BOOK 5: CHAPTER 7: I DO

Sweet summer child, I thought to—and about—myself, those dismissive words from earlier today replaying in my mind. As it turned out, telling Roger had absolutely been that bad. Worse than I could have imagined, really.

“Hey!” called an annoyed and feminine voice from behind me. “Why are you tensing up? You’ll ruin our masterpiece.”

I let out a slow breath. “Sorry, Rubes. Just recalling Roger from earlier.”

She leaned around to my front, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “I heard about that.”

“I mean, we literally heard it too,” Steven added from my left side as he measured my cuff. “Hard to miss the sound of a building being cut to splinters.”

“One and a half,” I corrected, straightening my back at Ruby’s prompting. “The grouchy bastard loses control, tears his own home to pieces—and half of his neighbor’s—then blames me for it.”

“Wait.” Ruby pressed two fingers to my spine to hold whatever she was doing in place, then leaned around again. “Who does he live next to?”

“Deklan.”

There was a moment of silence, then Ruby barked a laugh. “Goodness. I can see the issue.” She retreated from sight, returning to my back. “So, which method of attack did Deklan go with?”

“Damn, Rubes. You know him better than I thought. He chose ‘peace’.”

“Stop it! He didn’t!”

“He did. It was… effective.”

Ruby cackled, and Steven cleared his throat. “I regret to inform you that some of the tools in this building aren’t as sharp as the others. This one is rather dull and finds himself lacking the edge to comprehend what’s so funny.”

“Oh shush, husband. You’ll always be my better when it comes to measurements. And taxes. And growing facial hair. Don’t put yourself down just because I’m the people person.” She tutted, the fabric over my shoulder blades pulling together as she started pinning pieces of cloth. “Deklan is extremely kind, but also has a trickster’s heart. I’m sure he was at least a little annoyed about his home getting reduced to rubble.”

Steven smiled to himself as he folded my left cuff and slid a series of sewing pins into place. Or strands of chi. Perhaps both—I couldn’t be certain. “I need more clues, dear.”

“I was going to continue. I just need to…” Her deft movements connected fabric down the length of my spine in mere seconds. “There. If Deklan wanted to give it to him, he could have gone on the offensive, pointing out that Roger, the one always preaching self-control and discipline, had lost himself to anger.”

“But you said he chose ‘peace’,” Steven said around a mouthful of pins as he moved to my right sleeve. “Stand still for a second, Fischer. Relax your arms. Just like that.” I stood as a statue, letting him do the same to my other cuff. When he finished, he inspected his work, nodding to himself. “So? What was the peaceful option and why was it effective?”

I took a deep breath now that I could move again. “He showed Roger understanding and compassion. I honestly can’t tell if it was intentional, but if it was—”

“It was,” Ruby concluded. “I’d bet my hat on it.”

“You don’t have a hat, dear.”

“Then I’d bet Fischer’s hat on it.”

Steven whistled. “You must be sure if you’re willing to risk the wrath of God-King Fischer.”

“Guys… It’s fine to give me shit, but can we at least finish teasing Roger first?”

“Deal,” Steven said, “but only because it’s your wedding day. You were saying?”

“I was saying Deklan is godsdamned diabolical.”

“Imagine, dear,” Ruby said. “You slip up and lose control of the very thing you have been preaching about for months. Then, the person whose house you destroyed, instead of getting understandably mad, only shows you kindness.”

He snorted in realization, gaze focused on my upper torso as his precise hands pinned the different materials together. “He exhibited the exact traits Roger lacked. I get that being annoying, but it doesn’t seem all that diabolical. What am I missing?”

I shook my head, remembering Deklan’s slight smile—the only warning of the volley to come. “I haven’t mentioned the follow-up barb yet.”

Ruby was before me in a blur, moving faster than seemed possible for someone so heavily pregnant. She supported her abdomen with one hand, the other resting on my shoulder as she stared up at me, eyes manic. “Don’t tell me.”

