FSE

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Chapter 13

They continued down the halls of the Mountain Fortress, the Emerald Crown was massive, the entire mountain carved out. It was also very busy, Noah could see many men and women in uniform running throughout the building, several stopping to salute their leader with Commander Groundwater saluting back with a serious manner while Sgt. Major Kaminski just laughed and told the people to loosen up, It was an interesting contrast between the two. The ever so dour Commander and the cheerful and funny Sgt. Major who even got the ever serious bear woman to even crack an occasional smile.

“You should loosen up as well, Rocky, you don’t have to salute back, just smile and wave.” He says in a teasing but friendly tone which made Noah raise an eyebrow. Was it typical for someone to address their superior so casually? He gives Aidan a quick look, him being the only other military person in this group… well besides Dolan but he wasn’t sure he liked the man much he always kept his distance. Aidan caught this and let out a chuckle.

“I’ll explain later once we are alone okay? What do you think of the Emerald Crown? Pretty cool right?” Noah could only nod. It was easily the busiest place he had ever scene, he wondered if the base back in Eldra was as busy before it got destroyed he had gotten to see it during his tour with his dad, it was an impressive building, massive in it’s own right but obviously they weren’t allowed to see inside being civilians.

“It’s so busy here? Was the Eldra Base as busy?” He asks a bit lightly, hoping he wasn’t treading on sour ground for the man given what had happened to his home. Looking at the man’s face he seemed sad, but had a smile all the same.

“Yeah, Iron Helm was pretty busy as well, between keeping things in order and making sure the forges and smithies were running properly. Eldra handled the production and manufacturing of the weapons MODD uses after all.”

“Indeed,” Commander Groundwater spoke catching Noah by surprise. “Greasham mines the ores used in the making of the weapons. Pollenburn grows a large amount of the food we eat here given the drier climate her and so on, the Military Corps are very deeply intertwined so cooperation is key to function especially after the Treaty of Shellington made MODD the one united military force in Mortaelis.”

“Um, excuse me Miss Commander, what’s your opinion on the whole treaty?” Emily asks, seeming still bothered by their conversation about the treaty from earlier in the day. The Bear stopped and gave the younger woman a quirked eyebrow not seeming offended but almost amused.

“That’s a pretty interesting question to ask someone who works under MODD let alone one of the heads of the Military Division. You’ve got guts, what’s your name?”

“It’s Em-Emily ma’am…” the younger girl replies looking awkward and nervous but the bear just pats her head.

“I like you, as for your question, it’s a complicated thing isn’t it? While I of course benefit from the treaty being a commander for the MODD forces and there hasn’t been many wars besides the Trinan Rebellion which of course we have a veteran of the war, good to see you Major Burke.” Dolan just gave a cool look but stayed quiet.

“Being a Veteran of that war is not something to be proud of, it was a bloody war and many died including the former Time Lord and Vlad’s response when he become the next Time Lord was extremely brutal. I went with it of course but I still feel guilty.”

“I’ve spoken with Vladimir about it when we met during meetings with the other Elemental Lord he said much the same actually, but truly it is good to meet you Major Burke your skill as a sniper has long been talked about, your retiring was pretty unexpected, everyone thought you would be the next Sgt. Major.” Sgt. Major Kalinski spoke up, making the man look annoyed but stayed silent.

“I think that’s enough for now, I’m sure they are quite tired since I’m sure they have had a very busy day with everything they went through.” The gorilla said as they got closer to a hallway ending with a large ornate door with the emblem of the MODD’s Military Division causing everyone but Aidan, Dolan and Flint to look confused. Sgt. Major Kalinski seemed to catch this an chuckle.

“This is the Guest Commander’s suite, where visiting Commanders like Commander Reaper and their entourage stay when they are visiting. Should be enough room for all of you to stay in I believe.”

“I’m sure you you set it up to suit Rex’s typical standards eh Luke?” Silas said with a wide grin, the Lt. Commander had been surprisingly quiet despite his massive size which made Noah jump a bit. Sgt. Major Kaminnski just chuckled.

“Of course we did Silas, we got all of the Commander’s favorite snacks and foods in plus the special pillows he likes so much and his fur care treatment and…” he said before a brightly blushing Rex interrupts him.

