The Exile Chronicles: The Three Sisters Of Jungalla

Part 3 | Chapter 3: Project Transferance

"I saw you were talking to that old witch most of the night," said Atton.

"She isn't so bad, actually," Athootita responded. "She and I talked about her past. She opened up, and I could tell she understood my feelings. We also talked about what I must do."

"Oh, yea?" replied Atton. "You got all that from just one night's conversation with her? Interesting," he said, rolling his eyes.

"Don't be like that, Atton," responded Athootita. "She opened up to me about her past. She understands my feelings about all this. After our talk, I feel more sure about what I must do to fix the mistakes of my sister. I've never been this sure in my life."

Atton turned his head with some concerns in his eyes. "What exactly does that entail."

Athootita turned to face the stars. "Look, Atton," she said, "You do not have to worry about me anymore. You've had to put up with so much because of me. You are finally relieved of that burden."

"Are you serious right now?" said Atton as he rose in anger. "Is that really what you think?"

"Am I wrong?" she responded. "I mean, you didn't choose this life. It was forced on you. On top of all that, I don't want to force you to be involved in what will happen next.."

"Damnit, Athootitia!" He yelled. "I told you I loved you. That wasn't out of some duty. At first, when I was told I would have to watch over you, maybe I did resent you. Over time though, all of that changed. I changed. So listen to me when I tell you that you will always have me beside you whatever you are going through. So what's the plan?"

She hesitated for a moment. "You may take that back once you hear what we would have to do."

"Athootita, just tell me," he replied.

Athootitia passed for a moment and then nodded. "Bestie says I was correct in the fake that I was never meant to be the next high priestess. I am only supposed to be the catalyst to lead the way for the next."

Atton looked confused and titled his head to the side. "So what does that me?" he asked. "I thought she told you that you were undergoing the transference. If you aren't supposed to be the next priestess, why would you be gaining the powers of one? Who is supposed to be the next to take up the mantle?"

Athootitia sighed, preparing herself for what she would say next. "So the transference was always supposed to happen. Not because I was meant to be the next priestess, but because..." she paused and turned away.

Atton moved to stand in front of her. "Damnit, Athootitia," he yelled. "Spit it out already! Who is if you aren't supposed to be the next priestess?"

Looking into his eyes, she began to tear up. "My daughter,"

She cried out.

Atton stepped back in shock. "Your what?" He asked. "I didn't realize you were even.."

"Pregnant? I'm not," she replied, lowering her head. "See, this is why I didn't want to bring it up to you."

"Whoa, slow down," he replied. He walked back over to her and sat next to her. "Sorry, I'm just trying to figure all this out. If you aren't pregnant, though, how is your nonexistent daughter supposed to become the next priestess?"

Athootitia's legs began to shack."Hestia says there is a ritual that can be performed. First, I would have to become pregnant, and then with her powers to control time, she would speed up the baby's growth inside me so I could give birth. The thing is, I would have to get pregnant as soon as possible, which is why I didn't want to involve you. I mean, I couldn't ask..."