“Yuuuup. If I remember correctly, his exact words were: ‘You’re correct, Roger. I am understanding. I take pride in controlling my emotions, you see. If only everyone in Tropica showed the same restraint…’”

They both reeled, grimacing at the verbal attack’s potency.

“Roger almost destroyed three more houses, going so far as to scan the surrounding buildings to ensure there were no people inside. If he’d actually let the bladelike chi fly, I would’ve had to suppress him—which would have for sure delayed the marriage. I don’t wanna wait a minute longer, but I also won’t allow a grumpy Roger to skulk about in Maria’s memories of our wedding day.”

“That’s one of the few downsides to having a cultivator’s mind.” Ruby rolled her shoulders. “An almost-flawless memory can be a curse.”

Both tailors stood back, assessing the clothing they’d just created. Not wanting to stare at and distract them, I allowed my gaze to wander around their new workshop. I’d seen it in passing, but the view from outside didn’t do it justice. I was in the rear of the building—the utilitarian area used for crafting. There was a stoppered gourd nearby I lingered on for a second, but it wasn’t interesting enough to stop my eyes from drifting toward the storefront.

Racks and racks and racks of different clothing lined the two distinct halves of the retail section. One side was filled with free items: Everyday garments, profession-related equipment, and more hats than there were oysters on the headland. The other side was for specialty clothes, most of which were System-made and came with random, if minor, stat bonuses. I smiled. Seeing the results of their hard work made my heart sing.

But then I spied the color of the sky through the front entrance. “Uh, I don’t mean to rush you guys, but aren’t we pushing it for time?”

“Not at all,” Ruby said. “You’re the last customer.”

“Right. But the sun has just now set and we’re not even half done.”

“You underestimate us, Fischer. Your suit is finished.”

I blinked, peered down at my boxers and otherwise bare legs, then back up at them. “I’m not wearing any pants.”

Their faces were both graced by small smiles that produced a shiver down my spine—they were just like Deklan’s earlier today.

“Have you not noticed we’ve used no chi?”

“No, actually. I’m still getting accustomed to whatever Ellis and the rest of my traitorous followers did to me this morning. Snips made me promise I wouldn’t snoop around the shore, so my only option right now is to seal off my senses completely.”

“Well,” Steven said, “we haven’t.” He turned to Ruby. “Ready, dear?”

Her eyes danced with mirth that may or may not have been at my expense. “Ready.”

“Wait just a min—”

Power slammed into my chest and spread out. My core’s senses were muted, so I witnessed with my physical ones as a soft-brown light flowed from them, engulfing me. As it took shape, the chi stopped streaming from Ruby, Steven having to pour out double. She flicked her wrist, the gourd from earlier popped open, and countless threads rushed out. They wove themselves through Steven’s essence, becoming enmeshed with the cloth covering me.

It was over in the blink of a cultivator’s eye. Forgetting all about the crafting, I dashed forward to catch Steven. Ruby tried to do the same, but stopped when I beat her to it.

“Mate… you good?”

He… laughed. It was came from the depths of his core, holding nary a hint of fatigue. “Good? I’m great!” He stood of his own power, running a hand down the length of my arm. “Unbelievable. The shape. The definition.”

“Steven, my man, I’m about to get married and your pregnant wife is right here. Show a little discre—”

Said wife interrupted me with a whap on the back of the head. “Shut up and appreciate the art my husband just made for you.”

“The art we made,” he corrected.

She blew a raspberry. “You’re the one that almost fainted to make it. I just got to stand here looking radiant.”

I already had a good idea of what I wore from the glimpses I’d caught, but as I looked down now, I let out a soft whistle. All they’d had to go on were my vague instructions, and they’d absolutely knocked it out of the park.

“Look in the mirror!” Ruby insisted, badgering me all the way there. “Do you like it? The cut? The palette? Most of the stylistic choices were hotly debated today, but the colors were an exception. It—Listen to me, blathering on! What do you think?”

