Saira

Book V
The Illusionist Series

By

Fran Heckrotte

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Copyright © 2008 by Fran Heckrotte
All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-934889-25-1

First Edition
Mobipocket e-Book Format
November 2008

This electronic book is ePublished by
L-Book ePublisher, LLC
La Quinta, Ca. USA
Email: info@ L-Book.com
Web Site: http://L-Book.com

Editor: Alexa Hoffman

Cover Design by Sheri Halal

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This work is copyrighted and is licensed only for use by the original purchaser and can be copied to the original purchaser's electronic device and its memory card for their personal use. Modifying or making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, without limit email, CD, DVD, memory cards, file transfer, paper print out or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Acknowledgments

I want to thank my beta readers who have helped me with the stories of Saira and Warrior Demoness. They have traveled with me on my journey in creating the Illusionist series and were instrumental in getting me to my destination. Thank you Alex D’Brassis, Lee McLean, and Kimberly, my betas…and Mary K. Bosshart, my alpha reader.

To Pam, your help is invaluable in both beta reading and proofing my stories. Thanks so much for all your hard work.

Sheri Dragon, my cover artist.  Everyone who sees your creations is amazed at your ability to capture the essence of each story. The covers are phenomenal

Roxanne Jones…As always, I'm amazed at your computer wizardry. You continue to offer the world the opportunity to enjoy products they normally couldn't access through conventional methods. Keep up the great work.

To A.L…thanks for encouraging me to write.

And yes, to Howie, who is still wondering why I mention him.

Saira

CHAPTER 1

SHE WAS SAIRA, a nomad trapped in a world where space was restricted only by the limits of her imagination, and time was nothing more than a highway between the then and the now. She lived in the present only because it suited her, with no idea of her true age. Time was too irrelevant, and she was too old for it to have meaning. She had always existed, long before the light, long before the creation of the planets, long before the birth of the universe.

In the beginning, there was only consciousness with no spectral body. At least, that's how she remembered it, although without light it was hard to know for sure. Eventually she grew aware of other beings and sought them out, only to become frustrated by her failure to discover their pasts or their locations. It was as if they, too, had always existed; they being the First Born, a name Saira had given them. She soon realized the futility of looking for pasts too difficult to untangle, and so she set aside her desire to discover more about them and concentrated on more attainable goals. Worlds were evolving, and with them, life.

In time, populations grew enormous, making it impossible to track every inhabitant. Each eon grew more interesting and more complex. Eventually, she lost the desire to choose which life to trace, simply following the nearly irresistible tugs, especially those that were the strongest. When a tug came, she would journey into the past, searching for answers to the questions that plagued her.

Saira was infinitely curious. Perhaps that was why she always made her home in the now. It provided her with opportunities to search for what had once been and the now, seeking answers that might give some hint of the future.

To her, the past was a story already written, and thus it only needed to be reread. The future was an empty slate waiting for its authors to scribble their messages. It rarely revealed its secrets, making her existence both an adventure and a challenge. New people brought new experiences. Those who were special provided the greatest opportunities to journey backward or forward across time to discover why some events had escalated beyond reason and others had stagnated beyond logic. Ancestors were as intriguing as their descendants, since they also had stories to tell. Each provided an unlimited source of mysteries for Saira.

Today someone new was pulling at her, a human more unique than any mortal she had ever met. The encounter would teach Saira a valuable lesson. Curiosity could be more than just an interesting pastime. Recklessly pursued, it could destroy worlds.

CHAPTER 2

THE ILLUSION WAS almost complete. Yemaya and her crew had managed to perform the ghost stunt flawlessly on the three previous nights. No one anticipated any problems this evening, since it was their last show, but the participants were still vigilant for any glitches.

The stage was a reproduction of an old cemetery with headstones and graves placed around the area. A large sarcophagus with elaborate symbols carved on each side lay in the center. At each corner of the funerary box stood a torch, its flames flickering eerily in the subdued light. Several graves were equipped with hinged doors at the top and bottom, allowing the occupants to rise from the "earth" (or disappear into it) as the act required. The sarcophagus was open on top, but its walls were solid concrete.

The Illusionist's method of escape was a mystery even to her crew. They had been working with her for several years, and most of them had given up trying to discover her secrets. Yemaya would give them the specifics of what she wanted and how to lay out the setups. The participants practiced until they performed the choreography perfectly. Once satisfied they could do it without any mistakes, the Illusionist executed her role in the scenario, completing the final effects. No matter how long they had worked for her, each escape left them momentarily stunned and with more questions than answers.

Compared to past performances, this particular stunt was fairly simple. Yemaya portrayed a frightened young woman walking nervously through a cemetery on All Hallow's Eve. Artificial fog swirled about the stage and around the headstones, its gray tentacles touching each object like fingers gently caressing a lover's face.

Several corpses milled aimlessly while others stalked the late-night intruder. Disturbed by the presence of a live human, they closed in for the capture when she walked hesitantly around a headstone. Paralyzed by fear, their victim was unable to scream or resist. Afterward, they carried her prone body above their heads around the stage, displaying their prize to other corpses emerging from the graves. Haunting music and a strange seductive dance followed as the victim's hands and feet were tied with nylon ropes.

Before the corpses placed her in the sarcophagus, several members of the audience were summoned onto the stage to examine the flooring and concrete coffin. Once they confirmed the absence of secret panels, they returned to their seats and the ritual began. Yemaya was placed in the coffin, and the lid was lowered from the ceiling by a small crane. The scale attached to the crane between the lid and hook indicated the piece of concrete weighed almost three hundred pounds. Once sealed, a large clock ticked off the seconds a person could survive inside the tomb before suffocating. If the occupant didn't panic, five minutes was the maximum limit.

After three minutes, the audience grew restless. Several people fidgeted, looking nervously from the timer to the coffin and then back to the timer. Some called for the crane operator to lift the lid and free the Illusionist. Others whispered to their neighbors, sure something had gone horribly wrong. Had the Illusionist's luck finally run out? Perhaps she had misjudged her abilities. Surely the frantic behavior of the people on stage was indicative of a problem.

At five minutes, most of the audience began yelling at the crew to get Yemaya out of the coffin. Finally, a ghostly apparition with long white hair, pale skin, and red eyes appeared from offstage and whispered to two of the cast members. One motioned for the crane's hook to be lowered. Quickly attaching it to the chains buried in the slab, they slowly raised the lid, swung it to the side of the sarcophagus, and lowered it to the floor.

The apparition reached into the coffin and ran her hands along the inside as if searching for the occupant. Looking up, she gave a confused shrug. She pulled out a black gown and showed it to the audience. The two spectators who had previously inspected the coffin were brought back on stage to re-examine it. It was empty. The Illusionist was gone. They mumbled to each other and then raised their hands, palms up, indicating to the audience that they didn't know what to think.

Several observers gasped and looked around, as though wondering whether their companions were as stumped as they. When someone yelled out, wanting answers, the ghostly apparition stepped to the edge of the stage and raised her arms, motioning for the crowd to quiet down. Eventually the noise subsided into an uneasy silence.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please sit quietly while we figure out what has gone wrong here," she said. "Let's hope we can get to the bottom of this quickly."

She walked back to the other costumed figures who obviously were having a serious discussion. A few nods later, the apparition returned to the edge of the stage.

"I think we know what happened. Apparently the Illusionist has managed to escape from the sarcophagus. The only thing left is to figure out where she is. Can anyone tell us if they saw anything unusual?"

"Yeah, the whole damn show!" a man yelled from one of the back rows.

"We didn't see anything," a woman said near the front.

Others nodded their heads in agreement.

"I was afraid of that," the apparition replied, almost soulfully. "Since no one out there can help us, I guess there's nothing left to do but solve this myself."

Reaching above her head, the ghostly figure pulled off the white wig, exposing long, raven black hair. She then peeled a thin layer of pasty white latex from her face and removed the red eye contacts. The audience gasped; before them stood the Illusionist.

"Where'd you come from?" one of the men who had previously inspected the coffin asked.

Yemaya walked over to him and whispered in his ear. A bright red flush crept up his neck and into his cheeks. Laughing softly, she leaned down and planted a light kiss on his left cheek, ruffled his hair, and patted his back. Grinning sheepishly, he scurried back to his seat and quickly sat down, unable to make eye contact with her or his immediate neighbors.

"What did you say to him?" another voice yelled.

"I merely answered his question," Yemaya replied, giving the audience a wink. "I guess he wasn't expecting it to be quite so explicit."

The audience laughed as vivid imaginations pictured what she must have told him. After several moments, Yemaya held up her hand and signaled for everyone to settle down.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Tonight you have experienced an illusion, nothing more. You may think it was something more, but I can assure you, there's always a logical explanation behind everything I do. My job is to create and perform these illusions for your entertainment, and your job is to figure out how it was done.

"As always, I recommend that no one try any of these stunts and particularly this one. It's extremely dangerous and can result in a serious injury or even death if anything were to go wrong. My crew is made up of professionals who have worked together for many years. If it weren't for them, I would have been permanently retired a long time ago — and I do mean permanently."

The audience laughed when she made a face while emphasizing the word "permanently" with the symbolic gesture of slicing her throat.

"Once again, I thank you for taking the time to attend tonight's show. It's always an honor and a pleasure to bring you a little relief from the stresses of everyday life. All I ask in return is that you be safe on your way home and kind to the living. The dead will take care of themselves."

Waving good-bye and walking off the stage, the Illusionist stopped next to the curtain and smiled at a young, blonde woman who was frantically writing in a small notepad. Yemaya knelt down and remained in that position for several seconds. Apparently curious, the audience sat quietly, waiting to see what followed.

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At last, Dakota thought, unaware of the silence around her. A pen that works. You're a keeper.

As though she had jinxed it by the thought, the pen skipped. She shook it and tried again, whereupon it stopped writing completely. Shaking it more vigorously, Dakota muttered a few swear words, stuck the tip in her mouth, and sucked hard.

Slowly, an eerie silence nudged aside the frustration. Aware that something wasn't quite right, Dakota looked up, her lips puckered and cheeks drawn inward. She discovered everyone staring curiously at her.

Blushing, she quickly glanced toward the stage. Pale blue eyes stared unblinkingly at her. The glint of humor and slight smirk on Yemaya's face made her even more aware of the pen stuck in her mouth and how comical she must look.

"Sheeyit." She yanked the pen away from her lips and stuffed it in her small handbag. Several chuckles near her made it obvious she had been overheard. Glaring at the offenders instantly silenced them. Turning toward Yemaya, she grinned sheepishly and shrugged.

This is getting annoying, she thought resignedly.

Laughing, Yemaya stood up and strolled backstage without speaking. Her expression, though, said everything.

*  *  *

"You had to do it." Dakota reached into her bag for the offending pen. "You just had to stop like all the others. What is this? A conspiracy?" Disgusted, she tossed it back into her handbag and headed toward the backstage entrance. Several crew members stopped her to say hi and share their latest gossip. After patiently listening to each one, Dakota walked to Yemaya's dressing room and lightly tapped on the door.

"Come in," a husky voice said. Dakota could feel a faint shiver travel down her spine, an automatic response to that sensual, low pitch.

"Damn," she muttered, rubbing her arms absentmindedly.

She opened the door and peeked inside. Yemaya sat on a long couch, her legs propped across its arm and dangling. Although she looked relaxed, Dakota could tell something was bothering her.

"What's up?" she asked, moving quickly to kneel next to her lover and give her a quick kiss on the lips.

Yemaya frowned, unsure if even she knew. The show had gone as planned. Well, almost. After the lid had been lowered onto the concrete coffin, she remembered nothing. With the darkness of being entombed came the blackness of unconsciousness. Minutes later, she found herself in her apparition costume, walking onstage as if nothing had happened. The escape was a mystery. Not wanting to upset Dakota, she smiled and reached up to ruffle her blonde hair.

"Nothing. I'm just a little tired. This show was more exhausting than normal for some reason."

"I can imagine. One of these days I'm going to figure out how you disappear and reappear like you do. I think there's more to your illusions than illusions."

"I've never denied it, but no one's going to believe me when I say I'm an alien from another planet. Besides, sometimes I even surprise myself."

"Yeah. Right. And I'm Princess Leia."

"Princess Leia?"

"You know... Star Wars."

"I never saw the movie, but I know who you mean. Carrie Fisher."

"Carrie? Geez. You sure know how to take the mystique out of things. Where's your sense of wonder?"

Raising one eyebrow, Yemaya gave Dakota "the look."

"Cut it out," Dakota said. "Save that for your groupies."

Yemaya stood up and gave Dakota a warm hug.

"Busted. How about we get out of here? The crew will clean up. I think I could use a good night's sleep."

Dakota wrapped her arm around Yemaya's waist, sensing something was bothering her but not wanting to press for an answer.

CHAPTER 3

SAIRA NEVER KNEW exactly what attracted her to the essence of another. First came the tug from some unknown source, and then she felt herself drawn toward someone with unique traits. Whether they were near, halfway around the world, or worlds apart made no difference. If the calling was strong, it was compelling.

Today she was observing a young Quebecoise in a small French-Canadian community called Outrement near Montreal. The woman's energies were high. It would be interesting to see where they took her, but for Saira that journey would have to wait.

A stronger force was pulling at her from the city of Baltimore in the United States. Because of her ability to travel through time and space, the journey was instantaneous. She arrived at her new destination at the very moment she left the old one.

The blackness could not conceal the woman's beauty or the darkness of the beast dwelling within her. For now it was caged in its lair, a prisoner to the will of its captor. She could feel it seething with a burning anger from frustration and knew it was only biding its time, waiting to break free of the barriers holding it captive. Its essence felt vaguely familiar, but Saira couldn't locate any tangible threads that would lead her to its source. That in itself was unusual.

So, this is part of the attraction, she thought, reaching deep into the woman's mind to touch the darkness. Sensing the intruder, the beast backed away, growled angrily, and called to its mistress. The human shifted restlessly in the concrete tomb, her concentration broken by an uncomfortable feeling that she wasn't alone.

"You sense my presence, don't you?" Saira asked, more to herself than the human.

"I feel it." The person gave an unexpected reply. "Who are you?"

"All in good time, Illusionist. At the moment, though, I think you have more pressing matters. I've broken your concentration, and you have only moments to escape from this place. Are you able to do it now?"

"I have no choice," Yemaya gasped. Already her breathing was labored from the small amount of air left in the chamber.

Saira watched in silence as the woman took a few deep breaths before settling into a state of deep meditation. Her breathing and heartbeat gradually slowed. Saira felt Yemaya's consciousness slipping away. Time was no longer on her side. She was losing the battle.

"A valiant try, Illusionist, but I'm afraid you've lost this one and I can't let that happen. We'll meet another day."

*  *  *

She slowly withdrew from Yemaya's mind and waited a little longer, hoping against reason the mortal would save herself. Only after the lungs and heart stopped functioning did she intervene. Allowing Yemaya to die was unacceptable. Her death would forever alter the future, and the ramifications could be disastrous.

After quickly making the necessary correction, Saira abruptly departed. She would seek what she required later. An unexpected pull was drawing her to a new entity emerging from the nothingness. It would be her first contact with someone from the Netherworld.

*  *  *

Yemaya couldn't remember how she escaped from the sarcophagus. One moment, the lid was being lowered on the concrete coffin and the next she was standing offstage in her apparition costume, slightly disoriented. Her assistants appeared slightly panicky but quickly recovered their composure when she walked onstage. She could sense their relief when they realized she was okay. Now it was up to her to make sure the finale went as planned, even if the escape hadn't.

CHAPTER 4

SAIRA FOUND HERSELF in a realm she rarely visited, the Underworld. Most of the occupants were too much alike to be interesting. Her first journey had led her to its Underlord, Dis, but she could only trace him and his brother, the Twin, to a time just prior to the birth of light. They were members of the First Born. Although the two considered themselves the creators of everything, Saira knew better. She had existed long before their arrival but saw no reason to disillusion them or any of the others that believed themselves to be the creator. Manipulators, maybe, she thought, but felt she was not obligated to enlighten or disillusion First Born. Saira sought answers, nothing more.

She made a second visit shortly after Lilith appeared in the Underworld. The human's uniqueness brought with her many questions, making her tug irresistible. Dis' role in her banishment from Eden only added to Saira's fascination for the woman. The Underlord had tricked Lilith into leaving the security of Paradise simply to annoy the Twin and satisfy his own infatuation and lust.

It had been an enlightening journey, but once Lilith was with child, Saira lost interest in her and the Underlord. Pregnant demons were bitchy whiners who wanted nothing more than to make everyone's life as miserable as their own. There was no reason to believe Lilith would be different.

Although she was more intelligent and less volatile than the other inhabitants of the Underworld, Lilith was still a demoness. Dis had made sure of that when he manipulated her genes and took away her humanity. Understandably, to survive in a world of demons, she could not live there as a human.... And then there was the Twin's insistence she return to Adam. Making her a demon insured her permanent status as the Underlord's consort, or so he thought.

Saira understood Lilith's craving for knowledge but wasn't sure if her decision to stay with Dis was the best choice. Still, returning to the mundane world of the Twin would have been just another form of hell, only worse. She was far too curious to accept a world that failed to challenge her intellect. At least with the demons, she would experience new adventures and new ideas. Demons and minions were so dysfunctional and cantankerous that they were, by their very nature, teachers of life. Perhaps it was their environment. Whatever the reason, some things could never be completely explained no matter how hard Lilith looked for answers.

CHAPTER 5

THE UNDERWORLD was an incredibly beautiful land, vibrant and alive in a bizarre way. Brilliant flaming orange, reds, and silver-blues were offset by a thick blackness that permeated every alley, nook, and cranny. Minor minions and demons moved stealthily among the shadows, trying to maintain their anonymity and hoping the greater demons wouldn't notice them. Each inhabitant had a unique position in the complex caste system. Upward mobility only came at the benevolence or ambition of another, and there was little of the first in this realm.

Dis ruled the world almost benignly, as long as the inhabitants obeyed his rules, which were few. His prime directive forbade any demon from challenging his reign or power... not that they could. Few were that ambitious; even fewer were powerful enough to give him a good fight. Fortunately for him, the more powerful demons were female, and they seemed to lack the desire to rule in his place. Sometimes he thought they were a lot smarter than he.

Many demons and minions spent their entire existence plotting and scheming against each other to get close to him. Some wanted to move up the food chain, hoping to increase their influence or power; others wanted revenge for some real or imagined slight. Almost all were ambitious to some extent.

Many took out their frustrations on humanity, wanting nothing more than to make humans as miserable as they. To Dis, these demons were the most wretched of his subjects — but extremely valuable. By constantly creating "temptations" or "opportunities" to entice humans into disobeying his brother's rules, they kept the Underlord's coffers filled, and full coffers provided entertainment for everyone. Souls were necessary to relieve boredom. Bored minions and demons made for unhappiness, which in turn led to mischief. Dis didn't want that directed at him. Idle hands literally made work for the Devil and this devil would rather satisfy his lust than worry about "issues."

Saira had learned a lot about the Underlord during her previous visits. When all was said and done, he wasn't very complicated, making him fairly predictable as long as he wasn't provoked. Two trips to his world had answered all of her questions, at least until something new developed. Apparently, it had. Here she was again, trying to discover why she was pulled back into his domain.

*  *  *

Silent and invisible, Saira drifted around the preoccupied demoness who sat quietly in the overstuffed chair. Bright, wavy, red hair hung loosely around her shoulders, partially concealing two small horns protruding just above the hairline. Green eyes, the color of the clearest polished emeralds, stared thoughtfully into the flames of a fire burning inside a hearth tucked away in the corner of the dimly lit room. The index finger of her left hand tapped silently on the arm of her chair: the unconscious gesture of one lost in thought.

She appeared to be in her early twenties, by human standards, but Saira knew this demon was ancient. Although not First Born, her bloodline was almost as pure. Dis and the Twin's essences were strong in her, which explained the powerful tug Saira had experienced. So why, she wondered, hadn't she felt the demoness' presence before now? And why did she seem strangely familiar? Saira's musings were suddenly interrupted by a quiet but powerful voice.

"What do you want?" the female demon demanded, glancing around the room in search of the intruder. "I feel you."

Saira debated on whether to make her presence known or ignore the question. If she didn't answer, the demoness might decide she was just imagining her.

"I know you're here. Show yourself."

Saira decided to do as she was told, but only because her curiosity prevented her from leaving. She shimmered into view and settled lightly on the floor between the demoness and the fire.

"Who are you and how did you gain entry to my home without my knowledge or permission? Are you one of Father's spies?"

Cocking her head slightly, Saira smiled. First Born were always blunt, and demons were so suspicious. Apparently their offspring inherited those particular traits.

"No, and I don't need permission to be somewhere I'm not," she replied gently, not at all intimidated by the demoness' irritation.

The demoness frowned. "Stop talking in riddles. You're here uninvited. For what purpose?"

"I'm neither here nor there. I only appear to be here, therefore I need no invitation, and my purpose does not affect you, thus making it a moot point."

Shaking her head in frustration, the demoness started to stand but then apparently decided against it. Instead, she settled back in her chair, crossed her legs, and assumed a nonchalant demeanor.

"I see. So, this is how it's going to be. We play word games."

"I don't play games. You called to me and here I am."

"I don't even know you. Why would I call you?"

"Let's say it was your essence that beckoned to me. It's different from the others who dwell here. I was attracted to that difference. What is the phrase the humans use? Like a moth to a flame? At this moment you are my flame."

"Then as my moth, you realize you're taking a big chance. Your wings could easily be singed should I desire to do so."

Appreciating the warning, Saira laughed softly. "It's impossible to burn that which doesn't exist."

"Again the riddles, but I'm not fooled. You're real enough. If you didn't exist, we wouldn't be having this interesting little chat, unless of course I'm crazy. I assure you that isn't the case, although some would probably dispute that. So, assuming I still possess a reasonable amount of sanity, just who or what are you? And don't answer me with another riddle, please."

"That makes it rather difficult. How do I describe myself in a way you'll comprehend and yet not make it sound like a riddle? If I tell you I don't exist in the way all things do exist, you wouldn't understand and yet that's the truth. I'm of no world, no plane. My being has no substance, and therefore no barrier can stop me."

"None? I find that hard to believe. There are barriers to everything."

Saira was impressed. "You have a sharp mind. Perhaps there's one. The future keeps her secrets well. That's the one barrier I haven't been able to cross... yet."

"Yet? You say that as though you intend to try."

"The impossible is always worth the adventure."

"True. So what of the past?"

"The past is nothing to me. I go and come as I wish. I've been there more times than you can imagine. I need just one small thread from someone's life to guide me to the beginning of their existence and know of every sentient being that has ever crossed their path and those before them. It's like putting together pieces to a puzzle. Every life that touched them is a small part that makes up the whole of their essence."

"And what is it about me that brought you here?"

"You." Saira laughed. "You are the attraction. I'm curious why I've never sensed you before, and yet you seem familiar to me. You're newly arrived here, and yet you're ancient. You're a riddle, a mystery."

"I see, and am I supposed to make solving your puzzle easy or do you enjoy a challenge?"

Saira shrugged. "It's of no consequence. For me, one way is as easy as the other. I'm a good listener for those who wish to tell me their stories. To the unwilling, the information is available for the taking. Most never feel my presence. A few, like you, seem to sense me. That's a mystery I've yet to solve, since I possess neither a physical body nor emit any noticeable energy. Perhaps you have the answer."

"Not really. Like you said, it's a feeling, the sensation of being watched more than anything. One of those things you just know without really knowing why, if you see what I mean."

"As I said, a mystery yet to be solved. But not now. Today is about you. Will you tell me your story, or must I take the journey?"

"I would rather tell you myself. Have a seat. You do sit, don't you?"

Chuckling, Saira settled into a recliner. "It's the polite thing to do, isn't it?"

"I suppose. I'm new to all of this. Can I offer you something to drink, or are you not able to experience the physical since you don't exist?"

"I have a few senses similar to yours," Saira said, "and I appreciate many things in the physical realm. Unfortunately, eating and drinking aren't among them. The results can be rather disconcerting to some. Substances tend to pass through me and end up as a messy pile on the floor."

"I see. In that case, forget I offered. You can save that trick for someone else."

"Good thinking."

"As to my story, I hope you have a lot of time because it's a long one."

"Time means nothing to me. Otherwise, I'd take the journey to know you instead of listening to your tale."

"Right. I forgot about that. So... where to begin...."

Saira waited patiently while the demoness gathered her thoughts. She crossed her legs in human fashion, folded her hands on her lap, and leaned back in the recliner.

"I guess the best place is the beginning. As you probably know, I'm called Child. Demon Child to some. I guess this isn't only my story but also the story of mankind, in a way."

Saira's eyes widened slightly. "You certainly know how to grab someone's attention."

"My heritage," the Child replied wryly. "Anyway, before I was born I knew I was unloved and unwanted. I could sense it as I lay curled up in the warm belly of my mother. It was awkward, to say the least."

"I can imagine."

"I doubt it. You would have had to be there," the Child said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Dis fathered me. Shortly after my conception, I became aware of the world outside of Mother's womb. It was noisy and hot and exciting. I couldn't wait to experience all that it had to offer. Mother's and Father's voices were easy to recognize. Hers was husky and vibrant while his was deep and booming. It resonated through my entire being whenever he spoke. But Mother... when she laughed, I was happy, probably because she didn't do it often. Those weren't very happy times for anyone living in the Underworld."

"Why?"

"Many lives had been lost in a great battle."

"I remember. So you were born shortly after the end of the Great Battle?"

"Yes, and there were some who blamed Mother for the devastation."

"As I recall, there was enough blame to go around to many."

"There always is, isn't there? Too bad only a few acknowledge it. But I'm digressing. I was sure Mother would eventually come to love me. How could she not? I was her child, her daughter."

"I take it she didn't."

The Child snorted. "Not really. She wasn't what you call mother material. I felt a great anger when I was born."

She shifted as if suddenly uncomfortable but then settled back in her chair. Saira was aware of the deeply contained anger still seething inside of the Child. Although seemingly calm on the outside, she was a tortured soul hunting for a way to ease the pain of being deprived of her mother's love.

"I can't imagine what being born feels like, let alone knowing from that very moment that you are unloved," Saira said gently.

"Birth is painful. At least it was for me. Not physically, but emotionally. Thrust from my wet, warm world into the bright red glow of my mother's, I felt myself snatched up, bundled into a soft, dry blanket and handed off into large, powerful hands. Before I realized what had happened, Father took me away from Mother. I never had the chance to feel her touch or hear her voice, hear her first thoughts about me. It was the most important day of my life, and I was robbed of the most basic of needs. I never knew, really knew my mother until several millennia later."

"And your mother is?"

"Lilith, of course. I assumed you knew. You do know who she is?"

"Yes. So that's why you seem so familiar. Long ago, I followed her thread back to her beginnings. She's a creation of one of the First Born."

"First Born? You mean the Twin?"

"That's what you call him. He and Dis are First Born. Only a handful of them are still around. So, you're Lilith's daughter. She was pregnant with you when I left on another journey. I guess that's the part of you that seemed familiar to me."

"You should have stuck around. It got very interesting after that."

"So it would seem. Unfortunately, those were busy times for me." Saira momentarily thought back to the era of Lilith's creation. The Twin wasn't the only one experimenting with life. The worlds were evolving, and so were the inhabitants, thanks to other First Born. Shaking off the memories, she said, "Please continue."

"Where was I? Oh, yes, my childhood. My parents visited me whenever it suited them. Occasionally, Mother came to my room to ask my nursemaids how I was doing or if I needed anything. I don't know how much time passed before she actually walked over to my bedside, but I remember staring into brilliant black eyes and feeling lost. Then one day she smiled. It was faint but it made me feel warm and, at the time, loved. Soon I realized it was wishful thinking. Mother may have been fascinated by me, but she was incapable of real love. Satisfying her intellectual needs and sexual appetite was more important. It would be a long time before she experienced anything deeper."

"Love is a difficult emotion, especially for demons."

"Tell me about it. Father was no different, but I hated him less. Perhaps it's because I didn't expect very much from him. He had never shown any real interest in me. I was more a curiosity. After a few visits and instructions to my nannies, I rarely saw him, so I didn't miss his absence, but Mother... my mother... I so wanted her to love me, to feel her arms wrapped gently around me as she cradled me against her breast. I needed to hear the steady beat of her heart, feel the warmth of her breath as she leaned close to place light kisses on my brow or cheeks. The nannies were kind to me in their own way, but they weren't my mother. They weren't Lilith."

Saira knew exactly what the Child meant. There was only one Lilith. Loneliness was an emotion Saira understood well. She had experienced moments when she longed for the closeness of friendship. Unfortunately, her travels never allowed her to stay in one place for very long. Contact with others was fleeting at best... and so she remained silent, waiting for the Child to continue.

"I remember my first steps. From that moment on, none of my keepers could control me. I would make my escape at every opportunity and wander the Underworld. Everyone knew me and avoided me except for the few who wanted to use me for their own devious ambitions. They were the ones who encouraged me to be myself, to ignore the rules established by Father, and take the revenge I craved for the disservice done to my mother by Adam and the Twin."

"I see. Do you have a name?" Saira asked, wanting to distract the Child from the emotions rising to the surface. She already knew the answer but chose not to disclose the extent of her knowledge or her ability to read thoughts.

"Caelene. Mother named me Caelene."

"It's a nice name."

"Yes."

*  *  *

Caelene went on to describe how she had tricked Eve into eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge and then convinced her to get Adam to eat one. When Dis and Lilith learned of the deception, they banished her to the Netherworld for thousands of years. No one tampered with the Twin's experiments without Dis' approval. Although at odds, he still retained a respect for the genius behind his reclusive sibling. Only recently had Lilith been able to release Caelene from the "void of nothingness." Now free, she needed to decide her future.

Saira nodded in sympathy. She had always refused to visit the Netherworld. She thought it an empty space but now wondered whether she was mistaken. If Caelene had existed and survived there, perhaps others were suffering the same fate. It would be an interesting journey, but not today. Until she found a strong enough thread to lead her into that void, she would have to wait.

