Chapter 20

The Gift

Later that Night...

9:00 PM...

Mick walked into the kitchen, dressed in some form-fitting long underwear. Zarch had relayed to him and Symon that Master Egad, as he was known by the coven, had kindly implored for them to stay at the villa until the issues with Cailus were taken care of. Symon's reply to this was surprising: He personally told Egad that he would be happy to stay without any issues, humbled to be in the presence of his dear friend from days gone by. This meant that Mick had to stay as well, seeing that he didn't feel like arguing with his father or Egad on the issue. Therefore, he called Xen immediately, telling him to pack anything vital he needed at the beach house, and come stay at the villa as well. When Symon told Egad of this, along with his son's relationship to the gray-colored lion, he just smiled and told Mick he would gladly welcome Xen as well, stating that the villa had a total of fifteen rooms, which was more than what they needed.

Mick walked into the kitchen and up to the bar that looked out the glass wall to the garage. Sitting on a stool at the bar, still in nothing but his bathrobe and thong, was Egad. He was slowly sipping on a vodka-cranberry juice cocktail made of synthetic alcohol, which wouldn't give him a hangover. Mick has started to get a strong feeling he had met Egad before, though he couldn't remember exactly where. But he intended to find out, and the only way to get some answers was to talk with him.

Mick walked forward, sitting next to Egad on another bar stool. "I apologize for the... family tension earlier. It's just difficult to deal with him sometimes, now that he's fully retired, and he's living with me and my significant other."

Egad casually took another sip of his drink before looking at Mick. Then, he smiled kindly before turning on the bar stool to face him. "I know all about your family tension... Realize that he does love you deeply... He never stopped talking about you during the war efforts. I know he goes hard on you, but... He's just protective of you... it may not seem like it to you right now, but it's true."

Mick pause before replying, surprised at this revelation. "You... served with him in the wars? Were you also stationed on the same med frigate?"

Egad chuckled, then shook his head before taking another sip. "...No. You see... the way I acted tonight... Just... Imagine that kind of attitude in a young, scrappy looking fox ready to get his fight on... That was basically me, and I got myself into a lot of trouble. Your father was the one who worked on me... Quite a few times, actually... But as he worked on me, we got to talking. Your father had a hard shell, but once you get to know him... He's a chatterbox. Somehow, I managed to get him to open to me. Ever since then, we have been very close friends for... A long while." He then set a soft hand on Mick's shoulder, reveling even more privileged information. "...I used to watch over you when you were just a wee little thing... Catherine let me help her out a lot with your upbringing back then... Though whether you remember me or not, I am not sure."

Mick grinned warmly as he put the puzzle pieces together. "...I actually do remember now, though the memories are faded a bit due to time. I last saw you on my tenth birthday... When we were in the backyard, you threw some sort of powder into the air and it... Changed into fireworks." Mick sighed, chuckling happily at the memory. "To this day, I still have not figured out how you did it. I think I've figured out how I know you, Egad... You are my godfather. You are Uncle Ryan, aren't you?" The younger fox asked.

Egad Smiled, nodding. "I am... As for the powder effect... You see... I have control over magic. Granted... How I used it at the time was to keep you entertained, but... What it was really for-... Well... I mean, you saw what I did to Jet, right?"

Mick blushed a bit. "Yeah... I heard some of the commotion from the door before you... Sound-sealed it. Though to be honest, I never thought Magic could be real. I thought it was all myth..."

"From many people's view, it is." Egad admitted. "Also, I do apologize about how I acted before when I woke up..." Mick watched Egad break out into a blush, chuckling a bit with embarrassment. "... Not gonna lie, I get that way after waking up from... Well, being wounded. Poor Jet's ass didn't stand a chance. I hope he's okay... I went a little rougher on him than normal. Anyways... Yes, the magic I have control over is... Well, literally control magic. However instead of controlling people by their mind, I can summon bondage devices, chains, and sound sealers, among other things... Seemed a little bizarre at first...And I didn't fully understand it when I first found out I could do it. I found ways to manipulate it years later to do... Well, the kinds of things I did for you when you were younger... But now, I just use it for my elite slaves."

"Yeah. I was able to get some of that info from Galen after much... Aggressive prying." Mick admitted bashfully. "Don't worry, I'm not judging or labeling you for your professions or hobbies, Uncle. I mean, you got a taste of what I now do for a living if you were coherent during the 'escape.' So, I'm not going to judge." Mick then looked down at the floor, his cheeks reddening as he struggled to get out the next sentence. "Though, I am kind of... curious about some things..."

Egad lifted Mick's head gently by the chin so they were looking into each other's eyes, an understanding, kind expression displayed on his face. "You can be honest with me and ask me anything. I don't judge, either."

