The Tale of Tara and Emiko

XXXI

Broken families are more common than you think.

Two liars who only wanted each other for the money they claimed to have shouldn't have ended up married. Two twins who were really mistakes shouldn't have been stealing just enough to pay for the debt their father racked up at the planetary casinos and the bills their mother ignored. Just enough to hold their failing family together, just enough to keep the government off their tails. This life of close calls and lies upon lies and going to bed hungry more often than not shouldn't have been bestowed upon even the most vile of criminals.

And yet, that was the life given to Tara and Emiko Moonslight.

Some parents would think it was a blessing sent from the angels of Heaven themselves if their always-quarreling children never fought again. But for Tara and Emiko, it was survival. Arguments would only destroy whatever slim chance the two had at keeping themselves hidden from the world.

Today was a day for a bit of friendly competition, a single day they'd saved up enough money for to take a break. Like they'd done every year for their birthday, they split up in the market, this time not searching for an item that would sell for thousands and sustain their lives for another few days, but a gift. The merchants at the floating stalls were usually much too busy haggling with angry customers to notice a small item missing, and thankfully today was no exception. Last year, Tara had covered an orchid in shimmering moonstones, but it had taken her hours to find a way to get as many as she needed that wasn't too illegal. She was going to have to do better than that this year.

Tara weaved through the crowds on high alert for guard patrols and suspecting shopkeepers. It was harder to hide yet easier to blend in as she got older, and she'd already risked detainment once this week. She made her way to the stall that was always in the same place, much to her delight. It was quite the luxury to be able to afford to avoid the constant rise and fall of rent, she noted. The market is always changing, and it's hard to stay on top of these things, especially with the war going on. Then again, what else were you going to expect from one of the most well-known people in the black market?

Tara dumped an armful of treasures on the table. Golden bangles, emerald earrings, diamondglass decorations and everything in between, all sneakily swiped from the mass of people passing by.

"Nice haul you got." Today, the vendor's voice was calculated and cold enough to burn you, thanks to her voice changer disguised as a stunning, silvery sapphire choker. She started sifting through the pile.

"They won't miss it," Tara replied. "And nice to see you too, Zia."

Zia sighed. "Shouldn't you be in school?"

"Lady, this is how I pay for school," Tara replied.

"Don't suppose that's where this money's going," Zia muttered as she punched numbers into the keypad next to her.

"It's one day out of the entire year," Tara said dismissively.

"Oh, I know. And you better hurry up, your sister's already stopped by here."

"You're kidding," Tara muttered, swiping the tourmaline embedded in her bracelet against the screen, which flashed green.

"Well, best hurry up then. Don't wanna stay here too long. And didn't Emiko beat you last year?"

"She did not!" Tara cried. "And she's right over there!" Tara pointed to an Emiko running in the direction of the stall. "See, she hasn't checked in with you yet. Don't try lying to a liar."

Zia shrugged unapologetically. "Eh, whatever. Just trying to motivate you a bit. Oh, and you might want to keep your eyes open. The Rebellion's been gaining control of more sectors, which means more people with more power will be showing up here more often, this being the largest politically neutral marketplace now."

"Ugh," Tara groaned.

"Hey, not my fault, the war affects us all. Now go, you've got a race to win," Zia said, shooing Tara away. "Be safe out there, kid."

Tara shot Zia a thumbs up as she ran off, slipping back into the crowd. Let's go up, she thought, deciding to put distance between her and Emiko. Sure, there would be more stuck-up rich folks up there, but she'd save the future problems for Future Tara.

A gleaming shawl caught her eye. Dotted with emeralds and sapphires in an intricate pattern mimicking the brilliance of a peacock's feathers, it was the perfect steal. Maybe she wouldn't have to buy anything for Emiko. Maybe this would be enough. Tara trailed the owner of the shawl for a few minutes, stopping when they stopped to talk with a merchant Tara recognized. Tara caught the merchant's eye, a silent plea for help.

The merchant inconspicuously nodded, striking up a friendly conversation with the woman to distract her. Tara inched her finger closer to the corner of the shawl. Just a little more...

The woman whipped around, snatching Tara's wrist. Her gray-blue eyes shone with anger, her impossibly gorgeous face contorting into a sneer.

"What's this little rugrat from the slums doing up in the rich parts of the market, trying to steal from me? Of all people? Do you know who I am!?" Her voice was perfect. Beautifully breathless, without a stutter or a slip-up to be heard, smooth as warm butter and so, so calm. Too calm, especially from someone who was getting mugged.

Tara tried to twist away from the lady's grip, but it felt like it was made of steel. "Not...stealing," she muttered. "Let me...go." The blood roaring in her ears combined with her heartbeat being about five times faster than normal wouldn't let her thoughts straighten out.

The woman leaned closer, close enough for Tara to see the orange butterfly pin on her shirt. The sign of the Monarchy. Shoot, Tara thought, the one person she just had to anger was-

"Selene Milsty, Grand Leader of the Monarchy. Pleased to meet you, thief."

"I'm-not-a-thief," Tara choked out.

"Don't try lying to a liar," Selene sneered.

Tara bit the inside of her cheek in frustration, the metallic taste of blood coating her tongue. "Let me go, I'll leave you alone and you'll never see me again," she said.

"Ah ah ah, but wrongdoers need to know their actions have consequences! So, what will it be?" Selene asked softly.

"Fine. Take my money," Tara spat. "Just...let me go. Please."

"No, I don't think losing a little money will teach you anything, especially since I'm sure you'll just steal twice as much back later. How about...service? The Monarchy could use a tricky devil like you," Selene mused.

"I-what?" Tara blurted out, confused.

"My dear, how would you like to join the war?"