on the eggs to incubate them.

One of the eggs began to shake and the mother took it from the nest and placed it on the beach, then a blonde Human woman dressed all in red began to stare intently at the shaking egg. The woman then turned to face the crowd and looked around for something before walking confidently into the crowd and taking the hand of a small woman, maybe four feet tall at most. She looked to be in her late teens or early twenties and had pointed ears and long brown hair, but the most fascinating thing about her was the leathery green wings sprouting from between her shoulders and rapidly flapping to hold her aloft three feet in the air.

I tried not to stare as Patar whispered to me, “She is a Cinole, we do not see many of them get Chosen.”

The woman in red asked the tiny woman, “Do you consent?”

The Cinole nodded before speaking out, barely loud enough to be heard. “I consent.”

“The consent is really just a formality,” Patar once again whispered to me. “The Drakans offer us their children, and it would be unspeakably rude to the Drakans not to accept that gift. Once the Drakling hatches and imprints on her, she will give it a name, and the Diviner will choose an older pair to take on the new pair as their wards and lead them to where the Drakling can be fed.”

I nodded in agreement to his first statement and acknowledgment to the last. Meanwhile, the hushed crowd watched as she was led to the shivering egg. She stood before it, waiting nervously, and almost rose three feet higher into the air when the first crack appeared on the egg's glossy surface. More cracks appeared and then, with a collective gasp from the crowd, the shell shattered to reveal a wingless green Drakling. It locked eyes on her and a moment later the crowd cheered as she said, “Grayle.”

The woman in red led the Cinole girl and Drakling off to the side, where a large wingless grey Drakan and his Chosen waited. “The one that hatched is an Earth Drakan, and it looks like yon Stone Drakan and his Chosen will be taking them on,” Patar said in an aside, as he started to pull me along once again. “Let us go find their Majesties.”

“Lead on,” I agreed. I was vaguely aware as Patar led me along the front of the crowd by the hand that the mother Drakan had removed another egg from the nest and placed it on the beach. I was nervous about meeting the King and Queen and was focusing mostly on walking wherever Patar was leading me when I felt someone take me firmly by my free hand, stopping me in place. I turned to see a tawny-colored cat-person with reddish hair who I assumed was a Zenin, like Patar said I was. He was taller than me, dressed all in red, and he was holding my hand. “Do you consent?” he asked.

Michelle arrived back at the cabin in the late afternoon, wondering what exactly she was doing there. Now that she was no longer in the room talking to Visanee, it seemed more and more likely that it was all just some drug-induced fantasy. Alex was dead now; she no longer needed to humor her. “But still,” came that nagging thought, “what if it's true? What if my sister is alone in a strange world and needs my help? Can I really give up even the remote chance that I can go help her and see this fantasy world for myself?”

Curiosity, and the need to do something, won out. She made her way through the snow drifts down to the lake. The snow crunched under her feet as she walked, and she shivered at the cold. Alex's hand had been cold too when she had left him. “No,” she told herself. “That wasn't Alex. I'm going to find Alex and help hi... her.” She needed to believe that her twin was still out there somewhere, she needed to believe that this would work.

She trudged across the snow-covered lake ice until she reached the spot where she was pretty sure she had found Alex. “No, that wasn't Alex,” she told herself again sternly. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she pulled out the piece of paper with those all-important words on it. Fold by fold she opened it to reveal those words and then she spoke. “Kida gather, hear my plea. Take my essence, all of me. Selune, come and take my hands. Lead me into the Greylands.”

Nothing happened at first, ten minutes that seemed an eternity, and then there was a flash of light, and she felt weightless. She was in a dark void, endless nothingness. Then, with a sudden lurching feeling, she could sense that she had weight and form once more. Something was wrong, it was hard to move, as if she was confined.

Why was it still so dark? Such utter blackness... no, wait. There were two small slivers of light. She needed that light and threw herself toward it with reckless abandon. There! Another crack of light in this dark abyss. She threw herself forward again and was rewarded with more light as the crack grew larger. One last time, she gathered all her strength and launched herself at the crack. The darkness around her shattered as light filled her world, and then she saw her.

I stared at the Zenin in red, unsure of what to do. I turned to look at Patar, who had squeezed my other hand, and saw him give me a nod. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I turned back to the Zenin and croaked nervously, “I... ummm.... consent.” I reluctantly let go of Patar's hand, removed Chrissy from around my neck, and handed her off to him. Then, summoning all my courage, I let the Zenin Diviner holding my hand lead me to the egg.

He placed me in front of the massive quivering egg. There was a small jolt, and a tiny sliver of a crack appeared on the shell. Then there was nothing for a few minutes before a second jolt, much weaker and barely noticeable caused a second sliver. Then there was nothing. Four other eggs were paired off around me and their Draklings burst forth to be named by their Chosen and led away, but the egg in front of me remained quiet and still.

It had been well over ten minutes if I could count on my internal clock, and still, nothing had happened. I began to despair that this might be some cruel joke that fate was playing on me. And then it happened, the egg wobbled. Then it rocked as a new crack appeared along the shell's surface.

Another powerful tremor ripped through the egg, causing the crack to grow wider. Finally, the egg was shaken so hard from inside that the shell all but exploded, revealing a Drakling with silver scales and iridescent wings that practically gleamed in the late afternoon light and summoned a collective gasp from those watching in the crowd. Our eyes met, and it was then that I heard a very familiar voice inside my head. ~Alex?~

My jaw dropped as I recognized the voice of my twin sister. “Michelle?” The moment her name left my lips, the crowd roared.

 

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

 

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Author's Note: Here's chapter 3 of the rewrite of Alex in Wonderland. Thanks to my readers and to BCTS for giving their support of Transgendered authors and fiction. ~Amethyst.
 

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Chapter 3: There Be Drakans

I stared in awe at the silvery, iridescent Drakling as it stumbled toward me, speaking to me in my head using my sister's voice. ~Alex! I didn't know whether to believe her or not! You were dying and I couldn't do anything, and she told me about this place and how you'd switched places and then you died, and I wasn't going to come but I needed to know if you were still alive...~

She probably would have kept babbling in my head like that for quite some time if the tawny Zenin in red had not interrupted her by speaking to us both. “Come, I will take you both to your Warders.”

“C'mon, Michelle, we have a lot to talk about, I think, and a lot to do,” I said as I nodded. Then I followed the Zenin, with my sister stumbling alongside me.

~Where are we? What's going on? What's with all the people?~ Michelle asked as she looked around, craning her slightly serpentine neck to see.

“We're at a Drakan nest-breaking, people came here to see who gets paired with the newly hatched Drakans,” I replied quietly as we walked, “and hoping to get paired with a Drakan themselves.”

~Drakans? What are those? Were you hoping to get one of your own? Why are all those people looking at us? Is it because you're the princess?~ she continued yammering merrily in my mind.

"Her talking in my brain is going to get tiring after a while," I thought as I answered, “No, it's because I got paired with a Drakan. And I'm sure that you'll get to see a baby Drakan, as soon as we find you a mirror."

~What do you mean by me talking in your brain? You got one? Where is it? Babies of all kinds are adorable... wait, what?~ She stared at me and fell on her face, apparently unable to stare and walk at the same time.

I groaned as I helped her to her feet and told her quietly, “Congratulations, Sis, you just hatched, and now I get to be your mommy. Now, could you please try to calm down and follow the nice catboy in red? I swear that you have the attention span of a hummingbird on espresso right now.”

Michelle managed to get clumsily to her feet, and we followed our guide past the crowd and closer to the shore of the lake. ~I'm sorry, Alex. We're in a whole different world here. Everything is new and different. I feel like a kid again.~

I giggled at that as I replied, “I know, it's all pretty incredible. And news flash, Sis, you are a kid again, a newborn to be precise.” At that point, we had arrived in front of a very familiar Frost Drakan and his Chosen. “Runne? Patar?” I stammered as relief flooded through me. I did not need to explain this whole princess shit to someone else, and he had my Chrissy.

Patar was leaning against the white Drakan and grinning at me. He waited until the other Zenin was gone and he was sure we had some privacy before speaking. “Congratulations, Princess, you have been paired with a Radiant Drakan. She is a beauty, is she not? What did you name her?”

I was distracted for a moment by the bundle of white fur leaping from Patar's shoulder to wrap herself around my neck and start humming happily. I gave Chrissy an affectionate scratching as I replied to Patar, “Her name is Michelle.” Then I sighed and added uncertainly, “I know this is going to sound wacky, Patar, but in that other world I came from, Michelle was my twin sister. I think that she knows what happened to your real princess.”

Patar frowned at that revelation. “We will have to discuss this later, once we get somewhere more private. For now, since I managed to get myself and Runne assigned as your Warders, let us have Runne take Michelle to get something to eat. I need to get you prepared.”

Runne's gravelly voice spoke just loud enough to be heard by me and Michelle. “Come with me, little one, I will take you to eat, our Chosen will find us when they are ready or call us to them.”

It suddenly struck me that the Frost Drakan sounded an awful lot like Ron Perlman. I tried to shake off that intrusive thought as Michelle waddled and stumbled along in Runne's wake, and I tried not to giggle as I turned to Patar to ask, “Get me prepared for what?”

Patar let out a long sigh as he looked around cautiously. “The shitstorm that is bound to be stirred up once the breaking is over, and people find out who you are. You have only been in the Greylands for four suns, but I swear that your Gift must be the ability to get into trouble.”

I tried to think of anything I might have done to cause trouble, but I came up empty. “What did I do? I was just staying with you until that Zenin grabbed me, and you said that it's rude not to consent.”

Patar nodded and agreed, “Aye, I did, Princess. You did nothing wrong, and it would have been worse had you refused to consent. Still, I was hoping to slip you by folks stealthily and present you to your parents privately. We kept it quiet that you were missing. Some people think Visanee's escape was just a drill, and that you are still safe inside the castle. Most people believe that your disappearance is just a rumor.”

“I thought that you said that the King and Queen meet all the new pairings, though, so it's not a big deal. I'll still get to meet with them, right?” I asked, a bit confused.

Patar groaned and leaned against a tree. “It is not their Majesties I am worried about. I try to sneak you in, without folks knowing you are outside the castle, and you get yourself a Drakan. I might have been able to manage to keep things quiet if it were just that, but you had to go and get yourself paired with a Radiant!”

I was getting more confused by the minute. “What does Michelle being a Radiant have to do with anything?”

“We told you that there were close to two hundred Drakans alive today, right?” Patar asked. I quickly nodded, and he sighed as he looked off in the direction that our Drakans had walked off in. “Out of all of those Drakans, only three are Radiants, including yours.”

“So, isn't that a good thing then?” I wondered aloud.

“Yes, it is. A Radiant will be seen as a good omen, and that means a lot of people are going to want to meet the new Radiant pair. This could be a problem, especially given everything else.” He didn't seem very happy about this.

“Okay, what the hell is the problem then if all this is good? And what do you mean by 'everything else'?”

He sat on the ground, still leaning his back against the tree, and motioned for me to sit with him as he told me, “At the last nest-breaking, about a tenth ago, the first pairing was a Human and a Shadow Drakan. Shadows are almost as rare as Radiants; there are currently five. Quite a few people saw it as a bad omen. I have met the pair; they are both good lads. Nobody thinks they are trouble, but the superstitious lot saw it as a sign that the Empire is going to find a way to get to us here.”

“But that's superstitious nonsense,” I argued.

“Aye, it is. Now you are the Princess, and you are still three suns before your Giftsun. Before today, for as long as we have been having nest-breakings, no member of the nobility has ever been Chosen. Nor has anyone ever been Chosen before their Giftsun.” He sighed as he watched me sit across from him. “Now, let us put all these unlikely events together. The Zenin Princess gets paired with a Radiant only a few suns before her Giftsun, while she is rumored to be missing. How will the superstitious see that, aye?”

As I sat down, I thought about that, and the fact that I had little or no knowledge about this world, this country, the people, or even my new self. “Oh, crap.”

Patar nodded grimly. “You, Princess, are about to get a lot of attention.”

Michelle followed the large white Drakan, marveling at just how huge he was and the fact that she was looking at a real-life dragon... Drakan. Her staring caused her to lose her footing once again. With a grumble, she got back to her feet and continued shuffling along. She watched Runne ahead of her once more, thinking of how incredible it was that she was looking at a Drakan and that she was one herself. "I wonder if I'll get that big? I wish I could talk to him."

After they had left their Chosen, Runne had explained that, like any baby, she wouldn't be able to talk, move well, or care for herself very well for a while. Honestly, she was probably lucky that she could walk… or waddle, especially with how strange and awkward her new body felt. For now, she would have to rely on Alex for a lot of things. Not because Alex would be the only one to care for her, but rather because until she could talk, she could only communicate her needs by mind-speech, and Drakans can only do that with their Chosen. Runne said that it is part of the imprinting process.

So, for now, she was stuck just following the elder Drakan as best she could and listening, though there were some interesting tidbits to listen to. For one thing, it seemed that Drakans have a racial memory. As they grow older, they instinctively know everything about the world and surviving in it that their ancestors knew. This included how to fly, and also how to use their natural abilities. In short, Drakans are born with mature minds; they just can't put much of that knowledge to use until their growing bodies catch up.

She found out that Runne was a Frost Drakan, while she was a Radiant. Frost Drakans' abilities are centered around the element of ice, allowing them to freeze things. Their scales also insulate against the cold. As a Radiant Drakan, Michelle's abilities would be attuned to light. It didn't sound too impressive to her, but she supposed that she should be happy with what she got. Maybe she could find some way to use those abilities to protect Alex.

A delicious smell suddenly caught her attention, and she bumped into Runne's tail, not realizing he had stopped. “Here we are, Michelle. The butchers have prepared some portions for all you Draklings, without bones, so you do not choke.” He guided her to a large pile of raw, bloody meat, and she could see the butchers in a nearby tent, in their red-stained aprons, chopping up even more for the Draklings who had not yet arrived. For a moment, all she could do was stare at the pile in confusion, and then it hit her.

~Omigod! Alex! They expect me to eat raw meat!~ The panicked voice of my sister belted out in my mind as I was trying to focus on the instructions that Patar was giving me. They weren't terribly detailed instructions; basically, I just needed to keep quiet when possible and stick to the cover story that Patar was concocting. Still, I really didn't need the interruption.

~Sis, you are a newly hatched baby Drakan~ I tried to send back through my thoughts. I'd feel pretty silly talking to her out loud when I was supposed to be listening to Patar.

~So what? RAW MEAT, Alex! It hasn't been cooked at all! They just yanked it from whatever animal it came from,~ was her anguished reply.

~What did you think that baby Drakans eat? Somehow, I doubt they sell formula or baby food in convenient Drakan-sized portions. Or did you maybe think I'd be breastfeeding you?~ I sent back grouchily.

~But it's raw!~ she complained again.

~Is it currently moving or breathing?~ I asked, rubbing my temples as I tried to dislodge the headache that was starting to form.

~No.~ I could practically hear her pouting.

~Then it's just a rare steak. So, suck it up and eat your goddamn breakfast so I can find out how to be someone I'm not.~ With a sigh, I looked up at Patar, who had just finished explaining to me my cover story. Crap.

“So," Patar asked, “tell me what we are going to be telling anyone who asks why you are out of the castle?”

I swallowed hard, clearing my throat before speaking. “Uh… being the spoiled princess that I am, I snuck out of the castle because I just had to have some raw meat... I mean a kihr as a pet. So, I got some Thaumaturge in the city to take me to the Frozen Wastes. He was... uh… eaten by a kythir before we could come back. I got away, found my new pet, and you found me.” I sighed, shaking my head. “Nobody is going to believe that. Can't we just say that I have no idea how I got there because I hit my head and don't remember anything? Then from there, I can just tell what happened until you found me.”

Patar chuckled at my slip-up. “Having them in our heads takes a little getting used to.” Then he considered my idea and agreed, “Fine, we will go with that, it will explain any odd behavior and gaps in your knowledge. Maybe we can get a Healer in on this to 'confirm' that you hit your head and suffered memory loss.” His eyes glazed over, and I realized that he must be doing his telepathic thing.

~You know, this is actually pretty good,~ Michelle sent, interrupting my thoughts.

~I am so happy for you,~ I sent back with a groan.

Patar seemed to focus on his surroundings once again and grinned at me. “Do you remember the Cinole who was paired with the Earth Drakan before you and Michelle were paired?”

I thought back to the first pairing. “Yeah, I remember her, she had brown hair and green wings, right?”

He quickly nodded. “She is the daughter of a friend of mine, and she is also a Healer. She is still young, barely a pass older than you, but she has enough experience for people to believe her when she says that you bumped your head and may have some memory loss.” He spaced out for a few seconds again, nodding about something. “I was just told that the last pairing has just been made. We need to hurry if we are going to talk with her before their Majesties start making the rounds of the pairings. Her Drakling is still feeding, but she will meet us at the lakeside garden. I will have Runne bring Michelle to meet us there once she has finished her meal.”

I got to my feet and dusted myself off. “Let's go find her then.”

When Patar had said gardens, I thought he was referring to flowers. There were some big red ones and some pretty blue ones, but most of the garden seemed to be herbs. I assumed that their vegetables and other major produce were grown on some of the farms that we passed when we flew to the city. The Cinole was waiting for us, seated on a large rock. Once we were close, she jumped up into the air to dive-bomb Patar with some kind of kamikaze hug. “Unca Patar!”

Patar easily caught her in his upper arms while his lower arms moved out to steady him. “Jezz,” he said with a grin, “you have grown. I saw you paired with that Earth Drakan, but you have gotten so big that I did not know it was you until your father told me. What brought you back to the capital? I assume that you have a good reason to stay now.”

“Da wanted me to get some trainin' from the Healers in the palace. They been lookin' for young 'uns wit a strong healin' Gift. Da thinks they might be wantin' proper trained Healers in case the Empire decides we may be wort' a long walk 'cross the Great Sands after all. There’s been talk 'bout trainin' a defense force too, what wit the rumors that the Princess is missin'. But ya, 'tween Grayle an’ proper Healer trainin', I got good reason t' be stayin'.” Her accent was a bit hard to follow, and I tried not to stare as I stood off to one side.

Patar chuckled. “Actually, speaking of the Princess, I need you to do something for me. I found the Princess, but there were some complications. I need you to tell anybody who asks you about it that you looked over the Princess, and she took a good blow to the head and might have some memory problems. Do not worry about their Majesties, we will be telling them the truth. Can you do that for us?”

“I'll do it for ya, Unca Patar, but how can I be sayin' I looked o'er the Princess if I dun know what she looks like?” the Cinole asked. “I heard she's a white Zenin wit black stripes, but I can't be givin' a better description than that if someun' asks.”

I lowered my hood and offered, “You could look me over, then you won't be lying when you say you looked over the Princess.”

She did look me over, in fact, she downright stared as she freed herself from Patar's arms and knelt on the ground. “Yer Highness.”

I groaned inwardly as Patar gave another of his grins, although his tone was serious. “For now, you will be the only Healer the Princess will trust, and you will be sticking with her. I might have to pull some strings to see if Runne and I can be Warders to both of you.”

“Warder fer both of us?” Jezz asked, a bit confused.

“I must be getting old, I forgot to introduce you both,” Patar said with a sigh. “Princess, this is Jezz, newly Chosen of Grayle. Jezz, I would like you to meet Princess Visanee, newly Chosen of Michelle.”

I could have sworn I heard her jaw hit the ground before she spoke. “Michelle? That's the name everyun's been talkin' 'bout. The Radiant. Folks been askin' if I knew who her Chosen was, she was wearin' a hood. Nobody saw her face, alls they knew was she was a white Zenin wit black stripes.”

Comfortably full, Michelle was once again following Runne. She was uncomfortably aware of the amount of attention that she was getting as she waddled along behind the massive white Drakan. She might not have been able to speak yet, but she could still understand what was being said. They were talking about her. They spoke about what a good omen a Radiant Drakan was. She heard other talk too.

Mostly, it was talk about her and her Chosen, whom she assumed was Alex. People were wondering who she was and why she was wearing a cloak and hood. Some people were also talking about Princess Visanee. There were rumors that she was missing, but those at the palace weren't saying anything about it. Michelle felt bad that her being a Radiant was taking attention from all the other new Drakans and their partners. She sighed and sent a thought to Alex as she walked. ~Alex, we're on our way to meet you. People are talking about us a lot.~

She quickly received a reply. ~I know, Sis. Jezz said that a lot of people were asking her if she knew who your Chosen is. I feel bad, it sounds like people are in such a buzz about us that hardly anyone has congratulated her about being Chosen herself. Patar says that we're going to be getting a lot of attention when people find out that the Princess is your Chosen.~

Michelle grumbled about that as she made sure to stay close to Runne. ~I feel bad for all the other new pairs, too. This shouldn't be about just us. What I don't get is how these people aren't putting two and two together and thinking that the mysterious white and black Zenin Chosen could be their missing princess?~

She could feel something like a mental shrug from Alex before she answered. ~Patar seems to think it's because they've never had a member of the nobility, or anyone under the age of eighteen, get Chosen before. It's so highly unlikely in their minds that they don't make the connection, since I'm the Princess and my eighteenth birthday isn't for another three days... err suns.~

The Radiant Drakling sighed. ~This is going to be the Greylands version of a media circus, isn't it, Alex?~

~Yeah, Sis, it is.~ The sadness and uncertainty in her sister's thoughts were palpable.

I looked at Patar and Jezz and tried not to let my feelings show as I told them, “Michelle says that she and Runne are on their way. She's been overhearing a lot of talk about us.” I turned my gaze directly onto Patar. “So, how much time do we have, and what's the plan?”

Patar shrugged, which looked weird on a guy with four arms. “They will want to gather all of you to break apart the nest once the Drakans have all been fed. Their Majesties will want to meet you all before that, so I imagine that they will be on their way here to meet Grayle and Jezz very soon, so we do not have long. We will go with your idea of having hit your head and not remembering anything before that. I found you and brought you back to the capital, and then, as we were looking for your parents, you were Chosen. Play shy and make like you don't know, or trust, much of anyone except me and Jezz.”

“And what bout Jezz?” I asked. “What does she do?”

He turned to the Cinole in question. “Jezz, I brought the Princess here to meet you because you are a Healer, another Chosen, and close to her age. You confirm that she banged her head hard, that you healed her, and that she has forgotten even some basic everyday things. Just go with that for now, we will tell you the whole story once we can be sure to have enough time alone.”

Jezz nodded to the Jiquar. “Ya, I think I got it Unca Patar. T' think I came here t' learn proper Healin', an’ now in one day I got Chosen an’ became the Princess's own Healer.” She grinned at me. “I can't wait t' hear whate'er ya did t' lead up t' this, Yer Highness.”

“You and me both,” I muttered to myself.

Grayle was, of course, the first of our partners to return from feeding. She may have lacked wings, but I could tell that she was going to make up for it with her sheer energy and enthusiasm. Even though she couldn't speak, she was extremely friendly, far more so than the Stone Drakan escorting her, and she seemed to adore her Chosen. The Stone Drakan was named Perrix, and he and his Chosen, Yurin, stepped aside for a brief talk with Patar while Jezz introduced me to Grayle, who gave me a lick on the cheek.

The talk was indeed brief, and soon they approached us again as Yurin conceded, “I have no problem with you and Runne taking over as their Warders, so long as Their Majesties approve of it. Perrix and I found a fine vein of silver, and I wouldn't mind the extra time to work on mining it.”

Patar gave him a friendly slap on the back. “Aye, I imagine you would. I will clear it with Their Majesties. I know it is unusual to want to ward two new pairs, but trust me, these are unusual circumstances, and I think it is for the best.”

Yurin nodded. “I'll leave them in your care then, for now. Let me know if you need anything, or if Their Majesties decide they want us to remain their Warders after all.” He gave us a friendly wave as he clambered up Perrix's back and the pair took off toward the city at a leisurely walk. It was then that Runne joined us with Michelle following at his heels. Michelle waddled her way over to me, and I gave her a big hug. ~Welcome back, Sis, did you eat well?~

I could feel her contentment bubbling in my mind, though it seemed tinged with worry too. ~Yeah, I'm full. Once I got over the fact that it was raw, it actually tasted pretty good.~

“Michelle,” I spoke aloud as I gestured to the green Drakling and the Cinole, “this is your sister, Grayle, and her Chosen, Jezz.” ~Sis, get to know your new sister and play for a bit. It'll probably help things if you and Grayle can get along well.~

~We can't communicate mind to mind; it seems we only have that link with our Chosen. Playing, I can do, though!~ She cheerfully made her way over to Grayle, and soon the pair started to roll about, pounce, swat at one another, and generally act like a pair of seven-foot-long kittens.

Jezz grinned at me. “Seems like Grayle likes her, though she's bein' a bit jealous 'bout how pretty Michelle is. I think they'll be good friends. Michelle is gorgeous, by the way.”

I returned the grin as I offered, “Grayle is really pretty too, just not as shiny.” I laughed a bit at that. “I hope that they are good friends since we'll likely be spending a lot of time together if Patar gets his way. I hope that we can be good friends too, Jezz.”

The Cinole's smile lit up her face. “Yer not what I was expectin', Yer Highness. I think we'll get 'long fine.” She paused as something caught her attention. “Best be lookin' behind ya, Yer Highness, we got comp'ny.”

I turned to look and saw a procession of people heading our way. At the front was a regal-looking white Zenin female with bright green eyes. She was in a very expensive-looking dark blue dress that made me think of Victorian England. Beside her was a grey Zenin with black stripes and amber eyes wearing an ornate dark red tunic and green hose. From the way that everyone seemed to be speaking with the woman, who I guessed must be Visanee's mother, it appeared that she was the one in charge.

Patar intercepted the procession and knelt before the royal couple well before they reached us. After he rose, he had a hushed conversation with them as he gestured toward us. A moment later, he was leading the pair toward us while their retinue waited behind. As they approached, I could hear the white Zenin saying, “...is very unusual, Patar, but you have served me well for many passes and I trust you. Now, why did you wait until now to bring our daughter to us? You told me that you found her before the breaking got underway. Could you not have brought her to us right away?”

Patar shook his head. “I had planned to, Your Majesty, but there was an unforeseen complication.”

“What sort of complication, Patar?” she inquired more insistently.

By this time, they were almost upon us. Patar gestured to the playing Drakans, “Your Majesties, those are Grayle the Earth and Michelle the Radiant. And these,” he added as he gestured to Jezz and me, “are their Chosen, Jezz and... your daughter.”

“Ummm.... hello,” I spoke softly, giving a nervous little wave. Both the Zenins' eyes went wide as the realization sank in.

