Virtually Real Chapter 78: The Rush for Answers
Having unexpectedly unleashed a horror on the world the group rushes to put a stop to it.
Virtually Real Chapter 78: The Rush for Answers.
"You, remove the metal bands from your wrists and legs. Now!"
"I can't. They are some strange relic things. They don't do anything except get in the way. Trust me if I could get them off I would." I was lying of course. No way was I going to remove my armor.
"We could cut them off. His hands and feet." The guard said to a second one.
"Fool, she likes her toys to be able to run and think they can fight back. You maim him and it'll be you in there entertaining the crowd."
"You're right they're small so inconsequential. Go get the rest of the troop. We need to move these two."
"Bear, any idea what is going on?" I asked.
"We're being moved to the main arena. I've never been there, but I can tell you no one survives. I've only been here a few days, but everyone that has returned from the arena finds some way to kill themselves. Whatever we have to face, if it doesn't kill us we'll kill ourselves so we don't have to face it again."
"Silence!" The guard yelled.
I was tempted to fight, but until I knew Jordan's situation I didn't want to activate my armor. We were marched down a dark tunnel for about ten minutes and then shoved into a cage.
"If you're going to make us fight something you could at least provide weapons and some armor." Bear yelled.
"This isn't a fight it's an execution." The guards started pulling on ropes and the cage began to rise.
"Prowl! Get out of here! We're not safe escape with- Oh no!" Jordan thought.
I glanced around and found him tied up inside the royal box. "Yeah a little late for that. They didn't hurt you did they?"
"No, I'm pretty sure they drugged me."
I noticed the young man in the box talking to Jordan.
"Citizens! In the cage are two fighters without a master. They are here because they murdered their master the noble Deveroux. Now they shall stand witness as other criminals are dealt with. Once the Mistress of Death has had her fill they shall be released so that she might play." The crowd cheered the announcer’s words.
"I'm sorry. This is all my fault." Jordan mentally cried. "This bastard holding me is the current crown prince. I get the feeling he killed all the legitimate heirs."
"Jordan, I know I'm some distance away but he looks like-". My mind froze as a giant door opened and a rex entered. It was covered in bone armor; human bone armor and glistening jewels. She turned and of all things dipped her head to the crown prince.
"Oh God! Prowl, he's a trainer and that nightmare is his partner animal. He's like me!" Jordan mentally screamed. “Get out of there.”
"Jordan, I hate to say this, but I think he may be your half-brother."
"No!"
"Our first contestant, a member of the glass blowers guild, has been causing trouble for . . . Oh! It seems Mistress Death was hungry today."
Jordan's mind had shut down. I didn't have to mentally contact him to know that much. The little bastard had to have known that had been Jordan's father. I hit the side of the cage with all of my might.
"Would you look at that? One of the condemned wants to escape already. And after only the first event. Place your bets now on when the animal breaks."
I wasn't trying to get away. I was furious that Jordan had been hurt like that. Screw my weapons, I was going to rip that rex to pieces with my bare claws!
"Next up, is the city clean-up. Bring in the orphans and unwanted. They are always so energetic in their escape attempts."
"When the cage breaks, run for the wall. When you get there make yourself as small as possible. I will not be taking any more innocents today."
"What are you going to do against that?"
"Me? Nothing. I am not allowed to interfere. Prowl however is going to kill that insignificant animal that dares to call itself my mistress."
The cage exploded. I was in full armor. No it was more than just armor I was bigger and stronger. I was covered in a black cloak and hood and I was holding a sickle. "I am death incarnate and you are nothing but an animal." I held the sickle aloft. “I call upon the heavens transform the Reaper’s scythe into the Blade of Jahar.” The sickle transformed into a long sword.
The rex took a step back. Was she really unnerved? It wouldn't save her. She was about to die. Whether by my hand or by some other trick of fate Death had spoken. I pointed and the next moment I found myself standing on her back thousands of feet above the arena falling fast.
The rex was struggling I ran the end of the sword in a spiral around her from tail to neck. She snapped at me but I'd jumped away I didn't know how but I slashed the main arteries in the legs. The arena was about to be showered in blood. I jumped again. I was falling upward? It was strange I felt like I was going up then starting to fall again and I jumped again. I was on the ground next to Bear. I grabbed him and jumped. I was in the prince's box. I grabbed him and flung him out into the arena. The crowd gasped as he screamed. I spared a glance. His leg was obviously broken. The cloak and sword vanished and I collapsed. I tried to breath. The armor felt too confining. I was getting weaker I ordered it off and I was once again dressed only in my undergarment and leather skirt.
"Bear, free Jordan please. He's my commander making him yours as well."
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"I will be when I recover."
“Prowl? What happened? How did you escape that rex?”
“Um, honestly I’m not sure. It was like someone else was guiding all my actions. And I moved . . . without moving. I’m not sure how to explain it, yet.”
“Where’s the crown prince?”
“Oh, Prowl tossed him out into the arena.” Bear said pointing.
"I'm glad you didn't kill him at least. Oh? It's starting to rain?" Jordan said, as he got to his feet.
“Um, you’re not going to believe this but I can’t seem to move.”
"Probably exhausted yourself. You, help me get inside." Jordan laughed.
I felt a bit humiliated as Bear lifted me and started to drag me to the back toward the box entrance. I was supposed to protect Jordan and here I was unable to even move.
"It's just a little rain and we're under a cover." Bear said, as we passed the stone doorway.
"It's not rain. Rain isn’t red.” Jordan said looking out in horror.
There was another scream, then a sound that I couldn't even describe as a ton of flesh hit the ground at more than terminal velocity.
Jordan slowly turned away from scene. "How?"
"I don't know. One moment we were on the ground the next we were high up in the air.”
"It was like he was another person." Bear said shakily.
"Death?"
"As much as I'd like to blame it on someone else, and I believe he loaned me the powers I used, it was me. Something dark was set free when I saw how you had been hurt. And with his guidance and power, I . . ."
"Good. Both of those monsters got what they deserve." Jordan spat.
I could tell he was still hurting. "No, wait until you have time to process and mourn."
"You don't understand. I've lost my father, mother, and a half-brother almost all at the same time. He told me how the king had taken my mother as a slave. He wanted her powers for his heir. She died giving birth but the king got his wish. Now you’ve taken it from him and I’m glad. He wasn’t my brother, or a true tamer, he was just a monster with a powerful weapon."
"Jordan, I've been sent to take you before the King. All the other guards are too afraid." Captain Louis said quietly, as he approached.
"Don't be afraid Captain. Right now I'd lose to Truffle if he attacked me. It seems there is a heavy cost in borrowing power from a primal entity."
