Day Sixteen ∞ Early Saturday morning

"I REMEMBER EVERY THING... except how I came here." Mickmi's eyes and cheeks shone at Danny in the floodlights.

"Mi..." He had to clear his throat and swallow. The lump in his throat just wouldn't give way. He didn't know what to say. All those names, all those people she'd left behind in a world in unimaginable crisis... How could anybody as sensitive as Mickmi survive such sorrow and guilt?

"I can... because you are here," she responded softly and closed her eyes, allowing the tears to flow in silence.

He rubbed the back of her hands with his thumbs, his thoughts in a turmoil.

She remembered.

She remembered who she used to be. But she didn't seem to have changed.

"Who are you now?" he said.

She blinked and raised her gaze to meet his. "I am Mickmi Wamba."

So she was still refusing her original name. Danny didn't know if he should be happy or sad about that. He drew a deep breath, pulling his practical side together. 

"Do you know why—how—you remember being in two places at once? On my truck? The cougar when you were sleeping? Why you have double memories?" He had so many questions.

Her brow furrowed. "Nay."

"What about how you got your scars? They reappeared again."

She glanced at the marks on her right shoulder and shook her head once, the furrow deepening.

"So it's not quite all back then. But that's okay." He squeezed her hands. "How about your... I.A. sinnesband? I saw it... activate."

She met his gaze. "I am able to access all its functions now." Her voice was steady. "I contacted my vessel."

"That's good."

"It moves West by transport. It is occupied."

Danny nodded. "That must be by your—"

"My guide."

"Yeah." His head was still nodding. "What made you remember?"

A hint of tension fleeted across her face. "I dreamed, I had the key..."

And a nightmare of memories woke you up. "Okay..."

They fell silent. There was a lot to consider. For a long while, they sat knee to knee, hand in hand, regarding each other as grasshoppers and frogs continued droning their symphony, occasionally accompanied by cicadas. The night air was gently warm on the skin. In the kennel at the side of the house, Zorro started his agitated, guttural growl-whine.

"Mickmi," Danny said eventually, "have you decided what you're going to—"

—Daniel.

His eyes widened at the voice in his head. He opened his mouth to tell Mickmi, but she beat him to it.

"She is here."

—It is time.

He took a deep breath. "I guess it's time for you to meet her," he said.

They rose together, still holding hands. He studied her, she seemed calm.

"Are you okay?"

She nodded once.

"Are you sure you're ready for this? Whatever this is?"

"Aye." She inhaled deeply, her face still.

Danny impulsively cupped her face and dried her cheeks with his thumbs.

"Okay," he said, leaning forward, but hesitated, not sure if she'd still want him to kiss her. She erased his doubt by meeting him halfway, breathing through her lips on his.

"I am still here."

He exhaled in sudden relief and kissed her gently, but not half as long as he wanted to.

—It is time.

He met her gaze for a moment, then looked around. He didn't see the familiar swirling mist he'd expected. "Where is she?"

"Behind the house."

"Wait," he said, holding onto her as she made a move to go. "You need shoes. I'll get them for you. And my flashlight," he added in afterthought. He didn't know why that came to him. The floodlights were just as bright in the backyard.

∞

Weaver's eyes were still irritated when he saw the subject and the girl turn up in the backyard feed, holding hands. They approached the glowing woman of many names. 

"Welcome back, Mic Lepantra Wamba," she said, touching her chest and turning her palm forward in greeting. "I am Blanc Aave—I am at your service."

Blanc Aave. Selina. The Maarian Aumega. 

"Blanc Aave," the girl responded and returned the gesture, while the subject remained silent, looking from one to the other. "Your service is acknowledged."

Selina bowed her head in respect.

Mic Lepantra Wamba?  "So that's your name," Weaver said to himself and nodded slowly.

"Come with me." Selina lifted her gaze to the trees and looked through the camera at Weaver for exactly one second before she turned and started walking. After a moment's hesitation, the couple followed her.

