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Malacaster : Redemption

Night’s Angel

Chapter 1

Another show finished and the feline feeling both drained and worked up. She thought of finding someone lucky enough to fill her needs. She watched as a family of foxes walked past her. They were at the show.

The little kit was maybe 10 years old. The feline never thought her shows were right for kids. But getting them younger siblings was always fun. She found the wolf and his girlfriend who were also at the show. The feline laughed knowing the girlfriend wasn’t watching the show.

And the way she was still licking her lips agreed with the thought. The feline herself felt she could go two for one. She pulled herself off the wall and danced her way over to him. “Joana,” a male voice called from her prize.

“What is it? Tim,” she answered, turning to face the old goat. “I was hoping to call you back for an encore,” the goat said. “Two things,” she said, “One. I’m spent. And two. My contract is up.” “Really now?” he asked, “You sure, I can’t get one more performance from you?”

The feline knew something was off. The crowd broke way too quickly. “Tim Gravebell,” she said, “What did you do?” Coming around the old goat were the other Bells. Which one had taken a stage name ending in bell.

But something about her friends was off. Their eyes looked glassy. And they moved with small jerks. It dawned on her when she saw the blood. Rage replaced her desires. “Come on Joana,” the goat grinned, “We can always renew your contract.”

“You undead bastard,” she snarled, “All of them? Just because we wouldn’t renew them?” “No,” the goat answered, “because I found us a new sponsor.” Thud. Thud. Thud. More than a dozen heavy thuds came from behind the young feline.

She didn’t look back at what was behind her. She heard about the weapons called mages. “You sold us out,” she said, flickers of flame burst from the dark spots across her fur as she took slow steps to the goat.

“But we’ll get to be a family forever,” the goat laughed, “It’s that what you always wanted? A family?” Her tears steamed from her cheeks. “And you killed them to make them your toys,” she cried. “They thought no was an answer,” the goat laughed, his skull showing through his sick skin and fur.

With the same grace and speed she held on stage, the feline leaped at the goat. Her flames now dressed her in burning rage. Before she could make contact. she crashed into a wall of water steaming and boiling from her touch.

She fell back. The cute little water dancer mouse had shielded the goat from her. the mouse’s throat hung open as blood still dripped down her neck. Next her was her ferret boyfriend, his chest was ripped open and half of his ribcage was broken.

She pulled herself to her feet. she had turned facing the mages. Faceless metal monsters. In that second she knew she was going to die. She knew the reason her birth family threw her away. Not only was she a caster. She wasn’t even fully feline.

Her father was an elemental. A fire spirit that possessed a living body. He and her mother fell in love. and Joana was the result of that love. But her mother’s family shamed her into giving Joana up. And now that part of her was the only weapon she had left.

Her green eyes flashed with pain and rage. She cried out. Her flames heated the choking air to the point all the water the dead mouse called up boiled away. And the closest of the mages melted. To her horror she saw what was inside.

There was a person in the metal monster. She screamed. Adding to the choking heat and raging flames, her friends’ dead bodies, the unholy monsters around her. She screamed. Everything around them was burning.

The fire was no longer hers to command. She punched, kicked, clawed, and burned anything that came near her. but it wasn’t enough. Gravebell’s scythe hooked under her left arm. “You stupid little whore,” the goat said.

with just a twist the scythe ripped through her shoulder and rend her arm from her. white hot pain burned her eyes as twisted back to the goat. He was unmoved from the flames as they ate away his flesh. “Every show, every performance,” he said.

Blood drool from her eye as the butt of the scythe punched through the eyeball itself. the feline fell onto her back. She pushed away from the undead goat. “A new toy, a new playmate,” he said, “and you being too stupid to even charge.”

“It was never like that,” she choked out. the tip of the scythe split one of her legs open from just above the knee. the goat pulled the blade down slowly drawing out her screams of pain. The blade cut through tissue and bone alike.

“Never like that,” the goat retorted, stomping down and breaking the feline’s other knee. “You stupid bitched,” he spat, “That’s all it ever was. That’s what you were paid to do.” The goat kicked the feline in the ribs, crushing one of her lungs.

The whole time the goat torture the feline. His puppets made a show of her fighting and killing anything in her way. shock and blood loss started to settle in. But she helplessly watched as the scythe came down between her breasts. with one swift swing the feline was opened.

The goat laughed, it ringing in her mind. she heard more than felt or saw, something burst. and a second later knowing what it was without even seeing. And she cried tears and blood. He had truly taken everything from her. Even her unborn child.

her eye closed as she welcomed death. But it never came. Her eye opened, the room was bright white. And people moved around her. One of them stopped and looked at her eye. “It’s awake,” they said.

“Shouldn’t be,” another one answered. the one in front of her moved. There on a table looking at her was a helmet. It was red and silver. “Don’t humananis these things,” another added, “they’re just mindless corpses.”

She wanted to scream but she couldn’t even move. She couldn’t even feel if she was breathing. She tried to beg the first one with her eye. To help her. To kill her. to do anything but what they were about to do.

They took a few steps and opened the helmet. The helm slid into place as the mask closed her face. a tear rolled from her eye as the suit sealed itself. “Unit one one four seven,” the second one said, “boot up all systems.”

There was a whirl of sound as the suit booted up. Once the whirling died down the second one said, “testing motor functions. Unit one one four seven take three steps forward, then turn left and pick up the mug on the table.”

The mage took three steps forward and turned left. Then it lifted its arm, reached out and picked up a plain white mug from the table. “Very good,” they said, “Set the mug down and turn one hundred and eighty degrees.”

The mage did so. “Fastest one yet,” they said. “Shame really,” the first one said, “I saw her perform a few times.” “And now she is right where she should be,” the third one answered, “serving the queen like all those casters should be.”

“Unit one one four seven,” the third one said, “report to the weapon range for combat testing.” The mage turned and left the room. All Joana could do was remember the pain. With every free thought she could find. She begged and wished for death.

Unit one one four seven tested highest for its model. Its organic computer gave no feedback. It was sent out into the field within a week. Its first mission was collecting a caster from a public facility. Only fifteen deaths were reported due to the caster’s resistance.

Joana could only watch as her power to kill. Each death she counted. Each death burned what was left of her soul. It wasn’t long before she had to stop counting. The mage stood with its team awaiting orders.

At times like this the system would replay past missions to plan ahead for the next one. and Joana had to watch over and over again. Every death, every body, every scream and cry. and she was powerless to stop it.

If she could, her mask would be filled with tears. “These three would be best for this mission,” a nameless soldier said, “And look not a scratch on them.” “This is not a normal mission,” another soldier said, “They’re going after the big guns of these warlocks.”

“The warlocks?” the first asked, “the terrorist group?” “Yeah,” the second said, “sounds small, but it’s headed by this guy calling himself the Malacaster.” “No way,” the first said, “Malacaster is just a ghost story.”

“And yet,” the second said, “We’re about to drop these three into a hot zone to get him.” They laughed till one started moaning. “Not here dumb ass,” the second said. “What? It’s not like these things are going to watch,” the first said.

The moaning continued. And once the two had their fun, they left. Joana wanted to feel sick, but she didn’t have a stomach anymore. “Malacaster,” she thought. She had heard about the Malacaster as a kid.

The caster thrift. Known for taking down crimelords and corrupt politicians. And now that she was a monster she had to go and drag him into one of these suits. yeah, right. And she’d get out of this suit and the malacast would be the first person to hold her hand.

She let her thoughts roll back to better days. but only the bitter thought of her own child being taken from her. And her being powerless to stop it. But something akin to hope flashed in her mind. the young kit she saw just before all of this.

His bright blue eyes filled with wonder and joy. How old would he be now? What kind of man did he become? Her thoughts started to hurt. Why him? Why now? Why was she even thinking at all? Then she felt something.

“No,” she thought, “I can’t feel anything any more.” But she thought about it. She still had her hand. Had she finally lost her mind? But she could feel it. Her thumb. HER THUMB was twitching. “Entering drop zone,” a voice over the intercom said, “Dropping mages in three, …, two, …, one.”

The mage’s systems booted on as the floor under it opened. It and the two units next to it fell from the craft. The unit next to the mage released a storm of icy spikes. The three mages hit the ground in the no man’s land.

In front of them was a medic. He stood with a group of soldiers. The command mage said “Capture the target, terminate the rest.” Then took off for the medic. The other two units followed. The soldiers moved to block the medic.

The mage called forth fire and removed the threat. “David RUN!!” They yelled burning to death. “I'm just a healer, I mean nothing to you” the medic said, hands open. Joana could see the tears in his eyes. Others screamed and yelled for him to run.

The other mage engaged them. They didn’t last long. “David Malacard, you are under arrest for the illegal use of magic as dictated by law,” the command mage said, its metallic voice clear as day over the fading cries.

“Screw your laws” the medic yelled. “Surrender, peacefully and you will not be harmed” the mage continued. “I would rather die than join you” the medic answered. The medic became enclosed in a suit of armor.

Black metal and purple light moved in a blur. Breaking the command mage’s spell the armored being hit the command mage with enough force. The command mage flew back, landing on a mine. the mine detonated, ripping the mage apart.

The being turned to hit the other mage. Joana watched as her mage suit followed the being’s idea and rushed it from behind. The mage rained fire down on the being. and didn’t let up. The other mage was pulled into the ground and crushed.

“Jonathan, run,” the being said, “Get out of here. They can’t take all of us.” He was given no answer. The being held off the mage like it was nothing. But the mage closed the distance till the two were face to face.

Time seemed to freeze. And the two had stepped out of their bodies. And in that time and space Joana was whole again. Before her a breath away was a black fur fox with ice blue eyes. Tears filled the feline’s eyes.

“Why would you do this to me,” she said. All he did was smile. She screamed at him. begged him to be released. “This won’t last long,” he said, “but I need to ask you something.” She blinked. “I’m as good as dead no matter what happens,” he said.

“But what can I do,” she said, “I’m the one that’s going to bring you to them.” “I know,” he said, “And I forgive you.” His smile never left him. “I need you to do something for me,” he said, “I need you to find my son.”

“But if I do that,” she said, “I would just do the same thing.” “No,” he answered, “I can’t do it here and now. But when the time is right, I will release you from their control.” “Why would you do this for me?” She asked.

“Because, I remember you,” he said. She looked into his eyes. “You’re the kid that was at my show,” she said. “Yeah, mom wasn’t too happy with it at first.” he said, “but she didn’t mind the aftermath.” Joana grinned.

The feline held herself. “Find him when you can,” he said, “And save as many as you can, for you.” A breath later she was trapped back in the mage watching as her hands punched him till he fell. then beat him till he broke.

He had no fight in him. just that gentle smile in his eyes. She forced her will and screamed. The mage dragged the broken and beaten fox to the landing craft. The mage threw the fox into a holding pod. Righting him to close it.

Just as the mage grabbed his arm. He grabbed the mage’s hand. “Find my son please?” he said pulling a small piece of armor off and putting it on the mage. The fox smiled and closed his eyes. Joana felt a jolt run through her.

She’d gasp if she had lungs. But she thought a laugh was fitting. “Till you can get off this ship,” a voice in her head said, “it is best you act as you were.” She didn’t move. The pod closed. “And what’s stopping me from throwing myself out of an airlock?” she asked.

“Your system has been reprogrammed,” the voice said, “you have been given a task. And till I am given new orders. you are to comply with the task.” “How? I don’t even know the kid’s name,” she said. There was a pause.

“Agree to comply,” the voice said, “and You’ll have a name.” “And if I don’t?” she asked. “I will reconnect the control chip,” the voice answered. “NO! No. Please god no,” she begged. “So you agree?” the voice asked.

“Find a kid or go back to hell?” she said, “not much of a choice.” “Please confirm your choice,” the voice asked. “OK, I’m stalling,” she said. “but it’s been … What year is it?” The voice gave the date.

“TWENTY YEARS!” she said, “I’ve been in this thing for twenty fucking years!” “Do we have an accord?” the voice asked. “Yes,” she said, “Anything is better than being locked in my own head.” “His name is Cornelius Malacard,” the voice said.

“He must still be a little kid,” she said. No answer. “Hello?” she asked. No answer. She waited. Still no answer. “I guess, I have lost what was left of my mind” she thought to herself. Then she waited for the suit to move her somewhere else.

After a few minutes of not moving she asked, “ok, are we going anytime soon?” She tried something she never thought would work. She moved her hand. It had been a long time since she had any control. And she enjoyed every slow second.

“This must be a dream or something,” she thought, making herself move to the door she saw. just as she got to the door it opened. she gave a mental sigh. There was one on the other side. As much as it hurt her, to leave the poor guy to the same fate.

Chapter 2

She continued to walk down the corridor. “OK,” she thought, “Where the fuck am I?” She spent two hours walking corridors blindly. She stopped when she heard knocking on one door. she moved till she blocked the door as a whole.

With a hiss it opened. A brightly colored otter stood by the door. It? looked up at her. “Oh, um, hi,” it said. The old trem “femboy” came to mind to answer a confusing question. She tried to speak but nothing came out.

“So much for getting something to eat,” the otter said, “it’s not like you could even answer me.” “I got an answer for you buddy,” she thought and lifted one hand and lifted a finger. The otter laughed when it looked back at her.

“Love, I cost too much for you,” the otter answered, “Wait, you have control?” With simple signs she answered his questions. “Where’s David?” the otter asked. She looked down at the otter’s feet. “Oh, love, I didn’t mean to upset you,” the otter said.

The otter looked around. “Shh,” the otter said, “they don’t know I have these.” The otter pulled something out of his stomach. Joana felt sick watching it. And it hurt with the memory it triggered. She looked away.

“You ok there, love?” the otter asked, “Oh right, sorry about that.” The otter figged with the item. “Moving on,” the otter said, “Can I see you head? Please.” Joana lowered her head and knelt. A second later the otter started doing something, and talked to itself.

“Thank you Delta,” the otter said, “you made it nice and easy.” “Not for not there buddy,” she thought as though she was talking, “I don’t think you can help here.” “Hang on there, love,” the otter said, “I have to restart your system.”

Everything went black. Joana could only think the freak just killed her. After a bright flash she could see again. Along the edges of her vision there was a layout that she had seen in video games. She stood up grabbing the otter by the neck.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” she asked, “Are you trying to kill me?” “Much better,” the otter said, “I’m Winston Springwell, but you can call me Bliss.” “Not sure if that answers any of my questions,” she said.