"And the deer?"
"I've submitted to master Prowl. I go where he goes."
"You what?" Jordan snarled.
"He submitted to my authority after I broke his horns off."
"If you truly are Master's superior then I submit to you as well Master Jordan."
"That’s all there was to it?" Jordan asked.
"Yeah, what were you thinking? That I had my dirty way with dominating him?" I asked.
"Don't be disgusting."
"You did think that, didn't you?" I laughed.
"I won't even dignify that with an answer. Bear was it? Help you master stay on his feet and moving. Captain Louis is one of the few soldiers we can trust."
***
It didn't take long to reach the throne room. As best I could tell the King’s box had a direct connection to the castle. By the time we got there I was able to walk in and stand before the king, but it was from stubbornly not wanting to appear weak. I just hoped I could remain standing.
"Guards, take the animal out and dispose of it. We can't have a beast that killed a noble not be punished." The King ordered.
"Respectfully, your highness, any guard that tries will die quicker than the noble I killed. Sure I used a piece of my servant's antler to do it, but I'd already broken them off and forced him to submit to my will."
"You're confessing to killing a noble?" The king asked in a level tone, but his face gave away his surprise.
"I warned him not to force me to fight, but he didn't listen."
"Ah yes, the Captain here reported that you give a single warning before killing my men."
"Most of the time that is true. I'll be honest I'm not sure if I warned the prince's pet before I killed her. That fight was a blur of anger. Still, of the three individuals I’ve killed two were definitely warned and the third may have been."
"Three? It seems to be a lot more than that." The King said, coldly.
"There was the Commander that was threatening Jordan, The Noble that wanted to make me his slave, and the Prince’s Rex."
A man stepped from behind the curtains at the side of the throne. "There was a trooper at the encounter where you killed the Outpost Commander. The man you maimed did survive however."
"The trooper was killed by the Commander." I pointed out.
"In your next encounter you killed a legion of soldiers, a squad of specially trained troopers, and we're still not sure what you did to the Commander."
The King waved his hand and the ice block containing the Commander was dragged in.
"And how, exactly, did I accomplish something like that?" I asked, pointing at the ice block.
"It is likely through forbidden relic use." The King stated.
"I can attest that Prowl had nothing to do with that incident. I was at his side and watched as some sort of giant wolf did that." Captain Louis reported.
"You expect his majesty to just accept your word?" The official asked.
"You admit the death of the noble so how do you explain what you did in the arena? You and that monster vanished only to reappear high in the sky. Our far seers reported you moving over the rex slicing it creating a blood rain and then vanishing again as it continued to fall. You reappeared in the royal box tossing the prince into the arena. Knowing he was going to be killed." The King stated.
"No, he could have dragged himself away. He chose not to move. Therefore he died of stupidity." I pointed out.
"And the relic powers you used?"
I blinked. Jordan and Bear were holding me up I could tell my nose was bleeding. I coughed and blood splattered on the floor. "Did a memory surface?" I coughed again, but no blood this time thankfully.
"It was that thing inhabiting you. It told the king that he was the one that took control of you. To prove he was death he pointed at the one holding the records and the man fell over dead." Jordan mentally explained.
"I don't think he can actually kill that way. It's a good bet the record keeper had a fear induced heart attack, rather than Reaper actually killing him." I thought back.
"It would appear killing you is out of the question however-"
The King said, as if I wasn’t still bleeding and his advisor wasn’t dead on the floor.
"You have an agreement not to harm Jordan's friend Swan. I am pledged to defend Jordan with my life, and Bear here now belongs to me. I would suggest we just forget about everything before this moment and focus on the fact that Jordan has retrieved a relic power source and the key to the vault you want to get into so badly."
"You really found a way to open the vault?" It was the first time I actually heard excitement in the King’s voice.
"Yes your highness. That is why we are here." Jordan said.
"Guards prepare my coach. Also find the servant named Swan. If Jordan fails she will be executed."
"Your highness, as much as I want Swan free and to get this over with, I ask that we set off in the morning. With the earlier events, we need to rest." Jordan suggested.
"He has a point my Lord. The city is going to be in an uproar over the death of the crown prince. Your time today might be better served choosing another of your son's to be the new heir?" Captain Louis said, as politely as I'd ever heard him speak.
"Hmm, you may be right. Still summon Swan. She will be serving Jordan tonight. Put the mercenary and his slave in the room next door." Then the King waved for us to leave.
"Why would he order Swan to attend to me?" Jordan thought loudly enough that I was able to hear it.
"I just indirectly killed his heir. One with your taming ability. He probably knows you can't go home, so if you two have a child, they will eventually be taken as tribute and he'll have a second chance at adding that trait to his bloodline."
Jordan stumbled just a little, but acted like he hadn't really been affected by that news. "That isn't going to happen." He thought.
He immediately blocked me so I wasn't sure what he was thinking, and I wasn't sure I wanted to.
***
It took some convincing, but eventually I was able to get Bear into the bed with me, for rest only. I wasn't sure how the king was going to react when he discovered the vault didn't have anything of use in it. So being well rested if we had to make a rapid escape was for the best.
The next day we made the trip to the vault. It was surprisingly close to the capital and I had to wonder how many years adventurers had been trying to open it.
“Prowl, did you get any sleep?” Jordan thought.
“Eventually. Didn’t you?”
_ _
“No.”
_ _
“Ah, busy with Swan all night.”
_ _
“Not in the way you’re thinking. I mean she wanted to and tried to seduce me several times but I . . . It just wasn’t happening. Eventually she decided it was just because I was under so much stress, but . . . Is there something wrong with me?”
_ _
“No, it could have been the stress.”
_ _
“It wasn’t the stress. It was . . . something else.”
_ _
“I think I understand. Don’t worry about it. There is nothing wrong with you.”
_ _
“Thanks, we’d better focus on the vault for now. Any more conversation can wait until afterward.”
The vault itself was about the size of a safe room. Its size was easy to gauge since the building around it had been torn down. I studied it carefully and came to the conclusion that Xenonc wouldn't have been able to open it since all the wires had been cut.
"I need something to pry this open with." I mumbled.
"Jordan! I thought you said his knowledge of relics was the key. Hundreds have tried to pry that door open." He king shouted.
Regardless one of the guards handed me a shovel while laughing quietly.
I looked at the king, smirked, and pried off the code panel. "Jordan, the battery please." He handed me the battery and I studied it carefully. "Your highness, are you sure you want this opened? This device only has enough power to open the door. I won't be able to close it again." I lied.
"Do it! No matter what is inside it must be valuable."
