Forgemaster (Book 1 in the Spirit Guide Saga)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

Chapter 9

  A bone chilling shiver shot down Kanade’s spine the likes she had never experienced before. Her eyes opened and immediately knew something was seriously wrong. A Naga and a Centaur walked by at the twice normal speed, but the movement would have had them tripping. Their erect posture was all wrong for the speed they used. Not once did they so much as glance in their direction. Their swift, critically honed sweeping gazes of veteran warriors didn’t pause on them.

  “Enchantress Kanade?” Minna’s small voice was bordering on frightened as the eight foot tall woman’s whole body was tensed. “What’s wrong?”

  “Is there danger to the foal this close to the castle?” Storm-shadow snorted, his hooves pawed the grass.

  Then Kanade realized the real problem. “Where’s Ethan and Kira?”

  “Big sister was right here… SISTER!?” Minna yelled in distress.

  “No!”

  “What, Kanade?” Storm-shadow trotted closer to the child.

  “We’ve been spelled. No one sees us and our minds have been shifted to run slower so time seems faster.” Immediately Kanade’s eyes glowed blue and with two fingers and a hasty movement she destroyed the much weaker magic.

  Sounds exploded with clarity as the magic was destroyed. Wind blew and eyes that once saw nothing jerked to the three of them. Perceived time returned to normal, but Kanade’s feeling that something was terribly wrong lingered along with the magic of a powerful Witch. Kanade’s worry had her power scattering for her angel. Magically attuned Witches and Wizards recoiled at the unwelcome feel. Two Witches near the entrance began an offensive spell, yelling at Kanade to stop or else. Only when she found him did the expansive power end and lock on.

  What she felt hit her like a physical blow and part of her mind was in control enough to say “Storm-shadow, get Minna to her mother.”

  Her wings snapped out as she leapt and flew through the air. Pixies and Gargoyles got out of her way. Not only was her size and speed that had them moving out of a collision path, it was her fearful expression. Kanade shot through the hall, heads snapping in her direction.

  She slapped her wings sideways and shot down the human hall and slowed as she rose to the third level and sixth from the stairs. She landed just outside the door and shook from head to toe, even her wings wouldn’t stop shuddering. No, please no. Be wrong, please be wrong. Kanade thought as her power told her already the answer but her mind couldn’t accept it.

  The number beside a silver made door had the engraving 306 carved above the handle. Protective runes were activated as they faintly glowed around the large door. Unable to stop herself, Kanade shakily brought her powers forth and began tracing a series of overriding runes only an Enchanter of great power and experience would know. The room’s runes faded and then Kanade heard the sounds she never wanted to hear. With shaking hands that barely cooperated she grabbed the handle and opened the door just a crack to look within.

  Immediate motion drew her attention and everything stopped. Her mental pleading, her power of sensing, trembling and even her heart ceased.

  Then Kira cried out as her naked back arched with released while riding cowgirl.

  Tears were the first to spill from Kanade’s eye as she looked on as the Witch had her legs wrapped around her angel and worse of all she noticed his dreamy smile.

  No! Kanade mentally screamed, but her empty lungs were uncooperative. Metallic blue wings sagged, lifeless. She pulled her eye away from the crack and felt teardrops fall from her chin in fat, salty droplets.

  Her legs moved away like they had a life of their own. Several were worried and curious as to her hurried flight and paused when they saw her walking away, more than a foot of her limp wings drug behind on the ground and her shell shocked look had the small crowd moving back. Kanade’s whole appearance was lifeless, stunned, but she walked forward. Some tried to talk, but she was unresponsive.

  Kanade moved out of the human’s hall, through the main hall, to the elevators, pressed the button to her floor, entered her room an fell apart completely. Tears flowed as she sobbed fully into her pillow and curled into a tight fetal position.

  Ethan blinked as he suddenly look around outside the castle and scratched his head. “What the hell?” he asked the empty air. Darkness was already set and he sparked a flame to push it away. Then he realized. “Oh crap!” He searched the area for reference to realize he was already on the path for home.

  He felt fatigued, more than he ought, but ran quickly. The faint orange glow of Celestia’s fiery body stood outside and he redoubled his pace. “Where have you been? Your three hours late, Ethan!” the Phoenix demanded, her talons tapping the scorched ground.

  He panted, hands on his knees before her. “What? Really? Celestia, the last thing I remember…”

  When it took too long the angered fire bird said “Well? What is it? You do not seem all together.”

  “The last thing… The last thing… oh!” he met her intense gaze. “I was just finishing meditating with Blake around noon. What time is it?”

  “Just after ten. Maybe a little hard work may jar your memory.” Celestia slapped him upside the head with a rather hard wing. “Inside with you. You have work to complete.”

  “ETHAN YOU ASS! WHAT DID YOU DO!” shrieked a voice just as he was about to go inside. At the edge of the house’s stone courtyard of unfinished weapons stood Floa in her larger, yet still short body. Her green fists were clenched and her flared nostrils and flat violet eyes were greatly angered. Even her large wings opened and closed like she wanted to fly over and do damage. Floa couldn’t approach like she so wanted with Celestia’s presence being so dangerously intense.

  “We are busy, Pixie. Disturb my apprentice some other time.”

  Instead Ethan came over when he realized something in Floa’s words. “Floa, what is going on? Why are you so upset…”

  Floa answered with an uppercut to his jaw that knock Ethan flat on his backside. “Damn!” Floa cursed as she clutched her fist to her breast. Hitting him so hard hurt, but she glowered through the pain as he moved his jaw and rubbed the pain away.

  “Touch him again and I’ll roast you.” Celestia chirped and walked forward. Floa couldn’t stand near and backed away with bright eyes when she realized the Phoenix wasn’t idly threatening. “Piss off now!” The Forgemaster’s three powerful fingers grabbed Ethan’s collar of his shirt and helped him stand.

  “Hold on.” Ethan pleaded through the pain to his master. Celestia’s emerald green eyes merely blinked in acknowledgement without leaving the stubborn Pixie’s stand. He stepped back, between them and looked to his usually cheerful friend. He didn’t get close enough for her to knock him senseless again. “Floa, why did you hit me? What on earth is going on? What are you accusing me of doing. I already have a splitting headache and then you deck me out of nowhere, and in front of my master no less.”

  Floa regarded him with contempt, but it was Celestia’s heated gaze that made her speak. “Kanade. What did you do to her?” his slow reaction made her blink. “You mean you don’t know?”

  “Know what? What happened to My Angel?”

  “Your angel?” Celestia scoffed. “Guides don’t bond with mortals.”