It had been a long explanation. Patar and I explained who I really was, and with Michelle's help, I was able to tell them what Visanee had done and her fate in my former world. They were both understandably distraught at the news of her death. We gave them a bit of time to come to terms with that after Patar confirmed that he had read my mind and seen the truth.

The Queen spoke softly, her voice hoarse from crying, “We… tried to give her everything she wanted. The best of everything was made available for her. We spent all the time we could with her. In the end, we couldn't give her the one thing that she truly wanted.” She began to cry again, soft little sobs that made my heart ache in sympathy. I wondered if my mother on Earth had cried when Visanee died. Would she cry at Michelle's apparent death?

The King took over. “She wanted freedom. She wanted to see the world and have grand adventures like in the stories. We couldn't let her do that with all the dangers out there. The empire would like nothing more than to kill her or use her against us. More importantly, she was our only daughter; if something happened to her, then the royal bloodline would end. It would be a disaster.”

“What do you mean by a disaster? Couldn't someone from one of the other noble families be announced as a new heir?” I asked.

“No,” the King replied, shaking his head emphatically. “The land itself is tied by magic to the blood of the females of the royal line. This land used to be uninhabitable; covered in poisonous swamps, the mountains brimmed with fire and ash, and the very earth shook constantly. We Zenin, had been forced to flee our homeland. That was long ago, when the empire was just starting to expand. We fled across the Great Sands and came here; many of us died on the journey. We tried to make a home here, but it seemed impossible.”

“So, what happened to change that?” I wondered.

“The island in the center of the lake,” the Queen said, her voice strained from sobbing and her eyes damp and red. “Alina, the first Queen of Azure, discovered it, and the crystal fountain that sits at the center. The fountain is sacred. It is connected to Itari, the Goddess of the Earth. Itari spoke with Alina. She offered to make the land livable in exchange for the Vow that the daughters of Alina's line would protect the fountain and rule the land fairly. She was bound to the Vow by her blood, and her blood was tied to the land by magic. Should our line end, or the Vow be broken, the land will start to return to what it was before. Each eldest daughter of the line is announced as heir and bound to the Vow on their Giftsun.”

“Damn,” I cursed. “That's why Visanee was so desperate to make the exchange. She wanted freedom and not to have the responsibility of the Vow. She was running out of time, but she didn't want the land to fall into ruin, so she couldn't just leave; she needed a replacement. That's why Patar said that I'm the princess, no matter who I was in my mind.”

The Queen nodded slowly, sniffling a bit as her husband held her close. “I am sorry that she put you in this situation, Alex. If she had waited, she would have been given a little more freedom once she was named heir.” She looked at me, the weight of her loss and responsibility heavy in her tear-filled eyes as she told me, “I can bear no more children. You alone have the blood needed now. People cannot know that you are not the true heir. I ask not for me, but for my people, will you be our heir and princess?”

I looked at the pair of them, obviously distraught. They just lost their daughter, even if I was standing here now in her body. How would they deal with losing a vow that obviously meant a lot to them as well, even if the part about the Goddess wasn't true? Given how I'd gotten here and what I'd seen so far, I couldn't eliminate the possibility that Itari was indeed real. I nodded grimly and reached out to hug them both. “I may not be your real daughter, but I will do as you ask and try to make it look like I am.”

It was then that we relayed what had happened since I had arrived in the Greylands, ending with the plan that we had come up with to explain my lack of knowledge. They both thought the plan was a good one and approved Patar's request to be Warder to both me and Jezz. The Cinole was also recruited to help Patar teach me the basics of life in the Greylands. All of this was decided quickly, as it was felt that the royals had spent too much time already talking with us without their retinue. Any longer, and the other nobles would become suspicious that there was more going on than just the Princess getting chosen.

The retinue in question, consisting largely of the nobility and some important officials, was quickly called over once the royals had composed themselves. That grief wasn’t going to go anywhere, but it seemed like they were both well-versed in putting on a brave face for their people during difficult times. So, it was explained to their retinue that Princess Visanee was the Chosen of the Radiant Drakan, whom everyone was so interested in. We also gave them my story about having hit my head and losing my memory. To sell the story, I was careful to act a bit shy and skittish if anyone other than my parents, Patar, or Jezz got too close.

When the procession left, we accompanied them to visit the other Chosen and their Drakans, but I was careful to stick close to those that I was 'comfortable' with. Finally, once all seven of the other pairs had been visited, we all gathered back at the nest. It was tradition for the Chosen to take all the branches and other flammable materials used to make the nest and move them to the center of where the nest had sat. Then, once it was all piled up, the Queen herself would set fire to it all with a torch. It was considered bad luck for any part of the nest but the earth to remain behind and possibly be used again.

Once the fire was set, animals were roasted on spits, and a feast was prepared to celebrate the new unions. Shards of the Drakan eggshells were tossed into the fire by couples as offerings to Kanae, the Goddess of Fertility, the Harvest, and Birth. As that was being done, a Priestess of Kanae performed a blessing on each Drakan and their Chosen. It was all so strange to Michelle and me, but exciting as well.

I was sitting alone with Michelle and absently petting Chrissy, who was now snuggling up in my lap. We were staring into the great bonfire that was still going strong when Jezz sat down beside me. Grayle curled up beside Michelle, her eyes, like Michelle's, getting droopy. I giggled as I looked at them. “I guess they're pretty tired. It was a big day for them, being born and then all of this. Big day for us too.” Was it really just this morning that Patar had found me? So much had happened in just this one day.

Jezz giggled back, but quickly turned serious, “Ya, big sun fer us all. I been flyin' 'bout, listenin' t’ the crowds. Folks are talkin' non-stop 'bout the 'Radiant Princess'. Yer right, people are talkin' like yer Itari Herself. Sayin' this is a sign. If it's not that, folks are talkin' 'bout how sad it is ya lost yer mem'ry.”

I nodded, taking a cautious look around. “I keep expecting to get swarmed by people any time now.”

Jezz shook her head. “Nah, Queen Nisa announced that yer t' be left alone while ya recover. Dun worry, ya got Unca Patar an’ me t' look out for ya, Yer Highness.”

“Thanks,” I said as I reached out to squeeze her hand. “I'm glad to have you both with me. One thing though, Jezz.”

The Cinole looked at me curiously and asked, “What's that, Yer Highness?”

She wasn't much older than me, and in the flickering firelight, I could see how very pretty she was. She looked so fragile and innocent at that moment, and I kind of wanted to hold her. She had a strength inside her, though, and I could sense that she cared a lot for people in general. I had a feeling that she would be a good friend through whatever came. I smiled at her and told her gently, “Friends don't call friends 'Your Highness'. When we're alone like this, call me Alex.”

She blushed a bit at that, I could see it even in the firelight. She nodded, though, as she answered quietly, “Okay then, 'Lex, I think I'd like that.” We sat there together for a long while, staring at the fire as I thought about all the weirdness that had happened since I had arrived in the Greylands. We were both dozing off along with our Drakans when Patar came to take us home.

 

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

 

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Author's Note: Here's chapter 4 of the rewrite of Alex in Wonderland. I was hoping to have a chapter of Apocalypse Dawn done this week since I was out of town and couldn't post it last week, but it's not nearly ready and once I got started on the edits and changes for this chapter, things went a lot smoother. There were quite a few changes and additions to this one, so it is again a longer chapter than normal at about 7500 words. Thanks to my readers and to BCTS for giving their support of Transgendered authors and fiction. ~Amethyst.
 

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Chapter 4: Giftsun

We were all very tired when Patar came to collect us and take us to the palace. By that time, the bonfire had died down to mere embers, Chrissy was asleep in my lap, and Michelle and Grayle were snoozing peacefully. Jezz and I had also fallen asleep, the Cinole's head resting on my chest, while mine rested on Michelle's back. Patar gently shook Jezz and me awake and, once we were both alert, we woke our Draklings.

Chrissy awoke from the jostling as I got mobile and scurried up to take her place around my neck as we all shuffled over to a very large wagon that Patar had prepared. Two massive and pitch black horse-like creatures, which Patar had called Machuls, were hitched up to the wagon, and honestly, the size of the large equines was a little bit intimidating. I had seen Shire horses once, the largest breed on Earth, and these Machuls were at least a few hands taller, and even beefier than those.

Getting the Draklings into the wagon proved a bit difficult given their size and their clumsiness. It also didn’t help that both Michelle and Grayle were tired and still half asleep. Once we finally had them situated somewhat comfortably in the back of the wagon, Jezz and I climbed in with them, and Patar got into the driver's seat and flipped the reins to set the Machuls into motion.

It was a bit of a bumpy ride across the huge cobblestone bridge that spanned from the shore of the lake to the island in the center where the castle stood. As we made our way over the huge black drawbridge, we were stopped momentarily by the gate guards. Once they saw Patar and his passengers, though, they quickly let us pass. Then, once we were in the courtyard, Patar began issuing orders. “The Princess and Michelle are to be taken to her rooms for tonight, Jezz and Grayle are to be taken to one of the guest rooms, and then all of their needs are to be seen to.”

We were escorted to our rooms by palace servants and, as soon as we entered the princess's rooms, Michelle found a spot on the floor to settle down and fell asleep almost instantly. I was led by someone that Patar had introduced as my personal maid, a reddish-brown Zenin woman named Felice, to the bedchamber. “Can I get you anything before you retire for the night, Your Highness?" she asked.

I was tired, exhausted really, but I also realized that it had been over four days since I had had a bath. It had been too cold to do anything but drink from the glacier-fed lake in the valley, even if I did have fur now. The only time I had taken off my bodysuit and cloak had been to relieve myself, and I had always made sure that had been quick. So, with that in mind, I reluctantly removed Chrissy from around my neck and placed her on one of the pillows of a very comfortable-looking couch before saying, “I think I would like to clean up a bit.”

“Of course, Your Highness,” she replied, “I will prepare a hot bath for you.” She disappeared into a room connected to the bedroom, and I could hear her moving around and water splashing for a while before she returned. “Your bath is ready, Highness. Let me help you off with those clothes.”

It was more than a little awkward, not to mention uncomfortable, having someone undress me, but I was honestly too tired to argue about it. She was doing her job, and I couldn’t fault her for that. It was probably something that I would have to get used to, at least if I was going to be a princess. If the king and queen had been telling the truth about the family oath to the Goddess Itari, I had little choice in the matter, unless I wanted to see this entire kingdom turn to shit, and I didn’t want to be responsible for that. I needed to find out more about this place’s history and see how much it matched what they had told me.

Soon, I was relaxing in a hot bath as Felice scrubbed my back. Once my back was clean, Felice left at my request, leaving me a robe and some towels for when I was finished. I was amazed at what I was seeing in the bathroom as I soaked and let the hot water relax me. It practically had all the comforts of home. There was hot and cold running water for the large marble bath and smaller wash basin, and even indoor plumbing. I later found out that this was all made possible by Enchanters, and that only the very wealthy could afford such convenience. I decided to enjoy it while I could.

I soaked for some time before I started to carefully clean myself, and once I did, the bath was a learning experience. Firstly, I discovered that while I only had two breasts, I also had two other sets of nipples hidden in the fur on my belly. Secondly, I discovered while shifting position to better reach my feet, that sitting on one's tail hurts a lot. Felice rushed in looking panicked after the yowl I let out when that happened. Lastly, once I was out of my bath, I discovered that fur is a bitch to dry properly. I first had to shake myself like... well, like a cat, I guess, and then towel off if I wanted to get dry in any decent amount of time.

The past few days were catching up with me, and when I left the bath chamber, I felt about ready to pass out for a day or two, though I doubted I would have that luxury. It would be luxury, too, if the bed were any indication. It was the biggest, and probably girliest, bed I had ever seen; a full princess-styled deal with four intricately carved black wooden posts, and a canopy and curtains that looked to be made of a somewhat sheer, silky pink material. By the time I finished flopping onto the bed and climbed under the silky sheets and warm covers, I fell asleep almost immediately.

The two days following the nest breaking were extremely hectic. Not only did the baby Drakans require a lot of care and attention, but when we weren't doing that, Patar and Jezz spent all the time they could teaching me about life in the Greylands, and specifically in Azure. I learned about the history, geography, the various Gods and Goddesses that were worshiped, and how time, weights, and distances were measured.

Patar also had both me and Jezz working on our language skills. Jezz grew up in a very small village in a distant part of Azure and had a very thick accent, so sometimes it was hard to understand her. In my case, while I seemed to have little trouble speaking either of the languages commonly spoken in Azure, Patar believed this to be an echo of Visanee’s knowledge and that if I did not use those language skills as much as possible to become familiar with them in my own right, I would lose them. Michelle was able to confirm that Visanee had believed the same.

Of the two, the Zenin language was the hardest, and I had to focus on it the most, usually by speaking with Felice and Visanee’s parents in that language as much as possible, and reading books written in that language. The more common language was easier for me. It was actually a bastardized version of Old English that had been developed after people from Earth started coming through the Gate near their former homeland and making homes there.

At least there were plenty of books to read in the palace in both languages, notably history books about both the Zenin people and the Queendom of Azure. I was probably going to have to make a conscious effort to keep using both languages for months to retain the knowledge I had inherited from Visanee, though. At least all of the reading was serving two purposes since I needed to learn more about both Azure and its history anyway.

Most of the history that I was learning seemed to confirm what I had been told by Visanee’s parents, so it looked like I was probably going to be stuck taking her place as the heir to the throne of Azure after all. The alternative was to refuse and gamble with the lives and happiness of this entire queendom, which was something I wasn’t really keen on. I liked Patar and Jezz, and the king and queen were growing on me as well.

Possibly the most important lessons that I was learning were about Gifts, though. With my Giftsun coming up fast, it was felt that basic education on various Gifts and the Gifted was of the utmost importance. Gifts were granted to people on their eighteenth birthday, or birthsun as they called them, by the Goddess of Gifts, Selune. Because of this, the eighteenth birthsun was called the Giftsun.

On their Giftsun, people of all races are taken by their families to Diviners to test them for Gifts, and to trigger those Gifts if any are discovered. Triggering, or Gifting, can sometimes result in various degrees of physical and/or mental changes. The Giftsun is a rite of passage into adulthood, whether one is Gifted or not, and it is when people set aside their childhood name for the name that they will carry into adulthood.

Not everyone has Gifts, though, and those who do are called the Gifted. The Gifted harness kida, the spirit energy found in the earth, the air, and all living things to use what I would call magic. There are various types of Gifts, and each type of Gifted has a different name. Healers can heal illnesses, wounds, or diseases, though the more serious the injury, the more kida they need to use. They also make potions, balms, and use various other non-magical healing methods to care for the ill. Jezz was a Healer.

Patar was a Diviner. Diviners are those whose Gifts are mind-based. These abilities can include such things as telepathy, telekinesis, precognition, sensing the history of objects or places, and empathy. They can also detect Gift potential. Diviners are the most diverse of the Gifted, and their abilities vary widely amongst them.

Both of Visanee’s, or I guess my parents, Queen Nisa and King Janis, were Thaumaturges, who can use their Gift directly for a wide variety of spells. These spells can be offensive, defensive, or completely neutral, and I guess they would probably be called sorcerers on Earth. In any type of combat situation, Thaumaturges are extremely useful. It was assumed that I would probably be a Thaumaturge as well, should I receive a Gift.

Another type of Gifted are Enchanters. They can't use kida to do anything directly, but can permanently enchant objects with pretty much any effect spells they can imagine, should they have enough power. Enchantments can be temporary or permanent, but permanent ones take more power. Then there are Wilders, who can communicate with and influence animals; Wind Walkers, who can control the weather; and Shifters, who use their Gift to change their shape, appearance, etc. More powerful Shifters can subtly reshape the bodies of others or various materials as well. Finally, there are also people with more than one Gift; these are called Dabblers.

It wasn't all work and studying during those two days, though. Michelle and I spent time just being together again and getting used to the new connection that we shared. Being able to speak in each other's minds all the time took a lot of getting used to. Thankfully, we weren't the only ones new to this, since Jezz and Grayle were going through the exact same thing. It turned out to be a good bonding time for the four of us, and I felt myself feeling truly close to someone besides my twin for the first time in years.

Semi-permanent living arrangements had been made as well. Most Chosen and their Drakans were deeded land to make a home on by the Queen, but in my case, that wouldn't work, so both Jezz and I were staying in the royal palace, or Misalet Castle as it was called. I, of course, had the princess's room. I shouldn't call it a room, though, since it was practically a home all by itself.

Jezz had one of the spacious guest rooms for VIPs, which sat beside mine. For Michelle and Grayle, one of the larger private courtyards had been set aside and made comfortable for the pair until something more permanent could be arranged. Guards were posted to ensure that the Draklings, Jezz, and I were not bothered by anyone, and food was brought to Grayle and Michelle whenever we requested it.

On the second day, I also spent some time with my new parents, mostly getting to know one another. I already liked them more than my parents on Earth, not that that was a high bar. I guess that I also felt bad for them. They had lost their only daughter, and here I was, hanging around in her body. To make it worse, we had to maintain the fiction that I was her, which was hard for all of us, especially at first.

Queen Nisa and King Janis were a bit withdrawn, which was understandable since they needed time to process and mourn Visanee's death. Luckily, most people were attributing their mood to almost losing their daughter and the shock of my amnesia. To their credit, both the Queen and the King were trying their best to get to know me and start to build some sort of relationship with me, though.

With Michelle’s help, I was able to tell them more about Visanee’s last moments in my body on Earth. They deserved to know, and I hoped that it would bring them some form of closure. I also think it helped them to realize that I was a different person, even though the body was that of their daughter.

Still, even if they could disconnect enough to see me as maybe a younger daughter rather than as Visanee, it couldn’t be easy on them trying to build a relationship with me while mourning Visanee. They were trying, though, we all were. This was partly because we had no choice but to try our best to make the fiction believable for the sake of Azure and its people, but I guess it might have been a little bit of wish fulfillment on both sides as well.

I could tell that Visanee’s parents felt awful about being so protective that they drove their daughter to run away like she did. They had good reasons, though, admitted to their mistakes, and it pained them greatly that things turned out the way they did. Anyone could see that they had adored their daughter, only wanted the best for her, and wished that they could have had a more positive relationship and didn’t have to place such a burden upon her.

I, on the other hand, never had the best relationship with my parents. My father was always trying to push me into being someone I wasn’t, and he was a bigoted and abusive asshole. My mother was spineless and went along with whatever he said, even if it hurt her, Michelle, and me.

From what I had seen so far of the king and queen, they were pretty much the opposite of my parents. Queen Nisa was intelligent, strong-willed, and determined to do the best she could for the people under her care, whether it was her people or a new daughter who was feeling just a little overwhelmed by everything that had happened since appearing in this world. Her husband, Janis, seemed to be a gentle and caring soul who was devoted to her and their daughter. They both took her death hard, but it was Janis who showed it the most. Nisa couldn’t afford to, except in private; she needed to look strong and like everything was okay, for the sake of her people.

Jezz was treated as a special guest; she even dined with us. She was a country girl and, although she seemed to enjoy all the fancy clothes and servants waiting on us, I think she was a bit unsure how to act and nervous about her new social standing. I couldn't blame her, since I was feeling the same. It was another bond that we shared. Queen Nisa and King Janis were trying to make us both feel welcome and comfortable, though, even in their grief.

I was awoken early on the day of my Giftsun. Felice woke me with the dawn, insisting that I needed time to prepare for my busy day. She immediately ushered me into a hot bath and started washing me, despite my objections. I had no time for a leisurely soak, so the bath was an exercise in precision cleaning. Once I was extracted from the hot water, I was instructed to dry myself as quickly as possible while Felice went to fetch my breakfast. It seemed that Michelle was getting similar treatment as, while I was drying myself, I heard ~Coooooooold!!!~

I continued to towel myself as I giggled. ~At least I'm not suffering alone. What's going on, Sis?~

Michelle sounded irritated. ~Patar has some servants here in the courtyard. They're giving Grayle and me baths for some reason. Why did they have to wake us at this ungodly hour for this?! Mmmmmm, at least they brought us breakfast.~

I rolled my eyes at that as I started towel-drying my hair. ~Hey, if I have to suffer, so do you. Just try to cooperate. They probably want you to accompany me on the parade through the city to the Temple of Selune.~ I finished drying off and stepped into my bed-chamber, where Felice had my breakfast laid out on a small table. I took my seat and looked over the broiled fish, hard-boiled eggs, some sort of dark bread with creamy butter, and a glass of milk. ~Ah, the breakfast of champions.~ Michelle's only answer was a contented warmth in my mind as she ate her own meal.

Breakfast was delicious, the fish was delicately spiced, and the milk had a sweet taste to it. It was over all too quickly, though, and soon Felice was getting me properly dressed. Green was the color of Itari, and since much of today would be committing myself to Her, that was the color of the day. After I was placed in appropriate undergarments, we began with a crinoline, followed by a full-length skirt of hunter green velvet. The skirt felt heavy, and I thought that it and the crinoline were going to be difficult to move in, making me suddenly very grateful for my new body's inherent feline grace.

A golden-colored satin chemise with large billowing sleeves was next on the list, the color chosen to honor Selune when I visited the Diviner Priestess at Her temple. It was actually fairly comfortable, but I could see the sleeves having the potential to cause problems when I ate. Over the chemise was placed a corset in hunter green velvet to match the skirt. Corsets may look great, but they should probably be banned by the Geneva Convention, as they are sheer torture to put on and wear. As I was being squeezed into it, I mentally grumbled. ~Be glad you just got a bath, Sis. You could be in my shoes.~

Speaking of shoes, those were the next item on the list. Well, boots actually, made of a dark green suede with a three-inch heel. They looked intimidating at first, but since I walk on the balls of my feet, they were actually very comfortable. I thought that we would have been finished then, but Felice had me sit down (not an easy feat with what I was wearing) and she started working my hair into a complex-looking bun, with a braid at the back center and two more falling to either side of my face.

Then it was time for more torture. Three gold rings were placed in each of my ears. This wouldn't have been so bad if they had been pierced beforehand, but apparently, it was tradition to wait until the Giftsun for it. You try getting needles thrust through one of the most sensitive parts of your body and not screaming. I only marginally succeeded... the first three times didn't count since I wasn't ready.

After my torture session, Felice took Chrissy for me and led me down to the main courtyard, where I found half the castle waiting. All the nobles and officials from my parents' retinue on the day of the nest breaking were there, as well as close to thirty guards, several horses, and two of our machuls. Patar sat astride Runne, who took up a good portion of space, and both Grayle and Michelle sat in another large wagon decorated in golden flowers, which was hitched up to the two machuls. Sitting demurely just ahead of the Drakans was Jezz, who was dressed similarly to me and looked just as uncomfortable.

Normally, on her Giftsun, the Princess rides in a carriage behind the Queen and King with a trusted servant, handmaiden, or sometimes a friend from the nobility to help her throughout the day. It was decided that Jezz would do that for me since we had been bonding so well. Since this was our first public appearance since the nest breaking, it was also decided that the Drakans would come too. With a hand from some of the guards, I managed to climb into the wagon and get myself seated on the padded bench beside my Cinole friend. “You look about as nervous as I am,” I grumbled. I took Chrissy from Felice and placed her between Jezz and me to gently stroke her fur and calm my nerves.

“Ya, Yer Highness, I ne'er thought I'd e'er be sittin' 'side the Princess fer her Giftsun parade,” she said, wringing her hands.

I nodded agreement, giving a nervous laugh as I replied quietly, “Well, we're in the same boat then. I never thought that I'd be a Princess in her Giftsun Parade.”

Michelle's voice slipped into my mind, radiating calm. ~Relax, Alex, we just need to sit here and look good for the most part. Then you do your thing at the Temple, and we look good on the way back, too. Then you do your vow thingy and get crowned. Easy, right?~

~Easy for you to say, but thanks for trying, Sis,~ I replied as I turned around to smile at her. Then I turned back to the front as two large and heavy sacks were placed in front of Jezz and me. From what we had been told, the sacks were filled with a mix of sweets and copper coins for us to toss to the children out to see the parade.

Despite my concerns that this would take a while to get organized, under Queen Nisa's supervision, we were soon underway. Ten guards in golden armor took the lead, with my parents behind them on large bay horses, followed by our wagon, then ten more of the golden-clad guards, the members of the nobility, and finally the final ten guards. Above us, Patar and Runne flew with six other Drakan pairs in formation. I had thought the parade wouldn't really get started until we crossed the bridge spanning the lake, but even at this early hour, people were lined up along the sides of the bridge to get a good look at the procession.

I groaned and reached into the bag for a handful of coins and sweets, speaking loud enough so my companions could hear me. “Showtime, girls, let's smile and look pretty.” I put a nervous smile on my own face and tossed the handful out into the crowd. Jezz followed my lead, and our Drakan companions sat up, doing their best to look proud and noble. All eyes were upon us as we made our way across the bridge and through the capital.

Somehow, I had managed to make it to the Temple of Selune without throwing up from nervousness and the anxiety that weighed heavily in my chest. Our sacks were now depleted, and the only thing keeping me from being glad it was over was the fact that after we were done at the temple, we'd have to do it again in reverse. Once I was helped out of the wagon, I walked along the path of golden flower petals that Jezz was spreading out before me, leading to the small dais that had been erected in front of the temple, for the sole purpose of my Gifting. No pressure, right? When I finally stepped onto the dais, Jezz moved to one side as she had been instructed and knelt waiting, while I stepped in front of the Priestess in white and gold robes.

The Priestess smiled at me and began to speak in a voice that carried well over the hushed crowd. “Visanee Misalet, daughter of Nisa and Janis. Why do you come before the Goddess Selune?”

I swallowed hard, hoping that I was remembering all of this correctly. We'd only gone over it a thousand times or so. I knelt and raised my face and hands to the heavens. “I come before Selune to seek Her favor. I am eighteen passes old today, and humbly ask Her for Her touch. I ask for no more than She is willing to give. I ask that She bestow me with what Gift or Gifts that She finds me deserving of.”

The Priestess took my outstretched hands, and I could feel a warmth filling me as she looked for my Gift. Then I felt something release in me, like I wasn't quite whole before, and now I was. Then the Priestess raised me to my feet. “You have been found worthy. Set aside your childhood and tell me the name that you will carry into adulthood, so that I may know who to bestow these Gifts upon.”

She said 'Gifts'. Plural. We hadn’t planned for this! For a brief second, I was unsure what to do; luckily, the murmuring of the crowd as they realized the same thing gave me a few seconds to compose myself. I was careful to speak loudly and clearly as I said, “Alexis.”

“Alexis Misalet,” the Priestess intoned as the crowd now hung on her every word, "Selune has seen fit to bestow upon you three Gifts on this, your Giftsun. She gives you a great Gift in Healing. She also gives you a small Gift in the Divine, and another in the Wild. I pronounce you Dabbler!”

