Paradox Interluder (Usurper #2)

20

Kaid had that same visitor last night. He was used to the nonsensical, repetitive woman to invade his dreams of the void. Except this time, there was sense in her words. When Kaid had brought Jessamine into that void, he didn't know how many ghosts of the past would want to invade that privacy to commune with her. Not just commune, but hurt her.

Not everyone was friendly in this void. There was often a black shadow that lingered, one Kaid felt familiar with.

But it wouldn't be like Payne to confront Kaid in the afterlife, because that devil would never admit to his failure resulting in his own death.

This woman, though, Kaid could not tell if she was friend or foe. She had originally always spoken as if Kaid was just an observer, a doctor overseeing his patient and witnessing the delusion. Last night was the first time she had acknowledged him.

I'm sorry about your hand. You would have needed it for what is to come.

When Kaid had asked for clarification she just remained silent, almost as if forbidden to tell him. He didn't know why she spoke so much about the future. Both Farah and Alexandra had consoled him that they could only see the present in this void, not the future. This woman was just a foreboding he couldn't push aside, ignore, or dismiss.

I would not worry about her, Kaid, his mother whispered in his mind, she's clearly not right in the head.

Even madness, mother, always has a hint of truth to it, he replied.

He's right, Alexandra invaded as well.

Somewhere along the way, somehow, Farah and Alexandra got to know each other in this afterlife after realizing their children were romantically attached. Kaid almost worried the two very different women would not get along. Their personalities and background seemed quite the opposite. Yet, surprisingly they complimented each other with their differences. They both were sound judgments in his head, guiding him along when he didn't know how to piece this mystery together.

"What's got your head in the clouds, my love?" Jessamine approached him, wearing her waterproof pants and button-up white shirt he loved so much when she was going sailing.

"Huh? Nothing," Kaid smiled at her presence.

"You sure? You didn't even see me approach," she asked, her hand resting on his side momentarily.

"Yeah, I was just lingering in the void, that's all," he nodded, "how did training go?"

Jessamine sighed at that, beginning to walk by his side as they made their way to the harbor, "Mara had a great time. I'm sure you will hear all about it later. She's already bragging about finding something I'm clearly not good at."

"You don't have to be perfect at everything," Kaid shrugged.

"I know, but I think people expect me to be," Jess hummed, "I found out I'm not the best at archery. But with practice I will get better."

"That's a good attitude to have. I mean, think about it, three years ago I was absolutely dreadful at swordplay," Kaid smiled at the memory.

"You weren't awful," Jessamine rolled her eyes.

Kaid laughed at that, "I was. The amount of times I would trip over my own feet or lose balance...well, long gone are those days. Some days I still miss it."

"Why do you say that?" she inquired.

"Because my biggest motivation was trying to impress you. I don't think I've done much lately to be impressive," Kaid answered, still smiling.