#8. The Arrangement
#13 of Origins
Notice;
Names have been altered on purpose to protect the identities of the living and the deceased. Comments are welcome like always but, please keep all negative feedback to yourself. Merely out of respect for those that I've lost recently and over the years, Thank You.
Special Shout Out;
In loving memory of all those that showed me the way whenever I got lost or distracted. I miss all of you horribly but, I know you're still watching over me from above.
(Launa Moon Viander, Sabrina Breckenridge, Lady Azrealle aka Azzy, and Sayber are all owned by, https://xennydiemes.sofurry.com/ )
"You might as well tell us now and spare any annoyances later on the subject." Launa said. "We're of Native American heritage, he earned a place with our great grandmother's tribe. He worked hard to earn it, he even went so far as to take their rite of passage. Upon succeeding he gained the blessing of the tribe's gods and became an anthro." Yvonne stated. I wasn't expecting her to inform them but, it didn't make it any less true.
"Well, that certainly answers a few questions but, that feather raises more." Azzy said. "I've been summoned to the village where the tribal elders wish to see me. Something tells me they're aware something has happened and that isn't good. In any case I need to leave soon if you ladies wish to come than you're welcome to." I replied. Now I didn't know what would happen upon arriving and that bothered me more.
Extending her right hand Launa asked me if she could examine the feather. Placing it into the palm of her hand then watched her inspect the item rather closely. A couple minutes later she handed it back then suggested they spend the night. Considering there was another message asking Launa and the others to tag along. Azzy wanted to see it next, if only to confirm what Launa had shared with everybody.
Once she confirmed it Yvonne and I made our way into the small kitchen. Than tried to figure out how much food we had and how to feed our large guests. Feeding four tall, muscular warrior maidens wasn't going to be a very easy task. Luckily Launa and the others morphed into their human forms to spare Yvonne's sanity. They changed before joining us, even though I could still see their true forms.
While I was cutting the potatoes Yvonne leaned gently against my shoulder. I could tell just by the energy I sensed that she was relieved that I was alright. Even though I've got some new abilities in her mind I still get to be her brother. Once the all the food was prepped ready to be cooked it went into the oven next. Setting the oven's timer followed, from there I set the dining table and joined the others.
Azzy and my sister were getting to know each other while sitting on the love seat. Sabrina was hogging the entire couch, Sayber lounged near the bay window. While Launa was in the room across the hall looking around then stopped suddenly. She reached over and grabbed something off the shelf it looked like a picture frame. This soft smile appeared on her face as I entered the room wondering what picture.
"Who's this lovely young woman you're holding close to you in this photo?" Launa asked. Gently taking it from her then put it back on the shelf and walked silently away. Folding my ears back while my long tail dragged behind me told Launa plenty. She let the subject drop for now and when I was ready she'd be there to listen. The feline didn't count on my sister to over hear her question, let alone answer it.
As I opened the door to the back patio I heard someone gasp in surprise. Interested in some privacy I continued out onto the patio for some fresh air. Sitting down on a barstool closest to the small outdoor CD radio and turned it on. After fishing through the radio stations I settled on listening to the CD in the tray. Granted I wasn't sure there was a disc inside but, I set the mode and pressed play.
Luckily it beeped telling me there was so, I waited for the scanner to read it. Sadly I wasn't ready to hear the latest album of Shinedown called Amaryllis. Acting quickly I turned the volume down before my neighbors start to complain. Before I could enjoy the album's fourth track the timer on the oven began chiming. Shutting the radio off then I walked back into kitchen to pull dinner out of the oven.
Once I turned the timer and oven off I pulled dinner out then closed the door. From there I carried our meal into the dining room and placed it onto the table. "Alright, everyone dinner's ready so please join me in the dining room please." I said. As they politely took their seat I noticed the strange looks on our guest's faces. "Not to sound ungrateful but, this meal won't put a dent in any of our stomachs." Launa replied.