"It's an old story," Saira said. "Older than time itself, and the humans have rewritten the tale of Adam and Eve until it's more myth than fact."

"Maybe. Only time will tell." Caelene hesitated then continued. "I remember Mother's reaction when I first stepped from the mirror. She stared at me as if in awe. Later she told me what she was thinking and how she felt."

Saira politely listened while monitoring the Child's actual memories. Like a movie on fast forward, the images racing through the Child's mind filled in the unspoken words.

*  *  *

You are beautiful, Lilith thought, but received no answer. The Child had been a part of her for so long it felt strange when she could no longer feel her presence. Emerging from the Netherworld had changed everything. She could no longer mentally communicate with her child. Reaching out, she took her daughter's hand and turned her toward the mirror. She placed her hands on the Child's shoulders, and the two made eye contact with their reflections.

"Look," Lilith whispered.

The demonesses gazed into the mirror, mesmerized by the image staring back at them. Lilith towered over the Child by several inches. Where her mother was tall with long, dark hair, the Child was short with waist-length, wavy red hair. Lilith's skin glowed a pale golden white while the Child's was a faintly tinted rose color. Her brilliant green eyes met her mother's coal black eyes in the reflection in the mirror.

"Your hair. It's so long." Running her fingers across the top, Lilith noticed the small protrusions just above and to the right and left of her forehead.

Few from the Underworld had horns. Only those carrying the bloodline of the most ancient of demons had them, and even they had disappeared over time. The same would probably have happened to the Child's if she hadn't been imprisoned in the Netherworld. Then again, her sire was the eldest of the demons, and as his direct descendant, it was possible that she would keep them forever.

*  *  *

"I was stunned when I saw Mother after all those millennia. For the first time I realized how truly beautiful she was. With long, dark, shiny hair and black eyes, she epitomized the sultry seductress most demons envied or wanted. Even I appreciated the sensual aura that surrounded her. Lilith could have had any demon she desired if she had been ambitious."

"I can believe that," Saira said.

"When Father walked into the room, I was nervous, not sure what he would do or say. Mother had freed me from my prison without his knowledge, although he had granted her permission to try. I doubt he believed she would succeed. Anyway, he was very tall and muscular with dark red skin, the ultimate male, strong, virile, and arrogant. For the most part, his only virtues at that time were his deep affection for Mother and his sense of humor. Dis may be the supreme ruler down here, but he has a soft spot for Lilith. He finds it hard to refuse her anything, although he tries to bluff her into believing otherwise. Unfortunately for him, she knows him too well. His weaknesses give her the advantage."

"I imagine that must have frustrated him back then." Saira knew how much Dis hated to be "bested" by anyone.

"Oh yeah, constantly. Anyway, he stared at me for a few moments. I knew he was assessing my worth. Mother put a stop to that by threatening to show up at all of his orgies. She's good at thwarting him when she wants to. He quickly gave up and left."

Saira laughed. Taking on Lilith was never a good idea, even for the Underlord. "A wise decision, especially for Dis."

"Actually, I expected as much. She's very formidable when she wants to be, and at that moment, she was the loving, protective, powerful mother I ached for. I actually regretted having deceived her to gain my freedom."

"And does she know about your future plans?"

"No, at least I don't think so. Knowing Mother, though, she suspects something."

"You may be right. Even back then she was extremely intelligent for one so naïve."

Saira was about to continue when she felt a tug pulling at her. Something was happening elsewhere that needed her immediate attention. Reluctant to leave such an interesting woman, she sighed. "Someone calls to me. Regretfully, I must leave now."

"Is that how it works? These callings?"

"Unfortunately. They come when they come. If they're strong enough, my curiosity compels me to investigate. Do you mind if we continue with this later?"

"I also have things to do. Do you know when you'll return?"

"For you, it will seem as if I never left. I can return at this exact moment, so don't let me interfere with your plans."

Before the Child could reply, Saira was gone, leaving her alone with her thoughts and her memories and her plans. Caelene was glad her uninvited guest couldn't travel into the future. Putting those thoughts aside, she decided to check on her pet. Cerberus wasn’t prone to excitement but something had upset him, and she needed to calm him down.

CHAPTER 6

DAKOTA WAS WORRIED. When they arrived home after the performance, Yemaya took a quick shower and went straight to bed without saying anything. Sliding under the sheets next to her, Dakota found her lover had already fallen asleep. She closed her eyes, hoping her ancestral spirit grandmother would sense her anxiety and visit her. Within minutes, she, too, drifted into a restless slumber.

"I be right here, chil'," the familiar voice of Granny spoke. "What be troublin' yah?"

Opening her eyes, Dakota saw both her great-great-grandmother and Mari, Yemaya's ancestor, sitting beside her. Relieved, she gave both of them warm hugs.

"Oh, Granny, I don't know, but I think something went wrong during Yemaya's performance tonight. She's acting strangely."

"How so?" Mari asked.

"She seems preoccupied. I asked her about it. She said she was just tired, but I know better. I can sense it. And tonight she went to bed without even saying goodnight. That's not like her."

"Maybe she be just that. Yah knowed the two of you don't get the rest yah needs, between all that travelin', and her performin' and such... and I ain't even goin' into yer beddin' activ'ties."

"That's not it. And I sure wouldn't be criticizing us about our sex lives, considering you two never stop, from what I hear."

Rolling her eyes, Mari intervened. "Dakota, I think you're overreacting to what Maopa said. You know she wasn't criticizing you."

Dakota's green eyes suddenly filled with tears. "I know. Sorry, Granny."

"No need to be apologizin', chil'. I knowed yer worried. Maybe Mari can call her here ta see what's up."

Moments later, a very tired looking Yemaya appeared next to them. She looked slightly confused and didn't say anything for a few seconds.

"Grandma Dakota, Mari, is something wrong?" she asked, regaining some of her composure.

"That be what we be wond'rin', deary. This here grandchil' of mine be worried yer ailin'."

Yemaya shifted her gaze to her lover but failed to make eye contact, an action the two spirits quickly noticed. Before the Illusionist could answer, Mari placed her right hand on Yemaya's left cheek, catching her by surprise.

"What bothers you, daughter?"

"I have no idea. Just a feeling. I think I've been overdoing things and need a real vacation."

"Maybe. What kind of feeling?"

"That's just it. I have no clue. Tonight's show went well, at least what I remember of it, but there were some moments during my routine that are missing."

"Tell us about it. Perhaps between the four of us we can figure out what happened."

Yemaya described each step of the routine. When she got to the part where the lid was lowered onto the sarcophagus, she hesitated before continuing.

"All I remember is lying in the darkness and then feeling short of breath, like I couldn't breathe. I thought I was suffocating, and then, nothing. The next thing I knew, I was standing onstage in my apparition costume staring at the rest of my crew. How I got there, I have no idea."

"Maybe you suffered from a slight oxygen deprivation. That would explain the difficulty in breathing and consequent blacking out," Mari said.

"True, but not how I escaped and managed to change costumes so quickly. Surely I would remember that. And then there was my crew's reaction. They were confused. Their relief when I appeared was almost palpable."

"I think Yemaya may be right. You two definitely need a real vacation."

"That be true, chil'."

*  *  *

Dakota, who had been sitting quietly, listening to the conversation, said, "Listen, sweetie. Your tour's over with. When we wake up, let's just pack our bags, get in my car, and go wherever the wind takes us. I can call Sonny for you and tell him we'll be incommunicado for a few weeks. Your brother and Reymone will handle everything back home until we return."

"I wish it were that easy." Yemaya rubbed her eyes as though still tired. "Somehow, whenever we go on a trip, trouble always manages to follow us."

"That's because you don't go to the right places," Mari said with a grin.

"And that would be where?"

"Here."

"Here? In the dreamworld?" Yemaya laughed. "You surely don't expect us to stay asleep for the next few weeks while we romp around in this place."

"Of course not. Don't be such a pessimist. While you and Dakota are here, Maopa and I will take care of your physical bodies."

Yemaya and Dakota looked at each other in confusion.

"And just how are you going to do that?" Dakota asked.

"It's really quite simple, if you agree. While you two get to play here, Maopa and I get to play there. It'll be fun. I've never been a human before, and your grandmother can show me what it's like."

"And exactly what will you two be doing with our bodies?" Yemaya crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows in a questioning manner.

"Nothing you wouldn't do," Mari said, her pale blue eyes glinting with mischief.

"That's what I thought. I'm not sure I like this idea."

Dakota, however, felt differently. "I do. Two or three weeks here in our favorite spot? No worries about our lives or bodies in the real world? What's not to like?"

"Dakota. Think about it. As much as we love and trust these two, do you really want them in control of our bodies and our minds? And do you think people aren't going to notice a difference?"

"Just your bodies, dear," Mari said. "Your minds will be here, and what do you care what we do with the rest of you as long as you're here enjoying yourselves? As for what others think, since when did you care about that? Besides, think of it as your gift to us for the wonderful time you'll be having here."

Yemaya obviously was outnumbered. "As long as you make sure you don't get us arrested or in any trouble."

"Now, that ain't very nice," Maopa teased. "I'm thinkin' about a big, juicy steak with mashed potatoes and gravy and showin' Mari 'bout bein' human."

"So how do we go about doing this?" Yemaya asked.

"Consider it done," Mari said.

In a blink, the Earth Mother and her spirit partner disappeared, leaving the two women alone to again experience the unlimited pleasures of Mari's world. After the spirits' departure, Yemaya glanced at her lover and laughed. Dakota gave her a questioning look.

"Mari should have stayed around a bit longer. This isn't the best time of the month to be babysitting my body."

It only took seconds for Dakota to understand her meaning. "Oh boy." She rolled her eyes dramatically.

CHAPTER 7

THE SENSATION OF waking up was unique to Mari as well as the feel of a bed, sheets, and Maopa's warm body wrapped tightly around her. Lying still, she listened to the sounds and inhaled the smells around her, trying to analyze each of them. For the most part, the smells were pleasant enough, with the exception of some faint obnoxious odors drifting from the air vents. The noises were a little more overwhelming, but she adjusted to those fairly easily. Maopa's physical nearness was extremely pleasing and aroused a strange tingling sensation throughout her entire body. Leaning slightly toward the still sleeping woman, she inhaled and smiled.

I think I'm going to like this experience, she thought, wanting to snuggle closer to Maopa. Shifting slightly, Mari felt an uncomfortable bulge between her thighs. Of course, at the moment everything was so new she really wasn't sure if what she was feeling was or wasn't normal. Reaching down, she tentatively touched the thick, bulky object.

"What in the world...." Frowning, she groped around the area. She rolled onto her back and threw off the sheets. She stared at the dark silk panties and again poked at the bulge. Pulling at the elastic waist, she peered inside at a thick white padding with a slightly red stain. Unsure of what she was supposed to do, she nudged the sleeping figure next to her. "Maopa."

Maopa groaned loudly, opened one eye, and peered blearily at Mari.

"What?" she grumbled. "Dang, first time in a hunnert years I felt tired. I fergot what it were like." She made a face. "An my mouth tastes awful."

"Maopa," Mari said again, slightly frustrated. "Look." She pointed at the offending object.

"Yeah? What about it? Yah be havin' yer monthly, that's all. Go ta sleep."

"Monthly?"

"Yah know. Means yah be at the breedin' time. Tain't nothin' ta worry about."

"Oh, this is the 'curse' humans talk about, right?"

"That be it. Now hows about we gets a little moah shuteye. Then I'll enlighten yah on this partic'lar affliction."

Mari pointed at the sanitary napkin again and then tapped it tentatively with her index finger. "I can't sleep with this thing like that. It's uncomfortable. What do I do with it?"

Maopa sighed. She sat up, reached down, and snapped the elastic around her spirit partner's right leg.

"Nothin. Them thar undies are holdin' it quite nicely. When it's done filled up with blood, yah throws it away and puts in a new one. Yah oughta be grateful they makes them moah comfitable now. In mah day, twer whatever we could stuff down our drawers. Old rags was best, if'n we had them ta waste."

Mari felt her eyes almost roll back in her head at the thought of stuffing rags in her panties. She didn't even want to imagine what else might be used.

"Where do I throw this away and find another one? I thought humans were more advanced than this," she said irritably, "or at least more evolved."

Now it was time for Maopa to roll her eyes. "Oh Lordy. I think yer gonna be in fer a few surprises in the next few weeks, sugah."

Obviously, they'd never get any more sleep until the situation was resolved to Mari's satisfaction, and Maopa knew that wasn't going to happen for a few days.

"Come on. Some of this be new tah me too. We might as well be gettin' yah took care of. I just hopes my grandchild ain't gonna start her monthly too." She grabbed Mari's hand and pulled her from the bed and into the bathroom. "Thank goodness we knowed about plumbin' and such. Bein' one of them voheeyurs helps a whole bunch even if'n it do seem a little preverted.

"Okay, yah take a shower, and I'll scrounge around fer moah of them thar paddins."

Maopa wasn't sure, but she could have sworn Mari mumbled a few curse words as she walked awkwardly toward the bathroom.

Mari pulled off her panties and pad, tossed them in the small trashcan by the toilet, and then turned on the shower. After she climbed in, she slumped against the far wall.

Maopa rummaged through a few cabinet drawers and quickly located an opened pack of feminine pads. She smiled. Mari was definitely going to remember this experience.

"Make shore yah dries off good!" she yelled over the sound of running water. "I'll be a huntin' fer some of them fancy undies yer chil' seems ta preefer. And don'tcha go throwin' away anymore of them clothes now... just that thar pad. I doubt yoh daughter has enough undies ta last till we goes home."

Mari scrubbed her entire body with a large sponge that had been hanging on the shower head. The warm water soothed the muscles that hurt for some reason, and soon she felt her body relaxing.

"If this is what being human feels like, I won't last three weeks."

"Trust me, sugah, this be nothin' compared ta what yer gonna be feelin'," Maopa said, remembering the years she suffered through her cycles.

Grumbling to herself, Mari stepped from the tub and grabbed the soft white towel hanging on the rack. She quickly dried herself and tossed it on the floor just as Maopa walked back in.

"Yah can't just toss yer thangs on the floor like that when yah be done."

"Where do I put it?"

After pointing to a large, white basket in the corner, Maopa picked up the wet towel and placed it inside.

"These be fer the clothes yah wore. A maid gets them later and washes them fer us. At least that's what I heerd humans do nowadays. Used tah be slaves or servents did that sorta thang. Just be grateful yah don't has ta do the scrubbin'."

Mari was about to comment when she belatedly realized she and Maopa were communicating verbally. Frowning, she tried to talk to her through mental images and failed.

"What be botherin' yah now?"

"We're talking."

"Well tarnation, woman. How else would we be a jabberin'?"

"No. I mean we're talking. I can't hear your thoughts, and you can't hear mine."

"What did yah expect? We be human now. Humans talk. That be why they's so messed up, I figgers."

"Great. Some vacation this is turning out to be."

Mari wasn't sure why she was feeling so awful. Her stomach hurt, her back ached, and a slight pounding pain in her head was making her extremely irritable. Rubbing her stomach absentmindedly, she stared longingly at the bed in the next room.

"Maybe we can just stay in bed and call someone to bring us food," she said.

"Now, now. Don't be frettin' none. I promise yah, you'll be feelin' a whole lot better in a few days. Monthlies always makes yah irreetable. They calls it ‘p.m.s.ing' nowadays. We jest called it the curse. I heered they gots stuff yah can take ta ease it up a bit. I use ta chug a pint a likker ta cure my aches and pains."

Looking around, Maopa found several small bottles of pills on the counter near the sink. She picked up each one and squinted at the instructions.

"Lordy, yah oughta see how tiny this here printin' be and the stuff they puts in these here jars. Words got more letters than the dikshuneerie. Can't be good fer yah."

Deciding on one specifically mentioning pain and headaches on the label, she pulled on the lid. When it failed to open, she eyeballed it closely and noticed two small arrows.

"I'll be danged. They done made it soes yah has ta match them two errers ta open this thang."

"I imagine some humans are a little slow and need help to figure it out."

"Ta take a lid off? If'n they jest screwed the top on, no one'd need larnin' or help. Here yah go, sugah. Says ta take two with water and it keels the pain."

Mari tossed the small red capsules into her mouth and washed them down with water.

Maopa led her back to the bed and pushed her down on the mattress. "Yah lie back, and I'll get yah somethin' ta wear. Them pills oughta be makin' yah feel better in a bit."

Chuckling to herself, Maopa searched through the drawers and closet for anything big enough to fit Mari in Yemaya's long body. Finding nothing, she scowled.

"Gall darn it." She glanced around the room. Two large leather boxes sat on a chair in the corner. She opened one and saw several jeans and shirts folded and packed in clear plastic bags.

"Yoh daughter shore do like ta keep thangs neat."

She pulled out a pair of old jeans and a tee shirt, placed them next to Mari, and patted her shoulder sympathetically.

"Yah just lie thar, and I'll find yah some undies."

She opened a dresser drawer and found piles of colorful underwear. After pulling a few out, she held them up and chuckled.

"Dang. Not much to them. And I ain't never seed so many deleekits in my life, all neat and orderly like. Some must be Dakota's. I useta have ta go without, most times. Tweren't nothing to it and it felt kinda liberatin'."

"It would be a little hard to hold this pad in place without them." Mari was unable to work up any interest in what kind of underwear Dakota wore.

"Yeah. Guess that be why they has so many here."

Choosing a bright red pair, she held it up to the light and pulled on the sides a few times. "I figger they be fittin yah fine the way they stretches. Yah put these on and them thar garments, and I be taken a quick shower. Be back in a jiffy."

Ten minutes later, she returned, dressed in worn jeans and a tank top. Mari was still stretched out partially naked on the bed, one hand on her stomach and her other arm flung over her eyes to block the light.

"Yah be okay, darlin'?" Maopa whispered, leaning down to caress her spirit lover's cheek with her fingertips.

Mari sat up and blinked a few times, surprised that she actually did feel okay. Smiling, she clasped Maopa's hand and drew it to her lips. "A lot better, thanks. Is this normal?"

Standing, she quickly pulled on the jeans and tee shirt. She wrapped her arms around Maopa, pulled her close, and held her for a few minutes, enjoying the warmth and softness of the woman in her embrace.

"Normal fer most," Maopa said, her voice muffled against the firm breasts. It had been a long time since she had felt so human, and she now realized how much she had missed the physical touch of another person.

"Adjusting to the spirit world must have been hard for you," Mari said, sensing her lover's thoughts. "I can see why humans enjoy embracing each other."

"Tain't nothing like it. Although they be some thangs a lot more enjoyable."

"Then I look forward to you showing me."

The grin Mari gave Maopa sent a warm tingle straight to her groin, causing her to groan.

"You okay?" Mari bent her knees slightly to make eye contact. "I hope this 'curse' isn't contagious."

"Oh, it be catchin', alrighty, but no, I ain't havin' my monthly yet. If'n I'm right though, it'll be comin' on soon."

"I should have taken more interest in women's evolution." Mari mentally kicked herself for neglecting her responsibilities. "I'd have made men have these things too."

"Too late fer that, but it probably woulda made them a little wiser... or a whole lot moah whiney."

"It's never too late for some things. One way or another, I'm going to make sure men get to experience —" Mari was interrupted by a ringing sound.

"Now what?"

"That be the teleephone. I seed my grandchil' using these thangs." Maopa walked over to the device and picked it up. "Howdy. This be Mao... ummm... Miz Devereaux's place."

"Dakota? Is that you?" a male voice asked.

"Shore nuff."

"You don't sound like yourself. This is Sonny."

"Must be this here cold," Maopa said, faking a cough.

"Sorry to hear that. You really need to do something about it. Take some Nyquil. That'll make you feel better."

"Nyqueel?"

"Damn Dakota. You're either on some good meds or you're sicker than you realize. Is Yemaya in? I'll give her a list of everything you'll need to take care of that cold. Can't let one of my favorite gals suffer, now can I?"

"No, sir... I mean... oh, don't mind me. Yemaya's right here."

Covering the mouthpiece, Maopa pushed it toward Mari. "It be Yemaya's agent, Sonny."

"Shit." Taking the phone, Mari stared at it as if it were alive and then put it cautiously to her ear. "Sonny?"

"Hey, Yemaya. You really need to do something about Dak. She sounds awful."

"I'm taking good care of her, Sonny. What can I do for you?"

"As always, straight to the point. I heard your show was a great success. Congratulations."

"Thanks."

"Never one for words, are you? Anyway, I wanted to see if you've given any more thought to the European tour. I know you keep talking about retirement, but you're on a roll, and several people are clamoring for a commitment."

"How about I get back with you in a week or two? I've just finished this show and don't feel like making a decision right now. Dakota and I are going to take some time off before committing to anything."

"That's cool. No use doing something you'll regret. The others can wait. Like they have any say in the matter. Besides, if we play things right, I'm sure they'll up their offers," Sonny said. "Speaking of which, I need to go over some of your finances, but there's another call coming through from Hong Kong and I have to take it. I'll phone you in a day or two. Tell Dakota to take care of that cold. Bye."

Before Mari could reply, Sonny had hung up. She turned to look at Maopa. "You know, I'm not so sure this was such a good idea after all. I haven't a clue what Yemaya has in mind for her future."

"Well, sugah, I guess we jest gonna have ta fakes it like we done before. Don't yah worry none. We'll just keep low for the next few weeks."

"Good idea." Mari placed the phone in its receptacle. "Still, I don't want to play hermit. After all, this is a completely new experience for me. I'd like to take advantage of the opportunity to do a few things before we go back."

"Ya jest name it, and by golly we'll do it." Maopa figured it would be a hoot seeing how Mari handled being human.

"Do you think we could go to a movie?" Mari said. "I think I'd like to see one. You know, enjoy the whole experience — Coke, candy, popcorn."

"Why, tarnation, I was thinkin the same thang. I ain't never seed one. It'll be a real kick in the pants. We kin eat all that thar junk food. I heerd movies be nighttime thangs."

*  *  *

Giggling with an almost girlish anticipation, they checked out the neighborhood while there was daylight so they could familiarize themselves with the area. Several hours and five hotdogs later, they returned to the apartment, tired but happy. Mari quickly adapted to monitoring her sanitary napkins and was anxious to see her first movie.

"That Willie fella shore was generous with his wieners once he knowed who yah was."

"It was nice of him to give us some, especially since we didn't have any money. We'd better figure out where Yemaya and Dakota keep some if we're going to do things around here."

"Fer shore. From what I recollects, most folk keeps it in small leather thangs... wallets they calls them. I seed one on Dakota's table next to the bed this mornin'."

Maopa walked into the bedroom and quickly returned waving a small leather object. "This here be a wallet, I'm thankin'."

"Good. Now what movie should we see?"

"Willie says they puts a list of them shows in the paper under entertainin'. He shore gave me a funny look when I asked 'bout it. Let's look and see what be playin'."

Glancing at the movie listings, Maopa ran her finger past several titles until she came across one with three Xs.

"This'un must be reeel good. They has three Xs by it. I'm a guessin' that means extra special like."

"That would make sense. We can call one of those cabs to take us. Did you find any money in that wallet? I doubt if the cab or movie people will be as nice as Willie."

"Yep. Well, he shore is gonna have somethin' to tell his missus, ain't he? Givin' the Illusionist freebies cuz she ain't got no money."

"I just hope Yemaya doesn't hear about it. I don't think she'd like finding out she's on a handout list. Anyway, let's go. It says the movie begins in an hour."

*  *  *

Maopa opened Dakota's wallet, and both peered at the money inside, let out simultaneous whoops, and smiled happily at each other. Within moments, they were out the door and flagging down a taxi. When the cabbie asked them their destination, they showed him the advertisement. Maopa pointed at the address.

"We wants ta go thar."

The slight widening of his eyes would have been a giveaway to most people. Coughing slightly, the cabbie blushed. "You ladies must be new to Baltimore. You sure that's where you want to go?"

"Shore nuff. This be an XXX movie, ain't it?"

"It's that alright."

"Then we wants to go see it."

"It's your money, ladies."

Twenty minutes later, he dropped them in front of an old dilapidated building. Three large posters showing two semi-nude women in intimate poses hung on the dirty windows. Below the titles was the phrase, "Woman on Woman Action! Two Babes Battle Interstellar Aliens Trying to Take Over Planet Earth!"

"A sci-fi," Mari exclaimed, enthusiastically. "I've always wanted to see one of those."

"Me too."

Two hours later, they emerged and strode toward the main boulevard.

"Well, if'n that be a good movie, I ain't in no hurry to see a bad un."

"Neither am I. Those aliens looked damn ridiculous, and the acting wasn't even believable."

"Fer shore. That were the most piteeful thang I ever seed. Now who'd go believin them Marshuns had three peckers like that, let alone wantun folks to thank women folk would be havin' somethin' to do with anythang like that. Pfffft. Only good thang was that popcorn stuff and the babe on babe ackshown. Them gals shore knows how to make whoopee. Why some of them thar pohsitions looked downright painful. Ain't no way I coulda done that when I had the rumatiz."

"How about before you had it?" Mari said in a teasing voice.

Wiggling her eyebrows, Maopa grinned but said nothing.

"I thought as much." Mari chuckled. "Still, they were interesting, don't you think?"

"Yep. Can't wait to try them out. How's about we go find another one of them XXX's tomorrow and see if'n thar's somethin else they can larn us."

"Works for me. Right now, I think another shower and a long sleep sounds wonderful. I never knew what feeling dirty and tired meant until now. I'm not so sure I like it."

"Tain't nothing to like or dislike, sugah. It just be the way it be."

Later, after eating a few more hotdogs with all the toppings, they returned to the apartment, showered, crawled into bed, and fell instantly asleep. The 'babe on babe ackshown' would have to wait until another day.

CHAPTER 8

SAIRA APPEARED next to the bed and stared at the sleeping women. At first, she thought she was back with the Illusionist, but something was different. The mental energies belonged to someone else. Saira realized the difference was what had pulled her back to this woman. Searching the human's thoughts, she found that Yemaya's essence no longer inhabited her body. Instead, a spirit named Mari had taken control of it. Recognizing her as one of the First Born, Saira was pleased. This one had been more elusive than the others she had sought, mostly because she was so reclusive. Switching her attention to Mari's partner, Saira was satisfied the other person was also human, or at least part of her was. She too was inhabited by a spirit, but one less mysterious than the Earth Mother. Still, the essences of both spirits were irreversibly intertwined, making them unique.

"All things are unique," a soft, low voice whispered, interrupting Saira's musings. Refocusing on the Illusionist, Saira found herself gazing into icy blue eyes. The woman had pushed herself up on one elbow, perhaps to better see who had invaded her bedroom and interrupted her slumber.

"True, but not all things are unique in their uniqueness," Saira replied, not surprised that Mari knew she was there. For some unknown reason, all First Born were able to feel her presence. "And most don't ever know I exist."

"I imagine for most you are never present. Who are you? Why are you here? Are you seeking Yemaya or me?"

"I'm Saira, the Traveler. I seek both of you. She for her darkness, and you for your light."

"My daughter is not dark!" Mari retorted.

"Calm yourself, Earth Mother. I never said she was, but she does have a darkness within her. It wants its freedom, and that mustn't be allowed to happen. You can't deny the truth of my words."

"No." Mari sighed and settled back onto the bed.

"I'm not judging her. I judge no one. It's not my way. I'm merely satisfying my curiosity about her. She's an anomaly among humans, and I need to know why. Part of the answer lies with you. As her ancestor, you're her light. Her strength to combat this darkness comes from you."

"Some of it, yes, but not all. I believe most of it comes from within her with the help of her partner, Dakota, who is Maopa's descendant. Yemaya and Dakota make a formidable pair."

"As do you and your companion. I feel you two are also contradictions. She was human once, and you weren't. She's a young spirit while you're ancient. Even your love is contrary to the natural order of things."

"Love is always contrary. And who can say what's natural or not?"

"You're right, of course. Forgive my choice of words."

Mari gave a slight nod. "So, what now? Have you satisfied your curiosity about her?"

"Almost."

"What is there left for you to know?"

"The darkness. It, too, is different from most. There's a tremendous anger in it that rages at confinement. It wants to consume all that she is. One day it will destroy her if she lets down her guard."

"Never." Mari's reply was so quietly spoken, Saira almost missed it. "I will never allow it to happen."

"You may not have a choice. Even you aren't that powerful. Besides, you can't always protect her, Mari, nor would she want you to."

"Maybe not, but this I know. I'll destroy anything and anyone to prevent such a thing."

Saira knew Mari meant every word. Her love for her descendant was unlimited.

"I doubt it will ever get that far. Yemaya seems quite capable of battling her own demons, with the help of her partner. It's good that you watch over her, though. She's very fortunate."

"As am I, but thank you."

Saira could see the Earth Mother's blurred thoughts as images raced swiftly through her mind. Mari was searching for her own answers to her daughter's darkness.

"This beast... I've thought a lot about it. Sometimes I think it's my fault. I should have taken more interest in my children... better care of them."

"It has nothing to do with you, and she wouldn't possess the inner strength that protects her if she didn't have this dark side to battle. It makes her the person she is. It makes her Yemaya."

"So where else could it come from?"

"The universe is filled with darkness. Hers, however, feels familiar. Almost..." Saira hesitated, reluctant to voice her thoughts. Better to keep quiet than to speak and be wrong.

"Almost?" Mari said softly.

"Nothing. I was just thinking out loud."

Mari knew Saira had been about to reveal something important, but realized it was useless to press the issue now. She had always suspected certain "darknesses" had escaped into the light when it was created by Intunecat. Others appeared with the formation of the different universes, and especially certain planets within them. Her own creation was a good example of that.

Gaia, the Earth, was evolving slowly but steadily. Already she was sentient. She was long past the stage of self-awareness, although she had a long way to go before reaching maturity. Still, she was quite capable of defending herself against assault... and when she wasn't, Mari was there to assist her.

