“First things first.”

Megumi reached down to start slicing ropes.

“You called to me, didn’t you, child?”

The sobbing little dragon stopped observing her release to peer up with reddened eyes.

“Me?”

The difficulty of cutting using ungroomed talons was affecting Megumi’s crest feathers. They fluttered randomly whenever her neck tensed. One plume kept drifting annoyingly into view, and blowing at it didn’t help. Surely, she looked ridiculous.

“My Lady, it was us, your most faithful …”

Megumi didn’t bother looking over or questioning the ‘remembered’ name.

“Mister Gandu Zhon, you may speak when I’ve given you leave.”

The little dragon gaped at the stern retort and ensuing silence.

“Your Ladyship, I …”

“You needn’t distance yourself, little dear. Please say, ‘My Lady’.”

“But … I’ve been condemned. My entire family …”

Megumi’s heart ached. Somehow, she knew.

“They’re all gone, aren’t they? Because of me.”

“No, my Lady,” the girl shook her head vigorously. “Please don’t blame yourself.”

“And with you only what … twenty-two? You look like an adolescent girl ready for Academy.”

Megumi was getting increasingly proficient at using her new mental database. She prayed it remained accessible and accurate. The information was proving a huge advantage.

Oh, to retain this dream perk back in real life.

“Twenty-four, my Lady. I was accepted into Central Yu School two years ago as a student mage. We were imprisoned a ten-day before I was to leave town for my first start of term.”

Two years younger than me but effectively a middle-schooler.

One more rope and the girl would be free. Free to face a completely different prison.

“Your name has been taken away, too. Hasn’t it?”

The little dragon nodded morosely. “They call me ‘Non’.”

“As in ‘nothing’.”

Another sad nod.

Megumi had a sudden thought. Dream or not, she was taking control. Objections be damned. The key to fixing her own life was to demand changes even in her own mind.

“Then I shall grant you a new name. Would you like that?”

“My Lady? Oh, yes please!”

Megumi couldn’t resist a sudden, mischievous suggestion.

“Pepper?”

“Ah,” the girl’s feathers ruffled in disappointment.

“It’s a strong name,” Megumi teased. “Mighty heroes have been named ‘Pepper’.”

“My Lady …”

“No? Then, how about ‘Pei’?”

“Pei …” the girl pondered dreamily before nodding. “Mmm!”

Pei – something about that just felt right.

“I will also find you a new family.”

“Truly?” Pei’s orange eyes glittered with hope.

“I promise.”

Megumi decided to take it one step further. She gathered Pei to her side.

“And until then, I will be your family.”

Soft gasps whispered from below.

No point in backing down now. Megumi’s ‘memories’ knew how to make it official.

“The Great Lady of Darkness and Secrets has spoken!”

Before anyone could protest, Megumi barreled forward.

“And now, all rise!”

She raised her hands in a stately motion, palms upward, and declared.

“Time to reward my faithful followers!”

Megumi remained seated as Pei snuggled against her. The three-dozen plant-folk stood and removed their all-enveloping, black cloaks.

“Now, let’s see what each of you requires. It’s easiest if …”

Megumi had to stop and stare. She quickly consulted her mental files, confirming the glaring fashion disaster before her.

“Ms. Suen Xinying, what are you wearing?”

The young woman in question was at the mercy of a hideous conglomeration of gaudy, multi-colored strips of fabric cobbled together into a monstrosity posing as a one-piece dress. Her stylish figure, radiantly green face, and verdant hairdo bursting with little white flowers should have made any outfit look good. Anything but this abomination.

“My Lady! I’m so glad you noticed! This is the latest fashion from the Imperial court. I was told …”

Quiet snickering fluttered about the room.

“I … I’ve been tricked, haven’t I? Which one of you … My Lady, you know, don’t you?”

Megumi sensed a test of her authority and divine profile commencing.

Out in the hallway, the lurking shadow shifted.

You’re determining my worthiness, aren’t you?

So be it.

“Ms. Suen, I’m afraid I’ve been formally entrusted with plans and identities. You must know the Lady of Secrets always honors a sacred pact.”

“But …”

Her lovely face was wilting under the smug scorn and indifference directed at her.

Megumi knew – if she wanted to help, cleverness would be essential. She’d already flaunted convention once, for good reason. Not this time.

“A lovely little game was played, and I’m afraid you’ve lost. Fun was had at your expense. Now, you could dwell upon it and seek revenge. I have full faith you can root out the truth, even against my divine protection. It’s your choice. How important is it to you?”

The woman perked up.

“My choice …”

Almost there.

“So, my friend, the question is not what I will do. What will you do?”

After a moment’s consideration, Ms. Suen proudly lifted her tiny head.

“I’d like to request a new, reliable water source on behalf of my grandfather and our shrine.”

Success!

Take that, lurking shadow person!

Megumi smiled at the lady’s pluck.

I’ll need a similar attitude when I wake up.

“Of course. I have just the thing in mind. But first, please indulge me.”

Megumi had discovered memories of an extremely powerful ability to create things (within limits). A small-scale trial was in order.

With a flourish of her hand, a suitable ‘memory’, and a pinch of modern style …

*CREATION*

“Oh, that’s the loveliest dress I’ve ever seen!” Ms. Suen gazed in admiration at the resplendent pink robe floating above her. “Is it for me?”

“Absolutely. Perhaps an exchange?”

“Yes, please!”

One last hand wave and the gown was fitting Ms. Suen’s lithe form beautifully.

Score one for the former high school fashion queen!

“And just in case you find yourself in the Imperial City …”

A few appreciative chuckles followed as Megumi conjured a box to hide the monstrosity.

“Now, Ms. Suen, let’s give your temple something amazing called an ‘ever-flowing spring.”