《Adasion》


 Chapter 1: A New Start

    ¡°Mayor Juliana, the East Downtown District has plans to petition tonight¡¯s city council meeting. They want to ask for the new sidewalk project to be only taxed and given to the West Side. They say they don¡¯t need the sidewalks and they don¡¯t want to pay for anyone else¡¯s,¡± her assistant said as they marched along the halls of the Public Works Department.


    Speaking of pay, Juliana Humesier felt she wasn¡¯t paid enough. Being the mayor of her city meant she was also the Chief Administrator. And it seemed, Chief Officer of Every Problem.


    ¡°That meeting is not until seven. Call their representative and see if he can make a counter argument for them.¡±


    ¡°I tried. He already met with them. When he said that if someday, they need infrastructure the West Side will help pay for theirs, he was booed out of the room.¡±


    Closing her eyes, Juliana tried to suppress the headache she felt coming. She loved East Downtown, she really did. The community had the type of people driven to work hard to become successful. But because of that, they also felt that each person was responsible for their own and that charity must be a choice. She respected them, but if the city didn¡¯t solve the west problem soon, they¡¯d have more pedestrians hit by cars. This year alone two accidents occurred. The rapid development in the area meant more suburbs, but the developers wouldn¡¯t build sidewalks in between the new neighborhoods. It was hard to try to make everyone somewhat happy. But that is what compromise is.


    Mayor Juliana opened the outside door where Robbie waited in idling Public Works truck.


    ¡°Just try to hold the fort. I¡¯ll meet you there tonight. I¡¯m going with Robbie here to look at Gibson Park.¡±


    ¡°Have fun!¡±


    Juliana heard the sarcasm in her assistant¡¯s voice. It was a dry task. Juliana would review the results of their landscaping plan and whether it would disrupt rain runoff.


    Robbie drove slowly. He had folk music playing and proudly spoke about what he and his crew created. When he mentioned roses, Juliana perked up. They rarely planted flowers in the city. People and pets would trample them, they were expensive to maintain, there were complaints about allergies. The list went on. As they pulled into the park, Juliana saw what he described. Yellow roses opened themselves in soft colorful pops. They decorated the entrance of the park and made it feel welcoming. She felt herself smile.


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    Juliana needed color in her life. She always felt that the City Hall was too brown, too square, too austere. Yes, she understood it was a government building, but it was as though the previous council years past wouldn¡¯t afford even the slightest bit of beauty. Only a bronze statue of the City¡¯s founder was in the entryway. There were no murals. The few paintings they had were generalized sepia colored 1970s landscapes whose subject could have been any open field. Even her office was stuck with black electronics and neutral furniture. She had the state flag in her office, her degrees, her nameplate. Tall filing cabinets took up most of the wall space.


    Robbie guided her around this park. Well-worn dirt paths worn into the short, trimmed grass. Old play equipment was showing signs of paint peel and rust. Robbie pointed out the newly planted trees along a ditch.


    ¡°They¡¯re too close together and too close to the cement. I¡¯m sorry, but you¡¯ll have to replant them.¡±


    He frowned. ¡°That may kill them.¡±


    ¡°If we don¡¯t do it, we¡¯ll have busted up equipment in a few years. The roots will destroy them,¡± Juliana tried to say something positive, ¡°but the bushes you planted over there are a good choice. Same with what¡¯s planted in the drainage. They will absorb a lot of water and help slow flooding in the neighborhood backing this park.¡±


    He nodded. Juliana might have been strict, but she did recognize good work whenever she saw it.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to take a walk around. Let¡¯s meet up in ten.¡±


    Strolling along the trodden paths, Juliana wondered if they should lay cement on any of them. She sighed. Even if she wanted to, it would be yet another thing the city would struggle to afford.


    She breathed in the air. It had a slight taint from the nearby factories. The smell was unmistakable. She breathed in deep again and enjoyed the sun on her skin. Even if it was imperfect, she needed a moment to stop and find peace from the busy office. That moment was too short and gone before long.


    Turning, she looked back to find Robbie.


    As she stepped around, she found that she only stepped down into air.


    A sensation of falling terrified her. Her body tilted face-forwards to the earth, but her step wasn¡¯t finished. She¡¯d stepped past the earth and passed a thin, light barrier. Disoriented, she lost consciousness.

 Chapter 2: Discovered

    Large warm glowing spaces lit up the planet of Adasion. Gasps and cheers echoed. Crowds of elves flowed out into the streets shouting and crying that finally their planet would begin its cycle of birth. The Welcoming had begun.


    It had been twenty years since the last descents. It had skipped the decade tradition the last expected Welcoming. With the long war came years of death. Afterwards, there were no high level births. Too much mana had been used during the Great War and not enough of the planet¡¯s energy could gather for naught but the most basic eggs.


    A period of drought both spiritual and magical etched the planet citizens¡¯ minds. This Welcoming was a blessing as there had been none during the War. It was as though the planet knew that violence was not the time to bring new life. All waited with much hope.


    As the glowing spots around the planet settled, the Adasions could see the crystalline pods holding humans. Mostly women. One apiece. Frozen in time, but alive.


    Oynoiz raced through the Gongre forests. A glow appeared not far from the borderlands of the Gongre Confederacy and the nation of Lysara. This was unusual. Why would a pod appear where there was no population? The site where it landed was nothing but a ruin from the war. They were tempted to not report it. They didn¡¯t want to give it to the Dominion of Asa.


    A voice sounded in their ear. ¡°We got reports that a pod appeared on the borderlands. Since you¡¯re the closest agent there, go find it and tag it.¡±


    ¡°I am already on my way,¡± Oynoiz said.


    Quickly running through the forest detritus, they dodged large trunks and leapt over shrubs. They slid over a large mossy bank before crouching.


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    A soft, steady glow was surrounded by collapsed buildings overtaken by vines and weeds.


    The pod was darker than most they¡¯d seen.


    Oynoiz was 100 meters away, but like most Adasions, Oynoiz had sharp eyesight and hearing.


    Their shoulder length long black hair was pulled in a half ponytail. Their all-onyx outfit of tight pants and shirt melded them into the shadows.


    The figure inside the amber pod was a woman, but she appeared older than most human arrivals. Usually the pods were a bright gold, the women inside in their young 20s. A thought came to mind: was she destined to have come here last decade? There was an unusual 20 years in between the last wave of human immigrants. The whole situation was strange. Why didn¡¯t she arrive at the places with large populations like the other women? Why in such a remote place? Something didn¡¯t seem right.


    But before Oynoiz could approach closer, voices from the opposite side of the clearing revealed Asan dialects.


    With one hand Oynoiz slowly slid his dagger. With another they lightly held their communication crystal to his lips.


    ¡°Headquarters, this is Oynoiz. I have found the pod. But we have company. Asa Dominion reached her first.¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡± came the reply.


    ¡°Please advise? Should I defeat them and capture the pod?¡±


    ¡°¡­Negative. We must follow the treaty unless we risk another war.¡±


    The Gongre Confederacy reeked of poverty, ruins, and weakness. They hadn¡¯t recovered. One of the terms of surrender was to give up the nations¡¯ claim to any pods during the next half century. None of the nations could have imagined the mana drought.


    Both they and Lysara suffered defeats against the Asa Dominion. For Lysara, it was on the high seas. But with their keen business sense, the port cities thrived once again. Gongre was not so fortunate as most of their battles had been on land. They both were punished with tribute: monetarily, in food, and through the surrender of the pods.


    They needed these humans, they were vital. Without them, they had a difficult and long road to recovery.


    The pods were the key for stronger mana, more powerful Adasions to be born, and access to wisdom from another planet. Who had them had the continent¡¯s power.


    With reluctance, Oynoiz slid their dagger back. They waited and watched.


    More Asa gathered.


    They tied her pod onto the back of a ruddy beast.


    The soldiers led her out of the forest and east towards the High Hall of Asa.

 Chapter 3: The High Halls of Asa

    Word was sent out. To every citadel, to every corner of their country. It was time to go. It was time to choose. The Welcoming had begun.


    Intimidating alabaster marble pillars lined the High Hall of Asa. Grey marble shone on the floors and a long thick deep purple rug traced the way to the throne. Above the hall was a wooden galley built to hold hundreds. And hundreds came.


    Bright colorful Asans wore neon and bold colors. Their fashions were waist-tied sarongs that fell in a wide strip over their groin. Their shoulders were covered by either vests with or loose shirts embroidery of the elements. Their necks and arms were decorated with ornate jewelry with large precious stones. Some of their jewels glowed with power. The noblest among them had the boldest colored hair. Some were shades of neon, or deep rich colors. They stood and sit on the first floor in semi-circle seating that was split by the main aisle. Their presence alone radiated power. But none was forceful as the Red King.


    The middle class sat above them, overlooking the High Hall. Their hair was in pastel tones, their clothing a bit more modest.


    The least powerful Asans waited outside the hall. Their masses sounded like the sea.


    In the Hall, voices reverberated as they sat excitedly gossiping on thick cushioned seats. Their oohs and aahs grew as one by one ruddy beasts, bathed and decorated in splendor, walked down the aisle, carrying an open ornamental wagon with a crystalline pod. Each of the golden pods held a human. Frozen in time, but alive.


    Unloading the pods from the wagons, the elves lined them horizontally among the pillars. Then the ruddy beasts changed shape. They stood on two legs in the form of more elves, these shapeshifters had orange hair.


    The Red King watched impassively on. His heir, Prince Hirote, could not maintain a fa?ade of indifference. They looked the very reflection of the Red King. Humanoid in appearance, they had clear medium brown skin. Their shockingly red hair denoted his power.  Their long pointed ears twitched. They held a smirk as they watched in pride. Finally, Asa would rise. Their country may have won the war, but their losses had been a heavy blow. Many of their talented perished. The Gongre Confederacy lasted longer than what the military advisers predicted.


    The Council of Elders approached the side of the dais, their brown hair denoting their age. Their wrinkled faces were filled with various emotions. Some cheer, others pity, one sorrow.


    One spoke up, ¡°My King, have you noticed we received an odd number of pods this year?¡±


    The Red King nodded their head, ¡°Unless one of the nations did not uphold the treaty, we have all the pods from Lysara and Gongre. We checked the global detection map. None were overlooked.¡±


    ¡°Then why do we have 41? It is odd¡­¡±


    ¡°I do not ask why onto the fates.¡±


    ¡°But we¡¯ve always had even numbers appear on this continent. Every continent. And the one we found was near no one. Some are wondering if it had arrived another decade and had been overlooked. The place where it appeared was one of the destroyed cities. And its color: it¡¯s dark, my king. It could be a sign of weak power.¡±


    The Red King looked at the darker pod then at the rest. The others were light and bright, shining with life. This amber pod glowed steadily. It did not pulse like the others. Was the human inside sick? The other figures hidden in the pods moved occasionally. This one did not.


    ¡°I also must report that the translation spell worked, but as you know it¡¯s difficult to translate our language to theirs. Their odd gender translations alone¡­¡±


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    ¡°That is a minor thing if they still understand the basics. The Training Center will teach them our biology, culture, and about the planet. Let¡¯s not wait any further.¡± The Red King seated themself on their throne with a sigh.


    The audience grew louder as even more Asans crowded the gallery. One of the Elders cleared their throat and tapped a wide, heavy staff on the marble floor. A quick hush fell in the echoing hall.


    Stepping forwards with their arms outstretched, the oldest elder with skin like crushed paper, opened their mouth and began to sang with a thin, reedy voice. As their first voice died, the king and their heir joined the next verse, followed by the nobility seated on the edges of the first floor. Finally, those in the galley joined in. Power gathered from the air and the Adasions, flowing towards the outstretched hands of the elder. It glowed in gentle sparkles and drifted with soft ease. It was calm, warm, joyful, and beautiful. Enough gathered in the hall to outshine the daylight outside. Taking the power towards him, the elder closed his eyes and gently blew upon it.


    Scattering, the light fell upon the pods. One by one, the pods melted away revealing human women. With each one opening, the crowd tittered and exclaimed.


    The women were young, around 20 years of age. Each one had differing features, body shapes, and coloring. Opening their eyes, women whispered, cried, some where confused, others in awe of the beautiful music. One in pajamas asked if she was in Heaven. Another in jeans and her college shirt declared that they must have been abducted by aliens. A redhead laughed maniacally.


    One of the pods opened and the hall filled with groans. It was a young man, fair, with pale skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes.


    A voice spoke from the throne, ¡°Well I guess we must pay the Earth stipend to him as well. Where was he found?¡±


    ¡°In our territory, Dominator.¡±


    ¡°Damn it. I guess we can¡¯t send him to the tribute nations then. Unless you want him, Ambassador?¡±


    Ambassador Zarvik of Lysara shook their head. Another Ambassador besides them from Gongre winced. They knew the Red King was testing them.


    There was a third Ambassador who was ignored by the Red King. A woman. She had her fiery hair in intricate braids which twisted around her head. Large white feathers reached outwards, framing her face. Her face was painted white but she also was painted with small blue triangles emphasizing her eyes and her chin. She popped open a fan to hide her reaction as she stared at the young man. ¡°If I could, I would take you to my country, Una¡¯Ta. Unfortunately, our relations with the elves are strenuous at best. Humans can claim asylum a short period of residency.¡±


    The young man shivered as disdainful eyes watched him. ¡°What¡¯s going to happen to me?¡± He motioned to the other humans around him, ¡°What are you going to do with them?¡±


    A strong hand clamped down on his shoulder. ¡°Stay here and wait quietly for the ceremony to end, human.¡± The young man frowned.


    A wave of murmurs came from the furthest side of the Hall.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Prince Hirote demanded.


    ¡°Sire, one of the pods is not awaking,¡± the oldest elder answered.


    ¡°We cannot complete the ceremony until all of them open! Follow my lead!¡± Prince Hirote began the awakening song with notes that were more passionate. Sensing the urgency in the call, the others in the Hall rejoined. Hearing the internal music, with what little power they had, those waiting outside belted the chorus.


    Power gathered once again, and the elder motioned to them, ¡°You learned this song since you were a youngling. Go. Lead the awakening.¡±


    The humans held their breath as the energy gathered, this time tinted red. The Prince blew on it once again. Some of it entered the humans gathered, but the rest flowed into the darkened pod.


    Its light suddenly died.


    The pod dissolved revealing a woman in a tailored grey pantsuit with a red collared shirt. She was mid-thirties, much older than any human Welcomed in the past. Her skin was clammy and pale. She did not stir and laid like a sculpture wrapped in red.


    A gasp came from the gallery. A sea of whispers came. One of the tributed women was dead!


    Watching the ceremony, Zarvik, the Ambassador of Lysara, held back a curse. They knew this pod was found on the border town destroyed by the last war. She should have gone to Gongre or Lysara! These Asan thieves forced a future connection of their people to travel a long journey when she was in a precarious state.


    There was no birth on the Adasion planet. However, human women were able to connect to the planet and call the growth of powerful fledgling Adasion. Whichever clan allied themselves with the women had influence. Every Adasion knew this. What a loss from the war! They would be stuck with a whole half-century of having to stand by and watch the Red King lord over the prizes of their kingdom.

 Chapter 4: Julianas Contact

    A cold, heavy darkness settled around Juliana. Her limbs felt as though they were smothered with crushing weights. Her breaths were faint, her blood sluggish. Distant singing called to her from the edge of her consciousness. Music both haunting and hopeful, with a notes of desperate frenzy. It became louder and louder.


    Juliana¡¯s head throbbed as though someone decided to play a tattoo in her brain. She squinted her eyes against the bright red light. What was this? Was she in an emergency vehicle? Did she have an accident at the park?


    Blinking her brown eyes, she looked up and sucked in a large breath. The air burned her lungs. Coughing, she wondered when was the last time she breathed clean air? She hacked again. A sudden cheer came from above. She felt a woman lift her up to sitting position as she wrapped her in a hug. Juliana¡¯s lips were dry. Her throat burned.


    With a parched voice she called, ¡°Water.¡±


    A ball of water floated in the air.


    ¡°Drink woman,¡± an elderly elf-like being said.


    Awkwardly, Juliana pressed her lips on the floating sphere and sucked. It was water¡ªwet, temperate, crisp and pure. There wasn¡¯t any taste of the chlorine she was used to from her city¡¯s faucets. It was unlike any water she drank before. The woman who supported Juliana released her. As she pulled back, Juliana saw her tear-stained face. What had she gotten into? Were they kidnapped? She was instantly on guard.


    Looking around the hall, Juliana studied the creatures around her. They were intelligent beings, but not of Earth. The androgynous beings had long ears, reminiscent of elves. However, their skin had the texture of smooth plastic which shone pearlescent in the same color of their hair. And their hair¡ªevery elf gathered had bold, pastel, or bright hair. Those on the ground floor had the purest of colors. The floor above had duller locks. Most of them wore long hair with braids, beading or tied in materials. A few wore circlets on their heads.


    An elf with yellow hair knelt beside her. From their hands a warm glow emanated. Soon, Juliana felt stronger. ¡°I am a healer. They call me Eirian. You are safe here.¡± Thanking them, she shift away.


    She took in those around her. There were 41 humans seated on the floor, stared at by the elves from above. It felt like the women were on the stage being studied. She didn¡¯t like it. That was not a good position to be in. Why weren¡¯t they given a place to sit or at least a cushion?