Saira watched the spirit's thoughts with interest. She had known of Earth's unique nature since her creation but could never find a strong enough thread to take her to the planet's soul, until now. Following such a strong link insured Saira of success and answers to billions of years of questions. Unfortunately, now wasn't the right time to take that journey. The pull wasn't strong enough to override the strength of her present compulsions. She could follow that later after these riddles were satisfied.

"You worry about your first born."

"Yes," Mari said. "Gaia has evolved beyond the point of being controlled. She grows more powerful every day. Soon she will be aware of her potential and then what will become of humanity?"

"A good question. I can't wait to learn the answer."

"Is that the only thing you do? Search for answers? Have you no concern for where those answers lead?"

"It's who I am, the purpose of my existence. I already know where they lead."

"You mean the present. I'm talking about the future. Do you ever think about that?"

"Yes, constantly. But I can only look to the past for what has been. What will be, will be. To know the future would bring chaos I think, but it's tempting nonetheless."

"Have you never done anything else?"

"For me, there isn't anything else. Why would I seek to become something I'm not? By our very nature, we are what we are and nothing more. To attempt to be something we're not is a waste of time and energy. You're the source of all life on this world. It's who you are. Would you want to be something different?"

"No, although I think we're more than what destiny wants us to be."

"We're always more than what we're meant to be, but never more than what we are. You are the Earth Mother, one of the First Born. You could have been a goddess and ruled over the lands and seas had you been ambitious. Instead, you chose to withdraw from the land and leave it to evolve on its own. Are you happy with your choice?"

"No. I should have done more."

"Exactly. You chose a different path. At the time it probably felt easier, but it left you incomplete, unsatisfied. I choose to follow the roads before me. They lead me to new adventures, new questions, and the knowledge that I'll never discover all that there is to discover. It's comforting to know I'll always have that."

"I think it would drive me crazy, always searching for answers to questions," Mari said. "Tell me, how is it that you know Yemaya? She's never mentioned you, and I can't believe she wouldn't have picked up on your presence. She's more sensitive to unusual energies than most humans."

"So I discovered the other night."

"The other night?"

"During her performance. I inadvertently interrupted her concentration. Unfortunately, it was almost fatal... a grievous lapse of judgment on my part."

Mari was stunned to hear her daughter had almost died without her even feeling it. She had always thought she'd know if Yemaya was in mortal danger, and she'd be able to intercede.

"What happened?" she asked, her rising anger evident in her voice.

"Like you, she felt my presence. It distracted her. She didn't have enough time to regain her concentration to complete the escape from the coffin before she ran out of air."

"Why didn't I feel this? I've come to know when she's in trouble."

"You wouldn't have felt this moment. Normally, I don't interfere in things, but since I was the cause of her failure, I was compelled to correct the problem."

"I see. So you helped her escape."

"No, I can't undo what has been done, but there was time to move her to where she would have been had I not distracted her. By doing so, that part of the past was erased."

"Why not just move her back to the moment before you arrived, so she could start over?"

"Even I am limited in what I can do. It's easier to move one person forward than a whole world backward. I must always be careful not to do something that would alter the lives of the living."

"Didn't you just do that?"

"Not really. Yemaya would have completed the illusion had I not been there. By letting her die, I was changing everything in the future. I simply corrected the problem."

"And what did she have to say about this?"

"Nothing. She has no awareness of what happened."

"You're wrong. Not only is she aware that something happened, she's troubled about not knowing why."

Saira was stunned. "I hadn't counted on that. She wasn't supposed to remember anything."

"I guess you're not the only one who has questions and wants answers. Tell me something. How did you move Yemaya forward?"

Saira's laughter was soft, reminding Mari of the dainty tinkling of delicate wind chimes.

"I really didn't move her forward. The future's like a blank tablet waiting to be written on. I wouldn't know where to place her until it arrives so I simply suspended her life force and waited for the right moment to arrive. It happened so quickly she shouldn't have noticed the change."

"But she did. When you leave tonight, am I also supposed to forget you were here?"

"No, you are First Born. Time's your partner, not your enemy. As it moves, so do you, believing there will always be a tomorrow. I also believe there will always be that. Unfortunately for humans, time moves backward. They have no choice but to wait for its arrival and hope they can make the most of the few years they have. All they have is the hope that there will be a tomorrow."

"You mean forward, of course," Mari said.

"No. Time's like a river. It flows gently toward us and then moves on. From the present, mortals and spirits impatiently wait to see what the future brings and then look backward at what it brought."

"And you? Obviously it's not the same."

Saira was impressed with Mari's astuteness.

"True. I move with it, against it, or across it, although I find it easier to move forward than backward. Of course by forward, I mean I travel only the path that already is, not what will be."

"At least that much I followed," Mari said, laughing softly.

"Good. Anyway, the threads of the living are vast and complicated. It's difficult to follow them to their end because of all of the lives that intersect or branch away from the original thread. Imagine a spider's web, a labyrinth of twists and turns with infinite possibilities of choices, but all leading to separate but specific destinations."

"Don't you ever get lost?"

"Not yet. As I said, all threads eventually lead to their beginnings. Once there, I need only turn around and here I am."

"What about the future?"

"The future, that's different. It's a barrier even I can't penetrate. I follow the threads of today and yesterday. I wait for the tomorrows since the future has yet to be woven."

"I see. So where do you go from here? Is my past your next journey?" Mari didn't like the thought of Saira delving into her past. She was a very private person.

"No, I must return to the Underworld. Many questions there remain unanswered. Afterward, if I'm not pulled elsewhere, I'll see where your thread leads."

"And Yemaya?"

"When you see her, please give her my apologies. I meant no harm."

"Are you done with her?"

"No, one day she will lead me to the source of her darkness. The journey should be interesting and answer many questions."

"Will you let me know what you find out?"

Saira hesitated before answering. "I can't. Disclosing one's past to another or rushing the future could create havoc. What is to be would never happen. A future that was never meant to be would be, and all life would be forever changed. When the time's right, you and she will learn what you need to."

"I think you like to talk in riddles just to confuse people, but I know what you mean. I've avoided intervening in events for a long time. I think it was a mistake."

"Mari, I've followed millions of threads in my life. Things happen the way they do for a reason. Don't be so harsh on yourself. Had you done things differently, your beloved daughter wouldn't be the woman she is today, and I doubt if you'd want to change her in any way. She's special."

"Yes, but I think she'd be special under any circumstances."

"Maybe." Saira mused that maternal instinct so often included pride in one's offspring. "Now I must go. I feel a familiar tugging. Enjoy your stay in the mortal world."

Before Mari could thank her, Saira was gone, leaving behind a very tired Earth Mother.

"If I keep feeling this tired, I won't be able to take much more of this mortal stuff," Mari grumbled before falling into a deep slumber.

CHAPTER 9

THE NEXT DAY, Maopa and Mari spent their time touring parts of Baltimore and watching two more XXX movies. Noticing that most people used credit cards to purchase items at the neighborhood stores, they quickly realized that plastic was the best way to pay for everything. Even the theaters were willing to accept them. Only Willie, the local street vendor, had refused their cards, but he was more than willing to give the two women all the hotdogs they could eat, free of charge.

On the third day of their adventures, Sonny called at a particularly rough time for Mari. Feeling bloated from her menstruation and experiencing a bad bout of cramps, she was in a foul mood. Maopa decided it was better to let her stay in bed and let nature take its course.

"How yah feelin, sugah?" Maopa carried a bowl of warm soup into the bedroom and set it on the table.

"Like shit," Mari growled.

"Well, yah shore have learnt to speak like most humans."

"If I have to put up with this, I'm entitled."

"Yep. The curse shore can do yah in."

"That's putting it mildly. If I ever volunteer to babysit a body again, I'm going to make sure I don't have to go through this. All I do is stuff pills down one end and those tube things up the other, and that damn pad is so bulky I'm totally uncomfortable when I walk. How dignified is that for someone like me?"

Maopa laughed. "I wouldn't know, but as the Earth Mother, I thinks yah has a point thar. Bein' human shore don't get yah no special priv'ledges, do it?"

Mari sighed and wondered how much longer she was going to endure this torture. She took the soup and sipped it gratefully, trying to avoid thinking about what the next few weeks was going to bring. Fortunately for her, Yemaya's menstruation cycle ended that evening. Mari was so relieved at her newfound freedom, she let out a loud "whoop," picked Maopa up and swung her around in circles, and collapsed on the bed, out of breath and exhausted.

"You're heavy," she gasped.

"Now that ain't no way to talk to a gal if'n yer plannin' on frolickin' later. Yah just be out of shape, that's all."

"Of course. What was I thinking?" Mari said and laughed at Maopa's indignant expression. "Let's take a shower and then see what mischief we can get into." Wiggling both eyebrows, she gave Maopa a rakish grin.

"Mischief be mah middle name, sugah."

"So," Mari said, "are you going to show me what's so special about girl-on-girl sex?"

"Mah pleasure." She grabbed the bottom of Mari's tee shirt and pulled it up and over the taller woman's head. After tossing it away, she put her arms around Mari and pulled her close.

Mari felt her body grow warm as Maopa's hands wandered up and down her back.

"What do I do?" she whispered, her voice husky from the sensations coursing through her body.

"Yah just lets me do mah thang, sweetie."

Maopa ran her fingers around the elastic waistband of Mari's underwear, slowly pulled them down, and then motioned for Mari to step out of them. These, too, she tossed onto the floor.

Kneeling, she stroked the long muscular thighs with her fingertips and then leaned in to kiss the dark mound in front of her. Inhaling deeply, she nuzzled it gently with her lips and then proceeded to draw her tongue up the stomach and along the ribs until finally capturing a breast gently between her teeth.

Mari gasped at the unfamiliar tingling originating in her groin and moving upward. When Maopa finally stood up, she made eye contact with the fiery blue eyes of her lover. Passion flared, and instinctively both spirits leaned forward, their lips touching tentatively for the first time.

Long arms wrapped hungrily around the shorter woman, who unconsciously returned the passionate embrace. They fell onto the bed and began to enjoy their first moments of physical love. Then came a reality check for both of them.

*  *  *

As much as Mari was enjoying Maopa's attention, she wasn't sure about some of her own bodily reactions. The building up of tension, the spasms in her stomach, and the incredible tingling between her legs as her lover continually stroked her with her tongue was driving her wild... well, almost. The warm liquid running down her pubic area and thighs felt a little creepy. All she could think of, between the spasms of pleasure and a sudden urge to pee, was how messy human sex was, and she wondered if something was wrong. Finally, deciding she had reached her limit, she thumped Maopa's blonde head with the fingertips of her right hand.

"I'm sure this gets better with practice." At least I hope so, she thought, glad for once that Maopa couldn't read her thoughts. "But do you think there are any more clean sheets around?"

"Dang, woman," Maopa said, her head popping up. Clear juices ran down her chin, and Mari jerked back slightly.

"Do all humans do this?" she asked, slightly appalled at the wild-looking woman glaring up at her. Hair sticking up at weird angles didn't help the situation.

"Only thems that don't have no spirits inside of them," Maopa muttered, shaking her head and wiping her chin with her right hand. "Here I be lovin' on yah and all you can thank of is clean beddin'. I knowed it be a long time since I done this, but didya hafta go and ruin the mood by thumpin' on mah head like that?"

"Sorry, sweetie," Mari said, sheepishly. "You were really good. Really. It's just that all I can think of is how cold those wet sheets were when that damn sanitary napkin fell out of my underwear, and... well... you know the mess. You'd think I would have awakened instead of hemorrhaging all over the place."

"That weren't no himragin. Just normal woman stuff. Why d'yah think we calls it the curse?"

"I know. I know. Well, now I've gone and... and...  Damn, I don't even know what I've done, but the sheets are soaking wet again and it just doesn't seem natural."

"Like ya'd know what were natural. Of course it be natural. Them there juices is what lubreecates yah. Shows yah be enjoyin' yerself."

"Oh. Umm... I mean. I know I was enjoying myself... kind of. At least I think I was." Mari wasn't quite sure now. "Maybe I just need a little more practice."

"Not if'n this be how it's gonna be."

"Come on, sweetie. This was my first time."

Remembering her first experience and how horrified she'd been, Maopa relented. She gave Mari a quick kiss, hopped off the bed, and headed for the bathroom, hoping a quick shower would help her mood some.

"Don'tcha worry 'bout it. First times ain't never the best, yah know. We jest needs tah go a little more slow is all."

Sighing with relief, Mari followed closely behind. "That's probably a good idea."

Maopa grunted, but didn't say anything else.

Mari's thoughts went back to the wet sheets. "Ummm... about the sheets."

Maopa stopped and turned to face Mari. "Yah shore do have a bug up your —"

"I'm not sleeping on these sheets now," Mari said quickly, determined to get her way on this. "And tomorrow we're buying a new mattress. I can't believe how much body fluid humans lose. It's a wonder they made it this far in the evolutionary scale."

Maopa finally laughed, her irrepressible humor reappearing. She really didn't blame her partner for being disappointed and maybe somewhat disgusted. Sex was something you developed a taste for. The thought made her snicker quietly.

"I thank yah might be overreactin a bit, darlin', but dontcha thank we oughta wait till we leaves? Yemaya has plenty of money ta spend, but buyin' new stuff every time we dirty it could get mighty costly."

Pushing the shower curtain aside, she adjusted the temperature to warm, trying her best not to laugh. To learn that the Earth Mother could be quite human amused her.

"Okay. Then we'll just turn it over again, but I'm not sleeping on it if it's still wet."

Maopa straightened up and bumped into Mari who had been standing directly behind her. Losing her balance, Maopa started to fall forward when she felt two powerful hands grab her by the shoulders and pull her backward.

"Dadburnit, woman. What in tarnation's wrong with yah?"

"Sorry, Maopa. I'm not adjusting very well to this physical stuff. Pretending to be Yemaya was so much easier than babysitting her body."

Maopa snorted. "Next time, maybe yah'll thank before yah jumps in and volunteers us fer somethin."

"Point taken." Mari released Maopa and returned to the bedroom. Staring at the bed, she felt as though the rumpled sheets were mocking her. She yanked them off and headed to the linen hamper. Several more sheets were stuffed inside, and another pile lay on the floor next to it.

Then she felt the moisture sliding slowly down her legs. After tossing the newest used set of sheets onto the floor, she stomped back into the bathroom, her legs slightly apart in an attempt to keep her thighs from rubbing together. Without saying a word, she pulled the shower curtain aside and climbed in next to a very surprised Maopa.

"Whoever makes those XXX movies should be shot," she said. "I'm beginning to think the X's mean exaggerated."

Maopa snorted and then finished rinsing off, muttering under her breath.

Mari suspected her lover wasn't very happy at the moment. This is one time I'm glad I don't know her thoughts.

Twenty minutes later, the two emerged from their shower feeling a lot better. Not having to wear a pad or poke a tampon inside of her was a huge relief for Mari. Remembering her first experience with a tampon, she shivered.

It had been both awkward and painful. Even Maopa wasn't much help, although she tried to read the instruction page while Mari made an attempt to follow her directions. Trying to accurately align the small bullet-shaped object with the slightly swollen and tender opening of her vulva proved more difficult than she imagined. The first tampon went in crooked. Immediately, Mari knew something was wrong and fished around with her fingers before finally finding the string and pulling it out. Holding up the offending object, she shook it vigorously.

"You'd think you'd at least know what you're doing," she said accusingly and flung it in the trash. She grabbed a second one, ripped off the plastic wrap, and took special care to gently push it in. Feeling victorious, she grinned at Maopa, who was still squinting at the fine print on the instruction sheet.

"My grandchil' needs ta get some bifocles. She don't see worth a toot. This here print gets littler and littler," Maopa said, unaware of Mari's success.

"We'll remind her." The Earth Mother already felt a lot better. She grabbed the paper and tossed it in the trashcan. "Now let's go do something fun." And they did.

They decided to check out the Baltimore National Aquarium and flagged down a cab. Afterward, they hired a cab to take them to another small theater in a sleazy part of the city.

"You ladies sure you want to go to this place? You don't look the type to be watching this kind of stuff," the cabbie said.

"Just goes to show how looks are deceiving, doesn't it?" Mari said. "Besides, we're on vacation so we've decided to live large." She gave Maopa a questioning look. "That's the right phrase isn't it?"

"That be it alrighty."

"Okay. It's your money."

Ten minutes after the movie began, Mari and Maopa walked out of the building shaking their heads.

"That were the most disgustin' thang I ever seen."

"Definitely. We can mark this place off our list. I can't even imagine why anyone would come to a place like this. Yemaya ought to report the owners to the authorities for allowing such disgusting behavior on the premises."

"I knowed folks gotta take a piss now and then... but ta do it in front of ladies ain't fittin'. And yah was right ta tell him so."

"It's a good thing I'm not in my true form. That young man would learn a few things about talking to a spirit like that. I may just pay him a little visit later when I'm my normal self."

"Sounds good ta me. I'll help."

CHAPTER 10

INTUNECAT FELT the ripple as the intruder entered his realm. Only one person had yet been able to penetrate the barrier between the light and darkness. This was not that person.

He remembered the day Lilith had arrived unannounced and uninvited. The revelation that his once impregnable world was vulnerable was disconcerting, but he soon forgot about that after getting to know his new guest. Afterward, he looked forward to her visits. Not only was she mentally stimulating, but he felt an inexplicable attraction to her. Her voice, her touch, her presence brought a warmth and light to his world that he would have thought impossible.

"Do you always go where you're not invited?" he asked, unable to see what he knew was there.

"Would you have invited me if I hadn't come unasked?" a voice answered.

"You're female." He sighed melodramatically. "Why is it I can't keep women from barging in on my space?"

"Do you wish me to answer your question?"

"Would the answer prevent you from coming in the future?"

"No. Only satisfying my curiosity will do that."

"Then by all means, show yourself. The sooner I give you what you want, the sooner you'll be gone."

A luminescent white cloud appeared in the darkness, its shape shimmering slightly before becoming a transparent haziness.

"Who are you?" Intunecat asked.

"I am Saira, a simple Traveler."

"Simple? I doubt that. You've traveled to an unusual place. Do you always intrude where you're not welcome?"

"I go where I must. To be welcomed is not important."

"I see. How did you manage to find your way here?"

"I followed a thread from Mari. It guided me to you."

"Mari told you about me?" he asked, surprised the Earth Mother would reveal anything about him, let alone a way into his solitary sanctuary.

"No. She keeps her secrets well. She hasn't betrayed you."

"But you said she guided you here."

"Not her. Her thread. You're a part of her past and her present, so your lives are forever joined."

"And this thread has to do with our joining?"

"Of course. Those you meet in your life and those they have met are forever connected to you, as you are to them. Existence creates many strands in lives and time, like a spider's web. In the beginning, only a few threads are woven but they quickly grow larger and more abundant, trapping everything that comes in contact with the web. It's very complex in its simplicity."

Motioning for Saira to sit, Intunecat offered her a drink. Although it wasn't something he required, he was fond of the ritual. Saira politely refused the drink but sat down.

"Why follow a strand to me now? I assume you've been doing this for a very long time."

"Longer than even you can imagine. Still, it's what I do. You are a First Born, one of five. It's rare that I have the chance to meet you or your siblings. I must go where I'm pulled."

"Siblings? I have no siblings," the Dark One said indignantly. "Those you speak of are not of my essence."

Intunecat believed himself to be the creator of light and therefore the oldest living being. He didn't accept that Dis or the Twin were in any way connected to him.... And Mari, well, his interest  wasn't in any way sexual. He had no need of such things. The mind was the attraction, and the Earth Mother had the sharpest mind of any entity he had ever met.

"So you have no control over what you do or where you go?" he asked.

"Not exactly. I can choose not to follow if I wish, but curiosity compels me to seek the source of my questions."

"Meaning you don't have a choice."

"I'm no different than you. I always have choices. Just because I follow my compulsion doesn't mean I'm not in control of my life."

"So you say."

"So I say."

Feeling slightly disgruntled at his inability to get the desired reaction from her, Intunecat changed tactics. "This conversation is going nowhere. What do you want from me?"

"It's what I wanted before I met you. I now have my answer."

"To what? You haven't asked me anything."

"I never intended to ask you anything. You wouldn't know the answer to my question."

Intunecat grumbled something unintelligible. He wasn't used to being thwarted, and frustration only added to his irritability. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because I have the answer now."

"Must you be so evasive? Do you do this to everyone you meet?"

"Do what?"

"Forget it. Since you have your answer, perhaps you'll share it with me. Then at least I'll know why you came here."

"Like I said —"

"I know. To find an answer. So what is it?"

"I can't say. Now isn't the time for you to know. Telling you could drastically alter the future. Even the First Born isn't immune to the damages tampering with the unknown can bring."

"Then your work is done. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"No, you've done more than you'll ever know. You gave me the answer to one of my greatest questions. Thank you."

"Does this mean you won't be coming back?" Intunecat asked, his voice full of hope.

Saira grinned broadly. "Unfortunately, I can't answer that either. It will depend on those you meet in the future. Already you seek something from someone that raises new questions, but the tugging isn't very strong for now. One day, though, my curiosity will pull me here if the relationship prospers. The daughter of a First Born, who became the wife of a First Born eons ago, will make the future interesting if she should fulfill the desires of the First Born."

Frowning, Intunecat understood the human impulse to stomp a foot. He was about to ask her for an explanation when she vanished. Perhaps it was intentional or merely an oversight, but Saira had given him enough information to know what had drawn her to him. Now he had questions as to what she meant before she left.

"Females," he growled unhappily. "They can be so frustrating."

Immediately, his thoughts turned to Lilith.

CHAPTER 11

THE CHILD WAS relaxing in her chair, staring at the fire in the hearth. She had just spent the night conversing with several demons about her plans for the future — her future, and theirs, if they remained loyal to her. Now she was wondering when the apparition would return, not realizing Saira was about to appear at the precise moment she had left. Soon, Caelene would remember the past differently, and Saira would leave, not realizing she had directly altered the future one more time.

Although aware of the Child's ambitions, Saira had no interest in them. Instead, she wanted to know more about the past, and so she continued their conversation as if she had never left and listened to the demoness' thoughts closely.

Humans. Believers. Dreamers. Hypocrites, the Child thought. If only they knew what I know. My plan has been more successful than even I had imagined, but I'm jumping ahead of myself. I was telling of my involvement with humanity. She continued telling her story.

"The Twin was furious at Adam and Eve's betrayal. He had forbidden them to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge and they had ignored his orders. Now they knew too much to be happy in Paradise. They would no longer be satisfied with their simple existence. The experiment had gone wrong, and he blamed himself for not monitoring the situation more closely.

"The presence of the small serpent should have raised his suspicions, but he had no reason to believe it anything more than one of the many insignificant by-products of his vast collection of creations. When he realized it was actually his own twin's child, he felt a profound sadness and perhaps a sense of failure. Already, too many lives had been lost in the Great Battle over my mother. Now Eve was displaying the same independent qualities as she, something he knew would happen eventually, just not so soon. I remember watching Adam and Eve from the Netherworld. I actually felt sorry for them as they knelt before their 'God,' fearing his wrath."

Saira listened to Caelene's narration as she searched for the thread that would give her the pathway to the answer she was seeking. Once she located the right one, she followed it to its beginning, unbeknownst to the Child, and watched as the past released its long-held secrets about the demoness' role in the evolution of mankind.

*  *  *"You have betrayed me," the Voice said with great sadness.

"Forgive us, Father," Adam replied, trembling in fear.

"Was it so wrong to want what you already have?" Eve asked, glancing upward at the dark cloud hanging over their head.

The Twin thought about her question for a few minutes. It was a fair question and deserved an answer.

"No. I knew there would come a day when you would question your existence. I had hoped it wouldn't be this soon."

"Then why are you angry?" she said.

Only his brother, Dis, had the audacity to challenge him. The habit was irritating, but on some level, he enjoyed the stimulating debates.

"I am not angry with you, my children, only saddened," he said. "I cannot allow you to remain in Paradise now that you know the things you do. You will no longer be happy here."

"Where will we go?" Adam looked up for the first time.

"I have prepared a place. Your lives will be hard, but you now have all you need to survive."

Before they could ask anything else, they found themselves standing on barren soil in a land devoid of animal or plant life as far as the eye could see. On the horizon were the dark shadows of objects unfamiliar to them. A small white bird suddenly appeared above the stunned couple. When Eve glanced up, it swooped down toward her and then flew away, only to return when they didn't follow. After a few unproductive attempts, it seemed to give up and moved toward the horizon.

"We have no choice but to follow," Eve said.

A slight nod of his head was the only indication Adam gave. Neither knew how long they had walked, but for the first time, they experienced thirst, hunger, and pain. Their feet became swollen and blistered. Had they not stumbled into a small oasis, they would have perished.

For several nights and days, they stayed by the small pool of water, waiting for their injuries to heal and discussing their situation. Unfamiliar with catching and cleaning fish, they subsisted on the fruits and berries growing on the small trees around them. Both knew, however, the limited sustenance wouldn't maintain them for long. By the fourth day, early in the evening, they left the small sanctuary. Shortly afterward, the oasis vanished, and nothing remained to show it ever existed.

*  *  *

"I needed to insure their survival if I was to succeed with my own plans," Caelene continued. "I guided them slowly to an imperfect paradise but one to which they could adapt. Over the years, they flourished and grew confident and competent in their ability to survive the hardships. In time, they bore many children. The first two were sons, Cain and Abel. Human theology says that Cain slew his brother out of hatred for having been rejected by his God... an absurdity. Even I knew the Twin loved his creations, although he refused to interfere in their lives.

"Once Adam and Eve were banished from Paradise, he gave them free will to do as they wished. In those times, he was not as patient as he is today. After several unsuccessful attempts to control and guide mankind to a specific conclusion, he realized his mistakes and decided to let humanity choose its own destiny.

"I, however, am not so inclined. I manipulated them in subtle ways to insure both their survival and their evolution.

"Cain was a farmer who took great joy in tilling the soil and growing food for his parents and siblings. Abel, on the other hand, enjoyed caring for animals, providing the meat necessary to sustain his family,” Caelene explained.

"In order to keep harmony between the two, Adam and Eve divided the land, giving half to Cain for cultivation and half to Abel for his livestock. One day, several animals wandered into Cain's field and devoured and destroyed much of what he had grown. In a fit of anger, he killed a bull and several cows. When Abel heard of his brother's actions, he confronted him, his own temper flaring.

"A battle ensued, and Cain gave Abel a mighty shove. Abel tripped over the loose soil and fell, striking his head on a stone, which instantly killed him. When Cain realized what he had done, he fell to his knees sobbing.

"Hours later, Adam and Eve found Cain bent over the still figure of his brother. When he tried to explain what happened, they didn't understand. Anger was not an emotion familiar to them. It was one I knew well. The Twin was furious at Cain but chose not to punish him.” Caelene paused for a moment, remembering the look on Adam and Eve’s faces — confusion and sadness.

"Realizing their children needed mates in order for the species to survive, Adam and Eve sent several of the oldest into the new world to see if there were others like them. Eventually, a few returned with wives or husbands chosen from a primitive race they had discovered near a huge body of water several days' journey away. No one could predict the effect their unions would have on humanity.

"For thousands of years they devolved, the dominant trait of the primitive gene proving too powerful for the Twin's creations. Tens of thousands of years passed before natural selection reversed the trend and allowed the recessive genes of Adam and Eve to regain their place in the evolution of humans."

"So you were responsible for their survival?" Saira asked. She had listened to the Child's words and seen her thoughts. Although she knew the answer, she still wanted to hear the demoness' response.

"I did as much as I could. They needed help. The Twin had given up on them, and since I was the cause of their banishment, I decided to intervene."

"Very altruistic."

The Child laughed. "I never said that, and I doubt you believe it. Of course I had motives. At the time it was also a way to get even with the Twin. If his little experiment continued successfully without his interference, he'd see that some things do just fine without him. It would be quite a blow to his ego, and so far, that's exactly what happened."

"You think he's done nothing to help the humans evolve?"

"He tinkers with them, but nothing major. Once in a while, he takes an interest and stirs things up. Eons back, he seemed more interested in them, but I think now he lets most of them do what they want. After all, he did give them free will. Perhaps he's decided to let them exercise it and hold them responsible for their own actions."

"Perhaps. And what about you?"

"Me? At the moment I'm more interested in my world. Is that one of the questions you needed answered?"

"No, but there will come a time when I'll seek that too."

"And when will that be?"

"When the tug is stronger. Now I must go. Another calls to me."

Saira disappeared, leaving a brooding Caelene alone with her thoughts. Her uninvited visitor had been an interesting distraction, but now the Child needed to move forward with her plans. She rose and left her abode to rendezvous with several lesser demons and minions of the Underworld. If her plans were to succeed, she would need their help, not that they had much choice. She knew too much about them for any to refuse her offer.

CHAPTER 12

MARI'S SLEEP WAS interrupted by a loud clanging and a low rumbling coming from outside of the apartment window. Exhausted from her escapades with Maopa, she wasn't in the mood to have her much-needed sleep interfered with.

The night had started with a mad dash to catch another late XXX movie, Invasion of the Alien Chicks, and ended with several hotdogs from Willie's Wiener Stand. The two spirits retired to their bedroom and tried to duplicate the alien chicks' odd renditions of lovemaking. Most positions proved to be too awkward or painful to be enjoyable. They suspected the women actors were either contortionists or faking their reactions. Eventually, after several failed attempts at the popular sixty-nine, they collapsed in a fit of laughter and decided to call it quits.

"I tell yah, this just don't seem doable ta me. I mean, ain't no way I can conseentrate on doin' yah when you're doin' me at the same time. I keep fergettin' what I was doin'."

"So I noticed." Mari laughed. "I guess this is what humans refer to as multi-tasking."

"We ain't that for shore, and I ain't believin them gals was doin' any better. I'm a-thinkin' there's a might bit of fakin' goin on in these here movies."