Weaver got up from the chair, sliding the pistol into his shoulder holster as they entered the woods and the Aumega lost her solidity. Then he grabbed the handheld ranging scope from the seabag and half-ran up the stairs, his exhaustion temporarily forgotten.

∞

Selina led the way through the woods behind the residences of Pine Ridge Lane, lighting the way as if she were a flashlight beam emanating from the two. Danny was at the rear, following in Mickmi's footsteps. He was glad he'd selected her sneakers instead of sandals for this trek.

However, the further they went, the deeper his frown became. This was almost the exact path Mickmi had taken them to retrace her memory of the cougar. But that wasn't where they were going.

He caught up with Mickmi, stopping her in her tracks.

"Wait! Where are you taking us? We're not ready to leave yet!" he said in a loud whisper.

"It is okay, Daniel," Mickmi said.

The animated mist drew together before them, forming a center core of a recognizable human figure, but the swirling extended five times the size. Its soft glow illuminated the tree trunks that seemingly gathered around them, making the air tingle. Danny felt the hairs on his arms stand on end.

—We wish not to draw attention to your residence, came the voice in his head.

"Attention? What do you mean?"

—Fear not... You shall return by dawn.

He met Mickmi's gaze as she nodded in reassurance.

"Okay," he breathed.

Immediately the core of light dispersed, fanning out to illuminate the way ahead.

They trudged on for another ten minutes, stepping over fallen branches and scattered rocks before emerging onto a corridor of grassland cleared for utility poles. Now unhindered, their pace picked up, and Danny and Mickmi could walk side by side.

"D'you know where we're going?" he said with a subdued voice, taking Mickmi's hand.

"Nay."

The light turned left onto a dirt road without pause. The two followed at a brisk walk, Danny glancing at Mickmi every now and again, and occasionally she would meet his gaze.

They'd walked for over a mile when the mist finally stopped at the edge of a clearing larger than Danny's yard, and gathered to meet them.

—We shall proceed here, the voice stated in Danny's mind as Selina's body solidified before them. We shall not be disturbed.

He still found this transformation difficult to believe even though he knew both of her forms.

She was dressed in a gray tunic and slacks with her hair flowing down her shoulders like he remembered it. But this time she was barefoot and the glow persisted as a large aura surrounding her.

"Daniel," she said after studying them both a while with her penetrating light gray eyes. She smiled faintly. "Thank you for taking care of her." She dipped her head and made the flowing gesture with her right hand to her chest.

Danny nodded, recalling that those were the exact words she'd used that day at the auto shop. That felt like a lifetime ago. He swallowed and glanced around, his own heartbeat loud in his head.

"I am afraid a dangerous road lay ahead of us all. It can not be avoided, no matter the choice. But first, we have a lot to accomplish in little time, for I must return to the vessel." She paused as if considering something.

He exhaled slowly, squeezing Mickmi's hand, and she squeezed back. He looked at her, but she didn't turn her head. Her focus was entirely on Selina.

Selina stepped closer and took their laced hands between hers. "This bond... is your strength. Remember that." 

She slid her gaze to Danny. There was a definite smile in her eyes as he felt a  pressure gently probing inside his mind. He squinted, furrowing his brow against the foreign sensation, but it was over in seconds. He exhaled with a puff.

"You have the will," she said, her head dipping in a slow nod of approval.

She separated their hands and held them both. Danny felt like he was trapped in a strong, static energy field—not quite painful, but distinctly, buzzingly uncomfortable.

"You shall remain here," she said to him and released him to take Mickmi a couple of steps with her into the clearing. Then she stepped back, her aura winging backward with her, leaving Danny and Mickmi in the clear. It took a few moments for his hairs to return to their normal position.

"Mic Lepantra Wamba, remember you... who you are?"

"I remember," Mickmi responded, her voice clear and steady.

She'd acknowledged her name in front of Selina, yet refused it in front of Danny. He didn't know what to make of that.

"Know you who I am?"