Looking around the table at everyone then at our dinner, Launa was right. Giving her fingers a snap the table was bathed in a vibrant flash of white light. As the light faded the table was covered with enough food to feed an entire army. Before I knew it the faint glow my eyes possessed got brighter as I scanned the table. Of course this got the attention of everyone though Launa wasn't very concerned.
"Forgive me but, I didn't think you're magic would work with me present." I said. While everyone was in the middle of enjoying the bountiful feast Launa created. My comment didn't go without a proper response for long after she swallowed. "Any mage can tell the spell I just used wasn't that complex or special Nova. If you happened to be the target than the spell would just bounce right off you." She replied.
"Would someone mind informing somebody that's sitting in the cheap seats?" Yvonne asked. To my shock Azzy happily told my sister what Launa meant by her statement. Once she was satisfied I made myself a plate before everything was consumed. Seeing as I was the last to eat the task of washing dishes was my responsibility. After finishing my meal I entered the kitchen and with Yvonne's help it didn't take long.
For the rest of the night things were pleasant until it was time to go to bed. I occupied the L-shaped sectional in the study as everyone walked up the stairs. Launa, Azzy, Sabrina and Sayber debated about where they'd sleep for tonight. As things began to settle down upstairs sleep soon found its way into our house. For three hours I did everything I could to get comfy on the sectional with zero luck.
Since sleep was a waste of time I got up off the couch and walked outside. From there I walked down the porch then around the back towards the garage. Fiddling with the combination lock then heaved the heavy door above my head. If I was going back to my tribe I'd have to wear the clothing they made for me. Something told me that Launa and Sabrina were going to bust my balls about these.
Once I found the container they were packed in, I grabbed it and locked up. Walked back into the house through the kitchen then re-entered the study. Placing the plastic container onto the table, removed the lid and placed it nearby. Taking a shaky breath then removed each of the items one by one with great care. As I laid them out and inspected each piece making sure they're still in good condition.
Stripping out of my current outfit then carefully changed into my tribal attire. With everything in order I reached for the wooded and stone bead wrist gauntlet. Upon tying it securely to my wrist and upper forearm I checked all the bindings. Another feeling made itself know in regards to this particular piece of armor. I'm pretty confident that someone is going to ask about this and it won't be, Yvonne.
There are five items still missing with my present attire and two were upstairs. While the other three were stashed away in my hut at my village for safe keeping. Since I didn't know who was sleeping in my room I decided to wait until later. In the meantime I took the time to re-acquaint myself with my tribe's language. Luckily I wrote down plenty of notes, in the event that I should end up forgetting it.
My notebook proved its worth after two hours I was speaking fluently again. By this time I heard movement above me, I decided to get the coffee pot running. The next thing to enter my ears was a loud feline yawn as they entered the room. Looking over my shoulder briefly to see who it was and learned it was Sayber. As she stretched her stiff muscles first then looked at me briefly before waving hello.
When Sayber's brain got up to speed that's when I got the strangest of looks. Doing my best to explain my attire to her just as Sabrina and Launa entered the room. Of course the second they saw what I was wearing Sabrina just couldn't help herself. "Okay, explain to me why the hell you're wearing that goofy looking outfit?" Sabrina asked. Not bothering to give the super werewolf any kind of ammunition I walked away.
"Did you forget that Nova is Native American, his attire is a testament of that." Launa replied. Sabrina looked at her friend for a moment as the info rolled around in her mind. When everything checked out but, still believed my outfit looked stupid. It wasn't long before Azzy and Yvonne came downstairs into the kitchen. Instead of leaving breakfast to me or my sister, Launa decided to cook it herself.
After we finished eating, the dishes were cleaned and put back into the cabinets. Before doing anything else I ran upstairs to my room to get my bow and quiver. Once both items were shouldered I went back downstairs then went outside. Taking a few moments to check our surroundings before I ended up doing anything. Next I pictured an image of my tribe's hunting grounds then opened a gateway.