    The large muscular elf sat on the throne. Their features were sharp. Their bright red hair was brushed back. A similar and younger looking elf stood next to them. They had medium hair with a few random small, beaded braids. Their tilted their face up as though they were the pride of the assembly.


    ¡°Asa Dominion, tonight is a glorious night!¡±


    Cheers erupted in mass around us.


    ¡°For the last twenty years we have been dried of new life. The dimensions haven¡¯t met leaving us to only populate with our energies. This desert has been too long. The war with our neighbors, the Gongres and Lysarans have made us even less.¡±


    Boos came from the crowd. Juliana noticed one nearby elf winced. Their clothing appeared different from the rest. More robe-like. It matched their medium length royal deep purple hair that was combed back from their face. The sides of their hair had been cut shorter than the rest. They looked to be in their mid-forties.


    The king continued, ¡°Now we rejoice. Women have come among us!¡±


    The crowd responded enthusiastically.


    ¡°Once more, we have met with the international assembly. Our situation is unique. As you all know, any women who lands in a country is raised by them. But thanks to the war, and the tributaries relinquishing their rights for the next harvest, we can raise them all here. Furthermore, providence has surprised us. We have an odd number this year.¡±


    The words this elven king used did not bode well. Raised? Harvest? She didn¡¯t want to be cooked as their dinner. She tried to move, but a fierce pang struck her head. It was difficult to think with being dehydrated and having a migraine. She had to be careful and pay attention to what was going on. Her life would depend on it.


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    Murmuring scattered throughout the assembly.


    ¡°Yes, yes, one happens to be male, but fear not, I the Red King, promise he will be cared for with the same stipend all the women shall receive. As per tradition, these young souls will be raised by a patron. All funds raised in the Welcoming will be used for the Asa Women Training Center¡¯s yearly expenses.¡±


    Juliana had studied people since she was a young lady in politics. Already she knew that this was a military-focused state with a monarch. She wouldn¡¯t have been surprised if they had absolute power over their people. Just in a friendly speech the pressure coming from them was immense. The anticipation from the audience grew.


    However, a woman with wavy dark hair, large eyes, and medium colored skin next to Juliana caught something in their wording.


    ¡°How are they going to raise funds?¡±


    As if answering her whispered question, the king continued, ¡°As per tradition, we shall bid.¡± They motioned to someone in a robed uniform.


    Anxiety grabbed Juliana. Bidding? They weren¡¯t property! How barbaric!


    An elf with pink hair and translucent robes approached. They held a device with a crystal embedded into it. They addressed the humans. ¡°I will measure your capability for mana flow. The letters from lowest to highest are <u>Do, Re, Mi, Fa, and Sol </u> class. If any of you are Sol class, you¡¯ll automatically be sent to live here in the palace.¡± Their voice raised with each note they named.


    A nervous chuckle came from Juliana¡¯s lips. They weren¡¯t serious were they? Not only were they to be bid on, but ranked? This was a cruel joke.


    Realization struck Juliana. She was understanding them in their native language! Their words were of this planet. Whatever translation spell they used made her understand it in English. Their voices, their language, everything was tied back into music. Their sentences had a lilting tone and reminded Juliana of something akin to Italian, except it had an occasional hard sounding K and a different melody.


    ¡°What is the rate for classes?¡± The woman who spoke before asked.


    They smiled, ¡°While Re is extremely rare for women, this rating is common among us Adasians. Those outside these walls are Do or Re rated. If a Re woman appears she can be later paired with multiple of them in a clan unit in hopes to produce the next Mi class. Most of the women here will most likely be Mi class. Oh¡ª¡± he looked at the women¡¯s faces of shock and disgust, ¡°I almost forgot, I¡¯ve done this ceremony so many times. Ladies of Earth, do not fear. What we desire is not your flesh, your death, nor your sexual capabilities. What we seek is your ability to process mana. In due time you¡¯ll learn what that means. After assigning you a patron, they will eventually help you to find a clan. The clan you choose to adopt with be your new family on the planet. We won¡¯t have unsituated immigrants loose, running around and risk them being tricked into moving to another country. There is no obligation to them. It is more of a status thing for us. Patrons with strong women can form alliances with whichever clan she chooses.¡±


    ¡°And what about him?¡± the earlier woman asked.


    ¡°My name is Royce,¡± the blonde man said.


    ¡°Well, he will be given a government stipend to live, but he may also work as he wishes. If he can find a job. I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s just hard for us to hire the powerless. So many jobs depend on some level of mana usage.¡±


    A pained expression flashed across Royce¡¯s face.


    The elf continued, ¡°We don¡¯t know why one or two men come with the women each Welcoming. We view it as a test of generosity. It is seen as bad luck to harm them, so I wouldn¡¯t be worried about his safety. He is more likely to be ignored.¡±


    ¡°Can we continue with the ceremony?¡± Prince Hirote called.


    ¡°Yes, yes, of course, prince!¡±


    A blonde woman was the first to be tested. Waves of calm radiated from him he held the device to her, ¡°She has the potential for Fa class.¡± She was given a tile to hold as the elves on the ground floor cheered.


    The elf explained, ¡°This tile is to prevent anyone of the Mi class or lower from bidding to be your patron.¡±


    She gawked, ¡°What¡ªwe must be bid on? I¡¯m not property!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s symbolic. You are not seen as property. It¡¯s all for a good cause, it helps pay your stipend on this planet.¡±


    She quieted quickly.


    The woman Ambassador with the painted face commented, ¡°Do not judge them on their culture. However distasteful or foreign it may seem to us. The Elves are aliens, dear. I am Ambassador Constance Derupe of Una¡¯Ta. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to take any of you with me to my country. We gather women who reject their system. And men. However, our neutral stance during the last war lost our ability to recruit. I can, however, offer you all citizenship if you decide later not to join any country. Remember that.¡±


    The humans gathered nodded their head. Some smiled, a slight signal that they were considering the offer.


    The Red King visibly tensed.


    Surprisingly it was Ambassador Zarvik who defended the ceremony, ¡°Despite my dislike for the Dominion of Asa as of this moment, I would be remiss if I didn¡¯t warn you that Una¡¯Ta has the harshest weather of the whole continent. They live on the cliffs north. The land is frozen for half of the year. Little mana is found there. It is almost a dead-zone for us. However, they also face monsters who wander that way. With women unable to use song-spells, they struggle as they fight physically against these beasts. To live there is almost like living exiled. You would be very far from trade and all comforts of civilization.¡± Zarvik straightened their purple robes.


    ¡°That may be, Ambassador Zarvik, but my women are warriors. It is a harsh life, but it is one that suits us,¡± she responded.


    The warming up from the humans gathered at the hall quickly chilled. Juliana assumed they were like her, accustomed to the comforts of modern life.

 Chapter 5: What is a Humans Measure?

    The measuring ceremony commenced.


    As each woman was evaluated, cheers came from the gallery.


    The brown toned woman who had the earlier questions was next. She had a small nose and round cheeks, toned arms and legs. Her thick black wavy hair fell past her shoulders.


    ¡°Name?¡±


    ¡°Sophia.¡±


    As they measured her, the device played a beautiful high note, ¡°She¡¯s a Sol!¡± The entire galley took a breath. Concern crossed Sophia¡¯s face before she shuttered her expression.


    Prince Hirote walked down the dais and reached to her. ¡°Please stand, Lady Sophia. I am honored to welcome you into my clan.¡± Trembling, she grasped their hand as they helped her stand.


    The elf in deep purple robes whispered, ¡°Where was she found?¡±


    ¡°The Gongre Confederacy, Ambassador Zarvik.¡±


    Prince Hirote gave them warning look.


    ¡°I object to this Red King!¡± Ambassador Zarvik called out.


    ¡°Now is not the time.¡± The King answered.


    ¡°No, now is the perfect time. As all of us know, the Sols are only assigned one per Adasion of Sol rank. They are there to maintain direct lines of descendants. If another Sol appears, where would she go? You cannot be thinking of giving two to your heir! Unless you plan to create a second heir.¡± Their voice dropped on the last sentence. Second heirs were rare and historically were frowned on. Their legacies always ended up with civil wars. The Red King knew what was implied.


    ¡°Silence!¡± The king¡¯s curt booming voice shouted.


    ¡°May I speak? This is about my life after all.¡±


    The King¡¯s eyes softened. ¡°Yes, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°I think I need time to adjust to this place. I¡¯ll let your heir court me to your clan, but in the end, the decision of which clan is mine alone. Do we agree?¡± Sophia stood straight and did not glance away from the king¡¯s eyes.


    Ambassador Zarvik spoke, ¡°That is the international law of Adasion. No clan may force a woman to join them nor to stay with them.¡±


    ¡°Then that is what I will do.¡± With that she closed the matter. Juliana admired her patience. She stood strong even though the hall could feel the angry energy of the Red King emanating from across the chamber.


    Eventually, it was Juliana¡¯s time to be tested. She held her breath before nodding.


    As she gave her name, the pink haired elf passed the device over her. Once, twice. On the third time even the Lysarian Ambassador was impatient, ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but the results are inconclusive.¡±


    ¡°Inconclusive? That has never happened! Do you mean she¡¯s like a man? Unable to conduct mana?¡± The Red King asked.


    ¡°No Dominator. If she were without ability, it would register it.¡± He walked over to Royce. The device played a sharp discordant note, ¡°See?¡± When they moved it back to Juliana it played up and down the scales. Then it finally settled on a chord with the notes of Do, Fa, and the softest note of something high, but Juliana wasn¡¯t sure which note it was.


    He continued, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because we had to use so much energy earlier on her pod. It could have messed up her readings. We¡¯ll need to re-evaluate.¡±


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    ¡°How long?¡± the Red King asked with a note of impatience.


    Juliana knew they all heard it. The Fa note. And the Do note. If they were expecting great things from her and she was a dud¡­she didn¡¯t know who the Do elves were, but if they were the masses outside and they learned they could ally with her, things could become very bad, very fast. There was so much she didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°Months maybe? She¡¯ll need time for her body to adjust to Adasion¡¯s resonance.¡±


    ¡°Give her the Re card.¡±


    The elf accented and gave her a dull looking plaque.


    Disappointed noises came from the gallery. She doubted they heard the King¡¯s conversation. They saw only the plaque handed to Juliana. As she was the last one, the measurements had concluded.


    Wait, did that mean they all thought she was basically a dud? If women¡¯s whole hope in this society was finding a clan, then already Juliana was starting behind.


    Ambassador Zarvik looked on with disapproval at the last rating. Cruelty caused the king to make sure the ambassador had a front row seating. However, luck was on their side. Zarvik heard the scales and cord from the last evaluation. They set Juliana¡¯s and Sophia¡¯s faces to memory. Maybe, just maybe, they could convince one of them to defect to their homeland. It was a loophole with tribute law vs the international law, and Ambassador Zarvik fully intended to exploit it.


    The eldest spoke, ¡°At this time we shall find sponsors for our arrivals from Earth.¡±


    Each woman stood and her name and note were given. The elves in the aisle and in the galley spoke all at once. Flashes of color waved into the air as they twirled sheer scarves indicating their bid.


    The blonde Fe was first. The gallery was silent as only the nobility on the ground floor bid. It was fierce. The Adasions insulted each others¡¯ honor as the bid sounded very high. One group of blue haired Adasions versus orange-haired almost came to blows. The blue group won to cheers and slaps on their backs. They welcomed the blonde woman with a hug.


    When a Mi woman was introduced, the gallery went into a frenzy. Their bidding was just as high as the nobles, as money had little import to the Adasions of middling powers. This was one of the few chances to change their status in society. A boisterous group of green-haired elves finally won her sponsorship.


    It was finally the last awakened¡¯s turn.


    ¡°What¡¯s this about her number, Elder? We saw the reading!¡± An orange haired one from the gallery shouted down.


    Shit. Would this be trouble?


    ¡°Ah, well, her result is inconclusive.¡±


    ¡°So she could be anything¡ªincluding a rank too high for us to flow mana with or so low that she won¡¯t be able to fully connect us to the planet.¡±


    ¡°That could be dangerous! Burn us out!¡±


    Other such calls came from the gallery. They angrily looked at Juliana as though she was a threat to them. She wasn¡¯t. She was trembling. With excitement or fear, she didn¡¯t know.


    Debating occurred on her right. The nobility shook their head.


    ¡°What if she¡¯s actually too low? The resulting mana flow will be subpar.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m desperate to build my clan after losing so many to the war, but this¡­ if we bid now, we lose the chance to next Welcoming.¡±


    Great. Juliana was a pariah.


    The pink haired elf who measured her called out. ¡°Come now. She awoke filled will the power of Adasion. If anything, she¡¯ll still help your family build connections.¡± With that, they started the bid.


    Silence. No one made an offer.


    The bid started dropping lower.


    Then lower.


    There were a few half-hearted bids.


    Juliana stiffened. ¡°This was outrageous! If this is how I am to be treated, I want nothing to do with the lot of you! I am a mayor back home. A whole city looks to me for leadership. I am more than an alien from Earth. Send me home!¡±


    The pink elf who measured her shook their head, softly whispering, ¡°I apologize. We know of no way for you to return.¡±


    A wave of coldness rushed through her. She swayed.


    Turning to leave, she stopped by an orange-haired elf in armor. It was a guard for the floor. Was she forbidden to leave the bid?


    There was a pause.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take her in. 2,000 jewels.¡± A voice like a bell came from the ground floor. A black, charcoal skinned elf with shockingly white hair and clothing stood up. The amount given was higher than the starting bids. They crisply spoke while standing stately with an upturned chin. They motioned for her to walk towards them.


    ¡°Do not worry. We will make sure you are treated better than you¡¯ve ever known.¡±


    Juliana looked at them with confusion.


    ¡°If you wish to study, you can here. If you wish to work, you may do that as well. You may do anything you wish as long as it does not break the law. You are welcomed here, Juliana. I am Nue¡¯ant.¡± They led her to a free chair.


    ¡°And if I wish to leave? Is there no way to return? Is it true?¡±


    ¡°You mean to return to Earth?¡± he gently asked, ¡°I am sorry, but no one knows how. And to be honest, no one would want you to return. The success of the planet depends on all of you.¡±


    Juliana slumped in the offered chair.


    ¡°Are you sure you wish to sponsor her, Nue¡¯ant?¡± his neighbor asked.


    ¡°Do you question me?¡±


    ¡°No, High Judge.¡±


    At the conclusion of the ceremony, the eldest struck their wide staff on the floor. They led those gathered in a final song. The song was of goodbyes to the past and welcoming new beginnings. While was beautiful, Juliana didn¡¯t want this new reality to be real. She bent her head and quietly shed tears.

 Chapter 6: High Judge Nueant

    High Judge Nue¡¯ant was wealthy, august, and set in tradition.


    Their three storied mansion was capped with tile roofs, had a ten-acre garden and pathway, a swimming pool, and a strange observatory with star-painted walls and crystals imbedded within. Three dozen androgynous dull haired elves served throughout the mansion. At least, that¡¯s how many Juliana counted. They shuffled here and there, focused on their work. As Nue¡¯ant approached, they froze and bowed their heads, not even raising them to glance at Juliana as they passed.


    Nue¡¯ant insisted that the first thing Juliana did was to be measured for clothing.


    They left her to the mansion¡¯s tailor. It felt so embarrassing! Most of the outfits were low and showed her midriff or flowed to her thighs. She was used to her scarlet power suits and much more conservative clothing. Civilians in this country showed more skin than at the formal High Hall where she first saw the Red King. This was a change. She insisted that at the very least the length of her clothing be longer while the dull-haired tailor assured her that this was common clothing for spring or summer.


    Juliana observed the tailor¡¯s thin hands and wrists as they quickly worked on pinning material this way and that.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to sound rude¡ªbut what are you? Are you a man or a woman? I am new to this planet and haven¡¯t learned the differences yet.¡±


    They started, surprised. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mana Giver. But I am neither a man nor a woman.¡±


    What a strange title. Maybe that¡¯s the words they use for those from earth?


    ¡°Then are you male or female?¡±


    They blushed. ¡°As I said, I have no sex as you do.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Is it common to be without sex?¡±


    They backed away, ¡°Mana Giver, I feel I am not the best to answer this question, this is rather personal. It is best you asked your sponsor.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to offend. Fine, I will ask Nue¡¯ant later.¡±


    ¡°High Judge¡± the tailor corrected.


    Holding back a retort, Juliana repeated, ¡°High Judge.¡±


    The tailor looked relieved.


    Her loaned white gauzy outfit flowed as she walked the halls looking for Nue¡¯ant. It fit snug in the chest and the hips, but she would make it work. The staff gave her a snack of something like a savory pudding. It was herbal and different. They assured her that humans were not allergic to the local cuisine, so she had to trust the servants¡¯ words.


    Juliana stopped to ask one of the workers where Nue¡¯ant was, but they stuttered and avoided eye contact. Okay, that was strange.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± a blue haired elf with a long braid approached, ¡°I hear you¡¯re looking for the master?¡± She recognized him as the mansion¡¯s steward.


    ¡°Yes, please.¡±


    They approached a stone located outside a doorway, ¡°Press your hand against the stone and flow your mana into it. Say his name and the house will answer which room Nue¡¯ant is in.¡± They demonstrated. A clear hallow voice answered back. ¡°West gardens.¡±


    ¡°See, now you try.¡±


    ¡°I do not know how to input mana.¡±


    ¡°You do not know¡ªof course you don¡¯t. I¡¯ve forgotten. You haven¡¯t attended classes yet. You¡¯ll learn how to do so at the Training Center, and only after you¡¯ve learned mana exchange. Come, I¡¯ll lead you to the High Judge.¡±


    They found the judge, as the gem said, in the garden. They were pruning swaying plants that reacted to their presence. The steward bowed and left.