  “It’s true!” Floa said and the Phoenix wasn’t so sure for the moment. “Ethan, Kanade’s locked herself in her room. I, my daughters and even Storm have been looking for you everywhere for hours. Kanade’s bawling her eyes out in her room, but I cannot get in. Her room is protected and Dress was forbidden from opening by her order. I tried talking to her, but even I could hear her mumbling your name over and over. I’ve known her for her entire life and she’s never acted this way before. She’s the suffer in silence type, like you, but I and your friends are worried. I was warned when one of my granddaughters said Kanade lifelessly walked down the hall and disappeared to her room. She was dragging her wingtips on the ground, only a brokenhearted Guide would ever do that while crying and acknowledge nobody. So what the hell did you fuck
ing do?!” She repeated.

  Instead he demanded “Floa, send me as close to her room as you can.”

  “If you hurt that child I’ll send you to the bottom of the ocean.” The Pixie threatened before seeing his hardening expression and clapped.

  “Seems I’m alone tonight.” Celestia said as Ethan disappeared before her eyes.

  Floa replied. “Get over yourself. Since Ethan showed up even I’ve seen your unfinished collection getting done almost twice as fast.” Before a reaction could come Floa Translocated away and from outside the hall’s window as Ethan banged his fist against Kanade’s door.

  Ethan herd her murmuring incoherently before he hit on the locked door. “Kanade! It’s Ethan open up!” He then stopped and listened, she still murmured. “Dress, open up!”

  From the other side he heard “Not allowed! I can’t go against her demand, not without Odin’s or the full council’s approval. She hasn’t reacted since she told me to not allow anyone inside. I’m worried.”

  An angry growl rumbled from his chest. “Dress, get as far away from the door as you can.”

  “You can’t…” Ethan didn’t hear the rest. The whole floor was empty and only reserved for enchanters or as a place of defense in combat. Right now only Kanade was there and she was hurting.

  Rage and fear for his soul mate fueled an inferno that shrouded his whole body. The fire funneled to his hands as he thrust them forward. “RAAA!!!” he roared and shot the superheated flames straight at the door. It took less than a second to reach the short distance and the impact made a deafening ‘Boom!’ that shook the floor, walls and windows. Runes near the topmost hinge, which protected against fire, flared to a bright bluish white and negated the inferno. Ethan knew it wouldn’t work, but had to try.

  Floa, still outside flying, stared openly, disbelieving his audacity.

  Still cloaked in fire, Ethan went to the door and heard what he hoped. The rune had made a translucent film over the wall and door, but the one for privacy remained dead. He sighed when he heard Kanade inside no longer mumbling, but now was strangely quiet. He killed the remaining flames since it seemed the much more forceful ‘knock’ had done its job and disturbed her current state. This time he knocked with his knuckles while saying “Kanade, it’s Ethan. Open up!”

  Her voice was bitter and it lashed at him. “GO AWAY, Bastard!”

  Swallowing down his own fears as to what made her so hostile he said “Not until I know you’re ok. Floa just got me and said you keep saying my name. What is wrong? If you don’t tell me I’ll stay here and…”

  “I said go the fuck away!” she shrieked. “After what you did… How…” the last part was too quiet to hear. He heard the strength leave her.

  “What did I do?” Ethan demanded. “If I don’t know what I did, how can I fix it?”

  “Fix it?” Venom filled her usually delicate accent. “Fix IT?! There is no fixin’ what you’ve done, You Bastard!” Anger resurfaced. “I thought you were mine? The only one you’d ever want… You betrayed me. You betrayed my love for you! Leave me alone!”

  “Like hell I’ll ever do that!” he growled. “Open this door now, Kanade! If your accusing me of something, do it to my face.” He heard her stomping with more anger than he understood, the lock at her door clicked and nearly jerked off their hinges from opening.

  Ethan stepped away the moment he saw her. He had never seen anyone look like she did. Her glittery skin was puffy, like her red, swollen eyes as tears stopped flowing hours ago and tear salt streaked her. Blue hair that always looked so well kept was in spiky disarray, wings sagged and her shirt was wrinkled and stained. But it was the hurt, betrayal, dejection, heartbreak, and sorrow mixed in with such hatred that it tore him apart. Kanade grimaced at the sight of him and the venom lingered in her words. “Like you don’t know. I saw you two together.”

  “What are you talking about?” he went to step forward and offer comfort through touch.

  Kanade slapped his hand away. “Don’t keep acting innocent, Ethan.” She hissed his name as if it were vile and sniffed. “I still smell her on you.”

  His hand still stung, but he didn’t back down. “Kanade, what is the matter with you?”

  “With me!? You want to turn this around and say it my fault you fucked Kira senseless?”

  “Kira? Fucked?” Ethan’s brow drew together. “Are you crazy? Kira is just a friend. A friend, Kanade. I never slept with anyone, let alone her.”

  “Don’t lie to me. I saw her legs wrapped around you.” She seethed and Ethan suddenly remembered Spirit Guides cannot lie. “And you were enjoying it. I saw you smile like a fuckin’ idiot.”

  This time Ethan went stone still. Very slowly his words came. “Kanade, I have no memory after Blake released us. Just a few minutes ago I found myself a half mile from my home with Celestia. What happened during the six or so hours? Please, enter my mind to see the truth. I would never be with anyone but you.” Her hatred lowered, feeling like this was a trap to torture her by replaying his latest conquest made it return. “Fine!” she bit off through clenched teeth.

  Kanade entered and first felt his confusion before hearing “What happened? Whoever hurt her will pay dearly! Why the hell can’t I remember?” The more she searched the most recent day’s memories, she then found a foggy blanket clouding out hours of his life.

  “KANADE!” Ethan shouted as her legs gave out and he barely caught her.

  Wild, unseeing gold eyes said “He’s been spelled. No memories remain…” then she looked up as more tears surfaced. “Oh Ethan! I’m so sorry.” She hiccupped a sob. “Kira, she… spelled you for sex.”

  Kanade watch as the muscles in his jaws clenched, his stormy grey eyes darkened an a rumble grew from his chest. He turned his head as he heard tiny flapping wings. “Floa, watch over Kanade.” He stood and turned into her bedroom. “Dress, what’s Kira’s room number?”

  Dress responded. “Three oh six, but you aren’t going to kill her, are you?”

  Without answering Ethan stormed out and headed for the stairs, heat and anger rippled off him like a mirage over desert sand. He rushed down and with a single-minded focus, he exited into the main hall and the haze turned to a trail of smoke. At this hour, quite a few were still awake, going about their business, but seeing a man start having flames appear around his body drew attention.

  Before Ethan knew it his fist was banging on Kira’s door. “What is it?” he just banged more and more till she turned off her TV to check on it.

  When she opened it she was assaulted by a wave of intense heat that stung the eyes so painfully they shut. Before she could get away, Ethan’s red hand grabbed her upper arm painfully enough she cried out. He lowered his heat when he realized what was happening but didn’t let go. Her light green eyes widened as she gasped “Ethan? Wha…”

  “You’re coming with me.” And would not give her time to respond as he jerked her out.