"Azzy, Launa, Sabrina and Sayber once on the other side I'd like to ask you something." I said. Giving me a weird look as they walked through one by one but, I stayed behind. "Alrighty, sis wish me luck and in the meantime you stay out of trouble." I smiled. Kissing her forehead and with a tight hug goodbye I caught up with the others. Once I was clear of the portal I turned to the side to watch it close with a soft pop.
"What's this request you have for us Nova and do choose your words carefully. You only got away with ordering me around due to the situation we were under." Launa said. The expression I received was all the warning I needed to watch my mouth. I couldn't blame Launa for saying that when you take what happened into account. It didn't take me long to find the right words about what would be going on.
"When we arrive at the village say and do nothing until you've been vouched for. Once welcomed I'm solely responsible for every single thing you say and do. In the event any of you screw up I'll be answering and paying for your actions." I informed. Naturally they were curious to know what would happen if such a thing occurred. Holding my right thumb up to my neck then dragged it slowly from left to right.
Telling them I'd get my throat cut if they caused any trouble during our visit. "Hold up, you're telling us if any of us screw up it's your ass in the frying pan?" Sabrina asked. Looking up into her steel brown eyes Sabrina's muscular arms dropped to her sides. "Judging from the look on your face Nova, I'll do my best to behave." She replied. The next person to promise was Sayber by grasping my left shoulder gently.
Turning slowly towards Azzy and Launa hoping they'd agreed to behave. "Don't worry Nova I won't do anything that would create any problems, okay." Azzy smiled. The second I turned to look at Launa I knew she wasn't about to give me her word. I understood her feelings more than she knew without considering past events. Instead of pleading I raised my hand, opened a portal then I told everyone to leave.
From there I entered the forest without bothering to look over my shoulder. It was several minutes before all four female warriors caught up with me. Not bothering to look back at any of them as we continued deeper into the forest. Three hours passed as we reached the heart of the forest then I gave a loud whistle. Resting peacefully inside the aviary of my village one of the birds awoke and took flight.
"Alright, what the hell possessed you to make such an annoying whistle?" Launa asked. As they rubbed their ears briefly I sensed something coming closer to our locale. When the sound of flapping got louder I made another whistle but, much softer. When a rather large bird appeared as I raised my arm then landed on my arm. "Hello my feathered friend it's been far too long, you're looking well." I smiled.
Reaching into the pouch on my right hip and pulled out a piece of jerky. The large bird leaned down and gingerly took it from my hand then ate it whole. Giving the feathers on his chest a scritch making his wings flap as he got comfy. Curious Launa came over then tried to touch him only to pull her hand away quickly. Seeing as my avian partner tried to bite her fingers clean off merely as a warning
"HEY! None of that you she wanted to get a closer look now you behave. Sorry about that Launa my friend here gets carried away did he get hold of you?" I asked. With a shake of her head I moved my arm towards her so she could get a better look. While she checked him out, he watched her intently until he caught sight of Azzy. That's when he started to strut, trying to entice her but, only made all of us laugh.
She wisely turned him down then I wrote a note and gave him a list of orders. Tying the note to his leg first then I jerked my arm up telling him to take flight. Spreading his large wings he took to the air and flew back towards the village. It wouldn't take my avian friend long to reach the village and find an elder. Now having a Condor for an avian only added to my odd status among the villagers.
About two hours later we finally reached the unguarded gates of the village. Wisely I unsheathed my hunting knife then walked cautiously towards the gates. Signing Launa and the others to wait there while I scouted the area alone. The second I walked past the open gates two stone spears were aimed at my neck. Dropping my weapon first then stood upright and finally lifted my arms in submission.
Before they could begin to question me an all too familiar face walked by us. {Greetings, Star Mane it's been far too long my friend mind lending me a paw?} I smiled. The bi-colored horse anthro stopped turned to the right then laughed richly. With my identity confirmed I explained my reasons for returning to the village. Next I told him and the guards about my four guests then asked for permission.