Mick sighed in relief. "Thanks. That's good to hear. Anyway, the thing I was... You see, what I am curious about is the... Whole concept of pleasure bondage..." Mick's blush deepened even further as he admitted this. "You see... Even though I'm bi, I lean more towards males... I'm in a relationship with a buff and handsome lion, similar if not almost identical to Galen... His name is Xen Winchester. As for his background and history... Well, I think he could explain it to you better than I could. Granted, we have both looked up info about bondage, but haven't been able to explore it... Because we have not been able to find clear answers to our questions on it... Questions neither of us have been able to ask anybody, until now."

Egad smiled at Mick and started to explain. "It can be quite... exhilarating, to say the least. Also, it depends on what role you want to take during all this... Are you the top or bottom in your relationship?"

Mick giggled a little. "...That's a bit difficult to pin down. We are often switching between roles. Of course, if you are referring to who is on top of who during our sessions, that's usually me.... I tend to ride Xen a lot, in a variety of positions." Mick closed his eyes, trying to get the sudden mental image out of his mind so he wouldn't embarrass himself in front of his uncle.

Now it was Egad's turn to chuckle playfully, explaining more. "Well, I will say this: You two could take turns playing as master and slave with each other. Let me tell you something... There's a certain kind of pleasure that comes from having yourself left to someone else's devices... Having no choice but to accept that someone is going to have access to whatever they want from you. Same goes for knowing you will have that kind of access to someone that they have no choice over. Even with you riding Xen... Giving him the option of having no use of his arms as you ride him... Even a power-bottom can prove to be a strong master, if done right."

Mick smiled with gratitude. "I see... Maybe you could guide us through some of the steps. Xen called me thirty minutes ago, and he's on his way to meet us here... Xen is interested in learning about bondage as well... Just to put this fact out there, he told me shortly after we met that he was cloned from the DNA of someone named 'Galen, ' and after seeing the lion that is in your servitude with the same name, along with how they nearly look identical aside from fur coloring... I think Xen was cloned from him. So far, that's just a theory, and as I said, I'll let him explain it further."

Egad Nodded, smiling with pride. "That is perfectly fine. I look forward to meeting the one who is partnered with my nephew." He chuckled again softly before speaking again. "Sometimes it really is like your father and I are brothers. We get along very well... So well in fact, that many wouldn't be able to tell that we are not related by blood... However, family goes beyond blood relation... It's the love and care that matters. That is why you are my family, even if not by blood relation."

Mick smiled warmly, taken aback by these kind words. He leaned forward, giving Egad a gentle hug. "Thanks, uncle."

"Of course, nephew." Egad replied as he returned the embrace.

A short time later, Egad heard his smart phone beep. He retrieved it, opening the screen to see what the alert was about. There was someone ringing the front gate. Egad opened the security camera and saw a lion that was nearly identical to Galen, sitting outside the gate on a chopper-style motorcycle in darkness, the lights from the gates illuminating him. He had two large bags strapped to the back of the motorcycle's seat, and he was ringing the gate buzzer.

"That's Xen." Mick explained.

Egad then opened the interface to the gate's speaker. "You are Xen Winchester, I presume?" He spoke kindly into the phone.

"That I am." Xen replied. "I assume this is 258 Cour Le Sene drive? Mick Daniels told me to meet him here."

"Yes, that he did." Egad said, his tone welcoming and friendly as he pressed a button on the touchscreen that controlled the gates, opening them. "Please, come in."

"Gracias, Señor." Xen said, thanking Egad in Spanish, then rode his bike up to the villa.

# # #

Xen parked his motorcycle in the garage, next the Audi and Lamborghini, taking off his motorcycle helmet. Egad looked on through the glass with Mick, now able to see what Xen was: He was basically a carbon-copy of Galen, aside from having black and ashen-colored fur, along with some scars on his body and on his face, going over his left eye, his mane a natural platinum silver color. He was wearing a pair of cargo-jeans, and a belt with no shirt, and opened toe and heel biker boots on his feet. Despite the scars, Xen still maintained a handsome look. In Egad's view, the scars only made Xen look more rugged and attractive. He could easily see one of the reasons Mick had fallen for him.

"It looks like the rumors are true..." Egad whispered to himself. He coughed a bit as Xen stepped through the door. Egad and Mick walked over, both giving warm smile to Xen.

"...It's nice to meet you. I am Ryan Foxmoore, Mick's godfather. But please, just call me Egad. I must say, it's a pleasure to meet you, Xen."

"Likewise, Mr. Egad." Xen replied, his voice sounding a bit deeper and gravellier, different from Galen's. "Mick told me about the whole 'Asylum Chase' before I came over..." Xen chuckled, smiling warmly at Mick. "I've always found it ironic how much trouble MI Angel Oscuro still gets himself in..." He then turned back to Egad, holding out his hand to for him to shake.