"As you wish." I hooked up the battery and both the keypad and hand scanner activated. I really hoped whoever froze me in time had programmed this vault to open for me. I placed my palm on the scanner and it started to tingle then sting, and finally burn as I held it there. Then the door slid open and I pulled my hand away. I looked at my palm as the burning started to decrease. The bumps and ridges were changing. The only thing I could think was that my healing had changed my palm to match what the reader wanted.
"Your highness, the door is open. I have completed my duty. If you would honor yours." Jordan requested.
The King threw a scroll at him. "Yes, yes, you're both free." He said, as he marched toward the open door.
I went to remove the battery but it was gone. All I could think was that Xenonc had someone else working for him among the King's guard. I looked around real quick and the only one I could tell was missing was the one that handed me the shovel.
"Jordan, we need to leave now! In the confusion someone stole the battery and when the king realizes there is nothing of value in there we're going to be in trouble." I thought.
"Why are you standing there? Swan and I have been on the move since the moment the king gave us our freedom." Jordan mentally yelled.
"Bear, let’s go. I said grabbing his arm."
I didn't see Jordan as we lost ourselves among the ruins in the area, but my headset was tracking him so I set off on a parallel route. We met up well out of the soldier’s visual range.
"How did you lose the battery?" Jordan asked.
I didn't lose it, it was taken. I think Xenonc played us and had another agent in the King's ranks."
Jordan pulled out the communications device. "Xenonc, do you have the battery?"
"Yes Jordan. Thank you for delivering the one thing I needed to complete my mission to your planet. The annihilation of humanity. Goodbye Jordan."
I grabbed the communicator, activated my armor and turned away from everyone. The blast wasn't large but if it hadn't been directed away, only Jordan and I would have survived.
"After everything I can't believe he just did that." Jordan said frowning.
"I'm pretty sure I know where he's going." I growled angrily.
"We've got to stop him." Swan announced. "He said he plans on killing everyone and now that I'm finally free I'm not giving it up."
"We'll go after it, but you're returning to the village. Your family is waiting for you. I've already freed the village from further tribute so you'll be safe there." Jordan told her.
"Are you coming home as well?" She asked.
"No. I've been exiled."
"Then I'm not going back either. I'm staying with you."
"Swan, you have a life and people who love you there." Jordan said, noticeably rolling his eyes.
"I have you and that's all I need." Swan insisted.
"We are friends, good friends, but that is all."
Swan looked confused. "Have you found someone else?"
"Yes. Prowl-".
I felt my heart start to race.
"Can you escort Swan back to the village? I know your armor has mapping abilities so even though you were unconscious you'll be able to get there and back."
"I guess, but I want to get my weapons first."
"I'll send Saber with them. He'll travel with you while we prepare to go after Xenonc."
"Understood." I said, doing my best not to feel disappointed. I could only imagine Swan felt the same way.
We separated and walked for several hours. "I don't need an escort. I'm a trained hunter after all." Swan said angrily.
"Only a fool would travel alone." I pointed out.
"Jordan used to."
"He has Saber."
"You'll be traveling back on your own."
"It seems I'm never alone. However that is different. Besides I won't be alone I'll have Saber with me."
"Saber will eat you the first chance he gets."
"Not a chance. He's just a big kitten at heart. Aren't you Saber?"
"I should bite you for that." Saber said, coming out of the trees. "I resent being used as a pack animal."
"I understand, let me lighten your burden."
"You . . . You talk to him just like Jordan does."
Saber grinned, like a human would, showing off all his sharp teeth.
"Of course I do. I mean it would be rude to ignore him when he talks to me."
"That's not possible. Only Jordan has that skill. Unless . . . unless there was a way to . . . There is a village on the road. We should stop there." She said, suddenly changing the subject.
It wasn’t like Jordan could pass on his ability to communicate with animals through sex like I had with my healing ability. Otherwise the King would have had the ability as well. Unless it only worked through same sex encounters? No, that didn’t make sense either. Whatever Swan had been thinking it couldn’t have been that. "It's a day and a half journey to the next village."
"Not if you pick up the pace." She yelled, as she sprinted ahead.
"Why are females so difficult to understand?" Saber asked.
"I have enough trouble understanding everyone right now to focus only on her." I replied, wondering if Jordan told her there was someone else to make her return to the village, or if he meant Rider or myself.
Saber was able to keep pace with her and I didn’t fall too far behind. I was able to continue tracking her with my headset at least. I reached the village by sunset.
"I'm not able to enter so I'll keep a watch out here."
Saber informed me. “Swan is already inside.”
"Yeah I have her location and will be joining her." I stumbled into the inn and looked around. Swan was seated at a table eating.
"It's about time you made it. I've gotten us rooms and dinner. So eat up. The sooner I get home the better."
I sat and tasted what was in the bowl. It seemed every inn served the same disgusting gruel, only this time I didn't have the spices to make it palatable. Still I needed the energy.
"What does he see in you?"
"Huh?"
"Jordan, what does he see in you? You're slow, unintelligent, unattractive, and male." Swan said darkly.
I really didn't feel like getting into it with her, but that hurt. I shrugged. "What makes you think he has feelings for me? After all he sent me to escort you leaving him and our other traveling companion Rider plenty of alone time. Now, you are tired, upset, and feeling rejected so I'm not going to hold what you said against you. However, if this is what you are actually like Jordan dodged a bullet by sending you back to your village."
I woke suddenly. “The damn bitch poisoned me!" I growled. At least she, or someone had dragged me to my room.
"Prowl, wake up." Saber insisted.
"I am awake. What is it?"
"It’s about time. Swan is headed back to find Jordan. She smells very angry."
"Shit."
I activated my armor in its stealth mode and slipped out of the inn. I ran for the gate only to find it closed. She had another way out, or she had bribed a guard to let her out. I scanned the palisades for an escape and the armor activated claws allowing me to scale the wall like a cat. There wasn't any traps so the village must be protected primarily by troops from the city.
I ran in the direction the marker indicated Saber was going. I needed to be faster. I tried to increase my speed. I wasn't gaining. Swan was angry and feeling rejected. It was possible she was planning to hurt Jordan. I tried to run faster and the sensation of getting bigger returned.
I was making progress Saber had appeared on my long range sensors. I needed to go faster. I felt a change again. I was closer to the ground running on four legs instead of two. What was I? I wasn’t sure but I had an idea. I was once human modified into a weapon for one purpose: to protect humanity from Xenonc. Swan was putting my mission a risk. I doubled my speed and this time I could tell I was moving faster.
I passes Saber and he didn't seem to notice me. I guess the armor's stealth still worked even in this form. I passed Swan she now had a bow, arrows, short sword, and spear. I got in front of her and straitened up. I must have changed because I was able to stand on two legs once more. She slammed into me and fell back onto the ground stunned.