  “You’re hurting me!” She cried loudly enough it echoed.

  “And what you did to me and Kanade didn’t?” he growled, the first time she had heard it herself and the steely glint in his eye said he was royally pissed off. He jerked her ahead.

  Behind followed Ken at twenty feet, unable to stay away from Kira as he was drug. “Ha ha, you got caught!” he taunted.

  At the foot of the stairs were two Ogres who were warriors and saw the whole thing. “Release her. Females must be treated with respect.”

  “You boys better get the hell out of my way.”

  “And if we do not?” The other responded, drawing a metal club inscribed with runes. Their answer came in the response of fire that sprung up around them that rose well over their blue heads.

  Kira stopped struggling at what Ethan had done without blinking an eye or raising a hand. Ethan willed the flames to not do harm and walked through. Kira felt nothing and the Ogres knew he could have done far worse, but merely followed when the flames were quenched. Ethan didn’t look back, but Ken ke
pt cackling as if this were all a joke. No one picked him up as he was drug along the ground. They left the human area and headed for the elevators.

  Surprisingly there waited guests.

  Kanade looked so frail and broken as she leaned against the wall with Floa consoling her girlfriend from a shoulder. But sitting in front was a grim-faced Tattoo in his wheelchair, the powerfully beautiful Gra standing behind her husband, Morgane Le Fay and two other Witches Ethan hadn’t seen before.

  Tattoo no longer smiled as he usually did when he wheeled around. He pushed forward and as the second in command of the House ordered “Ethan, remove your hand and Kira, do not move. One word from you or gesture will worsen the allegations brought against you.” Ethan took his hand off and stepped away. “Morgane, if you will please verify the situation.”

  “Certainly, Kiddo.” The High Witch glided forward and stood before Ethan. “Please hold still. I need to flush your system.” He didn’t ask questions. Morgane Le Fay laid a single finger on Ethan’s scalding forehead, but began expertly drawing very specific runes intending to heal the body by expelling foreign poison. He felt his mind clear before a stomachache formed and unable to hold still for any longer he leaned forward and retched. A large cupful of bile and clear fluid rocketed from his stomach, but before he could worry about hurling on the ancient Witch there appeared a bucket out of nowhere. His pain lasted only a few moments before standing straight and wiping his lips. Morgane looked into the bucket as if it wasn’t an issue. “Kiddo, he has no food in his stomach, but I smell a sickly sweet odor a certain potion of magic, lays inside. I will need to analyze, but he wouldn’t have retched if a recently ingested foreign magic wasn’t coursing through his system and…” Morgane stepped closer and sniffed his neck and then Kira’s, who went rigid. “Smells of smoke, Kira’s fragrance and sex. If it were our Enchantress he was with, I should smell only sex and his smoky natural smell.”

  “So I was magically roofied?” He growled deeply and got a nod from the Witch. “What about my memories?” Morgane shook her head.

  “You two” Tattoo pointed at the pair of Witches Morgane summoned. “detain Kira for the remainder of the night. A tribunal will be held at ten tomorrow for full details and adequate punishment.” Kira hung her head as the pair each took an arm, but not before trapping a magic canceling collar around her neck. They, and Ken, moved to the elevator and disappeared when the doors shut. Tattoo looked between Ethan and the disheartened Enchantress. “I’m sorry this happened to both of you and I swear an appropriate punishment will be reached. I must also ask you both to come to the top floor a quarter hour before the tribunal. Whatever tasks you have can be put on hold. Again, I’m sorry… Gra, let’s go to bed.” The Amazon queen followed her husband to the next elevator in which Morgane also accompanied them, bucket of bile dangling from her hand.

  Ethan walked over to Kanade and she tried touching him, but he shook his head. “Don’t. I’m barely keeping it together and trying not to explode… literally. I need to let off some pressure before someone gets hurt. My sense of smell isn’t strong enough to know I stink of her, but I’ll need to wash her off. Floa, please send me to the roof of my building before I do hurt someone.”

  Kanade’s eyes widened as a small flame appeared on his shaking shoulder, burning his clothing unintentionally and his clam mask wasn’t lying. Less than a thread held him together. Just as another flame lit in his hair, Floa clapped and he disappeared.

  The Pixie’s tiny hands pushed against Kanade’s cheek. “Come on girlfriend, let’s go clean you up. You’re a total mess.”

  Emotionally burnt out, Kanade’s voice was barely a whisper. “I was wrong, Floa. He is faithful. Kira… she used him against his will. I hated him. I hated my own soul mate. I didn’t believe him…”

  “Hush… You. Didn’t. Know.” Floa consoled softly. “Your reaction was only natural. You need to clean up and be with him. You need him as much as he needs you right now. You were both raped today, him literally. Hurry up, who knows what he’ll do to let off steam.”

  The Enchantress drew herself up and moved to the elevator Floa flitted down to and already pressed the button. They waited together, quietly till it opened and a few moments later on her floor. “Did Ethan do that?”

  Floa said “Yes.” Meaning to the blackened area around her room’s floor, ceiling and back wall. “I also was surprised, but I think it was his way of getting through that thick skull of yours.” Floa rapped the side of her girlfriend’s head. “What was it like in your room, when he blasted it I mean?”

  “It shook the whole room and the noise was so loud and sudden I almost jumped clean out my skin.”

  “Same here. I was almost afraid the window I was watching from was about to shatter.” The Pixie pushed the idle conversation forward. “Do you have anything to eat in your bedroom?”

  Kanade shook her head. “Didn’t get a chance. You ate my last bagel last night and I am too much of a wreck to order anything tonight.”

  “I’ll go to my room and whip something up. Neither you or Ethan had anything to eat. Go shower and you two can picnic under the stars. Since I cannot tell you two to have a shower together…”

  “Floa, not now… please. I don’t want to think about that.”

  Kanade entered her bedroom and immediately she noticed the balcony door open. Floa said “I understand, but the sooner you two kids reunite, the sooner this pain will end… Dress, what are you doing out of your spot?”

  Out on the balcony Dressor hopped and turned his broad face to the pair and said “You two better come see this.”

  Kanade quickened her pace across her room and stood beside Order’s fashion king. From the balcony where Kanade would stare toward Ethan’s home for hours, her jaw dropped.

  In the darkness a pillar of fire shot skyward from the roof of Celestia’s home. Shooting upwards that even from a distance, tendrils of flames could be seen as clear as if up close. At least a mile high pillar of flame shot high.

  “Is it just me or is the whole building also on fire?” Floa gasped.