“That’s enough Luke… please stop!” He says face bright red under his fur causing everyone to chuckle at the man’s expense causing the man to blush even more. Silas just chuckled laying a hand on his shoulder.

“Ease up Rex, so you like to be pampered like a princess but it’s okay we still like you.”

“Silas!” Rex complains, blushing even more but sighs. “Whatever, let's go in. I think everyone woud probably enjoy a rest. Come on.” He says before heading in the door with the others following seeing a massive ornate room, like one of those super fancy penthouses Noah saw on TV about the super rich in Atlas and Shellington. It was extremely ornate; he could see several doors leading off to various directions, bedrooms he could figure, one door could be the bathroom and he could see a small kitchen on another end. In Along the farthest wall was an entire window that gave them an amazing view of the city below and Noah could only look on in awe.

“This is like one of those swanky hotels you see on TV…” Flint says just as stunned as Noah it seemed. “I never thought I’d see a place like this up close. This is wild…”

“I’ve done interviews with higher up people in rooms like this, so it isn’t new but actually getting to stay in a place like this is new.” Loni pipes up bringing up her experience as a reporter.

“Really? That’s so cool Loni? I think I’ve seen a few of your interviews they even showed them on local Vernati news a few times my mom always liked you.” Emily said with a grin which made the lioness blush.

“I’m flattered, thank you Emily… I hope to eventually get back to work as a reporter but I don’t think I could handle getting a new cameraman right now… Billie had been my cameraman since I started and it’s how we fell in love. So I told them I’m taking a brief leave of absence but promise to write a story to tell once I get to explain my experience with everything… hope that is find… would that be fine Noah?”

“Oh um no problem I guess? If it helps you with everything that happened it’s fine? I lost my dad but even I couldn’t imagine losing someone as important as a fiance.” He replied a bit awkwardly, he had kinda wondered why the woman had tagged along but it made sense he guessed, this being a project to help her grieving was kinda sweet.

“Are we really staying here? I feel like I’m gonna ruin the sofa by just sitting on it. Is this how Elemental Lords live? I thought the airship was nice but damn.” James was the next to speak up. “Did your family live like this Aidan? Your pops is an Elemental Lord isn’t he?” Aidan chuckled but answered with a casual grin.

“We could have, Iron Helm did have a place like this for Dad but he never felt comfortable living there my mom died in the same Inquisition that killed the previous Metal Elemental Lord so he decided to stay in the house that he built with my mom so we lived pretty modestly I mean my dad got paid super well and we were well off but he just didn’t want to leave where he had memories of his wife.”

“Aww that’s so sweet!” Emily said with a big smile the other girls seeming in agreement. “Your Father is a good man, sorry about your mom though.” She says giving a small glance towards Noah and James which made the young wolf feel awkward, but then again all of them had lost a parent it had actually slipped his mind that James’s mother had died during the attack and he felt kinda bad.

“With everything that’s been going on I forgot you lost your mom as well James… how are you doing?” James’s ears flicked and he gave a sad smile in response before speaking.

“I… haven’t really had the time to really process it… I mean I’m sad? Despite her issues I loved her, she deserved better than getting stuck with that bastard, he basically ruined her with his drinking. But at the same time she’s in a better place I guess? She doesn’t have to suffer anymore but still, I wished she lived… when I was planning to join MODD when I turned sixteen was to get through the academy and when I got enough money I would get her away from my dad and get her help. But now I will never get that chance… it’s hard…” James just stared down at the ground and Noah could have sworn he could see a few tears in his eyes so Noah stepped up and gave him a hug causing his alsatian to let out a surprised bark and started blushing brightly this blush deepened even more when Emily joined the hug.

“I am so sorry, for both of you. I couldn’t imagine losing either of my parents… but I’m here for both of you okay?”

“Thanks Em…” Noah stated with a smile, though he did feel a bit bad about taking her away from their home, sure she insisted on coming along but he could have probably pushed more, he just hoped she didn’t get hurt because of him… or anyone here honestly he did kinda drag all of them into a potential quagmire. He didn’t know why his vision called him here, he just had a feeling to come here he just hoped it didn’t end in disaster like what happened with Eldra. In the corner of his eye he could see the Champlain had a strange look on his face but seeming to catch Noah’s gaze, he looked away more towards Commander Groundwater.