I’d barely heard her words, my eyes locked on the stranger in the mirror. “Guys… How?”

“How what?”

It was a basic suit, its material the color of sand. I had a white button-up beneath the open jacket, tucked into pants of the same sandy hue as the top. Despite not being stylistically unique, it was the effect it had on me that I still couldn’t quite comprehend.

I gestured at my reflection. “You made me appear stylish. I know you won’t get the reference, but I look like the main love interest from the cover of an enemies-to-lovers romance book set on the seaside.”

“Steven…?”

“Yes, dear?”

“Fischer just forewarned that we wouldn’t understand what he was talking about.”

“He did.”

“Without intentionally trying to confuse us.”

“I noticed—he might be unwell.”

“Or maybe he really likes the suit?”

“Seriously,” I said. “I look like Barry if he focused on calisthenics. As much as I joke about being handsome and humble, this actually makes me feel handsome. Are you sure there aren’t any bonuses to attractiveness or something? I can feel it trying to draw me in, but if I open my senses to it now, I might find whatever Snips forbade me from seeing.”

Ruby’s brows knotted above an amused smile. “Remember all those times I said your physique matched a tapered fit, but you made me create oversized clothes anyway?”

“What can I say—I love having enough room for the breeze to flow through my shirts.” I opened the jacket and twisted to the side, the form-fitting shirt sticking to my skin and showing off washboard abs. “For Maria, though? I’d wear a clown suit if she was into it.”

Ruby patted me on the shoulder. “You don’t need an outfit for that, sweetie—you’re enough of a clown already.” I pouted, but she continued. “That aside, it’s time we get going.”

“I have one more question.” I nodded toward the now-empty gourd. “What the frack was in that?”

“Secret.” Steven met my eyes, giving me a grin that told me he would not relent.

“Boooo.” I released a slow, steadying breath. “Fine. Let’s go.”

“That’s it?” His grin faltered. “You aren’t going to push—”

Ruby shut him with a soft whap, then looped her arm through mine, leading me outside. “We can’t leave Maria waiting at the arbour!”

I frowned. “Don’t you mean alt—”

“Onward!” she interrupted, her expression not betraying a thing.

As I stepped into the chilly night air, I took a deep breath, looking around when I realized just how dark it was. Most of the lanterns had been extinguished, only a single line of them lit, a beacon leading me to my love. “Nice touch,” I said, my pulse quickening and palms suddenly clammy.

Neither Ruby nor Steven replied, marching off ahead of me so we didn’t arrive together.

Though my steps were calm and measured, the rest of me wasn’t. Time passed at a crawl as I traversed one street, then raced by along the next, my perception and thoughts varying. A single person kept me grounded, her beauty and intoxicating form reappearing as I trekked across paved roads, between rows of sugarcane, and over sandy dunes.

Soft chatter came from just over the crest ahead. I glanced down, suddenly aware of the cold sand beneath my feet. I… I wasn’t wearing any shoes.

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I suppose it is a beach wedding…

The thought was a comforting, but not comforting enough to completely banish that nagging doubt. I fought the urge to fetch a pair of sandals, only the risk of accidentally discovering Snips’s surprise stopping me from reaching for my chi.

When I caught sight of the ceremony area—and the people within—I stopped. “What the frack…?”

All eyes turned to me as a yawning silence settled over my closest friends and family. Their attire was… Hawaiian

. Like they were attending a party with the theme: ‘your fun uncle’s comfiest clothes’. All the blokes sported baggy shorts, bright and floral shirts, and not a single item of footwear. The women were the same, however some had swapped shorts for skirts, and others wore flowing summer dresses. Though the colors were varied, they were all of a pastel hue, somehow complimenting the light brown benches and sand beneath them.

On the other side, with the ocean as its backdrop, stood an arbour so ambitious only a spirit beast could have dreamed it. A solid ring of ice floated upright in the air. Two meters tall, its almost-clear outline was as thick as Corporal Claws. Countless semi-opaque flowers sprouted from it, their petals all dancing as if blown by different breezes. Red and orange and yellow and blue, they were living flames, each soft color reflected in the nearby ice.