  “You’re not mistaken.” Dress said evenly. “Right now Ethan is beyond pissed and venting his frustration in the safest place there is. Celestia is sometimes prone to outbursts and is why only she has a home completely separate from the castle. It is why her home and grounds are black, otherwise the granite would be gray like the rest of the castle. Fire wards are heavily restricting and containing his flames… you don’t need to tell me what happened, I know it all.” Compassionate blue eyes turned. “Kanade, I know it is not my place to say this, but can you… I don’t know… cool him off. He’s screaming above my heads from the rooftop in both Celestia’s and his room. She’s up there with him, but saying and doing nothing.”

  Kanade felt strength return to her as she responded her to mate’s anger and seeing his inferno display that lit much of the northern grassland like a light bulb. She leapt for her bathroom, knocking Floa off from the sudden movement. She turned on the shower and stripped.

  “I’ll be right back.” Floa said and before she disappeared, spun around and stared at the golden face. “Dress, give Kanade comfortable clothes. Nothing sexy. They don’t need any pressure after what they are still dealing with.”

  “Wasn’t planning to. Let’s just hope their first time won’t be spoiled by all this.” Floa’s tiny green head bobbed before she clapped her hands together.

  In the steamy shower Kanade washed off all the tears and sweat, allowing the warmth to invigorate her body from the coldness it had only felt all day. Her wings grew heavy with all the water and she lathered soap as quickly as she could without overlooking anything. She rinsed and turned off the water before touching the specialized dryer that blasted from sixty holes in the tile covered wall. The heated air blew off the water as she hastened the effect with a few runes traced along her wings that shed the water. She couldn’t wait and enjoy the drier she had ordered like usual after a bath. As the droplets fell Kan
ade couldn’t help watching and remembering they were like the many tears she shed.

  Mostly dry, she pressed the button on the wall to stop the drying process. Her feathers were no longer saturated. She pushed the glass aside and heard Dress’s loud ‘thunk’ each time as he hopped back to his place in the corner of the room. Cracking the door, she found just a pair of laid out sweats and a backless t-shirt. She quickly slipped them on and stepped out.

  Precariously placed on top of the back of the sofa was a picnic basket stuffed with food and a small Pixie sat on the wooden handle. “One question, Girlfriend, just how are you going to get near Ethan? The area isn’t as bright outside, but I can still see the roof on fire from here. For a mate, you sure have a dangerous one to your health.”

  “Got it covered.” Kanade moved to her nightstand and pulled open a drawer. Out came a gold choker. “It’s taken weeks to make this.” She said. “In my spare time I’ve worried what would happen if Ethan’s flames might hurt and his intentions do not see me… well, yesterday I finished enchantin’ this to protect me.”

  “That could come in handy.” Floa said. “Can you make me one too?”

  Kanade shook her head. “No. Wearing this can only protect my kind should my mate have a deadly power that could potentially do me harm. Any power less than my own will separate the soul from the body. Floa, you are indeed powerful, but not even you would survive this. Besides, it’ll permanently bond to me, like Ethan’s bracelets…” She stepped to look outside and saw the blaze had indeed lessened and then at the band of gold between her fingers. “Now that I know he was forced against his will, I’ll wear it till the very end.” She snapped her fingers and the seamless ring separated and stretched as she put it around her slender neck. Another finger snap latched the ends together without a seam. The choker hugged her neck, and would do so from this point on. It was snugly fit, giving enough room to move and clean behind. “Now, like Ethan, I’m immune from his burnin’.”

  One bare foot raised and planted on the stone barrier and her wings spread. “Wait, you’re forgetting something!” and all Kanade said was “Oh!” when she noticed she almost left without the meal her friend took time enough to scrounge up from somewhere. “And tell Ethan I’m sorry.”

  “For what?” she asked as the basket hung from her elbow.

  Floa’s green cheeks darkened embarrassingly. “I punched him.”

  “You did what?” Kanade paused and listened to the quick explanation before saying “I’ll let him know.” And took to the air.

  In a few moments she saw two individuals on the blazing roof. Celestia stood over Ethan as he struggled to meditate the way he was taught. Kanade glided slowly and Celestia’s sharp, predatory eyes caught the movement. The Phoenix merely said “Enchantress, order Dress to tell me what has upset my pupil. If he cannot recover from whatever has happened between the two of you, he will cease as my student forthwith.”

  Kanade’s great wings flapped as she hovered over a ways. “I will do as you say. Ethan will recover, that I will see to.”

  “You are his soul mate?”

  Instantly Kanade answered without a shred of doubt “I am. He is my angel.”

  “Then tend to your mate and do not allow this to occur again. He is a fine asset to me and is dedicated. Such is rare in a human.” With that Celestia walked through fire and dropped down the large ceiling access hole.

  The Enchantress stared down at Ethan in a swirl of flames spiraling slowly from his red-tinged body. Ash from was once his shirt flew off in flakes from his bare torso. The many bruises stood out worse than usual. He was sitting with his legs crossed in the center of the roof, fists shaking as he fought his anger for control and serenity. Even without using her powers she could feel his pain at what had happened. He hated losing control and for a Fire Elemental, that was dangerous indeed. Kanade felt the waves of radiating heat, but slowly came closer, testing her choker to see if she and anything she touched remained unharmed. A magical barrier still faintly shimmered over all the surface, protecting the building’s structure of the home from his immense heat. When flames passed her like in a breeze, she sighed and sat her bare feet on warm stone. Without the enchantment, she knew she would already be burning alive. Kanade walked forward and softly said “Ethan? It’s me.” No response even came, not even a muscle twitch. She hated seeing him in such misery so she stepped into the heart of the vortex and delicately laid a hand on his shoulder.

  At her touch his flames slowly died, and a minute later, vanished. His mottled flesh went from an angry red to a tanned, healthy bronze. His shaking subsided and Kanade smiled as she knew her mate knew her touch, even without knowing. She put the basket down and lovingly wrapped her arms around him from behind, her wings naturally wrapped around them. Her superior sense of smell still picked up Kira’s foul scent, but his fire burned much of it off and the smell of ashy clothes masked it further, but his smoky scent eased her and gave comfort. “Oh, Ethan, I’m so sorry for doubtin’ you.” She sobbed on his shoulder.

  He jerked as he pulled from the meditation. Then he calmed as he created a fire to see by and asked “Kanade?”

  “It’s me.” She pulled back, but sat on her heels.

  He spun around, staring at her. “I thought I heard your voice… Wait, how can you be here? My fire…”

  “No longer affects me.” She pointed to a gold band around her neck. “Your fire cannot hurt me. Mates to Enforcers also wear one for protection, but I had to modify the magic because your Spirit Energy is unique. Does it look pleasin’?”

  His eyes softened. “You could wear a trash bag and no one could say anything other than ‘Beautiful’. Yes, you look good, but what are you doing here? I thought you didn’t want to see me at all… for what happened.”