“I think that’s enough, Come on Commander, Sgt. Major, we should let them rest. The Lt. Commander should be back from Behemoth’s Fang and we should meet him. It was good seeing you Commander Reaper, Lt. Commander Markston and to you Lt. Hart and the others. As a man of faith you are welcome to come to me if you need to talk. Good day.” He said as he heads out laying a hand on the bear woman’s shoulder and Noah could have sworn he seen something pass from him to her which made him frown. ‘What was that? Was I seeing things?He thought to himself before shaking his head. ‘That was weird… maybe I’m hallucinating because I’m so tired… probably should get to bed.

“The Champlain is right, We will see each other tomorrow good night everyone.” The commander says with a bow of the head as she head out Sgt. Major giving a thumbs up before following leaving them alone. Once they left Rex took command of the situation.

“Okay everyone, we are all pretty tired. Let’s get some rest and start again tomorrow. There should be enough rooms for everyone though you can share rooms if you want too. See you guys in the morning!” He said before heading to the fanciest door with Silas following.

“Sleep well everyone, we will probably doing more training tomorrow so get rested.” The bigger man said with a smirk before heading to the room with Rex which made Noah smirk. Of course he knew those two were fucking given he had Rex confess to that while they were having sex so it wasn’t a surprise, Aidan also didn’t seem too surprised but he noticed the girls give a tiny giggle amongst them while James just raised an eyebrow.

“So the your brother and his Lt. Commander are fucking? I guess that explains why they are so casual around each other, so what’s the deal with Commander Groundwater and her Sgt. Major they also fucking Lt. Hart? You did tell Noah you would tell him later.”

“Hmm, yeah I knew about Rex and Silas being a thing, there aren't technically any rules against fraternization in the ranks so nobody really says anything about it. Though with Commander Groundwater and Luke… well they are engaged it was a bit controversial when their relationship became public but since there weren’t any rules against it they were allowed to continue their relationship since well not really breaking any rules and they don’t let it get in the way of their work.” He says with a shrug. “Anyway okay everyone get some rest alright see you guys tomorrow!” He said before heading to one of the other rooms.

“Aidan is right, let's get some rest, night everyone.” Elena says with a wave as she also heads to bed the others following suit going to their own rooms leaving just him and James alone and just as Noah himself was about to leave for a room he felt James grab his arm,

“Hey, can… I stay with you? I… don’t want to be alone tonight.” He asks shyly as he continues to hold onto his arm. Noah briefly gave a confused look before giving a soft smile and nods.

“Sure, don’t see why not? Let’s go!” Noah said as he took his hand and chose one of the empty rooms, true to form it was easily one of the nicest rooms he’d ever seen. The bed looked obscenely comfortable and the chairs looked extra soft as well and even the tables looked like they were made from high quality wood.

This… is going to take getting used too… this is almost too nice.” James pointed out while Noah could only nod.

‘Do they really need to be this nice? Like this is getting ridiculous and this is just the guest Commander suite how nice is the actual Commander’s suite is?’ He lets out a sigh before looking to James.

“Let’s get some rest okay? Tomorrow i going to be busy.” James nods and without much fuss they both strip and lay next to eachother nude before falling asleep holding each other.

…

‘Okay, um… what the hell?’ Was all Noah could think as he opened his eyes, he was certainly not in Kansas anymore. ‘Wait, what’s a Kansas?’ He thinks to himself confused before looking around more to figure out what was going on. He wasn’t in the room anymore and instead he found himself in what looked like a massive canyon full of bright red and orange rocks. ‘What happened this time? Hey Thanatos you there?’ He asks but before he could get a comment back he heard someone's voice cry out.

“What the fuck? Where am I?” His ears twitch and he turns behind him to see James looking around on the verge of panic.

“James?” He asks confused and surprised to see him there, though kinda glad to not be alone in this weirdness… he was also completely naked which made him look down and see he was as well causing him to yelp and try and cover himself… even though the only person who could see him was someone he had sex with. James seemed to notice him back which seemed to make him relax.