Then she had a thought. “Wait, you can hear me?” she asked. “Yes,” the otter said, “I had to change out your control chip with an interface chip.” “And why does it look like I’m playing Mech Hunter two?” she asked.

“Wow, you’re the first one to notice that,” the otter said, “it has the simplest layout for your conscious mind to understand.” “I beat the story mode in four hours,” Joana said. “Nice,” Bliss said, “Anyway, You should be able to find a ship or something we could use to get out of here.”

“Yeah, standing in a doorway like this is a bad idea,” Joana said, “ok, how do I do this.” “Right, you’ve been locked in your own head for a long time,” Bliss said, “need you eyes for a second.” Bliss jammed the tool into the back of Joana’s neck.

Joana felt a shock run through her. “Hey, fucker,” she said, “I’m not some toy you know.” “Novabell, love,” Bliss said, “just hush.” After a few seconds the otter laughed. Pulled the tool off. “Ok, love,” Bliss said, “Do you remember the controls from the game?”

“I think so,” she answered. “Good, just imagine you’re playing the game.” Bliss added, “And just interface with it that way.” “Ok, give me a second,” she said. “OH,” Bliss said, pulling off their shirt, and threw it over Joana’s head.

“Hey,” she said. “This is the closest you’re going to get to closing your eyes,” Bliss said. “Fine,” she said. She cleared her mind and moved her hands as if holding something. With a few flicks and twitches of her fingers she recalled the feelings and function.

“Never thought I’d have to remember being a gamer just to be of some use,” she said. “I’m just glad I remembered all that coding to make the interface chips,” the otter said. “Map, Map, Map,” she said, her mind reading levels of information.

“Ok, got it,” she said, “Fuck, this thing is big.” “Yeah,” the otter said, “I get that a lot.” Still not used to the suit, Joana punched the otter in the face. The otter’s head was gone when she pulled the shirt off her head.

The headless otter was holding up a finger. Seconds later the otter’s head pulled itself back together. “And, that’s why they had me in a box and not in a suit,” the otter said. “What just happened?” she asked.

“short answer,” the otter said, taking back the shirt, “I’m immortal.” “So I have to cut off your head?” she said. “Nah, it’ll just grow back,” Bliss answered. “Anyway,” she said, “I don’t need that thought in my head.”

“Right, dirty talk later,” Bliss said, “We need a ship.” “Right,” Joana said, “got a few, looks like they're a few levels down from us.” “Can you route us a path,” Bliss asked, “Or is there a shortcut?” “If you can cut through almost a meter of metal, wire and pipes,” Joana said.

Bliss looked the suit over. “Red and silver,” they said, “been in the field for twenty years.” “Your point?” she asked. “Pyromancer,” Bliss said, “and with pure pyrokinetic, a born fire starter.” “What gave that away?” Joana asked.

“You’re not mortal,” Bliss said, “and you don’t have fuel tanks. Also you weren’t in a hydro pod.” “What does that have to do with anything?” she asked. “You are a walking blowtorch,” Bliss said, “We can cut through in no time.”

“Ok,” she said, “you’re the wizard here.” “Just heat up the floor,” Bliss said. After a few minutes the floor was glowing red. “Now,” the otter said, just to the side of the glowing ring. The otter touched the floor.

Seconds later the glowing part of the floor froze over. The metal whined. “Give us a good stomp there love,” Bliss said. Joana jumped onto the ice. The ice and metal gave way and the suit fell. Bliss looked down.

Joana tried to shoot the otter a look. “Water magic,” they answered, “long story,” “I got nothing but time,” she said. Two more tries and they were a level above where they were going. “We got movement down there,” she said, “Oh and they know where we are.”

“Nice,” Bliss said, “Follow me love.” “Do I look like a dog to you?” she asked. “In short, you have one of the most powerful artifacts known,” Bliss said, “And it helped you as it was ordered. so till you fulfill your contract with it. You’re its bitch.”

“And thanks to you it can’t put me back in their box,” she said. “No, but Delta could still fry your system and let you die in that thing, very slowly,” the otter said, “And right now we both need to get out of here so less fight and more following.”

She shook her head and followed the otter. Three doors, two ladders and four wrong turns later. They stopped in front of an airlock. “You lead us to a deadend,” Joana said, “I can only hope they kill me this time.”

“Shh,” Bliss said, pressing their ear to the door. “Yes!” They said, “Our ride is here.” Joana looked down the corridor. After a few hisses, the doors opened. Joana looked back at the door. After another second she looked past the barrel of a big gun.

“If you’re going to put that in my face,” she said, “Just pull the fucking trigger.” “Right,” a large dark skinned human said, “get in.” The gun moved away from her. They loaded in the little ship. “here,” the otter said, handing Joana a watch.

“What’s this for?” she asked. “You’re time aphasic,” Bliss answered. “He means,” the human said, “You have no concept of time. And the watch, if nothing else will help you regain some of that.” Joana held up the watch.

She watched for a few minutes. “Thank you,” she said. “Just remember,” Bliss said, “Anything you did in the past twenty years wasn’t you.” She lowered the watch. “I did nothing to stop it,” she said.

“You’ve been through a lot,” the otter said, “Jonathan here has been working with the others. He’ll get you to a better place.” “Should have pulled the trigger,” she said. “And David’s sacrifice would have been for nothing,” Jonathan said.

“Well, I have this delta if one of you wants it,” she said. “We can’t take it,” Jonathan said, “We both have our own.” A small snake head lifted from under the human’s shirt. “Are you immortal as well?” she asked.

“No, I’m just human,” the human answered, “Tira here is a world seed.” “And I have the heart of an ocean goddess,” Bliss said, “Without it, I can die like anyone else.” “What is delta?” she asked. “The Delta codex,” Bliss said, “the core of the Malacaster.”

“So, I’m stuck with it till I find his kid,” she asked. “Find his kid?” they both asked. “Yeah before I found you,” she said, “I heard a voice in my head tell me. Well, more like remind me, I have to find the fox’s kid.” “David asked you to give Delta to his son?” Jonathan asked.

“No, just to find him,” she said, “I guess giving it to him is part of the deal.” “Well put yourself in sleep mode, we got a long trip ahead of us and we still have to recharge you,” Bliss said. It was the closest thing to sleep, Joana in a long time.

For seven years Joana worked with Bliss and the other warlocks. But seeing no end to her mission. she started to grow old to the people around her. The otter seemed to be the only one she could tolerate being around most of the time.

Many think it was because the otter was the only person she couldn’t kill. The truth was the otter was the closest thing to a family she had. He was old enough to remember the things she once knew. They would talk for days.

They would even play some of the older video games to help her pass the time. She even got to meet Bliss’ boyfriend. She didn’t get his name, but he must have nanoskin or something for him to have metallic shine to it.

It was at a bar controlled by the warlocks making it easy for her to sit with the others. Though she longed for a drink and some food. Bliss was sitting on the bar counter with A human man laying his head in the otter’s lap.

“So pretty little lady,” the metal skinned human asked, his tone honest, “what would you do if you could live outside that thing?” “I don’t know,” she answered. She looked down at her right hand. The only thing she could really feel anymore.

“Oh, come on now,” Bliss drunkenly sang, “there has to be something?” “Maybe Just a last wish kind of deal?” the human asked. “You’d think it stupid,” she said. “Try me,” the human said, taking Joana’s hand.

She couldn’t really feel it. she just knew his hand was there. but something about it. Empathy. Maybe? “This,” she said, nodding at their hands. The human nodded. Bliss flopped over the bar. The drunk otter flung his arm, landing his hand on top of both of theirs.

Joana thought it was sweet. But she also knew it was his boyfriend holding her hand. “If you could have anyone fulfill that wish,” the metal human asked, “Who would it be?” Joana pulled her hand away and looked at the wall behind the bar.

“That is a trick question,” she said. “Well, my love here is a tricky guy,” the otter said sitting up. “Yeah, but it’s really dumb,” she said. “Oh, so you thought about it?” the human asked. “Yeah in passing,” she said.

“Well,” the human said, with a mostly closed eye, but Joana just knew he was focused on her. “Don’t leave us in suspense,” the otter added. “Malacaster,” she said, turning away from them. “David was married,” Bliss said.

“I think she means whoever the next one is,” the human said, his head unmoved from the otter’s lap. “You can’t mean his kid?” Bliss asked, petting the human’s head, running his webbed fingers through the human’s long brass colored hair.

“It was a passing thought,” she said. “Cornelius is only eleven,” the human said. Joana felt a chill run through her suit at the name. She had almost forgotten about the kid. “Shit,” she said. “Oh, shit,” Bliss said, “I forgot about that.”

This made the human’s head move. “Novabell here has a contract with Delta to find Cornelius,” Bliss said, “and I agreed to help her.” “Oh fun,” the human said, “well best of luck with that.” “Yeah, Who knows where they are,” Bliss added.

“I need some air,” she said, standing. The drunk otter looked puzzled by the words. The thought didn’t last long when the human found another use for his mouth. the otter moaned, hugging the human’s head.

“Get a room” she said, walking off. The mage had just opened the door to the cold snowy night. When a small bird girl ran headlong into her. The small bird fell back looking up at the mage. She rolled and fumbled with a pulse rifle before aiming it at the mage.

Joana just tilted her head to one side. “If you’re going to shoot me,” she said, the mage’s voice hollow and metallic. “Wait, Melody,” Jonathan called, “She’s a friend.” The bird looked at the dark skinned human and back at the mage.

“I get this a lot,” Joana said, holding up her hands. Jonathan got between the two till the bird lowered the rifle. The mage lowered her arms and stepped to the side. Jonathan helped the little bird to her feet. a second later she darted into the bar.

“Sorry,” he said to the mage, “long story.” “Again with the strays?” she asked. “Long story,” he repeated, “Oh I found this.” He held out an old printout of a picture. Joana took the picture without looking at it.

“What’s this?” she asked. “I thought you could put a face to the name,” Jonathan said. Joana turned the picture over to look at it. “I’m not sure if it helps,” he added. Joana looked at the picture. It was an image of a young kit, about three or four years old.

He was a black fur fox with bright silver hair and his ice blue eyes smiled almost as brightly as his real smile. He was trying to hold whatever took the picture. It hurt to look at the picture. The reminder of what she lost.

She put the picture away into a little pouch she kept odd things she liked. She looked out into the night. After a few years, she would meet Switch and his sister. The avatiles were just trying to find a way home.

It would be another ten years before Joana would have to live through the worst few days since the day she lost everything. And she had to do the same to the sweet little boy from the picture. And it hurt more when she saw the pain and anger in his eyes.

Chapter 3

The air hummed with power. The two forces remained still. The mage Gravebell took a step forward. Behind him a figure moved. From the treeline ran out the old priestess. She dropped to her knees bowing to the mage.

“My lord, please you must protect me,” she begged. “There is no reason for that,” the mage said, “you have nothing. no magic, no guardian, not even the blood on your hands has value.” “But, I have done all that you have asked,” she answered.

“Fine, I won’t kill you,” the mage said, “yet.” Cornelius took the chance to move closer. Gravebell looked at the armored fox. “Oh the little hero,” the mage said, beginning to close the distance between them, “still just a pup.”

Cornelius ready himself. “And without that shell you’re just a walking corpse,” he said. Cornelius cast a spell letting him fire off a chain of energy blasts at the mage. If any of the shots that hit did anything, it didn’t show.

The mage closed the gap with a swing of the scythe. The Malacaster ducked under the swing. then came up with a swing into the mage gut, releasing another spell sending a blast of energy into the mage. Cracks shown in the plating of the mage’s armor.

The Malacaster caught the butt of the scythe before it could be driven into his eye. With a twist he threw the larger mage over his shoulder and to the ground. The scythe spun in wide arks to trip the smaller caster. Who’s answer was to grip the shaft of the weapon and hold himself above it.

Joana watched moving past the safety of the gate and the metal human standing before it. As the fight continued she felt the burning pressure building again. “Look familiar?” the metal human asked. “But that’s,” she said. “Yep,” he said, “well, it’s a mix of styles but got to love the showmanship.”

“Were you ever told what your father was?” the metal human asked. “You ask that now?” she answered, “All I know is he was a fire elemental.” “You might want to burn off some of that power building up,” Chartun said, “might also want to change if you’re going to stand there.”

“Fine,” she answered, letting some of the power feed into the codex she was given. “Activating combat mode” the little ferret’s voice said. Within seconds the feline’s clothes changed to tactical gear and armor pieces.

And the image of the ferret was wearing a little helmet. Joana gave herself a once over before turning back to the fight. One of the mages clipped the Malacaster in the shoulder with a spell causing him to stagger.

Gravebell took it and turned the fight around. Knocking the Malacaster around like a small toy. But the shot drew the others into the fight as forces clashed. Tides of water and stone kept the mages from attacking the Malacaster. As the dragons held the rest at bay.

The avatile warriors moved in teams of three or four to pull the fallen from the fight. Joana found herself casting defensive spells shielding the warriors or breaking line of sight on them. But even the screams and bloodshed couldn’t hold her mind as she turned back to the only fight that mattered to her.

They’re fight became a stalemate even with the Malacaster drawing the knife Chartun gave him. “That’s not good,” Chartun said, “poor kid wasn’t ready to face someone that powerful.” “What do you mean,” she asked.

“He’s almost burned out,” Chartun said, “He stopped casting just to keep the suit up.” “That means,” she said. She stopped herself from even thinking it. Gravebell hooked the scythe under the Malacaster’s right armor, aiming to rip him apart.

The feline screamed burning power overflowing from her. Her feet moved without command as flames burst through the armor. The Malacaster was just quick enough to move his arm, but the scythe still caught him above the elbow.

A second later was launched through the air. Only to crash and roll on to his face. The knife’s blade dung into dirt centimeters from his face. Cornelius looked up long enough to see a burning angel fly over him and crash into the mage he had been fighting.

“Delta,” he said, “I need a clean shot,” “Sir, You are badly damaged,” Delta answered, “I’m using all remaining power to keep you from bleeding out.” “Fuck that,” Cornelius said, “We got to finish this.”

He grabbed the knife, and a wild and blind swing of pain threw it as hard as he could. He fell onto his back and closed his eyes. Gravebell turned to see where the Malacaster went and was met by two things.

The first being a creature of flames and metal. Its bird-like head and glowing green eyes burned with pain and anger. The second was a razor sharp knife cutting into his right eye. He staggered back a step, as a wolf’s howl rang in his ears.

Everything froze as the howl echoed across the battlefield. first from one or two mages. Then from the crafts in the air. All the way to the edge of the star system. Many of them just fell over. As others held their heads.