  She looked down into her hands. “When I” she swallowed a lump in her throat. “saw the two of you… I never knew I could feel so broken. Even hatin’ you I still loved you deeply. How could I not? There’s somethin’ about you so endearin’ that no words or runes could ever accurately describe. And when I found you hadn’t betrayed me I felt relief and sadness for all my angry thoughts.” She held her hand half way between them. “Right now I need you as much as you need me.”

  Ethan’s whole appearance deflated. “Kanade, I feel so awful for what happened. Hurting you… I would never have done anything so cruel and all I feel is angry at being used. Is there some magic that can make me remember so I can hate myself for hurting you?” he pleaded as he took her hand.

  “No, not without damagin’ your mind. Blockin’ or stealin’ memories are simple, but returnin’ are too risky. Knowin’ you are innocent is enough for me. That what happened, this backstabbin’ plot, lays with her.”

  Then he blinked. “Do I still smell like her?” he read the answer on her expression. “I’ll go bathe. You’re welcome to stay in my room.”

  She smiled. “I’m not plannin’ to leave tonight, if that’s alright?”

  He rubbed the back of his head. “Uh, we can talk, but I think that if you go that far, it wouldn’t be fair to either of us. The wounds are too fresh.”

  “Ethan,” Kanade stood. “there is no way I’m up to that. I just want you close… and Floa sent a care package since neither of us ate supper and she wanted to apologize for punchin’ you earlier.”

  “She has one hell of an uppercut.” He admitted, feeling his jaw. “She dropped me harder than Blake.” He smiled weakly as he stood and brushed off his sweats before heading off the roof first.

  The Enchantress followed him down and magically locked the hatch. She shut and locked his bedroom door. Just as he was heading into the shower Kanade said “Wait.” and told him Celestia’s words.

  Dress silently watched and listened to Ethan say “You may explain what happened to my master and please also inform Blake I’ll make up tomorrow’s lesson. Should he ask, you may tell him as well. Please also seal the door and activate privacy. Lastly, can we be alone tonight? You can com
e back at our usual wake up time.”

  “Sure thing, Handsome.” Ethan saw a momentary flicker of blue light at his door. “If you need me, just knock. Good night… oh and Ethan?” Dress paused, looking at Kanade. “I think you might need nightclothes. Your usual sleeping arrangements might be a little much for Kanade’s… delicate sensibilities.”

  Surprising both she said with scarlet cheeks “My mate will sleep as he always does… but with boxer shorts… Dress after he goes to bathe, can I please wear what I usually do to bed?”

  The cabined raised a gold brow. “Fine by me.” The doors split his face in half and out shot a pair of blue boxers which Ethan caught. “Get to it.” He entered the bathroom and shut the door. In a low tone Ethan couldn’t hear Dress said “I was worried you had forgotten your promise about your fist night you’d be together?”

  Boldly she placed the food on the bed and returned. “I want my smell on him, not hers. He is mine, Dress. What happened will not occur again. He will know my body tonight as I will his… besides, I need to care for him. He’s been neglectin’ his back with the ointment. Those bruises are all over.”

  “It’s not that. Ethan just cannot reach those spots and won’t ask for help.”

  “Well as his mate, I’ll do it. My clothes please?” Dress shot out a pair of black lacy panties and a bra. “These? I do not wear these…”

  “Trust me, Girl, you’ll bond better because of it. You aren’t the first couple I’ve dealt with and certainly not last. This will be just enough to bring you close together and sexy enough that if you feel the time is right, will be easy enough to take off. If not, you two can still cuddle… Well I’m off.” Before she could demand more appropriate attire Dress’s golden face vanished from the closet.

  Kanade stared at the scandalous scraps of lace and shuddered. Momentarily forgotten was her hurt as lust filled her pleasantly. Thoughts of Ethan’s reactions and what she wanted him to do raced through her mind. She trusted Dress’s discretion and opinion as he’d yet to be wrong and slipped out of her clothes and put on her new bra and panties. She turned the TV to a white screen before turning off the ceiling light. It was darker now, and hoped all would go well as she unpacked the basket and laid out the food. Afterwards she found the depleting ointment in a jar out on his nightstand.

  The shower ended and Ethan made sure he could wash away all scent by scrubbing and washing four times, leaving no crevice unwashed. He didn’t know what waited beyond the door, but deep down it both thrilled and terrified him.

  With just a thought his power steamed off all the water, he brushed his teeth and hair before sliding on only his boxers. Thankfully they hid everything important, but his self body image was depressing by the moment as he looked over his many accumulated bruises. Unable to hide forever he opened the door and stopped dead.

  For laying on his bed was Kanade. She lay on her side in a sexy position men see only in magazines. Her higher right leg bent over her curled left while her head was propped on an elbow. Her round hip and small waist were more defined and with her wing as a sultry backdrop. Spread out before her on a picnic sheet was bread, cheeses, wedged ham and cheese sandwiches. A bottle of white wine sat uncorked on the nightstand with two empty glasses, not the usual wineglass, just glass cups. What’s more, she wore nothing other than her underwear. His mouth watered as his gaze locked between her legs and realized she either had one hell of a bikini wax or she was hairless in the carpet area.

  In the most beautiful voice he had ever heard from her she said “What do you think? Did Floa have a romantic idea or what?”

  “Is it Valentine’s day because I must be dreaming?”

  Even in the lower lighting he saw her redden. She sat up with a timid smile. “No, but Cupid has nothin’ on me.”

  “Kanade, you don’t have to push yourself.” He said softly.

  Her head shook. “I’m not, Ethan. After all that’s happened, I really want to do this, have a meal alone with my angel. Just the two of us, at night with no disturbances. I want to get over what happened as soon as possible and to do that I want my scent on you and yours on me. Ethan, please tell me what you’re thinkin’.”

  “That you’re more brave than I. I’ve never had a girl in my bed before let alone see how great you look right now. I’m just really unsure how to go on and how to fix this between us…” He admitted.

  She gestured him forward. “Come over and let’s start slow. This is new territory for the both of us and I feel like a long tail cat in a rocking chair store, just waitin’ for somethin’ bad to happen. Let me tend your wounds first. We should start there.”

  “Alright.” He felt that was a good place to start. She dipped her slender fingers in the jar as he sat on the edge of the bed and slowly applied the salve. He enjoyed her delicate touch along with the tingle of electricity. Kanade felt all the knots in his back and frowned as she knew he lived in pain, listened and enjoyed how he rumbled with pleasure like some satisfied beast. She massaged him slowly, loosening the many knots he didn’t speak of. He groaned and said “Your hands are pure magic.”

  “I expect the same treatment. My back muscles, especially around my wings, are tense.”

  “Got it.”

  As she worked the muscles at the base of his neck she couldn’t help sniffing and sighed. “Good. You washed her off.”

  “I did all I could. And just how strong is your sense of smell?” and he turned around.