"Eythreir, you don't have to ask for permission to bring guests to your home. Besides my father and the other elders have been waiting patiently for your arrival. I'll make sure that they're brought to your hut while you're with the elders." He replied. Placing my hand on his shoulder then with a smile I gave the others the okay. When they walked towards the gates he and the two guards nearly pissed themselves.
"Why did he call you Eythreir, when your name is Nova?" Sayber wondered. "There's a pretty simple explanation, Eythreir happens to be Nova's tribal name. In the ancient language of our tribe Eythreir means twin spirit which fits perfectly. When my father the village healer read Nova's soul that's when he discovered it. Being a Wolf and Snow Leopard anthro mix added to his already ironic status here.
Considering none of the elders my father included predicted this sort of thing. With Lady Insutra and Lord Courahn for guardians it revealed an unknown path. Though I can't help but, notice there's something different about you my friend. Sadly it's not my place to stick my nose into a friend's affairs unless I'm permitted." He replied. I gave my close friend a pat on the shoulder then asked him where the elders were.
"Last time I checked they gathered in the communal hut for when you arrived." He said. With a slap to my back Launa and I went to seek council with the tribal elders. While Star Mane brought the others to my hut located just outside the southern gate. As we reached the communal hut the feather in my pouch began glowing brightly. "Launa, go ahead without me apparently they want to speak you alone." I stated.
Pulling the door-like flap aside for her with a parting glance she went inside. Next I went to my hut to gather the last of my gear then looked for some hunters. With my four powerful guests what food stores the tribe had wouldn't be enough. Sayber wanted to go with us but, I asked all three women to protect my home. I explained that what I asking of them is considered a high honor among my tribe.
To refuse would be the highest of insults and the punishment wasn't pretty. "Alright, Nova no need to get your boxers in a bunch we'll keep the village safe. Just make sure you bring enough food back that'll actually satisfy us this time, okay." Sabrina stated. Touching my forehead with two fingers I promised and retrieved some hunters. Grabbing Star Mane and five other skilled hunters we traversed into the forest.
"Star Mane I'm going on ahead by myself, if anything happens, send out a signal." I said. He nodded then told me to be careful as I went off alone in another direction. Traveling through the trees doing my best to avoid broadcasting my presense. Luckily my hiding place and patience bore fruit as a herd of deer walked underneath me. Studying them for a moment before selecting four out of the twenty deer below.
Before killing my targets I whispered a prayer to the gods of my tribe first. In quick succession I loosed four arrows and my targets dropped to the ground hard. The herd ran away in fear leaving their lost members behind for me to retrieve. Jumping carefully out of the tree first, built a sled next then loaded them onto it. Sadly I couldn't transport them as my senses pinged on something strange approaching.
Sure enough my instincts were correct when this unnatural roar echoed. Not liking the sound of what made that I dashed towards it with all my speed. The silver spots along my spine lit up then I morphed into a feral version of myself. My old/new predatory form granted me enhanced speed, stamina and finally reflexes. Sadly I wasn't in the driver's seat mentally as my primal side had taken control briefly.
"Welcome back to the depths of your mind boy what warrants your visit?" Courahn asked. Not bothering to give him any satisfaction I remained quiet until someone else spoke. "I called you to this place Nova to give you a message and a gift you've earned." Insutra said. Turning around to face the bronze colored wolfess then bowed respectfully. "I'm deeply honored to be in your presense, Lady Insutra." I said politely.
"You needn't be so formal with me, Nova this is your mind not my realm. Please look behind you there are three beings I wish to present you with child." She smiled. Doing as the goddess asked I turned around and faced three unique creatures. "Standing before you are your domestic, predatory and were-beast forms. Each of these forms has a wide variety of strengths and weakness you'll have to master." She began.