"Jordan gave me an order and I'm not going to let him down."
"So you do everything Jordan orders?"
"Yes, he saved my life so I owe him that."
"I bet you even bend over and moan like a good little whore for him as well. That's why you can hear Saber."
I had to stop myself from immediately agreeing with her statement. "I can hear Saber because he likes me and wanted me to hear him. I bet he would have talked to you as well, if you weren't such a jealous bitch."
"You know that's not true. I can only talk to you because there is something special about you."
"Saber agrees with me. You're Jordan's first and best friend, you should be happy for him. He risked his life several times over to free you and your village and what does he get in return? Scorn, ridicule, and hate just because he doesn’t feel the same about you as you feel about him. Having met members of your family I'd have thought you would be better than that."
"You're in love with him." Swan yelled.
"I . . . Yes, I am. However he hasn't given any indication, as far as I've been able to tell, that he feels the same about me. And I can live with that because he is my friend. If he’s chosen to be with you it would have hurt, but I’d have still been happy for both of you because I love him and I only want what is best for him.”
"I . . ."
"Or are you acting like this because you just want to possess him since he is an outsider and you want to change him to show everyone they are wrong and you're right?"
"I love him and he will be mine no matter what!" She sprang forward with the short sword drawn.
My armor easily deflected the blow. She wasn't as lucky as the shock prod in my staff knocked her out.
"Now you have to carry her." Saber scoffed.
"Easier carrying her than listening to her."
"She doesn't know what she's talking about. You're none of the thigs she said about you. You're not slow having outrun me, you're smart and Brother has said that often. He also doesn't think you're unattractive. I guess she was right about one thing you are male."
Going back to the village was no longer an option. No way were we going to be able to get back in. I walked a few more miles beyond there and settled for the rest of the night. I went through my pack but it seemed Jordan emptied it of everything except some food and my weapons. Likely to make it easier for Saber to get it to me fast. Not that it mattered the only thing I really had was the chain and that wasn't going to be effective without something to attach it to. It just meant a few sleepless nights for me.
"You should sleep. I can take the first watch. If she wakes up I'll lay on her legs so she can't get up."
"Okay, but wake me when the moon is directly overhead."
Saber nodded, but just to be sure I set my headset to wake me for my turn to watch. When it did go off I woke up to find Swan pointing my blaster at my face.
"Good, now that you are awake you're going to lead me to whatever hide out Jordan is in. If you don't I'll kill you."
"She wasn't going anywhere so I figured as long as all she was doing was wasting her energy it was good for us." Saber said.
"It's the middle of the night. Make yourself comfortable and get some sleep. I'm taking this watch."
"I'm going to kill you if you don't do as I say." Swan yelled.
”Honestly, she’d have been better threatening me with her own weapons. I wonder if this is why Jordan sent only my blaster and rifle." I thought.
"No, the revolver was extra weight and you wouldn't need it as long as you had your lightning weapons." Saber answered.
"No. Jordan couldn't have known how crazy you are. Hell, if he hadn't promised Heron and your grandfather that you'd get home safely I'd have left you in that village."
"I gave you enough sleeping powder that you should still be asleep."
I laughed. "I heal fast making me immune."
"No one is immune."
"Maybe you should have gotten to know me before going all psycho. I'm a relic. As best I can tell I was experimented on and turned into a weapon. Then I was put to sleep until Jordan woke me. You can give me back my blaster. It won't function for you."
"You don't really expect me to believe that do you?"
"So far it has only worked for two people, Jordan and me. Pull the trigger and find out."
"I need you alive to lead me to the place Jordan is hiding."
"Why? So he can tell you to your face he doesn't love you in the way you want him to?"
"What makes you think you know how I want him?"
"Just shoot me already. I don't want to hear about how you love him and want to have his babies."
"Don't talk about him like that. He is pure and innocent. I'm the only one he would ever think about."
I started laughing and even Saber let out a chuff of laughter. I'd done my best to let her keep only good memories of Jordan, but it was time to wake her up to reality.
"Listen little hunter girl, I already told you Jordan has gotten over his boyhood crush on you."
"It wasn't a crush it was always more than that it was a deeper love."
"Deeper? I bet it wasn't as deep as when he was moaning and stretching my throat. He even admitted it was his first time when we were sharing a hot bath together and he was washing my back."
"Lier!"
"You see these bracelets? Do you think it's just a coincidence Jordan is wearing a similar set? You know why he sent Saber and me to take you home? Because he assumed once you realized I could talk to Saber you'd realize that the connection that I have with him is stronger than you ever had." I took my blaster from her trembling hands. She’d been pulling the trigger for some time with no effect. "And it's that bond we have that lets him use my weapons. No one else in the world can."
"You realize Jordan wouldn’t have approved of you saying those things?" Saber asked.
"I had to force her to accept that Jordan was out of her life and she needs to start over. She can go home, Jordan can't." I thought to him.
Swan stood up and started walking.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going home, just like you wanted. I don't need either of you to escort me. Just leave me. Maybe I'll get lucky and be eaten."
"Not going to happen. I told Jordan I'd get you home safely and that is what I'm going to do."
"I hate you."
"Good. Doesn't change the fact that Jordan has fond memories of you. That's why I'm not going to tell him about any of this drama."
"So you're going to lie to him?"
"Absolutely not. I'm not even sure I can lie to him, and I'm not going to test it. I'm simply not going to tell him and I'm going to hope he doesn't ask."
"Do you really do love him."
I paused for some time. "I can't be certain. Because of what was done to me there is a lot of things I can't be sure of. However there is a part of me that says yes, I love him."
"You’re both sick."
We continued walking until sunrise. We would be within the village’s hunting territory by late afternoon if we didn't stop. Though the way she was going, I expected Swan to only stop if she was completely unable to continue forward.
***
"Prowl, you haven't slept have you?"
I was still walking, but in a dazed state. We needed to stop if I was beginning to imagine Jordan speaking to me.
"Prowl, you’ve nearly reached the outer hunting camp for the village’s territory. I'm ordering you to stop."
"Can't. Swan isn't exhausted yet. If I try to stop, can't complete Jordan's promise to return her safely. I know you're just reason telling me that I need to stop and that next I'm likely to start seeing things, but I must fulfil Jordan's promise. That is the most important thing."
"Prowl! I'm not in your mind. I discovered the armors can communicate with each other just like Xenonc was able to do with the relic I was carrying."
"Jordan?" I asked.
"Yes. You don't really think you are required to take on the burden of every promise I've ever made, do you?"
I thought about it, but the answer was an immediate yes. But I couldn't let him know that. It would be one thing if he felt for me as I did for him, but until that time I couldn’t.