Between the arbour, the outfits, and the smiles of my loved ones, I wasn’t even sure if Maria was here. Perhaps she was going to let Roger walk her down the aisle after all. I strode forward, scanning the crowd, releasing my senses now that Snips’s wondrous surprise had been revealed.

In retrospect, it was obviously a mistake—a tidal wave of love and compersion crashed into my core. I had to stand still for a moment to ensure I didn’t fall to my knees under the assault. In that second of weakness, my oldest enemy made an opportunistic attack, delivering a blow that passed right through my defenses and into my vision.

Matrimonial Suit of the God-King

Mythic

Created for a god-king, on the day of his marriage, by his nation’s leading tailors. The god-king’s followers have imbued threads of gratitude and love into this suit. So long as their faith holds true, the only thing capable of damaging it is a blow possessing even greater faith.

Time froze as I read, reread, then read it some more, my mind desperate to explore the implications. I focused elsewhere, knowing now wasn’t the time. Fortunately, I already had the perfect thing to ground myself with, and as I pictured Maria, nothing else mattered.

Except… it did. I frowned internally, unsure why the description was lingering. There was a tag there, the end of a thread just begging to be pulled. A little frustrated, I slammed my will into it, annoyed the damned System was bothering me today of all days.

Almost immediately, I found string’s end, tensed my physical and metaphysical cores, then yanked. Dozens of loops ripped free, a patch of obscuring fabric falling away from the rest of the outfit. The description flashed again in my mind’s eye—this time, there was an additional line printed at the bottom.

…

[Hidden Ability]

That was it. No elaboration, just the confirmed existence of something hidden.

Steven and Ruby, I thought, returning to the present, my eyes flicking toward them.

Those dastardly tailors had done it on purpose. They’d intentionally concealed the ability by stitching something over it. This knowledge brought with it even more of those pesky implications, but, thankfully, now that the main mystery was solved, focusing on Maria made me forget all about them.

“Daaamn!” Barry cupped one muscular hand to his mouth, the other pointing at the still-tensed abdominals my form-fitting shirt was clinging to. “Look at those obliques! Have you been working out?”

“Daaang!” Paul yelled—in a clearly rehearsed manner, judging by the look he darted his dad. “Fischer is looking wacked!”

“Jacked,” Barry whispered out the side of his mouth.

“Daaang!” Paul corrected, louder this time. “Fischer is looking jacked!”

I grinned, the well-intentioned blunder only bringing me even more joy. My skin prickled as I strode between the seats, my eyes and senses wading through the crowd in search of my bride. She wasn’t yet here. As I made it to the front, I gazed at the arbour, finally close enough to feel the source of its chi—or, rather, sources.

Trent and Keith stood amongst the others, wearing light-blue shirts with red swirls, their concentration the only visual clue they were contributing. The rest of them, though…

I shook my head and snapped my fingers, making two royals and five former handlers appear in a flash of light. “I appreciate the thoughtfulness, but Maria will have my hide if I leave you out in the dunes while your chi powers the… flames? Flowers? Whatever you call them, they’re bloody stunning.”

Tryphena and the handlers, their eyes wide at the sudden teleportation, stared back. The queen, however, was a picture of regal poise, her raised chin and benevolent smile commanding attention. “It is no trouble, Fischer. We really don’t mind—”

“Denied!” I waved dismissively. “God-King Fischer demands your attendance.” I leaned close, covering my mouth with the back of my hand. “There are a far too many poors here, you see? They’re my friends and I love them, sure, but someone of your regal bloodline will surely elevate them. You might even motivate them to better themselves.”

“But of course, sire.” She curtsied and fanned out a skirt—whose colorful palette, the same as Trent and Keith’s, didn’t escape my notice. “With any luck, they’ll start chasing the things that actually matter in life, like wealth, physical appearance, and looking down upon your lessers.”

