I Know What You Did Last Isekai - Chapter 5

The sight of those eyes and the cold depths hidden within stirred the darkness within into a roiling maelstrom that just itched to be let loose.  Often Kimbree wondered how she would react if she were to meet Rory again.  Would she cower in fear of the pain she once experienced, or would she lash out with the dark powers of a supposed goddess?  She wanted nothing more than to tear the man apart the same way she had been all those years ago.  Kimbree wasn’t the helpless little girl she once was, but something greater.  She had years of experience behind her now, and a dear friend who preached temperance in the face of adversity.  It was thanks to Maester Chandler that she stayed her hand despite having her greatest nightmare in the flesh before her. 

As much as he might have deserved to die, she wasn’t going to give up her new life just to repay the favor and deprive him of his own.  Kimbree also understood how many eyes were on her right then and there.  She couldn’t overreact.  Hell, even freezing up like she had wouldn’t go unnoticed to those observing. 

Worse, she would have to fight Heather, and that would break her heart more surely than anything she had faced before.  Forcing herself to relax, Kimbree plastered on her fakest smile and bowed respectfully even as it made her stomach twist into knots.  She clenched her fists tightly and forced herself to utter the words she had prepared.   

“Well met, brave heroes.  On behalf of the governing Council, I welcome you to Arcadia.” 

The false hero smiled wide, then his eyes dropped down and trailed up.  Kimbree had worn a traditional dress for the event, one that showed her figure without revealing any skin.  The side of the skirt was split, but she had leggings on underneath to maintain propriety.  That hadn’t stopped the murderous bastard from leering at her. 

Once again the urge to let loose welled up, because most men in Arcadia were more respectful than that.  The faith of the Creator wasn’t all that stringent, but it still embodied every aspect of most lives.  Thanks were offered with each meal, the major solar events were all honored, and the few commandments were deeply respected. 

Rory held none of that socially engrained respect that she had come to expect.

“The honor is mine, fair maiden,” Rory said, thankfully not recognizing anything about her.  “I am Rory Rodgers, the chosen Hero.  My companions,” he continued, gesturing towards the others. 

The Ranger stepped forward first, offering a curt nod as he stood stiffly.  “David Frank.  Marksman and support.” 

“Kayden Lambert,” the mage boy said softly, not making eye contact.  “Magister of the party.  I make big things go away.” 

Kimbree took a breath as she turned to face the final member of their group, the face she once knew better than her own.  Five years was a long time, and they hadn’t been the kindest.  Heather had a new scar across an eyebrow and what looked to be a split lip that didn’t heal well.  She had cut her hair shorter.  The once waist long braid was now shoulder length and left free to blow in the breeze. 

The part that caught Kimbree off guard were her eyes.  Gone was the softness she had taken comfort in; replaced by the gaze of someone who had endured hardship.  This wasn’t the girl she fell in love with, this was a woman who was tempered by the fires of experience and came out stronger for it.

“Heather Rose,” her only love said, eyeing her closely.  

Casting her gaze on the others once more, she saw the signs of it in each of them.  Even Rory, the man who slit her throat and dumped her into the murky depths, carried himself like someone dangerous.  Like someone well intimate with violence.  

They weren’t new to the world.  No, they wore their gear with a casual comfort that came from living in it for long stretches.

As she took them in, Rory cleared his throat.  “I do believe this is the part where the lovely lady introduces herself.” 

“Oh, my apologies,” she snapped off.  The reflex was well engrained after years of adjusting to the new world.  “I am Kimbree di Numena.  A pleasure to meet you all.” 

“Kim?” Heather said, her voice barely a whisper. 

Kimbree froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond.  Lying wasn’t an option; not to Heather.  The problem was that she needed to maintain what little anonymity she still possessed.  If people on the council found out that she wasn’t the original Kimbree, it would open up the accusations of being Lilim all over again.  And knowing Rory was the hero…

The risks were too great.  She would be putting her life on the line, and Heather at risk all for selfish reasons.  Kimbree could just keep her mouth shut and pretend she hadn’t heard the question.  Yet, she knew herself well enough to know that she couldn’t do that to Heather.

“Yes?” She asked, damning herself.

Heather blinked, then looked towards Rory.  “Nevermind.” 

The deflection was impossible to miss, but Kimbree had to let it go.  Heather didn’t want to push with so many witnesses around either.  That was good, but it did mean she would be in for a far more difficult conversation the moment they had some privacy.  Was it worth it to keep her at a distance?  She needed to talk to Maester Chandler about the situation as soon as she could manage. 

“Hail mighty heroes!” Henry proclaimed, stepping up to the group.  

Beside him was his shadow, Joanne.  Vance had joined Maester Chandler beside them.  Gerard was hanging back, letting the younger Council members take point.  She hadn’t seen Kirkland much through the event, but knew he was around.  

“Such a journey you must have had!  Come!  We’ve prepared a banquet in your honor!” 

“Hold on now,” Joanne said smoothly, placing a hand on his arm.  “We still need to confirm their identity for everyone present.  It will inspire the people if they see proof that you are the heroes of legend now returned.” 

