Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
I was made to feel like a freak when my other powers began to surface. It was drilled into my head that I shouldn’t be able to do the things I had come to do.
Centering myself, I let all those stigmas go. How could someone without my power tell me how it should work or its limits? Suddenly, my entire being begins to hum. I’m tapping deeper into my powers.
“That’s it, Watashi no mago. My grandson. This task you can achieve.”
I can feel the transformation happen. When I open my eyes, pride fills my chest. I have done it.
“Very good. It is holding,” my grandfather praises. “Come, take a walk with me through your creation.”
I nod and begin to stroll with him. Where we were once standing in his meditation room, we are now walking through what looks like the underwater coral reef I grew up playing in. The gardens of the sea.
“You have questions about why you must master illusions,” he says. It’s not a question.
“Somewhat,” I reply. “I get that I am needed for İntikam’s return, but I don’t understand why we are so focused on my illusion abilities.”
“I have lived a long existence. Been through many wars, watching the world change around me. Beings have come and many have gone. I’ve been hunted and I have been the hunter.
“I have been a geisha when needed and I have trained geisha as well. Anything to survive the time and era I’ve been in. They have come for this dojo, my temple, more times than I can count.”
“Is that how the assassins started? The geisha?”
“Yes, I made myself useful. Since the time of our creation our beauty has been lusted after by male and female. I have used this to my advantage when needed.
“Geisha is art. Another illusion. Secrets are exposed in comfort. The geisha bring comfort. Not all comfort demands intimacy,” he replies when I lift a brow at him.
He continues as I nod in understanding. “I may be the dominant force, but I became outnumbered with time. Everything is a cycle, Amadeus. All things must have balance.
“To leave a being like you and I unchecked could promote chaos. The gods measure our hearts every day. In Christianity, their text mentions dying daily.
“You and I do the same. We are reborn each day with a new heart. It is for us to decide if that heart will remain pure. The assassins are permitted because they serve a purpose.”
“They keep the balance,” I murmur the thought.
“Ah. Yes, you understand. By revealing to you your true power, I’ve made you one of the hunted. You too will learn to guard yourself within the confines of balance. Never destroy that which is fruitful.
“What you touch, you change, but only for the good of another. We take nothing in the name of our own desires. This will challenge your heart each day of the rest of your existence,” he says, almost sounding regretful.
“Then why do it?”
“The gods have need of our help. You were the one I thought best to handle this situation and all that will follow.”
“The gods? Why can’t they do whatever they need on their own? They are gods.”
“That they are. You and I are manipulating loopholes from ancient times. They cannot be directly involved in changing Ardan’s life and I cannot do this on my own.
“This needs to be done by a supreme being. Someone with higher magic—”
“Sofu, I am no supreme being,” I cut him off.
“Ah, but yes, you are, Watashi no mago. You have reached and mastered the ninth level of our powers. Only two levels stand between you and what I am.”
I stop and stare down at my hands. I’ve seen what my grandfather is capable of. How could I be anything like him?
“I would not ask you to do this if I didn’t have faith in your abilities. Ardan would know the threads of my doing. He would see right through my illusions,” he says, pulling me back from my thoughts.
“He’d be able to read the signature of your magic. I have known him a long time. Would he not be able to read mine?”
“No, we don’t believe so. Where he will see through me right away, he’s never seen your true power. He won’t see through you, not right away. All we need is for you to buy us time.”
“Time for what?”
“Time to awaken part of the answer and assist another.” He pauses to look around. “Well done, my grandson. Your lesson is complete. I have guests for you to meet and someone you might want to be reacquainted with.”
I nod and go to follow him. Suddenly, I get this overwhelming feeling. It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt.
“Ah, yes. Your deed will not go unrewarded. You feel her, don’t you?”
“This can’t be. My mate?”