"I think you're right. No wonder Yemaya and Dakota are so tired. Trying to do this every night is exhausting."

"Sure is. Either them two be a whole lot fitter than us or they knowed somethang we don't."

Mari pulled Maopa close against her body and snuggled under the sheets. "At least this is pleasant, and I think I'm finally beginning to understand why humans enjoy sex so much."

"About darn time too. I was beginnin' ta thank yah didn't have it in ya." Maopa smirked.

"Oh, it was in me alright. Although I have to admit I think I like your tongue much better than your fingers. Those nails are a little too sharp."

Maopa looked down at her fingertips. "Dang. I thought I had bit them off enuff. They can't get no shorter than they be now."

"Well, either Dakota doesn't use them like the women in the movies or she wears gloves," Mari said.

Both women thought about it for a few moments.

"Naahh!" they said simultaneously and then giggled as they snuggled under the sheets.

Closing their eyes, they fell instantly asleep.

*  *  *

Mari realized the noise wasn't going away. She threw off the top sheet, walked over to the window, and peered between the blinds. The early morning light caught her by surprise, and she blinked painfully as she searched for the cause of the noise. Below her window, two men were working. Each one picked up several large plastic bags from the sidewalk and threw them in the back of a huge truck. Then one pulled a large lever, and the contents disappeared behind a moving door. A crushing sound was quickly followed by the door reopening. The exposed compartment was now empty. Mari raised the blinds and window, leaned out, and called to the workers.

"Hello!"

Apparently they couldn't hear her because of the noisy machinery.

"Damn," she muttered and tried again.

"Hellooo! Hey! You two!"

One man glanced up.

"You want something lady?" he yelled back, his right hand cupped around his mouth.

"Yes, I do!"

When he motioned he couldn't hear, she sighed in frustration. The worker reached over and flipped a switch. Immediately the noise lowered to a mild rumble.

"What are you doing?" Mari asked, having never seen garbage collectors before.

"Picking up the trash, lady. What did you think we was doing?"

"Oh. You take away everything people throw out, right?"

Looking at his partner, the man made a circular motion next to his ear with his hand. The other man grinned and nodded.

"Well, yeah. That's what we do."

"That's wonderful. Can you wait a minute? I have some trash for you."

"We're on a schedule, lady. Once we finish loading the rest of these bags, we have to move on."

"That's okay. I've got it right here," Mari said.

She ran to the large pile of sheets and dirty clothes and quickly sorted the blouses and jeans from the rest of the items. She scooped up the sheets and used underwear and hurried back to the open window. Realizing there was too much stuff to push through, she dropped everything on the floor and then grabbed several items and began tossing them out the window.

The worker Mari was talking to was suddenly assaulted by several pairs of women's panties, some bras, and a couple of sheets. Scrambling frantically to remove the items, he looked at the black lacy bra that had caught on the bill of his ball cap.

"Hey!" He dropped the item and jumped back as if he had just grabbed a snake. "Are you fucking nuts?"

Leaning out of the window, Mari gave him a sultry smile and winked.

"Sorry," she called back in her most seductive voice.

"Oh, uhh... that's okay." Before he could say anything else, more sheets and clothes tumbled down next to his feet, barely missing him.

"We ain't a laundry service, ma'am," he yelled.

"That's okay. If you'll just put them in that thing, it'll be fine," Mari said. "We need to get new ones. Those are dirty."

The trash collector motioned for another worker to help him pick up everything and started tossing the items in the dump truck. Mari noticed that he stuffed the black lacy bra and a pair of deep purple panties down the front of his shirt.

"Wonder what that's about," she murmured to herself. "Thanks a lot," she called to them. "I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them, but you've solved a huge problem for us."

"Oh, well... that's okay, ma'am. It's our pleasure. Right, Randy?" he said to the other man.

"Sure is. Our pleasure. Really. No problem, miss." Randy pulled off his hat to scratch his head.

"Great. So how often do you come here?"

"Twice a week. Mondays and Thursdays."

"Good, we'll probably have more by then. Should I just throw them down there for you to pick up?"

"Uhhh... I don't think that would be a good idea, miss. Someone might take them. The city don't like people going through the trash, you know. They leave a big mess behind. You just wait till you hear us and do what you did... that is, if you're awake."

"Okay, I'll listen for you. That thing would awaken the dead," Mari said pointing to the truck.

"Sorry about that. We'll try to be a little quieter from now on. Look, we have to finish up here. We're running a little behind schedule now. You got anything else you want to get rid of?"

Mari thought for a minute and then realized she had a small trashcan with some used sanitary napkins and tampons. Her first impulse was to toss them down also but decided it would be too much trouble for the young men to pick them up off the street and sidewalk. Maybe she'd put them in a bag later and toss them out the next time he came by.

"No. That's it for now. Thanks again." Mari closed the window and returned to bed, satisfied she had resolved a huge problem. She wondered how Maopa could sleep through all the racket.

Seems like a waste to throw those things out. I bet they must recycle that stuff somehow. I'll have to remember to ask Yemaya what they do with their sheets when they get dirty.

Wrapping her arms around Maopa, she quickly fell asleep.

*  *  *

Waking up was always a long process, or so it seemed to Maopa. Eyes closed, she would lie still, trying to make sense of her surroundings and the noises around her. It felt as though her brain were struggling to climb out of some deep, dark hole in its efforts to regain the consciousness it had so easily abandoned the night before. In her earlier life, she had always been up before sunrise. Now she could barely drag herself out of bed until well after the birds were up. The worst way to wake up was hearing the irritating ringing of the telephone. Today was one of those days. Grumbling, she groped around the small table by the bed and finally found the offending object.

"What in tarna... dang... Devereaux," she said, trying to collect her thoughts.

"Hello? Ms. Devereaux? This is Sandra at Dr. Winslow's office. I was calling to remind you of your appointment today."

"Appointment?"

"Yes. You're scheduled for your physical at three."

"Oh. Well, ken't we do it in a few weeks?" Maopa asked, desperately trying to figure out what a fiseecal was.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Devereaux, but you know how busy the doctor is. We couldn't work you in for another four months. Dr. Winslow's going on her yearly 'Doctors Without Borders' commitment. She'll be gone for three months."

"Dang. Okay. Never you mind, dearie. We'll be thar at three."

"Thank you. See you here," the disgustingly cheerful woman on the other end replied.

After hanging up the phone, Maopa rolled on her back and swore. Next to her, Mari was sound asleep.

How in tarnation can anyone sleep through all that noise? Maopa wondered before deciding they had better get going. Nudging the sleeping figure, she smirked when Mari growled slightly and slapped at her hand.

"Time we be a movin', sugah. We gots to go get my grandchil' a fiseecal."

"What's a fiseecal?" Mari opened one eye to glare at her partner.

"I don't know, but it's somethang she does every year so's it must be important."

Maopa jumped up and started toward the bathroom when she noticed the old pile of sheets and clothes had been reduced to a small lump of jeans and blouses.

"What happened thar?"

"Some men took them away earlier this morning."

"Yah let men in here while I be a sleepin?"

"No, of course not, silly. They were outside the window. I threw the sheets down to them, and they put them in some sort of truck. Said it was their job... and they come by here twice a week."

"I'll be danged. Seems like a waste, but if'n that's the way they does it, then it shore saves us from burnin' them."

"I imagine humans have outgrown burning their bedding, sweetie. It would be too wasteful."

"Yeah. They be into that recyclin' thang. Helps with savin' the planet. Anyways, better we be gettin' a move on it. I be right parched and hungry, and Willie said he's got some new wieners he be a wantin' us to try."

"Wonderful. I was getting a little tired of the others. Thought we'd try out something else today, maybe after your fiseecal. I heard pizza was really good. By the way, just where are we supposed to be going?"

"Ain't got no idee, but Dakota's one of them thar note takers, so I figger it'll be writ down somewhere."

After showering and making a quick search around the apartment, Maopa found a reminder note on the refrigerator with the doctor's name and address.

They showed it to the taxi driver, sat back in the seat, and waited patiently while he sped through the city streets, reaching the address in less than twenty minutes.

"Thank ya, Jose. It always be fun ridin' with ya. Don't know how long we be inside, though."

"No problemo, Mees Dakota. Thees streets I know like back of hand. I wait. Maybe get taco down street."

"Yah do that."

Inside the office, they were greeted by the cheery receptionist, whose voice Maopa recognized from the phone call.

"It'll only be a few minutes, Ms. Devereaux. If you'll just take a seat, the nurse will be out shortly."

Maopa and Mari sat down near a stack of magazines and flipped through them.

"I never knowed people liked almost nekkid women so much... and would yah look at them? They don't have no meat on them bones."

"I know. Maybe that's why the magazines are here... to show women what they'll look like if they don't take good care of themselves," Mari said, turning the pages.

"That probably —"

"Ms. Devereaux, the nurse will see you now," Sandra called out.

Standing, Mari and Maopa started toward the door.

"Sorry, miss, but only Ms. Devereaux can go back. You can wait out here if you want."

"Over mah —"

Mari nudged Maopa with her elbow.

"I mean, um, Ms. Lysanne here." She paused. "Look, either she goes with me or we leaves here and yah keeps yoh fiseecal."

Looking confused, Sandra relented. "That's okay. Go on back."

A woman in a blue shirt and matching slacks motioned them forward and pointed at an open door. "If you'll just step in there and put this on, we can get started." She handed Maopa a pale blue garment. Once the door was closed behind them, Maopa held it up and examined it for a few seconds. Made of paper, it was barely long enough to cover the breasts and stomach.

"This be a strange lookin' shirt. I ain't sure it'll fit over the rest of mah clothes. I figgers this here paper won't last five minutes if'n I moved around in it. What in tarnation does I need ta wear an ugly thang like this fer?"

"Maybe it's to keep something from spilling on you. You should probably do what she told you," Mari said.

Maopa slipped her arms in the sleeves, pulled the gown over her shoulders, and sat down. Distracted by several anatomical charts on the walls, she squinted at the fine print next to several lines going to different parts of the body.

"Thar be some strange stuff in here. I ain't seen nothin like this. Old sawbones in mah day had a few jars and sharp knives and that be it."

"Just goes to show how things change."

"Shore do."

A light knock on the door interrupted their chat, and the nurse walked in and gave Maopa a strange look.

"Is something wrong, Ms. Devereaux?"

"Naw... 'cept this is kinda small."

"Excuse me?"

"This... thang. It be, I mean, it's a little small."

The nurse laughed. "I never realized you had such a good sense of humor. Dr. Winslow will be in shortly. I need to get your BP and temp. When the doctor's done, we can get your weight and draw some blood for the multi-phasic profile. You haven't eaten today, have you?"

"Only a few of them wieners, but that was a few hours ago."

"That's not good. Maybe next time we should schedule you in the morning. I guess you can come back tomorrow for the blood work."

Mari watched the nurse strap a large black thing around Maopa's arm and pump it up.

"We have this new digital BP reader," the nurse said. "It's pretty cool."

"Uh huh." Maopa wondered just how tight the woman was going to make the black band. "You ain't tryin' to squeeze my arm off, are yah?"

The nurse chuckled as she scanned the numbers and wrote them on the chart. Then she placed another object against Maopa's ear and held it for a second. Looking at that number, she wrote it beside the other number.

"Everything looks good so far," she said, handing Maopa another paper object. "Now, if you'll just finish getting undressed, you can use this to cover the rest of you."

The nurse picked up the chart and left the two startled spirits alone.

"She don't mean..."

"I think she does."

"I'm suppose to get bare ass nekkid and put this here thang on... and nothin' else?"

"That's what she said."

"Hell, I don't even know the woman."

"Apparently she knows you, or rather, Dakota. I wonder what that granddaughter of yours was doing before she met Yemaya."

"Me too. I thank we gonna hafta have a good talk, that youngin and I."

"You'd better hurry up. I get the impression time means something to these people. Just think of it as a new adventure and doing Dakota a favor. Obviously these fiseecals are important."

Grumbling, Maopa undressed, put on the top, and wrapped the paper drape around her waist. Pulling the edges together, she held them tightly with her right hand. After another knock on the door, the nurse walked in, pushing a large metal box on wheels.

"Good. Now hop on the table, and we'll get the EKG done and then I'll get the doctor. Just lie back and don't move."

Before Maopa realized what was happening, several small patches were stuck to her ankles and chest. The nurse attached wires to them, and the machine started spewing out a small strip of paper with crooked lines. Then the nurse removed the wires, pulled off the sticky patches, and walked out of the room, pushing the box in front of her.

"Be right back," she said.

"Well, if'n that ain't the most peeculyar thing I ever seen," Maopa said, sitting up and swinging her legs over the side of the table. Kicking them back and forth like a small child, she looked extremely unhappy. She saw Mari start to grin at her, but cover her mouth with her hand and pretend to yawn.

"It definitely was different," Mari said. "Wonder what's next?"

A soft knock on the door prevented any further comments. In walked the nurse, followed by a slender black woman.

"Hi, Dakota. How have you been feeling since your last visit?"

Reaching out to shake Maopa's hand, the doctor glanced at Mari curiously. "I'm sorry, but I don't think we've met. I'm Dr. Winslow," she said, smiling slightly.

"I'm Yemaya, Dakota's friend."

"I see. You're the first friend she's ever invited to be present for a pap test, so I'm assuming you must be more than just a friend," Doctor Winslow said, her brown eyes sparkling with humor.

"You could say that."

"Good. It's about time she found someone and settled down."

Maopa squirmed slightly as Dr. Winslow turned toward her.

"Something wrong?"

"This dang blasted paper is stickin' to my rear end."

Looking at the nurse, Dr. Winslow chuckled. "You didn't order that cheap stuff did you?"

"Certainly not."

"Well, check into another brand. I can't have my patients walking around with paper stuck to them."

Dr. Winslow pulled her stethoscope from her jacket pocket, snapped the earpieces in place, and picked up the heart monitor. Reaching out, she gently pried the material from Maopa's fingers and pushed it aside.

"Something you're not telling me?" she asked. “And what’s with the hillbilly accent? You practicing for a role in that new play, Mountain Mary? I heard the director had put out a call for anyone with a country accent.”

Maopa glared at the doctor and then decided to ignore the question.

"Tain’t nothin’ wrong with how I be talkin’. Ah’m just a little nervous, yah might say."

"I guess that’s as good an explanation as any,” the doctor replied, deciding not to pursue Dakota’s strange accent. “After all these years, I still don't know why you act this way. I'd think you'd be used to this by now," Dr. Winslow replied, laughing. "As soon as I listen to your heart and lungs, we'll get the rest over with quickly."

Placing the heart monitor against Maopa's chest, she listened to the steady rhythm.

"It's a little fast, but to be expected. Now inhale and exhale." She moved the stethoscope to Maopa's chest and back, and finally listened to her stomach.

"It all sounds good. Your stomach seems to be having a time with that hotdog, though. Any discomfort down there?"

"If'n yoh askin' whether or not I gots a tummy ache, the answer be no."

"Uh... well... that's good. Now swing your legs up, and we'll get the unpleasant part over with quickly."

Frowning, Maopa swung her feet up and sat rigidly, her legs straight out in front of her.

"Lie back, Dakota. I swear if I didn't know you better, I'd think this was your first time."

"Just shows what you thank. Yah knowed it ain't so."

Dr. Winslow hesitated and glanced more closely at her patient. "Have you been checking your breasts every month?"

"They been gettin' a lot of checkin' lately." Maopa grinned and winked at Mari.

Dr. Winslow smirked. "I imagine the checker hasn't found anything unusual."

"Ain't heerd no complaints."

Dr. Winslow placed her fingertips on Maopa's left breast. As she began pushing and moving her hands around, Maopa watched, curious about the strange action. The right breast was treated the same. Then her stomach was pressed in several areas before the doctor seemed satisfied.

"Everything feels good. No lumps. Keep checking them though. I want you to have a mammogram before your next visit. Rachelle will schedule it for you."

"Shore nuff, doc." Maopa didn't have a clue as to what a mammogram was and wasn't sure she wanted to know.

Signaling for the nurse to adjust the stirrups, Dr. Winslow told Maopa to slide down and put her feet in them.

"Now hold on thar. Them thar... them there... them thangs ain't... aren't steerups."

"Dakota, are you feeling okay?"

"Excuse me, Dr. Winslow," Mari said. "Dakota has been entertaining me a lot lately, and I think we've been overdoing it a bit. We didn't get home until early this morning, and you know how lack of sleep can affect people."

"Lack of sleep, huh?" Dr. Winslow said with a smile. "I know it can do a lot of things, but this is the first time I've ever seen a complete personality change like this."

"Trust me. With the schedule we've been keeping, Dakota definitely isn't herself at the moment."

"Oh, I believe that. Okay, look. I promise I can be in and out in seconds. Now would you just lie back and relax?"

Maopa slowly slid into position and grumbled again about more paper sticking to her butt. Relaxing slightly, she let the nurse guide her feet into the stirrups.

This be damn awkward, Maopa thought, trying to maneuver the paper down to cover her legs. Dr. Winslow pushed the cloth drape up slightly and gently nudged Maopa's knees apart while the nurse moved the lamp closer.

"Good. Now just slide down a few inches more."

Sighing, Maopa did as she was instructed but found it difficult. The edge of the table cut into her butt cheeks, and her groin ached from forcing her knees apart.

"It shore be drafty down thar, doc."

"This will only take a minute."

A faint clicking sound made Maopa look toward the nurse. The woman had just picked up a small metal device and was squeezing a clear gel onto it. She turned a small wheel on its end, and the object slowly closed.

The nurse handed the instrument to Dr. Winslow, who bent down and lowered her head beneath the drape.

"Okay. Now I need you to spread your knees a little wider."

"They don't get no wider than this. I ain't no plucked chicken, yah know. These here legs only opens so far."

"Look, Dakota. Would you just open wider so I can do the pap?"

"I'm telling yah, they don't get no wider. Now jest get done down thar."

With an audible sigh, Dr. Winslow reached down to gently spread the labia with her fingers. "This is going to be a little cold."

*  *  *

Maopa stiffened when she felt the doctor touching her pussy but decided to keep quiet for the moment. When the device was pushed inside her vagina, though, she let out a whoop, reached down and smacked the doctor on the back of her head. Dr. Winslow's head popped up like a cork in water, and she jerked the object out.

"What the hell?" Apparently without thinking, she started to rub her head and smacked it with the instrument. "Son of a bitch!" she yelled. The device flew from her hand and landed with a loud metallic clang on the floor at the nurse's feet. Surprised, the nurse jumped back and bumped into a silver stand, knocking it against the counter, where it rolled a few inches and then fell to the floor. Within seconds, another woman flung open the door. Dashing in, she stepped on the device and fell face first into Dakota's spread legs. Embarrassed, the woman pushed herself away and bumped into Dr. Winslow, almost knocking her into Mari.

"Dagburnit. That's it. I ain't lettin yah go and stick that there thang up my peehole no matter how many times yah done it befer."

Maopa leaped off the table, grabbed her clothes, and marched out of the room, oblivious to the pieces of paper stuck to her butt. Three very stunned women were left behind.

Mari looked sympathetically at them.

"Must be the wieners. I told her not to put all that stuff on them. Maybe we'll just postpone this until another day, Doctor." She picked up Maopa's shoes and quickly followed her out.

Outside the building, Maopa stood in her blue top and partially torn drape. One hand was clenched tightly around the paper remnants while the other held the top garment closed. Her clothes were tucked under her right elbow. Mari stood quietly next to her. Several people walked by, gave them strange looks, and continued on. Jose pulled up his cab but didn't say a word.

"I ain't a knowin' what this world has come tah, but ain't no way no one's gonna go stickin thangs up my cooch like that," Maopa said, growling.

"Well, it really isn't yours," Mari replied.

"It be mine at the moment, and until my grandchil' gets it back, I ain't lettin' no dang woman poke me, unlessin I sez she ken. Tarnations, I ain't even knowed that woman."

"I certainly can understand that. I guess we know what a fiseecal is now. I just wonder what she meant by pap test. It sounded important."

"Well, if'n yoh askin me, I'd say it meant pokin' at pussies. Why anyone would want tah be doin' that beats the tar out of me. It be downright humileeatin'."

Deciding to get dressed, she yanked off the gown and then glared at the driver's mirror. "And don't yah be lookin back here like that, or I'll turn yah into a toad."

After pulling on her jeans and top, Maopa felt her stomach growling. "I'm hungry. How about we gets one of them thar pizzas and then goes and checks out that mall we seed a ways back?"

"Works for me." Mari gave her a hug. "Only two more weeks to go. Let's hope we survive it."

“I twern’t aware of no particlar time for us tah be back,” Maopa said.

“Well…” Mari replied hesitantly. “I think Dakota and Yemaya will be more than ready to return home. I certainly am looking forward to the peace and quiet of our world.”

CHAPTER 13

THE BOOKSTORE WAS tucked away in a small wing of the mall. Mari knew about books but had never actually handled one. Grabbing Maopa by the arm, she dragged her through the open doors and then stopped in front of a large display of picture calendars.

"This is amazing." Her eyes moved from one photo topic to another. Reaching out, she gently ran her fingertips across the smooth front-page photo of an artist's rendition of a dragon. Painted in vibrant colors, the creature seemed to be staring at her.

"And to think that once they were real." She sighed softly.

"There actually be dragons?" Maopa asked.

"Yes. A long time ago. Not many, mind you, but enough to have survived if they hadn't been hunted down and destroyed."

"I figgered they was just stories, made up for the youngins."

"They were magnificent creatures and highly intelligent. Unfortunately, their one weakness was the need to hibernate in the winter. Humans hunted them in their lairs and killed them out of fear and ignorance. Dragons were like all living things. All they wanted was to grow up, find mates, raise their young, and grow old. Most of all, they wanted to live their lives soaring high above the land and seas, enjoying a freedom no human could ever experience or imagine."

"That be the way of things."

"Yes, unfortunately, many things have been lost or destroyed over time."

Strolling through the aisles, Mari gazed in awe at the thousands of books lining the shelves.

"So many words, so many thoughts," she murmured, almost to herself. "Can you imagine what it must be like to put your thoughts down in a physical form like this? How tedious it must be."

"It shore be a lot of work, I'll give yah that."

Stopping in front of the history section, she pulled out several books, glanced at the cover pages, and turned them over.

"History books. Moments in time. Can anyone describe what really happens when they see only one piece of such a huge puzzle?" Mari was just thinking out loud and wasn't looking for an answer to her question.

She put the books back in their proper places, and they moved on toward another section. A smile appeared on the Earth Mother's face.

"Look at these. Aren't they wonderful?" She picked up a large, thin book with a comical looking creature standing on a colorful pointed mountain. She flipped open the pages and began reading the lines.

"Dr. Seuss. I've heard of him. Listen to this. 'Oh the Places You'll Go'...."

Speaking softly, she read the entire story to Maopa. Her voice was low and gentle, filled with awe at the feeling the words instilled. When she finished, she slowly closed the book and ran her hand over the cover almost lovingly. A quiet applause surprised her. Glancing around, she saw several people smiling and then moving away, each seemingly touched by the moment.

"He shore do have a way with the words."

"Yes, he does. I think I'll buy this."

Maopa smiled but didn't say anything. Another cover caught Mari's attention. It displayed a man, a woman, and several funny looking dinosaurs eating plants. As she read the story inside, she frowned and then laughed out loud.

"Humans have such vivid imaginations. They are so good at telling fairy tales. Listen."

She quickly read a few passages from the story. "Can you believe someone actually believes dinosaurs lived in harmony with Adam and Eve?"

Maopa snickered.

"And this author thinks they were all vegetarians."

"I heerd about this awhile back. They calls it intelleegent somethin' or other. It be the latest explanashun of how thangs came tah be."

It was Mari's turn to snicker. "Like I said, humans have great imaginations. Let's pay for my book and check out Victoria's Secret. According to the magazine ads, they have some great women's underwear."

"Somethin' we be sorely lackin," Maopa said. "If'n yah hadn't thrown them out the winder, we might a been able to scrub them some."

"Maybe the bras, but not the panties. Those things are so delicate they tear at the slightest touch."

Maopa made a comical expression. "Yep. Found that out last night. They shore weren't made tah last, but they be a lot a fun."

Mari slapped her arm, grabbed her elbow, and pulled her toward the checkout counter. After paying for the book, she asked for directions to the lingerie shop. Book tucked under her left arm, the Earth Mother wrapped her right around Maopa's shoulder, happily anticipating their next adventure and ignoring the strange glances from several of the people they passed.

CHAPTER 14

THE NIGHTCLUB WAS full. Several women stood outside chatting, hoping to gain entry. Fire codes limited the number of people to one-hundred fifty. Lilith knew that Agra, her partner and head bartender, was right. They were going to have to put in an addition soon or find another location. Scanning some of the ads in the local paper, she circled a couple of possible prospects. Tomorrow, she'd contact her real estate agent and ask her to check them out. She set the newspaper down, stood, and adjusted her blue satin dress. The material felt wonderful against the skin, but she hated the way it slipped up whenever she sat.

Leaving her office, she nodded to several of the regulars and walked over to an empty chair at the far end of the bar. Most of the customers knew it was reserved for the owner, and those that didn't were quickly enlightened. Agra placed a drink in front of her and leaned her elbows on the bar.

"Full house again, boss. When are you going to put in an addition?"

"Soon. I'm still waiting for the estimates. If they're high, I may just look for another location. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy than build."

"True. I was thinking about that. If we find another place, perhaps we could get something big enough to convert part of it into living quarters for some of the girls."

"I'm not building a whore house, Agra. It's hard enough keeping the cops out of here without attracting their attention that way."

"Actually I was thinking more about a place they could have some personal space. Kind of like a sanctuary. Some of them still live in hellholes, although literally, that would be an improvement."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. I'll check with my agent and see what she comes up with. As long as the girls understand hanky panky won't be tolerated, I'm not against investing in a boarding house."

Before Agra could reply, they felt a disturbance in the energy around them. Simultaneously, the two demonesses glanced at the main entrance, wondering who had arrived that held such power. When Yemaya and Dakota walked in, Lilith frowned and then motioned for Agra to find them a seat and serve them their usual drinks.

"Something's not right," she said. "Tell them I'll be over in a while."

Agra left the bar and strolled over to greet the two women. "Hey, Yemaya, Dakota. Glad to see you."

Without hesitation, she walked over to a secluded table occupied by three women and whispered something to them. Glancing at Yemaya and Dakota, they grinned, saluted them with their drinks, stood, and walked to the bar for refills. Agra signaled for Mudada to clean the table.

"Have a seat and I'll get you your usual."

"Thanks," Mari said, not sure what she was talking about but deciding whatever it was, if Yemaya drank it, it had to be good. Taking Maopa's arm, she guided her toward the table and pulled out her chair. The courtly gesture didn't escape Lilith's attention.

After placing a Corona in front of Dakota and glass of wine near Yemaya, Agra grinned. "Didn't think we'd be seeing you for a while. I heard there was a glitch in the show the other night, and someone said you decided to take a break."

"An exaggeration." Mari picked up the wine and took a sip. "This is really good. What's it called?"

A sudden elbow in the ribs caused her to spill some of the drink, and she gave Maopa a surprised look.

"Oh, we took your suggestion and brought in the Chablis you recommended. Only the best for our favorite customers. I'll get some extra napkins for you in case Dakota decides to nudge you again." Agra winked at the small blonde.

Walking away, she knew something was different about them, but couldn't quite figure out what it was. When she passed Lilith, Agra stopped her for a moment and whispered something in her ear. Lilith patted her on the shoulder and continued over to the table.

"Yemaya, Dakota, how are you doing?" she asked.

"Tarred," Maopa said, taking a sip of the beer and coughing.

"Tarred?"

"Tired," Mari said. "She's got a slight cold. I guess it's affected her speech." She laughed and nudged Maopa with her elbow.

"Ah. It can do that. So, what brings you here during the week? I'd think you would be trying to get away for a few weeks. I heard your last performance caused quite a stir. Some of the gossip columns are saying you're pushing the limits too much. That idiot, Jenny Collins, is even insinuating you might be suicidal."

"I don't pay attention to gossip," Mari replied. "Who's to say that we aren't on vacation? What's more relaxing than unwinding with a few friends in one our favorite haunts?"

"Yep. We decided ta check out the place," Maopa said. "On a weekday night, that is. Say, this beer is purty good, but do yah have anythin' stronger?"

Lilith couldn't stop herself from raising both eyebrows in surprise.

"Beer or mixed drink?"

"Oh, mixed I thank... umm... thank yah, I mean."

"I'll be right back."

After Lilith left, Maopa leaned close to Mari.

"Trying to talk like that grandchil' of mine is harder than I thinks."

"So I've noticed. Are you sure you should be drinking something stronger? I've heard alcohol can affect brain function."

"Good. I won't need to explain mahself. We can blame it on the likker."

"True."

Standing at the bar, Lilith watched Yemaya and Dakota chatting and puzzled over what was different about them. The unusually high energy around them would have been enough to arouse suspicion, but there was more. The darkness within the Illusionist seemed smaller, weaker, as though it had skulked into some dark corner and was trying to make itself invisible. When she had first met Yemaya, she had felt the beast's rage and frustration. She knew it was biding its time, waiting for the right moment to seize control of its mistress's body. The demoness had no doubt Yemaya could control the beast as long as Dakota was alive, but the possibility remained that it would consume the Illusionist in time. Tonight, her darkness was hiding, afraid of something or someone... and that someone wasn't Yemaya.

"Here you go," Lilith said, placing several napkins on the table and wiping up the spill with another. "Mudada's bringing you one of the house specials. I think you'll like it."

Within minutes, a short, fat woman waddled over and plopped two brightly colored drinks on the table. Giving the two customers a toothy, yellow grin, she grabbed her crotch and adjusted herself. Getting no reaction from either of Lilith's guests, she grumbled a few words and left.

"Sorry about that," Lilith said and chuckled. "She doesn't have a lot of class, but she's good at what she does."

"Not tah worry. She reminds me of someone I knowed a long time ago."

