Goodbyes

It’s a few days before you hear back. You spend your time with the girls. They all seem worried, and express it to you in different ways. Anna and Lynn cuddle a lot. Maya drags you in the bedroom constantly. Elys has long conversations with you, discussing your plan. Kali cries, apologizing repeatedly, and clings to you whenever she can. And Sadie...she seems to be the most relaxed, still her bubbly self, but for the first time, you can see worries in her blue eyes.

It’s almost enough to make you reconsider. Then Rachel calls. An agreement with the old world has been reached, and as soon as you can, you all pile into a rented van and drive to the AWIO.

The ride is quiet, and Maya holds your hand the whole way. Upon arrival, you’re met by Rachel and Trevor. Trevor shakes your hand as you approach.

“Follow me. Has Rachel told you about the price they want?”

You shake your head. “No, not at all.”

He chuckles. “It’s actually right up your alley, actually. They want you to take in an exile. We don’t normally allow political prisoners. So she would be joining your group, assuming you make it back.”

“Is that all? Seems minor for the service they’ve provided.”

Trevor nods. “They don’t know your powers, or they would want more. As for the prisoner, she’s offended the king in some way. I don’t know the details. You’ll find out more on the other side.”

“So do we know anything about her?”

“Nothing. I do know that you can talk with her before you attempt to return. Fair warning, the king will likely be there. As you’ve probably heard, royalty in the old world is...generally unpleasant. Please try not to offend him.”

You nod. “Anything else I should know?”

“Not really. The king is King Halid, and the artificer will be waiting. If all goes well, this shouldn’t take more than an hour.”

As you talk, you have been walking. He leads you into a large room with a heavy door. He opens the door, revealing the AWIO portal. It’s larger than Kali’s was, but otherwise similar. The girls follow you in, all looking nervous.

You look at the portal, and the potential finality hits you. Turning back, you look at your gathered girls.

Kali approaches first. “Get this done and come back to me, savior.” She kisses you, tears welling up. And backs away.

Sadie walks over, for once somber. “It’s less fun doing stuff like this. Be careful over there.” Another kiss, and a smile.

Lynn nearly tackles you with a hug, and you scoop the goblin up so she can kiss you easily. “I-I’m scared, Josh. Please promise you’ll come back.”

“I promise, Lynn. Nothing in any world can keep me away.”

You turn to Elys as she walks up. Hugging you tightly, she whispers, “I never thought I would be this heartbroken to see a man leave. Don’t be gone long.” Gently, she kisses you and steps back.

Anna walks up, eyes downcast. “Master, if you’re not back in a day, I’m coming through after you.”

You lift her chin to look into her big green eyes, and she throws her arms around your neck and kisses you passionately. Eventually, she steps away, looking scared and sad.

Finally, Maya steps forward. She takes your hands in hers and looks into your eyes. “This isn’t goodbye. This is good luck. I know you won’t leave me alone, my Josh. I know nothing can keep us apart. Come back soon, and introduce us to the new girl.”

With that, she gives you a thorough kiss. As she steps back, you catch the beginning of tears in her eyes. With one more look at your girls, you turn to the portal, only to find Rachel there. She hugs you tightly, and whispers, “Good luck, hurry back.” To your surprise, she gives you a quick kiss. Then she steps away.

Shelving those thoughts once again, you look at the shimmering portal. You take a deep breath, and steel your nerves.