“Oh, you are here, so um… any idea what is going on Noah? Also why are we naked? Is it because we went to sleep naked?” He asks but shrugs as Noah continued to get an eyeful of the dog, it was… distracting to say the least but thankfully before he popped a boner he heard a sound behind him.

“There you are, how did you get here?” A strong masculine voice asks in a calm manner Noah relaxed hearing the voice but James let out a loud,

“Holy shit!”

“No clue, any idea where we are Thanatos?” He asks seeing the tall wolf in dark billowing robes.

“You know this person Noah?” James asked, confused head quirking to the side still not bothering to cover himself.

“This is Thanatos, he’s my Animus uh that’s a long story but he’s part of my powers I guess?”

“Animus? Nevermind… any idea where we are, Mister Wolfman?” James asked, still showing everything off. His package in full view of both Noah and Thanatos.

‘You know, respect his confidence I guess but this is getting awkward…’ Thanatos seeming to here the thought lets out a chuckle.

“We are in the Elemental Seal of Earth, behind the Tor.” He answered in a calm manner which got a reaction

“We are WHERE!?” They both asked in shock before James then asked.

“Wait, what’s a Tor?” Noah sighed, this was going to take awhile, he only had what he had been told by Aidan and Dolan and he still really didn’t understand it but he gave James the best explanation he could give about what a Tor was and the boy just looked horrified by the revelation.

“You mean to tell me that the Elemental Lords could just blow up an entire city if they wanted too or just throw people through it just because they get annoyed? That’s honestly kinda scary.” He says shaking a bit before Thanatos chuckles and speaks up once again.

“Alright, come on take these.” He says handing the two some clothes to cover themselves. “At least you can cover yourselves when you are in here so you won’t go around naked. Anyway, follow me. I have a feeling I know why you are here.” He says letting the two get dressed much to Noah’s relief, he wasn’t sure he had the will to control himself for much longer so he was glad that the distraction was now fully covered up. After they were fully clothed Thanatos gave them their weapons his duel swords and what looked like a pair of knife-pistols for James. Once that was settled they followed the flying wolf until they found themselves in the middle of the canyon which had a small settlement with a few houses but that wasn’t the thing that really caught their attention it was the freakish monster that seemed to be attacking the town and Noah recognized what the mutated looking bear was.

‘Is that another Malefactor? How did they get in here?` Shaking his head he shakes James on the shoulder.

“We gotta stop that Malefactor! They aren’t in control yet but if they do get in control they will be in control of Commander Groundwater! If that happens bad things could happen.” James just looked at him completely baffled and confused.

“Wait… you want us to fight that thing? On our own? And what do you mean bad things could happen? What’s a Malefactor?”

“I’ll explain later Okay! Trust me, we can’t let them get in control!” He says as he rushes towards the monsters his weapons at ready as he warps using his shadow powers to wind up behind the malefactor and striking it with his time-eater blade causing the beast to yell in pain. Getting a better few it was clear the bear was male and he could tell that because the malefactor was naked… and his package was huge enough to where his sheath could barely hold it. ‘Seriously? You got to be kidding me! Why is everyone naked?’ He complains as the malefactor turned towards him in a rage.

“Who Dares attack me Stubbornness?!” It shouted before laying eyes on Noah who got himself into a battle stance readying himself for a fight.

‘Okay, his name is Stubbornness. Last one was Anxiety. Are they all named after negative emotions? Whatever, gotta stop them either way. I will not let them cause another Eldra!’ He says moving to attack again but this time the Malefactor managed to dodge and strike him with a massive fist sending the young wolf back several feet causing him to let out a grunt as he lands on the ground. ‘Okay, that hurt…` He say getting up with a grunt and readying to fight again. The bear monster looked ready to charge before he let out a grunt as a few popping sounds as spurts of inky black blood came from his shoulder as James shot him with his knife-pistols.

“Hey ugly! Got two of us to fight!” The Alsatian shouted, causing the Malefactor to turn its attention to him. “Oh um… yeah! Come get me fatso!” He says as he starts moving around blasting the malefactor with his guns energy blasts as Noah flitted in and out of darkness too continue attacking before vanishing into the shadow.