"Why, Dakota. You're going to have to tell me about her," Mari said in a teasing tone. "I never knew you liked that type of woman."

The second elbow to the ribs caused Mari to flinch. "Would you stop that? I'm sore enough without you adding more bruises to this body."

Before Maopa could reply, Lilith decided to distract the two.

"Try the drinks. They're called Royal Fucks, and it's become one of our biggest sellers."

Mari and Maopa sampled their drinks.

"This is good."

"Shore is."

"I'm glad you like it. Just don't overdo them. They have quite a kick. Now if you'll excuse me, Bertha's having a problem with someone. I'll be back later."

"We look forward to it and thanks."

After Lilith left, Maopa and Mari glanced around the room, observing the different women and their interaction with others. Two tables over, a deep masculine-sounding voice was describing how much its owner loved her Harley.

"I tell you, once you ride this baby, you ain't ever gonna want to get off her. She's sweet and purrs whenever I take her out. I clean her up every time I take her out. I tell you she's a better ride than any woman I've ever known. Just thinking about her almost makes me wet."

"If you say so." Her companion seemed totally uninterested in the subject.

"Do human women really discuss their girlfriends like that?" Mari asked. "I'd think it was too personal."

"They talks about anythang and everythang. Worst gossips yah ever knowed."

"Well, I hope this Harley finds out. It would serve this woman right if she got kicked out. Talking about her like that."

"At least she seems to appreshate her."

"I suppose. You want another Royal Fuck? Looks like you drank that one pretty quickly."

"And look who be talkin'. Yah done drunk every drop of yourn."

Mari laughed, liking the slight euphoria she was starting to feel. "Another won't hurt."

Before they could even signal Agra, Mudada arrived with two more drinks. She placed them in front of the two women, grabbed the empty glasses, and left.

"I think we hurt her feelings."

"Yeah. She shore seems tah be sulkin'."

"Did you notice the group by the dance floor? What's with the black clothes and makeup. They look like cadavers."

"Maybe they's sickly."

"Could be. They sure don't look well."

*  *  *

Two hours and five Royal Fucks later, Mari wasn't feeling so well. Maopa had wisely stopped at three after realizing that Dakota's body had little tolerance for alcohol. Besides, someone had to make sure they got home safe, especially after it was obvious the Earth Mother was getting drunker than a skunk.

"Yah doin' okay, sweetie?" she asked, noticing Mari's glassy eyes.

"Shoh nuff." Mari tried to focus on her lover's face. "If this room," she said with a burp, "would just stop moving."

Glancing around, she saw Mudada cleaning glasses in the corner of the bar. "Hey, Muddy. Two more Roiel fugs."

"Listen, Mari. I thank yah need tah go easy now. Yah don't know what them thangs gonna do to yah in a couple of hours."

"Oh pfffft! Whaz one more?" She burped again. "Damn. Whaz with the gas?"

"Not to worry, sugah. It's naturelle."

Sitting at the end of the bar, Lilith had watched with fascination as the Illusionist and the journalist consumed several drinks. At one point she was about to order Agra not to fix anymore, but realized Dakota had stopped drinking and was now monitoring Yemaya's intake. Signaling to Agra to make the next two drinks "virgins," she waited for them and then carried them over to their table.

"Thought you might like these," she said, setting the drinks on the table.

"There you go... Moppy. Lilly..." Feeling dizzy, Mari rubbed her eyes and looked around. "Maybe I should go... relieve myself."

"I'll show you the way." Lilith took her by the arm. "Be right back," she said to Dakota.

Steering the inebriated woman through the maze of tables, Lilith guided her into the bathroom and located an empty stall. "Do you need help?"

"Nope. No prob... lem." Patting the demoness' arm, Mari gave her a lopsided grin. "Be right back."

She banged into the door and then backed up a step before advancing toward the toilet. After turning around cautiously, she yanked down her jeans and plopped down on the seat.

Lilith turned her back and blocked the entrance to prevent anyone from witnessing what must have been a very unusual event. She could imagine what Yemaya would feel like in the morning from the drinks, let alone from having some fan or paparazzi snap a photo of her peeing.

At the sound of a flushing toilet and swearing, Lilith swung around in time to see Yemaya trying to zip up. "Here. Let me."

Lilith gently pushed away the clumsy hands, grabbed the zipper, and slowly pulled it up. Then taking Yemaya's arm, she led her back to the table and handed her over to Dakota. After watching the two for several hours, Lilith had a pretty good idea what was behind the change in the two women. Why, was a different matter.

"Listen, Dakota. I'm not sure what's going on here, but I know you two aren't who you seem to be. Yemaya would never allow herself to get drunk, nor would you allow it."

Maopa knew Yemaya and Dakota liked Lilith but wasn't sure how much they trusted her. Not wanting to break any confidences, she knew discretion was probably a better choice. Too tired to keep up the charade, she decided to put off the inevitable until another time.

"Now ain't a good time to be discussin' this. I thank it be best if'n I jest take this un home. She's gonna be hurtin' real bad in a few hours."

"I suspect that's putting it mildly. Do you want me to call you a cab?"

"We'd appreshate it."

Maopa gave her the address of their apartment. Mari, who had lost interest in about everything but sleeping, had settled down with her head on her folded arms.

"I don't... feel so... good," she mumbled and suddenly felt ravenous. Popping her head up, she groaned as the room began to spin.

"I'm hungry," she said, looking at Maopa and then Lilith.

"I don't thank that be a good idee, sweetie."

"Please. It might make me feel better." Rolling her eyes, she looked to Lilith for support.

"I can get Agra to cook up a couple of hotdogs from the grill, if you think that will help."

"Hotdogs? I love hotdogs."

"Hotdogs it is then."

Several minutes later, two hotdogs arrived, fully loaded. Maopa refused hers. Mari quickly downed the first and then looked longingly at the remaining hotdog lying on the table.

"Yah gonna hate yohself fer it later but go ahead," Maopa said. I figures it'll be the last time yah gets this drunk, anyways, she thought.

Feeling full, Mari was more than happy to head home. The alcohol was playing havoc with her head, and she could feel the beast moving restlessly around its cave, seeking escape from the effects of the alcohol. Obviously, it didn't care very much for Royal Fucks, and the ride home in the taxi made Mari feel the same way.

Once in the apartment, Maopa decided to let Mari go straight to bed instead of showering. Only time would solve this problem.

"Thank goodness I ken holds my likker. Then agin I always could," Maopa muttered, slipping beneath the sheets and sliding next to her unconscious partner.

CHAPTER 15

MARI FELT BAD... really bad. She opened her eyes and flinched from the pain caused by the nightlight near the bed. "This isn't good."

The room appeared to be spinning, and she swore she'd never drink another Royal Fuck no matter how delicious they tasted. Her stomach apparently agreed. Its gurgling and rumbling made her extremely uncomfortable. Within seconds, the discomfort turned into a totally new feeling, and Mari knew the bathroom was the safest place to be until her stomach settled down.

Maopa wasn't sure what woke her up, but she was immediately aware that Mari was no longer in bed. The bathroom door was shut, and a narrow beam of light shown from beneath it. A faint sound penetrated the silence and Maopa immediately recognized it. "This ain't good. Ain't good at all."

Quietly opening the door, she peeked inside. Mari was kneeling on the floor, her head hanging over the edge of the tub. The smell of vomit permeated the air. Maopa grabbed a washrag and soaked it with warm water.

"Oh, sweetie. I knowed this was gonna happen," she murmured, pushing the hair away from Mari's face. Wiping her forehead first, she switched to her cheeks and then mouth.

"I feel awful," Mari said. "What's happening?"

Before Maopa could reply, Mari grabbed her stomach and heaved several times. Fortunately, or not, she had expelled everything from her stomach.

"Yah just be sufferin' a hangover. Nothin a few hours of sleep won't cure."

"I was asleep. This woke me up. I think I've killed my daughter."

"Nah. Yemaya's a tuff one. No li'l hangover's gonna kill her. Humans, they goes through this all the time. You'll be jest dandy in a few hours."

Another bout of the dry heaves left Mari exhausted, sore, and not too sure Maopa was right. This vacation was definitely not what she thought it would be.

*  *  *

After sending Yemaya and Dakota off in a cab, Lilith returned to her office to work on her bookkeeping. A knock on the door interrupted the silence.

"Come in."

"I think you need to get out here," Agra said. "You have another guest."

"Who now?"

"I'm not really sure, but some of the customers aren't very happy at the moment."

"Lead on."

The sound of wolf calls and grumbling met her at the entrance to the main room. Standing next to Bertha, who for the first time looked extremely uncomfortable, was a tall, handsome man in a dark suit and flowing cape.

"Hey, good lookin'," a woman yelled from one of the tables. "It's women only, but for you I'll make an exception. You just bring yourself right over here next to Felicia and me, and we'll make you feel right at home."

"Shut up, Cracker. Maybe you'll fuck a man, but some of us don't care how good-lookin' they are. Men don't belong here."

"Yeah," another piped in.

"Meeeowwww," a voice said from across the room. "Looks like we're gonna have a cat fight, ladies."

Completely ignoring the comments, the stranger focused on Lilith and gave her an imperceptible nod.

"Ladies," she said, "I think I'll decide who can come in here and who can't. This gentleman happens to be an old friend of mine, so be nice."

"I thought you was a dyke like the rest of us," Cracker yelled.

"Speak for yourself, Cracker," a woman answered back. "No one said this was a fuckin' dyke club. It's a women's club. Besides, ain't you the one trying to put the make on this guy?"

"Enough!" Lilith glared at the two women and then glanced around the room. Immediately things settled down, although she heard a few grumbles about some people having more privileges than others.

Deciding it was time that everyone understood she set the rules, Lilith snapped her fingers loudly and then signaled Mudada and Bertha to remove the complainers.

"Let's get one thing straight in here, ladies. This is my nightclub. I make the rules, and I expect you to obey them. If you don't like them, feel free to go elsewhere, but never, and I mean never, ever challenge me again. Now, for all of you who have so kindly decided to stay, the next drink is on the house."

A loud cheer drowned out the whining of the two dissidents as they were escorted to the door and ordered off the property. Two young women, who had been standing in line waiting to get in, pushed their way in after their I.D.s were checked by Bertha.

Lilith walked over to the man and smiled. "This is an unexpected surprise. What's so important that you would leave your sanctuary to enter a women's only club?"

"I've missed our talks."

"Uh huh. Let's go back to my office, and we'll see what's really behind the visit. As pleasant and enjoyable as our chats have been, I doubt you would come here just to talk."

Not wanting to disturb him, Lilith didn't say anything as the dark figure paced back and forth. He would speak when he was ready. His unexpected visit to her nightclub had caught her by surprise, as well as her clientele. "Lilith's Den" was a "women only" establishment. Most of her customers took the restriction very seriously. Seeing a man strolling in as if he owned the place (no matter how handsome he was) didn't make them happy. Of course, it didn't help that most of the clientele were lesbians. A knock on her office door interrupted her musings.

"Enter," she said.

Kali walked in, carrying two glasses filled with ice and two cans of soda. "Here's the Cokes," she said, laying the tray on her boss's desk.

"Thanks, Kali. That's all for now. I'll be tied up for a while, but call me if you need me."

Kali backed up a few steps, abruptly turned, and departed.

"She doesn't like me," Intunecat said. He walked over and picked up his drink. "I don't know what it is about this stuff, but I find it interesting— almost addictive, if such a thing were possible."

"Anything is possible."

"So I'm beginning to believe."

"Why are you here, Intunecat?" Lilith asked quietly. "The mortal world isn't exactly you favorite haunt."

Intunecat lowered his long body into the chair next to her desk. "I'm a spirit, not a ghost," he said with a chuckle.

"Oh, right. I forgot," she teased. "So, back to my question."

"Well, you visited me in my realm. I thought I'd just return the favor."

"Uh huh. Like I really believe that one."

"I think you have the wrong impression about me. I have been here many times. Mortals fascinate me."

"That I believe. Still, you never come here except on business, so what's up?"

"Do you know an entity called Saira?"

"The Traveler. I met her once. A rather interesting female. Why do you ask?"

"She visited me a few days ago... uninvited."

"I imagine it was rather disconcerting having her show up like that. She definitely comes and goes at will, although I'm surprised she found her way to you."

"Apparently she found me through Mari, or should I say, those threads she follows. Seems no one can hide from her if she finds one of those connections."

"I know. Too bad we can't see them. Imagine all the things we could achieve."

"Or the damage that could be done."

Lilith thought about his words and had to agree. Anyone capable of returning to the past could easily alter the future. "It would be chaos, wouldn't it?"

Intunecat rubbed his chin. "Maybe that's why Saira is the only one of her kind. At least, I hope. Too many Travelers would disrupt the fabric of time. As it is, she's created enough disruptions already."

"True," Lilith said. "Do you think she's aware of what she's really doing?"

"No, and maybe that's a good thing. If she realized she changes things every time she comes in contact with someone or something, it would probably destroy her."

Lilith turned the idea over in her mind. "I'm not so sure of that. Saira has been around even longer than we have. I can't believe she isn't aware of the impact she has on lives. No one is that innocent."

"Innocent? No. More naïve. She calls herself a Traveler and describes time as if it were a giant web. For us and the mortal world, time only goes forward and backward. For her, time isn't linear. Instead it goes in all directions, giving her opportunities to see things no one else can see, and yet she has never seen what is always in front of her."

"Does anyone? We all go about our lives not noticing the effect we have on others and not caring. Why should she be any different? Saira is compelled to find answers to questions. She follows these threads to their source, believing her trips have no effect on the lives or the threads she touches, not realizing she is changing both. In a way, it's almost as if she were a spider checking every strand in her web, making sure everything's okay."

"That's a huge leap, from time traveler to spider," Intunecat said and chuckled. "Still, you have a point. All of us serve a purpose. Perhaps she's right. What if time really is a giant web, something that's continually growing larger and larger, and what if her sole purpose is to travel its strands, making sure there aren't any weaknesses?"

"It would be a lonely job, and exhausting, don't you think?"

"For you or me, but not for her. Think about it. Infinite questions lead to infinite possibilities. She could go on doing that forever."

"Meaning what she does now not only protects the past but helps to create new threads for the future," Lilith said.

"It does make one wonder. If we're right, then I hope nothing happens to her. She's the only thing standing between us and chaos. Should even one of the threads break, the entire web would be destroyed."

"And time would break apart. It's a scary thought."

"Yes, and such a cataclysmic event would bring about the total destruction of all things and all places."

"Well, all of this is just conjecture. Surely this isn't why you came to visit me."

"Actually, it was... and to ask you something."

Lilith raised both eyebrows in question. Intunecat suddenly looked uncomfortable, almost boyish.

"I was just wondering, when you first came to visit me... well, you know I like my privacy and my realm isn't easily found. No one was supposed to be able to enter it without my permission. At least so I surmised until you walked in, and now Saira. It seems my world isn't as secure as I thought."

Lilith wanted to laugh but realized it might hurt Intunecat's feelings. Standing, she walked around the desk and knelt down next to him. She knew how hard it was for him to reveal this weakness.

"I'm so sorry, Intunecat. That was unforgivable of me."

"Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm glad you came. You've made my existence more interesting," he said, smiling slightly. "It's just..."

"Two intruders in such a short time can be disturbing," Lilith said, saving him the embarrassment of finishing his sentence.

"Exactly."

"I wouldn't worry about it. I seriously doubt if anyone else is going to be able to enter without your permission. Saira obviously can go anywhere she wants."

"And you?"

"Me? I can go wherever there's darkness. I imagine it's because I was created from the darkness. It's a part of me."

"In your case, I'm glad. I enjoy your visits. It brings a certain light to my dark world."

"Thank you. I enjoy them too."

Intunecat put his glass down and stood up. "I think it's time to leave you to your business. I wouldn't want your bartenders barging in here thinking I was abusing you in some way. Angry feminists can be quite a handful."

CHAPTER 16

MARI GROANED, not sure whether she could endure much more of the lovemaking: two bodies, slick with sweat, sliding back and forth; lips continually locking and unlocking; tongues warring for dominance.

It just isn't fair, she thought and closed her eyes temporarily, trying to control the feelings coursing through her body.

When the hand slipped down between hot thighs and began stroking the warm, wet lips, Mari pressed her knees together for a moment and inhaled deeply. Fingers moved slowly up and down, spreading the runny juices across their tips, making them easier to insert into the silky smooth opening.

"Jesus Christ!" Maopa exclaimed, unable to control her own mounting passion.

Mari felt her heart pounding faster and faster as the tingling began to spread.

"Jesus has nothing to do with it," she murmured. "But I'm beginning to understand what humans see in this."

"Oh yeah," Maopa said, squirming.

Fascinated at the unexpected pleasure she was feeling, Mari closed her eyes for a few seconds, not sure how much longer she could endure the exquisite torment.

"You like this?"

"Oh yeah. Baby, you're hotter than a witch's clit."

Short labored gasps, followed by low moans, filled the room but even the darkness couldn't hide the passionate embrace as the two women fought for control, each trying to be the dominant lover.

Hands moved rapidly over moist, slick hair, through warm silky lips and into the deep, dark recesses of their most intimate spot in an attempt to bring about the ultimate climax.

*  *  *

Fixated on the building emotions and their struggles to maintain some semblance of control, neither Mari nor Maopa noticed the noises around them. A loud scream pierced the air. Both women jumped simultaneously and then collapsed against each other, sweat pouring from their exhausted bodies.

*  *  *

"Baby, that was the best."

"For me too. Maybe we can do it again sometime. I'll call you if I'm ever back this way."

"But I thought you loved me. You said..."

"What? I never mentioned love. Love is for fools. I take what I want and give pleasure in return. You, sugar, weren't bad, but I've had better."

Picking up her leather jacket, the tall women leaned down, kissed the small blonde on the lips and walked from the room.

*  *  *

For a moment there was unbearable silence. Suddenly the lights came on, and Mari and Maopa blinked. People were moving down the aisles, heading for the exits.

"Phew! That thar was the best un yet. I ain't never feeled quite like this at the other movies."

"I know what you mean. I'm ready to cool off. You want to go for a walk?"

"I'm thinking it might help some but ain't so shore it's gonna cool me down enough ta wait very long. This un made me hornier than a horny toad."

"Well, we passed a park on the way here. Let's go sit for a while. I don't have the energy to do much else."

Grabbing Maopa's hand, Mari pulled her lover up and slipped down the aisle and out of the theater. Glancing back at the title, Lady Cop in Toyland, Mari grinned. "This one might be worth seeing a second time."

"Dang right. We needs to learn more bout them toys they was a playin' with. What was they called? Dildies?"

"Dildos, I think, although she kept talking about geckos and turbo rabbits."

"Yeah. I kept alookin' tah see what in tarnation a geeko was. Finally figured they just gave them vebrators fancy names."

"I have to admit I was confused for a while too."

Holding hands, the two walked a few blocks until they came to a small park. Sitting on a bench near a fountain, they tried to watch the pigeons and squirrels but couldn't prevent themselves from snuggling. Several people walked by and looked at them strangely but said nothing.

Mari felt the urge to kiss Maopa and leaned down, her warm breath caressing her companion's cheek and lips. Just as she was about to make contact, a flash distracted her. Looking up, she noticed a thin, slimy looking man standing near them with a camera. He tipped his hat and grinned.

"You two should really get a hotel room," he said and walked away.

"Who in tarnation was that?"

"Probably a fan of Yemaya's. I guess we'd better head on back to the apartment."

"Not before we done buy some new bed fixins. We done run out."

The last thing Mari wanted to do was go shopping. Trying to think of a reason not to, she looked up and down the street as if it would provide her with the excuse she needed to forego the inevitable. She noticed a sign two blocks away that gave her hope.

"That man. He said something about getting a hotel."

"Yep. Guess he thank we was gonna do it right here."

"Well, why don't we get a hotel? It would save us having to go shopping, and truthfully, I don't feel like it."

"Me neether. I think it be a mighty fine idee."

Grinning like schoolgirls, the two marched hand in hand toward their destination. Once inside, they strolled up to the check-in counter.

"Can I help you?" The young woman smiled amiably.

"Yeah, we wants a room."

"How many nights?"

Mari looked at Maopa, who raised her hand and counted on her fingers. "Twelve nights."

"Let me check and see if we have one.... We have several rooms and five suites. What kind of bed do you want?"

"What kind has yah got?"

"Kings, queens, and doubles."

Mari and Dakota gave each other a confused look.

"What's the largest one yah gots?"

"King, of course."

"Then we be wantin' a king."

"King it is. Will you be putting this on your credit card?"

"Shore nuff."

Mari nudged Maopa and pulled her aside. "You know we get the bed pretty wet. I don't want to be sleeping on cold, wet sheets and bedding. It kills the mood."

"Yeah. Me too."

Turning back to the clerk, Maopa grinned. "We wants a diff'rent room each night, if'n yah don't mind."

"Excuse me?"

"Yah knowed. A diff'rent room. We don't like sleepin' on wet beddin'."

"Oh, that's no problem. Laundry always makes sure the sheets are dry before they put them on the beds."

"Oh, it ain't that, darlin. We tend to get them mighty wet with our activitees, if'n yah knowed what I mean."

Maopa winked and gave the woman a mischievous grin.

"Oh... ohhhhh! Um, sure. Sorry. Um... let me see."

Quickly typing on the keyboard keys, she leaned toward the monitor and stared at it. "Here we go. It's going to be a little complicated since checkout is at eleven, but it's doable. Tonight you can have 132 and tomorrow 221. You know, we do change the sheets every day, so switching rooms really isn’t necessary,” the receptionist explained.

“Does yah change them thar mattreeses too?”

“Well, no, that’s not neces…”

“Then we wants a new room every night.”

“Okay. It'll take a while to reserve the others so I'll do it later, if that's alright."

"That be fine, chil'."

Maopa pulled a credit card from her pocket. She handed it to the clerk, who did a double-take.

"You're Yemaya Lysanne!" she squeaked, looking at the taller woman. "You're the Illusionist. Oh my God. I've always wanted to go to one of your shows."

Mari wasn't sure how to respond and looked at Maopa.

"We be trying to have some privacy, so if'n yah don't mind, we'd appreshate it if'n yah'd keep quiet about this."

"Oh. Sure, I'll just tell the boss. She knows how to keep the public out."

"Thank yah much, and what be yah callin' yohself?"

"Scamper."

"Scamper. That be a heck of a name."

"It's really just a nickname, but I like it better than Mary."

"Well, Scamper, would yah mind orderin' us a couple of pizzas while we makes ourselves at home?"

"Not at all. Anything special?"

Maopa gave her the list of ingredients and then the two spirits went to their room, anxious to try out some new positions they had observed in the movie. Once inside, Mari remembered she had forgotten to ask the clerk something.

"I'll be right back," she said and dashed out the door.

Scamper apparently was busy figuring out the room assignments. Mari gave a small cough and she looked up.

"Oh, Ms. Lysanne. I didn't hear you."

"That's okay. Listen. My friend was wondering about something and wanted to know if you could help her out."

"Sure."

"She's been hearing about some toy shops in the area. Are there any near here?"

"Toy shop? Well, there's a Toys "R" Us six blocks from here. Is she looking for something for her kids?"

"No, that's not exactly the kind of toy she was wondering about."

"Well, that's the only toy shop near..." Scamper gave Mari a strange look and then blushed. "You mean 'toy' shop, don't you?"

Mari smiled and nodded.

"In that case, there's one just up the street."

"Thanks, Scamper."

"And Ms. Lysanne. If she's shopping, tell her to check out the Jack Rabbit series. I think she'll enjoy it, and so will you."

"Uh huh." Amused, Mari headed back to the room, making a mental note to leave a message for Yemaya to send the young clerk some tickets to her next performance.

CHAPTER 17

THE WATER WAS COOL, but not cold enough to chill the heated bodies of the two women floating tiredly on its surface. Apparently even the spirit world couldn't provide an infinite amount of energy to replace what they were burning during their stay in Mari's realm. Yemaya and Dakota weren't sure how much time had passed since their ancestors' departure, since time wasn't relevant. The one thing they were sure of, however, was they couldn't last much longer if they continued on their present path.

"I'm not saying I'm tired of this place," Dakota said, "but I don't think I've ever felt this exhausted."

Yemaya gave her a lazy smile. "I know what you mean. I've lost count of how many times we've made love. If we add in the times we just practiced a little foreplay..." She let the sentence drop knowing Dakota would understand.

"Oh yeah. There's more things to sex than sex sometimes. You’d think while we are here, our energy would be limitless."

"Maybe being human limits us. It would make sense. This is not our world."

"I suppose. Speaking of which, I wonder what's happening in the real world."

"I've done my best to avoid thinking about it. Not that Mari or Maopa would do anything to harm our bodies. They're more responsible than we would be if the circumstances were reversed."

"Yeah, and as spirits, they at least have an advantage we wouldn't."

"Especially since your grandmother is human, or was at one time."

Dakota snickered. "Knowing Granny, I wouldn't count on that being an advantage. I think she was a wild one in her time, and besides, she doesn't know much about our time."

"Would you please not destroy the security blanket I've created?" Yemaya reached over to pull Dakota closer to her. "You know, no matter how much I've tried, I can't seem to sink on this lake. I can dive fine, but the moment I want to surface, I'm there."

"So I've noticed. I suppose it's a built-in safety thing."

"It would make sense. Mari does control the oceans and waters. Besides, it really wouldn't make sense to think a spirit could drown. I wonder..."

Before she could finish the sentence, the Illusionist felt a presence nearby. Looking around, she couldn't find anything out of place. Puzzled, she stood up and walked toward the shore.

"Hey, what's up?" Dakota quickly followed her.

"I'm not sure. I get the feeling we're being watched."

"Here? No one can come here without Mari's permission."

"Normally I would agree. However, since she's not around, someone might be able to gain entrance."

Dakota glanced around. "Do you think it's Intunecat? He'd be one to barge in uninvited, I think."

"No. Actually, he's the one spirit that wouldn't come uninvited or unannounced, at least not here. He seems to have a great respect for Mari, even if he is a little unpredictable."

"That's putting it mildly." Dakota smirked. "Maybe it's just our overactive imaginations. After all, I can't remember fucking like bunnies."

Wiggling her eyebrows, Dakota pretended to leer at her lover.

"Fucking like bunnies? Where in the world did that come from?" Yemaya laughed and slapped Dakota on the arm. "I do not fuck, sweetie. I wine and dine." Lowering her voice to a low, sultry level, she leaned close to Dakota's ear and whispered, "I caress and stroke. And when you start moaning, I make sure your body comes alive under my hands, my tongue... my touch."

Dakota shivered. Her stomach clenched, causing her to press her hand against it. Whenever Yemaya used that soft, deep, seductive tone, she knew she was going to lose the battle, not that she cared. After all, the Illusionist was a master at making both the world and time disappear, to be replaced by the magical revelation of what true love really felt like.

"Okay. Okay. You win!" she gasped. "I was only teasing."

Yemaya gave her a smug smile and ruffled her hair. "But I wasn't." Her gaze promised more pleasures to come.

She spun around suddenly and looked at an empty spot near them. "Whoever you are, show yourself!"

Dakota squinted, trying to see something she couldn't see. "Ummm..."

"Shhhhh. Watch."

Moments later the air shimmered, reminding Dakota of a heat wave. Within seconds, a ghostly figure appeared and solidified.

"I'm beginning to think I've lost my touch." The ghost gave the two humans a sheepish grin. "I was hoping not to intrude on your pleasures."

"Then why did you?"

"To answer a question, nothing more."

"What question?"

"One I need no longer ask. I now have the answer."

"Then as a courtesy, how about telling us what it is."

Dakota listened to the exchange but decided not to join the conversation. Apparently a battle of wills was taking place between her lover and the ghost. She had confidence that Yemaya could hold her own against anyone.

"The question or the answer?"

Yemaya's eyes narrowed menacingly. She had never been one to play word games. Saira decided to relent.

"I'm not able to as it would give you the answer and you're not ready for it now."

"And I'm supposed to just accept that?"

"You don't have much choice, do you?"

Yemaya didn't answer. There was something familiar about this entity.

"I know you," she said, her mind racing to remember where they had met.

"No one knows me. A few know of me, though. You are now one of those few."

"You talk in riddles, probably because it gives you an advantage over those who sense your presence, or at least you think it does. Unfortunately for you, I know I'm right. We've met before."

The apparition gave a slight nod. "Yes, and you will figure it out without my help, Illusionist."

Yemaya gave a start. Suddenly images of her minutes in the sarcophagus flooded her mind. "It was you," she said.

Not understanding what was happening, Dakota stepped closer to Yemaya and put her hand on her lover's arm.

"What is it?" she whispered. Yemaya gave her a quick glance but immediately turned her attention back to the ghost.

"You now have the answer to your question," the apparition said, starting to fade.

"Wait!" Yemaya called. "Who are you? At least answer that."

"The answer wouldn't give you what you seek but only create more questions. Believe me when I tell you that all will be revealed in time."

Seeing Yemaya's frustration, Dakota stepped forward. "Listen, I don't know what this is about but I know Yemaya. Unless you give her an answer, she's going to dwell on this for the rest of our vacation and I frankly don't think it's very nice of you to barge in and ruin things like this. I don't know who the hell you are, but I would rethink things if I were you. We have connections in high places." Dakota glared at the ghost.

Saira wanted to laugh but knew it would hurt the human's feelings and anger her lover. She decided to partially answer the Illusionist's questions.

"Apparently, you have a champion and fierce defender in this one," she said to Yemaya, motioning toward Dakota. "I would hate to have her hounding me through time, so I'll answer some of your questions, but only those I can answer without jeopardizing what is to be."

"You interrupted my escape during my performance," Yemaya said.

"Unfortunately, that's true, and it cost you your life."

Dakota stiffened and was about to comment. Yemaya wrapped her arm around her lover and squeezed gently, a signal not to interfere.

"I remember losing consciousness."

