Page 112 of Light Leech

Enter the Dynasty

We waited in the skyride while 3Rochi left to change. They invited us into their penthouse, which included the top five levels of an already massive skyscraper, but Naoma and I decided that we would rather not give Kyo the opportunity to give us an extensive tour.

With the partition down and the rest of the skyride to ourselves, I did my best to relax after watching the upsetting news coverage.

Naoma took a glass of water from the risen table in the cabin’s center. “Do you think Ralia can do something about it?”

I looked at her with eyebrows tented and let out an airy laugh. “You think she can wipe the minds of everyone who just saw the news?”

She blew out her nose. “Sorry. You’re right. I’m stupid.”

“No, no, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. I’m just–”

“Frustrated that the public is going to see you for what you’re not? That sounds awfully familiar.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t plan on getting used to it.”

“Look, Naoma, I didn’t mean–”

“Really. It’s nothing. Why are we complaining when neither of us are the problem. If anything it’s my fault for dragging you–”

“It’s my fault for pulling you into this zegging mess.”

“The mess that woke me up? I told you before, Petya. None of this is your fault. You let me free and I chose to follow.”

“And I’m choosing to follow you, too.”

“You’re right.”

“And you weren’t wrong to suggest Ralia.

“I meant she might be able to do something, not fix the entire problem.”

“And I should have given you time to explain. I’m sorry I bit back.”

“You’re nervous. I know you’re not like this.”

“Zegging worrytab withdrawals.”

“And that doesn’t help with the stress. You’re right to be concerned. Both of us need to be cautious, but maybe this revelation was bound to happen. You’re away from Medislavia and we have a hand in the government with Abbas.”

“Without him, I might be deported. I haven’t been here long enough to be a citizen, you know that, right?”

“Like they could catch you? Criminals mingle among the elite all the time. You’ll be a natural at this Dynasty thing, and I’m talking about you as an Imp. By no means does your citizenship or lack thereof mean you are a criminal. Those who run this country’s powers are thieves, brainwashing psychopaths, and rapists. Criminals are those who think that punishing you is worth the violence it would take to get you out of here.”

I smiled.

“See? Give me some time and I know how to make you feel better.” She smirked and nudged me with her elbow. “Just like my music used to do before we met, right?”

I sat up and looked into her eyes, drinking in the attention of someone I knew appreciated my presence.

How long could such a good thing last in a world like this?

Her hand pulled back as 3Rochi slid into the car to sit across from us.

I expected Kyo to make some remark about us, but her mischievous smile was enough to suggest that she was satisfied with fantasizing.