“Damnit stand still!” He says as Noah gave another slash with his time-eater blade but before Noah could go back into the shadows he was grabbed by his arm and flung him into the ground causing him to let out a pained yelp as he was pinned down. “Got you now you little rat!” He says as he tried to tear his throat out but the bear started glowing and starting to float before being blasted by several bursts of light.

“Get off of him, asshole!” James shouted out angry before using his light powers to enhance his guns laser bursts making them larger and stronger as he rapidfire spammed them blood oozing out of the malefactor. Noah taking advantage of this began to attack with his blade absorbing some of the light blasts to charge up his shadestone blade until fully charged and he let out several arcs of dark energy to continue to strike at the damn bear but even still he wouldn’t fall. He looked hurt but he looked no closer to dying and Noah was panting, beginning to lose energy. He still wasn’t fully used to fighting or using his powers so his stamina was limited compared to more experienced members of their group like Aidan.

It was also clear that even James was beginning to tire out. He was probably better with endurance with his football training but he had been in even less serious fights than Noah. “Grr, damnit die already!” The alsatian cried out in frustration which caused the malefactor to laugh one that caused the fur on the back of Noah’s neck to stand on end.

“Stupid children, do you seriously think you could beat me with those toys?” He said before he started to glow, getting even more beastial. “I will destroy both of you and take control over this Elemental Lord and use her to destroy this city!” He cackled out in absolute glee as he got even larger. “You will rue the day you dared oppose me! Everyone will fall under the boot of the Inquisition! Their flag will wave all throughout Weleshna and the rest of Mortaelis! The Infidels will suffer for their sins as our glory will shine bright!”

‘Wait? The Inquisition? Why is he talking about the Inquisition? That seems a bit random doesn’t it?’ Noah thinks to himself as the mad malefactor dark energy flitted around him. ‘Either way, this bastard truly lives up to it’s name… Stubbornness huh? Certainly too stubborn to die that’s for sure! Hey Thanatos, any tips to help?’ He mentally asks his Animus, which resulted in the said same Lupine spirit letting out a chuckle.

“You’ll have to summon me into the fight, your watch is our link the conduit to our connection focus on that and I will help,’

‘Wait, aren’t you already here though why do I need to summon you?’ Noah asks as he dodges a strike from the bear.

‘It’s a bit too complicated to explain fully but you have to trust me alright? You have too if you want to win.’

‘If you say so, well here we go…` He said taking out his watch thankful to find it in his pocket as he grips it close

“Hey, why are you bringing that out?” James asks as Noah closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

“Okay Thanatos show your stuff…” He says as he grips the watch as his sigil activates glowing across his body and the watch starts to glow and grow hot which caused Noah to let out an ouch and let it go but the watch begins to float up and glow brightly until it shattered and dark energy emerged taking the shape of a tall wolfman and once fully formed showing Thanatos in his fully armored form. His black wings flapped as his armor had a dark shine to it as his blue eyes piercing as he wielded a massive scythe fitting for someone who seemed like an angel of death.

‘Um…? So is he my Persona or something?’ He thinks to himself as he feels a jolt of pain in his head. ‘Ouch! Oh come on! The reference is obvious!’ Another jolt of pain came, making him grumble. ‘Okay, okay, fine! No more 4th wall breaks! Happy?’ No jolt of this time which made him even more annoyed. “Okay Thanatos what now? How does this work?” He asks the Wolfman who chuckles.

“Ust do what comes naturally.” He says and Noah sighs, figures the guy would be vague. “Fght and I’ll follow your lead that make more sense?”

“Why not say that in the first place?” Noah complains while James still watches on in confusion. While the Bear just looked annoyed at being ignored.

“What’s going on?”’ James asks while the bear monster roared in frustration.

“Grah! Stop ignoring me!” He roars as he charges towards Noah who reactivly slows him down with his time powers making it easier to judge and slashes at him with his blades and Thanatos following suit slicing him with his scythe causing Stubbornness to let out a howl of pain as it seemed to affect him more than his previous attacks. Figuring the pattern Noah looks towards James.

“Aim for the injuries we create! Compound the damage!” He calls out as he continues to slow time to make the bear slower and attack him again and again with Thanatos acting in tandem compounding onto the damage and following what he was told James started attacking the already damaged spots using his light power boosted lasers furthering the damage as the bear monster started to finally show signs of weakening. ‘Almost there, we can do this almost there!’ He says as he continue to bounce in and out of shadows to slice him from everywhere with Thanatos who continued to attack in tandem striking right where Noah struck with scythe doing even more damage.