"I saw you at my Medolescenthood ceremony. You are the Queen's messenger... You saved me. Thank you." She gestured her thanks.

Selina nodded once in acknowledgment. 

"I am Queen Leyonara's close friend, advisor, and confidant. I was entrusted with the responsibility of the Queen's eyes and ears ever since the birth of the Two Daughters on opposite sides of the Earth, of whom you – are – One. 

"You, born under the mid night full moon in northwest Eamasia—and L'or Leypa Aug, born under the mid day sun in zenith in Eurasiam. Unknown to you both, I supervised and monitored your progress on behalf of our Queen and told Her all that was with the Daughters. I know all She knew up until your final test mission..."

It was slowly starting to sink in. Danny stared at the two with increased incredulity as their dialog went on. Did that mean Mickmi was a princess?

"To the best of your knowledge," Selina continued, "what day of the mission is it now?"

Mickmi stood like a statue with a slight breeze ruffling her hair. "It has been... sixteen days since Daniel found me. The test mission was to have lasted sixty nights and one-and-twenty days. The last day I recall was... the sixth of one-and-twenty. This day should be the day of our return to Earth." 

Sixty nights and twenty-one days? Danny gave up trying to reconcile that. But then something else hit him, and he drew a long breath. Instead of returning to your Earth, your memories returned to you!

"Or... we may have lost a day or more in coming here. We can only surmise." Selina's eyes rested on Danny for a moment as if she'd heard his thought comment, then continued, "What was meant to have happened after the return?"

"We were to come before Queen Leyonara and King Urson for the Choosing," Mickmi responded.

"Aye. And the Chosen One was to go into final training before assuming duties as the Seventh Queen – of the United Lands – of our Earth... However, events beyond our understanding or control have dictated otherwise. We are here on this Earth—our Queen and King are beyond the horizons, with the rest of our People."

"I bade them all fare well." Mickmi held her voice steady.

"As have I. You, Mic Lepantra Wamba, your sister, L'or Leypa Aug, and I... We are the survivors of our Earth. We face the circumstances that bring you and me here tonight—and we see beyond them. We make the best we can, we find life and meaning, in honor of our Earth—of our people—of those who came before us—and of those who should have come after us... and of our Queen and King...

"Regrettably, one of us has broken that honor. L'or Aug has forfeited her right to stand here with us tonight. And so, the ceremony must go on with the Chosen One."

Mickmi gestured to pause Selina. "Forgive me, Blanc Aave, but... what – is – the purpose of the ceremony, now that the United Lands are no more? Now that our people are..."

She trailed off. Danny heard the sorrow breaking through again. But Selina's slight hand movement stopped him from going to Mickmi to comfort her.

"You are correct, there is no accedence left. There is solely the wish of our Queen—and that which she has entrusted me. We are here tonight that I may fulfill her last wish... 

"Mic Lepantra Wamba, accept you this wish in honor and memory of our people and of our Queen and King?"

For the first time since they arrived, Mickmi turned her head to lock eyes with Danny, her face still. He flashed her a quick smile in support, and she returned her attention to the guide.

"Aye."

"Then it shall be done." Selina spread her hands out as she stepped closer to the center of the clearing. "Two – shall witness – this ceremony—"

Two? The reminder had Danny scanning the shadows between the trees circling the clearing. That man had to be out there somewhere!

"Daniel."

Selina's double voice struck him in gentle admonition, snatching his gaze back to her.

"Your full attention is required... Or else this ceremony shall be null and void."

But we were probably followed, he was going to say. Selina halted him with her hand.

"All is as should be. Move not—and look not away."

Danny nodded and swallowed, resisting the urge to disobey. He had to trust that the guide knew what she was doing. His sole duty was to stand by Mickmi's side and support her—no matter what was about to happen.

∞

After his initial sweep for threats with the ranging scope, Weaver positioned himself on the other side of the rutted dirt road where he'd have the best view of the clearing. He had the subject at one o'clock and Selina moving into twelve, with the girl standing at an angle between them. He could hear them clearly most of the time. Keeping watch on a moonless night was proving to be a relatively easy exercise with the surrounding trees conveniently lit by Selina's surreal glow.