  She applied more ointment over his hairy, discolored chest, but didn’t mention how glad she was it didn’t grow on his back like some gorilla. “Thrice that of humans and females naturally have a stronger sense of smell. Barely a trace lingers beneath your natural scent… there, that should do it. If you’re hurt elsewhere, do it yourself.”

  Ethan grinned. “I’m good. Do you want to eat or get that massage first.”

  “Definitely eat. If you do half a good of job as Floa, I’ll melt like butter.”

  The meal passed in silence until every crumb disappeared. They didn’t have time for conversation as their hunger and tiredness pulled all energy into eating. The food was delicious and the wine sweet, the way they both enjoyed. He tried to hide it, but she noticed how his eyes caressed her and could almost feel the touch. She enjoyed him looking at her with such passion, but didn’t as she noticed his loathing of what happened, blaming himself for everything.

  She took his glass and put it up on the nightstand. “I’m ready for that massage now.” And then she lay flat on the bed, spreading her wings so he could access her spine. When he didn’t immediately jump at the chance she looked over her shoulder to see him struggle. “All I have are thong panties if you’re wondering. You like?”

  “Stop tempting me, woman.” He said in a deep, husky voice that made her shiver. “I’m barely keeping it together here… got it.”

  “Got what?”

  He walked on his knees before straddling her backside. “Now I can work without distraction… and don’t you dare move.”

  She stifled a giggle and wide eyed as she felt his manhood go steel hard and poke her back, but before she could act and make him enter she groaned as his hands went down, skillfully doing a deep massage, his thumbs circling. He started at her waist and lower back. Ironically he thought he was massaging an actual angel. He worked and looked at her back. Kanade had a smooth back, but her underlying muscles were powerful. They needed to be so as to not only hold up her wings but also to fly. He worked his way up and her tense muscles slowly relaxed under his ministrations.

  “Ethan,” she crooned in absolute pleasure. “that is wonderful.” Kanade began twisting and pulling her wide wings in and he went to dismount, but then she took his hand and said “Come here.” She patted beside her.

  He twisted and lay on his right, staring into her eyes. He was then surprised as her long, tone legs wound with his while she pulled herself closer till they shared breath. “Where did you get so good?”

  “Always been a master o
f giving a backrub.”

  “Apparently.” She smiled lazily and hadn’t lied about melting in utter relief. This close she couldn’t resist giving him a deep, much needed kiss. There was nothing sexual about this one, Ethan knew. She needed the reassurance. In a very quiet voice she hesitated. “Ethan, may I ask a serious question?”

  “Of course. Ask away.”

  “Do you” her bottom lip quivered. “think it’s too soon to ask if you and I can nest together?”

  Ethan was very surprised to see her vulnerable again, like she was when she yelled at him. “You want to live together? What about this morning at breakfast when you told me Guides don’t pair up a week after finding their angel.”

  She looked at the rapid pulse in his neck speed up. “We’ve been a month technically.” She corrected.

  “Kanade, I can’t read your mind. Tell me.”

  She buried he head in his neck, inhaling his scent before whispering “I do not want a repeat of today. Ever! I want you near me all the time. You’re mine and as soon as all the other females see we are inseparable, they won’t dare come between us. My instinct is to nest with my mate and the drive is stronger than I ever imagined. I can barely sleep at all now that I know you are here. I feel so alone and today made it worse because if we were closer, Kira wouldn’t have spurned us. As long as I’m with you, I don’t care where we live… as long as its together.”

  He was quiet for some time, but she didn’t lift her head from his neck. “I’ll say yes on the condition you wear this amazing ensemble to bed every night.” She leaned back, her eyes stinging gratefully. “How could you imagine I’d say no? Really, Kanade, I might be shy and awkward, but you know I love you. You felt how powerfully I do about you.”

  “That is the first time you said it.” He asked without words, just confused expression. “You love me. You said it aloud.” He smiled. “And yes, I’ll wear my underwear to bed if that’s what you like.”

  “If you really want to know what I’d like, read my mind.”

  She did and her eyes bulged. She recovered with a light laugh. “Soon, My Angel, soon. And thank you. Would you prefer I live here or would you want my room?”

  “We can figure arrangements later.” He draped a hand across her bare hip and she shivered in delight. Before she knew it he began stroking her wing. “Let’s get some sleep, Kanade.”

  “Don’t. Stroking my wing will put me to sleep.” She said, but didn’t stop him. The caress felt too good.

  “That’s the whole point.”

  Kanade threw her wing around him as Ethan pulled the covers over them both. His caress along with her head over his heart put her to sleep. He wasn’t far behind. Having her in his arms was the most soothing balm there could ever be.

  Soft as the finest silk caressed Ethan as he awoke to find his TV still on and offering enough light to see Kanade’s head on his chest. Her wings wrapped them together and the sheet had worked its way down to their tangled legs. Cinnamon filled his nostrils and calmed him like nothing he never knew before. He could feel her left wing beneath him as the bone lay just behind his neck. He had never been embraced in bed by a girl before, but he never wanted to leave and Kanade’s embrace, even in sleep, didn’t either.

  Whether it was a change in his heartbeat or she pretended to be sleeping, Kanade woke and her curtain of blue hair moved to reveal a sleepy face and a lazy smile as warm gold eyes rested on him. “How long you been awake?” Her southern drawl so early made his heart skip a beat, that and he remembered what she was wearing and how intimately she held him.

  “A few seconds. How do you feel?”

  Her draped arm across his chest tightened. “Better than I ever have. Mother was right, layin’ with your angel is like no other experience.” She heard his intake of breath. “Oh, sorry. I forgot your bruises.”

  “It’s alright.” He smiled and she returned it. “So… last night before we went to sleep… were you serious about moving in together?”

  “Actually… wait… what is that?” Kanade lifted her wings holding them together and looked down to what was poking her stomach.

  “Crap.” She heard and realized something she’d never seen, but always heard about from other females. Morning-wood. Ethan went to pull away, but her arms encircled him like steel bands.

  “Don’t.” She said and pulled him close. “Don’t be ashamed. Its natural and flatterin’… I mean… you’re my mate and I’ll be in your bed from now on unless… you changed your mind.” Her cheeked heated in embarrassment.

  Ethan’s hand caressed her glittery cheek and his thumb teased her bottom lip. “Sorry, it’s a habit. Kanade, I was serious. I know without a doubt I am serious about being with you. And after last night… well I also never slept so well. I want this. You and me living together. If you can stomach me and my quirks and make me feel like this… well how could I not want you.” She gave a small smile. “Besides, I could get used to having an angel in bed.”

  She kissed him deeply. Tentative at first, but then more urgent. Her hands wove through his hair as his wrapped around her trim waist. Her tongue went to work before she drew back for a breath. “I love you, Ethan.”

  It was music to his ears. “I love you more than anything or anyone, Kanade.”