Rory grinned, holding up an arm which immediately began to glow with a blinding light that burned away every shadow nearby.  It felt like an itch that Kimbree couldn’t scratch to her magical senses.  She reached out with her control and tried to push into the radiant light, but any shadows she manipulated simply withered the moment they entered.  She considered attempting something more than the subtle probing, but that would only draw attention that she didn’t want nor need. 

“The Gauntlets of Dawn,” Rory declared.  “One of the relics left behind by the Hero who defeated Lilim.” 

The crowd cheered at the sight and it seemed to be enough of a display to placate the council.  Even Chandler seemed to accept it as proof, not that Kimbree needed the confirmation.  Just the sight of people from her past life was enough to know that someone had brought them to this world. 

“A worthy piece of proof indeed,” Vance said. 

“So it is,” Kimbree agreed. 

Henry was next to the hero, gripping his raised arm, drawing further cheers from the crowd.  The other members of his party kept their distance, though other members of the council were quick to draw them into conversation.  That left Kimbree enough space and distraction to get close to the Maester. 

“Chandler,” Kimbree hissed, grabbing his wrist.  “The Hero, that’s him.” 

“Yes?” Chandler answered, visibly confused.  “He does indeed seem to be the hero proper if the artefacts are genuine.” 

She shook her head.  “No, I have no doubts he’s genuine.  That’s him.  The man who killed me back on my world.” 

“Oh,” Chandler said, his expression darkening.  “That certainly complicates matters.” 

Kimbree forced some of the tension from her form, wringing her hands as she did.  “You’re telling me.  There’s more though.  The healer woman?  She’s my old girlfriend I told you about.” 

His head swiveled towards where Heather was reluctantly exchanging words with Joanne.  “Truly?” 

“Yeah,” she said, shoulders drooping.  “It took everything I had to not rush forward into her arms right then and there.” 

He nodded, offering her an understanding smile.  “Understandable, but wise of you to resist.” 

“What I want to know is how two people so intertwined with my old life are here now,” Kimbree said, biting her lip.  “Whoever summoned them had to know about my life.” 

“Or they used a runic formula that sought connections to you specifically,” Chandler said, stroking his chin as he mulled things over.  “We encountered such arrays in our research if you recall.” 

He was right, they had found sympathetic formulas for all sorts of magic over the years.  At first it had been to find a way back to Earth, but she lacked the connections necessary to force open a gateway.  Well, she could force one open, but it would require an immense infusion of energy.  Something she couldn’t readily accomplish with the magic she had at her disposal.  The one attempt she had made involved a major thunderstorm and a year of preparation. 

It hadn’t been enough, even when the array ate every bit of lightning that the storm could offer.  Made for one hell of a display though, and left a crater nearly a hundred feet deep.  She wasn’t eager to repeat the attempt, even with everything she had learned from it. 

“We should hurry,” Chandler said after a moment.  “Otherwise we will be late to the banquet you’re hosting for the heroes.” 

“Don’t remind me,” Kimbree said, forcing her fists to loosen.  “Just the idea that I’m going to be in that monster’s company for any length of time is going to test my restraint.” 

Chandler chuckled, moving to catch up with the others.  “I suppose it would.  Just remember that you’re not helpless this time.  If it comes down to it, you could fight.” 

“Not while he has those artefacts,” Kimbree muttered. 

“Is that so?  I’m not so certain of that,” Chandler said with a mischievous smirk.  “Those artefacts were advanced magic hundreds of years ago.  Something tells me we’ve improved on spell theory since those times.” 

That…

Was a damn good point actually.  Which meant she had some work to do. 

“Get me every book you can on the Heroes Relics and the Arrays that powered them. 

“Give me some credit,” Chandler said.  “I began gathering what I could the moment I learned that the heroes had come at last.” 

A beaming smile broke out on Kimbree’s face as she broke all propriety and hugged her friend.  “What would I do without you?” 

“Panic,” he said immediately, returning the hug.  “Then you would calm down and focus on solving the problem and come up with something incredible in the process.  All I have ever done is help smooth out the process for you.” 

Knowing better than to argue, she squeezed just a bit tighter before releasing the man.  Kimbree took a few quick steps before turning, offering the man a short bow as she did.  “And I will always be grateful for the help you’ve given me.” 

The panic at seeing her killer, and her girlfriend for that matter, was settling.  Kimbree didn’t quite have a plan yet in place, but she had the support she would need to come up with one.  The question was; what did she want to do about Rory Rogers?  He had once killed her, and now he was in a position where he could ruin the new life she was fighting for.  Just how far was she willing to go to make sure that he wouldn’t rob her of her life a second time?

That was a question she would need some time to consider.

First; she needed to feel Heather out.  There were many questions she had, like what the story of Kimberly’s disappearance was, and how Heather had taken it.  Five years was a long time, and Kimbree was hardly the same person that Heather had loved back then.  No doubt Heather was a different person too.  Would she still feel the same way?  Worse, what if she and Rory had grown close in their adventures together? 

That hesitance was the only thing that stayed her tongue, much as it pained her.  No, she couldn’t tell Heather, even if it caused future pain when she realized the lie.  Not until she knew the person she had become better.  Then, once she had proven herself enough, she could weather the fallout even if Rory threw out accusations of dark dealings. 

Because like it or not, she held Lilim’s full power, and maybe it was time for her to start using some of it.