This was unexpected. It was thought I would be a Thaumaturge like my parents, but I got three Gifts, and none of them were what I had been told to expect. The crowd was shocked too for a moment before they suddenly burst into applause and loud cheering. I quickly shook off my confusion and said, “I thank Selune for these Gifts, and I will do my best to be worthy of them.”

With my Gifting complete, Jezz rose to escort me back to the wagon, several women and young girls offering us both flowers as we stepped off the dais and made our way back to the wagon. As we settled into the wagon once again, I had to make an effort not to just slump into my seat. The corset helped a lot with that, but smiling was still an effort with as nervous as I was. “Am I ever glad that is over,” I said once we were underway, and once again smiling and showering people with sweets and copper coins from new bags.

“You 'n me both, 'Lex,” was Jezz's soft reply. “I was nervous at m' own Giftin’, but at least mine was done in the privacy o' the Temple. Dinna have thousands o’ folks watchin' m' every word. Ya did well though, 'Lex.” She paused to toss a handful from the bag. “And yer a Dabbler, I dinna think anyun expected that.”

“Least of all me,” I said with a sigh as I too tossed a handful. “I guess we'll both be busy with Healing lessons now, too. I wonder what exactly my Wilder and Diviner abilities are. I mean, how small is small?”

The Cinole shrugged, her green wings fluttering a bit. “Ya should be findin' out o'er the next se'ensun. It takes a bit fer the Gifts t’ start showin'.”

“That's good to know.” I was a bit relieved that they wouldn't start kicking in right away. “The last thing I need right now is to find out I'm a telepath or something in the middle of thousands of people. It's bad enough with the one person I already have in my head.” I giggled and winked back at Michelle before tossing another handful.

I could feel Michelle's laughter in the back of my mind. ~Just for that, Alex, I've got something for your Giftsun.~ Then she began to sing, ~This is the song that never ends....~ It was a long parade back to the palace.

It was almost midday when we arrived back at the palace. The procession, followed by all the townspeople who could manage it, filed into the main courtyard. Behind us, I could see that the entire bridge was also full of people hoping to get a look at the ceremony that would name me as heir to the throne of Azure. When we entered the courtyard, I stepped down from the wagon to join Queen Nisa at the great doors that stood at the rear wall of the courtyard. To either side of the great doors were stairs that led up to the balcony, the great hall, the throne room, and the rest of the palace proper.

The great doors themselves were made of the sturdy black wood called yalk, with thick wrought iron hinges and handles. The doors were barred and guarded at all times unless the Queen or her heir was inside the Queen's private courtyard that lay behind them. Swallowing my fear, I watched as two large Jiquar guards pulled open the massive doors. Then Queen Nisa stepped inside, and I moved to follow. Inside the great doors was another, smaller door sealed by magic. From what I had been told, only someone who had been bound to the land could open that door. My new mother opened the door, and we stepped inside, the door shutting behind us.

The Queen's courtyard was large and very well lit by kida lamps, which gave off a natural-looking light. I had been told that the light in this courtyard was created to simulate the time of day. There was even an illusion of the sky, with moving clouds and the sun in its proper position on the ceiling. After I was bound to the land, I would be able to come in here any time, and it would be just like being outside, no matter whether it was day, night, dawn, or dusk. It was an amazing illusion, and even the flowers and small trees that grew all over the bare earth at our feet couldn't seem to tell the difference.

Another enchantment caused the air in the room to stay fresh and even have cool breezes, which would make this a nice place to keep cool later in the summer. There were even birds and some small animals. The Queen led me by the hand as I took in the realistic environment, and she let out a giggle as she said, “I was the same way when I saw it for the first time.” It was the first time that I had heard her laugh or seen an unrestrained smile on her face since we had met, and it warmed my heart.

I merely nodded in answer and squeezed her hand, not really wanting to spoil this moment. I saw several benches as we made our way to the center of the courtyard, and then, as I turned to face forward, I saw it. The crystal fountain of Itari was a large formation of crystals, in all the colors of the rainbow, that gave off a light all their own. We stopped when we reached the formation, and the Queen spoke. “Itari, Mother of our land, patron Goddess of our people. I bring before You my daughter, Alexis Misalet, and ask that You accept her as my heir.”

The crystals seemed to hum, vibrating as I stepped forward to stand beside the Queen. Then I heard a voice in my head that wasn't Michelle's. It was a voice of power that seemed to make my head hum right along with the crystals. ~Alexis, you of two worlds. Your mind is not hers, but you are of the blood. Are you prepared to leave your old world behind forever, to defend and rule this land and these people? Are you prepared to protect this sacred place?~

I quickly shook off the shock I was feeling and formulated my reply. “I… yes. There is nothing for me in my old world. This land is now my home, these people my own, and I relinquish the family of my old world to embrace the family whose blood runs through my veins. I promise to defend and rule this land, and its people, fairly when the time comes, and to protect this sacred place from harm.”

The Queen smiled at me, teary-eyed, and the voice in my head seemed happy once it spoke again. ~Very well then, Alexis. I accept you as heir and will bind you to the land. Seal the Vow with your blood.~

I nodded and stepped forward to prick my finger on one of the crystals. I held the finger over the crystal, letting several drops of blood fall onto it. The blood seemed to be absorbed by the shard of crystal it fell upon, which began to glow even brighter than the others. Then, the whole crystal formation started to glow brighter, shining with a blinding light, and the crystals and the castle around us started to sing.

Sometime during the cacophony of bright light and the music of the earth, I felt a connection begin to form with the crystal formation and the land beneath my feet, like some sort of tether between it and my soul. It wasn't truly binding, as I didn't feel bound to the land, as I think that would have felt restrictive. No, this was more like I was part of the land, and it was part of me, and would be no matter where I was. ~You are now bound to the land and the Vow. I know that you will serve both myself and your people well.~

"She's been in there a while now," Michelle thought as she waited impatiently for Alex to either come out the doors or contact her to let her know that everything was alright. Things had gone smoothly so far, even if Alex had been thrown a bit of a curveball with the Gifts. There was no reason for people to think anything would go wrong now. Still, most people didn't know that Alex wasn't the princess in her head. Could that somehow throw a wrench in the works? The more time that passed without something happening, the more worried she became.

Then something did happen. Something that she wasn't expecting at all. Michelle's eyes darted around rapidly as the castle began to shake around her, the very walls seeming to hum with the vibrations. The sound carried through the walls and flagstones, and she could feel it even in her bones. The humming sound seemed to change pitch with each passing second. It almost sounded like… singing.

She tried to contact Alex through their mind link, fearing for her sister's... her Chosen's safety. She couldn't seem to reach her, though; it was like her thoughts were being redirected elsewhere. She couldn't sense Alex at all. Her heart raced, and a lump of terror lodged in her chest as the Radiant Drakan began to fear the worst, that this Earth Goddess had sensed that Alex wasn't the true heir and had killed her. Was that why the earth was shaking?

She was supposed to protect her; she should have insisted that she go in with her, regardless of the tradition. What would she do if Alex were dead? How would she make it alone in this new world? She came here to be with her twin because it would have hurt too much to lose her. How could she go on if she lost her now? Then, suddenly, she felt it again, the comforting presence of her former twin in the back of her mind, and she reached out.

~What in the hell was that?!~ Michelle's voice suddenly popped into my head. ~The whole castle was just shaking and humming!~

~I think that was me being made heir, Sis. Itari accepted me, and all that started happening when we used my blood to seal the deal. I think we should be coming out soon,~ I sent back, trying to calm her down.

~Okay, Alex. By the way, your furry little white friend is shaking in Jezz's arms. The whole castle eruption scared her pretty badly. You might want to find a treat for her after all this,~ Michelle said, trying to sound unbothered but still sounding a bit spooked herself.

I had to stifle a giggle at that. ~Noted, Sis, I'll see if I can slip you some sweets too.~

~I wasn't scared. I was just startled, is all, but some of those frostberry pies would taste really good.~ I could feel a happy warmth in my mind as she thought of the pies.

I giggled at that and quickly composed myself as my new mother smiled at me and gently said, “You may now enter our courtyard whenever you wish, but only you, and possibly your pet kihr. No other people are allowed in here under any circumstances. This is our place, and it's a nice place to be alone with our thoughts when needed.”

I nodded my head solemnly as I answered, “I understand. It's a very relaxing place, and I think I'll like coming here when I need to think.”

She took my hand again and began to lead me back to the door. “Now it is time to go up to the balcony and complete the tradition.” I followed her back through the door and then the great doors, which were closed securely and barred behind us. We walked up the stairs, my hand still in hers, to the balcony where the King waited. As we got to the balcony, overlooking the throngs of people in the main courtyard and beyond, she gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.

My mother on Earth had always been afraid to show me affection like that, as my father would always complain that I needed to learn how to be independent if I were to grow up to be a strong man. This was a nice change, and I realized that what I had said earlier was true. She was my mother by blood now, and she was trying to fill that role, even through the pain of losing Visanee.

This was my family now, my home, and my people, and I had to stop thinking about my Earth parents that way. Deep down, I knew that I was dead to them before the heart in my old body even stopped beating. The only family I had ever given a shit about there was Michelle, and she was here with me now. There was no going back. I had Michelle, a family, friends, and my people. It was time to live in the present.

“People of Azure!” my mother spoke in a tone that commanded attention. “Today, my daughter pledged herself to Itari, our country, and all of you. Itari heard her pledge and accepted. She has been bound to the land and our Vow. Today, the earth sang for her.” She took a delicate jewel-encrusted gold tiara from her husband and placed it on my head. “I give you Princess Alexis Misalet, true heir to the throne of Azure!”

The crowd burst into a deafening cheer, a cheer which almost threatened to shake the castle again, as I stepped up to the stone railing for my part of the ceremony. I tried my best to speak clearly and loud enough for all those in the courtyard to hear. “Thank you, my people. Today I have been bound to you all, and our country. Today I have been given Gifts. Today I celebrate. But I do not wish to celebrate alone. Let there be feasts, music, and celebration for all!” This resulted in another thunderous cheer and some chanting of my name.

My Giftsun feast was well underway in the great hall of the palace. Food and wine flowed freely, and people joked and laughed. Chrissy was in my lap, humming contentedly as she nibbled on a cookie. I was so full that if I tried to eat another bite, I think my corset would have exploded. People around me were happy, and so was I. I could feel that Michelle was happy too, the warmth of the feeling radiating in the back of my mind. ~Enjoying your pies, are you?~

~Yes, I am, and so is Grayle. Thank you for thinking of us.~ She gave me a warm and fuzzy mental hug.

~Good. You both deserve it after spending half the day in a wagon and putting up with me and Jezz complaining about how uncomfortable we were. Besides, it's my day, and the cooks want to keep me happy. I think those closest to me should benefit from that a little today. You both enjoy it, we'll be out to spend some time with you as soon as we can get away for a bit.~ I quickly turned my attention to Jezz, who I realized had just asked Patar something potentially embarrassing. “Oh no, Jezz, all these wonderful people don't want to hear that story.”

“Ya, sure they do, Yer Highness. Folks have been askin' him all through dinner. An' yer only tellin' how ya woke up an' found yer l'il friend there.” She pointed at the kihr in my lap. “Ya dun tell much 'bout the valley and meetin' Unca Patar.” My friend grinned at me, and I silently resolved to put something squishy in her bed later.

Patar didn't need to be asked twice, and soon he was spinning his tale, leaning in toward his listeners like some sort of conspirator. “So, there I was, flying over the Frozen Wastes looking for the Princess. Now, I did not expect to see her out that far. I am still not sure how she got all the way out there in the first place. Anyway, there we were, flying over this nice little valley, when Runne tells me he sees something. So, we circle down and I see this huge kythir, it was at least thirty tayr long. But that is not the interesting thing, no, I also see this crazy person trying to fight the beast with nothing but a dagger and a burning stick.”

I groaned and put my face in my hands. “Okay, Patar, while you besmirch my good name, with what is probably the truth, we're going to go check on Michelle and Grayle, right, Jezz?” I picked up Chrissy and placed her on my shoulder, where she soon found her favorite spot around my neck and proceeded to happily hum.

“I thought ya'd ne'er ask, Yer Highness,” the Cinole said with a grin.

"Oh yes, definitely something squishy, cold too if I can manage it," I thought.

As we left the hall, Patar's voice trailed off behind us. “So, I was thinking to myself, 'this is either the stupidest or bravest person I have ever seen'...”

 

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

 

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Author's Note: Here's chapter 5 of the rewrite of Alex in Wonderland. I was hoping to have a chapter of Apocalypse Dawn done this week but the past couple of weeks have been crappy and bouts of writer's block and depression weren't really helping matters. Rewriting this worked a lot better and while there were some additions and some slight change of tone from the original in this chapter, most of it was just grammar and clarification. Thanks to my readers and to BCTS for giving their support of Transgendered authors and fiction. ~Amethyst.
 

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Chapter 5: Bearing Gifts

The morning after my Giftsun, I awoke late and just stayed in bed for a long while, enjoying what was probably the first real chance that I had to relax since arriving at the capital. It was then that a wave of intense hunger hit me. Weird, I was hungry, but not that hungry. I could feel Michelle as a contented warmth at the back of my mind. It didn't feel like she was hungry either, but I thought it best to ask her anyway. ~Sis, are you hungry?~

It was a moment before she responded, her mind speech heavy with sleepy contentment. ~No. Grayle and I just ate, and I was about to take a nap. What's wrong?~

~I feel hunger, as if I were starving,~ I responded, still confused. ~I know I'm a bit hungry, but I'm not that hungry. Nevermind. I'll eat something, then hopefully it will go away. Have a good nap, Sis.~

~I will. Call me if you need anything.~ I could feel the connection lose its strength as she started to doze off again. The hunger was still there, though, so with a stretch I got out of bed and rang the bell that would bring Felice, and then started getting dressed.

She arrived before I had even finished putting on my bra and panties. On my first day in the palace, I learned to ring for Felice should I need anything. Not only was she eager to serve or even just chat, but it was considered improper for a princess to do things like go down to the kitchen to fix her own meals. The first time that I tried that was amusing.

Felice was in a good mood and smiling cheerfully when she arrived. She even felt happy; it was like I could sense the feeling bubbling around her, and that made me happy. Soon, I was dressed in a casual light green chemise that really made my eyes pop, brown suede leggings, and matching ankle boots with a three-inch heel. I could still feel that hunger, even as I felt the happiness and what might just be pride, but I would be eating breakfast soon, and I tried to put it out of my mind.

“You seem to be in a fine mood this morning, Felice,” I said as she began to work my raven hair into a long braid.

“And why should I not be, Your Highness? I was a little worried when you came back to us with no memory that you may not receive a Gift, that Itari may not accept you, or that you may have had troubles with the ceremonies. You did perfectly, though, and not only did Itari accept you, but you received three Gifts. I am so proud of you.”

"Wait a minute," I thought. "Gifts? She's happy and proud? Maybe my Diviner Gift is some sort of empathy? But if that's the case, who am I feeling this hunger from? I've been the only one in the room since I woke up, until Felice came, except for..." I turned my head toward my bed, earning a scolding from Felice. I could feel that her heart wasn't in it, though.

On my pillow, Chrissy was watching me intently, and I felt the hunger intensify a bit. “Felice, once you're done with my hair, could you please bring up some leftovers from last night's feast for Chrissy to eat? I think she's hungry.”

I could see my maid nodding in the mirror as she continued working on my hair. “Of course, Your Highness. Once you are finished here, Lady Jezz wishes to continue your lessons. She mentioned wanting to teach you some of the basics of Healing as well, since neither of you will be able to begin your formal training until Lady Larane returns from her diplomatic mission in Torma.”

I knew Torma was an island nation in the Ujard Ocean to the west and that it was the homeland of the Cinoles. From what Jezz had told me, they were pretty isolationist. I had no idea who Larane was, though.

“Who's Larane? And what type of diplomatic mission is it?” I inquired.

Felice gave me a sad look at another reminder of my 'lost' memory, and her emotions echoed it. “Larane is the palace Healer, and she will be teaching you and Lady Jezz. Torma’s Prince, Mathan Biord, has come down ill. Her Majesty offered Lady Larane's services and sent her to Heal Prince Mathan and discuss trade between our nations. Trevas, her apprentice, remained behind, but he is not qualified to teach you both.”

I had to keep myself from nodding as she finished braiding my hair and tied it off. “I see. Please have Jezz join me when she is ready so that we can get started.”

“As you wish, Highness,” was her reply as she left to carry out my orders. It wasn't long before she returned with Jezz, my breakfast, and some food for my kihr.

“Thank you, Felice,” I told her with a smile. “I'll ring you if we need anything else before we leave my rooms.”

My maid placed the tray with my breakfast before me and the bowl of food on the floor for Chrissy and then bowed as she took her leave and said, “As you wish, Highness.” Chrissy leaped off the bed and began to eat with reckless abandon, as I did the same, only somewhat less enthusiastically. Hunger gave way soon to happy contentment once we were both full and she was in her rightful place around my neck.

We were about to leave the room for the palace library when I could feel something like humor bubbling around my Cinole friend. “I think ya may be forgettin' sumthin', 'Lex.”

I tried frantically to think of what she may be referring to, but I had my keys for my rooms, I had Chrissy, and I was properly dressed. This might be a bit casual for a princess, but there were no formal events today, and I was just going to be spending the day with Jezz, since Patar and Runne were on border patrol today. “What did I miss?” I finally asked in confusion.

I could feel her humor getting more intense, and she looked like she was having trouble not laughing. “Ya fergot yer crown, silly. I know yer not used t' bein' a princess, but ya oughta be wearin' that. Maybe it'll remind ya.”

I groaned, went to retrieve the badge of my new office, and placed the jewel-encrusted gold tiara on my head as I shut the door to my rooms behind me and locked it. “Is this better?” I asked.

“Ya, I think that'll do,” she replied. Happiness and humor seemed to radiate from her along with something different, something I couldn't really define.

“Come on, we've got studying to do,” I grumbled, though there was no real bite behind it.

I took her hand in mine and began to pull the flying girl along with me in the direction of the library when my thoughts were suddenly overwhelmed. ~... my friend and the princess. I shouldn't be thinking about her that way. But she's so sweet and pretty, and we have so much in common. What do I do? I can't just tell her. It could ruin our friendship. She probably wouldn't be interested in me anyway. Besides, she has to have an heir someday. Yes, it’s better to keep it as friends. Why did she suddenly stop?~

I let go of her hand and looked away as I figured out what that something I hadn't been able to define was. “Umm... do we need to go to the library to study Healing stuff, or is there something better?” I quickly offered to excuse my sudden stop.

She seemed lost in thought for a moment before answering. “I s'pose we could go t' see Tre'as. He's Larane's 'pprentice and may have some scrolls or books fer beginners.”

“Let's go find Trevas, then,” I agreed with a nod as I tried to bury my thoughts. "Were those truly her thoughts that I was hearing? And if they were, what in the hell should I do?" I thought bitterly.

Eventually, with Jezz leading the way, we arrived at the palace Healer's rooms and knocked. The door was answered by a young Zenin man, maybe a year or two older than my current body. He had dark brown hair, amber eyes, and his fur was beige colored with black spots. He was also shorter than me by a few inches and a little overweight. When he caught sight of me, his eyes went wide. I could feel a mix of hope, happiness, and something very close to what I had been feeling from Jezz as he smiled. “Are you Trevas?” I asked.

Suddenly, the hope and happiness were replaced with disappointment as his smile left his face.“Yes, Your Highness, how can I help you?”

I wondered briefly what, if any, relationship Visanee had had with the boy as I replied, “Jezz and I are supposed to be learning Healing from Larane once she gets back from Torma. We were wondering if she might have some books or scrolls for beginners that we might look at until then.”

The boy nodded his head. “Mom has some in her library that she had me read when I was starting my lessons. I suppose they should be fine for you.” He paused as he looked around. “Please come in while I have a look, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Trevas,” I offered politely.

He waved us inside and gestured to a sofa, where Jezz and I took a seat. “Congratulations on your Gifts, Your Highness, and welcome, both of you, to the ranks of the palace Healers.”

“Thank you, Trevas,” I repeated, feeling just a little awkward from the emotions I was feeling from both him and Jezz. I would have tried a smile as well, but he was absorbed in looking through a bookshelf at the moment and wouldn’t have seen it. “My Gifts were a bit of a surprise to all of us, but I think I will like being a Healer.”

He nodded as he brought over some of the scrolls and a book that he had found. “I have only been one for three tenths myself, but I find it very interesting. I think it will be very rewarding.” There was still a sadness about him, and something like guilt. I was about to ask him if we had known one another before my loss of memory when he handed me the materials, and our hands touched.

I was in the palace Healer’s rooms, and there was a white Zenin with black stripes smiling at me. I knew that Zenin. I looked at her every morning in the mirror since I had come to the palace. She had a scrape on her elbow and was speaking to me as I cleaned it. “Trevas, thank you for taking care of me. Will your mother be back soon? I wanted to talk to you privately.”

"Visanee is so pretty," the thought came out of the blue, "but she would never be interested in a short, fat Zenin like me. The only reason I am here is because my mother is the palace Healer, and because I show promise." Then I found myself saying, “Talk to me about what, Your Highness?”

"I..." Visanee smiled flirtatiously as she seemed to hesitate. “Trevas, we have known each other since we were babies. You know that you can call me by my name. I was wondering if you could do me a big favor.”

“Ummm... sure, what can I do for you, Your High... Visanee?” I heard myself as Trevas ask.

She seemed nervous, wringing her hands and her tail twitching as she replied, “Do you think that you can get me a pouch of Corrune pollen?”

Another thought came to me. "She has been yawning during our history and geography lessons lately. Perhaps she is having trouble sleeping?" The thought had barely concluded when I felt myself say, “I guess that I could ask my mom.”

Visanee shook her head frantically. “No, I don't want your mother to know. She would tell my parents, and they would... umm... they would all worry. My Giftsun is under two sevensuns away, I do not want everyone to worry about me.”

I realized that I was a passenger in Trevas's mind. This must be a memory.“I guess that I could gather some and bring it to your rooms later today,” I felt myself reply. There was uncertainty in my mind and voice.

“I would be very grateful, Trevas. So grateful I could kiss you.” I could feel my heart leap at that.

I was brought back to the present as his hand left mine, and the book and scrolls fell to the floor. I felt bad for Trevas. The poor boy had it bad for Visanee. Seeing me here, not remembering him, a childhood friend whom he clearly wanted to be more, must be hard on him. I quickly bent over to pick up the reading materials.

“Sorry, my mind kinda went blank there for a minute,” I said to cover the mishap. I could feel the feelings he had for her, me, and I felt bad for him. I may have wanted to be a girl all my life, but I still knew what it felt like to be a horny teenager carrying a torch for someone I had no chance with. “Thanks for the book and the scrolls.”

He looked away as he replied, “Think nothing of it, Your Highness. I guess that I will be seeing you both for lessons soon. If either of you has any questions before my mom... Lady Larane returns, just come and find me. I will try to help if I can.”

Jezz and I took that as our cue to leave, stood up, and headed to the door. “Thanks again, Trevas. We'll see you around.” We left the Healer’s rooms and, as the door closed behind us, I took a deep breath to calm myself. “So, where to next?” I had thought briefly of telling Jezz what just happened, but I wasn't sure how to talk to her about it without the subject of my new Gifts coming up, and possibly that of my inadvertently hearing her thoughts as well.

“Let's go t' the palace gardens, 'Lex. I'll show ya the Healin' herbs,” was the Cinole's reply as she flew off down the hallway, leading the way. Soon we were out in one of the courtyards, which sported a large garden. There were some fruit trees and a few varieties of vegetables grown there, but mostly it was herbs. I saw some red and blue flowers as well, and I recognized them from the lakeside gardens where Jezz and I first met.

“Those flowers look familiar. Are they common here?” I asked.

“The blue 'uns are corrune, they're only found here in Azure. The pollen makes folks sleep. The red 'uns are red bonnets, they...” she trailed off as she began to blush. “Best not go smellin' either with yer sens'tive nose, 'Lex. Gotta be careful collectin' the pollen fer use.”

“Come on, Jezz, what do the red ones do?” I asked, curious about what was making her so embarrassed.

“They make folks more alert, but they also make 'em feel... desire,” she answered as she looked away.

I also blushed under my fur, as I realized she meant that they were an aphrodisiac. I could feel that warm feeling coming from her again, and I couldn't help wondering what she was thinking about. Was she thinking about me in that way? “Oh,” was my not-so-clever reply. “So… ummm… what are these other ones?” I quickly inquired, trying to change the topic.

She ran through all the various herbs there; many were the same as we had on Earth, though I had never really known about their medicinal uses before. Another that was not from Earth, at least that I knew of, was padith, which has a variety of uses in Healing and is often used in potions. There was also loiku, a common plant in the Greylands, whose fibers are used in making cotton-like cloth. The large roots are very sweet and are ground to make a pink sugar-like substance, which is referred to by the same name as the plant. The sweetener is used to make potions more palatable.

Another important plant was stingweed, which has purple leaves and long, sharp needles. The needles are used by Healers for drawing blood and injections when needed, and the leaves contain an aloe-like gel that is used to treat burns and scrapes. Finally, there was also shiide, a plant with gummy leaves that have a very minty taste and smell, and also acts as a mild relaxant. I tried chewing on one of those leaves and found it a lot like chewing gum. Too bad that it wouldn't let me blow any bubbles.

We spent a good two hours, sorry, candlemarks not hours, in the garden going over the various plants and their uses, though I was sure to keep my nose away from the red bonnets. When we got hungry, we pulled a couple of blue citrus fruits from a tree and ate them. They were called rillfruit and were a bit tart, but very tasty. Finally, when Jezz thought that I had had enough, we headed for the Drakans' courtyard to spend some time playing with Michelle and Grayle before the midday meal.

As the day plodded onward, I found myself wondering increasingly about what Jezz was thinking. She had been with me all through the morning, we had lunch together in my rooms, and we spent the early afternoon going over the book and scrolls that Trevas had loaned me. She was fun to be with, and I knew that she was feeling more than friendship for me, as on several occasions, I felt that warm feeling that I had felt from her when I had accidentally read her thoughts. And as I wondered what she was thinking, I also wondered what to do about it. I needed to think.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and told Jezz I needed some time alone to focus on what I thought might be my Wilder Gift. I told her that I had been feeling things from Chrissy all morning, leaving out that I had been feeling things from her, Trevas, and everyone else we met as well. Technically, it was all true, and I was hoping that spending some time sitting alone in the Queen's courtyard, with only the animals and birds around me, would help me focus my thoughts. So it came to pass that a candlemark before dinner, I was standing before the great doors and their Jiquar guards. “I would like inside, please.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” said the grey one, and they quickly unbarred and opened the doors. Then I placed my hand on the inner door, and it opened to allow me access. It was just like I remembered it from the day before, but the illusion of the sky showed the sun preparing to set, just as it was outside. Chrissy was quick to jump from my shoulder to run off and explore, and soon I was feeling the emotions of the other creatures around me.