"My God! You do think that. Prowl, that is very noble, but you can't do that."
"You placed Swan in my care, that means your promises to her brother, father, and grandfather are my promises because I agreed to escort her."
"I . . . okay maybe you have a point, but you're not going to be any good to anyone if you're to the point where you think you're hearing voices."
I sighed. "Swan. We need to stop here and get some rest."
"Fuck you." She yelled back at me.
"What did you do?" Jordan asked.
I considered lying, but even if he never wanted to talk to me again I couldn't do that to him. "She kept trying to run away in order to get to you. So . . . I told her you thought of her as a friend and that's it. She refused to believe that."
"That wouldn't warrant that sort of reaction."
"I woke up and she was pointing my blaster at my head demanding I guide her to you so she could make you love her."
"That wouldn't do her any good."
"I know, but I had to do something to convince her that her future was in the village rather than chasing you."
"I think I know where this is going."
"I lied and told her you loved me and we were in a relationship. She demanded proof. I reminded her that we are both wearing the armor bands physically showing our connection and the reason I can speak with Saber is our spiritual connection. Thankfully the blaster only functions for the two of us or I'd have been a charred mess. The good news is she's going to the village like we want. The bad news is she hates me and the worst news is she's turned it into a death march."
"HALT"
"Ah crap, it's Heron again." I muttered.
"No, this could be a good thing. Heron is her little brother. Convince them to work together and the promise will be fulfilled."
"I'll try."
"Listen to me, you are forbidden to enter this territory!" Heron yelled as Swan kept walking.
"Shut up you little snot. I don't want to deal with any more stupid males today. Either run get your Hunt Master or leave me alone."
"Swan! I hate to tell you this, but he is the hunt master." I yelled.
"You, shut up."
"After the tribute your village had no choice but to elevate the children to hunters. As the oldest your little brother hert became the hunt master."
"You're Heron? Yeah right."
"Swan, it is you isn't it?" Heron asked in disbelief. There was a pause then he ran to her. "Sis, I never thought I'd see you again. Jordan promised to get you home, but after the chief banished him we gave up hope he'd be able to keep his word. Thank you Prowl, this means so much to me. Even more than the meat you all supplied the village with."
"Don't be thanking that filth."
"Swan, they saved the village from starving this winter."
"I don't care. He stole Jordan from me."
"YES!" Heron yelled.
"What is wrong with you?" Swan asked, and even I was confused.
"I won the bet."
"What bet?" Swan asked darkly.
"When Prowl was training us with the new spear throwers, Dad bet me that if you returned Jordan would return too; after all he was risking his life to save you. However he didn't see what I had."
"What did you think you saw?" I asked awkwardly.
"You would look at Jordan the same way that Swan looked at him when he wasn't looking. The thing is, I noticed Jordan doing the same to you when you weren't looking. He never looked at Swan that way."
"The kid is delusional." Jordan whispered.
I smiled at the thought, even if he denied it, it meant he had looked at me that way at least once.
"And you didn't say anything?" Swan asked.
"What business is it of mine? We all knew on some level, even if we tried not to, that Jordan and his friends would eventually have to leave forever. Everyone else gave up hope of you returning. Except me, because I knew you would return when you found out those two had feelings for each other. Better yet it means now you are our hunt master and you can teach us how to hunt effectively."
I took a step back. "Heron, I leave Swan in your care, or you in hers, however you want to see it. Jordan's promise has been kept so I will get out of your territory as quickly as I can. As you ordered."
"Good journey, and I hope you find a place that can accept your group. Oh and one more thing give this to Truffle and let him know I'm sorry for ever calling him an animal." Heron said, as he tossed me a bright red apple.
"I'll do that. I'm sure it'll make him happy."
"Who's Truffle?" Swan asked.
"He's Jordan and Prowl's son."
"WHAT?" Swan screamed.
I took off running. I wanted to be well out of arrow range.
"What did Heron give you for Truffle?" Jordan asked.
"An apple. He must have learned about Truffle liking them from his grandfather."
"Of course, that explains why they were out hunting. They were collecting ripe fruits for preserving. I know you want to get back here fast, but as soon as you think you are out of the territory I want you to find a place to get some sleep. I'm marking several ruin sites that should be suitable on my map so hopefully it will-"
"Yeah, they just appeared on my map. Being able to share information like this is going to be helpful. I'm headed for the closest one."
"Prowl, about what Heron said, do you . . . Never mind. I don't want an answer to that until you've rested."
"Yes. I know I look at you the way he said. Beyond that I know I have feelings for you. I think I might be . . . what he was suggesting, but with my problems, it wouldn't be fair to you to say more."
"We'll talk when we're together. Now you get some rest while I let Truffle know his Papa is on his way back to us."
"I-". I heard a tone as the communication cut off, sparing me from the embarrassment of telling him I love him before we talked in person.
***
It was still dark when I woke up. My armor told me it was a little over two hours past midnight. Saber was next to me still asleep. He's been up longer than I had so instead of waking him I pulled up the armor's map feature. I activated the full helmet so I wouldn't disturb Saber. “Mark current position.” I was northwest of Paris. “Zoom out to the point where my position and Jordan's location are both on the map.” The area seemed to shrink away until it showed a dot east of Rouen. Now plot best course to Geneva from both positions. I gasped as the map pulled even farther out. I'd have to travel through the village's territory and Jordan would have to go through Paris. Neither of those were an option.
"Show route traveled since obtaining the armor." I gasped, the wine tunnel had been our closest point to where we needed to go. Basically we needed to make the same trip back there. That was going to be troublesome Since Xenonc wouldn’t be concerned about the radiation in Paris.
I scratched behind Sabers ear as I absently thought of the time we had spent there. It had felt safe. It felt more welcoming that Jordan's home had been. The sleeping quarters made of Wine Vats, the bathing tub, the . . . something wasn't right. I shut down the map and found myself sitting on a stone floor next to the ashes of a long dead fire with Saber next to me.
"Map on. Show current location."
"Recalibrating."
That was the first time the armor had spoken. "You can speak?"
"I am programmed to respond to direct questions. Analysis complete. You are at location where you first activated armor." The male voice responded.
"How did I get here?"
"Teleportation. Ability was activated after your battle with the Mistress of Death."
"That wasn't me!"
"It was your body. Therefore your ability."
"Armor on Stealth mode." I closed my eyes and visualized the entrance to the ruin where Jordan was waiting for me. I entered and discovered Bear of all people on guard duty.
"Armor off." I ordered.
Bear jumped a little but didn't yell. "Jordan said you were at least two days away."
"I move quickly when I need to. Who is on watch next?"
