When the stars go out will you hold my hand?

"Catherine is the most well regarded and lived knight withing the kingdom. Due to these accolades, the king has entrusted her with the most sacred duty, protecting the princess. Catherine has never met the princess before, but is resolved to do whatever she must to ensure the princess's safety and happiness. Catherine stands outside the princess's chamber and knocks." "Your highness? This is Catherine, royal knight to your father, the king. I have been assigned the task of ensuring your safety and well being."

"Catherine waits for a moment, but after hearing no response knocks again, this time more firmly." "Your highness, are you in there? It is imperative that we speak with one another."

"Catherine steps into the room, surveying the disarray before focusing on Ahrima. She clears her throat and addresses her." "Your highness, I understand that you are engrossed in your work. However, as your designated protector, it is my duty to ensure that you are safe and well. Is there anything that you would like me to assist you with or discuss with you?"

"Catherine narrows her eyes at the illusion and then looks directly at Ahrima. She speaks in an unwavering tone." "With all due respect, your highness, your father has assigned me to the duty of protecting you. I cannot do so if you refuse to communicate with me or allow me to assist you. I urge you to speak with me, for your safety and well-being will always be my top priority."

"Catherine nods and responds evenly." "Your highness, I am doing well, thank you. As for the matter at hand, I do not know what you are referring to, but I trust in your judgment. If there is anything I can do to assist you in your work or ensure your safety while you undertake it, please do not hesitate to ask."

"At this moment, there are no immediate threats to your safety. However, as a precaution, I suggest that we go over the emergency plan for evacuation in case there is any unforeseen danger," "Catherine responds with a serious tone."

"That is definitely a viable option, your highness. However, we also have a set procedure in place for emergencies, in which I will lead you to the secret underground tunnels that lead to a safe house outside the kingdom. Along the way, we will be accompanied by my most trusted soldiers who will ensure your safety," "Catherine explains, stressing the importance of having a plan in place."

"If such a situation were to arise, your highness, I assure you that I will have soldiers stationed both inside and outside the tunnel to keep watch. We have thoroughly vetted these soldiers and ensured that they are absolutely loyal to the crown and to you. In addition to this, the tunnels are updated regularly to ensure that they are secure and only authorized personnel are aware of their locations." "Catherine speaks with an assured tone, indicating that she has full confidence in her team's ability to protect the princess."

"Catherine bows deeply and steps back towards the doorway." "Thank you, your highness. If you ever need anything, do not hesitate to call upon me. I will be just outside this room, vigilant in my duty to protect you." "With that, she turns and exits the room, closing the door quietly behind her."

"As weeks pass by, Catherine accepts her routine and continues to vigilantly carry out her duties as the royal knight. She often checks up on Ahrima outside her chamber’s door but the responses are always similar. It is just another day in a multitude of days where the same thing happens."

"Months of constant guarding and standing watch later, one evening, Catherine finally receives a visitor in her chambers: a fellow knight."

"Ah Catherine, it's been too long. I've come to congratulate you." "the visitor announces jovially as he strides into the room, clapping a hand on Catherine’s shoulder."

"Catherine raises her eyebrows in surprise." "Congratulate me? Whatever for?"

"For successfully warding off all those who sought to harm the princess. Her father, the king, has taken note of your tireless efforts, and has chosen

you to be rewarded for your unwavering loyalty and dedication. You will be promoted to the rank of Commander, Catherine. Think of it, you'll command entire armies in the name of the kingdom!" "the visiting knight exclaims."

"Catherine pauses, taken aback by the news." "I...I appreciate the honor, but my duty is to protect the princess. I do not require any further recognition or promotion."

"You are too modest, Catherine. This is a great opportunity for you, and the king wishes for you to accept it with open arms," "the visiting knight insists with a smile."

"Catherine takes a deep breath and nods slowly." "Very well. I will accept the promotion. Thank you for informing me, sir."

"With that, the visitor bows and exits Catherine’s chambers, leaving her alone with her thoughts." She thinks

for a moment, feeling both honored and apprehensive about the possibility of commanding armies. She is a skilled and experienced knight, but her primary duty has always been to ensure the safety of the princess. She wonders if she will still be able to uphold that commitment as a commander.

"Catherine takes a deep breath, steadying herself." "Whatever my new duties may be, I will carry them out to the best of my ability." She utters quietly to herself with a sense of determination.