There was a veritable cornucopia of emotions amongst the birds and beasts: Hunger, excitement, curiosity, fear, and contentment. The emotions washed over me, soothed me, and made me feel connected to the land that I was bound to. I stopped walking when I got to the fountain and, rather than finding a bench to sit on, I just sat right there in the lotus position.

Once I was comfortable, I closed my eyes and opened myself to the land. Itari's voice soon filled my mind. ~I did not think that you would come to visit me again so soon, Alexis.~

I sighed as I formulated an answer. “I needed to get away for a bit. I am confused and uncertain what to do.”

~Ah, yes, your Gifts have come to you. You will get used to them in time and learn to better control them, but it is not your new awareness alone that bothers you.~ I could hear the amusement in Her tone.

“No, it's not,” I admitted. “I think that I accidentally overheard Jezz's thoughts. I think that she likes me more than just as a friend, and I don't know what to do about it. That, and I feel bad about intruding in her mind, even if it was an accident.”

~You are learning, there will be accidents. You will learn from them. I can not tell you what to do with your life; we do not interfere in the lives of mortals.~ There was a pungent bitterness in Her thoughts as she said that.

“Wasn't making the land here habitable interfering? Aren't You interfering each time that You bind one of us to the land? Isn't even talking to me interfering?” I asked, genuinely confused about it.

~No,~ was Her firm reply. ~The fountain is a great source of power and must not fall into the wrong hands; it must be protected. The hostility of the land before your people came here was a way to protect the fountain. When I made the Vow with your ancestor, I merely exchanged one form of protection for another. Your people would have continued living here regardless. Speaking with me no more interferes with your fate than you speaking with a friend or a relative, or even a stranger. It is you who ultimately makes your decisions and guides your fate. So long as I do not try to influence you, there is no interference.~

“What about Selune?” I asked. “Doesn't She interfere by giving us Gifts? The right Gift in the right or wrong hands could likely change this whole world.”

I could have sworn I felt a deep and pervasive sadness in her tone as she replied, ~Selune gives Gifts, but she cannot know how those Gifts will be used, nor will she tell you how to use a Gift that she has given. She merely bestows them and hopes for the best. It is up to each of you whether you will cherish your Gifts and use them for good or let the power corrupt you. People are not born good or evil; it is the events of one's life that shape the soul. None of us, save one, would dare to tell a mortal how to use a Gift given them, especially not the greatest gift, life itself.~ Sadness turned to bitterness as she said the last.

“Save one?” I wondered aloud.

The bitterness increased, becoming sharper. ~Would you like to hear a story? Fear not, I will tell you nothing that you would not be able to find in the library on your own if you chose to.~

I nodded my head, then, fearing that She may not have seen it, I answered, “Sure.”

~I have a brother,~ She began, ~Lharus, God of the Sky. He and Selune were deeply in love and bound themselves to one another. On the night of their union, they gave one another gifts to show their love. Lharus used his winds to carve Selune's likeness into a great stone spire. Selune, trusting Lharus, gave him a portion of her power.~

A pregnant pause settled over us for a moment before She continued. ~Lharus used this power well at first, giving Gifts as Selune herself did. Soon, though, the power corrupted him. He saw mortals using Gifts in ways that he was not expecting. He started to think that the world would be better if the mortals used these Gifts only as he intended. And so, he began to whisper to mortals on the wind, promising them power if they would follow him. He used these Gifted mortals to shape events and mold the world as he felt it should be.~

~The power drove him mad,~ she stated with a mix of sorrow and fury. ~He began to call himself 'The One God' and favored only Humans with his Gifts, as they craved power most of all. In her anger, Selune had me destroy the gift that Lharus gave her, and for many passes, she gave Gifts to no one. Thus, the Lharusian Empire began its expansion, and your people were unable to do much but flee your rightful homeland. Now, he alone is worshiped by an empire of Humans that threatens to one day engulf all the Greylands. Still, we will not interfere; mortals must weave their own futures.~

I shook my head in shock. “Couldn't the Gods have worked together to prevent him from abusing that power?”

Her regret and loss were palpable as She answered, ~We can no more see the future than you can, Alexis. We see flashes here and there, various possible outcomes, but all we can do is follow our hearts and hope for the best. That is all the advice that I can give you.~

I sighed deeply. “If I follow my heart, things could turn out badly. I don't even know how people in this world would react to same-sex relationships. We're not even the same species, and I thought that I needed to produce an heir to take on the Vow after I die.”

To my great surprise, She laughed in response. ~Every decision has the possibility of turning out badly. Whether it turns out bad or well is all up to you and the decisions you make. You would not be the first Queen of Azure to have a female consort. Heirs can be produced outside of wedlock; all that matters is your blood and the will to protect this place and your people. If you pass both of those down to a daughter, then the Vow will be renewed with her.~

“I thought that You couldn't interfere,” I grumbled.

~I am not. I am merely telling you what your options are. I do not favor any particular choice, nor will I suggest one. It is you who will decide the path that you take.~

I nodded sadly. “I guess You're right. I'm no better or worse off than when I came in here, and I still have a decision to make, but if You can't interfere, why talk to me at all?”

~You are bound to the land, the fountain, and thus to me. Does a mother stop talking to her child once they reach maturity? No, they watch them become the person they were meant to be, hope they turn out well, and provide a loving heart and listening ear when needed.~ She said gently as I felt myself being wrapped in a warm mental hug. ~I cannot interfere in your life, but I will be here to listen and embrace you when needed.~

“Thanks, Itari, I should go now, I think dinner is soon. I'll see You again soon,” I promised as I returned Her mental hug.

As I walked away, I could feel Her mental grip loosening, and I heard Her say, ~I will be here, Alexis.~

Chrissy found me near the entrance and climbed up my leg to make her way to her usual spot. She was a bit hungry, but I could also feel her happiness wrapping around me as I lovingly stroked her fur and she began to hum. As the great doors were barred behind us, I began to give serious thought to what I wanted to do about Jezz.

Dinner was a quiet affair that night, devoid of all the well-wishers and revelers of the past several nights. Patar was still on patrol, and my parents, while still mourning Visanee, were doing their best to make me feel like part of the family and included as they discussed matters of state. The main topic was an upcoming trip to Draden. It was Azure's largest port city and home to some very nice beaches, if my mother was to be believed.

They planned to stay at our summer house there, while they made a tour of the various port towns and held court for nobility, merchants, and other citizens with matters to discuss, who might not easily travel to the capital. It was nice how they tried to consider the needs of all the people of Azure, and not just those in the capital, and I was gaining a great deal of respect for them.

They asked if Jezz and I would like to accompany them on the upcoming trip, but we turned down the offer. Honestly, I would have loved to go, but there were logistical issues. Traveling that kind of distance with two very young Draklings was just too impractical, and neither I nor Jezz wanted to go have fun without Michelle and Grayle.

Other than the occasional comment and question, I was mostly quiet and lost in my thoughts. I was feeding little tidbits to Chrissy, who was becoming very fond of sweets, when Michelle's voice popped into my head. ~Alex, is something wrong? Your emotions have been bouncing around like a pinball all night.~

I fed Chrissy another piece of my tart before finishing it myself. ~I discovered some of my Gifts this morning,~ I told Michelle.

~Isn't that a good thing?~ she asked. ~What can you do?~

Washing down my tart with the last of my sweet milk, I replied, ~I seem to be able to read the emotions of people and animals.~

~An empath, huh? Do you think it's influencing your moods? Is that why you're all brooding and sad one moment, and happy or nervous the next?~ Her mind was sharply tinted with concern as she asked.

I only barely stopped myself from shaking my head in response. ~No, Sis. Something happened when I touched Jezz earlier. I think that I read her mind.~

I could feel her interest sparked. ~Telepathy? That could be a useful talent. Have you tried speaking with anyone like you do with me?~

~No,~ I responded, ~It only happened when I touched Jezz, and later when Trevas and I accidentally touched. I don't know if I was reading his thoughts or not; it was more like I was watching one of his memories through his own eyes.~

~Maybe your telepathy is only touch-based, didn't Patar say something about that being a possibility for some Gifts? Maybe you could get Jezz to help you test this?~

~I'd have to explain to her how I learned about this ability,~ I countered nervously. That was not something I looked forward to at all. ~The thoughts that I picked up from her were personal; I had no right to hear them. If they really were her thoughts, then she's attracted to me, but she doesn't think I'd be interested and doesn't want to risk our friendship.~

I could have sworn that she was laughing at me as she replied, ~And how do you feel about her? Do you want to jump her bones, too? Or are guys more your thing?~

I blushed at that and was very happy that my fur was there to conceal it. ~Well, we have a lot in common, we get along great, and I really like her. I find her very attractive, but we're not even the same species. As for guys, I've seen a few of those that I've found attractive since coming here. I've seen other girls that I've found attractive too, but looks aren't important to me. I want a connection.~

~Race isn't important, Alex,~ Michelle told me sternly. ~You said it yourself; you want a connection. If you feel that connection with someone you're attracted to, then everything else isn't important. Now stop moping and make a decision. If you need me, I'll be napping.~

~Thanks, Sis, rest well,~ I replied as I turned my attention back to the world around me. I picked Chrissy up, nuzzling her against my cheek before placing her on my shoulder so she could take her spot around my neck. “Mom, Dad, may we be excused? I'm finished, and I think I'd like to go over a few of the things that I learned earlier today. Jezz, would you care to come with me?”

Jezz nodded, her wings fluttering as she stretched a bit. “Ya, 'Lex, we did go o'er a lot. I'm sure you'll have it all mem'rized soon, though.”

My mother nodded her head and smiled at us as she said, “You are both excused. Try not to study too hard, though; you have plenty of time to learn everything.”

Jezz and I were sitting on the massive bed in my bedchamber, and I had sent Felice away for the evening with the promise to ring for her if I needed anything. She could hear me ring from anywhere in the palace since an Enchanter had connected the bell that I used to one of the earrings she wore. I tried to find a sitting position on the bed that was comfortable for my tail, but finding none, I had given up and instead reclined on my belly facing Jezz.

Jezz had taken a similar position, and we were facing one another, just close enough to reach out and hold hands if we chose. “So, 'Lex, which o' the Healin' lessons did ya wan' t' go o'er?”

I shook my head. “I'm fine with all the Healing stuff we went over, but there is something else Gift-related that I want to talk to you about.”

She nodded and looked toward Chrissy, who was stretched out on a pillow. “Is this 'bout yer Wilder Gift?”

I took a deep breath and said, “Kind of. I've been picking up emotions from Chrissy and other animals all day. I've been sensing them from people, too, though people's emotional states seem a lot more complex and can be hard to figure out. I think there may be one other thing, though.”

She seemed to be following me as she nodded and smiled. “Yer Gifts are comin' fast, 'Lex. It makes sense yer Diviner Gifts are sim'lar t' yer Wilder Gifts. So, what's the other thing?”

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as I admitted, “I think I can read minds when I touch people. It happened earlier with Trevas. I think that I saw one of his memories of Visanee. He kinda has a thing for her... me. It happened before that, too, with… someone else. Michelle suggested trying to see if I can do it again, or maybe to try speaking mind to mind with someone other than her.”

Jezz looked uncertain for a moment before reluctantly agreeing. I tried at first reaching out for her mind without touching, but all that served to do was give me a headache. Finally, I reached out and took her hands in mine, and then her mind was suddenly open to me. ~What do I do if this works? I've never been mind-to-mind with anyone but Grayle or Uncle Patar.~

~Jezz, can you hear me?~ I ventured, now that the connection was made.

~Alex? I can't believe that we're talking this way!~ Her thoughts were tinged with excitement, uncertainty, and nervousness.

~Would you two keep it down? I'm trying to take a nap. Wait... why am I hearing Jezz's voice, and what happened to her accent?~ came Michelle's voice.

~Uncle Patar says mind speech is interpreted by our minds as if we were thinking the words ourselves. It's mostly images and concepts that we ourselves put into words to make it easier to understand,~ Jezz responded. ~I have no idea how you can hear me, though.~

~Maybe it has something to do with the permanent mind link between Drakan and Chosen?~ I offered. ~Grayle, can you hear us too?~

Another voice, like soft music and silk, broke in. ~I can hear all of you. This is very strange, but it is nice to speak with someone other than my Chosen. No offense to you, of course, Jezz.~

~None taken, my sweet Grayle,~ Jezz responded with warmth in her mind.

~As fascinating as this is, could we practice this more later? Dinner made me sleepy, and it's hard to sleep when you've got a party going on in your head,~ Michelle put in grouchily.

~I will work on a way to not bother you whenever I do this,~ I assured Michelle as I let go of Jezz's hands and severed the mind link. When I opened my eyes, I was staring into hers. I'd never noticed before how very green they were. “Well, it looks like that worked,” I said as I looked away.

“Ya, 'Lex, tha' could be useful,” Jezz agreed.

I let out a breath that I hadn't realized I had been holding and spoke up. “Ummm… Jezz. The first time that I read someone's mind.” I paused and took another deep breath to steel myself. “It was when I took you by the hand this morning. You were thinking about... me, I think. I swear, I didn't mean to do it! It just hit me out of nowhere; I had no control over it!”

The Cinole's emerald eyes went wide, and she blushed as she realized what the nature of those thoughts might have been. “I'm so sorry, 'Lex. I dinna wan' t' say anythin'. I was worried it would ruin our friendship.” She hung her head down and started to move away as she tried to apologize. “I should go, ya prob'ly dun wan' me too close now.”

I took her hands firmly in my own and concentrated very hard on sending to only her, hoping not to bother our sleeping companions. ~Jezz! I'm not mad at you, or uncomfortable, or anything. Please don't leave.~

~But you're the Princess, and I'm just a lower-class Healer in training,~ she thought at me frantically, backing away. I noticed that she didn't seem to share my previous concern over us not being the same species, though. ~You need to find a nice Zenin man to give you heirs.~

~What if I don't want a nice man? I think that I can decide what's best for me. I am the Princess, right? Even if I weren't your friend, you'd willingly do anything I ask?~ I sent, gripping her hands more firmly, but not tight enough to hurt her as I pulled her back toward me.

~Yes, Your Highness,~ she answered uncertainly.

~I told you to call me Alex,~ I insisted.

She sighed as uncertainty, affection, fear, and hope all swirled around in her mind. ~Alex, if you ask me, I will stay and just be your friend. I'll never try to be more to you than you want. We can forget all of this and never mention it again, we can...~

I quickly cut her off, opening my eyes to look into hers, and squeezed her hands in my own shaking ones. ~Jezz, I mean this in the nicest possible way, and I would rather not make it an order. Please shut up and kiss me.~

 

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

 

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Author's Note: Here's chapter 6 of the rewrite of Alex in Wonderland. There are enough changes and additions to this chapter from the original that this one is again a longish chapter. It took a lot longer than I was expecting to get this chapter ready to post. Thanks to my readers and to BCTS for giving their support of Transgendered authors and fiction. ~Amethyst.
 

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Chapter 6: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Jezz wasted no time in obeying my request, leaning forward until our lips met. At first, it was a little bit awkward, to be honest. I think that was partly my fault, though, as we explored each other’s lips and the most expedient way to make it enjoyable for both of us. In part, though, it was also simply a matter of biology and logistics.

For one thing, Cinoles like Jezz are small, and she was, like, a good foot and a half shorter than I was when she wasn’t using her wings to give her some extra height. It wasn’t a matter of height since we were both currently lying down on my bed; it was more of a matter of scale. Her mouth and lips just weren’t as big as mine, and I had a slight feline muzzle and tongue to complicate things as well. Add in that I didn’t have any experience kissing at all in this body yet, and yeah, it was a bit clumsy and awkward for both of us at first. So, it took us a while to find a way to kiss that worked well for both of us and that we could mutually enjoy.

Once we got past that initial awkward exploring, found a rhythm, and started to get into it, though, that kiss felt incredible. It was like the more I could feel her enjoying it, the more I enjoyed it. And the more I enjoyed it, the more she did, and so on, until it was like there was an explosion of pleasure and passion in my mind, and we broke apart, both of us panting heavily.

It was when I was coming out of the daze that followed that I noticed Chrissy was lying on my pillow with a similar look of bliss on her face as was pasted on Jezz's face, and probably my own as well. I could sense that feeling of giddy satisfaction from both of them as well. Even Michelle felt like it, deep in the back of my mind.

When I finally felt like my heart was merely racing, instead of chaotically vibrating and about to explode in my chest, I took Jezz's hand in mine again and thought, ~What the hell was that?~

Jezz couldn't seem to wipe the smile off her face, and she let out a happy sigh. ~Amazing is what it was. That was the best kiss ever.~

Michelle's voice popped in. ~Whatever it was, Grayle and I felt it too. She has this dopey grin on her face. I thought I told you two to keep it down.~ She wasn't as grouchy as she was trying to make us believe, though, and I could feel it in her mind. She was still coming down from whatever that was, too.

Grayle obviously didn't believe her either as she put in, ~Like you don't have the same look on your face. That felt very nice.~

~Okay, we all agree that it was the best kiss ever. I almost feel like I need a cigarette. Even Chrissy is in happy land over this.~ I thought toward them all.

~You need a what?~ Jezz asked in confusion. I guess people don't smoke in the Greylands.

~Don't you dare even joke about that, Alex!~ The raw anger in Michelle's voice made me almost leap off the bed. ~I lost you once because of smoking, and I'm not about to do it again!~

I tried to calm her down. ~Whoa! Cool down, Sis! I'm sorry, I shouldn't have joked about that. What I meant is, why did a simple kiss...~

~The best kiss ever,~ Jezz interjected with a giggle and another happy sigh.

I sighed. ~Okay, why did “the best kiss ever” between me and Jezz make all four of us, and apparently Chrissy too, feel like we just had the best sex of our lives? And if that's just a kiss, even if it was the best kiss ever, then what would happen if we tried something more?~

Jezz, her eyes half-closed in contentment, just smiled at me. ~Want to try and find out?~

I looked at the Cinole, lying on her belly on the bed in front of me, and swallowed the sudden lump in my throat. I could just see the tops of her breasts peeking out from her camisole, and her legs were bent at the knees, waving her feet in the air, causing her skirt to ride up ever so slightly. Between that, the very sultry smile on her face, and the post-kiss bliss, I was feeling just a little hot under the collar and could feel my nipples getting hard, all six of them. ~As tempting as that is... oh damn, is that tempting right now... I don't think we should until we know what caused this. I wouldn't want any of our heads to explode.~

Amongst the four of us, we decided to wait until I could talk to Patar about my Gifts before trying anything further or risking a repeat of the best kiss ever, or something similar. So, as much as I didn't like it, Jezz went to her room for the night, while I took a warm bath before going to sleep. The warm fuzzies of the kiss, followed by the bath, had me so relaxed that I fell asleep nearly instantly.

I was flying. More accurately, the massive Drakan with silvery scales and iridescent wings that I was riding was flying. Far below us was a seemingly endless expanse of sand. The feeling of flying didn't give me the same thrill it did before; I was too focused on the black line in the distance. As we got closer, the line resolved itself into people wearing armor and marching in formation. Several carried a black flag with an eclipsed moon on it, a symbol that I didn’t recognize, but which made me feel extremely uncomfortable for some reason I couldn’t explain.

I wondered how they could be comfortable in the desert wearing armor and black cloaks as I looked down at the seemingly endless line. I kept expecting them to look up and point at us, but for some reason, they didn't seem to notice us at all. The people were all Human, and while many of them were walking, there were also formations of them riding Machuls and horses, and wagons of supplies being pulled along. In some of those wagons rode Human men and women in black robes, who I somehow knew were Gifted.

We flew to the end of the line, far too long for my liking, and then we turned about and flew back across the desert until the sand gave way to rock, then soil and farmland. Soon, we were back at the capital and circling the palace as we lowered our altitude. We landed in one of the larger courtyards and were greeted by Jezz, who looked older somehow. No, not older, she was weary, and she was wearing a tiara much like my own. “How bad is it m' love?” she asked.

~ ~ ~

Suddenly, I was flying once more, atop that great radiant Drakan, over a great range of mountains this time. Ahead, shadows were passing over the mountains, shadows not caused by Drakans or clouds. These shadows were the result of the great ships that sailed through the skies over the mountains, ships bearing the black eclipse as their sails. We landed atop a plateau some distance away, where many Drakans of the various flying types waited, a grizzled-looking Patar and Runne among them. I dismounted and walked toward the others, and Patar asked, “What is your plan, my Queen?”

~ ~ ~

We were flying once again, over the fields and farms of Azure. Dodging and weaving as Thaumaturges threw balls of fire, lightning, and great lances of stone at the Drakans in the sky around us. Stone and Earth Drakans fought them, and their black-clad troops, on the ground alongside soldiers of all races. In the sky, we rained terror upon them in the forms of fire, ice, lightning, water, and whatever large projectiles we could drop on them. I fired arrows into their midst whenever I could manage a clear shot. Fields once filled with food meant to give life were now littered with the bodies of the dead.

I awoke screaming in the dark and sat in my bed sobbing for several minutes, the dreams still fresh in my mind. As I sat there, trembling, I could not seem to get those dreams out of my mind, or Itari's words to me from yesterday: We can no more see the future than you can, Alexis. We see flashes here and there, various possible outcomes, but all we can do is follow our hearts and hope for the best. That is all the advice that I can give you. I shivered and held Chrissy in my arms for a while as I waited for the sun to rise. Her warmth and presence in my arms were appreciated, and I could feel that she was almost as scared as I was. Perhaps my scream had frightened her.

We both were somewhat calmer when dawn began to paint the sky outside my windows in shades of red, orange, and gold. By that time, both Chrissy and I were getting hungry, and I could feel Michelle stirring in the back of my mind as well, so I decided that I might as well get dressed and start the day properly. I certainly wasn’t going to try to go back to sleep with those dreams still dominating my mind.

Yeah, it was probably a good idea to get my day started in an attempt to distract myself, and besides, I had to pee anyway. So, I headed to the lavatory and once I was done with my morning business, I started looking for something to wear. The outfit I chose was a nice emerald-colored sundress with matching sandals, and proper underclothes to go with it, since the weather had been turning progressively warmer since I had arrived. I was thinking that it must be the end of spring, and summer was coming, as I began to get dressed and rang for Felice.

I had barely finished dressing before Felice arrived with my breakfast. “Oh, you look lovely this morning, Your Highness. Shall we braid your hair today, or would you prefer it loose?”

I considered the options for a moment before replying, “I think that we should go with a braid today. I have no idea what I'll be up to, and I don't want my hair getting in the way. Unless there's something planned today that I've forgotten, is there? Is Patar back from border patrol yet? I need to speak with him about a few things today.”

She smiled at me, and it struck me that we Zenin are adorably cute when we smile. She replied, “No, Your Highness, there are no official functions today. Sir Patar returned late last night, and he has requested an audience with you and Lady Jezz to discuss your training schedules.”

“Good,” I responded, “there are some matters and training concerns that I need to speak with him about. Could you get something for Chrissy to eat while I have my breakfast, Felice? She seems to be used to eating whenever I am.”

My maid chuckled as she took the domed silver lid off my breakfast, revealing my breakfast tray and a small silver bowl filled with shredded meat and berries. “I expected that, Your Highness, so I took the liberty of bringing Chrissy's breakfast up along with yours.” She took the bowl and placed it on the floor beside my breakfast table.

Chrissy leaped off the bed and affectionately nuzzled Felice's leg before digging in, humming happily as she ate. I just shook my head and smiled. “Felice, you know me too well. Thank you.” Then I too started to tuck into my breakfast of broiled fish, scrambled eggs, bread with sweet butter, and rillfruit juice. Once I was finished, Felice began to brush out and braid my hair, which gave me some time to mentally check on Michelle. ~Sis, how are you feeling this morning?~

~Not as good as last night,~ she joked, ~but I'm eating and feeling pretty good, aside from a bit of itchiness. How are you this morning, Alex? It feels like you're worried. Is it about what happened last night?~

I had to resist shaking my head in response. ~No. I had some disturbing dreams last night. Those, combined with something that Itari said to me yesterday, are bothering me. Thinking about it now, it was like She was dropping a very subtle hint the way that She said it.~

~What did she say?~ Michelle asked.

I sighed as I watched Felice begin to braid my hair in the mirror. ~I had asked Her why the other Gods hadn't tried to prevent Her brother Lharus from misusing His power. She answered that They can no more see the future than I can. She even used my name to stress the point. She said They get flashes of possible outcomes, but nothing definitive, and that all They, or we, can do is what feels right and hope for the best.~

~You think that you were seeing the future?~ Michelle asked, her thoughts a bit confused.

~I think that I was seeing possible futures,~ I clarified, barely keeping from shuddering. ~And they weren't good.~ The events from my dreams replayed through my mind as I thought about them. This time, a shudder did quake through my body on the heels of the chill running down my spine.

~That's what you dreamed of?!~ Michelle practically screamed in my mind. ~If those truly were possible futures, Alex, that's very bad!~

“Are you alright, Your Highness?” Felice asked, her face a mask of concern in the mirror.

I gave her a weak smile. “I'm fine, I just remembered a bad dream that I had last night. I'll be fine once I can talk to Patar and Jezz.” Then I thought toward Michelle, ~Bad doesn't begin to describe it. You seemed to be full-grown, or close to it, in those dreams, so we probably have some time, I think, but I would feel a lot better if we start preparing now. Nothing obvious, but maybe start considering countermeasures.~

~What sort of countermeasures?~ Michelle inquired.

~Well, for one thing,~ I mentally grumbled, ~we'll need to figure out a way to take down those airships, or whatever they are, in case that comes to pass. For another, I'll need a better long-distance weapon than a bow and arrows if we ever need to fight from the air.~

At that point, Felice had finished braiding my hair and placed my tiara atop my head. “Is there anything else that you require before I send for Sir Patar and Lady Jezz, Your Highness?”

With thoughts of needing a better long-range weapon fresh in my mind, I nodded. “Please tell the Royal Enchanter that I would like to speak with him as soon as he has the time.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” she replied with a curtsy before taking Chrissy's empty bowl and my breakfast tray, covering them again with the silver dome, and leaving the room.

When Felice escorted Patar and Jezz into my suite, I raised my hand to keep Patar from speaking a word. “Felice, please see to it that we aren't interrupted. We may all need to take lunch in here today as well. We have a lot to discuss. Also, please come let me know when the Royal Enchanter has time to join us.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” my maid replied dutifully before leaving to ensure our privacy.