I barked a laugh. “Jokes aside, Penelope, I’m glad you’re here. We haven’t had much of a chance to speak, but I reckon you and I will become good mates.”

Her lip tugged up so slightly I almost missed it.

“Fischer!” Trent said with mock indignation. “That’s my mother! And what about Maria?”

“What are you—Oh, hah-hah, Trent. You know that’s not what I meant, you cheeky bastard. And you, Penelope! For shame! I expect as much from your son, but from the former queen of…” I trailed off, jaw falling open as I turned to look at the procession just now cresting the same dune I’d arrived over. They walked with purpose, all radiating positive emotions. My brain wanted to ask so many things, but one question rushed out before the others. “Where the frack did you guys get clothes?”

Sergeant Snips headed the parade, wearing a giant bow made of coral-colored materials atop her spikey carapace. She opened her connection to me, and as her love came flowing through, I sent mine back, along with my gratitude for the flame- and flower-covered arbour she’d surprised me with. Rocky was beside her in the same cloth… but his was in the shape a whole damned suit. Bowtie, layered jacket, and sleeves included. He winked at me and took a drag of his cigarette, looking even more suave than usual.

Next came a wedding transport bus—or, more accurately, a wedding transport lobster. Pistachio wore cuffs, only cuffs, of a pale blue that covered parts of his snippers. Riding his head, hundreds of winged creatures waved at me, all wearing a royal purple that complimented their yellow stripes. Queen Bee and Bumblebro’s matching garments were akin to Snips and Rocky’s, while the Buzzy Boys, over half of them here for the ceremony, wore sashes over their armored exoskeletons. Behind all the insects, Bill and Pelly and the rest of the pelicans rode the stoic lobster’s back, all sporting smart vests with holes large enough for their wings to poke through.

After I’d locked eyes with all of them, I glanced up at the gigantic form behind them. Teddy was walking on his rear legs, standing upright with immaculate posture, a massive, colorful tie attached to his neck. Corporal Claws perched on his shoulder like a queen, wearing the top half of a suit. RPM sat on the other shoulder, wearing the bottom half of said suit. It was unclear if their fashion choice was by design, or if Claws’s thieving familiar had simply stolen her pants.

Of all the half-outfits I’d seen, Borks’s had to be the funniest. He was in the form of a toy poodle, his suit tailored for the pants to be on his front legs, and the approximation of a dress shirt attached to his neck and chest, complete with fake suspenders. As he saw me, he went full wiggle-worm, his tail wagging so hard his entire body joined—

A ripping sound tore into the night. Borks, now in his golden retriever form, froze, ears alert and eyes wide as he peered down at the remnant strips of his cute lil outfit. He’d gotten too excited and lost hold of his shape—he couldn’t have cared less.

His mouth snapped down, collecting the pieces of his suit and placing them on his back. Well, he tried to, which resulted in him spinning in circles, never quite getting the right angle. A giant root shot parted the sand beside him, grabbing the strips and tying them to his neck so they wouldn’t fall off. The extension of Lemon waved in greeting, a thin and flexible ribbon of colored material wrapped around her.

With Lemon’s arrival, all of my animal and spirit pals were here. Together, they stepped aside, a thick cloud of their intent dissipating to reveal… her.

I lost track of everything else, mouth open as I gaped at the woman descending the slope behind them.

Her dress was simple. Strapless. The same oceanic color as her eyes—and just as effortlessly beautiful. A string of seashells divided her hair, a see-through veil coming from it to cover her features. Her loose curls, chaotic and flawless and shining, reflected the lantern light that had guided her to me. Which was how it truly felt—like the universe had brought her here for me, and me here for her. The more I stared, the surer I became.