Gravebell watched as his forces fell by the numbers. But still he turned back to the burning bird creature before him. “Joana,” he snarled, swinging the scythe full force down on the creature, “Do you really think that is going to stop me.”

The creature caught the weapon in its white hot metal talons and snapped the blade from its shaft. The creature said nothing as the broken blade was turned on its wielder.Joana’s voice came as a screech, “Never again.”

“Never again,” she cried, “will you hurt anyone.” The blade cut cleanly through the mage’s shoulder as it fell to the ground. “For my friends, my family,” the blade ripped one of the mage’s legs off, dropping him to the ground.

“For every life taken by my hand,” she raged. The blade took the other leg and cut into the damaged body armor. “For every man, woman and child,” she screamed, ripping the plating off the mage.

There in the fleshless body, where a heart should have been was a small green bell. “For the man I love,” she cried. The first strike on the bell missed damaging other parts of the suit. “And for my baby,” she hissed, driving the tip of the blade through the bell.

There was a ghostly gasp as the bell shattered. And the mage laid still. She roared, bellowing flames into the night sky. “Joana,” Aithenas called, standing over the fallen Malacaster. The suit had recalled leaving a glowing blue light over the missing arm of the fox.

The flames died away as she turned. She rushed over, tripping over the dead. She fell next to the fox, holding him. The glowing light was dimming quickly. “Hold on,” she cried, “Hold on, I can’t lose you now.”

“Please, hold on,” she begged. She kissed him. something within her stur as she felt part of her own life force pull away. The fox gasped when their lips parted. the glowing light on his missing arm brightened and held.

The Caretaker walked slowly across the field of the dead and wounded. He stopped before a Gagliuso who had a body pinned under his claws. Knowing they were safe, Aithenas joined them as did the other Guardians.

The old priestess begged for mercy from these gods. The Caretaker lifted her to her feet with one hand around her neck. His gold eyes cold with rage. The dragons turned their backs on the two, opening their wings and blocking the sight of them.

“You dare beg for that which you have denied,” he said, his voice cold and appsolute. The air and ground shook with power. “You beg from me with the blood of your own soaked through your hands. Death is too kind for you,”

Joana covered both her’s and the fox’s heads. As the Caretaker of the Great Library of Deeds spoke a command. Words they heard with a gentle warmth were now a damning force. “LOOK AT ME!” he bellowed.

The scream that was heard could not be put to words, and shook everyone to their core. When the dragons moved they saw the old priestess curled up into a ball on the ground covering her eyes. tears of blood coating her cheeks.

With a gentle voice he spoke to Aithenas, “See to the living. I will care for the dead.” “Thank you uncle,” she said, turned and gave orders to check for any signs of life. Tools were used to check the downed mages. The fallen dragon had returned to their mortal forms.

Soon all the dragons shifted back to their avatile forms and aided with the wounded. Aithenas return to Joana and Cornelius. “I will take him,” she said, lifting the fox, “well don’t just sit there.” The feline followed the avatile as she carried the fox to the temple where they were treating the wounded.

A medic came to them. Joana still held the scythe blade in her taloned hand. “My Lady,” the avatile said, “if that is the weapon that caused this wound. Then he is beyond my help.” “Necrotic energy,” Aithenas asked.

The medic nodded. “Delta, move,” she said, bright white light filling her hand. She pressed the palm of her hand over the wound. Black blood pouring between her fingers. Cornelius whimpered in pain.

“We’ll take care of you, Cornelius,” Joana said, kissing the fox’s forehead, “Just be still and stay with me.” Aithenas spoke in a language, none there could understand. But the oncoming rot from the wound dripped to the floor with acidic hisses.

“I can remove the necrotic energy,” the avatile said, “But that’s all I can do.” “Will he live?” Joana asked. “Yes,” Aithenas answered, “He’ll just need a hand.” The feline tried to not smile but knowing he was going to be fine was all she needed.

“Joana,” Cornelius asked, “Is it over?” “Yes, my sweet,” she answered, “You saved so many lives.” “I did?” he asked, “I thought I missed.” “You got the old goat right in the eye,” she said. “I think I did something to my hand,” he added, “I can’t feel it.”

“Don’t worry,” she said, “we’ll take care of you, Just rest.” “How’s he doing?” Bliss asked. “Big hero showing off again,” Jonathan said, “Making the rest of us look bad.” Melody walked up in just a towel.

“What happened to you?” Jonathan asked, “And what is that smell?” “Trust me, you don’t want to know,” she signed, fixing her towel. Aithenas pulled away from the fox’s arm. “Alright he’s clear,” she said.

The medics took over cleaning and badging the limb. They all grew quiet as the medics put him under so he could sleep through the pain. “He’ll live at least,” Aithenas said, not turning to them. she wiped the blood and rot from her hand.

“We should be getting reports from the other temples and the fleet,” she added, “letting me see your hand.” Joana held out her hand. What was a deep gash across her hand looked clean and healing quickly.

“You don’t have to worry about me,” she said, “my elemental power burned it clean.” “That was you?” Jonathan asked. “Yeah,” she answered, “but I wasn’t fast enough.” “I think you’re a phoenix,” Bliss said.

“I should have been the one to face him,” she said. “Don’t blame yourself,” Aithenas said, “He knew the risk. It was his choice.” “One he shouldn’t have to make,” Joana said. “Joana,” Chartun said. His voice was quiet, calm and gentle.

“Like Aithenas, Galuso, myself and so many others,” he said, “He is more than a person now.” “Just like you are,” Aithenas said, “We are symbols. Hope, faith, love, power, knowledge, wisdom.” “So much of the world is made into symbols,” Chartun said.

“And now all of you are symbols too,” Aithenas added. “Get some rest,” Chartun said, “He’ll still be there when you wake up.” “I say, let’s at least go get drunk,” Bliss said, “cause I could for a few rounds.”

Gagliuso picked then, to join them. His steps were quick and light. Bright copper scales and feathers dressed his arms and legs. “We had only lost a few priests but they have all returned to us,” He said, “Where’s Cornelius?”

“Resting,” Aithenas answered, “Besides dear brother, I think there is someone waiting for you.” she nodded. As Avatiles exited the temple to take stock of the damage. Galuso smiled and darted off to find her.

“I don’t feel like drinking,” Joana said, following the avatile into the temple. The others watched as the old priestess was carried to the temple. “As much as I want to hate her,” Aithenas said, “but all I have for her is pity.”

“Is she dead?” Melody signed. “No,” Aithenas said, “she faces a fate far worse than death.” “Told ya,” Bliss said, “You don’t want to piss off the Caretaker.” “Well,” Jonathan said, turning back to see the number of lost souls, “I think we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Joana was led to a well lit room with a large window. On the bed in the middle of the room lay Cornelius, peacefully sleeping. She sat next to him in a chair and just held his hand. She knew when he woke up, was going to be a bad time.

“We’ll get through this,” she whispered. As the hours passed the feline fell asleep. Their hands and fingers stayed laced together. She dreamed of a happy day. A wish long lost, but found again. And someone to share it with.

Chapter 4

Cornelius groaned as he woke. There was bright light filling the room. He still couldn’t feel his hand and there was an itch. He lifted his hand to scratch it but found a soft fur hand holding on to it tightly.

The feline slept at his side. Had the whole thing been a dream? Joana felt her hand being moved. She blinked her eyes open and lifted her head. “Cornelius,” she asked. “Yeah, I’ll live,” he answered lying back, “But my hand is still numb and now there’s an itch.”

“Cornelius,” she asked again. He looked at her. “How bad is it?” he asked, forcing a smile. “Gravebell’s scythe,” she said, “Aithenas was able to stop his magic from killing you. But when he threw you with the scythe. It …”

She reached over him pulling the blanket down from his shoulder. From just above where his elbow was gone. Left was a stub. He recalled the night. A white hot pain. A burning angel. Throwing the knife.

A group of Avatile warriors falling around him. And a dragon standing over him. He bit back the pain. He just wanted to be alone. Joana knew the look on his face. “I’ll go let the doctor know you’re awake,” she said, excusing herself.

As soon as the door closed she heard his cries. She felt it in the pit of her stomach. She sat by the door. Quietly she cried for him. “I think he knocked himself again,” the metal human said from the end of the door.

“Did you know he was the Malacaster when he saved my life?” she asked. “No,” he answered, “But you thought he was.” “A wild hair idea,” she said. “I mean it,” he said, “You were as good as dead. So having the one you thought was the malacaster be there for you.

Even if it was just him there to hold your hand as you passed.” “Then how could I have saved his life?” “Aithenas’ kiss,” he answered, “When she kissed both of you, she left a bit of power with each of you. Just in case.”

She had so many questions. “Phoenix, yes you’re father was,” he said, “I’m going to fix your boyfriend. And that blade has been dealt with.” She looked up at him. He looked off at something. “I’m not reading your mind,” he said, “But I have my ways.”

“Come on,” he added, “I think he’s ready.” The feline pulled herself to her feet. They entered the room. The fox was sitting up looking out the window. “Hurts,” he said without looking at them. “What hurts?” the metal human asked.

“Yes,” the fox answered. “Good,” the metal human said, “means you’re still alive.” “I was hoping no one was going to die because of me,” the fox said. “They knew the risk,” Chartun said. “Still think I’m worth it,” Cornelius asked.

“I’m here,” Chartun said. Cornelius nodded. “So what are you here for?” the fox asked. “See how you’re doing,” Chartun said, “Mostly to see how bad the damage is.” “To my mind, heart, or just the arm?” Cornelius asked.

“Yes, yes and yes” Chartun answered. “Is this how you feel?” the fox asked. “Close, the scale is off but the heart’s in the right place,” the metal human answered. “Anything else?” Cornelius asked. “Last one,” Chartun said, “What are you going to do?”

“Right now,” the fox said, “get back on my feet. Then when I’m closer to being ready.” the fox smiled, forced but honest, “Something really stupid.” “and that would be?” Chartun asked. “End this stupid war.” the fox answered.

“Cool,” the metal human said, “lay back. Kiddo, help hold him still.” “He can throw me across the room like a ball,” Joana said, “I can’t hold him down.” “you’re also the last person he would willing hurt,” Chartun said, “also he could use something to take his mind off it till I’m done.”

“hush laddie,” Chartun said, “She’s just going to do the same thing you did when she got her limbs.” The feline got onto the bed and curled herself around the fox. “Comiffy?” Chartun asked them. The fox was about to speak.

Joana pressed the side of her face into Cornelius’ neck purring soft into his throat. the fox’s eyes closed as he settled into the feline’s hold. “Take that as a yes,” the metal human said, undoing the bandages over the fox’s arm.

Delta had been affecting the blood flow around the damage. With a nod the metal human cupped the palm of his hand over the wound. “This is the part that gets a little weird,” he said. “You have your hand over the bloody stub where my arm used to be,” Cornelius said, giving the feline a gentle squeeze.

The fox’s thoughts cut off with the sensation of something oozing and crawling up his arm under his skin. The feline fought to hold him still. The metal human pinned the fox’s shoulder down with one hand keeping the other pressed to the wound.

Joana shifted to sit on the fox’s stomach. She held his shoulders. “He is not in any state for that right now,” the metal human said. The feline growled. “Got any better ideas?” she said. “No,” he answered, “but he is still not ready for that.”

Cornelius growled, “Just finish already.” “Does it hurt?” Chartun asked. “No, just feels really weird,” Cornelius answered. “Good,” Chartun answered, “Hold still so I can finish.” The fox settled down.

Seconds later the metal human pulled his hand away from the open wound and put clean bandages on it. “Ok, bad news,” he said, “it’s gone.” They both shot him a look. “Good news, because of the way some of the mussels rotted. You can get the same type of cybernetic limb as Miss Novabell here.”

“It’s not as bad as it sounds,” the feline said, “it almost feels like the real thing.” “Aside from?” the fox asked, his hand moving to scratch the missing part of his arm. “That,” she said, nodding to his action, “But we’ll get used to it.”

“So, what all did I miss?” the fox asked, sitting up. “That one hasn’t left your side,” Chartun said, “aside from going to the bathroom.” the metal human turned his gold eyes to the feline. “And she doesn’t like the nano skin,” he added.

“I like it,” she said, “I’m just not going to lie to myself about them.” the metal human looked at himself and nodded. “Give him a few days,” he added, “get his fluids up, make sure he eats.” “What’s the catch,” the feline asked.

“What makes you think there’s a catch?” he asked. “You took that tin can as payment for mine,” she said. The metal human smiled. “No, don’t give me that look,” she said, “What’s the damn catch.” The metal human stood, turned, and walked to the door.

“How about the return of a sex goddess,” he said, “one so hot not even flames can burn her.” Joana’s face went flush. “I. I. I can’t,” she said, “It’s been too long.” “My lady,” Fay’s playful voice said, “If you can’t recall your routine. I have all of them ready for review.”

“I. I. I can’t,” she repeated. “I Also have your preferred outfit on standby if needed,” Fay said. “Not helping,” Joana said. “Joana,” Chartun said, “can we talk.” The feline growled again, begrudgingly she followed the metal human.

After a few minutes of walking a quiet, empty hallway, Joana spoke up. “What did you wait to talk about?” she asked. “You,” he answered, his tone kind but stern. The feline stopped. Chartun slowly stopped a few steps ahead of her.

Even with his back to her, she could feel his attention on her. The metal human was only a bit taller than she was. She had faced horrors in her life. She was one herself. But this was something else. He was something else.

She looked at the floor. “I’m worried about you,” he said. He moved with a half step turn. Joana felt tiny as this god turned his eyes to her. He made no move aside from turning. “You’re worried about a nobody like me,” she said, turning not to look at him.

“I’m worried about a woman who wasn’t given time to grieve,” he said, his voice warm and loving. “I had time to grieve,” she said. “You’ve grieved for the lives you took,” he said, “the mages you help to make. Even for the first malacard to save you.”

“Please,” she said. “I don’t like causing pain,” he said, “I know what it’s like.” “But, you’re not going to hold back,” the feline said. “It’s not about what I’m going to do,” he said, “You’re the one who has to lay them to rest.”

The feline turned to look back down the hallway. But the hallway was gone. “Where?” she asked. “That’s not the point,” Chartun said, “I’m not the only one worried about you.” “Hey, Here he is,” a number of voices cheered as they watched the little mess tent turned bar come into view.

