Preparation
“It is believed that holding the title of the Kore is a curse and there is a reason for that. Everyone that becomes the Kore always has a terrible end.” Luna paused as if considering her next words before she finally spoke. “Reincarnation should be beautiful, not filled with so many problems. Reincarnation and second chances, do you not think so, Belladonna?”
Belladonna nodded, wanting to know about the Kore already, but instead of continuing with what she had to say, Luna drew a line in thin air, and a floating lightly illuminated map unraveled between them. There were different floating objects on the map, probably to signify places.
“For your third test, you must be chosen as an apprenticeship for one of the Realm Lords.”
“Chosen?”
“It is quite tricky as it is your soul that chooses for you and if the Realm Lord of the one your soul along with thinks you are fit, then you will have passed the third test.”
“I don’t understand. Something seems to be missing. What about the Kore, you haven’t explained the curse of it.”
“All in due time, for now, let me explain the test.” She gestured to the map and Belladonna paid attention to it. There were many floating objects on the map, some glowed red, some glowed white and a couple had gone completely dark.
“The Fates,” Luna pointed to the strings around two wheels that signified that realm on the map. “They have not accepted an apprentice since forever but they claimed to always be open to receive them. If your soul aligns with them, you are bound to fail. They will reject you as they have rejected many others. They are very strict, unforgiving, and quick to punish.”
Belladonna frowned, getting anxious. “But I can’t dictate what my soul picks.”
“You can. After all, you are you and no one else.”
That made absolutely no sense in the realistic terms. She had gone through several tests where she had discovered that sometimes she didn’t know what she really wanted.
Belladonna wanted to protest, but Luna had moved on to another realm and was now explaining things. She would have to ask her questions later.
“The Nature Realm of rain, sun, wind, the earth and the rest. They are good, you may find grace with them. Then, the Sea Realm, they take care of the creatures in the sea. They are gentle but rage full just as quickly, you may also find grace with them. The Winged Realm you must avoid, hot-tempered. Everything makes them angry. Avoid them, they will most likely not find you worthy. Here is mine, you know you have a place here.”
Belladonna smiled.
“The dark ones are the ones not receiving applications this season. Oh, and the Underrealm. They are open but with the hatred its lord has for you and your beloved, he will certainly not find you worthy, not even if Ama tried.”
Belladonna mentally calculated it, she had only three options then. All she needed was for one to find her worthy. Her odds were not the best but they weren’t the worst either.
“That,” Luna pointed to a bird-like figure… oh, a phoenix. It was so dark she almost didn’t see it clearly. “That is the Kore’s. She was supposed to receive apprentices this year but she is on trial for the worst crime, disturbing the balance by helping mortals manipulate their fates. She got involved with The White King and Dogori, and helped them keep Xinora in you. Xinora wasn’t supposed to live, neither were you.”
Those words felt cold.
“There is nothing the Fates hate more than the beings that try to go out of line and disturb the balance. But they can’t do anything about it, after all, there are rules. They can’t do anything about it, till the Higb being is corrupted with an unwavering desire to support one over many others. Not one as your own but one over the rest of your other no matter how bad and corrupt that one gets. The Fates love that, they love seeing the signs of corruption and setting up a trail. They are also patient enough to wait for the right moment. It is what they do.” Luna laughed, her hatred for the Fate plain for Belladonna to see. “The Kore is good, we were not friends but all she did was become too sympathetic. Corrupted in her sympathy, she started choosing sides and playing a game with all who came to her like she did your Beloved. It happens to all of them, they grow fond of some mortals and die for it, extinguished totally from existence. If only there was a way to help than allowing the corruption to fester so much that it warrants a trial with extinction at the end.”
Belladonna couldn’t pick a side, she didn’t know the full story, and Luna was biased, just as biased as she was.
“But she has not been proven guilty yet?”
“Oh, she will be. Xinora, Dogori, and the White King are all on trial. You should be too, to testify, but Ama was adamant that you needed time to prepare for your test.
“They are here? They are dead?”
“Yes.”
Did that mean Alaris won the war?
“And Alaris?”
“The one you sacrificed the gem you and Xinora shared?”
“You know a lot.”
“The Kore’s trail has made your story one of interest. Everybody knows and we have great memory. Alaris is not here.
Relief washed over Belladonna, then excitement. “My sister? Will you tell me about my sister?”
“She lives.”
“Will you tell me more? How about Arlo? How is it with this Lycan, will she—-“
“There are rules that guide interference with mortals. If you break them, you will end up like the Kore. Being too sympathetic is something you should never be guilty of.” She cautioned, then continued. “With three options available, you should pass the third test. Your odds are great! With me as your teacher, your odds are the best.”
“Thank you, Luna.”
“All thanks to Ama, we wouldn't have met if not for her.”
“I am grateful to Ama too.”
“You should rest. I have no experience with dying but I believe it is no easy thing for a mortal. We begin training at sunrise.”
With tha
t Luna slammed the door shut, leaving Belladonna alone with her thoughts.