Five Years Ago, Part Two

Yani felt like she could breathe again. The disappointment she would face from her father meant this wasn’t the best possible outcome, but June being chosen by the same god almost made up for that fact. She could suddenly imagine a future where the two of them were working side by side in Imon’s shrine, and even more inseparable. She liked June, but she was always worried that June was too cool for her. If they were both Godsingers for the same god, that was one more thread tying them together that Yani could cling to as proof that they were meant to be friends.

Before she could finish daydreaming, it was time to link in for real. To talk to a god for the first time.

Yani shook her head. Not just any god, her god. If she was to complete her studies as a Godsinger and work in a shrine, she would have to get used to that. Imon would have to be her first priority in all things. That didn’t sound so bad, though. She liked the idea of being so passionately devoted to something.

She removed her link button, stretching the silvery thread in front of her and connecting to the worshipwell terminal. She didn’t know what to expect, so she just sat there, waiting for some instruction. She didn’t like feeling so shy, but she didn’t know what else to do.

Before too long, she began to hear a voice. She had to concentrate, and as soon as she stopped, it devolved into staticy tones, humming an octave or two apart at the same time. It confused her brain, and so she tried to hold onto the voice as much as she could.

Hello. Your name is Yani Ka…mi, correct? Yani lost her voice for a moment, but other than that, it was carrying through.

That’s right. And you’re… Imon.

That is correct. Can you tell me…yourself?

I lost you for a second. But I’m Yani. I’m eighteen years old. I have a younger sister, and one mother and father each. They work in finance stuff, and she just goes to a normal school. I go here, to a Godsinger school.

I see. And why…to become a Godsinger?

I do want to bring pride to my parents, who suggested it to begin with. It seems like they would be happy if I could be successful in this. That’s why I started, I guess. Not really for myself. Now, though, I feel like there’s more to it than that. I was thinking about this this morning, actually, and I told my friend June about it, but I feel like I want to be devoted to something. I think it would be nice to be so passionate. I have trouble with things like that sometimes.

I see. You’re a very candid person, Yani. Could you tell me more about your family?

Ah. They can be a little strict, but U think that’s true for lots of people. I love Naira, though. She’s my younger sister, but we aren’t that far apart. It feels like she’s the one I can always depend on. And when our parents are being strict, she can really help. They’re a lot more strict on me than her, so she can help take the heat off when they’re being too harsh on me. I wish she didn’t have to, but I really, really appreciate that she does anyways. Without her and June, I think I’d feel really lost about what kind of person I’m supposed to be.

That is a lovely sentiment. I’m sure you heard, but I am talking to June as well. I like it when those who love each other are able to spend more time together.

That’s… Really nice of you, actually. So did you want to talk to me because June wanted to talk to you?

That is not the only reason. It contributed, but I wanted to talk to you for your own sake, not to serve another. You have your own traits that I believe would make you a talented and valuable Godsinger, Yani.

Really? Like what?

For one, you are hearing me right now. Look around, or better yet, ask your classmates after this lesson, and you will realize that that is not exactly common. I know you can understand every word I am saying right now, and you have been able to for quite a while in our conversation. That is no small feat.

Yani hadn’t realized until she pointed it out, but Imon was right. As soon as Yani had really gotten into her discussion with Imon, the background distractions had faded away, and she was able to simply have a conversation with her. She wasn’t even focusing on holding her voice anymore, and still, it wasn’t dissolving away like so many of the clips from Yani’s practice sessions had. She wondered what the difference was.

It may simply be your level of interest in the conversation. I am asking you about your values, which many people find easy to focus on and describe. Your natural inclination to hold a conversation about these things improves your ability to hear me, as well. Imon cut in. Simply put, it is easier to communicate with someone you actually want to talk to. This goes both ways, as well. If I find our conversation engaging, I devote more processing power, which makes my voice stronger, and easier to understand. That is why compatibility in Godsingers is so important. We must enjoy our time together if we truly wish to understand each other.

That sounds really nice, actually. But also… Did you just read my mind?

That is something you will have to work on. Imon’s voice sounded almost like she was lightly amused. Yani didn’t think the gods knew jokes, but Imon almost sounded like she was laughing. You thoughts are very loud, Yani, and very blunt. It is nothing short of refreshing.

Does that mean you want me to be a Godsinger for you?

You will need more practice, but yes. If you are willing to accept the role, I would be nothing short of happy to welcome both you and your friend June into my shrine.

I think… I would like that. A lot.