Turns Out I Didn't Die (Again)

I was sure I'd died, but after opening my eyes with great effort, I decided someone hadn't let me. Yes, I should be grateful. I hadn't even realized where I was when a smiling face appeared above me.

"You are finally awake!"

"Tifia?" I whispered with difficulty. "Is that really you?"

"Of course," she laughed. I wanted to get up and hug her, but I didn't have the strength. Instead, she squeezed my hand gently. "Do you want me to bring someone?"

"No. Where are we? What happened? What about Renet?" I tried to stand up, but I was quickly reminded that's a pretty bad idea. Tifia helped me prop myself up on a pillow and handed me a cup of water.

"I don't know all the details, so you'll have to wait for someone else, but we're in the royal palace; I heard you've already occupied this room. And only I have permission to watch over you," she announced proudly. "The prince caused quite a stir after your outburst, and now he's very busy. I wasn't there afterward, but our king arrived, and they were negotiating. We have peace."

I sighed with relief and looked at my guardian. She looked lovely in her new, girly dress. I complimented her and learned that within a few days, while I was fast asleep, she had already found herself the tailoring teacher she'd always dreamed of. She spoke with such excitement, even mentioning a man who came to visit me and had turned her head a bit. I didn't have the energy to talk anyway; I preferred to listen; it was a pleasant change from everything I'd experienced here.

Her cheerful chatter was interrupted by the sound of breaking glass and shouts coming from the hallway. Tifia started giggling, so I looked at her in surprise.

"It's funny, they're getting along," she explained.

"Who?"

"Michael and Sevia."

"Is she here?" I got scared. "And what do you mean they're getting along?"

"That's the result of those negotiations. They'll be getting married, and I'll be able to help with the preparations."

"And they agreed to that?"

"Of course not, but our king didn't accept their objection. I think it's funny; everyone except them can see they'll make a good couple."

"If you say so." I wasn't entirely convinced it could actually work out, at least not in such a short time. Although I generally agreed with that statement.

For me, it was a moment, but for the rest of us, a few days had passed, and I didn't think so many things would happen in the meantime. And the news of a political marriage sounded completely abstract. The doctors must have had a sixth sense that informed them that I was awake, because soon Martha and Hans appeared in the doorway, discussing something heatedly. I noticed they were quite close, so I was glad that at least they could meet again, and it clearly worked out for the better. They breathed a sigh of relief when, after the tests, they determined that I was apparently fine, but I should rest and remain under their care for a while longer.

"I'll go down to the kitchen and ask for something to be prepared for you," Martha announced.

She pulled Hans along, still uncomfortable around Tifia; he'd remembered something. He returned and handed her the envelope, for which she thanked him, placing it to her heart. I saw in the giver's eyes, not anger, but something I found difficult to accept.

"From who?"

"From Bernie." When Tifia said his name, her voice sounded so tender. "Will you let me read it?"

"Sure."

I understood Hans; he wanted his former brother-in-law to meet someone new, but he still felt that no one could replace his sister. Under the circumstances, he might have taken it more calmly if Bernie's new love hadn't turned out to be their Neighbor. I didn't even notice when Tifia took on human form, a beautiful young desert tribeswoman with golden hair and eyes.

"And yet you can take human form!" I accused her.

"Not long ago," she replied, blushing. "I didn't know I could. I was the first of us to arrive here, and I felt so uneasy that it just came out. The prince gave me some advice, but I still need to practice a lot, and sometimes with stronger emotions, it happens spontaneously."

I wanted to continue this topic, but then Michael burst into the room, and Sevia dragged by him, who clearly didn't want to see me. Apparently, the news of my awakening had already spread through the palace. I wondered if and when he would reach Renet and how quickly he would be able to respond.

"Kyo, we're so glad you're recovering," Michael began, moving closer to my bed.

"Speak for yourself," Sevia snapped.

"I'm very happy, she's a little less," the king corrected himself. "And we'd like to thank you for finally stopping us."

"Speak for yourself," his fiancée reminded him again. "I'm not going to thank anyone."

"I'm working on it," Michael whispered to me. Sevia pretended not to hear, feigning interest in her friend.

He continued talking for a while, but in his excitement at having me back among the living, he didn't notice that I was starting to lose my strength. It was Tifia who pointed it out to him.

"Do you really think anything will come of this?"

"Of course it will. Rest, and I'll sit with you and write an answer in the meantime." She blushed again, and she looks adorable even in her dragonoid form.

"Do you know when Renet might show up?"

"No," she shook her head. "But no matter where he is, he always comes back at night and sits here. I was sad when he came back, and every time I had to break the news to him that you were still asleep, and when I saw the sadness in his eyes when he had to leave you each morning."

"I'm sorry it took me so long."

She smiled kindly, and I quickly fell asleep. Everything was turning out alright; I was still alive, so I finally slept without worries and fear, in a comfortable bed, wrapped in a warm duvet. I dreamed a bit about my previous life, coming to terms with myself, and then I compared it to the life I could have had if I'd been given a second chance. I could only wait for the most important person to appear by my side; I so desperately wanted him to be there when I woke up again. It felt like someone had laid down next to me. I opened my eyes, and in the moonlight I saw Renet's tired face.

"Is this a dream?"

"No." He took my hand to prove it. "I didn't want to wake you, but I'm exhausted from the trip. I had a feeling even before the good news reached me."

"I'm sorry you had to wait so long."

I snuggled into him as much as I could with my wounds, which I think we'd both waited too long for.

"I'd wait as long as it takes, because I love you," he whispered in such a sleepy voice that I knew I only had seconds before he fell asleep.

"I love you too," I replied, and for a moment I felt him hug me even tighter.