Should Have Let Me Die

The next day, I woke up alone in bed, surprisingly, but then yesterday's event came pouring back in. I was able to push the feeling aside quickly; something had changed inside, for better or worse. I got out of bed and magic'd my clothes onto my body, walking over to my single dresser and grabbing my shade.

It would be nice to set up now that we didn't have to move; there was nothing wrong with this hotel on wheels, but it would be nice to stop running. I planned to head to the border of what was now known as Hope, set up a defensible position, and start recruiting and get ready to deal with the rest of the world. They all will know about Landokingson and who did it; the real fight was about to start, but I would not fight this one with swords.

I walked out of my room and headed up top, It was still early, and we weren't moving yet, but Markeye was already up at the front. Sometimes I wondered if he ever slept, but I had something that needed to be done, and now was a perfect time.

"Mark!"

"Good morning Hyde; you seem to be in good spirits, all things considered."

"Honestly, I don't feel like what I did was wrong, and I don't plan on looking at it in any other light. This culling was something that needed to be done, but now I have something else that needs to be done. That something needs your help!"

"I'm glad you're not the type to let this drag you down; we need you now, more than ever. What is it that you need my help with?"

"Two repair jobs, I made a mess of Kara's floors, and I would like you to come to fix them if that's okay?"

I watched the slight tightening of Markeye's muscles and the deeper breath he took. I wasn't wrong; I was sure of it, plus not like it was doing any harm if I was wrong. Markeye only hesitated for a second and then gestured his hand forward. 

The two of us headed down the stairs and met Arrentia coming from my room.

"I was just coming to crawl into bed with you!"

Argentina's cat ears and long platinum blonde hair made me smile, thinking of her embarrassment with Breth. Suddenly Arrentia started to blush and quickly came over to take my arm. Once beside me, she kicked me in the shin as we started to walk.

"Grrr, what was that for?!"

I tried to keep my voice low, but I heard Markeye chuckling behind us.

"Keep your dirty thoughts under control about us when we are in public!"

Oh! Yeah, that was my fault. Everything was a learning curve; I guess you could say; it felt like there was always another rule I forgot to remember. I think my father once said that married life was mostly about waiting to find out what you did wrong, and I was beginning to understand what he had meant by that.

"Well, regardless of my thoughts, how are you and where are the rest of my wives, most importantly Mishka, I want to go talk to her as soon as we are done here."

"You don't need to follow me, Hyde; I know where Kara's room is."

Arrentia looked up at me with a knowing smile. She was a woman and a good friend of Kara's like all my wives were, so she had to know something about Kara's hidden feelings. I smiled down at the and then patted and then kissed the top of her head.

"It's fine; I would like to stop and say hello, and gives some thanks for all her hard work."

"It is true; I have seen some tests they are doing in the labs in the evenings. Here clothes are remarkable; they are almost indestructible. Only especially magically enhanced acids, your wife Xelios is making have any effects."

Both me and Arrentia shared another smile as we arrived outside of Kara's door. I knock and waited; it was good to hear Markeye sing her praises. So when Kara opened the door, both Arrentia and I had stupid smiles plastered on our faces.

"What do you two want so early in the morning? Don't I ever get a break?"

She obviously hadn't seen Markeye behind us; knowing him, he was hiding out of view, waiting to be asked to do what needed doing. I just smiled at Kara, who was dressed in a rough-looking apron and a faded shirt for all her magic of creating clothing. I shook my head at her before raising my hand and speaking while I let my magic work. 

"You know, Kara, for a woman who can make any kind of clothing you want, I am a bit disappointed you are wearing such shabby clothes. Let me give you a little update because you have a date today!"

"What? What are you doing, Hyde! And a date? I didn't agree to this!"

When I finished, Arrentia gave me a nod; she had whispered what I should make into my ear. I made a bright blue and white sundress that flowed to her feet. Once I was done, Kara was about to complain more when I put up my hand.

"Cha, Cha, Cha, don't start complaining! In your date's defense, he has no idea what's going on either; Markeye, come in here!"

Arrentia started to giggle as Kara's started to open and close her mouth. I left Arrentia to deal with the fish out of the water, and I went to grab Markeye before he ran away. When I got outside the room, Markeye was standing staring at his hands like they were covered in blood or something.

"Hey, get in here."

"But..."

"Listen, Markeye, let's be serious here, man to man. What are you like five hundred years old? You're not getting any younger yet, and I know you two like each other. I also know that this the result of trying to protect each other."

He still looks apprehensive, so I decided to lay it on flat. I wasn't going to force him, but I would put him in a hard spot!

"Either get in there, or I will go tell her how you feel!" 

"I have never told you how I felt about her!"

"See? Now I know you have feelings for her!" 

Well, growing up and grown-up are two different words, after all!