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    The plants had ¡°mouths¡± that opened and closed. Nue¡¯ant fed them water through the mouths. Then with a pair of scissors they cut the stems. The remaining plant withered and died.


    ¡°Sensitive things these are. Once they are full and nourished, it is best to harvest them. They make the best perfumes and medicines. These snapping trumpets earn a high wage on the market. One season¡¯s harvest will pay for your sponsorship price three times over.¡±


    ¡°I guess you got a cheap deal.¡±


    They stopped and looked deeply at Juliana. ¡°Do not consider yourself less than because of the nature of your arrival and that foolish measurement. I predict you¡¯ll do powerful and amazing things if you are given the chance. Your courage that day proved it to me.¡±


    ¡°You mean my temper.¡±


    ¡°In either case, you came here for a reason. What do you need?¡±


    She didn¡¯t know how to bring up the question about sexes so she started something with something simple, ¡°Am I going to see you for dinner tonight?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll eat together each evening. Once you¡¯ve had enough classes at the Training Center, I¡¯ll introduce you to a few of my allied clans. We will find a good one for you to call family.¡±


    ¡°But you cannot be my clan,¡± She squinted her eyes.


    They raised their eyebrows, ¡°While that would be lovely, I am older. See? I¡¯m starting to have brown strands in my hair. Eventually, as I age, I will lose the ability to access this planet¡¯s mana. The stronger your access, the brighter your hair and the longer your life. Our planet¡¯s energy nourishes us. It would be an honor to have you as family, but you should have a good chance to match with someone you can see yourself harmonizing with. The responsibility of a sponsor is to give you the opportunity to have the best connections.¡±


    ¡°I see. I spoke with the tailor today. They said something very interesting. They said they have no sex. Is that common here? What about the rest of those who work in your household. They all have a similar look¡ªI can¡¯t tell what gender they are!¡±


    ¡°They have none.¡±


    ¡°None?¡±


    ¡°And nor do I.¡±


    What? Juliana looked at them again. They had narrow hips. Their chests were flat. Their voice was medium in pitch. Their long face had some soft notes, their shoulders not as wide as a man¡¯s. Their lithe androgynous body, like every Adasion Juliana met, could easily pass as a male elf in fantasy novels.


    The magic they were using to translate dialects used the word ¡°they¡± to describe every elf Juliana met so far. It also translated Adasion and elf as the same word. For it, both words meant ¡°born of the Adasion planet¡±. The complex magic simply made her intent known.


    She assumed the lack of biological sex was a translation error.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. In my mind, Judge Nue¡¯ant, you appear a little like men from my world. Some of the Adasions I¡¯ve met have soft faces that remind me of women. It¡¯s a bit of a shock for me, but I¡¯ll get used to it.¡±


    ¡°That is fine. I hope you will understand and adjust to Adasion. Those of great power have stronger bodies to quickly flow large amounts of mana. Those with weaker access won¡¯t have the abilities.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why those in the gallery at the High Hall didn¡¯t want to be matched with a woman who measured too high. If she¡¯s supposed to help them flow mana, it may be too much for them.¡± Juliana was starting to understand, ¡°Flow of mana¡­what are Adasions hoping to do¡ªto create with this flow? Wait¡ªhow do you even reproduce without the sexes?¡±


    ¡°The Training Center instructed us to allow them to explain first. Something about women being shocked with how alien we are to them.¡±


    That was the most foreboding thing she¡¯d heard since arriving planet-side.


    Nue¡¯ant and Juliana rode in a carriage pulled by ruddy beasts to the Training Center. Other Adasions arrived with their beneficiaries to the columned building. Its structure reminded Juliana of classical architecture, yet not. It had three stories, but it also had balconies and tall, frequent windows.


    ¡°I¡¯m sending one of my servants with you. This is Jun''ep.¡± Jun¡¯ep had rich brown hair with thick purple streaks. Their androgynous look was more pronounced than Nue¡¯ant, ¡°Jun¡¯ep is Re class. They¡¯ll be your protection. Their illusion magic will be enough to help you get out of a bind if you need it and their skill in hand to hand combat is of the highest order. They¡¯ll accompany you to classes.¡±


    Jun¡¯ep bowed as they stepped from the carriage, ¡°A pleasure, my lady. I am looking forwards to being your guard. It¡¯s been a long time since the House of Nue¡¯ant had a ward.¡±


    A loud bickering came from their right.


    ¡°I am going to the Training Center and that¡¯s final, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only Hirote for you.¡± The Prince softened his voice for their partnered Sol, Sophia.


    Her eyes flashed, ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are¡ªI want the same start as everyone else.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re privileged. I don¡¯t see why you don¡¯t come to the castle and have the finest tutors in the land.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m making friends. I won¡¯t be isolated.¡±


    Prince Hirote hung his head.


    Sophia continued, ¡°I¡¯m sure the High Halls will think of something to tutor me.¡±


    Hirote¡¯s eyes brightened, then frowned, ¡°Yes, the Training Center must be lacking something. But wait, that would mean we¡¯d have less time together?¡±


    Tossing her thick black hair behind her copper shoulder, she laughed, ¡°Then you better find out what I really need to learn, Your Highness.¡± She strutted into the building, leaving behind Prince Hirote who stood flabbergasted. Realizing that they were being watched the prince snapped, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    Juliana¡¯s group bowed, holding two fingers above their hearts, the Asa Dominion¡¯s way.


    With a flourish of their robes, the heir apparent left.

 Chapter 7: Classes about Adasion

    Jun¡¯ep kept pace behind Juliana to her right as they walked to her class.


    ¡°I have so much I want to ask you, about you, about your world.¡±


    Juliana smiled. ¡°You are the first person since I¡¯ve been here who¡¯s asked me about my former life.¡± She paused, ¡°The first person to really care about it. I mean¡ªNue¡¯ant has been nice¡ªbut they doesn¡¯t bring up my past.¡±


    Jun¡¯ep frowned, ¡°It¡¯s because those from Earth all eventually forget their past lives. They remember Adasion, but forget Earth.¡±


    She stopped. ¡°What do you mean I¡¯ll forget Earth? You mean everyone loves this place so much they don¡¯t think about home?¡±


    ¡°No. My lady, I hate to share this, but humans forget their whole lives from Earth. The elders believe the amnesia is caused by your bodies adjusting to our planet.¡±


    They reached into their pocket and pulled out the local currency. Small brown coins represented the lowest denominator. The other colors had dots to represent their value. There was no color symbolism for which coin had how many dots. Clans preferred to paint over their coins their own power color. For example, Nue¡¯ant¡¯s clan painted their coins white in honor of the High Judge.


    ¡°Do you remember what your coins look like?¡± Jun¡¯ep asked.


    ¡°We use fiat currency on earth. More paper money, less coins today. And we also use plastic cards.¡±


    ¡°Plastic? The word¡¯s not translating. I¡¯m imagining an artificial stone. All right. Countries on our continent will use different types of money. Is it the same on your planet?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll use paper money, but it¡¯ll look different.¡±


    ¡°And you remember this because you remember the money you used daily.¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°One day you¡¯ll forget its color, another what it looked like. Someday you¡¯ll forget how money existed on your world.¡± A sad look crossed their face.


    Wait, did that mean she¡¯d forget her family, her adventures traveling, and her days as a mayor? A deep fear flashed through her eyes. What else were they hiding?


    ¡°That¡¯s why you want to hear about my world¡ªbecause there¡¯ll be only so many days to learn about it before I forget.¡±


    They didn¡¯t respond.


    Entering a small auditorium, Juliana found a seat while Jun¡¯ep stood behind her for security. It was awkward. She offered they also sit, but they insisted. Looking around the room, she noticed that a few of the other women also had private security nearby.


    Introducing herself to those around her, Juliana found her classmates nearby included Sophia, the Sol, Natalie a redhead with tight curls, and Georgie, a young fair 19-year-old blonde teen. She recognized them from the event, but one was noticeably missing.


    A woman with freckled skin walked to the podium and introduced herself as Mrs. Peterson. ¡°I am sure you all have many questions, we will get to them all.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Juliana called out to the woman at the podium, whom she assumed was the instructor, ¡°Where is Royce? He¡¯s the man who arrived with us.¡±


    ¡°He will not be attending here. He will get a stipend from the government, but unfortunately, most countries on this planet view human men in the same category as the Do class. Or worse. Most likely he¡¯ll end up living in the Re and Do districts. Think of them as the trades class and the laborers. It will be safer for him there as their powers are weak.¡±


    Juliana didn¡¯t like hearing that. He must be feeling alone and scared. She would try to find him later.


    Mrs. Peterson frowned, ¡°I suppose we should start our lecture about mana and what the Adasions expect from those from Earth. This planet produces a strange substance that is both energy and matter. It¡¯s unlike anything found on Earth. The locals call it mana. The life evolved from this planet is formed from this energy. Some plants and animals can replicate themselves, others will grow seeds or young by absorbing enough mana to make offspring. Adasions are unique. They come from the planet itself.¡±


    Georgie raised her hand, ¡°I don¡¯t understand. A planet cannot have kids.¡±


    Mrs. Peterson answered, ¡°This planet does.¡±


    A few of the women gasped.


    She continued, ¡°Mana collects and creates Adasion nesting areas. Eggs are formed from this environmental energy. The more dense the mana energy, the stronger the Adasion. These creches are highly guarded by the countries because they are their future. However, the number, color, and strength of the eggs are up to nature. Nothing is controlled. Nature determines where the creches form and the Adasions created. Nations with too few Fa elves end up weaker compared to their neighbors. That was until the arrival of humanity. My assistant will now bring a glass model so you can see it.¡±


    The whole auditorium was silent. The women there were in all states of disbelief. Jun¡¯ep glanced at Juliana, waiting for her reaction.


    ¡°You mean they¡¯re born from eggs? Like birds?¡± Georgie squeaked.


    ¡°That¡¯s disgusting!¡± Natalie exclaimed.


    Jun¡¯ep sunk in their chair, bending their shoulders. Their expression shuttered.


    Mrs. Peterson then called over a purple-haired assistant. The Adasion carried an egg model in their arms. It was slightly transparent and a juvenile elf could be seen from within the soft glowing shell. Its shape reminded Juliana of a pixie.


    Mrs. Peterson continued her lecture.


    ¡°Women can gather and condense the energy. When an Adasion helps them, these two things happen: first the Adasion will have a temporary boost to their abilities¡ªeven making them as strong as the next level. This breaks through the caste system they currently have. The second thing that occurs, is that in a rare moment, the woman gathers the energy in front of her and it condenses into an egg, equal or greater than the clan¡¯s power. Clans automatically have claim over an egg formed this way. Eggs formed in the wild choose their clan after they¡¯re hatched and educated. Many apply to strong clans but not all are accepted. Some will even apply to be servants of a strong clan even if they do not have the same power. They do this for protection and status. For the clans, a woman member is both an honor and a necessity for politics. Women joining a clan benefit with stability and a longer life with through the mana exchange.¡±


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    Discussion murmured around the room. It took a few moments for Mrs. Peterson to redirect their attention.


    ¡°Our first contact was a disaster. The first human arrivals came from our Victorian era. They were scattered across the nations. The Gongre Confederacy tried to communicate with them through mana exchange. What a mistake! A man nobly volunteered to be the first. The Adasions touched his forehead with theirs and held his hands. Once the singing started, the mana power suddenly leeched from the elves in the circle. They fell dead. The Gongre Confederacy assumed all humans were dangerous and attacked those from Earth. The Gongre Confederacy hunted many on their lands. Half managed to escape and travelled north. From what we know, many more humans died in the harsh conditions on Adasion. The women who survived formed the Una¡¯Ta Matriarchy. The Una¡¯Ta Monarchy or Matriarchy, and they are called by both names, dislike the Adasions and interact with them as little as possible. They¡¯ll try to recruit you and especially any men they¡¯ll come across.¡±


    ¡°A land ruled by women.¡± Juliana echoed. She wasn¡¯t so sure if it was a good or bad idea. In her days in politics, the women were just as ruthless and cunning as the men. She also regarded the continent and world maps on the wall. It was true that there was a northern peninsula, but the map drew it more as an iced land. Nope. Sorry. She had no interest there.


    ¡°Make no mistake--human men are not treated the same way as women in the other Adasion countries on this continent. Men are seen as dangerous for the Adasion. When they attempt a mana exchange, the male body permanently steals power. If Adasions have no connection to the planet¡¯s energy, they die. That¡¯s why the Asa Dominion hires men to execute prisoners. Once the mana is depleted, the men become like the Adasion. They¡¯ll fill with the power of the one they executed, and they¡¯ll live as long as an Adasion.¡±


    Sophia called out, ¡°So they can become as strong as a Sol?¡±


    Mrs. Peterson shook her head, ¡°Oh no. I didn¡¯t mention. They can only steal mana once. Whatever power they collect is what they have. If they attempt to mana exchange again, they¡¯ll kill the Adasion without any personal benefits.


    Jun¡¯ep whispered, ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s important that if they must kill, they¡¯re not forced to kill a Do as their first. Dos only live about 40 of your earth years. The men will also live a quicker life.¡±


    ¡°Despite the Asa Dominion wanting men to integrate with the same power and respect as most Adasions, most men from our planet refuse to do force a mana transfer. They don¡¯t want to be murderers. Who¡¯d blame them? I wouldn¡¯t want to be in that position. Just being a threat they¡¯re feared, hated, sometimes denied medical treatment, and sometimes attacked.¡±


    Sophia spoke, ¡°Sounds to me they want men to become weapons.¡±


    Juliana raised her hand, ¡°What about the other nations? Do they use men as executors?¡±


    ¡°Gongre confederacy kills men on sight. Lysara is tolerant of them,¡± Mrs. Peterson answered.


    It¡¯d be terrible to be asked to kill or to be hated just by existing. Juliana spoke, ¡°Does the Asan government make them execute elves, so they¡¯ll become like Adasions and not have to pay any longer their stipend?¡±


    The instructor continued, ¡°They¡¯ll always get their stipend. But no matter what, humans are paid a stipend. That stipend is gathered from that bidding tradition. I¡¯m sorry we all experience it. We see it as a symbol of us as property. They do not understand. For them, it¡¯s symbolic. What the government gathers in total to pay all humans they find. You all are new to this planet, so you may not have been told, but the Asa Dominion won their continental war. Thanks to this, the other countries, except for the Una¡¯Ta Matriarchy because they remained neutral, must surrender all women to Asa upon their arrival for the next half century. This has greatly shifted power on this continent. The fastest way to recover as a nation is the creation of the next generation¡¯s upper classes to recover the Adasions count they lost during the war.¡±


    ¡°Why are you called Mrs.? Did you marry an elf?¡± Georgie asked.


    ¡°No, we do not marry the Adasions. They have no concept of marriage¡ªonly clan ties. I married a human man. He also came from Earth and we fell in love. Because I¡¯m not associated with a clan, our situation is unique. My capacity is only Re, so I wasn¡¯t the best choice for the clans anyways. I had to get special permissions from the King to stay clanless. You see, all of us from Earth risk losing our memories if we do not exchange mana with the Adasions. From what I wrote in my diary, I had terrible memories of Earth and wanted to forget them. For some of us, this planet is a blessing. And before you ask, my husband, like most men, did not assist in a mana-deprivation sentence. He¡¯s a regular, sweet guy.¡±


    Sophia spoke, ¡°How long does it take for us to lose our memories between mana exchanges? How do you exchange mana? Hirote keeps saying I am destined to be his partner.¡±


    ¡°Is it, like sexual?¡± Georgie pipped in.


    ¡°Oh no. I mean, it¡¯s intimate, but it¡¯s not sexual. It is best to exchange mana monthly, no later than biannually.¡±


    Georgie changed the subject, ¡°Can we call them elves? They look like elves¡ªwith the ears and all.¡±


    ¡°Your translation spell will translate it as Adasions. It knows your intent behind the word.¡±


    That was good to know.


    Mrs. Patterson continued, ¡°In this class we will learn about the culture, history, and skills you¡¯ll need in Adasion. Hopefully we along with your sponsor will help you find a clan to match with in the next three or four months. As you may have heard from your sponsors, the Asa Dominon recently won a long war against the Gongre Confederacy and Lysara. All from Earth who arrive over half a century are promised to Asa Dominon as tribute. It is their price of peace. You are not slaves. You are free to travel all of Adasion. However, Asa Dominion has first right to try to match you to a clan and they will do everything they can to convince you to stay. Tomorrow, we will travel to the Egg Fields where we will see Adasions hatch.¡±


    After class was dismissed, Jun¡¯ep pierced their lips.


    ¡°Anything wrong?¡± Juliana placed her hand lightly on their shoulder.


    ¡°Women think we¡¯re disgusting.¡±


    ¡°Why would you say that?¡±


    He held his hand up and a partially transparent image of a brown and purple stripped egg rotated in view. ¡°Doesn¡¯t this look horrible to you? This was my egg. Don¡¯t lie. I heard you all when the model was brought in class.¡±


    Juliana led them to a bench underneath a large tree with small fragile sweet-smelling blue blossoms. She held his hand. ¡°Being born from an egg isn¡¯t what made us squeamish. Animals like birds and reptiles are all born from eggs on my planet.¡±


    ¡°But not humans.¡±


    ¡°No. We¡¯re not. A man places his seed inside a woman where her tiny eggs are. Humans develop shell-less. We grow in a woman¡¯s womb.¡± She took his hand and laid it where her womb was.