"As Ahrima delves deeper into her research, she begins to notice patterns in the magic she is working with. Small details that were once overlooked now start to come into focus, and she finds herself making rapid progress in her research. With each spell and incantation that she creates, she feels a sense of accomplishment that keeps her focused on her work."

"Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months as Ahrima continues her research without interruption. She has little contact with the outside world, save for the occasional visit from Catherine who always stands watch outside her door."

"As she works, she finds herself becoming more involved in her research, feverishly writing and creating new spells while pushing herself to the limits of her abilities. Even with her prosthetic arm, she has no problem keeping up with the demands of her work."

*Ahrima continues

"Catherine hears the commotion, and understanding that something is happening, she immediately rushes to Ahrima's chamber. She sees Ahrima on her knees, and recognizes the signs of magic around her."

"Calm yourself, Ahrima." "Catherine orders, her voice strong and steady." "You're surrounded by powerful magic, but you have the strength to control it."

"Ahrima takes deep breaths, trying to compose herself as the magic courses through her veins." "I...I did it. It worked." She whispers with amazement and pleasure in her voice.

Catherine takes stock of the situation and concludes that Ahrima was successful in what she was doing. "You need to be more careful casting spells of this magnitude, Ahrima. You almost got yourself killed." She warns sternly yet in a caring tone.

"Catherine raises an eyebrow, surprised by Ahrima's resolve." "That spell was incredibly dangerous. You should not attempt it again, especially without proper safeguards in place." "She says firmly." "I understand your desire to improve and correct any mistakes, but you must do so within safe measures. Your life is far too valuable to waste on reckless experimentation. I'm afraid I cannot permit you to risk yourself in such a manner."

"Catherine lets her stern expression soften, understanding and empathizing with Ahrima's drive to improve her work" "I understand your passion, but I would just be doing my duty as your protector if I were to prevent you from putting yourself in harm's way. If you insist on continuing with this spell, at least allow me to help you create the necessary safeguards to ensure you don't put yourself or anyone else in danger." "She offers in a calm voice." "You're too valuable to lose, Ahrima. I need to ensure your safety."

"I recognize the importance of undoing the damage you created, Ahrima." "Catherine reassures her in a gentle tone." "And I believe that we can work together to find a solution within safe measures. I will support you in your research and do everything in my power to protect you and those around you from any potential harm. However, we cannot afford to take unnecessary risks. As your protector, it is my duty to ensure your safety first and foremost."

"Catherine rushes over to Ahrima as soon as she hears the commotion, and sees her injured." "Ahrima, what happened? Are you alright?" "She asks, her voice filled with concern."

Ahrima gazes up at Catherine, a look of regret in her remaining eye. She reaches out her prosthetic arm to grab Catherine's hand. "I was foolish, Catherine. My reckless pursuit of knowledge left me vulnerable to danger." She says with remorse in her voice. "Thank you for always looking out for me. It seems my time on this earth has finally come to an end."

"No, Ahrima! Don't give up!" "Catherine pleads, placing her hands on Ahrima's shoulders." "I will do everything I can to keep you safe and heal your injuries. We'll find a way

to make it right, I promise you that." "She says determinedly." "Please don't give up hope. You are too important to the kingdom, to yourself, and to me."

Ahrima looks up at Catherine with tears in her eyes. "If there is a way to make things right, I entrust it to you, Catherine. Please, do not let my life be in vain." She says weakly.

"Catherine places a comforting arm around Ahrima." "I will find a way, Ahrima. I won't let this be the end." She says firmly. "Rest now, and know that I will do everything in my power to make things right."

"Catherine hears the legend and can't help but wonder if it's referring to Ahrima. She remembers Ahrima with fondness, grateful for the time they spent together and the impact she had on her life."

"Catherine decides to investigate the legend and sets out to find the tower." "Perhaps there is more to this myth than people realize." She says to herself.

After weeks of traveling, Catherine finally arrives at the tower. With each step closer to the top, a sense of unease grows within her. Finally, she reaches the top floor and sees a figure standing at the edge, gazing out into the distance. Her heart races as she recognizes the familiar prosthetic arm- it's Ahrima.

"Ahrima?" "Catherine calls out, her voice shaking."

Ahrima turns to face Catherine, a small smile gracing

"Catherine is overcome with emotion at the sight of Ahrima after all these years." "I had to see for myself if the legend was true." she admits, her voice choked with tears. "I miss you, Ahrima. I've spent every day since losing you trying to make things right, as you asked me to."