‘I have an idea to finish this, close your eyes and will your weapons to be one.’ Noah just looked confused and did as he was asked and felt a burst of energy crosses his face blowing back his hair. ‘Now open your eyes and see what you made.’ Noah once again does as he says looking surprised to see himself holding Thanatos’s scythe (though one more his size given he wasn’t like 10ft tall.)

“Did your blades just become a big ass scythe?” James asks as he continues to blast at the bear aiming for his already damaged spots furthering the damage holding him still with his gravity powers.

‘Okay finish him now, focus all your powers into the scythe and swing, say the words that come to your heart.’

‘Do you have to be so vague!? Whatever I’ll do as you say, worked for me these past few times.’ He mentally shouts and takes a breath and begins to channel his powers into the scythe causing to glow with immense dark energy causing it to rumble as it vibrates heavily from the sheer amount of power as it starts to become hard for Noah to keep hold of until feeling the moment he swings the Scythe screaming “ULTIMA THULE!!!” He says releasing a massive arc of dark energy far eclipsing anything he had produced before crackling with not only darkness but time energy as well.

Stubbornness tries to hold it back too stubborn to dodge the massive wave of power but once it hits him it slices right through him cutting him almost completely in half diagonally causing him to let out a cry of agony as blood spews out of him in every direction spilling his inky black blood staning the land beneath him as he begins to fade.

“No, this can’t be, I can't die! I refuse!” He cries out as his body continues to fade away. “Damn you damn you all! I will get my vengeance I swear!! You will rue the day you crossed me!” He continues to threat as he fades fully away leaving the two boys and the Animus alone as Noah’s scythe begins to glow and fade away his weapons gone as well.

“Wait, where did my blades go? Did I lose them?” He asks worried as he didn’t have much other ways to defend himself but Thanatos just smiled.

“Quite simple, summon your scythe again you can summon it like how Enoplos level Glyph users does their Glyph Weapon.

‘Oh handy… okay I’ll try that… here we go…’ He closed his eyes and focusing his his power and with a dark flash he felt his scythe form in his hands as he opens them he grins seeing the scythe. “Okay this is cool! So what now?” He says looking towards Thanatos who just chuckles.

“You will be waking up soon, was good seeing you Jacob, I’ll be there if you need me.” He says as both Noah and James started to fade away. “Good job, you did good here don’t forget that. Things are gonna be tricky coming up I fear, someone put that Malefactor into Commander Groundwater find them and stop them before they can bring more harm. Noah could only nod as his vision started to fade…

…

The first thing Noah heard was the birds singing from out the window causing him to groggily open his eyes seeing it was morning. “That was so strange, why do I have a feeling that this wasn’t just some weird dream?” He asks himself as he stretches, finding himself dressed in the clothing he was wearing in the Seal. “Okay, that settles things. It wasn’t a dream.” He says as he feels James stirring next to him with a yawn he moved so James had enough space to move as he got up and rubbed his eyes and looked himself over.

“So I take it that entire thing was not just some weird ass dream?”

“No, don’t think it was. I mean we did fall asleep naked and we are wearing these. But let’s see…” He says as he tries to summon his scythe and as if on cue the scythe in a flash of darkness his scythe shows up in his hands. “Okay, this really is cool!” He says chuckling as he gets up. “Come on, lets get up, we can get a bath and explain what happened to the others, how does that sound?”

“Uh, sounds good I guess? Yeah let’s go.” He said as he takes Noah’s hand as they head to get cleaned up.

…

“So, you are telling me that you guys fought one of those Malefactor things inside the Elemental Seal of Earth and you can now summon a scythe?” Flint asks trying to get everything together, it had taken a while to explain everything and even the everyone still looked confused, though to be fair given what they had seen it was pretty confusing experiencing it so he could imagine how hearing it second hand could sound.

“Yeah, pretty much. It was called Stubbornness and it was a big bear guy. Took forever to take out but thankfully we took him down before he could possess Commander Groundwater and cause whatever it wanted to cause. It was weird though, he started rambling on and on about the Inquisition it came out of nowhere and I’m not sure what it was really about.