    ¡°They grow in your belly?¡± Jun¡¯ep looked queasy.


    ¡°Just as how you grow is strange for us, how we are made are strange to you. For us, it¡¯s unfathomable that you do not have genders here. But that is how you naturally are,¡± she sighed, ¡°I think the idea of a foreign energy transfer might be uncomfortable to the women. It¡¯s a new idea.¡±


    ¡°But it is seen as very honorable for a woman to grow one of us! Her clan celebrates her¡ªno matter what note level the new Adasion is. Each rare egg formed by mana transfer automatically is accepted into the clan. Not like the egg fields where they will be assigned to a random group depending on which area of the world they formed. Only women can make our planet stronger by collecting mana. Otherwise, it¡¯s just wild, free floating around the planet.¡±


    That evening, Juliana sunk into her round bed with thick blankets. She had taken a hot bath filled with fragrant oils. She thought about Jun¡¯ep being worried about her impression of them. This was a new planet. She¡¯d had to expect things would be different. She wondered what her new life would be like and she looked forwards to the Training Center¡¯s field trip the next morning.

 Chapter 8: The Egg Fields

    Field trips are always fun! Juliana dressed comfortably and Jun¡¯ep packed a light lunch. Sophia, Georgie and the others were happy to explore somewhere outside of the city. The whole month they¡¯d been in Adasion, they were protected in manicured mansions and austere structures. The women were chattering in excitement as a long caravan of carriages brought them outside of the walled city. Flora brightened and the forest became thicker the further away from the city they traveled.


    The women ¡°oohed and aahed¡± when the caravan made a short stop at the military training grounds.


    Blue or teal haired Adasions wove in complex twists, jumps, and turns dodging each other¡¯s attacks of water, air, ice. One suddenly shot out a jolt of electricity. Their opponent gasped and collapsed seated on the ground. They held their burned limb.


    ¡°Will they be okay?¡± Georgie asked.


    A yellow haired Adasion rushed to them. As they sung, a golden light fell to the burn. The wound faded.


    Another pair of Adasions clashed. This group had a green versus an orange and a red. The green grew plants, trying to tie the orange. The red¡¯s skin glowed as they broke through the thick roots, freeing their partner. The orange crouched and shifted their body to something two-legged resembling an animal. It rushed the green slicing where they¡¯d stood. The green rose on a pillar of earth. The red clapped their hands and rubbed them against each other creating friction. A fire formed which they threw at the green who laughed as they dodged.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see who¡¯s laughing!¡± The orange mumbled yell came from in between their fangs. They shifted again to a bird-like creature with wings. Flying up to the green they swooped down. The green, still laughing, used vines to swing below. With an impossible speed, the red caught the green.


    ¡°Got you!¡± They cheered.


    ¡°I surrender! You won this match.¡± The green conceded.


    The women applauded as they watched the Adasions continue their sparring. Eventually, they were called to board the caravan. They had places to be. Today, the ladies would see the Adasion egg fields.


    The Asa Dominions fields near the capital were located in a lowland valley. The valley was filled with lush, carpeted ground foliage and a few wide trees.


    Stepping off the carriages, the women gasped.


    Colorful eggs, some as small as a chicken egg, others a meter tall, were in clusters around the field. Some were bold and bright. The most colorful ones glowed softly. Others that were more common were brown eggs with bold speckles. Some were striped, some were dark, others pastel.


    Mrs. Peterson led the group of women into the creche filled with nests of leaves and flowers. ¡°Now ladies, do not be shy. The moment of hatching is sacred for them, they view it as something to be seen and shared. Please do not offend them. If anything, think of this as a biology lesson.¡±


    Five elders waited for the group beneath a large tree with mixed pink and orange leaves. The elders smiled at the approaching women. The oldest one, Juliana recognized from the Welcoming Ceremony.


    ¡°I am called the Ancestor. At this age, with honor, it is tradition to lose our names. I am the eldest Fa in the Asa Dominion, although most of my power has faded. Welcome women from Earth. It is our responsibility to instruct you about how we Adasions reproduce,¡± he chuckled, ¡°it is far different from anything you know.¡±


    They motioned around them, ¡°This is the way Adasions are born. Mana collects from the planet and eggs form on the planet¡¯s surface. Usually they collect in creche spots. However, a low Do or one without mana reserves may be born away from the creche. When mana condenses, an egg appears only a centimeter in diameter before growing to full size.¡±


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    The Ancestor continued, ¡°The Adasions learned when the first humans slipped into this plane that they had no mana. For months they tried to teach them mana exchange. Eventually, eggs formed infront of the women during the exchange. To be born away from a creche was unheard of. Everyone was shocked by the powerful new young Adasions. As time passed, these women-assisted eggs became the future powers of the planet.¡±


    ¡°They need us for their clans to stay in power.¡± Sophia muttered.


    Juliana added, ¡°It¡¯s a smart plan for the government. Some women I¡¯d imagine would be upset if others weren¡¯t respected equally as other Adasions.¡±


    ¡°Look around you. You can see the age of the egg by its size. The egg¡¯s patterns or colors indicate its power. The brown ones with speckles are the Do class. They will be born with hair that shines the color of their power in the sun. The brown eggs with stripes are Re class. Like they are, their hair will also be striped their color.¡±


    Juliana glanced at Jun¡¯ep. Their purple streaks were bold in their brown hair. Jun¡¯ep gave Juliana a slight smile. She wondered if they still were self-conscious of how the women reacted to the elves.


    The Ancestor continued, ¡°Now look over here¡ªthese are the Mi eggs. They are solid in color, but their color is muted. Fa have more bold colors, pastels, and a slight glow. They have the clearest colors. Only Sol eggs will shine brightly. When we find a new Fa or Sol, we send additional guards to protect it. Those type eggs rarely appear.¡±


    One of the large dull colored eggs near him started to wiggle. ¡°We are just on time. This one is about to be born.¡±


    The older elves stood around it unfolding blankets. They started singing. Their words were of new life and welcoming.


    The elder continued, ¡°We do this so the first memory of the young are happy. The former Mi and Fa only come out when one of theirs is expected. Powerful clans claim the best eggs before they hatch.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± One of the women asked.


    ¡°They will be responsible for raising the new Adasion and teaching them their secrets for how to control their mana power. Different clans have different traditions.¡±


    ¡°How much knowledge do these newborns have?¡± Juliana asked.


    ¡°Nothing like your human babies. I don¡¯t even understand how your species can survive being so weak. No, they have basic instincts for combat and language. They do need to be taught, but they are quick learners. Everything they need to succeed in Adasion can be taught in half a decade, plus another half decade of trades training. If no clan claims them, they¡¯ll be raised in a dormitory setting. From there, they can begin their own clan, or like most, be recruited to a pre-existing one as a worker.¡±


    The singing grew louder. The egg started to thump as it shook. With a crack, a mahogany arm burst through the egg. The arm withdrew. More punches were given. As soon as the elders could see their face, they assisted the Adasion from the egg.


    Their thin body was wet with slimy lily smelling goo on their body. They slicked their burnt orange hair back from their eyes. They shivered and looked wide-eyed around at all the onlookers. They were assisted to a standing position. Their smooth stomach had no bellybutton. They had no nipples on their chest. A pair of short, pointed ears framed their head. It was a sharp contrast to the elder¡¯s ears which were exceptionally long, reaching as far as about a foot from their heads.


    She looked at their lower body. It was flat except for a small nub and hole that was located between where a penis or a vagina would be. Apparently, she wasn¡¯t the only one.


    ¡°He has no penis!¡± The blonde, Georgie, exclaimed.


    ¡°No, unlike you or men, we have no sexual organ. No vagina, no penis, as you said. That area is only for excreting waste liquid.¡±


    Georgie blushed.


    The elders assisted by cleaning the newly hatched elf by rubbing the goopy yolk from their body with silk-like cloths.


    The poor young Adasion looked so vulnerable, lost, and confused. Juliana pitied them. To have your first moments in the world under scrutiny by others. Strangers, who looked nothing like you.


    The Ancestor looked at the newly hatched Adasion and continued, ¡°This is the Naming Ritual. We give the young a childhood name. They are usually traits we wish to bless them with. As they finish their education, they will be registered as citizens of Asa Dominion. It is then they may change their name. Look at their forehead.¡±


    The women saw there was a glassy piece of skin on it.


    ¡°That tells other Adasions they are youth. The mark will disappear in a decade.¡±


    The other elders¡¯ joyful song rose and ebbed with feeling.


    ¡°Young one, your childhood name shall be Witness because you are the testimony to the off-worlders of how we exist.¡± Their song ended.

 Chapter 9: A Quick Moment of Reality

    The women were full of questions and the sun with a day moon was high in the sky as they left the Egg Fields. The evening would have two more moons making a brighter night.


    Sophia spoke, ¡°This is so different to everything we¡¯ve know. Will we be okay?¡±


    ¡°I think so. I¡¯m thinking of this as a new opportunity. I mean, I am a bit frustrated. Sophia, I¡¯m older than everyone here. I had already a career. I had responsibilities. A whole town relied on me as mayor. I know that they can find someone else to take over, but I still wonder if they are out there looking for me.¡±


    ¡°My family must be terrified. We are so close. We were supposed to celebrate my sister¡¯s quincenera in a few months. But if they¡¯re looking for me¡­¡±


    Juliana hugged Sophia. They stood together for some time. Juliana hadn¡¯t allowed herself to cry. She only shed tears the first night she arrived. Having another to share in her loss allowed her to open the locked vault of her emotions. She had been in survival mode. Yes, she was staying with Nue¡¯ant in a luxurious place, but there was so much she didn¡¯t know in this world. She had been living on autopilot.


    Jun¡¯ep discreetly handed them handkerchiefs. They stood to the side wringing their hands.


    ¡°This was supposed to be a joyous day for the arrived. I was hoping that seeing how we¡¯re born would make you more comfortable, Lady Juliana. I was worried you¡¯d be disgusted by us. I hadn¡¯t considered how much you missed where you¡¯re from. I¡¯m sorry you cannot return to Earth, Lady. You¡¯re special. I finally have a purpose at the mansion since the war. I want you to love our world as much as I do. There is good here. Please, don¡¯t cry.¡±


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    ¡°Thank you, Jun¡¯ep. I was¡ªI was just mourning. We are experiencing a loss. We¡¯ve lost a world we can never return to.¡±


    As they boarded the carriage Jun¡¯ep whispered, ¡°Then maybe I have some good news for you. Lady Juliana, I have located the human male, Royce. Would you like to greet him? He¡¯s in the Do district.¡±


    Sophia overheard him, ¡°What¡¯s that? I am coming too.¡±


    Her Mi level guards baulked and protested. ¡°My lady, we must return to Prince Hirote. They will be very worried.¡±


    ¡°They really care about you, my lady. If we¡¯re late, we¡¯ll never hear the end of it.¡±


    Sophia glared, ¡°I will not live in a prison. If I wish to meet an acquaintance, I will.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s rougher in the Do districts, my lady!¡± a guard protested.


    ¡°That¡¯s why you two and Juliana¡¯s guard will accompany us.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s guard bent down and spoke low to Jun¡¯ep, ¡°You know there¡¯s kidnappers there. Your suggestion puts both ladies at risk.¡±


    Jun¡¯ep raised his chin, ¡°The ladies have every right to know the truth about what happens to men in Asa Dominion. I won¡¯t hide it from them. Better for them to know then to be blamed for ignorance later.¡±


    The guard spit, ¡°You servants of the Fa think you¡¯re higher than everyone else. You¡¯re always surrounded by fancy things and you forget the real dangers.¡±


    Jun¡¯ep¡¯s pale skin turned several shades darker, ¡°I served in the war and was promoted twice, despite my Re level. Do not insult me further or we shall have a problem.¡±


    The guard raised his hands, ¡°Fine, fine. Have it your way.¡±


    Juliana watched the exchange, ¡°If that is all, let¡¯s go. Thank you Jun¡¯ep for remembering my concern.¡±


    ¡°Anytime, my lady.¡± He bowed low.

 Chapter 10: The Do District

    The Do district was rough. Squatty homes, some haphazardly built upon each other. Narrow alleyways and shops with large bright signs decorated the streets. Each building was brightly decorated as if they were making up for the lack of their occupants¡¯ power. However, despite the colors, there was no attempt to upkeep them further than the first paint. Dust and flaked paint left the buildings in disrepair. The row of carriages traveling through were out of place. The guards were on high alert. Thankfully, the human men decided to live near the borders of the Re and Fa districts at an intersection where labor met manufacturing met the merchant class. While technically they lived in Do, the streets near the intersection were much nicer compared to the previous ones they had passed. It had better pavement and a few homes had bright plants on their window stills.


    The carriage stopped at an address that had a four-story single apartments.


    ¡°Thank God he¡¯s here. I was just about to tell Nue¡¯ant I wanted Royce to move in with us. This side of town looks more decent,¡± Juliana said, ¡°I¡¯ll make the suggestion to him anyways.¡±


    Jun¡¯ep was on alert as he looked around, ¡°But why did he choose to live on the Do side? With his stipend he should be able to afford Mi housing.¡±


    A throat cleared. Royce was leaning on his door¡¯s open frame, ¡°I could hear you from the street you know. And I¡¯m sure the rest of the elves can too¡ªwith their long ears I¡¯m sure they miss nothing. Come inside.¡±


    Royce poured glasses of a milky white sweet liquid as they sat around a humble table. ¡°Hi Juliana. Jun¡¯ep informed me you¡¯d might stop by. Thanks for visiting. No, I don¡¯t want to live with the Fa Judge. It¡¯s all right. I choose to live in Do. It¡¯s cheapest here. I¡¯m saving my stipend at the bank. I¡¯ve been trying to find work. Without power, those in Re and Mi won¡¯t hire you. They¡¯ll curse you out of their shops. I¡¯ve been attacked in Mi for stepping on someone¡¯s shoes, before a bystander pointed out I was just a human man. I¡¯ve never seen someone apologize so fast. I hate this. Being ostracized.¡± Royce emptied his glass.


    ¡°Are you alone here?¡±


    ¡°Mostly.¡±


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    ¡°What¡¯s all this racket here?¡± A mean, throaty, masculine voice shouted outside of the door. Jun¡¯ep instantly was on guard.


    A man with an uneven haircut who smelled of stale sweat entered Royce¡¯s house. When he saw the two women, he gave an uncomfortable smile. Jun¡¯ep stood in between Juliana and the new arrival. The royal guards guarding Sophia had their hands on their sword hilts.


    ¡°What, I¡¯m not going to hurt my own kind, elves. If your female wants to leave you and come play with me, I wouldn¡¯t mind.¡±


    Royce grimaced, ¡°Alan? Why do you have to be like this? Go back home.¡±


    ¡°You think you¡¯re better than me, Royce. Never. And these privileged bitches will never know how good they have it. Why are you even here?¡±


    Juliana straightened, ¡°To check on Royce. He was taken without ceremony. It wasn¡¯t until just recently I learned where he was.¡±


    ¡°But until then you were living it up high with the elves. Pampered, adored. Meanwhile we¡¯re treated like the shit beneath your shoe,¡± Alan sneered. ¡°Did you know when we arrived the elves neglected to mention that we all lose our memories? If I¡¯d known that, I¡¯d have written a diary of everything important to my life. Or killed an elf on the first day. I now know nothing of the past. Of Earth. You all get to keep everything with a mana exchange. And what do we men get? A short hard life of disrespect.¡±


    ¡°Stop being a bitter son-of-a-bitch. I finally have some company from earth besides your miserable ass.¡±


    ¡°At least you have blonde hair and from a distance Adasions think you¡¯re Mi. They see my brown hair and think I was a criminal cut off from mana! They step around me, Royce. Everyday, I am not looked at in the eye. Treated like a damn pariah!¡±


    Alan pointed at Juliana, ¡°I used to be respected. I was a middle manager in a company. People worked for me.¡± He pulled out a business card he kept in his pocket. Its edges were worn, its text faded. ¡°I don¡¯t remember it, but it has to be true! Look! This is the evidence. I hate this entire planet. Go on, stay with these bitches. I¡¯m out.¡± Alan sneered again and left.


    ¡°Well, he was a tornado, wasn¡¯t he?¡± Sophia mused.


    ¡°He¡¯s lonely. Never could find a wife from the women. I wonder why,¡± Royce wryly said.


    ¡°Is that what you¡¯re hoping for? To find a wife?¡± Sophia asked.


    Her Mi guard spoke, ¡°Lady Sophia, I remind you that as a Sol level transfer, you can only have one Adasion and partner, and that¡¯s their Highness Hirote.¡±


    Sophia flipped her hair, ¡°That is not true. I can match with any Sol, and yes, that includes their Highness Hirote.¡±


    One of the Mi guards mumbled, ¡°The prince will not like to hear this.¡±

 Chapter 11: A Quick Meal

    At Royce¡¯s suggestion, the women and he went out to eat in the Re District. The food was delicious. Some meat that tasted similar to rabbit. It was served in a cream sauce with gentle herbs and was accompanied a large portions of vegetables. It was a nice change from the mushroom heavy meals the upper classes enjoyed.


