Chapter 98

Themis stepped out of the game and opened the lid of the med-capsule. She had grown terribly weary lately. For the past three and a half months, she and Saji had been traveling nonstop in search of his parents. The boy didn’t fully grasp just how much he meant to her. Exhausted, she covered her eyes with her palm.

"Stupid, stupid Saji. You’re my Chosen One, and I’m absolutely certain of it. It’s just that you assign such a simple, mundane meaning to that word—despite your formidable intellect."

The girl climbed out of the capsule, took a shower to wash off the med-gel, and headed to the kitchen. Her body demanded food immediately.

In the kitchen, her parents were eating homemade pie.

"Good afternoon, Fiji. How’s your progress? Did Saji find what he was looking for?"

"He did. Right now, he needs time to savor his happiness. I’ll rest for a while—I’m completely worn out from this endless race across the sea."

"Are you still in Chrysalis? Why so long? Maybe you chose the wrong Chosen One?"

"No, Father. He’s probably the strongest mage in the world—and that’s considering he’s still undeveloped and hasn’t even gained a class yet."

"Ugh, everything sounds so complicated over there. By your estimates, how many years until you reach us?"

"I’d say about five. Give or take two years, depending on Saji’s progress. I haven’t considered other possible futures—they’re too improbable. Mom, where are you now?"

"Same place as always. The Crossroads of Worlds."

Fijiraldinya Elmaro, citizen of Lunar—in the game, simply Themis—gazed at Earth through the massive panoramic window in the ceiling.

"I’m in no hurry, Father. Everything in its own time."

End of Book One. 5/01/14