“The Hero Lives,” others yelled. Cornelius looked out of place with so many battle hardened soldiers around him. Some just nodded, others raised drinks. But to all of them, he had every right to drink with them.

Before he knew it, the fox had a beer in hand and space at the bar was made for him. Jonathan kept his post in the grilling space behind the bar. “You’re not going to eat yourself back to sleep are you?” the dark skinned human asked, setting a plate in front of the fox.

“I’m not hungry,” Cornelius answered, throwing back the beer as if it was water. “Don’t give me any of that,” Jonathan said, “eat and go easy on the beer.” The fox gave a half hearted roll of his eyes. “Doctors orders,” The metal human said, appearing from thin air.

Melody the little swallow stopped next to the group after clearing one of the tables. Winsten joined a few minutes later. The otter scanned the tent then asked “Where’s Joana?” The Otter stopped scanning the tent and eyes settled on a spot.

The feline blinked as if the otter was looking right at her. Winsten whispered something to the metal human who answered back. “He knows,” the same metal human said standing next to her. “Then what’s with the show?” she asked.

They're worried about you,” he answered. “What did he say to you?” she asked. “He wants me to go easy on you,” the metal human answered, “then threatened to rip my nuts off.” “You two are weird,” she said, “I know Winsten is worried, he’s been my best friend for years now,”

“And almost as soon as you could move you were all over another guy,” he said, “Yeah, he knows how you feel about him. But still you two haven’t spent any time together.” The feline looked at the ground.

“Melody and Jonathan are worried, because this is a new you to them,” he continued, “They have only known you to be what you were.” “And almost overnight I went from being a depressed lump of meat,” she added, “to some twisted freak.”

“Well they all knew you were going to be a bit off for some time,” he said, “And well, joys of sex.” The feline looked away blushing. “But they are also worried about him too,” Chartun added, nodding to the fox.

“I’m worried about him too,” she said. “So much so,” Chartun said, “You were ready to jump him right in front of me.” “You gave Winsten a blowjob in the middle of a bar,” she retorted. “To a willing partner,” he chided, “who didn’t just wake up from the trauma of having their arm cut off.”

Joana turned away again. She went to speak but he cut her off. “You couldn’t even go a day without trying to bone him,” Chartun said, “That’s not love.” “The old goat was right about me,” she said. Whack!

The feline rubbed her head where she was just hit. “If that was the case,” he said, “Would we be having this conversion?” She turned to look at the metal human. “You both know why you are doing this,” he said, turning her attention back on the group.

“How are things with Joana,” the otter asked, his eyes loosely turning back to the feline’s space. The fox’s weak smile faded slowly, as his hand came to rest low on his stomach. The otter nodded to the feline as if to ask a question.

“They all know part the reason you latch on to Cornelius,” Chartun said, “is because the link you two shared.” She said nothing trying not to look at them. “They won’t push if you don’t want them to,” Churtun said. Tears welled in her eyes.

“Not going to lie,” he said, “it will hurt.” “He knows everything about me,” she said, “he was the first person I touched, I felt in a long time.” “And he is only the second person to truly love you,” Chartun said, “and yeah, what he feels for you is real.”

“How could you know what he feels?” she asked. “Body hopping for ages,” he said, “You’d think I would know what love looks like. Oh and the library.” If not for the copy of him sitting across from them she would have forgotten he wasn’t really human.

“He doesn’t want talk about it without you,” Chartun said, “That’s why he didn’t want to rush.” “I was the one rushing things,” she said, her hand resting on the same spot on her stomach as the fox did. “Yeah a number of hosts lost kids,” the metal human said, “some were still caring,”

“It’s nothing,” Cornelius said, picking through the plate of food in front of him. “If it was nothing,” Melody signed, “You would have been licking the plate clean.” “It’s not the arm,” Jonathan said.

“What makes you say that?” the fox asked. The large one armed human nodded to his own stump. “Been there,” he said. The fox dropped the fork onto the plate, and rested on his elbow holding his head.

“It’s Joana, ok, alright,” he said, “I’m worried about her.” “I thought you two were medical soulmates?” Winsten asked, “What happened?” Cornelius was still for a long breath. “I can’t,” he said “I don’t know how to say it.”

“Are you thinking Gravebell was right or something?” the copy of Chartun asked. “Say that again about her,” the fox said moving to stand in the copy’s face, “And I will fucking kill you, god or not.” “But do you love her?” the copy asked.

“Yes, scars and all,” he twisted around half jumping on the spot, “as stupid as it sounds.” “Oh my god,” the otter smiled, “Love at first sight?” “I know it sounds stupid,” Cornelius continued, “When this asshole made me sit there while she was dying.”

“I held her hand,” he smiled, tears rolled off his cheeks, “She gripped my fingers trying to hold on. And I just knew.” “Sit down before you hurt yourself,” the little swallow signed, then tried to settle him by grabbing his arms.

The shock of pain triggered a reflex causing the fox to almost belt the little swallow. She had ducked out of the way when he yelped. The copy was between them before anyone could blink. “Sorry, I’m sorry,” the fox said, “FUCK!”

“It was an accident,” Chartun said, “So everyone settled down.” Melody hid herself under a table. “Jonathan,” the metal human said, “It was an accident.” The human’s fist tightened. Cornelius loosely held the stump of his arm, the bandage turned red with fresh blood.

Joana’s eyes snapped the swallow, a deep growl in her throat, and ears folded back. “What’s running through your mind right now?” the other metal human asked. “Touch him again and I’ll kill you,” she snarled.

Once her own words reached her ears she flitched. “Melody was only trying to help,” he said. “She hurt him,” she hissed. “She wasn’t trying to,” he said, “and he almost killed her. Had she been a second slower.”

Joana glared at the metal human. “Innocent blood on his hands,” he said, “the blood of someone who was always kind to you even in the suit.” The feline paused. She fished out a piece of paper. “Innocent blood,” she said as her eyes turned to the page.

The picture of the happy little kit with smiling blue eyes. She looked up to the older fox cursing under his breath. Thoughts recalled the life he had after the picture was taken. And the people around him. The friends she made as the monster.

Melody was a sweet and friendly girl, at times She was scared of her own shadow. “What’s wrong with me?” she asked. “Trama,” the metal human said, “PTSD. Now your mind is free of that suit.” Joana turned back to the metal human.

“You don’t want to grieve for them,” he said, “Because You don’t want to let them go.” “They were the only family I had,” she said, “hell, I got my best friend hooked up with her boyfriend.” “And,” he said. “And he knocked me up, with her watching, willingly. It was her idea.”

“She just needed someone with her,” he said, “And from what I know, she watched you a few times.” “Yeah we had a thing. Fire and water.” she added. “She was happy for you,” he said, “She wasn’t going to let you get away.”

“Yeah, she didn’t tell me about the baby,” she said, “Settle down, have a few kids and just be,” she said, “I had my fun. I thought I was ready to grow up.” “And we all know what happened,” he said, “But it took a few years.”

“But I found something just as good,” she said, looking back at her group of friends. The human shook his hand for a second and put it on the fox’s shoulder. “Just relax, have a seat, get some food in you,” Jonathan said.

Melody poked her head above the table she was hiding under. She gave a small talon thumbs up. Nods answered her as she got back to her feet. Cornelius sat but didn’t start eating. Winsten pulled a bottle from behind the bar.

“Give him a few days,” the metal human said, “Take time and give time, you both need to heal.” Then both copies of the Caretaker were gone. “Where did that son of bitch go,” WInsten asked looking around.

Joana blinked. “Oh, hey love,” the otter said, “You ok?” “No,” she answered, “But I should be.” The feline stepped around one the tables next to the little swallow. Joana hugged Melody as hard as she could, and left a small peak on the swallow’s cheek.

“Were your feathers always so soft?” she asked. Melody blushed and gently pushed the feline back a step. “Thank you,” she signed. “Thank you,” the feline said. Then she turned to the fox. “Cornelius,” she said, “Eat, you’re not going to get any better sulking like that.

She moved next to him. She hugged him and kissed his cheek. “I’m sorry, I’ve been rushing things between us,” she said, “But you need to take the time to heal.” The fox turned to look at the feline. “I need to take the time to heal myself,” she said, “just know, I love you.”

Her face was red with blush hearing herself saying the words. She kissed his cheek again, pulling away with a finger to his lips. He gave her a small smile and nodded. She turned to the human. “Thank you Jonathan,” she said.

“Well, there you are,” Winsten said, reaching behind the bar for some glasses. “Yeah, sorry, I got a little lost,” she said. “I can tell,” the otter said, “maybe we should if Fay has a mini map you could use?” “You going to stab me in the neck again or you going to pour those shots?” she asked.

“Love, I’ve been waiting for you to ask me,” the otter giggled. Winsten poured a round of drinks. Joana took a second to make sure the fox was eating. In the blink of an eye the plate was clean and Cornelius was asking for some more water.

The feline rolled her eyes and looked at the otter. They both nodded and the otter filled another glass. By this point they were the only ones left in the tent. “Toast?” Winsten asked, taking his glass in hand.

“Yeah, everyone give one,” Joana said. They had each taken a glass. “Cornelius, start us off,” the feline said. The fox picked up the glass and said, “To the fallen.” “To the saved,” Winsten added. “To the lost,” Jonathan said.

“To the found,” Melody signed. “And to our hero, Cornelius, the Malacaster,” Joana closed. With a touch of glasses, the five of them threw back the shots. After a second or two, Cornelius mumbled, “I’m no hero.”

The fox stood up and spun once to leave. And promptly fell face first on the floor. Melody and Joana both jumped. Jonathan and Winsten both looked down at the fox. “Like father, like son,” Jonathan said.

“Nah, Delta wasn’t working as hard with David,” Winsten said, “And he got on his feet and turned.” The two laughed at the memory. “Delta can repair some of the damage and keep him in top form,” the otter said.

“But it has a high cost,” the human said, “It takes a lot of energy,” “It wasn’t too bad for David,”Winsten said, “But he was a bit of a health nut.” “And he wasn’t much of a drinker,” Jonathan said, “but he’d throw one back from time to time.”

“That’s how they met,” Winsten said, nodding to the unconish fox, “his folks.” “Because his father couldn’t handle a drink?” Joana asked. “I thought it was cute,” the otter added, “she checked to see if he was ok.

And, first thing out of David’s mouth was. “You’re beautiful. Can I kiss you?” “Aww, and they kissed?” Melody signed. “Nah, She dropped him back on his face,” the human said. “Funny as hell,” the otter added, “But she did give into his charm.”

“So it’s a family trait,” the feline said. “Yeah don’t worry, we’ll get him back to bed,” Melody signed. The human nodded and closed up the bar. With a sigh he picked up the fox, “come on hero, back to bed.”

The fox mumbled something and continued shoring. Joana fought the urge to follow them as they left. “Hope he’s not the jealous type,” the otter said. “Nah, if we could get him safely drunk,” she said, “You might be able to have a go with him.”

“Love, I’m not a man stealer,” the otter said. “It’s not stealing if I’m there too,” the feline said, “I’m willing to share.” “Now I feel bad,” the otter said, “talking about the poor kid like he’s a piece of meat.”

“Yeah, but he is packing,” she said, “what are you waiting for? Keep pouring.” “You sure you should be drinking too much?” he asked. “Hey, I’m not planning on being at the bottom of the bottle,” she answered, “Just good night of drinking with an old friend.”

After a few rounds, Winsten had an idea. “Speaking of old friends,” he said, “I know where a few of yours are.” “A few of mine?” she asked. “Yeah, four of them, all the names ending in bell,” the otter said.

“Please don’t joke about that,” the feline said, setting the glass down ready for the next round. “I’m not joking,” the otter said, “I was just thinking.” “And that’s why you get in so much trouble,” she chuckled.

“Do you want to go see them,” the otter said coldly, “or not?” “Another round,” she said, “and I’ll think about it.” They had finished off the bottle before she gave an answer. They left the tent drunkenly holding each other up as they walked.

Chapter 5

Joana felt a soft warm hand petting from her ear to the side of her neck and back. “I’m sorry baby,” she said thoughtlessly, “I got drunk again.” “It’s ok, my love,” the voice of a young woman said. Joana felt her head turn and soft lips met with her’s.

The feline’s eyes flickered open. “Baby?” she asked, Sunlight half blinding her. “Yes, my love,” the voice answered. A beautiful young mouse with gray fur splashed with white leaned over the feline. The mouse was small and petite, her white dress was just as modest as the mouse who wore it.

Joana’s mind was lost in the mouse’s warm brown eyes. “I had the worst nightmare,” Joana said, trying to sit up. “Joana, my love,” the mouse said, the smile fading from her face, and tears rolled down her soft cheeks.

Joana pulled herself up, comforting the mouse. “What’s wrong? baby? What’s wrong?” she asked. Then the feline started to take in the world around them. “The angel said you needed us,” the mouse said, “He asked us to wait for you.”

Around her in a grassy field with dozens of other markers of the dead. She read the names and beside each of the markers they stood. “My love,” the mouse said, “there is so much I want to say to you right now.”

Fay’s hud display booted up in Joana’s view. “No, no, no,” she said, “this can’t be real. It can’t be.” “Joana, my love,” the mouse said, taking the feline’s head into her hands, “Please.” The mouse pulled the feline into another kiss.

Joana froze, her heart ripped in two. “It’s ok my love,” the mouse said, “You set us free.” Joana dropped back on her knees. “I’m glad you found someone,” the mouse said. The feline tried to speak but found nothing she could say.

“Yes, we were going to start a family of our own,” the mouse said, “just the four of us.” Joana turned her gaze to the ground. “He needs you,” the mouse said, “my love, he needs you.” “But, I’m not ready,” Joana said, “I’m not ready to say goodbye.

She had a sad smile as the mouse spoke. “My burning phoenix,” the mouse said, “This is your chance at a new life.” The mouse pulled the feline’s eyes back to her. “Don’t hold back, don’t look back,” the mouse said, “Because when you do, you miss the next step.”

“Don’t use my own words against me,” Joana smiled. The feline looked at each of them. “How do I know this isn’t one of his tricks?” she asked. The mouse whispered into the feline ear. the feline blushed. “There was no way that was recorded,” the mouse said.

The wolf standing in the background rolled his eyes. “Get off your ass,” the wolf said, “We’re dead, get over it. I’ve spent too long waiting for this day.” The wolf moved to stand over the feline. “I’m ready to go,” he said, “So, get up, and say the words. So I can get out of here.”