"You didn't have time to regain your concentration before you ran out of air. Your lungs ran out of air, and your heart stopped. I had no choice but to move you forward in time."

"Move me forward? You're a time traveler?"

"That's the simplest way to describe me. I move in whatever direction I'm pulled. Had I not disturbed your concentration, you would have accomplished your trick without a problem. Since I was the cause of your death, I corrected my mistake and positioned you where you were supposed to be. You weren't supposed to feel me, but apparently you've inherited some of Mari's traits."

"You know my ancestor?"

The more the apparition talked, the more questions Yemaya had.

"I have said all that I can say. If you think this will ruin your time in this world, I can position you just prior to my arrival. It will not affect me, but you won't remember that I was here."

"No!" Yemaya almost yelled and then repeated the command more softly. "No. Please. At least I know what happened now. It would have bothered me for a long time if you hadn't told me. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm truly sorry you had to suffer. I hope you can find comfort in what you know and enjoy the rest of your time here."

"I seriously doubt that's going to happen, now," Dakota grumbled, suspecting Yemaya was going to dwell on this for the rest of their stay. "So much for the dream vacation."

"I think it will be all that you wish. What happens here is totally up to you. If you wish it to be what you dream, dream well."

The apparition vanished, leaving them alone.

"That was frustrating enough," Dakota said. Her brows furrowed at the thought of Yemaya almost dying. It wasn't something she wanted to think about. As if sensing her thoughts, Yemaya grasped Dakota's chin and turned her face up, making eye contact.

"Yes, but she's right. We can either waste the remainder of our time here discussing her or thinking about what might have been, or we can enjoy the rest of our time doing what we like to do best."

"And what's that?" Dakota asked, looking very coy. Yemaya was right. Now wasn't the time to dwell on something that had already happened. They would talk later.

"Fucking like bunnies." The Illusionist grinned, scooped Dakota up, and walked toward their favorite grove.

"Oh yeah. Works for me."

CHAPTER 18

THIS WAS THE STRANGEST voyage Saira had ever taken. The thread was thin and knotted like old twine that had been balled up and then pulled in all directions. Although time wasn't a concern for her, this trip was taking longer than normal. Milliseconds were an eternity in her travels.

Following this particular thread was both time-consuming and confusing. Perhaps it was because she had freely chosen to take this journey instead of following a compulsion. Normally, she would feel a tug in one direction or another and be compelled to find the reason for the pull. In addition, she had to be consumed by curiosity in order to accurately follow the tangled web of the individual's personal timeline to its destination. Otherwise, she could become sidetracked and end up lost in time. At least that was her fear. Since it had never happened, it was only a theory, but one she didn't wish to test. Once at her destination, the answer to her question was usually waiting for her. Her return trip was simply a matter of picking the correct thread that pointed forward and following it to the present.

This journey, however, was different. She had felt only a slight pull, an indication the time wasn't quite right, and yet she decided to investigate the thread anyway. That in itself made it unusual. There was no compulsion behind her curiosity. She had chosen freely.

As she neared her goal, Saira felt her momentum slowing. Energy of unimaginable power surrounded her, creating a faint sense of vertigo.

This may not be good, she thought, realizing that confusion could cause her to choose the wrong thread. The ramifications could be catastrophic. She was driven by the need to seek answers, and how could there be answers if there were no questions?

Placing her hands against her temples, Saira concentrated on her surroundings, hoping to recognize something familiar enough to lead her home. A loud pounding beat incessantly from every direction, its deep pulsations resonating through the very essence of her being. At that moment, Saira knew she was in serious trouble. She could almost feel her body beginning to disassemble.

"What you be?" a deep voice rumbled, its origin rising from the bowels of the dark void surrounding her.

"A Traveler seeking answers," she replied, trying hard to ignore her discomfort and concentrate on the voice's source.

"I know no Traveler. You no belong. Go way."

"I can't."

Too confused to locate the thread that would lead her home, and feeling the pressures tearing at her, she continued searching for a way out. As she adjusted to the darkness, she noticed a mass of threads so tangled it was impossible to locate their beginnings.

"Then stay."

"I can't. I'll perish here."

"Then go." The voice now sounded disgruntled.

"I don't know the way out."

A sudden heave of energy made Saira fall to her knees and clutch her head in agony. It was the first time she had felt pain, and she didn't like it.

"Please," she said. "Your energy is destroying me."

She could almost feel the mental shrug and realized this entity had no concept of the meaning of destruction. Saira felt as though she were dealing with a child.

"Do you understand pain?" she gasped.

"Yes. I feel pain. It never go away." There was almost a pout behind the words.

"You're causing me pain. I'm not used to it. It's new to me," Saira said, hoping the entity was more empathetic than it sounded. "You must stop the pounding."

"Why? Pain good. Pain make me strong. I learn. I grow. One day I will control it instead of feel it."

"For you maybe, but I'm not like you. It will destroy me. I feel like I'm being torn apart by your continual pounding. I'm not that strong."

As if understanding for the first time, the entity reduced the intensity of the pulsations. Energy levels dropped to a tolerable range. Sighing in relief, Saira climbed to her feet. Still unable to locate the voice's source, she felt especially vulnerable now.

"Thank you."

"No more can I stop. Only slow beat for short time. I must feed me or no longer live. You go, now."

"I wish I could, but I can't find the way out."

"You go!" the voice said angrily. Saira could almost picture a small child stamping her foot. "I in great pain. No hold long."

"I'll try to find a thread to show me the way out. Please try a little longer."

The resulting sigh would have been comical if the situation weren't so serious.

"I try. Help I get."

"Help?"

There was no response to her question. Saira felt a sudden loneliness and knew she was alone. Turning to the bundle of threads, she began searching frantically for the tail end, anything that would take her from this place.

CHAPTER 19

MARI WAS ENJOYING her sleep in a perverse sort of way. Dreaming about giant vibrating bunnies chasing she and Maopa would have been amusing had it not been for the leering faces on the toys. Instead, she felt as if she and her spirit companion were in dire jeopardy. Wanting to end the dream, Mari struggled to wake up. Before she could arouse herself completely, though, she felt a weak but familiar call.

"Mother. You come."

Although she was still asleep, Mari's forehead wrinkled from concentrating on the voice.

"Daughter?"

"She need help."

"Who needs help?"

"Traveler. She here. No stay. Too much pain, me. Too much pain, her."

"Traveler?"

Immediately Mari thought of Saira. "Do you mean Saira?"

"No know Saira. Please, Mother. I no hold long. Pain hurt bad. Hurt her. Hurt me."

"Be still, daughter. I'll be there as quickly as I can. You must endure the pain a little longer. Can you do that for me?"

"I try. You hurry?"

"I'll hurry. I promise."

It had been a million years since Mari had visited her first born. In the beginning, she had spent a lot of time helping in the child's development, but as she grew older, the Earth Mother left her alone to grow at her own pace. The less she interfered, the more self-reliant her daughter would be. That didn't mean she had isolated herself from her daughter's needs. This one was unique of all her creations. She held a special place in Mari's heart, and Mari was always available to her needs.

She couldn't leave her human body alone without endangering it. She would have to return to the spirit world to get Yemaya. Unfortunately, she wouldn't be able to tell Maopa since human bodies needed to be asleep in order to do the exchange, and mental communication with her was impossible while in a mortal's body.

*  *  *

Yemaya and Dakota had just finished an especially passionate session of lovemaking. They were reclining on the warm beach, enjoying the cool breeze flowing off the lake. Exhausted but happy, they were startled by Mari's sudden appearance.

"Hey. Is it three weeks already?" Dakota asked, thinking that time must really speed up in the spirit world.

"No. There's an emergency, and I can't leave Yemaya's body unattended. She would be vulnerable to anyone or anything that wanted to take control of her."

"Is there anything we can do to help, besides return home?" Yemaya asked.

"You could explain to Maopa that I had to leave. She doesn't know yet. I couldn't take the chance on awakening her and leaving both of you alone. I'm really sorry about this."

"It's not a problem. Besides, I think Dakota and I have just about drained ourselves here." Yemaya chuckled. "We need a break from this vacation, right, sweetie?"

"Yeah. It's been fun, but I'm exhausted."

"I know the feeling," Mari said. "Now, I hate to leave you like this, but I must go."

Mari vanished, leaving the two women alone. More tired than normal, they snuggled close, knowing they would soon be home.

*  *  *

Eyes still shut, Yemaya stretched, tensing her muscles until she felt a pop in her neck. Rolling her head slightly from side to side, it took a few seconds for her to realize she was back in her body. There was something different, though, that she couldn't place. Turning on her side, she wrapped an arm around the warm figure next to her and smiled. The scent of Dakota was pleasant, especially with the slightly musky smell of sex mixed in.

I hope it was as good for you as it was for us. The thought was accompanied by a mental smirk that unknowingly translated into a physical action.

"And just what are you smirking about?" Dakota's soft voice whispered next to her cheek.

Yemaya opened her eyes and stared into sparkling emerald green eyes, glinting with a mischievous humor. "Nothing really. I was just thinking."

"Uh huh."

"I was... and it was about you." Yemaya gave her a devilish smile.

"And that made you smirk? Doesn't sound too flattering to me."

"Well, actually, about you, Mari, and Maopa."

"That's even worse."

"Okay. Okay. I was just hoping they had as good a time as we had. Satisfied?"

"Is that normal?" Dakota pulled her head slightly backward and gave her a questioning look. "I mean, thinking of all three of us the moment you wake up?"

"What is this? An inquisition? Where is that sweet girl I was with in the spirit world?"

The arched eyebrow was enough to make Dakota giggle and snuggle closer. "That wasn't a girl, darling. And I'm the only one who should be in your thoughts when you first wake up."

"I see. Would it make you happy if I said you were the very first image that came to mind? Mari and Maopa came afterward, when I realized you smell all warm and musky like you do when we've made love. I was just wonder —"

Two hands pushed against her chest, catching the Illusionist by surprise. Dakota rolled over and sat up, looking extremely indignant.

"Are you saying I smell like sex?"

"Well, yes. I noticed it when I woke up. It's quite pleasant."

"That's not the point, and you know it. Granny had sex in my body!"

"No doubt." Yemaya was amused at her lover's reaction.

"But... but... I need a shower."

Yemaya was unable to contain her laughter and suffered a pillow blow to the head. Grabbing at Dakota, she just missed as Dakota leapt from the bed and turned toward the bathroom, only to find they weren't in her apartment.

"What in the hell?"

Looking around, Yemaya realized they were in a hotel room. She slowly climbed out of bed, wandered to the window, and looked out. "I hope you know where we are, because I know nothing about this town."

"Alright. That's it. I'm taking a shower and then we're going to find out what this is about. I only hope they didn't burn down my apartment," Dakota grumbled and stomped into the bathroom.

"Not good," Yemaya said. "This is not good at all." Looking up at the ceiling, she shook her head slowly. "I hope you two have a good explanation for this. Otherwise, you're going to be in some very hot water... and I'm the one who's going to pay for it."

Neither Yemaya nor Dakota was happy about putting on the already worn clothes they found lying on the floor next to the bed. To make matters worse, they had trouble buttoning the jeans and pulling up the zippers.

"Don't tell me they shrank our clothes." Dakota, frustrated at not being able to push the jeans button in, threw her hands in the air. "I give up." She pulled her tank top on and left it draped outside of her pants, hoping it was long enough to hide the open vee below her navel and the slightly protruding belly.

"They must have eaten like little piggies," she grumped, slapping her stomach unhappily.

Yemaya was beginning to feel her lover's frustration as she, too, had difficulty pushing the button through the hole. Only determination brought victory, and then she regretted her success. The tightness cutting into her waist fell just short of being painful. "This is one time I wish I were a magician instead of an illusionist."

"Me too. Making this fat go away isn't my idea of fun. Let's go see what else they've been up to."

"Well, they obviously enjoyed the food while they were here. Maybe the hotel was just a part of experiencing this world."

"Uh huh. Let's hope."

They took the elevator to the first floor and approached the checkout counter. The receptionist gave them a friendly smile.

"Ms. Lysanne, Ms. Devereaux, you're up early today. Your new room isn't ready yet, but if you can come back in an hour, I'll get housekeeping right on it."

"New room?" Dakota asked.

"You still want another room, right?"

Yemaya pulled Dakota aside. "It might be a good idea to keep the reservation until we find out what's going on. There must be something wrong with the room we're in."

"Or the apartment... but you're right. Better safe than sorry." Turning back to the young woman, Dakota gave her a pained smile.

"Of course, thank you. I hope you get the problem in our other room taken care of."

"Problem? Was something not to your liking?"

"Nooo. Everything was fine. Ummm... I'm just getting a little forgetful, I guess. Exactly why are we switching rooms?"

"Ms. Devereaux." The receptionist laughed. "You're such a tease, and you've been pulling my leg all along, haven't you? I mean with that country folk accent. I knew it couldn't be real. No one talks like that nowadays."

"Oh, shore nuff. I was jest funning yah," Dakota replied trying to mimic her granny.

"I have to admit you're pretty good at it. I had a bet with the manager that you were faking it. She thought you might be from West Virginia, but I knew better. No one writes like you and speaks that way."

"True. Now about the room."

"Right. Today it will be 227. Tomorrow 318 and then 129. It's getting to be quite a game for the housekeepers to get them ready in time for you two. They have a contest going to see who can clean your new room the fastest. Thankfully, you normally sleep in late so there really hasn't been much of a rush."

Stunned by the information, the two women stared at the receptionist, unable to say anything. Finally, Yemaya realized someone needed to say something. "I think we need to go for a walk. Is there anyplace we can get a good breakfast?"

"You mean other than the pizza place and hotdog stands?"

"Pizza... hot... ummm... yes. I think we would like a normal breakfast today."

"Well, there's Benny's. It's right next to that toy shop you went to yesterday."

"Ta... toy shop?" Dakota stammered.

"Yeah. You know... Tango's Ticklers. Are you feeling okay, Ms. Devereaux? You have a funny look on your face."

"Oh. Sure. I'm just wonderful."

Yemaya knew Dakota was about to lose it. Patting her arm sympathetically, she winked at the hotel clerk. "She just needs something to eat and some quiet time. Family matters. You know how trying that can be."

"Gee, I'm sorry to hear that. Hope it's nothing serious."

"Not at the moment, but I suspect it will get worse before it gets better. Would you mind giving us directions to the restaurant? I think we may have gotten a little confused yesterday."

"Sure. When you leave, take a right. Walk three blocks and turn left. Two blocks down on the right. You can't miss it."

"Thank you."

Taking Dakota's arm, Yemaya pulled her out the main door and turned right. Fifteen minutes later, they walked into Benny's and sat down. Little had been said on the short walk.

"Are you alright?" Yemaya asked.

"I think so. Just a little overwhelmed... and wondering about the apartment. I don't even want to think about Granny and Mari."

"How about we get something to eat and go check it out. We can deal with those two later."

The food was hot and savory. Scrambled eggs covered with chili and cheese, hot biscuits, and several cups of coffee helped to mellow some of the tension.

"Guess we might as well go check for damage," Dakota said pessimistically.

Squeezing her hand, Yemaya hoped things weren't as bad as Dakota imagined. With her jeans cutting painfully into her waist, she was beginning to feel pessimistic herself. She could imagine how Dakota was feeling, since it was obvious Dakota had put on more pounds than she.

Thankful that the two spirits had enough sense to take along Yemaya's wallet, the Illusionist paid for the meals with her credit card and then escorted Dakota out of the restaurant. Flagging a taxi, they gave the cabbie the address and then sat quietly staring out the windows, each wondering what other surprises lay in store for them.

Thirty minutes later, they hesitantly entered the apartment. Surprisingly, the living room was in fairly decent shape, giving them hope. The kitchen? Well, it could have been worse — not much — but still. The refrigerator was empty except for a jar of dill pickles, some olives, two bottles of lime Gatorade, and some leftovers that looked disgustingly familiar.

"Looks like they cleaned me out."

"At least we can start fresh. I hate to think what two weeks of old food would taste like."

"You did notice they didn't touch the leftovers, didn't you? That's what it looks like... tasting is out of the question."

"Like I said. Imagine the entire refrigerator looking like that."

"Maybe things are better than I imagined. Let's check the bedroom."

They pushed open the door, stepped inside, and stopped. Silence. It was the ominous type that always preceded a storm.

"My... bed. What happened to my bed?" Dakota walked over to stand next to the box spring with no mattress.

"I'm not sure I want to know," Yemaya said as a thought slowly took form, "but I think I have an idea what's going on now."

She walked to the linen closet and opened the door. Several empty shelves stared back at her.

I hope I'm wrong about the clothes, the Illusionist thought. Pulling open several dresser drawers, all she could do was shake her head and try not to laugh out loud.

"I hope you're up for a lot of shopping."

"What?"

Dakota ran to the dresser and stared hopelessly at the emptiness.

"Where's my underwear? Where are my linens?"

"If I'm right, I think Mari and Maopa tossed them. We sometimes forget that spirits don't need clothing. I guess neither of them figured out what the washer and dryer were for."

"Damn. How could the two of them go through so much in such a short time? And what about your stuff?"

Yemaya walked to one of her suitcases, opened the lid, and smiled. "Guess they wanted to use up yours first. I still have plenty."

"You would. Well, if you think you're going to get off lightly, forget it. We're going shopping together."

"You know, sweetie, this may not be such a bad thing. After all, you might have had a little trouble fitting into the ones you had... at least until you lose a few pounds."

The look Dakota gave her would have killed any normal mortal. Chuckling, Yemaya wrapped her arms around her lover and hugged her. "Hey, I'm in the same boat. A few extra strolls around the neighborhood, and we'll be back to normal."

"For you, maybe. For me, it's always been hard to maintain a reasonable weight. I swell up like a balloon if I'm not careful."

"You're exaggerating and you know it. I've seen the way you eat."

"I don't want to hear it. Let's go."

Deciding discretion was the better part of valor, Yemaya merely nodded.

The streets were crowded as people moved about their business. The two women decided to walk the few blocks to a local department store, and neither of them noticed the street vendor until they had almost passed him.

"Hey, Ms. Lysanne, Ms. Devereaux," he called. They stopped and turned to look at the man at the hotdog stand. When he motioned them over, they hesitated and then shrugged simultaneously.

"What now?" Dakota muttered.

"Here yah go, ladies. Two of the finest dogs you ever ate, and I know how much you like them."

"Uh... Thanks, but we're really not hungry," Dakota said.

"Not hungry? You're always hungry. I've never seen two women eat so many dogs in my life. Why even my wife didn't believe me until she came down the other day and saw you."

"Oh God."

"Are you two feeling okay? You've been eating my dogs almost every day. Sometimes twice a day."

Dakota groaned. "Twice? No wonder I'm so friggin' fat."

After giving her a curious look, the vendor turned to Yemaya. "Is she okay?"

"She has been better. Look. We forgot to bring money with us today," Yemaya said, trying to think of something to get them out of the situation.

"You know I don't charge you ladies for my dogs. Go on, eat up. I have several more cooking."

Normally an avid hotdog lover, Dakota was suddenly disgusted at the thought of eating one now. Quickly glancing down at the slightly bulging tummy peeking over her waistband, she glared at the offending object, handed it back to the man, and stalked off without saying anything.

"Gosh. Is it something I said?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Yemaya looked wistfully at her own hotdog and then handed it back to him.

"No, I guess it's one of those days when she should have stayed in bed. Maybe tomorrow we can come back. They do look good. Thank you anyway."

Walking off, she quickly caught up with Dakota, glanced at her face, and chuckled softly. Passing up two hotdogs? Disappointing. Dakota's expression? Priceless.

CHAPTER 20

MAOPA WASN'T SURE what was happening. One moment she was curled up against Mari's warm body, and the next she was in the Earth Mother's realm, alone. Even Yemaya and Dakota had disappeared.

"Dagnabit. That woman better be havin' a good explanashun fer leavin' me here alone."

Not wanting to stay there by herself, she decided to return to the Eternal Fire to check on her spirit friends. It had been awhile since she had seen them. Catching up on the news would provide an escape from boredom until Mari returned.

Sarpe, the serpent spirit, lay coiled next to a log, her body relaxed and her eyes closed. Arbora, the woodland spirit, was talking to Ursa, the bear spirit. The two had been bonded for a long time, although they seemed an odd couple. Arbora was small and slender, with lavender eyes and green and purple hair. Ursa was huge and hairy, closely resembling a large grizzly, only the eyes were different. Pale yellow, they glowed when the flames from the fire reflected across the black pupils.

Turning at Maopa's appearance, Arbora jumped up and gave her a quick hug. "It's been a long time."

"Mari and I be gettin' to know each other better."

"Good. It's about time you two spent some quality time together. She's been alone too long."

"Yep. I figured the same."

"So, where is she?"

"Now that be something I'd like tah know mahself. One minute we was all snuggled up, and the next, she be gone."

"She does that sometimes."

"Well, this time it be diff'rent. Yemaya and Dakota done vanished too."

"Really? Let's see if we can find them."

Arbora moved to the fire and passed her hand through the dancing flames. Immediately a picture appeared, showing Yemaya and Dakota talking to the hotel clerk.

"I'll be danged. They done went back. That Mari, I bet she done got tarred of bein' human."

"And I bet there's a good story behind that comment." Arbora smirked.

"Shore nuff. Only don't go expectin' me tah tell tales. She'd not be appreshatin me jabberin behind her back."

"Oh, we'll wait. It'll be more fun with her present, anyway."

"That be the truth and it'd serve her right. Leavin' me like she done."

Glancing toward Sarpe, Maopa leaned close to Arbora to whisper a question. "What be wrong with Sarpe, there? She's lookin a little puny."

"She's tired. Her last trip into the mortal world has really affected her energy level. It'll take awhile, but she'll be alright. I think she's got a girlfriend, but she won't tell us about her."

"Playin' it real secretive like, eh? Well, that be good news if'n she got her one. Now if only Mari would show herself soes I knowed she was okay."

"I wouldn't worry too much. I'm sure she'll be back soon. In the meantime, let's let Sarpe get some rest and go pick on Ursa. She's feeling a little grumpy."

"Can't be havin' that now, can we?" Maopa chuckled, trying to recall a time when the bear spirit wasn't grumpy. She couldn't.

CHAPTER 21

MARI REACHED HER destination in less than a minute. During the short journey, she noticed the deep pulsations had slowed to less than a million beats per second.

"This isn't good," she muttered. "Daughter, are you okay?"

"Hurry, Mother. I hurt."

Mari could feel her pain and attempted to soothe it as much as possible. Her child had grown stronger in the past five billion years, making it more difficult to ease her discomfort. "I'm here."

The sigh of relief was audible. "Take away. She die soon."

It was true. No one but the Earth Mother could withstand the beat of her daughter's life force for long, even at the reduced rate.

"Thank you for calling me. I'll see what I can do. Can you hold on a little longer?"

"I try, but soon beat must grow. Not good to keep slow. I grow weaker. Many die. I die."

"I know. Please hang on as long as you can."

Approaching Saira, Mari was surprised the apparition couldn't feel her presence. Apparently, something was terribly wrong.

"Saira?"

Confused, Saira searched the darkness but couldn't locate the spirit. "Mari? I can't see you."

"No one can see in this place. What are you doing here?"

"I came in search of an answer, but now I'm lost."

"And did you find your answer?"

"No. I should have known now was not the right time."

"How so?"

"Because the tug was too weak. Because I felt no compulsion. I chose to come, knowing the time wasn't right."

"Is that why you can't find your way back?"

"It's the only reason I can think of. I've never been lost before. I find it rather frightening."

"I can imagine. The energy here is stronger than anything you could have ever encountered. That's more the problem. My daughter has tried to reduce its effects, but she can't sustain this level for long. It's imperative that we get you out of here quickly."

"I've tried, but I can't find the right thread. They all look alike."

"With good reason. Life began here. It's the birthplace of everything on this world. But we can discuss this later. At the moment, we need to find a way out of here for you."

"Can't I go the way you came?"

"No. Unlike you, I need nothing to guide me here. What exactly are you looking for?"

"The end of the thread that led me here... but I can't find it."

Running her hands around the giant ball of threads, Saira became more frustrated. "How can I tell one from the other if they're all the same?"

"That's a riddle we're going to have to solve."

Mari tried to decipher minute differences in the threads but found none. There was no end or beginning to any of the string-like objects. She could feel her daughter growing weaker and knew time was running out.

"Daughter. We need your help."

"Yes, Mother. I help."

"The Traveler. She needs to return the way she came. We can't find the thread to lead her home. Do you know which one brought her here?"

"No."

"Will you try to find it for me?"

"I try. I try."

Time seemed to have slowed to a crawl as the two entities waited. Saira was feeling slightly better since the pounding had eased, but she knew it was at the expense of Mari's child.

"If she doesn't find it soon," Mari said, "you'll have to choose one and take your chances."

"I'll do what I must before jeopardizing your daughter's life any further. If I fail to find my way home, then so be it."

"I suspect failure may be more catastrophic than you think, Saira. It's imperative you arrive in the present as quickly as possible."

"I find, Mother! I find!" the voice said joyfully.

"Where?"

Mari and Saira searched the ball for the thread but didn't see anything different.

"We can't find it. Can you try a little harder to show us?" Mari said.

In the middle of the tangled ball, the tip of a small thread wiggled frantically as if desperate to attract their attention.

"You see? You see?"

"Yes, daughter. We see it."

"Traveler go now?"

"Yes, Traveler go now. You've done well, daughter. I'm proud of you."

Turning to Saira, Mari pointed to the tiny object moving rapidly back and forth. "Time to go."

"Thank you, Mari." Totally out of character, Saira hugged Mari and then grasped the thread. Immediately, she felt a familiar tug.

"Thank you, Gaia!" she called out.

"Bye, Traveler, bye," the voice replied, saddened by the apparition's departure. The Traveler had been the first to visit her other than her mother.

A powerful surge sent Saira speeding on her way to the present. The heartbeat of the planet resumed its normal pace.

"You're growing fast. Soon you'll be able to control everything at will. Have you thought about that?" Mari asked her first born.

"I think, Mother. I no know. It seem far away still."

"Well, you have plenty of time to plan ahead. When the time's right, you'll make the right choices... just as you did now."

Mari could feel her child swelling with pride, and she smiled. "You're my first born, Gaia. You will always be my favorite."

"You too," Gaia said and beamed.

It was such a childish response, but Mari was happy. "I must go now, but you know I'm always near if you need me."

"I know. I happy you come. Happy Traveler safe. She nice. Will I see her again?"

"I think so, when the time is right. Now that you know what she needs, you'll be able to guide her home."

"You tell Traveler, she come anytime. Short stay, though. I not like pain."

"I'll tell her. I'm sure she'll have lots of questions for you."

"And I her too."

Mari was about to leave when she felt a warmth encircle her. "Mother?"

"What, daughter?"

"I love you."

"I love you too. Be happy, and call to me if you ever need me."

"I call."

Mari sensed Gaia wanted to ask her something, but was reluctant to take up any more of her time.

"Is there something else you want or need?"

"Many questions I have. Can you stay longer?"

Nodding yes, the Earth Mother slid down next to the threads of life and made herself comfortable. Now that Gaia had evolved to a sentient level, Mari recognized her daughter needed not only guidance, but the emotional stability only a mother could offer... not to mention company. The time had come for her to provide both. Unknowingly, Saira had once again affected the lives of those she came in contact with. Mari's future was becoming more interesting and a lot more complicated.

After answering all of Gaia's questions, Mari returned to her realm and then decided to visit the Eternal Flame in search of Maopa. Standing patiently, she listened to the lecture from the small human spirit and then apologized for having left so abruptly. Afterward, she told everyone about the predicament Saira had gotten into and then caught up on the latest gossip.

CHAPTER 22

YEMAYA AND DAKOTA had just finished shopping at the Bed and Bath for new bed linens and were heading toward Victoria's Secret to check out the underwear selection. Having regained her sense of humor, Dakota was teasing Yemaya about the few pounds she had gained.

"You can laugh all you want, but you're going to have to be a real magician to make that tummy disappear if you keep wearing those tight jeans."

"Are you saying I picked the wrong occupation?" The Illusionist smirked and reached over to ruffle Dakota's hair.

"Naw, but you might want to think about expanding your horizons. Oh wait. You already have."

Giving Yemaya a wicked grin, Dakota took off running, knowing she would pay for her remark later. After realizing she wasn't being chased, she looked back and saw Yemaya standing next to a newsstand, staring at a row of magazines.

"Hey, what's up?" she asked, walking back to see what had attracted her partner's attention.

On the front page of a popular but sleazy tabloid was a picture of two women sitting on a park bench with their arms wrapped around each other in an intimate embrace. The headlines read, "Illusionist Makes Magic in City Park." It went on to describe how Yemaya Lysanne was caught cuddling with an unknown woman in a small park in Baltimore. Dakota could tell by Yemaya's rigid body that she wasn't happy.

"Looks like Mari and Maopa don't know about the paparazzi," Dakota said, not sure what else to do. "It's kind of a cute picture in a bizarre sort of way. I mean, knowing that's us but it isn't."

Yemaya didn't move or respond. All she could do was stare at the photo, unable to voice her thoughts. The beast within trembled and tried to make its presence smaller.

"Listen, sweetie, I know you don't like publicity, especially this type, but it'll blow over in a week. Trust me, I'm in the business."

Silence.

"At least they recognized you. I'm just the 'unknown woman' in the picture." Dakota could almost feel the drop in temperature when Yemaya turned icy blue eyes in her direction.

Uh oh. This isn't good. "Okay. So it's tacky, but who really pays attention to tabloids? Everyone knows it's crap, and besides, the picture doesn't even look like you."

The Illusionist didn't even blink. She just stared at Dakota, her jaw clenched, muscles flexing as teeth ground silently together.

"Okay, you just stay here and think about how you're going to kill the photographer, but I need underwear... badly. I'll be back in a while."

Exasperated, Dakota stalked off, knowing things didn't bode well for the rest of the day. She had almost made it to Victoria's Secret when she felt a presence behind her. Turning around, she nearly bumped into Yemaya, who had silently followed her.