    As they sat, the women were receiving curious and sometimes longing stares from the Adasion gathered. When their eyes saw Royce however, they turned into looks of disdain. Even the waiter barely gave a glance to Royce.


    One waiter discreetly slid a note to Juliana under a small plate. Juliana glanced at it and tucked it into her belt.


    She spoke, ¡°Are you all right? Do you need anything, Royce? We were so worried about you after we were separated.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m doing better than most. I have friend. An Adasion named Eirian. We get along.¡±


    ¡°His name sounds familiar,¡± Juliana thought for a moment, ¡°Are you sure there¡¯s nothing we can do at all?¡±


    ¡°Clothes. I need a new set, boots, and a blanket for winter. I spent too much setting up my place and I realized I spent my allotted savings budget for this month. I do plan to save, but it was difficult to just get started here. It¡¯s already getting colder.¡±


    Jun¡¯ep spoke, ¡°We can do this Lady Juliana. You have enough in your allowance to buy simple clothing for him.¡±


    ¡°Simple?¡± Sophia raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°We don¡¯t want him standing out for thieves,¡± Jun¡¯ep paused. They cleared their throat, ¡°And Mister Royce, watch out for human traffickers.¡±


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    Royce looked shocked, ¡°What do you mean? Men are considered worthless here.¡±


    One of the Mi guards commented, ¡°While rare, human trafficking does occur. It¡¯s usually the women. That¡¯s why they¡¯re guarded. Brigands will attack clans to try to capture women and then resell them to a desperate clan or they are transported to the Eastern continent. Women there have fewer rights than here.¡±


    ¡°But the men¡ª¡± Royce prompted.


    ¡°The men they use as underground fight fodder.¡± The guard explained. Sophia gasped.


    ¡°Or they¡¯re forced into the armies.¡± Jun¡¯ep added, looking away. The guard looked between Royce and Jun¡¯ep with a look of realization. Juliana felt that he was hiding something from her. She¡¯d find out later.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lady Juliana. We should have told you, and I doubt you¡¯re learn this in the Training Center. You¡¯ve seen the best of the Asa Dominion, but there are places that are dark and troublesome.¡±


    Sophia mused, ¡°So that¡¯s why you were against us visiting Royce. It wasn¡¯t because we were seeing a man from earth but the possible dangers. I get it.¡±


    The local food sat heavy in Juliana¡¯s belly.


    ¡°I appreciate you two visiting me¡ªJuliana. Sophia. Someone remembered about me from Earth. That means more to me than you can know.¡±


    Outside the window, an armed patrol of Asan guards marched by the cafe. They wore short, easy to move in, tunics. The material had a pattern of thin stripped lines across the chest. A short sword hung at their waist. Each soldier carried a shield. Despite their lack of armor, Juliana knew that any one of them could easily outmatch the people back home. A single note sung and the destruction of nature, a partial transformation, increased speed, or the earth trembling could occur. Their hair color showed they were at least a Mi rank. Their patrol was supposed to be a comforting act for the people. For Juliana, not used to military law, it only emphasized how different this place was.


    A few Una¡¯Ta citizens walked by their window. The ladies¡¯ faces were painted white with green, red, or blue triangles. Their puffy dresses had shiny stitching. Their faces were rimmed with feathers and reminded Juliana of a lion¡¯s mane. Such an odd culture. They stared at Royce, whispering to each other before walking down the street.

 Chapter 12: A Friend

    After lunch, the women boarded their carriages and left the Re District. Royce meandered back home. He blended into the crowds before arriving at his first-floor apartment. The door was unlatched. Did a burglar break into his home? Royce slammed the door open, looking for thieves.


    ¡°About time they left.¡± A yellow-haired Fa stepped out from underneath a doorway.


    ¡°Eirian!¡± Royce hugged him. ¡°It is good to see you. What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Making house calls. One of the Do got attacked while hunting. Had serious injuries where he couldn¡¯t be moved.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s work at the hospital?"


    ¡°The same. I wish I could stop by more often, but clan duties.¡±


    ¡°You could always volunteer more down here.¡±


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    ¡°Altruism is a virtue where you come from, but in my healing clan we must also bring home quotas. The upper districts pay better. Have you thought about my offer?¡±


    ¡°To move into your clan? But why? Don¡¯t say you¡¯re offering me work if you¡¯re planning for me to be a clan servant. I heard from the Do how they are treated in the Fa levels,¡± Royce¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°No. I¡¯d never do that. I ask because I want you with us. Respected as an equal. You¡¯ll still be able to work any job you¡¯re able to do and you¡¯ll get out of this hellhole.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been friends since you came here, and I¡¯d feel a lot better if you¡¯re somewhere that I can¡¯t easily break in.¡±


    Royce glared, ¡°About that. How did you do that?¡±


    ¡°Nothing a little fine mana manipulation can¡¯t do.¡±


    ¡°Uh-huh.¡±


    ¡°Just think about my offer. I¡¯ll see you later young Royce.¡±


    ¡°You keep calling me that. How old are you?¡±


    ¡°Just a decade older, but it makes me feel good. Everyone else in my clan is a few centuries older. Us young folk need to stick together.¡±


    They winked and left.


    Royce shook his head. While he might be in the same position as Alan, he was sure Alan never had this chance. The last thing he wanted to do was become an old grumpy guy like him. Yes, he needed to leave this district, initial investment be damned. It might be warmer in the Fa houses. For sure it was cleaner. He¡¯d think about it some more and give Eirian an answer the next time he saw them.

 Chapter 13: the Null Adasion

    On the way back to Nue¡¯ant¡¯s house, Juliana called out in the carriage, ¡°Take us to Fe district please! The Tall Branches Square.¡±


    The driver turned.


    Jun¡¯ep spoke, ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be too far out of the way. Why do you wish to go there, Milady?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I heard some ladies at the Training Center talk about one of the stores there. I was thinking of getting a gift for your master.¡± She lied.


    The secret note she hid in her pocket said to go to the Tall Branches Square. There was a secret Asa hid from her.


    ¡°He would love that!¡± Jun¡¯ep said with excitement. ¡°Look! There is a bakery at the square. Most of the staff knows, Nue¡¯ant likes sweets. They sneak them into their room at night.¡±


    Juliana looked around the square. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. They entered the bakery together.


    The bakery was a wonder of multi-colored breads and jellied pastries. Each work was inspired by animals and smelled of things both sweet and savory found in the forest. The staff was cheerful and the goods for sell were high class. Juliana bought some berry filled scones to bring back to Nue¡¯ant. As they left the building, a black haired Adasion stood in their path. They wore a simple black short tunic.


    Unsheathing his swords, Jun¡¯ep whispered, ¡°Juliana, when I tell you to go, run.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll hurt us.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a null! A powerful one! He¡¯ll block out mana powers for anyone who comes too close. I won¡¯t be able to protect you.¡±


    The null slowly approached them with his hands outstretched.


    Juliana said, ¡°But that means he has no powers either. I trust your other skills besides mana Jun¡¯ep. That¡¯s why Nue¡¯ant assigned you to be my guard.¡±


    After a pause, Jun¡¯ep nodded.


    ¡°Human Juliana, I am Oynoiz. I first discovered your pod when it arrived on Adasion.¡±


    ¡°His accent. My lady, he¡¯s not from Asa Dominion,¡± Jun¡¯ep warned.


    ¡°That¡¯s correct. I¡¯m from the Gongre Confederacy. You cannot know the frustration I felt when Asa took your pod away.¡±


    ¡°You discovered her pod? You filthy null! What did you do to her pod? Lady Juliana could never be properly measured! Did you suck out her potential? She was given a Re rating!¡± Jun¡¯ep looked like they were about to throttle Oynoiz.                ¡°You couldn¡¯t be measured? You were transported far. When I found you, you were in the middle of wild Adasion territory.¡±


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    ¡°Wild Adasions?¡± Jun¡¯ep echoed, with a hint of surprise, ¡°We were not informed of this.¡±


    Oynoiz turned to Juliana, ¡°The wilders, large beasts, there are many dangers in between the civilized parts of our nations. She was found in the middle of it all, far from any civilization. That alone makes her special. She was in unclaimed territory. The treaties had no jurisdiction over her! She should¡¯ve never been brought here!¡±


    Jun¡¯ep paled. Was there some legal truth in their words?


    ¡°And your land has a better claim? Where are you from? You sound Gongre.¡± Jun¡¯ep called back.


    ¡°What do you want with me, Oynoiz?¡±


    ¡°I heard what happened at the Welcoming Ceremony. You almost didn¡¯t wake. You¡¯d traveled the furthest to arrive at Asa. And then no one wanted you? This insult would¡¯ve never have happened if you weren¡¯t taken away. I want you to get to know me, Human Juliana. Maybe in the future, I¡¯ll be honored to join your clan.¡±


    ¡°She is to pick from us Asas first, Gongre. She¡¯ll pick whatever clan and I guarantee you won¡¯t be in it,¡± Jun¡¯ep sniffed.


    ¡°I wanted to meet the woman today. She now knows I exist. Nue¡¯ant can¡¯t hide her forever. She¡¯ll have to be introduced to society soon. I can¡¯t wait.¡± He gave a side smirk before walking away with a wave goodbye.


    ¡°Well that was bold.¡± Juliana commented, impressed.


    ¡°Reckless.¡± Jun¡¯ep responded as they climbed onboard the carriage and went home.


    To say that Nue¡¯ant was unhappy with the news Juliana was visited by a black-haired of the Gongre Confederacy was an understatement.


    They called together their guard outside as Juliana watched.


    ¡°Do not allow this to happen again! Juliana is precious. If she is hurt yet another Adasion clan will have no hope of recovery. Next time you see them, attack on sight.¡±


    ¡°Yes, master!¡± Their guard responded.


    ¡°Juliana, I want you to understand the power behind a Fa. You¡¯re heard about it at the Training Center, but you haven¡¯t witnessed it yourself.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen it at the Welcoming Ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Yes, then it was elegant and amplified by singing. You haven¡¯t seen it used in combat. Guards, time to show her your training!¡±


    They charged Nue¡¯ant. Some throwing spells such as water and air attacks from the blue haired ones. The green ones pushed vines up from the earth. Suddenly, the guards¡¯ arms were held fast to their sides by some invisible force. They fell to their knees.


    ¡°And that is without the power of song. Now listen,¡± Nue¡¯ant said.


    Beautiful, deep notes they sang. The guards collapsed on the ground, not even able to lift their faces. A few struggled. Pulsating ripples stretched across the wet earth from the pressure Nue¡¯ant gave.


    Suddenly the pressure stopped.


    The guards pulled themselves up and started coughing.


    ¡°Not bad. You all came a step nearer to me this time,¡± Nue¡¯ant rubbed back his white hair before turning to Juliana, ¡°I am a Fa. The Gongre who approached you was also a Fa. They are never to be underestimated. This is a light demonstration of my power. If I wished, I could knock down an entire hillside.¡±


    Juliana nodded. ¡°Is it because he¡¯s a stranger to you that you don¡¯t like him, or is it because he¡¯s a foreigner?¡±


    ¡°Gongre lost their opportunity to welcome women into the clans. They will have to wait their turn after all the women here choose.¡± Their stern face made it clear they would not be argued with.

 Chapter 14: Learning About Mana Transfers

    It was four months since the women¡¯s arrival when it was announced to the ladies that they would attend the Welcoming Ball. Its purpose was to gather outside of the strict Training Center and into a non-learning environment. But that didn¡¯t mean there was nothing to learn. It was a time to keep watchful as the Adasion would want the women to consider joining their clan. Some of the women had already been approached by those approved by their sponsors.


    ¡°Well, what did he look like?¡± Sophia asked Georgie as they and Juliana snacked at a caf¨¦ in the Mi districts. Many Adasions stared as they walked by their window. A few of the pedestrians made multiple laps.


    ¡°They¡¯re a Mi with deep Turquoise hair and dark skin. They have the sharpest ears and eyes. Their whole clan are blues and they are in the military. My sponsor said they¡¯d be a good match. They¡¯re so mysterious. A being of few words.¡± She fanned herself, ¡°They were so romantic.¡±


    Juliana raised her eyebrow, ¡°How so? They don¡¯t have sex.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need sex to be romantic silly. He¡¯s doing the same things as men do in our planet. Apparently, they learned about courting since the Victorian age. I heard that¡¯s when the first women came here.¡±


    ¡°Times have changed a lot since then.¡± Sophia noted.


    ¡°Yes, but the idea is the same. You courted to attract a spouse and create a family. How is this any different? In this case, they are giving you gifts, being courteous, and in their case¡ªkissing my hand. It¡¯s all to attract you to their family. Their clan. They want you to be part of them.¡±


    ¡°You said you saw how they live. He¡¯s not Fa class. How different are the Mi class?¡± Juliana asked.


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    ¡°At home they all assist with chores. It¡¯s like having a bunch of roommates.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Nue¡¯ant won¡¯t share with me anything about the mana transfers.¡± Juliana frowned.


    ¡°The royal family was also tight-lipped about it,¡± Sophia spoke in a mocking tone imitating the prince, ¡°Hirote said, ¡®when our relationship is officiated, I will be happy to show you¡¯. Show me what? They¡¯re such an ass.¡±


    Georgie leaned close to the others, ¡°I¡¯ve already done it!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Juliana exclaimed, ¡°We were told not to do that unless we¡¯re officially registered with a clan. Other clans could claim your egg.¡±


    ¡°Nobody¡¯s going to know. It can take years of energy transfer to form an egg,¡± Georgie scoffed.


    Sophia blushed. ¡°How did it feel?¡±


    She scoffed. ¡°Nothing like you¡¯re thinking. It wasn¡¯t sexual. It was warm, peaceful. We touched foreheads and held our hands. It¡¯s kind of like breathing. I felt the energy. It didn¡¯t hurt. It gathered in my chest then released outwards. It made me feel relaxed. Happy.¡±


    Sophia smiled, ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound bad.¡±


    Juliana asked the others if they had picked their outfit for that night¡¯s ball. She¡¯d have to return to Nue¡¯ant and they would arrive at the ball together. She¡¯d been told at the Teaching Center that it was critical that all newly arrived women go. Juliana was a bit skeptical. They¡¯d meet the who¡¯s who in the Asa Dominion society. The women had been told it was their best opportunity to find a good clan match if they networked well. They needed to find a clan they could relate to, whose values matched their own. However, Juliana did not care for the how insular Asan society was. Only those of the same level could be in the same clan. Yes, they would hire servants to be sworn to their clan, but those of a lower mana ranking would never be equals. Asans were also colorist¡ªthey¡¯d only be a clan with those of their own color. They would develop and then keep the secrets to their mana magic. Part of it made sense, but society shouldn¡¯t be limited to such self-imposed restrictions. She could see how a clan of many colors could have an advantage outside of magic development. Economically, socially, perhaps a clan of many colors could succeed. This could have been her own self-assurance talking, but she thought it was possible. She hoped her outside view wasn¡¯t born of human arrogance. There was so much she still didn¡¯t know about on this planet.

 Chapter 15: The Welcoming Ball

    Nue¡¯ant greeted Juliana at their mansion¡¯s entryway. Their mansion was a flutter as many Adasions ran back and forth. They were wearing white traditional robes with a gold circlet on their head and twin arm bands.


    Juliana smiled, ¡°You look amazing.¡±


    ¡°Not as much as you will soon. The tailor is upstairs. You¡¯ll be wearing my white tonight and a pin with my clan¡¯s crest. Any Asa citizen who approaches you will know you¡¯re with me and must greet me first.¡±


    Juliana frowned.


    ¡°It¡¯s the sponsor¡¯s role and tradition. If I don¡¯t like them, they won¡¯t speak with you. It¡¯s as simple as that. After that Gongre¡¯s visit, we must be cautious tonight.¡±


    The ballroom was more than Juliana could expect. Held in the westward wing of the High Halls, free suspended lights held in curved glass sparkled like warm stars. Swishes of gossamer material hung between thick classical pillars. Each pillar was also wrapped with large, colorful, flowering vines. Reflected lights shown like constellations on the floor. Food that was egg-shaped was a theme point for a long buffet table. Juliana found it hilarious and even slightly disturbing since she now knew these Adasions were all hatched. Was it a celebration of the planet¡¯s reproduction? She¡¯d have to ask about that later.


    The elves ate small bites using a pronged fork over their small clear plates. A tiered platform of Re singers was off to the side of the space. Bells and a soft drum accompanied their notes.


    On a far platform, the Red King watched the ball with pride. Prince Hirote and Sophia sat at his table. Hirote was speaking to Sophia, but she looked bored.


    The sounds of discussion rippled as Nue¡¯ant and Juliana entered, paired in flowing white.


    Nue¡¯ant was immediately greeted by his allies. They started speaking to each other. Since they were near the dessert table, Juliana grabbed a hard-shelled egg-shaped dessert. It was brightly painted blue with speckled yellow. When she bit into it¡ªits taste was of bright fruit covered by an earthy rich taste, similar to carob back home.


    Nue¡¯ant spoke with hushed tones to a pink haired and a green haired Fa Adasion, ¡°A null black approached Juliana. He was from Gongre. Asked if she¡¯d consider him for clan.¡±


    ¡°Outrageous!¡± The fuchsia one hissed, ¡°Are they trying to incite war? We best be on guard or they¡¯ll steal one of the women.¡±


    ¡°What if he seeks to cause chaos?¡± the emerald haired one retorted.


    The Asans started speaking strategy to one another.