“That is strange, don’t think I’ve ever heard any rumblings on any Malefactor things in MODD’s spy channels if the Inquisition had gotten involved with some strange power? What are they? Are they some kind of Unsealed?” Silas asks as he paces wearing a simple muscle shirt and slacks having decided to not change into his uniform yet and Noah couldn’t help but appreciate the view given the man was huge.

‘No wonder Rex likes him so much… wonder how good he is in… no don’t go there! He’s old even to be your FATHER! Your daddy issues aren’t THAT big!` He shakes his head but Silas just raises an eyebrow.

“You okay Jacob?” The big man questions with mild concern which caused Noah to blush brightly under his dark fur but he gave a sheepish nod that he was okay which just made the man shrug and continue on.

“So can you tell me what they are? You are the only one whose encountered one directly I believe Jacob.”

“Right, um from what I’ve heard they are apparently beings made of the worst of Mortal emotions. Basically pure evil incarnate you could say… one of them is directly responsible for what happened in Eldra..” he says looking towards Aidan feeling if anyone should explain it should be him given what had happened to his father. Aidan seemed to pick up on this and sigh.

“My Father was possessed by one, while under the possession he was forced to release Hydra resulted in the Unsealed attack that wrecked Eldra… please, don’t let word of this leave this room. My Father is a good man and it wasn’t his fault what happened.

“Of course, news that a Elemental Lord was somehow possessed would spread panic all across Mortaelis,” Rex said with a nod before looking towards Noah himself.

“So how did that happen? The Seals are supposed to protect us Elemental Lords from such supernatural occurrences. It shouldn’t be possible.”

“It’s because the Malefactor aren’t from Mortaelis, or even this reality.” Noah confesses causing everyone to look at him shock.

“What do you mean they aren’t from this reality? What does that even mean?” Rex asked alarmed.

“I don’t fully understand but that’s what I was told at the very least. I’m as clueless as you are but apparently they are from a place called Enria?” Noah said not explaining he had vague memories of the place from someone who looked eerily like him. ‘Okay so there are at least two other versions of me running around somehow… ugh why as my life gotten so frieken weird? I missed when my biggest worry was making a good grade on tests and avoiding James.’ He thinks to himself with a sigh.

“Enria?” Elena asks curiously. “Who told you all this if I may asks Noah?”

“Oh um… Thanatos my Animus you remember him right? He was the one who caught me when I fell after killing Hydra.”

“Oh, that guy… wait he has a name?” Flint asks curious while Rex just looks utterly confused.

“What are you guys talking about? What the heck is an Animus? I know you were the one who took out Hydra but does this relate to your power?”

“I’ll show you!” He says getting up and grabbing the watch holding it close to his chest. “Hey Thanatos know this isn’t a fight but can you come out? Might help me explain things better if you are here.” He says as his sigil begins to activate and glow across his body and the watch begins to glow and float up and like before in the fight in the seal glows with a bright black light as it begins to take shape as the large 10ft wolfman with his massive black wings. As he took full shape he was dressed in his robes instead of his armor as he floated above the group. The reactions were quick most of the people who had seen him before looked somewhat startled but adapted quick, James was largely neutral but Rex and Silas summoned their seal weapons while Em just hid behind James not seeming to expect this.

“Hellp, Good to actually meet you all.” The giant wolfman spoke in his deep soothing voice.

“You can talk?” Flint asked in surprise. “Huh… um… didn’t expect that actually. Cool I guess? Sounds like some video game shit I played as a kid.”

“See! Isn’t it! But whenever I bring it up that it sounds like a certain video game I get a headache or a nosebleed.” He says grumbling as all the others just looked at him confused.

“Anyone have any idea what he’s talking about?” Emily asked as she leaves her hiding spot behind James to look at Thanatos. Nobody said anything mostly just confused looks and shrugs. “So you are Thanatos… thank you for helping Noah, um what exactly are you?”

“I am an Animus, I am a physical representation of his power bound by an object of great emotional relevance to him. That being his pocketwatch the one thing he had to connect him to his past life before Eldra.” He explained simply as he continued to hover lightly.

