Balance And Control

Babylon 575 B.C.E

“Ereida, I could really use a blinding flash of light right now!” Makkari signed frantically, stopping briefly from maneuvering villagers out of the Deviants path. 

“Where?” I signed back. 

“Right behind you.”

I turned quickly, sending a concentrated beam of light right into the eyes of one of the beasts. Makkari ran off as people screamed and attempted to flee from the Deviants path of destruction. I scanned my surroundings, seeing if it was safe to try out a new power. The blinded Deviant stumbled about and I called to both the light and the darkness, raising my hands in an ‘x” by my chest. I planted my feet firmly on the ground, preparing myself for the kick back. I waited until I could sense the energy pulsing through my fingertips. I slashed downwards with as much force as I could, sending two precise beams slicing through the creature like sharpened blades, ripping it in half. Combining the light and the darkness had strengthened my power, the only issue was it took a lot of my energy to manage one cut; it drained and exhausted me. 

“Everyone to the gate!” I shouted, doubling over to catch my breath. “Quickly, get to safety!” People rushed past me, their fear evident on their faces. I had no idea how many Deviants were left or who was where, I was just focused on regaining my breath and my strength. 

“Ereida, come on. It is done,” Kingo called from the gates. 

“One second guys,” I panted. It felt like I had the wind knocked out of me. 

I felt a tap on my shoulder and jumped in surprise, Makkari’s grinning face was an inch from mine. “Feeling tired in your old age?” she teased. 

“No, it’s just…new power…lot of energy,” I signed clumsily. 

“Want a lift?”

I nodded, climbing onto her back and burying my face in her hair. This was something we did a lot, usually for fun. I would jump on her back and we would go racing around the city, laughing loudly and feeling carefree despite the weight of the world on our shoulders. We’d stop by the seaside and snuggle up on the shore, my head in her lap, and we’d just stare out at the water, pointing out clouds to each other. I’d summon some light to keep us warm and dry, no matter the weather, and so that we could stay for hours, even when night fell. We felt serene in those moments and I loved being able to spend that time with her. Makkari was truly my favorite person on the ship, she was like my older sister (even though we’re technically the same age). We joked around, pulled pranks on Ikaris, read books and painted; we braided each other’s hair and told crazy stories; she helped me improve my sign and I helped her learn new languages (I had a knack for them). It felt like a normal sisterly bond. 

Makkari set me down gently on the marble floor of the Domo’s common room. My knees buckled as another wave of exhaustion hit and I almost face planted. Before I could smash my nose on the floor, two strong arms grabbed my waist, pulling me up so that my forehead bounced off of his chest. 

“Careful, Ereida,” Ikaris said, steadying me. 

“Thanks,” I breathed, patting his arm gratefully. 

“Anytime,” he winked. 

I rolled my eyes. “Careful, Ikaris, don’t want Sersi to think there’s something between us,” I grinned, poking fun at his crush on the matter manipulator. “Why haven’t you told her yet? Haven’t got the balls?”

“Real ladylike, Ereida.”

“I’m not a lady, I’m an Eternal.”

“Yes, well, whatever you are, you are definitely annoying.” He and Makkari headed outside again to help the others with Deviant cleanup.