    The pink one then said, ¡°Allow me to introduce myself to her, Nue¡¯ant. Once she¡¯s danced we can start introducing her to someone more appropriate than that Gongre rubbish.¡±


    Juliana was distracted by the delicious sweet egg. The rich, sweet center reminded her of a carmel custard. The pink Asan caught her attention by bowing before her. His ears waggled as he smiled. She found herself leaving the remaining sweet behind with Nue¡¯ant as she was swept towards the dancing.


    It¡¯d been too long since she danced in a ballroom. It was so much fun! She suddenly wished that on Earth she had made more time for it.


    From afar, the dancing made different patterns of stars. Sometimes the dancers rotated a large multi-pointed shape. Other dances they¡¯d quickly step together in smaller groups of five or six. They held their arms out as they pulled the shape back and forth.


    Juliana waved as Georgie passed, dancing in the arms of an elf with burnt orange hair. They had a long nose and sharp ears. They whispered in Georgie¡¯s ear and she blushed and then boldly dragged the elf onto the dance floor.


    Joining the dance, Juliana had a wonderful time. Between the hops, steps, swinging and rotating steps, Juliana was soon laughing. Her smile brightened on the dance floor. For the first time since her arrival, she was genuinely enjoying herself. Yes, she enjoyed the company of the other women, but in Nue¡¯ant¡¯s strict house, she wasn¡¯t allowed to meet other Adasions except the staff. Because the staff was so low, they couldn¡¯t even be considered potential clan. From elf to elf she stepped, meeting all different Asans. They had many things to say. Some were more annoying than others:


    One couldn¡¯t stop speaking of his accomplishments, ¡°I¡¯ve been in the military for two hundred years. I want strong eggs to be born to my clan. Think of the power we could achieve together, Juliana.¡±


    Another bragged, ¡°I have fourteen merchant houses.¡± Juliana perked up. Not because of money, but the fact that it took skill to grow a business to a certain size, ¡°But I cannot ask you to join my clan. Your mana rate hasn¡¯t been confirmed. It¡¯d be too risky for a successor.¡± Jerk.


    One pale pink Asan with a dainty figure and graceful steps tried to push flirtatious emotions towards Juliana. She knew what they were up to. She flushed and felt uncomfortable with the flattery they gave, ¡°You are so beautiful. Like mountains at dawn. Your hair flows as the crests of the waveback beast. Your coloring is of the most succulent yunna mushrooms. I hear that young Adasions pick up some traits of their woman progenitor. Perhaps ours will have some of your beauty?¡±


    These braggarts. Juliana was very familiar with that type of personality while she was¡­what was her position? Ah, while she was mayor.


    One of the elves left her to fetch her some of the bubbly orange spicy tasting punch. Thankfully, she stood on the sidelines, catching her breath. Her feet were going to ache tomorrow.


    A familiar smiling yellow haired elf approached. It was Eirian, the one who healed her when she first awoke in the High Halls.


    ¡°Thank you for helping me during the Welcoming Ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Naturally. May we dance?¡± Eirian bowed.


    Juliana curtsied in return, and they began to dance. She spoke as they made swirling steps, ¡°Why did you choose to dance with me?¡±


    ¡°Royce is your friend. He is mine as well. He spoke highly of you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the Fa Adasion he mentioned!¡±


    Eirian smiled sheepishly. ¡°I tried to keep a low profile. My contemporaries wouldn¡¯t understand why I associate with Royce. His views are refreshing. He is a hard worker. I can see him joining my clan. At the very least, he can find purpose in doing tasks without mana. Why do we have to use mana for everything? Even this High Hall is illuminated by it.¡± They motioned towards the ceiling, ¡°But Royce reminds me of your planet which thrives on science. You use science, not the planet¡¯s power, to heal. That speaks volumes to me of the determination of the human spirit. I want his determination in my clan. Not as a servant, but as an equal.¡±


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    ¡°How progressive of you,¡± Juliana commented. From what she¡¯d seen from Adasion society, this would be unheard of unless Royce was married.


    They pursed their lips. ¡°Hmm. Very progressive. I like that word.¡±


    A sudden tap was given to their shoulder. Eirian startled.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± A mature voice spoke to her side. This Adasion was different. They had streaks of brown on the sides of their head, indicating a more mature elf. Their rich purple hair was short and slicked back from their face. It was very different compared to the Adans she danced with. They loved keeping their hair long and in intricate twists and braids. Adan culture was very focused on pride and power. To see someone not have long hair was jarring.


    ¡°Of course, Ambassador.¡± Eirian bowed and quickly left. The Ambassador held her hand and lead Juliana a few steps away from the dancing. They walked to a part of the room where no one stood. He softly smiled at her.


    Suddenly the ballroom around them changed into a stone walkway overlooking a gorgeous sea dock. Large wooden ships with brightly decorated sage green sails were docked in the harbor. The scent of the sea was thick. Juliana could almost taste it on her tongue. No, wait, she did.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± She exclaimed, turning around and very alarmed, ¡°Please don¡¯t kidnap me! I¡¯ve had enough of being taken here and there by you Adasions!¡±


    ¡°Please, peace. I mean you no harm. I am Ambassador Zarvick, Ambassador of Lysara. Juliana, we need to speak, but with your guardian Nue¡¯ant I¡¯ve had no chance.¡± He waited.


    Juliana nodded, ¡°Sure, okay. But where are we?¡± She looked around again. There was no obvious sign that this was an illusion other than she knew where she was one moment and then she saw this. Could the stepping into another plane also work from place to place on planet? She never wanted to experience that again.


    ¡°This is a complex illusion one of my Fa rank can make. To the others in the hall, it¡¯ll appear as though you¡¯re conversing still with Eirian. I chose this place so you can see my homeland.¡±


    Juliana looked at the white stone buildings. It reminded her of the northern Mediterranean. But instead, carved Adasion sea creatures decorated each building.


    ¡°I need you to know that the Asa Dominion only have told you half the truth. It is true that all the losing nations of the last war must give tribute in the form of all our women arrivals, what was not shared was your freedom of choice. You do not need to choose an Asan. You can choose anyone from any clan on the planet.¡±


    ¡°What if I choose multiple Adasions from different clans? Can I choose from different countries?¡±


    They sighed, ¡°While we do wish for you to choose the same clan, there is no rule against you starting your own clan. Originally each of us desires a strong egg to be created in our color. The only women I know with mixed clans are in the Una¡¯Ta Matriarchy. But the Adasions without a match are treated terrible in that country. All of us avoid it. The women have most of the power of government there.¡±


    Juliana smiled, ¡°Sounds like an interesting place.¡± Ambassador Zarvik paled. Juliana laughed, ¡°I¡¯m joking. I saw where they are on the map. Too cold for me. Not my type of place. I prefer equality. If they need my skills I could, but I think they know how to govern just fine.¡±


    Zarvik hummed, ¡°A skill to govern? I know many Adasions who would brave heat, storms, and cold for the chance to climb in power.¡±


    ¡°Power. I had it as a mayor in the past, and I love managing, but I don¡¯t desire to rule the world. The more power you have, the more problems. I want to find my place here in Adasion, but this all feels so rushed.¡±


    The Ambassador spoke, ¡°Take the time you need, but please do not wait too long. If too much time passes, you¡¯ll forget yourself. Remember that. Know that I¡¯d be honored if I would be considered your clan. You would be respected, loved, cherished, and protected as you deserve.¡±


    She was shocked by their bold statement. She should¡¯ve have been afraid, but she was surprised that someone not from Asa Dominion would make an offer.


    ¡°Even if I decided to start from scratch and make a new clan?¡±


    ¡°My younger clanmate is old enough to take on my responsibilities as Ambassador. If you do not mind someone a bit older, maybe my wisdom will help your new clan.¡± They softly smiled.


    ¡°A bit older?¡±


    ¡°All Adasions are far older than you ladies. Does it matter? We all fade in the end,¡± he said with a chuckle. He looked somewhere far in the distance. Suddenly the sea breeze stopped and the image evaporated. The Ambassador vanished from sight.


    ¡°Enjoy talking with that yellow?¡± Nue¡¯ant said, ¡°I think I recognize him, but there are others here I want you to meet.¡±


    Juliana tried her best to control her expression. Ambassador Zarvik must have been very powerful for not even Nue¡¯ant to realize the illusion.


    Nue¡¯ant guided Juliana across the ballroom. They passed Sophia and Prince Hirote. Hirote was trying to drag Sophia by the wrist to the dance floor.


    Sophia stomped, ¡°No. I am through. You¡¯ve shown me off enough tonight. I am tired of all the stares, bows, and all of these Adasion stammering. You¡¯re not a god!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be my partner. Of course they should bow!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re such an ass, Hirote.¡± She shook his hold free and marched away.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that was a complement,¡± Prince Hirote said to his friend who was standing nearby.


    ¡°No, sire, I don¡¯t think it was.¡±


    Growling, Hirote followed Sophia out of a side exit.


    Nue¡¯ant started a new dance with Juliana. Pain shot through her foot and she winced.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± They asked.


    ¡°No, I think I danced too much tonight.¡±


    They smiled, their teeth bright against their darker skin. The slight wrinkles in their face stretched with mirth, ¡°Of course you did! Tonight is an important evening. Did you find any Adasion you wish to meet again?¡± Their voice held hopeful notes.


    ¡°Many were¡­lovely.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know we¡¯re attractive to you women.¡±


    ¡°I mean their personality. Yes, and their looks. But so many were desperate. Too hungry for power. I¡¯ve known men like that in my old world. In politics it never ended well. Backstabbing and lies were common occurrence in that environment.¡±


    ¡°While I hope no one you met tonight would act dishonestly¡ªnone of my political opponents would dare approach you while I¡¯m your sponsor¡ªI do believe there are many seeking power as you said. Juliana, so many are desperate since the war. Their clans, houses have almost collapsed. A few did. Welcoming you in their clan is their chance to rebuild. They¡¯d do anything to welcome you among them and to keep you with them. I understand the feeling. If I was younger, I would¡¯ve behaved the same.¡±


    Juliana thought to Ambassador Zarvik. He was not young, but he seemed just as eager. She¡¯d have to think carefully about what both Nue¡¯ant and Zarvik shared. The decision would not be easy.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Nue¡¯ant. No one from tonight.¡±


    Their smile faded, ¡°I understand. It is an important decision you must make.¡±


    ¡°What if I choose no one?¡±


    They stilled.


    ¡°Nue¡¯ant?¡±


    ¡°That had only happened once in our history. She was young, for someone of Earth. She wished to wait a few years. Eventually her memories faded and she forgot herself. The only thing she could remember was that she didn¡¯t want to match. She ran away from Asa and was picked up by traffickers. When she couldn¡¯t manifest an egg in the timing they wanted, they killed her. From the records the entire country mourned her loss. Women had only recently started to arrive in Adasion in those days. Juliana, I never want that to happen to you. I¡¯ll do anything to make sure you do not make the same mistake she did.¡±


    ¡°So I truly do not have a choice on whether or not to join a clan.¡±


    ¡°No. You have freedom¡ªto choose any clan you wish¡ªbut since her fate it has been national law that all women must be clan matched even if you are married to a human man.¡±


    ¡°But our instructor Mrs. Peterson isn¡¯t matched to a clan.¡±


    ¡°What clan would she be helpful to? A Re? Yes, all of us know her. Her mana exchange rank is so low that the Red King had no issue with her not matching. She might as well have been a man.¡±


    Juliana gasped at the slight vitriol in his voice.


    ¡°But that is not going to happen with you, Juliana. I will make sure you¡¯re settled well.¡±


    ¡°I want someone who can challenge my mind.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll find someone of at least decent power. I¡¯ll make sure they are compassionate and honorable enough. Do not worry Juliana. I have everything planned. We¡¯ll start by picking from clans I have screened.¡±


    Juliana thought to herself that yes, they would want that as it meant political connections. But what if she wanted something else? Would the Asa Dominion allow her the freedom to choose? She was determined not to allow Nue¡¯ant to set her pace. She would make the final decision.

 Chapter 16: Making Her Own Path

    Sitting up in bed, Juliana craved¡­what was it? A warm drink that energized. She forgot what it was called. It was brown. What it was made from, she had no idea. Only that it was from Earth. She knew she drank it frequently, but that was all she could recall. She looked at her hands. She remembered she oversaw a city, but not exactly what her hands did from day to day.


    She was losing her memories.


    Calling out for Nue¡¯ant¡¯s servants, she asked for a communications device to send her voice to a friend.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Eirian asked as he listened to the woman¡¯s voice. ¡°Is she mad? How can a woman start her own clan?¡± He leaned over Royce¡¯s shoulder as they listened to the transmitted message. Eirian was spending his break with his friend and the two had been discussing architecture when Royce¡¯s communication¡¯s crystal sounded clear notes, indicating a message was delivered.


    Eirian walked around the table, thinking. ¡°It¡¯s brilliant, really. I hate how clans are the same color eggs and rank of a particular colony here. It¡¯s hard to split off your own clan. So explain her plan. What¡¯s this ¡®speed-dating¡¯?¡± Eirian was known to be quite progressive as an Adasion. Open to change, they saw wisdom in different perspectives, histories and technologies.


    ¡°It sounds like she wants to interview them as fast as a speed-date. That¡¯s when men and women introduce themselves in a few minutes and then decide if they wish to date. Err¡­court?¡± Eirian looked confused. Royce tried again. ¡°Be romantic?¡±


    ¡°Ah! How your kind reproduces. Lovely. But we can¡¯t do that, can we?¡±


    ¡°She wants to figure out who they are as Adasions. She¡¯s asking for my help to think of some questions.¡±


    ¡°And she says she only wants those who are wise. Doesn¡¯t care about rank. Very strange.¡±


    ¡°Her case is strange. She couldn¡¯t be measured for her mana transfer.¡± Royce explained.


    ¡°So that¡¯s what that was. She could have just demanded the best. Kept up the quality of life she¡¯s living right now with High Judge Nue¡¯ant.¡± Eirian thought for a moment, ¡°All right! I¡¯ll help!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Royce was confused.


    ¡°Your friend needs guidance and who better to help than me. If we left it to old Nue¡¯ant, he¡¯ll slip everyone associated with his clan and she¡¯ll not get a chance to meet anyone else. Tell her that I¡¯ll meet her.¡±


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    ¡°Are you sure¡ªthis might cause trouble for your clan.¡± Royce warned as he took a sip of a thick drink made of sweet moss that the locals brewed for tea. It felt heavy on his tongue.


    ¡°Trouble? Since when do healers care about that? Everyone needs us when the trouble starts. Nue¡¯ant might be annoyed, but he can¡¯t say no. Not if doesn¡¯t wish to be accused of blocking his ward from finding a clan.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to place an ad!¡± Juliana announced.


    Nue¡¯ant¡¯s steward looked dumbstruck.


    Jun¡¯ep was equally lost, ¡°What is this ad? For what?¡±


    ¡°An advertisement to find a clan! Let¡¯s call Adasions in the neighboring towns. I know the capitol got to be introduced to us women first, but there are many more Adasions in Asa Dominon.¡±


    ¡°But Judge Nue¡¯ant could easily match you with a clan. They are honorable enough that many Adasions would fight to be connected to them.¡±


    ¡°That is not good enough, Jun¡¯ep. I want to form my own clan. My own family. I don¡¯t want to be the puzzle piece just added. I want to build a team where the Adasions connect to each other. I want to create a powerful clan that could shake up this continent. I know I can do it!¡±


    ¡°I believe you could do this as well, but it¡¯s most unorthodox my lady. Advertising like a business? No offense, but it may make you appear of less honor. Common. A lower-sounding note, if you will.¡±


    Juliana folded her arms, ¡°Not with this ad. ¡®Woman of Earth Seeking Adasions of Wisdom for New Clan¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Not many would want to leave their own clan. They¡¯ve worked and lived together for hundreds of years.¡±


    ¡°Those who are happy would not. But if this planet is anything like mine, not all families are happy. Those who¡¯d apply would be ambitious enough to leave. I need someone of that drive. As long as they¡¯re not power-hungry enough to be destructive. But don¡¯t worry Jun¡¯ep. I¡¯ll have help.¡±


    Once Juliana explained her plan to form her own clan, High Judge Nue¡¯ant became grumpy. He complained about the opportunity she¡¯d miss if she didn¡¯t pick an ally of his. That he was investing in both their futures. She was supposed to be like the others, open to Asa Dominion. But she was older and a leader like them. She threated that she knew she could pick an Adasion not of the Asa Dominion instead. They acquiesced.


    The two of them debated whether or not she should pay for an advertisement on the district boards. Nue¡¯ant felt that they¡¯d be judged as not giving her the best introductions. She argued that if she was to build the best clan and not on a single power, she¡¯d need to meet a variety of Adasions. They eventually agreed.


    But what they could not understand were the words coming from their blue streaked steward¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°High Judge, she invites outsiders to assist her in the selection.¡±


    ¡°Well?¡± They prompted.


    ¡°There¡¯s a few she arrived with, and she invited a Healer Fa class to join.¡±


    Nue¡¯ant feet lifted off the ground as they floated.


    ¡°What? Do we know them?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Their name is Eirian.¡±


    ¡°Does she intend to add them into her clan?¡±


    ¡°That is unclear, master.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be there to help with her selection.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry master, but no.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± They hollered.


    ¡°She has arranged a location in the Mi district,¡± the steward answered.


    Nue¡¯ant started to have the beginnings of a headache.