"Jordan, but Rider told me I wasn't to wake him. He's been acting upset and needs the extra sleep according to Rider."
"Go wake Rider, but don’t tell him I'm here. Armor on stealth mode."
"Damn, that's creepy." Bear said, as he went to wake Rider.
It wasn't long before Rider stumbled out of a room followed closely by Truffle. "You should stay in bed and sleep."
"I can't sleep unless papa close. I'll sleep here while you watch."
"Rider, I need you and Truffle to gather your things. We've got to get moving as soon as possible. Bear if you've picked up anything I suggest you get it as well. However let Jordan sleep for now. I'll wake him just before we go."
"I don't have anything." Bear said quietly.
"Okay, continue to keep watch as I help Rider and Truffle pack."
"Is Papa a ghost?" Truffle asked and I could tell he was on the verge of tears.
"No, I've just got my stealth armor on so you can't see me. Now let’s get you two packed up since you've been here longest."
We entered their room and I was surprised to see that everything was already packed. Well almost everything. Truffle grabbed his plush.
"We've been ready to move as soon as you got back. Jordan said we were going to need to hurry, but he won't explain why. He has your stuff ready to go in his room."
I regretted any trauma I was about to cause but I reached out and grabbed them both and visualized Saber sleeping where I'd left him.
"What the f-heck!" Rider yelled.
"Armor off. A new trick I learned. I can return to any place I've been. I'll fill you in when we're all here. For now I suggest you check that the location is secure."
"Prowl, what is all the noise about?" Saber asked sleepily.
"I'll explain shortly." I grabbed some of the wood we'd left and using my blaster set it ablaze. "For now help Rider make sure the cavern is secure. Especially that door you are able to open but never close."
"How?" He asked in confusion.
"Armor stealth." and I was back at the entrance to the northern hideout I slipped around Bear and into Rider's room. "Armor off." In stepped back out. "Okay it's time to wake Jordan.
"Tell him it's time for his watch like I did with Rider?"
"Exactly."
I reactivated my armor and followed Bear into Jordan's room.
"Jordan, wake up. Time for your watch."
"Can't be I just got to sleep."
Rider had been right all that was in the room other than Jordan was our packs and a bed.
"Sorry." Bear said, as I grabbed my pack and it disappeared into the stealth area.
"No, it's not your fault."
I grabbed Jordan's pack and shoved it into Bear's arms the grabbed both of them. They both fell to the stone floor as we arrived at the cavern near the tub.
"What in the hell?" Jordan yelled.
"Armor off. Seems I learned a new trick. We needed to get ahead of Xenonc. I'm sure you'll quickly realize where we are. Use armor map. Destination Geneva."
"The cavern is secure." Rider said, approaching us.
"Need sleep." I muttered as I felt myself falling.
Truffle yelling "Papa!" as Jordan yelled "Prowl" was the last things I heard.
***
I stretched looking at the somewhat familiar surroundings. I'd been put in a barrel with two beds this time. I figured Truffle had claimed the other one. I was sort of surprised he wasn't here.
"He's with me." Jordan told me mentally. "I thought we'd have fish for dinner."
"How long this time?"
"According to my armor a little less than twelve hours. We'll spend tonight here and then set off in the morning. You should get some more rest."
"Is the fire going?"
"Rider should be there tending to it. The tub is full if that is your intention."
"It is, though it won't be as relaxing on my own."
"Bear is out finding roots, nuts and fruit. He said he doesn't eat meat, even fish or eggs. Saber is keeping an eye on him."
"I meant you."
"Why did you bring him along then?"
"You said his kind are very rare and he would have been killed if I didn't rescue him."
"I meant here."
"Because, if what I suspect is true, we may need him."
"To fight Xenonc?"
"There's that, but I think he'd do better keeping Truffle safe while Saber, you, and I deal with that problem. No, I'm thinking of what we are going to do after that."
"What do you mean?"
"I'd rather not say yet. Let's deal with the threat in front of us."
"But you're planning something for after?"
"I made a promise to Truffle to help reunite him with his family."
"I'm not sure how you think you could possibly accomplish that, but considering the things you've done so far, I guess anything is possible. Oh! That is a big one! I’ve got to help Truffle. You get some rest. Take a bath and then back to sleep. I'll wake you for dinner."
I smiled, it was good to know those two were bonding. But it was going to make it difficult letting Truffle go when it was time.
I meant to go take a hot bath, but without Jordan there, it just didn't seem worth it. Plus all the mental communication had me feeling tired again so I rolled over and went back to sleep.
***
"Papa! Papa! Papa! I caught the biggestest fish! It was this biiiig!" I opened my eyes to Truffle holding his hands as far apart as possible.
"And you carried it back all by yourself." I said, trying to breathe shallowly with the strong fishy odor.
"Yis! Truffle is strongk."
"Yes you are." I only hoped the fish smelled better after Jordan cooked it.
"It'll smell delectable." He mentally replied.
"Bath." I thought.
Jordan gave a mental chuckle. "Heated and I left the soap easily visible. Just be sure to scrub his clothes as well. I've set up a line next to the fire to dry them. After we've eaten, just in case."
"Okay, mister fisher lets go." I lifted him up over my shoulder and headed out of the room."
"I no fisser, I is possum."
"Really? From the smell of you I thought you were a fish."
"No, no. I caughted fish. Papa, fire is over there. Where we going?"
"Little fishes should be kept in water."
"No! No bath!"
I stepped into the tub of warm water, carefully lowered Truffle and then sat down as my clothes dissolved back into the bracelets.
"I gonna drown!"
"Truffle, sit up." He did as told and the water was up to his chest. "It too deep. It not safe. Why you do this to me Papa?"
"Because you smell like fish." The soap was sitting on the pump reservoir and I grabbed it. Now come and kneel with your back to me."
"No. I'm getting out."
"Your choice, but if you do no one is going to let you sleep with them tonight."
"No fair." he complained as he scooted over in front of me.
I sighed. "Stand up." He did that quickly enough. Okay we're going to soap up your shirt first, front and then back."
"Ewee, it smells like flowers."
I didn't comment just soaping up the shirt. "Okay take it off."
"What?"
"Take your shirt off." He took it off and I draped it on the edge of the tub, I'd scrub it a bit more once we were finished. "Okay, now we'll soap up your pants the same way." I avoided his personal areas as I soaped them up. "Okay, take them off but don't move them about in the water more than you have to. Then sit down and remove your undergarment."
"No!"
"Truffle, it's dark and you'll be underwater."
He got his pants off with some struggling. "You have your clothes on." I took his pants, turned away from him and stood up showing that I didn't have clothes on. I finished soaping up the legs and parts I'd avoided when he was wearing them and added them to where I'd placed his shirt. I sat back down and turned around.