"Look, if you're going to give me the silent treatment because of your ancestor's irresponsible behavior, then you can wait out here."

"My ancestor's?" Yemaya growled, grinding her teeth.

"You're the one that attracted all the attention... at least, the photographer thought it was you. He sure didn't take that photo because of me. I don't have a fan club or newspeople chasing after me to get a story."

"Are you blaming me for this? I believe it was your granny that was sharing that park bench."

"Oh, right. Blame Granny. Like she'd really know anything about sleazy photographers."

"I'm not blaming anyone. You started this."

"So now it's my fault you gave me the cold shoulder?"

"I wasn't giving you the cold shoulder. I was thinking."

"Well, it sure looked and felt like it. Cripes. You didn't even notice the way people were going out of their way to avoid you. Listen, sweetie, I know you hate this type of publicity, but in your line of work, it's going to happen. You can't hide from prying eyes no matter how much you want to. I'm surprised you've kept your life as private as you have."

"It's not about the picture."

"Then what is this about?"

Yemaya glanced down at her feet, avoiding eye contact. "I do not cuddle."

Her voice was so low, Dakota barely heard the words. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

"Yeah, but I can't believe all of this is about 'cuddling.'"

Dakota found it difficult to keep a straight face, let alone hold in her laughter. Yemaya gave her an indignant look and stalked past her into the store.

Conversation closed. Chuckling, Dakota followed. "Oh boy. If that isn't an image buster," she muttered under her breath. "Note to self. Never use the word 'cuddle' around her."

*  *  *

Dakota was doing her best to ignore Yemaya's restless prowling around the small apartment. The shopping spree was successful even though the conversation had been somewhat stilted. New sheets, towels, and underwear were safely tucked away in their appropriate spaces.

Yemaya wasn't happy. Privacy was important to her. The photo of her and Dakota on the front page of the tabloid had caught her by surprise and was annoying, but the word "cuddling" was a blow to her image. Once news of the article reached her friends and family, she knew she was going to be teased unmercifully.

She didn't realize just how quickly rumors spread until her cell phone rang. "Lysanne," she answered, her voice low and slightly abrupt.

"Well, sister, it would appear you've finally made it to the big time. The front page of National Exposure is quite an accomplishment, even for you."

"Are you calling me to discuss this, or is there something else on your mind?" Yemaya said coldly.

"Can't a loving brother give his sister a call now and then without you looking for ulterior motives?"

Yemaya could hear the laughter in Raidon's voice. The sound of a male giggling in the background didn't help things.

"Any brother but you, and you'd better tell Reymone to cool it if he wants to be able to take care of your needs in the immediate future."

"Yemaya, I'm shocked. Threatening violence against my lover? Tch, tch."

"Alright. The family jewels are safe, but I have other ways of getting even. Now what is it you need?"

"Actually, I was worried about you. When I heard about this photo, I couldn't believe it was you. My big sister would never be caught doing something so intimate in public. Cuddling. That sounds so... cute. And with the picture on the Internet, it's definitely going to ruin that stoic, aloof image you've managed to maintain all these years."

"Internet? Someone posted that on the net?"

"Oh yeah. You, my dear, are big news. And now it seems websites are popping up all over the place, speculating on your relationship with this 'unknown' woman. You even have an 'official' website asking for more photos and information about you and your mystery woman."

"Damn those two," Yemaya muttered, wondering how hard it was to kill spirits.

"Those two? You know who's behind all of this?"

"No. At least not as far as the Internet postings, but I sure as hell can find out who this photographer is and make his life miserable."

"Don't go doing anything drastic. It'll only cause you more heartburn."

"At this point, I really don't care if I spontaneously combust. I'll make this man regret he ever bought his first camera."

"Really, sis, you can't put all the blame on someone who took advantage of a good opportunity."

"Maybe not, but I sure can make him think twice about screwing around with people's lives."

"I've never known you to be vindictive. Is there something you should be telling me?"

"No. I —"

The cell phone clicked twice to let her know another caller was trying to reach her. "Hold on, Raidon. I have another call."

Yemaya switched to the second caller and tried not to sound so irritated. "Lysanne."

"Yemaya, have you seen the National Exposure yet?"

"Yes, Sonny. I've seen it, and apparently everyone else that has heard of me has seen it."

"Yeah. This is really great. You wouldn't believe the calls I've been getting since this came out. Everyone wants to know if you're gay and who the mystery woman is."

Yemaya's voice lowered to a throaty growl. "And what makes having the entire world chasing after me now so great?"

"Publicity. What else? You wouldn't believe the offers I've been getting. Hell, I could never have thought of a stunt to drum up this much interest. Even some gay organizations are offering you sponsorship contracts. You could make millions if you play this right."

"I don't need more money, Sonny, and I definitely don't need more publicity, especially this type."

"Well, you've got it, so you might as well make use of it," Sonny replied cheerfully. "By the way, what does Dakota have to say about being the mystery woman?"

"Now isn't a good time to discuss this. Raidon's on the other line. At the moment, if anyone asks, the answer is no."

"But you don't even know —"

"I said no. And make sure you keep Dakota's name out of this, or I'll find me an agent who can follow orders."

"Don't go getting all ballistic on me. You know you won't replace me. I'm too good at what I do. We'll talk about this after you've had time to think it over. Say hi to Raidon, and give my regards to Dakota."

A click of the line told her he had hung up, so she switched back to Raidon. "You still there?"

"I thought you'd forgotten me."

"As if. Is there anything else we need to talk about?"

"You know, sister, your sense of humor is sorely lacking. I hope you don't talk to Dakota the way you do to me. Hold on. Reymone wants to talk to you."

"Hey, Yem, how are you doing?" her brother's partner asked cheerfully.

"As well as can be expected. How are you?"

"If I could get this brother of yours to lighten up some, I'd be a lot better. He's such a stick-in-the-mud."

"Tell me about it."

Yemaya was extremely fond of Reymone. He was the light to her brother's darkness, and neither was afraid to discuss Raidon in his presence. A loud snort in the background told Yemaya that her brother had heard her remark.

"Do you need something?" she asked.

"Not really. Just wanted to make sure you and Daks are okay. I know how much you hate this type of thing."

"We're fine. Dakota says it will blow over in a few days. She's more knowledgeable about this than I am. I guess we'll find out soon if she's right."

"I agree with her. With all the crap going on in the world, your fifteen minutes of fame will be short-lived, I'm sure."

"Thanks, Reymone. Look, I need to go. Say good-bye to Raidon for me, and tell him his turn will come."

"Sure thing. Yemaya, I really think you and Dakota need to take some time off. You've been pushing yourself a lot in the past few months. A short vacation wouldn't hurt, you know?"

Yemaya rolled her eyes. "Right," she said and hung up. "If you only knew," she muttered. "That's what started all of this."

CHAPTER 23

FOR THE FIRST TIME in her existence, Saira's self-confidence was bruised badly. Her journey to the heart of the planet had left her shaken. She had never been lost in the web of life and time, nor had she known fear. Self-doubt plagued her thoughts even as a new tug demanded her attention.

Saira needed counsel, but wasn't sure to whom she should turn. Mari was her first choice, but she had already jeopardized the safety of Mari's child and now felt indebted to the Earth Mother. The Twin was unattainable and someone she really wasn't interested in meeting at this time. Why she even thought of him she didn't know. Dis was out of the question. Although he was a First Born, she knew his primary interests were his lust and keeping order in the Underworld. After having met the Child, Saira knew Dis would soon have his hands full. Caelene was ambitious and powerful; how powerful, her father couldn't even imagine. That left Intunecat. Of all the entities she had met, he was the least approachable, but seemed one of the wisest, perhaps even more so than Mari. Perhaps.

Intunecat was recovering from his visit to Lilith. Trips to the mortal world were exhausting at best for spirits, even one as powerful as he. He, especially, found them exhausting, since he had little tolerance for the light and humanity. He had always enjoyed his chats with Lilith, however, and this time was no different.

Confident that his sanctuary was safe, he relaxed in his favorite chair and observed the images of Yemaya and Dakota sitting in an old theater watching a movie. Intunecat was aware that Mari and Maopa inhabited their bodies, and he chuckled at the thought of the two mortals finding out what the two spirits had been doing.

The images wavered, an indication that something or someone was disturbing the balance of darkness in his realm. Not again.

Before he had time to scan its boundaries, Saira shimmered into view and then solidified her form.

"You!"

Saira recognized the frustration in his voice. "I'm sorry to intrude like this, but I need to talk to you."

"I thought we had already talked. You weren't supposed to come back, at least not this soon," he said. "Don't tell me you have more questions."

"Yes... no... I don't know."

Intunecat could feel her confusion and motioned for her to sit. "What bothers you, Saira?"

"I'm afraid."

Those two words told the dark spirit everything he needed to know, except the cause of her fear. "What frightens you?"

"Getting lost. I'm afraid I'll become lost in the web if I continue my quests."

"After all these eons, you actually think you could get lost? Why now?"

Saira hesitated and then told him about her quest to find Gaia. Intunecat listened patiently.

"I still don't understand why you're afraid. You found your way to the present. Apparently, Gaia is sentient enough to prevent a recurrence should you wish to try again."

"Yes, she's young but she has good intentions."

"Then where's the problem?"

"This has never happened before. If it happened once, it can happen again."

"Well, if it did, which I seriously doubt, you would probably find your way forward eventually. I should think even a blind attempt would lead you to an encounter with a familiar thread, and you could just follow it home."

"It doesn't work that way," Saira said. "I can only return on the strands that are intertwined with the lives I followed. I don't necessarily need to return on the same thread, but I must return on one that is directly connected to the time and life I sought."

"I see. Tell me, are you so sure of that? Have you ever tried following an unknown strand?"

"No. It's not my nature."

"Saira. We don't always know what our true nature is until we are tested by something. How can you be so sure of something if you've never tried it?"

"This I feel strongly about. It's hard to explain, but I know I can't go beyond that which isn't connected in some way to my initial calling. I must have a reason to make a journey."

"My dear. Survival is the best reason to make any journey, even if it seems suicidal. I hope you will never have to make such a choice."

"I hope so too."

"So, since we are in agreement about this, satisfy my curiosity. Why come to me about this? I can no more travel into the past than you into the future."

Saira shrugged. "I'm not sure. I needed someone to talk to. You were the logical choice."

"That's debatable, but what makes me that?"

Saira hesitated, not sure how much she should disclose. Sensing her unease, Intunecat rose from his chair and paced back and forth, searching for a way to help her through her dilemma.

"Saira, why did you come here? Why me?" he asked again.

Taking a deep breath, which Intunecat found amusing considering she didn't require air, Saira spoke. "You are the First Born. You have knowledge and wisdom beyond anything the others could even imagine."

"You give me too much credit. I may have knowledge but I would argue the wisdom part... but we'll save that for another time. My expertise doesn't include time travel, and the other First Born don't possess that either."

Kneeling beside her, Intunecat picked up Saira's hands and turned the palms up. Running his thumbs gently across the skin, he was amazed at how soft and warm they felt, considering she didn't have a physical body.

"Listen to me, Traveler. Each of us is unique. Mari is the Earth Mother. Her world is one of light and beauty and color. It's filled with life and death, and it's constantly changing. And then there's the Twin. He stays locked away in a realm very few are allowed to enter. What he feels or thinks only he knows. Some mortals believe him to be loving, while others fear his wrath, and he does little to resolve the debate. He's a mystery to everyone, except perhaps Dis.

"The Underlord probably knows his Twin better than anyone. I think that's why they're always at odds. When you know someone too well, you know their strengths and their weaknesses and those two have plenty of each. Dis loves life, but he loves it selfishly. He thinks mostly about his personal pleasures, although he seems to have a weak spot for Lilith. She was perhaps the closest he ever came to knowing true love. Unfortunately for him, he squandered that a long time ago. Still, I'm not so sure he's that much different from his Twin or the rest of us. Sentient life may differ, but emotions don't."

"And you?" Saira asked softly, looking down at the hands gently holding hers.

"Me? I'm the master of darkness. It's a realm in which none can exist except for short periods. My world is one of darkness, void of color, void of light, and yet I'm uniquely able to see the beauty within. I feel its soft textures as no one else can. It's warm like velvet... no, softer than the softest velvet anyone can ever imagine. I hear music where there is none, notes drifting randomly through the darkness and joining in a moment of harmony that never repeats itself.

"Every second is filled with a richness that makes my very essence vibrate with unimaginable power. This place and I are one. It makes me happy in ways nothing else can, and yet, it instills mixed emotions in almost every sentient being who thinks about it. They fear the darkness for what they can't see and seek its comfort for sleeping and dreaming. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"I'm not sure."

He pulled Saira to her feet, turned her toward the darkness, and waved his hand. For a moment, Saira experienced everything Intunecat had just described. It was both overwhelming and magnificent. From behind her, she felt his warm breath as he whispered near her ear.

"We're the guardians of our own worlds, Saira. I, the darkness; Mari, the light; Dis, the Underworld; and the Twin, the Overworld. Without us, each realm would be chaos, and without each realm, none of the others would exist. We're the balance to all that ever was and ever will be."

"Yes. I can see that, but what does all of this have to do with me?"

"Everything, my dear, and maybe nothing. What's the one thing all of us have in common, the one thing even First Born can't control?"

"You mean time?"

Intunecat nodded. "Time. First Born have never mastered time. Only you can do that."

"I don't master time. I'm only a Traveler."

"If you say so. Still, I find it interesting that only you can travel the web. For all our powers, we're incapable of such journeys. We didn't even know it was possible until recently. Don't you find that a little strange?"

"I've never really thought about it."

"Then perhaps you should. There's a purpose behind all things. For some unknown reason, you have this unique ability to go back and forth along these threads. Have you ever thought about what happens to these strands as time moves forward?"

"Not really. The future is beyond me."

"Exactly, but it does exist even if it isn't attainable. You were the one who described time as a giant web, constantly growing larger and more complicated. If you're right, then logic dictates that the bigger it grows, the more stress it puts on each strand before it. If that's true, what happens if one of those threads weakens and breaks?"

"I don't know. Probably nothing, or maybe the web would unravel and time would cease to exist. Who's to say it hasn't already happened?"

"True. There are many possibilities, but what if, and I'm merely posing a theory, what if someone could journey into the past to make sure each strand remained intact? If a thread is created when one life intersects another, wouldn't it be reasonable to believe that a new one is created or an old one strengthened every time you make your journey?"

Saira had never given much thought to there being a purpose for her trips into the past. For her, it was simply a matter of looking for answers. If Intunecat's theory was accurate, it put a tremendous responsibility on her shoulders and a burden she wasn't sure she had the courage to carry.

"If what you say is possible, then I'm more afraid than ever. Were I to get lost, I could never find the weakened threads."

"And if you never take the journey, you'll never strengthen them. Of course, all of this is just speculation. There's no way to prove or disprove any of this."

"True." Saira hoped in a way he was wrong. But what if?

"But what if?" Intunecat asked, as if reading her thoughts. "Isn't it better to take the chance and possibly fail than to not take it, knowing you will fail?"

"If it were only that simple."

Realizing that in telling her his theory, he had placed an unimaginable burden on Saira, Intunecat almost regretted speaking so freely. Now wasn't the right time for her to seek the meaning of her own existence.

"Saira. It's that simple. You once told me you had free will to choose whether you follow a thread, even though you felt compelled to do so. Nothing has changed. I know you're afraid, but fear can be a good thing. It will make you more cautious now. Personally, I think you have nothing more to be afraid of. This is all nothing more than speculation. Talk to others, and I'm sure you'll get a half dozen more theories that are equally plausible."

Saira stared blindly into the darkness. "You may be right, Intunecat. Perhaps I'm just over-thinking things."

"My thoughts exactly. Besides, you have one thing going for you that you've never had before."

"And that would be?"

"Me." The Dark One grinned. "If I'm to get any peace and quiet here, it looks like I'm going to have to keep an eye on you."

Saira laughed. She was really starting to like the First Born. Intunecat had a way of putting everything in perspective.

"And just what could you do? You're the first to admit you can't come and get me."

"Ah. Well, that's a question that only needs an answer if it happens. Until then, let's not think about it."

"Agreed. Thank you, Intunecat. It was kind of you to listen."

"My pleasure. Now, if you don't mind, could you please give me a little warning before you barge in again? I find it quite disconcerting having you females coming and going at your leisure."

"You have my word, although I can't say how much notice I can give. Perhaps you should install a doorbell. Now I must go. Someone's calling me."

"Doorbell?" Intunecat asked. "This from a ghost." He rolled his eyes dramatically. Before he could say anything else, Saira leaned over, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and disappeared. Stunned, Intunecat stood still for several seconds and then raised his hand to the spot her lips had touched. The area was pleasantly warm.

"What is it about females that makes them so..."

A good, descriptive word escaped him.

CHAPTER 24

BINKY CARLLETON WAS in his glory. The snapshot of the Illusionist making out in the park had made him a thousand bucks and given him instant notoriety. Several magazines had contacted him, offering more money if he could furnish more pictures. To make things even better, he had received an anonymous tip that Ms. Lysanne was going to be at the park around 6 p.m. with her mysterious girlfriend.

At 5:45, Binky positioned himself behind some shrubbery and waited. Nervously, he checked the settings on his camera, knowing he would only have a few seconds to snap pictures before being discovered. Minutes later, his subject strolled down the sidewalk with her arm wrapped around a shorter blonde.

"This is great," he muttered, already thinking about how he would spend the money he was going to get.

When they sat down on the same bench as in the original photo and started kissing, Binky adjusted the focus and quickly snapped two shots. Several people strolled by, glanced at the two women, and smiled before continuing on their way. One woman noticed the cameraman and frowned.

"Paparazzi," she said, disgustedly. She walked over to where he was hiding, stood between him and his subjects, and pointed her finger accusingly. "You should be ashamed of yourself, young man. Spying on people like that. What would your mother think?"

Realizing he was busted, Binky decided it was time to leave. Scurrying off, he kept his head down in case anyone else was looking. Had he looked back he would have seen a pair of green eyes and a pair of icy blue eyes following his furtive movements as he disappeared into a small crowd.

"I figger he done got what he needs."

"Looks like it. Now he'll get what he deserves. Let's go home. Yemaya and Dakota will take it from here."

Anxious to develop the two photos, Binky rushed back to his apartment. At the entrance, several people were milling around, some looking at photos they were holding. As he approached, a woman dressed in a green jacket and khaki slacks looked up and pointed at him.

"There he is!" she yelled.

Surprised, Binky stopped and stared at the group. Cameras appeared and the familiar click of the shutters chattered ominously. Unsure of himself, he pushed past them and disappeared into the building.

"That's weird," he said aloud to himself.

A small photo lab had been set up in his spare bedroom. He unloaded the camera and began the slow process of developing the film. Fifteen minutes later, he stared in satisfaction at the prints hanging on the clothesline.

"The papers are going to love this."

Later, after sliding the dry photos into a brown folder, he put on a light jacket and left his apartment. At the front door, he was again met with the sound of several cameras clicking and a few flashes.

"Aren't you the one who took the pictures of the Illusionist?" asked a man holding a microphone.

"Yeah, that's me. Why?"

"You're famous now," another cameraman said.

Feeling suddenly important, Binky grinned and posed for a few more pictures before finally trying to call it quits. When new photographers appeared, he frowned and hurried away.

This is crazy, he thought.

Twenty minutes later, he was walking toward the entrance of the National Exposure when he noticed another group of photographers by the main entrance. Ducking his head, he tried to sneak past them but found it impossible. The familiar clicking was getting annoying.

When he finally managed to get inside, the secretary of the editor-in-chief motioned for him to follow her. Leading him to Larry Dunbar's office, she knocked once on the door and then opened it.

"He's here, Mr. Dunbar."

"Show him in," a deep voice said.

She signaled for him to enter and quietly shut the door behind him.

Larry Dunbar was a short, balding man in his sixties. As editor-in-chief of the National Exposure for fifteen years, he enjoyed the power of his position. Few people dared to challenge him, and those who did were usually subjected to a form of harassment that proved effective but wasn't illegal. Dunbar would send the paparazzi to hound them, their family, and friends. No place was safe or sacred. Soon, the constant attention became unbearable, and his enemies would give up and call a truce. Dunbar gloried in his victories, knowing he had the power of the press behind him. Today, he wasn't very happy.

"You see those assholes outside?" he asked angrily.

"Yeah. I guess I'm famous, huh?" Binky said, smiling smugly.

"Famous my ass. They aren't interested in you. They're after me."

"Well, they certainly were interested in me at my apartment and when I arrived here."

"Those assholes have been following me around for two days. Everywhere I go, there are people taking pictures. I can't even take a piss in the bathroom here without checking the stalls."

"I didn't realize one photo would create such interest," Binky said. "This is really great."

"Great? Listen, you jerk. You may like the thought of being hounded by these creeps, but I don't. I like my privacy."

Before Binky could reply, they were interrupted by a soft knock on the door.

"What?" Dunbar yelled.

His secretary opened the door and stuck her head in the room. "Sorry, Mr. Dunbar, but there's a Ms. Lysanne and a Ms. Devereaux waiting to see you."

"Shit. Show them in, Denise. We might as well make a party out of this."

The door opened, and two women stepped past Denise and walked confidently toward the two men. The look Yemaya gave Binky sent chills down his back. She removed the envelope from his hands and pulled out the photos. After giving them a cursory glance, she handed them to Dakota.

"It looks like he's trying to pawn off some more fakes."

Dakota glanced at the pictures and smirked. "This doesn't even look like you. I can't believe Dunbar was taken in by the first ones." She sneered and tossed the photos on the editor's desk.

"Hey, those are real," Binky said.

"Yeah, right," said Dakota. "And just when were these taken?"

"Today. A few hours ago."

"Interesting. Well, not to burst your bubble, but Ms. Lysanne and I were in meetings with several newspaper editors all day... well-known and respected editors. I'd be happy to have them confirm this if you want." The glance she gave Dunbar spoke volumes. "So you see, if these were taken today, it couldn't be us."

"These are you two. You're just trying to pull something." Binky looked at Dunbar for support.

"Not at all," Yemaya said. "I can assure you that the photos you took today and the ones this newspaper published are not of us. Neither Ms. Devereaux nor I have ever been in that park. In fact, we weren't even in town the day you snapped the other picture."

Turning toward Dunbar, who had been sitting quietly through the discussion, she placed her hands, palm down, on the desk and leaned toward him. Icy, pale blue eyes burned angrily at him.

"Mr. Dunbar, I have no idea what you paid this man for that picture, but one thing I do know and can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, is that those women in the photo are not us. That means you and your paper are liable for defamation. You have two choices. You can print a front-page retraction, or my attorney will be in contact with your attorney tomorrow morning."

Dunbar snorted. "I'm not afraid of you. I've taken on bigger fish —"

"Then you're a fool," Dakota said.

"I'd be a fool to let two bitches try to threaten me. This comes under freedom of the press, and I know how to use it to my advantage."

Binky opened his mouth, and Yemaya turned her gaze on him. Flinching, he snapped his jaw shut, looked away, and swallowed loudly.

Dakota noticed the change in Yemaya's expression and knew Dunbar was in trouble if she didn't do something fast.

"Mr. Dunbar. Perhaps, before you put any more of your foot in your mouth, you should give your boss a call."

"I don't need to talk to him. I have full autonomy in my job."

"Had," Yemaya growled, struggling to control the beast raging inside of her.

"Huh?"

"Had, Mr. Dunbar. I had a very interesting conversation with Larry Smilax about an hour ago. It seems that he likes his privacy more than you do, and he isn't so anxious to go to court over this, especially after he confirmed what I've just told you."

"Hey," Binky said, "something stinks here. How'd you know about the photos if it wasn't you?"

"I guess we have the same anonymous source." Yemaya gave him an almost evil smile.

"You set me up."

Yemaya's smile widened, and then she turned back to Dunbar. "I suggest you call your boss and talk to him. Afterward, you can call my attorney and go over exactly what you will be saying in your retraction. And just in case you believe you can intimidate me the way you have others in the past, I suggest you reconsider. You would be wise to remember I specialize in making things disappear, and I doubt if too many hearts would be broken if you were one of those things."

Dunbar sputtered noisily. Yemaya straightened up and turned to look at Binky.

"As for you, I believe you need to find another occupation. Once Mr. Dunbar prints the retraction and the details of you pawning those fake photos, I seriously doubt anyone is going to want your services."

She took Dakota's arm, escorted her toward the door, and opened it.

"And, Mr. Dunbar, you and your friends— if you have any — and your family might as well get used to those photographers outside. They're going to be around for a very long time. Maybe it will make you think twice before you put someone else through the same type of misery."

Dakota laughed softly at the sour expression on the editor's face. "You might want to get a refund from Binky, here," she said. "No reason for him to profit from all of this."

Dunbar's glare was enough to tell Binky he was in big trouble. Satisfied, Yemaya and Dakota left.

"I can't believe you threatened him," Dakota whispered.

"It wasn't a threat. Just an observation."

"Yeah, right. Do you think he'll try anything?"

"No. Men like him are cowards. Besides, he likes his job too much to ignore his boss, and for all his arrogance and blustering, Dunbar isn't a stupid man."

"I'm not so sure about that, but I'll take your word for it. So what now?"

"I was thinking," Yemaya said, raising one eyebrow and smiling smugly "There's a certain hotel not far from here that's still holding three days of reservations in my name. How about we go pack our bags and make use of those rooms? We might as well get our money's worth if I'm paying for them anyway."

"Works for me," Dakota agreed, happily.

*  *  *

Hours later, Yemaya and Dakota arrived at the hotel, luggage in hand. Scamper was at the counter going over the list of customers and the next day's schedule.

"Ms. Lysanne, Ms. Devereaux, I wasn't sure you were coming back."

"And waste all that effort you put into making those room changes?" Yemaya said.

"Well, things happen. I can always cancel them."

"No need, Scamp. We've decided to stay here a few more days and take advantage of your kindness."

"That's wonderful! Oh, a package arrived for you yesterday. I wasn't sure what you wanted me to do with it, so I just held on to it."

"A package?"

"Yeah. It's from the, um, you know, the shop I recommended."

Yemaya looked at Dakota and lowered her voice. "This should be interesting."

Once in their room, Dakota unwrapped the package and opened the box. Inside was a bottle of warming massage oil, a DVD called "Lip Service, the Cunnilingist's Guide to Stroking," and a small finger vibrator, batteries not included. Searching frantically though the box, Dakota couldn't find anything else.

"Can you believe this? No batteries. You'd think they'd buy batteries." She slammed the empty box on the bed.

"Batteries?"

"Yeah. Vibrators don't work without batteries, you know?"

"So who needs a vibrator?" Yemaya walked over to the bed and pushed Dakota backward.

"Uh..."

"Uh?"

"Uh, well," Swallowing hard, Dakota stared into the bluest eyes she had ever seen.

"Maybe I need to refresh your memory."

"Uh."

Leaning down, Yemaya placed her lips next to Dakota's right ear and exhaled softly. Dakota shivered.

"Cold?" Yemaya whispered, her voice low and husky.

"Uh..."

Laughing, Yemaya pushed herself off the bed and slowly undressed, her eyes burning with desire. When she removed her bra and panties, Dakota jumped up and tore off her own tee shirt, pants, and underwear. She tackled Yemaya, and they both fell on the bed and broke into giggles.

"Do you think they have hidden cameras in the room?" Dakota asked, teasingly, glancing at the red light glowing on the smoke detector. "I've always been suspicious of those things."

"If they do, they're about to get the show of their lives." Yemaya bared her teeth in an animal-like grin. Stretching her long body over Dakota's, she straddled her lover and lowered her breasts and stomach until the two bodies barely touched.

Yemaya sliding up and down against her a few times was more than enough to make Dakota gasp. Her skin tingled from the slow caresses of the nipples gliding gently across her skin. Already she could feel the wetness building between her thighs, and she squirmed.

Yemaya smiled her satisfaction and pressed her body firmly against her lover. "Anything special you want?" she whispered softly.

Dakota swallowed hard and nodded. "Yo... you."

Yemaya's eyes narrowed. She was more than satisfied with the response. Nipping Dakota's neck playfully, she proceeded to work her way down her lover's throat and sucked at the pulse at the base of her neck. Feeling Dakota shiver, she moved slowly to her breasts. Tugging gently on the left with her teeth, her low growl turned into a soft purr when Dakota groaned.

Yemaya slid farther down, her wet tongue making its way toward the blonde curls several inches below the slightly rounded stomach. Placing her cheek on the warm, soft belly, she rubbed her cheek back and forth, luxuriating in the feel of the satiny skin.

This is paradise, she thought, anticipating the next few hours of lovemaking.

Although Dakota couldn't read her partner's thoughts, she wouldn't have been surprised to know they mirrored hers. Shifting slightly, she stroked the dark head resting on her stomach and inhaled deeply. Her eyes closed in anticipation of her lover's next move. Surprisingly, it wasn't quite what she expected. Yemaya suddenly sat up and looked around the room.

"What now?" She growled and focused her gaze to the left side of the bed. The beast inside her stirred nervously and huddled in the dark recesses of its lair. It wasn't happy and neither was Yemaya.

Dakota stared at the empty spot and frowned. "Are you okay?"

"I was." Yemaya glanced apologetically at Dakota and then back at the same spot. "Well. Do you need something, or do you just want to watch?"

Frowning, Dakota wasn't sure what to do or say next. The problem was quickly resolved when a white, ghostly figure shimmered into existence in front of them.

"Eeeek!" Dakota squealed and jumped backward. She grabbed the sheet and pulled it over her naked body.

"I apologize for the intrusion," the apparition said. "I needed to talk to you before I move on."

"You could have picked a better time," Dakota said.

"I didn't pick the time. It picked me."

"What does that —"

"I know you." Yemaya interrupted Dakota while closely examining her uninvited guest.

"Yes, we've met before."