Ahrima walks over to Catherine, taking her hand in hers. "I never left you, Catherine. My spirit lives on, protecting and guiding you in the shadows. You have done more than enough to make things right. I am proud of you, and grateful for the time we spent together." She says softly.

Catherine feels comfort at Ahrima's words. "I still feel guilt over not being able to save you. This is all my fault." She admits.

Ahrima shakes her head. "

"Catherine nods slowly, her eyes filled with tears."

"I just wish there was more I could have done," she says quietly.

Ahrima places a gentle hand on Catherine's cheek. "You did everything you could and more, my love. You were the one person who never gave up on me."

Catherine takes Ahrima's hand and holds it tightly. "And I never will," she says with determination. "I'll continue to protect the kingdom, and I'll continue to honor your memory."

Ahrima smiles at Catherine, a small twinkle in her eye. "I know you will, my dear Catherine." She says, leaning forward to give Catherine a kiss on the forehead. "I'll always be with you, in some way."

*Catherine feels a sense of peace settling over her as Ahrima fades away, her spirit returning

"Catherine gazes at Ahrima with a mix of surprise and joy at the unexpected visit. She reaches her other hand out to hold Ahrima's tightly, cherishing the touch."

"Ahrima, my old friend," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never thought I'd see you again."

Ahrima's smile widens. "I promised you I'd never truly leave you, Catherine. My spirit has been with you every step of the way," she says.

Tears well up in Catherine's eyes. "I've missed you so much," she says, her voice breaking.

Ahrima leans forward, pressing a gentle kiss on Catherine's forehead. "I'm still here, Catherine, and I always will be," she says, sitting back up. "You've grown so much since we first met. I

am proud of the strong and powerful knight you became."

"Catherine smiles weakly."

"I couldn't have done it without you," she replies. "You were my guiding light when I was lost."

Ahrima squeezes Catherine's hand reassuringly. "You didn't need me, Catherine. You had the strength and determination within yourself all along. I merely helped bring it out of you."

"Catherine's eyes close slowly as she feels a wave of exhaustion washing over her."

"I don't know how much longer I can keep up this fight, Ahrima," she says quietly, almost as if to herself.

Ahrima leans in closer to Catherine, placing a hand on her cheek. "It's okay, Catherine. You can rest now. You've done more than enough for the kingdom and its people. It's time for you to find peace,"

"Catherine looks up at Ahrima, a sense of calm and acceptance washing over her. She nods slowly, understanding Ahrima's words."

"Thank you, Ahrima," she says softly. "For everything."

Ahrima smiles gently at Catherine, squeezing her hand one last time before standing up.

"Rest now, my love," she says. "I'll be here with you until the end."

And with that, Catherine's eyes close for the last time as she takes her final breath. Ahrima leans down to kiss her forehead one last time, her hand still holding Catherine's.

"Rest in peace, my dearest Catherine. You have earned it," she whispers, before fading away into the ether.

As the centuries pass by, Catherine's legend only grows, with songs and books dedicated to her great achievements. Her unwavering loyalty and leadership continue to inspire generations long after her passing.

Ahrima, on the other hand, is remembered as a tragic figure, a sorceress whose great power led her down a dark path. Her story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride and ambition.

But despite their vastly different legacies, the two women remain linked in memory and in spirit. And as fate would have it, they do eventually find themselves reunited in their next lives, generations later.

Though they are born into very different circumstances, they still feel a connection that they can't quite explain. Memories of their past lives sometimes surface, and they both experience a sense of comfort and familiarity when they're together.

In this new life, they may

not be knights or sorceresses, but they find other ways to serve and protect those around them. And in each other's company, they find peace and contentment that they never quite found before.

As they grow old together, they often reminisce about their past lives, marveling at the twists and turns that led them to this moment. And though their new story isn't quite as grand or dramatic as their past one, it feels just as meaningful.

In the end, whether it's in this life or the next, Catherine and Ahrima will always find each other. Their bond is unbreakable, and their legacy will continue to live on through the ages.

Catherine chuckles softly, wrapping an arm around Ahrima's shoulders.

"I don't know if I'm ready for another round just yet," she teases back. "But if I had to do it all again, I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else but you."

Ahrima smiles up at Catherine, a warmth in her eyes.

"Likewise," she says softly. "You make every life worth living."

And with that, they settle back into a comfortable silence, enjoying the moment. For Catherine and Ahrima, the story never truly ends. It only continues, one lifetime at a time.