  A hand pushed on his chest and rolled him back as her pinned wing extracted from beneath him. Flat on his back, Kanade threw her leg over him and straddled his stomach. He felt amazingly awake as she sat lightly on him in nothing except her underclothes. In a timidly sweet voice she asked “Do you truly want me?”

  “You know I do.” He rumbled and she felt him vibrate. “I should be asking.”

  Kanade’s smile brightened as her hands went to jerk his boxers off. “I can’t wait any longer. I must have you.”’

  “Sorry to rain on the parade, Kids.”

  Kanade squeaked as she nearly jumped out of her skin. She turned to find Dress had returned and looked apologetic. “What? Why?” Her heart beat wildly.

  Ethan growled. “Dress, you better have a good reason for interrupting.”

  “Well I did say ‘Sorry’ didn’t I?” Dress asked and was glowered at by both. “Look, it’s time for you two to get ready… not release all the sexual tension you two have built up for each other. You told me to return. I did. I would have left you alone, but soon you’ll be having a visitor. Storm will be here in a half hour and I doubt you two want to couple for so short a time, take a shower and get dressed before he arrives.”

  “Why is he coming? All week long he has been watching over the herd as he always had before I came here.” Ethan commented and watched as Kanade covered herself with the bed sheet.

  “Didn’t say more than he was coming.”

  “Ethan, is your bathroom large enough for me?” Kanade asked.

  “More than. Two Centaurs could occupy it at the same time and not feel crowded.”

  “Did you call me a Centaur?” her eyes narrowed.

  Ethan backtracked quickly. “No… I… wait…uh…”

  “I’m teasing.” She smiled and wrapped the sheet around her as she crawled out of bed. “Dress, I’ll need more formal clothes for today’s tribunal.”

  “Understood. Would you like a dress.”

  “You know I cannot wear a dress.”

  “Why?” Ethan had to ask. He knew she would look amazing in a dress.

  Kanade’s cheeks flushed as she turned on the bathroom light. Seriously she said “Because they are breezy. The only one I want seeing my underwear is you and a dress is impossible to keep such things private, especially since I fly. Landin’, I found out as a little girl, would blow a dress clean over my head.”

  “Oh… makes sense. I’ve felt the wind your wings produce and I should have known… I don’t want anyone looking up your skirt either.”

  “And I do not want anyone seeing my angel in his boxers either. That is a pleasure reserved for me alone.” With more light bleeding into the bedroom, she moved back in front of Dr
ess who spat out a pair of long black pants, a white backless blouse, fresh thong underwear and a pair of classy blue and white stiletto high heels. She collected the lot and headed for the bathroom.

  “So, what did I miss?” Dress hummed as the panels of his face shut.

  “Not much other than Kanade and I will be living together.”

  “Maaan!” Dress let out in a whine. “Floa won. That blasted Pixie.”

  “You two made a bet?” Ethan realized and couldn’t resist a smile from forming. “What were the stakes?”

  “Just how long it would take for you two to be together. I expected tomorrow night. Floa said during this one. Now I owe her the finest silks to line her vine cradle she’s making for her latest progeny. Oh Ethan, I so wanted to win a signed autograph of Elton John she was going to have to get.” Dress huffed.

  Ethan could only laugh. When he recovered he asked “So what news do you have for me?”

  “Well first Celestia listened to it all and says your tantrum last night on the roof she could understand. She also said that she doesn’t want you working tonight either. She is giving you tonight off, but expects tomorrow’s work to retain your usual efforts. Blake also was considerate. Today’s lack of training will be replaced for the one you’d have in three from today. And you should know Kira is still detained and the rulers of the House are all upset about this. Nothing this scandalous has happened in close to a century. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’ll be there in the tribunal with you for more than moral support. I’m also a witness.”

  “Dress, I’m unfamiliar with the tribunal protocol. Can you give me a few likely ideas what will happen today and what Kira is in for?”

  “Thought you’d never ask.” Dress gave a quick rundown.

  Soon Kanade finished her shower and used a towel to dry. She put on the clothes and stepped out. Ethan already carried a set of folded clothes and she stopped him with a smile. “After your bath, don’t put your shirt on just yet. I’ll apply more ointment.”

  “Can’t keep your hands off me huh?” he joked.

  “Never shall I get enough.” She bent down and gave him a kiss and watched as he went into the bathroom and shut the door.

  Another quick shower had him exiting shirtless. Her touch was as soothing as the expensive ointment and then he slipped into the shirt. He tied his boot laces and stood. “See you in a bit, Dress.”

  Kanade claimed Ethan’s hand outside the bedroom and as they walked the short hall and for the stairs she said “I think it would be better, Ethan, that we should stay here together.”

  “Do tell.”

  “Actually it makes perfect sense.” She squeezed her hand. “We will be disturbed far less because of Celestia being a natural deterrent. You spend every night working your fingers to the bone. I can enchant her creations right here and not make you more tired than necessary, just to bring me the items. She is my largest profile client after all. You can come straight to bed and since all apartments at this House are mostly similar, there is more room for us than we could ever adequately need. You won’t need to be as tired as you usually are. And should I require to be workin’ late, we can sleep together up in my apartment, if there is a rush order on one of her creations. I can keep my room like an office to enchant things approved by the council. And it would be a simple matter to send my things. I can also modify the wall around the TV to hold all my movies along with all your videogames and modify the wall where the window is to create a landin. area to your room, just like mine… I’m startin’ to worry you aren’t I? You think I’m rushin’ don’t you?”

  Ethan laughed as they reached the iron door that led into the workshop. He opened it with his free left hand saying “Not at all. You’ve just thought through this more than me. Actually I like your enthusiasm. I’m still thinking I’m the luckiest guy alive who will get to wake up each morning to find you aren’t a figment of my imagination. I don’t frighten that easily so no, I don’t think your rushing. In fact, now that I hear all the benefits I can’t tell you how excited I’m also getting. Very rational and efficient. Your idea will be great!”

  Kanade stopped to look around the room at the forge and all the weapons, supplies and tools filling it. Over on a wall beside her, her eyes drew to a strange contraption. “What is this?”

  “A foot powered lathe.” He explained. He walked her up to it and pressed his foot down on the foot petal, one end held still while across an empty space a gripping clamp began spinning so fast it blurred. “It’s the only machine Celestia uses. Everything else is crafted by hand. Normally when I pour molten metal into a cylinder bar, I spread the ends and clamp the bar to the locks. This lever here changes not only rotation speed, but the weights you can’t see inside the box beneath. It twists the metal before we start folding it by hand. It can exert four tons of rotating pressure. I also use it to design the hilts out of heat resistant materials or spelled objects that won’t ignite for a short time in her presence. Since she cannot stop her body from burning, it’s been my task to make the hilts. For more than half the time, if it was her doing it, she must discard the wood, bone, rock or softer metal more than half the time. I just put a block of whatever material the customer ordered and I constantly rock the foot-lever back and forth to spin it and use these knives to shave it down to size. Celestia’s powers are too great to handle this work without rushing, and she never rushes her work.”