 Chapter 17: Fionn

    Juliana went to watch the theatre for the third time this week. The traveling troupe had cloths covering half of the stage. In the back was a tent for the actors to prepare. The seating was portable benches with soft padding. She sat once again close to the front. Jun¡¯ep had taken her to the performance, it was nothing like she had seen on earth. Despite the set up¡¯s simplicity, the show made Broadway look like a grade school play.


    Purple, pink, and orange haired elves performed. The purples provided moving scenery and special effects from behind the curtains. The orange elves shape-changed into monsters and large beasts. The pink haired elves, the ones whose mana was most subtle, could express emotions to the audience and influence their feelings. The higher-ranking ones would feel the audience and adjust the performance accordingly.


    A passing thought came to her mind: was she being brainwashed? No. Juliana felt the emotional tug, but it wasn¡¯t a command. She watched their supporting actor. They were a Fa and from what she knew, Fa could completely force feelings, although they could not force thoughts. A terrifying power if used wrongly. Most of the actors were of the Mi level. She assumed other Fa would be in positions of power. Perhaps they served as ambassadors or other diplomatic roles.


    Did the supporting actor just glance at her?


    She didn¡¯t care it was the third time she watched the performance. This planet had not invented recorded videos. The translation magic helped her read, but it¡¯d give her a headache after four hours. She was bored outside of her classes and conversations were only so much entertainment.


    Each time she watched their performance, she noticed another detail of their hard work. The costumes, the animation of the backgrounds, the slight movement of hands and brows as the actors spoke.


    This play was about an adventurer crossing the vast eastern ocean to seek new lands. They fought with sea monsters. After a storm, they are pushed back to their continent. Tired and defeated, they decide there is only Asa Dominion for them. A patriotic play, to be sure.


    Last month, she only saw one performance. The Fa onstage at the time was the lead. It took place during the first contact with humans. It was a tragedy of a blue hair wanting to be paired with a woman, but the woman leaving him for another clan. Clan wars ensued. She recognized the actor despite their hair color changes for different roles. How could she forget the gentlest voice she¡¯s heard!


    At the end of the performance, audience sang lauds and whistled for the actors.


    Jun¡¯ep glanced at her, ¡°Are you going to give them your gift?¡±


    She breathed out, ¡°I¡¯m ready. I¡¯m so nervous. On my old world I was never a fan girl.¡±


    The hot pink haired actor with a tight braid on the top of his head but loose beaded strands stood outside the actor¡¯s tent. Their outfit was of rich frills and elaborate stitching. Jewels draped over their ears and on their fingers. It was obvious they enjoyed the fashions from the upper districts. They bowed, ¡°A pleasure. Are you looking for someone?¡±


    Their voice was unmistakable.


    ¡°Actually, you. I love your acting. My name¡¯s Juliana Humesier. What is your name?¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°I am called Fionn.¡±


    She squeezed the box she held, ¡°I want to give you these sweets, but I don¡¯t want to burden you to accept them.¡±


    Fionn gave a bright smile, ¡°I would fight for such a burden, my lady.¡± They opened the package and sucked on a dessert.


    Jun¡¯ep muttered beneath their breath, ¡°If I was stronger, I too would fight for that favor.¡±


    Juliana made a slight bow of her own and turned to leave the Adasion.


    ¡°Please wait. Juliana, is it? I heard there was something interesting about the House of Nue¡¯ant. You made quite the social scene by advertising to build your own clan. That is you, isn¡¯t it? You¡¯re brave to do so. Poor Nue¡¯ant. I¡¯d ask if he¡¯s treating you well, but his reputation precedes him. Others however are saying they are losing control of their clan. Others wonder about their treatment of you. Some even say you are ungrateful.¡±


    ¡°Those words best not be coming from your mouth,¡± Jun¡¯ep warned.


    They raised their hands, ¡°On the contrary, how can someone generous enough to give sweets and not expect anything in return be the ungrateful type? She is obviously very giving.¡±


    ¡°Which clan do you come from, Fionn?¡± Juliana asked.


    They scoffed, ¡°My own. I was ousted more years ago than I can count. I didn¡¯t fit in with the generation¡¯s Fa. They and I have different views on life. Maybe we can get to know each other over a glass of deep moss?¡± The deep moss beverage caused the elves to become inebriated. It didn¡¯t work on humans and Fionn seemed not to know.


    Hadn¡¯t he just insulted her? Maybe not directly, now that she thought of it. She¡¯d hear him out. ¡°Sure.¡±


    It proved to be an interesting night. In a tavern in the Mi district, Fionn was a popular person. They knew the band and got them to start a song. With a tenor¡¯s voice, neither clearly male nor female, they began to sing a story. At certain intervals, everyone sang a verse ¡°and down they went again!¡± The serious beat quickened as the story became funnier and funnier. Everyone cheered at the end. Juliana clapped and whistled.


    ¡°What is that sound?¡± Fionn asked in amazement.


    ¡°Whistling. Some humans can do it. It takes practice.¡±


    ¡°Do it again! Do it again!¡± A merry tune flew from her lips. Fionn leaned forwards memorized, before blinking themselves from their trance.


    With a laugh, Fionn pulled her from her seat and they began to dance.


    For the first time in Adasion, Juliana felt free. Her feet barely touched the floor as she twirled around. No one to make her stay within the rules and the formalities. Not like the Fa District. Not like answering to angry citizens or a city council. This freedom to move, laugh, be. She had not felt so alive for a while. When was the last time she last felt like this on Earth? She¡­couldn¡¯t remember.


    As they danced, Juliana noticed that within the steps, the Adasions didn¡¯t have leaders and followers. Their way of dancing was togetherness. They pushed and pulled equally. Fionn was moving so fast, their long bold pink hair came disheveled from their braid.


    As the night went on, Fionn was drinking a little bit more than Juliana thought they should. However, they kept just out of full drunkenness. She happily accepted when he poured more deep moss into her cup. Even though they sat and became drunker, she remained sober. So far, she had found no comparison to Earth¡¯s alcoholic effects.


    They told a story how his clan worked for those in high positions. Fionn did not agree to use their powers to force influence during the war. Their clan thought they were lazy. Fionn stuck by their beliefs and was expelled from the clan for them.


    Juliana took a closer look at their clothes. In the dimmer light of the tavern, she saw that they were worn. The cloth was thinner in some areas, stitched in others. They had a tanned finger where the skin underneath showed the line of where a ring had been. A few of the gems were scratched. Glass, she realized. At first glance, one wouldn¡¯t notice. Fionn probably couldn¡¯t afford upper district¡¯s rates anymore, but still bought what they could to keep up appearances. It was a type of pride. Her expression softened.


    ¡°Do you miss not having the clan stipend you would¡¯ve earned?¡±


    ¡°Of course I could always use more money! But honor, no, that is something not bought.¡±


    ¡°I would like to meet you again¡ªif anything, at least as a friend.¡± Juliana decided to ask.


    ¡°This wisdom trial you have planned sounds interesting. Mind if I tag along? You could use me to tell you if they¡¯re being honest.¡±


    ¡°I would love that.¡± With that decision made, Juliana quickly had a plan in mind.

 Chapter 18: Interviewing a New Clan

    The events room upstairs of a restaurant in the Mi District was reserved for Juliana and her party. A large curtain blocked off an area behind Juliana. Eirian and Royce assisted as they passed around questionnaires to those Adasion who showed. At first Juliana was worried if anyone would take her advertisement seriously. A couple did come out of curiosity, but she shouldn¡¯t have worried. The Adasions formed a line out into the street. She was a novelty. A woman who wanted to form her own clan? Separate from traditional roles? Any Adasion of ambition or desperation was present. Many were from towns not of the capitol.


    Those interviewed shared their skills and level. The series of questions tested their empathy, cunning, critical thinking, and personality traits. The most difficult questions was over clan loyalty. They had to choose who they¡¯d be loyal to first: the Asa Dominion or to the new clan. With so many participating in the war and with the question being treasonous, most of those gathered failed. Juliana was looking for clan loyalty first.


    An orange haired and a green haired Adasion approached followed by a blue haired. They all gave unsatisfactory answers.


    The yellow-haired healer and Royce whispered advice and impressions to Juliana throughout the interviews. Fionn hid behind a curtain and would nod or shake their head when the interviewees lied.


    Fionn did this when a charming pink cotton-candy haired Adasion flattered Juliana. They lied about her beauty, their loyalty, and how they thought little about money. They lied throughout. It appalled Juliana. Suddenly there was a nudge in her thoughts. They weren¡¯t too bad. Perhaps she too would have stretched the truth.


    Fionn leapt from behind the curtain, ¡°What are you trying to do, you slime-walker!¡±


    The cotton candy haired Adasion stood back and stuttered, ¡°Fa, what do you mean? Why are you here? Are you in her clan?¡±


    Grabbing them by the collar, Fionn dragged them out, ¡°How dare you try to manipulate her mind!¡± They threw the Adasion outside followed by some colorful insults.


    Eirian grimaced and Royce looked disgusted.


    Eirian whispered, ¡°Thank all that you found Fionn, Juliana.¡±


    ¡°Y-yes.¡± Had the charlatan been in her group, who knows what kind of havock they could have brought.


    ¡°This is why the same colors usually join a clan, so they cannot coerce each other. The pinks have a reputation of being dangerous.¡± Eirian said.


    Fionn returned. ¡°We may not be the strongest, but we are usually hired for work that requires finesse.¡±


    More Adasions came in. One couldn¡¯t display empathy and was cold-hearted. Another was foolish when it came time to say ¡°no¡±. The third had a pleasant personality, but was a Re.


    Eirian whispered, ¡°Please Juliana, not a Re. I have nothing against them, but you need someone to help defend you.¡±


    ¡°I can defend myself.¡± Juliana said.


    ¡°Oof, you sound like an Ana¡¯Ta woman with that. No, I believe you can, but there are fierce creatures on this planet. You¡¯ve been protected by the capitol walls. If you plan on traveling, you must pick someone higher ranked. There¡¯s beasts out there.¡±


    Her eyes widened. The Training Center hadn¡¯t mentioned any danger. Frustrated, she felt too ignorant of this world. That had to stop. In the end, Juliana realized that she needed Adasions stronger than a Re. She wanted to be compassionate, to look beyond their class system. But Eirian was right. She knew she needed powerful allies if she was going to choose a maverick¡¯s path.


    A gentle voice came from the doorway. ¡°May I come in?¡±


    A young Adasion with medium length straight white hair waved. Juliana couldn¡¯t help but smile. They blushed. They wore green and white robes of the Asan style.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Hi! I heard this is the place to interview for a new clan? I¡¯m Id¡¯rit. I¡¯m Mi ranked.¡±


    She looked closer at their hair. Sure enough, there were strands of dark grey in his hair. There were few, so she wondered if their rank could¡¯ve been closer to Fa, ¡°This is. What about your current clan?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I am from the southern-most town in Asa. My clan died in the war. I was still in school as they fought. Nue¡¯ant offered me entry into their clan. I was going to take it when I heard about what you are creating. It¡¯s a fresh idea.¡±


    Eirian whispered, ¡°Nue¡¯ant must have sent them. He¡¯s probably hoping Id¡¯rit is picked.¡±


    ¡°Tell me a little about yourself,¡± Juliana prompted.


    ¡°I am from a merchant clan. I know, it¡¯s surprising. You¡¯d expect a pink-hair to do that with their ability with emotions and all. I moved the products. My mana songs help me manipulate gravity. Ah, but I¡¯m more than my old clan¡¯s muscle. I am good with accounting books. I like planning businesses.¡±


    When it came time to the questions, Id¡¯rit answered everyone truthfully and gave strong responses.


    ¡°You are travelling next to a chasm with the clan¡¯s lifelong property. There is a sudden earthquake. There is a young Adasion about to fall from a bridge and our property is sliding with the earth towards the precipice. What do you do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll probably save what¡¯s closest to me. That¡¯s a natural response I think, to grab what is nearest.¡±


    While not a response that showed empathy, it did show practicality. Juliana could respect that.


    ¡°Id¡¯rit, I¡¯d like to get to know you more. Would you wait in the next room as I finish these interviews?¡±


    They jumped up from their chair with a smile, ¡°Of course! Thank you! Thank you so much!¡±


    Royce called for the next in line. Juliana recognized them. She wasn¡¯t sure if she¡¯d ever see them again.


    Oynoiz stepped into the room. Their straight medium long black hair was styled, they wore ebony tailored clothes that were simple yet fashionable. As they entered, Juliana heard gasps from the room behind him. They bowed before her then stood at attention. They answered her questions simply.


    ¡°You are travelling next to a chasm with the clan¡¯s lifelong property. There is a sudden earthquake. There is a young Adasion about to fall from a bridge and our property is sliding with the earth towards the precipice. What do you do?¡±


    ¡°I let them both fall.¡±


    Juliana frowned, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m assuming that we¡¯d be working together as equals. That¡¯s what your ad said. You wanted to build a new clan. If you¡¯re as surprising as I think you are, I cannot imagine you not coming along with your clan on adventures. It is you. I would rescue you.¡±


    ¡°Even if you could die?¡±


    ¡°I face death everyday. But it is not everyday I can build a coterie worth dying for.¡±


    Juliana wasn¡¯t sure how to respond.


    ¡°And if I ask you to pledge yourself to me over the Dominion of Asa, what will you do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pledge to You, to the Clan,¡± they said without missing a beat.


    A throat cleared as Fionn walked out from behind Juliana. They shook their head, ¡°We need to change their question.¡±


    Shocked, Oynoiz quickly schooled their expression, ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had a pink hair as your Clan.¡± They whispered, ¡°That was sloppy of me.¡±


    Fionn raised their chin, but didn¡¯t correct Oynoiz, ¡°What if we asked you if you would swear to us over the Gongre Confederacy?¡±


    Oynoiz blankly stared.


    ¡°Come now, you think I wouldn¡¯t detect the accent? You¡¯re good at hiding it. A real actor. Or a spy.¡± Fionn continued as they played with one of their rings.


    Oynoiz reached back.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t you dare. Don¡¯t you dare make a move. It is Juliana who will decide.¡±


    Oynoiz looked at Juliana, desperation in their eyes. She knew that if she reported them, they¡¯d be dead.


    She sighed, ¡°Well, what¡¯s the truth?¡±


    They hesitated. ¡°I am what they say. But I¡¯d swear to you first!¡±


    Fionn nodded. They were being truthful, which surprised Juliana, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d never have a chance to have a clan. Nulls never have clans. There¡¯s too few of us. We¡¯re all Fa ranked but shunned everywhere. Null eggs kill all others around it. It¡¯s not like our developing young choose to absorb the surrounding energy. Usually they¡¯re destroyed on sight. If a Null is fortunate enough to survive hatching, then they¡¯re raised with the others, but no one truly accepts us. We¡¯re ostracized everywhere and no clan adopts us. This is the only job I was allowed. That, or to be a prison warden. I would rather die then be trapped each day guarding misery. I¡¯m loyal to my country, and I¡¯m not sure how they¡¯d respond. If I accept you, we may be targeted. You have no reason to accept me. But this is a once in a lifetime chance. And also, I¡¯d like to stick it to Asa Dominion. If I¡¯m being honest.¡± They repeated.


    Fionn nodded. It was the truth.


    ¡°I said it then, I¡¯ll say it now. Human Juliana, I wish to be part of your clan.¡±


    It was Royce who spoke up, ¡°Juliana¡ªthey are against the Asa Dominion. If the Red King ever finds out¡ª¡±


    ¡°They won¡¯t.¡± Juliana stated and the three Adasions helping her a stern look, ¡°They won¡¯t. And they never will. I do not intend on staying in Asa much longer. It may years before I return.¡±


    Julina held out her hand. They kneeled in front of her and she touched the top of their head. ¡°You shall be in my clan.¡±

 Chapter 19: Clans First Dinner

    Plates of moss-like pan-fried vegetables, crispy meats, strange sharp scented sprouts, were laid upon an oval table. Oynoiz, Id¡¯rit, and Fionn sat to Juliana¡¯s right. She introduced Royce and Eirian to her left as friends.


    ¡°Oynoiz, Id¡¯rit, I heard both of your goals. Mine is to find my place in this world. I used to be a mayor on Earth. I ran a city. I loved being a leader, reaching for a cause, a goal. I have no such path here. Asa Dominion doesn¡¯t allow humans in government. I asked. Actually, I think the administration was more shocked that I even thought it up. I am not used to monarchy. The leader is naturally chosen and everyone must follow. That power, not elections are how leaders are chosen.¡±


    Eirian swallowed his bite of food, ¡°I hate to ask this, but you¡¯re not planning to rebel, are you?¡±


    Interest sparked in Oynoiz¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Oh heavens, no! I want to be of use my talents again. Whether it¡¯s to start a trade company, an outreach organization, or hell¡ªmaybe even a small city state, I don¡¯t care. I want to do something big, meaningful. I want purpose again!¡±


    Id¡¯rit, sat up when she mentioned business, ¡°I can understand that. If you don¡¯t mind, you can, no we can, rebuild the trading company my clan once had.¡± Tears formed in their eyes.


    Oynoiz crossed their arms, ¡°I don¡¯t know the first thing about clans, but I¡¯d be honored to join.¡±


    ¡°And what about your work?¡± Juliana pointedly asked.