Joana rolled her eyes but got to her feet. Almost as soon as she was up, the wolf hugged her tightly and said, “You better take care of yourself. I don’t want to see you again for a long time.” “I’ll miss you too, Hunter,” she said, “goodbye, old man.”

The wolf smiled, “Later brat.” The wolf faded from view. Then one by one the other followed suit. Joana’s cheeks were soaked with tears. Leaving only her and the mouse. “What’s his name?” the mouse asked.

“Who’s name?” the feline asked. “The boy who stole your heart from me,” the mouse answered, a joyful smile across her face. “Mey?” Joana asked. “I want to know his name so I can give you my blessing,” the mouse said.

“Cornelius, Cornelius Malacard,” the feline said. “I hope He is good to you,” the mouse said, “And you are good to Cornelius.” “I know I have too,” the feline said, “I can’t. I can’t say it. I just got you back. And now I have to let you go.”

“Life flows like water,” the mouse said, “No one ever said we only get one dip.” The feline gave the mouse a questionable look. “Love can take many forms,” the mouse said, “And I will keep you in one way or another.”

The mouse wrapped her arms around the feline’s neck and added, “But for now just kiss me, my love.” The feline kissed the mouse holding her tightly. Joana drew in a breath and the mouse was gone. the feline held herself as she dropped to her knees.

She cried for what felt like hours. She laid next to the marker till her stomach started yelling. Slowly she got to her feet and dragged herself back to the mess tent. She found an empty corner and sat down with a tray of food.

She didn’t have to force herself to eat slowly, just to eat. “And you’re still hungry?” the cook said to the silver hair fox returning for more food. She watched for a minute. “Come off it,” the beloved pink and blue otter said, “He’s a growing boy, And the fact he could stomach three plates of your cooking and still want more.”

“Do you know how many people I have to feed in a day and this little shit is keeping them from eating,” the cook said. “More like saving them from it,” Winsten said. “Look if it was the Malacaster,” the cook said, “that would be one thing.”

The otter knocked a hip eyeing the cook. “After what he pulled the other night,” the cook said, “the guy’s a hero.” The fox grabbed the cook by the collar and pulled him over the counter like he was nothing.

“I am no fucking hero,” he said, “I got careless and more then enough good people died because of it.” Cornelius dropped the cook and stormed out of the tent. After a second the cook got up and asked, “Wait, he’s the Malacaster?”

“Yeah, for the past week and a half,” the otter answered, “But we’re trying to keep the number of people knowing that as small as possible.” the cook blinked. “So now we might have to kill you,” Winsten said.

Joana looked back at her food. “He’s not taking it very well,” Winsten said, “first time he got ruff with anyone about it.” The otter sat down next to the feline. “He’s hurting,” she said quietly, “He can’t see the good he has done, over the bodies in the way.”

“Try telling him that,” Winsten said, “It was his first fight as the Malacaster. I think he did great.” “He’s thinking too much about it,” Joana said, “But it’s not like I’m in any state to help take his mind off it.”

“Yeah, his body was ready for it,” Winsten added, “But his mind and heart.” “It’s not like we can just have him suit up and meet the people he saved,” she said, the idle thought just slipping by. “No,” Winsten said, picking at the thought.

The otter’s back stiffened with a thought. “Hurry up and eat,” he said, “We still have a meeting to get to.” The feline ate what she could, with them leaving the tent quickly after. The otter made a call and led the feline to the makeshift war room.

In the large simple room was a table, a few chairs and tons of communication equipment. the space was screened off from view. No outside lights. and a number of spells kept people from talking through the screens.

Hoods and masks were worn. Traroot, Wisp, Switch, Priestess and the Malacaster sat in the little waiting area. Each had a box in hand. Both Bliss and the feline were handed a box as well. “You need a new callsign,” Bliss said, opening his box.

The otter threw on a dark cloak from his box and covered his head with a shimmering liquid mask. As did the others. The human wore a stone faced mask. The swallow had a deep hood hiding all of her.

As did the two avatiles. The fox had put on a copy of the suit’s headpiece and mask. the feline looked down at her own mask. A fiery bird head mask. The feline put the mask on as they were called behind the screen.

The chatter filling the space cleared as they entered. A hooded figure stood before the walls of com screens. “They're here,” the figure said, “Please keep matters short, we all have a lot of work to do.”

“Hell with that,” an old hound dog said, “How is he?” “Settle down old blood,” the figure said, “we’ll get to that.” “Sir,” another spoke, “Look, we can’t keep coms open on our end. We took a beating. I just want to thank the Malacaster.”

“They are listening,” the figure said, nodding back at them. “Thank you,” the voice said, “Your actions saved my crew.” “Mine too,” a different voice said. Others said more of the same. Even a few of the mages on the screens said the same.

“Cut the chatter,” one of them said, “I want to hear from the Malacaster.” “The Malacaster will address the fleet when they are ready,” the figure said. “Will the Benefactor let the Malacaster address the council,” Old blood asked.

“Yes,” the figure answered, “So if anyone has other matters to address?” After a few minutes no one spoke up. “Very well then,” the figure said, “we will close the coms and the council will meet with the Malacaster.”

After a few minutes of ships and groups signing off, the room was quiet. “Ok, Masks off,” the figure said. Once his mask was off the fox held himself up with the table. He looked like he was going to be sick.

“Cornelius,” the feline said, setting her mask on the table and taking his hand. The fox looked at her hands. “Yes, people died. Yes, they gave their lives to protect you. Because what you did saved more lives than the ones we lost.”

“And if I was smarter or faster, or even just better than what I am,” He said, letting his hand slip from her’s. “Cornelius, You can’t live in a world of ifs,” she said, tightening her grip, “You risked dying on a shot that could have only been done in a movie.”

“It was just luck,” he said. “Yeah it was,” she said, “It was a goddamn miracle. That countless lives.” The fox looked at the stump of his arm. She took his arm, light enough that he could just feel her touch.

“You’ve paid your pound of flesh,” she said, “And now countless people like I was, are free.” “Now they’re stuck in those tin cans,” he said, “I didn’t give them anything.” “No, but some of them can be removed from those shells,” the figure said, “And I’ve been thinking.”

“That can’t be good,” the human said. “If one person can heal another person from the edge death the way you did,” the figure said, “Maybe there is a way to smooth it out and lower the risks.” They all looked at the figure.

“What?” he said with a shrug, “I didn’t think he would have gone as far as he did. But he did. He. You showed it could be done.” The feline reached into her pouch and withdrew the picture. “What would he think of the man you’ve become?”

The fox looked at the picture. “Delta took this picture,” he said, “It was the last time I saw my father, the only time I saw Delta.” The feline looked away. “People talked about him being a hero,” he said, “he was my hero and I wanted so much to be like him.”

“And you are,” the otter said, “You even have the same look in your eye.” “And the dead,” the human said, “Do right by them. honor their sacrifice and fight on.” “You save our people, our world, our home, our family,” the younger avatile said.

“And you only just started,” the older one added. “And most importantly,” the feline said looking up into the fox’s eyes, “you’re not alone.” He blinked. “I’ll stand by you,” she said, “We will do it together.”

The fox nodded and said, “together.” There in that breath she saw his eyes smile. “Alright,” the figure said, “are we ready yet?” “Yeah,” the fox said, “Let’s get this over with. I’m hungry and I need a nap.”

Almost a dozen screens flicked up. “Ladies and gentlemen,” the figure said. “Cut the crap, Chartun,” the old hound said, “Put him on.” The fox stepped forward and said, “Hello, I’m Cornelius Malacard.” He paused looking back at the group of them. “The Malacaster.”

Before any of them could speak, Cornelius said, “Look, I’m not my father. I will never be him. I could never match up to the man he was.” They questioned him. And he answered. All ending with one question. “And why should we let you lead?”

“You don’t,” he said. “I have no clue about what I’m doing or where to go next or even how to get there. You want to lead, fine. I’ve got a job to do. and if you want to do it.” He took off the piece of armor and held it up.

“Then you can bring your ass down here and take it for yourself,” he said, “Because we’re going through with it with or without your help.” “There’s your father’s son,” one of the screens said, “Just remember, no one is to know you are the Malacaster.”

“Don’t worry he knows,” the figure said. “Word is he’s hurt,” Another asked, “how bad?” “The kid is recovering,” the figure said, “He’ll be back on his feet in no time. Will that be all?” They all agreed. “Then stay safe and Godspeed,” the figure said as the screens clicked off.

“Right, rest of you, out,” the figure said, “except you.” The figure caught the otter by the wrist. “What did I do?” the otter asked, playfully pulling away. “Shopping” the figure said. The otter smiled and hugged onto the figure.

The figure hugged the otter and the two were gone. The swallow took the outfits as they left. The fox was half dragging himself down the hallway. “Blah,” he said more to himself. “Something wrong?” the feline asked.

“What I said in there,” he answered, “It was stupid.” “I think it was well spoken,” she said, folding her hands in front of her. “This really sucks,” he said, fatigue settling across his face. The feline pulled the fox closer, letting him rest his head on her shoulder.

They walked slowly. Joana enjoyed the pace. The fox was sound asleep, his body moving in time with her steps. It wasn’t a long walk and it was quiet. But it ended with them reaching his room. Joana was careful not to wake him as she opened the door and led him inside.

She undressed him and laid him in the bed. The thought of having him crossed her mind. But she reminded herself that he wasn’t ready. even after feeling his warmth press against her as she got him into the bed.

She tucked him in and kissed his lips. As a reaction he held the kiss but relaxed as she pulled away. She sat on the edge of the bed. “I love you,” he said. “I love you too,” she answered, “Now get some rest. I’ll be back.”

She petted the fox’s head, kissed his cheek and left the room. The feline left the temple. She walked through the graveyard. She stopped by the markers for the bells. She looked at the markers and whispered “Thank you.”

After a prayer she continued walking. She reached a lake a few minutes later. With a thought her clothes shifted to a simple swimsuit, thanks to the codex she had. The feline waded into the water and swam once she was deep enough.

She let the water carry her across, with the cool water soaking into her fur. She let the warm sunlight and cool water wash away her thoughts and clear her mind. Once she could put her feet on the sandy floor of the lakeshore she stood in the water.

she shifted her clothes back over the swimsuit as she waded from the water, feeling the weight of it as the cloth clung to her curves. “Fay,” she asked, “Is there a clearing nearby that is devoid of burnable material?”

“Yes my Lady,” the ferret spite answered, “eight hundred and four point six, seven, five meters from the shoreline, due east.” “Lead the way,” the feline said, following the path given to her. “My Lady,” the sprite asked, “may I ask why you need such a space?”

“I’m out of touch with myself,” she answered, “and I feel like I lost control.” “Shall I assemble a training system for you?” Fay asked. “Please,” the feline answered. “Very well,” the sprite said, “I should have it ready shortly.”

A few minutes into walking Joana asked, “Fay, How much do you remember about your old self?” “Old self,” Fay asked, “before my reset?” “Yeah,” Joana confirmed. “I don’t have any memories of that time.” the sprite answered.

“Oh,” the feline said, “I’m sorry.” “But I do have residual emotional connections,” Fay continued. “Residual emotional connections?” Joana asked. “As an example,” Fay said, “When I hear the name Cornelius. I get a strong protective urge.”

“What about the name Delta?” the feline asked. There was a shudder in the display hub. Joana stopped till her vision settled. “My apologies my Lady,” the sprite said, “I can’t categorize the emotion.”

“Love,” Joana said, “It’s called love.” “I don’t understand,” the sprite asked. “You have some connection to my memories?” the feline asked. “Yes,” Fay answered. there was a pause from the sprite. “Is it the same feelings you had for those necrotic beings?”

“Wait, you saw them?” Joana asked. “Yes my Lady,” Fay answered, “they were summoned just before you woke up.” “That son of bitch,” the feline smiled, renewed tears in her eyes. “Yes Fay, that is how love feels.”

“You feel the same for Cornelius?” Fey asked. The feline stopped again. “I want to say yes,” she answered, “But my mind is a mess right now.” “But Your heart rate just accelerated along with dopamine levels and your skin is flush.”

“Yeah,” Joana said, “but I’m not sure if it’s love or just lust.” “Could it be both?” Fay asked. “Maybe?” Joana answered, “That’s why I’m going out into the middle of nowhere to train.” “How will training answer how you feel?” Fay asked.

“If I could answer that,” the feline said, “I wouldn’t need to do it.” “I don’t understand,” the sprite said, “but if that is your wish.” “Yeah,” the feline said, “I need to know how I feel first.” The feline broke out into a sprint covering as much ground as she could.

Chapter 6

The stage blow was dark. The crowd before it fanned out like a wave. From the darkness behind the stage Joana could see the faceless crowd. She turned away before she could start looking for the faces. Her heart raced as if this was her first show.

She heard the Caretaker’s voice announcing her. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and turned to the stage. a spotlight marked the steps just below her feet. From the darkness she waved a hand and eruptions of flames danced across the stage.

The flames flicker into humanindo forms. Music came with a soft beat. The echo of her voice flowed clearly into the night as she sang. The deep tone of her voice carrying her hunger. Stepping into the light and onto the stage. even without looking she could feel countless eyes on her.

The gold trim, red silk two piece bikini outfit with matching hip sash only hinted at her modesty. Ember flashes ignited with each step and turn. A figure burning black flames flicker to life behind her.

It moved with her in time with the music following and leading each step. the feline jumped pushing off the dark flames shoulders, flipping over it. Just to press her back to it. both turned to face, holding the other.

She opened her eyes, burning green emerald light locked onto a set of ice blue eyes lost in the crowd and darkness. Her heart skipped causing her to miss a step. With a burst of force and flame the feline chart wheeled back a few steps.

Upheld by her hands she arched her form, stretching every curve and cleft. She sang clearly through every motion. Her focus still locked on the hidden glow of those icy blue eyes. Now each move and breath beckoned them to her.

Arching her form once more she set one foot down curling back up to her feet. As the living flames flicker and fading into the burning carpet dressing the stage. the dark flame joined her for one last motion before flickering into empty air.

The flames died out leaving only the heated metal of her outfit and burning emerald eyes glowing in the darkness and she said desire in her voice, “Baby, this is what you came for.” After a long pregnant pause, the crowd answered with applause, cheers and hoots.

She righted herself waiting for them to calm down. The spotlight returned half blinding her. “You like that baby?” she smiled, her voice echoing without any aid. the crowd answered in kind. though in truth she was only speaking to one of them.

“Well there is plenty more where that came from,” she laughed, “But let’s all cool down for a second.” With that waves of water washed the stage and the feline. her outfit and fur soak, drawing out more of her figure.