So there's a third survivor. Broken honor? 

Seemed like that had something to do with the odd bank heist reports he'd been hearing about, the latest one being right here in Eufaula. And his subjects had walked straight into it.

Meeting that compatriot must have triggered Wamba's memory.

Weaver returned his full attention to the conversation. Selina wanted him as the second witness—for what? A crowning? This mission was proving to be his most interesting one yet. He used his elbows to inch himself through the undergrowth closer to the wheel tracks. 

Selina lifted her arms, extending her aura to the feet of Mic Wamba, a slow-moving swirl climbing up her legs, enveloping her dress, arms, head.

"Your wear should befit the occasion," Selina said.

Weaver squinted—something was happening out there. He brought the scope back to his eyes, focusing at Wamba.

His mouth dropped open when he saw the change.

She was not wearing sneakers anymore. Those were elegant, heeled shoes that laced up her calves until they were hidden by the increasing length of her dress. The material unfolded and smoothed down to the ground, patches darkening in color, flattening out into a hugging lace bodice, filling the former neckline into a decorated halter top that kissed the bottom edge of her choker. Sheer fabric materialized off her shoulders, loosely wrapping her arms. Then her hair rearranged itself behind her ears, her bangs parting, smoothing back and pinned to expose her forehead.

https://youtu.be/1SbJc7W0-JI

"I am Blanc Aave," Selina said, winging her aura away from Wamba. It grew in height and width, filling the space behind her as her hair lifted in weightlessness. "I am now the Voice of Queen Leyonara." She became translucent, her figure grew in stature to a more full-bodied woman with hair styled into a roped corona, a crown, while dozens of butterflies fluttered around her, a dancing aura of iridescence before fading. 

Wamba bowed her head in respect.

"I stand here before you," Selina's voice was deeper, more melodic, "as our Queen Leyonara – to fulfill the Choosing. For I bear the Token, the symbol of what should have been—the heritance to be passed on to the most worthy Daughter—The Chosen, The One."

There was more happening. Weaver's eyes widened as he watched the aura expand behind the transfigured Aumega, growing into the shape of a giant crystal dome, blending with the trees at the edge of the clearing. Diamond-like facets shimmered and danced with hints of rainbow hues. Steps rolled out from the front like a carpet, flanked by two spheres and two lions, then two trees grew out of the ground as perfectly formed hands of glistening silver leaves—alive and unearthly.

Weaver lowered the scope as he exhaled a long, slow breath, then shook his head in disbelief and wonder.

Melanie... If you were here, I'd tell you I've seen the real Cinderella... There is no pumpkin... Just the magic dress and a crystal palace...

"My child..."

Wamba raised her head. She looked resplendent in her transformed dress of gold and black.

"Come to me."

She had to lift her dress to step closer.

The holographic queen gestured in welcome. "Mic Lepantra Wamba... Accept you this Token, in memory of your People, in memory of your Queen and King?

"I accept."

Wamba bent on one knee to receive the shimmering headpiece that appeared in the Aumega queen's hands, then rose again.

"This is the Token," the Aumega held up something small between her ghostly fingers, "the Eye that signifies the completion of your training, the seal of your accedence, the symbol of the remaining responsibilities of your station. It still holds the power to augment... Say the words." 

"Thought – Word – Force without Peace, Freedom, and Cooperation is dangerous. Peace – Freedom – Cooperation without Thought, Word, and Force is useless." Wamba's voice was clear without hesitation.

"This is the Standard by which the Rule of the United Lands was guided: for Will without Love leads to ruin—and Love without Will leads no-where. Both are required—equally, in balance and synchrony." 

The Aumega queen stepped close to Wamba and cradled her neck, pressing the object into the choker. "Hold this Standard dear to your heart—and let the Complete Eye guide you in all you do." She touched Wamba's cheeks.