    ¡°Gongre would be happy if I steal any woman from Asa. They¡¯d want you, you know. But I¡¯ll inform them that you chose me¡­and that it¡¯s time for me to retire. But if Id¡¯rit wants to trade in Gongre, I know a few connections that¡¯d help.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Oynoiz. I know the sacrifice you¡¯re making,¡± Juliana said.


    ¡°If you can trust them,¡± Royce muttered.


    ¡°I love how you¡¯re vetting who you¡¯ll be with. Looking for traits of character instead of power. It¡¯s impressive,¡± Fionn smiled beautifully, ¡°I think your clan will become one to rival any major house. I want to be part of that.¡±


    ¡°Part of my new clan?¡± Juliana was surprised.


    ¡°Yes. If you¡¯ll have me.¡± Fionn said. She could feel their joy, their excitement. They chose to project that to her.


    ¡°But what about your acting career?¡±


    ¡°I can always join a troupe wherever we go. Or be support for negotiations. Do not worry about me. I like who you picked. They¡¯ll be good allies and hopefully friends.¡±If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°I thought you can¡¯t read nulls,¡± Oynoiz frowned.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, it¡¯s damn creepy!¡± Fionn laughed as Eirian gave a worried look.


    ¡°This is the first time I¡¯m hearing that and not feeling as though it¡¯s an insult.¡± Oynoiz huffed. They leaned towards her, ¡°Juliana, I feel your excitement and anticipation. There¡¯s a worry in you that is not about these Adasions. What are you not telling us?¡±


    She gasped. How did they know? Of course¡ªthey were pink. They were following her emotions from the start. ¡°I¡¯ve felt less sure about myself. I¡¯m starting to forget things. Am I forgetting what I forgot? I need to build a family before I start losing myself. I want to explore this continent. There¡¯s no way to visit the other continents, correct?¡± She rambled.


    ¡°Too risky. They are far and only the largest vessels can go on the month voyage. The closest continent is suffering from a plague right now. I wouldn¡¯t recommend it.¡±


    ¡°I thought so. So at least, I want to see these other states. What if what Ambassador Zarvik says is true? How would I be welcomed there? Or in the Gongre Confederacy. How are they living in the Una¡¯TA Matriarchy? I want to travel and see the answers for myself and not read about them from the viewpoint of an arrogant prejudiced victor.¡± She swallowed, realizing she may have spoken too far, ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°I am Asa. I have no shame in my country. But my patriotism isn¡¯t a shackle. With the troops, I¡¯ve traveled the continent often. That was until the war. I¡¯d be willing to leave my country, but Juliana, wherever you wish to reside, I ask that all our new clan agree.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have it any other way.¡±


    They and the others smiled, ¡°Perfect¡±.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we name our clan?¡± Id¡¯rit spoke up.


    ¡°What do you suggest?¡± Onynoiz said.


    ¡°How about something that means colorful or all the colors?¡± Id¡¯rit suggested.


    ¡°Like rainbow or prism?¡± Juliana suggested.


    No. It didn¡¯t feel right.


    Fionn pointed their spoon. ¡°I know the perfect word: harmony. No, melody. I know--we¡¯ll be Clan Sonata.¡±


    Everyone nodded.


    It was a wonderful meal. Juliana got to know her new family. When she asked what their childhood was like, Id¡¯rit and Fionn happily told her stories. Only Onynoiz remained quiet.


    ¡°Not much to say of my youth,¡± they explained, ¡°I was practically raised by the government. A sterilized life in a sterile environment. I had no songs to sing because no one would sing with me.¡±


    They all stopped eating. Even Juliana knew how important songs were to their culture. It built relationships, conveyed their powers, was used in ceremonies, strengthened the bonds of their clans. To have lived in silence in such a colorful and musical world, she could only imagine how ostracized they felt.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Oynoiz. We will be your song-mates from now on.¡± Fionn said before starting to sing.


    The emerald hills cannot find me alone


    The sapphire seas will not hold me idle


    Fushia forests of flowers will not be unshared


    Amber deserts will not overwhelm me


    Violet mountains will not isolate


    For I travel with my clan. My clan shall always be my home.


    Id¡¯rit knew the song and joined by the last verse. Fionn repeated it and Juliana joined. Id¡¯rit looked shocked, but continued. Oynoiz hid their face and softly joined by the third round. Their new clan wrapped their arms around their shoulders.


    After that emotional dinner, they escorted Juliana home in silence. They all had a lot to think on. Their lives were just beginning a huge change. Fionn danced ahead. Id¡¯rit smiled taking in the scenery. Oynoiz reached out and held Juliana¡¯s hand. Juliana gave it a squeeze which woke up from whatever thoughts Oynoiz was distracted with.

 Chapter 20: Whats a Memory?

    ¡°Headquarters, come in.¡± Oynoiz spoke into the gem in their ear.


    After a pause, a voice responded, ¡°We hadn¡¯t heard from you in a while. What happened after initial contact with the displaced pod? You haven¡¯t updated us since you made personal contact.¡±


    ¡°The woman, Juliana Humesier, I believe was mislabeled. She was given a Re rating, but witnesses shared they heard other notes when hers was assigned.¡±


    ¡°Fascinating. Other notes?¡±


    ¡°Yes, her measurement produced a chord.¡±


    ¡°What happened after you broke observation?¡±


    ¡°Nue¡¯ant is furious.¡±


    ¡°Avoid the judge.¡±


    ¡°I cannot any longer.¡±


    ¡°Are you compromised?¡±


    ¡°Yes. But not how you think. Juliana asked me to join her clan.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Headquarters, are you there?¡±


    ¡°You? Join a clan? What is that human thinking?¡±


    Oynoiz wondered if they were meant to hear that response.


    ¡°So, what is your plan?¡±


    ¡°My plan is to retire. Our goal was to recruit a woman to our side, and if not ours, away from Asa. It worked.¡±


    ¡°She defected to us? We need to join her to our other families, especially if she has special potential.¡±


    ¡°No. She started her own clan.¡±


    ¡°¡­Excuse me? This is unheard of! Oynoiz, it is your responsibility, no, your duty, to convince her merge with one of our clans.¡±


    ¡°Did you not hear what I said? She formed her own clan.¡±


    ¡°But if you just convince her¡ª¡±


    ¡°Headquarters, she has two other Adasions in her clan¡ªone a pink Fa level. You know they cannot be controlled. We are taught to run immediately if one is in the vicinity.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you around?¡±


    ¡°Headquarters, I¡¯m retiring.¡±


    ¡°WHAT? You can¡¯t do that!¡±


    ¡°What should I do¡ªwork for you until I die? I get a pension like every other Adasion. This will be my final mission.¡±


    A pause came before a Gongre clipped accent spoke, ¡°Understood. Headquarters out.¡±


    Lying on her bed Juliana thought about Eirian¡¯s words:


    ¡°As a healer I am concerned, Juliana. You must not go much longer without exchanging your mana. If this continues, you¡¯ll permanently forget everything and everyone from your old world.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just not ready for that yet.¡±


    ¡°I understand. Just don¡¯t wait too long.¡±


    They mussed their yellow hair, ¡°AAAAH! I can¡¯t stand that you are choosing both that frivolous actor and that serious null. But it looks like they might all get along. That¡¯s what¡¯s important. If it works out, you¡¯ll have the start of a powerful clan. And remember¡ªif you need me, just send me a mana message. Royce and I will come.¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Her dreams came in waves. She was back in the mayor¡¯s bland neutral office. The Public Works Director was speaking to her about the next council meeting. She couldn¡¯t remember his face. It was blurred. The next moment she walked into the council meeting. She knew they sat around the round crescent table. She saw their figures, but again, no faces. She worked tirelessly with them for six years with only two weeks of vacation. She talked to them more than her relatives, friends, and church community. She should know them. She tried to see them, but her mind would not allow it.


    She woke trembling.


    Throwing her legs off the marshmallow soft bed, Juliana called for Jun¡¯ep. ¡°Call Fionn over! I need to mana transfer. I cannot wait any longer.¡±


    After getting dressed, Juliana sat in a sunroom. She fiddled with the fringes of her toga-like dress. Nue¡¯ant sat down next to her.


    Their stern face was framed by their long white locks. Juliana noticed that their left side was braided. Nue¡¯ant cleared their throat, ¡°I heard. I do not have words for what you are going through. We don¡¯t have memory loss unless there is a head injury, and usually that is easily healed. This is an Earth-arrival disease. One that I¡¯ve seen many men suffer through. Be thankful that you¡¯re capable of a mana transfer.¡±


    ¡°Is there any way for a man to retain his memories?¡±


    ¡°If they swear to the Red King, they can become his executioners.¡±


    Juliana gasped. ¡°How horrible!¡±


    ¡°Do not be so quick to judge. Men are able to extract mana from an Adasion. The problem is that if they try to take even a little, it¡¯s always lethal to the Adasions.¡±


    She thought back to Alan¡¯s complaints of being a pariah. It was no wonder the Adasions didn¡¯t care about human men. They were afraid of them.


    ¡°Wait¡ªso you mean if they try to do a mana transfer, it¡¯s an extraction instead of a release and return? It won¡¯t flow back?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more than that. It¡¯s a theft.¡± Nue¡¯ant stood, ¡°Seems like your new clan member is here faster than I expected. Juliana, you did well choosing your new allies.¡±


    Juliana was surprised by their admission.


    They continued, ¡°I am glad you chose Id¡¯rit. They are very knowledgeable and have a steady mind. While I would have preferred all your new clan to be my contacts, or at least for you to stay in Adasion, I understand the need to discover yourself. Once when I was a junior clan member, I too left to see the world. Adasion is beautiful, colorful, and dangerous. You will experience many things and grow from them.¡± They patted her head. Juliana sputtered. She wasn¡¯t sure if she should feel flattered or insulted that they saw her as still young. But perhaps she was in comparison to how long an Adasion lived.


    Fionn arrived in a storm of color. Their bright green robes were disheveled as though they ran the whole way. They were not even wearing all the jewelry they had when she first met them. Only a single earpiece. With a smile, they embraced Juliana. As they stepped away, she smelled their grassy cologne.


    ¡°I¡¯m so glad you called. How bad is it? The memory loss?¡±


    ¡°I can no longer remember the faces of my colleagues.¡±


    Juliana¡¯s face held no smile. A grim acceptance was in her eyes. If she was never to forget her home, she needed a mana transfer now.


    Fionn led her to a white couch and projected powerful waves of calming. Her heartbeat slowed, her breathing relaxed.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay now. You can stop the emotions.¡±


    A surprised look flashed over them, ¡°Are you sure? I felt your distress as soon as I entered the mansion.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Yes, I want to be fully present.¡±


    ¡°My lady, you are brave.¡± They sighed, ¡°I believe you learned the basics at the Training Center. You¡¯ll feel a warm energy from me. When you do, you¡¯ll be able to also feel the mana from the planet. Allow my energy to circulate around you and pass through you. It¡¯ll combine with the planet¡¯s and return to me. This cycle will continue until my mana feels pure.¡±


    Nue¡¯ant called from the edge of the room, ¡°As your sponsor, I will stay nearby. I¡¯ll be in the next room.¡±


    Fionn nodded, ¡°Very well.¡± To Juliana they said, ¡°This is something sacred for the Adasions as we are born from the planet. It is not done that those outside of a clan witness this. Nue¡¯ant is seen as your caretaker¡ªlike those we have when we¡¯re first born in the creche. But even they do not have the right to witness. But if you want them to stay, I will do as you need.¡±


    Juliana was shocked by their openness. She smiled, ¡°No Fionn. I am comfortable enough and I don¡¯t want to make this awkward for you. This is your first mana transfer too.¡±


    They breathed out. ¡°Yes, yes it is.¡±


    They closed their eyes. A warm feeling rose. The air around them began to glow. It moved outwards from Fionn in a soft pink wave as golden energy from the planet rose and combined with their energy. Shimmering, it gently flowed across the space between them. With a deep breath, Juliana felt it enter her core. It wasn¡¯t forced. It was a calm thing. Something that existed since the beginning of life. More powerful than awareness. More noticeable than strength. She accepted this feeling of love. This love of the familial. Of oneness and joy. The warm energy and feeling ebbed away. Despite its loss, Juliana didn¡¯t feel bereft. Instead, she felt energized.


    Fionn looked at their hands. A soft glow surrounded all their skin. Their eyes glowed, then faded.


    ¡°That¡ªthat was more than anyone could have ever told me. I feel energized, stronger. I felt at home. I felt my clan, even if it is just us for now.¡± Fionn pressed their forehead to Juliana¡¯s and laughed.


    The cobwebs clouding her mind began to disappear. Slowly some were coming back. Not all of her memories were recovered, but the ones she felt fading returned strong.

 Chapter 21: Family Jewerly

    Walking through the Re District, Oynoiz, Fionn, Id¡¯rit and Juliana were browsing different bright stalls. Layers of material crossed above the road providing both shade and beauty.


    ¡°How could you have a mana transfer without me?¡± Id¡¯rit pouted.


    ¡°I am the one who should be upset!¡± Oynoiz groaned, ¡°It should¡¯ve been all of us.¡±


    Fionn balked, ¡°We don¡¯t even know if it¡¯s possible for you to exchange!¡±


    Oynoiz, ¡°We don¡¯t know if we don¡¯t try.¡±


    ¡°It was my decision. I was losing my memories too fast and Fionn is the most powerful,¡± Oynoiz was about to argue that point, ¡°Who we know can transfer energy. When we return, I can transfer mana next with Id¡¯rit.¡±


    ¡°You need to rest. I¡¯m a Fa, Juliana. That was a lot of mana.¡±


    ¡°What was it like?¡± Id¡¯rit walked next to Fionn.


    ¡°Warmth. I felt her love for us. Already, it¡¯s a small thing. I can¡¯t wait to see how that will grow. And there was power. So much of it. I usually can influence a theatre with ease, but with this, I could influence a stadium. I can only imagine how powerful a pink Sol would be. They could compel an entire capitol.¡±


    Oynoiz frowned, ¡°A dangerous thought. We¡¯ve never had a pink Sol. I¡¯ve heard rumors that a millennium ago one egg was found but destroyed on sight. No one would trust a pink emperor.¡±


    Fionn glared, ¡°Do you not trust me?¡±


    Oynoiz, ¡°You are one thing. Empowering a pink emperor would mean the loss of free will for a nation. Our power multiplies with each level. We¡¯d have a country constantly drugged by the mere presence of a Sol.¡±


    Id¡¯rit sighed, ¡°Even I have to admit that it would be difficult to trust yourself that type of place.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I sometimes forget how untrusted we pinks are. I have adoring fans that protect me from such feelings. I can¡¯t imagine what that must be like for you Oynoiz, as a null.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Life is dangerous for me. At a word from a Gongre prince I could be executed. As you know, null eggs are usually crushed on sight. It was a mercy that no colored eggs were near me at the creche and that the local Gongre monarch allowed me to live.¡± Oynoiz chose not to mention the chains of that mercy.


    Juliana stopped at one of the stalls and looked at the jewelry there. She had a small stipend from Nue¡¯ant.


    ¡°Anything you¡¯d like?¡± Id¡¯rit asked, ¡°Let¡¯s see if we can negotiate the price.¡±


    ¡°I want to buy us all something matching. A gift from me to you to thank you for creating a clan with me. I know it was an unusual thing I¡¯ve done to arrange this, so thank you for going against tradition. And Id¡¯rit. I want something real. No glass.¡± She couldn¡¯t help herself. She at Fionn¡¯s. Blushing, they hid their ringed hand behind their back. Juliana mentally kicked herself.


    Id¡¯rit found a dark stall that was partially hidden on the bazaar street. After a few words, the stall owner pulled out rings, ear cuffs, necklaces, ankle bangles, broaches, and earrings.


    ¡°The ear cuffs are out since our lady doesn¡¯t have our fine points.¡± Fionn pointed out.


    ¡°How about a ring?¡± Oynoiz suggested.


    ¡°Too trite. I want something bolder. How about a circlet?¡± Fionn went to that section of the stall.


    Id¡¯rit picked up an oval broach. It was made of mother of pearl and onyx. It had spaces open for a few stones. ¡°How about this? We can add Fionn¡¯s color as one of the stones. I don¡¯t know for the last space.¡±


    ¡°We could never sell this one. The black coloring turned off many.¡± The merchant spoke up, ¡°I can add some glass there so it wouldn¡¯t be empty. But we only have this one.¡±


    Id¡¯rit nodded. A torque cuff caught their eye. ¡°How about this?¡± Light blue gold was hammered into a solid piece. Square spaces for added gems flowed around the craft.


    ¡°I like the rose gold one. And look! They have green gold!¡± Juliana exclaimed.


    The stall owner tried to hide their smile. Id¡¯rit held back a sigh. This could end up expensive.


    They left the stall all wearing golden cuffs. Each cuff the stall-person added onyx, pink spinel, diamond, and a ruby which was Juliana¡¯s birthstone. The Adasions were surprised that humans attached flowers, stones, and all sorts of symbolism to when someone was born in the solar cycle. Finally, their identification emeralds were added so they could display their information to the authorities and for business. The new Sonata Clan walked proudly through the bazar.


    A fresh fragrance cut into the air. Four women with bright feathers framing their faces walked through the bazar. Their braided hair held ribbons, their faces painted with bright geometric shapes. Their faces¡¯ base color varied from the bright to the dark.


    ¡°Not everyday you see them around,¡± Oynoiz commented.


    Ahead of the dizzying, pushing crowd, a head of yellow fine hair bobbed and moved closer to them. Eirian and Royce waved in the distance.