Patar raised an eyebrow as she left the room. “All business this morning, are you?”

I merely shrugged as I told him, “We have a lot to discuss this morning.” Then I gave both him and Jezz a long look before adding, “And Gifts and training are just the tip of the iceberg.”

Then I began to describe my dreams from the night before, in as much detail as possible. They both listened carefully, and Jezz blushed a bit at her appearance in the first dream. Finally, once I was finished, Patar gave me a searching look. “The symbol of the black eclipse on a black background is the symbol of the God Lharus and the Lharusian Empire. Have you seen it before in your studies with Jezz? They are just nightmares, Princess. You are probably just nervous about becoming Queen someday.”

I shook my head. “I thought they were just nightmares at first as well, but I've never seen that symbol before those dreams. Yesterday I was speaking with Itari, and She said something that is making me wonder about those dreams.”

“The Gods don't interfere in the lives of mortals, Princess,” Patar said, shaking his head.

“That's what She told me," I agreed, "but when I asked about Lharus, and why the Gods didn't prevent Him from interfering and abusing His powers, She told me something else. She said, and I quote, ‘We can no more see the future than you can, Alexis. We see flashes here and there, various possible outcomes, but all we can do is follow our hearts and hope for the best. That is all the advice that I can give you.’ The way that She said it, and the timing of these dreams, seems just a little too convenient.”

Patar sighed as a frown settled upon his bear-like face. “That is concerning, and prophecy does rarely occur in Diviners. Do you truly think that Itari was trying to warn you?”

I looked out the window toward the courtyard and shrugged. “The Gods don't interfere in the lives of mortals directly, but I think indirectly interfering is another matter entirely. Itari and Selune may regret not having stopped Lharus before. I certainly got that feeling while talking with Itari. This may be Their way of making amends.”

“Drek!” Patar cursed vehemently. “If the Gods are choosing to interfere in the mortal world, even indirectly, your dreams may not be far off the mark. There may be hard times ahead for all of us. That is even more reason to get you girls properly trained in Healing and the other things you'll need to learn. Have you had any Gifts besides prophecy showing up?”

I told him, as briefly as I could, about the empathy and telepathy that I had discovered the day before, and then we awkwardly explained about the best kiss ever. Jezz and I were both blushing at that point, at least I had fur to hide mine. Poor Jezz wasn’t so lucky, and her cheeks were bright red.

For the next few candlemarks, he had me try various things at various distances or when touching. According to Patar, my Gift for telepathy and mind-reading was only by touch. So it was not terribly powerful, but it would allow me to have quiet conversations with people I was touching, and anyone who they are telepathically linked to. We tried it with Runne, as well as with my mother, while Patar opened a mind link with her, and it worked fine both times.

My empathy was another matter and seemed to work equally well with animals and people. We discovered that I had a range of about fifty feet and that I was both a receptive and projective empath. What this meant was that, not only could I sense what other people were feeling, but I could also, when concentrating, make others feel what I wanted them to feel. It was easier with animals, but I could do it with people as well if I tried hard enough. Patar believed that this also happens if I'm feeling really strong emotions and not thinking about keeping them from leaking out. That was the reason that Chrissy was all blissed out after the best kiss ever.

Patar figured that the reaction of the kiss itself was due to an emotional feedback loop. Basically, I was receiving Jezz's emotions and sending mine to her, but amplified by hers, then getting more back, sending it again, and so on until the pleasure centers of our brains overloaded, giving us a sort of mental orgasm. I still had a lot of practice ahead of me to learn to control it all, but at least now I knew what I had to work with. Until then, keeping things to just kissing, for now, was likely to keep me and Jezz both satisfied until we were ready for more.

Once we were done figuring out my Gifts, we sat down again to discuss our training. Patar looked us both over thoughtfully as he began to speak. “I think we will start with your Healing studies first thing in the mornings, then we can move on to lessons in geography, history, and the things that Princess Alexis will need to know as heir, and later as Queen.” He gave the two of us a wink as he added, “And it may be a good thing for you to be learning these things as well, Jezz.” She blushed fiercely at that but nodded in agreement as Patar added, “You will be taking all your lessons together, and Larane will be your Healing instructor, while I will instruct you in everything else.”

“Well, that sounds easy enough,” I commented with a nod, “but I was thinking I should probably learn something that will keep me alive if a war does happen.”

“Hold on,” Patar said with a grin, “I was getting to that. After a break for lunch, I will teach you about survival in different areas of the Greylands, and after that, you will both be learning everything that I can teach you about combat. Princess, you will be learning the sword and probably the bow. Jezz, your people aren't built for close quarters fighting, so we may have to concentrate on long-range for you, maybe bows and the like, but having a sword or dagger would be good too.”

“Aye, Unca Patar, I dun ‘ave ay Gifts but Healin’ so I guess I should learn ta use a dagger a’ least,” Jezz replied with a thoughtful frown.

Patar nodded in approval. “If enemies get too close, then Grayle can fight them if she has to, but I want you both to know this: Don't let enemies get close. Your Drakans will protect you if it comes to that, but they are not invincible. Sadly, neither of your Drakans has offensive skills either, other than what comes with their teeth, claws, and tails. As their Chosen, it is your job to protect them, as much as it is theirs to protect you.”

We both gave a determined nod at that. Nobody was going to get close enough to hurt Michelle if I could help it. “I may have an idea for a better weapon than a bow. I was wondering, though, what exactly are Michelle's and Grayle's abilities?”

“Well,” Patar began thoughtfully, “both of them have size going for them. Radiants are the largest of the Drakans, with Shadows close behind, and Earth Drakans are not far behind them in size. Sheer size can count in a fight, longer reach with their tails and necks, and such, and they should be strong too. Other than that, as an Earth Drakan, Grayle breathes a form of Nature magic that looks a lot like sunlight and can help plants grow and stay healthy. Her saliva can heal most wounds and poisons and can be used with other ingredients by Healers to make tonics and such. She should be useful to you both as Healers, but only her size and her hard scales make her useful in combat.”

Jezz's eyes lit up at the mention of Grayle's usefulness to Healers. “I guess we were well-matched after all. I dun need a flyin' Drakan but 'un that can help with Healin' is perfect fer me.”

I nodded as I agreed, “She'll be great to have around once we start making potions and stuff. She can keep our healing herbs and other plants healthy, too. So what about Michelle? What does she have going for her, other than her size?”

Patar grinned at me. “Radiants and their Chosen are the best spies in the Greylands, though Shadows come a close second.”

I crossed my arms and glared at him for teasing me. “You just said they're the biggest of the Drakans, how could something so big and shiny possibly make a good spy?”

He just kept grinning as he said, “It’s simple, Radiants control light, or rather, they bend light to suit their purposes. They can bend light around themselves to become invisible. They can make others invisible, too, though it is easier if the person is wearing clothes made from their scales. With enough practice, imagination, and concentration, they can create illusions as well.”

I blinked as I remembered something. “So we'd be perfect to do advanced scouting, like in my dream. They'd never see us coming.”

A knocking at the door interrupted our conversation at that point, and Felice stepped inside with two other palace servants carrying trays, “Your lunch, Your Highness. Also, Galan, the Royal Enchanter, has said that he will meet with you after lunch if it is convenient.”

I nodded at my maid eagerly. “Thank you, Felice. Please place the trays on the table and tell Galan that after lunch would be wonderful, we'll be waiting for him here.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” she replied as she and the other servants placed the trays on my breakfast table and curtsied before once again leaving us alone.

Once they had left, we all sat at the table, and I gave Chrissy her lunch while we settled in for ours. Patar looked at me from across the table and queried, “What do you need the Royal Enchanter for?”

I finished a bite of my steak, swallowing it. I wasn't sure what animal it came from, but it was delicious and tasted similar to beef. “You mentioned us needing long-range weapons, and I was thinking the same. A bow just isn't practical while flying, though, even with my vision, accuracy with it at higher altitudes would be near impossible. And Jezz won't be able to use the stronger bows; she's too small and not strong enough. Besides, I think Jezz and I are going to need something with a little more stopping power.” I took another bite of the steak and some of the potatoes and gravy as I watched for his reaction.

He nodded as he finished a bite of his meal. “You have valid points, Princess. I take it that you have something else in mind?”

I took a sip of my sweet milk to wash down another bite of the steak before answering, “I do. There are long-range weapons in my world that are pretty easy to use, and I'm hoping that Galan will be able to work with a blacksmith and create something similar, possibly with some modifications. There are different types for different purposes. I'm thinking of a smaller one-handed model for Jezz and maybe for me as well, and a larger, long-range model for when I'm flying. It could be something to give those of us who aren't Thaumaturges an edge in battle, and half a chance if we have to fight a Thaumaturge. I doubt that I'd be able to get close enough to stick a sword in one of them if they decided to use a distance spell on me first, so I'm hoping to even the odds.”

“So, you are thinking that if we have some of these weapons of yours that we will have a better chance of victory?” Patar asked.

I nodded, asking a question in return.“How does the Empire fight a war?”

Patar quickly replied, “Mostly they use ground troops armed with swords and spears. Each unit of fifty is commanded by one or more Thaumaturges, who will attack the more important or larger targets such as Drakans or other Thaumaturges. Sometimes they use shifters as spies to find a weakness or prime targets, and Wind Walkers to turn the weather to their advantage.”

“Right. So, I figure that if we have a way to take out their heavy hitters, then that leaves our heavy hitters open to do their thing, at least until they realize what we're doing and start taking measures to counter it. Then we only have to deal with their troops, while the rest of their Thaumaturges have their hands full with our own and our Drakans. They may outnumber us, but if we get organized right, send out Radiants and Shadows as spies before battles, have our fliers attack from above, use the terrain to our advantage, and come up with decent strategies, we could hold our own.”

“You make it sound so easy,” Patar said grimly, “I guarantee if war does come to us, it will not be. Should they manage to make it into Azure, they will not stop until we are all dead.”

“Or they are,” I added. “This is exactly why we’ll need every advantage we can get.”

Jezz looked up from her meal and nodded. “Hopefully we'll have plenty o’ time t' prepare.”

Patar looked thoughtful as he considered my suggestions. “Still, it cannot hurt to step up border patrols and see about training a defense force now before it is too late. Perhaps some long-range scouting, too. We will have to inform their Majesties about your dreams and the possibility of war sometime in the future.”

The rest of lunch was a quiet affair, though the lunch itself was delicious. Soon, though, Felice and the other servants came to take the trays and inform us of the arrival of the Royal Enchanter. Galan was a short Human with shaggy brown hair and blue eyes who had broad shoulders and was just a tiny bit overweight. He was a friendly and jovial sort, though, and I liked him almost as soon as I met him. “You asked for my services, Your Highness? What can I do for you today?”

I quickly sketched out a few designs based on a handgun, a shotgun, and a rifle. I never really cared much for guns, but on Earth, my father was a big gun enthusiast. He taught me all about them and took me to the shooting range, hoping to do some male bonding. I had hated every minute of it, but I still remembered what I learned. Once I was done sketching, I explained to him the purpose of each type, how they worked, what each piece did, and the difference between bullets and shotgun shells. Sadly, I didn't know how to make gunpowder.

Galan seemed intrigued by the designs and figured that he could probably create something similar using several enchantments on the different parts. The hard part would be making the parts and combining them, but he figured that our blacksmith would be able to make the individual pieces. Then he and the blacksmith could put the pieces together into a working whole, and he could enchant what parts needed it.

He also figured that he could use an extremely powerful blast of air to launch projectiles, rather than the explosive method of gunpowder. This could allow them to construct the weapons out of much lighter-weight materials and avoid the use of shell casings altogether. Well, it could work; air guns were a thing, too, after all.

If Galan could somehow manage to create even a rudimentary version of a gun that used air to fire and had the punch I was looking for using spells any time soon, it would be a very pleasant surprise. I had my doubts, but he was willing to give it a try. He rapidly jotted down notes on both the designs for the pistol and sniper rifle, his eyes alight with ideas. Buckshot, and thus shotguns, were quickly discarded as impractical since they would require shell casings and an extra enchantment, so we focused on the other two designs.

Once we had designs that Galan and Patar were both happy with, Patar dragged us down to the courtyard that served as a weapons practice yard and host to our palace blacksmith. The blacksmith, a massive grey Jiquar, looked up at our approach. “Hello there, Patar. Ah, I see that Her Highness is with you today. What can I do for you?”

Patar greeted him with a slap on the back. “Kardis, this is Princess Alexis, of course, her companion Jezz, and you know Galan. First, I need the finest sword you can make for Princess Alexis; she needs a blade befitting her status. We'll need a good dagger for Jezz as well, since both of these girls need to learn how to fight if they are to be proper Chosen. Second, Her Highness had some ideas for something a bit better than a bow, and Galan will need your help forging all of the pieces.”

Kardis nodded as his face broke into a grin and he offered, “I have just the thing for our Princess.” He went into the back of the forge and came out with a long leather-wrapped package. “I figured with Her Highness getting Chosen that she would be needing a proper blade. You will not find a finer blade in all of Azure, I assure you.”

He unrolled the package, revealing a sturdy-looking black leather belt and a sheathed bastard sword and dagger. The sheaths were of the same black leather, with gold ornamentation and decorative emeralds. The hilts of both blades were steel with gold inlay, and large emeralds in the pommels, while the guards and the blades were a polished silvery gray and looked very sharp.

I picked up the sword and hefted it experimentally, my eyes widening in surprise. “It's so light. I expected it to be heavier.”

The blacksmith nodded. “I had Galan enchant it to make it lighter. Between that and the balance, you shouldn't have any problems with it. If you need either of them sharpened or repaired, bring them to me, but I guarantee you that it is the strongest blade that I have ever forged. The dagger is of fine quality as well.”

I smiled at Kardis. “These are beautiful, Kardis. Could you make a similar short sword for Jezz? If it's light enough and made for her size, it may be better than a standard dagger for her.”

He smiled, bowing his head slightly. “I would be happy to, Your Highness. I will make the blade as fine as your own.”

At that point, Patar brought out the designs for Kardis to look at, and we discussed how he could go about making the parts. Without the requirement of a gunpowder reaction to propel the bullets, it was decided that we would use a lighter yet durable alloy to make the guns easier to handle, but still sturdy enough in case they were dropped or otherwise bumped around.

Once we were finished talking with Kardis, Patar began to give me my first lessons with a sword. We used lightweight practice swords, and he began by showing me various thrusts, blocks, parries, what stance I should be standing in, and how to take advantage of my superior agility and sense of balance. It was a long, hard workout, and by the end, I had worked up a really good sweat. I was a very tired Zenin by dinner time.

At dinner, Patar and I brought up the subject of my new Gifts with my parents, and by extension, my dreams. They were not happy with that news at all and began to make plans to quietly form a defense force and send out regular spy missions to keep an eye on the empire. After dinner, Jezz and I lay on my bed holding hands, as we and our Drakans talked about the day’s events and what we were going to have to do to prepare ourselves for the possible futures that I had seen. We were going to be very busy girls for some time, it would seem.

Almost two weeks, or rather two sevensuns, had passed since my dreams, and I had yet to experience another. Jezz and I had settled into the routine that Patar had decided on for us and spent our evenings together in my rooms studying, talking with our Drakans, or sometimes just kissing and cuddling. I was beginning to get some measure of control over my empathy, and our kissing now only caused mental fireworks when we got very amorous. I was nowhere near fully controlling my Gifts yet, but I was making a good start.

I was also learning more and more about my new home each day. Patar was a good teacher, though he pushed us mercilessly when putting us through combat training. Occasionally, though, he would give us an afternoon off and encourage us to go into the city and do some shopping or play with Michelle and Grayle in their courtyard. The shopping trips were a bit scary for me at first, and we needed guards since a lot of people wanted to talk to the Princess. Not that being in the palace with spare time was any better, as there I had hopeful nobles wanting to introduce me to their sons, and sometimes their daughters.

Our Drakans were growing steadily, both over twice their birth size now, and moving around more on their own. They were a long way from their full size, but seeing as they were only two and a half weeks old, I thought that they were making good progress. We would soon have to think of preparing a place for them to live other than the courtyard because, unlike Michelle, Grayle wouldn’t be able to fly in and out once they were full-grown. There was a large area of bare land on the island behind the palace, but we would need to make it comfortable for them both.

They had both shed their scaly skins during that first growth spurt, and the castle seamstresses were working on making the thick scale-covered hides into bodysuits, gloves, and boots for Jezz and me. I had also suggested a hooded cloak for me, to take full advantage of Michelle’s Radiant scales. If they didn’t have enough to work with, then they would make the rest of the clothes and spares when the Drakans shed again. I once joked with Michelle, ~We’re twins, so how come I’m getting your hand-me-downs?~

Jezz and I had just finished lunch one afternoon when Patar and Galan knocked on the door to my rooms. I was expecting our usual survival training and was a bit confused to see Galan there. “Hello, Galan, it’s nice to see you again.”

“Good afternoon, Your Highness. At Kardis’ request, I enchanted Jezz’s sword and dagger the same as I did yours, and I thought that I would bring them by.”

I smiled at the Enchanter. “That was very sweet of you, Galan, but you didn’t need to come here just for that; we could have picked them up.”

“I did have another reason for coming, Your Highness,” Galan admitted with a smile. "The items that Kardis and I were working on for you are ready. Patar and I were thinking that you and Jezz would like to come down to the practice yard and test them.”

I quickly nodded. “I’m eager to see if you were able to make them work like I was hoping.” I still had my doubts about getting the necessary punch while using just wind to launch projectiles.

Jezz and I got to our feet and followed Patar and Galan down to the practice yard, where some large wood and straw practice targets had been set up on the far wall. Once we were there, Patar placed the large canvas package he was carrying on the ground and unrolled it. Inside was what looked like a long-barreled rifle over three feet in length, with a metal tube mounted on top, and two smaller packages, which, when unrolled, revealed two handguns of different sizes. The guns were all silvery-grey in color, and the rifle boasted a black wooden stock.

“How did you get them to look so much like the designs I sketched?” I asked. “I was expecting something more… primitive, no offense to you or Kardis.”

Galan chuckled at that. “Kardis is not just a fine blacksmith, Your Highness, he is a Shifter and a right powerful one. Besides changing his body shape, he can also subtly change the shape of other people or objects. Your designs were a challenge for him, but you could not have found a better smith to do it. Still, making these strained both of our Gifts. We do not think that we will be able to make a lot of these. The ammunition was a lot easier, though.”

I nodded grimly as I muttered, “Hopefully we won’t need a lot of them.”

Galan handed the smaller handgun to Jezz and gave me the larger of the two. “Both these and the larger weapon use the same ammunition. We thought that it would be easier that way, and the bullets should not be hard to mass-produce for your needs. Each clip can hold seven bullets.” He showed us the sharp, pointed bullets and a clip as he explained. “The trigger is enchanted so that once you pull it, an extremely powerful wind will be summoned to fire the bullet. They should work just as you wished them to; please give them a try.”

I pointed the weapon in my hand at one of the targets and fired a shot. My shot went a bit low since I was expecting a kick that never happened. Galan explained that it was because of an enchantment in the grips of the pistols and the stock of the rifle to counter the recoil. I guess he learned the hard way in the testing phase that these had a kick otherwise. Now, that energy was displaced to pull the next bullet in the clip into the firing chamber.

Damn, Galan was good at his job, not to mention creative, but I guess there was a reason that he was the Royal Enchanter. The handgun packed a lot more punch than I was expecting, didn’t kick like a mule, and didn’t make a sound either. I was very pleased as I took another shot, and it hit much closer to the center of the target. I gave Jezz a quick lesson on how to use a gun and proper gun safety, then both Jezz and I emptied our clips into the targets.

Turning to Galan with a grin, I told him, “These are perfect. We’ll need to work on our aim, but these should do nicely. What about the rifle?”

“The tube on the top will magnify your view as you wanted," he explained with a nod. "It has been enchanted to show you the magnified view directly in the path of the barrel of the weapon. So long as you do not twitch and have your target clearly marked in the center, you should have no problem with accuracy. To increase or decrease the magnification, you just need to think about it while looking through the tube. There are also other enchantments on the barrels of each of the weapons.”

I raised an eyebrow at this since I already had everything I wanted in these guns, and more. “What kind of enchantments?”

“There is one to ensure that the weapon doesn’t make a sound when firing, and two others on the ends of the barrels. One is a fairly basic speed spell that I have enchanted bows with before to greatly increase the momentum of the projectiles they fire. The powerful wind was firing them at a high velocity, but with this spell tripling their speed, the projectiles can travel significantly farther and faster, and have more penetration,” Galan told me, causing me to raise my brow in interest.

“Okay, that was pretty damn clever,” I told him as I looked at the gun in my hand. “What’s the other enchantment?”

The Enchanter grinned at me. “The clips you both just emptied are normal ammunition, but I have also included some special rounds. I will be color-coding them according to their effect. The second enchantment on the barrel will trigger any enchantments on the bullets to be activated when they leave the barrel. He handed me a clip and the rifle. “This clip contains one of those special rounds. Shall we all go to the top of the northwest tower? We have a wooden target floating on the north side of the lake, and I would like you to try and hit it.”

Soon, I was lying down on the top of the tower, scanning the lake through the scope of the rifle with Jezz, Patar, and Galan sitting nearby to watch me attempt to hit the target. To help with my aim, I had the rifle resting on the retractable bipod that I had requested. Finally, I saw it floating lazily in the water, halfway between the island and the far shore. It was pretty big, about the size of a rowboat, and I was pretty sure that it was going to be easy to hit. I carefully aimed, remembering to account for the lack of a kick, and fired. I was still looking through the scope when the target literally exploded. “Holy shit.”

 

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

 

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Author's Note: Back to posting after a few rough weeks and taking a week off for my birthday and Labour Day weekend to try to get my mojo back. I was hoping to get a chapter of Apocalypse Dawn done this week, but after not getting much sleep last night and migraines most of the night and day today, it just wasn't happening. I will be getting a chapter ready for next week though, since there's only two or maybe three chapters left of book 2 and I'd really like to finish it before the end of September. Anyway, here's chapter 7 of the rewrite of Alex in Wonderland to tide you all over. Thanks to my readers and to BCTS for giving their support of Transgendered authors and fiction. ~Amethyst.
 

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Chapter 7: New Arrivals

I turned to look at Galan, stunned by what I had just seen through the scope of my new rifle. “What the hell did you do to that bullet?”

“That was one of those special rounds I mentioned,” he said with a grin. “You are familiar with the concept that everything is made up of kida, yes?”

“Yeah, it’s a type of energy, right? Sort of like the potential for magic that exists in everything,” I replied. I had learned a bit about it in the basic books and scrolls for teaching new Healers.

He nodded in response as he continued explaining. “People, animals, plants, rocks, even air; it all contains kida. The enchantment on the bullet was that on impact, it repels all kida within a six-tayr diameter sphere, creating a void. Matter does not want to be empty of kida. So, in the case of the target, all air, wood, water, and anything else in that sphere rushed to the nearest source of kida, which was outside of that six-tayr sphere. The matter in the center of the void pushes out faster than that around it to get to the kida outside since it is further away. As a result, the target tears itself apart as it, the air, and anything else around it in the area of effect push outward toward kida. The momentum that the shattered pieces gain as they rush outward causes it all to ‘explode’ outward, sending it all flying. Afterward, there is a rush of air inward as the displaced kida and air return to fill the void.”

“Umm… wow,” was all I could say. Six tayr was close to six feet. That was a pretty nasty effect.

Galan echoed my thoughts as he suggested, “Please only use those rounds on inanimate targets, Your Highness. Using them on people would be… messy.”

I shuddered at that thought. “Yeah, I think that I want to throw up just thinking about that.”

In all, Galan had come up with four different types of special ammo. The first, of course, was those explosive rounds, which he made appear yellow. The second type, color-coded red, I called fireball rounds, since they would erupt into a ball of flame ten feet in diameter once safely out of range of the person firing the gun. The third type was color-coded white, and I called them blizzard rounds. These expanded and shattered into shards of ice, which spread out like buckshot. Finally, there were the blue tornado rounds, which would create a wind shockwave around the point of impact, spreading out about 20 feet in diameter.

Once he was done explaining the colored bullets and what they did, I asked him, “Have you and Kardis memorized how to make the guns and the ammunition?” He nodded, so I replied, “Good, we’ll burn the plans for them. If we ever need the plans again, I’ll sketch them again then, but I don’t want anyone that I don’t know and trust implicitly being able to recreate these. Also, I don’t want any more of these made unless I personally request them. I want these kept quiet for now.”

“Of course, Princess. I have not let these plans leave my sight, and these three are the only ones that we have made so far, as per your orders.” He pulled the plans in question from his vest pocket and handed them to me. “Let us wrap these weapons up and place them safely in your rooms, and then you can burn the plans at your leisure.”

I nodded as I began to re-wrap my guns in the canvas and handed Jezz a small piece of canvas to do the same with her own. Once I had mine wrapped and had picked them up, I asked Galan, “And what of the other modification I requested? The fail-safe?”

“It is done, Your Highness. That is part of the reason that they took so much energy to enchant, and the reason why I handed the weapons to you both myself,” he answered. “They are linked to the first person, other than me, who touches them. Now, if anyone other than you touches your weapons or anyone but Lady Jezz touches hers, they will self-destruct.”

“I think that was a wise decision, Your Highness,” Patar put in.

Galan nodded in agreement. “I would rather we have to build you or Lady Jezz a new weapon than possibly have one of those fall into the hands of our enemies.”

We started heading in the direction of my rooms as we talked and I thought aloud, “We’ll need someplace to put these that only Jezz and I can access. I would hate for Felice, or one of the other servants, to accidentally touch one and trigger the self-destruct.”

Jezz agreed on that. “Ya, true ‘nough. It’d be a good idea t’ keep ‘em ‘way from pryin’ eyes too.”

I thought for a moment. “How about the small storage room, just inside the door to my rooms? You know, the one in the sitting room. I never use that one for anything. It just sits there, mostly empty. Jezz and I could use it as a sort of private armory to keep all of our combat gear.”

“I could enchant the door so that it will only open for you or Lady Jezz,” Galan offered, “though afterward, I will need to rest for a few suns before I can do anything else major.”

I nodded. “Thank you, Galan. After this, you can take a few suns off and relax a bit. I appreciate everything that you’ve been doing, you and Kardis both.”

At this point, we reached my suite, and Patar opened the door for us to enter. Galan gave me one of his jovial smiles. “I think I speak for both Kardis and myself when I say that it is our pleasure to serve you. You will be a fine Queen when the time comes, Your Highness. Perhaps since I have a few suns off, I will go into the city tomorrow. I have been considering taking on an apprentice, and a Diviner friend at the temple of Selune told me of a newly Gifted Zenin boy with great potential as an Enchanter. Since you are trying to prepare for the future, I think that I can do no less.”