Egad shook his head, and surprised Xen by giving him a quick, kind, and welcoming hug instead. "... Hand shaking is what we do with people outside of this family, which you are now part of."

Xen, though a little surprised, returned the welcoming embrace. "Thank you, Mr. Egad. It's an honor."

They both released each other from the embrace. "I am just happy to meet the one making my nephew happy.... Come, sit with us. Would you like to join us for a drink, Xen?" He motioned over to the bar.

"...Sure." Xen replied. The three then walked over to the bar, Xen and Mick sitting down, while Egad got behind the counter, getting out two tall glasses for Mick and Xen.

"Now, what would you boys like to drink?" Egad asked.

Xen mulled for a second. "I'll take a jack-and-cola cocktail, if you have the stuff to make it."

"I'll have what he's having." Mick agreed.

Egad nodded, and went to prepare their drinks, getting out two cans of Coca-Cola from the refrigerator, along with a bottle of Jack Daniel's whiskey from the bar's liquor cabinet. He listened, as the two of them started to talk, humming softly as he prepares their drinks.

"So, it sounds like you have one hell of a getaway, along with an epic run-in with la policia?" Xen asked, referencing the police.

"Pretty much." Mick answered. "I was kinda being pushed to my limit, anyway. You know how over-zealous the Moon City PD can be."

"Yeah, I understand that all too well, from my early days working with the Tenebrae Custodibus..." Xen agreed. "That is why I'm glad I outfitted the Audi with that transporter computer module, along with the data feed software, as well as bullet-proofing and laser-proofing the car. I'm pretty sure it saved your tails in this scenario."

"You got that right." Mick smiled at Xen. "I'm also very grateful you were able to help me with the tuning mods and the driving mode selection software... So, anyways, I'd better get onto one of the topics of why I called you here." Mick hesitated a bit before speaking again. "You remember us talking about the... Thing that piqued our curiosity that we found on the galactic internet?"

Xen blushed, then replied. "...Yeah."

Egad felt his ears twitch, grinning slightly to himself as he heard the topic change. He handed the boys their drinks while collecting his composure, turning around to face them with their cocktails.

"Here you go, boys~" Egad said. Both thanked him in unison, taking the glasses, sipping occasionally as the conversation went on.

Xen then continued. "So, yeah... I've been *Ahem* discreetly been trying to look up the info we were trying to find on 'it' but haven't had much luck..."

Mick looked over to Egad with a smile and telltale look who chuckled and leaned in towards the bar counter, placing each of his hands on top of theirs. "I am pretty sure I have all the info needed for the both of you. There is something I want to give the both of you."

Xen went wide-eyed surprised. "Really?" Xen asked, looking at Mick, who nodded.

Xen let out a big sigh of relief. "Thank goodness, tio zorro..." He said, calling Egad 'Fox Uncle' in Spanish. "We've been sifting through a lot of data on the galactic internet for weeks, trying to find answers... Literally ten terabytes worth, and that was just in the first week."

"Yeah. Xen like to be thorough with research and information." Mick explained. "So, what is it you wanted to give us, uncle?"

Egad let out a soft laugh and then gave both boys a sly grin, a bright light shining from his hands over the two others, his eyes starting to dimly glow a golden color. There was a slight, glimmering sound emitting from the light before sudden cuffs appear around the couple's wrists and ankles, along with inhibitor collars on their necks, both sets colored a shiny pewter. Both boys looked upon them, sharing the same light.

"Do not be afraid... and no... I am not inducting you two as my slaves..." Egad explained as he worked his spell. "But now you have control over each other... and use of the magic I have." Egad then took his hands off theirs and smiled. "...And at will, you can activate their power, and hide all of that so no one can see them with a simple snap of your fingers. You activate and deactivate the collars by rubbing the gems imbedded in them. Now, no one can now control you other than your partner."

Xen looked at Egad, awe mixed with excitement, and some slight fear, the glow fading from the couple's new manacles and collars "...You must know a lot about this subject then? The experience for both of us... Esto será divertido, ¿no?" The lion asking Egad if this will be fun for them in Spanish.

"Quite a bit..." Egad answered, nodding. "Now... both of you do me a favor and close your eyes for me..."

The couple did as they were told, closing their eyes.

Egad closed his own eyes as well, lifting his hands, his palms facing both boys before his eyes open wide, glowing a bright white light. Using his magic, he sent them images, info, everything he knew about bondage directly into their brains, trying not to harm them as best he could. The images and info assaulted both of their minds with an almost overload of info!

"... Remain calm, boys... This will be over soon..." Egad reassured.