He handed me his underwear and I went ahead and soaped them. "Okay same procedure I'll Scrub your back and then-"
"No, no, no!"
"I was going to say you could to your own front."
"Oh, okay."
I scrubbed his back and his head and from the sounds he was making I could only guess he was enjoying the sensation.
"Papa makes bath not so bad."
"That's good. Now here is the soap. Be sure to really scrub the fur in areas that smell fishy. After all, no one likes to sleep with the fishes." I shook my head I felt like that was a triggered memory but there wasn't any context forthcoming.
"Papa silly."
"Yes he is isn't he?" Jordan said, as he seemed to appear out of the darkness.
Truffle let out an "Eep" and submerged down to his chin.
"I came to see if you were about done."
"Just about, Truffle just needs to scrub his front side."
"I scrubbing and I think I done."
"Come over here and rise up so I can smell to see if you still fishy. Just enough that only your chest is above water."
He came over and all I could smell was the lavender. "Okay give me the soap and then rinse off."
"Papa no let me drown?"
"I won't let you drowned." Jordan and I said at the same time.
Truffle ducked under the water then jumped up gasping, not thinking who might see him. Jordan quickly wrapped a towel around him.
"Okay, let’s get you over by the fire to dry out While Papa Prowl, finishes his bath and washes your clothes."
"The towel is warm."
"I had it hanging close to the fire so that it would be warm for you."
They headed for the fire and I got to work scrubbing Truffles clothes. Though there was a feeling I'd done this or something like it many times before.
***
"We're approaching a village." Saber warned us.
We'd been traveling for five days and had only encountered a few relic ruins. No people or prehistoric monsters.
"Village ahead, should we approach?" Jordan asked us.
"I'd rather not. I'm not exactly welcomed in human areas." Bear replied.
"We're low on supplies." Rider pointed out.
"Does anyone know about this area?" I asked.
"I think it is still in the kingdom but I don't know for sure. I've been farther East but that was in the north avoiding the mountains."
"We're not technically in the mountains yet." Rider pointed out. "And I have no information. The individuals in my pride didn't talk about where they were from and we never traveled this far north or east."
"Prowl and I will go for supplies. Everyone else will wait here. Since we have armor even if they are hostile we should be fine." Jordan said.
I took a moment to memorize the area. If we had to get out quick I needed to know where to jump to. As we approached the first thing we noticed was a lack of defenses. Sure the place had a wall around it, but none of the elaborate trenches and spikes. Suddenly the gates opened and six cavalry soldiers came out. They were riding on dinosaurs, but I could tell from the heads they had to be herbivores. They also wore tactical armor similar to what I was wearing before I received the relic armor. They also had guns. I raised my hands and Jordan did the same.
"What brings you here?" The leader asked.
"We are heading into the mountains and require supplies. We have coin to pay."
The group started laughing.
"When will you flatlanders realize there is nothing but death in those mountains?"
"We're not like the others." I stated.
"I've heard that before."
"We're going in order to save . . ." I trailed off and shook my head. "We're going because we have no other choice."
"And what do you expect to find?"
"The Cern research facility." I said.
The commander looked at me. “Take him to the elder. Let his companion shop for the supplies they need."
"What just happened?" Jordan asked mentally.
"Look at their weapons and armor. These aren't members of the kingdom. They know what the relics they are carrying are and how to use them." I thought.
As we were led inside I was even more surprised to see individuals wearing relic era clothing.
"I think this town was effected by the cataclysm that brought the dinosaurs."
"What do you mean?" Jordan asked
"I think it was moved through time or at least a large number of the people here. You can see it in the way they move and their clothing."
There was a popping sound and an individual fell out of nowhere. He was wearing a pristine lab coat. Several others rushed him into a nearby building.
"Did you see that? Do they have powers like yours?"
"No, my assessment was wrong. These people are still arriving from the relic age."
We were split up Jordan headed for a more populated area and I was taken to a small house. Inside I was forced to sit on an overstuffed couch with crotched covers. In fact the entire room was covered in crocheted items.
"Henry, be a dear and get us some tea."
"Elder, we ran out of tea ages ago."
"Yes, yes, I know. I meant bring us some of that herbal concoction that passes for tea in this age. Sorry about that, good help just seems so hard to find anymore. Now tell me, what is it you are here for?"
"We need to pick up supplies for our trip to Geneva in order to disable the hadron collider at Cern."
I heard breaking glass in another room.
"Who are you?" The elder asked.
"I don't really know. I woke up in a ruin out in the desert so the best I can tell you is Prowl-Ar."
"You've been activated? This is very bad. If you are here then Xenonc may be as well."
"He is making his way here. Fortunately we have been able to get ahead of him. I'm going to make sure he doesn't enact his plan."
"Do you know his plan?"
"No specifics other than the annihilation of humanity."
"You say he is on his way, how do you know?"
"I was indirectly responsible for his escape from the ruins he was confined to."
"That's not possible. What are your primary mission objectives?"
Without even thinking I automatically answered. "Protect Jordan. Protect my companions. Neutralize Xenonc's plans. Reunite Truffle with his family."
"Mission objectives reinitialize. What are your mission objectives?"
"I see, you were involved with erasing my memories. Listen up, I set my own missions now. The only one whose orders I'll be following are Jordan's. My memories may be buried and fragmented but no one controls me."
”We were assured your former identity was completely erased the only memories you have are the ones given to you by the World Security Organization."
"Do you, or more importantly, did they know who I was?"
"It doesn't matter. That person was erased and any life you once had is long gone. You are just a weapon now."
"Tell me did the WSO give me this amazing healing ability?"
"Yes, the project was meant to have you heal slightly faster than other humans. You can still be killed though."
"How about super powers? Like being able to teleport?"
"Not possible. It was reported that you witnessed a return, but that isn't teleportation. When the time anomaly swallowed the facility we were all ejected here. After that anytime we approach the area we get sent back here exactly as we were when we were first transported. In fact I plan on traveling there in a few days to get reset."
"Immortality through the loss of everything you have experienced. You disgust me."
"Are you all that different? It's not like you are any different having passed the last century and a half in suspended animation. You got a reset, and though the process was flawed here you are. You have nothing of your past while we have extensive4 notes of our past selves. Once you've defeated Xenonc you'll automatically seek out a working chamber and return to sleep until needed again while we will continue on like this amassing more knowledge with each reset."
"And if I destroy your reset device?"
The elder smiled. "You can't. First of all your core programming forbids you from destroying certain research locations. Second, even if you tried it would be impossible. Researchers that were there get reset other humans simply cease to exist. The only ones able to pass through the field unaffected are those filthy furrys."