“Do.. I have an Animus? I have a Sigil like Noah so…?” He asks twiddling his thumbs a bit curious but Thanatos just shook his head no which made the giant wolf man lay a hand on his shoulder.

“You will eventually you just haven’t made the connection to an object where it becomes your focus and link to your powers to manifest an Animus but I’m sure you will when the time comes.” He says Noah noticed that Rex had a mixed look as he looked at Thanatos and his ears twitched every time he heard the being speak but Noah stayed quiet deciding to ask him later once they were alone. His reactions seemed odd but he’d worry about it later they had enough going on in all honesty.

“Should we tell Rocky what happened? Considering she nearly got possessed by some evil alien demon thing.” Rex asked from his seat.

“Not sure she’d believe us, she’s alway been a stern and serious lady. Not one who ever had patience for perceived nonsense, I’ve known Rocky for a good while since we grew up with Elemental Lords as parents though she’s a good few years older than me uh don’t tell her I said that…” Aidan said the last part being in a sheepish manner causing Noah to raise an eyebrow, the Commander didn’t seem to be the type of woman to be sensitive about her age but he had uddymet her yesterday so what would he know? Aidan was a Lieutenant and the son of an Elemental Lord so it made sense he would know her more personally than he would.

“How old is she exactly?” Noah asked, causing Emily to elbow him in the ribs. “Ow! What was that for?” He complained rubbing the injured area lightly.

“You don’t ask a woman her age Noah!” Emily replied sternly. “That’s one thing most people should know,”

“Her age is public record though! She’s an Elemental Lord! She has trading cards for gods sake!” He complained back and let out a small yelp when he got elbowed again. “Ouch! That was unnecessary!” Emily just let out a hmph and Aidan and Rex both couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

“She’s 26, became an Elemental Lord about two years before I did, from what I remember it was considered controversial when it was found she bonded with the Elemental Seal of Earth given she was also Condrad’s daughter but it was ruled that she could go ahead and sync and become his Lt. Commander before he decided to retire and well she became an Elemental Lord.”

“So do Elemental Lord’s lose their power when they retire? How does the sharing seals thing work since technically don’t both you and Silas have the Elemental Seal of Space?”

“We do, technically I have the full power of the seal if I ever die that power would go to Silas. His seal acts more like a standard glyph he can’t like summon a Tor like I can but he is still much stronger than a typical Glyph user. As for what happens when the Elemental Lord retires they keep some of their power but it’s still less than what they had while being the Elemental Lord so probably slightly weaker than a Second but yeah pretty powerful.” Rex says, explaining best he can.

“Okay, thanks Rex that helps me understand it more.” Rex just gives a thumbs up as everyone fades to quiet.

“So what’s on the agenda today? You did mention training right? We gonna use the VRCS system right? I can’t wait to see the one they had here. I always heard it’s pretty epic and one of the best in Mortaelis.so excited to try it.” Flint said with a grin which made Noah chuckle, he had kept forgetting that the tiger was a massive VRCS nerd.

“It is the largest yeah, Rocky is pretty strict on it being used mostly for training, There is a smaller VRCS system in the mountain for more casual and leisure use but unlike the main one you have to pay per hour but it’s not too bad a price. I know Luke likes to hang there on his days off.” Rex replied to the man. “He’s a pretty good player and I’m sure he’d be eager to play with you guys if you ask.”

“You mean I could actually play against a Sgt. Major in a VRCS game? I’ll have to ask him about it. Later!” Flint said with a grin before stretching. “Either way this is going to be an interesting time, we got to figure out Noah’s vision, plus those Malefactor things. It’s gonna be an interesting time I bet.”

“Yeah, it is… just hope things end better here, I don’t think I’d be able to forgive myself if Greasham ended up like Eldra because of me.” Noah said, ears drooping a bit causing both Emily and James to both pat him on the back. Aidan looked like he wanted to say something but just as he was about to open his mouth to do so a knock rang out from the door causing Rex’s ears to twitch.

“Come in! Who is it?” Rex says as the door opens and a grey furred ram dressed in simple robes like you say in a church entered. He looked around Noah’s age, maybe a year or two older. He gave a deep bow before speaking his voice cool.

“Commander Groundwater wishes to meet with all of you."

“