Dragon Realm 2 : The Ebonforge (Lesbian Story)

Chapter 11

Mari's tired eyes felt heavy, and she barely managed to open them at all. When she did, she found herself looking down at Artemis who was watching her from where she was, strapped to her brother's back as he made his way down the hallway. Apollo was behind her, glancing over his shoulder every so often to make sure they weren't being followed.

"How are you feeling?" Artemis asked.

Mari just grunted a response. She tried to stay conscious. To push for another vision. But just finding her siblings had been harder than she thought it would be. She expected to find them quickly, instead she was meditating for what felt like hours before Jurgen just suggested she ride on his back while they got moving. It wasn't any easier, trying to focus while being jerked around by the behemoth that was her brother. But she somehow managed.

Artemis glanced over her shoulder at her brother, who just gave her a quick thumbs up before she looked back at Mari. Can you send me your thoughts then Mari? Can you hear me over our link?

I can. Came Mari's answer, though even her thoughts seemed quiet and filled with exhaustion.

How are you feeling? Just tired?

Tired is an understatement. I feel like I could pass out at any moment. Mari confessed.

I see.

I need your help Artemis. This isn't about how we feel. This is about making sure my family is safe. I can't do that if my brother has to carry me around this damned place while Akiya and Nokiya are running around in the dark. I'm grateful my mind isn't falling apart right now, but I need to do more. Please Artemis. Please help me help them. Mari begged. Artemis could sense it, the pain and worry in her thoughts.

I do not know if that would be a good idea.

I get that your scared. That I might hurt you. With how many broken hearts I've left in my wake I'm not surprised. But you're the only one who's stuck with me regardless of who I gave my heart to. Who looked after and cared for me when I needed it. I'm not going anywhere Artemis. But I need this power to save my sisters, and you're the only one I'll ever accept it from.

Artemis chuckled dryly. You would not take it from my brother then? If he offered?

He has.

Artemis spun around to stare at her brother in shock. He just froze, eyes wide before a nervous grin stretched across his face. "You would stab me in the back like that?" Artemis hissed, quiet enough that Jurgen and Ran wouldn't hear as they continued walking. Artemis and Apollo keeping pace but staying back so they would not be heard.

"Don't be stupid sister. I did not offer because I'm in love with her. I offered because she does need divinity to keep her going. Just because we made a deal and allowed ourselves to be sealed away does not mean we shouldn't use these powers Dragoon gave us. We're no longer bound to those weapons yet you and I are more than happy to remain them for Mari. But she doesn't need a sword and a bow right now. She needs her visions. She needs to communicate with her sisters and call for help, and she can't do that strapped to Jurgen's back." Apollo explained. "I understand how you feel about her, how you've alway felt about her. How you feel about your promises. But if you really honor your promise to protect and help Mari at all costs, you will put aside this pointless fear of abandonment and actually do the job you've promised to do. How could Mari know you were waiting for her to pick you when you never made any attempt at being more than friends? All you did was obey her and protect her. You never showed you wanted to be more than a tool. That is just as much your fault as it is her's."

Artemis's glare threatened to burn holes through Apollo's perfectly chiseled body. The god watching Mari and doing his best to avoid his sister's gaze at all costs. Eventually however, she relented with a deep sigh. "You should really open your mouth more often little brother. You are perhaps the wisest of us all."