Yemaya frowned. "In the sarcophagus. You were there with me."

It was Saira's turn to frown. During her visit with them in the spirit world, she had explained all of this. Perhaps their transition back to the mortal world had affected their memories. That would explain why she felt the need to return to them again. If they had forgotten their previous encounter, Yemaya would still feel uncomfortable not knowing what had happened during her illusion.

Saira nodded. "I almost cost you your life."

Dakota looked from the apparition to Yemaya and then back again.

"I felt you," Yemaya said.

"I distracted you. The air ran out before you could regain your concentration."

"Excuuuse me," Dakota said. "Am I missing something here?"

"Who are you?" Yemaya asked, ignoring Dakota.

"My name is Saira."

"Saira, and what are you?"

Saira shrugged. Even she wasn't sure exactly what she was. A few of those sensitive enough to feel her presence thought she was a ghost or energy left behind by some unhappy mortal. Others believed she was from another plane of existence or an alien. Picking up on Dakota's thoughts, she chuckled. Humans were enamored with the concept of ghosts. One day, someone would discover what they really were and mankind would never be the same.

"I'm not sure there's an answer to your question. I am what I am, just as you are what you are."

Yemaya nodded her understanding. Some questions didn't have easy answers. Somehow she knew Saira was referring to the beast inside her.

Mari is right about her, Saira thought. She is special... more, even, than I first imagined. "Anyway, I came to explain what happened to you."

Saira again described how her appearance had unintentionally disrupted the balance in Yemaya's time string.

Without waiting for their response, she began to fade away.

"I must leave now. Time calls me. I just wanted to apologize for disrupting your life. I never realized the effect my presence could have on mortals."

"Apology wasn't necessary. It gave Dakota and me a chance to take a much-needed vacation."

"Good. Then we'll leave it at that. Until the next time."

Saira vanished as quickly as she had appeared.

"Would you mind telling me what just happened?" Dakota wanted to pinch herself to see if she'd been dreaming.

"Now?"

"Now."

Laughing, Yemaya wrapped her arms around Dakota and pulled her close. "Okay... But this does not bode well for our relationship."

"What?" Dakota gave her a questioning look.

"Choosing talk over mad, passionate love. It sounds to me like the honeymoon is over."

Dakota snorted. "Not in this lifetime or the next. Now, quit stalling and start talking."

Leaning back, Yemaya pulled Dakota on top of her and proceeded to tell her about the incident in the sarcophagus. Seeing Saira had brought back the memories of what had happened. There would still be unanswerable questions, but she was confident that between the two of them, they could come up with some reasonable conclusions.

*  *  *

Mari and Maopa were relieved to see their descendants happily curled up in bed. Mari waved her hand across the Eternal Flame, and the images of the two women vanished.

"Looks like thangs turned out just fine."

"A good thing too, but I suspect we're still going to have some explaining to do once they get back to normal."

"Yep. They shore gonna be serprized when Tommy brings them newest toys we done ordered. It be a shame we can't gets him ta delivers them thangs here," Maopa said sorrowfully.

"There's nothing to say we can't make our own. After all, we're spirits. We can have anything we want in our realm."

A slight cough distracted them.

"If you'll excuse me, I think I have other things to attend to." Before either could answer, Intunecat disappeared.

"I'll be danged. I ain't never seen a spirit blush quite like that befer."

"Neither have I," Mari said with a laugh. She took Maopa by the hand, and the two spirits vanished, each one mentally designing what they hoped would be the ultimate toy.

CHAPTER 25

UNWILLING TO INTRUDE on her father during one of his infamous orgies, the Child waited until all of Dis' guests and sycophants had departed. Only then did she walk boldly into his abode, ignoring the furtive looks of the minions who faithfully served him.

"So," bellowed the Underlord, eyeing his daughter appreciatively. "Have you finally cut the apron strings to your mother?"

"There were no strings, Father, and you know it. Mother and I have an understanding."

"I see. An understanding. How civilized. And is that why you've come to see me now? Are we to have an understanding?"

"I think we understand each other quite well. Don't you?"

Dis laughed. She was definitely his daughter, a fact of which he was both proud and wary. The blood in her veins ran hot with power. Having the Underlord as her father would have been more than enough to make her a capable adversary. With his sibling's blood also in her veins through the Twin's creation, Lilith, it provided her with a lineage unique to any other living creature. She possessed a potent mixture of two of the most powerful beings in existence, creating infinite possibilities.

Had she been anyone else but his daughter, Dis would have immediately destroyed her, ridding himself of a potential rival. Instead he was curious: curious about her plans to dethrone him, of which he was well aware, and curious about his own feelings concerning her. The Underlord had many offspring, but none stirred his emotions like the Child. Then again, none of his wives had held his attention or affection like Lilith.

Like mother like child, he mused silently before answering her question. "Yes, I believe we do," he said, motioning for Caelene to sit. "I'm sure this isn't a daughterly visit. What can I do for you?"

He poured one of his favorite drinks, a cold Coke, and handed it to her. Sipping it, the Child smirked.

"You can be so human," she said, indicating the beverage.

"I can be a lot of things." He was amused at her observation. "When I want."

"A warning, Father?"

"Why would I need to warn you of anything?"

"Why indeed," Caelene said, enjoying the verbal duel but realizing it was going nowhere.

Dis sat down across from her, crossed his legs, and relaxed against the backrest. His brightly polished burgundy hooves glistened, reflecting the dancing flames from within the fireplace. Reaching down, he flicked a small object off his right hoof.

"It's so hard to get good help these days," he said absent-mindedly. "You'd think after all this time my staff would be able to keep this place clean."

Caelene shrugged. "You want the impossible. The Underworld isn't any different than other realms."

"Ah. The voice of experience. And just how much traveling have you done since your release?"

"You're getting old, Father. You forget that I spent an eternity observing worlds."

"I don't forget anything, daughter, but observing isn't the same as experiencing, now is it? Enough of the verbal sparring. Why are you here?"

"And I was just beginning to enjoy this little duel. Perhaps another time. I want to talk to the Twin."

Dis stared at his offspring, his chocolate brown eyes giving no indication of his thoughts. If the Child had been able to read his mind, she would have had the satisfaction of knowing she had jolted him from his normal complacency. Fortunately for Dis, he was a master at concealing both thoughts and emotions.

"And why would you want to do that?" he asked, his deep baritone voice indicating nothing more than curiosity.

"That's my business."

"I see. Then I guess this little chat is over."

Now it was Caelene's turn to be surprised. She had expected her father to show more curiosity. Disappointed, she realized that if she left now, the topic could never be broached again. Once the Underlord dismissed something, it became a dead issue. She sat silently, battling over her desire to confront the Twin and her reluctance to open up to her father. Dis watched his daughter's face and knew he had won. Although she would have appeared stoic to anyone else, he was a master at reading expressions. Lilith was the only person who had managed to frustrate him. He never knew what she was thinking or feeling unless she wanted him to. Thankfully, Caelene hadn't inherited or learned that particularly unpleasant skill.

"I have questions," the Child blurted out and then bit her lower lip, regretting the temporary loss of control.

Dis smiled faintly. So old and still a child. But a dangerous one. "What questions? Perhaps I can answer them."

"You can't."

"Can't, or you just don't want me to?"

Caelene hesitated before answering. It was true Dis could probably answer her questions, but she wanted more. She wanted to meet the Twin, the creator of her mother, to understand what type of person her uncle was, to know the one whose blood ran through her veins.

"Both. You could probably answer most of my questions, maybe all, but you can't give me the one thing he can."

"Which is?"

"The personal experience. The one-on-one, face-to-face feeling you get meeting someone for the first time."

"That's it?" Dis knew there was more, but really didn't expect the Child to answer his question. He was surprised she had given him that much.

"That's it," Caelene said, aware that her father wasn't fooled by her lie.

"What makes you think he wants to see you? I imagine you're not one of his most favorite people, even if you are kin."

"I'm not asking permission, Father. I just want to know how to reach him. I can take care of the rest."

Dis threw back his head and laughed. The sound carried to all the corners of the Underworld, causing its inhabitants to stop what they were doing and listen. It was rare that anything amused their master to that extent.

"You certainly have courage, even if you don't have a lot of sense. Even if I told you, it wouldn't help. No one sees him unless he wants them to... well, except me," Dis said, smirking. "Blood trumps blood."

The Child thought about those three words and smiled. It was the key she needed.

"Don't be so quick to assume things, daughter. Your blood isn't pure. You would never get past the barriers, even if you knew where they were."

"Then why don't you tell me, if it's so impossible."

"I'm tempted, if for no other reason than to see you try," Dis said, intrigued by the thought of Lilith's child confronting her mother's creator. It certainly would stir things up in his world.

"Will you help me?"

"I'll think about it."

"When will I know?"

"When I tell you my decision, no sooner. Now, I think we have enjoyed each other's company enough, don't you?"

The Child knew she wasn't getting anything more out of her father. She would have to await his decision. She hoped he would tell her, but if he didn't, she would find the pathway on her own.

"As you wish, Father," she said, reluctantly.

Rising, she placed the glass on a nearby stand and departed, leaving her sire both amused and contemplative. Perhaps that was why he hadn't noticed the arrival of another during his chat with his daughter, or perhaps the energy emanating from two such powerful entities masked the arrival. Once Caelene was gone, though, he immediately sensed a presence.

"Traveler," he boomed, his voice deep and commanding. "Show yourself."

Saira complied immediately, but wasn't intimidated by the Underlord. It was more a sign of respect for a First Born. As powerful as Dis was, he had no power over her; no one did.

"Underlord," she said, tipping her head to acknowledge his position.

"It's been a long time, Traveler. What brings you here uninvited? Are there no others more interesting that call to you?"

"Apparently not. Would I be here if there were?"

Dis motioned for her to sit. "It appears today I'm going to be plagued by females. All I need now is for Lilith to show up, and my day will be perfect."

*  *  *

Saira had a premonition that his day was about to become just that, once the demoness learned of her daughter's desire to meet the Twin. At this very moment, one of his less-than-loyal minions was scurrying off to inform her of the meeting between the Child and her father. Dis had long ago realized that many of his followers had grown fond of his ex-wife and had switched allegiances, and he was aware of who they were. Instead of replacing them, though, he found it amusing to let them be since Lilith had no intention of ever usurping his power. Besides, if the news brought her back to the Underworld for the occasional visit, he didn't object. She was still the most fascinating and beautiful demoness he had ever met and perhaps the only person he had ever really passionately loved.

"So, again, why are you here?"

"At this time I can only guess, but I imagine such a momentous meeting between you and the Child is enough to attract a lot of attention, if it were known."

"I'm beginning to think everything that happens here is known," the Underlord growled. "Whatever happened to privacy? One would think as supreme ruler of this realm, I, at least, could have some."

"One would think," Saira agreed, smiling slightly. The Child was right. Dis could seem so human at times. "I apologize for the intrusion, but as you know, I go where I must."

"Yes. Yes. We've done this before. I guess I should be happy that Lilith was your last attraction. Otherwise, I fear I would be plagued regularly by your visits. Do you still not consume food and liquids?" he asked unexpectedly.

Surprised at the sudden change of topic, Saira shook her head. "Time changes many things, but that's one thing that even it can't alter, although I sometimes wish I could sample such things as food and liquid. Perhaps then I would understand your cravings for such human things as Cokes."

Dis smirked. "A small weakness. Nothing more."

"But a huge confession. The Underlord isn't supposed to have weaknesses."

"Everyone has weaknesses. It's what makes life worth living. I just happen to have fewer than the rest."

"Fewer than the Twin?"

Dis stared at her for a few seconds, contemplating the question. "I guess that would be a matter of opinion. Contrary to what many think, my twin isn't perfect. His little experiment with humanity proves that."

"An experiment with which you interfered."

"My interference occurred after things started to go wrong. Lilith had already evolved well beyond his expectations. She would never have survived in that stagnant world he created."

"Are you so sure, Underlord? Would she not have helped Adam to evolve faster? He was suffering his own growing pains."

"True. Why do you think my twin wanted her returned? He knew she was necessary to complete his experiment. She had exceeded even his expectations, but he was hoping that in time Adam would catch up."

"He would have," Saira said.

"Yes, but at what cost to her? How long was she expected to wait? Should she have sacrificed her own principles to suit my twin's needs?"

"You sound so sanctimonious, Underlord. Surely you don't want me to believe your reasons for abducting her were pure?"

"Pure?" Dis threw back his head and roared his laughter. "Of course they were. Pure lust. Pure envy. I coveted my brother's creation, and I enjoyed messing with his mind. Having Lilith satisfied both. She was perfect. Beautiful, intelligent, and innocent. It's an irresistible combination to someone like me."

"Only it backfired, didn't it? She challenged you in ways no male or female ever had, and she grew to know you better than you know yourself. You're lucky she never wanted your throne."

"That was never a possibility," Dis replied. "Like I said, she was perfect. Lilith was many things, but she was never that ambitious."

"Unlike the Child."

The remark brought Dis' thoughts back to Caelene's visit.

"So it would seem. My daughter obviously shares more of my traits than her mother's. One day, she'll be a force to be reckoned with."

"Are you worried?"

Dis shrugged nonchalantly. "Not really. All things are eventually replaced by something or someone else. I would hope that one of my blood would become the next Underlord. Caelene would be my choice. At the moment, though, I think that's highly unlikely."

"And her wish to meet the Twin? Are you going to help her?"

"She's within her rights to demand it. It's not within my power to grant such a meeting. Only my twin can do that."

"But you can show her the way."

"Yes."

"Then I'm done here," Saira said, rising from her chair.

Dis nodded his understanding. Once Saira had her answers, she had to move on. "Until the next time then, Traveler."

"Until the next time," Saira said, and then she was gone.

*  *  *

The Child paced back and forth impatiently. Waiting was never one of her outstanding qualities, even though she had spent an eternity trapped in the Netherworld. If Father didn't give her an answer soon, she'd have no choice but to search for the path on her own.

"I see patience isn't one of your strong points," Dis said, walking in unannounced.

"And knocking isn't one of yours."

"Like daughter like father, wouldn't you say?"

Caelene couldn't argue the point so she ignored the comment. "Have you made your decision?"

"Yes, although your mother isn't going to like it."

"Mother has nothing to do with this."

"Lilith will think differently. You just make sure you tell her this was your idea. I don't want that demon spitfire nagging me for the next thousand years."

"Please, Father. Don't tell me you're afraid of her."

"Trust me, daughter. Lilith is the one person that no one should cross. I may be the Underlord, but she's more than capable of making my life pure hell."

Caelene snorted, but suspected Dis wasn't exaggerating. Lilith was a force unto herself when she was angry.

"Deal. If Mother finds out, I'll make sure she knows I forced you to help me."

It was Dis' turn to snort, but then he gave Caelene precise directions to the gateway to the Overworld.

"Remember. Just because you make it to the gateway doesn't mean you'll gain entry. Only my brother can open it."

"And you."

"I don't need a gateway. As twins, we have a connection that prevents exclusion. He thinks of it as a curse." Dis laughed. "I've always thought of it as a great way to annoy him. Dropping in uninvited so frustrates him."

"I know the feeling," the Child said.

"I'm beginning to," Dis replied.

"Point taken, Father. Next time I'll be sure to announce myself."

"Make certain you do. I've been extremely tolerant of the continuous comings and goings around here. My patience is at an end."

The stern look in the Underlord's eyes was enough to tell the Child that he was serious. Her father had mellowed over the ages, but she wasn't fooled into thinking he had grown weaker. Dis was more powerful than ever because he had learned to control his anger and focus only on those things that were real threats to him or his domain.

The Underworld was like a well-oiled machine. Each minion or demon knew his place and what was expected of him, and as long as they did their jobs, their master overlooked the mischief they managed on their own.

Turning, Dis left the room without saying another word.

The path to the gate would have been confusing for anyone. Only because of Dis' precise instructions was the Child able to reach the gate leading to the Overworld. Even though her sire had told her that it was unguarded, she was still surprised when no one challenged her at the entrance. She quickly found out why.

A large golden arch glistened in the bright light surrounding it. Through the archway, Caelene could see shadows moving around but nothing specific. She touched the invisible barrier with her fingertips and was immediately propelled backward. Stunned, she approached it again and leaned forward, trying to figure some way to breach the barrier. Hesitantly, she touched it again only to find herself once more on her butt several feet away.

"I won't be stopped, if that's your intent," she said aloud.

"You will never be allowed to enter here," a deep voice replied. "Go home."

The Child recognized that voice. It was so similar to her father's, it could only be the Twin.

"I don't want to enter that place. I've come to talk to you."

"And what made you think I would talk to you, Child? Haven't you done enough damage?"

Caelene was surprised that the Twin spoke so bluntly, but without animosity. She had been sure he would still be angry with her for corrupting Eve.

"That was a long time ago," the Twin said. "I've changed."

"Have you?"

The laughter that followed made her uncomfortable. It sounded so much like Dis and yet held nothing more than humor. "Alright," Caelene said. "All things change. I've grown older and wiser."

"And more ambitious. But that's not my problem, is it? It's my brother who needs to keep an eye on you, not I. What brings you here?"

"I wanted to meet my mother's creator. I think I'm entitled."

"You're entitled to nothing from me. I had nothing to do with your conception, even if you are the offspring of one of my creations."

For the first time, the Child sensed she had hit a nerve. Although almost imperceptible, she still noticed a slight change in tone.

"I'd say that makes you partially responsible, whether you admit it or not," she said.

"Go back to where you came from, little girl. I don't have time to mince words with the likes of you."

It was Caelene's turn to laugh. "The likes of me? What are you afraid of, uncle? That I might take you away from another one of your experiments? Surely you can spare a few moments for your own niece. I'm sure you must be a little curious about me. After all, it was your tinkering that made me possible."

"Do you think your petty efforts to anger me will get you what you want? I know exactly what you're trying to do, and it won't work. Now go away before I'm forced to send you back to the Underworld."

"Do it and I'll just come back, and I'll keep coming back until you talk to me. You know what I'm capable of."

"Yes, unfortunately, I do, as well as everyone else. You ruined one of my greatest experiments."

The Child snorted. "It was ruined before I came along. Mother is proof of that."

"Thanks to my brother. Had he not interfered, my children would still be here."

"Children? They were your creations, not your offspring. Besides, the way I hear it, Mother was already unhappy."

"She would have adjusted."

"Mother would never have adjusted as you so quaintly put it. She wanted nothing more than equality, and you denied her that."

"In time she would have received it."

The lack of emotion in his tone told Caelene that the Twin was growing bored with the conversation.

"In time? She was Adam's equal the moment you made them. All she asked was that Adam treat her that way."

"Adam needed time. She should have been more patient. I would have given her what she wanted, eventually."

"Eventually wasn't good enough. Mother needed your support then. Had you been there for her, Adam would have accepted your word. She asked so little of you, and yet you failed her. Because of that, you failed Adam and humanity," the Child said boldly. The Twin's growing impatience didn't intimidate her.

"And when," the Twin said, "did you become humanity's champion? Because of your interference, I banished Adam and Eve from Paradise. You stand there and judge me as though you had no fault in any of this. If you'd minded your own business, my chil... my creations would have evolved and been happy."

You just don't get it, Caelene thought. "They would never have been happy in your perfect world."

"We'll never know for sure, will we?" the Voice said.

The Child knew he was right.

"It would seem we're at an impasse," the Twin said, "and I really don't need to waste words on a child. You know nothing about experiments. They take time. Go back to your home and grow up, little girl. Only then will I be willing to listen to your ramblings."

Furious at his dismissal, Caelene was about to respond when she suddenly found herself back in her living room in the Underworld. Dis was standing in front of the fireplace. Caelene started to speak, but he held up his hand.

"Wait," he said.

Although she wanted to rebel, her instincts told her to obey. The Underlord nodded his approval and then looked past her right shoulder as if waiting for someone. Within seconds, the air shimmered and Saira appeared.

"Somehow, I knew you couldn't resist this one," Dis said and then chuckled.

"You're beginning to know me too well, Underlord," Saira replied. "How are you doing, Caelene?" She moved to stand next to the small demoness.

"Great, an audience. Just what I need."

"I suggest you get used to it." Dis smirked. "Or stick to a very mundane existence. So, daughter, how was your little visit with my twin?"

"Pfffft! I think I would have been better off not meeting him. My expectations were greater than the reality."

"Aren't they always?" Saira said.

"He talked to me like I was a child."

The slight stamp of her small hoof amused Dis, but he knew better than to remark on it. "He does the same thing to me," he said. "You would think he was the elder."

"I thought he was. Everyone thinks he is," Caelene said.

"Everyone may be right. Neither of us knows for sure, and personally, it makes no difference to me. I just make the claim that I'm elder to irritate him. I enjoy bringing some excitement and controversy into his life. Now it looks like he has someone new to keep him stirred up a little." Dis laughed at the thought. Knowing how focused his brother was on his experiments, Dis found it satisfying to know he had given him such a legacy.

"Well, if I have my way, it'll be more than a little. No one treats me like he did. And if he thinks sending me back here is going to stop me, he's got another thought coming."

"Leave it alone, daughter. Now isn't the time to take him on."

"You doubt my powers?"

"No. I know you're powerful, but I also know my twin. You're not a match for him... yet."

"Is this wise?" Saira asked.

"Wise, Traveler?" Dis thought about it for a few moments. "Perhaps not, but wisdom and truth can follow different paths. You, better than anyone, know this."

"I know that you're playing a dangerous game. One that may have bigger consequences than even you can imagine."

The Underlord shrugged. "You know me. I never plan for the future, only for the moment. It's today that matters, and today isn't the right time for the Child to test her powers."

"You talk about me as if I didn't exist," Caelene said. "I will not be treated like a child by you either."

"Then don't act like one," Dis said sternly. "I'm your father, but more important, I'm your master. You will do as I say, or I'll send you back to the Netherworld. Do you understand, Caelene?"

The use of her real name by Dis surprised her and reinforced the seriousness of his words. But more convincing than the words was the look in his chocolate brown eyes. The fires of hell burned brightly, making it difficult for even her to meet and challenge his gaze. Before her stood the real Underlord: high demon of the Underworld, lord and master of his domain. Only once before had she aroused his wrath, and she had paid dearly for it. Now wasn't the time to challenge him. She bowed her head. "As you command... sire."

The words left a bitter taste in her mouth, something of which Dis was well aware.

"Good." He nodded his approval. "You know your place. There's hope for you yet."

Turning his back toward the Child, he winked at Saira and then once again assumed the serious, stoic face of supreme ruler.

"Now, I have more important matters to attend to. If you two will excuse me, my guests are waiting." He strolled to the door and looked once more toward Caelene. "You may be of my blood, but don't make the mistake of thinking it gives you any advantages. I'm aware of your powers, Child, just as you are aware of mine. Disobey me on this matter, and I'll destroy you. Even my fondness for your mother won't stop me. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly." Caelene's eyes flashed rebelliously.

The Underlord stepped through the door and left.

"Arrogant bastard," Caelene said.

The booming laughter from beyond the room made it clear he had heard her.

Saira watched in amusement while the demoness angrily paced back and forth. As a child, Caelene had experienced the unforgiving wrath of the Underlord. As an adult, he had made sure she remembered the lesson.

"This isn't over," she said.

"I don't imagine it is."

Glancing at Saira, Caelene frowned. "Have you ever met the Twin?"

"No. His is a path I've been unable to follow."

"And yet you found Father."

"The Underlord has never been reclusive. He enjoys life too much. Many threads lead to him."

"Surely his threads must connect to his brother."

"They do, up to a point, but they stop at the gateway to the Overworld."

"How can that be? Time has no barriers. There's no physicality to it. Besides, Father doesn't have any problems crossing the gateway."

"I suspect it has to do with having the same blood. Whatever the reason, it has nothing to do with the threads."

"Well, there has to be another way through the gateway, and I'll find it."

"I believe you," Saira said, and she did. She also knew she would be there when the Child broke that barrier. Interesting times were ahead. "When that moment comes, I'll be watching."

"I'm beginning to understand Father's frustrations," Caelene said. "Having you drop in uninvit —"

Before she could finish her sentence, Saira was gone.

"Hell! I'm beginning to appreciate humans more and more. At least they have an excuse for their rudeness."

Caelene walked to a small red cabinet near the fireplace, opened its door, and peered inside. Several shelves held shiny red cans covered with a thin layer of frost. She grabbed one, closed the door, and sat down in her favorite chair. After popping the top, she took a few sips and leaned back, staring at the Coke label.

"Like father like daughter," she said and then giggled. Contrary to how it seemed, the Child looked forward to an interesting and exciting future.

*  *  *

Saira touched the familiar thread and smiled, knowing a new story definitely was brewing. It was only a matter of time before she returned to see how it ended. Until then, the present awaited her return, for already the past called to her with a compelling tug.

The End

About The Author

FRAN HECKROTTE lives in sunny South Carolina with her husband. Some of her interests include motorcycling, boogie boarding, scuba diving, gardening, and water gardening. She spent three years in Alaska enjoying hiking, camping, gold panning and working part time at a local ranch. After moving to the South to become a policewoman for five years, she left law enforcement to become a carpenter. Now she owns a property management company. As time permits, she likes to travel to Montreal, Canada, and South Beach, Miami with her gal pals to enjoy the nightlife.

Other Titles by This Author

The Illusionist (First in the Illusionist Series)

Summary

DAKOTA DEVEREAUX, an investigative journalist, is on a mission to uncover the secrets of Yemaya, the Illusionist. However, in her quest for an expose on this mysterious woman, she uncovers more than she bargained for. Dakota is targeted by a power hungry CEO, determined to learn the Illusionist's secret at all costs and a madman intent on fulfilling his perverted fantasies.

From Moldova, land of the legendary werewolf, to Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains, two souls must battle the dark forces of evil for their lives and their love.

*  *  *

Bloodlust (Second in the Illusionist Series)

Summary

YEMAYA AND DAKOTA have just returned to the Illusionist's homeland for a well-earned vacation when they are informed that several villagers had been savagely attacked and killed by something or someone. At the same time, a young Carpi woman is found lying unconscious near the outskirts of Teraclia. Comatose, she is unable to tell anyone what has happened and science can provide no answers. Two small wounds on her throat raise the old specter of the vampire, a legend the locals of the Transylvanian community are very familiar with and still believe in to this day.

The Illusionist and her partner search for the truth behind these attacks. Will they fall prey to this murderous bloodlust that surrounds them, or will they succeed in stopping this heinous reign of terror?

*  *  *

Lilith (Third in the Illusionist Series)

Summary

YEMAYA, the Illusionist, and her journalist partner, Dakota, find themselves embroiled in a search for the person responsible for the rape and torture of a young Carpi woman attending a university in the States. When they decide to visit a local nightclub for “women only”, they find the owner and her employees unusual. Dakota feels mysteriously attracted to one of the clientele while Yemaya recognizes a kindred spirit in Lilith, the club's owner. Spiritual ancestors, missing whores, a sadistic exporter and new acquaintances lead the two lovers into an adventure of biblical proportion.

Lilith! She was a demoness, as old as humanity itself. Now, the owner of a 'women's only' nightclub and part owner of the Sisterhood, a small group of whores who have banned together to create a better life for themselves, it was her job to protect the women who were putting so much trust in her. When a local pimp decides to eliminate his competition Lilith and her two demon partners want revenge and no one knows better how to exact it than demons. This is a revelation of the past, the present and the events that forever changed the course of human history.

*  *  *

Les Gris (Fourth in the Illusionist Series)

Summary

THEY WERE Les Gris, the Shadow People, and they are as much a part of us as we are them. As children, we talked to them, played with them and disclosed our innermost fears, secrets and dreams; and they patiently listened, comforted and encouraged us. In time, though, most humans outgrew their imaginary friends and eventually forgot them. For those few who didn't, humanity's very existence would be determined by the strength of the bond between a small group of women and their life partners, the Les Gris.

*  *  *

Warrior Demoness (Sixth in the Illusionist Series)

Summary

SHE WAS SABNOCK, a demon, who, like the Phoenix, lived and died many times because she chose to live amongst mortals rather than spend eternity babysitting the legions of the Underlord. There were no longer battles to be fought in the Underworld so the ex-commander left her realm to live with the humans as human. Falling in love, she now had to choose between her vow to live and die as a mortal or love and live as a demon, not knowing if her lover could accept the truth. The wrong decision would condemn her to a life of loneliness — and for a demon life was eternity.

*  *  *

Solaria (Futuristic Science Fiction)

Summary

THE FIRST awareness of existence was a chaotic flash of colors, meaningless and yet in an odd way logical; why, she wasn't sure. Birth is the most significant event in life, and yet it is never memorable; at least not for the newborn; but then she really wasn't a newborn, even though it was the first day of her life. She was 1A526, the first of her kind, an artificially intelligent blend of technology and bio-mechanics. Created to serve humans, Solaria and her AI programmer, Carley, soon discover the company funding the Hubot Project had more sinister motives. If Solaria were to fulfill the hopes of the woman who had given her existence meaning, she would have to become the human her programmer had dreamed of and take down Future Dynamicon, the company that created her.

Back Cover Summary

Saira

Book V of The Illusionist Series

SAIRA WAS was a Traveler. Even her name meant "traveler." Her entire existence was dedicated to making the journey to seek answers to the questions that plagued her. Sometimes she felt as though she were a pawn in a game she didn't understand but knew her destiny was hers to decide. She chose to let the uncertainty of time make the decisions for her.

Unfortunately, her curiosity not only gets her into trouble but creates a series of events that affects not only the mortal world but the spirit world too. Yemaya, Dakota, Mari, and Maopa will find their lives turned topsy-turvy, and Saira will learn an emotion she had never experienced before... fear.

*  *  *

Thank You for Purchasing and Reading Saira.

L-Book ePublisher, LLC

http://L-Book.com

Table of Contents

Saira

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

About The Author

Other Titles by This Author

Back Cover Summary

Table of Contents

Saira

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

About The Author

Other Titles by This Author

Back Cover Summary