Her aquamarine irises glittered as if lit from within, her pupils further dilating the longer we watched one another. My peripheral vision registered other aspects of her appearance: Subtle flourishes of makeup, thin enough that not a single one of her perfect freckles were obscured; goosebumps that had nothing to do with the temperature; the shallow yet swift rise and fall of her chest, reflective of the adrenaline coursing through both of us. There was a grumpy man at her side—a soldier turned farmer turned soldier once more. But above all else, Roger was a father. I paid none of these details any direct attention, my gaze not leaving her for a moment.

I did what I could to keep our connection closed, knowing we’d both go temporarily catatonic if our emotions started enhancing each other right now. My chi was harder to control and feel, but the new weight it possessed seemed to help—her end of the tunnel remained shuttered.

Then she was next to me. Our animal pals were fanned out to each side—when had they gotten there? Roger said something, but all I noted were the hints of joy and pride and adoration in his voice. We shook hands. At least I think we did. It was difficult to remember touching anything else now that Maria’s slight yet strong fingers were held in mine.

She lifted her veil. My heart beat so hard the whole continent might hear it. She spoke. Asked a question.

“Sorry?” I croaked, clearing my throat after hearing myself. “What did you say?”

She laughed, the sound like… some kind of really nice analogy I was too preoccupied to find. A mixture of angels and bells and the trickle of a shallow creek, perhaps. Her hand drifted up to cover her mouth, but she stilled it halfway there, squaring her shoulder and lifting her chin to meet my eyes. “I asked what you thought.” She removed her hands from mine and twirled on the spot, her hair and the silken bottom of her dress swishing outward. “So?” She bit her lower lip, staring up at me. “What do you think?”

I pointed directly down at the ground. “I’m really glad you’re also barefoot. I was second-guessing my lack of shoes earlier.”

Our now-seated friends laughed, as did she, but that hadn’t been my intent. My brain couldn’t figure out of anything else to say—no combination of words existed that could do the rest of my thoughts justice.

“Greeeeat,” someone said—Ruby, maybe. “You’ve broken him, Maria. Who’s gonna be god-king now? You up for it, Ellis?”

“Unnecessary,” he replied from my side.

I turned toward him, a small part of me recognizing that I would normally feel surprised at being snuck up on.

He grinned. “I believe Fischer’s affliction is temporary. The sooner we marry him to Maria…”

He kept speaking after that, but at the mention of her name, I’d looked at her once more—and everything else had, once again, fallen away.

Her beautiful mouth smiled, and she said: “Ellis asked if we’re ready,” which I only ‘heard’ by reading the velvety lips I just happened to be staring at. I nodded, not trusting my voice, doing my best to focus on the man beside me. Maria helped by grabbing my chin with both hands and guiding my face toward him.

“Shanks,” I said, her fingers garbling the words.

“You’re welcome, my love.”

Ellis raised a brow. “No questions or accusations, Fischer? You don’t mind me being the celebrant? I expected at least one wisecrack.”

I shook my head. Or Maria shook it for me. I couldn’t be sure.

“In that case, let us begin.” The archivist and former leader of Gormona’s fishing club—who was apparently also a celebrant—raised his arms. Strands of essence flooded from his back, flaring different colors as they brushed against the red and orange and yellow and blue flames of the arbour. Sounds of awe came from the gathering. A half-dozen spikes of panic stabbed out from nearby cores, receding a moment later as the cultivators regained control of the fires Ellis was actively contorting.

“We are here today,” he continued, “to consecrate the marriage of Maria and God-King Fischer.”

A small part of my subconscious wondered at his use of that newly gained title, but the rest of me was lost in her.

“Before they make their vows, I implore the couple’s loved ones, familiars, followers, and any other witnesses to declare the objections they might harbor. Speak now, or hold your tongue for all eternity.”

That same tiny voice at the back of my mind reacted, but it remained unnoticed, a single droplet in the waterfall of emotions and feelings crashing against my core. Maria was the same, her attention only for me, just as mine was for her.

A silence spread, lingering for what could have been milliseconds or minutes. I felt a pang of impatience, my unruly essence sick of containing our emotions.