I smiled back at him. “Thank you, Galan, I will certainly do my best. Enjoy yourself when you go, and if you need any supplies, get whatever you need; the palace will pay for them.”

“Of course, Your Highness, thank you.” Galan gestured to the storage room door. “If you and Lady Jezz will both please place your hand on the door, then I can enchant it for you.” We both did as he asked, and he began to chant a prayer to Selune as he concentrated on the door. He began to glow with a pale golden light, and sweat started to bead along his brow. I felt a slight tingle, and then he was done chanting, and the glow began to fade. He gave us a tired smile. “Now only the two of you will be able to open this door and access the room.”

I placed a hand gently on the Enchanter’s shoulder. “Thank you, Galan. Please go get some rest, you look tired. I will hopefully talk to you tomorrow evening to find out how your search for an apprentice went.”

“Ya, thank you, Galan, fer all o’ this,” Jezz said, adding her thanks to my own.

After that, Galan left, and we carefully placed the guns in a large cabinet in the now private room. The ammunition was placed in the drawer of the cabinet. There were about two hundred regular rounds, with four spare clips to load them into, then there were eight color-coded clips filled with rounds of the same color, so we could remember which rounds we were using.

It looked like, for now, we both had one clip of each type of special rounds plus one hundred rounds each of normal ammunition. We would be getting more of the regular rounds soon since those were relatively easy for Kardis to reproduce now, but any more special rounds were going to take time. I greatly appreciated the work that Galan and Kardis had put into this little project, and I didn’t want to overwork either of them.

Patar gave us the rest of the afternoon off from any studies, while he and Runne went for a flight to find a quiet and secluded place away from prying eyes for Jezz and me to practice with our new weapons. We wanted to be able to do so in privacy, and there was just too much chance of someone walking into the practice yards and stumbling across us using our new secret weapons. So while Patar and Runne looked for a suitable place, Jezz and I sat and talked on my bed.

The plans for the weapons quickly went into my fireplace and were burned. Truth to tell, I was happy to get out of combat practice for the afternoon, since I wasn’t feeling well and was experiencing some terrible abdominal cramps all morning. I hoped that it was just the flu or something and tried to make sure that my discomfort wasn’t leaking out empathically.

Michelle lazed in the courtyard beside Grayle, settling in for a nice afternoon nap while their Chosen snuggled. She felt another surge of discomfort from Alex and sighed. ~What’s wrong, Sis? You’ve been feeling off all afternoon.~

~I don’t know,~ came Alex’s reply, and her mind voice reflected the discomfort she was in. ~I’ve been wondering if I’m doing the right thing. I mean, I’ve brought guns to a world that still uses swords and spears in war.~

Michelle snorted dismissively at that, causing Grayle to lazily open her eyes and look in her direction before closing them once again. ~Sure, they use swords and spears here, but they also have magic. Some of those Thaumaturges can do things way more powerful than fire bullets. You’re just evening the playing field for yourself and Jezz, since it’s not like Grayle and I have offensive powers. You’re taking great pains to make sure these don’t become widely used, and you’ve had them created using magic, so it’s not like you’ve created something they couldn’t have on their own. It’s no different than an Enchanter giving someone a wand that shoots lightning or something. You know from your lessons that that has been done before for rulers with no Gift, or no offensive Gifts, in war.~

She could practically feel her former twin sigh as she responded, ~I guess you’re right, but I feel like I’m bringing destruction to these people.~

~You are doing your best to prepare to protect these people. It’s your right and responsibility as their future leader. If the empire finds a way to get their army here, they will not stop until we’re all dead or enslaved. You have to start preparing now, so we’re ready when that time comes.~ She felt another stab of discomfort from the Zenin princess, who was once her twin. ~Okay, what is wrong? It’s not just the whole gun thing.~

~I’m just not feeling very well today, Sis. Between that, the guns, and being in charge of the castle while my parents are in Draden, I’m a bit moody,~ Alex responded.

A thought suddenly popped into Michelle’s head. She almost felt sorry for Alex, but her twin had wanted to be a woman, so she’d have to take the bad along with the good. ~Hmm... emotional and not feeling well? Umm… Alex, are there any symptoms? You seem pretty uncomfortable, and you’re pouring an awful lot of your concentration into controlling your empathy so nobody finds out.~

~Maybe it’s just something I ate,~ Alex suggested. ~I started feeling a bit nauseous and tired after breakfast this morning, and I’ve been getting the worst cramps.~

Michelle tried not to laugh, since she really shouldn’t find her Chosen’s discomfort so amusing. Instead, she clamped down on that urge and asked, ~Any other symptoms? Tenderness or bloating or anything?~

She could feel Alex’s embarrassment at the response. ~Yeah, I guess I feel kind of bloated, and my breasts are feeling a bit tender and sensitive, even my bra is bothering them.~ Then she felt the eureka moment in Alex’s brain as she put two and two together. ~You don’t mean that I’m…~

Michelle interrupted that thought, as she could feel her Chosen start to panic a bit. ~Yes, I think you’re starting your period, so get used to it. You’re a girl now, and this is a part of being female. Welcome to the club. So you had better talk to Jezz and find out how women here in the Greylands deal with their monthly visitor, because I have no idea. Maybe you should invent a magical equivalent to the tampon next.~ The last was a joke, but Alex wasn’t laughing. ~Honestly, though, you and Jezz are Healers; they must have something in your studies to help with this.~

Alex was quiet for several moments since her attention was elsewhere. The next thought to pop into Michelle’s mind from Alex was, ~Ewwwwww!!! This is so gross!~ Michelle just allowed herself a good laugh and went to sleep.

“Now that we got ya all cleaned up ‘Lex, ‘tis time t’ take care o’ yer flow,“ Jezz said, handing me a square of rough loiku cloth. Then, along the center from almost one end to another, she spread out a bluish moss. “This is brae moss,” she explained, as she finished spreading it out and folded both ends over the middle. “Tis very good at absorbin’ blood an’ the like.” She then helped me to situate the makeshift pad in place, and I got dressed in new clothes, putting my now-stained panties and tights in the hamper.

I had just come out of the bathroom to join her when Jezz handed me something white. “Vilae root right?” I asked. I remembered from our lessons that the root of the fern-like plant was used as a painkiller.

“Ya,” Jezz replied, “it should help wit’ the crampin’ an’ discomfort. If ya get t’ feelin’ nauseous try not t’ be eatin’ anythin’ too rich.”

After that was all settled, Jezz and I, armed with baskets, took a trip toward the city with a dozen guards as our protection. We didn’t enter the city, though, but instead stopped at an outcropping of yalk trees by the lakeshore, near where the nest breaking had been just over two sevensuns ago. Brae moss only grew on yalk trees, and Jezz thought that I might need a supply of it for the next several suns. Once our baskets were full, we returned to the palace and picked a small supply of vilae root, as well as some corrune pollen from the garden in case I had trouble sleeping.

We took dinner in my suite that night and spent most of the evening cuddling on my bed, with Chrissy draped over us both and snuggling. Jezz was really sweet and helped me through that first night, and if nothing else, at least the evening was good practice for controlling my empathy. It was also a good excuse to just hold one another and spend some time talking about everyday things, not related to my duties as Princess or the looming threat of war sometime in the future. We talked about what we were learning, how our Drakans were growing, and how we were going to make a cozy home for them both on the plot of land behind the palace.

~My concern is mostly for Grayle,~ I said at one point. ~She won’t be able to fly, and soon she will be too big to leave the courtyard. The only way on or off the part of the island behind the castle is by water or air.~

~Worry not,~ Grayle herself interjected. ~I won’t be able to fly, but all Drakans, except for Stone Drakans, can swim, and we Earth Drakans float pretty well. I shall be able to come and go as I please. You are right about my size, though, and Michelle is bigger than I am. We will need to move soon.~

~Alex, how do you plan to get out there to spend time with Michelle?~ Jezz asked. ~You would have to take a boat around since there are no doors at the rear of the palace. The only entrance is the main gates to the bridge.~

I sighed deeply. ~I hadn’t thought of that. I can’t fly, and the palace walls would give even a Zenin trouble to climb, plus any sort of door or gate back there would be a security risk. I hate to ask Galan for anything else right now, but we may need to get his advice on this once he’s had a few suns’ rest.~

Michelle’s voice slipped into the conversation. ~Okay, we know where we’re going to be living, and that Alex will need a way to get there. So what are we going to need out there? I don’t really think we’d need much, except someplace to sleep where we won’t get rained on or snowed on.~

~I’ll be talking with Patar about getting a work crew to build a comfortable place for you both to sleep with a roof,~ I replied. ~Basically, a large stable-like affair against the palace wall. We’ll fill it with hay, or whatever is comfortable for you both. There’s a stand of yalk trees back there, which would be nice for shade in the summer.~

Jezz nodded beside me, her head bobbing on my shoulder as she added her own thoughts. ~I was thinking that we could also plant some vilae, padith, and all the other plants we’ll need back there in a garden since there’s plenty of space. Grayle can keep them healthy, and help them grow, and we’ll have plenty of materials for our Healing. The palace garden has plenty for Larane and Trevas to use, but having us learning now as well will be stretching those plants thin. We will also want to be prepared in case of war.~

~That’s a good idea,~ I thought back. ~Michelle, Grayle, can you girls think of anything you’ll be needing out there? We’ll work out a way to have your food brought to you both until you’re old enough to hunt on your own.~

~As long as we have food and shelter covered, I think we’ll be fine,~ Grayle responded after some thought.

Michelle seemed to agree with her. ~So long as I have food, shelter, and you, then I’ll be happy, Alex.~

The next few days were long ones. Not only did I have to do my regular studies and combat training while my period was making me miserable, but I was also putting things in motion for Grayle and Michelle’s new home and holding court. There were land disputes to settle, yet more nobles hoping to match me with their children, requests for aid from some farmers whose fields and homes were flooded when the Yalze River overflowed during spring runoff from the mountains, and there was a nest of Drakan eggs due to hatch any time. Patar was mostly overseeing the construction of Michelle’s and Grayle’s new home, and though he had found a good place for target practice, we just didn’t have the time for a flight there and back to get any practice in.

Galan, meanwhile, had found the Zenin boy whom he had been told about, and Tarn had been more than happy to become his new apprentice. The pair were discussing ways to make it easier for me to get outside to spend time with Michelle, and thought that they might have a few ideas for me. Tarn was a tall, lanky Zenin with blond hair, amber eyes, and beige fur with small black rosettes. He was also a bit shy, and I thought the poor boy was going to have a heart attack when he met me for the first time. Like Jezz, he was from a small village out in the sticks, and he had only come into the city to visit the temple of Selune on his Giftsun. He had never expected to have a strong Gift in anything, let alone become an apprentice to the Royal Enchanter.

I was finally relaxing in a nice hot bath on the afternoon of the fourth day of my period. Between the cramps and my sore muscles from combat practice, the hot water felt heavenly. I was just beginning to relax when I heard Felice’s distinctive knock on my bathroom door. With a sigh, I called out, “Come in, Felice.”

My maid entered the bathroom and gave a quick curtsy. “Sorry to interrupt your bath, Your Highness. Sir Patar sent me to tell you that the Drakan eggs are moving. They should be hatching within a candlemark or so.”

I groaned, “I’ll be right out. I suppose that you have an appropriate outfit laid out for me?”

She nodded in response. “Yes, Your Highness, I will help you to prepare. I sent Kiryn to help Lady Jezz.” Then she stepped out to let me dry off.

I pulled myself to my feet and slipped out of the bath, suddenly glad that I hadn’t gotten my hair wet. I quickly shook out my fur to get most of the water out before toweling myself dry. Then I put on my panties and slipped in a brae moss pad that I had prepared beforehand. With that taken care of, I left my hot bath behind to go join Felice in my bedroom.

Unsurprisingly, we were going fully formal, and we started with a corset. As bad as they are to wear under normal circumstances, they are ten times worse when you’re feeling bloated and having cramps. Then there were bloomers, a crinoline, and silk stockings. The dress itself was a long hunter green affair with a cream-colored chemise and a burgundy and gold bodice. White silk gloves and burgundy-colored boots with a four-inch heel completed the outfit.

Once I was properly attired, Felice brushed out my hair and put it up in an elaborate hairstyle that I could never hope to replicate on my own, before placing my tiara on. As soon as I was ready to go, I sent a mental nudge to Chrissy, who leaped off the bed and climbed up me to wrap herself around my neck like a white fur stole. Now that I was presentable, I left my rooms for the main courtyard where Jezz and Patar waited with Runne.

Jezz was dressed in a similar style to me, and Patar was dressed in his usual garb made from Runne’s scaly shed skin. Patar and I quickly climbed onto Runne’s back and got securely belted in, which I assure you was not an easy task in my current state of dress. Jezz would fly across the lake under her own power to where the nest was and promised to meet us there as I was getting strapped in. Soon we were up in the air, and I was once again enjoying the feeling of flying.

The flight was far too brief for my liking. I had been enjoying it so much that I had, for a time, almost forgotten my discomfort. Once I had both feet on the ground again, though, it all came back to me. Jezz had no sooner landed beside us than Patar half-dragged us both to some padded benches that had been placed near the nest so that we could see the whole nest breaking. My seat was fairly comfortable, but it did little to alleviate my discomfort, especially since Duchess Yanesse and Countess Nikola apparently intended to use this event to go on endlessly about the wonderful qualities of their respective sons.

Nikola was in the process of regaling me with a story of how her son Halan had found a rare book on his travels in the Great Sands. He had gotten the book from a Human trader who was fleeing the empire after charges of sympathizing with non-humans. The book itself was over three hundred passes old, and was the account of a prophet who had lived on Earth and was one of the last to travel to the Greylands through the gate that had once connected our two worlds.

Needless to say, I was intrigued. Even though I had forsaken my homeworld to embrace my new home and held no desire to return to Earth, it would be interesting to know why the gate had stopped working. I turned to smile at her as I said, “I would like to read this book if possible. Could you have Halan come to the palace tomorrow with it?”

Nikola gave Yanesse a smug smile before turning her smiling face to me. “Of course, Your Highness.”

We didn’t get to speak anymore on the topic, though, as the Flame Drakan who sat at the nest had chosen that moment to place the first egg on the ground. It was a small nest, only four eggs overall, and the first Chosen picked from the crowd was a pale human girl with fiery red hair. Ironically, her new charge was a Frost Drakan. The next pair was a white-furred Jiquar girl and a bright gold Storm Drakan, followed by a brown-haired Zenin boy with grey fur, who was matched with a light blue Water Drakan.

Nobody was expecting the last pair, though. A Rokin with gold scales was pulled out of the gathered crowd, where he was selling something in wineskins. He looked as scared as I was when I got yanked out of the crowd, but he consented and was paired with a crimson Flame Drakan. I knew a little about the Rokin from my studies. They are a reptilian race that prefers hotter temperatures, live in the Great Sands, and supposedly hardly ever leave their desert home.

Once the baby Drakans were done feeding, I arranged for Patar to have my retinue meet them all at the same time. The nobles all gave quick congratulations to each pair before going off to tend to whatever business they had been summoned from for the breaking. As for me, I waited until the nobles were all finished before walking up to the four pairs to speak with them.

“Congratulations to all of you. I’m Princess Alexis, and this is Jezz and Patar. I’m pretty sure that I know exactly how you’re all feeling right now. Jezz and I were in the same boat a few sevensuns ago.” There were a few knowing laughs at that. “Why don’t you all introduce yourselves, and tell me a bit about you before we go break that nest apart?”

I shook the red-haired girl’s hand first, and I could feel her excitement over meeting me and getting Chosen. She nodded and spoke up, “I’m Lannah, and this here is Snow.” It wasn’t a terribly original name for a Frost Drakan, but at least it was easy to remember. “I just turned eighteen passes old.” Then she added with a blush, “Actually, my birthsun is the same as yours, Your Highness. I’m a Dabbler too; I have a strong Diviner Gift and a small Shifter Gift. “

I smiled at her. “It sounds like we have a lot in common, Lannah. Any idea what your Gifts are specifically?”

She nodded, quickly replying, “Long-range telepathy. It’s troublesome to learn to control; I keep picking up thoughts from all over the place, and I often forget to keep myself from projecting my own thoughts. My Shifter Gift is pretty small; I can only seem to change my coloring.” She demonstrated this by turning her red hair white and her green eyes a pale blue.

“I know how you feel with the telepathy, though mine is only touch-based.” Then I giggled. “I think that’s a good look for you. Did you have any plans for yourself and your new Drakan?”

She blushed at my comment but quickly nodded. “I heard that a lot of Drakans and their Chosen serve the royal family as scouts, guards, and such. I was hoping that my skills might be useful for something like that.”

I nodded and smiled at that. “I think that I can find a use for you, Lannah, if you still want to serve the royal family?” Then I placed a hand on Patar’s shoulder to ask privately, ~Is she trustworthy?~

He quickly sent back, ~They all are, Princess. I had the Diviners for this lot using their precognitive gifts to find, not only good matches for the Drakans but also people who would be useful to you and serve you loyally.~

Meanwhile, Lannah was eagerly nodding as she replied, “Yes, Your Highness!”

“Great!” I said with a grin, “You’re in.” Then I turned to the white Jiquar and shook one of her four large hands, “And how about you? Tell me about yourself.”

The young bearlike woman who had at least a foot on me in height swallowed nervously, patting her Drakan lovingly. “I’m Rozia, Your Highness, and this is Thorza. I’m nineteen passes old and I’m a very minor Thaumaturge. Before I was chosen, I was training to become one of the palace guards. Thorza and I would be happy to serve you in any way we can.”

“I’m sure that you both will serve me well. I’m happy to have you,” I responded as I took the Zenin’s hand next. “And you are?”

He didn’t look much older than I was, had a dreamy look in his amber eyes, and the light blue Water Drakan beside him had to give him a head bump before he sputtered, “Yes, Your Highness! I’m Jonth, and this pretty girl is Xuth. I’m afraid that my Gift is a small one. I’m supposedly a Wind Walker, but I haven’t had much luck controlling the weather. I can only seem to make the wind blow.”

“It’s not what we have, Jonth, it’s how we use it,” I said, giving him an encouraging smile before inquiring, “How about your plans?”

“We had no specific plans, Your Highness.” He looked to Xuth for a brief instant and nodded before adding, “Xuth and I will gladly do whatever task you put us to.”

I nodded and smiled as I replied, “And I’m sure you’ll both do it well.” I then turned my attention to the Rokin and shook his hand. One of his kind had never been Chosen before; indeed, it was rare for them to leave their desert home in the first place. “And now we have you. I sense that there’s a story here.”

“Yesss, Princesss,” he replied. “I am Irric, and thisss isss Forte. I am twenty-one passssesss old. I wasss a powerful Zenin Shifter and five tenthsss ago I tried shifting into a Rokin while traveling through the Great Ssssandsss. I figured that I would be more comfortable that way. Then I got sssick. I wasss found and nursssed back to health by sssome Rokin, but I found that I wasss ssstuck like thisss. Now, like Lannah, I can only change my coloring.” He demonstrated this by changing his scales to a red that matched Forte’s. “I didn’t fit in there with the Rokin, ssso I thought I would return home and try to make a living as a trader or sssomething. I came to the nessst breaking hoping to sssell sssome of the prickleberry brandy that I got in the desert.”

“I could probably use you as a desert scout,” I said thoughtfully, “you’d blend right in, and both you and Forte can take the heat easily enough. That is, if you want the job. You and Forte can go off and live in the desert if you want; it’s your lives to live.”

“We would be happy to ssserve you, Your Highnesss,” he said, giving a slight bow.

I gave them all a warm smile. “Great, you four will be trained to be mine and Jezz’s personal guards. Once trained, you’ll accompany us when needed and do whatever other tasks I assign. Until then, with the help of your Warders, you will take care of your new Drakans and build yourselves homes on land that I will deed to you on the lakeshore. At three candlemarks after high sun, you will come to the palace to train in hand-to-hand and weapons combat with Jezz and me, under Patar’s watchful eye.”

All four responded with, “Yes, Your Highness!”

I just smiled at their eagerness. “Good, now go break down that nest, so I can start a fire and we can eat.”

Jezz and I would have helped the four break down the nest if we could have, but it was a tradition that only the Chosen and their new Drakans complete that task. Still, the four went about their task quickly, and soon I was holding a torch and lighting the remains in the place of my absent mother. Then the party started, and we sat down to enjoy the feast. Jezz, Patar, and I all sat with the new pairs as we ate and got to know them a bit.

Overall, they all gave me a good feeling, and it seemed like Patar’s Diviners had chosen well. I started to relax, and resent Patar's idea of choosing personal guards from the breaking less and less, especially after Irric started passing around those wineskins of brandy; that stuff had a kick. I must not have been focusing well on my empathy, because even Chrissy seemed to have a good buzz going. We were all pleasantly tipsy, and the new Draklings were all slumbering peacefully when Jezz and I bid the others goodnight and flew back to the palace with Patar.

The next morning, I awoke with a bit of a hangover. My head was killing me, but luckily, it seemed like my period was over. I decided that I could live with a hangover since I almost felt human, or rather Zenin, again. After I was dressed and fed, I was surprised by a visit from Patar before Jezz and I could head down to our Healing lessons with Larane. “Good morning, Princess, and you as well, Jezz. I came to let you know that Countess Nikola has sent word that her son Halan will arrive at the palace after lunch to speak with you. Also, I have decided on a change of schedule for this morning.”

I nodded as I gave Chrissy a gentle scratching. “Okay, what’s the change in plans, Patar?”

He grinned at us. “We are going out to have a real-world survival lesson and to get you girls some target practice with those new weapons. I found a cave that we can use for now in Therune Forest on the north side of the lake. We will only practice with the smaller models for now, until we can figure out a way for you to slip out unnoticed with the larger one.”

Jezz and I quickly went to our armory and buckled on our sword belts, then we wrapped our pistols, spare clips, and all the regular ammunition we had in pieces of canvas. Once that was done, and the door to the armory was shut again, we followed Patar down to the courtyard and placed our bundles in the pouches attached to Runne’s flight harness. Soon, we were flying over the lake and then the forest, where Runne landed close to the mouth of a large cave.

We spent a few candlemarks in the forest, with Patar showing us what mushrooms and berries were safe to eat, how to gather nuts, how to stay warm without a fire, and what tracks belonged to which animals and how fresh they were. It was a learning experience for both of us, and I was enjoying both it and the natural beauty of the forest. My new home really was breathtaking in places, and I counted myself lucky to be the one with whom Visanee had traded places. I still felt somewhat responsible for her death, though, and silently promised myself that I would be the best leader that I could be to her people, my people.

We did have one close call. At one point, a reptilian creature about the size of a Volkswagen Beetle, with spines on its back and tusks as long as my arm, burst through the brush. It was chasing a small black and brown cat-like creature with a long, fluffy tail and large floppy ears. The smaller creature all but dove into Jezz’s arms as the larger one halted at the sight of us, particularly Runne and Patar. I don’t think it was used to seeing creatures as large as, or larger than itself, and I could feel a little fear coming from it. I focused on it and tried to fan the flames of that fear. I think it worked because the creature turned and ran like hell.

Jezz was trying to comfort the shaking ball of fur, even as I used my empathy to try to calm down Chrissy, who was scared enough to form a vice grip on my throat. As Jezz was petting the small creature, she made cooing sounds at it before finally speaking. “Poor thing is terrified, that kranth must ha’ been hungry t’ chase a neetay. It wouldn’t ha’ been much o’ a meal fer it.”

Patar nodded in agreement. “Hopefully, with Runne here, it will not come back. Let us get back to the cave and get your shooting practice in.”

We did just that. Patar had put some small targets along the back wall of the cave and had hung some kida lamps to give us enough light to work with while we practiced and improved our aim. We ended up using most of the rounds we brought with us, and by the end of it, we were both getting much more consistent with our aim. The neetay had stuck close to Jezz the whole time and, as Patar and I climbed back aboard Runne for the flight back to the palace, Jezz took to the air and headed there herself with her new pet in her arms.

 

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

 

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Author's Note: Here's chapter 8 of the rewrite of Alex in Wonderland. I'm gonna put a big ole warning here since there is an intended sexual assault and drugging in this chapter that people may find jarring. Thanks to my readers and to BCTS for giving their support of Transgendered authors and fiction. ~Amethyst.
 

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Chapter 8: Noble Prize

I had decided to meet with Halan in the throne room. I had a bad feeling about this meeting and thought it wise to have the meeting in a place that would remind him just who was in charge. After finishing our lunch, Jezz and I headed to the throne room, and I sat on the heir’s throne to the right of the Queen’s throne.

My throne was a bit smaller but nearly identical to my mother’s, and both sat on a raised dais and had sizable holes for our tails. Jezz literally hovered above and behind my right shoulder. I hoped that this would make the message clear from the beginning; I wanted no courting.

I would have had to be both blind and stupid not to see that the Countess Nikola planned to use this meeting in an attempt to make her son the next King of Azure, or at the very least to get into my good graces. I was neither, nor was I a simple child to be manipulated. Soon Halan was led inside by one of the palace squires, while guards took their positions outside the doors, ready to come inside if I called. Halan was a tall, muscular Zenin with black fur and hair, probably in his late twenties, though it’s often hard to tell with Zenin. He was also very handsome, and worse yet, he knew it.

It would seem that he planned to stride in and make the young Princess’s heart go all aflutter. Even if I weren’t an empath, I could have seen that he radiated confidence. I was not impressed, especially since he strode into the throne room like he owned the place, or soon would.

I silently groaned as the squire introduced him, but minded my manners when I finally spoke. “Viscount Halan, how nice of you to come. I appreciate you bringing the book; I was fascinated when your mother told me of it. Can I have one of my servants get you some refreshment?” I quickly reminded him of just why he was here and whose home he was in.

“It was my pleasure to call on you, Your Highness. Some wine would be wonderful, would you care to indulge with me?” he asked, flashing me a smile.

I sent the squire off for some wine and shook my head. “Thank you for the offer, but no. I have combat practice after this, and I would prefer a clear head for it.”

The black Zenin nodded and replied, “Of course, Your Highness.” He didn’t seem at all disappointed that his little ploy to get me inebriated had failed. “Perhaps some milk would suit you better then?” It was a subtle insult, meant to refer to me as a child, and perhaps to spur me into trying to prove I wasn’t. I wasn’t going to take the bait.

“Let’s get down to business, Viscount,” I said, deliberately referring to him by title only. “I would like to look at, and perhaps purchase, this book that your mother spoke of. I have no wish to involve myself in the power games of the nobility. If you wish to gain my favor, then you would be best served by giving me what I want.”

