39: The Lakshima

Delicate warmth touched his skin: silk, sweeps of a caress stirring him to consciousness.

Zen's eyes fluttered open and saw starlight flow over his head, like a river across white marble.

He glanced around and saw glistening majestic, giant ribbed white columns rising, either side of him, into a magical cloud ceiling.

He felt like he was floating and his body a light weight, like a leaf being cast on a breeze.

"Zen."

His name flowed through his ears as a pleasant melody: one that ignited the passion and longing in his heart.

"Rise."

As the voice became clear and the tones distinct, he realized he had a memory of the person who held the voice. It was one he wanted to hold and not let go.

His fingers twitched. With an intense focus and the will to stand, gradually he moved his hands then arms to push his body up and onto two legs.

The starlight river changed course so it flowed around him. Zen gasped when he felt a rapid gushing of cold energy, filling him up and recalling the memories of pain and pleasure. But the torrent of starlight energy didn't stop: it increased into pressure and pace, until his body was being pushed apart.

Zen screamed when he exploded. Seconds later he was whole again only to explode and be remade whole. The process continued until his body changed internally but remade in the same image.

The pain, volatile changes in sensations and pressure stopped. The starlight river was flowing above his head again with its usual course across the magical cloud sky.

"Zen."

He saw a young woman with flowing white hair, swaying against her starlight-sparkling silver gown. Her soft and dainty bare feet caused tiny ripple effects on the marble as she took steps with an even pace to her walk.

Unlike the other Lodshen, her eyes were oval and tapered at the corners. Her irises were multicolored, shining like a galaxy. Her features were smooth with soft light skin: shapely nose and full lips, and that signature tiny silver mole on her left cheek near the corner of her eye.

"I don't want to be dreaming." Zen didn't want to dismiss her image as one and ran for her.

"Cleo." He grabbed her into his arms and a heartfelt hug.

"Zen." Cleo relaxed into his arms, relishing his warmth.

Just as Vo pined for Akari, his one to pine for was her.

"I missed you."

"I know, but Zen..." She pulled away to tenderly stroke his cheek. "I'm so proud of you. I knew you could achieve it."

"Achieve?"

She smiled with so much proudness for him, her aura swelled with a golden and sparkly glow. "Your shakir. Our Goddess blesses your choices." She cupped his face into her hands as she kissed his lips, holding on to his energy. "You made the right ones."

Zen mirrored her smile and tender touches, opening up to receive more of them. Time felt like it had no loss when they continued to hold each other.

"So I passed." He kissed her forehead.

"Yes. You're officially a Lakshima. I can't say what your powers will be, only the Goddess knows. But your life is your own."

"I'd give it to you if you want it."

Cleo frowned as she pulled away. "Don't say such things! If you ever do such a stunt like burning out your power of origin again, I'll transfer your ego into a monkey for a week!"

Zen stifled a chuckle. He loved it when she gave him her childish pout, even if it was only when she scolded him with empty threats.

He stepped back with a deep breath and crossed his heart. "I promise not to burn my power of origin again or face monkey week." He loftily added, "Although, I'd make one handsome beast with a stylish hairdo."

Cleo's expression eased into a light giggle then sober calm. "My sisters gave me the task of sending you back. Promise me you'll keep yourself safe."

Worry passed through her, stirring a grayish mist among the clouds. "It nearly broke my heart when I saw your deed in the waters. I don't want to see such a thing again. I cast my own power into the ripples, to preserve your soul."

It was Zen's turn to frown. "Cleo, you better not do that again."

"It's okay. Our Goddess blessed me for the choice and my power was regenerated."

The gray mist evaporated. Cleo looked to the starlight river and realized it was time.

"I'm always watching over you." She stroked his cheek as her image faded.

Zen's mind became blank as the memories of the H'lian were hidden behind other moments. He felt the stifling touch of a dry breeze. The stench of magic wafted up his nose to stir his physical body into motion with a gag reflex.

Lyra's eyes swelled with shock and tears when she saw Zen's body cold and skin pale. "No, no, no!" She crawled to him and checked for a pulse, then screamed with fright when his eyes opened and his complexion instantly eased with warmth.

"I'm alive. I have to be if I'm seeing a wild woman's mug. Damn, those puffy eyes look ugly on you." He raspily mumbled, as the feel of his dry throat was still being conditioned to his voice.

"Ugh. I shouldn't have bothered wasting tears on you." She shoved him aside and returned to Vo's side to check on him.