“None have objected. Thus, I declare my intention to bond Maria and God-King Fischer together.” I’d forgotten about the strands of chi flowing from his back. They were thick tendrils now, spread wide and looping in to form a half sphere.

“Holy frack,” Maria said, blinking at the colors and power fanning from him like giant wings. “Where did that arbour come from?”

I laughed, becoming more aware of my surroundings than I had been since her arrival. “You just noticed it? I’m glad my beauty is also distracting.”

“Your beauty, huh?” She gave me a dangerous smile. “What makes you think it was your beauty bewildering me?”

“Because you’re only human.”

“What if it’s only your strength I’m interested in?”

I grinned. “Then I’ll never have to worry about your gaze straying. After the last few months, I’m guessing I’ll only grow stronger.”

“Hmmmm.” She tapped her lips, doing her best to hide her smile. “You’ve got me there. I guess I’ll just have to work on getting more powerful myself. Can’t have my god-king husband constantly distracting me with his glory.”

It had gotten harder to listen with each passing word; the slight curve of her mouth was demanding my attention. I saw a hint of the same impatience that was growing with in me. She also couldn’t wait. She wanted to be married now. We stared into each other, both drifting forward, my eyes stealing glances at her flushed lips, her gaze flicking down toward my—

Ellis cleared his throat. Loudly. “I imagine there will be plenty of time for that. Perhaps later? After you are married?”

I stood upright once more, and Maria did the same, grinning unabashedly as she turned toward him, a flicker of impatience visible to only me. “Apologies, Ellis. I was lost in my future husband’s beauty.”

A smattering of laughter came from our friends and family—and familiars and followers, as our curious celebrant had weirdly added. Ellis reached wider, his hands and fingers splayed. All at once, his half sphere of chi went rigid, its multi-colored form holding even without his active instruction.

“God-King Fischer,” Ellis calmly said, the words amplified by his construction, each syllable clear and booming. “Beneath the heavens, and before so many witnesses, do you take this woman to be your wife? Do you willingly pledge your soul to her, accepting all that will follow, till death do you part?”

Despite his unnecessarily ominous phrasing, I didn’t think twice about it. “I do.”

“Maria,” Ellis continued, face a little strained. “Do you willingly pledge your soul to God-King Fischer, accepting all that will follow, till death do you part?”

She swallowed, her brow knitting as she stared up at me, and my heart threatened to shatter into a million pieces. She was worried. Was it the phrasing? Was she about to say no? Had I misread the tension in her visage all along, assuming impatience when it was actually fear? Doubt? Regret?

Before my thoughts could spiral any further, my worry was confirmed. It hadn’t been impatience. Her entire core trembled, shuddered with the effort to keep it hidden, but then the truth came hurtling out for all to see.

“I’m really sorry—” Slam!“—please forgive me, I—” Thump! “—tried my absolute—” Boing! “—beeeest!” Slimes screamed in such a rush that only advanced cultivators could hope to parse it.

He’d had been violently ejected from Maria, struck the inside of Ellis’s construct, thumped against the top of it, then bounced off the sand below, circumstance and his own gelatinous body conspiring to send him rocketing westward, over the mountains and possibly into the stratosphere.

Unstoppered, Maria’s emotions came flooding out, hitting me with tenfold the force Slimes had whizzed away with. It wasn’t impatience, but neither was it fear nor doubt nor regret. It was her love. It hadn’t just been the weight of my chi keeping our connection closed. I willingly admitted my hubris as the magnitude of her feelings threw both doors open, shattering them into countless splinters. I felt all-powerful at times, like there was nothing in this world I couldn’t accomplish if I set my mind to it, but I could barely contain my own emotions—why I had I thought I could also contain her’s?

My yearning for her flooded out through the endless tunnel that was our bond. They whirled around one another, combined, built. Just before I lost my sense of self, she spoke, her voice breathy and strained and, somehow, making my love grow even stronger.

“I do…”