Both Mick and Xen were awe-struck and excited by the info that they were being gifted with, seeing everything that Egad knew as he shared his experience and wisdom. The couple was also becoming very aroused by what they were seeing and learning, as the fabric in the crotch areas of their pants was starting to become very damp and moist with pre, the fabric becoming strained, struggling to hold in their erections. Mick even ended up letting out a few quiet moans as this went on, unable to hold them back...

The light then faded. Egad slowly begins to close his eyes, his magic subsiding as the final bit of info was embedded into their brains. The red-eyed fox let out a sigh of relaxation as his hands lower, then panted a little bit, as the use of his magic had taken a slight toll on his weakened body, but nothing he couldn't recover from. "... There you go... boys... all the info... I can give you on the subject matter..."

Mick got up from the bar, helping to support Egad while he stood, along with Xen doing the same. "Thank you, Uncle. You've given us more information than we could have hoped for..." Mick said, expressing his gratitude. He then looked down at the wet, stiff bulges on both his and Xen's pants, both exchanging bashful looks. "...Maybe, if you wanted to... You could watch us dive into this for the first time? It's the least we could do."

"Agreed." Xen echoed. "Besides, we need to take care of some... Certain needs now..."

Egad chuckled softly but shook his head as he turned down the offer. "... I appreciate the offer, but... I do not find it would be appropriate... At least not as of yet. After all... I am your uncle, and I doubt your father would be too keen on having his best friend watch his son in the midst of things... You two go and have fun..." Egad smiled before leaning against the bar, taking a drink of his vodka cocktail. "You two have a long night ahead of you..."

"Thank you, uncle." Mick said, giving Egad a side-hug.

"Yes... Gracias, Señor. Gracias." Xen said, echoing his gratitude.

With that, Xen and Mick quickly walked off to one of the vacant bedrooms, quietly closing the door behind them.

Egad looked on quietly. "Once the boys get a hang of that magic... They're in for quite a ride tonight..." He finished with a chuckle, pausing to take another drink.

After a small silence, there was a familiar voice from the doorway in the kitchen that led out to the patio.

"So, showing Junior how to 'enhance' the pleasures of the flesh, old friend?" Symon asked, smiling at Egad with approval, while also hinting at some naughtiness. He was standing in the patio doorway, dressed in identical outfit to Egad, albeit with different colors: Symon's robe was red, while his thong was colored gray.

Egad closed his eyes and chuckled. "...Both him and Xen were curious... I couldn't help but oblige in their request... Besides... I don't ever remember hearing _you_complaining when I first showed you." Egad finished, looking at Symon with a smile.

Symon let out a quiet laugh, looking warmly into Egad's eyes. "Touché, old friend. Touché."

Symon then walked up to Egad, sliding behind him against the bar counter as he placed his arms around Egad's shoulders, letting Egad relax into his embrace. Symon's smile faded into a worried look as he held Egad close to him.

"...Still, you had me very worried when your subjects brought you in from the car. I understand why they kidnapped me, though. I would have done the same thing in a heartbeat if our roles were reversed. As for who put you through that living hell while you were at the asylum... It was your brother again, wasn't it?"

Egad let his head rest back against Symon's chest, setting down his drink and letting out a soft sigh as he leaned in against him. "...As much as it pains me to say... Yes... It was Cailus..." He answered sadly. Egad then felt something wet run down his shoulder. He turned a bit and saw that Symon was starting to cry, tears running from his eyes as small sobs causing his body to tremble.

"I'm just glad I was able to patch you up, and that you will be okay..." Symon choked out. "Though it brought back too many bad memories. Memories of how you nearly died a few times after being brought in from the battlefield..." Symon rubbed his head against Egad's with care and love, nuzzling him gently. Something he had not been able to do with Egad in years. "...Just how are we going to deal with Cailus this time 'round? None of your subjects have told Mick everything about your brother, or how mad he has become... Nor have they told Mick about Cailus's research or ambitions... And I don't want to end up losing either of you to him... But we can't just sit by and let it pass, either."

Egad reached up and stroked his hand gently along Symon's cheek before leaning up and kissing him softly, trying to calm his old lover. He then pulled away and looks into Symon's eyes, giving him a warm, reassuring smile. "That isn't going to happen... I feel you do not put enough faith in my subjects... that and... nothing is going to happen, as long as I have you around..."

Symon looked down at the floor, still not fully convinced, his tears still flowing. "I know, it's just... The thought hung over me after I saw that gash he left in your chest. Ryan, my dear friend... Please, just let me be with you tonight so I can get my mind off this." Symon looked at Egad with pleading eyes. "I don't care if you subjects are involved either. I just... I just need something to take away the pain I've been feeling since that moment."

Egad gave Symon a reassuring smile again, before tucking himself in tighter against his chest, listening to Symon's heartbeat. "I was hoping you would say that... I want nothing more..."