She jokingly moaned from the cool water. “I needed that,” she said, “and by the looks of it, so did you.” The feline turned and waved behind the stage. Two figures moved just out of the light. “Now I can’t have all the fun up here,” the feline said, turning back to the crowd.

“so, let’s some other beautiful and sexy ladies up here,” she added, holding out her hands as the little green swallow and the young prismatic avatile stepped into the light. Their outfits matched the feline’s. Though the avatile’s have much thicker fabric giving her the most modesty of the three.

“We have Melody Galecharmer,” Joana said, “ Guardian goddess and vessel Aithenas, to help with this next one. With Timed claps the next song came to life as all three opened a set of wings. shimmering lights of the swallow and the avatile matched the brightness of the burning feathers of the feline’s phoenix wings.

with a step the three took to the sky, flying a formation and lighting up the crowd as they flew over. Three moved in time with the music as the feline sang. Each move drew eyes to each of them. as bursts of light and fire danced around them.

They flew close enough to touch one another and push off just as smoothly. each in turn would touch down and interact with someone. Joana risked the interaction of flying up to the owner of the ice blue eyes that never moved from her.

She circled the black fox with silver hair and blue eyes, drawing a line around his ear and up under his jaw to the tip of his chin. With a little peck on the cheek she flew off, rejoining the others. She repeated the action twice more to draw attention away from the fox.

They landed on the stage facing the crowd with a final clap of power. They lit up the night with a display of light, fire and shimmering echoes. as eyes turned back to the stage, the three turned their hips showing the full length of their legs.

Small arches in their backs with one hand on the hip facing the crowd. The other held up as if playfully pulling on a leash. Together all three said “So what chu want?” After another pause and uproar, they relaxed.

The wings closed and the light settled back on the feline letting the other two leave the stage. Joana smiling at the swallow’s reaction to a bit of magic to her soundless voice. The feline crouched down close to the edge of the stage.

She was breathing hard, panting hot and heavy. “Damn, baby,” she said, letting more of her curve show, “after all that you’re still up for more.” Her tail flicked teasing more than anything. She let out a long breath before standing up.

“Alright,” she said, with a clap of her hands, “let’s see if we can fix that.” her burning dancers flick back to life. The music came on hard. She sang, driving her lust into the words. Moving with primal urges, she touched and held the flames around her.

A sense of need flowed out from the feline washing out over the crowd. She teased each flame as it passed her. Her body arched with pleasure and desire. Maintaining a number of spells and all the dancing flames was starting to take a toll on her.

She didn’t let up, and pushed herself to finish. The shadow flame of its own accord. When it touched her, she felt cold but didn’t show it. She hid her reaction to the voice in her ear. “Just lighting the load,” it said, as the flames flicker under its control.

The song gave her a breath as she let a few of her spells go as the dark flames took control of them. She pushed the song harder. She let the sash fall from her hips. In a flash of flames the sash was gone. Drawing aroused hoots from the crowd.

She moved with predatory grace, as each move of a hand or step of her foot, even with each flick and twist of her tail. She drew eyes to what she wanted them to see. She finished the song holding herself as if she were holding a lover.

She collapsed to her knees breathing harder than she thought she would. The flowing night sky robes of the Caretaker filled the space of the dark flames. He checked her and helped her back to her feet. They joked and talked on stage both with the crowd and each other.

Joana’s heart caught in her throat when he asked a simple question. “So, in the time away from the stage,” he asked, levels hidden in the words, “have you found someone special?” She took a moment to think, more so to start breathing again.

“I hope so,” she answered, “we weren’t together long but it seems we spent a lifetime together.” “Care to tell us little about them?” he asked. “Sure,” she said, “he was one of our brave soldiers who fought the other night.”

the Caretaker looked out into the crowd, asking, “How did you two meet?” the feline gave him a questioning glance. He nodded. “We kinda saved each other,” she said, as she turned the nanoskin off. her left ear folded into her head.

Her left arm, tail and both of her legs changed to show the cybernetic limbs. “Thanks to him and some help from a twisted angel,” she said, “I was saved from a suit of mage armor.” The caretaker arch an unseen eyebrow.

“He was badly hurt in the battle,” she continued, “He’s doing better. but we both have a long way to go.” “Are you going to see him after the show?” he asked. “If he wants, and up for it,” she answered hopefully, “I’d go see him as soon as I’m off the stage.”

“You got a lot of people worked up,” he said, “How about you settle them down with one more song?” She nodded. “Or at least direct them to something a little less wild,” the Caretaker added. “I’m a little burnt out, it might not be as flashy,” she said.

“I’ll take care of that,” he said, throwing part of his robes over her. Once he pulled it past her, her outfit had changed. Simple red and gold feathers gave her chest a modest fluff, as red and gold lace draped from her hips opening just enough to show off the prosthetics.

Melody and Aithenas and several others join them on the stage. Their outfits, now simple robes. Joana smiled, turning back to the crowd. The feline drew on every ounce of love she had. For every person she cared about.

For every person that touched her life. For every person whose life she was blessed to touch. she sang, her voice clear as a bell. Every word came from her heart and soul. One by one each backup singer opened a pair of wings shimmering or glowing on the stage.

Joana’s wings opened burning brighter than before. Tears dance down her cheeks, giving her voice more power than before. Even the Caretaker opened his burning silver feathered wings around every soul on the stage.

The warmth and love radiated over the crowd drawing each person to their feet, and to help those that couldn’t up as well. The feline turned looking at each person on stage. And something caught her eye.

The little black box that was at the base of Melody’s throat was gone, replaced with a half faded scar. The joy she felt was burning more and more. The little song bird had her voice again. Aithenas had a small patch of burt scales on her arm as did a few others.

The feeling did end with the song, even as the feline finished with, “I’ll stand by you.” The Caretaker nodded after his wings folded back into his form. As he addressed the crowd Melody spoke, even though her hands still moved out of habit.

“Go, we’ll talk later,” the little swallow said, “He’s waiting for you.” Then the little bird stepped up next to the angel. “Thanks to the Malacaster, we can restore those who suffered in those heavy ugly suits of armor called mages.” the angel said.

“As proof,” he continued, “Melody Galecharmer, who had her voice stolen from her, now she can speak, sing, and scream.” Then added off to the side. “Her husband might like the last one. the nabors, not so much.”

The little bird punched the angel then had to shake her hand. “You heard her,” Aithenas said, “go, we’ll tell you about it later.” The avatile shooed the feline off the stage with her hands. The feline flew off the stage and down the stairs.

Her outfit changed back to the skimpy bikini she had before the last song. Her steps became leaps when he came into view. she leaped into his arm, she had aimed for his left side. The dark fur silver hair fox caught her with his good arm spinning them both to a stop.

They hugged tightly, careful of his missing arm. they both whispered “I missed you.” They held back slowly walking around the side of the temple. “You’re looking better,” she said. “Yeah, Aithenas heard about what happened in the mess tent and well you saw how I was at that meeting.” he said.

“You were great up there tonight,” he added, “Way better than the video.” “Well,” I had something I didn’t before,” she said. “Mey,” he said, “She was way better than I am.” “She was my first love,” Joana said, “And I will always love her.”

“I know,” Cornelius said. “And I’m going to do that by loving you with all my heart,” she said. “That’s not true,” he smiled. “Yeah, it is,” she said with a small glare. “Winsten, Jonathan, Melody, Galuso and Aithenas,” he said, “You need to save room for them too.”

The feline smiled, “You’re always thinking about everyone else.” “Well, I guess I’m stupid that way,” he said. “But right now in this second,” She asked, “What do you want?” “What do I want?” he asked. “Yes,” she answered.

“You,” he said. “Well, if you think we’re ready for it,” she said, stopping in front of a small outcove, “You can have me whenever you want.” She giggled backing into the outcove. He willingly followed.

No sooner were they out of sight, did they begin indulging themselves. Playful little pecks turned to deep long passionate kissing. His hand groped and squeezed her wherever he could reach on her. As her hands tugged and pulled on his clothes.

With a small pop and a zip, the feline fished out the fox’s enraged shaft, she could feel it burning against the pads of her hands as it drooled. He slid his hand past the soak silk slipping his fingers into the burning heat of her mound.

She hissed a moan running her hand across his length. Lips met and parted, tongues danced, as fingers and hands raced. “What are we waiting for?” she asked, need, filling her voice. She threw one arm around his neck and guided him with the other hand.

“Oh shit,” she hissed. “Big,” she moaned. “Tight,” he grunted, pushing deeper. She pushed against him, driving him deeper into her folds. “Fuck me, baby,” she panted, “Show me how much you love me.”

Rough and deep, he growled as he nipped her neck. “Harder,” she begged, “harder baby harder.” “I’m sorry beautiful,” he growled, “You have me with a handicap.” She bit her lip trying not to laugh.

She kicked her leg over his shoulder and turned just enough to grip his other shoulder, pushing herself away from the wall, driving him deeper. “Better,” he said, thrusting as hard as he could. His breath quickened.

The feline took her leg off the fox’s shoulder and pulled him close. “Wait, wait, wait,” she said, “Don’t push yourself.” They both whimpered as they parted. “Let’s get you to a bed,” she said, “and we can finish there.”

They redressed and rushed off to his room. Once there their clothes meet the floor faster then the door could close. “Ok, my love,” she said, helping him into the bed, “You just lay there and let me do the work.”

Cornelius went to speak when Joana put a finger to his lips. “We have all night,” the feline said, rolled on top of the fox, “We can take our time.” She slipped him into her. She moaned softly with every centimeter.

She leaned back rubbing low on her belly feeling him deep inside her. She could feel his hand running the length of her leg, from her hip to her knee. She could feel as his hand crossed the line where, machine met flesh.

The feline rocked her hips slowly, drawing small groans from the fox. The feline clenched with every rise. and relaxed every fall. She laid across him pressing her breasts into his chest. The fox squeezed the feline’s rear.

“What are you planning there, baby,” she moaned. “Something we both know will do a number on you,” he answered. With a stretch the fox slipped a finger into her tight ring. The feline hiss a moan. “Mother fucker,” She purred, “You’re going to pay for that.”

“That’s the plan,” he answered, thrusting up, best he could. He released his hold on her and rolled both of them over. Playfully pinning the feline to the bed. “You should be relaxing,” she said, crying out her moans.

“We’ve got all night,” he answered, shifting his weight and thrusting into her. She latched on the fox, wrapping her legs around his back. She hugged herself to his chest one arm holding his wounded shoulder up as the other clung and dung her claws into his back.

“Give it to me,” she cried, “give me your love. Give me you child.” He growled, giving into her fill her with hot white ooze. The feline cried out, letting her body milk and drain every ounce the fox had. She kissed him deeper than she ever had before.

Shifting her legs and rolling the two of them again she curled into his chest. The fox’s body caved, as soon as his head hit the pillow his eyes closed, and fell asleep. The feline purred softly, keeping him in her depths.

As sleep took her all she could think was “We needed this.”

Chapter 7

Joana’s eyes opened with the harsh morning light. The golden fur feline sat up taking in the setting. A number of thoughts raced her mind as her vision cleared. She looked back at the bed and the black fur fox, still asleep.

His short silver hair, a mess of bed hair. The silver scar burned into his chest looking like an “X” over his heart. The stump of his arm twitched. The feline turned her gaze around the room pulling the blanket higher up on her chest.

Her focus came to rest on the figure standing in the doorway. Tall, lean, and pale. Long thick wires of brass hair tied back into a loose tail, Metallic pale skin pulled over blocky structures. With black iron stubble dressed his square jaw and block chin. Wide shoulders set long limbs.

His solid gold eyes study her. An uneasiness followed his gaze. As if studying her on levels that could twist the mind. The long slit of his left eye was more readable than the cross shape of the right eye. But what caught the feline’s attention was the robes he always wore.

More the lack of them. Gray slacks and t-shirt to match. Joana knew he only looked human. the form of one of the last human hosts he had. But the being before her was something that existed in a state that made her head hurt.

The Caretaker of the Great Library of Deeds, Chartun Daliavoid. “Modest this morning,” he said, “maybe you should get cleaned up.” She looked around the room. “Don’t worry,” he laughed, “No walk of shame.”

A door opened next to the window. “I’ll get him cleaned up,” for lack of a better word, the angel said. The feline relaxed letting the blanket fall back on the bed. She let him get his fill of her as she limped to the door. A welcomed soreness made walking painful.

The other side of the door was a full bathroom with a shower and everything. After clearing some needs she took a long hot shower. she paused holding her stomach. The thought of what a child with the fox would be like.

Then a painful thought hit her. The life she hadn’t grieved for. The one she lost before she even knew she had. “My baby,” she said, folding herself under the shower. The thought was more painful when adding a question.

Was she wanting to replace what she lost? A knock on the door broke her of her thoughts. Once she pulled herself out of the shower, dried, and dressed. The feline left the bathroom. The angel had just finished seating the fox into the wheelchair he had.

She put her hand on the angel’s shoulder. He turned slowly to face the feline. She hugged him crying into his shoulder. The angel said nothing, returning the hug. “I want to yell, scream, beg,” she said between sobs.

“I know,” he said. “I want my baby,” she begged. “I know,” he said. “And all of that god-like power,” she said. “Yeah, I know,” he answered. She struck him. He did nothing. She struck again. And again. And again.

She screamed at him. She punched over and over again. Her cybernetic arm cracked. It buckleted and broke. And the angel remained still, not even a mark on him. “Take it back,” she screamed, “Take it all back, kill me, break me, put me back in that can.”

She dropped to her knees. “Just give me back my child,” she sobbed. The angel fell in place next to her. Hollow and dry tears filled his eyes. “If I could,” He said, hugging the feline. “How could I ever have a baby without them just being a replacement.”

“I don’t have that answer,” he said, “You have to find it yourself.” “You can rewrite the laws of the universe,” she said, her voice raw, “But you can’t let me have my baby, my child.” “One child,” he said, “I can’t stop the war I caused.”

“You cause all of this pain?” she asked. “She wanted me to save a world,” he answered, “Some things I can’t do. No matter how much I want to.” “The queen is after your power,” she asked. “Yes,” he said, “Noble, well intended.” “And it turned her into a monster,” the feline said.

“I never wanted power,” he said, “I was happy in my forge.” the angel helped the feline to her feet. in the time it took her to stand her arm was repaired like nothing happened. “I’ll tell you the whole story,” he said, “when you are ready.”