Halan stepped onto the dais and knelt before me, handing me an old leather-bound book with pages yellowed by the passage of time. “Please, Your Highness, consider this a gift from my family.”

His hand lingered too long on mine, and I caught a familiar scent that I couldn’t quite place. I tried to put it out of my mind as I opened the book to look inside. It appeared to be a journal of sorts, the pages were handwritten, and the entries were dated in the seventeenth century and signed by someone named James O’Donnell. After taking a brief look through it, to confirm that it was indeed written by someone from Earth, I placed the book in my lap and smiled. “Thank you, Viscount, I am very pleased. This should make for a very interesting read.”

“Please, call me Halan, and it is my pleasure to give you pleasure, Your Highness,” he said with a smile.

He had such a nice smile, it made me feel warm all over. I felt a warmth building in my groin and could feel my nipples hardening underneath my clothes. My throat was suddenly dry, and I thought that maybe a drink of some sort would be a good idea, nothing alcoholic though, since I needed to think clearly through this meeting in case he tried to pull something. Why would he try something? He already had my favor by giving me the book, and his hand felt so nice as it slowly caressed my own, causing shivers of pleasure.

Michelle’s voice slipped into my mind. ~Are you and Jezz fooling around again? I thought that you were supposed to be in a meeting.~

~Of course not,~ I answered her as I giggled. ~I’m meeting with Halan right now.~

~Halan, is it? I thought that you planned to keep this meeting all business, in case he tried something,~ she replied.

I sighed as Halan’s hand started to move up my arm. ~Yeah, I was very clear that this was all business. He gave me the book with no problems.~

I could feel her mental groan as she pressed, ~Care to tell me then why you feel like a horny teenage girl on prom night then?~

~I don’t know,~ I admitted. ~Maybe it’s because he’s so handsome and nice. He even smells nice, kind of like flowers.~ My eyes snapped open as I recognized that smell. ~Flowers! That’s red bonnet pollen, it’s a powerful aphrodisiac! The bastard reeks of it; it’s like he bathed in it!~ I could smell the scent clearly now and fought to get control of myself and push down the desire that was threatening to weaken my resolve.

I could feel Michelle’s cold fury in my mind. ~I am going to rip him apart!~ The scary thing was that even as an infant, she probably could.

~I’ve got this, Sis, but you may want to go wait in the main courtyard.~ Then I opened up my mind to Halan’s and tried not to breathe too deeply as I glared at him and said very slowly and deliberately, “Remove your hand from my arm, before I remove it from yours.”

Halan swallowed hard, and now that I could focus properly, I could feel the arousal, confusion, nervousness, and just a bit of fear from him. He was thinking, ~What happened? This naíve little girl should be willing clay in my hands.~ He obediently removed his arm before I could get any more than that, though. “Your Highness?” he asked nervously.

The squire chose that moment to come back, but I quickly dismissed the Human boy again. “Please fetch Patar for me, Mante. I’m afraid that Viscount Halan will be leaving momentarily.” Then I turned back to Halan. I had to focus quite a bit to keep myself from giving in to my arousal, but he was wearing the stuff, so I imagined that it was worse for him. I could, in fact, see it, now that I was paying attention. Well, it was his own damn fault if he had a case of blue balls, and as far as I was concerned, he would be lucky if I didn’t decide to kick him there.

I clenched my fists at my sides as I spoke again. “Didn’t think I would catch the scent of red bonnet pollen, Halan? Or did you just think that I wouldn’t care, once I got a good enough whiff of it?” His eyes widened at that, and I didn’t give him a chance to reply before I continued. “I’m a Healer, you idiot, I’m very familiar with red bonnets and their effects. The whole city, and probably most of the rest of Azure as well, knows that I’m a Healer and an empath. You were so confident and were hoping that that would make me, as an ‘inexperienced child’, ignore everything else. This naíve little girl was supposed to be willing clay in your hands, was I not?”

Worry and fear were coming off him in waves as he sputtered, “Your Highness, you…”

I cut him off, giving him a predatory smile. “Yes, that’s the thing most people don’t know. I also read minds. Would you care to know what I found in yours?” I bluffed. His look told me that he very much did not want to know what I may have found there. I looked back at Jezz, who was clearly very upset. She felt it too; I could feel the anger and hate radiating off her with heat like a furnace. I turned back to Halan and sighed, giving him a stern glare. “Now, what shall I do with you?”

“Your Highness, please forgive me, I…” he began.

I cut him off again. “You are in my home, in front of my throne, and you have made me very angry. You’re familiar with my Drakan, Michelle, right?” When he nodded slowly, I continued by saying, “She has made it very clear that she wants me to send you home to your mother.” I gave him a brief moment to look relieved before adding, “In pieces. And judging from the look on Jezz’s face, I would imagine that her Drakan, Grayle, is of the same opinion.” He was really scared now, especially once Jezz moved to hover beside me, nodding her head gravely. ~Are you in the main courtyard, Sis?~ I sent to Michelle.

~I’m here, and so is Grayle, and she looks as pissed as I am. I guess that Jezz told her what that creep did?~ she sent back, her thoughts seething with fury.

~That would be my guess,~ I agreed before turning my attention back to the Viscount. “I will be speaking with my mother on this matter, and you will be very lucky if she does not remove your family’s title and confiscate your lands. Regardless, I will be having people keep an eye on you. If you ever pull anything like this again, if I even get the impression that you have coerced a girl into bedding you by any means, then I will leave you to the not-so-tender mercies of our Drakans. Do I make myself clear?” I empathically fanned the flames of his fear to get my point across.

He swallowed hard and nodded as Patar showed up, looking concerned. “Your Highness,” Patar ventured, “you called for me?”

I nodded and, as he opened a mind link, I sent him a brief synopsis of what had happened and what was about to happen. I could feel his anger as he waited for me to speak aloud. “Yes, Patar, our ‘guest’ was just leaving. Please see to it that he finds his way out as quickly as possible. I no longer want him in my palace.” Then I took Jezz’s hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze as I sent to our furious Drakans, ~Okay, girls, he’s coming out to the main courtyard. Scare the living shit out of him… but do try to leave him in one piece.~

Michelle waited with Grayle in the courtyard, wondering if perhaps this was the time to try to display her abilities. She had been practicing bending light for over a week now; ever since she began to notice that she could see the various individual color spectrums, or all of them, just by thinking of it. At first, she was just able to see them, but thanks to her racial memory, she quickly discovered that she knew how to manipulate what she saw, to bend it to her will, and shape it like clay. Knowledge led to doing, and she had begun to practice in secret whenever Grayle was sleeping or otherwise occupied and Alex and Jezz weren’t around. She had been hoping to surprise them.

After what that bastard did to Alex, though, Michelle was sorely tempted for the surprise to be now. She left Grayle in the courtyard as she made her way, fuming, to the main gates. Her Chosen seemed tired, having to focus on keeping herself in check while talking to Halan must have taken a lot out of her. She still felt very aroused, and Michelle knew from experience that when you were that turned on that saying no and remaining composed could be extremely difficult. That asshole would pay for what he did to her sister and Chosen.

She made her way out to the drawbridge and the end of the bridge it was attached to, her thoughts firmly entrenched in the need to make that bastard suffer. Once she got to where the bridge and drawbridge met, she sat herself firmly in the middle of the path, brought herself up to her full stature, and spread her wings menacingly. Then she concentrated on the light around her. She took all the light that touched her and bent it around her, and only once she was sure that she had done it right did she turn her attention to the gates to await her prey.

It was then that a well-dressed black-furred Zenin ran from the courtyard and out the gates with a look of pure terror on his face, promptly slamming into her chest. He fell on his ass and looked around, confused, wondering what he had bumped into. Michelle focused on the light once again, and instead of bending it around her, she enhanced the reflection of it off her scales. This, in effect, changed her instantly from being invisible to being literally radiant with bright light, an avenging angel with her wings outstretched.

And then she spoke. Speaking was still difficult, but she and Grayle were beginning to get the hang of it and could speak using some single-syllable words and their Chosen’s names. “You… hurt… Alex!” The words came out in a deep growl that practically shook the bridge beneath them.

Still on his butt, the Zenin started to back away as Michelle stalked him, still uttering a deep, angry growl. Michelle was pretty sure she could smell urine, and a look at his trousers proved it to be true. He came to an abrupt stop when there was a second growl behind him, turning his head to see Grayle there, approaching slowly and deliberately. His head darted back and forth as he looked from the glowing silvery Drakan before him to the menacing green one behind him, and back again, and then he got to his feet and ran to dive off the bridge and into the lake.

~Grayle and I are finished taking out the garbage, Alex. He’s still in one piece, but I think you’re being far too kind after what he pulled.~ Michelle sent to her Chosen as she gave a quick look to the water below and then turned to angrily stomp after Grayle, as the other Drakan led the way back to their courtyard. Her mind was on Alex, though.

She did not like what she was feeling from her Chosen. Alex was obviously more shaken by the incident than she was letting on, and after handling the situation so calmly, now that it was over, her thoughts were confused, scared, and panicked. Michelle became even more worried once Alex’s presence in her mind suddenly vanished.

Jezz had shoved shiide leaves in my mouth, making me chew them to relax me and to gradually disperse the effects of the red bonnet pollen on me, as I sat back on my throne. Michelle and Grayle had taken out the garbage, and I was trying to relax and calm down after the incident. Now that it was all over, I was shaking like a leaf, starting to cry as Jezz held me and tried to console me.

I was so scared and angry, I felt so used and dirty, and my thoughts were all over the place. "He came into my home and essentially used a drug in an attempt to rape me, and if it hadn’t been for Michelle, I would have probably cheerfully led the way to my bedroom. Why did I have to meet him while my parents are away? Did I handle the situation right? Should I have imprisoned him? Just how much authority do I have while my mother is away? Goddess, I feel like I’m going to throw up. I want my mom!"

~Alexis?!? Are you alright?!~ My adoptive mother’s voice was suddenly in my mind. It was different than regular telepathy, though, accompanied by the same humming/singing feeling as when Itari spoke with me.

~Is that you, Mom?~ I sent back uncertainly, my heart rate quickening. ~I’m… really upset at the moment. How are we talking like this? I don’t have this kind of range on my own, and it feels different.~

Mom’s voice was soothing in my mind. ~We are both connected to the land and Itari Herself. We can use that connection to speak with Her or each other whenever we need to. It blocks out any regular telepathic contact while we do it, though. I just heard you shouting that you wanted me. What’s wrong, dear?~

I was sniffling and shaking in Jezz’s arms as I sagged in my throne, and my heart felt as if it were being torn asunder as I haltingly explained to my mom what had happened and how I had handled it. Cold fury permeated her mental response. ~They will pay for this. You did well, dear; you stayed in control and managed to show great strength in a position where most girls would have frozen, panicked, or given in and let him have his way. I will be there in a moment, I’m using the ring, your father will return by Drakan as soon as possible.~

The ring was just that, a ring, and it had been created decades before by one of the Royal Enchanters. It was worn only by the Queen and had a permanent, repetitive enchantment on it that would allow the wearer to return to the palace throne room instantly, from anywhere in Azure. Suddenly, another set of arms was wrapped around me, and I opened my eyes to see my mother holding me tight, trying to comfort me.

She spoke softly, but there was cold iron in her tone as she said, “Jezz, dear, I need you to go to the Temple of Itari in the great square, where the Temple District and the Market District meet. Tell the High Priestess that I want her to ring the bell three times and prepare the temple balcony for a royal proclamation.” She handed Jezz something as she added, “Show her this, to prove that you came from me.”

“Yes, Yer Majesty, I’ll fly as fast as m’ wings’ll let me,” was the Cinole’s reply.

I only half heard what they were saying, chewing the leaves as I started to calm down from the effects of the pollen. I felt Jezz release me and fly off, though, as Michelle’s concerned voice popped into my head. ~What the hell just happened?! I couldn’t feel you at all just now. I was worried that you had a mental breakdown!~

I sniffled and buried myself deeper into my adoptive mother’s arms. ~I’ll explain later, Mom’s here now, and she’s pissed.~ I felt bad about being so short with Michelle, but I really didn’t feel up to explaining things right now. Mom just held me and kept telling me that it would be okay and that I had done so well by foiling his plans and keeping a level head. Michelle had been the one to figure out I wasn’t acting like myself, though. ~Sis, thanks. If it hadn’t been for you, I probably would have been…~ I couldn’t finish that thought, and shivered and started sobbing again.

~I came here to protect you, remember,~ Michelle answered sternly. ~I will never let anyone harm you, and if I think you’re doing something out of character, I’ll call you on it, just like I did today. I would have gladly killed that slime ball if you’d wished it, and I was seriously tempted to maim him, no matter if you wanted him kept in one piece or not. You are my twin, my sister, my Chosen, and my best friend, and nobody is going to harm you while I live. You avoided what he had planned and, while I was the one who warned you, you were the one who realized what he was up to and got and kept yourself under control.~

I wiped my eyes and sniffled as I tried to calm down. It could have been so much worse, but I had avoided that, and I had Michelle, my mom, Jezz, and Grayle to support me. ~Thanks, Sis, I feel a bit better now. I think I just needed a good cry.~ After a while, I lifted my head to give my mom a weak smile, “I’ll be okay, I think, thanks for being here.” I did feel calmer now, possibly in good part due to the shiide leaves, but I also felt emotionally drained after the meeting, and the upset afterward.

Mom kissed me tenderly on the forehead. “My daughter was scared and hurting, where else would I be?” She pulled me closer and softly stroked my hair. “You did a good job while I was gone. I had Patar giving me status reports every night, and he said you handled things as well as I would have myself. Even today, you handled yourself admirably. In the future, when I am not here, your word will be as my own. You did not act in anger but made him fear ever crossing you again, and I think that your threat to take away their titles and lands is a fair punishment. Do you wish to announce it or shall I?”

I shook my head. My heart seemed so heavy in my chest, and I was just too tired and emotionally drained at the moment to be making speeches in front of thousands of people. “I think it would be better coming from you, Mom, otherwise people are liable to get the wrong idea about it. If you need witnesses, Jezz was here the whole time, and Patar can attest that he stunk of red bonnet pollen when he escorted him to the courtyard.”

“Very well, dear, I have Patar preparing the royal carriage so that we can go to the temple for the announcement. Do you think that you are up to leaving now?” she asked.

I wiped away the tears that had wet the fur on my cheeks and nodded. “Yeah, I guess I’m feeling a bit better. Can I go get Chrissy from my room first? I’d feel better with her in her usual place.”

Mom smiled at me and gently yet reassuringly squeezed my hand, “Of course, dear, I will be waiting in the courtyard.”

When I got to my suite, I dropped the damn book that had caused all of this on my bed, where I found Chrissy and Pounce curled up together sleeping. Jezz had named the neetay after the way it had leaped into her arms when they met earlier that morning, I almost felt guilty as I took Chrissy, but I needed my little friend right now, and I made sure that there was still plenty of food and water for Pounce, and that the box of sand for the pair didn’t need cleaning before I left.

Chrissy had awoken when I picked her up and quickly took her place around my throat. Once in place, she started to hum contentedly. While I walked, I opened myself up to her emotions in an attempt to dull the disquiet in my own heart. Her mere presence, combined with her happiness, contentment, and that relaxing humming, made me feel better as I headed to the courtyard. As I was making my way to the courtyard, I heard a bell toll three times in the distance.

Michelle was still fit to be tied, but at least Alex had calmed down somewhat, and her thoughts weren’t so chaotic. She regretted not having chased Halan to the shore when she saw that he had survived the dive and was swimming for the city. She wanted that man to suffer after what he did to Alex. Alex had insisted on being the better person, though, and Michelle wasn’t going to go against that. At least she had been there to give her Chosen that prodding when she needed it and had been there in her mind to comfort her after. She had meant what she said; nobody would ever hurt Alex while she still drew breath.

Michelle was sure of one thing: she needed to train more and harder so that she could be the best possible protector for her former twin. She no longer had the luxury of doing so in private or when the others were asleep. With more practice, she’d soon have the invisibility trick for herself flawless. It was time to start lessons two and three: making others invisible and creating illusions. Finding the former more important than the latter, she turned to Grayle and the light reflecting off her scaly hide. "If I’m going to do this, I might as well start big," she thought as she tried to bend the light to her will while Grayle watched her through half-closed eyes.

I fell asleep on the ride to the temple. The shiide, Chrissy’s contented humming as she vibrated against my neck, and my mom’s arms wrapped protectively around me conspired to relax me enough that my body gave in to its need for rest after my ill-fated meeting with Halan. Mom woke me once we had arrived, and told me that Patar had contacted my new guards in training to tell them that there would be no combat practice that afternoon, due to the ringing of Itari’s bell and the proclamation that would follow. When the door to the carriage opened, I was surprised, and a bit touched, to find all four of them waiting with Jezz to help us out and escort us into the temple.

The square was filled with people. It was usually busy, but now the square was as packed with people as it had been during my Gifting. There was much murmuring and confusion as people saw the Queen, who was supposed to still be in Draden. The temple bell only ever rang three times to gather everyone in the capital for a royal proclamation, and usually, such matters were very serious.

I could hear people talking, and generally, they seemed worried. With so many people there, I had to firmly clamp down on my empathic shields to keep from being overwhelmed. I was already tired and emotionally drained, and I didn’t need to add more confusion and fear to the list as I had plenty of my own that I was sure would rise to the surface once I had the energy to care.

My guards, as well as four uniformed palace guards, formed a protective circle around us as I followed my mother mutely into the temple and we approached the waiting High Priestess. “All is prepared as you requested, Your Majesty,” the Human woman in dark brown and green robes reported as we approached.

“Thank you, Zarla,” my mom replied, looking grim. Her eyes were filled with a cold, tightly controlled anger that I may have found frightening under other circumstances. “I will try to make this as brief as possible, so people can get back to their lives.”

The priestess joined our group, and we all headed up the marble stairs to the balcony that overlooked the great square. The balcony was also made of marble, and the railing was painstakingly sculpted into a pattern of leaves. Normally, I would have been impressed and in wonder at the craftsmanship, but at the moment, I just didn’t care. Mom, Zarla, and I all stepped up to the railing, with me at her right and Zarla to her left. Our guards all waited behind us, ready to act if needed.

Mom held her hands up for silence and almost immediately got it. Raising her voice to be heard across the square, she began to speak. “People of Azure! Last night, my daughter, Princess Alexis, arranged with Countess Nikola Tahrun to meet with her son, Viscount Halan Tahrun, regarding a matter of business. Today, when that meeting occurred, Viscount Halan used that meeting, and a good measure of red bonnet pollen, in a craven attack on my daughter’s virtue!”

There were gasps of surprise and angry muttering at that, and she held up her hands again for silence before continuing. “This attack was foiled, due to quick and level-headed thinking on the part of both my daughter and her Drakan, Michelle. Your Princess sent the coward fleeing the castle in fear.” There was some applause at this, but most of the crowd was angry and shocked. “This deed was a foul betrayal against, not only Alexis, but the entire royal family, all of the people of Azure, and Itari as well. My daughter has fairly decided on the punishment for this attack. Henceforth, the Tahrun family is stripped of all titles and rank, and their lands and property will be seized!”

After the proclamation, the anger was almost palpable to even non-empaths, and I felt it slipping past my shields as my thoughts went all over the place. "Maybe I should just give in and let that raw emotion wash over me. I have the right to be angry, me more than anyone, in fact. Everyone else is angry; Mom, Michelle, Jezz, Grayle, my new guards, so why not me? Maybe I should have let Michelle and Grayle rip him apart. No. As angry as they were, if they had killed him like that, they both would regret it later. We are all better than that. I’m better than that. I stopped him and dealt with him in my own way. I just want this to be over and to put it behind me."

We waited in the temple for the crowd to dissipate. I was sitting on a pew trying to keep calm, with Jezz and my mom to either side of me holding me and chewing on fresh shiide leaves. A candlemark had passed when my mom finally stated, “The Square has settled down. Let us go home so that you can have dinner and get some rest.”

I didn’t argue; I knew that I was emotionally exhausted, so I just let them guide me back to the carriage and sat in silent contemplation the whole trip home. When we got back to the palace, I picked at my dinner, and afterward I let Jezz guide me to my bed. She, Grayle, and Michelle all tried to talk to me, to take my mind off things, but I didn’t say much in return. I didn’t want to talk; I just wanted their company, so I mostly just listened. Jezz and I lay there the rest of the evening together, and rather than sending her to bed when I got tired, I asked her to just stay and hold me until I finally fell asleep in her arms.

I was dreaming. I knew that I was dreaming, but it had the clarity and focus that I had had in dreams only once before. I knew with near certainty that what I was dreaming was playing out in reality as I dreamed. The first thing that I was aware of was the sounds: distant yelling, banging, and crashing. Then there was the smell of smoke. I looked around to find myself in a lavishly decorated room with expensive-looking furniture, paintings, sculptures, and a large wine rack. Whoever lived here had wealth and liked to flaunt it.

I tried to push a sculpture off a small table in a show of distaste, but my hand merely passed through it. I guessed that I was merely an observer here, not that there was much to observe. Then I heard raised voices and arguing, much closer than the other sounds. I turned to see Nikola and Halan there with another Zenin, whom I vaguely recognized as Halan’s father, Count Leggund. The two Zenin men had begun moving furniture in front of the large pair of doors to the room while Nikola screamed at them.

“This is all your fault, Halan! All that you had to do was go to that meeting, seduce that child, and convince her to make you her King. You could not do that right, even with the pollen, and you let that spoiled little brat see right through you! Now we have lost our lands, our titles, everything! Even our servants have turned against us!” She waved her arms about wildly as she screamed.

Halan turned and snapped back at her, “It was your idea to use the pollen! You said it could not fail, but she smelled it on me and recognized it because she is a Healer! You said that she wasn’t trained enough to recognize it and that if I were confident, it would overcome her empathy! How was I to know that the zint could read minds?!”

The Count glowered at his son. “Why didn’t you give her the ring that I enchanted?! If she had put it on, she would have obeyed whatever you wished!”

“Because you told me to wait until I had her alone in her bed-chamber!” the younger Zenin growled.

I grew angrier with every word I heard, but I couldn’t do anything but watch and listen. The shouts and banging were just outside the doors now, and I could see smoke slipping in from under the doors. The doors began to crack and buckle under the assault as Leggund looked around frantically. “We’ll escape through the windows and head to the forest!” He took a chair and threw it at one of the large windows, shattering the glass, and then the three Zenin leaped through it as the door gave way and the angry mob entered the room.

They ran across the backyard and soon were running through the woods with the mob hot on their heels. Leggund tripped on a root that seemed to grab at his foot, and the mob was upon him. Nikola and Halan kept running, pursued by the more persistent. Shrubs and branches took pieces out of their clothes and left them with scratches as they ran, and loose soil gave them trouble with their footing. Nikola fell as she twisted her foot on a large stone buried in some of that loose soil, and then the mob was upon her, too. More than a dozen pressed on to chase Halan.

Halan looked to be growing tired from his run. The loose soil and grabbing thorns and branches seemed to be making it hard on him. He had almost a dozen needles from stingweed plants embedded in his leg, and he was bleeding from multiple cuts and scrapes. His once fine white silk shirt was now torn and ragged and sporting red bloodstains, and his chest rapidly heaved from his heavy breathing. “I… will get… that… zint… for this.”

The former Viscount was staggering now, his pursuers catching up as he seemed to hit every possible obstacle in the darkened forest. Then he was gone. I looked around, wondering where he could have gone, when I heard him cursing and looked down to find him sprawled at the bottom of a shallow hole in the ground that I hadn’t noticed while following his run. Apparently, he hadn’t noticed it either. That was all that his pursuers needed to catch up, and they fell upon him like they did his mother and father before him.

As the mob fell upon him, with a wrath that I knew in my heart he would not survive, something on the ground glinted in the moonlight, catching my attention. It was a ring, gold in color, with a gaudy and overly large emerald. Was this the ring that Leggund spoke of? While I looked at the gaudy piece of jewelry, and the shouts of the crowd and Halan’s final screams rang out around me, the ring sank into the earth as if it were liquid and disappeared.

I shot bolt upright as I awoke, breathing heavily as though I really had been running through the woods following the treacherous trio. Jezz was still awake and quickly put her arms around me. ~It’s alright, my love. I’m here.~ She lovingly caressed my cheek and kissed me softly.

I shook and buried myself in her arms. Breathing too hard to speak properly, I reached out to her with my mind. ~It’s over, Jezz. They’re all dead.~

~Who is dead, my love? Halan?~ she asked, and I could feel her confusion.

I nodded, bobbing my head up and down against her chest, trying to slow down my breathing. ~Yes. I just had one of those dreams again. I saw Halan and his parents chased by an angry mob through the forest. I just knew that it was truly happening while I was watching.~

~I can’t say that I’m surprised after how the people reacted at the proclamation,~ Jezz replied, radiating a mix of sadness and relief. ~Your people love you. I wish that they hadn’t gone that far, but at least we know he won’t be harming anyone else, now that he’s in Pallo’s realm.~

~He was going to try to get revenge if he had lived, but I agree. I wish they hadn’t killed them. I think he sealed his fate, though, the moment he used something grown from the earth to try to control one of Itari’s chosen.~ I didn’t say anything more but snuggled closer into my lover’s arms and soon fell back to sleep, wrapped in her arms, her love, and her soothing thoughts.

 

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

 

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Author's Note: Here's chapter 9 of the rewrite of Alex in Wonderland. I was trying for a chapter of Apocalypse Dawn today, but I had a migraine most of the day and my muse did not want to cooperate. Thanks to my readers and to BCTS for giving their support of Transgendered authors and fiction. ~Amethyst.
 

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Chapter 9: Future Tense

I awoke in Jezz’s arms, with Chrissy sleeping on my chest and Pounce asleep at Jezz’s feet. It was still dark, though a look out my window showed a sliver of light on the horizon that indicated the coming dawn. A quick check in the back of my mind showed that Michelle was still asleep as well, so I carefully moved Chrissy into my lap, got into a sitting position without jostling Jezz, and waved my hand over the kida lamp above my bed to give myself some light. Jezz looked so beautiful and delicate sleeping beside me, and I leaned over to softly kiss her.

I was feeling much better than yesterday; the long sleep and love and support of my friends and family had helped to tame the fear and insecurity I had been feeling. I wasn’t one hundred percent better, but I knew that I would be protected from something like this happening again, and if it did, then I could deal with it. Looking back, there honestly wasn’t anything I could have done differently that would have changed what had happened, and I had handled it in the best way possible once Michelle had noticed my odd behavior.

