Book Three: Part 2: Chapter Fifteen: Aftermath

Last time, Aoi created a vacation for Saffron and Tomoe. Armani, Aoi's little brother, is coming along with us to Arinna, Gula.

As I sat on the couch, I drank some tea. Wait, is this Hibiscus Tea? I asked. Yeah, I bought this over when you were drunk last time. Aoi replied. He kissed me. Aoi, I don't approve of that shade. I replied. Kaoru, you know I was going to poke fun at you. Aoi replied. He poked my cheek. I sighed and smiled. Now you're smiling. Aoi replied. He sat down beside me. What do you mean? I always smile. I asked. You've looked distressed ever since you left the hospital. Aoi replied. Leaning on his shoulder. I told him the fate I saw. I replied. You may not believe what I'm about to tell you. I replied. Kaoru, I've heard the craziest things. Aoi replied. I saw my fate if I died in that comatose state. You became an alcoholic. A shut-in to be more exact. You felt responsible for me dying. I replied.

Aoi looked shocked.

Aoi, I don't blame you for feeling grief. You found a horrible way to cope. I replied.

I can imagine. Aoi replied.

Oh I meant to ask? I asked. What is it? Aoi asked. Deirdre is a goddess of Death, right? I asked. Yes, why do you ask? Aoi asked. Tempus told me something before I woke up. "The shackles of death are on your upon you. I replied. She can easily remove it, but you have to do something for her in return. I replied. So she is that kind of god. "Prove yourself", great. Aoi replied. Why would you say that? I asked. I heard rumors that Tempus was once a benevolent goddess. She loved helping others, gods and humans alike. Teaching them Spell and advance magic as Methods. She soon realized they rebelled and used the knowledge gave them. Tempus got even in her own creative way. She created a lineage of Spirit and Time mages. Time magic nullifies all forms of magic. Spirit magic is what connects her to the divine. Aoi replied. That is correct, Haru Ito. Tempus Magic is what stabilizes magic and its spell circles. Yes, Spirit magic is my divine art. Tempus replied. Aoi turned around. She appeared behind him.

Her hands were around his neck.

Who are you? Aoi asked. You unconsciously summoned me. Tempus replied. She looked at him and grabbed his chin. Such a handsome young man who is nothing more than an animated corpse. Tempus replied. Did I hear her right? Aoi are you really a reanimated corpse. I replied. I am. I'm glad I found some form of happiness. Aoi replied. I refuse to let you die. Tempus replied. How can you break him free of her? I asked. While yes, I can free him. In return, he owns me. Tempus replied. Why are you willing doing this? You are known to be a vindictive goddess. I replied. Surprised your mother never informed you of our connection. Tempus replied. Connection? I asked. Kaoru, you are one of my descendants. Tempus replied. I don't possess Tempus Magic but Spirit Magic instead. I replied. But you inherited Spirit Magic. My holy magic that I taught humans. Tempus replied. No way. I replied. That child Kagami and your mother, Yumeko possess my magic. See you all specifically have my appearance. My hairstyle in different hues. The eye color varies. Yumeko's true appearance is identical to mine. I wonder if Yumeko is still suffering? That foolish child is slowly dying. All in the name of "love". Such an idiotic mortal emotion. Mother like daughter. Tempus replied.

My mom appeared behind Tempus with her arms crossed.

Why are you here? Megumi asked. Yumeko. Tempus replied. Did someone summon you or your here for a soul? Megumi asked. Perceptive, but no not tonight. Tempus replied. I wanted to see who Deirdre reanimated. He unconsciously summoned me. Tempus replied. Aoi, you and I are going to have a long talk. Megumi replied. I look at Aoi with concern. Your here for another reason. Megumi replied. Your mom told me to tell you that she can not save you from her the prison she is in. She asked me to release you from your eternal punishment. Tempus replied. What are you leaving out? Megumi replied. There are two methods. First, I can give your magic from my own magic since I am your patron god. Second, I can absolve you of the taboo you committed. Tempus replied. The second option is killing my husband, correct? Megumi asked. Wait mom are you going to go through with this? I asked.

From the experiences between Kaoru and Aoi. The new found knowledge of Megumi and Aiden's relationship. Next book will bring some more stories to be unfolded.

See what happens next.