"I shall take the Standard to heart, and the Complete Eye shall guide me," Wamba responded.

"And so... The One – becomes – the Seventh Queen of our Earth." The Aumega floated backward, she was no longer using her legs to walk. She lifted her hands toward Wamba.

"Queen Lepantra... you – are – the Last Queen of the United Lands – of the Earth – That Is Beyond Reach."

∞

Danny had to blink several times, staring in awe at huge crystal dome, then back at Mickmi in her royal gown and ethereal crown, facing Selina who was not Selina anymore, the two exchanging words of deep meaning. He'd barely absorbed the fact that Mickmi was a princess—and now she stood crowned queen of an entire planet.

His brain refused to believe what he saw. He had to be in bed at home, dreaming a fairytale.

That must be it. Before the clock struck twelve, Mickmi would run away leaving one magic shoe behind. Then he'd get all the king's horses and all the king's men to find her again.

His brow furrowed—there was something wrong with that line.

He'd better check himself.

He slid his hand across his chest and used his thumb and index finger to pinch his inner arm—hard— and winced.

This is real, Danny, he told himself, blinking in an attempt to clear his vision. Yup, still there...

The palace was now a dissolving mirage; the two guarding lions reared up on their hind legs, clawing the air as they faded. Only the two silver trees remained, spreading their fingers in subtle rainbow blossoms, framing the two.

Okay... 

Selina returned to her own form, but this time she was no longer barefoot, having somehow acquired—or created—gray boots. The trees dissipated into swirls of mist that fed back into her as she reached for Mickmi's left hand, palm up, and led her to stand before Danny. Now the aura was smaller, only wide enough to illuminate the three of them.

The elegance of Mickmi was breathtaking. The sweeping dress trailing two feet behind her, the golden medallion centered on her chest, the collar filled with the eye of the triangle-circle, the intricate, semi-translucent crown that left the thirty-eight on her forehead exposed...

So regal... 

He didn't recognize her. He met her serene gaze, and suddenly he couldn't decide on how deep he should bow. He bent his head, barely hearing Selina's announcement, It has been done, through the buzzing in his ears.

"Daniel." 

Mickmi's voice came softly to him, and he looked up. There was humor in her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips.

She was still there—to Danny's relief.

"I... Should I say 'Your Grace'?" He couldn't help but feel humbled. "I – I'm happy for you, Mick— Queen Lepantra." He looked at Selina and back again. "Ehrm... Is there something – I should be doing in all this?... I think I'm still dreaming..."

Selina seemed just as amused. "You – are – as you have always been: the Queen's Shield."

Okay... "The Queen's Shield," he echoed and nodded, swallowing. It sounded important. Suddenly there was that pressure inside his head again, gently touching his frontal lobes for two seconds.

Selina stepped between them and took his hand, placing it in Mickmi's and bent their fingers. "No ceremony is required. It is sealed by your bond."

The static electricity coming from Selina was less uncomfortable this time, but it still had Danny's hairs standing at attention.

Selina stepped back. "This occasion shall ever be remembered in our hearts, in memory of the Earth That Is Beyond Reach: once the home of two of us—solely heard-of by two witnesses." She was looking past them.

Two again? Danny snapped his head around, following her gaze.

There, at the dark edge of the clearing, in the middle of the dirt road, stood somebody in silence. It was the man who'd almost killed him.

Danny felt his indignation flare up as he swiftly placed himself in front of Mickmi.

"I told you, I never want to see your face around ever again!"

— ∞ —

© 2017 by kemorgan65

Credits:

• Image of Mickmi in her dress created in Daz 3D and Photoshopped.

• A sketch of the Queen's crystal palace I made many, many years ago.

• Selina converting to her Maarian Aumega form: Full scene created in Daz 3D and then Photoshopped. A work in progress...

Music tracks: 
• Adrian von Ziegler - Celtic Music - "Moonsong" https://youtu.be/bHI1_siwaqU
• Faolan - "Another Fairytale" - https://youtu.be/1SbJc7W0-JI