Waving her hand all three beings merged with me in a blinding flash of light. With a deep breath I felt their combined power surging through my entire body. "When you return to the village Launa and Elder Vyekk will be waiting for you. I'm not sure what it might be but, what I do know is that it must be important. Sadly this is where we part Nova, use your new powers wisely and go save your friends" She informed.
(Back at the Communal Hut.)
"Ms. Viander please bear with all of us since our English isn't all that great. Could you tell us what happened to Eythreir since he was last here with us?" Elder Vanar asked. Launa eyes grew wide for a second then she scratched the back of her head briskly. "That's a loaded question if I've ever heard one and I'm not sure where to begin. To be honest I'm having a hard time understanding what happened myself." She replied.
Doing her best to explain everything to all the elders from start to finish carefully. The elders tried to keep their emotions in check but, a lot of it was hard to hear. Especially when they learned what happened to Gina along with what I had to endure. "Since Eythreir is out hunting we can do something to honor her life later tonight. Ms. Viander do you mind coming with me on a venture to our trial grounds?" Elder Vyekk asked.
"This wouldn't be a sly attempt to get me alone and all to yourself now?" She countered. Vyekk laughed richly in response to her baiting question as they stood up. Next they left the hut, Launa checked with the others first before leaving the village. Something told her that the elder hasn't told her everything but, knew he would. It wasn't until they entered the forest moving towards the valley when he spoke.
"Forgive me for holding back some information but, there's reason behind it. A month before everything occurred one of the goddesses of our tribe appeared. We had always assumed that our gods had mortal forms but, to have it proven. It was something nobody myself included was completely prepared to experience. Lady Coreencia is the goddess I speak of, she's god of judgment and balance for our people.
She requested that I bring one Launa Moon Viander for a meeting in the canyon. Where she wishes to discuss the fate of our brother, Eythreir with us in person. Though judging from the energy I can sense from you, you're not thrilled about this. Considering the High Council of Tribal Gods is number two on your shit list." He stated. Launa didn't say anything right away since Vyekk's insight happened to be correct.
"Normally I'd pound anyone into paste for poking into my private affairs. Since there are special circumstances in place I have to keep myself under control." She replied. The old stallion knew all to well what the tall muscular feline was telling him. It would a good while before they actually reached the valley then goddess' home. From out of nowhere this strange sensation tingled across Launa's entire body.
(Hunting grounds.)
When the merger ended I returned to reality and was in control once again. Skidding to a complete stop then I took a moment to orient myself to this state. It didn't last long when another strange roar echoed forcing me back into action. Needing to know the creature's exact location I used a skill I trained myself to do. By remaining still and by sinking my claws into the dirt allowing me to read all vibrations.
It's funny that I learned how to do this little trick by watching a cartoon on TV. While the creature kept walking the vibrations it made told me exactly where it was. Not wasting another minute I charged at full speed hoping to cut the creature off. "Star Mane there's no way we can hold off this beast, we've got to get out of here. Before it decides to make us its next meal instead of the prey we killed." Pine Fox stated.
Before he could sound the retreat I exploded onto the scene and struck first. Using the strange massive bear's back like a ramp I vaulted high above it's head. Spinning around in midair then with claws extended I slashed it across the face. Four streams of blood sprayed out as the bear roared upon losing half it's vision. Landed gracefully on all fours snarling in defense of my friends then shifted back.
Once back in my anthro form minus my clothing and confusing my friends. "We don't have time for questions just get your tails back to the village now. I'll catch up don't worry I've got your escape route covered, SO GET MOVING." I stated. Naturally instead of doing as I ordered Star Mane decided to voice his opinion. Until I looked back at him eyes glazed over and blazing an intense violet coloration.
"I think for once we should do as Eythreir says, he seems to have this handled." Otter Tooth replied. At this time the bear regained it's bearing and wasted little time seeking revenge. Rushing towards me I delivered a strong spin kick to the belly knocking it back. While my friends ran to safety I debated about using my were-beast state. It was my hesitation that gave the bear the chance to take advantage and attacked.