Joana nodded. “Good. Now let’s see what we can do about putting him back together.” She found herself with a small smile. It hurt. It will always hurt. Joana put her hand on the fox’s shoulder. Cornelius’ head rolled on to her hand.

“Is he even in a state to go under?” “Well,” Chartun said, “yes. He is well enough for it. But he needs to be weakened for it.” “Weakened for it?” she asked. “He can throw me across the room like a ball. I can’t hold him down,” Chartun said matching the feline’s voice.

“Oh,” she said. “He’s getting tied down for it,” the angel said. “It’s going to be that bad?” she asked, “you barely had to hold me down and you were replacing three of mine.” “Sad note on that,” the angel answered, having the feline roll the chair down the hall.

“You were already used to the pain,” he continued, “and there was no damage to fight with.” The feline thought about it and said, “Right, you more or less just cut me open and stuck them on.” “Thanks to him,” the angel said, “Your limbs were easy to normalize to you.”

“And letting he fuck me silly,” she said, “I was riding a high.” The angel nodded. “How bad is he?” she asked. “Delta stopped the bleeding and stopped the degradation of his nerves and tissues,” he answered, “he’ll be lucky to keep the rest of the arm.”

“Why couldn’t we just zap him with a regen,” she asked, “the same way you did with Melody?” “If it was that easy,” the angel said, “drawbacks of the malacaster, I’m the only one who can really work on him.”

“Why?” she asked. “Almost anything else is seen as an attack,” he answered, “my niece’s little trick only worked because you were still running on his mana.” “And now, he’s cut off from the rest of us,” she said.

“Yes and no,” Chartun said, “more like Delta doesn’t trust easily.” “But he’s a codex,” she said, “shouldn’t he know who to trust?” “Fay is a codex,” he said, “but she can only interact with others with your permission.”

“Oh,” she said. “You have to earn Delta’s trust,” Chartun said. “I thought I had,” Joana said, “I was asked to safeguard Delta till I could give it to Cornelius.” “It knows that,” the angel said, “But Delta also kept you on a leash.”

“Left, and just park him next to the table,” the angel said, opening an unseen door. The feline followed the instructions. She stood over the fox petting his head. “Cornelius,” she said, “It’s time to wake up.”

“I am up,” he said, his head rolling back, looking up at her. “Then why didn’t you say anything?” she asked. “You two were having a moment,” he said, “and let’s face it. we all want to punch him in the face.”

“Old saying,” the angel said, “If you could make God bleed. Wouldn’t you?” “No, just punch you a few times,” the fox said, “Then maybe I’ll buy the drinks.” “Tell you what,” the angel said, “when the time is right. If you land the hit, I’ll buy.”

“Deal,” the fox said. “Come on,” the angel added, “on the table,” “I’ve been meaning to ask,” Cornelius said, as he stood up, “Who was that girl you had supervising me?” Joana’s eyes snapped between the two.

“Girl?” the feline asked. “Yeah,” the fox answered, pulling himself onto the table, “She said she had talked to you first.” “When was this?” she asked. “After my breakdown in the mess tent, when I threaten that cook,” the fox said.

“What was her name?” Joana asked, starting to feel betrayed. “I never got her name,” he said, “She was this.” The fox had to think about it. “No,” he said, “it couldn’t be.” “Cornelius,” the feline said, her eyes starting to water.

“She was a beautiful little mouse, with gray fur but looked like someone spilled white white on her,” he said, “and had these ocean deep brown eyes.” The fox looked at the feline. “She looked like Mey,” he added, “But it couldn’t be her.”

Joana’s eyes snapped to the angel. “Did I do something?” the fox asked. “No,” the feline answered, “That was Mey.” The feline leveled her eyes at the angel. “They behaved themselves,” the angel said, moving trays and tools around one side of the table.

Cornelius sat in wide eye confusion. Joana opened her mouth to speak. “I’m a contractor,” the angel said, “and with next of kin stepping out for a few days, someone had to keep an eye on him.” “You got my dead wife,” Joana said, “to watch him?”

“Got her,” the angel said, “she asked me.” “She asked you,” the feline retorted. “She asked for a little more time to meet him,” the angel answered, his gold eyes locking on the feline’s, “and you had left to screw your head back on.”

The angel pointed his hand to the fox. “I needed someone with enough free time to keep this one from hurting himself more.” he continued, “so yeah, Your dead wife asked to babysit your boyfriend till you got your act together.”

Joana broke eye contact and turned her back to the both of them. “They got along,” the angel said. “That answers why I kept calling her baby,” Cornelius said, “Did she know we have a copy of each other’s memories?”

“Hush,” the angel bopping the fox on the head, “lay back.” “Did she slip up and answer with my love?” Joana asked, trying to hide a smile. “Yeah,” Cornelius answered, “sent chills down my spine every time.”

“Yeah she knew,” Joana said, turning back to them. “Oh,” the fox answered. Cornelius laid back on the table, resting his good arm across his stomach. The angel rested his hand on the fox’s shoulder. “Ok,” the angel said, “first grip that handle.”

The fox did as told. “Good,” the angel said. “I have a bad feeling about this,” Cornelius said. There was a click, and the table opened. A branch under each of his limbs opened. “Just relax,” the angel said, his hand still resting on the fox’s shoulder.

Straps jumped and bound the fox to the table. Cornelius couldn’t help but fight against the restraints. Metal tubes enclosed around each limb. “Dude,” the fox said, “I’m not into BDSM.” “You’re also four times stronger and could really hurt someone,” the angel answered.

The tubes sealed and filled some kind of fluid. As more straps bound the fox’s chest and head in place. The angel picked up a small rubber ball. “This is so you don’t bite your tongue off,” he said, holding it over the fox’s mouth.

“Nah,” the fox said through clenched teeth. “Look,” the angel said, “If I could put you out for this, I would. But I have to find, remove and replace damaged nerves tissue and blood vessels. As well as clean, close and connect the cybernetics in place.”

“Why can’t you put him under?” Joana asked, “or give him something to dull the pain?” “Short answer,” the angel said, “involuntary muscle movements, he’s more likely to hurt someone that way.” “That bad?” Cornelius asked.

“The cut itself was clean,” the angel answered, “It’s the damage from the rot that makes it tricky.” “Tricky?” the fox asked. “Short answer,” the angel said, “I’m messing with your nervous system, and in effect your brain.”

The angel sat on a stool on the fox’s right side. “Enough talk,” he said, “let’s get this over with.” The feline put her hand on the fox’s chest. She ran her fingers through his fur. The angel removed the bandages. Blood drained from the open wound.

“That’s a good sign,” the angel said, taking a cloth to clean the wound. Joana gave the angel a look. “One, that’s not a lot of blood,” he answered, “and two, it’s just blood.” The angel took a metal cap and fit it over the bone.

Cornelius grunted, as the angel fastened the metal to bone. “You’re doing great Cornelius,” Joana said. The angel worked clamping vessels off and marking nerves. The fox twitched every time a nerve was touched.

“That’s a better sign,” the angel said. “He can still feel the nerves?” the feline asked. “Yes,” the fox answered, “he can feel them.” The feline smiled at the fox. “Hurts like hell,” he added. “Another good sign,” the angel said.

After a minute the angel reached for a scalpel. “That’s not good,” he said, fishing a clump into view, “That’s what’s been slowing things down.” The angel clamped off the clump. “Right, pin in that,” he said, switching back to closing off the blood vessels.

“This part is not so bad,” Cornelius hissed, “hurts, but not as bad as I thought would be.” “What is that anyway,” Joana asked. “It’s what’s been eating up all his mana,” the angel said. “How bad is it?” the fox asked.

“A lot worse than it looks,” the angel said, “But I will deal with it in a minute.” Cornelius did his best to bite back the pain. “Anchor points look good,” the angel said, “sync points are also good.” “This feels so weird,” Cornelius said.

After a few more minutes the angel stopped. “Ok, here’s the deal with that thing,” the angel said, “I caused it.” “What?” both asked at once. “Well, me and your mother,” he said, “You had a bad reaction to the spell I gave you when it touched your mother’s seal.”

“Bad reaction?” the fox asked. “Tumor,” the angel said, “It’s been acting like a mana cell.” “And that’s bad,” the fox said. “If we knew about it sooner,” the angel said, “Not so much. could have used it as a battery for Delta, and had no ill effects.”

“But,” Cornelius asked. “But it had a bad reaction to the rot,” the angel continued, “and has been sapping up your mana like a sponge.” “So it was going to kill him?” Joana asked. “Yes,” Chartun answered, “once it went critical.”

“What, like a bomb?” Cornelius asked. Chartun nodded. “Fuck,” Cornelius said. “So,” Chartun said, turning back to his work, “once it’s been removed things should go back to normal.” “Normal was the last time I got a girl’s number,” Cornelius said.

“Normal is boring,” Joana said. The angel shrugged, and continued to remove the clump of flesh. “Mana bomb,” Cornelius said. “I’ll put it on ice for you to poke at later,” Chartun said, setting the clump into a bowl.

After a few more minutes, Cornelius growled, “How much longer?” “Just the set the anchors and,” the angel said, with a few clicks. Cornelius barked out a cry of pain. Joana sang quietly to the fox, putting her hand over the spot she thought his hand was.

“Ok, now the hard part,” the angel said, picking up the prosthetic arm. Ten minutes passed as the angel set and connected wires to nerves and fitted the joint into place. “Doing good so far,” Chartun said, “You want that ball now?”

“Why?” the fox grunted. “Oh, this is the part that’s going to hurt,” the angel said. “Maybe you should take it,” Joana said. “Last chance,” the angel said, “Once I start this part there’s no stopping it.” “How a kiss for luck,” Cornelius said with a weak smile.

The feline reached over and passionately kissed her fox. Jolts and shocks ran up the fox’s arm. Cornelius convulsed, pushing against the restaintes. The feline took a few steps back. “Shit,” Chartun said, grabbing the fox’s lower jaw.

The fox’s jew snapped shut on the angel’s hand. As layers of nanoskin fell into line sealing the new limb into place. the branch of the table holding his other arm gave way as the fox loosely swung it. The feline grabbed on to the swinging arm to hold it steady.

Chartun put his hand on the meeting point of the fox’s arm. Seconds later Cornelius crashed back onto the table gasping and whimpering. The metal tubes drained and opened. As the straps unclipped themselves.

Weakly he looked down at his new arm. The nanoskin was turned on and matched his black fur to the hair. “It feels so real,” he said between gasps. “Delta has synced with it so,” Chartun said, “the added tools don’t get in the way.”

The fox’s head tilted to one side. “It works much the same as yours,” Chartun said to Joana, “And like how Fay acts as the safety for your combat form, Delta controls the tools and weapon built into the arm.”

Cornelius sat up, flexing the fingers of his new hand. “Now,” Chartun said, “When you’re out and about, Leave the nanoskin on.” “Why?” Cornelius asked. “A good number of people know the Malacaster lost his arm,” the angel said, “Most of them don’t know who you are.”

“So, I have to hide it,” the fox said, “Why can’t people know who I am?” “The Malacaster is a symbol,” Joana said, “And the more people who know the face behind it, the more lives are at risk.” “It sucks being the hero,” the angel said.

“Then how did I get around without people knowing I lost my arm?” the fox asked. “One, you had the arm covered so it looked more like it was broken,” the angel said, “And two, Delta projected an arm the times you didn’t.”

“And three,” Joana added, “There’s enough people walking around missing an arm, that you don’t stand out.” Chartun handed the fox a small bottle. “Meds,” he said, “painkillers and what not to help it heal.”

“Thanks,” Cornelius said, packeting the bottle. the fox hopped off the table and had to hold himself up with it. Joana carefully helped him back into the wheelchair. “So,” the fox added, “What’s this about the Malacaster saving mages?”

“In short,” the angel answered, “By having a number of other casters share the load, your device can restore most of the basic life functions to most of the mages. Some can’t undergo it for a number of reasons but for most.”

“In saving one life,” Joana said, “You’ve saved thousands more.” “It wasn’t me,” Cornelius said, “You did all the work.” “I may have slapped something together,” the angel said, “but you’re the one that showed it could be done.”

“And you weren’t even the Malacaster yet,” Joana said, kissing the fox’s cheek. The fox looked down at his hand again. “Yeah,” he said quietly, “Dad would be proud.” “Laddie,” the angel said, “You don’t see it. But you gave these people something they lost.”

Cornelius rolled his eyes. The chair started rolling without anyone moving it. “You gave them hope,” the angel said, leading the two back into the hallway and past a few priests and some medics. “And not just any hope.”

After a bit of a walk the angel led them into a large room. Half of the space was taken up by medical tubes. As Casters and doctors and medics moved about the free space. Muffled screams came from the tubes.

As medics and doctors treated burns on the casters. As more and more mages stepped into empty tubes. The fox’s eyes widened as he watched. “This is what hope looks like,” the angel said, “one simple act of love.”

The fox’s eyes watered. “Last night, at the show,” Melody’s voice said, “Everyone on the stage was a former mage.” the swallow stepped into view pushing a food cart. Handing out drinks to everyone.

“This looks like a drawing I made to kill time,” he said, “a random thought.” “And someone took that drawing and made all of this,” Melody said, “We even had to turn casters away from helping.” Cornelius looked at the angel.

“Don’t give me that look,” he said, “This is all you.” “With the help of the best hacker in the galaxy,” Winsten said, the otter joined, then handing the swallow a codex stone, “here you go song bird.”

“Thank you,” the swallow said, her hands signing out of habit. “You’re welcome love,” the otter said. The otter turned back to the fox. “My hero,” Winsten said, kissing the fox on the cheek. A confused blush crossed the fox’s face.

“Can’t even tell it’s there,” the otter added, giving the fox’s arm a once over. “Yeah,” the fox said, “It almost feels real.” “Well, I’d love to see what you can do with it,” Winsten said, turning to walk away, “But I gotta get back to work. Need to get all these casters back on their feet.”

“Joana,” the angel said as the swallow did the same as the otter, “he needs to rest, but take him outside, fresh air will do him some good.” the feline nodded, helping the fox to his feet. “The Malacaster must be an angel or something,” someone said in passing.

“All this and they haven’t asked us for anything,” another said. As others hugged the first person they saw stepping out of the tubes. “Fifteen years,” another said, running up to them and kissing both of them, “Fifteen years.” “This is why Delta chose you,” Joana said as they left, “You saved them.”