My dream showed me that Halan and his family had been waiting for an opportunity like this, and they would have made it happen sooner or later. At least the way that it did happen, I was able to take control of the situation. At least they wouldn’t be a problem anymore, and I was fairly certain that Itari had buried that ring so deep that nobody would ever find it.

I looked over at the book on my nightstand, the object that had triggered the entire scenario yesterday, and picked it up to read so I would have something to occupy my mind. It was a journal of sorts about James O’Donnell’s life. James was a descendant of the druids and worshiped the old Celtic Gods. Many of his fellows had fled Earth to the Greylands using the gate during the Witch hunts in England of the early to mid-1600s. He often mentioned fools worshiping a single God who persecuted those who still followed the old ways.

It was an interesting look into the life of a mid-seventeenth-century pagan. Most of it was just daily life stuff, though spattered here and there were a few predictions, such as a “Great Rebellion” and witch hunts that were almost spot-on for the dates and locations for the English civil war and the witch hunts by Matthew Hopkins from 1644 to 1647. He also predicted the Salem Witch Hunt in 1692, though he believed that at that time, such trials would be a falsehood because magic would be gone from Earth. The final entry was by far the most interesting.

November 22nd, 1646

It is as I feared. Hopkins and his ilk hunt us down. He cares not who he accuses, and even members of the clergy of the church he professes to follow fall victim to his plot. The whole of England is in chaos, and I grow weary of this place. I have arrived at the entrance to the hidden cavern that holds the last of the remaining standing stones, the final of the world-gates. I will seal the tunnel entrance behind me and hope that in that other world, I can find some happiness. The full moon is tonight, and I will sing the prayer to Danu that will open the gate before such is no longer possible.

Danu, Mother of all the Gods, grows as weary of this chaotic world as I. I am one of the few still upon this world who worship the true Gods. Few remain to pay homage to Her and use the gifts of Her magick. Those that do are hunted down, as are the Fae and other creatures bound to magick. Tonight, under Her watchful eye, I shall leave this place, now that I have basked in Her light one final time. Danu has created a veil, one which even now begins to gather all creatures of magick, including the Gods themselves. Humans alone will remain, and those who had the gift of magick will find that gift vanished along with all else once the veil has sealed completely.

With magick gone, the world will enter a time of industry, and in the twentieth century, two great wars will threaten all life. Despite these wars, mankind will persevere, and great cities will climb toward the skies, holding the populace of entire countries. This will not last. The end of the age of industry will come upon the heels of three souls passing through the veil between the worlds in December of the fourteenth year of the new millennium. The passage of these souls will weaken the veil, and so magick, and the creatures bound to it will begin to return to the world until the veil is dispelled completely, only ten years later.

When the veil falls, all manner of magick will return to the world at once. The Fae will ally themselves with other magical beings, and even with humans, against evils long forgotten and the mindless dead that walk the earth. Magick and industry will be united in a common goal, and after a war among the old Gods, those who remain will be paid homage once more. When the Gods return from the void, the world-gate will return to life. A crazed God and his followers will attempt to use a world-gate to rule both worlds.

And now it is done. The entrance to the cavern is sealed, and I have passed between the worlds. I look forward to living out the remainder of my days traveling and exploring this new world. When I am dead, a fellow traveler will happen upon my body and take this book. It will pass from traveler to traveler until such time as it reaches one of the three souls who passed through Danu’s veil.

For that person, I leave a warning. The crazed God will destroy all the world-gates but one to Earth. I ask that you find a way to destroy that remaining world-gate. I feel that our two worlds are destined only to bring one another destruction, so long as they remain connected.

James O’Donnell

I put down the book and let out a sigh as I looked out into the post-dawn light. Then I felt for my connection to the land and probed, ~Itari?~

~Good morning, Alexis,~ the Earth Goddess responded.

It was a moment before I figured out where I wished to begin, but finally I decided on the direct approach. ~I’ve been reading this journal. He had some disturbing predictions. Are my dreams of war related to this?~

~You know that I cannot interfere in the lives of mortals, Alexis. The information that you ask for is too much; it is up to you mortals to determine your own futures.~

~Okay then, did Lharus really destroy all of the world-gates but one?~ I asked instead, hoping that She would answer about something that had already happened.

She did answer, and in the affirmative no less. ~Yes. All of the gates are gone except for the gate to your Earth, and that one does not work.~

I thought about the journal before replying, ~Because of the veil?~

~Yes, the human’s predictions about the veil were true,~ She replied.

I wasn’t sure that I liked the sound of that. If he was right, then my switching places with Visanee and Michelle coming after would have devastating consequences for Earth. We could have very well set off a future zombie apocalypse. ~Where is this gate to Earth?~

I could feel Her melodious laughter ringing in my mind. ~Do you have something against research, my child? Go to the temple of Selune. She had the world-gates in the Greylands created, even as Danu did on Earth, and all the information that you need can be found in Her temple.~

I sighed again and wondered if I should convince Patar to take me to the temple of Selune for our daily history and geography lessons, since technically this would apply. ~Thank You, Itari,~ I responded before adding, ~and thank You for last night as well.~

~I have no idea what you are talking about, Alexis,~ She replied, though we both knew that She did.

~I had better get prepared; it looks like I’ll have a busy day. I’ll talk to You again soon, Itari.~ I gave Her a mental smile.

The Goddess wrapped me in a warm mental hug. ~Stay well until we next speak, Alexis.~

I opened my eyes, and after giving Jezz another kiss and Chrissy a bit of petting, I gently placed the slumbering kihr on the bed as I got up to get dressed. I was just finishing tying my hair back in a ponytail as I sensed Michelle starting to wake. I placed my tiara on my head and sent to her, ~Good morning, Sis.~

~Good morning, Alex. Are you feeling better this morning?~ Her mental voice was filled with concern.

~Yes and no,~ I replied. ~I’m feeling better about what happened yesterday, but I have a lot on my mind this morning.~

I could feel her relief flooding through my mind. ~I’m glad you’re feeling better, Sis. I was worried about you. I still want to rip that asshole Halan apart.~

~Too late,~ I replied casually. Then I told her about my dream the night before.

I could feel her anger at the plot against me, and then her relief that it was over, as she wrapped me in the warmth of her mind. ~Couldn’t have happened to a more deserving family. Itari must have been pissed to get involved like that.~

~She claims ignorance,~ I responded with a mental chuckle.

~You spoke with Her? ~

~Yeah,~ I replied. ~I can talk with Her or my mom any time that I want, just by speaking through the land. I’m told that it blocks out other telepathic links, though. I needed to ask Her about some of the stuff that I read in this journal.~

~That explains why you disappeared on me yesterday,~ Michelle griped. ~So what did you find in the journal?~

I shrugged as I checked my reflection in the mirror. ~This O’Donnell guy was a pretty accurate prophet. He predicted the English civil war, the Salem witch hunts, both world wars, the industrial revolution, and, in a way, he predicted the two of us coming here.~

Michelle seemed impressed as she replied, ~Those are some big predictions, but he predicted us coming here? That doesn’t seem nearly as important as those other predictions.~

I swallowed hard, not really sure that I wanted to share this bit with her. ~It was part of a larger prediction. He said that three souls passing through the veil between worlds would cause some other major events, you know, like the return of magic, magical creatures, and the Gods to Earth. And he may have mentioned something about a zombie apocalypse and the end of the technological era.~ I tried to mentally say it as casually as possible.

It seemed to work for a moment. ~Well, as long as we’re not directly involved in anything big… wait, what?!~ I could feel her panic threatening to overwhelm me. ~Our coming here is going to cause a zombie apocalypse?! The end of technology?! Gods and magic returning to Earth?!~

I tried to send her calming feelings. ~Don’t worry. It won’t happen for another ten years or so, and it sounds like the Fae will be siding with humanity to fight all the bad stuff and try to usher in an era of cooperation, magic, and industry. Our fight is here. There is still a gate to Earth, and once the Gods return to Earth and that gate is usable, Lharus plans to use the gate and the chaos on the other side to try to take over both worlds. We’ll need to destroy that gate at some point.~

~You want to destroy our ticket home?!~ Michelle practically screamed in my head.

I rubbed at my temples, trying to prevent the headache that was already beginning to form. ~As I understand it, Sis, nobody will be able to use that gate to return to Earth until the Gods there have returned, and by then it will be too late to warn anyone there, even if we do want to wait a decade or so. Besides, our parents there think that we’re both dead, and they’d never believe us if we told them who we were, not in these bodies. This is our home now, Sis. We have friends and family here, and a country that’s counting on us.~

Michelle was quiet for a moment before answering. ~You’re right. This is our home now, and it’s kind of grown on me in the past three weeks. Speaking of home, ours should be ready sometime today for Grayle and me to move in.~

I nodded, but figuring that she wouldn’t see it, I thought, ~Yeah, that’s the good thing about having Thaumaturges at our disposal, they can practically grow a stone wall in minutes. Jezz and I will need to start planting the herbs that we want back there soon. Maybe I can get Jezz to organize that today, while I go to the temple of Selune. Speaking of Jezz, though, I should wake her up so we can get some breakfast.~

~Okay, Alex, let me know if you need anything.~

~You got it, Sis.~ With the conversation over, I went back to my bed and gently shook Jezz until her eyes started to flutter open, and then I kissed her deeply. ~Good morning.~

The Cinole was surprised at first but quickly returned my kiss, putting her arms around me. ~Mmmm, now that’s a nice way to wake up.~

I just stared into her eyes for a moment. ~Jezz, thanks for being there for me last night. I know I didn’t say much, but you, Grayle, and Michelle were great.~

~Where else would I be? You’re my best friend and my lover, and you needed me. Even when you don’t say anything, there is no place I would rather be than with you.~ Jezz smiled and stared back into my eyes as she thought the words.

~Aww, aren’t you two in a lovey-dovey mood this morning?~ Michelle interjected.

Grayle’s voice popped in. ~Much better than last night. So what’s the plan today? The usual?~

~Actually,~ I interjected, ~I was hoping that you both could help Jezz get your new digs set up and a garden started, while I go to the temple of Selune after our morning Healing lessons. Then maybe I can bring some lunch out, and we can do something before combat practice this afternoon. I’ll run it by Patar.~

Jezz and I ate breakfast together in my suite, and afterward, I talked to Patar about my plans for the day. So it happened that after our Healing lessons with Larane, while Jezz and the Drakans made their way around the palace to their new home, I was on Runne’s back flying into the city. As we flew overhead, I could see the pair of them swimming, as Jezz flew just above them, carrying Pounce. Gradually, I lost sight of them as we rose higher and headed toward the lakeshore and the city.

Soon, we landed in the square, and Patar helped me to dismount before leading me into the temple of Selune. The High Priestess, the same silver-furred Zenin with auburn hair and green eyes that had triggered my Gifts, met us at the doors. “Good morning, Your Highness, what brings you to the temple this fine sun? How are your Gifts coming along?”

I smiled at her. “I am getting better with them every sun, Priestess Alizia. Chrissy is a great help with the Wilder Gift.” I gave my kihr an affectionate petting as she hummed happily around my neck. “And my other Gifts are coming along well, too, I think. As for why I’m here, I had hoped that I might be able to find some information here on the world-gates.”

The priestess looked pensive for a moment before nodding. “We should have some of the books on the world-gates in the temple library, Your Highness, please follow me.” With that, she turned around and led me through the temple toward the back, where there was a large room with two tables, some chairs, and shelves filled with books and scrolls. She started to look through the shelves, and sometimes her hand would hover over a book as if waiting for confirmation that it was the correct one before either pulling it out or leaving it. Finally, she had pulled out three large books, which she set on one of the tables for me. “These should contain the information that you need, Your Highness. If you need anything further, please come find me.”

I smiled at her as I sat down in one of the chairs. “Thank you, Priestess Alizia, I’m sure that these will be very informative.”

Alizia and Patar left the room to leave me to my studies, with Patar promising that he would return at lunch. Once they were both gone, I got down to business. The books were very informative, but a bit of a dry read. The world-gates were created by the various Gods and Goddesses that controlled magic on Earth, the Greylands, and five other worlds. Each gate was slightly different in design, depending on which world it was linked to.

It turned out that in the Greylands there had been seven gates in total, and diagrams showed that they greatly resembled Stonehenge on Earth. One gate led to Earth, and five others led to similar worlds, and then there was the seventh gate, which was much bigger and more elaborate than all the rest. This gate was called a multi-gate and could connect to gates on any of the worlds.

I leafed through the records for the gate locations and found that they were spread all over. I remembered, though, that all of them except for the one that led to Earth had been destroyed, so I looked specifically for the one leading to Earth. Then I found it and shook my head before I took another look to make sure that I wasn’t seeing things. Sadly, though, the location matched up with a place I had become all too familiar with in my recent geography lessons. It was right smack dab in the middle of Pysis, the capital city of the Lharusian Empire.

“Aw fuck,” I cursed as the information refused to change.

It made sense that the gate to Earth would be there. Humans would have built homes near the gate when they arrived, and over time, it would have, of course, evolved into a city as the population grew. How in the hell was I going to get into Pysis to destroy the gate? Even with Michelle’s Radiant abilities, it might be a fool’s errand.

I was sure I would figure something out; it wasn’t like I had much choice if I wanted to protect my former world from Lharus’s plans. I had to wonder, though, why they didn’t just build new gates to replace the old ones when they were destroyed. I rested my head in my hands as I began to flip through the last book, but I was so tired that I wasn’t really seeing the pages. Maybe I got up too early because the next thing I knew, I was dreaming.

I stood in my bedroom staring at the clouds out the window. My gaze swept downward to the large meadow that sat on the edge of the far side of the lake that stretched between the shore and Therune Forest. There were people there, and Earth and Stone Drakans, placing massive stones and digging a large circular ditch. I wasn’t sure how I could see clearly so far away, but at each of the compass points on the outer edge of the circle was a shard of crystal embedded in a massive stone pillar. The whole thing looked very familiar, but I was distracted by the feeling of something heavy in my hand.

It was a moment before I turned my gaze away from the activity on the north shore and looked down at the book in my hand. It was the first book that I had looked at in the temple of Selune, the one with the diagrams. I opened the book to a marked page to see the diagram of the multi-gate, and that same familiar pattern that was being constructed on the north shore. The page got fuzzy as I looked at it, and then the diagram faded, to be replaced by a strange cursive symbol I had never seen before, which glowed with a golden light. I just stared at the symbol as I heard a familiar voice calling, “Your Highness…”

“Your Highness, are you alright?” Alizia asked, gently shaking my shoulder.

I looked up at her sleepily. “Huh? Oh, sorry, Priestess. I just suddenly got really tired. I think I had one of those dreams again.” Chrissy must have fallen asleep around my neck as well, as I could sense her starting to wake up.

“Those dreams?” she asked, though from the smile on her face, I think she probably knew exactly what I was talking about. “Why don’t you tell me about it, Your Highness?”

I nodded and absently petted Chrissy as I pictured the dream in my head. It was still so clear. “I’ve been having dreams where I see what I think are possible futures, and last night I saw Halan Tahrun and his parents getting chased through the woods by an angry mob.” She merely nodded at this before gesturing for me to continue.

“Well, I was flipping through this book.” I tapped the one that I had been flipping through and found it opened to an empty page. "How strange," I thought as I went on to add, “I suddenly got really tired and fell asleep. I dreamed that I was in my room looking out over the large meadow on the north shore of the lake, and there were people and Drakans there moving large stones, and digging a large circular ditch that covered almost the whole meadow. Then I looked down at a book in my hands. It was this book here,” I said, tapping the book in question. “It was open to the diagram of the multi-gate.”

Her eyes were drawn to the open book with the blank page, and she gave me a knowing smile. “Was there anything else?”

I looked at her, wondering just what she was smiling about. “Yeah, the diagram in the book faded and was replaced with this strange symbol that I’ve never seen before. It was kinda glowing.”

Alizia took a quill and ink from a nearby shelf and asked, “Do you think that you could draw that symbol for me on that open page there?” She gestured to the blank page in the book that I had been flipping through.

I arched my eyebrow at her. “Are you sure about that? I don’t want to damage this book; it looks old.”

The priestess handed me the quill. “Please, Your Highness, I insist.”

I sighed and shrugged as I took the quill. “Okay, if you insist.” I dipped it in the ink and let any excess drip off before I began to painstakingly draw the symbol from my dream. No sooner was I finished drawing the strange cursive symbol than it began to glow with a golden light, just like in my dream. For a moment, I just stared at it before turning my stare back to the priestess.

Alizia was grinning at me. “Congratulations, Princess, you dreamed of the gate and your dream proved true. I will begin organizing the construction of the gate at once.”

“Huh?” I asked, confused. “Wait. Just because I had a dream about building a gate, you’re going to have one built? No offense, but couldn’t anyone just say that they had such a dream just to get one built? And aren’t these plans easy to come by? Anyone could just walk in and copy them.”

The priestess patted my hand affectionately as she explained, “These are diagrams only. Only High Priestesses of Selune are given the knowledge on how to actually build the gates, what materials to use, and the shapes and exact placements required for the stones. You came here to Her temple, and I used my precognitive gift to decide which books you needed. One of those was the Book of Confirmation. Once you opened it, you slept and had the dream. Selune confirmed that your dream was sent by Her when the symbol you drew in the book glowed. If it had not been a dream from Her, that would not have happened.” Then she showed me the multi-gate diagram and asked, “Is this as you remember it in the dream?”

I nodded as I thought about it. “Yeah, it looks the same. Only in my dream, there were four fist-sized crystals embedded into massive stone pillars at each of the four compass points on the outer edge of the circle. The crystals looked like they were from the crystal fountain of Itari, and were at about eye level, facing the inside of the circle.”

She looked a bit taken aback by that, but she quickly nodded. “Do you think you can mark the points where those pillars should be and sketch their shape with notes about the sizes for me?”

She handed me some loose parchment, and I got to work sketching and making notes after marking the locations on the diagram. Once I was finished, I showed them to her. “I think that’s everything. I take it that these aren’t a part of the usual gate construction?”

Alizia shook her head. “No, they’re not, but they should be easy enough to make, and Selune will guide me. I think that their purpose may be to tie the gate to the crystal fountain.”

“Why would we want to do that?” I wondered aloud.

The priestess looked over the notes and sighed. “It is possible that they are meant to draw power from the fountain instead of the gate drawing its power from the kida in the earth and air around it, but why would we want to do that? It would severely restrict gate access.”

“How so?” I asked.

“If it draws power from the fountain, then only those bound to the fountain would be able to activate the gate. It would mean that whenever someone wanted to use the gate, the Queen, her heir, or the High Priestess of Itari would have to be there to allow it,” she explained.

I liked the sound of that; it sounded like a good security measure. “Okay, that means that only those whom Itari trusts can send people to other worlds with that gate. What if someone was trying to come from another world to ours?”

The priestess looked pensive for a moment. “I suppose in that case they wouldn’t be able to arrive in our world until one of you allowed it. Those of you connected to the crystal fountain would likely feel a pulling sensation from the direction of the gate, and the earth might sing to you to let you know of a visitor from another world.”

I giggled at that. “So, kind of like an inter-dimensional doorbell?”

She gave me a confused look. “I beg your pardon, Your Highness?”

I shook my head. “Never mind, it was a private joke, but I think I get it. If we get visitors, we’ll know about it, and they’ll have to wait for one of us to open the door. That sounds like it would be a good way to keep out uninvited guests.”

Alizia nodded in agreement. “Yes, it would be. With your permission, Your Highness, I will start preparations for the construction of the gate. I will have to ask that you obtain the crystals from the fountain, though.”

I stood up and stretched as I nodded. “Send word when you need them, and I’ll take care of it. I would rather wait until you’re ready to have them placed in the pillars, though, as a precaution.”

We placed the books back in their proper places, and she led me back out to the square, where Patar waited with Runne. “How did your research go, Your Highness?” the Jiquar inquired.

“Fruitful,” I replied. “I found the information that I was looking for, and Selune decided that I needed to have a world-gate built on the north shore.”

Patar raised his brows in interest, and Runne’s gravelly voice asked, “To which world?”

I gestured broadly, spreading my arms wide, as I grinned at the Frost Drakan. “Why, to all of them, of course. Don’t worry, we’ll have proper locks and a doorbell to keep out the riffraff.”

“You say the strangest things, Your Highness,” Patar said with a shake of his head, though I could see a smirk on his bear-like face.

Runne smiled, displaying sharp canines. “Oh, this is very good news indeed.”

I suppressed a shiver at his smile as I inquired, “Oh? Why is that?”

The Frost Drakan turned his head toward me. “If we do go to war, we will be able to use the gate to possibly gather allies.”

I nodded since I had been thinking much the same. “We won’t be getting any help from Earth, though; their gate likely won’t work for another ten passes. Even then, I don’t think I’d want much help from them; they might just decide to side with the human-ruled empire rather than us.”

“I was thinking of the other worlds myself,” Runne replied. “We Drakans are explorers of a sort. We once used the world-gates to travel to other worlds and, though it has been a few hundred passes since the gates here were destroyed, there would likely still be Drakans on some of the other worlds, especially our homeworld of Lojihn.”

Runne had given me a bit to think about as I bought some lunch for myself and Jezz at the marketplace. I bought some fresh rolls, frostberry pies, broiled fish, and pastries filled with lharn meat, diced vegetables, and a tangy sauce. Once I had procured our lunch and placed it all safely in one of Runne’s bags, we mounted up and flew back to the rear of the castle. When we arrived, Michelle and Grayle had nearly finished digging a large plot of land for a garden, and Jezz was making sure that the Drakans’ new home was sturdy and didn’t have any holes in the roof. The stable-like structure was huge and looked like it would easily be able to fit them both comfortably, even once they were fully grown.

As they finished up their tasks, I started setting out lunch on a small blanket, and Runne flew over the castle walls to airlift Michelle and Grayle’s lunch out to us. Soon all was completed, and two very dirty Drakans began to eat their meals as Jezz and I sat down to ours. We had invited Patar and Runne to stay, but he needed to talk to Kardis about weapons for my new guards before combat practice began.

So, Jezz and I enjoyed some cuddling time as Chrissy and Pounce frolicked amongst the yalk trees. Michelle and Grayle were pleasantly surprised at the frostberry pies I had bought us for dessert, and as they made happy noises, I smiled at the pair while holding Jezz’s hand. ~I’m glad that you’re both so happy right now. That means that you won’t object to a bath.~

~Hey, I’m not that happy, Alex. I already had one swim today,~ Michelle replied.

I looked at her sternly, but couldn’t manage to hold the expression as I smiled. ~Come on, Sis, it’s shaping up to be a hot afternoon, and Jezz and I still have a few candlemarks before combat practice, so we can get you both clean and all have a bit of fun.~

~If you want to bathe me, you’re gonna have to find me first,~ she responded as she vanished from sight.

~Hey! No Fair! Hide me too!~ Grayle exclaimed.

~Can’t do that, sister mine, I’m not good enough yet to hide us both at the same time.~ Michelle sounded regretful that that was the case.

~Oh, so that’s how it is, huh?~ I stood up and unbuttoned my sundress, letting it fall to the ground before picking it up as I felt around with my mind. “Need I remind you, Michelle, that I am not only your Chosen, but an empath as well? I don’t have to see you to know where you are.” I closed my eyes and filtered out Jezz’s and Grayle’s emotions, then those of Pounce and Chrissy, and that left me with the next closest source. “Aha! There you are!” I tossed my balled-up dress, and it suddenly stopped mid-air to just hang there.

Michelle, figuring that she was found out, reappeared with my dress dangling off her draconic muzzle. This set Grayle off laughing, and Jezz and I weren’t far behind as we both started giggling. “Oh, tha’ dress looks great on ya M’chelle,” Jezz managed to get out between giggles.

“Yes, very dignified, Sis!” I got out between my own bursts of giggling. “I wish I still had my cellphone because I would love to have a photo of you right now!”

Michelle snorted indignantly, causing the dress to flap in the burst of air before settling back over her muzzle, which set us all off laughing again. ~You mentioned a bath? I think that I may still have some dignity left to lose.~ She snorted again, finally dislodging the dress and causing it to fall to the ground, and started to head toward the water. Once we were all finished laughing, Jezz and I stripped down so we could join her.

It was a nice day for a swim, warm with very few clouds. The water was a bit cold, but we quickly got used to it while we got our Drakans clean. Once they were nice and shiny, we all splashed around and swam until Grayle and Michelle decided to leave the water to dry off in the early afternoon sun.

Jezz and I kept splashing and playing for a bit until we felt it was nearly time for us to start getting ready for combat practice. Then I left the water, my fur dripping wet, and casually strolled between both Drakans, who were now dozing in the sun. Then, once I was in position, I shook off all the water in my fur, getting them both wet again in the process. Hearing the Drakans squeal in surprise was well worth them both chasing me back into the lake.

I was finally dry and in my clothes again, as we sat down to wait for Patar to retrieve us. Jezz was lying down with her head in my lap, holding my hand. Her voice was like satin in my mind as we both relaxed. ~So, was your trip to the temple productive?~

~Far more so than I thought it would be,~ I replied. ~I found out where the world-gate to Earth is. It’s right in the center of Pysis.~

~That’s going to make it difficult to destroy,~ Jezz replied in concern.

~I may have some ideas, and there’s plenty of time to plan before Earth’s gate is usable again, I think.~ I assured her as I ran my fingers through her hair, caressed one of her wings, and thought, ~I’m more concerned about the new gate.~

~New gate?~ Michelle asked sleepily.

~Yeah. When I was in the temple, I got one of those dreams again. Selune apparently decided to have me play messenger girl to let Priestess Alizia know that She approves of me building a multi-gate. One that can access any world with a gate.~

~That sounds promising; there hasn’t been a working gate in close to three hundred passes. I wonder why Selune waited so long to have another made,~ Jezz replied.

I sighed as I considered that. ~I think it was because She was afraid of Lharus just destroying them again. I also think that Itari had something to do with this. The new gate is to be on the north shore of Misalet Lake. Azure is the center of Itari’s power, and They may feel that a gate will be safer here. There are also some modifications that include crystals from the fountain. Alizia thinks that they may be security precautions that limit gate use.~

~It sounds like we’re in for interesting times,~ Michelle put in.

~Yeah, at least you can never say life in the Greylands is boring.~ I leaned down to kiss Jezz as I thought, ~Which is even more reason for us all to prepare ourselves for the future.~

I looked up from our kiss to see Runne coming in for a landing. Jezz sighed in my arms as she added, ~No time like the present.~ We got to our feet to collect Chrissy and Pounce, and then each of us gave our Drakans a big hug before Jezz flew up toward the courtyard, and I mounted Runne. Before long, we were both in the practice yards with our weapons in hand as we waited for the others.