  “I would like to see this one day.” Kanade said.

  “Well Celestia doesn’t allow anyone in the shop other than me during the night. And I didn’t hear you say your necklace protected you from her.”

  “Because I didn’t.” Kanade stated while looking at him. “My choker is made for you alone. The runes necessary to resist fire to a livin’ being and other elements can only be made for soul mates. Real fire will burn me, unless you order it not to. If you were not my true angel I would have been badly burned last night. None can stand beside Celestia safely other than you, her husband or fire type demons. There are spells that resist offensive wild energy for a short time, but they cannot resist direct attacks. I could probably use spells to stand near for a minute or two near her, but then I’d be burned. Phoenix Spirit Energy is very potent.”

  “So she’s married? Never knew.” He said as he led Kanade outside.

  “Yes, but all Phoenix are highly territorial. They are naturally solitary beings with high aggression. Only every five hundred years, when they feel the call to mate, will a pair bond. They mate for life and usually have a clutch of ten or so babies. It is the only time her kind can be near one another without fightin’ for dominance, sometime killin’ the weaker one.” She explained.

  “No wonder why she is so easy to set off. Too bad, although I’ve only met her, Celestia is a beautiful bird. Someone so pretty should be happy more than once every five centuries.”

  “Such is their way. And as for her beauty, I’ve seen several other of her kind and Celestia is by far the fairest.” Kanade admitted.

  Standing just off the path to the building was Storm-shadow. His gaze fell upon his partner and the Enchantress. Noticing their joined hands lifted his spirit and gave reassurance. “I take it all misunderstandings are corrected?”

  Kanade tucked her hair behind and ear. “Yes, Prince Storm-shadow. Ethan and I will recover from all this. Why are you here, if I may ask?”

  The Pegasai snorted and barely contained his own anger. “To see my partner and you, Enchantress Kanade. After reuniting Minna with her parents I went searching for you, but you had already locked yourself in your room and I couldn’t locate Ethan at all. I and the Pixies looked everywhere, but my bond with him told me he was alive. I didn’t know what to do and searched for aid, discretely mind you.” He tussled his ebony mane. “Kira has lost my trust and friendship because of this. As to my presence, I too have been summoned to today’s tribunal.”

  “What for?” Ethan asked.

  “She illegally put a spell on me as w
ell as your mare. That is another serious crime. The deceit of her actions will be enforced and I will not stand by for any leniency for the friendship she killed. Come, let us fly. My sire wishes to meet with you both before breakfast as well.” He added.

  “I will fly…”

  Storm-shadow cut Kanade off. “He rides with me. I understand the connection of a Soul Mate better than you. Star-bolt is mine. Believe me, if others saw you carrying your mate like a foal, it will hurt his reputation, make him seem weak. Upon my back he keeps his dignity.”

  Kanade looked hurt, but she couldn’t deny the truth of it. Reluctantly her fingers unthreaded from his and asked “Where does King Pegasus wish to meet?”

  Ethan mounted as she got her answer and they took to the air. Kanade gracefully glided beside Storm-shadow. The morning chill had a bite to it and he asked “Storm, how bad do the winters get up here in Scotland?”

  “Fiercer than Florida’s subtropical climate for sure. Fall will be coming soon. The worst one who hates winter is Jormungandr. His river freezes and was serious about your aid to keep him warm. Usually Celestia offers a few feathers he’ll eat to survive the biting cold. What is difficult are winter battles for some of the most dangerous attacks happen then and he can barely move.” Storm-shadow kept up the idle conversation until finding the Pegesai herd and gliding down to it. Proudly standing above all others, Pegasus waited.

  The king of all winged steeds greeted them, offered an apology that would again come from the tribunal, but the reason for Pegasus’s request was to personally inform Ethan and Kanade on what was to be expected. Ethan silently was glad all Dress said was being reinforced. The herd did their own thing meanwhile. Eating grass or frolicking around. The foals in particular played or greedily drank from their mother’s milk.

  Breakfast ended and by the looks people in the hall offered it was clear there was no secret as to what had happened yesterday. To get out of everyone sight for the next few free hours he, Kanade, Storm-shadow and Floa stayed in her bedroom. Floa and Kanade chatted and worked together on just how to transfer her belongings to his room. Floa stayed small, but gloated every time she glanced at Dress and rubbed her belly meaningfully.

  The boys decided to stay out of their way. It was the only safe option. Ethan didn’t waver as he watched his angel working with the Pixie. She was without a doubt everything he had dreamed and then more. He wanted her so badly it hurt. Living with her wasn’t a decision. It was a requirement to his life.

  He watched as Kanade’s eyes glowed blue as she drew lines in the air and saw the whole wall of collected movies on shelves suddenly dislodge and hover off the ground. She slapped a hand to the stone and what looked like an upside down F rune glowed.

  Then Floa clapped her hand and in the room there opened a figurative window and showed it was Ethan’s room. Dress quite literally looked at himself from Kanade’s room to Ethan’s in her apartment.

  Kanade stepped out of her apartment and through the portal Floa created, stepping first from her room directly to his. Ethan followed and watched as she ripped a foot and a half deep of stone from the wall around the TV, slapped the same rune and traveled into his bathroom. She then ripped out his bathtub and shower out with more magic. Being guided by her, she pulled the wall that was once around the TV through the portal while she drug the levitating shower.

  In an hour, all her movies had transferred to his room along with her expensive shower to send his to her room. The stone fit seamlessly together, like the two rooms weren’t tampered with. Dress said “You two sure know how to remodel without making a mess. Tell me, how did you manage to create a portal in the two rooms? All are protected from such entry.”

  Floa landed on Kanade’s shoulder. The Pixie said “When you are like my girl here,” she patted Kanade’s cheek. “You can remove the magic so long as the inhabitant allows it. These kids really want each other so there was no problem. This was the fastest I’ve ever fixed up a room.”

  “And just in time too. It’s nine forty.” Dress added.

  Ethan saw a change overcome Kanade. He knew, but didn’t say, that the reason she worked on dragging her things to his room and not use his aid was to keep her mind off on what was to come. Now though, she had to look upon the woman who cut her more deeply than any knife. To lessen the pain, Ethan took her hands in his to say “Pegasus said the tribunal will be quick. It won’t drag on like other human trials. We can get through this. I’ll be by your side the whole time. Afterwards it’ll just be you and me for the rest of the day.”

  “Thank you.” Kanade said in a heartfelt way and gave him a kiss.

  “I can’t go, Girlfriend, but I’m there in spirit.” Floa kissed Kanade’s cheek.

  Storm-shadow, Ethan and Kanade moved to the elevators to finish this.