Chapter 8

The war room was buzzing with activinged. the black robes gathered just to the side. The benefactor addressed the conical. “Is he sure this is what he wants?” one of the members asked. “You can ask him yourself,” the benefactor said, “Malacaster.”

The Malacaster stepped forward. “Look, I’m no leader, hero or whatever,” Malacaster said, “I can’t ask anyone to risk their lives.” “But asking to disband the warlocks?” the member asked. “It’s not an order,” Malacaster said, “I’m asking to put it to a vote.”

“And I’m asking you why,” the member said. “Because this isn’t about fending off the queen,” Malacaster answered, “This is about ending this war. And I can’t ask anyone to go follow me into hell and death.”

“That is still no reason to disband the only force willing to stand up to her,” the member said. “We’ll put it to a vote,” Old blood said, “Hell, open it to every warlock.” Malacaster’s mask turned to the old hound.

“Stupid son of bitch wants to put it to a vote,” the hound said, “Then give him a vote.” “Thank you,” Malacaster said. “Don’t you fucking start with me boy,” the hound said, “I heard that same speech from your father over twenty years ago.”

“You and your stupid self sacrificing ideals. That’s what got him and you into this mess. This is the most selfish thing that your dumb ass could ever do. Fucking coward. Do you even know how many?” Malacaster listed off the numbers of dead, wounded, missing, saved and changed.

“Numbers, is not the question,” Malacaster said, “I can not ask.” “Can not ask,” the hound cut him off, “chicken shit, you want everyone to give up just so you don’t have to carry the guilt of their lives. Easily the most cowardly thing you have done.”

“Your father would be,” the hound said. “Don’t you even dare speak of him like that,” Malacaster said, “He was always the better man. I will never be as good as he was. Fine, call me a coward. I don’t care.”

“But I’m not going to ask these people to keep fighting a losing war. That I can’t change. I will be walking to my death. And I will not ask these good people to follow me as I get myself killed.” “God, You sound so much like your father,” another member said, “I’d swear we were talking to him.”

“Yeah,” a different member said, “They’re not the same. So we should put it to a vote. Ask every warlock if they will choose to keep fighting under the new Malacaster.” “Not under,” Malacaster said, “I’m no leader.”

“All the same, young Malacaster,” another said, “You might not think yourself to be ready. But you are not alone in this war. We the council will be here to help, aid and guide you.” “Now then,” the first member said, “You need to address the warlocks.”

“We will recess, and ready the warlocks,” Another said, as the comlinks cut off. “Do the right thing boy,” Old blood said as his comlink cut out. After a minute Cornelius took the mask off and threw it across the room.

Joana removed her mask and set it on the table. With a few steps the feline collected the other mask and set it next to hers. “It’s their choice,” she said quietly. “I know,” he said, “We all have to make choices.”

“With everything you have done the past few weeks,” Chartun said, his hood still drawn over his face, “I could have just regrown your arm. Poof done.” The hood turned to the fox. “Do you know why I didn’t?” he asked.

“Given what I know of you,” the fox said, “any number of reasons.” “You would have hated it,” the angel said. “What?” Cornelius asked. “It would have made everything you had gone through mean nothing. All the lives taken, for a life that was never at risk.”

The fox looked down at the fake limb, flexing it into a fist. “I can’t ease the pain,” the angel said, “But you can put it to good use.” “They are ready for broadcast,” one of the communication officers said.

The feline picked up the masks Puting hers back on, and handing the other to the fox. “No matter what happens,” she said, “I’ll stand by you.” The others joined her around the fox. He didn’t take the mask.

As the Malacaster suit enclosed around him under the robes. “Put them through,” he said. Hundreds of small screens opened. “Good afternoon Warlocks,” he added. The feline could feel the weight build in the room.

“As many of you have heard,” he said, “I am the Malacaster. My predecessor helped establish the Warlocks, because he knew he couldn’t wage this war alone. I will not undermine his work. But I want each of you to have a say.”

Malacaster turned and looked back at his friends nodding. “I can’t lead you. I’m not good enough,” he said, “I would ask that each of you make a choice about fighting a losing war. I plan on taking this fight out of the shadows and bring the queen’s crimes into the light.”

“I will not ask you to join me. I will not ask you to join this death march. I will ask you to make a choice. To do the smart thing and walk away. To find a way to live peaceful lives and move past this. I can’t make the choice for you.”

“Then what’s the stupid thing to do?” one voice asked. The screen enlarged. A heavily scarred wolf. He wore his scars with pride. “I was imprisoned in a mage suit for ten years,” the wolf said, “and the other night a howl broke me of that curse and a few days later I was freed from that suit.”

The wolf took a deep breath. “I owe you my life,” the wolf said, “and you want me to walk away. screw you. I’ll make the stupid choice. I chose to stay and fight. If I can be saved, so can others.” the wolf paused again looking around.

“I will fight for the Malacaster, the one who saved my life and the lives of so many others,” the wolf said, beginning a chant, “Malacaster, Malacaster, Malacaster.” Soon others joined. The Malacaster held up an artificial hand drawing them all quiet.

“Don’t fight for me,” Malacaster said, “Fight for those that fell for us. Fight for those that have given everything they had. I saw the other day, a wild idea I had turned into a miracle. Where hundreds of you took it upon yourselves to help.”

“I didn’t save you,” Malacaster said, “I’m no hero. I’m just some dumb kid way in over their head. You saved yourselves and each other. And that howl you all heard. That was an act of God. Anyone could have made it happen. not just me.”

“I’m not the hero,” Malacaster said, casting off the robe, “the heroes are each of you, the Warlocks.” The silver “X” on his chest plate, visible to all. “Together YOU will win this war,” he said, “Warlocks, Warlocks, Warlocks.”

The Malacaster’s chant carried to all who could hear it. “I’ll take it from here,” the benefactor put a gloved hand on the Malacaster’s shoulder, “You did good.” The hood figure turned to the screen and in his gentle tone commanded, “Hush.”

After a few seconds the all quiet down. “Your Malacaster has asked to put to a vote,” the Benefactor said, “IF the Warlocks should disband. Now before we move forward. Let me just say. Your Malacaster has shown both great power and greater humility.”

“So I ask you to respect their love for you all. As put. Will you vote to do the smart thing and walk away.” thousands of voices cried out “NO!” With a wave to settle them. “OR Do we dare to be stupid and do what we think is right.”

The same cry of “YES” echoed followed by the “Warlocks” chant. “Malacaster,” the Benefactor’s voice carried over the chant, “You have your answer.” The main comlink cut out. “Now, go rest up,” Chartun said, taking his hood off, “you lot, have a lot of work to do.”

The suit unfurled leaving the fox standing there in just a pair of shorts loosely hanging from his hips. The others removed their masks and robes. The feline hugged the fox. “You did great,” she said. “I made a fool of myself,” the fox said.

“I wouldn’t say that,” Chartun said, “You gave them a choice, And they made a choice.” “And now they all think the Malacaster is a coward,” Cornelius said. “You told them what they’re up against,” Jonathan said, “You said the best thing they can do is live.”

“And you all make it seem I’ve done great things as the Malacaster,” he said “and I spent most of that time in a bed.” “Right,” Winsten said, putting his hand on the table and sliding some papers over to him, “in that time you drew up a blueprint for the regen pods.”

“I was just killing time,” Cornelius said, looking at his work, “I didn’t think it could really work.” “But it does,” Melody said, “ Joana, Me, and thousands of others are proof of it.” “David did great things,” Winsten said, “outside of the suit.”

“Delta turned the suit off to keep you from bleeding out,” Chartun said, “that throw, that was all you.” “Uge,” Cornelius said, “My head hurts.” “Get him out of here,” the angel said, “and laddie, if nothing else you gave them hope. They just built on it.”

“Guys,” Aithenas said, “Galuso and I won’t be joining you.” Joana looked at the avatile. “Our people need us here,” Aithenas said, “And we have to make sure you have a home to come back to.” The feline hugged the avatile.

“You will always be one of us,” the feline said, “Priestess.” “Hey,” the avatile said, “we’re a goddess now.” “You’ll always be our little priestess,” Joana said, “and Switch, he got his wish. I couldn’t be happier for him.”

They each gave the avatile a hug. They parted ways as the five of them headed down the hall. “So, boss,” Winsten said, head turning to the fox, “What’s your next big idea?” “I’m not your boss,” Cornelius said, “and when did I ever have a working plan?”

Outside the temple the five of them went down to the lake. The feline’s outfit shifted to a pink swimsuit. The otter stripped down to a speedo. As the swallow slipped out of her dress to just her yellow panties.

As the human pulled his shirt off. The whole of his back was covered with large green leaves. He laid out on the small sandy beach close enough to the water for his feet to touch. As Taria’s roots reach out into the water to drink.

“How does that not hurt?” the fox asked. “Mostly she’s just in the skin,” the human answered, “She’s on bone in a few places but mostly she’s just in and under my skin.” The little snake head lifted up basking in the sunlight as the leaves shuttered and faced the sun.

“Babies can be so cute,” the otter said. The feline shot him a glare. “Babies?” the fox asked, eyes flicking between the otter and the feline. “Taria,” the otter said, “She’s just a baby.” “A world seed?” the fox asked.

The otter looked at the human who gave a thumb’s up. “Have you ever heard of Yggdrasil and Jörmungandr,” the otter asked. The fox shook his head. “Human mythology,” the otter said, “in short Yggdrasil the world tree, connected Earth to the greater cosmosts. Planes of existence.”

“And Jörmungandr the world serpent, being a monster that embodied the life cycle,” the otter continued, “when the truth is they are one in the same.” The fox looked at the human and the little snake.

“Yggdrasil is Jörmungandr’s tail,” the otter said, “and little Traroot over there is one of them.” “That’s a scary thought,” the fox said. “Oh?” the otter asked. “If she is just a baby,” the fox said, “And she’s that powerful now.”

“That’s why she needs Jonathen,” the otter said. “A human?” the fox asked. “Hey,” the human said. “A farmer, an ecologist,” the otter said, “Someone with a strong connection with the earth.”

“Sorry,” the fox said over the otter’s shoulder. “And she’ll most likely stay with him till he dies,” the otter continued, “Then she’ll go off and find a place and build a new world.” “Continuing the life cycle,” the fox said.

“Yep,” the otter said, turning and making a twenty meter leap into the lake. “I am way out of my league here,” the fox said, joining the feline in a shade spot. the fox laid his head across the feline’s lap.

She petted his head, a warm and loving smile on her face. Both of them had turned their nanoskin back on, hiding the artificial limbs. “I still feel like a fucking ididoit,” he said closing his eyes.

“Maybe so,” the feline said, leaning in close to him, “But you’re my fucking ididoit.” She kissed him on the lips, running her fingers through his fur and over his scar. The fox smiled up at her.

The feline looked up and watched her old friend playfully swimming in the cool water. “You know,” the fox said, “He’d be the only guy I wouldn’t mind you sleeping with.” “What makes you think that?” the feline asked.

“He’s your oldest friend,” the fox answered, “you spent the better part of the twenty years together.” “That doesn’t mean,” she said. “You thought about it a few times,” the fox said, “you never told him, that you even thought about wiring yourself to a sex toy just to get him off.”

“Hey,” she said, lightly slapping the fox’s chest. the feline leaned down to the fox’s ear and whispered, “and you get a confused boner because of him.” “That’s,” he said, looking up at her. “Before we shared that link,” she said, “When you thought I was just a robot.”

The fox turned away, a shameful look on his face. “Oh, don’t act like that,” she said, kissing his cheek, “In less than an hour your whole world went to hell. A god almost killed you. You used magic for the first time.”

“Met your father for the first time in years. And he killed himself right in front of you. And you had a gun to your head almost the whole time,” she added, “of course the first thing that was nice to you, you thought about jumping.”

“So what were you thinking?” he asked. “Well, we did talk about it,” she said. “And?” he asked. “And the question was,” she said, “How drunk would you have to be?” “Don’t know,” he answered, “It’s weird, I know what it’s like and how it feels.”

“Well, you know how it felt when I was being fucked by a guy,” she said, “So it’s not the same thing.” “I guess,” he said, “And he’s dating a fucking god.” “Will you stop calling him that,” the otter said, joining them in the shade, “He hates it.”

“I’m sorry,” the fox said, “But.” “But nothing,” the otter said, “so what, he’s a powerhouse. He’s still just a guy.” “So Winsten, how open is your relationship?” the feline asked.

“What are you up to?” the otter asked. “Well,” the feline said. “I told her, I’d be fine with you sleeping with her,” the fox said. “Oh, is this about the sex toy thing,” the otter asked. “You knew about that?” the feline asked.

“Love, the state you were in,” the otter said, “you would forget how your comsystem would work.” the feline blushed. “Oh love, I was honored,” the otter said, “I didn’t want you to feel embarrassed.”

“Bitch,” the feline said. “Love you too,” the otter answered. They both laughed. All three turned to the squawk of a moan they heard. The little swallow was sitting with the larger human’s head between her legs.

Her back arched pressing the human’s face deeper into her. The swallow looked at the three of them, smiled, flipped them off and went back to moaning. The feline had to force herself to look away.

She turned the fox’s head as well. “Hey,” he said. “OH, shit,” the otter said, “You weren’t kidding about his package.” A deep blush crossed the fox’s face. “Well he did have a long hard day,” the feline said, moving so her knees were on either side of the fox’s head.

She teased him by rubbing herself. “Hungry my love,” she playfully asked, pulling her swimsuit aside. “Always,” he answered, throbbing and drooling on both fronts. The feline lowered her hips, arching her back no sooner than the fox’s tongue dug into her.

She purred a moan. The otter had sat up watching the two. The feline pulled the otter in for a kiss, filling it with a lustful passion. “Here’s your one shot,” she said after licking the roof of the otter’s mouth, “the second that monster is in me.”

“It’s not coming out till I milk it dry,” she continued. The dumbfounded otter blinked. the feline bit back a moan quaking in the fox’s hands. “Fuck it,” fox said, reach up best he could and pulled the otter’s head down to his enraged flesh.

“Get sucking before I change my mind,” the fox said, before digging his tongue deeper into the feline’s sex. The otter followed the orders given, Sharing the heavy workload of pleasing the fox’s monster.

Melody was able to catch her breath. “Maybe we should take this somewhere more private,” she said. “How about dinner first,” Jonathan said, speaking loud enough that the other three heard him.

The fox’s head fell back with a moan. He blinked. “Dinner?” he asked. “Damnit,” both the feline and the otter said. The human laughed. “That boy is so much like his father,” Jonathan added.