What I saw next was this brown and black furred mass smacked me aside. Crashing to the ground and rolled like a log for a few yards then came to a stop. Not bothering to give me a moment to recover the bear charged at me on all fours. Waiting patiently for the bear to be directly on top of me before returning the favor. The second the bear was above, I whirled around and slammed my elbow into it's jaw.
Knocking the bear back a couple steps allowing me to get back on my feet. Since this bear was dead set on having me for lunch, I was left with no other option. Quickly picturing my were-beast state in my mind then my body began morphing. With a painful and explosive roar my entire body bulked up close to twenty feet tall. The fur along my entire spine burst into red flames then slowly shifted to pitch black.
My green eyes changed to a vibrant violet color with two black pupils. Not wanted to be intimidated by my new size the bear stood up on his hind legs. Roaring defiantly up at me, like lightning I grabbed it by the throat and squeezed. This dull crack entered the air then the massive bear went limp in my hand. With a snort released my grip upon its throat allowing it to crumple to the ground.
Since the bear was dead I decided to go retrieve my clothes and sled first. Luckily my clothes weren't damaged and the sled was left alone so I headed back. Next I loaded the prey my friends obtained onto the sled then grabbed the bear. Slinging the four ton bear over my shoulder then made my way back to the village. Elsewhere Launa and Elder Vyekk were halfway in the canyon the trials are held in.
At the three quarter mark a rather tall cloaked figure seemed to be waiting. "Welcome, Elder Vyekk and you Launa Moon Viander my name is Lady Coreencia. As you are no doubtably aware of I'm the goddess of Balance and Judgment. I'd like to discuss with both of you about Nova and how much time you'll require." She said. Something about this woman rubbed Launa the wrong way and that wasn't good.
"Look, I don't care for who you are but, I will not be ordered around by you. Besides I've already promised to help Nova learn to control his strange powers. Even though I've seen first hand what this power is truly capable of doing. It's bad enough I've done far more for him than I normally would for just anyone." She stated. What Launa didn't know was Coreencia had a card or two up her sleeve.
"You're telling me nothing that I'm not already aware of but, my orders stand. Keep this in mind Launa, he has a bigger role to play since his powers awakened. With the proper training I'm certain that he'll be a powerful ally in the future. Especially if your ex-husband Coyote were to come out of hiding to exact his revenge." Coreencia stated. For some reason Launa felt like this woman was actually trying to pick a fight.
A warning growl exited Launa's lips and intrigued Coreencia a great deal. "Heh, interesting do you honestly think for an instant you're a match for me, Launa? Perhaps something that would interest you that would make you willing to accept." She said. Launa's blood was starting to boil when she mentioned her bastard ex-husband. In addition to her cocky tone and attitude only made the feline angrier towards her.
Instead of coming unglued Launa took a deep breath then counted slowly. As she exhaled her brewing anger exited her lungs then she crossed her arms. "Thirteen months sounds reasonable for him to train and get his affairs in order. Oh, do keep this in mind Launa Viander absolutely nothing will forestall his judgment." She added. Upon saying that Launa's temper boiled over and like a volcano she erupted.
Charging Coreencia without thinking just as something far away pinged. Not wanting to fight Launa with this strange energy nearing the tribe she reacted. Allowing the feline to close in first then replied with a firm elbow to the breastbone. Stopping the powerful warrior dead in her tracks and re-directed her attention. When she did Launa soon picked up on the same strange energy Coreencia sensed.
"Normally, I'd love a chance to test my skills against a woman of your caliber. There's something big heading towards the village and I don't know if it's friendly. I don't think your friends will be able to handle this thing on their own for long. Perhaps when Nova passes his judgment we can settle things like true warriors." She replied. Reluctantly Launa agreed then they were instantly teleported back to the village.
To be continued.