I felt a shiver run up my spine. "We're done here. I'm going to destroy your reset machine."
"You are not allowed to leave."
"Just try and stop me."
Two guards moved to bar my path. I ripped their throats out and kept walking. No need to feel guilty about killing non-entities. "Jordan, we're leaving." I thought.
"I still need a few things."
"Fine, meet me at the gate when you're ready. If anyone gives you trouble let me know."
"Okay. Are you alright? You sound strange."
"Just another memory resurface. It wasn't like the others so I'm fine."
"Okay, I'll be quick."
"Pause game for user Prowl-Ar."
"Game paused."
I sighed, "Mahan, did you direct that or was it completely unplanned?"
"The memory blocks have collapsed?" Mahan asked.
"Yes, my trigger words were used."
"Checking. I apologize, it seems the character profile of the elder has him as an anthro hater. His dialog is based on the time before the collapse so it is natural he would refer to them as furrys. Had you provided me with your trigger words I could have made changes. However you insisted that only Rider and Kyle knew them, in case of emergency. Do you want me to inform Rider your memories have returned or shut down the game?"
"No, on both counts. I'll continue the game, since Jordan set it up, until the end of the game or he hears his trigger words."
"Understood."
"Computer resume play for character Prowl-Ar."
"Game resuming."
***
I sat on a log bench near the main gate. I hoped Jordan wouldn't remember it hadn't been here when we entered. I'd wanted to get away. Away from the politics, the responsibility, the hate, and the death. Really I wanted to get away from my own thoughts. I knew I couldn't. Not with Earth firing weapons on us.
I shook my head. I'd deal with those thoughts later. Kyle had proposed a game where I suffered from amnesia to take my mind off things and Wolf had been quick to mention he had developed a memory blocker so I really wouldn't have any memories, so I set up trigger words with Rider and entered the game. Jordan had set everything with two exceptions. I insisted that since it was his game he was in charge and I was a secondary character and the second being the game would start with him rescuing me.
I'd never considered he'd block his own memories and write a false past for himself.
Then there was Rider. He wasn't supposed to be in the game at all. He'd only show up if there was an emergency and he needed us to remember who we were. Though his need to go off on his own and the couple of times I caught him talking to himself were obviously when he was talking to Mahan.
I also wondered, once the game ended if Jordan would be angry that I tweaked the setting, just before my memories were blocked, so that anthros were one in ten thousand instead of his setting of one in ten million.
I glanced around to be sure no one was near me. "Mahan, the game is off script, isn't it?"
"Yes. As you know VR games are free form with hooks for you to follow. So some variation is natural."
"Then Fenrir and Reaper involved themselves."
"Those events didn't have any real effect on the story line. The deviation occurred when you spoke to Xenonc. From that point on the story has progressed only to keep the story moving."
"Prowl!" Jordan yelled, as he got closer.
I waved and stood up. Even if the story wasn't what Jordan intended I was going to help Truffle find his family. I knew I'd hate myself if I ended the game before that. Even if he was just a game character I'd feel terrible about abandoning him.
"Prowl? What's happened? What did they tell you?"
"I'm fine."
"No, you're not. I can see it. You look like you've lost hope. Your eyes are haunted and full of pain."
"It's just . . . They knew about me. My primary mission wasn't to protect. It was to destroy Xenonc."
"That's okay, we're going to do that now."
"Yeah, I guess, there's more to it though. I think we need to get out of this cursed place and join up with the others."
"Okay, but I want more of an explanation. Just that isn't enough to have made you look so sad."
***
"You expect Truffle, Bear, Saber and me to go in and shut down the thingy without even knowing how?" Rider shouted.
"Papa, no screaming." Truffle begged.
"I'm only telling you what the villagers told me. Because they were there at the initial event their lives are reset and they are dumped back in that village. All other humans cease to exist. However Anthros and animals are unaffected."
"Then this Xenonc can't get in either." Bear pointed out.
"He is a mechanical relic. He wouldn't be effected either. However, I'm not saying you're on your own. I was created, programmed, or whatever you want to call it in the days after the collapse in order to fight Xenonc. So I should be immune to the field. I think I was changed so I'm not entirely human any longer. It would explain why I can see in the dark."
Truffle hissed, likely remembering his last bath.
So this is where we have to part ways then." Jordan said sadly. "I guess that explains the change in the village."
"Jordan. I want you to do something for me. Try to mentally communicate with Rider like I'm doing with you right now." I thought.
"Of course I can hear you, you’re standing right . . . How?" Rider asked in confusion.
"That's what I thought. It wasn't being able to talk to Saber that allowed us to mind talk. It's because there was more than just the healing that passed from me to the two of you."
"So you're saying I'm not human anymore either?" Jordan asked.
"Sorry, but the fact that you can use the armor sort of proves it. There is one way to be sure though."
"How is that?" Jordan asked.
"Rider, catch." I tossed him a metallic cube that turned into a bracelet when he caught it.
"Another set of armor? Where did you get that?" Jordan asked.
"It just sort of appeared in my pocket when I stormed out of their little interrogation." Which was true, except for the fact I hacked the program instead of stealing a relic and all it did was expose the armor Rider was already wearing. "Sorry Bear, but there was only one and I know Rider's capabilities. Plus I want you to take Truffle further into the mountains and wait for us there. I'd rather not involve either of you in the fighting."
"But there is nothing in the mountains, except death. Everyone knows that." Bear complained.
"No, there are villages. Truffle knows there are because that is where his family was heading and is likely living. Once we've defeated Xenonc. We'll catch up with you. I promised Truffle would be reunited with his family and I don't break promises."
"Papa. I want you to keep Lino with you. That way you remember you have to keep him safe so you can bring him back to me."
"If you don't I will." Jordan said mentally.
"Okay, but I’m not taking him until it's time to split up. Okay?"
Truffle smiled and nodded.
"Okay, from the information I got we'll reach the danger zone by sundown. There are places to take shelter for the night there. However no one told me that I couldn't enter." Jordan said.
"We'll need to set a watch. They probably plan to rob us in the night. After all the area is supposed to erase us so they might as well collect our belongings." I added.
"Or they could have an anthro that collects everything and brings it back out to them." Bear said in disgust.
"Maybe, but I doubt it. If anything they seem to hate anthros more than anyone. Probably because anthros are the only ones they believe can take away their immortality."
"A really bad way to live if you ask me. I mean losing your memory and past just to do it all over again. Seems more like a curse." Jordan said, looking sadly at me.
I understood he was thinking of everything I'd been through, but really his situation was much closer to that than mine had been.
***